Getting bigger doesn't always mean better.
Written: Nov 08 '04
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Pros: Good, friendly service.
Cons: Tasteless, overcooked food.
How do get bacon to taste like liver?
Bathrooms are nasty.
The Bottom Line: Barney's! Go back to your roots and get your quality back up to "gourmet".
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| oaklair's Full Review: Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers |
As an Oakland native, I have tried to support what Oakland has to offer, especially when it comes to food. I can remember when College Ave Burrito was the near equivalent of "gourmet" on College Ave.
During my college years, Barney's Burgers were introduced to me. The Piedmont Ave location served up delicious burgers with those steak-cut fries (always ate too many before the burger arrived...still do.).
One summer during college, my summer job was five blocks away from Barney's, and I "taste-tested" all but three of their burger offerings. (oof!)
I moved back to the Bay Area after a three stay in Seattle, and brought my wife and children to Barney's. We've now tried both College and Piedmont Ave locations.
Sadly, the food was... um, bleech! Think of Bill the Cat from Bloom County (Ack!).
The bacon tasted like liver. The orange, lettuce, onions and tomato on the sides were so over-warmed by the kitchens hot-lights, that they seemed to be melting on to the plate.
The burgers have been a bit less than average (read as tasty). We recently visited the College Ave restaurant just to give it another chance.
My 3 year old's grilled cheese sandwich was the best tasting item of our order. My Mexican Chicken Salad had little flavor.
The service, however, was great! Our server was always available.
Sadly, with the growth of its "chain" Barney's has not just slipped, but plummeted in its quality and taste. Hope they take a cue from this.
Recommended:
No
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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Epinions.com ID:
oaklair
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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