Awesome place to eat if you like pulled pork and brisket. Their beer selection is great as well... Try the boy oh boy sliders:)
(5)
Erica A.
Randomly decided to check this place out since it was wasn't far from a brewery we were visiting already. This place comes across as a typical restaurant, nothing special. But the beer they brew is quite good. We did a flight with all the beers they brew, didn't have a bad one in the batch. Even the stout was enjoyable [I'm not a big dark beer person]. We had the pretzel bites and the bar tender warned us they're not the typical pretzels a person is used to in a restaurant. They're house made with spent grain and come across as bread bites, not actual pretzels. It was different, but delicious. The beer cheese and mustard served with them was a great touch. The appetizer went great with our beer flight.
(4)
Mike K.
The wings and sauces are mostly outstanding. Sunday and Monday wing prices are 70 cents per wing which is unbeatable. I like to come here after the gym and stuff my face. The other barbecued meats I have had are also pretty good. What's not good are the beers. The guest beers are far better than the house beers. Overall I would give 4 stars for the Smokehouse part, and 2 stars for the Brewery part.
(3)
Mark D.
Great bbq! Definitely get the beef brisket with mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries and green beans. I was surprised at how good the gems were. While i cannot comment on the house beer, I will have to try it next time I'm driving around the Columbia area.
(5)
Matt P.
Kinda surprised this place is rated so low. It's one of my favorite BBQ joints in Columbus. Here are some highlights worth noting: * Brew their own beer * Have around 12 handles of craft brew * Feature firkin beer on Fridays * Have special beer tastings/events/dinners * Have a large patio and large parking lot * They fill growlers * They have a fried pork tenderloin dinner that's VERY good and only $10! Recommended! * Kids eat free on Tuesdays * Happy Hour is Monday-Friday, 4-7PM. $3.50 house pints * .70 wings on Mondays The staff and greeters can be a little lethargic at times but I'd suggest just going straight in and sitting at the bar, especially if you're interested in trying tastes of all their beers. Cheers!
(4)
Jesse R M.
I got the wedge salad with brisket and my partner got the slider sampler and the barbeque sauces served with his were all amazing. my brisket was incredibly tender and the blue cheese dressing was equally as delicious.
(5)
John G.
There's a lot to like about Barley's. When I go for barbeque, I want a great selection of meat and Barley's ranks high in that area - pulled pork, brisket, chicken: they got it. I also like the atmosphere - it's a great place to chill and chow. They also offer a variety of sauces for both the non-spicy types like myself and those of you who prefer a high boost of kick. You also get a ton of food - we had plenty to take home for lunch this coming week. I like beer but am not an expert so I'll leave that feedback for those who really know their local brews. I had an Oktoberfest and it was fine. It's easy to forget about the Grandview Barley's because they sit in an odd spot and I don't live on that side of town but it's definitely worth a stop if you've passed by and always wondered how it is.
(3)
Suzanne F.
First visit here since it changed from Barleys to Smokehouse. It's close to my hubby's work so we come here pretty often. We are seated immediately at a booth. Our waitress was prompt and the special of the day was smokehouse sloppy joes. I decided to go with my usual pulled pork quesadilla and my hubby got the pulled pork sandwich with French fries. Mine was it usual deliciousness however I changed my cheese to cheddar from pepper jack. It comes with salsa, sour cream and lettuce and its yummm. My hubby liked his sandwich really well too. It's a place that you can really count on for good dependable grub. I can't comment on the beer as I really do not like it per se. I just know from looking at their offerings they have quite a few craft beers.
(4)
Misty M.
Food was delish! Beer was cold and yummy! Best wings in a long time. The pickles are good too! Staff was friendly & helpful!! Definitely recommend! Wish I lived closer!!
(4)
Liza V.
After the amazingly lovely time we had here during the elite event a couple months back, I was really pretty excited to get in and actually sit down for a meal. The owner is awesome, I love him. The beer is great, too. But as far as a dining experience, I was pretty disappointed all around. We started with wings, because I die over the Barley's wings downtown, and, well, I thought these were basically the same thing. No. They were entirely too charred, making them dry and hard to eat. Super bummer. I had the beany chili, and it was just OK at best. Not very flavorful, and really thin and brothy. Not my thing. My guy ordered a pepper burger with pepperjack cheese, and cole slaw on the side instead of fries. It came out with fries, no slaw, and no cheese. Overall, a very underwhelming burger, even after the mostakes had been corrected. For the price, this place is just not worth it, unfortunately. I may be back for beers if we are in the area, but I won't be going out of my way to eat here again.
(2)
Bren C.
Love this place! The beer is topnotch & the food is amazing. Usually get the smoked wings but tried the "Taco Salad" & it was scrumptious!
(4)
Bryant M.
I have a bone to pick with y'all. You know who you are--you Columbus friends who KNEW the deliciousness of Smokehouse Brewing but DIDN'T TELL ME. I first visited SBC only a few months ago, and I did that thing when I get really excited and overwhelmed: my eyes flashed around trying to take in the surroundings, my mind started going a mile a minute, and I'm sure I started talking super fast. That, my friends, is how you know Bmac loves a place. (Ohhh yeah, I just wrote in third person.) I'll try to organize my thoughts a bit better than what was actually going on in my brain that day of my first visit... First of all, if you've never been to Smokehouse, I'm sure you're like me and have passed it a bazillion times. It's the big, weird yellow building along Dublin Road in Grandview. I passed by it once a week FOR A YEAR without stopping. Once you get in, you'll see there's so much more than what meets the eye. The interior is beautiful! There's this gorgeous dark gray paint, rich wood, and artwork that's designed by the owner, Lenny, himself. Speaking of Lenny, this is one cool dude. After spending about five minutes with him, you begin to understand the creative genius you're dealing with. He's been making craft beer for 20 years--long before it was thing--and he has such a passion for his business... the beer, the experience, the food. THE FOOD! Smokehouse makes some of the best BBQ in the city! I've had their brisket, their pork, and their wings. Holy moly, the wings. Y'all... they're SMOKED AND GRILLED. I think these are the best wings in Cbus. There. I said it. Oh, and they have all types of sauces, but I prefer them plain--with a side of ranch (like any good white trash boy would). The last thing to rave about is the staff. I love that they act like you're just a friend over at their house. They're sweet as pie but not kiss-ass. Those are my peeps. I've never had anything bad at SBC, and every experience has been truly great. It does get a little dude-heavy... not that that's a problem, just an observation. But hell--I'm a gay boy who hates sports and doesn't drink beer--and I feel 100% comfortable here.
(4)
Steve C.
There are two kinds of barbeque: really good, or really bad. This is really good. I love the ribs, and the brisket, but the smoked and grilled wings are the freaking bomb. The funny thing is that the food is upstaged by the beer. The Smokehouse is a brewing company after all. There's a rotating selection of house beers, along with some great guest taps. The staff respects the beer and can help you figure out what to order if you're not sure about the offerings. This is a Columbus institution, and a cornerstone piece of the local craft beer scene.
(5)
Michael B.
I will go ahead and get the beer portion of the review out of the way, the beer here is freakin good!! They are as good as the other brewery's in town, and it seems to me that they fly under the craft brewer press radar in Columbus. I just moved here from Cincinnati and it seems like you never here about smokehouse, so do not let it deter you, the beer here is the real deal!! Next, the food. It is good, and I have not heard anyone say bad things about it when I've been here. My only qualm is that they do not cater to the veggie eating crowds that eat more than just salads. Still, the salads are very good, but I'm a big boy and I need a little more in my tummy.
(4)
Gus W.
I'm a big fan of Smokehouse Brewing, which is formerly Barley's Smokehouse, even though the signs are still up. You'd think with them having different ownership and changing the name, they'd at least put a new sign up on the road. It's been quite awhile now, but I guess they're relying on that name recognition (or they're broke). The look of the menu has definitely changed, but it's still all the same old BBQ you'd expect. Every time I come here, I leave satisfied if not overly full. I can't help but get their smoked and grilled wings on top of ordering an entree. They're just so good that they don't even really need sauce, but I always get the Kansas City BBQ and the Jerk. I've tried the brisket and the pulled pork, which are both very good, and this time around I had some ribs, which were pretty tasty. They weren't quite fall-off-the-bone, but they were tender enough to make them easy to eat. The fries that come with it are super good, and the baked beans are pretty amazing as well with bits of their brisket mixed in. I really can't complain about the pricing. Most of the sandwiches are around $10, and the rib entrees are definitely pricier, but that's pretty standard with a good rack of ribs. Our service was a little slow this time around, but I can look past that. I didn't get any beers either, but I've had them in the past, and I thought they were pretty good. They offer a paddle to sample a few of them, so I'd suggest that if you want to get an idea of what you'd like. Overall, I think Smokehouse Brewing is a pretty solid BBQ restaurant in Columbus, and everything I've had has been quite tasty. Is it the best BBQ in Columbus? Maybe not, but in a city that doesn't have a whole lot of BBQ to begin with, we're lucky to have it.
(4)
Donna O.
Barley's Smokehouse is one of the original brewery/gastropubs. You can tour their brewery, then belly up to the bar to try out one of those taps. It's almost always packed to the rafters, so we were happy to arrive and be seated right away on this trip. The atmosphere is laid back at the smokehouse; the bar area seems more like a neighborhood hangout than a stuffy gastropub. We got started on beer (Red Molly, and their IPA) and ordered their pretzel bites. Okay, these are not your typical pre-made, pour from freezer bag pretzel bites - they are chunks of dark, crispy bread, heavily buttered and salted, served with beer cheese and brown mustard. So good. They serve plenty of barbeque, but their smoked wings are one of THOSE THINGS. Fall off the bone tender, juicy, meaty and smoky - did I mention these are wings? Like, those little gristly things most places serve? Not here. I did have to fight the urge to have wings for dinner, as I wanted to try their version of Bahn Mi. Dan the Baker's baguette, smoked ham and pork, cucumbers, carrots and strips of raw jalapeño - I got a side of the gates of hell sauce to douse it all in. Smokin' hot and delish. My dinner companions got a barbeque chicken salad and the brisket dinner. The brisket was disappointingly tough, but the chicken salad was a hit. The Smokehouse runs happy hour specials during the week, if you needed more of a reason to stop in than beer and wings.
(3)
Susan R.
I have to say, I was not expecting to be won over by this restaurant. There were a couple of . . . incidents . . . that I'm not going to detail because they are neither here nor there, but they really came through in the end and I will be back. #1 thing that is going to bring me back to this restaurant: the grilled and smoked chicken wings (naked--I can't stand the idea of covering up the delicious chicken flavor). I would almost go back to eating meat full-time for this chicken. I haven't had chicken like this in probably 15 years and I love it. So tasty. The brisket was also pretty good. My burger was okay but not the best that it could have been (huge tho); I'll probably stick with the barbecue stuff from now on. I could eat that chicken erryday. Our server was delightful. We were there kind of late and she didn't make us feel rushed at all, and she was helpful and nice. I also enjoy their beer. It isn't too hoppy; it's really smooth and balanced. The space is clean and nice and comfortable. Overall, I am definitely a fan.
(4)
Kimberlee V.
My whole experience at Smokehouse was mediocre. It was nice to sit on their large patio and sample from their nice selection of beers, but that was as good as it got. The brisket and pulled pork sandwiches were just ok. For a place called a smokehouse, they were utterly disappointing. The smoked wings were pretty decent, but needed more sauce. The fries weren't anything special. Our service was pretty lousy. Our waitress had zero personality and was incredibly slow. We asked for a different sauce to go with the brisket sandwich and were completely finished when she finally brought it out. I can list several places in Columbus with much, much better BBQ so I'll pass on Smokehouse in the future.
(2)
Jeff K.
Rarely am I so profoundly disappointed, but Smokehouse Brewing Co. did it for me. Sorry! Sigh....let's get this out of the way. Food: Nothing that I liked. Chicken, dry. Sauerkraut balls, over friend and burnt. Pulled pork, under-seasoned, overcooked, and boring. Ambiance: A bit tacky, but that could just be me. Rustic, but in the restaurant falling apart kind of way. They could do better with maintenance. The restaurant, gargantuan no doubt. I applaud Lenny (the proprietor) for being able to stay open for so long. Beer: First of all, I never judge based on the beer. The 1 star is from everything else, but they are a brewery so I have to mention it. It's not for me. I'll just end it at that. I was shocked by how floored I was eating here, and not in a good way. The food, especially, was so horrendously disappointing. I always say food should be memorable. Smokehouse Brewing Co. was certainly memorable, just for all the wrong reasons.
(1)
Megan M.
I'm not sure if this is a franchise or not, but it felt like it, which is unfortunate. I try to go to small businesses in Columbus and I don't see any other locations for Smokehouse. The food was delicious, just a little too mass production feel to it. Would I go back for the pulled pork or the sliced beef brisket? DEFINITELY They both were delicious. The husband and I also liked seeing the beer making equipment. We'll definitely visit again. I'm not a beer drinker, but my husband really like the Brewtus Maxximus. I had a taste and it's good because it doesn't have that normal after taste that other beer has.
(3)
Scott B.
Kid's mac and cheese made with nacho cheese...not expected.
(3)
Angela H.
This place is way bigger inside than I thought! The bar area can get pretty loud but the dining area goes way back from it. We couldn't even hear the bar on a Friday night when sitting back in the booths. The decor and seating was pretty standard. Definitely more of a Barbeque joint feel. Very casual even though it seems like they are trying to make the entrees more upscale. The meats were all incredibly tender, perfectly smoked or grilled. I also liked the sweet Kansas bbq sauce but not a fan of the Tangy Texas sauce. The Smokehouse Platter ($15) is awesome but only get it if you're going to eat it all there. Otherwise the sauerkraut balls and onion strings get mushy the next day. The smoked half Chicken, brisket, and ribs entrees were all great. I wouldn't say it's the best bbq I've ever had but definitely good. The beers they brew are pretty good. They're only $3.50 for 16oz during happy from 4-7pm Monday-Friday.
(4)
Douglas G.
The Smokehouse brews its own beer, so i always try to see whats seasonal and try new ones that they are offering. Theyre great beers! Now they might be more known for brewing their own beer, but the real star at this place are the smoked/grilled smokehouse chicken wings. Im not exactly sure of the process they use, but the wing s are smoked and grilled at some point and are unlike any other wings ive ever tried. Deicious, fall off the bone and a very good size. Going on wing night is a steal. Wing night is great because you can get any amount of any of their awesome sauces. I usually get a few texas smokehouse dip which is their spicier bbq, some of their new asian flavor, some jerk flavored (my fav) and 1 Gates of Hell wing, which is their hottest sauce, just to get an extra little kick. I am always pleased with the wings, theyre the best around!! Dont forget to get the sauerkraut balls as an appetizer! Theyre delicious!
(4)
David W.
Always a good time. Lots of good brews. Good selection of appetizers and entrees. I had the sampler platter which includes humus n pita bread. Smoked wings n ribs w two bbq sauces. Kraut balls n horseradish sauce. Fried onion crisps. And thick pickke slices. Great service and nice ambience.
(4)
Jim L.
Beer flat, brisket fatty, pretzel bites weird, stingy with the sauces.... Don't waste your money.
(2)
Maria P.
This place is great for a casual night out with friends or watching a sporting event. I went the other night to watch a basketball game and check out their beer. There are ample TVs set up so there is a view no matter where you are sitting. We sat at the bar which was clean and our bartender was very attentive. It was the 6th brewery I have stopped at thus far on the Columbus Ale Trail. I ordered a flight of beers (4 total). Every one I had was delicious and robust with flavor. I plan to go back on a Sunday for their wing special and $10 craft pitchers! What a bargain!
(4)
Kami M.
My husband liked all 4 beers in his flight and we both LOVED the smoked wings!!! Closest thing to our bama smoked wings that we miss so much. Only complaint was that the hubbs didn't like the Rosemary taste in the sauerkraut balls, but I loved them. Thank you!
(4)
Matt W.
The Smokehouse is in the process of transforming themselves into "Smokehouse Brewing" - same great beer, but the menu is getting a bit of a revamp. (Don't worry - the sauerkraut balls are still there!) While some old favorites are still around, like the fried chicken, BBQ platters, and the famous mac 'n' cheese, they're also adding things like a pork trio that features asian slaw, glazed pork belly, and barley risotto, house made chips with beer cheese sauce, a smoked banh mi, and lamb burgers. Service was a little hit or miss when I visited, but I have to admit that we were also there with a large group, and that may have caused issues. If you haven't been there in a while, it's a perfect excuse to go back and see what's new!
(4)
Liz L.
I was super disappointed after our dinner last night. The smells as you walk in are so amazing that we had high expectations for the bbq. Everything we were served came out cold and not as expected. The sauerkraut balls were overly burnt. My brisket was hard, dry, cold, and rubbery. The mushroom soup I ordered was cold enough that the cheese in it hadn't melted. I didn't eat most of it. So disappointed I'm hoping that they were just having a bad night. From what I've heard, my experience was exceptional and smokehouse is normally delicious.
(2)
Chidi U.
Pulled pork sandwich, corn bread pudding, baked beans, pulled brisket sandwich, Mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes were ordered. All I can say is WOW. The corn bread pudding was beyond amazing along with the rest of the food. Service was great from beginning to end. Great place with great food.
(5)
Jim E.
Glad to see the separation between the two places. For me & the crew it's night & day the food & beers they have on tap. Smokehouse, see you soon.
(5)
Stephen F.
The beer is fantastic! The atmosphere is pretty decent, and the service was great. The food is very tasty, specifically the pulled pork was amazing.
(4)
Drew Z.
The barbeque is above average, and the sides are great. The beer isn't quite up to par, but is good for the old-school English style they present. Maybe I prefer my beers a little too extreme, but I'd love to see something that actually blew me away instead of everything just being simple and easy to drink.
(3)
Joe Y.
Our first brewery stop in Columbus and this place didn't disappoint! We started a beer sample of 4 beers, two IPAs, a stout and a Christmas ale. All four beers were very good and typically at a brewery I don't know much about I don't expect more than one good beer. For food I had the slider collection which consisted of a pulled pork, brisket and a pulled chicken slider with fries and a taste of coleslaw. The brisket was the stand out sandwich. I like that their BBQ menu isn't overwhelming which a lot of BBQ places tend to do. Service was very good. Worth going to again if I'm in the city, good BBQ, great beers and plenty of room this place was huge!
(4)
Ken L.
The servers seem to know what beers are a good call. They have a lot of good BBQ options and suggestions as to what beer will match. This is a nice place to go after seeing a game.
(4)
Alexis S.
Wow I was so taken a back when I went here. I've never been a huge fan of smoke houses but this was the BOMB. Their wings are truly the best I've ever had, so juicy yet crispy on the outside, sweet bbq is the best sauce. I enjoyed their sauerkraut balls and their pulled chicken, brisket, and pork killed. My only complaint was on the trio sliders, the buns should be toasted amd buttered or at least warmed to compliment the amazing meat, I ended up taking the meat out and eating it alone without the bun. Service was great, friendly atmosphere, and clean restrooms. I highly recommend!!!!
(5)
Indy T.
This place is the GOAT. Scottish Ale, smoked wings, sauerkraut balls. First time back since i moved away from cbus last year. New modern look. Same great beer and food. Service always friendly as well. They used to do 50 cent wings on Sunday. Not sure if they still do or not
(5)
Jonathan M.
This place is one of my favorite in Columbus. My wife and I love there Texas BBQ wings. Beer is good, BBQ is great and atmosphere is really nice.
(5)
Emma L.
Hmmmm. This one is a little tough for me, as my experiences here have been in the 2-4 range. So, here we are with 3 stars. Food: Your typical BBQ/Smokehouse offerings. Pulled pork, chicken, brisket, etc. Wings, fried apps, Southern sides, Salads and Sandwiches. The Sauerkraut Balls appetizer is the true win on the menu (6 for $6.50). They are easily the best sauerkraut balls I've had around Columbus and they are bigger and tastier than the other Barley's location on High Street. The pickles are great and seem homemade - but when I asked for a few more slices, our server said "So you would like to order more?" Turns out a side of pickles (slices of what would equate to about 3/4 of a whole pickle) will run you $3. $3?! Unnecessary and ridiculous. Drinks: The beers are okay. They brew some of their own and the Scottish ale is pretty good. Nothing amazing - I usually bounce around the drink menu. Service: Um, well, definitely hit or miss. It's usually pretty okay with a side of "they didn't forget about us, right?" The last time I visited (what prompted this review), they seated my group of 6 in a booth the very far back corner, right in between a private party and a party of about 12-15. We literally had to shimmy through the party to be seated. It was not by any means busy and it is HUGE! We easily passed 25 open tables on our way to the corner. The guys were bummed they couldn't see the TVs and we felt like we had been banished. I suggested moving, but at the sake of politeness, everyone declined. Well, I wish we had moved. Our waitress came over and had the weirdest vibe. Kind of too-cool-for-school/I don't want to be here. She was flirting with the guys at the table and was being rude at the same time. And then it hit me. She's wasted. She had joked about having a "few" Christmas Ales earlier in the day, but come on. Two of us had our drinks and it took her 15 minutes to bring the others. Apology? Nope. Just a "haha found them!" It's not a joke when you're being rude to us, not bringing our drinks and not acting the least bit sorry we're sitting here getting pissed off. I won't discount the entire establishment because of one really lousy waitress -but Barley's, please - rethink the dumb overcharge for extras, use your space a little better and hire people who care to have repeat customers.
