Brookside Grill

Sorry, WORST Sunday buffet brunch… ever. Cold potatoes, dry omelettes, mushy «fresh» fruit and, bar none, the muddiest coffee. Then, when we were asked «how was everything» and we told the truth, the owner came over and read us the riot act («50 other people just got done telling me how much they loved it»…there were 5 people in the restaurant). He reluctantly took our bill back — never apologized. We did leave a tip, but would never come back even WITH a brook running thru it. Try the Edelweiss — you’ll be happier.

Food was fantastic! Our group had the special (chicken tacos), the blue burger, and brunch buffet. Everything was great, from the atmosphere to the service. We will definitely be back.

I was familiar with this establishment and popped in with my boyfriend for lunch. He was very impressed with the relaxed atmosphere (as I have always been) and said it was one of the best burgers he’s had. He ordered the Californian.
I was especially happy to see the owner making conversation with the patrons and the server seemed happy to be there and even offered us tickets to the local event in town.
We wish they were open for dinner.

My dog, Sadie, and I had breakfast here this morning. Great food, service and atmosphere. Thanks to all the helpful staff. We’ll definitely be back!

BEST BURGER EVER. You absolutely get what you pay for and then some!!! There was a fan of avocado on my burger!
A lot of their burgers come on a parmasean crusted sourdough bread… I can’t tell you how amazing it is! Give this hidden Jem a try and enjoy your food in a beautiful «indoor/​outdoor» atmosphere.
You won’t be disappointed if you know good food and pleasantly friendly customer service!

Wonderful little place tucked away with gorgeous patio. Delicious food! Creek running through the patio. Quaint little hideaway in Auburn. Will definitely return!

Fun like sitting in a mountain grotto by a creek. Food Ok, Nothing Organic, but cool shady atmosphere in the summer, cabin warm atmosphere in the winter…

This is not about the food (good BLT). This is about paying $ 3.75(!) for a kids milk and they don’t even have the decency to publish the price on the kids menu (we mistakenly assumed it was included, but if it’s not included it should not be on the menu without a price).
When we got our bill and told the the server (owner?) we thought the milk price was outrageous, he got highly defensive and went on a rant about how he buys organic milk, wages are in the rise, and that’s why the milk price is what it is. I’ve been buying kids milks at restaurants for years and this is up there with the rip-​offs.
Will never, EVER be going back.

I recently hosted a baby shower/​luncheon at The Brookside Grill on a Saturday at noon. Linda and Mike, owners/​managers were most accommodating to us. I worked with them one month ahead and both called me in the days leading up to the shower. I had 20 guests and they were ready for us. The food was unanimously given high marks by everyone and was plentiful… lots of take-​home containers were required. Our celebration was enjoyed by all. Even though there wasn’t a private room for us, it felt that way and we were happy we didn’t scare off their other customers. The special charm of The Brookside Grill is their outdoor dining area which overlooks a stream. This area was not open in January, of course, and I’m now thinking up a reason to have another party there when it’s warm so we can use that space. The only reason this isn’t five stars is the lack of parking in old town Auburn but it’s worth the walk. Also, the location is tricky because it’s in the back of the Gold Rush Plaza, a small but quaint shopping ‘mall.’ Going back soon for sure.

I give this place ZERO stars.
This place is LAME if you’re under 50 years old. I’m guessing. Because it’s the best guess I can come up for as to why the staff at this restaurant didn’t ever come to take our order. First staff had us wait 15 minutes for a table among many empty tables — okay, we didn’t make a stink. But, then they let me and my husband sit there for another 20 minutes. They stat us, dropped off water to our table and would not acknowledge us after that!
Other couples walked in after we were seated and they were seated right away and were asked nice questions like, «how are you?» and «where are you from?» The specials were announced to these other, older couples. My husband and I look fairly young, so that’s all I can come up with for an answer as to why these people were so hideously rude. I heard the other couple say that they were from the Bay, so it can’t be a locals thing. We ended up walking out finally after the other newly-​seated couple was allowed to order.
We seriously did nothing rude or wrong to warrant being ignored. We came in, said we were fine with waiting for a table, sat quietly… I don’t know.
The restaurant at the front of the shopping center saved the day, in the end. We walked out of Brookside and we were EATING 10 minutes later at the other restaurant. And the food was cheaper and delicious.

