Cancel

Open app

Search

Brookdale Diner

4.5 (21 reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Updated 2 weeks ago

Order Brookdale Diner Takeout or Delivery

Brookdale Diner Photos

BROOKDALE DINER ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Brookdale Diner

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Patty C.

Okay, I'll start with the good things. Their fries are really good. Like that double fried crispy texture. The decor is really cute and nostalgic. The waiters were very nice and the bacon on my sandwich was good. The downside, I was really hoping to get a thick crispy fried piece of chicken on my sandwich. It was two strips that had no crunch. The lettuce tasted dirty and the water tasted really bad. I got a slice of lasagna to go for lunch the next day. I went to take a bite when I got home just to try it before I put it in the fridge. The bottom layer of noodles was extremely tough and really most of the noodles were not soft. I can't even tell you what cheese they used. It was disgusting. I think they were recommending it cuz they needed to get rid of it. I had never had lasagna that gross before in my life. I went right into the garbage.

5*s for Chicken Fried Steak. YumYum to the very end.  BRAVO, Chef Señor Juanito.
Sue L.

Loved our all American meal. BRAVO, food so good, service over the drop as well as the vibe. Yeh4U, Señor Juanito

Can't go wrong with checkerboard floor tiles!
Edward B.

Brookdale Cafe & Grill is a mandatory stop for me when I'm riding the motorcycle northbound on highway 9. I'm also going to award five stars. The first star is for personality and service. Staff is super duper friendly Second star is for location. This is typically mile 120 for my ride, so the absolute last rest stop before the haul home. Third star is because of the amazing playlist they always have going when I come in. First time I came in, I felt like I was one of the good fellas, and Tony was going to Pat me on the shoulder telling me whatever I need, they got me. Second time I came in I feel like they were playing my exact Spotify playlist. Personal. Fourth star because the food (avocado bacon burger with fries) it's always so perfect. Don't tell anybody but I think it's the best value ever. Juicy burger, thick bacon, fresh avocado, perfect fries. Fifth star because the ambience is spot on 1950s shake shack kind of place This is definitely a place on my map. I look forward to always visiting this place and I hope that it lasts!

Fried chicken dinner

In the mountains of Santa Cruz, amazing little Diner, Great customer service, very kind and friendly people working here. I would recommend this place to anyone, Food tasted fresh and homemade.

Looking toward the Dining Room from the Counter

See all

Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the friendly service, nostalgic atmosphere, and well-prepared classic dishes.

Read the full review summary in the app

Photo of Ward W.
2
79
45

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Steven P.
54
60
10

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sue L.
0
15
4

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 3
Love this 3
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Gary A.
84
12
0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 3

5 months ago

Eat here! You won't regret it! Cute diner ambience, friendly and attentive service, delicious milkshakes.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tim R.
0
11
0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 0

Ask the Community - Brookdale Diner

Review Highlights - Brookdale Diner

“We had our wedding at the Brookdale Lodge, and Junior and the team at the Brookdale diner catered our party.”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Emerald Mallard

Emerald Mallard

4.4(99 reviews)
4.3 mi

I literally wept the first time coming here as we were coming out of the pandemic weirdness. The…read morefood is imply beyond good. I can't rave enough!! The spot is lovely, surrounded by trees and a nice bar attached. Definitely a nice hang out spot. We did come once and they had closed early for the day (might have been the 5th of July or something) which is understandable, but it would be great to have a way to know that before the drive (update the hours on the various apps I guess?) But then the owner apologized and invited us to his holiday party for a bbq as a consolation. We didn't go, but it's pretty damn hard to complain about that level of care:-) Thanks!!!!

I don't know how this place doesn't have more reviews because the food was DELICIOUS!…read more For the longest time, it was the last best thing I've eaten whenever I thought about food (which is extremely often). Their burgers are flavorful and satisfying, and their duck croquettes are to die for. The only slight complaints and justifications for the one star loss is that a lot of things on the menu were limited so we weren't able to order our first couple of choices and had to keep remaking decisions to finalize the order. If you're eating here, it can also be highly difficult to find a table since they are packed. All on top of a slightly long wait time. Hours are a bit weird too, so be sure to check on that prior to making the drive.

Photos
Emerald Mallard - Inside (10/11)

Inside (10/11)

Emerald Mallard - Pistachio Cannoli ($8)

Pistachio Cannoli ($8)

Emerald Mallard - Chipotle Cream Sauce ($1)

See all

Chipotle Cream Sauce ($1)

Bruno's Bar and Grill - The award-winning Bruno's Big Bloody!

Bruno's Bar and Grill

4.1(447 reviews)
6.1 mi
•$$
Rooftop seating
Full bar

September 19, 2026 - Scotts Valley, CA…read more We were dressed for a wedding and stopped here for lunch on the way. Luckily, it was nice enough that we didn't feel out of place in our wedding-guest attire. The restaurant has a large bar area as well as a comfortable dining room. We chose to sit in a booth in the dining room. Service was great from start to finish. I had the Ahi Salad, and it was perfect--fresh, flavorful, and just what I was looking for. A very nice stop for lunch, especially when you're dressed up and don't want to feel like you wandered into a casual roadside restaurant.

