Alright, let’s get one thing straight, right up front. If you’ve never been to the BarrelHouse, do not order a Bud Light as your beverage.
BarrelHouse, located just off the madness that can be the Main Street entertainment district, is a dynamic establishment, combining pub grub, live music and in-house microbrews. And, unless they decide to buy Anheiser-Busch, Bud Light ain’t being brewed in the back.
On a recent Saturday lunch hour, the diverse clientele is indicative of how BarrelHouse changes day by day, afternoon to night. As tonight’s musical entertainment (Memphis-based Rock/Groove collective Big Ass Truck) load in and set up on stage, a group of regulars are lined up along the copper-gold bar, eyes glued to the college football on television; a few bikers are enjoying their lunch and beer; and an elderly couple saunters in for a half-pint and some appetizers.
By night, the crowd grows younger, in anticipation of the band. As one of the most progressive musical venues in town, BarrelHouse maintains a rotating group of regulars at night, from jam-band lovin’ hippies to AltRock hipsters.
But in the afternoon and evenings, the dark, cozy room is used for feeding. While “bar food” can have a negative connotation, BarrelHouse boasts a nicely eclectic menu that reflects the joint’s overall casual nature.
Hearty sandwiches (like the “lighter” Turkey Reuben), inventive pizzas (the Mediterranean is highly recommended) and some tasty sides (the chunky steak chili and potato salad are extra yummy) are the menu jewels. If you’re dieting, this might not be the best place — even their salads are massively filling.
Of course, it’s the beer that really makes the ‘House stand out. While most local microbreweries past and present seem to offer weak, bitter product, BarrelHouse’s lagers and stouts are nice and full-bodied. Sample a few types if you’re undecided (there’s a $5 sampler available) — you’ll likely hit on something you like. And, Bud Light guy, try the Flying Pig Pilsner. It’s as close as you’re gonna get. The BarrelHouse also offers carry-out “growlers” of beer, kegs and a selection of vintage scotch and cigars, if that’s your bag.
The bar’s ambience is very laid-back, so you never feel awkward moving about the place, be it to play pool at the back tables while you wait for your food or scurrying to the popcorn machine for “free appetizers.” The service helps in that department, too — while the wait staff is always readily accessible, you never get the feeling you’re being hounded.
Basically, BarrelHouse offers a relaxed dining atmosphere and an even more conducive drinking atmosphere. Er, unless you’re drinking Bud Light.
This article appears in Oct 25-31, 2000.