When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Barney's Beanery
Why Barney's Beanery is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Barney's Beanery stands as a historic and vibrant gastropub uniquely blending rich Hollywood heritage with a lively social atmosphere, making it a fantastic place to meet up with friends. Founded in 1920 by John “Barney” Anthony, it originated in Berkeley, California, before relocating in 1927 to its iconic spot on Santa Monica Boulevard, part of historic Route 66 in West Hollywood. This location quickly became a social hub where residents, artists, musicians, and movie stars gathered. Its walls adorned with license plates symbolize fresh starts for many travelers and locals alike, adding character and local history to the venue. Friends can enjoy a diverse menu offering hearty American classics, including the famous chili burger and onion soup that have delighted patrons since its early days. The ambiance bursts with stories and a vibrant energy echoed through decades of unforgettable moments—Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and Quentin Tarantino have all been part of its colorful legacy. Ideal for outdoor seating with people-watching along Santa Monica Boulevard or enjoying sports on multiple TVs inside, Barney's Beanery offers a welcoming, casual atmosphere that invites all types of gatherings. Its combination of delicious food, historical significance, and lively environment makes it an excellent destination for friends to connect and create lasting memories.
Here's what people think of Barney's Beanery
As of recent, Barney's Beanery holds a 4.2-star rating based on 1075 reviews.
Visitors consistently praise Barney's Beanery for its excellent food quality and diverse menu selection, which caters to many tastes and preferences. Positive reviews highlight standout dishes like the Juicy Lucy burger, pizzas, hearty salads, and homemade apple pie, complementing the bar’s inviting Southern California vibe. Patrons also value the historical ambiance and the engaging social environment, noting the venue's significance as a cultural landmark frequented by Hollywood icons. The combination of great service, reasonable prices, and the opportunity to sit inside amid nostalgic decorations or outside watching the bustling street scene greatly enhances the experience. However, some negative feedback has pointed to occasional issues with service speed and cleanliness, including a report of burnt pizza and unhygienic conditions at the Santa Monica location, suggesting a need for consistency across its branches. Despite these critiques, many reviewers emphasize the overall charm and welcoming atmosphere of Barney's Beanery, making it a place where people return multiple times during their stay. In conclusion, while some guests mention room for improvement in service and maintenance, the majority appreciate Barney’s Beanery as a beloved classic that offers both a taste of history and satisfying, well-executed comfort food.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Vinícius Lepca
Great atmosphere, huge portions and the food options are great. The only downside was the bouncer, he was a bit rude and tbh didn’t seem sober
Tal Zuker
We came for dinner late Sunday evening. The pub had a nice atmosphere and was very busy, which gave it a lively vibe. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which I really appreciated. The food, however, was a bit average. My tuna sandwich was served nicely with fries, but the bread and tuna didn’t taste very fresh or high quality. The burger was okay but nothing special. I’d consider coming back for the atmosphere and service, but I’m not sure about the food.
Ash H
The food is terrible but everything else is great. The atmosphere on college football Saturdays is electric, and the amount of TV's is great for a sports fan. There is truly no place like it. I'd highly reccomend spending 5pm-10pm there on a Saturday during college football season. You can even stay the whole day if you really want to! There is even shuffleboard, a pac man machine, and foosball. There's sometimes a movie theater as well with one game so a group of 15 can watch together. If you want to go to a sports bar go here.
Gene Shapiro
Atmosphere and staff - just the best, make entire experience great. Food - for bar food I would say very good. But cannot say enough good things about entire staff - just awesome.
Brandon Britt Smith (Travelin Smitty)
This place has been on my bucket list since the 1980's. There's a lot of great history in here and you can definitely feel it as soon as you walk in. The service was just average however we were there during a quiet time. The food was definitely worth the wait. We shared several things, and all of them were fantastic. I can see why this place has been here for as long as it has.
How to reach Barney's Beanery
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Why Barney's Beanery may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Barney's Beanery with your friends?
