Jed K

We’ve been going to ParkSide 23 for years and I don’t think we’ve ever been disappointed with a meal or drink here. The menu leans toward American comfort foods, with a few surprises mixed in. There’s nothing too fancy but it always is perfectly prepared and presented. The menu, both the food and also the drinks, do seasonally change which offers some nice variety to their offerings. The restaurant features its own large vegetable plot providing incredibly fresh veggies in season and allowing them to do special garden events in summer which are always well done and enjoyable. For quick meals after our kids’ school events or after an evening out-and-about we’ll often just stop and have a drink and a snack in the bar. The drink menu offers good variety without being overwhelming, including some specialty drinks that are very good. There’s a good selection of local/regional beers on tap as well as a nice variety of wines by the glass. The real stars here, though, has to be the staff. Many of the servers have been there for years and are always friendly and helpful with questions, and the bartenders are exceptionally personable. They even remember my wife’s favorite drink (the “Make Me Blush”) and let her know when it’s back in season before she has to ask. In what is the strip-mall and chain restaurant hell that is Brookfield, ParkSide is unique and refreshing. Dietary restrictions: We have several gluten free friends who have never had issues finding options on the menu and the GF dishes are all great. Parking: The parking lot does fill up when it gets especially busy, but the neighboring church does allow you to park in their lot if there’s not a service going on. There’s also limited parking behind the building that people seem to miss.