09/13/09

Nothing's changed...

by nohe812

since the last review back in September 2007. That review described almost the same experience we had today. The service was slow, although it was just after the lunch rush and the dining room had emptied out. The kitchen got our burger patties confused. And the waitresses seemed frazzled, distracted, rushed, tired,...what I don't expect from a full staffed restaurant. I used to love Barney's and missed it when I moved away (Barney's in LA just isn't the same). Having just moved back, I was so excited for my first Barney's burger back home. I was sorely disappointed, and am now questioning if I will ever return. I'm giving it three stars because I have a soft spot for the Barney's of yesterday.

This place is truly a shadow of its former self. Bring back the days of praised cooking and atmosphere!

• Pros: Big portions
• Cons: Declining quality and service

09/03/07

Disaster on 24th Street

by hfk

The sign said "please wait to be seated" but a confused staff member handed us three menus and said "sit anywhere." That was our first clue. We wove through the myriad of poorly behaved children and dirty, un-bussed tables to find a corner where the music wasn't too obnoxious. This had once been a great place for burgers and salads so we gave it the benefit of the doubt. In hindsight - we should have come up with a plan B while we waited 10 minutes for water - no waitress in sight. When she did show up she was rushed. Burgers, salads and curly fries - all standards at this restaurant - so we thought our order would be a snap. Nearly 20 minutes later, some cold fries were delivered. When we pointed this out we were told, "the kitchen just made them" - and there was no offer to fix the situation. Another 10 minutes and the food arrives. The salad was pretty but not made as requested. The burgers were overcooked and somewhat room temperature. It's hard to tell if the kitchen staff doesn't care or if the service is just poor - or both. We elected to get up and leave our uneaten meals for the busboy - who was obviously still on break. We found an alternate eating establishment and I would recommend that you save yourself the aggravation we experienced and do the same.

• Pros: great place for loud children, food on the floor, disgruntled service
• Cons: bad place to go to eat

04/30/07

Decline in Burger and chicken sandwich quality lately

by armandoahinojosa

I had been going to Barney's for years. My last 3 times in 2005-6 were real disappointments though. My requested medium rare / medium burger came in at well done, dry and crumbly, not moist meat. Even after sending it back (something I've only done 1 other time in the last 5 years) it came back almost inedible.

I tried switching to the chicken breast sandwich the next time and the experience was unfortunately even worse. The breast was dry and tasteless.

So by luck I went into the 24th Street Cafe (aka Joe's cafe) at 3853 24th St., cross street Vicksburg looking for a burger and found burger heaven. The owner (Joe or his staff) will cook the Niman Ranch hamburger medium rare, medium, however you like! And the chicken breast sandwich has always been moist and tender. I have been going back once a week for over a year now and every time the thick cut fries are crispy on the outside, hot on the inside, the lettuce green and cool, the milk cold and the service always friendly, (especially when Joe and his wife or daughter are working.

If you want a consistent excellent, fresh burger or chicken breast go here! The phone numbers is 415-282-1213 and is in the middle of the 24th street shopping district. bon appetite!

• Pros: close to 24th street. Usually no wait.
• Cons: Dry burgers and chicken sandwiches. not always responsive wait staff.