Been going to Barnaby's since I was a kid and now I go with my kids! Love everything, but I agree customer service could be better but it's not awful either. The pizza is NOT your usual deep or thin crust pizza that is known in Chicago. It's thinner but oh-so-good. Over the years I've seen that there are two major groups regarding Barnaby's -- those who absolutely hate it and those who love it. Call in your pizza before you go sit in - it will save a lot of time!
Review Source:We've been a regular patron of Barnaby's for years. My parents took me here when I was a kid and now I take my kids here. This is my go to place for Pizza. We call ahead and our order is always hot and ready when we get there. The kitchen area where the make the pizza is always a draw for kids. There's a place where they can stand and watch their pizza being made. And don't miss the bartender. This guy has been there as long as I can remember. Nicest guy in the world. When my son was about 4, he took a look at the bartender and exclaimed, "Look, mom! A pirate!" One of the cutest moments ever - you could hear the fearful tremble in his voice but also the note of admiration when he said pirate.
I'm looking forward to the day I have grandchildren whom I'll take to Barnaby's.
I love Barnaby's and probably go three or four times a year when I'm craving their pizza crust and their veggie basket. The reason this place is getting 3 stars is because of the customer service. My goodness. I understand people can have a bad day but just a simple "hi" is all I'm asking for, not "what do you want."
They're busy on Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights but Monday night is the night NOT to go there unless you want to trip over children of irresponsible parents and wait 45 minutes for a medium cheese pizza. Â Monday nights they do a buy one pizza get one free, and as awesome as that deal is, I suggest you order your pizzas ahead of time. The seating is a little weird, so if you have a big party it's likely you won't all be sitting together. Â The food is yummy but it's not your typical Chicago style pizza. Â Give Barnaby's a whirl and it's either for you or not, just don't expect any sort of nice service.
By the way, this review is based off of several visits, with each time having a bad experience with customer service.
The pizza is good but the bald man who took our order was very rude to us  The place was empty so he was not busy. The pitchers for pop are tiny and expensive and their are no refills. We will not be going back because of our they way we were treated!!! If you want customers to return treat them as such!!!!!
Review Source:I'd give this place 5 stars to bring it up from the 3.5 average it currently has, but that'd be a little too aggressive with all of the pizza options in Chicagoland. I consider myself a pizza connoisseur, so I'll save my 5 stars for a couple other places.
I rated this location because it had the lowest out of the other ones I've been to, but they're all the same.
In short, it's not like most other pizzas in Chicago... The crust is almost card-boardy, but really good for some reason. Otherwise, it's just good thin crust pizza if you're looking for a casual sit down with the family or team (not too thin, not too thick crust). It's just a good place to go if you want a pitcher of beer and low-key atmosphere, and above average pizza.
You order up at the counter, and then they call your number or name to come pick it up from the pizza "bar" area...then bring it back to your booth. Â Lots of booth seating, which is nice.
Enjoy.
We have gone to Barnabys for years, lately in Arlington Heights but used to go to this location all the time, so was really looking forward to dinner Monday night. Â Well, NEVER again! Â It was the absolute worst restaurant experience we have ever had! Â The service was lousy, if not plain rude, the pizza was tough and my order was wrong, but it took over an hour to get so the beer we drank waiting made it edible. Â The worst, tho, was the atmosphere of running, yelling children brought in by their coach and a few mommies who ignored them the entire time and nursed the 4 pitchers of beer on their table for 4! Â I know management isn't responsible for these kids, but they do have a responsibility to their customers who were all but knocked over but these ill-behaved kids. Â Like I said, never again...too bad, used to be a good place.
Review Source:I've gone here quite a few times and thought I would finally write a review.
In short, Barnaby's is a great pizza place, with customer-friendly priced food and drinks. The pizza crust is very original and I haven't found anything like it any place else. They have televisions everywhere and plenty of seating. Â
This is an ideal place a family looking for a casual night out.
