Comments on: Barley and Hops Pub | Occidental

By: Imagery

Imagery — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:07:24 +0000

Considering Santa Rosa is not the “nowhere” of the county, but an urban metropolis compared to the sleepy little town of Occidental, I believe you’re mistaken.

By: Barley and Hops Tavern

Barley and Hops Tavern — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:29:59 +0000

I am sorry for you experience, but on a Friday night, a pub is a noisy crowded place (the economy willing…). I absolutely stand 100% behind our food, and your comments are absolutely singular among every customer I’ve spoken to, or has reviewed us. If something was wrong, I’d hope you’d let me know so I can fix it during your time there – the owner is always behind the bar available to talk to customers, not many restaurants can make that claim. Having a selection of rare beers means that, on occasion, we’ll be out of stock. This is because small breweries ship sporadically. In order to have a printed beer list, it’s likely that a good 4 or 5 are out of stock at any given time. We are beholden to the distribution chain. I apologize for the wait, busy Fridays with music mean a large amount of customers. I’m very proud of my employees, all of which have extraordinary personalities, and are valuable members of our team. In this economy, in the dead of winter, writing scathing reviews of small businesses which everyone else seems to like, may mean that the problem isn’t on our end. I accept constructive criticism graciously, but I humbly reject your commentary about my servers, and the quality of our food, which is better than superb, and a fantastic value. Coupled with the overwhelming majority of positive reviews, and locals who dine with us two or more times a week, I feel vindicated, but uneasy about your experience. I encourage you to give us another shot, and PLEASE come to me personally if there is an issue, because I will do my best to make it right.

By: anibananie

anibananie — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:09:56 +0000

Extremely disappointing experience, especially after reading all the rave reviews written here. Three of us ate here on Friday night, and it was not at all what we had hoped. The service was absolutely horrible – it was mentioned at the end of the evening that it was our servers second night…but with all the unemployment out there, couldn’t they have hired someone who was capable and had a personality? A good personality goes a long way in making inadequate service bearable, in my honest opinion. Extensive beer list – but two out of the three beers we ordered we unavailable. Bad coincedence? The food was just okay…I had the pretzel chicken, which was the best of everything we ordered. The fish and chips were okay, but nothing special, as was the hamburger my husband ordered. We ended up waiting and waiting (and waiting) to get our final tab picked up…and finally just pulled out the cash so we could just go. Couldn’t wait to get out of there…noisy, people standing over our table (waiting for a table) watching us eat, terrible service…just not good. Won’t be going back anytime soon, which is a shame…I love good beer, and we live only 10 minutes away!

By: Vince

Vince — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:38:30 +0000

Never did get back to this thread after we stayed in Occidental a few weeks ago, specifically to go here. Anyway, this place is amazing. Awesome beer selection, great food and Noah really knows his stuff. We got a room at the Inn at Occidental, which is right across the street(well, I guess everything is “right across the street” in Occidental), which was great both because the stay was very comfortable and also because I was stumbling a bit after drinking all those wonderful beers. Would have been a long and expensive cab ride back to SR.

By: David

David — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:18:58 +0000

Barley and Hops is such a great place it makes me actually look forward to visiting the girlfriend’s mother’s house up in Occidental. If that isn’t a recommendation, I don’t know what is…
We stopped by for a late night beer one night about a month ago and were very impressed. Noah & Mirjam and the rest of their crew were really cool and we had a great time talking and trying different beers. The Rat Bastard Pale Ale is amazing. Had dinner there the next night in which everything was great and of very high quality yet really reasonable. I still talk about the onion rings!
It’s great to see people have a real passion and joy about what they do and am looking forward to being back soon. Best of luck w/ everything!

By: Wojamo

Wojamo — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:22:20 +0000

Wow, you guys sound pretty impressed by this place. Geez! Ok, so I’ll be checking it out this weekend…but I hope there’s some Guinness mousse left!
Oh, and Heather- heck of a ABV on that Brown Sugga- over 9%???? Yowza!

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:47:50 +0000

The best brews in the west county. The best food in Occidental. The best prices in Occidental.The best service and most friendly place in Occidental. I Love It!!!!

By: Pat

Pat — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:10:31 +0000

This place rocks! The food and beer are fantastic. Noah and his wife do it right. The place fills a real void in town. It’s a great place if you are not in the mood for a multi-cousre Italian dinner and just want a great beer and some amazing food to go along with it.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 07:35:16 +0000

Excellent food! Excellent brews! Excellent atmosphere! Excellent people! Can’t wait to see them again!

By: monica

monica — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:41:34 +0000

Wow!! Love this place hands down the best food ever had, and reasonably priced. Great beer pretty much whatever you want. My husband and I would live there if we could! Had a great time hanging out with Noah and locals. Can’t wait to go back to try something els on the menu! Say hi to the kitty for me, I think his name is Stout? Best wishes.