(3)
Heather C.
Mediocre food and ok service. See the end of the review for one major complaint! We've been here twice and have tried a few different things on the menu. Nothing was good enough to brag about or recommend. The menu states that the meat is slow smoked for over ten hours so you'd expect something good. Brisket - smokey but dry. Pulled pork - dry and needed to add salt. Meatloaf - different twist on meatloaf, I'm undecided on that one. :) Sauerkraut balls - greasy but ok, not the best I've had. Turkey club - bacon was 80% fat, thick cut, and undercooked. Ribs, both styles - ok, but I wouldn't order them again. Kind of tough and meat to bone ratio was bad. Service has been ok both times. My biggest complaint is that they charged me 50 cents for a an ounce and a half of BBQ sauce. We ordered three dishes and only got two of the little 2 oz sauce cups (not full of course) of BBQ sauce. I only liked the Texas sauce so I asked for an extra cup of it. When we got the bill there was a charge for it. IT IS A BBQ PLACE!!!! There should be BBQ sauce on the stinking table! I don't know why this little detail made me so mad, but I think it's ridiculous. So my conclusion is that we probably won't return.
(2)
Amanda G.
I was recommended to come here and it looked like a nice joint from outside. The inside atmosphere was kind of neat as well. I honestly was not impressed with the beers. Their most popular one "Scottish" something tasted identical to Yuengling (which I did like by far the best). The BBQ was OK at best. Prices were far too expensive for drinks and food and it just wasn't worth the price. Our waiter appeared to be working nearly the whole place, he was attentive, but rubbed us the wrong way. My friend did not care for the beer he recommended and then when she ordered another one he stated they would charge her for it still and we hadn't even asked him not to. He was very unfriendly. Probably won't be back, just felt it wasn't worth it.
(2)
Shannon B.
My first encounter with Smokehouse Brewing was when I purchased a 'beer tour' for my fiance's birthday. First stop was Smokehouse, where we were given beer samples and the sampler platter. We were hooked!! Every time we have come back, the food, beer, and service has been excellent. I definitely recommend the sampler platter, and if not the sampler, definitely the sauerkraut balls. My fiance HATES sauerkraut, and he absolutely loves the sauerkraut balls here. Also, the pickles. The pickles are to die for! We took some friends here for the first time this past weekend, and they were blown away by how delicious the food was. We had a group of 6 adults and 4 kids, and we were having a good time and I'm sure being a bit rowdy. We got some disapproving looks from the table next to us, but the waiter never once appeared annoyed with our loud talking and laughter, rather he was very well spirited and took excellent care of us. We will be back again and again!
(5)
Jason M.
My favorite restaurant in Columbus! Great food! Great people! Great atmosphere! And most of all GREAT BEER!!!! Have taken many of my friends here. All loved it. Just had my 40th birthday party there. Took care of 35+ friends and family. No one was without anything EVER! I give it 10 stars!
(5)
Mike G.
So a confirmed vegetarian and a budding pescatarian plan on doing lunch together. Where do they go? Barley's Smokehouse of course! Yeah, seriously. A BBQ joint. About two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of another lunch with Jessica H. I ended up getting the Cubano sandwich and fries. It was pretty good all in all, although I felt guilty eating it. Although I will say that the Cuban's in Florida taste better. Plenty of food of which I ate less than half and then took the rest home to throw in the trash at a later date. Jessica seemed pleased with her salad with onion straws, added to more zing. I tasted them and yeah, they were pretty good. Kinda like Max and Erma's. Basic looking place. Looks somewhat empty now that the pool tables are gone. Service was just fine and I'd go back again.
(4)
Duane L.
Went to Smokehouse Brewing for lunch today. Barbecue and beer are the focal point. It is a nice menu beyond barbecue. I got a platter with chicken, pulled pork and brisket. It was outstanding Q. Nice smoke but not overwhelming. The brisket was particularly outstanding. Me saying that is a big deal because I tend to not be a brisket fan. My wife loved her bison burger. She had french fried sweet potatoes. They were excellent. The other sides is what keeps me from giving it a five-star rating. I don't eat anything with mayo so I gave my coleslaw to my wife. She was not impressed. My fries could have come out of McDonalds. Very ordinary. Outstanding beer selection. They brew many different kinds right there at the place. the Centennial IPA was good but they also have what are called "guest beers" and they have bottled beers. You can buy growlers of their beers to take home. I brought home the Centennial IPA and a barleywine. You can buy a "flight". That is about two shots per of four different beers. Nice selection of scotch, including my preferred Islay single malts, and eight or ten different bourbons. Comfortable chairs. Nice hardwood decor. Easy to get to and close to home could make this place our go-to eatery.
(4)
Christina C.
It's hard to pass by Barley's and not want to stop in. The smokey smells wafting from this BBQ/beer establishment are irresistible! I've been here a few occasions at varied times of the year, but the fall months are my favorite because of their beer selection! Nothing beats a nice brew, some awesome BBQ and your favorite football team playing on one of their screens. If the game doesn't interest you, I bet you'll enjoy creating some competition of your own on one of their pool tables. Given all of your options in Grandview and UA, this is a pretty solid choice for pretty fantastic beer, BBQ, a place for groups AND even a patio. It's easy to access from just about anywhere since it's right off 670, too. Mmmmmm, BBQ & beer! I need to head back soon.
(4)
Amy P.
I'm not the biggest BBQ fan - - It's just another BBQ joint, expensive, with mediocre food. I would not pick to eat here again based on loving the restaurant, but I'm also not opposed to eating here again if someone else wanted to go here. It is truly just a "meh" place for me.
(3)
Holly C.
This place was just ok to me, probably because I've had some amazing bbq in Texas, but it was good, just not amazing. The beef brisket and ribs were all good, can't really complain. However, since there aren't too many bbq places in Columbus, it'll probably hit the spot if you're crazing some and you're in the area. I hate to compare, but my favorite is still Ray Ray's Hog Pit, now that little food truck is the best bbq in Columbus!
(3)
Martha O.
We went in with high hopes. We have read many good reviews about this place. Besides the hair I found in my food this place is average at best. They did comp my meal which gets them 3 stars instead of 2.
(3)
Matt G.
Great Experience! Staff was very friendly and attentive; food was great; and the oktoberfest beer is quite tasty! I went here for an AMA event last Thursday, and was surprised how much I liked it. Their wings are very tender; the meat practically fell off the bone! Happy Hour is not bad either. They have a select # of house beers at $3.25 for a 16oz (added is a photo of those beers; all except the Russian Imperial apply) I'd say if you like beer and wings, definitely go! It's also a good place to play pool and get a variety of different foods as well.
(4)
Jessica H.
A great place to come if you need a vegetarian fix. Yes, you heard me right. I'm in hog heaven NOT eating the BBQ, but simply partaking in the wonderful aromas, strategically heightened by the Firkin Friday offer. Firkin Friday is a specialty firkin-barrel-type thing that gets tapped on Friday's at 3 and is offered at a special price till the suds run dry. LOVE the Russian Imperial Stout this way! The firkin is actually served at cellar temperature and not cold-cold. Mac n cheese is great, get it with a side of both of their BBQ sauces. Onion strings are slightly greasy but better than most places and dip oh-so-well into the aforementioned BBQS.
(4)
Bill S.
The constant rotation of house brews & guest taps are awesome. Seasonal brews are definitely highlights. If you love wings & want to try something different you have got to try these wings. Awesome. I get all the sauces mixed on the side & dip my wings. Did I mention Mildred's Saurkraut Balls. Outstanding. Turkey nut burger & everything else is great.
I remember coming here previously last winter and it was pretty good from what I recall. This visit was quite the letdown and I most likely will not be back. The coveted sauerkraut balls were very bland and seemed burnt. My 14 dollar brisket platter was underwhelming as well. Fries seemed like they were right off a McDonald's menu and the brisket was very run of the mill barbeque. Waitress was attentive enough for our miniscule needs which was a plus. Didn't bother with the beer as I remember not being fond of the menu before. The food menu is very small as well, not many options. All in all a very so-so visit...
(2)
Suzanne K.
Terrible, slow, disorganized service. Ordered pulled pork which I have never tried before. Friends told me it was a melt in your mouth type of experience. Mine was as dry as shoe leather. Sent it back, next batch was the same. Everybody's food was mediocre at beat and not cheap. Shoe leather pulled pork, which I didn't even eat, was not taken off the check. Very pricey for crappy food. Will not go back.
(2)
Doug O.
I've been back a few times and had pretty positive experiences. I like the beer, and as the place is a brewery first and a restaurant second, the beer is front and center. There is a good tap rotation with new beers coming on frequently. There is a good balance of Barley's beers and beers from other breweries. There is often one or more firkin on, which I enjoy. The food still doesn't match that of an elite BBQ restaurant, but it's pretty solid and I enjoy it. The shredded BBQ chicken sandwich is my current favorite. The bartenders are friendly. Lenny, one of the brewers, is often floating around. He is friendly and outgoing, so say hello if you see him.
(4)
John P.
We had not been to Barleys smokehouse for some time. Could not have been more disappointed. The floors of the dining room looked like they hadn't been cleaned for hours; littered with pieces of food, napkins, and silverware. Ordered the pretzel bites as an appetizer, and in three minutes they brought a plate of stale, bread like pretzels. After noticing a full plate of these pretzel bites, the server suspected we didn't care for them and she apologized and suggested we try the sour kraut balls. They were ok. Then our meal arrived, salad and meal at the same time, followed by the sour kraut balls. Very poor timing when the salad arrives with the meal and then the appetizer a few minutes later. Pulled pork sandwich was good. Beer was good. We did ask for additional BBQ sauce, and they bring in a small plastic cup. However, upon receiving the bill, we learned they charge 50 cents for additional sauce, at a BBQ restaurant? Not sure we could ever recall that happening before, anywhere. Probably won't be back. Too many other good restaurants in the area.
(1)
Thomas S.
I've been to numerous craft breweries in my time, I had never been to a brewery where you were charged for single samples. My girlfriend and I went for some BBQ and wanted to try some of their brews. The brisket is great and melts in your mouth. The beer was ok but we were charged .75 each for trying 2 samples (neither we took more than one drink from). The waitress brought our check after finished eating and noticed the charge. When we asked the waitress why we were charged for the 2 samples she simply stated (in a rude tone) you cannot just get beer for free.. Unless you're sitting at the bar. Had not been told about the sample charge or had it not been listed anywhere on the menu. I feel its dishonest not only to charge when the customer is not being advised of it but also that only at the bar are you able to try different beers instead of anywhere in the restaurant. Food is good, service sucked.
(3)
Stir R.
Been going here for over a decade and they might just have the best smoked wings in the city! Here's the problem though, twice we were sat in the same dark, extremely cold corner and the place was next to empty both times. We walked by all these open booths to the back of the restaurant and during this last visit we must have gotten the waitress in training. We were spoken to like three years olds, high pitch, at first I confused her for just being upbeat, then we soon realized it was part of the act she felt she needed to play. When placing orders it was really was quite annoying. Everything we said was repeated back to us, like going to a drive through or movie theatre. She asked the same questions twice, left us scratching our heads because it was awkward. Maybe learn to read your customers better, if they need that type of support in placing an order or telling you how amazing their wings were. Enough of that though, best firken wings in the city!!
(4)
John S.
Barley's is a great place to get a craft beer. The Bartender's are well-versed in the different beers that are on tap and are more than welcome to help out if you have questions. They brew quite a few beers on site and even have Growler's available (for purchase) so that you can take one of your favorites brews home with you. As for the service; it has greatly improved over the years that I have lived in Grandview. Obviously; if you visit during peak-hours, expect to wait a bit longer for your food (thats a good sign) :-)
(5)
Daniel N.
Very unimpressed. Maybe I set my expectations too high, but my overall experience here was very bad. We went in, stood at the host table, and waited. And waited. And waited. My fiance was mortified, but I went in and got a waitress to seat us, so maybe I set the tone for bad service, but after several minutes of waiting with literally no one around, and only 2 waitresses visible on the whole floor (one was also bar tending) I felt like I should call attention to ourselves. The fried sauerkraut balls were very fried and very little sauerkraut. The BBQ brisket was good, the ribs weren't great, and the chicken was pretty good. Service was lacking throughout, and the drinks were expensive, with no specials available.
(1)
Christy F.
In three words: Barley's Christmas Ale. Year after year this brew has been family tradition making my holidays all the more jolly; smooth but spiced to perfection like all good seasonal beverages, get a growler to wash down that Turkey. The pulled pork and brisket are excellent choices, even the wings sans bbq sauce have great flavor. Grandpa practically liked the Mac n'cheese out of the bowl. I've saved the best for last, in my humble opinion these are the best sauerkraut balls in Columbus. Warm and friendly atmosphere and the service has always been good. Stop in if for nothing else a kraut ball and beer.
(4)
Nick C.
Was very excited when I had read the sign that they were rolling out a new menu on May 7th, I even read on a couple food blogs that the new items would be a big jump from the old menu. I pass this location on my way to and from work daily and have always wanted to try it, so when my future in-laws came into town this weekend I figured a Sunday night dinner of BBQ was a great idea. Well it was a great idea on theory, ended up being slow service, dried out rack of ribs, so-so craft beers and terrible pork belly sliders. I was wholly unimpressed, and it stated with the hostess when I called before we left the house to make sure we would not need a reservation, she said "oh we are dead so no problem" which is why when we arrived and were told it was a 15min wait I found it odd, clearly in sight were 4 empty booths and servers milling around. We thought we would get a beer at the bar, after standing at the bar for 5-7 minutes with no acknowledgement we went back to host stand, when the bartender walked over looking annoyed and asking if we still wanted drinks, we told her no we would be just ordering at table now. When we were seated the waitress came over and asked for drink orders but when my fiance's mother asked for a recommendation she blankly stared at her with no help. She then asked about starters and I placed an order for 10 wings, which were the best thing about the entire place, smoked and grilled wings are good here. After she dropped the wings at the table it was probably 10 more minutes before she came back to take entree orders, then 15-20 for entrees which was not terrible but the food was, she never came by to ask how things were or get more water or napkins (it is a bbq joint right?) until she brought the check. When we raised concerns with quality she had the only reply of "well if you did not eat the ribs we could have gotten you something else if they were dry" now there were 3 uneaten ribs on the plate and clear burn marks on underside of rack but ok sure thing. I will be hard pressed to try this place again, maybe others will go and have better luck but for my money I would stay away.
(2)
Pat P.
We had dinner here after a long day of football, and boy was it worth it. The food at the smokehouse is the kind of good, hearty bbq that really satisfies a hunger. I had a sampler of 3 different bbq meats (Chicken, brisket, and pork) all done very well, good smoke flavor, tender and juicy. The sauce was good. (not award winning, but it more than satisfied) for sides, I had mac and cheese, which was very creamy and very rich, and baked beans which were also good. I've been back several times, and everything I've had is just as good as that first plate. This is a great place to catch an evening game and dinner. And of course, being Barley's, the beer is stellar!
(4)
Lisa R.
Do you like BBQ? Yeah, me too. How is Barley's with BBQ? MMMMMMMM, *drool*, yeah it's decent. So the last visit, the better half and I took my parents. Out of a party of four, two of us chose the sweeter sauce, two chose the spicier/tangy sauce. After trying both sauces, three out of the four of us preferred the sweet to the tangy. The tangy has a bit of a kick and may or may not take some hostages on the way down. Between the group, we got ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Ribs were enjoyed by all. Fall off the bone, tender, flavorful. Pulled pork was for me and was super flavorful. I really could have just kept eating it if my plate would refill itself. [Note to barley's, if you could make that happen, that would be flipping AWESOME]. ERMAHGAWD, PULLED PORK. The brisket was also mine, it was just "meh". The flavor was decent, wasn't very moist though. It was just dry, didn't really enjoy and the BBQ sauce didn't help as much. A good brisket shouldn't need sauce to make it desirable. Baked beans were spot on. Fries were spot on. Onion strings were spot on as well. Not really sure, but the onion strings the better half ordered kept disappearing. I know, i don't understand it either! I was just as baffled as you!! I am informed that the beer selection was rather desirable. Two thumbs up on that. I would totally recommend, especially if they can figure out how to get that plate to refill itself.
(4)
Amy H.
Yelp reviews don't lie. This place is average. Our brother-in-law was in Columbus on business last night, so we drove from Medina to meet him for dinner. We were all flying blind, since none of us knew the area. But, I did a search on Yelp for some places and the BIL's co-worker suggested Barley's. So, we went with Barley's. Thank goodness, the company was worth that four hour drive (round trip), because the food wasn't. Granted, the portions were decent, the fries were tasty, the chicken & rice soup was hearty, the guys liked their beef brisket sandwiches and raved about their pints of VS ESB, and the baked beans were the best part of my meal. Plus, the hostess was pleasant and our server did well to keep our drinks filled. What makes me sad about a place that calls itself a smokehouse and boasts about it's award winning food, is when it doesn't deliver on it's promises. My meat was painfully dry (I had the baby back ribs & chicken) and for those prices you'd think they would make absolutely sure the meat was spot on ('fall off the bone' tender? Ummm, maybe every night but Tuesday?), the women's bathroom had a strange smell and the feel of the place was well. . average. The outdoor seating area was located by the entrance, so we got a nice face full of secondhand smoke before walking in the front door, and it felt to me that the place could use a good scrub. Maybe next time we'll stick with the beer and appetizers.
(2)
Heather D.
Love it so much that I buy 1/2 price hookups whenever they become available. The mussels are great and the wings are amazing. But the best thing is the beer. I prefer lighter colored beers but the reds are good too, heck I even like the hoppy ones. Nothing is better the a good craft beer.
(4)
Ben L.
The Beer here is AWESOME, I also have a secret addiction to Mildred's Sauerkraut balls and their Cuban Sandwich, I get this combo almost every time Im here which is twice a month. I'v also had the wings, brisket, steamed mussels, meatloaf sandwich, hummus, and a few other things I cant think of at the moment, I really haven't had any bad experiences here ever. I normally drop in here on friday night (which can be very busy) but i think that's when the food and the beer is the best too! You just gotta love this place..
(4)
Non P.
Yes and pulled meat and mac and cheese and fries yes and a huge selection of very good beer yes and barbeque sauce and decent portions and service yes and why would anyone go to City Barbeque when Barley exists? This isn't quite five-star barbeque, but it's easily four-star barbeque.
(4)
Devon P.
Cubano sandwich was excellent! Great smoked meat plus amazing garlic pickles piled high and served with fries. The popular sauerkraut balls were not amazing, just a nice different treat; the dipping sauce served with it was great, try to snag some extra for your fries! And ask for extra pickles, trust me! Lots of TV's, tons of varied seating options, pool tables, a few arcade games; cool place.
(4)
Stac M.
I had been here 3 times (to be exact) before I found something I really liked. My partner really loves all the craft beer they have on tap. He also loves the sauerkraut balls. Personally I don't really like their burgers/sandwiches nor their balls. So we have gone back, and I have tried a lot of food, with lack luster results. Finally, on this trip, I found something I like! Their steak salad was cooked just the way I like it- med with a lot of pink in the center. The fries were pushed to the side so you can get a little or a lot (makes it easier to grab the lettuce first)! The dressing was also on the side! And, it all tasted great! Our waitress was also great. She was there when we needed her and didn't fuss over us when we were talking. In my quest to liven things up a bit, I brought a little card game with us this time. We played a couple rounds and no one seemed to mind! Finally, something to look forward to when I go. Now- what is good at Winking Lizard? hmm..
(3)
Julie H.
Definitely one of Columbus's best kept secrets....the wings are way better than BWW and cheaper especially on Sundays when there's the 55 cent per wing special. They have great appetizers such as mussels and sauerkraut balls. I've been here plenty of times with friends and love this place. You can order fresh beer made in their brewery or you can order what you like from the selection. The food is great, reasonable prices, and the restaurant is clean. I'd rather go here than BWW any day.
