🐾 SDSU Game Day? Cook's has been fueling Jackrabbit fans for generations.Open 6 AM · Tue–Sat · Dine-in & Curbside Pickup
Fan Favorite
Cook's Cakes — Bigger Than the Plate
Our legendary 11-inch pancakes have been a Brookings tradition since day one. Traditional, blueberry, or chocolate chip. Ask for Mickey Mouse style for the kids.
Signature Item
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Freshly baked, ooey-gooey, and served warm every morning. Regulars order them before they even sit down. Order early — they sell out.
Cook's Signature
Country Fried Steak & Eggs
Hand-breaded steak smothered in house cream gravy, on crispy hash browns with two eggs any style. A plate that never disappoints.
Our Story
Things Change. Traditions Last.
In 1950, a humble diner opened on Main Ave in Brookings. Through 75 years and three generations of ownership, one thing has never changed: you will not leave hungry.
304 Main Ave · Brookings, SD 57006 · (605) 692-1303 · Tue–Sat 6AM–2PM · Sun 7AM–2PM
What We Serve
Our Menu
✦ Today's Special
Ask Your Server What's Fresh Today
Daily specials rotate based on what looks good. From Lemon Pound Cake French Toast to Crab Cake Benedict — worth asking every time.
* Prices are estimates and may vary slightly. Menu items and specials change seasonally — ask your server about today's offerings.
Consuming raw or undercooked meats may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
View Our Full Menu Boards
Breakfast Menu — Click to enlarge 🔍
Lunch Menu — Click to enlarge 🔍
Our Story
A Brookings Institution
Est. 1950Downtown Brookings
Who We Are
Feeding Brookings Since 1950
Cook's Kitchen has been at the heart of Brookings since 1950. Founded by Bruce Cook at 301 Main Ave, the restaurant moved to its current home at 304 Main in 1983 — a beloved fixture of the Brookings Commercial Historic District ever since.
Today, Greg and Shari Thornes run the kitchen alongside their son Chris Anderegg as general manager. Their promise, unchanged in 75 years: you will not leave hungry.
The 58-seat space has community tables, no dress code, and a sidewalk line that forms on game days. Students roll in wearing pajamas. Families share tables with strangers who leave as friends. That's just Cook's.
75+
Years serving Brookings
58
Cozy seats
11"
Cook's Cakes diameter
4.6★
Google rating
CBS ✦
As Seen on CBS Sunday Morning · 2015
Cook's Kitchen was featured in a national segment alongside Daktronics co-founder Al Kurtenbach — so genuinely Brookings, the whole country noticed.
Greg, Shari & Chris — The Thornes Family
The Thornes family has run Cook's Kitchen with the same warmth, generosity, and commitment to community that Bruce Cook started in 1950. When you walk through that door, you're not just a customer — you're part of the family.
📸 Owner photo coming soon · Replace images/owner_photo.jpg to update
🐾 SDSU's Favorite Pre-Game Spot
Game days, Hobo Day, hunting openers — whenever Brookings is buzzing, Cook's Kitchen is packed. We've been the unofficial pre-game fuel stop for Jackrabbit fans since before many of their parents were born. Come hungry. There's always room at the community table.
We get very busy on game days, Hobo Day, and parade weekends. Arrive early — the sidewalk line is part of the experience. First come, first served. No reservations needed.
