Barnaby's Cafe — Restaurant in Houston

I love Barnaby's food, and I was so excited that they were moving into the Heights. But I am continuously disappointed with the service at this place. The first couple times we went, it was right after they had opened so I figured it was growing pains and I let it slide. But I just went yesterday, and it seemed more like they just do not want customers in that place.

After coming in and asking for a table for 7 plus 2 babies with strollers at a mostly empty restaurant, the host walked away to put together a table. I followed him with my group since he didn't say otherwise and I wanted to get out of the way of the door, and he turned around and mumbled something like, "oh, don't follow me". Huh? How about, "Give me a second to put some tables together for you" or something? Then he puts together 2 tables for 9 people... and walks away. We sat there for a second thinking how we were going to be able to eat without bumping into everyone's elbows, then put another table together so we would be more comfortable.

Then it took almost 10 minutes for our server to come take our drink order. I'm not sure why, it wasn't that busy and there were about 5 servers for a small restaurant. He maybe had 3 tables.

Another 10-15 minutes pass before we can put in our food order, and the restaurant is starting to get busy. Then a different server came to our table and tried giving us the wrong table's order. We were trying to figure out why the plates she had didn't seem to be what we ordered, and she actually says, "Who's order is this? This is heavy." not in a polite voice. As if it was our fault she didn't have a tray or something to put the food on, not to mention she was trying to give us the wrong order. Once she figured out her mistake, she gave a disingenuous smile and "sorry" and took it all back.

A while later she brings out our food, except for my nieces' macaroni and cheese, which would come out "soon". Another 10-15 minutes later, one order of mac and cheese comes out. This is not some specialty mac and cheese, this is Kraft mac and cheese. Why in the world did they not make enough to serve both of my nieces? And it wasn't even hot all the way through, there were cold spots in it... So basically they microwaved some pre-made mac and cheese, but somehow couldn't get it out at the same time as my burger, and could only get one plate out at a time?

Finally my other niece gets her dish, and then our old server is back apologizing and asking if we want a desert for our trouble. Not really, thanks. For what it's worth, our first server was very friendly, even though he was super slow, and did comp the mac and cheese dishes as well as their drinks. I wouldn't even be complaining about it if it wasn't for compounding all the other staff treating us like second class citizens and the quality of the kids' meals.

The food here is good most of the time, as long as they get your order right. I really wanted this restaurant to be a good place to go, it is walking distance to my house, but I don't think I can go back with the service being...

This review is based solely on my experience and personal opinion.

We went to this specific Barnaby's restaurant on Saturday, 8/7/21.

We are Barnaby's regular customers, we like their food and their service, even though this time was different and I'll explain why:

FOOD: we order two Burger sandwiches, one was the Impossible Burger sandwich and the other one was a Falafel burger sandwich..... they both come with French fries. I did not like the presentation, they were sort of messy and ugly looking burgers. the Impossible Burger Sandwich= it was dry, they did not put any sauce in it, the ban was chewy and the burger had a weird flavor and color. A similar flavor would be......when you cook mushroom that have been expired. a weird flavor and I did not like it, but I did not know if it was me or if it was the burger, so I did not say anything, but I left half of it. it came with a sauce, but it was not good at all. The Falafel burger sandwich = it had a good flavor to it, nice and balanced and I would recommend it. It had plenty of sauce inside and it wasn't dry as the other one. it came with a sort of hummus sauce, that was very good. French fries = French fries had a surprise size. it was the first time we saw such a thin-cut potatoes. but they were good regardless.

STAFF: all the guys that served us are amazing! they are always nice, friendly, big smile on their face and they always get you wat you need, in no time. they are absolutely great. If there is a problem with your order they go ahead and change it or make it again, without even asking you what is wrong with your meal. they clean the tables and the restaurant over and over again. They are very customer oriented and they want you to enjoy your meal. They all welcome you when you arrive and they say bye when you leave... regardless of the time you get there.

CLEALINESS: we ate outside, on the side of the restaurant, chairs and table were clean, the restrooms were clean and inside was clean and neat as well.

RESTROOMS: Restroom had paper, soap. working faucet and paper towel. clean and good smell.

PLACE: small restaurant but nice and calm atmosphere to enjoy your meal.

PRICE: we paid $30 for two fairly big sandwiches + a good amount of French fries and two drinks. It is considered an average price in the Houston area.

LOCATION: in the Heights of Houston, close to Stude park and white oaks bayou.

CONCLUSION: even though this time wasn't great, we'll...

A train stopped traffic the other night. We sat in the line of cars for what seemed like an hour but I bet it was 20min. While we sat in traffic, hunger set in and we pulled up Google Maps to see what was around. Since we don't get to that part of Houston often, we decided to pick a place that wasn't a big name like Schlotzsky's or IHOP. We settled on Barnaby's. While it wasn't the easiest place to get to, that's normal for Houston. Cool little corner spot in a shopping center with large glass windows, very inviting restaurant. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere jolly, Christmas music playing in the background. First thing we noticed, the menu options are standard fare. Most every dish has some twist of flare that made it unique to Barnaby's. Pricing was not bad considering location and quality of the food. We ordered: Pesto Chicken Salad Sandwich Turkey w/ Cranberry mayo Macaroni and cheese from the adult menu (on recommendation) We ate every bit of the food that came out! The "Mac and cheese" had a smokey Gouda and omg it was the best I've ever had! The pesto in the chicken sandwich was subtle and gave the chicken depth and dynamic I wasn't expecting. And the turkey sandwich was what you expect Your post thanksgiving sandwiches to taste like But never do. Very tasty. Very comforting. All in all, I loved Barnaby's and I bet you would too! Should I get back to that side of Houston, I will definitely be eating at...