Brenda's Cafe

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.

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!

The waitress, Judy C (hopefully I remember her name correctly) was very friendly and service was awesome. Much better service than the other place here in Bolivar.

The chicken fried steak and eggs with hash browns and biscuits & gravy was all very fresh and hot. The chicken fried steak was exceptionally tender as I didn’t need to use the steak knife, but could cut it with the edge of the fork. It was very tasty as well. Hash browns were cooked to perfection. Gravy was perfect as well. Nothing was greasy at all. There wasn’t any wait to be seated. I can see how this place could get so much business to have waiting to be seated, since the breakfast is so fresh and delicious.
The restroom was modern and clean.

Love going there, it's my favorite place to eat at now, it has a country feeling inside.
They have never messed up any order that I have placed, the Servers always come back to make sure your food is right and they keep your drinks full.
The employees help each other out so you're not just sitting there waiting.
They're very friendly and courteous and always seem to be in a good mood

The best I can say is it was disappointing. Been awhile since were have been there and oh how things have changed. Took 45 minutes to get food and it was not that busy. When we got the food it was sub-par. The meat in the omelette tasted like it was cooked many hours before and left out very dry no taste. Hash browns were good if you like eating a pound of butter. No one asked if the food was ok. Instead the only thing the server did after bringing the food was to slid the check under my plate without saying anything. The cashier also didn’t ask how everything was however she did inform us this was her last Saturday because she was quitting.

This is too bad because I used to love Brenda’s but now it seams the kids are running the business. You guys really need to be better as I know you have been and can be again.

This is the true meaning of a home town cafe. The food is absolutely amazing which goes perfectly with the wonderful service and prices that I promise no one can beat. There is no fault in eating here just one con, that they are not open later. Everything else about this place is gonna raise the bar for other cafes for miles away. One of the best experiences we've had in a long time. We will be back, soon.

Been in restaurant 2 times within 3 months and sat for 15 minutes the first time and 10 minutes this morning while others came in behind me and waited on. Had several waitresses walk by and couldn't even say morning let me clear table or even acknowledge my presence. I recommend they put a wait to be seated sign up or be more aware of their patrons

Awesome hamburger and crispy fries. The burger comes with chips but I usually upgrade to fries. The service always starts out slowish but is always very good. The place is always busy which is why service starts out slow. Great lunch spot with a very good menu.

Went in and yes, had to wait.
When we got seated it did not take us long to order. Yet we had people come in after us that had to wait longer, but for some reason they started getting their food. After 45 mins we asked as we caught the waitress, we asked if would get food today and she replied "maybe". Thar was our clue to leave.
Sorry but NOT sorry.

Very good breakfast. I’m an out of towner and stopped in after several recommendations for a hot breakfast and was not disappointed. Good service, great food and reasonably priced. Loved the ambience and the “regulars” that the waitresses knew by name. I’ll have to stop by again next time I’m in Bolivar. I love local cafés!