Quaint local diner. Love the old hotel charm. Breakfast was good, coffee warm, wait staff excellent. Will definitely be back

Looking up at this brown brick and mortar from what looks like a giant gingerbread house makes me think long and hard. Have I stepped into a time machine and was merely dropped off in Middletown, Pennsylvania? I rubbed my eyes repeatedly and look at my clothes and noticed I'm still wearing my coat and my modern day shoes and my glasses glint from the cloudy weather. I had currently arrived that very day from Hawaii and my companion along with his family decided this would be the perfect place to introduce me to on my first day in Pennsylvania. Brownstone Café use to be a bank in its time. Keith and Carole Matinchek turned their dream into reality when they purchased brown stone and opened their doors to the public in June of 1998. While there are other parts of brownstone's history I don't know, allow me to tell you my experience. After brushing the cold off my coat I couldn't help but notice the essence of the chandelier that brought light into the vicinity. The plants that spread freshness into the air, gleeful guests converse over fresh brewed coffee and warm tea. The cream color of the walls, pillars, drapes, chairs and large booths remained unaltered tell its time. Enriching photographs abound tells its own story through sepia and gray. Circular tables seats large parties and adjustable tables of singles, doubles and more welcome parties of all sizes. Their menu is eclectic with choices aplenty for the light eater, beverages, desserts, home style dinners, favorites, steaks and seafood and salads. I couldn't help but choose from their specials. They are written on a black board to the right upon entering on the second glass entrance into the main dining room. I couldn't help but notice the all you can eat Chicken Pot Pie with a side for $8.99. This will forever mark as my first meal in Pennsylvania in my personal history. This is no ordinary chicken pot pie. This is a Pennsylvania Dutch chicken pot pie. From what I can decipher, the Pennsylvania Dutch chicken pot pie is a stew with squares of dough that are a cross between homemade noodles and dumplings. This is a chicken stew based with big pieces of chicken on thickish chicken soup. This derives from a German term "bot boi" and is boiled in a pot for a certain amount of time. I decided on a side of corn (I love my corn). My first bite was indescribable, not only in taste but the feeling. Even though the recipe maybe antiquated, it was made at its best according to my palette. This was the perfect meal for this below 20's weather. Our server served us graciously with attention to detail regardless of their busy brunch hour. Not a single time our cups were empty of coffee, tea and water. The stairs were inviting and we decided to gallivant to the second floor after our meals. More tables for private parties filled a beautiful indoor veranda. A simple toy train with tracks entertained guests while dining on this floor. The light shines through windows aplenty on both floors. The hints of green from the ivy draped along the sides give dimension and style to the decoration. I wish this experience never ended. Not only the service was outstanding, but the feel and history was fascinating. I'm very much looking forward to coming back on my next trip and for Brownstone Cafe to be a tradition as my first stop. They are located near the Harrisburg Airport, on the cross streets of W. Emaus St and N. Union St. You can't miss this brownstone building with a huge sign on the front and the only one of it's kind on this street. read more

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This large cafe (two dining floors) is nestled in an old bank building, giving it so much charm! The food and service are just as lovely as the building. I've eaten here 2-3 times, about once every year or so. Nothing changes, thank goodness. It's comforting to know there are places like this that still exist in Corporate America. Brownstone opens at the crack of dawn and closes pretty early as well (8pm'ish?). Though I've only had breakfast here, I'm pretty sure lunch and dinner are tasty for those with PA Dutch appetites because, business is booming during dinner. I really want to have dinner here sometime because a few years ago I noticed some of my PA Dutch favorites such as, ham loaf, chicken croquettes, and chicken and waffles (PA Dutch style, not Roscoe's). Basically, Brownstone serves PA Dutch/comfort foods. Or in other words, hearty meals like meat and potatoes, smothered in a sauce or gravy. Getting back to breakfast, their Creamed Chipped Beef is yummy and is served over toast or home fries. If you are truly a PA Dutchman/gal or Jersey native, you'll ask for some pork roll; I have a picture posted of both of these items. I also have a couple of pictures of their breakfast menu for you newbies to get an idea of the menu and prices. Oh their prices, as my Korean forefathers would say in a Korean accent "SO CHEAP!!!" You know how most old school Asians are, always looking for a deal... Another thing I find so charming about Brownstone is their coffee mugs. Remember the old diner mugs that have local business advertisements on them? Too cute and so nostalgic. If you're in the area, definitely make the trip to dine at Brownstone. Hearty portions, hearty food, excellent service, historic, and great prices. I'll be back during Xmas time, keep up the good work Brownstone Cafe. read more

