Brookville Hotel actually used to be in Brookville, Kansas, but the small town couldn't handle the constant interruption of "out-of-towners"; so they moved to the much more accessible I-70 location in the mid '90's.
As a child growing up in a town 20 minutes from Brookville, it was always a treat to make the drive and enjoy the family style serving portions of chicken, mashed potatoes and coleslaw that rivaled the most seasoned of farming community recipes. After leaving home for college and adulthood, I would always make sure that trips back to see family included a drive to Brookville, where fond memories and comfort food took me away from the stresses of my normal daily routine.
I won't go back again, and I haven't since they moved. I've heard too many stories about how it "just isn't the same"; although they literally took everything from the old location and transplanted it right out on the highway. I would much rather hear a cricket chirping in the backyard than a semi-truck whizzing by after finishing such a decadent feast.
For me it was as much about the tradition as it was about the food. After dinner we would always walk through the second floor of the historic hotel; floorboards creaking under us, and the magical thoughts of those who came before us always made for a wonderful journey into the past.
If you get a chance to drive by the original, I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to do so. But if you want a good 'ole down-home authentic fried chicken meal... go see your mama, you're probably overdue for a visit anyway.
"Skillet-fried chicken is the reason Kansans drive long distances to eat at the Brookville Hotel."
Cliff Strutz
"Brookville Hotel's cream gravy is the perfect accompaniment for the mashed potatoes."
Cliff Strutz
"Nothing fancy or exotic about the colorful relish tray. Yet it seems to be the ideal start of a ritual chicken dinner in these parts."
Cliff Strutz
"The menu describes the cole slaw as sweet-sour cole slaw from a Pennsylvania family recipe. I didn't taste the sour, but it is sweet, creamy and very good!"
Cliff Strutz
"Dessert here is simple as possible... a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream."
Cliff Strutz
"The exterior of the new building is modeled after the old building."
Cliff Strutz
"Brookville was the former roundhouse town for the Central Pacific Rail Line; this old hotel was its primary business."
Michael Stern