Barnaby's is a great family pizza place. We had salads which were big, fresh and delicious, served in big plastic shells. The pizza is amazing with dough that is very nice and unlike any I've had before. In the middle the crust was crispy, on the edges it was braided and chewy. The sauce is delicious, and plenty of nice cheese and tasty vegetables. They also have a great selection of sandwiches though I didn't try any this time. The whole place is back to back booths in dark wood. There are a few nice big TVs, which are good for showing Monday night football, or in our case, the Olympics. Now, it's not fancy, but I'm not fancy. I feel comfortable here, and the food was really great.. The people who work there don't fuss over you, but I don't want that, and they take good care of you, and that's what matters. I'd go back again any time.
Review Source:I love this place, and have eaten here since I could eat so thats about 30 years now! The pizza is the best the staff are just homey and even though there are others who may complain about serivce, maybe they need to realize that we are all human and make mistakes. I dont know anyone but Jesus that was perfect. With that said I want to thank Barnabys for sticking it out and not changing up the atmosphere or their recipes! You all are probably the only place that I remember as a kid loving that is still around and still the same!!!
Review Source:I have been eating this fabulous pizza since I was a small child. The greatest thing about them is the pizza has not changed one bit. I love the crust, very soft and chewy and the pizzs just melts in your mouth. Best thin crust I have ever had.
The staff, Larry the manager has been there for years and is a super guy. Mary Jo takes your order (and always remembers you), and she is the best!
This is a large family pizza place. Their menu has expanded to include appetizers such as cheese fries and mozzerella sticks. They also have delicious sandwiches and salads too.
You can watch sports, have a birthday party, or just relax.
This place is #1.
So far I really really really like Barnabys personal pizzas. My office has ordered them a couple times and its dirt cheap. About 6 bucks with a drink! I really like their crispy cornmeal crust too. To me their pizza is just good classic thin crust. I love a good thin crust more than anything and so far this place delivers. My coworkers, who have been ordering from Barnabys for much much longer than me have said that their pizza is really hit or miss and they have had some bad experiences. I have only had their pizza twice but so far it has been really good and my coworkers agreed the times I ordered it was very good. Hopefully I never get to share in their bad experiences!
Review Source:I have been eating Barnaby's pizza since I was a kid. Â I lived blocks from the one on Touhy in Chicago and it was always a favorite. Â That location closed years ago so I started going to the one in Niles, as it was the next closest. Â Used to hit this place up for lunch, when I worked in Skokie, about once a month. Â Again, always a favorite. Â Guy who owned it/managed the place was AWESOME - super nice.
A few years ago, I noticed that the service (and somewhat the pizza) at this place was going south. Â There was a super cranky guy in there at lunch that literally never smiled - it was almost scary making your order and paying. Â You literally thought he was going to rip your throat out. Â The nicer of the people who worked there was this dude who looked like one of the Bear's Super Fans. Â He is one of those guys who, when you tell them no onions, they hand you your order and say "Extra onions, right?" but really, they got your order right. Â He is playful, which once in a while is totally fun and cool.....if you get the order right.
Last night, leaving work, I call and order a pizza. Â Playful dude asks for what time, I say "4:30". Â He tells me that if I pick up after 5, it's buy one, get one. Â I ponder this and say "No, I can't wait until 5 to pickup - 4:30 please" Â He says "Ok." Â Takes my order and says "Ok, see you at 5:05" Â HA HA - funny guy playing games. Â Just to make sure I say "Ok - I will see you at 4:30". Â "OK" he says "5:05". Â Huh? Â Ok - he is just playing around.
