Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria — Restaurant in Knoxville

We haven't been here in years, and always remembered it being enjoyable. However, this past Friday, we had a completely different experience. 7 of us went here around 4pm to celebrate my husband's birthday. We were one of three tables (inside, at least) at the time. Because it was so slow, we felt comfortable asking our server if we could please do the beyond burger, philly style. Sub the garden, for peppers,mushrooms, onions, and we'd be happy to pay the $2 extra for vegan cheese. He comes back from asking the kitchen and says they said no. The beyond burger and philly are the exact same price, and with both of us working in restaurants, this didn't sit well with us. It was downhill from there. I told him our family of 5 was all vegan, which I learned very quickly he has ZERO idea what that means. When we ordered, I said we will do the kids pizza with vegan cheese, unless the crust of it isnt vegan for some reason, and then we will just do fries. He comes back and tells us they can't do the kids pizza gluten free. Beyond frustrated at this point, I said okay so we'll just do the fries, and then I made the mistake in asking what appetizers were vegan (because our menus were gone at this point). He starts listing all of the sides, including things like caesar salad. I politely interrupted and said "no I'm sorry I meant the appetizers". I said "you know what, I remember seeing pretzels and chips and salsa, if the pretzels themselves are vegan, we will take them without the cheese''. He said it comes on the side. I said "right, but we don't want it." Then I finished saying, "if they aren't vegan, please bring chips and salsa out first". We had three small kids with us and were trying to get them fed while we waited quite a while for our food. Food comes out, and our sweet fries are cold. He comes by to ask if it all looks okay and I apologized and said after all the other questions, we forgot to ask about the bun 🤦🏻‍♀️. He took his time getting back to us about the bun being okay. There's no condiments on the table, and he didn't ask if anyone needed any. Our aunt finally got up and approached him to ask for the chips and salsa or pretzels and he said the kitchen was backed up. She didnt even realize our youngest never got his fries so she didnt ask about that. All of us shared our fries with him so he had something to eat. The chips and salsa came out as we finished our meals, with a very small portion of chips. Our server sets it down and explained they ran out and would bring more when they were made. We said at this point, we were done, and just wanted our checks. We said if the pretzels are on there, please take them off (they were, and he did take them off). He didn't realize we didn't get those, either. He took the chips and salsa away and set them on a speaker that's in front of their little stage. Working in restaurants, we know that once it hits the table, it can't be reused, and also, after all that went wrong, he couldn't offer to put it in a to go container for us and tell us we won't be charged for it? We haven't had that awful of an experience in such a long time, and I'm so disappointed it happened on my husband's birthday. Also should be noted that as a server myself, I would have sent a manager to the table to check and see if everything was okay, because I know he sensed our frustration after so much went wrong. We contemplated asking for one, but we really just wanted to leave. The other thing I'll mention is that we saw quite a few other little kids in there, but Barleys doesn't have coloring sheets for kids? We usually try to bring our own, but forgot them that day, and coloring sheets would have been nice to occupy our three kiddos while we all waited a long time for food. We usually give places another chance, but it will be a really long time, if ever, that we...

Short Version: Loud, extremely over priced, nassssty restrooms and they will keep your credit card and double charge you if you let them...beware and bring lots of cash so no one gets your card! Long Version: We (my girl and I) wanted a pizza and a beer... thought we would go down there (last night) since we were in the area and it was Thursday. Got carded at the door and there was a band on the stage that was loudly picking random music over the top of the normal radio music that was blaring from their speakers for at least an hour before the time they were supposed to start playing. We went upstairs to avoid the noise only to find a bar full of folk. We stood there for at least ten minutes before a blonde bartender who was overly full of herself got free enough to help us but then ignored us and walked away. A second more friendly bartender gal finally came up and we paid $10 + $3 tip for two beers and went back downstairs to find better service. We sat a the bar downstairs and finally (more than twenty minutes after arriving) was offered a menu from a very nice bartender fella. The band began to play so loudly you couldn't talk and a lot of folk just left or went outside. We ordered a pizza but were required to PREPAY for the food and drinks or LEAVE THE CREDIT CARD (should have known then to just leave) total cost for medium pizza and a second beer (high life draft) now at $26 + a $6 tip this time before we even got our food. The high life draft tasted like garbage. I told the bartender twice and he brought me another high life saying the keg was changed. It was also gross. I told him I didn't want it. he did not offer a refund. Our friend Dave arrived to share the pizza and ordered a beer. He foolishly gave them his credit card. I went ahead and told the bartender I would buy it and paid cash for his beer $6 and I also had to purchase another beer that was $5 our friend also gave up $5 tip. We had a great pizza by the way and the other beer was really good. Dave left with us and accidentally left his card behind because he knew I bought the only beer he had consumed. Today he called down and they said they have it. He checked his account and they charged him another $5 on his card. So in the end, our two hour long pizza and five beer dinner cost us around $60 which was definitely not worth it even though the pizza tasted good (it came out in an unsanitary manner sitting on the bar with crust hanging over tray). Moral of the story... This place is OK on half price nights (which is actually normal price), Monday and Tuesday but otherwise it is overpriced pretentious and gross. Just make sure not to give them your card but prepay for your stuff instead or just go...

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Knoxville's Old City, Barley's is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts, live music aficionados, and fans of the Tennessee Vols. With its outstanding staff, impressive beer selection, and welcoming atmosphere, Barley's offers an all-around exceptional experience that combines delicious pizza, lively entertainment, and an undeniable sense of community.

Walking into Barley's, you're immediately greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance. The rustic yet modern decor creates a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for spending quality time with friends or immersing yourself in the spirited energy of the crowd during game nights.

Whether you're a seasoned craft beer connoisseur or new to the world of hops and malts, the staff at Barley's will help you find the perfect pint to suit your taste.

Speaking of the beer selection, Barley's offers a treasure trove for beer lovers. With a diverse range of brews on tap, as well as an extensive selection of RTDS you'll find something to satisfy every palate. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing lagers, the carefully curated selection at Barley's ensures that there's always something new to discover and enjoy.

When it comes to food, Barley's takes pizza to a whole new level. Their pizzas are a delight for the senses, featuring hand tossed crusts, quality toppings, and deliciously melty cheese. Whether you opt for a classic Big Daddy, or venture into more adventurous territory with pies like the Brussels Crow, or Hoff, each bite is a harmonious symphony of flavors.

But Barley's isn't just a place for great beer and tasty pizza—it's also a hub for live music and a gathering spot for Vols fans. The spacious interior provides ample room for both intimate acoustic sets and energetic bands, creating an electric atmosphere that is sure to get your feet tapping. And when the Vols have a game, Barley's transforms into a haven for sports enthusiasts, offering a lively space to cheer on your team alongside fellow fans, with cold drinks and delicious food to fuel the excitement.

Whether you're seeking a laid-back hangout with friends, a place to discover new beers, or a spirited environment to support your beloved Vols, Barley's in the Old City of Knoxville is the perfect destination. With its exceptional staff, impressive beer selection, mouthwatering pizza, and live music vibes, Barley's embodies the essence of community, celebration, and good times. So, grab a pint, indulge in a delicious slice, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this unforgettable...