Brownstone Cafe

Brownstone Cafe

1 N Union St, Middletown, PA 17057, United States

+1 717-944-3301

Cafe, Breakfast restaurant
(2269)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Located in the heart of Middletown, PA, Brownstone Cafe is a charming breakfast restaurant and cafe that welcomes you with a warm, cozy ambiance set within a beautifully repurposed historic bank building. The clever preservation of original elements like the steel safe and safety deposit boxes adds a unique character and intimate charm, creating a dining atmosphere that feels simultaneously nostalgic and inviting—almost as if you've stepped into a hallmark movie scene.

Brownstone Cafe offers a delightful variety of classic and comforting American cuisine, with hearty portions that please both the eyes and the palate. Their menu is a treasure trove of well-executed comfort dishes that evoke the feeling of a breakfast or lunch made with care and homestyle flair. Standout dishes like the rich and savory Chicken Pot Pie, the flavorful Breakfast Burrito, and the indulgent Sausage Gravy over Biscuits with Homefries serve as perfect examples of the kitchen’s dedication to quality and satisfying flavors.

For those who appreciate a good diner staple, the Liver and Onions, Country Fried Steak, and freshly fried clam strips offer a hearty, soulful bite. The Brownstone Cheesecake and the Homemade Carrot Cake provide impeccable finishes to any meal, their creamy textures and rich flavors balancing perfectly with the comfort of the entrées.

Each dish is prepared thoughtfully—whether it is the warm, buttery crust of the Baked Chicken Pie or the delicate layers in their Southern Pecan Pie, made from a 100-year-old recipe featuring real butter, whole eggs, and plump pecans that caramelize to perfection. The cafe also caters to diverse preferences with an array of fresh cakes, fruit pies (including no sugar added options), and smooth, refreshing ice cream flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and orange sherbet.

Service here is consistently described as friendly and professional, with staff members who ensure that your dining experience is both efficient and personable. Reviewers note the speedy service without compromising quality, and appreciate the welcoming atmosphere that makes every customer feel like a valued guest.

Brownstone Cafe’s combination of generous portions, reasonable pricing, and the distinctive charm of its historic setting makes it a quintessential stop whether you’re fueling up before a tournament, grabbing a leisurely brunch, or simply looking to indulge in honest, well-crafted diner fare. The energy of the place feels comforting yet vibrant, inspiring a sense of belonging and satisfaction with every visit. From the crispness of hash browns (with just the right minor room for crispier perfection) to the satisfying, indulgent sweetness of their pecan pie, this cafe invites you to sit down, relax, and savor hearty, home-style cooking done right.

In essence, Brownstone Cafe is more than just a spot to eat—it’s a warm, welcoming experience where history, comfort food, and genuine service coalesce beautifully. It's a place that makes you feel at home, with recipes and atmosphere that stay delightfully in your memory long after the last bite.

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee Great dessert Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic
Crowd
Groups Locals Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    07:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    Closed
  • Wednesday
    07:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Thursday
    07:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday
    07:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    07:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Mario Christianto
    1 month ago

    This is a super cute diner. It was formerly a bank that was converted (you can still see the steel safe at the corner). The ambiance is unique, not small but also cozy at the same time. The service is fast and professional. The food is proper diner food, nothing mind blowing but certainly well done, the serving size is large enough without being overwhelming and the prices are reasonable. No dedicated parking space but there were ample street parking spaces on a Saturday morning. Would certainly recommend!

  • Erac Surfer
    1 month ago

    Huge portion sizes, super friendly staff, awesome atmosphere and ambiance.

  • Marco Barrueta
    2 month ago

    What a charming place to stop by for something to eat, it's like you stepped foot onto a hallmark movie set. Decided to stop by here after doing some fishing by the river and I'm sure glad I did. The food is very reasonably priced but unfortunately does not reflect the quality of the meal. You would think they're charging twice the price with how delicious the food was! I ordered the baked chicken pie and it was so perfect I wish I could try it for the first time again. This place is a definite must try if you're in the area.

  • Kristin Ramey
    3 month ago

    Great stop while we here for a tournament! We got a table super quick and were severed food just as swiftly. The food was really good- hash browns could have been crispier but the PECAN PIE was amazing. Ordered it with breakfast. Amazing

  • Jena Pass
    3 month ago

    Cute place! Interesting because it's an old bank building and you can see the safety deposit boxes in one of the counters and the safe door on the wall. Food was good comfort food

  • Sharon McNeill
    3 month ago

    Excellent service, great food, extensive menu, wonderful portions. Very awesome place - an old bank convert it to a restaurant. Second floor balcony dining. Would highly recommend!

  • T L Bennett
    3 month ago

    Friday afternoon was my first visit for lunch at Brownstone Cafe as a group of four. Parked in lot behind the restaurant. Cute atmosphere inside. Our table was very roomy. I wish I had noted our servers name as she was very friendly and attentive. Menu had a nice selection and lunch was reasonably priced. I selected a strawberry pecan salad with grilled chicken. It was massive and the strawberries completely lined the hugh platter size bowl. I can't believe I didn't take a picture but it looked so scrumptious, I immediately dived right in and only when finished, did I remember my desire to take pictures. This salad was so well sized that I was still eating it after all my friends were done with their own sandwiches. One friend even ordered rice pudding after her meal and she finished that before I was done with my salad. I finally stopped eating and honestly, I still had some salad remaining and I only stopped because I was embarrassed that I was STILL eating. It was delightfully refreshing. My friend recommends the rice pudding, as well. I will definitely be returning. There is a dinner menu but I didn't spend much time looking it over. I was, however, glancing at food delivered to nearby tables and it all looked mouthwateringly good. Worth the drive from Harrisburg.

  • John Critzer
    3 month ago

    We were looking for a nice, family-friendly restaurant (that wasn't a chain place) to have an early dinner before a local concert. The Brownstone Cafe was perfect! We sat in the upstairs section, which the young kids loved, as they enjoyed watching the model trains. I had the ham loaf, my wife had a burrito, and the other couple with us ordered the ciabatta sandwich and Reuben. Kids shared a cheeseburger and grilled cheese. Everything was delicious! The kids raved about how good the fries were. Our server was very friendly and attentive. The historic bank building gives a great vibe - beautiful inside and out. The whole experience was excellent, and prices were reasonable for the amount and quality of the food. We will definitely be back anytime we are in the Harrisburg area. Highly recommended!

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.