(4)
Tina F.
NOT FOR VEGETARIANS OR HEALTHY EATERS! I met with a bunch of friends who were looking for an easy place to meet that was centrally located and wouldn't be too crowded on a Saturday night. It met those requirements and they have good beer but the food was not good. I got the black bean burger which was nothing more than a Morningstar Farms burger on a dry bun with a piece of unripe tomato and lettuce. I asked for avocado on it b/c I saw that on another salad so I knew they had it, the avocado pieces were hard as a rock. I couldn't even eat them & I LOVE avocados! The fries were limp and lukewarm - definitely frozen out of a box as well. The only fish option on the menu was deep fried. :( Plus - almost EVERYTHING else on the menu had meat in it - even the salads. Also, the mixed drinks are not very good either. I had a vodka & cranberry and it came with a dried up piece of lime - literally NO juice came out of it when I tried to squeeze it into my drink. Very unappetizing. . . If you want a good beer, go here. If you want good food - NOT! Disappointing because a few years ago it was pretty good, but they got rid of many old menu items.
(1)
Keith B.
I usually get the boy-oh-boy platter, because most of the food is not exactly anything that blows me away. I've been here with a small group from my days at Nationwide to my time at Web Analytics Wednesday with a huge-ass group of people. Somehow, the server always keeps orders (and drinks) straight. I think I can simply echo Bryan's review - the beer is better than the food, and the food is pretty good.
(3)
David F.
The house-brewed beers are excellent. The Centennial IPA, Russian Imperial Stout, and the Highland Hammer are three of my favorites. The head-brewmaster, Angelo, is fast becoming a Columbus institution. The guest beer list is always fantastic. I almost forgot to mention $10 pitchers of select house-brewed beers on Sunday's! The food is very tasty and well done. I highly recommend the sauerkraut balls, brisket nachos, and the barbecued meatloaf. The menu has a barbecue theme, but it is packed with delicious items. The staff is friendly and very attentive. One of the bartenders, Monika, does a fantastic job and is beyond friendly. April, Sarah, Katie, and Jersey are great too! The Smokehouse is very worth your time!
(5)
Mike C.
I go to Barley's Smokehouse very regularly and enjoy it every time. My favorite food item there has to be the sauerkraut balls with the spicy dipping sauce. They are amazing. And I swear, I normally hate chicken wings but they are delicious here. Honestly though, I usually come for the beer. TWO count em TWO handpull cask conditioned ales at a time. A fine selection of microbrew ales and lagers; most that I have tried have been delicious. You can always count on a good selection of guest taps from breweries around the country. They serve their homemade beer in growlers (1/2 gallon jugs) to go. It is a bit pricey at first but goes down if you bring back the jug. Two things keep me from awarding 5 stars. First being parking, which is pretty dismal. The lot is dark and torn up, and I wouldn't leave any valuables in my car while parking that is for sure. Second being service, which is always sub par. Working at a brewpub, it is necessary to know the difference between types of ales and lagers, as well as be up to date on your brew selection. This rarely happens and has been consistently bad the last few years I have gone there.
(4)
Brad S.
Barley's serves up bland BBQ for unimaginative palates that is on par with other chain restaurants in the area such as Hoggy's (and, increasingly, City BBQ). Their food is on about a two-star level, but I gave them an extra star becaue I enjoyed their Scottish Ale. (yes, all 3 pints. *urp*) Wifey and I stopped in here for lunch last week and the place was pretty much dead. We sat on the patio and were surrounded by those bushes that smell like cat piss. Not a good first impression. Also, those blue and orange Oberon umbrellas look completely tacky, and are already starting to fade. It looks terrible. So, right off the bat, atmosphere pretty much blows goats. We were "greeted" by our banana slug of a server who grunted out a hello and asked for our drink order. I actually don't think he strung together an entire sentence over the entire course of the meal - only fragments such as "Drinks?" "Food good?" "Check?" were burped out. I'm pretty sure he was nursing a hangover, so I'll give him a bit of a pass. The menu is downright laughable as one other reviewer noted - it looks like it hasn't been updated since the 80s. This is something I expected to see at the Elephant Bar or Rocky's back in the day - a spiral-bound, laminated, sticky mess loaded with outdated pics of unappetizing slop, surrounded by hilariously anachronistic descriptions that appeal to absolutely no one in present-day society. Regardless, I muddled through and settled on the "Boy oh Boy" platter that offers 3 mini sandwiches of beef brisket, pulled chicken, and pulled pork (comes with fries and cole slaw). Wifey got the sampler of 2 meats (pulled pork and brisket) with a side of cole slaw. The food came out in a decent amount of time (as far as I remember - I was 2 Scottish Ales deep at this point on an empty stomach), and the hilarity continued with the presentation. The food is served on GIANT white square plates that are apropos of nothing. It also serves to make the portions look tiny, as the food sits in the middle of this Wyoming-shaped and sized expanse. The sandwiches were the size of sliders and there were a grand total of 12 fries on my plate - next to the thimble-sized container of cole slaw. The taste of the food - as I mentioned before - is for dumbed-down palates and what people in suburbia think of as "BBQ". Nothing stood out to either of us, taste-wise, and we both finished our meals with a collective "meh". Another annoyance is that there are no bottles of sauce on the tables, and any BBQ joint worth its salt needs to have copious amounts of sauce available at arms length at all times. I'm not sure why people laud this place, because I found it sterile and boring as hell. It also ain't cheap. The two of us dropped $58 on lunch before tip. The location (on the wasteland of Dublin Road), atmosphere, food, and service all leave a lot to be desired. The beer was the saving grace, but I can get good microbrews at about 100 other places in Columbus.
(3)
Jonathan O.
Freakin' awesome wings. They're prepared special. they put the sauce on first and then grill them.
(4)
Tolga T.
Ok I am not here to judge their food since I am not an expert in BBQ type of food. My comment is strictly about the restaurant's policy.! My beef brisket was served with a touch of the BBQ sauce on top and there was definitely not enough sauce for the meat. I asked for some extra sauce and the answer was " It is 50 cents, do you want it? " Are you kidding me??? I have never had to pay extra for bbq sauce and I have been to numerous bbq joints all over the country. I am sure there are others with the same mentality but not in my book. Not going back there again.!!!
(1)
Asa G.
First, the hostess placed my friend and I in an area full of family and kids that were really unruly. I ordered the meatloaf sandwich with fries and a side salad. My salad was composed of wilted lettuce and looked and tasted horrible. The meatloaf sandwich was very dry and flavorless. My friends order a combination of pulled pork, brisket, and chicken sandwich. I asked for the salad before my meal and it was served afterwards. The other tables that were sat after us got their food 15 minutes before us. I ordered a beer and it was warm and tasted horrible. I DO NOT recommend this place.
(1)
Karen W.
Yep, I am a fan. I've been to Barley's many a-times for lunch and for dinner and I have never been disappointed in their food. Been here for Mother's Day, for my going away party for a previous job that I had and just to celebrate whatever the occasion may be. The hubby and I went to Barley's for dinner last night. He had the Monster Burger with fries and I had their Beef Brisket Quesadilla. Both were very good. I would have to say that their quesadillas are great and cant compare to any other restaurant that I've been to. Oh, and you have to try their Sauerkraut Balls too -- and if you're not a big sauerkraut fan, they arent that bad and they actually rinse the sauerkraut so that you can taste the other flavors in them. Definitely a place to go back to. I've been chicken to try their 'brew' ... maybe next time!
(4)
Kristen L.
Not impressed at all. The restaurant was freezing cold. We all kept our coats on the whole time. The service was semi friendly. The restrooms smelt like sewage back up. For food, the only enjoyable thing ( i didn't have any beer) were the smoked wings. I got a turkey burger which had decent flavor, but the fries were cold and stale. One person in my group got pulled pork and it was just so so, especially for a "smokehouse". It was pretty dry. Her meal came with onion straws and they were burnt; I mean charred. We asked the server if that was how they were supposed to be and he responded, "well no, but the kitchen burns them most of the time". So why did they serve us something burnt?! The baby back ribs were also dry and just not good. Now their KC style house bbq sauce was thick, sweet, and pretty good. And I really liked their smoky, peppery Texas style house bbq sauce. But even these good sauces could save the disaster that they called bbq. Really this place isn't where you'd go if you wanted good BBQ. If you want beer and wings then hit this place up and you'll be satisfied food wise. But if you want BBQ then don't bother.
(2)
Vaughan S.
The smoked/grilled wings are the absolute best. Also love the brisket nachos. The house brewed beers run the gamut and they have a really nice guest list.
(5)
Craig G.
Nice selection of beers, and decent food, but the service sucks. Seems they all have 'tude.
(2)
Kevin R.
If you know me you know that if you combine beer and food in one place and the appropriate adjective for the selection of each one at that place is good or great, that there's a good chance I'm going to love your place. Add smoked in front of a few of the menu items and you're going to have to drag me out of there kicking and screaming. Barley's Smokehouse delivers on all counts. If you've been here or to the High St. location, you know they brew some super tasty brew here. I've never met a beer they've brewed that I didn't like and several of their fantastic firkins are among my all time favorites. There's nothing like getting some craft beer that's only traveled a few feet from it's point of origin to get to your glass. After you decide on your tasty beverage and you shift your focus over from brew to your belly you're greeted by a menu that at first glance may look like your typical bar and grill menu, but don't be fooled! Everything I've ever ordered here no matter how pedestrian or standard it may sound, always wows. These guys take their food just as seriously as their beer. Speaking of the scrumptious food; If you eat chicken at all you owe it to yourself to try their smoked wings before you leave this Earth. Even if you've hated every other "buffalo wing" or fried wing you've ever had. I love smoking meats and I make a pretty mean smoked chicken wing myself and I can vouch that these wings are the real deal. Tender, smokey and not too greasy; they're great on their own or with one of the many sauce options they have (do yourself a favor and try them plain at least once). Should you chose to shun smoked meats, the salads are large, fresh and beautifully presented as well. While this is a rare instance that the service could be abysmal and I'd still go every now and then to get my fix, fortunately that's not the case. While you'll be totally distracted by the great beer and food, the service here has always been prompt and friendly. Bottom Line: Whether you're looking for a good meal, a night out for some drinks while you watch a game, or both Barleys should be on your short list of places to go if you're in the neighboorhood.
(5)
Justin K.
I read another review from a "vegetarian" and LOLed. What vegetarian would go to a place with "Smokehouse" in the name? Yes folks, it is confirmed that you will not like this place if you are vegetarian/vegan/bulimic etc. I love Barley's. The staff is always super friendly and attentive. The meat is good. Try it! I've had a couple of things off the menu that I wasn't too thrilled about but that should be common with most people. The friendliness of the staff offset this considerably. Go with friends, have fun, have a beer and eat some meat!
(5)
Christopher G.
Two visits, and two rude waitresses. Strange, they both must have gone to the same watressing class... Both where unaware of anything on the menu, knew nothing about beer, and were slow to our needs. We had to ask for things that should have been brought out, and the first one was just so pissed off she was there, it was bringing us down. We actually had leftovers, but didn't want to ask her for a box, so we left them. The food wasn't bad, but I don't think Ill return for a while...quite a while.
(2)
Chad W.
Go to Barley's for 2 things. 1 - the beer. 2- the wings, especially Mondays for happy hour. Best wings in town, stick with the KC sauce. Smokey and delicious.
(4)
Brian D.
I am a fan. I guess I should start out by being honest, before going to barleys, I had become sadly no longer a fan of wings that were bone in, after too much of my college years eating at BW3s, and their wings, I decided that I just wanted to go boneless, because they were meatier, and at the very least not tough and dry. Barleys, brought my love for wings back. I'm not even kidding. There is something about the way that they smoke the wings, then finish them on a grill that make them so tender, so full of flavor that I could eat them by the pound if my belly allowed it. The sauces are pretty tasty, the standard buffalo being a bit hotter then other places which is always good in my book. The chili lime being yummy, and the bbq being smokey and full of flavor. I'll be honest that I've never tried any of the other food here, and thats okay, because why would you want to really? There is a wonderfully large selection of beer both on tap and in bottles that you can try. Some of the beer is brewed in house, the scottish ale, and the coffee stout are pretty tasty, and reasonably priced. If you are in the mood for wings, and want to try something a bit different then go here, happy hour is 4-7 and 50 cent wing day is on Monday.
(4)
Rick D.
If you wish not to witness the night manager berating his employees behind the bar within earshot of everyone (pompous jerk), dont sit at the bar. This happened both times we sat at the bar. Having said that, dont pass this place up. Waiting staff is great, beer selection very good and the food is awsome! You cant come here without getting the smoked wings. KC Style is fabulous! Kraut Balls are a favorite here as well.
(4)
Greg S.
I'll admit, I'm a little biased towards Barley's since my wife and I went here on one of our early dates. However, we keep going back for the beer and the food which we thoroughly enjoy. Located off Riverside Drive, Barley's is much larger then it looks from the outside. The first thing which hits you is the hickory smoke, emanating from one of their smokers. There are 2 large dining areas, decorated in rustic wood...exactly what you would expect from a BBQ joint. The staff has always been pleasant and timely with orders. One thing I really like is that their boothes are extra large, many could take 8 people no problem. I always start off with the Sauerkraut Balls, deep fried little joys of 'kraut served with a delicious dipping sauce. For dinner, it's hard to beat one of their rib combos. They are dry rubbed, with just the right amount of sauce (I hate overly wet ribs). They are so tender, you can just flick 'em and the meat falls off. My wife usually goes for their smoked half chicken, which I must admit I've even considered buying once or twice despite my preference for beef. Then there is the beer. They brew a wide range of beers from pale ales, to IPAs to a Stout. My favorites are MacLenny's Scottish Ale and their Barley's Pale ale, which has been rated highly on Beer Advocate. They also have "guest" beers which rotate through the seasons. Barley's is definitely a place we will keep going to for a long time and I recommend you check it out.
(4)
Renee K.
They brew fantastic beers (the coffee stout was great) and the grilled wings were delicious (50 cents on sunday, 40 on monday). The beef brisket was a let down...had the texture of corned beef, and didn't look like it had been grilled or charred at all. The pulled pork was tasty, not the best, but good. All and all, go for the beer and wings!
(4)
Scott V.
Decided to come here on 2/14 with the wife and kid to enjoy a meal, we had a coupon (Entertainment Book) so we figured it would make for an affordable meal. Overall, it succeeded at that. Appetizer: They have 40 cent wings on Mondays, so we got 10 of them with their Smoky BBQ sauce on them. According to them, they smoke the wings for 24 hours and then grill them, and you can tell. The wings are very rich in flavor, very large, and the flavor really sticks with them even though they're not fried. The smoky BBQ sauce had a little bit of a pepper bite, but was mild overall and very tasty. Dinner: I got the "Boy Oh Boy" platter so that I could try all three of the pulled meats, my wife got the Monterrey Chicken platter. On mine, all three of the meats were well done, the beef brisket was maybe the most dry but still quite good. I used the included cole slaw and made mine up "Carolina Style" with a little extra BBQ sauce (provided on the side) and the slaw on the sandwich itself. The pork was moist, and the chicken had the same richness that the wings had. The provided BBQ sauce was very tangy, a good thing, and the fries were crispy, not super hot when they came out but they remained crisp and had good flavor. Nothing extravagant in them, but they were solid. The Monterrey chicken was moist, and the single breast was enough for both my wife and our baby. The green beans had a nice crispness to them, and were tasty all on their own. For someone like me who is not a veggie eater by nature, that's quite the statement. Service: Our waitress was very helpful and attentive, and the only complaint was that the wings took a little long to come out. The main dish was out though soon after, and we always had full water glasses. We were sitting at the back of the restaurant in more of a family area, and there was another family back there with a child our age who was running around the general area. This didn't bother us, but the restaurant wasn't cold and it wasn't busy, I can see where that might for other people. Long story short, the place was kid-friendly. Price: The pricing in general was a little on the high side, the wings would've been $8.49 if bought on a normal day. But, if you look for deals, this is a fine place to eat. Definitely will be back, more than likely on the wing night where I can get the good tasting wings and maybe try other things on the menu.
(4)
Mike B.
Sorry, but when you have two "on tap" guest brews not in house yet, there are problems. Sure the other beer I had was good (at 4.75 a pint it better be) but I was still quite dismayed that my top two choices off the menu were not even in house. Food is nothing special, standard BBQ faire, more expensive but less quality than City BBQ.
(3)
Hans E.
I was in downtown for business and the locals suggested Barley's, especially the Mildred's Sauerkraut Balls. I ordered those plus the Three Combo of meats (brisket, St. Louis ribs, pulled pork). The appetizer was really good, but only a hint of sauerkraut. Mostly it was a batter ball with horseradish flavoring and a great dip, almost like a crab cake in overall flavor. Unfortunately, the meats were only so-so, especially disappointing since this was supposed to be a smokehouse specializing in these. Lastly, I must also insist that they strike any mention of North Carolina or Carolina BBQ/sauce from their menu including, "with our North Carolina vinegar sauce." The pulled pork was greasy and limp, and not one bit of sauce. The baked beans were the only item with vinegar. I know it can be an acquired taste, and that I was not "back home", but I expected something closer to the described food.
(2)
Lauren P.
This place could get 4 stars easily, but I gave it a three because it's such a hit or miss. We always order the sauerkraut balls as an appetizer and I love these things! Trust me, I am a picky eater and the sound of sauerkraut initially made my stomach turn a little, but this plate is seriously amazing! Sometimes they serve it re-heated and you can tell because it doesn't taste as fresh and a few times, the centers of a few were still cold! We had a waitress named Brittney who took it back to the kitchen and brought it back almost burnt since all they did was re-fry it. NOT cool. Some of their other waitstaff are just mediocre so that definitely hinders this business. Their servings are often inconsistent and as mentioned earlier, their food sometimes just doesn't taste all that fresh. Most dishes come with a side of fries, but you can pay about $1.50 for another side, such as green beans, that come in a small portion...so kind of a rip off in my opinion if you're trying to be a little healthier. So what's good about this place? Their food but only when it's fresh. I recommend going on a busy day like Saturday or Sunday. Their draft beer is good, and their Centennial IPA is my favorite to get. They have a $10 pitcher deal on Sundays. Also, you can purchase a growler and just go get it refilled when needed, which is pretty neat.
(3)
Cheryl H.
I'm a fan. I'm here once a month for a group of which I am a member called Web Analytics Wednesdays. But sometimes we meet on Thursdays. Once, on a Tuesday. Don't ask. Anyway, we meet in the back room here - which is massive and free for anyone to reserve - and we pack a group of 40-70 hungry, thirsty (read: alcoholic. in a loving way. myself included.) professionals. I am consistently baffled by how efficiently the 1-3 waiters assigned to us handle our massive party. Once, though, I booked this room for a corporate event, only to arrive and learn that they had double booked it. N00bz. No big deal, they had plenty of seating to accommodate us anyway. Also, Barley's has some pretty damn good beer. A combination of their own quality microbrews and a rotating cast of "guest beers." They have pretty decent food, too, though now that I've fallen off the meat bandwagon I'm limited to salads or a cheese/veggie quesadilla :)
(4)
Alisa R.
We love Barley's! My husband is obsessed with their grilled chicken wings. Great sandwiches and fries. We always enjoy our time there as well as our entrees. My only complaint is that it is somewhat loud and there are lots of kids (we usually go on a Friday night).
(4)
Stephanie M.
I won't lie...the sauerkraut balls alone would keep me coming back to this place. And the beer list. And the sweet pickle slices. Outside of that, everything's basically fine. The barbecue isn't anything to write home about (I'm a transplant from Kansas City so it's hard to get above "decent" in the smoke arena outside of home). Sandwiches are generous. Sides can be hit and miss - onion straws good, horseradish mashed potatoes bland. In the end if you have good company and need solid food that will appeal to everyone with a few neat items, this is that kind place.
(3)
Derek A.