Show up at 4:35 - go in and say I am there to pickup and Super Fan looks at me blankly. Â HA HA - funny funny! Â I tell him my name AND my order and he starts arguing with me, saying things like "Are you sure you called this Barnaby's?" Â "Yes" I say...."I talked to you". Â "How do you know you talked to me?" Â he says all pissy. Â "Because I know your voice and have been coming here for years" I say. Â He keeps telling me he has no order like mine and finally as I am about to pull out my cell phone to show him that I did indeed call THIS Barnaby's, he miraculously finds the ticket with my order and says "I told you 5:05", showing me the order with a "505" written on top. Â I said "Yes, and I told you NO, 4:30" Â He keeps arguing the point that he said 5:05. Â At this point, I was pissed. Â He says "Well, I can do it right now - you want me to do it right now?" and I ask how long and he says "15 to 20 minutes" and I say, now that it's 4:40,"Well, that would be 5 p.m. then, wouldn't it and I told you I couldn't wait until then to pick up." Â He says "You don't want it then?" Â I just left. Â Called Paternos on Central (since it's in my neighborhood), got my order PERFECT.
From what it looks like, new ownership has ruined this joint. Â If I have a craving for Barnaby's again (which is probable) I will have to try another location.
How can I make this review worth your while? Not much to say that hasn't been said so here goes:
How is the pizza? Pretty good actually
Is this place OK for the kids? Yes, definitely. It's the perfect place to bring the family
is it fancy? Absolutely not,jeans and t-shirts for sure.
Is it expensive? No, average though I think the cost of pop is more than it should be
Does it get crowded? At some point i'm sure but i've gone on weekend nights and haven't had a problem getting a seat. BUT the tables only seat 4 so get booths close by.
Can I get y drink on? Yes!
Pack the fam in the van and have some pizza.
Complaining does not count as a review, but I have a few complaints. Â If you have a party bigger than 4, don't plan on sitting together. Â All this place has is booths. Â We had 6 adults and 3 kids with us, not to mention you sit where you want and it was a Saturday night so it was difficult finding 2 booths near each other.
There are no servers, you go up to a counter and order, when they call your number, you go up and get it. Â I don't know who the bartender was, but don't act like you are doing me a favor when I order a pitcher of beer. Â I get it dude, you're the bald, tattooed, edgy, angry guy, but your not on a reality TV show so drop it. Â
As far as the pizza goes.......Pizza are like dogs, there is no such thing as bad pizza, just bad people making pizza. Â It was alright. Â Definately not the best, but not the worst.
To Barnaby's:
- Please wash your tables. Sticky forearms don't wet the appetite.
- Please watch how long your food takes to bake. An hour plus for a medium pizza is not good service.
- Hosts and cashiers can start acting like they are in the restaurant industry by saying hi to their customers.
Probably the worst restaurant Ive been to, ever.
Service and pizza was fine, despite what some others have said. Â The food wasn't greasy and staff was pleasant at this old school place. Â We got our pizzas rather quickly considering it was very busy.
The pizza crust has a grainy, corn meal texture, which some people like a lot. Â I found the sauce to be nearly tasteless. Â Other than that, I didn't have any complaints. Â Though I had Domino's the next night and enjoyed that a lot more.
It was odd though that even the largest tables could only seat four people. Â Also, there were a ton of kids running around on the Saturday night I was there. Â It reminded me of a Chucky Cheese without the games.
Barnaby's is located on Caldwell just south of Oakton Street on the west side of the street. The building is a single-story, free-standing structure with plenty of off-street parking. The interior is equipped with dark wood booths, dark ceramic tile floor, dark wood paneling and dark ceiling tiles.
You place your food order and pay for it at the cashier. However, your drink order is placed in a separate area. Your order number is shouted over the PA system. Pizza is picked up at the cashier and other food items (e.g. sandwiches, fries, onion rings) are picked up in a separate area. It sounds more complicated than it is.
I've been a customer for many years although it had been a year since my last visit. The pizza is thin crusted with a crispy twisted dough perimeter. The tomato sauce and toppings are tasty.
At dinner time there are many families present. Later in the evening the crowd is different with people enjoying pizza, beer and a game on the TV.
If you're in the area, it's worth a try. Please note the pizza at this Barnaby's is dramatically different and in my opinion much better than the other Barnaby's restaurants.
