Brenda's Cafe - Bolivar, Missouri

Robert B.

We eat here whenever we're in town mid-morning. The food is great. The people are great. The value is.... you guessed it, great. It's not uncommon for someone to buy breakfast for a vet. Paying it forward is often seen.

Clara W.

Server was nice but took over a hour and 15 min to get a salad and chicken salad sandwich. Finally got order had her make it to go. Then they forgot my soup and gave us no silverware or napkins. Chicken salad sandwich was more like egg salad.

David P.

Make it 2-1/2 stars because of the friendly reception.

This is an older fairly Spartan establishment where most of the patrons appeared to be regulars and friendly conversation between tables was ongoing.

We got there about 11:30 and took a booth as it is a seat yourself restaurant. I made eye contact with the hostess who was grabbing menus and silverware as we sat and she greeted us, gave a brief description of the "special" and desserts, then took our drink orders. We ordered two sweet teas and the hostess said our waitress would be back with them in a few minutes.

This is a good place to comment on the booth cushions. Brenda's has a combination of wooden booths with padded backs and seats; and tables of various sizes with metal chairs, padded backs and seats. Padded is good because we want to be comfortable while we eat. Unfortunately, the booth seat cushions were cracked and uneven, making it a bit uncomfortable. The padding and covering needed replacement a few years back.

Our waitress was out with the tea within a few minutes. My wife ordered a broccoli cheddar baked potato. I ordered the special - meatloaf with mashed potatoes, brown gravy, and green beans. The food was delivered within 5 minutes.

Hers came with a very small paper container of butter and a pile of steamed broccoli florets and some shredded cheddar cheese melted over the medium sized potato. It was dry and had little flavor.

My meatloaf was a large portion, but was made with such a large quantity of fillers that it tasted less like hamburger and had a mushy texture. The thin ketchup glaze didn't help much. The green beans were good and the mashed potatoes had good flavor, but we're thin - almost like instant.

The tea was a little off flavor, as if the preparation and dispensing container needs more regular cleaning. We weren't offered refills and our waitress didn't bring our check to the table, even though we pushed our plates to the edge of the table at least 5 minutes before getting up. She was at the register though and had the total - $22.48. I paid and she didn't offer a receipt.

Mike K.

I have eaten here twice this month and the food and the prices are great! However, I have had the same waitress both times and service has been more than slow. I was greeted fairly quickly after I sat down, food came out in an okay time, and then when I was done I waited 25 minutes for my bill as I watched my waitress in the kitchen standing there the entire time. I finally had to ask another waitress for my bill. I felt bad for the person that sat down at the table beside me as I finished eating. When I checked out, (25 minutes +) he still had not spoken to a waitress.
Will I go back, yes but I will sit in a different section.

Taylor M.

Absolutely love their bisquits and gravy and my server Jill is always so amazing!!!! She is the sweetest waitress ive ever met:)

Lena B.

Arrived (seat yourself) and was immediately brought offer of drink. Order taken and filled fast, and they were BUSY. Food came quickly, hot and very good. Homestyle. Drink refills aplenty and server was super nice, attentive without being bothersome. I recommend this place for breakfast. Food was cooked to my request.

Kelli J.

First time ever coming here and this is my thoughts. Trish was our server. She checked on us multiple times and is so friendly. This place is clean and lots of room inside. Family friendly. Now let's talk about what you are really here for the food. The pancake is probably one of the best that I've had. Fluffy and had the perfect crunch. Paired with hot syrup. The western omelet had flavor in every bite. My friend doesn't like omelets and tried mine and said it was delicious. The hashbrowns had the perfect amount of crunch. The biscuits tasted homemade and the gravy didn't need salt or pepper. I would recommend this place to EVERYONE!

Charles L.

We sat there for 15 mins, which isn't long but was ignored the entire time, which also wouldn't be so bad if the tall brunette waitress with glasses who refilled drinks twice at the table next to us stopped and asked if we wanted drinks or even said I'll be with you in a moment. The worst part however, was her talking trash to other customers about us leaving as we got to the door... the service is just awful here...