Barrel & Bones Craft Bar and Smokehouse — Restaurant in Carrollton

I stopped by on Sunday, December 1, around 4:30 PM.

When we walked in, the employees at the bar told us we could sit wherever we wanted. Things started off great. I’ve worked at a neighborhood restaurant/bar with similar vibes, so I get the relaxed service style.

Our server (Latina with curly-ish hair) came over quickly, got us waters, my beer, and took our appetizer order. We got Texas Twinkies, fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese, and truffle fries. After that, she went over to the bar, sat down, and started chatting with what I assume was the MOD.

Everything came out except the truffle fries, which she must’ve forgotten. Once we finished the apps and my beer, we sat at the table for a while, waiting. No one came by to check if the food was okay, refill our waters, or ask if I wanted another beer. We tried to flag someone down, but no one noticed us.

Finally, I got up and approached our server, who was still sitting at the bar. She just looked at me and then back down. Another server (white girl, brunette) said she’d be with us.

We ordered brisket, ribs, burnt ends, and the missing truffle fries. The MOD delivered the food, but the experience went downhill from there.

The brisket was great—soft, juicy, and flavorful. But the pork belly burnt ends were tough and not juicy at all, though they were seasoned well. The ribs were by far the worst. They tasted like they’d been made the day before and just reheated—dry and disappointing.

To make things worse, I’m pretty sure our first server left around 5 PM when the shift changed, but no one told us or mentioned a handoff. The second server also left without saying anything—I saw her grab her jacket, say "bye guys" to the staff, and walk out. At that point, we had no idea who was taking care of us.

After the disappointing meal, I had to get up again, this time to ask the new bartender (white girl, blonde) for a to-go box and the check. I boxed up the food myself, paid out with the MOD, and asked for a military discount, which he graciously gave.

I felt bad only tipping about 10%, but I didn’t even know who our server was for most of the meal. There was no communication, and honestly, the service was almost nonexistent.

Before leaving, I asked the MOD if he had a business card or email for the GM, but he said he didn’t. He asked if everything was okay, but I just said yes and left—I figured this should be handled at a higher level.

I’m not expecting fine dining or fancy service—it’s not that kind of place, and that’s okay. I just wanted someone to check on us, communicate if they had to leave, and hand us off to someone else. And food...

If you like a laid back vibe with good drinks and tasty bites, Barrel and Bones Craft Bar and Smokehouse will be right up your alley. I discovered this spot a couple of years ago, but I am finally doing a review.

I love the wood grain decor and the big pool tables. This is a great spot to catch a game or grab drink. I love sitting in the bar area and watching games. The guy manager with the beard is really cool. So is the server Lexi. The staff has been friendly on all of my visits.

The bar has a vast collection of whiskeys. I love their signature cocktails. I’ve had a couple that I thought were really tasty.

I’ve tried several dishes on my visits to Barrel and Bones. My favorite was the House Smoked Turkey Melt sandwich. The first one that I had was TO DIE FOR! It was one of the best Smoked Turkey Melts I have ever tried. Hands down. However, the next couple of times that I ordered it, it didn’t taste the same. It tasted greasy and the turkey meat didn’t have that unforgettable smokiness like it did at first. This led me to try other things on my next few visits.

I thought the turkey sandwich was good but that was before I had this sandwich (forgot what it was called) that had brisket , jalepeno sausage, and cheese. When I tell you that it KNOCKED MY SOCKS OFF, it truly did! Everything came together in my mouth like a sweet symphony. It was delicious. I’m certain it is the best thing that I have ever tried on their menu. Sadly, I’m not sure that it is still offered on the menu.

I liked their brunch. I had the Basic Cowboy which is 2 eggs , protein, potatoes , and I had toast. It was yummy.

I really like their Garlic Parmesan Fries too. They are always hot, fresh, and flavorful.

I also enjoy the Banana Cream Bread Pudding. It is good. However, I think it needs more pudding on each serving because once you run out it gets dry. Still, I enjoy it.

Overall, I usually enjoy myself when I go here. It is a solid choice for good food and drinks. Check them out when you can. You...

Walked in yesterday evening and nobody greeted us. It was like oh they’re here or what are they doing in here looks. It was noticeable because there were several parties that walked in afterward that were all white and they were all greeted with “hi welcome in.” Had to wait 10 min before anyone came to welcome us in and ask if we needed any drinks. Then the waitress never brought out any water. We had to wait until halfway through the meal for anyone to bring our beverages as a lady came out from the back to do so. The drinks were very good the food was good but the atmosphere is not a very welcoming one. The only other black patron that came in was surprisingly ignored and not greeted when she first walked in as well. Immediately after another group of white people came in and they were too greeted “hi welcome in you can take a seat wherever you like!” I was like wow there is no way that is accidental. I understand there are still people not welcoming of black people in their establishments but to blatantly choose to greet certain people over others because of it, they might as well have a sign on the front door saying “ we accept all money but the service will definitely be contingent...