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Excellent place for cheap food and atmosphere! We were very impressed with the whole setup, the beautiful brownstone (obviously) building as well as the interior which is so elegant when walking in. The place is simple but very classy and casual at the same time. We were seating promptly on walk-in on Saturday night. The menu has a great variety of food and many option, some which are a little ethnic which is nice. They had typical American fare, some Polish items, rice dishes, salads, sandwichs with fresh meats and soups. The prices are cheap like a diner but the food is much much better quality! this is a definite place to go for a nice, quiet, cheap yet tasty dinner. read more

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Decent food decent service nothing to write on a postcard but overall a good experience I would recommend it

I've had lunch at the Brownstone twice over the past few months. Service was good, food was great and prices were reasonable. I look forward to eating there again when I have the opportunity. read more

Breakfast burrito was fantastic. Service was great. Had a large group and were able to accommodate us with no problem. Really cool train set up on top of lower level. read more

I love this place. It's an old bank, built in 1892. The breakfast is always good, and if you're lucky enough to be there when they have sweet potato pancakes, get them! Today I had ham and whitebean soup. Yum! After that I had an open face tuna melt. Yum! It is my regular place when I come to Harrisburg. read more

Love the atmosphere immediately as we entered. I dined alone with 2 toddler girls. My immediate impression was that the menu prices were so cheap! The kids meals were big for 2.99! My girls could have easily split a pancake and bacon plate. The pancakes were super tasty! They were fluffy and had lots of flavor. I ordered the eggs benedict which came with home does made with onions which was an option. I love onions in potatoes. They were on the softer overcooked side than crispy side the way I like them but they were not bad. The eggs benedict were doused in hollandaise.They had great flavor, just too much sauce. Great portions did the prices though.The coffee was decent. Would go back. read more

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Pleasant staff, the dinner rolls were awful but the ham loaf, mash potatoes and Brussels sprouts were delicious. My husband had stuffed cabbage and bread filling. The cabbage was good but the stuffing was ugly. He said the food was, " eh!" that means ok but not great. read more

Brownstone Cafe - Brownstone Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Middletown, Pennsylvania

We have come here to eat many times; I've tried a number of things off the menu and have not been disappointed! It's building is adorable, historical, and clean. The staff are always nice and attentive, even if they are busy. I would definitely recommend this place, give it a try! read more

Tonight was my first visit to the Brownstone Family Restaurant, and I had the pleasure of accompanying my friend who remembers the beautiful building as a bank. Parking- is mainly street parking. I was able to find a spot on a busy Saturday evening without too much difficulty or distance (sustained winds and low twenty degree temps did not encourage me trek far). The building exterior is gorgeous, and entering is up a half flight of stone steps from the corner entrance. There is a vestibule, and a waiting area. Inside is very 'family restaurant chic' but a lot of the architectural detail has been left, and the vault and some of the other features are readily visible. There are 2 dining areas, and a train is visible upstairs I was told. There are tables and booths downstairs, and the walking area/space between tables is tight. Servers are running up and down narrow stairs with huge trays. It is nearly impossible to pass between tables or the stairwell, so patience, politeness, and good manners simply must prevail. Service was a but rocky in the beginning, but was adequate. We were seated and after several minutes, a hostess got us a bit of water and stated the server would be over shortly. After waiting another 10-15 minutes still no server, and another hostess stopped by and apologized, and the server appeared shortly thereafter. She was very personable with other tables, but seemed a bit 'put out' or annoyed (putting down dinner rolls with out a word or even stopping as she passed through) about being advised to wait on us, but she got through it a bit as the meal progressed, and one nice touch to compliment her on, when my dining companion and I requested to split a dessert, she cut it in the kitchen and brought it out on two plates. Now for the food. Portions are HUGE. Even the small appetites section. I ordered the broiled scallops, brownstone rice and glazed sweet potatoes. The dinner rolls were standard, but my entree and sides were excellent. My friend had the small size turkey dinner, and she reported it was fantastic. We split a piece of coconut cream pie, and it was definitely homemade/from scratch, and was fantastic. The toasted coconut on the top was a nice touch. I plan on returning to try the honey dipped fried chicken and the chocolate cake, and the strawberry pie when back in season. The only reason I will keep this place as a 'comfort food treat' is I do not want to have to invest in larger clothing sizes. read more

