
Bill Brakken opened the Rookery Pub Fine Dining restaurant in 2008. The building originally was constructed in 1978 and had the restaurant on the upper levels. Bill made those areas into the lodge when he bought it in 2005 and then renovated the downstairs to become the Rookery Pub Fine Dining, named for the breeding colony of Blue Herons nearby and to signify a general place for social gatherings. Interestingly, Bill worked as a bartender at the original Kliszcz’s Karczma, the Polish Palace as it was known then, the first year it was in business. Now as you enter the place you see a building on your right with stairs and that is to the lodge and the lower sidewalk goes to the restaurant. You enter into the large bar area and to the right is a hallway, opening onto a row of 4 booth seats, which leads to the small main dining room. The walls are lined with prints of animals (most of which have prices if you want to buy one) and in the corner is a fireplace. The bare wood tables are good sized and well spaced. The menu covers a good breadth of choices with some changes for seasonality and the wine list is better than most. You can have cocktails at your table or enjoy them at the bar before you are seated. Service was efficient and super friendly. Portions are large. Continue reading