Pregnancy has done strange things to me.
Out of nowhere I began craving Barnaby's pizza tonight. I have never really enjoyed the pizza but for some reason, it was all I could think about. My ever so considerate dude drove with me from Ravenswood to Niles to quiet that craving. We picked up Mom on the way who suggested we call our order in ahead of time in case it was busy. Good call! They said it would be 30 minutes... our ETA was 20 minutes. Perfect.
Wrong.
We walked in surprised to see that only about half the tables were taken. On a Friday? That's nuts. I eagerly approached the counter to let them know we were here and pay.
There were two people ahead of me in line. As I walked up, I saw what I knew were our pizzas being placed in the pickup window. SWEET! I just have to pay and then GORGE.
Easier said than done. I waited in that line for over twenty minutes waiting on those two people to get served. There were issues with coupons, issues with the register and some serious attitude issues with the cashier who was clearly in no hurry. The line began to queue and thicken behind me. I don't even want to know how long those people waited.
By the time I finally got to the counter I was eager to get our pizzas that I powerlessly watched go from piping hot to tepid before my eyes. The cashier didn't say a word to me, put up a finger for the universal "hold on" signal... and walked away. Sigh. When she came back, she had to get the coupon I wanted to use approved (why? I don't know...). I ordered some mozzarella sticks to go with. Finally, after 25 minutes after walking in the door I had my pizzas.
Pizza was cold. Of course. When the mozzarella sticks finally came out, they were underfried and solid in the center. Yuck. A wasted trip and a waste of money, especially on those mozzarella sticks. I can only hope the leftovers taste better once reheated in the oven.
I seriously hope this craving doesn't come back because it's just not worth it.
The old man and I were drinking a ton of Diesel (Budweiser for those that aren't cool like me) on Saturday and we were hungry. Â He suggested Hooters, but when I mentioned Barnaby's his eyes lit up like a little girl. Â I kicked him in the nuts to remind him that he was somewhat of a man and once he recovered we made the trip to Barnaby's.
When talking about my favorite pizza places I always forget about Barnaby's. Â Barnaby's just feels like a pizza place. Â Well duh it is dumbass. Â I don't know how to explain it, but few places have that feeling. (Lous being one of them) Â I was on a search for the best crispy pizza a couple of months ago, but really I should have never started. Â This is the best, no question about it. Â We ordered two pizzas because we were hungry. Â One would have been more than enough, but it was nice to cure my hangover the next day with some left over delicious crispy sausage pizza. Â I've tried every variety of pizza they have on the menu and they are all good. Â Just plain sausage though is the way to go in my opinion.
I've read some reviews about people not liking the setup, but I actually like the layout. Â I don't have to wait around to get another pitcher; I just walk up to the counter and ask for another. Â Voila quick and easy. Â Plus they have Michelob on draft. Â My string of 5 star restaurants continues!! Â Maybe I'm just to easy to please...
Half-price menu items during Monday Night Football? I'm THERE!
Used to come here for years during the summers as my father's league softball teams gathered for post-game meals and drinks. I grew up loving and knowing the pizza pretty well, enjoying the atmosphere (wooden walls, wooden floors, wooden tables and benches, all dark), and delighting in the free freeze pops that the owners used to give to my sister and I. Â Now that time has passed, my father doesn't play on that particular league anymore, and I've moved around, I didn't know where this place was. I still remembered and cherished it.
Then one day, recently, when I was out goecaching, I drove by the location and found out it was merely a five-minute drive from my house! NEAT! Took my boyfriend here for dinner on a Monday night as soon as I could and discovered the half-price menu. Â We enjoyed the football game, beer, and food. Â The pizza was the same as always, and still good (especially at the half price). Â My boyfriend said his Italian beef (with cheese) was one of the best he ever had. Â Needless to say, we will be back as soon as we can.
Yay, Barnaby's!