Located in a historic building, this is a great place for a quick and filling breakfast. The server recommended the breakfast burrito. I was not disappointed. It was chock full of egg, cheese, onion, and peppers and served with salsa. read more

Brownstone Cafe - Breakfast Burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Middletown, Pennsylvania

Food review I always have the server pick their favorite items and surprise me :-) Except my Yankee Unsweet tea. lol! Today I had, crab cake sandwich, fries, and pecan pie. Star summary... 4/5 service 5/5 environment (we love the old bank!!!) 5/5 wait to be seated and served 3/5 appetizer (cheese sticks weird texture, not stringy at all) 5/5 main course (crab cake was delicious, very meaty. Which made Up for all the bread you get. 5/5 desert (OMG!! I finally tried the pecan pie, and warm. Sooo good!) The wife loves their French toast. read more

Quaint location. Situated in an old bank. Seated within 5 minutes of arriving. Server came quick but was not what I'd call friendly. Started with the crab soup. Not a fan. Seemed to have a heavy mayo taste which I did not like. I ate about 4 bites. Next up I tried the tuna melt. It was pretty good. I probably would've got a different side than the chips had I known. Overall it was ok. Maybe breakfast is far more superior. read more

Brownstone Cafe - Crab soup. Tastes like a mayo base, not a fan. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Middletown, Pennsylvania

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My dad likes to come here. I really like the building which used to be an old Bank. I got the crab stuffed flounder, which is always a favorite of mine. It's definitely comfort food. They have an upstairs and a downstairs and the parking lot was full at 4 on a Friday. read more

2 of my sister, a friend, and I came to eat here Wed, 07/29/09. It was the first visit for me and my sisters, but not for our friend (she's been here before; we went there on her recommendation). Anyway, we ordered our meals that came to us relatively quick. I ordered veal parmesan. My friend ordered the liver and onion. My one sister ordered country fried steak, while my other sister ordered Delmonico steak RARE. When the food arrived, first impression is that is big (it's not huge like some would say. It's a good portion, which is equivelant with what you will be paying). No comment on my friend's meal. She said it was good. Mine was also ok, could have been better in the taste department. The country fried steak though tasted like the one that you buy from a grocery store, fried in the fryer, and poured gravy on top of it. Now, the steak is a very interesting story. My sister asked for a rare steak. The server brought her a medium, so she asked if she can bring rare steak instead. She came back about 10 mins later bringing RARE steak indeed, but when my sister forked and knived the steak, the inside isn't hot; it wasn't even warm. I said, "Ask her to put it on fire again." My sister said that it's ok, that she was going to try to eat it anyway. Hmmm... By this time, people already started to fill the restaurant. The server took my friend's empty plate, and took my sister's plate, the one where she has cut the steaks into cubes. My sister said, "I'm sorry, but I'm not finished.", so she left her plate and went on w/ her business. Hmmm.... Next, desert time. We each ordered one, including me who ordered small ice cream for $1.75 (keep in mind, the large ice cream is $2.25). When the bill arrived, I was ready to give my credit card when I saw that there was $2.25 charge. I was being charged for large ice cream, so we called the server and asked what size of ice cream was I given. She said it was a small one, then after that she realized her mistake. She came back with her own coin purse, I think and said, "I'm just going to give you back the $0.50." We said that's ok, just keep it together with the tip that I already put on the table. Hmmm.... Would try again sometime to see if it's any different. read more

Good comfort food. I had the honey dipped chicken. The cherry crumb pie w/ vanilla ice cream was delicious. My next time here will be to try out their breakfast. Service was friendly and quick. read more

