This is one of my few stalwart places to eat and drink in the twin cities. Food is above average and the chipotle pizza is awesome. In the summertime, their patio is one of my favorite places in minneapolis. Only downside is their tiny but that is also part of the charm.
(5)
Jennifer K.
This place was pretty good. It had a nice patio and it is right by my house, so we might be back. I don't drink beer-so I can't comment on that, but I had a great glass of wine, good service, and an enjoyable lunch with a friend. We shared a small order of waffle fries, and they were hot and great, and they give you a ton for three bucks. I got the half sandwich and soup special, with beef soup full of chunks of meat and veggies and an egg salad sandwich. Egg salad can be tricky, because I don't like celery and forgot to ask about that-so it wasn't my favorite. The bread was soft though-and instead of getting a "half" sandwich, it was served on a little roll. Overall, it was OK. The service was great-which was nice. There's lots of other places to try, so I'm not sure if I'll be back soon. We were there around three, and it was pretty empty. I heard it gets crowded later on.
(3)
Corey C.
This place is AWESOME!!! I grew up just a few miles from here and when my parents divorced my dad moved within walking distance of this place and for years I watched this property go from a A&W to some run down asian food place...it almost seemed like no one could make anything work there, till one day. I'm not much of a drinker but I did sample a few of their beers, and I have to say some of the best tasting beer I've ever tasted!!! But regardless of the great beer which seems why a lot of people go there...I'm here to review their food!!! The grilled pizza, AWESOME! Me and my girlfriend split a pizza and a burger. I wouldn't have thought it, but the Barley John's Burger is going on my "Best Burgers" list at number two (Can't beat the nook) it was awesome!!! Its just your typical burger and fries, no out of the ordinary toppings on it, but WOW it tasted like they cooked it on a charcoal grill and not some nasty gas grill. The pizza was awesome too, we ordered the "Pizza H" which consists of spinach, artichoke hearts, and goat cheese cooked on a grill. I tend to like softer and thicker pizzas, where this was a thin and crispy one, but I tell ya it was the best thin and crispy I've ever had!!! I highly recommend getting a pizza or a burger, what beats pizza/burger and a beer? Also, the waiter staff was awesome, very knowledgeable about the beer, food, and they never missed a step. Great place for a date!!!
(5)
Melissa N.
I'm not a beer drinker. But the food is fabulous! My favorite is the red pepper hummus app and the soups. Cozy place in an area starved for good, independent restaurants. The one thing I would change is the noise level. There is something about the acoustics of the rooms -- every time I have been there, whether it is very crowded or not, I feel like I have to shout at the people I'm eating with. It's the thing that deters me from eating there more often, which is unfortunate because I love eating there!
(5)
Emily S.
Ok, so the explanation after the rating pretty much explains my experience at Barley John's, "Meh. I've experienced better." I was excited for a brew pub semi-close to my neighborhood. We arrived, and the place is super-small. You walk in, and there is a bar for maybe six people to sit at, and then the room opens up (a little) for some tabled seating. I went there for happy hour during the week with a friend, and the place was moderately busy. The server was ok, the food (an appetizer, I can't recall what) was ok, and I guess the beer was good (I'm not a huge beer drinker, so I don't really have much to base my review on). As the night wore on, people started playing cribbage...odd...but whatever. I've heard good things about the outdoor patio, but I've only been there in the winter, so I guess I may have to try this place again in the summer, mainly because it's closer than most brew pubs.
(2)
Emily U.
We have been trying and trying to go here, and finally ended up going here NOT on a Sunday (because they are closed on Sundays). The space: very small, a little awkward, low ceilings The food: The food was alright. I had mac and cheese with bacon, apples, and something else I can't remember. The portion was huge so I couldn't even finish half o fit, but it was good. My dining companion had a burger but complained it tasted too much of fire. The service: was fine. Our server was actually a little awkward. The atmosphere: My companion kept commenting on the fact that it was full of "creepy, suburban men." I looked around and did seem to notice quite a few Asian women with older-looking men (no judgments here though, since I am Asian) and just other random suburbanites. And I will admit the company was weird....just a lot of older people. We were the youngest ones there by at least 20 years. Would I go back? Maybe. But I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there. Also: if it's a weekend night, call ahead and get your name on the list.
(3)
Drew A.
Come for the amazing food or beer and stay when you discover the other is also fantastic
(5)
Dennis L.
Awesome beer!! I wish i could say that like everyone else before me, however i don't drink beer so i did not sample their inventory. Even so, their food is pretty damn awesome in itself. Tried the "J" pizza and one of their specials of the day, the Cajun Penne Pasta. The pizza was a basic Hawaiian pizza but with caramelized onions and an extra layer of cheese. And for whatever reason the onions made a normal Hawaiian taste a heckouva lot better. How come i never realized that before? The Cajun pasta was full of flavor and had shrimp and crawfish in there for that seafood appeal. The creamy dish definitely got quite the kick in each and every bite. Going back for more? No question. They had other things on the menu that i really wanted to try out too and if it's as good as the items i've tried already, sign me up as a full time patron of their establishment.
