Project Barley Square - Brewery & Restaurant — Restaurant in Torrance

Got “served” (and I use that term loosely) by a guy in a baseball cap who looked like he just wandered in from a Little League game he lost emotionally. He handed me a tray of what I can only assume were fries in a previous life—now just burnt potato fossils. Called them “Belgian fries.” Sir, no Belgian would claim these. They were so dry I needed a hydration pack just to chew. If these fries were a country, they’d be called Crisptastrophe.

When I politely asked for a redo, he looked at me like I’d insulted his grandma’s honor and told me that’s how they’re “supposed to be.” Bruh, unless “Belgian” now means “twice-fried in dragon breath,” you’re mistaken.

And then—plot twist—he cleared my table AND my drink like a magician performing the vanishing act of customer satisfaction. No refry, no refund, no reason to ever return. Honestly, the fries weren’t the only thing burnt—I got roasted too.

To management: maybe aim for hiring people who like people? Or at least people who know fries shouldn’t taste...

Our latest stop on the tour of Torrance breweries. We had been looking forward to coming here for a while, and really enjoyed it. We got a flight of their English style craft brews, and the results were kind of mixed. I was really looking forward to the Water Upon Sea, and it was just alright. The barley wine was a standout for me. What really elevated this place was the food and atmosphere. They have created quite a cozy space in this warehouse brewery, with dining areas inside and out. The food was really excellent. I recommend the tri tip sandwich. We ate outside, and it was very pleasant. They also have a fireplace to cozy up beside, and they offer some board games to keep you entertained. This is definitely a good place to check out, or add as a stop on your...

Four stars because they still haven't fully ended their cask ale program. The focus seems to have shifted away, however. They only have 3 cask beers on at any given time (per the bartender), and when I visited there were no pub bitter, mild, or porter options. Just two brown ales and a pale ale. Wine, cocktails, and draft beer dominate the board. Everything (except the cask beers, thankfully) was being served in disposable plastic cups, unfortunately. It's not a great way to enjoy a beer, even if you don't care about the environmental impact. Maybe it was related to the music event going on out front. I can't comment on any of the food because I'm a weirdo vegetarian and wasn't in the mood for a black bean burger or salad, but those two options exist if you are in...