Here's a little secret. Â Get ready for it. Â Chicago style pizza is actually not the most popular pizza in Chicago. Â What? Â Roy, you're nuts. Â No, I'm actually serious! Â Deep dish and stuffed pizza may occasionally be eaten by native Chicagoans, but the most consumed yet least mentioned, actually, is Chicago's unique THIN crust pizza.
See, there really IS a Chicago style thin crust. Â And Barnaby's serves it up. Â The distinction between Chicago style thin crust and New York style thin crust is the crust itself. Â New York style is often floppy and more dough-y. Â Chicago style thin crust is more crusty. Â I just so happen to like both, but, Barnaby's Chicago thin crust is my favorite of the kind.
I have been going to Barnaby's my whole life. Â Yeah, I'm only 22, but there are bunches of places that have came, gone, and changed in that time. Â So it's nice to have a constant. Â With that being said, Barnaby's has not changed ONE BIT in that time period. Â Their crust has stayed the same, their sauce has stayed the same, their cheese has stayed the same, their other menu items have stayed the same. Â It really is awesome in a world of ever changing, and ever expanding menus.
This place has been the same for so long that you can still see where my dad carved his name in one of the tables over 30 years ago. Â It's just been re-lacquered over and over again to be preserved.
The restaurant itself is very awesome. Â It's always been a favorite of mine. Â I've never been to Germany, but I get the feeling that this is the closest thing, in terms of feel, to an authentic brew house. Â Their specialty is definitely NOT beer or liqour here, but it really fits great. Â You can come here alone at lunch, with only another person, or with a big huge group. Â Really, anything works. Â It's almost always noisy and lively, so don't expect to sit over a nice candlelit dinner.
This particular location has a huge parking lot, and it isn't really near much public transportation, so plan accordingly. Â You CAN however, ride your bike here in the summer. Â Which I have done several times. Â The bike path goes right past it.
My favorite guy here is the big wrestler looking guy that is usually working the register or the bar. Â He's been there forever and always remembers us when we go there. Â Watch out kids, no running, otherwise he'll tell you...
Barnaby's is a great Family Inn. Â It's too bad more people can't experience this place---they used to be a national franchised chain at one point. Â It is something from yesteryear and another one of the places I grew up eating (if you can tell from most of my reviews, I am big on those places...) :)
Very good thin crust pizza. Â I ate one with everything on it and that is rare for me. Â The pizza was quite enjoyable to my surprise. Â Picked up fresh from the oven right on time and everything from the cheese to crust I really liked it. Â Maybe the toppings were overload but it didn't kill the pizza.
I never considered this place in the past now I change my mind. Â The prices are competitive and the quality is good far beyond what you can get at a papa johns or dominos. Â I will probably try another Barnaby's pizza in the future 4 star pizza not sure about the service or the inside of the restaurant . Â This review is based only on their take out pizza.
This is our favorite thin-crust pizza by far. Â It has come to the point where we can't drive by because my husband practically leaps at the car window like a rabid dog and starts to beg.... so we just DON'T drive down Caldwell unless I know we're going to end up going to Barnaby's.
So good... so few places that can have such good food and still be chill enough that you can just order a few pitchers and enjoy.... I love this stuff.
Some of the best thin crust pizza you will ever have! Â I have come to Barnaby's for years, and I swear i could eat it every day. Â Very thin crust pizza (and it tastes amazing) and great tasting toppings.
My favorites are Green Olives (Awesome), and Pepperoni and Sausage. Â They don't skimp on the toppings. Â I personally love the overall vibe of the Inn as well. Â
Pizza is a little greasy, but trust me the heartburn is completely worth it!
I had to knock down my star rating. The last couple of times I have had the pizza it is not the same.
I think the crust has changed. It used to be a nice buttery crunchy taste, but lately it has been just an average crust.
Barnaby's! Please go back to how you were making the crust in the past.
