Brook’s Kitchen & Tap — Restaurant in Illinois

I’ve seen this place for years whenever I get my hair done next door. Today I decided to order a pick up. Pulled up menu online and I called while my highlights were sitting. Got my son a kids meal and myself a vegetarian burger with fries. I wanted to get the truffle fries instead of regular fries. The gentleman said it would be $3 extra. I questioned this as the menu said regular fries were $6 and truffle fries were $7 so I’ve would think just $1 difference. The guy taking order said I could ask the manager reasoning behind price difference so I said sure I would speak with her. He then came back on phone and said he couldn’t find her. I said it was ok I would just ask when I was there for pick up. Fast forward to me picking up. When I got inside I waited about 5 min to be addressed by host stand. Gave him my name and he said oh yes let me get manager. I waited. While waiting I looked over their menu and saw items that were not listed on online menu. I then ordered additional items (asparagus and pineapple crème brûlée). The manager finally comes over. I was told the regular fries as a stand alone order were $5 and truffle as stand alone were $7 and that the online menu is wrong. She said the side of fries with burger is smaller portion of fries but they use the same amount of truffle powder (that’s odd, because half the fries would make double the ratio of powder to fries and would probably be extremely over powering I thought to myself) She proceeded to tell me the website online is wrong. That there are a few websites that she has asked Google to take down because menu changed. Hmm… ok. I proceeded to tell her I would just take the regular fries then ( I couldn’t justify to myself paying $3 extra dollars for a smaller portion of fries according to her with the powder, especially when the actual regular order is $5 and the truffle fries are $7 which is only a $2 difference 😳 according to the updated menu)

Well she then grabbed my food off counter (I didn’t realize it was sitting there) said she would go dump it and be right back. I proceeded to pay for my pickup order and left a tip.

My low rating is for the customer service, the fact the listed prices don’t match, the fact she seemed irritated I was using the wrong website (not sure how that is my fault) and that for a smaller portion which was her words was costing more than even her own menu said. Again on website $6 for regular $7 for truffle On paper menu in restaurant $5 for regular $7 for truffle But for me it was a $3 up charge for truffle powder and the regular was free with my burger. All for a smaller portion too.

Needless to say I was disappointed with the overall experience.

And in a side note…. The pineapple crème brûlée was frozen ice crystals on inside. The rest of food was good. I’ve attached photos with...

New Review: Came back to try again, drinks were great. The happy hour is one of the best around especially in the area. Margaritas are delicious and old fashion are very tasty. Try the appetizers, for the price they're very good. Way better service than last time. Suprised it isn't busy...but after first visit I could see why. Anthony our server was a good dude, Brooks should definitley hold onto him.

Old review: A group of us came into your restaurant last Tuesday at 12 PM. There was 7 of us for lunch (3 of them from out of state). We scheduled for a quick lunch prior to filming for our company. They had 1 poor girl working by herself for the whole place. Why bother even opening?

It took 15 minutes for us to get drinks (soft drinks, not even cocktails) and our lunch lasted 2 hours. We didn't walk out of there until 2 PM. This was not by choice, it was due to lack of urgency with the worker. I can't blame the girl, she was literally bussing tables, making drinks and running food but only had 4 tables total. We didn't place an order for food until about 30 or so minutes sitting down. By the time we left there was one table only and took almost an hour before we even got our food. The lack of urgency was mind blowing.

I only am writing this review because I attempted to contact the establishment and left an email for the manager with no response. This lunch was brought up at a work event the other night about how it screwed up our filming schedule and how bad the service was. Told the manager to pull the cameras and watch the tapes. 2 hours for what should have been easily an hour lunch. Incredible that much time had to pass and even get refills was a nightmare, had 1 refill in the two hours we were there.

I don't see how anyone could open a place with one worker to run the joint. I am curious to why I didn't receive an email back but that management blows. That wasn't a lack of a worker, it was poor decision making from...

I hosted 50 guests for a Bridal Shower Brunch on March 2, 2025. My initial meeting with Jessie Brown ( manager) was Phenomenal! She was so helpful and provided me with detailed information to help me with the planning process. We initially wanted to to do a lunch from the catering options, but then asked if it was possible to put together a brunch instead (which wasn’t on the menu). Jessie was happy to speak with the chef and create he perfect menu per my requests.. I sent her so many changes through the planning process and she was ALWAYS so attentive and quick to help me with my requests. Jessie’s communication throughout the entire planning process was EXCELLENT.

I also need to mention 2 absolutely wonderful servers yesterday. Anthony initially greeted me as I arrived to set up decorations. David then joined him & they unloaded my car, ( I had a trunk filled!) and immediately asked what was needed. They both assisted me in setting up the room, placing linens, rearranging tables , along with Jessie’s guidance. The room is very large and so nice and bright! With large windows and light filtering shades if needed. We had a fabulous Mimosa/Bellini bar to offer our guests, and both Anthony and David assisted with any other drink orders , adjusting music volume or special requests. Now.. the food! We had a brunch served buffet style with Fresh fruit, assorted rolls, the most delicious spinach and goat cheese quiche, along with mouth watering stuffed french toast served with syrup, fresh cream and berries. We also had mini chicken sandwiches with bacon and avocado that were AMAZING! My only regret is that I didn’t take photographs of entrees. My guests couldn’t stop raving about the food. Many had never been to Brooks Kitchen & Tap , but I feel like now they will be visiting often. Please don’t hesitate in booking a private party here. You will be more...