Barnaby's Cafe

Hi Jeff,
I love your food. I've been eating at Barnaby's for the past 10 years and just recently, due to health reasons, have become a vegetarian. Last night I was at the W.Gray location, studied the menu and noticed some possible improvement. Everything is delicious; however, I did find that a veggie sandwich and entree option were lacking. The burgers and salads provide enough veg. options. For the sandwiches, you could provide a veggie sandwich w/ a "special sauce" and for the entree maybe a tofu stir fry. I love Barnaby's and take everyone I know there. Just want to give a shout out for all the vegetarians who love Barnaby's. Thanks for all your love and care-ileya

Pros: Delicious! As usual

Cons: Need more Vegetarian

I go to this place at least a couple of times a week - going on 4 years now. To start, the parking isn't great. You drive up hoping it's not crowded so you have a place to park, but even when having to park down a side street, it's worth the hassle.

The food is great. The wait staff are all very friendly and fun, very chill and casual. The menu is fairly small, but after sampling almost everything they offer, I' ve never been disappointed. My favs are the tuna salad with pecan sandwich, the Luna's Meat Lasagna (ask for the sauce from the Spinach lasagna), the Buffalo Burger and for dessert, ask for a cookie with ice cream. It's to die for. PS... Order fries with anything you can, they are the best fries in town.

Pros: The food and staff

Cons: Parking

The food is very good. I especially like the one on Fairview. Recently I was seated where I could see the cooks in the kitchen. Hygene is horrible. Using their bare hands they would make salads, fix hamburgers, etc.,then go to the store room and do other things and never once wash their hands between these different tasks. It was so off putting to watch, I really can't go there anymore. If the people who handle food in a cafe are going to use very poor hygene, the kitchen should be closed off so the customers do not know how awful it is.

Its always fun to bring someone to Barnaby's who has never been before. I love the atmosphere and the staff is always so accomodating and friendly. I usually go for lunch and its packed! The wait time for a table is a good 10 minutes, but its totally worth it. I usually go for a sandwich (the pesto chicken salad) or a burger (the boca burger is great and its huge!) But I've recently had an obsession with their Mediterranean chicken fatoosh salad! All the portions for the dishes here are enough to feed two, but this salad is good for three! Its packed with lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pita chips, parsley and a whole grilled chicken breast stacked on top! (you can request to take out anything, but I suggest to keep it all on there) I can't even describe how good the dressing on that salad is, but whatever it is, I'm hooked! I always order a side of fries to go along with it (seasoned and crispy) and if i'm STILL hungry after that (doesn't happen so often) I'll get their chocolate chip cookie (warmed up.. WOW). If you can't handle the regular sized salad, I'd suggest to ask for the half portion. It's still massive but a couple dollars cheaper! (which you could use on that cookie instead). Barnaby's never fails to make me happy and full. The only thing I'd complain about is the parking. If I can't find a spot up front, I'll go around the block at least once. Or twice. Someone has to leave eventually.

Pros: Quality of food, service, portions

Cons: parking

I recently moved a couple blocks a way and wandered over to Barnaby's with a couple friends. We had an awesome waitress, Tamara, who made sure our experience was memorable. I had the Spinach and Feta Burger--highly recommended. My friend had the Bacon and Blue Cheese Burger--also awesome! And the Chocolate Chip Cookie, although it sounds simple, was soo good! And Tamara heated it up for me! :)

Pros: service, food, great atmosphere

Cons: no bar

We only live 2 blocks away from the original establishment on Fairview, so we go there often. But we also go out to eat alot, at alot of different pleaces and I can honestly say that I've never been to a restaurant that has better service or hospitality than Barnaby's. At first we stuck to the same menu items, him - the blue cheese bacon buger (AMAZING!!) and I the Mediterranean Salad. Both are great, dont get me wrong, but it was time to venutre outside of our regular choices. Let me tell you, we've tried alot of them! The meatloaf, tostadas, newport chicken, pink chicken and it is ALL GOOD!

So please visit the Barnaby's nearest you as soon as possible!! And if you go to the location on Fairview, ask for Rex.

