After three years of loyal Thursdays at our usual bar and restaurant, a change in management left it lackluster, prompting our group of Gen Xers and Boomers to seek a new spot. We landed at Barney's Beanery, and here’s how it went.
The vibe hits you right at the door—friendly security welcomes you into a lively, hip bar area. The ceiling is decked out with license plates from across the U.S., string lights add a cozy glow, and tables are adorned with photos of 60s and 70s bands and singers. The crowd skews younger, mostly 20- and 30-somethings, but the music, a mix of 70s classics to current Top 40, bridges the gap nicely. On Thursdays, they offer karaoke downstairs and pool tables upstairs, which adds to the fun.
Seating was our first hurdle. Our group, typically 8 to 12 strong, struggled to find a table, as most are set for four. The wait staff, however, was fantastic—especially our server, Peter P., who went above and beyond to secure a table that worked for us. His friendliness and attentiveness set the tone for a great experience.
The menu impressed us. The beer selection is stellar, and the food options are surprisingly robust for a bar and the kitchen is open until midnight. They serve breakfast all day, so several in our group opted for eggs Benedict and bagel sandwiches, while another ordered fish and chips. I went for the Juicy Burger, stuffed with cheese, paired with crispy, well-seasoned fries. The food exceeded our expectations—the burger was phenomenal, and those fries alone are worth a return visit. The only menu letdown was the limited wine selection, which could use a bit more variety.
We hit one snag: the kitchen seemed to lose our fish and chips order. Peter was quick to sort it out, ensuring it arrived promptly, which we appreciated. The staff’s overall warmth and hustle, especially Peter’s, made the night feel special.
The only real downside is the seating. With tables mostly capped at four, it’s tough for a larger group like ours to settle in comfortably for our usual eat-drink-and-chat routine. Still, Barney’s Beanery delivered a great experience, and I’d highly recommend it for its atmosphere, food, and stellar service—just maybe not for big groups.
H. J. G.
Groups of people in their 20s looking for a fun night out flock to this place after dark. It's strange. Lots of average music and average people
Cecily Lerma
This is a MUST SEE in Pasadena. Best service, hands down. Awesome, fun decor, live music. Loved every minute here.
Jose Frausto
Slightly disappointed, after being recommended this place by many locals on the area.
Burger was basically still mooing.
Most Recent Menu attached - June 2025
Angela Diaz (Yeah Me)
Stopped by remembering my past experiences being good ones. Well I guess I have to hang on to THOSE experiences and remember when it USED to be good. Empty and Drab atmosphere and it was sad to see that the employees looking miserable for having to be there. The pics I posted of GREASY flavorless Fried in OLD oil which were OVERCOOKED Pickles. Went well with the watered down flat Coors Light I also ordered thinking they couldn't possibly SCREW that up... Right? All around yuck and waste of what used to be a GREAT and Fun place 🤮
Lisa Davis
Didn’t like the food or service and the manager AJ is so unprofessional
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Stephanie
My friend got assaulted here and they did nothing about the guys who assaulted them, yet we were told to leave. This is bad customer service and racist cause those people were yt.
Josh Zep
Really like this place. Been coming here for years. I had to update after I went back recently and I always come back for the chilli here it's great.
Vic h
Below average drinks, food and service. Don’t waste your money here.
We had a large group on a Saturday night and they were able to accomodate us immediately, which was very nice. I ordered the Avocado Griddle Melt. Unfortunately, the sandwich did not come off a griddle nor was there any part of it melted. I expected the cheese to be melted and the bread to have been grilled, either on the aforementioned griddle or a panini press. I talked to the server about the problem and they brought back the sandwich with the bread still just toasted and the cheese a little above room temp, but not gooey like cheese should be on a "melt" sandwich. So the Avocado Griddle Melt has avocado, but nothing else about the name is accurate.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Brian park
Hawkeye takeover
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
Gerald Barksdale
Top notch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Monika Tunstall
Delicious food and artist wall
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Hamburger
Tim Jim Lim
Wouldn’t allow folks with backpacks in cause it’s “dangerous” and wanted to have us keep our bags in cars when most of the group that got there didn’t drive over and took public transit. Seems really outdated
After three years of loyal Thursdays at our usual bar and restaurant, a change in management left it lackluster, prompting our group of Gen Xers and Boomers to seek a new spot. We landed at Barney's Beanery, and here’s how it went.
