Barbara's At the Brewery — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I truly love this place! I've been coming here for.... 14 years (?!? wow) and though they've had a couple of chef/menu changes over the years (2 that I know of) the kitchen continuously serves great food!

I'm trying my best not to get hooked on their Black & Blue Burger (mmm blue cheese), it's ridiculously good, and way more food than I need...

Only negative comment I can think of is that they discontinued their (epic!) salmon, rice, and veggies plate... it had become my favorite meal EVER, always perfectly cooked and fresh... I miss you, salmon plate! you can get salmon on a salad now, but it's not the same. ;(

I just wish there were more places around LA like Barbara's, the perfect eclectic menu choices, but with some epic items on it.

And, shockingly, I know the staff pretty well by now.... the main bar staff are awesome, professional, and friendly, and all know what I like, so can help me navigate their ever-changing beer menu.

I could go on and on about this place, as it's in the middle of the Brewery (which has more than 400 artists' lofts within it), it's been a central meeting place for my group of friends for years and years... I have lived at the brewery before, but am now 11.25 miles away (not that I'm counting or anything...) and I often make the trek to Barbara's bc I know I'll run into people I know, or often meet new, amazing, creative people there (the usual clientele, being in the middle of a former PBR brewery turned into artists lofts).

They also cater... check out their website for more info on that. I overslept you Barbara's! You're my home away from home /central glue for my friends - friends that include the long-time staff. Did I mention that this place rocks?

ps kitchen is now open till 10 pm, a welcome...

Staff is uncomfortable with (at least some) people of color.

There was the usual "what are you doing in here look" that ppl of color get when they go into certain spaces. In this case it wasn't an explicit racist one, it was the uncomfortable one. I have to give credit to the bartender, once I started a conversation, he responded and looked more relaxed and friendly. The server however looked like she really had to try, and when she came over and heard our conversation (we were talking about racism within our own community, not from white people) she gave the biggest eye roll and changed her attitude towards us.

It's one of those encounters where there's no actual complaint you could make because they did their job. But as I see at least one patron already mentioned, this place could do with some diversity.

I had heard good things from this place pre-pandemic and was looking forward to visiting. I have no idea if there were any major changes that changed the vibe or what. But just wanted to share.

-- The food was horrible, we only had appetizers but the ingredients were not fresh at all.

The beer was decent actually and...

For over 20 years, Barbara's has been my haunt. Let's be honest, the food isn't the draw it once was (thanks to that ownership change). But what this place does have is something you can't bottle: an incredible vibe, amazing people, and bartenders that are pure gold.

The atmosphere is chill and welcoming, a true neighborhood gem. It's the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day, catch up with friends, or just enjoy some great company.

And speaking of great company, let me tell you about the bartenders. Alexia anf Jackei are, hands down, the nicest and most attentive bartenders I've ever encountered. They radiates positive energy, truly cares about the customers, and goes above and beyond. The kind of integrity you don't often see... not serving a dish because of a kitchen error. That's the kind of care that keeps people coming back. Then there's Cory, the absolute rockstar who keeps everything running like a well-oiled machine. He's the reason the whole operation flows so smoothly.

Barbara's is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. It's a place where you feel at home, thanks to the amazing people...