Beard Wizard and Sarina Visit Barley’s Brewing Company

We are in Columbus, Ohio for Origins Game Fair and popped across the street from the convention center for an early dinner and beers at a local brewpub who also happened to have special glasses to commemorate the event. The prospect of good food, another beer adventure after a hot day of working the show floor, and custom beer glasses was just too good to pass up.

Barley’s Brewing Company was established back in 1992, well before the current craze of brewhouses and gastropubs, and has made itself a staple of downtown Columbus over the years. Their award-winning brews and excellent food makes them a destination spot right across the street from the convention center, a block from the awesome North Market, and centrally located near the Arena District.

The restaurant itself is housed in an old, narrow building complete with exposed brick, tin ceiling and view straight from from the front windows to the back door. It has a fun and welcoming atmosphere on the main floor. We were told there’s a second bar upstairs with vintage video games but we didn’t go up, being too tired from working the day on the show floor and all the walking and hauling the day before.

When we sat down I went straight for a flight, which were priced very well for a downtown brewpub in a major city. I went for the Scottish Ale, Cerveza de Mercado, and Blood Thirst Wheat. The wheat was the best, an unfiltered beer with blood orange added for a hint of citris flavor. It was a bit richer than a typical wheat beer, due to the blood orange, and it was delicious. The Scottish Ale was fantastic, and exactly what I would want from the style. It was rich and heavy with malt flavor. The Cerveza de Mercado was decent, but the lime zest made the beer too bitter and would have been nicer with lime juice rather than the zest.

I ordered a full pint of the Blood Thirst to have with the best shrimp and grits I’ve ever had. I’d been told Barley’s had good food but I didn’t expect grits that good north of the Mason Dixon. Julie got a turkey club that she said was fantastic, which is high praise for her as she usually judges a new restaurant on their turkey club or their philly. The staff was friently, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout. We got out with the special glasses for today and yesterday, and I’m looking forward to going back for a quick draught tomorrow and Saturday to get the other two.

If you’re in Columbus, and need a great dinner spot, consider stopping in at Barley’s for a pint and a bite. You won’t regret it!