Heck of a building inside and out. Went here for an early lunch so it wasn't crowded. There seemed to be a lot of choices on the lunch menu. I went with the hot ham and cheese on a pretzel roll. It was thinly sliced ham and so so good! I definitely enjoyed it to the last bite. And to top it off it was reseasonably priced! You can't get any better than that! This place also looked like it had a pretty good breakfast menu. Heard it gets crowded on the weekends, so I'm either going to hit a late breakfast or early lunch some time soon. Oh, and upstairs apparently they have a toy train that you can watch go around when you sit upstairs. IDK guess I'll see if it's true. read more

Brownstone Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Middletown, Pennsylvania

Great place to have lunch or dinner. The history of the building is really what got me interested in going!

The Brownstone is one of my favorite restaurant! I'm one of the healthy people, so I always prefer to eat at home, but I do go out to eat with my friends and family once or twice a month, and the place I always go to is Brownstone. The food were delicious! Every time I went there, I would order my favorite Tender Turkey & Gravy. What's better was that they have a smaller portion for this meal, it fits exactly my size of appetite and it comes with one choice of side dish; it cost only around $7! read more

One of our favorite little spots for breakfast. The restaurant itself is in an old bank. Tons of character and charm. The food is great too. You can't go wrong with eggs and home fries but my fav is the breakfast burrito. It can be a bit busy in weekend mornings but it is def worth the wait! read more

I went and pick up my meal very nice people that work there, got home my chicken breast was dry no gravy on my stuff chicken breast and and the Sweet potatoes we're OK they were a little on the dry side and one sweet potatoes was Burnt was disappointment in my meal sometimes you get rolls with your meal sometimes you don't sometimes you get cranberry sauce with your meal sometimes you don't they don't do very good when it comes to take out meals read more

Meh. The food used to be amazing, but has gone downhill over the years. If you're in a hurry and call in for take out all you get is attitude. If I want attitude, I will just cook at home! read more

When we get back up north in the summer, we look forward to eating at the Brownstone. This is one busy little restaurant But for a good reason; very good food at a low cost. Their servers are great and seem to get along with each other like family. I like that they don't try the same "nickle and dime you" scheme that other places do. Just one example: no extra charge if you want onions in your home-fries. There is upstairs seating and the servers really get a workout running up and down those stairs while people get in the way. But I never see them get huffy or act burnt out. Next door to the Brownstone is a new brewing company opening up. This will surely complicate the parking problems. Middletown did a really lousy job planning the new square. They took away parking spaces when they should have added some! read more

I am a regular customer here at Brownstone, always ate what I ordered. Today, I ordered a waffle, and cream chip beef with Orange Juice and Coffee. I had gotten heartburn, never touched the coffee and orange juice, and it wouldn't lay right if I did. I asked if they can remove it as a one time thing, I got told by the waitress that I am wasting their products and I shouldn't of ordered it. Well I'm sorry I got heartburn. Number 2) Nick and Sherri made it clear they won't remove it as the dollar is more important over their customers. I made it clear I will never return as I feel not appreciated as their customer, and disrespected as a customer. Yes, it was only a few dollars more but the service is absolutely disgusting. Shameful. read more

This jawn slap The food is delicious and made me lick my fingers I would eat this any day of the week on my momma

Love all of the staff, always so pleasant! Food is delicious and definitely a great price.

Very impressed with this place. I visited on business with a customer on their recommendation. We went at lunch. I went with the Crab Soup, it is excellent, but very VERY creamy, I like it that way..... Yummy. Bacon dressing salad, yummy. Fried oysters with onion rings. Oysters are large and tasty, onion rings are hand cut. My guest had the turkey and dressings. He loved it. This is a solid home cooking, very southern style spot. The pics that have been posted by Yelpers are legit. I hope to visit again. read more

Delicious every time we go! I order the small appetite roast turkey and mash potatoes and it is so good!

Always great service and tasty food for the money. Nice atmosphere and staff is very friendly.