The one star is for the ambiance/​atmosphere. We LOVED the lodgey and outdoor environment this place has.
I can’t really comment on the food because… well, we never got service!
First, we get there and there’s no host-​person in sight.
So we stand there for about 5min. then a waitress comes by and says «are you waiting?»
and I said «yeah»
and they said it’d be about 15min — which we thought was odd because the place was only half full and you could see tons of tables available.
But whatever, we waited 20min and then they sat us at one of the empty tables that was empty since we got there. So already we’re weirded out.
Then she asks what drinks we what, I said Sprite and my wife said water.
We got those and the menu right away.
So far so good, right?
Well, the servers kept coming out with food and were seating people as they came in (not making them wait 20min like they did with us! wtf!)
to top it off, they kept ignoring us and were taking orders from the NEW people that just sat down! Also, they were a lot more friendly with them, They asked him where they were from, told them the specials, etc.
we tried to flag them down to ask when the hell WE were gonna get service, but then they just all disappeared into the twilight zone never to reappear.
We had ENOUGH. After 30min of being completely ignored and not getting service (while it’s NOT really busy), we bounced and told other people who were heading that way to the restaurant «don’t bother»
If you’re reading this and considering going here, I say the same thing to you: «Don’t bother!»

We were just there with our dogs as this place came up as dog friendly place. The inside was empty and the patio only had one couple. We were told we needed to wait for the couple to be done? 15 mins later they say they were out of «Mexican» food and only had 4 chicken breast left oh and they were not ready to sit us.

As we headed to breakfast in Old Town, we stumbled upon Brookside’s new and improved breakfast via a nice hostess standing outside the Gold Rush Plaza. We are always looking for a new hidden gem, so we tried it. Nice quiet morning atmosphere sitting by the wood burning stove and the babbling brook. The breakfast food was decent, but nothing to write home about. The hostess recommended the huevos rancheros, which we did not try but the create-​your-​own scramble and the basics (hash browns, toast, bacon, coffee) were all fine. Country potatoes were dry but a beautiful golden brown. I’ve been for lunch before and I think lunch is more their forte. Most are priced at a one-​size-​fits all price that was probably a little overpriced for the basic menu.

Really good food and nice atmosphere. Service was a bit slow and a couple of things were missed like drink refills but I would come back. Ribs were excellent! Great burgers!

The food was delicious, but for the price I would expect a little bit more cleanliness or a better presentation of food and seating area. I understand that this is more like and outdoor seating and entertainment but I would expect napkins on the table or at least a few more served with my dish. I hate it when any server hands me the tab along with the food as if I am done ordering. What if I wanted dessert, or a few drinks? It seems as though the owner /​server gets annoyed of customers that ask to get something from the kitchen such as a napkin, straw or another drink. I really liked this place but I don’t recommend it to those who expect quick service, accommodations, a patient server, or a super clean seating area.

4 stars for the quaint atmosphere and 2 stars for the food. A babbling stream is always inviting but the food is mediocre. I must say, the service was impressive for a casual dining experience. The kitchen was running slightly behind and we were warned of this before being seated. The staff was extremely attentive and while I didn’t mind the wait, I appreciate their honestly and wonderful customer service.

Good times, very friendly staff, reasonable prices, nice selection on the menus and very tasty food.

Delightful cozy patio with a soothing stream running through. Our Caesar and shrimp salads were refreshing and tasty. And best of all they allowed our dog Simba on the patio!
Very friendly relaxed service. We felt much more calm afterwards.

Just had the BEST salad ever. Caesar salad and a side of homemade chili. Sitting next to babbling creek we enjoyed the very freshest salad with homemade dressing. l forgot about this little treasure tucked away just off the freeway in old town Auburn. If there’s no parking out front, there is plenty in the public parking around the back. DE-​licious!
Will eat there again soon.

My wife and I first went to this place about ten years ago. I have to say, we had a nice experience that day. The food, burgers, were alright and we loved the patio setting with the creek running thru it. We decided to return and make this our go to restaurant when in Auburn.
Its been a downhill experience ever since. You never can tell of its open or not. There isn’t an open or closed sign (there used to be) and its dark. Because they have so few customers you can’t tell if its open and running: even looking thru the glass doors.
The past few times we’ve been there the service, well, there is no real service. There is no one to greet you… and you’ll wait and wait for a menu. Which is strange because at best, there may have been only one other group of people in there.
Even though there are several items on the menu, it seems as if they didn’t buy the food needed to make the dishes so in essence, the menu is quite limited.
Half the time the wrong items were made and we had to send them back.
For us… this restaurant is a bit eerie. We keep wondering why they keep it open. Because its tucked at the back of a small hallway filled with tacky stores. you don’t even know its there. One day they’ll have a sign out on the sidewalk, the next, no sign. A lot of people will find it just walking into the ‘mallway’ and then see it.
Now, we just go in the hall to see its current state of operation or if its out of business. Its more an odd curiosity.
We were just in Auburn Dec. 13, 2014. Someone saw us looking in thru the glass doors and asked us about it… he had the same opinion about it looking closed and went elsewhere too.
Potentially, this could be a great place. The atmosphere is begging for some updates to take advantage the creek in the patio. Someone should show the owners how to advertise and what good customer service is. They could then get away with serving mediocre fare.
We think back to the first time… what a disappointing change.
There are many businesses that suffer at the hands of their owners… this, is one of them.
The brewery is always filled, Bootleggers always has customers… Awful Annies goes gang busters… what is Brooksides problem?