(4)
Joseph R.
Pork chop is to die for and a great beer selection.
(5)
Jonathan E.
As one of the 3 good brew pubs in the Twin Cities, I do enjoy going to Barley John's. Generally, their food is very good. You need to have a pizza there! Whether a carnivore or herbivore, they have pizzas to meet everyone's demands. The beer runs the spectrum of ratings. I am generally underwhelmed by their hoppy beers (but I am a hop head). Usually, I am 50/50 on the seasonal beers. However, this is dependent on personal taste. The Wild Brunette (made with wild rice) and the Old 8 Porter are never-fails. The atmosphere is favorable. Cabin-esque. Unfortunately it is pretty small, so, on occasion it is difficult to get a seat. However, I love the feeling in the bar area. They have 3 little tables that have cribbage either built into the table, or boards available. There is nothing like hand-crafted beer and cribbage! The tap handles are hand blown glass - small, but attractive. In the winter, they have a fire pit on their patio! In the summer, the have hop vines scaling the trellis that closes off the patio from the road. (I am pretty sure they even use these hops in their beer!) You should definitely stop here when you have time. Just make sure they are open when you want to go. Some hours are limited, but worth working into your schedule!
(4)
Steve P.
Meeting a coworker in New Brighton for quick happy hour, and this was my counterproposal to Champps. It's small, and has the aura of being run by people on a budget who love making beer. Tried two beers. First was the Old 8 Porter which had a nice roasted chocolate flavor. Second was the Stockyard IPA. We were deep in conversation at this point, and I don't remember much about this beer, so it could not have been bad. I plan on ordering it again to see if it's something memorable. We did not order food, but saw several orders going by and it looked decent. I'd go back.
(4)
Erick H.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a craft beer and a great meal, without going too far, this is the place for you.
(4)
Rene D.
Nice outdoor seating area. Great beer selection (I had an Extra Special Bitter). Service was friendly - even during the peak dinner rush. Pizza was great.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kevin C.
This is one of my few stalwart places to eat and drink in the twin cities. Food is above average and the chipotle pizza is awesome. In the summertime, their patio is one of my favorite places in minneapolis. Only downside is their tiny but that is also part of the charm.
(5)Jennifer K.
This place was pretty good. It had a nice patio and it is right by my house, so we might be back. I don't drink beer-so I can't comment on that, but I had a great glass of wine, good service, and an enjoyable lunch with a friend. We shared a small order of waffle fries, and they were hot and great, and they give you a ton for three bucks. I got the half sandwich and soup special, with beef soup full of chunks of meat and veggies and an egg salad sandwich. Egg salad can be tricky, because I don't like celery and forgot to ask about that-so it wasn't my favorite. The bread was soft though-and instead of getting a "half" sandwich, it was served on a little roll. Overall, it was OK. The service was great-which was nice. There's lots of other places to try, so I'm not sure if I'll be back soon. We were there around three, and it was pretty empty. I heard it gets crowded later on.
(3)Corey C.
This place is AWESOME!!! I grew up just a few miles from here and when my parents divorced my dad moved within walking distance of this place and for years I watched this property go from a A&W to some run down asian food place...it almost seemed like no one could make anything work there, till one day. I'm not much of a drinker but I did sample a few of their beers, and I have to say some of the best tasting beer I've ever tasted!!! But regardless of the great beer which seems why a lot of people go there...I'm here to review their food!!! The grilled pizza, AWESOME! Me and my girlfriend split a pizza and a burger. I wouldn't have thought it, but the Barley John's Burger is going on my "Best Burgers" list at number two (Can't beat the nook) it was awesome!!! Its just your typical burger and fries, no out of the ordinary toppings on it, but WOW it tasted like they cooked it on a charcoal grill and not some nasty gas grill. The pizza was awesome too, we ordered the "Pizza H" which consists of spinach, artichoke hearts, and goat cheese cooked on a grill. I tend to like softer and thicker pizzas, where this was a thin and crispy one, but I tell ya it was the best thin and crispy I've ever had!!! I highly recommend getting a pizza or a burger, what beats pizza/burger and a beer? Also, the waiter staff was awesome, very knowledgeable about the beer, food, and they never missed a step. Great place for a date!!!
(5)Melissa N.
I'm not a beer drinker. But the food is fabulous! My favorite is the red pepper hummus app and the soups. Cozy place in an area starved for good, independent restaurants. The one thing I would change is the noise level. There is something about the acoustics of the rooms -- every time I have been there, whether it is very crowded or not, I feel like I have to shout at the people I'm eating with. It's the thing that deters me from eating there more often, which is unfortunate because I love eating there!
(5)Emily S.