Have eaten lunch and dinner here and always have had excellent service and good traditional homestyle food. If ever in Middletown do yourself a favor and stop read more

I wanted to love this place, but it was actually just OK. I had the crab soup which was very tasty and had lots of crap in it but was more like pudding than soup it was so thick. I also had a quesadilla which was very good. The friend I was with had what was called blackened chicken salad. The chicken was seasoned but not blackened and very dry. The salad which was nine dollars consisted of some very dark lettuce and a few mushy tomatoes and nothing else. Pricey for what you got. The wait staff are very friendly and the service was great. I have a feeling home style meals and sandwiches should be ordered read more

Took my wife here for our 10th Anniversary at the suggestion of a local connection AND the overwhelmingly positive reviews found on here and the cafe's Facebook page. We were NOT disappointed! The historic building was all that we'd hoped for in a 'unique' setting to enjoy each other's company. Our server, "Pam", was phenomenal - she was conversational, punctual, and gave us an experience we won't soon forget. We were blessed to have her as our server. The food: Wow! My wife ordered the Chicken Parmesan and I ordered the Battered Haddock special (it was a Friday night). We were both overwhelmingly pleased with the portion size and the flavors. I made sure to order something that came with the mac-and-cheese at the numerous reviews stating that it was worth the visit in and of itself. Those reviews are correct! The mac-and-cheese would be worth coming back for by itself! Thank you Brownstone Cafe for helping make our 10th Anniversary date a great memory! We hope to be back as we make our way back to the Hershey/Middletown area! read more

Looks like a basic ugly diner from the 90s on the inside. It does not match the beautiful outside at all, so don't go in expecting an interesting or classy aesthetic. Food is very meat and potatoes, middle of the road. The wheelchair entrance and access to the hostess desk is very uninviting and awkward for disabled folks. read more

Well it looks nice on the outside. Has great potential inside. Service SLOW!!!! It took our waitress 10 minutes to get our drink. Then we got our drinks and did not see her for another 10. Food was average. Waitress stand behind counter eating is always classy. Not a great place at all. read more

Brownstone is a great homey diner with delicious food. They are consistently good in regards to both service and food quality.

Yummy, stopped in off normal hours. Enjoyed the Summer Salad with chicken. Husband has roast pork that was tender and juicy. Service was wonderful. Will be back again. read more

I thought about how to begin my review of the Brownstone Cafe in Middletown, but decided that I'd start it with my four favorite words: Honey Dipped Fried Chicken. The honey dipped fried chicken at the Brownstone is hands down, the BEST fried chicken I have ever had in my life. Seriously, In. My. Life. A beautiful, crispy, crunchy shell of golden deliciousness, covering moist meat...I can hear your stomach rumble. Every single time I even think about going to the Brownstone, I briefly--yes, briefly--consider getting something different. I never do--except if it's a night when they're serving their stuffed cabbage rolls. Huge, wheel sized cabbage leaves, stuffed with a meaty mixture, smothered in chunky tomato sauce. Amazing. Did I mention the seafood platter? I take mine fried, with fat scallops, huge pieces of fish, thick crab cakes and chunky shrimps. Totally wonderful. To accompany the amazing honey dipped fried chicken, the astounding stuffed cabbage or awesome seafood platter, try the pickled beets, the cole slaw or the cucumbers. All made in-house and all equally delicious. You could even go bold with a cup of the cream of crab soup--a thick and rich cup of crabby goodness. Don't leave until you've sampled a piece of their pie. My favorite is the strawberry pie (seasonal)--but get there quick because once the pies are gone for the day, they're gone. Ask your server to reserve a piece for you when you first order your drink. The chocolate cream and coconut cream are two other favorites, and they'll go fast as well. The pecan is delicious and I wouldn't turn away a piece of that either. The Brownstone is one of my all-time favorite places to eat. Affordable and delicious. read more

Time for breakfast.. oh yes it is. I love the Brownstone for a nice comforting breakfast. Very friendly staff and has this local diner feel but without the sticky floors. Its a nice building in the center of town, a stone throw from the rail station and serves up a great stack of pancakes. You look around and can tell everyone this morning made a special trip to the Brownstone, almost like a saturday/sunday morning tradition. Worth a try in the morning and your coffee cup will never be empty. read more