In Columbus on business and I was in the mood for some local beer. Was going to head to their original place when I saw they had another place a little further away that had BBQ. Being the BBQ fanatic that I am, I had to go there. The service - Being by myself, I was planning on sitting at the bar, but it was completely full. It took a few minutes for someone to seat me, and she - who was my waitress - made me feel like I had just ruined her chances of going home early for the night at first. However, she warmed up as the meal progressed. The beer - I had just one beer, a cask-conditioned millennium IPA. It was creamy but hoppy but smooth. I was happy with it and if I hadn't been tired and driving myself back to the hotel, I would have gone for a second beer. I can't really give a complete and proper review on the beer, but the one I had was good. The food - I had their grilled wings and a half rack of ribs. The wings were actually very good - extremely tender with a pleasant bit of rub and char taste to them. I had them buffalo style, and the sauce is a bit unique, with some garlic and a nice sweetness to it that belies the hotness lying underneath. I think of the biggest problems with BBQ places is that they play it too safe. Barbecue is a nuanced cuisine but it is hardly a delicate one. Yes, there are sorts of layers of flavors and little things can affect it in big ways, but in the end, it is a big hunka meat that has been rubbed with handfuls of spice and cooked for hours over a fire. This is NOT haute cuisine. With that being said, the ribs came to the table and they looked promising. I asked for a bit of each of their two sauces on the side (Memphis and Texas style sauces), which meant the ribs arrived dry-rubbed. I love dry rubbed ribs and these had a thick crusty bark of charred spices. The only danger was if they would be dried out. Unfortunately, they were a bit - they had that over-cooked tender but dry texture that vastly overcooked ribs have. AND they had the membrane still on underneath, which is a serious no-no... it doesn't allow the smoke and spice to penetrate the meat, and that was evident. I think that if the ribs were served at the peak of their cooking time and had th membrane removed, they'd be some of the best ribs I've had in a BBQ joint. Unfortunately, there were only a few pieces hidden deep between the rib bones that gave that wonderfully smokey/spicy/juicy combination that you want in a great rib.
(3)
Larry W.
I love beer. I love hand-crafted beer. I love smoked animal flesh. I am happy here. I eat here 1-2 times per month. One for business, one with my family. My kids absolutely love the food. Barbeque, kids sized meals, saurkraut balls, friendly servers......It's all good. Every now and again the service is unattentive,but not enough to make me gripe. Beer is expensive, but man is it good. I highly recommend the Pale Ale.....Just good stuff. Always a good selection of seasonal stuff. Not sure what you want? Tell your server and they'll bring out some samples for you. Like something a WHOLE LOT? Buy a gallon of the stuff and bring the empty jug back for refills. Ya gotta love that. Great food. Great beer. Value is good. Service is average. Oh, one more thing. Don't leave valuables in your car. Every 3rd or 4th time I've been there, there has been a break in....including my car once. Park out in the main part of the lot.
(4)
Mark S.
I want to love Barley's, I really do! In the end, however, I think that we just need to be friends. I'm a beer guy and this place is a serious beer place. They have an impressive selection of in-house and guest taps. I've been four times and they have always had something cask-conditioned as well as a nitro tap - you don't find that very often! The food is only average. The BBQ has always been on the dry side. Perhaps the staff is looking out for my health but the serving size for the accompanying fries is meager, at best. I haven't tried the ribs or wings. I'm not a fan of the atmosphere either. The whole place has an industrial feel to it. It is located on Rt 33 in a mixed use area. The interior feels "cold" and very much like someone got a good deal on a light commercial low-rise and decided to make a restaurant out of it I'll probably come back for the outstanding beer selection
(3)
Aaron A.
In reading other reviews, I can tell this place is quite polarizing. I hope to offer some insight as to why: Barbecue is a very particular flavor. It starts with the grade of meat, then the smoking process and finally a sauce. A lot of variation can be made in any step, thus changing the outcome. Coming off of a recent trip to Kansas City, I've had tasted, what most consider to be, good barbecue. By my definition, "good" is meat that has a deep smokey flavor, and sauce that compliments the smokiness, but doesn't overpower it. Getting this blend is tricky, but I tell you they've figured it out at most places in KC. Barley's has yet to master this. It seems as though the sauce and the meat are in conflict. The sauce is spicy, but not rich in flavor - its a pepper kind of spice that simply adds heat, but little dimension. The meat is tender, and seems to be of good quality but that sauce and the rub just don't mix well. Food is reasonably priced, portions are average - decor is what you'd expect but not too over the top. I actually like the facility and their layout - works well for what they are trying to accomplish.
(2)
Ellen F.
A combination of great microbrews and barbeque. The Smokehouse is quite large and good for groups, and kids. I'm a fan of the Fiery Jerk Shrimp and the dried cherry walnut and blue cheese salad. I don't eat meat, but I still like Barley's. I like the yum's and mmm's it brings to my clients and friends. I've seen thumbs up for the Cuban, Barley Burger, the Boy Oh Boy BBQ Platter, and the Texas Brisket Quesadilla. You know it's a good meal if you're licking your fingers and everyone cheers.
(4)
MITCH S.
I have been back to Barley's many times. I swear they have the best wings in Columbus. They are smoked not fried. I stopped by yesterday for lunch and the wings were delicious as always, however the first order of fries that were delivered to my table were cold as well as the server who delivered it. The next batch arrived and were fresh and hot..however, a bit pricey...$5.00..In past visits I have had ribs and brisket..both were great. Oh I forgot they brew their own beer..it is worth the trip.
(4)
Elisa G.
Really good BBQ, service, and prices. Just visiting the area and this was a great place to go after a long day!
(4)
Kevin C.
It wasn't what you'd expect from a BBQ joint for the sole reason that they serve actual authentic barbecue. Instead of going for the complete overkill through prodigious use of sauce, Barley's relies on a traditional rub for its barbecue thereby utilizing the actual flavor of the meat. That sounded smart, didn't it? Anyway, it'll take you by surprise at first, but keep an open mind. This is no Bob Evans BobBQ here, folks. Also, great fries. I know that's not saying much. But, nothing ruins a good meal like a side of tasteless, soggy fries. One of the friends I went with had recalled that the fries were sub-par during a previous visit. Well, she's eating her words now, boy.
(4)
Julie J.
Just okay doesn't make it when the check is over $40.00. We ordered the brisket and the ribs. The ribs had a "luv 'em or hate 'em" rub with strong undertones of cinnamon. If you like a sweet saltless rub, you'd love them; not my preference. The baked beans were also an acquired taste; very strong mustard flavor. Again, you hate them or think they're the greatest. They had a strong flavor, especially when you put them next to the ribs. The cole slaw, blah. One major complaint, for the price of the meal, if you got fries they were like a half portion compared to anywhere else. This makes no sense whatsoever... fries are perceived as a value to a customer but cost barely anything. Why scrimp on the cheapest food item on the plate? Speaking of plates, the square white oversized plates accentuated the small portion size of the fries and the brisket. Not a good idea. Would I go back. No. There were too many conflicts with favors, small portions for the price, an outdated menu with unappealing photographs of the entrees, and the food was just okay for the cost.
(2)
Randy S.
This place isn't too bad at all. Food-wise (mostly BBQ), it's certainly no Hoggy's or City BBQ. The pulled pork and brisket are very good but a little bland. The sparingly used sauces (extra comes on the side!) are very tasty. I liked their use of a different sauce for each smoked meat -- rather than just indiscriminately slathering a Kansas City-style sauce over everything. On the side. the mac & cheese was bland, but the fries were wonderfully crispy and flavorful. Barley's trumps the C-bus BBQ titans when it comes to ambiance, depending on what you're looking for. It feels like a restaurant rather than a barn-turned-sports bar or a family picnic. And prices are at least as good as those places. I'll be back to try their lauded sauerkraut balls and in-house brews.
(4)
Juliana H.
I've driven by this place a million times and finally got around to trying it out last night. The wings are outstanding and possibly the best I've had in Columbus. The server brought us a sampler platter of dipping sauces, which made each wing different and delicious. My only complaint is that a certain *someone* at my table at more than his fair share! I went a different route with my actual meal and ordered the cranberry, blue cheese, and walnut salad. Also quite tasty, but I was a little envious of the others' at my table who ordered barbecue sandwiches and other fare. Next time. My salad was giant and filling...plus it came accompanied by a little sweet corn muffin and I'm a sucker for small baked goods. Finally, a pale ale was a great addition to my meal. A perfect drink for when circumstances make me stop at just one beer! I'm looking forward to going back, though probably when I'm considerably more thirsty and have a bigger appetite!
(4)
Laura W.
This place was great ! Great food , beer & waiter. It is so hard to find really good BBQ . We definitely will be back & we live more than an hour away. Thank you for a super visit . See you again soon (;
(5)
Ben H.
I frequently go do Barleys to have dinner with friends, it has a nice clean atmosphere and the bar area is large enough to sit in and watch a few sporting events. I go for the beer. They have a great selection of micro brews and if they don't have your flavor all of the house beers are excellent. The beers never disappoint...... My favorite food is the wings. I have had other items on the menu and they were average. Wings are the way to go and oddly enough I was impressed with the mussels too. I like the wings because they are not breaded and fried, are good sized, and have multiple sauces to chose from. I will continue to visit Barley's
(4)
Bridget D.
This place is great. I wish it weren't in such a hiding place for its own sake and mine because I sometimes forget about it. I've been in a few times where it has looked completely empty during normal evening hours (possibly because it's a big place). I took my dad there because he loves trying beers, and he loves 'meat and potato' meals. I really enjoy the pulled pork sandwich or the carnivore platters. They have a buy one get one free entree in the entertainment book!
(4)
Liz M.
Just plain disappointing. The service is slow. The beer was fine, nothing notable (i'm usually not impressed by micro brews). The food just didn't work. I got the 'Boy oh Boy' Platter so, I'd be able to try all 3 smoked meats. First off, the bottoms buns were super soggy so, I had to knife and fork it, fine. But, it wasn't a juicy soggy, it was a watery soggy. I was over it quick. Then on the the meats...the rub on the pork didn't work with the sauces. The sauce overall wasn't a winner with me. I like a savory sauce they had, but it didn't work with the pork or chicken and was OK with the brisket. Nothing stood out as actually good. The portions were comparitively small, and the price was not reflective of what you got. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this place to anyone for bbq, but if you like micro brews and moderately priced apps, go for it. They have daily specials as well. On a Sunday when i went is was wings. They also have some pool tables so it'd be a fun place to hang out with the guys.
(2)
Matt S.
Barley's has the best wings I have ever eaten. Along with always prompt service and quality food, their beer selection is out of this world.
(5)
Ted H.
Some of the most delicious beer in town, esp. Friday firkins and cask-conditioned ales. And guest barrels from other microbreweries around the area and farther afield. Alas, the food is just ok. Sometimes I find myself stuffing peanuts in my pockets, so I have something to chew on while drinking pints. Also, a surprisingly nice place to work after lunch and before happy hour. If pressed, Id opt for meatloaf special, blackened bleu burger, veggie quesadilla (and ask for KC & Texas and Gates of Hell bbq sauces for any and all of these) Baked beans as a side are superior; too bad they discontinued the healthy and tasty greens. Fries are consistently crisp.
(4)
Shawnie K.
If you are familiar with Barleys Ale House in the Short North, put that place out of your head before coming here! Barley's Smokehouse is a completely different experience. Only the beer is the same, which is fine with me. Barley's Smokehouse doesn't have much character from the exterior. It's just a boring, free-standing building located along Route 33 a few miles out of town. We come here purely for the food and micro-brew beers. I am by no means a beer connoisseur, but always manage to find a few acceptable choices on tap. Barley's carries their usual half dozen brews made 'in house,' as well as seasonal beers ceremoniously unveiled throughout year. The Smokehouse also features a few guest micro-brews on tap for a few months at a time. You can order pints in the restaurant or carry out a gallon of your favorite beer. Just pay a slight deposit on the glass jug then bring it back for refills. It's a great way to have your favorite Barley's brew at home. As for the food, there isn't much overlap with the Barley's Ale House menu, which is fine with me. Though both places carry Mildred's Sauerkraut Balls, which seems to be one of the most popular menu items. I've had them and they tasted OK, but I don't usually order fried food. Also, I am not usually a big fan of BBQ (especially the messy, saucy stuff), but I quite like and prefer the barbeque-style food at Barley's Smokehouse. While some BBQ lovers might embrace a good sloppy slathering of sauce, I find their minimal sauce rather appealing. The rub has great flavor therefore, the meat doesn't seem to need a lot of sauce. The burgers are very good too and the portions are huge. We inevitably have to be rolled out after dinner. There are two sections to this restaurant. The front area contains the bar and has a pub-like vibe, with a few flatscreen TVs showing sporting events. The back room is much better suited to families, though kids will be just fine anywhere in the restaurant. It's not an overly rowdy place, which is why my husband and I like coming here. Barley's Smokehouse is one of those casual places one goes for a cold pint of beer and a decent burger, BBQ chicken or rack of ribs. They smoke all of the meat on site and while, it might not be the best BBQ in town, it is still pretty good. Barley's also make a mean bloody mary. I often crave their spicey bloody mary's, which are huge and fully loaded with a variety of veggies, like celery and olives... a meal in a glass! When we are in the mood for crafted beer, I find Barley's Smokehouse an easy alternative to going to the Ale House in the Short North. Huge parking lot, never a long wait for a table, consistent food. I come with basic expectations and am never disappointed. I'm a fan.
(4)
David D.
I can honestly say that my visit did not include entrees. I had the American ale and my wife had the IPA. Hers was much better than mine. The wings were good but it was kind of annoying that they only come in increments of 10. But I would for sure return for a full meal.
(3)
Travis Z.
Great brew selection for both house brewed and guest brewed beers. The food was good, but not the best bbq in Columbus. That goes to City bbq. But for atmosphere and selection of drinks and food this wins as best in the capital city. I had the baby back ribs and the pulled pork which were both tasty. Fries are very delicious and a must have.
(4)
Melanie B.
So, one of the reasons I love the heartland/midwest is because of all the different places you can get BBQ (about as common as lobster/clam shacks back home in Maine). It's just kind of amazing, and so so *American.* Oh, Ohio. I went to Barley's on Saturday with a bunch of my friends, who had all been there before (and even have favourite menu items). I definitely prefer Hoggy's to Barley's, but the food here was definitely good. I had the Cuban sandwich, which was totally solid. My friends had: the pulled pork sandwich, a burger, and two got the rack of ribs. Everyone was very satisfied with their meals. The fries were especially good, but somehow I suspect this is because they are cooked in some sort of animal fat (of course!). If I had to choose between here and Hoggy's, I'd choose Hoggy's - I thought it had better atmosphere and better food. However, if my friends want to go to Barley's in the future, I certainly wouldn't be against it. A solid three star experience.
(3)
Carl S.
This place is pretty good. The pulled pork and brisket beat out other similar places in town. I recommend trying the sauerkraut balls, which is an appetizer. I don't like sauerkraut, but these are very tasty when dipped in their special sauce. Great selection of beer on tap.
(3)
Sarah W.
I have been to Barley's several times and have yet to have a bad experience. Service can be iffy sometimes (I haven't had anyone rude, just slow) and it's usually freezing in there, but the food ranges from decent to delicious and the beer is very good. The Russian Imperial Stout paired with their chocolate mousse is one of the best desserts you could ask for.
(4)
Jackie C.
A friend of mine persuaded me to go with him on their wing night and I try to go back as often as possible. The wings are okay, they are not the best around but the price makes up for it. I really enjoy Barleys for their beer (Russian Imperial Stout is my fav.) and sauerkraut balls. Their entrees are also really good and if I wrote about them I would just be echoing previous reviews. I have been to both this location and the one downtown I have had excellent service at each, although I do like the people watching/bar crowd at this location more on wing nights.
(4)
Chris H.
Good service, great beers. I loved the scottish ale, and thought the Christmas ale was "okay". The parking leaves a lot to be desired, as it's tough to find a parking spot directly after work.
(4)
Jeffrey D.
Best ribs I've ever had, hands down. Ordered the baby back ribs, Kansas City sauce - they were lean, came out quick, and were practically falling off the bone. Coupled with reasonable prices (half-rack was like $13.99), great beer selection (I ended up walking out with a growler of their double-dog-dare I.P.A.), and excellent service, I can't really think of a reason to not give this place five stars. They also have a coupon in the entertainment book (which is how I found out about them) if you use that.
(5)
Keith W.
Don't bother if its BBQ you want, or for that matter any thing that would be cooked in a "smokehouse"
(2)
Pete C.
For the first time ever when reviewing a BBQ place, I'll try my absolute hardest to not stack up Barley's against Hoggy's. This will be a daunting task, as the Hoggy's is the undisputed King of Barbecue and Fixin's in my book, but I shall soldier on in the name of good taste and objective journalism anyways. Here goes nothin'. The first thing one will notice right off the bat with just about any dish on the menu is the meager slathering of sauce on the meat. Don't be hasty now- bite in to the meat before harking for the waiter to bring you that 16 oz I.V. tube of BBQ that you've been craving. You'll notice that although the pulled pork or brisket you ordered looks a touch dry, the seasoning is surprisingly poignant. The lack of sauce will definitely wear on you after a bite or two, but it's good to know that quality 'cue can be made without simply dumping a bucket of sauce on simmered meat and calling it a day. Ahhh, who am I kidding. If I don't have to send my t-shirt back to the Goodwill after eating at a place like Barley's, they clearly have not done their job correctly. Just gimme the sauce, man! I appreciate how tender and juicy the pulled pork that I got on my first visit was, but I damn near killed a whole Arnold Palmer after just three bites of the sandwich I got it on. The portions are generous, but like I said before, it's hard to deny that the flavor isn't what it could be with a more hearty helping of the good stuff. Who do they think they are, Hoggy's? Bonus Points: I second Kevin C.'s notion about the fries- they are certainly one of the high points at this establishment. If given the choice, I recommend you shun the coleslaw for a tray of these savory, gold-brown goodies to go along with your meat. But please, got god's sake, get an extra large drink. You'll need it!
(3)
Nicole B.
My first trip to Barley's was for a victory lunch for my friend Sean. We went on the Saturday of Comfest, so it was relatively quiet and our server was really friendly. The menu was fun, but I hadn't been in the mood for barbeque. I opted for a California grilled Chicken sandwich with fries. Unfortunately, my sandwich was supposed to come with avocado, and there was none on it. The fries were okay, and the pickle wedges were huge! I'm giving Barley's 3 stars because it was good, but it didn't impress me. For BBQ, I think City Barbeque is more enjoyable with better prices. But, I would go back to Barley's to try their beer selection and give it another go!
(3)
Shane L.
Barleys does great beer, but the barbecue requires a bit of beer to appreciate. Barbecue is a very subjective experience, and there are many styles and approaches, but to me, Barley's name says it all. It's smoky--too smoky. They do good wings, and some say they're bratwurst balls are very good (not a fan of kraut), and the atmosphere isn't too bad. Try it if you love great craft beer, if you've been to City BBQ, Hickory House, and Pig Iron and want to try something new.
(3)
Jimmy O.
Awesome meal and I got my food within ten minutes. My server was Sarah P and she was awesome. A+++
(5)
Sarah J.
Slow service, even when they are dead. Crappy overpriced food
(1)
Bryan C.
Get the Boy oh Boy platter. All 3 meats, best of both worlds, no compromises. Oh and the beer is better than the food, and the food is pretty good.
(4)
Jane H.
The food was ok. I shared the Cuban seegar, Mildreds Sauerkraut Ball, and the Cuban sandwich. The Cuban seegars were tasty.
(2)
Nikalete F.
Two words: Firkin Fridays! My Husband loves the beer, I love the food. The service is usually really good. The prices are moderate but the food is great. I like to bring new people here to experience the beer sampler and the sandwich sampler. Never had anyone say they didn't like it. I think I want some tonight.
(5)
Caroline C.
I've eaten here three times, and on every occasion the server was absolutely clueless. Talk about short-term memory. It took quite a while for our meals to appear too. Fortunately, the food was worth the wait. The ribs and chicken were a BARGAIN at $12. My sandwich sampler was also extremely good. The pulled pork, chicken and brisket is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Outstanding fries (small serving though. More please!). I would definitely recommend this place to anyone interested in some great BBQ.
(4)
Gary B.
Terrible service. I was in Columbus on business, and I really wanted to try the beer and barbeque, but couldn't get anyone to wait on me. I was seated in the restaurant, which was less than half full, and watched as three wait staff visited every table around me. The host noticed I hadn't been helped and said he would get someone to take my order. A waitress came by awhile later and passed by me to wait on a neighboring table that had been seated about 10 minutes after I arrived. Everyone except the host has been expertly trained not to make eye contact. Left thirsty. I use yelp to try to eat local, and am usually happy, but this night I had to eat at a chain.
(1)
Shawn M.
The food portions are small. The staff acted like they were bothered by our presence. I won't go back.
(1)
Karie K.
The Smokehouse was basically my second home when I lived in Columbus! Barley's beers are excellent, and the barbecue is great. It's not such a great place to eat if you're a vegetarian, but the BBQ and the sauerkraut balls (trust me!) are a must for carnivores.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : No Caters : Yes
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Zeb K.