Ok, so the explanation after the rating pretty much explains my experience at Barley John's, "Meh. I've experienced better." I was excited for a brew pub semi-close to my neighborhood. We arrived, and the place is super-small. You walk in, and there is a bar for maybe six people to sit at, and then the room opens up (a little) for some tabled seating. I went there for happy hour during the week with a friend, and the place was moderately busy. The server was ok, the food (an appetizer, I can't recall what) was ok, and I guess the beer was good (I'm not a huge beer drinker, so I don't really have much to base my review on). As the night wore on, people started playing cribbage...odd...but whatever. I've heard good things about the outdoor patio, but I've only been there in the winter, so I guess I may have to try this place again in the summer, mainly because it's closer than most brew pubs.
(2)Emily U.
We have been trying and trying to go here, and finally ended up going here NOT on a Sunday (because they are closed on Sundays). The space: very small, a little awkward, low ceilings The food: The food was alright. I had mac and cheese with bacon, apples, and something else I can't remember. The portion was huge so I couldn't even finish half o fit, but it was good. My dining companion had a burger but complained it tasted too much of fire. The service: was fine. Our server was actually a little awkward. The atmosphere: My companion kept commenting on the fact that it was full of "creepy, suburban men." I looked around and did seem to notice quite a few Asian women with older-looking men (no judgments here though, since I am Asian) and just other random suburbanites. And I will admit the company was weird....just a lot of older people. We were the youngest ones there by at least 20 years. Would I go back? Maybe. But I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there. Also: if it's a weekend night, call ahead and get your name on the list.
(3)Drew A.
Come for the amazing food or beer and stay when you discover the other is also fantastic
(5)Dennis L.
Awesome beer!! I wish i could say that like everyone else before me, however i don't drink beer so i did not sample their inventory. Even so, their food is pretty damn awesome in itself. Tried the "J" pizza and one of their specials of the day, the Cajun Penne Pasta. The pizza was a basic Hawaiian pizza but with caramelized onions and an extra layer of cheese. And for whatever reason the onions made a normal Hawaiian taste a heckouva lot better. How come i never realized that before? The Cajun pasta was full of flavor and had shrimp and crawfish in there for that seafood appeal. The creamy dish definitely got quite the kick in each and every bite. Going back for more? No question. They had other things on the menu that i really wanted to try out too and if it's as good as the items i've tried already, sign me up as a full time patron of their establishment.
(4)Joseph R.
Pork chop is to die for and a great beer selection.
(5)Jonathan E.
As one of the 3 good brew pubs in the Twin Cities, I do enjoy going to Barley John's. Generally, their food is very good. You need to have a pizza there! Whether a carnivore or herbivore, they have pizzas to meet everyone's demands. The beer runs the spectrum of ratings. I am generally underwhelmed by their hoppy beers (but I am a hop head). Usually, I am 50/50 on the seasonal beers. However, this is dependent on personal taste. The Wild Brunette (made with wild rice) and the Old 8 Porter are never-fails. The atmosphere is favorable. Cabin-esque. Unfortunately it is pretty small, so, on occasion it is difficult to get a seat. However, I love the feeling in the bar area. They have 3 little tables that have cribbage either built into the table, or boards available. There is nothing like hand-crafted beer and cribbage! The tap handles are hand blown glass - small, but attractive. In the winter, they have a fire pit on their patio! In the summer, the have hop vines scaling the trellis that closes off the patio from the road. (I am pretty sure they even use these hops in their beer!) You should definitely stop here when you have time. Just make sure they are open when you want to go. Some hours are limited, but worth working into your schedule!
(4)Steve P.
Meeting a coworker in New Brighton for quick happy hour, and this was my counterproposal to Champps. It's small, and has the aura of being run by people on a budget who love making beer. Tried two beers. First was the Old 8 Porter which had a nice roasted chocolate flavor. Second was the Stockyard IPA. We were deep in conversation at this point, and I don't remember much about this beer, so it could not have been bad. I plan on ordering it again to see if it's something memorable. We did not order food, but saw several orders going by and it looked decent. I'd go back.
(4)Erick H.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a craft beer and a great meal, without going too far, this is the place for you.
(4)Rene D.
Nice outdoor seating area. Great beer selection (I had an Extra Special Bitter). Service was friendly - even during the peak dinner rush. Pizza was great.
(5)J S.
First ~ It's a BREW PUB, but in reality, it's more like a micro brewery's tap room. Very small and cozy. The bar seats 12! There is a good variety of on-site brewed Ales. They have a world class porter. Their beers are big, 6-8% abv. If you are into fresh ale, this place is a must. The Beer, 5 Stars! Second ~ The dining room is small, seats about 30. The hamburgers ($8) and grilled pizza's ($14) are very good. The main course selections are good, but a bit high priced for the location. Catfsh $17, Pastas $17, Tenderloin $28. The décor is like an old time "up north" resort. Lots of blond wood. Third ~ The Staff is friendly and the customers give it a "cheers" warmth.
(4)