Barnstormer Barbeque — Restaurant in Town of Highlands

This is a hard negative review to write. The Barnstormer has been our favorite go-to BBQ place since the first time we went there in March of 2015. We had not been there since the onset of the pandemic and we were missing it.

Unfortunately, three things detracted from our experience. 1- Acoustics, 2- Service, 3- Brisket

Acoustics -The Barnstormer appears to have done some renovations, new floors, windows, furniture, etc. The result is the acoustics in the restaurant are extremely distracting. The echo is booming. You can hear conversations from all over the dining area. Window coverings are needed, carpet runners or acoustic panels designed for such use installed on the ceilings and at strategic places. The renovations rendered a lack of sound absorbing or scattering surfaces, especially on the undressed plate windows

Service – Our waitress was not good. Upon sitting down, we asked if there were paper menus as JMs phone doesn’t scan those annoying QR codes for the menu. The waitress said “No we are trying to get away from those” but with a tone that clearly showed her displeasure with another table of old people that just haven’t gotten used to this technology. I asked if there was a list of beers available, she said “on the menu” as she pointed to the QR code. She did help me find the drinks on the menu but with only one phone it was not a pleasant ordering experience, as the waitress made it clear in tone and body language that she had better places to be and was getting impatient. We saw the list and quickly ordered two beers. When she returned with the beers JM asked for a glass, that took 12 minutes and her passing the table three times to finally get. When she did come and get the food order, we ordered our dinners. As I was looking up from the menu about to order two appetizers and two shots the waitress had briskly walked away from the table. I said “oh!” she looked back, asked if I wanted anything, I said “No”. I did but I wasn’t going to beg her to return to do her job and at that point our relationship had already gone bad. During the time we waited for the meal I saw the waitress busy at times but also standing behind the bar sorting straws for what seemed like a long time as she was engaged in a personal conversation with a couple seated at the bar. When our food arrived, our server looked at the table and said Oh I’ll get you silverware and other stuff that you need. It was apparent that those items should have been there already, but I guess those straws really needed sorted. When the check came I had my card in my hand, but she placed the check folder on the table and looked away quickly as she was headed away again. I spoke up. I informed her she could take the card and that I was holding it. I commented that she needs to slow down a bit, that she seems to not be paying attention. She looked surprised. I relayed to her that I had wanted to order more when we ordered but she was moving to quick, she retorted “Well I asked you if you wanted anything” …I responded, yes as you were walking away. A minute later she threw the check folder on the table as he passed by quickly making a thud when it hit. I assume that was to show her annoyance with me. For the first time in many years I left no tip. Over the years we have seen her at The Barnstormer and had been waited on by her. She was always quick moving, aloof and heavy-footed as she walked around in a way that implied she did not wish to be working…but the service was never as bad as tonight.

Brisket – Over the years the thin cut brisket with just the right amount of sauce was for me the main draw to the Barnstormer. For JM it is the smoked chicken. The brisket tonight was cut thick and drenched in sauce. The meat did not have the tenderness it has always had previously.

Will we go back…yes I would not let one experience dissuade us from an establishment that otherwise has been stellar. Though I will next time inquire as to who the...

Have eaten there several times in the past, Prior to COVID and had enjoyed food and experience. I told my wife about it and decided to go there. We were greeted courteously and shown to a table. My wife ordered a Burger that was large and cooked exactly as she ordered it. She had asked for sweet potato fries and she stated that they were the best that she has had in a very long time. I ordered a 1/4 rack of ribs and Brisket. with cheesy grits and collard greens. The ribs were not as I good as I remember them being and the brisket was okay. I didn't think much of it, as sometimes a place will have an off day. When I received the check I was surprised to find a 20% gratuity was already added on to the check! There was no sign on the front door stating that for all size parties. I am aware that in NYC they will sometimes add TIPs because tourists visiting from other countries are not used to adding TIPs. Other than tourists it is usually standard practice for a party of 8 or more people and then it is 18%! When I received the credit card receipt to sign there was another spot to add a tip. Now I became annoyed thinking there was no sign they didn't state that at the time of presenting the check and now for any unsuspecting patron they would add an additional amount. I said to the waiter should I put an additional tip to the 20% you already charged me? He pleasantly replied no. I then pressed him about why he took it upon himself to add a 20% TIP he raised his voice barking at me saying that he doesn't make the rules and that he can take it off. I told him that I didn't want him to break the rules I signed the credit Card receipt and told him that this was highly irregular and that I would never come back in again! FOR THOSE THAT DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE ACRNYM TIPS stands for To. Insure. Proper. Service. When some works they are entitled their pay! I didn't receive any particular exceptional service standard TIPS is 15% Above is a complement below is because poor service is what was rendered. Because I was once a server and my wife currently is, we tend to be more generous and will even leave TIPS in cash. Every restaurant owner can run their business as they see fit and make rules as they want. We have choices to make and mine is I will not patronize this establishment again! A blatant...

Google never fails when it comes to finding food close by. I drove up from NYC to Bear mountain and perkins drive in my old car just for the drive. Spent quite some time at perkins drive and decided to grab something before heading down to NYC. I was torn between going to a deli down the block and grabbing a sandwich or having a full course meal. My stomach decided to go for the full course meal came in and waited to be sat down, but the waiter prompted me to pick any table which I did, and I quickly learned that this place is very relaxed which I love. the decor is a little drab, but then again, you don’t go to the restaurant to admire How they look inside. The menu is provided via a QR code which you scan and you pop it up on your phones browser. Some older folks might have an issue with this but I’m perfectly fine with that and I’m an older folk 😄. I ordered a half chicken and half rib combination with a side of chili and french fries.

Let me tell you that this meal not only filled me up I think I don’t have to eat tomorrow on Sunday. This is a very large portion. I am not complaining one bit but next time I’m gonna have to take it down one notch.

Not for the fun part, the ribs and the chicken were superbly smoked. I honestly never had chicken this good as it normally found in a rotisserie fashion in New York City. The ribs themselves fell off the bone so tenderly. If you’re ever in the area you must visit this place the exterior is pretty cool as it has some older license plates on the side of the restaurant. The waist hustled back-and-forth between all the tables, and I cannot complain that they did not serve me well, the bus boy kept giving me freshwater, and he was very intensive hats off to him, I would highly recommend this...