Awesome place to eat if you like pulled pork and brisket. Their beer selection is great as well... Try the boy oh boy sliders:)
(5)Erica A.
Randomly decided to check this place out since it was wasn't far from a brewery we were visiting already. This place comes across as a typical restaurant, nothing special. But the beer they brew is quite good. We did a flight with all the beers they brew, didn't have a bad one in the batch. Even the stout was enjoyable [I'm not a big dark beer person]. We had the pretzel bites and the bar tender warned us they're not the typical pretzels a person is used to in a restaurant. They're house made with spent grain and come across as bread bites, not actual pretzels. It was different, but delicious. The beer cheese and mustard served with them was a great touch. The appetizer went great with our beer flight.
(4)Mike K.
The wings and sauces are mostly outstanding. Sunday and Monday wing prices are 70 cents per wing which is unbeatable. I like to come here after the gym and stuff my face. The other barbecued meats I have had are also pretty good. What's not good are the beers. The guest beers are far better than the house beers. Overall I would give 4 stars for the Smokehouse part, and 2 stars for the Brewery part.
(3)Mark D.
Great bbq! Definitely get the beef brisket with mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries and green beans. I was surprised at how good the gems were. While i cannot comment on the house beer, I will have to try it next time I'm driving around the Columbia area.
(5)Matt P.
Kinda surprised this place is rated so low. It's one of my favorite BBQ joints in Columbus. Here are some highlights worth noting: * Brew their own beer * Have around 12 handles of craft brew * Feature firkin beer on Fridays * Have special beer tastings/events/dinners * Have a large patio and large parking lot * They fill growlers * They have a fried pork tenderloin dinner that's VERY good and only $10! Recommended! * Kids eat free on Tuesdays * Happy Hour is Monday-Friday, 4-7PM. $3.50 house pints * .70 wings on Mondays The staff and greeters can be a little lethargic at times but I'd suggest just going straight in and sitting at the bar, especially if you're interested in trying tastes of all their beers. Cheers!
(4)Jesse R M.
I got the wedge salad with brisket and my partner got the slider sampler and the barbeque sauces served with his were all amazing. my brisket was incredibly tender and the blue cheese dressing was equally as delicious.
(5)John G.
There's a lot to like about Barley's. When I go for barbeque, I want a great selection of meat and Barley's ranks high in that area - pulled pork, brisket, chicken: they got it. I also like the atmosphere - it's a great place to chill and chow. They also offer a variety of sauces for both the non-spicy types like myself and those of you who prefer a high boost of kick. You also get a ton of food - we had plenty to take home for lunch this coming week. I like beer but am not an expert so I'll leave that feedback for those who really know their local brews. I had an Oktoberfest and it was fine. It's easy to forget about the Grandview Barley's because they sit in an odd spot and I don't live on that side of town but it's definitely worth a stop if you've passed by and always wondered how it is.
(3)Suzanne F.
First visit here since it changed from Barleys to Smokehouse. It's close to my hubby's work so we come here pretty often. We are seated immediately at a booth. Our waitress was prompt and the special of the day was smokehouse sloppy joes. I decided to go with my usual pulled pork quesadilla and my hubby got the pulled pork sandwich with French fries. Mine was it usual deliciousness however I changed my cheese to cheddar from pepper jack. It comes with salsa, sour cream and lettuce and its yummm. My hubby liked his sandwich really well too. It's a place that you can really count on for good dependable grub. I can't comment on the beer as I really do not like it per se. I just know from looking at their offerings they have quite a few craft beers.
(4)Misty M.
Food was delish! Beer was cold and yummy! Best wings in a long time. The pickles are good too! Staff was friendly & helpful!! Definitely recommend! Wish I lived closer!!
(4)Liza V.
After the amazingly lovely time we had here during the elite event a couple months back, I was really pretty excited to get in and actually sit down for a meal. The owner is awesome, I love him. The beer is great, too. But as far as a dining experience, I was pretty disappointed all around. We started with wings, because I die over the Barley's wings downtown, and, well, I thought these were basically the same thing. No. They were entirely too charred, making them dry and hard to eat. Super bummer. I had the beany chili, and it was just OK at best. Not very flavorful, and really thin and brothy. Not my thing. My guy ordered a pepper burger with pepperjack cheese, and cole slaw on the side instead of fries. It came out with fries, no slaw, and no cheese. Overall, a very underwhelming burger, even after the mostakes had been corrected. For the price, this place is just not worth it, unfortunately. I may be back for beers if we are in the area, but I won't be going out of my way to eat here again.
(2)Bren C.
Love this place! The beer is topnotch & the food is amazing. Usually get the smoked wings but tried the "Taco Salad" & it was scrumptious!
(4)Bryant M.
I have a bone to pick with y'all. You know who you are--you Columbus friends who KNEW the deliciousness of Smokehouse Brewing but DIDN'T TELL ME. I first visited SBC only a few months ago, and I did that thing when I get really excited and overwhelmed: my eyes flashed around trying to take in the surroundings, my mind started going a mile a minute, and I'm sure I started talking super fast. That, my friends, is how you know Bmac loves a place. (Ohhh yeah, I just wrote in third person.) I'll try to organize my thoughts a bit better than what was actually going on in my brain that day of my first visit... First of all, if you've never been to Smokehouse, I'm sure you're like me and have passed it a bazillion times. It's the big, weird yellow building along Dublin Road in Grandview. I passed by it once a week FOR A YEAR without stopping. Once you get in, you'll see there's so much more than what meets the eye. The interior is beautiful! There's this gorgeous dark gray paint, rich wood, and artwork that's designed by the owner, Lenny, himself. Speaking of Lenny, this is one cool dude. After spending about five minutes with him, you begin to understand the creative genius you're dealing with. He's been making craft beer for 20 years--long before it was thing--and he has such a passion for his business... the beer, the experience, the food. THE FOOD! Smokehouse makes some of the best BBQ in the city! I've had their brisket, their pork, and their wings. Holy moly, the wings. Y'all... they're SMOKED AND GRILLED. I think these are the best wings in Cbus. There. I said it. Oh, and they have all types of sauces, but I prefer them plain--with a side of ranch (like any good white trash boy would). The last thing to rave about is the staff. I love that they act like you're just a friend over at their house. They're sweet as pie but not kiss-ass. Those are my peeps. I've never had anything bad at SBC, and every experience has been truly great. It does get a little dude-heavy... not that that's a problem, just an observation. But hell--I'm a gay boy who hates sports and doesn't drink beer--and I feel 100% comfortable here.
(4)Steve C.
There are two kinds of barbeque: really good, or really bad. This is really good. I love the ribs, and the brisket, but the smoked and grilled wings are the freaking bomb. The funny thing is that the food is upstaged by the beer. The Smokehouse is a brewing company after all. There's a rotating selection of house beers, along with some great guest taps. The staff respects the beer and can help you figure out what to order if you're not sure about the offerings. This is a Columbus institution, and a cornerstone piece of the local craft beer scene.
(5)Michael B.
I will go ahead and get the beer portion of the review out of the way, the beer here is freakin good!! They are as good as the other brewery's in town, and it seems to me that they fly under the craft brewer press radar in Columbus. I just moved here from Cincinnati and it seems like you never here about smokehouse, so do not let it deter you, the beer here is the real deal!! Next, the food. It is good, and I have not heard anyone say bad things about it when I've been here. My only qualm is that they do not cater to the veggie eating crowds that eat more than just salads. Still, the salads are very good, but I'm a big boy and I need a little more in my tummy.
(4)Gus W.
I'm a big fan of Smokehouse Brewing, which is formerly Barley's Smokehouse, even though the signs are still up. You'd think with them having different ownership and changing the name, they'd at least put a new sign up on the road. It's been quite awhile now, but I guess they're relying on that name recognition (or they're broke). The look of the menu has definitely changed, but it's still all the same old BBQ you'd expect. Every time I come here, I leave satisfied if not overly full. I can't help but get their smoked and grilled wings on top of ordering an entree. They're just so good that they don't even really need sauce, but I always get the Kansas City BBQ and the Jerk. I've tried the brisket and the pulled pork, which are both very good, and this time around I had some ribs, which were pretty tasty. They weren't quite fall-off-the-bone, but they were tender enough to make them easy to eat. The fries that come with it are super good, and the baked beans are pretty amazing as well with bits of their brisket mixed in. I really can't complain about the pricing. Most of the sandwiches are around $10, and the rib entrees are definitely pricier, but that's pretty standard with a good rack of ribs. Our service was a little slow this time around, but I can look past that. I didn't get any beers either, but I've had them in the past, and I thought they were pretty good. They offer a paddle to sample a few of them, so I'd suggest that if you want to get an idea of what you'd like. Overall, I think Smokehouse Brewing is a pretty solid BBQ restaurant in Columbus, and everything I've had has been quite tasty. Is it the best BBQ in Columbus? Maybe not, but in a city that doesn't have a whole lot of BBQ to begin with, we're lucky to have it.
(4)Donna O.
Barley's Smokehouse is one of the original brewery/gastropubs. You can tour their brewery, then belly up to the bar to try out one of those taps. It's almost always packed to the rafters, so we were happy to arrive and be seated right away on this trip. The atmosphere is laid back at the smokehouse; the bar area seems more like a neighborhood hangout than a stuffy gastropub. We got started on beer (Red Molly, and their IPA) and ordered their pretzel bites. Okay, these are not your typical pre-made, pour from freezer bag pretzel bites - they are chunks of dark, crispy bread, heavily buttered and salted, served with beer cheese and brown mustard. So good. They serve plenty of barbeque, but their smoked wings are one of THOSE THINGS. Fall off the bone tender, juicy, meaty and smoky - did I mention these are wings? Like, those little gristly things most places serve? Not here. I did have to fight the urge to have wings for dinner, as I wanted to try their version of Bahn Mi. Dan the Baker's baguette, smoked ham and pork, cucumbers, carrots and strips of raw jalapeño - I got a side of the gates of hell sauce to douse it all in. Smokin' hot and delish. My dinner companions got a barbeque chicken salad and the brisket dinner. The brisket was disappointingly tough, but the chicken salad was a hit. The Smokehouse runs happy hour specials during the week, if you needed more of a reason to stop in than beer and wings.
(3)Susan R.
I have to say, I was not expecting to be won over by this restaurant. There were a couple of . . . incidents . . . that I'm not going to detail because they are neither here nor there, but they really came through in the end and I will be back. #1 thing that is going to bring me back to this restaurant: the grilled and smoked chicken wings (naked--I can't stand the idea of covering up the delicious chicken flavor). I would almost go back to eating meat full-time for this chicken. I haven't had chicken like this in probably 15 years and I love it. So tasty. The brisket was also pretty good. My burger was okay but not the best that it could have been (huge tho); I'll probably stick with the barbecue stuff from now on. I could eat that chicken erryday. Our server was delightful. We were there kind of late and she didn't make us feel rushed at all, and she was helpful and nice. I also enjoy their beer. It isn't too hoppy; it's really smooth and balanced. The space is clean and nice and comfortable. Overall, I am definitely a fan.
(4)Kimberlee V.
My whole experience at Smokehouse was mediocre. It was nice to sit on their large patio and sample from their nice selection of beers, but that was as good as it got. The brisket and pulled pork sandwiches were just ok. For a place called a smokehouse, they were utterly disappointing. The smoked wings were pretty decent, but needed more sauce. The fries weren't anything special. Our service was pretty lousy. Our waitress had zero personality and was incredibly slow. We asked for a different sauce to go with the brisket sandwich and were completely finished when she finally brought it out. I can list several places in Columbus with much, much better BBQ so I'll pass on Smokehouse in the future.
(2)Jeff K.
Rarely am I so profoundly disappointed, but Smokehouse Brewing Co. did it for me. Sorry! Sigh....let's get this out of the way. Food: Nothing that I liked. Chicken, dry. Sauerkraut balls, over friend and burnt. Pulled pork, under-seasoned, overcooked, and boring. Ambiance: A bit tacky, but that could just be me. Rustic, but in the restaurant falling apart kind of way. They could do better with maintenance. The restaurant, gargantuan no doubt. I applaud Lenny (the proprietor) for being able to stay open for so long. Beer: First of all, I never judge based on the beer. The 1 star is from everything else, but they are a brewery so I have to mention it. It's not for me. I'll just end it at that. I was shocked by how floored I was eating here, and not in a good way. The food, especially, was so horrendously disappointing. I always say food should be memorable. Smokehouse Brewing Co. was certainly memorable, just for all the wrong reasons.
(1)Megan M.
I'm not sure if this is a franchise or not, but it felt like it, which is unfortunate. I try to go to small businesses in Columbus and I don't see any other locations for Smokehouse. The food was delicious, just a little too mass production feel to it. Would I go back for the pulled pork or the sliced beef brisket? DEFINITELY They both were delicious. The husband and I also liked seeing the beer making equipment. We'll definitely visit again. I'm not a beer drinker, but my husband really like the Brewtus Maxximus. I had a taste and it's good because it doesn't have that normal after taste that other beer has.
(3)Scott B.
Kid's mac and cheese made with nacho cheese...not expected.
(3)Angela H.
This place is way bigger inside than I thought! The bar area can get pretty loud but the dining area goes way back from it. We couldn't even hear the bar on a Friday night when sitting back in the booths. The decor and seating was pretty standard. Definitely more of a Barbeque joint feel. Very casual even though it seems like they are trying to make the entrees more upscale. The meats were all incredibly tender, perfectly smoked or grilled. I also liked the sweet Kansas bbq sauce but not a fan of the Tangy Texas sauce. The Smokehouse Platter ($15) is awesome but only get it if you're going to eat it all there. Otherwise the sauerkraut balls and onion strings get mushy the next day. The smoked half Chicken, brisket, and ribs entrees were all great. I wouldn't say it's the best bbq I've ever had but definitely good. The beers they brew are pretty good. They're only $3.50 for 16oz during happy from 4-7pm Monday-Friday.
(4)Douglas G.
The Smokehouse brews its own beer, so i always try to see whats seasonal and try new ones that they are offering. Theyre great beers! Now they might be more known for brewing their own beer, but the real star at this place are the smoked/grilled smokehouse chicken wings. Im not exactly sure of the process they use, but the wing s are smoked and grilled at some point and are unlike any other wings ive ever tried. Deicious, fall off the bone and a very good size. Going on wing night is a steal. Wing night is great because you can get any amount of any of their awesome sauces. I usually get a few texas smokehouse dip which is their spicier bbq, some of their new asian flavor, some jerk flavored (my fav) and 1 Gates of Hell wing, which is their hottest sauce, just to get an extra little kick. I am always pleased with the wings, theyre the best around!! Dont forget to get the sauerkraut balls as an appetizer! Theyre delicious!
(4)David W.
Always a good time. Lots of good brews. Good selection of appetizers and entrees. I had the sampler platter which includes humus n pita bread. Smoked wings n ribs w two bbq sauces. Kraut balls n horseradish sauce. Fried onion crisps. And thick pickke slices. Great service and nice ambience.
(4)Jim L.
Beer flat, brisket fatty, pretzel bites weird, stingy with the sauces.... Don't waste your money.
(2)Maria P.
This place is great for a casual night out with friends or watching a sporting event. I went the other night to watch a basketball game and check out their beer. There are ample TVs set up so there is a view no matter where you are sitting. We sat at the bar which was clean and our bartender was very attentive. It was the 6th brewery I have stopped at thus far on the Columbus Ale Trail. I ordered a flight of beers (4 total). Every one I had was delicious and robust with flavor. I plan to go back on a Sunday for their wing special and $10 craft pitchers! What a bargain!
(4)Kami M.
My husband liked all 4 beers in his flight and we both LOVED the smoked wings!!! Closest thing to our bama smoked wings that we miss so much. Only complaint was that the hubbs didn't like the Rosemary taste in the sauerkraut balls, but I loved them. Thank you!
(4)Matt W.
The Smokehouse is in the process of transforming themselves into "Smokehouse Brewing" - same great beer, but the menu is getting a bit of a revamp. (Don't worry - the sauerkraut balls are still there!) While some old favorites are still around, like the fried chicken, BBQ platters, and the famous mac 'n' cheese, they're also adding things like a pork trio that features asian slaw, glazed pork belly, and barley risotto, house made chips with beer cheese sauce, a smoked banh mi, and lamb burgers. Service was a little hit or miss when I visited, but I have to admit that we were also there with a large group, and that may have caused issues. If you haven't been there in a while, it's a perfect excuse to go back and see what's new!
(4)Liz L.
I was super disappointed after our dinner last night. The smells as you walk in are so amazing that we had high expectations for the bbq. Everything we were served came out cold and not as expected. The sauerkraut balls were overly burnt. My brisket was hard, dry, cold, and rubbery. The mushroom soup I ordered was cold enough that the cheese in it hadn't melted. I didn't eat most of it. So disappointed I'm hoping that they were just having a bad night. From what I've heard, my experience was exceptional and smokehouse is normally delicious.
(2)Chidi U.
Pulled pork sandwich, corn bread pudding, baked beans, pulled brisket sandwich, Mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes were ordered. All I can say is WOW. The corn bread pudding was beyond amazing along with the rest of the food. Service was great from beginning to end. Great place with great food.
(5)Jim E.
Glad to see the separation between the two places. For me & the crew it's night & day the food & beers they have on tap. Smokehouse, see you soon.
(5)Stephen F.
The beer is fantastic! The atmosphere is pretty decent, and the service was great. The food is very tasty, specifically the pulled pork was amazing.
(4)Drew Z.
The barbeque is above average, and the sides are great. The beer isn't quite up to par, but is good for the old-school English style they present. Maybe I prefer my beers a little too extreme, but I'd love to see something that actually blew me away instead of everything just being simple and easy to drink.
(3)Joe Y.
Our first brewery stop in Columbus and this place didn't disappoint! We started a beer sample of 4 beers, two IPAs, a stout and a Christmas ale. All four beers were very good and typically at a brewery I don't know much about I don't expect more than one good beer. For food I had the slider collection which consisted of a pulled pork, brisket and a pulled chicken slider with fries and a taste of coleslaw. The brisket was the stand out sandwich. I like that their BBQ menu isn't overwhelming which a lot of BBQ places tend to do. Service was very good. Worth going to again if I'm in the city, good BBQ, great beers and plenty of room this place was huge!
(4)Ken L.
The servers seem to know what beers are a good call. They have a lot of good BBQ options and suggestions as to what beer will match. This is a nice place to go after seeing a game.
(4)Alexis S.
Wow I was so taken a back when I went here. I've never been a huge fan of smoke houses but this was the BOMB. Their wings are truly the best I've ever had, so juicy yet crispy on the outside, sweet bbq is the best sauce. I enjoyed their sauerkraut balls and their pulled chicken, brisket, and pork killed. My only complaint was on the trio sliders, the buns should be toasted amd buttered or at least warmed to compliment the amazing meat, I ended up taking the meat out and eating it alone without the bun. Service was great, friendly atmosphere, and clean restrooms. I highly recommend!!!!
(5)Indy T.
This place is the GOAT. Scottish Ale, smoked wings, sauerkraut balls. First time back since i moved away from cbus last year. New modern look. Same great beer and food. Service always friendly as well. They used to do 50 cent wings on Sunday. Not sure if they still do or not
(5)Jonathan M.
This place is one of my favorite in Columbus. My wife and I love there Texas BBQ wings. Beer is good, BBQ is great and atmosphere is really nice.
(5)Emma L.
Hmmmm. This one is a little tough for me, as my experiences here have been in the 2-4 range. So, here we are with 3 stars. Food: Your typical BBQ/Smokehouse offerings. Pulled pork, chicken, brisket, etc. Wings, fried apps, Southern sides, Salads and Sandwiches. The Sauerkraut Balls appetizer is the true win on the menu (6 for $6.50). They are easily the best sauerkraut balls I've had around Columbus and they are bigger and tastier than the other Barley's location on High Street. The pickles are great and seem homemade - but when I asked for a few more slices, our server said "So you would like to order more?" Turns out a side of pickles (slices of what would equate to about 3/4 of a whole pickle) will run you $3. $3?! Unnecessary and ridiculous. Drinks: The beers are okay. They brew some of their own and the Scottish ale is pretty good. Nothing amazing - I usually bounce around the drink menu. Service: Um, well, definitely hit or miss. It's usually pretty okay with a side of "they didn't forget about us, right?" The last time I visited (what prompted this review), they seated my group of 6 in a booth the very far back corner, right in between a private party and a party of about 12-15. We literally had to shimmy through the party to be seated. It was not by any means busy and it is HUGE! We easily passed 25 open tables on our way to the corner. The guys were bummed they couldn't see the TVs and we felt like we had been banished. I suggested moving, but at the sake of politeness, everyone declined. Well, I wish we had moved. Our waitress came over and had the weirdest vibe. Kind of too-cool-for-school/I don't want to be here. She was flirting with the guys at the table and was being rude at the same time. And then it hit me. She's wasted. She had joked about having a "few" Christmas Ales earlier in the day, but come on. Two of us had our drinks and it took her 15 minutes to bring the others. Apology? Nope. Just a "haha found them!" It's not a joke when you're being rude to us, not bringing our drinks and not acting the least bit sorry we're sitting here getting pissed off. I won't discount the entire establishment because of one really lousy waitress -but Barley's, please - rethink the dumb overcharge for extras, use your space a little better and hire people who care to have repeat customers.
