Barrel House Social — Restaurant in Lyons Township

Barrel House Social offers flavorful dishes served by friendly staff, with extra tasteful events added in throughout the year, such as Lobster Fest and Tiki Takeover. This is a good place to come when you're hankering for a big meat, potato, and vegetable meal for a family dinner; craving a selection of bar appetizers to share with your partner at happy hour; or even just wanting to have a few drinks with friends later in the evening on their cozy, fully enclosed back patio! Add in both, their weekly trivia and music bingo night, and BHS is definitely your neighborhood hangout!

FOOD: Most of the items I have had from their regular food menu were packed with flavor, from the whiskey glazed salmon to the mussels with a touch of spice. The appetizer dips are perfect during group chats or trivia nights. And, the shrimp bowl with avocado and quinoa seemed such an unlikely find here, so be sure to read through descriptions on the whole menu, even in sections you might think aren't for you!

SPECIAL EVENTS: All of their event menus for Lobster Fest, Tiki Takeover, and Oktoberfest have been tasty, and some of my all time Barrel House Social favorites! When they have these week long food events, their entire regular menu is always available — if anyone in your party wishes to order from it instead of one of the specials. I have been to five events the past two years, and each time, there were 3 special items (usually 2 entrees and 1 app) and 3 drinks (typically, a specialty cocktail and appropriate beer and wine) on the special event food menu. The whole restaurant is decorated in the theme, too!

SUNDAY BRUNCH Although their Sunday brunch menu is limited, their whole menu is also available during this time — AND the mimosas are truly bottomless. We never once had to chase down a refill, as our server made sure our glasses were continuously refilled!

DRINKS: BHS also has specialty cocktails, craft beers, and supposedly over 100 types of whiskey. I hope they bring back a whiskey flight, so we can easily try more and compare these!

SEATING: Seating is mostly high pub tables, although there are some large booths along the back and front walls, as well as in the second smaller room. When weather is nice, there are regular tables on the sidewalk in front, as well as on their closed-in back patio. The bar is decent sized and has cushioned barstools with backs.

RESERVATIONS/ONLINE ORDERING: Reservations can be made online, and you can choose the area of the restaurant where you want to sit, including both outside areas. You are also able to order food for carryouts online.

PARKING/TRANSPORTATION: There is limited angled street parking in front of the restaurant, but a large public parking lot is within the same block, just to the west. Public transportation is also an option with the Metra BNSF stopping right across the street.

HOURS, SCHEDULE, AND MORE...

LUNCH MENU: Currently, Barrel House is closed earlier in the week (Mon and Tues), but open for lunch now on the days they are open. I was given the regular menu for lunch, so I assume their full menu is available during lunchtime here.

LATER NIGHT: They are also generally open later than most other restaurants in La Grange, especially on weekends, although the kitchen will close earlier — but the staff is always efficient in making sure customers know what time you can order food through.

WEEKLY EVENTS: Currently (2022), BHS has trivia night on every Wednesday and music bingo on Thursdays. I believe both start at 7pm, but arrive/make reservations...

I was hesitant to post this review. Given the fact that I have been to this restaurant before and had a phenomenal time and recommended this place to multiple friends. It’s a shame that this happened and I doubt I will ever go back. On June 10, 2020 I tried calling to see if I can make reservations, for June 12, due to COVID-19. I was told there was none. It was first come first serve. Obviously places are starting to get"back to normal" which is why I also hesitated giving this review.

Given the fact that I still keep thinking about it and how the situation played out here it goes. The service from our waitress was great. It was my husbands birthday and decided to have dinner and drink as we had mentioned we tried making reservation and there was "none" so a couple friend and family started meeting us we knew their might be a wait. We asked nicely for a table to be reserved(which they did) two more friends arrive and we had asked our waitress for another table. Mind you there was a few tables available as it was still early. Everyone had food orders drinks and everything was great. Until a waitress comes toward our tables asked our two friends who got there last to get up. Apparently the table they sat down in (which we had asked for) was "reserved". I spoke out because of her tone of voice and her attitude. I asked why they had to get up she proceed to say their was a couple waiting for reservations. As I look around I turn and see there is more tables open. It looks like they could be seated elsewhere. She proceeds to tell me they are welcomed to sit a the high-top tables. As I make that comment she said “no” got louder and caused a scene. Everyone turned as if we were doing something wrong. She tells us the bistro tables are only for dinner and high tops are for cocktails. Which we had already placed food and drink orders. She tell us she will ask her manager if they were moved if they could bring their food to the high-top. Instead of her just offering the hight-top or an apology for the inconvenience. She proceeded to say she would talk to her manager as she had nothing else to say because we were obviously telling her what she may ne doing wrong. As well as trying to understand the situation. This waitress never came back out nor did a manager not one apologized for their mistake. Did I mention she brought out the waitress who was assigned to our table and embarrassed her by asking her why she told us it was okay to take that table. I felt so bad for this nice girl. She could have explained,asked, and fixed the situation but she did not.

Embarrassing as I am a paying customer and it was not a $20 tab as it was 10 of us total. Who got there early to be seated “first come first serve”.

2.I called in advanced was told no reservations, apparently there was.

Poor customer service and what a shame for that person because she could have really fixed it. I would of bought that couple a round or two for their troubles if there was a...

My overall experience at Barrel House has been great in the past. My recent experience was a disappointment.

The ambient is pleasant; it’s clean and upbeat, the staff is usually great.

My most recent experience was bad and insulting. Upon arrival; I was greeted and waited on. As my waitress took my order of whiskey; she proceeded to ask regarding the pour size; 1 ounce or 2 ounces to which I replied to requesting a neat one ounce pour.

Upon closing my check; I was up charged for two ounces for each drink. When I asked, why I was being up charged; I was advised that a neat drink is poured as a two ounce pour.

The manager was brought on to my table whom I asked why the up charge. Johnny the manager on duty; proceeded to google on his phone what a neat pour is and showed me.

Regardless of what the internet may state what is a neat drink. If the customer asks for a one ounce pour; do not change it unless you notify them. It’s similar to changing their food order; you do not undermine what they request under no circumstances. This is the point of asking the customer what they want. If you must change the order; notify them and seek their approval.

I found the manager’s attitude insulting; he was not apologetic, not even for the misunderstanding, he was focused on proving me wrong. Had I been witty; I would have asked him to Google what is a one ounce pour.

I advised the manager that in their vicinity; restaurants such as Steak and Vine charge you for a neat one ounce drink as.a single one ounce pour.

05/15- In response to the Barrel House’s staff’s reply. When my request was taken; I specified the size, this should of set the expectation. I don’t have an issue with the pour size change if I am notified that my order will be changed. This is no different than requesting a dish and the order being changed at the restaurant’s discretion without notifying the customer.

My point: If you are going to ask the customer what they want do not change in what may result in either an increased cost or not meeting the expectations; this is customer service.

When I spoke the waitress on the issue; she was apologetic and called the manager for their support. The manager was unapologetic; a discount was offered for one drink and I accepted it. This does not mean my bad experience suddenly was good.

Would I recommend this place as a restaurant? Sure but there are other establishments within a short walk that offer a great...