Beer Barrel Saloon — Restaurant in Put-in-Bay Township

Beer barrel is the biggest disappointment. This was only our 3rd stop of the day. Not even enough drinks in us to have a slight buzz. We were looking for somewhere fun and relaxing. So unfortunately we picked this awful bar. First I asked if they had draft list. Craig the bartender did not like that question. He gave me a snarky remark just for asking. Keep in mind, it is my first time at this bar. The bar is huge, I had no idea if there was draft beer nor could I see if there was draft beer. But whatever, we moved on from that. But then Craig decides to pick arguments with us. We had someone in our group of 10 people that was not 21. The security marked an X on his hand. Next thing we know, Craig the bartender rudely kicked him out because he wasn’t drinking and that security made a mistake. We simply asked what happened and he said “we don’t owe explanations to you kids especially when you aren’t going to be tipping me well” First off, he had no idea what we were going to tip him yet. Then he proceeds to threaten to kick us out for asking. At this point, we weren’t going to stay at a bar that was treating us like this. I got up and walked out after I paid my tab. After I did that, he kicked the rest of the group out that hadn’t finished their drinks and ripped 2 drinks of their mouths while they were mid sipping. 2 females which one was celebrating her 21st birthday. Craig is power trip bartender that has no idea how to treat people. According to other bartenders on the island, Craig likes to do this a lot. Craig will never get any where in life acting like this. I always tip extremely well. Well Craig got...

This is a massive bar!

It truly does live up to its name, or at very least, worlds biggest bar. It's wide open and has ton of floor space and the bar actually isn't one long bar but rather a winding bar that twist and turn through the bars front end. There's also an outdoor patio, that's fenced in, next to the strip sidewalk. Makes for a great social area, to easily be able to walk from the inside and outside.

There's a great floor and wide open space for dancing and watching live bands, which really gets the atmosphere going.

Staff is friendly, and fun. Good drinks, reasonably priced. I'd recommend the jello shots in a syringe, I don't know how many I had of those, but they're fantastic tasting.

Bathrooms are large, multiple, never a wait.

Food options come from a cafeteria window in the back of the bar, order from the window and take it to your seat. They won't serve or bring it to you, though, we added a huge tip and asked if they would, as we wanted to claim a table and they did... 🤷‍♂️...we ordered a pizza, it was hot, fresh, and tasted great.

Due to sheer size, this place appears dead during the day even when it might not actually be, and we would swing in for quick drinks and food but at night time once the bands start and the crowds come out it turns into one of the better places to end up on the strip.

Definitely recommend and will...

I came specifically to see the Fulco Brothers at Beer Barrel Saloon, and man, was I disappointed with the sound! The band had some serious talent, but the sound was horrible for a place that claims to be so prestigious. The guitar was cranked up way too loud, and it felt like they were trying to showcase their guitarist at the expense of the other instrumentalists. It was downright distracting.

On the bright side, their vocal harmonies were on point, and I loved how they all sang together. But that sound mess just ruined the whole experience. It's frustrating when a band with so much potential is held back by a subpar venue and sound engineer. I've seen these guys play before, and they've never sounded this bad.

The owner seriously needs to invest in some new sound equipment and get a competent sound engineer. The Fulco Brothers deserve a stage that can truly showcase their sound. They should be playing at The Roundhouse or someplace better that can bring out the brilliance of their talents. It's such a shame to see their potential...