(3)Heather C.
Mediocre food and ok service. See the end of the review for one major complaint! We've been here twice and have tried a few different things on the menu. Nothing was good enough to brag about or recommend. The menu states that the meat is slow smoked for over ten hours so you'd expect something good. Brisket - smokey but dry. Pulled pork - dry and needed to add salt. Meatloaf - different twist on meatloaf, I'm undecided on that one. :) Sauerkraut balls - greasy but ok, not the best I've had. Turkey club - bacon was 80% fat, thick cut, and undercooked. Ribs, both styles - ok, but I wouldn't order them again. Kind of tough and meat to bone ratio was bad. Service has been ok both times. My biggest complaint is that they charged me 50 cents for a an ounce and a half of BBQ sauce. We ordered three dishes and only got two of the little 2 oz sauce cups (not full of course) of BBQ sauce. I only liked the Texas sauce so I asked for an extra cup of it. When we got the bill there was a charge for it. IT IS A BBQ PLACE!!!! There should be BBQ sauce on the stinking table! I don't know why this little detail made me so mad, but I think it's ridiculous. So my conclusion is that we probably won't return.
(2)Amanda G.
I was recommended to come here and it looked like a nice joint from outside. The inside atmosphere was kind of neat as well. I honestly was not impressed with the beers. Their most popular one "Scottish" something tasted identical to Yuengling (which I did like by far the best). The BBQ was OK at best. Prices were far too expensive for drinks and food and it just wasn't worth the price. Our waiter appeared to be working nearly the whole place, he was attentive, but rubbed us the wrong way. My friend did not care for the beer he recommended and then when she ordered another one he stated they would charge her for it still and we hadn't even asked him not to. He was very unfriendly. Probably won't be back, just felt it wasn't worth it.
(2)Shannon B.
My first encounter with Smokehouse Brewing was when I purchased a 'beer tour' for my fiance's birthday. First stop was Smokehouse, where we were given beer samples and the sampler platter. We were hooked!! Every time we have come back, the food, beer, and service has been excellent. I definitely recommend the sampler platter, and if not the sampler, definitely the sauerkraut balls. My fiance HATES sauerkraut, and he absolutely loves the sauerkraut balls here. Also, the pickles. The pickles are to die for! We took some friends here for the first time this past weekend, and they were blown away by how delicious the food was. We had a group of 6 adults and 4 kids, and we were having a good time and I'm sure being a bit rowdy. We got some disapproving looks from the table next to us, but the waiter never once appeared annoyed with our loud talking and laughter, rather he was very well spirited and took excellent care of us. We will be back again and again!
(5)Jason M.
My favorite restaurant in Columbus! Great food! Great people! Great atmosphere! And most of all GREAT BEER!!!! Have taken many of my friends here. All loved it. Just had my 40th birthday party there. Took care of 35+ friends and family. No one was without anything EVER! I give it 10 stars!
(5)Mike G.
So a confirmed vegetarian and a budding pescatarian plan on doing lunch together. Where do they go? Barley's Smokehouse of course! Yeah, seriously. A BBQ joint. About two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of another lunch with Jessica H. I ended up getting the Cubano sandwich and fries. It was pretty good all in all, although I felt guilty eating it. Although I will say that the Cuban's in Florida taste better. Plenty of food of which I ate less than half and then took the rest home to throw in the trash at a later date. Jessica seemed pleased with her salad with onion straws, added to more zing. I tasted them and yeah, they were pretty good. Kinda like Max and Erma's. Basic looking place. Looks somewhat empty now that the pool tables are gone. Service was just fine and I'd go back again.
(4)Duane L.
Went to Smokehouse Brewing for lunch today. Barbecue and beer are the focal point. It is a nice menu beyond barbecue. I got a platter with chicken, pulled pork and brisket. It was outstanding Q. Nice smoke but not overwhelming. The brisket was particularly outstanding. Me saying that is a big deal because I tend to not be a brisket fan. My wife loved her bison burger. She had french fried sweet potatoes. They were excellent. The other sides is what keeps me from giving it a five-star rating. I don't eat anything with mayo so I gave my coleslaw to my wife. She was not impressed. My fries could have come out of McDonalds. Very ordinary. Outstanding beer selection. They brew many different kinds right there at the place. the Centennial IPA was good but they also have what are called "guest beers" and they have bottled beers. You can buy growlers of their beers to take home. I brought home the Centennial IPA and a barleywine. You can buy a "flight". That is about two shots per of four different beers. Nice selection of scotch, including my preferred Islay single malts, and eight or ten different bourbons. Comfortable chairs. Nice hardwood decor. Easy to get to and close to home could make this place our go-to eatery.
(4)Christina C.
It's hard to pass by Barley's and not want to stop in. The smokey smells wafting from this BBQ/beer establishment are irresistible! I've been here a few occasions at varied times of the year, but the fall months are my favorite because of their beer selection! Nothing beats a nice brew, some awesome BBQ and your favorite football team playing on one of their screens. If the game doesn't interest you, I bet you'll enjoy creating some competition of your own on one of their pool tables. Given all of your options in Grandview and UA, this is a pretty solid choice for pretty fantastic beer, BBQ, a place for groups AND even a patio. It's easy to access from just about anywhere since it's right off 670, too. Mmmmmm, BBQ & beer! I need to head back soon.
(4)Amy P.
I'm not the biggest BBQ fan - - It's just another BBQ joint, expensive, with mediocre food. I would not pick to eat here again based on loving the restaurant, but I'm also not opposed to eating here again if someone else wanted to go here. It is truly just a "meh" place for me.
(3)Holly C.
This place was just ok to me, probably because I've had some amazing bbq in Texas, but it was good, just not amazing. The beef brisket and ribs were all good, can't really complain. However, since there aren't too many bbq places in Columbus, it'll probably hit the spot if you're crazing some and you're in the area. I hate to compare, but my favorite is still Ray Ray's Hog Pit, now that little food truck is the best bbq in Columbus!
(3)Martha O.
We went in with high hopes. We have read many good reviews about this place. Besides the hair I found in my food this place is average at best. They did comp my meal which gets them 3 stars instead of 2.
(3)Matt G.
Great Experience! Staff was very friendly and attentive; food was great; and the oktoberfest beer is quite tasty! I went here for an AMA event last Thursday, and was surprised how much I liked it. Their wings are very tender; the meat practically fell off the bone! Happy Hour is not bad either. They have a select # of house beers at $3.25 for a 16oz (added is a photo of those beers; all except the Russian Imperial apply) I'd say if you like beer and wings, definitely go! It's also a good place to play pool and get a variety of different foods as well.
(4)Jessica H.
A great place to come if you need a vegetarian fix. Yes, you heard me right. I'm in hog heaven NOT eating the BBQ, but simply partaking in the wonderful aromas, strategically heightened by the Firkin Friday offer. Firkin Friday is a specialty firkin-barrel-type thing that gets tapped on Friday's at 3 and is offered at a special price till the suds run dry. LOVE the Russian Imperial Stout this way! The firkin is actually served at cellar temperature and not cold-cold. Mac n cheese is great, get it with a side of both of their BBQ sauces. Onion strings are slightly greasy but better than most places and dip oh-so-well into the aforementioned BBQS.
(4)Bill S.
The constant rotation of house brews & guest taps are awesome. Seasonal brews are definitely highlights. If you love wings & want to try something different you have got to try these wings. Awesome. I get all the sauces mixed on the side & dip my wings. Did I mention Mildred's Saurkraut Balls. Outstanding. Turkey nut burger & everything else is great.
(5)Tommy C.
This was my first time here. To start I got the House Pale Ale. It was very good and recommend you at least try it. Started our meal with the Sauerkraut Balls they were fine nothing special. Then I got the baby back ribs which were very good some of the best I've had in around Columbus. My fiancé had the Ruben which was very good. I would recommend this to someone that doesn't like BBQ. So all in all it was a fine meal.
(4)Ean B.
I remember coming here previously last winter and it was pretty good from what I recall. This visit was quite the letdown and I most likely will not be back. The coveted sauerkraut balls were very bland and seemed burnt. My 14 dollar brisket platter was underwhelming as well. Fries seemed like they were right off a McDonald's menu and the brisket was very run of the mill barbeque. Waitress was attentive enough for our miniscule needs which was a plus. Didn't bother with the beer as I remember not being fond of the menu before. The food menu is very small as well, not many options. All in all a very so-so visit...
(2)Suzanne K.
Terrible, slow, disorganized service. Ordered pulled pork which I have never tried before. Friends told me it was a melt in your mouth type of experience. Mine was as dry as shoe leather. Sent it back, next batch was the same. Everybody's food was mediocre at beat and not cheap. Shoe leather pulled pork, which I didn't even eat, was not taken off the check. Very pricey for crappy food. Will not go back.
(2)Doug O.
I've been back a few times and had pretty positive experiences. I like the beer, and as the place is a brewery first and a restaurant second, the beer is front and center. There is a good tap rotation with new beers coming on frequently. There is a good balance of Barley's beers and beers from other breweries. There is often one or more firkin on, which I enjoy. The food still doesn't match that of an elite BBQ restaurant, but it's pretty solid and I enjoy it. The shredded BBQ chicken sandwich is my current favorite. The bartenders are friendly. Lenny, one of the brewers, is often floating around. He is friendly and outgoing, so say hello if you see him.
(4)John P.
We had not been to Barleys smokehouse for some time. Could not have been more disappointed. The floors of the dining room looked like they hadn't been cleaned for hours; littered with pieces of food, napkins, and silverware. Ordered the pretzel bites as an appetizer, and in three minutes they brought a plate of stale, bread like pretzels. After noticing a full plate of these pretzel bites, the server suspected we didn't care for them and she apologized and suggested we try the sour kraut balls. They were ok. Then our meal arrived, salad and meal at the same time, followed by the sour kraut balls. Very poor timing when the salad arrives with the meal and then the appetizer a few minutes later. Pulled pork sandwich was good. Beer was good. We did ask for additional BBQ sauce, and they bring in a small plastic cup. However, upon receiving the bill, we learned they charge 50 cents for additional sauce, at a BBQ restaurant? Not sure we could ever recall that happening before, anywhere. Probably won't be back. Too many other good restaurants in the area.
(1)Thomas S.
I've been to numerous craft breweries in my time, I had never been to a brewery where you were charged for single samples. My girlfriend and I went for some BBQ and wanted to try some of their brews. The brisket is great and melts in your mouth. The beer was ok but we were charged .75 each for trying 2 samples (neither we took more than one drink from). The waitress brought our check after finished eating and noticed the charge. When we asked the waitress why we were charged for the 2 samples she simply stated (in a rude tone) you cannot just get beer for free.. Unless you're sitting at the bar. Had not been told about the sample charge or had it not been listed anywhere on the menu. I feel its dishonest not only to charge when the customer is not being advised of it but also that only at the bar are you able to try different beers instead of anywhere in the restaurant. Food is good, service sucked.
(3)Stir R.
Been going here for over a decade and they might just have the best smoked wings in the city! Here's the problem though, twice we were sat in the same dark, extremely cold corner and the place was next to empty both times. We walked by all these open booths to the back of the restaurant and during this last visit we must have gotten the waitress in training. We were spoken to like three years olds, high pitch, at first I confused her for just being upbeat, then we soon realized it was part of the act she felt she needed to play. When placing orders it was really was quite annoying. Everything we said was repeated back to us, like going to a drive through or movie theatre. She asked the same questions twice, left us scratching our heads because it was awkward. Maybe learn to read your customers better, if they need that type of support in placing an order or telling you how amazing their wings were. Enough of that though, best firken wings in the city!!
(4)John S.
Barley's is a great place to get a craft beer. The Bartender's are well-versed in the different beers that are on tap and are more than welcome to help out if you have questions. They brew quite a few beers on site and even have Growler's available (for purchase) so that you can take one of your favorites brews home with you. As for the service; it has greatly improved over the years that I have lived in Grandview. Obviously; if you visit during peak-hours, expect to wait a bit longer for your food (thats a good sign) :-)
(5)Daniel N.
Very unimpressed. Maybe I set my expectations too high, but my overall experience here was very bad. We went in, stood at the host table, and waited. And waited. And waited. My fiance was mortified, but I went in and got a waitress to seat us, so maybe I set the tone for bad service, but after several minutes of waiting with literally no one around, and only 2 waitresses visible on the whole floor (one was also bar tending) I felt like I should call attention to ourselves. The fried sauerkraut balls were very fried and very little sauerkraut. The BBQ brisket was good, the ribs weren't great, and the chicken was pretty good. Service was lacking throughout, and the drinks were expensive, with no specials available.
(1)Christy F.
In three words: Barley's Christmas Ale. Year after year this brew has been family tradition making my holidays all the more jolly; smooth but spiced to perfection like all good seasonal beverages, get a growler to wash down that Turkey. The pulled pork and brisket are excellent choices, even the wings sans bbq sauce have great flavor. Grandpa practically liked the Mac n'cheese out of the bowl. I've saved the best for last, in my humble opinion these are the best sauerkraut balls in Columbus. Warm and friendly atmosphere and the service has always been good. Stop in if for nothing else a kraut ball and beer.
(4)Nick C.
Was very excited when I had read the sign that they were rolling out a new menu on May 7th, I even read on a couple food blogs that the new items would be a big jump from the old menu. I pass this location on my way to and from work daily and have always wanted to try it, so when my future in-laws came into town this weekend I figured a Sunday night dinner of BBQ was a great idea. Well it was a great idea on theory, ended up being slow service, dried out rack of ribs, so-so craft beers and terrible pork belly sliders. I was wholly unimpressed, and it stated with the hostess when I called before we left the house to make sure we would not need a reservation, she said "oh we are dead so no problem" which is why when we arrived and were told it was a 15min wait I found it odd, clearly in sight were 4 empty booths and servers milling around. We thought we would get a beer at the bar, after standing at the bar for 5-7 minutes with no acknowledgement we went back to host stand, when the bartender walked over looking annoyed and asking if we still wanted drinks, we told her no we would be just ordering at table now. When we were seated the waitress came over and asked for drink orders but when my fiance's mother asked for a recommendation she blankly stared at her with no help. She then asked about starters and I placed an order for 10 wings, which were the best thing about the entire place, smoked and grilled wings are good here. After she dropped the wings at the table it was probably 10 more minutes before she came back to take entree orders, then 15-20 for entrees which was not terrible but the food was, she never came by to ask how things were or get more water or napkins (it is a bbq joint right?) until she brought the check. When we raised concerns with quality she had the only reply of "well if you did not eat the ribs we could have gotten you something else if they were dry" now there were 3 uneaten ribs on the plate and clear burn marks on underside of rack but ok sure thing. I will be hard pressed to try this place again, maybe others will go and have better luck but for my money I would stay away.
(2)Pat P.
We had dinner here after a long day of football, and boy was it worth it. The food at the smokehouse is the kind of good, hearty bbq that really satisfies a hunger. I had a sampler of 3 different bbq meats (Chicken, brisket, and pork) all done very well, good smoke flavor, tender and juicy. The sauce was good. (not award winning, but it more than satisfied) for sides, I had mac and cheese, which was very creamy and very rich, and baked beans which were also good. I've been back several times, and everything I've had is just as good as that first plate. This is a great place to catch an evening game and dinner. And of course, being Barley's, the beer is stellar!
(4)Lisa R.
Do you like BBQ? Yeah, me too. How is Barley's with BBQ? MMMMMMMM, *drool*, yeah it's decent. So the last visit, the better half and I took my parents. Out of a party of four, two of us chose the sweeter sauce, two chose the spicier/tangy sauce. After trying both sauces, three out of the four of us preferred the sweet to the tangy. The tangy has a bit of a kick and may or may not take some hostages on the way down. Between the group, we got ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Ribs were enjoyed by all. Fall off the bone, tender, flavorful. Pulled pork was for me and was super flavorful. I really could have just kept eating it if my plate would refill itself. [Note to barley's, if you could make that happen, that would be flipping AWESOME]. ERMAHGAWD, PULLED PORK. The brisket was also mine, it was just "meh". The flavor was decent, wasn't very moist though. It was just dry, didn't really enjoy and the BBQ sauce didn't help as much. A good brisket shouldn't need sauce to make it desirable. Baked beans were spot on. Fries were spot on. Onion strings were spot on as well. Not really sure, but the onion strings the better half ordered kept disappearing. I know, i don't understand it either! I was just as baffled as you!! I am informed that the beer selection was rather desirable. Two thumbs up on that. I would totally recommend, especially if they can figure out how to get that plate to refill itself.
(4)Amy H.
Yelp reviews don't lie. This place is average. Our brother-in-law was in Columbus on business last night, so we drove from Medina to meet him for dinner. We were all flying blind, since none of us knew the area. But, I did a search on Yelp for some places and the BIL's co-worker suggested Barley's. So, we went with Barley's. Thank goodness, the company was worth that four hour drive (round trip), because the food wasn't. Granted, the portions were decent, the fries were tasty, the chicken & rice soup was hearty, the guys liked their beef brisket sandwiches and raved about their pints of VS ESB, and the baked beans were the best part of my meal. Plus, the hostess was pleasant and our server did well to keep our drinks filled. What makes me sad about a place that calls itself a smokehouse and boasts about it's award winning food, is when it doesn't deliver on it's promises. My meat was painfully dry (I had the baby back ribs & chicken) and for those prices you'd think they would make absolutely sure the meat was spot on ('fall off the bone' tender? Ummm, maybe every night but Tuesday?), the women's bathroom had a strange smell and the feel of the place was well. . average. The outdoor seating area was located by the entrance, so we got a nice face full of secondhand smoke before walking in the front door, and it felt to me that the place could use a good scrub. Maybe next time we'll stick with the beer and appetizers.
(2)Heather D.
Love it so much that I buy 1/2 price hookups whenever they become available. The mussels are great and the wings are amazing. But the best thing is the beer. I prefer lighter colored beers but the reds are good too, heck I even like the hoppy ones. Nothing is better the a good craft beer.
(4)Ben L.
The Beer here is AWESOME, I also have a secret addiction to Mildred's Sauerkraut balls and their Cuban Sandwich, I get this combo almost every time Im here which is twice a month. I'v also had the wings, brisket, steamed mussels, meatloaf sandwich, hummus, and a few other things I cant think of at the moment, I really haven't had any bad experiences here ever. I normally drop in here on friday night (which can be very busy) but i think that's when the food and the beer is the best too! You just gotta love this place..
(4)Non P.
Yes and pulled meat and mac and cheese and fries yes and a huge selection of very good beer yes and barbeque sauce and decent portions and service yes and why would anyone go to City Barbeque when Barley exists? This isn't quite five-star barbeque, but it's easily four-star barbeque.
(4)Devon P.
Cubano sandwich was excellent! Great smoked meat plus amazing garlic pickles piled high and served with fries. The popular sauerkraut balls were not amazing, just a nice different treat; the dipping sauce served with it was great, try to snag some extra for your fries! And ask for extra pickles, trust me! Lots of TV's, tons of varied seating options, pool tables, a few arcade games; cool place.
(4)Stac M.
I had been here 3 times (to be exact) before I found something I really liked. My partner really loves all the craft beer they have on tap. He also loves the sauerkraut balls. Personally I don't really like their burgers/sandwiches nor their balls. So we have gone back, and I have tried a lot of food, with lack luster results. Finally, on this trip, I found something I like! Their steak salad was cooked just the way I like it- med with a lot of pink in the center. The fries were pushed to the side so you can get a little or a lot (makes it easier to grab the lettuce first)! The dressing was also on the side! And, it all tasted great! Our waitress was also great. She was there when we needed her and didn't fuss over us when we were talking. In my quest to liven things up a bit, I brought a little card game with us this time. We played a couple rounds and no one seemed to mind! Finally, something to look forward to when I go. Now- what is good at Winking Lizard? hmm..
(3)Julie H.
