Barney’s Beanery — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I don’t like leaving negative reviews, but our experience at Barney’s in Santa Monica was unacceptable and needs to be shared.

Quick summary: Our server had a nasty attitude and confronted us about tips in front of everyone. The environment was offensive: extremely loud, with vulgar music full of explicit lyrics—even in the early evening. When we asked for a manager, no one came. We were ignored.

Full story:

We were a group of four families, all with teen actors, celebrating a friend’s son who had just performed in a reading. We came to Barney’s for a casual early dinner. One of the moms thought it looked fun for the teens. Ironically, she was treated the worst.

From the moment our server arrived, his energy was rude and unwelcoming. He never introduced himself and acted irritated when we asked to split checks by family. He lectured us as if we were unfamiliar with restaurant norms and claimed no restaurant allows split checks—only to do it anyway at the end. So clearly, it was possible.

We were a racially diverse group, and whether he assumed we were tourists or didn’t expect us to tip, his attitude felt loaded with subtle bias. We brushed it off and kept things cordial.

Then came more red flags. Some adults didn’t order alcohol, and he seemed annoyed. When asked about their chili, he just shrugged and said it wasn’t good. He clearly didn’t want us there.

Food came fast but was just okay. Soggy sweet potato fries, mid-level pub fare—nothing memorable.

Then came the tipping drama.

One of the husbands stepped out to feed the meter. Apparently, he had told the server he’d tip in cash. Everyone else had already paid and tipped (we tipped 20% despite the poor service). As we were preparing to leave, the server loudly said: “Hey! The guy in the hat said he was tipping me $20 in cash—I didn’t get anything!” It was said loudly in front of the whole group. We were stunned.

His wife was confused, so I explained. I told the server her husband was on his way back. He rolled his eyes and walked away.

Later, the server glared at her coming out of the restroom and motioned her to leave like she was a problem.

We decided to ask for a manager. A staff member said they’d get one but never did. We stood there 5–10 minutes, then left.

When the husband returned, he learned what happened and understandably did not tip in cash after all.

To top it off: the music playing—at 5PM on a Sunday—was raunchy and full of f-bombs and vulgar lyrics. We’re not uptight, but it was jarring and out of place. Even our teens laughed in shock. Other families with young kids looked uncomfortable.

Honestly, this place doesn’t seem to want families, large groups, or diverse guests.

Unless you drink, tip generously and quickly, and tolerate aggressive servers and offensive music, this isn’t the place for you.

Worst experience I’ve had in nearly a decade of eating out in Los Angeles.

We’ve dined all over this city. We do tip. But this?...

Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Barney’s Beanery in Santa Monica, and I must say, it was an outstanding experience that left a lasting impression. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The rustic yet cozy decor and friendly staff immediately set the tone for a delightful dining experience.

The menu at Barney’s Beanery offers an impressive range of options to cater to every palate. Whether you are a fan of classic American comfort food or looking to try something new, there is a dish for everyone. From juicy burgers and mouthwatering sandwiches to flavorful salads and delicious appetizers, the variety of choices is remarkable.

The quality of the food at Barney’s Beanery is truly exceptional. Each dish is prepared with care, using fresh ingredients that result in incredible flavors. The portions are generous, and every bite feels like a burst of culinary satisfaction. I highly recommend trying their signature chili, which is rich, hearty, and packed with flavorful spices.

One aspect that sets Barney’s Beanery apart is their impressive selection of beverages. Whether you are in the mood for a craft beer, a refreshing cocktail, or a fine glass of wine, their extensive drink menu has something for everyone. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist in choosing the perfect pairing to complement your meal.

Aside from the fantastic food and drinks, the service at Barney’s Beanery is exceptional. The staff is attentive, friendly, and strives to make every customer feel valued and taken care of. They are quick to accommodate any special requests and ensure a seamless dining experience from start to finish.

In terms of ambiance, Barney’s Beanery boasts a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The walls adorned with sports memorabilia and the buzz of conversation create a lively and enjoyable dining environment. It’s a wonderful place to gather with friends, watch a game, or simply unwind after a long day.

Overall, my dining experience at Barney’s Beanery was nothing short of exceptional. From the delectable food and impressive drinks to the outstanding service and lively atmosphere, it’s a destination that truly delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Santa Monica, I highly recommend stopping by Barney’s Beanery for a memorable and satisfying...

If I could give this restaurant a zero star I would. I don’t like to give businesses bad reviews, but my experience at Barney’s Beanery was some of the worst service I’ve experienced in a long time. Kim was our server, she truthfully seemed all over the place from the second we sat down, although the restaurant really was not busy. When we arrived, the hostess checked all our ID’s to see if we were over 21. About 20 or so minutes after we were sat, our waiter Kim came to get our drink orders. Two of the guests in our group ordered waters, one ordered a soda, and our other friend tried to order a beer. The waiter asked for his ID & said she was going to need to speak with the manager Donnie to see if it was real or not. Which in the moment I understood because we had been traveling from out of state, and maybe they weren’t used to seeing a oregon ID. After waiting for another 20 minutes, our server proceeded to go help all the tables sat after us & take their orders instead. She eventually came back and told us that they won’t be able to give the ID back or serve us because it was fake, and that we would need to speak to the manager if we wanted to try to get it back. This was honestly shocking because our ID’s were all real, we had been on a road trip traveling for our spring break. So we went and spoke with the manager and hostess, we watched them bend the crap out of our ID to try to tell if it was real or fake. I think as someone who has worked in the service industry myself, that there should be a better process for checking ID’s rather then shining a blue light over it, especially if you’re not confident. Unfortunately when we were also talking to the manager she gave us a terrible attitude and told us we didn’t have to eat there if we didn’t want to. And before we could even make a decision we turned around and our table was already being cleared. Not to mention our server also had dirt under her long fingernails. I’ve never experienced a more unprofessional staff crew, and hope that this review can encourage you guys to make changes throughout...