Okoboji Barn Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Spirit Lake

After a 4 hour car ride we stopped to have a family dinner. After our server took our order he disappeared. Another server brought our drinks. We then proceeded to only receive half our meals. We had to go to the bar to ask for refills and get an update on the food. “The person in charge” told us that because they were out of chicken strips, our new order got pushed to the back of the line rather than go with our original order; like it would at any other restaurant.

“The person in charge” explained this to us as if we were foolish and unreasonable for being upset that we got half our order and then waited over 20 minutes to get the remaining food. That’s a poor explanation/excuse. This individual had a terrible attitude the entire time we spoke and managed to offend 5 adults and an 8 & 10 y/o boys. It was bad enough that even the kids thought it was weird and uncomfortable.

This person then proceeded to aggressively argue with us, asking how the service was and how the food was. As if either of those things have anything to do with the issue at hand or that the quality of food made up for TERRIBLE service. They repeatedly kept asking “Is there a problem?” My 77 y/o Grandmother scoffed at this interaction and then they called her out asking “Is there a problem? You were rude first.” They also tried to say it was the young (girls) servers fault because it was her first day. She was pleasant enough and wasn’t the issue.

It’s also worth mentioning that a dog kept walking in and out of the restaurant while walking under people’s tables…

That’s the service you’ll get at the Okoboji Barn Bar & Grill. They’ll offer terrible service, less than average food, and blame you for not enjoying your visit. And dogs in the dinning room. Couldn’t recommend any...

Arrived at 12:45 pm 7/5, a 6 top behind me had waited over an hour after ordering their food only for it to arrive cold. A 2 top with 2 kids had waited over 30 min for their one burger. My daughter and I sat at the bar hoping to get quick service. We ordered chicken strips and fries. After waiting and chatting with other patrons for about 15 minutes, I asked the waitress/bartender how much longer we could expect to wait for our food to which she replied with “you’re behind eeeeeeverybody else, that table, that table, that party and them.” So I had her cancel my order and we went to A&W. She said multiple times to other patrons that it was only her and one person in the kitchen. Ya have to close the kitchen in these scenarios… there is bad service then there is setting your staff up for failure. Tipped the bartender for our one lemonade. Best of luck to this...

The Barn USED to be my favorite place at the lakes for drinks and country dancing. The facility is BEAUTIFUL - especially the second floor of the refurbished century barn, but customer service clearly has slipped since being taken under new ownership.

My dad (and now I) have called (during business hours) and emailed multiple times to inquire about upcoming events with no return calls or emails. Finally, I decided to send a Facebook message so I could at least see if I was contacting the right place. My message was read with no reply...again. The profile picture says “Crazy Bob’s Food” which is a little confusing - is the Barn becoming a restaurant? Just a wedding/special events Something just seems...weird? Different?

I hope the Barn can return to its original vibe when it...