Taverncat J.
Yelp
Wicked Barley - 10/31/24
https://wickedbarley.com/
TLDR Overall Scores:
Beer: 8.1/10
Venue: 6.5/10
Worth a visit? Absolutely, but parking may be a challenge at peak times.
Number of visits: 10 (2023-2024)
The Beer: Beer quality is excellent, with varied styles. On my last visit, they had fruit beers, sours, wheat, cider, multiple IPAs, seltzer, and a few dark beers. Over 20 beers on tap, so you're sure to find something that you like, and beer flights are available. They put some effort into naming and board artwork, which is cool.
The Venue: It's clean, open, and well-maintained, with inside tables, bar seating, and outside seating. It can get loud when busy. Restrooms are easily accessed by the entrance and are generally clean and in working order. Location is fairly safe and easily accessed (right off Baymeadows (R-152) and close to San Jose Blvd (R-13).
Parking can an issue. The size of the parking lot does not support the venue, and just because the lot is full doesn't mean that there aren't seats available inside. In addition, there isn't a shared lot with other businesses, so if you park down a side street then you're going to have to walk a little bit or try to cross Baymeadows. Good luck with that. Try to hit off-peak times if you are not familiar with the area, so that you're not disappointed.
Staff has been hit or miss for us. Generally, they seem pretty knowledgeable and about average when it comes to service. Occasionally, they've been pretty entertaining. Once, we had a server tell us, "Oh no, don't order that, it's awful." Which, ok...so why is it on your menu? Is it because you have new kitchen staff? Statements like that just spawn so many other questions. Still, I do appreciate the warning. Another time, bar staff was just plain rude and inattentive from the moment we walked in. Next visit, they were awesome. So, it depends what you are looking for and your level of expectation.
Family friendly? Yes, absolutely.
Pet friendly? Yes, absolutely.
Cans / Crowlers? Both are available, with a cooler hosting several varieties on the way out the door.
Brewery on site? Yes, with a glass wall so you can get a good peek at where your beer is made. The freshest beer only has to travel a few feet.
Food availability? Burgers, wings, sandwiches, tacos, etc. I haven't really had a bad meal here. Food quality is above your average bar. You can view the menu via their website.
Reservations? No, but they do private events.
Events: They do events, and have some things posted and listed at the venue. At time of publish, the Calendar link on their website was broken (404 error).
Me (why my reviews are possibly relevant): 20+ years beer experience in brewing, beer judging (BJCP), brewing instruction, and bar / restaurant service.