The Barley Neck — Restaurant in Orleans

The Barley Neck is “back”! We were greeted by the new manager this week as we arrived and had a great chat with him. The new vision is to get back to the Barley Neck’s former approach of a great bar with a restaurant, but with a new upscale vibe. This restaurant in an old sea captain’s home (and no, this is not an actual “Inn” with rooms to stay) and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming. Many if not all of the servers are new and clearly experienced, super friendly and just the right amount of attentiveness. They set the stage for us for a really fun evening including a really awesome acoustic band with a great repertoire of classic rock and modern pop rock, at a volume that was not intrusive. The new dinner menu was a welcome sight, with the restaurant returning to upscale American classics and comfort food (unlike the prior few years where the former kitchen seemed to over-reach with high end dissapointers). We started with a perfectly prepared and fresh roasted beet and chèvre salad (the preparation of the beets, to me, is always the make or break part of this dish, and the chef excelled here!). The wine list has a really nice variety of quality and affordable wines by the glass. For dinner I had the lobster risotto which was so good that I had to be careful not to stuff myself on what was a perfect size plate for leftovers (or for a hungry appetite). My wife had the Wasabi Panko Cod which was a moist and expertly cooked super-fresh cut of Cod, with just the right amount of flavor (she was initially a bit worried about too much wasabi!). Saving space for dessert, we roped the night off with a wonderful piece of key lime pie. All throughout the evening I noticed the manager was fully engaged and walking through the dining area, chatting with the guests. A very positive sign for what may be a great revival of the...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Barley Neck Inn, and I must say, it was a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped into this charming establishment, I felt like I was entering a world of culinary delight and relaxation.

The moment I perused the menu, my eyes landed on the special of the day - a grilled swordfish entree that was nothing short of divine. The presentation was exquisite, and the flavors were simply exquisite. The swordfish was cooked to perfection, with a crispy outer layer and a tender, juicy interior. It was served with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables that were equally scrumptious. Every bite was a symphony of flavors that left me wanting more.

But the meal wasn't just about the food; the drinks played a starring role too. I opted for the Paines Killer, which was described as an iced pina colada. I must say, this concoction was a game-changer. The combination of sweet and sour, with a hint of pineapple and coconut, was pure genius. It was the perfect accompaniment to my meal, and I found myself sipping on it throughout the evening, savoring every last drop.

The atmosphere at Barley Neck Inn was warm and inviting, with a cozy fireplace and soft lighting that set the tone for a relaxing evening. The staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making sure our every need was met without being intrusive.

In summary, my experience at Barley Neck Inn was nothing short of extraordinary. From the mouthwatering swordfish entree to the refreshing Paines Killer, every aspect of the meal was a delight. If you're looking for a dining experience that will leave you feeling satisfied and content, look no further than Barley Neck Inn. I can't wait to return and try more of their...

Went for Thanksgiving. Mistake.

Honestly, it was a mistake by them as well, because they lost a potential long-time customer, as we live right down the road.

But we ended up with a $400 tab for Thanksgiving for four - three standard turkey dinners and a prime rib. All turkey meals came cold, and though I asked for mine to be reheated, even when it came back to me, it was lukewarm. This is poultry, for heaven's sake, it needs to be hot! And even setting safety aside, for what was paid... this was absurd. Everything was cold, not just the meat. It was clear that the meals had been portioned out and warmed ahead of time, which might pass for a diner, but not for what this establishment is trying to be. The food quality was poor, the taste was bland and underseasoned, the one beef was difficult to cut, and the desserts were awful. (Soggy Indian pudding with... ?coconut?!?... and a crust that left crispy on the highway and went all the way to rock.)

Should've just gone with Nauset Farm's predone meals down the road or one of the way cheaper but better quality local grocery stores premade meals.

I will say that our server was wonderful, as was my chowder (which I didn't finish in anticipation of a spectacular meal - had I known, I would've eaten the whole thing), and my house white wine, while overpriced, was very good.

But for heaven's sake. This was an incredible miss by Barley Neck. If you can't do Thanksgiving, don't try.

Forgive me. Bread pudding. Theoretically with cranberries and nuts, though I didn't find either. And I spoke with my server, and given the number of people, I chose to continue with my meal rather than disturb a manager who I knew would be busy on a holiday that was my time to relax, not make an...