Jennifer J.
Yelp
Caffe Barney is like a cafe pub cross over! It's small, long, narrow, and kinda noisy. It's quite bright inside, like most cafes usually are, but it has pub like undertones with a fully licensed bar.
When you walk in there is a large bar at the front with quite a few stools, which look like it could be a good time for casuals drinks, and a couple high top tables across from the bar. As you move down the narrow cafe you see small wood tables and chairs and half booths. I didn't like how close the tables were together, but landed the corner table-1/2 booth spot; I felt less crowded. I really didn't like that your conversation was easily projected to the surrounding tables; loud chatter in general.
The music seemed to be coming from the kitchen, and was difficult to hear in the main area. I wondered if the music was louder or the speakers set up differently if you could enjoy the music more and also not heard everyone's personal conversations so easily.
I loved the art work on the walls; memorials for amazing artist who have passed (Bowie, Prince, Downie).
I loved the fair prices for drinks and the drink specials. They had some decent St. Patty's deals on for the entire weekend. The food prices were a bit expensive, but on par with the rest of the over priced food stuffs in Van.
I ordered the deep fried pickles, they were okay. It was a large portion for fairly cheap, but the batter wasn't very good or maybe the pickles were not fried enough????
I also ordered the Mediterranean Chicken Salad, which was $15, and was alright. The chicken breast was over cooked, quite thin, and a bit on the rubbery side. The other ingredients were fresh and flavorful., but I found the salad had too much Quinoa verses actually vegetables.
The service was friendly and actually very good with an attentive main server and also the bartender and possibly manager helping out.
I'd go back but would probably sit at the bar. ;)