Pros: waitstaff, food, price, quick

Cons: none

Each location has a different atmosphere but across the board you will always get great food.
When I decide what my favorite menu item is I will update my review.
As you can see this place has a lot of reviews by citysearch standards, so I don't want to just repeat what has already been said. I would highly recommend that you visit any of the locations and taste for yourself.

This is my first time posting. I was so impressed by my recent service that I thought a posting was necessary. First of all, I live a few blocks away Barnaby's so the convienience played a huge role in why I first became a regular but now I am a loyal customer that dreads the day I have to drive in from the suburbs for my favorite buffalo burger and fresh squeezed lemonaid. The staff always has a smile on their face and the accomodating spirit starts when they let you pick your own table all the way through cutting your brownie into fourths and putting a scoop of ice cream with each!! Barnaby's is the perfect place to take houseguests, as my husband and I recently figured out. They were able to accomodate the picky palate of my mother who doesn't eat dairy and only eats hormone free meat while still pleasing my burger and french fry eating step-father. I think it may have been one of the only meals my mother hasn't sent back in about 5 years. She couldn't say enough nice things. If you knew my mother that would say it all!

Pros: Service

Cons: On a busy day you might have to park down the street and walk.

I was sad this place seems to have lost its touch. Service last visit was not good, we were overlooked several times and the food was just "ok". Maybe the owner has too many locations to keep up the service and food quality he was known for. Hopefully he will notice and make some positive changes.

Pros: Close to home

Cons: below average food quality/ service is spotty

Between you and me, any of the Barnaby's is a winner. Named after the owner's late puppy, this place has excellent salads, burgers and American fare. Great food!!!

Nothing fancy, no unusual twists - just solid, delicious food. We have been for lunch and dinner - have 'ventured' through the menu and have never been disappointed. Excellent salads, sandwiches and burgers and some outstanding chicken dishes. The food is freshly prepared - ample - and delivered with a smile. All of the earlier comments regarding their dessert selections are quite true - but - the cookies are the best I think I have ever had anywhere. Don't eat them - save them for me!!

Pros: Great comfort food - well prepared - good service - great value.

Cons: Parking (@ the Shepherd location) can be the challenge of a lifetime

Great food I could eat everything on the menu. They have best fries in the world, good burgers, sandwhiches, salads, etc. Everything is wonderful but don't forget dessert. The pie and the Brownie a la mode is worth saving room which is not easy with the huge portions.

Pros: Food, Fries, Dessert

Cons: None

My first Barnaby's experience was at the original location on Fairview. Be prepared to fight for parking next to Bricks. Shephard is very pretentious...agree with the other reviewer...it's the crowd not the folks working there. West Gray is always busy and it's the parking olympics all over again. So, I try to stick with Fairview. Smaller restaurant but has great local art on the walls. You must try Dr. Gale's meatloaf and the lasagna beef and spinach. Very affordable food. Oh and the salads are to die for. Be careful with the grilled chicken entrees...it can be too dry at times. The key lime pie is the bomb! On Saturdays and Sundays visit Baby Barnabys at the Fairview location for scrumptious breakfast/brunch!

Pros: Variety, Portions, Price

Cons: Parking

This is a new generation! Time for change. Same old bland menu, same old veggies always! How about some corn, or carrots? Time to check the competition out....blah blah blah....

Pros: Staff, 3 locations.

Cons: Menu, drab, very little parking

One of my favorite places to eat in town. The original Fairview location is still funky, although service can sometimes be hit or miss with new servers. Lunch at the West Gray location can be busy, so get there early. A bit too much attitude at the Shepherd location - from the crowd, not the staff. Overall, excellent and consistent food for a great price!

Pros: Great simple food, Multiple locations, Friendly service

Love Barnaby's! I live within a mile of three of their locations and eat there often. Not a bad thing on the menu and breakfast is awesome!

Pros: Service, Food, Price

Blaz Jezernik here. Me and my buddy, Cheez Bouzeks, recently from Eastern Europe, are on a mission from God to find the best of what all y'all call a "hamburger" in Houston. Barnaby's was our first stop on the mission, and quite good at that. We've been previous visitors for wonderful pink chicken, lasagna, burritos, salads....Cheez prides himself with actually being able to eat all that is served!

