Barley Mill Pub
Portland, OR 97214-3720
Phone: (503) 231-1492
- Price:
- $
- Hours:
- Mon-Wed 11am-12am, , Thu-Sat 11am-1am, , Sun 12pm-12am
Editorial Review for Barley Mill Pub – by Citysearch Editors
In Short
Opened in 1983, the Barley Mill was the first of what is now a chain of popular restaurants, theaters and pubs. This one epitomizes the true McMenamin's spirit--original concert posters, Grateful Dead memorabilia and trippy paintings hang from every wall, ceiling, nook and cranny. Big, picnic-style tables draw families and friends to swill McMenamins' beer creations and grub on burgers, sandwiches and hand-cut fries.
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Insider Tips
Where to SitTables line the sidewalk in warmer months, and a loft with skylights and hanging plants makes for cozy dining upstairs.
What to DrinkThe Barley Mill offers about 20 beers on tap, with specials featured on the beer board daily.
User Reviews for Barley Mill Pub
02/18/2008 Posted by tommy7
The best thing this McMenamins has to offer is the fact that they just recently eliminated the after 10pm smoking. As for the rest... I went on a Sunday evening and when I opened the door the music was blaring so loud, I just turned around and walked out. Doesn't anybody get it that if you are a bar and you serve food that you might be with someone and want to talk to them? I don't really want to yell at my friend over really bad food. Barley Mill food is at best mediocre. Goopy burgers and crappy salads with really bad dressing. I honestly don't know what keeps people coming back. I've been told that the only thing that matters to them is the beer, most of which is really bad too. So what does this place have going for it? I honestly can't answer that question. It's not just the Barley Mill, it's all of the McMenamins. They all serve the same crappy food and the same crappy beer. The service is extremely unfriendly from a bunch of tattoo laden Euroboy types who have never heard of service with a smile. The McMenamins would do well to totally revamp the menu to make the food a reason to want to go. As it is, it's not. Take it up a notch or 2.
Pros: The Dead Motif
Cons: Food, Beer, Service
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful
01/07/2007 Posted by pdxjon
Summer is the best time to enjoy brews-and-grub at this lower Hawthorne McMenamins location, when you and a few friends can occupy one of several streetside wooden picnic tables. True to McMenamins form, the Barley Mill serves up greasy spoon delights alongside their microbrewed creations. Always ask for whatever's on 'nitro' that day, because it's bound to be the tastiest of the bunch. Oil-drenched fries are their specialty, and a plate of this greasy treat is great on its own or served with one of several signature burgers and sandwiches. Don't make the mistake of dipping the fries in simple ketchup--make sure to douse it first with tangy malt vinegar for some added kick. Grateful Dead memorabilia adorn almost every surface in the pub, which only adds to its relaxed ambience. Service can be spotty, much like the restrooms. This is not a 'date place' unless you consider the mezzanine seating romantic enough for some public displays of affection. As with anything beer related, pitcherfuls are the way to go, because buying by the pint can add up. Parking can be a bit of a pain, but not as nearly impossible up a little further on Hawthorne.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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