Brick Walk Cafe

Burgers were tiny, burnt, and flipped over after the cheese was added (so most of cheese was left on the grill). French fries and onion rings were cold and soggy. Overall, well below what we expected of a Chautauqua food establishment.

A Chautauqua Institution tradition. Have been coming here for as long as I can remember and they are always have great ice cream and friendly staff. The portions are generous. I appreciate that they serve Hershey’s ice cream, instead of Perry’s like many other places on the lake. Will definitely be returning soon!

Chautauqua has been our family’s annual “1 week” vacation for 23 years. It was easier to afford this week before when the gate pass rates were lower. Also, the lack of competition from independent food establishments offering affordable fare for families has shrunk leaving only Food For Thought and The Tally-Ho. Still, each annual visit had to include a stop at the “Refectory” aka The Brick Walk Cafe for the best French fries in New York State (or maybe the world) and a grilled cheeseburger. How VERY disappointing to have my $9.50 cheeseburger come out of a “hot case” (cooked this morning) with a thin slice of cold cheese. And those mouthwatering fries? Replaced by shoestring fries that were NOTHING like the seasoned fries of prior seasons. I asked the worker why the burger wasn’t grilled fresh. It’s just how the Institution is doing it now to make the wait time shorter. I didn’t complain to the staff—they are just following orders.

The ice cream and salads are great!! We agree that this is a must stop and a lot better than the fish.

i asked the workers for exactly 250 sprinkles in a spoon and literally watched them count out 250 sprinkles. great service.

Good place to grab a quick lunch, ice cream, pizza or Starbucks. Next to the very well stocked bookstore.

Great food with variety and affordable prices. The service can be slow at times.

A very nice cafe at Chautauqua Institute. The wait staff could have been a little better.

Limited selection but great food & ice cream

The only place in the area where I can get Falafel and it's great