Have been here a few times now, the first one being during the World Cup games. They have a…read moredownstairs and an upstairs area. I've only dined upstairs as the bottom looks a bit smaller. The upstairs seems to also have more tv's and four TV's to make a giant screen. They also have a beautiful outdoor area. The times that I have gone, I have only sat upstairs indoors. It is spacious and has plenty of tables. I have tried their burger, Alfredo pasta, fish, and chips, and chocolate shake. I was unfortunately not a fan of the pasta, but really enjoyed everything else. Service has always been quick and everyone has been friendly and helpful. It is located in a shopping center with plenty of parking. Would definitely recommend!

Photos
Bruno's Bar and Grill - A beautiful view of our rooftop dining deck "Cloud 9".

A beautiful view of our rooftop dining deck "Cloud 9".

Bruno's Bar and Grill - A crowd favorite - The Heat Meister Burger!

A crowd favorite - The Heat Meister Burger!

Bruno's Bar and Grill - Our Garden Gimlet

See all

Our Garden Gimlet

Humble Sea Tavern - OG

Humble Sea Tavern

3.9(33 reviews)
4.3 mi

Humble Sea has blown up in the last few years. I remember going to the original one in Santa Cruz…read moreback in 2019 and remember liking their beers. Now they have branched out to about 5 other spots. This one in Felton looks like it took over an old western type saloon. There's a separate business next door that's attached that does the food (The Emerald Mallard). You'll have to order there but the food can be brought to you at the bar area. So any food photos posted to Humble Sea's page should actually be on The Emerald Mallard's page. Just fyi as there are several cross postings. Beers aren't brewed here but rather just down the hill probably less than 7 miles away. Their menu/beer listing isn't the most visible or easy to read. Not a fan of how they present their offerings. But upon finally taking a sip everything came together. Tried 2 lager styles one a dark version and another a euro version that I could have sworn was imported. It is really rare for a Californian brewery to nail the euro styles. They nail it here. Split an appetizer from next door (different review) and the upscale vibe of the food really went well the high quality beers here. They also have full liquor but it isn't upfront or obvious. I think this location is kinda new as I don't remember it 2-3 ago when I last visited this town. But next time I do visit I'll probably make a ritual stop here to inaugurate a weekend stint.

Amazing food. The fried capers in the Caesar alone changed my life--I now fry capers at home like…read moreI'm on a mission. Service is next-level friendly (they're basically homies), and everything comes out quick without cutting corners. I somehow remember everyone's name... except Alex? (Is it Alex? Sorry, man. I'll get it eventually.) The ambiance is like your favorite slightly-chaotic dive bar--mounted animal heads and all--but way cleaner. No shade Monty. The music swings from emo to Shania Twain and somehow always works. There's solid outdoor seating if inside isn't your vibe. I've learned how to play Mario Kart on their little TV, discovered I don't hate Cats, and even squeezed in some laptop time (WiFi's a little iffy, but there are spots nearby if you need it). Honestly, this place is kind of epic--and it's because of the staff and guests are SC beasties and beauties

Photos
Humble Sea Tavern
Humble Sea Tavern - Wedge salad

Wedge salad

Humble Sea Tavern - Socks & Sandals DDH Foggy IPA with Citra, Centennial, Simcoe & Chinook 6.6%ABV ($9)

See all

Socks & Sandals DDH Foggy IPA with Citra, Centennial, Simcoe & Chinook 6.6%ABV ($9)

Cowboy Bar & Grill - Pulled Pork Fries

Cowboy Bar & Grill

3.8(549 reviews)
5.0 mi
•$$

Eat outside, weather permitting. Dining under huge redwoods? Yes please!…read more Plenty of vegetarian friendly options, although my picky daughter was not a fan of seitan. Every employee was very nice! Drinks were well made and generous. Portions were generous, my daughter and I split a salad. Cornbread was kinda dry and needed more butter. Mashed potatoes excellent Coleslaw isn't sweet and had horseradish, very tasty Most of the other diners seemed like locals and regulars, looks like they change up the menu a lot and get a lot of repeat business, which is a good sign.

I wanted to like this place! The decor inside and outside…read moreseating area is so cute and whimsy, but the food was not it. The wait staff was kind and patient as I asked for modifications on my food ( I wanted a deconstructed pulled pork plate- I don't like when sauces drown the food!) The food came out quickly- which was a perk! The pulled pork was decent- just very sweet! The coleslaw was lukewarm and very underseasoned . It was essentially cabbage and mayo. The cornbread- HARD NO. It was so incredibly dry and lacked flavor. The texture was gummy? I asked for honey butter on the side and was given what looked like movie theater popcorn butter- in liquid form! Yuck. The ribs were just okay ! Presentation was odd with a squiggle of sauce on them. I'm so sad another BBQ spot in the Bay has let me down :(

Photos
Cowboy Bar & Grill - Exiting the front door of the Cowboy Bar & Grill

Exiting the front door of the Cowboy Bar & Grill

Cowboy Bar & Grill - Salad

Salad

Cowboy Bar & Grill

See all

Brookdale Diner - tradamerican - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...