Chris Bradley
Google
After three years of loyal Thursdays at our usual bar and restaurant, a change in management left it lackluster, prompting our group of Gen Xers and Boomers to seek a new spot. We landed at Barney's Beanery, and here’s how it went.
The vibe hits you right at the door—friendly security welcomes you into a lively, hip bar area. The ceiling is decked out with license plates from across the U.S., string lights add a cozy glow, and tables are adorned with photos of 60s and 70s bands and singers. The crowd skews younger, mostly 20- and 30-somethings, but the music, a mix of 70s classics to current Top 40, bridges the gap nicely. On Thursdays, they offer karaoke downstairs and pool tables upstairs, which adds to the fun.
Seating was our first hurdle. Our group, typically 8 to 12 strong, struggled to find a table, as most are set for four. The wait staff, however, was fantastic—especially our server, Peter P., who went above and beyond to secure a table that worked for us. His friendliness and attentiveness set the tone for a great experience.
The menu impressed us. The beer selection is stellar, and the food options are surprisingly robust for a bar and the kitchen is open until midnight. They serve breakfast all day, so several in our group opted for eggs Benedict and bagel sandwiches, while another ordered fish and chips. I went for the Juicy Burger, stuffed with cheese, paired with crispy, well-seasoned fries. The food exceeded our expectations—the burger was phenomenal, and those fries alone are worth a return visit. The only menu letdown was the limited wine selection, which could use a bit more variety.
We hit one snag: the kitchen seemed to lose our fish and chips order. Peter was quick to sort it out, ensuring it arrived promptly, which we appreciated. The staff’s overall warmth and hustle, especially Peter’s, made the night feel special.
The only real downside is the seating. With tables mostly capped at four, it’s tough for a larger group like ours to settle in comfortably for our usual eat-drink-and-chat routine. Still, Barney’s Beanery delivered a great experience, and I’d highly recommend it for its atmosphere, food, and stellar service—just maybe not for big groups.