Barney's Beanery stands out as an iconic gathering spot steeped in nearly a century of lively history and vibrant culture, making it a perfect choice for hosting a meetup with friends or family. The moment you step into one of its locations—most notably the original in West Hollywood—you are immersed in a space that boasts a rich legacy intertwined with Hollywood legends, musicians, and creatives, from Clark Gable to Jim Morrison and Quentin Tarantino. This heritage adds a compelling backdrop for any social occasion, giving your meetup a unique and entertaining ambiance that few other venues can match. Beyond its historic charm, Barney’s Beanery offers a warm, casual, and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home, whether you're a local or a visitor. Its rustic, slightly quirky décor decorated with hundreds of old license plates passed down from patrons symbolizes a fresh start and community spirit, making it more than just a restaurant or bar—it’s a cultural landmark to explore and share with your group. The combination of great food, a full bar with an impressive beer selection, and distinct memories embedded in its walls create a social hotspot where good times and warm camaraderie naturally flourish.
What activities can you enjoy at Barney’s Beanery that suit a group meetup?
Barney’s Beanery is designed with group gatherings in mind, offering a fantastic array of activities that cater to all kinds of social gatherings. For starters, it serves delicious meals all day—from breakfast through late-night dinners—providing everything from its famous chili burgers and onion soup to a wide variety of pub-style dishes that are perfect for sharing. The full bar boasts over 40 beers on draft, alongside a variety of cocktails and other beverages, ensuring that your drink orders match the tastes of every attendee in your group. Watching live sports events at Barney’s is another favorite group activity; the lively crowd atmosphere combined with big-screen TVs turns the space into a fun sports haven, ideal for cheering on your favorite teams together. In addition to dining and drinking, Barney’s offers pub-style trivia nights that encourage friendly competition and collective brainpower, perfect for bonding over shared knowledge and good-natured rivalry. Later in the evening, karaoke sessions invite groups to unwind and showcase their musical talents or just share some laughs, making your visit memorable well into the night. These varied activities provide both entertainment and relaxation options that naturally bring friends and family closer.
Why is Barney’s Beanery ideal for a group meetup?
Barney’s Beanery’s layout and vibe are specifically conducive to hosting groups, offering a spacious yet cozy ambiance that encourages social interaction. The original West Hollywood location and other branches around the Greater Los Angeles area feature ample seating options ranging from booths, tables, to bar stools, allowing groups of different sizes to mingle comfortably without feeling cramped. The homely yet lively setting creates an informal environment where conversations flow freely and laughter rings out, making it easier for everyone to connect, whether catching up or celebrating special occasions. The staff at Barney’s Beanery are known for their friendly and attentive service, which further enhances the group experience by ensuring orders are managed efficiently even during busy hours. Another asset is the no-reservation policy, which gives groups the flexibility to drop in spontaneously without the hassle of planning weeks ahead. This accessibility combined with affordable prices for large platters and drinks makes it a practical choice for gatherings seeking both quality and value. Moreover, the legacy, from Hollywood stars to contemporary pop culture figures, adds an intriguing layer of storytelling to your meetup, creating an engaging setting that your group will remember long after you leave.
What about food and drink at Barney’s Beanery for groups?
When bringing a group to Barney’s Beanery, the extensive food and drink menu serves as a highlight. The kitchen specializes in casual American fare with standout items like their signature chili burger and classic onion soup, perfect for satisfying big appetites. Their menu is versatile, accommodating meat lovers, vegetarians, and those looking for shareable plates, making it easy to cater to varied tastes within a group. On the bar front, Barney’s offers an impressive selection of craft beers on tap—over 40 varieties—plus wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, which ensures everyone finds a drink to complement their meal or mood. The casual pub setting encourages communal dining and sharing, which is ideal for groups looking to sample multiple dishes and drinks together. Whether your meetup includes a meal, just drinks, or a combination, the restaurant’s offerings promote a fun, relaxed vibe with plenty of great options that won't break the bank, helping to keep the gathering enjoyable and stress-free.