I don't like thin crust pizza. Â Â Somehow, though, I love Barnaby's. Â Maybe it's because I can get there on the way home from work and avoid rush hour entirely. Â Maybe it's because it's the first Chicago thin crust place I went to. Â I just know that if I have to eat thin crust, I'm going here. Â
The restaurant itself is basically a cave, but that isn't always a bad thing. Â However, going from summer sun to pitch black and back isn't all that much fun.
Also, if you're of age, you might want to just go for (the very cheap) beer instead of (the very expensive, unrefillable) soda.
Most of my pizza lover friends always recommend this place whenever we talk about pizza for Sunday football games. I finally decided to go there with a friend who like pizza but never had Barnaby before. We came out of this place disappointed since it's not what we expected in a pizza.
I guess we just do not like eating crunchy/dry crush pizza. I like my pizza soft not crunchy.
People here are very friendly. Probably the only reason I do not mind coming back here with friends who love this place.
I will always have a soft spot for this pizza joint. Â Grew up coming here with the family, and I'll be damned if they don't have surprisingly good pizza as well. Â The extra star is really for the ambiance, as I like me some dark cave-like atmosphere. Â It's a good place to bring the family, as the youngsters can watch the pizza guys do their thing through the window (I used to think that was the coolest job ever). Â You get your pizzas from one window and the pitchers of beer from another (selection is pretty much miller/bud heavy). Â
What is it about the cornmeal on the bottom of the pizza that is so damn compelling?
I have never driven this far for pizza in my life. Â And I probably never will again, but, in all honesty, they serve up a pretty decent slice of 'za. Â
The night started off innocently enough: plans for goofy golf and afterward pizza. Â Well the rain nixed the goofy golf idea, but apparently pizza was still on the menu. Â This evening was planned by the same friend that found Szala's, so I should have known what lay in store. Â Suffice it to say, a 30 minute drive for pizza seemed excessive -- though I was impressed when we actually managed to pass gasoline for sale for under $3 per gallon ...
Anyway, the food itself was good. Â The crust is crisp and the sauce is a good blend of spicy, not-too-sweet, though it could have used more salt in the sauce. Â They under-cheese the pizza a bit for my taste, but their sausage and pepperoni is good. Â Not to mention that they sell a six-glass pitcher of beer for $9.
Overall, this place has good food, very good prices, but is too far away for me to ever justify driving there again. Â If you live in Niles or like 7000 N. x 6000 W. give it a try.
I've only had flat pizza at one other restaurant; I'm more a deep-dish girl. When I moved my friend wanted me to try this place, and I have to say I was really, really surprised. At the other place, I only ate the food because someone I was with wanted it; Barnaby's pizza is completely different in quality and taste.
The manager/owner/whoever that is there when I've been there doesn't really seem overly friendly, but the counter help is. I am a little surprised whenever I see a restaurant that doesn't offer free refills, but a pitcher doesn't cost an exhorbatant amount of money and was enough for two.
Thin flaky, buttery crust, with just a little bit of give to it. Â Exactly the kind of pizza, I, for one, like. Â Price is a little steep, about 15 bucks for a 14 inch and drinks are outrageous. Â You're better off with a pitcher of soda or a beer since the soft drinks are almost a buck and a half for a 10 oz glass, no refills. Â But, considering I can't seem to find a pizza quite like this anywhere else, I'll be back.
I really like the dim lights and many rows of booths, its a comfortable getaway from the harsh overhead lighting at work.
This place brings back SO many great memories. Â Growing up, I used to be in a ton of Softball leagues. Our coaches would have almost every league party here. Â That said, there are still tons of little kids that run up and down the aisles, waiting for their pizza. Â The sign on the wall says, "We don't mind your kids if you do." Â
This place is large and a little dark and dank. The tables are Brown Wooden Booths. Â Beer Steins hang on the rafters for decor.
The pizza is served thin style and you can by beer and pop by the pitcher. Â I gotta say that their pizza is awesome! Â I miss it sometimes. Ahh Barnaby's....
