The Starry Plough Pub — Restaurant in Berkeley

It is with a heavy heart that I pen this review, particularly as it stands as the sole one-star rating for this establishment. While I recognize that the actions of an individual employee do not encapsulate the entirety of a business, my experience during a visit in June 2015 with my older sister and friends was profoundly disappointing.

Upon arriving, I struggled to locate the bar; yet once I found it, I was struck by the dissonance between its vibrant atmosphere and the service we received. As a vegan, I hoped to enjoy a meal that aligned with my dietary choices, but what transpired was disheartening. The staff exhibited a troubling disregard for culinary accuracy, particularly concerning the needs of vegan patrons. When I inquired about the vegan burger, I specifically asked whether the cheese and all components were indeed vegan. The response was a confident affirmation. However, my excitement was short-lived, as I soon discovered mayonnaise lurking within the burger—a clear violation of my dietary restrictions.

When I sought clarification from a male employee regarding the mayonnaise, cheese, and bun, he bluntly informed me that none were vegan. The subsequent wait for a remake felt interminable, only to culminate in a disheartening exchange. The employee informed me that they do not offer replacements or refunds, dismissing my concerns with a comparison to fast-food chains like McDonald’s, as if customer service were a mere afterthought. This is hardly what one would expect from a purported "safe space."

If an establishment cannot guarantee the safety of its food for those with dietary restrictions, it raises serious questions about its commitment to customer well-being. Perhaps this is why they are temporarily closed; one can only speculate. To my fellow vegans, I urge you to reconsider dining here upon their reopening. It is evident that they harbor little regard for your dietary choices, and the risk of being misled is alarmingly high.

While the restaurant may pride itself on being a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community, this does not exempt them from the responsibility of treating all customers with respect and integrity. Veganism and vegetarianism are distinct; to confuse the two not only reflects a lack of understanding but also a troubling negligence toward those who choose a vegan lifestyle.

Is Berkeley not meant to embody progressiveness? This establishment's practices suggest that it does not belong in a city that champions inclusivity and respect for diverse lifestyles. It is time for businesses to recognize that a commitment to all patrons is essential—not just those who fit a...

If a jig is your dance, this is your floor. This place is hopping all week long and some nights have a cover$$, so check the schedule! Live, traditional music, open mics, poetry slams, touring guests, and their house sound engineers know their craft! I've never been blasted out of the room there, or had to reach for my earplugs — regardless of the performers— which is the hallmark of a great live performance venue, but still seems to be a very rare treat to find.

They also have a limited but excellent kitchen. The Shepherds Pie is worth a Sunday or Monday visit. (But bring your own HP sauce!? ;)) Beer, wine, cider and hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages are available and the staff always makes you feel welcome.

I love this place. It's easy to feel enough at peace here, to let your heart sing and your spirit dance for a few hours. If traditional Gaelic and Celtic music is in your blood (or you're just curious enough to seek out a local, live performance) there's few places in all of California, that are better than The...

Anyone can be comfortable at The Starry Plough either alone or with a group because if you're alone, you'll soon be yakking with a group between the songs and comedy routines (or during). I go there Tuesday nights when audience members who want to get used to being performers, can. But, many others are already on tour as was Laryssa Birdseye and her drummer who I happen to plop down next to. And everyone else in between is enabled to do what they do in an accepting atmosphere (usually). IFK you want to eat, the food is delicious, although I can't see how any one can eat a half-foot-high hamburger with dignity. I live for the bread pudding topped with ice cream that's drizzled with a design of heavenly chocolate sauce. My mouth is watering for it now. Even their 5-scoop bowl of ice cream, sauce and nuts is worth waiting for while enduring a dirty...