The vibe hits you right at the door—friendly security welcomes you into a lively, hip bar area. The ceiling is decked out with license plates from across the U.S., string lights add a cozy glow, and tables are adorned with photos of 60s and 70s bands and singers. The crowd skews younger, mostly 20- and 30-somethings, but the music, a mix of 70s classics to current Top 40, bridges the gap nicely. On Thursdays, they offer karaoke downstairs and pool tables upstairs, which adds to the fun.
Seating was our first hurdle. Our group, typically 8 to 12 strong, struggled to find a table, as most are set for four. The wait staff, however, was fantastic—especially our server, Peter P., who went above and beyond to secure a table that worked for us. His friendliness and attentiveness set the tone for a great experience.
The menu impressed us. The beer selection is stellar, and the food options are surprisingly robust for a bar and the kitchen is open until midnight. They serve breakfast all day, so several in our group opted for eggs Benedict and bagel sandwiches, while another ordered fish and chips. I went for the Juicy Burger, stuffed with cheese, paired with crispy, well-seasoned fries. The food exceeded our expectations—the burger was phenomenal, and those fries alone are worth a return visit. The only menu letdown was the limited wine selection, which could use a bit more variety.
We hit one snag: the kitchen seemed to lose our fish and chips order. Peter was quick to sort it out, ensuring it arrived promptly, which we appreciated. The staff’s overall warmth and hustle, especially Peter’s, made the night feel special.
The only real downside is the seating. With tables mostly capped at four, it’s tough for a larger group like ours to settle in comfortably for our usual eat-drink-and-chat routine. Still, Barney’s Beanery delivered a great experience, and I’d highly recommend it for its atmosphere, food, and stellar service—just maybe not for big groups.
Groups of people in their 20s looking for a fun night out flock to this place after dark. It's strange. Lots of average music and average people
This is a MUST SEE in Pasadena. Best service, hands down. Awesome, fun decor, live music. Loved every minute here.
Slightly disappointed, after being recommended this place by many locals on the area.
Burger was basically still mooing.
Most Recent Menu attached - June 2025
Stopped by remembering my past experiences being good ones. Well I guess I have to hang on to THOSE experiences and remember when it USED to be good. Empty and Drab atmosphere and it was sad to see that the employees looking miserable for having to be there. The pics I posted of GREASY flavorless Fried in OLD oil which were OVERCOOKED Pickles. Went well with the watered down flat Coors Light I also ordered thinking they couldn't possibly SCREW that up... Right? All around yuck and waste of what used to be a GREAT and Fun place 🤮
Didn’t like the food or service and the manager AJ is so unprofessional
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
My friend got assaulted here and they did nothing about the guys who assaulted them, yet we were told to leave. This is bad customer service and racist cause those people were yt.
Really like this place. Been coming here for years. I had to update after I went back recently and I always come back for the chilli here it's great.
Below average drinks, food and service. Don’t waste your money here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Delicious food and great atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We had a large group on a Saturday night and they were able to accomodate us immediately, which was very nice. I ordered the Avocado Griddle Melt. Unfortunately, the sandwich did not come off a griddle nor was there any part of it melted. I expected the cheese to be melted and the bread to have been grilled, either on the aforementioned griddle or a panini press. I talked to the server about the problem and they brought back the sandwich with the bread still just toasted and the cheese a little above room temp, but not gooey like cheese should be on a "melt" sandwich. So the Avocado Griddle Melt has avocado, but nothing else about the name is accurate.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Hawkeye takeover
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
Top notch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food and artist wall
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Hamburger
Wouldn’t allow folks with backpacks in cause it’s “dangerous” and wanted to have us keep our bags in cars when most of the group that got there didn’t drive over and took public transit. Seems really outdated
Service: 1
Loading...