J Squared Barrel House — Restaurant in Longview

When I first cogitated this review, I thought of playfully complaining about the lack of square barrels on the premises. However, what J&J have created here is too impressive for throwaway wit. I do not hand out 5 stars lightly but this place is different.

The service staff are fantastic - what they may sometimes lack in quantity during peek hours is thoroughly absolved by quality. The beer & wine selections show an insight into the human palate (and arcane distribution systems) that few others can rival anywhere; not just in this local. The small but mighty menu demonstrates how much can be done with a limited kitchen and unconstrained imagination. However, what really holds this team together though is the leadership.

Thanks to Jack, who effortlessly exudes decorum and customer service excellence, the J-Squared Barrel house is a luxurious force to contend with. His vast knowledge of the industry is palpable in everything, but no more so than in how the fabulous facets decribed above smoothly meld together.

Stop by and give this place a try. You deserve it. And say 'hi' to...

Intimate little spot that has a good variety of beer, cider, wine and offers a full bar. This evening Mr. Wonderful enjoyed the Zepplin Amber (54° 40’ Brewing Company, Lager-Amber) he throughly enjoyed it. I tried the Harvest Peach Cider (Outwest Ciders, sweet- cider). The Peach Cider was fresh, fruity and sweet, I would order it again. We ordered of the pretzel sticks and the carnivore pizza. The pretzels were a bit hard and the cheese sauce was cold. The pizza was tasty but the crust soggy. I brought it home to heat up in a frying pan as to crisp up the bottom. I appreciate the option of small plates when I order appetizers and/or pizza, which wasn’t offered here. Perhaps an oversight? Our server/bartender was running the show and did a excellent job. He was not only waiting tables (and it was busy) he was greeting folks as they entered, making drinks, pouring brews, running tabs and checking in on everyone in the establishment. Truthfully, he did a stellar job! The gentleman deserves recognition. We will most likely return but not on a...

Wife and I stopped in on our way through town and we were let down by the food and service after reading such good reviews. Not sure if it was an off night for the kitchen but the food was not very good. I had the pulled pork sliders and they were bland, near tasteless and the “fries” were soggy and very undercook. My wife had the steak sandwich and it was more of a pastrami with cheese and not a rib-eye like the menu had advertised. When asked how the food was, the servers only reply was “so sorry to hear that”. Only thing good was the...