Haystack Burgers and Barley — Restaurant in Dallas

Not sure where to start this review, so I will start with their sister location on 75 and Beltline...I haven't eaten there in a number of years, and I only ever ate there by myself, but I remember the burgers were great and the stuffed jalapeno poppers were better. Ok, snap to today. The Arapahoe location is relatively new to the area. The whole Arapahoe & Meadow Creek corner has been completely revitalized over the past few years with more to come. I have enjoyed more than several Haymakers (alcoholic drink) on warm nights since they opened at this location. It is a nice, kid friendly area to chill for a bit. Tonight was the first time I actually ordered off of the food menu. I was definitely expecting the same quality dining experience that I have enjoyed at the other location. Let's start with the positives. Friendly service, warm atmosphere, and very accessible. I ordered a Haymaker and it was dyed green for St. Paddy's day, and it lived up to what I am used to. My wife ordered the Hibiscus Lemonade (alcohol drink), and she really liked it. We started with a gluten free appetizer of chips, queso, and salsa. The chips were stale but edible. The queso and salsa were meh. Both items tasted like what you might expect from grocery store aisle Tostitos jars that were microwaved right after we ordered. The garlic Parmesan fries were hot and very tasty. Burgers were exactly what we ordered and they were just fine. Meat was not juicy and basically tepid at best. Burgers were not bad, but certainly not what I was expecting from past experience or for what we paid for them. Again, the gluten free bun, according to my Celiac daughter, was not up to par in comparison to other local burger joints. Their beer menu is pretty decent, and I have tried most of them. I don't remember if they do the jalapeno stuffed poppers at this location, but I will definitely look for them the next time I visit. Overall it was a pleasant dining experience, but way too expensive for the quality of food. In the future, I will probably stick with a cold drink on the patio. I would say one thumb up and...

Latest update. Experience had improved. The burgers are back to the original best. Crazy good flavor. Very family fun experience with the outside/inside seating. Keep up the quality!

---------------------older reviews below-_------ Update with a lot more stars. Two very good experiences over the last few weeks. They seem to have dialed in the quality back to what I've been expecting. Will be back very soon. Keep up the great work.

Older reviews follow

This place is super inconsistent. Meat was bad tonight. This is the second time we've encountered poor quality here. Food is way oversalted as well. Improve the meat source and quality!

Been here multiple times and it is a bit inconsistent. However when it's on, it's on! Some of the staff needs better training about their food. Questions results in puzzled looks. Burgers were really bad one visit. The other visits were good with the last being really good.

Tip: If you're a guacamole fan, this place has one of the the best ever guacs tried and I make a mean guac myself but I defer to theirs!

I will be back as the atmosphere is fun on a busy night. Kids play outside in the field and on the playground. Lots of open air seating.

---Old, first review follows --- Still exploring this great new place. The burgers and chicken tenders are really awesome. The staff sometimes feels lost but willing to help. We are going to keep coming here as it is very family friendly, the chef is doing a great job, and the restaurant is a true open concept into a play area for kids and family to chill. Looking forward to their chicken club which...

I left behind my packed leftovers in a box, and went back for it within a few minutes of walking to my car. I came back and asked about it, and they said they threw it away. That’s okay, I wasn’t making a fuss, but the kind staff member insisted they ask their manager about it first. All I heard was her outburst, “But it was in a togo box!!!” Then the kind staff member came and said they’ll remake it. The manager begrudgingly handed over the burger, not making any eye contact or saying anything. A thanks from me was still given. You would think that if I went out of my way to get a togo box and pack my food, I simply forgotten it and maybe… just maybe come back for it. I was barely at my car before I realized, so not much time has passed. I live a few minute walk away, and was hoping this would be my new fav burger joint after my first enjoyable visit.

I don’t think she should be managing a restaurant if she can’t manage her emotions. I’ve been in the restaurant industry for years, and I’ve never seen such unprofessionalism.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have asked for it to be remade since I didn’t want to cause any trouble, but it was insisted. Along with her already-poor attitude, the burger was also made incorrectly — which seemed petty. I threw the burger away, by the way, in fear it might’ve gotten spat on. I won’t...