Definitely one of Columbus's best kept secrets....the wings are way better than BWW and cheaper especially on Sundays when there's the 55 cent per wing special. They have great appetizers such as mussels and sauerkraut balls. I've been here plenty of times with friends and love this place. You can order fresh beer made in their brewery or you can order what you like from the selection. The food is great, reasonable prices, and the restaurant is clean. I'd rather go here than BWW any day.
(4)Tina F.
NOT FOR VEGETARIANS OR HEALTHY EATERS! I met with a bunch of friends who were looking for an easy place to meet that was centrally located and wouldn't be too crowded on a Saturday night. It met those requirements and they have good beer but the food was not good. I got the black bean burger which was nothing more than a Morningstar Farms burger on a dry bun with a piece of unripe tomato and lettuce. I asked for avocado on it b/c I saw that on another salad so I knew they had it, the avocado pieces were hard as a rock. I couldn't even eat them & I LOVE avocados! The fries were limp and lukewarm - definitely frozen out of a box as well. The only fish option on the menu was deep fried. :( Plus - almost EVERYTHING else on the menu had meat in it - even the salads. Also, the mixed drinks are not very good either. I had a vodka & cranberry and it came with a dried up piece of lime - literally NO juice came out of it when I tried to squeeze it into my drink. Very unappetizing. . . If you want a good beer, go here. If you want good food - NOT! Disappointing because a few years ago it was pretty good, but they got rid of many old menu items.
(1)Keith B.
I usually get the boy-oh-boy platter, because most of the food is not exactly anything that blows me away. I've been here with a small group from my days at Nationwide to my time at Web Analytics Wednesday with a huge-ass group of people. Somehow, the server always keeps orders (and drinks) straight. I think I can simply echo Bryan's review - the beer is better than the food, and the food is pretty good.
(3)David F.
The house-brewed beers are excellent. The Centennial IPA, Russian Imperial Stout, and the Highland Hammer are three of my favorites. The head-brewmaster, Angelo, is fast becoming a Columbus institution. The guest beer list is always fantastic. I almost forgot to mention $10 pitchers of select house-brewed beers on Sunday's! The food is very tasty and well done. I highly recommend the sauerkraut balls, brisket nachos, and the barbecued meatloaf. The menu has a barbecue theme, but it is packed with delicious items. The staff is friendly and very attentive. One of the bartenders, Monika, does a fantastic job and is beyond friendly. April, Sarah, Katie, and Jersey are great too! The Smokehouse is very worth your time!
(5)Mike C.
I go to Barley's Smokehouse very regularly and enjoy it every time. My favorite food item there has to be the sauerkraut balls with the spicy dipping sauce. They are amazing. And I swear, I normally hate chicken wings but they are delicious here. Honestly though, I usually come for the beer. TWO count em TWO handpull cask conditioned ales at a time. A fine selection of microbrew ales and lagers; most that I have tried have been delicious. You can always count on a good selection of guest taps from breweries around the country. They serve their homemade beer in growlers (1/2 gallon jugs) to go. It is a bit pricey at first but goes down if you bring back the jug. Two things keep me from awarding 5 stars. First being parking, which is pretty dismal. The lot is dark and torn up, and I wouldn't leave any valuables in my car while parking that is for sure. Second being service, which is always sub par. Working at a brewpub, it is necessary to know the difference between types of ales and lagers, as well as be up to date on your brew selection. This rarely happens and has been consistently bad the last few years I have gone there.
(4)Brad S.
Barley's serves up bland BBQ for unimaginative palates that is on par with other chain restaurants in the area such as Hoggy's (and, increasingly, City BBQ). Their food is on about a two-star level, but I gave them an extra star becaue I enjoyed their Scottish Ale. (yes, all 3 pints. *urp*) Wifey and I stopped in here for lunch last week and the place was pretty much dead. We sat on the patio and were surrounded by those bushes that smell like cat piss. Not a good first impression. Also, those blue and orange Oberon umbrellas look completely tacky, and are already starting to fade. It looks terrible. So, right off the bat, atmosphere pretty much blows goats. We were "greeted" by our banana slug of a server who grunted out a hello and asked for our drink order. I actually don't think he strung together an entire sentence over the entire course of the meal - only fragments such as "Drinks?" "Food good?" "Check?" were burped out. I'm pretty sure he was nursing a hangover, so I'll give him a bit of a pass. The menu is downright laughable as one other reviewer noted - it looks like it hasn't been updated since the 80s. This is something I expected to see at the Elephant Bar or Rocky's back in the day - a spiral-bound, laminated, sticky mess loaded with outdated pics of unappetizing slop, surrounded by hilariously anachronistic descriptions that appeal to absolutely no one in present-day society. Regardless, I muddled through and settled on the "Boy oh Boy" platter that offers 3 mini sandwiches of beef brisket, pulled chicken, and pulled pork (comes with fries and cole slaw). Wifey got the sampler of 2 meats (pulled pork and brisket) with a side of cole slaw. The food came out in a decent amount of time (as far as I remember - I was 2 Scottish Ales deep at this point on an empty stomach), and the hilarity continued with the presentation. The food is served on GIANT white square plates that are apropos of nothing. It also serves to make the portions look tiny, as the food sits in the middle of this Wyoming-shaped and sized expanse. The sandwiches were the size of sliders and there were a grand total of 12 fries on my plate - next to the thimble-sized container of cole slaw. The taste of the food - as I mentioned before - is for dumbed-down palates and what people in suburbia think of as "BBQ". Nothing stood out to either of us, taste-wise, and we both finished our meals with a collective "meh". Another annoyance is that there are no bottles of sauce on the tables, and any BBQ joint worth its salt needs to have copious amounts of sauce available at arms length at all times. I'm not sure why people laud this place, because I found it sterile and boring as hell. It also ain't cheap. The two of us dropped $58 on lunch before tip. The location (on the wasteland of Dublin Road), atmosphere, food, and service all leave a lot to be desired. The beer was the saving grace, but I can get good microbrews at about 100 other places in Columbus.
(3)Jonathan O.
Freakin' awesome wings. They're prepared special. they put the sauce on first and then grill them.
(4)Tolga T.
Ok I am not here to judge their food since I am not an expert in BBQ type of food. My comment is strictly about the restaurant's policy.! My beef brisket was served with a touch of the BBQ sauce on top and there was definitely not enough sauce for the meat. I asked for some extra sauce and the answer was " It is 50 cents, do you want it? " Are you kidding me??? I have never had to pay extra for bbq sauce and I have been to numerous bbq joints all over the country. I am sure there are others with the same mentality but not in my book. Not going back there again.!!!
(1)Asa G.
First, the hostess placed my friend and I in an area full of family and kids that were really unruly. I ordered the meatloaf sandwich with fries and a side salad. My salad was composed of wilted lettuce and looked and tasted horrible. The meatloaf sandwich was very dry and flavorless. My friends order a combination of pulled pork, brisket, and chicken sandwich. I asked for the salad before my meal and it was served afterwards. The other tables that were sat after us got their food 15 minutes before us. I ordered a beer and it was warm and tasted horrible. I DO NOT recommend this place.
(1)Karen W.
Yep, I am a fan. I've been to Barley's many a-times for lunch and for dinner and I have never been disappointed in their food. Been here for Mother's Day, for my going away party for a previous job that I had and just to celebrate whatever the occasion may be. The hubby and I went to Barley's for dinner last night. He had the Monster Burger with fries and I had their Beef Brisket Quesadilla. Both were very good. I would have to say that their quesadillas are great and cant compare to any other restaurant that I've been to. Oh, and you have to try their Sauerkraut Balls too -- and if you're not a big sauerkraut fan, they arent that bad and they actually rinse the sauerkraut so that you can taste the other flavors in them. Definitely a place to go back to. I've been chicken to try their 'brew' ... maybe next time!
(4)Kristen L.
Not impressed at all. The restaurant was freezing cold. We all kept our coats on the whole time. The service was semi friendly. The restrooms smelt like sewage back up. For food, the only enjoyable thing ( i didn't have any beer) were the smoked wings. I got a turkey burger which had decent flavor, but the fries were cold and stale. One person in my group got pulled pork and it was just so so, especially for a "smokehouse". It was pretty dry. Her meal came with onion straws and they were burnt; I mean charred. We asked the server if that was how they were supposed to be and he responded, "well no, but the kitchen burns them most of the time". So why did they serve us something burnt?! The baby back ribs were also dry and just not good. Now their KC style house bbq sauce was thick, sweet, and pretty good. And I really liked their smoky, peppery Texas style house bbq sauce. But even these good sauces could save the disaster that they called bbq. Really this place isn't where you'd go if you wanted good BBQ. If you want beer and wings then hit this place up and you'll be satisfied food wise. But if you want BBQ then don't bother.
(2)Vaughan S.
The smoked/grilled wings are the absolute best. Also love the brisket nachos. The house brewed beers run the gamut and they have a really nice guest list.
(5)Craig G.
Nice selection of beers, and decent food, but the service sucks. Seems they all have 'tude.
(2)Kevin R.
If you know me you know that if you combine beer and food in one place and the appropriate adjective for the selection of each one at that place is good or great, that there's a good chance I'm going to love your place. Add smoked in front of a few of the menu items and you're going to have to drag me out of there kicking and screaming. Barley's Smokehouse delivers on all counts. If you've been here or to the High St. location, you know they brew some super tasty brew here. I've never met a beer they've brewed that I didn't like and several of their fantastic firkins are among my all time favorites. There's nothing like getting some craft beer that's only traveled a few feet from it's point of origin to get to your glass. After you decide on your tasty beverage and you shift your focus over from brew to your belly you're greeted by a menu that at first glance may look like your typical bar and grill menu, but don't be fooled! Everything I've ever ordered here no matter how pedestrian or standard it may sound, always wows. These guys take their food just as seriously as their beer. Speaking of the scrumptious food; If you eat chicken at all you owe it to yourself to try their smoked wings before you leave this Earth. Even if you've hated every other "buffalo wing" or fried wing you've ever had. I love smoking meats and I make a pretty mean smoked chicken wing myself and I can vouch that these wings are the real deal. Tender, smokey and not too greasy; they're great on their own or with one of the many sauce options they have (do yourself a favor and try them plain at least once). Should you chose to shun smoked meats, the salads are large, fresh and beautifully presented as well. While this is a rare instance that the service could be abysmal and I'd still go every now and then to get my fix, fortunately that's not the case. While you'll be totally distracted by the great beer and food, the service here has always been prompt and friendly. Bottom Line: Whether you're looking for a good meal, a night out for some drinks while you watch a game, or both Barleys should be on your short list of places to go if you're in the neighboorhood.
(5)Justin K.
I read another review from a "vegetarian" and LOLed. What vegetarian would go to a place with "Smokehouse" in the name? Yes folks, it is confirmed that you will not like this place if you are vegetarian/vegan/bulimic etc. I love Barley's. The staff is always super friendly and attentive. The meat is good. Try it! I've had a couple of things off the menu that I wasn't too thrilled about but that should be common with most people. The friendliness of the staff offset this considerably. Go with friends, have fun, have a beer and eat some meat!
(5)Christopher G.
Two visits, and two rude waitresses. Strange, they both must have gone to the same watressing class... Both where unaware of anything on the menu, knew nothing about beer, and were slow to our needs. We had to ask for things that should have been brought out, and the first one was just so pissed off she was there, it was bringing us down. We actually had leftovers, but didn't want to ask her for a box, so we left them. The food wasn't bad, but I don't think Ill return for a while...quite a while.
(2)Chad W.
Go to Barley's for 2 things. 1 - the beer. 2- the wings, especially Mondays for happy hour. Best wings in town, stick with the KC sauce. Smokey and delicious.
(4)Brian D.
I am a fan. I guess I should start out by being honest, before going to barleys, I had become sadly no longer a fan of wings that were bone in, after too much of my college years eating at BW3s, and their wings, I decided that I just wanted to go boneless, because they were meatier, and at the very least not tough and dry. Barleys, brought my love for wings back. I'm not even kidding. There is something about the way that they smoke the wings, then finish them on a grill that make them so tender, so full of flavor that I could eat them by the pound if my belly allowed it. The sauces are pretty tasty, the standard buffalo being a bit hotter then other places which is always good in my book. The chili lime being yummy, and the bbq being smokey and full of flavor. I'll be honest that I've never tried any of the other food here, and thats okay, because why would you want to really? There is a wonderfully large selection of beer both on tap and in bottles that you can try. Some of the beer is brewed in house, the scottish ale, and the coffee stout are pretty tasty, and reasonably priced. If you are in the mood for wings, and want to try something a bit different then go here, happy hour is 4-7 and 50 cent wing day is on Monday.
(4)Rick D.
If you wish not to witness the night manager berating his employees behind the bar within earshot of everyone (pompous jerk), dont sit at the bar. This happened both times we sat at the bar. Having said that, dont pass this place up. Waiting staff is great, beer selection very good and the food is awsome! You cant come here without getting the smoked wings. KC Style is fabulous! Kraut Balls are a favorite here as well.
(4)Greg S.
I'll admit, I'm a little biased towards Barley's since my wife and I went here on one of our early dates. However, we keep going back for the beer and the food which we thoroughly enjoy. Located off Riverside Drive, Barley's is much larger then it looks from the outside. The first thing which hits you is the hickory smoke, emanating from one of their smokers. There are 2 large dining areas, decorated in rustic wood...exactly what you would expect from a BBQ joint. The staff has always been pleasant and timely with orders. One thing I really like is that their boothes are extra large, many could take 8 people no problem. I always start off with the Sauerkraut Balls, deep fried little joys of 'kraut served with a delicious dipping sauce. For dinner, it's hard to beat one of their rib combos. They are dry rubbed, with just the right amount of sauce (I hate overly wet ribs). They are so tender, you can just flick 'em and the meat falls off. My wife usually goes for their smoked half chicken, which I must admit I've even considered buying once or twice despite my preference for beef. Then there is the beer. They brew a wide range of beers from pale ales, to IPAs to a Stout. My favorites are MacLenny's Scottish Ale and their Barley's Pale ale, which has been rated highly on Beer Advocate. They also have "guest" beers which rotate through the seasons. Barley's is definitely a place we will keep going to for a long time and I recommend you check it out.
(4)Renee K.
They brew fantastic beers (the coffee stout was great) and the grilled wings were delicious (50 cents on sunday, 40 on monday). The beef brisket was a let down...had the texture of corned beef, and didn't look like it had been grilled or charred at all. The pulled pork was tasty, not the best, but good. All and all, go for the beer and wings!
(4)Scott V.
Decided to come here on 2/14 with the wife and kid to enjoy a meal, we had a coupon (Entertainment Book) so we figured it would make for an affordable meal. Overall, it succeeded at that. Appetizer: They have 40 cent wings on Mondays, so we got 10 of them with their Smoky BBQ sauce on them. According to them, they smoke the wings for 24 hours and then grill them, and you can tell. The wings are very rich in flavor, very large, and the flavor really sticks with them even though they're not fried. The smoky BBQ sauce had a little bit of a pepper bite, but was mild overall and very tasty. Dinner: I got the "Boy Oh Boy" platter so that I could try all three of the pulled meats, my wife got the Monterrey Chicken platter. On mine, all three of the meats were well done, the beef brisket was maybe the most dry but still quite good. I used the included cole slaw and made mine up "Carolina Style" with a little extra BBQ sauce (provided on the side) and the slaw on the sandwich itself. The pork was moist, and the chicken had the same richness that the wings had. The provided BBQ sauce was very tangy, a good thing, and the fries were crispy, not super hot when they came out but they remained crisp and had good flavor. Nothing extravagant in them, but they were solid. The Monterrey chicken was moist, and the single breast was enough for both my wife and our baby. The green beans had a nice crispness to them, and were tasty all on their own. For someone like me who is not a veggie eater by nature, that's quite the statement. Service: Our waitress was very helpful and attentive, and the only complaint was that the wings took a little long to come out. The main dish was out though soon after, and we always had full water glasses. We were sitting at the back of the restaurant in more of a family area, and there was another family back there with a child our age who was running around the general area. This didn't bother us, but the restaurant wasn't cold and it wasn't busy, I can see where that might for other people. Long story short, the place was kid-friendly. Price: The pricing in general was a little on the high side, the wings would've been $8.49 if bought on a normal day. But, if you look for deals, this is a fine place to eat. Definitely will be back, more than likely on the wing night where I can get the good tasting wings and maybe try other things on the menu.
(4)Mike B.
Sorry, but when you have two "on tap" guest brews not in house yet, there are problems. Sure the other beer I had was good (at 4.75 a pint it better be) but I was still quite dismayed that my top two choices off the menu were not even in house. Food is nothing special, standard BBQ faire, more expensive but less quality than City BBQ.
(3)Hans E.
I was in downtown for business and the locals suggested Barley's, especially the Mildred's Sauerkraut Balls. I ordered those plus the Three Combo of meats (brisket, St. Louis ribs, pulled pork). The appetizer was really good, but only a hint of sauerkraut. Mostly it was a batter ball with horseradish flavoring and a great dip, almost like a crab cake in overall flavor. Unfortunately, the meats were only so-so, especially disappointing since this was supposed to be a smokehouse specializing in these. Lastly, I must also insist that they strike any mention of North Carolina or Carolina BBQ/sauce from their menu including, "with our North Carolina vinegar sauce." The pulled pork was greasy and limp, and not one bit of sauce. The baked beans were the only item with vinegar. I know it can be an acquired taste, and that I was not "back home", but I expected something closer to the described food.
(2)Lauren P.
This place could get 4 stars easily, but I gave it a three because it's such a hit or miss. We always order the sauerkraut balls as an appetizer and I love these things! Trust me, I am a picky eater and the sound of sauerkraut initially made my stomach turn a little, but this plate is seriously amazing! Sometimes they serve it re-heated and you can tell because it doesn't taste as fresh and a few times, the centers of a few were still cold! We had a waitress named Brittney who took it back to the kitchen and brought it back almost burnt since all they did was re-fry it. NOT cool. Some of their other waitstaff are just mediocre so that definitely hinders this business. Their servings are often inconsistent and as mentioned earlier, their food sometimes just doesn't taste all that fresh. Most dishes come with a side of fries, but you can pay about $1.50 for another side, such as green beans, that come in a small portion...so kind of a rip off in my opinion if you're trying to be a little healthier. So what's good about this place? Their food but only when it's fresh. I recommend going on a busy day like Saturday or Sunday. Their draft beer is good, and their Centennial IPA is my favorite to get. They have a $10 pitcher deal on Sundays. Also, you can purchase a growler and just go get it refilled when needed, which is pretty neat.
(3)Cheryl H.
I'm a fan. I'm here once a month for a group of which I am a member called Web Analytics Wednesdays. But sometimes we meet on Thursdays. Once, on a Tuesday. Don't ask. Anyway, we meet in the back room here - which is massive and free for anyone to reserve - and we pack a group of 40-70 hungry, thirsty (read: alcoholic. in a loving way. myself included.) professionals. I am consistently baffled by how efficiently the 1-3 waiters assigned to us handle our massive party. Once, though, I booked this room for a corporate event, only to arrive and learn that they had double booked it. N00bz. No big deal, they had plenty of seating to accommodate us anyway. Also, Barley's has some pretty damn good beer. A combination of their own quality microbrews and a rotating cast of "guest beers." They have pretty decent food, too, though now that I've fallen off the meat bandwagon I'm limited to salads or a cheese/veggie quesadilla :)
(4)Alisa R.
We love Barley's! My husband is obsessed with their grilled chicken wings. Great sandwiches and fries. We always enjoy our time there as well as our entrees. My only complaint is that it is somewhat loud and there are lots of kids (we usually go on a Friday night).
(4)Stephanie M.
I won't lie...the sauerkraut balls alone would keep me coming back to this place. And the beer list. And the sweet pickle slices. Outside of that, everything's basically fine. The barbecue isn't anything to write home about (I'm a transplant from Kansas City so it's hard to get above "decent" in the smoke arena outside of home). Sandwiches are generous. Sides can be hit and miss - onion straws good, horseradish mashed potatoes bland. In the end if you have good company and need solid food that will appeal to everyone with a few neat items, this is that kind place.
(3)Derek A.
