Barley’s Smokehouse and Brewpub #2 – Columbus, Ohio
FYI. LOL. OMG. WTF? How did we miss this brewpub? I know that it’s the #2 of the Barley’s Brand, but it has the distinctness of a number 1! I know that it seems as though I love every brewpub that I visit, but that’s just not true. I really do hate some of the brewpubs. It’s usually the ones without class, creativity and cleanliness. I look for the individuals that stand out. The true mad scientists of the beer and hospitality world. It’s a mad, mad world and only the strong (brewers) survive. (Damn, the more I write, the more I sound like an idiot. Well, not really an idiot, but goofy as hell.)
We hit this one by chance-enstance. ( Not a real word, but true.) My trusty navigator, QW, grabbed her Iphone and found this one when we were about 2 miles away. A quick u-turn and we were about to enjoy a pub and some grub.
It was off the beaten path which was to be expected. They have a large parking lot and a nice big patio. However, we bellied up to the bar and went at it. The signs all over the place point to their barbeque as being very tasty. So what did we do, you ask? We ordered some appetizers with barbeque and a sampler. (Come on, I’m goofy not stupid.)
While we were there, two girls in their twenties had come in and re-filled their growlers. They said it was a ritual for them to do on Saturdays. (Let’s see, go to the grocery.. check. Do laundry… check. Mow the lawn… check. Re-fill Growlers with craft beer… check.) I think that says it all about the quality of beer at Barley’s. But, I wlll add my two cents. I had the Hoptopus and it was very hoppy and smooth. A tasty delicious treat that paired well with their barbeque. (Brews Travelers growler to go…Check.) Not only do they have quite a few of their own beers on tap, they also have a few guest taps, as well.
So, we really liked this place and it is on the south side of Columbus right off of I-70.The interior was very large and included two large rooms, some pool tables and restrooms. (I guess most of them have restrooms, but these were *clean* restrooms! That is not so common in the world of brewpubs.) We even got a tour of the place by one of the managers.
Barley’s stands out from the crowd by combining their creativity, class and cleanliness with great customer service. They are a friendly staff that are willing to answer questions and go the extra mile. Their success is evident through their fantastic food and creative beers, but their legacy is because of their people.
I wish this article would have been funny, but sometimes there is no need for funny. (Ok, so I’m lying but we can’t always have our “A” game. Can we?) Besides, it’s just a great brewpub that deserves these accolades. Head to Barley’s, eat their barbeque and don’t forget your growler to-go.