I grew up going to the Barnaby's on Touhy & California (no longer there), loving every minute of it! Â Well, while it's still the same place it always was, each one looking the same as the next on the inside, as an adult I cannot say that the pizza was fantastic. Â Although, my kids enjoyed each and every bit and it's definitely better than the cardboard pizza at the national chain restaurants. Â The appetizers are all stuff the kids will eat (mozzerella sticks, onion rings, french fries), so it's definitely a great place to go with your kids.
The plus for grown ups is that a pitcher of beer is still reasonable! Â
I don't think I'll go when it's just my husband and I, but as a family pizza joint, it's well worth continuing the tradition my family has had.
I never ate at Barnaby's while growing up, so I had no attachment to the place going in. Â Really wound up there by accident, cruising around wanting (for some reason) not to go with "the old standbys", and swung into Barnaby's.
It's pretty clear walking in that the reason Barnaby's exists is to serve the (light) industrial area immediately east of it, and has done so for many, many generations. Â Fairly dark place, with a lot of dark wood; if that's your thing you'll like it!
*CHEAP* beer. Â If you're an Old Style kind of guy and like to drink it by the gallon, this should be on your list.
Definitely a family friendly establishment, despite the proximity to the industrial area and the cheap beer. Â (A little confused by this? Â I am too!) Â There were a ton of families in there at 9 PM on a Saturday. Â
When you enter, you'll notice that it's the type of establishment where you order at a counter, pick it up at a counter, and then grab a seat. Â High cuisine this isn't, but I can't knock a place for that type of setup; it is what it is.
What's (very) odd about Barnaby's set up is that it actually has THREE counters with THREE pick up areas! Â To the far left is the bar, where all drinks are ordered and picked up. Â In the middle is pizza land. Â Far right is grill land. Â So at a minimum, you're going to be making at least two transactions in two different pieces of the restaurant if you want food and a drink. Â Not a real big fan of that; all I wanted was a coke; you'd think I could get that anywhere. Â Nope. Â So instead you wind up walking the length of the restaurant to pick up your drink. Â Hrmmmm.....
Apparently (judging from other Yelpers) I made a mistake by not ordering the pizza. Â We all decided to order from the grill that night, since we hadn't set out to get pizza.
Looking back, that definitely was a mistake. Â My buddy and I both ordered a BBQ roast beef. Â I figure it's a pretty hard thing to screw up; slice some beef, throw on some halfway decent BBQ sauce and it'd be passable.
Unfortunately, it was not to be. Â After running a few laps around the place to get our drinks, our order was ready. Â The wife's grilled chicken was cooked. Â Thoroughly. Â I *think* it was still chicken, though it could easily have been sliced super firm tofu with grill marks at that point as it had absolutely no taste. Â My buddy's (and my!) BBQ sandwich was Arby's quality or slightly below; the meat had a rubbery quality to it that I thought Arby's had patented. Â The BBQ sauce was also fairly miserable (You know that *bad* BBQ sauce that they sell in 50 gallon drums? Â It's *that* stuff.) and the french fries were entirely tasteless, even *with* salt and ketchup added!
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Â I was really hoping to add a place to the list of stand-bys, especially with cheap beer, a family friendly atmosphere, and lots of dark wood. Â But Barnaby's seems to have forgotten that people go to a restaurant *to* *eat*. Â If the place had at least halfway decent food I'd give it three and a half, maybe four stars because I like a lot about "everything else".
...but unfortunately it doesn't, and giving two stars to a restaurant with fairly miserable food is generous.
A friend drove us up here from Chicago on a Friday night. He frequented a Barnaby's during his youth and wanted to bask in some nostalgia.
This place is right out of a time warp &emdash; there's no way it's changed much in the last 30 years. That isn't a bad thing, of course! The pizza is pretty damn good and the pitchers of beer are cold (and cheap). There is also a cast of characters here that are right out of a Farrelly Brothers movie. Sweet!
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