In Columbus on business and I was in the mood for some local beer. Was going to head to their original place when I saw they had another place a little further away that had BBQ. Being the BBQ fanatic that I am, I had to go there. The service - Being by myself, I was planning on sitting at the bar, but it was completely full. It took a few minutes for someone to seat me, and she - who was my waitress - made me feel like I had just ruined her chances of going home early for the night at first. However, she warmed up as the meal progressed. The beer - I had just one beer, a cask-conditioned millennium IPA. It was creamy but hoppy but smooth. I was happy with it and if I hadn't been tired and driving myself back to the hotel, I would have gone for a second beer. I can't really give a complete and proper review on the beer, but the one I had was good. The food - I had their grilled wings and a half rack of ribs. The wings were actually very good - extremely tender with a pleasant bit of rub and char taste to them. I had them buffalo style, and the sauce is a bit unique, with some garlic and a nice sweetness to it that belies the hotness lying underneath. I think of the biggest problems with BBQ places is that they play it too safe. Barbecue is a nuanced cuisine but it is hardly a delicate one. Yes, there are sorts of layers of flavors and little things can affect it in big ways, but in the end, it is a big hunka meat that has been rubbed with handfuls of spice and cooked for hours over a fire. This is NOT haute cuisine. With that being said, the ribs came to the table and they looked promising. I asked for a bit of each of their two sauces on the side (Memphis and Texas style sauces), which meant the ribs arrived dry-rubbed. I love dry rubbed ribs and these had a thick crusty bark of charred spices. The only danger was if they would be dried out. Unfortunately, they were a bit - they had that over-cooked tender but dry texture that vastly overcooked ribs have. AND they had the membrane still on underneath, which is a serious no-no... it doesn't allow the smoke and spice to penetrate the meat, and that was evident. I think that if the ribs were served at the peak of their cooking time and had th membrane removed, they'd be some of the best ribs I've had in a BBQ joint. Unfortunately, there were only a few pieces hidden deep between the rib bones that gave that wonderfully smokey/spicy/juicy combination that you want in a great rib.
(3)Larry W.
I love beer. I love hand-crafted beer. I love smoked animal flesh. I am happy here. I eat here 1-2 times per month. One for business, one with my family. My kids absolutely love the food. Barbeque, kids sized meals, saurkraut balls, friendly servers......It's all good. Every now and again the service is unattentive,but not enough to make me gripe. Beer is expensive, but man is it good. I highly recommend the Pale Ale.....Just good stuff. Always a good selection of seasonal stuff. Not sure what you want? Tell your server and they'll bring out some samples for you. Like something a WHOLE LOT? Buy a gallon of the stuff and bring the empty jug back for refills. Ya gotta love that. Great food. Great beer. Value is good. Service is average. Oh, one more thing. Don't leave valuables in your car. Every 3rd or 4th time I've been there, there has been a break in....including my car once. Park out in the main part of the lot.
(4)Mark S.
I want to love Barley's, I really do! In the end, however, I think that we just need to be friends. I'm a beer guy and this place is a serious beer place. They have an impressive selection of in-house and guest taps. I've been four times and they have always had something cask-conditioned as well as a nitro tap - you don't find that very often! The food is only average. The BBQ has always been on the dry side. Perhaps the staff is looking out for my health but the serving size for the accompanying fries is meager, at best. I haven't tried the ribs or wings. I'm not a fan of the atmosphere either. The whole place has an industrial feel to it. It is located on Rt 33 in a mixed use area. The interior feels "cold" and very much like someone got a good deal on a light commercial low-rise and decided to make a restaurant out of it I'll probably come back for the outstanding beer selection
(3)Aaron A.
In reading other reviews, I can tell this place is quite polarizing. I hope to offer some insight as to why: Barbecue is a very particular flavor. It starts with the grade of meat, then the smoking process and finally a sauce. A lot of variation can be made in any step, thus changing the outcome. Coming off of a recent trip to Kansas City, I've had tasted, what most consider to be, good barbecue. By my definition, "good" is meat that has a deep smokey flavor, and sauce that compliments the smokiness, but doesn't overpower it. Getting this blend is tricky, but I tell you they've figured it out at most places in KC. Barley's has yet to master this. It seems as though the sauce and the meat are in conflict. The sauce is spicy, but not rich in flavor - its a pepper kind of spice that simply adds heat, but little dimension. The meat is tender, and seems to be of good quality but that sauce and the rub just don't mix well. Food is reasonably priced, portions are average - decor is what you'd expect but not too over the top. I actually like the facility and their layout - works well for what they are trying to accomplish.
(2)Ellen F.
A combination of great microbrews and barbeque. The Smokehouse is quite large and good for groups, and kids. I'm a fan of the Fiery Jerk Shrimp and the dried cherry walnut and blue cheese salad. I don't eat meat, but I still like Barley's. I like the yum's and mmm's it brings to my clients and friends. I've seen thumbs up for the Cuban, Barley Burger, the Boy Oh Boy BBQ Platter, and the Texas Brisket Quesadilla. You know it's a good meal if you're licking your fingers and everyone cheers.
(4)MITCH S.
I have been back to Barley's many times. I swear they have the best wings in Columbus. They are smoked not fried. I stopped by yesterday for lunch and the wings were delicious as always, however the first order of fries that were delivered to my table were cold as well as the server who delivered it. The next batch arrived and were fresh and hot..however, a bit pricey...$5.00..In past visits I have had ribs and brisket..both were great. Oh I forgot they brew their own beer..it is worth the trip.
(4)Elisa G.
Really good BBQ, service, and prices. Just visiting the area and this was a great place to go after a long day!
(4)Kevin C.
It wasn't what you'd expect from a BBQ joint for the sole reason that they serve actual authentic barbecue. Instead of going for the complete overkill through prodigious use of sauce, Barley's relies on a traditional rub for its barbecue thereby utilizing the actual flavor of the meat. That sounded smart, didn't it? Anyway, it'll take you by surprise at first, but keep an open mind. This is no Bob Evans BobBQ here, folks. Also, great fries. I know that's not saying much. But, nothing ruins a good meal like a side of tasteless, soggy fries. One of the friends I went with had recalled that the fries were sub-par during a previous visit. Well, she's eating her words now, boy.
(4)Julie J.
Just okay doesn't make it when the check is over $40.00. We ordered the brisket and the ribs. The ribs had a "luv 'em or hate 'em" rub with strong undertones of cinnamon. If you like a sweet saltless rub, you'd love them; not my preference. The baked beans were also an acquired taste; very strong mustard flavor. Again, you hate them or think they're the greatest. They had a strong flavor, especially when you put them next to the ribs. The cole slaw, blah. One major complaint, for the price of the meal, if you got fries they were like a half portion compared to anywhere else. This makes no sense whatsoever... fries are perceived as a value to a customer but cost barely anything. Why scrimp on the cheapest food item on the plate? Speaking of plates, the square white oversized plates accentuated the small portion size of the fries and the brisket. Not a good idea. Would I go back. No. There were too many conflicts with favors, small portions for the price, an outdated menu with unappealing photographs of the entrees, and the food was just okay for the cost.
(2)Randy S.
This place isn't too bad at all. Food-wise (mostly BBQ), it's certainly no Hoggy's or City BBQ. The pulled pork and brisket are very good but a little bland. The sparingly used sauces (extra comes on the side!) are very tasty. I liked their use of a different sauce for each smoked meat -- rather than just indiscriminately slathering a Kansas City-style sauce over everything. On the side. the mac & cheese was bland, but the fries were wonderfully crispy and flavorful. Barley's trumps the C-bus BBQ titans when it comes to ambiance, depending on what you're looking for. It feels like a restaurant rather than a barn-turned-sports bar or a family picnic. And prices are at least as good as those places. I'll be back to try their lauded sauerkraut balls and in-house brews.
(4)Juliana H.
I've driven by this place a million times and finally got around to trying it out last night. The wings are outstanding and possibly the best I've had in Columbus. The server brought us a sampler platter of dipping sauces, which made each wing different and delicious. My only complaint is that a certain *someone* at my table at more than his fair share! I went a different route with my actual meal and ordered the cranberry, blue cheese, and walnut salad. Also quite tasty, but I was a little envious of the others' at my table who ordered barbecue sandwiches and other fare. Next time. My salad was giant and filling...plus it came accompanied by a little sweet corn muffin and I'm a sucker for small baked goods. Finally, a pale ale was a great addition to my meal. A perfect drink for when circumstances make me stop at just one beer! I'm looking forward to going back, though probably when I'm considerably more thirsty and have a bigger appetite!
(4)Laura W.
This place was great ! Great food , beer & waiter. It is so hard to find really good BBQ . We definitely will be back & we live more than an hour away. Thank you for a super visit . See you again soon (;
(5)Ben H.
I frequently go do Barleys to have dinner with friends, it has a nice clean atmosphere and the bar area is large enough to sit in and watch a few sporting events. I go for the beer. They have a great selection of micro brews and if they don't have your flavor all of the house beers are excellent. The beers never disappoint...... My favorite food is the wings. I have had other items on the menu and they were average. Wings are the way to go and oddly enough I was impressed with the mussels too. I like the wings because they are not breaded and fried, are good sized, and have multiple sauces to chose from. I will continue to visit Barley's
(4)Bridget D.
This place is great. I wish it weren't in such a hiding place for its own sake and mine because I sometimes forget about it. I've been in a few times where it has looked completely empty during normal evening hours (possibly because it's a big place). I took my dad there because he loves trying beers, and he loves 'meat and potato' meals. I really enjoy the pulled pork sandwich or the carnivore platters. They have a buy one get one free entree in the entertainment book!
(4)Liz M.
Just plain disappointing. The service is slow. The beer was fine, nothing notable (i'm usually not impressed by micro brews). The food just didn't work. I got the 'Boy oh Boy' Platter so, I'd be able to try all 3 smoked meats. First off, the bottoms buns were super soggy so, I had to knife and fork it, fine. But, it wasn't a juicy soggy, it was a watery soggy. I was over it quick. Then on the the meats...the rub on the pork didn't work with the sauces. The sauce overall wasn't a winner with me. I like a savory sauce they had, but it didn't work with the pork or chicken and was OK with the brisket. Nothing stood out as actually good. The portions were comparitively small, and the price was not reflective of what you got. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this place to anyone for bbq, but if you like micro brews and moderately priced apps, go for it. They have daily specials as well. On a Sunday when i went is was wings. They also have some pool tables so it'd be a fun place to hang out with the guys.
(2)Matt S.
Barley's has the best wings I have ever eaten. Along with always prompt service and quality food, their beer selection is out of this world.
(5)Ted H.
Some of the most delicious beer in town, esp. Friday firkins and cask-conditioned ales. And guest barrels from other microbreweries around the area and farther afield. Alas, the food is just ok. Sometimes I find myself stuffing peanuts in my pockets, so I have something to chew on while drinking pints. Also, a surprisingly nice place to work after lunch and before happy hour. If pressed, Id opt for meatloaf special, blackened bleu burger, veggie quesadilla (and ask for KC & Texas and Gates of Hell bbq sauces for any and all of these) Baked beans as a side are superior; too bad they discontinued the healthy and tasty greens. Fries are consistently crisp.
(4)Shawnie K.
If you are familiar with Barleys Ale House in the Short North, put that place out of your head before coming here! Barley's Smokehouse is a completely different experience. Only the beer is the same, which is fine with me. Barley's Smokehouse doesn't have much character from the exterior. It's just a boring, free-standing building located along Route 33 a few miles out of town. We come here purely for the food and micro-brew beers. I am by no means a beer connoisseur, but always manage to find a few acceptable choices on tap. Barley's carries their usual half dozen brews made 'in house,' as well as seasonal beers ceremoniously unveiled throughout year. The Smokehouse also features a few guest micro-brews on tap for a few months at a time. You can order pints in the restaurant or carry out a gallon of your favorite beer. Just pay a slight deposit on the glass jug then bring it back for refills. It's a great way to have your favorite Barley's brew at home. As for the food, there isn't much overlap with the Barley's Ale House menu, which is fine with me. Though both places carry Mildred's Sauerkraut Balls, which seems to be one of the most popular menu items. I've had them and they tasted OK, but I don't usually order fried food. Also, I am not usually a big fan of BBQ (especially the messy, saucy stuff), but I quite like and prefer the barbeque-style food at Barley's Smokehouse. While some BBQ lovers might embrace a good sloppy slathering of sauce, I find their minimal sauce rather appealing. The rub has great flavor therefore, the meat doesn't seem to need a lot of sauce. The burgers are very good too and the portions are huge. We inevitably have to be rolled out after dinner. There are two sections to this restaurant. The front area contains the bar and has a pub-like vibe, with a few flatscreen TVs showing sporting events. The back room is much better suited to families, though kids will be just fine anywhere in the restaurant. It's not an overly rowdy place, which is why my husband and I like coming here. Barley's Smokehouse is one of those casual places one goes for a cold pint of beer and a decent burger, BBQ chicken or rack of ribs. They smoke all of the meat on site and while, it might not be the best BBQ in town, it is still pretty good. Barley's also make a mean bloody mary. I often crave their spicey bloody mary's, which are huge and fully loaded with a variety of veggies, like celery and olives... a meal in a glass! When we are in the mood for crafted beer, I find Barley's Smokehouse an easy alternative to going to the Ale House in the Short North. Huge parking lot, never a long wait for a table, consistent food. I come with basic expectations and am never disappointed. I'm a fan.
(4)David D.
I can honestly say that my visit did not include entrees. I had the American ale and my wife had the IPA. Hers was much better than mine. The wings were good but it was kind of annoying that they only come in increments of 10. But I would for sure return for a full meal.
(3)Travis Z.
Great brew selection for both house brewed and guest brewed beers. The food was good, but not the best bbq in Columbus. That goes to City bbq. But for atmosphere and selection of drinks and food this wins as best in the capital city. I had the baby back ribs and the pulled pork which were both tasty. Fries are very delicious and a must have.
(4)Melanie B.
So, one of the reasons I love the heartland/midwest is because of all the different places you can get BBQ (about as common as lobster/clam shacks back home in Maine). It's just kind of amazing, and so so *American.* Oh, Ohio. I went to Barley's on Saturday with a bunch of my friends, who had all been there before (and even have favourite menu items). I definitely prefer Hoggy's to Barley's, but the food here was definitely good. I had the Cuban sandwich, which was totally solid. My friends had: the pulled pork sandwich, a burger, and two got the rack of ribs. Everyone was very satisfied with their meals. The fries were especially good, but somehow I suspect this is because they are cooked in some sort of animal fat (of course!). If I had to choose between here and Hoggy's, I'd choose Hoggy's - I thought it had better atmosphere and better food. However, if my friends want to go to Barley's in the future, I certainly wouldn't be against it. A solid three star experience.
(3)Carl S.
This place is pretty good. The pulled pork and brisket beat out other similar places in town. I recommend trying the sauerkraut balls, which is an appetizer. I don't like sauerkraut, but these are very tasty when dipped in their special sauce. Great selection of beer on tap.
(3)Sarah W.
I have been to Barley's several times and have yet to have a bad experience. Service can be iffy sometimes (I haven't had anyone rude, just slow) and it's usually freezing in there, but the food ranges from decent to delicious and the beer is very good. The Russian Imperial Stout paired with their chocolate mousse is one of the best desserts you could ask for.
(4)Jackie C.
A friend of mine persuaded me to go with him on their wing night and I try to go back as often as possible. The wings are okay, they are not the best around but the price makes up for it. I really enjoy Barleys for their beer (Russian Imperial Stout is my fav.) and sauerkraut balls. Their entrees are also really good and if I wrote about them I would just be echoing previous reviews. I have been to both this location and the one downtown I have had excellent service at each, although I do like the people watching/bar crowd at this location more on wing nights.
(4)Chris H.
Good service, great beers. I loved the scottish ale, and thought the Christmas ale was "okay". The parking leaves a lot to be desired, as it's tough to find a parking spot directly after work.
(4)Jeffrey D.
Best ribs I've ever had, hands down. Ordered the baby back ribs, Kansas City sauce - they were lean, came out quick, and were practically falling off the bone. Coupled with reasonable prices (half-rack was like $13.99), great beer selection (I ended up walking out with a growler of their double-dog-dare I.P.A.), and excellent service, I can't really think of a reason to not give this place five stars. They also have a coupon in the entertainment book (which is how I found out about them) if you use that.
(5)Keith W.
Don't bother if its BBQ you want, or for that matter any thing that would be cooked in a "smokehouse"
(2)Pete C.
For the first time ever when reviewing a BBQ place, I'll try my absolute hardest to not stack up Barley's against Hoggy's. This will be a daunting task, as the Hoggy's is the undisputed King of Barbecue and Fixin's in my book, but I shall soldier on in the name of good taste and objective journalism anyways. Here goes nothin'. The first thing one will notice right off the bat with just about any dish on the menu is the meager slathering of sauce on the meat. Don't be hasty now- bite in to the meat before harking for the waiter to bring you that 16 oz I.V. tube of BBQ that you've been craving. You'll notice that although the pulled pork or brisket you ordered looks a touch dry, the seasoning is surprisingly poignant. The lack of sauce will definitely wear on you after a bite or two, but it's good to know that quality 'cue can be made without simply dumping a bucket of sauce on simmered meat and calling it a day. Ahhh, who am I kidding. If I don't have to send my t-shirt back to the Goodwill after eating at a place like Barley's, they clearly have not done their job correctly. Just gimme the sauce, man! I appreciate how tender and juicy the pulled pork that I got on my first visit was, but I damn near killed a whole Arnold Palmer after just three bites of the sandwich I got it on. The portions are generous, but like I said before, it's hard to deny that the flavor isn't what it could be with a more hearty helping of the good stuff. Who do they think they are, Hoggy's? Bonus Points: I second Kevin C.'s notion about the fries- they are certainly one of the high points at this establishment. If given the choice, I recommend you shun the coleslaw for a tray of these savory, gold-brown goodies to go along with your meat. But please, got god's sake, get an extra large drink. You'll need it!
(3)Nicole B.
My first trip to Barley's was for a victory lunch for my friend Sean. We went on the Saturday of Comfest, so it was relatively quiet and our server was really friendly. The menu was fun, but I hadn't been in the mood for barbeque. I opted for a California grilled Chicken sandwich with fries. Unfortunately, my sandwich was supposed to come with avocado, and there was none on it. The fries were okay, and the pickle wedges were huge! I'm giving Barley's 3 stars because it was good, but it didn't impress me. For BBQ, I think City Barbeque is more enjoyable with better prices. But, I would go back to Barley's to try their beer selection and give it another go!
(3)Shane L.
Barleys does great beer, but the barbecue requires a bit of beer to appreciate. Barbecue is a very subjective experience, and there are many styles and approaches, but to me, Barley's name says it all. It's smoky--too smoky. They do good wings, and some say they're bratwurst balls are very good (not a fan of kraut), and the atmosphere isn't too bad. Try it if you love great craft beer, if you've been to City BBQ, Hickory House, and Pig Iron and want to try something new.
(3)Jimmy O.
Awesome meal and I got my food within ten minutes. My server was Sarah P and she was awesome. A+++
(5)Sarah J.
Slow service, even when they are dead. Crappy overpriced food
(1)Bryan C.
Get the Boy oh Boy platter. All 3 meats, best of both worlds, no compromises. Oh and the beer is better than the food, and the food is pretty good.
(4)Jane H.
The food was ok. I shared the Cuban seegar, Mildreds Sauerkraut Ball, and the Cuban sandwich. The Cuban seegars were tasty.
(2)Nikalete F.
Two words: Firkin Fridays! My Husband loves the beer, I love the food. The service is usually really good. The prices are moderate but the food is great. I like to bring new people here to experience the beer sampler and the sandwich sampler. Never had anyone say they didn't like it. I think I want some tonight.
(5)Caroline C.
I've eaten here three times, and on every occasion the server was absolutely clueless. Talk about short-term memory. It took quite a while for our meals to appear too. Fortunately, the food was worth the wait. The ribs and chicken were a BARGAIN at $12. My sandwich sampler was also extremely good. The pulled pork, chicken and brisket is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Outstanding fries (small serving though. More please!). I would definitely recommend this place to anyone interested in some great BBQ.
(4)Gary B.
Terrible service. I was in Columbus on business, and I really wanted to try the beer and barbeque, but couldn't get anyone to wait on me. I was seated in the restaurant, which was less than half full, and watched as three wait staff visited every table around me. The host noticed I hadn't been helped and said he would get someone to take my order. A waitress came by awhile later and passed by me to wait on a neighboring table that had been seated about 10 minutes after I arrived. Everyone except the host has been expertly trained not to make eye contact. Left thirsty. I use yelp to try to eat local, and am usually happy, but this night I had to eat at a chain.
(1)Shawn M.
The food portions are small. The staff acted like they were bothered by our presence. I won't go back.
(1)Karie K.
The Smokehouse was basically my second home when I lived in Columbus! Barley's beers are excellent, and the barbecue is great. It's not such a great place to eat if you're a vegetarian, but the BBQ and the sauerkraut balls (trust me!) are a must for carnivores.
(5)