Barrett's Barleycorn Pub & Grill — Restaurant in Omaha

We came here because the reviews were great. We’re from out of town and love checking out local bars when we travel. I looked this place up on Google, and my buddy picked it based on all the praise—so we drove out, excited to grab some food and drinks.

We got there around 9:50 PM. Inside were three guys cleaning the grill and two bartenders. No one said a word when we walked in. Awkward. We looked around for a place to sit. We originally went for a table but then decided to sit at the bar. When I asked if the bar seats were taken, the bartender completely ignored me. Thankfully, one of the guys sitting there was kind enough to turn and say, “No, they’re open.” So, we sat.

Right in front of a stack of dirty glasses—which, whatever, not the end of the world. But the bartender definitely saw us sit down. We’re two big guys, and one of us has a foot cast and a scooter. Not exactly easy to miss.

A few minutes later—after we’d gotten settled—the bartender finally came over. That’s when we were told the grill had been shut down early for Mother’s Day and only fried food was available. That’s fine for me, but my buddy’s on keto, so fried, breaded stuff is a no-go. He had to get up and leave hungry.

So yeah, three stars—for what honestly felt like careless, borderline clueless customer service.

As we were heading out, the bartender and one of the kitchen guys suddenly apologized for the inconvenience. Oh, now you see us? After ten minutes of us awkwardly trying to figure out where to sit and what’s going on?

Look, if you’re going to be a neighborhood bar—especially when it’s not busy and especially when you’re closing your grill early—it’s just basic hospitality to say something when people walk in. “Hey folks, just a heads-up, kitchen’s closing but we’ve still got [x] available.” Easy. Human. Welcoming.

I worked in bars for eight years. Our owner drilled it into us: greet every single person as soon as they walk in, help them find a seat, get them a drink, tell them what’s on special—especially during happy hour. That’s how you keep customers coming back.

But I guess that kind of service awareness is either a roll of the dice these days, or only shows up when the right...

Just WOW WOW WOW!! I am from Iowa, my wife is from Omaha. We were back for a day wedding and needed to grab a bite after. I did some internet sleuthing and landed on this place. My wife said she had never been but heard it’s really good. Just know after I said we will never visit Omaha again and NOT eat at this place.

We walked in very clean for a bar space. All the staff was friendly, the worked well, together not a single table in there had bad service. We ordered drinks- all were basic but served well- cold lol

THE FOOD! The whole menu looked phenomenal, so many things I want to go back and try. I ended up with the Santa Fe egg rolls and the chicken Philly.

Santa Fe egg rolls- were perfectly crisp and the filling was flavorful and just perfection.

The Philly! I love phillys I get them often but so many places promise a good Philly and you get a mediocre Philly, so I almost didn’t order it because I didn’t want to be disappointed BUT I did order it. IT WAS THE BEST PHILLY OF MY LIFE. It might be the best damn sandwich I have ever had. The marinade was an explosion of flavor, veggies perfectly tender but not mushy, so much cheese, and a little heat. It was so good down to the bun soft but could hold the filling, I am already dreaming of my next visit for this sandwich.

My wife and father in law got fish and chips and both said they were top teir. And they would order them again. My wife is very particular about her fish and chips, so that’s high praise. My mother in law got a Rueben which she loved! They also got breaded mushrooms (not for me) and they said they were very good.

Bonus good spot to watch a game.

I just absolutely fell in love with this place, if in Omaha for any reason, even if just driving through on your way to Colorado...

Look, Barrett’s…I love ya, but the menu changes have gotten out of hand. First you came for the pickle fries, and I’ve finally excepted they’re never to return. But now you’ve removed the chicken club, discontinued fried mushrooms, and changed the chips you use in your nachos. We literally have a holiday dedicated to Barrett’s nachos in this house, and I have to admit, the chip change is a heartbreaker. You’re still my spot, and like a moth to a flame, I’ll keep coming back. But man, all those little things are what has made Barrett’s a cut above for so long and it’s sad to see to slump. I’ll gladly pay a premium for good chips and fried pickles with the proper breading-to-pickle ratio. 🙏🏼

ETA: Visited tonight and it felt like the staff was inconvenienced by us. We had a table of 4 and the server only took 3 of our orders before scurrying away. We had to flag her down to place our fourth entree.

We later placed an order for an additional sandwich which clearly was forgotten for 30-45 mins. When we received the order the sandwich was made incorrectly and had the wrong side. Unfortunately we had already paid our tabs or we would have just asked for the order...