How does Barney’s Beanery’s rich history add value to group meetups?
Barney’s Beanery is more than just a local bar and restaurant; it is a storied fixture of Los Angeles culture with almost 100 years of history. Founded in 1920 and relocated to its famous West Hollywood spot on historic Route 66 in 1927, Barney’s has hosted an eclectic clientele including Hollywood legends like Judy Garland, Clark Gable, and Errol Flynn, and counterculture icons such as Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin. Its walls are adorned with memorabilia and thousands of license plates left behind by past patrons seeking a “fresh start,” which creates a tangible connection to LA’s cultural evolution. This rich history can spark conversation among your group, offering unique stories and trivia to share as part of your experience. Moreover, the association with famous personalities and events gives the venue a legendary aura, turning a simple meetup into an event inside an iconic landmark. For anyone interested in LA’s arts, music, and film heritage, gathering at Barney’s becomes an immersive cultural outing, enriching the social occasion with layers of historic significance.
What makes Barney’s Beanery a comfortable and inclusive environment for different kinds of groups?
Barney’s Beanery prides itself on being a casual, welcoming, and inclusive space that caters to a diverse crowd. Whether your group consists of longtime friends, family members, sports fans, or even tourists wanting to soak up local culture, the atmosphere makes everyone feel at ease. The eclectic decor, friendly staff, and laid-back vibe reduce any pretenses, encouraging a relaxed and genuine social experience. The venue’s flexibility, with multiple locations across Los Angeles, offers options depending on your group’s convenience, whether you prefer the energy of West Hollywood or a quieter neighborhood spot. Group-friendly policies, like accommodating walk-ins and the availability of games such as pool, shuffleboard, and arcade machines in some locations, further encourage playful interaction and a sense of community. This inclusive spirit means that Barney’s Beanery doesn’t just serve good food and drink—it offers a place where all kinds of people can come together and create lasting memories.
How does Barney’s Beanery support entertainment during your gathering?
Entertainment is central to the Barney’s Beanery experience, enhancing group meetups with a diverse range of options. Many locations provide pub-style trivia nights, challenging groups intellectually while sparking camaraderie and laughter. Karaoke sessions are another popular offering, allowing groups to showcase their singing talents or simply enjoy the playful atmosphere. For fans of games, some Barney's Beanery branches feature classic arcade games, pool tables, and shuffleboard, providing interactive entertainment ideal for casual competition or just fun downtime. Watching live sporting events on big screens draws energetic crowds, creating a dynamic vibe perfect for groups who enjoy cheering and sharing the excitement of the game. These entertainment choices make Barney’s Beanery not only a place to eat and drink but a versatile venue for engaging activities that bring friends and family closer, turning any meetup into an event filled with fun and good spirit.
Why is Barney’s Beanery a historic landmark worth visiting with friends or family?
Barney’s Beanery isn’t merely a restaurant or bar; it is a living piece of Los Angeles history that has played a pivotal role in the city’s social and cultural fabric for almost a century. Hosting countless Hollywood stars, musicians, artists, and writers, its legacy is preserved in the stories etched into its walls and the memorabilia displayed throughout the space. Visitors meet not only great food and drink but also a narrative of American entertainment and cultural shifts, from the golden age of Hollywood to the rock ’n’ roll era. For group meetups, this historic vibe adds depth and significance, elevating a casual gathering into an exploration of LA’s identity and collective memory. The continued popularity of Barney’s among all generations, including today’s younger crowds, confirms its relevance and charm. Sharing a meal or laughter with friends or family here is more than an outing; it is a shared experience tied to the spirit of a city that never forgets its roots. This unique combination of heritage, hospitality, and vibrant social life makes Barney’s Beanery a must-visit destination for any group looking to enjoy meaningful time together.