Long-Awaited First Visit Becomes Bletch
For years, since childhood even I'd heard of The Brookville Hotel & Restaurant where delicious family style Fried Chicken was served. But for some reason I'd never quite had the opportunity to experience the tradition or good food. For economic reasons the restaurant has moved to the I-70 at Abilene, Kansas.

This weekend while returning to Western Kansas from a wedding in Eastern Kansas it happened, propinquity! We were there, it was 1:00pm. The fates were smiling or so we thought. When we saw the spacious lobby with ample seating for nondining guests we became aware of the fact that there would be a wait. This can be expected on a Sunday.

But the somewhat harried appearing seating hostess was inundated and as a result of a miscommunication became surly. It was a frightening experience let me tell you. I think the remark I will never forget hearing her say was, "Well, you don't have to eat here." I must have appeared dumbfounded because I recall hearing the remark repeated several times.

Knowing there were 3 other hungry family members with me I swallowed my fright and indignation and simply proffered the information she needed. In the moments following this experience I came to realize several things:
1) This must be an owner or management person. She had absolutely no fear of losing her job.
2) Dealing with the public was not her forte.
3) I wasn't the only frightened waiting guest.

In summary, the food was good, not great, possibly my appreciation was tainted? Wonderful coleslaw, biscuits.
Chicken, a bit fatty.

On leaving, I really was dismayed to see the hostess was gone. And I doubt I'd have said anything further but I had an urge to thank her for making this long awaited event so memorable.    [05 Aug 2002 00:54:05]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: coleslaw

     ­Anonymous, Dighton, Kansas   jeep2girl at yahoo dot com

Regular Customer for 25 Years.
Over the last 25 years our family members have stopped at the Brookville Hotel and Restaurant when ever we were in Salina or the new location now in Abilene. Our family members often met there on Sunday for a wonderful meal and an afternoon of visiting. The hostess and waitress were always very friendly and courteous no matter how busy they were.    [02 Sep 2002 16:10:07]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­V Tweedy, Kansas City,MO   

This restaurant is overrated. The food is just adequate. The setting, however is interesting.    [20 Sep 2004 10:53:01]

Food:    Service: -   Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­Anonymous   

Rude rude rude
I have waited forever to go to this place...did not realize you have no food choices and the staff is overworked. Hostess was rude as we did not have reservations. Will not return.    [08 May 2006 23:58:29]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: coleslaw

     ­horslover   

It Is What It Is.
Brookville does one thing quite well. They serve home-style Chicken dinners with selected, regionally appropriate sides. It's not Bistro Les Amis, or Piccolo Angolo. It's not in New York. Surrender and enjoy. We've never encountered the alleged surliness that other diners have suggested.    [05 Nov 2006 16:19:16]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: chicken

     ­steve   sjwilson at sunflower dot com

Good Memories
Quaint family owned business. Food is good, but not the best ever. It has lost a little ambiance, as it is now in Abilene and not Brookville (whose rural sewer system could not handle the strain of this busy restaurant).

I recommend sitting in Brandy's Opera House. This beautiful room was created for their daughter (a friend of mine) who tragically passed away after a minor surgery. I've never experienced the service issues described by other reviewers; however, reservations are highly recommended.    [01 Apr 2007 03:39:21]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: coleslaw

     ­Anonymous   

Worth the drive from Topeka. Keep it up.    [07 May 2007 19:40:32]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: corn, coleslaw

     ­Rex Musick   mrmusick at cox dot net

Rude Rude Rude
We've eaten dinner there for 13 years in a row on Mother's Day, usually seating a table of 12 to 17 people. This year's poor service ended a tradition that was already circling the drain. Rural areas are being depopulated because kids can't stand the kind hokey Americana and tin horn rusticity this restaurant and its surly staff represent. Overpriced, greasy slop is available much cheaper at the chain hamburger joints and glowering gum chewing "wait staff" are readily available at most any establishment in Kansas. Bye bye Brookville!    [14 May 2007 13:31:59]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: biscuits

     ­El Surlito