Martha’s Pick:

Barrett’s Barleycorn
4322 Leavenworth St
Fare: Irish pub & grill
Cost: $55 for two drinks, one appetizer and two meals
Reservations: Limited seating, but it’s a pub – just show up!

Greetings, eaters and readers!

We hope you all had a deliciously relaxing and meaningful holiday season! Did you eat all the yummy things? Did you gobble up extra time with the important people? We hope so!

We’d also like to thank you for allowing us to pause our regularly scheduled programming so we could do the same! But have no fear – we’re back and eager to keep discovering Omaha’s thriving culinary scene.

2020’s first stop took us to Barrett’s Barleycorn – a cozy, family owned Midtown staple that has been charming locals and visitors for over 30 years. Proud of their take on the Reuben, we ventured in on a casual Thursday to see what all Barrett’s had to offer.

Taking in the atmosphere upon first glance, we loved that the Barleycorn was hosting a mixture of guests: a group of college-aged friends, middle-aged regulars, and families with young children. It was easy to see each group was as comfortable as if they were in their own home and everyone welcomed the other. While Jac enjoyed her smooth Oatmeal stout and I sipped on a slightly watered down iced Irish coffee, we both commented that we felt like we were somewhere else; you could convince us that Boston or a whole other city was just outside the door.

The table showcased signs about their daily happy hour rotations and wings with eight sauce options. The server mentioned the Kogi Roja was a crowd favorite and we ordered up ten to see why. The wings themselves are large and near perfectly cooked. We didn’t dislike the spicy Korean flavor, but we’d opt for a different sauce next time.

After vacillating between five different sandwiches, Jac landed on the Pat Dunn (One-Eyed Mick). Labeled as “a true eye opener,” this sammich had ham, egg and cheese on marble rye. It was the simplest of ingredients, and yet, one of the tastiest sandwiches she’s ever had. No flavor took over the other and it was perfectly crispy where it should be. 10/10 she’d get again.

Noticing that the menu only features their giant tenderloin sandwich two days a week (Thursday and Friday), I had try it. Upgrading my side to sweet potato fries, the pork tenderloin absolutely dwarfed my basket. Pro tip? Ask for an extra plate or basket – you’re going to need it. Not usually one to shy away from putting my food away (ie – stuffing my face) – I could only finish half the sandwich – but loved every morsel. If you’re a fried tenderloin sandwich fan – and you haven’t been to Barrett’s yet – this sandwich is reason enough to get here soon.

• 

• 

We attempted to stop by Coneflower for dessert, but there was a line out the door, as there always is. (Side note: if you haven’t been there – go.) So we went to Freezing Thai Rolled Ice Cream instead.

You can build your own, but they also had about 30 different creations to pick from. We liked not having to think. If you’ve never had rolled ice cream, it’s much lighter by the nature of its texture.

Jac chose Apple Pie – complete with apple pie filling, caramel, cinnamon, whipped cream, graham cracker and fresh apple slices. It was light, fluffy and just the right amount of sweet.

I got Monkey Business, which came with fresh bananas, whipped cream, a dollop of Nutella and a pocky stick. While it was enjoyable, because ending with ice cream always is, I could take or leave the rolled ice cream fad.

Final Bites

The atmosphere and vibe of Barrett’s Barleycorn is just as good a reason as anything on the menu to go back. About halfway through our meal, we both settled on the feeling that we were in a pub-meets-diner in the middle of a big city. The pace was busy, yet calm. It’s easy to see why they’ve been around for 30 years – and even easier to find a reason to come back – which we will.

Cheers!
The Good Bite Gals

Feature image credit: Yelp

Want to stay up to date? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.