Burgers are great..offering "foofoo" variety with blue cheese, avocado, etc.. And a big pile of french fries.

Good for groups larger than just me and Cheez but get there by 11:30. All three of "there's"....

We continue on the Mission...

Stay tuned .... Blaz & Cheez

Pros: Comfort food, Serving size

I am a big guy and love good food, even better when you get full with a meal. They have big portions and have never had anything here that was bad. Gets crowded but have always been lucky getting a table just before the crowd gets there. Have taken friends and everyone loves it and makes it a regular place to eat out.

Consistently good, a lovely little spot near my home & work & close to my friend's downtown. Can you go wrong with the meatloaf, and is that ginger in the sauce? Great service, great mix of yuppies, 'hood denizens, single fathers 'n' kids, & just about anyone else who lives in the loop & loves good food.

Pros: Food, Service, Variety

Cons: parking, low price options

The best restaurant EVER! We love this place! The staff is sensational and they know everyone by name. And the food is the best in town. What more could you ask for?

Quick, great food and inexpensive.

Two locations inside the loop!!!

Delish Fries, Delish burgers, and Delish Ribs. Why go to McDonald's??? 414 West Gray location

Pros: Burgers, Fries, Ribs

Cons: Gets Crowded, Small Parking area

The food was awful but the atmosphere was awesome if you are in the mood for a low-key meal.

Pros: low-key atmosphere

Cons: bad food

Good, simple menu and tasty comfort food. Generous portions and reasonable prices. Shepherd location is a bit "shi-shi" and polished (for the R.O. crowd) -- "real" people go to the fun, funky, original Fairview location.

Pros: Hip location, Understandable Menu, Whimsical Staff

I visit Houston often to see family, and Barnaby's is the most charming place to eat a meal. Its got a good vibe, and good food to match. The place is clean, the portions are huge, and its affordable. It has EVERYTHING you could want in a restaurant. Plus, its got a cute story behind the name "Barnaby's". Its the best place for lunch or dinner. I love everything I"ve tried there.

Pros: Good atmosphere, Great food, Great prices

Cons: Needs more parking

This is a great place for the price. Parking is the biggest disadvantage (which is still not that bad and it depends on which location). Food is great.

Pros: food selection, vegetarian dishes, inexpensive

Cons: limited parking

I LOVE Barnaby's. Love walking by and catching the smells drifting out to the sidewalk. Love watching the "girls" prance in and around, making their presence known. It's my kinda place - a single girls' dream - no hassling from the male clientele.

Pros: eclectic clientele, near my apt.

Cons: parking, always too crowded

Best Chinese Chiken Salad Ever!! Everything on the menu good...the staff ROCKS...and we would know since we eat there at least twice a week. Repeat business speaks for its self.

Pros: great service, inexpensive, great people watching

Cons: crowded

The original Montrose-Fairview location serves up heaping portions of very, very fresh food. It is one of the most reliable eateries my wife and I visit. The waitstaff are super friendly and the atmosphere is very cozy. The midtown Shepard location is good but a bit too noisy and trendy.

Barnaby's is an idealized version of the little out-of-the-way cafe that Austin is known for, but without the surly service and mediocre food. Huge portions of well prepared food are to be found here, and the service is always friendly and prompt. The crowd is very diverse, so no one will feel uncomfortable, except the narrowminded.

Pros: Food, Service

Cons: Wait on Weekends

Do not be fooled by the exterior, this little nook in Montrose is incredible. The service was excellent. Our waiter was very attentive as well as other members of the staff. The spinach and artichoke dip was the best ever. The prices are very reasonable for what you get. Huge portions and great quality. I definitely will be back.

My favorite cafe - the perfect menu and great service

If comfort food is what your looking for grab your house slippers and come on over. Though they now have 3 locations the original is the best. The food is consitent, filling and just like mom used to make with a few updates. It doesn't get any better.

Pros: Good, Delicious, Plentiful

Cons: Your Kidding?

Great everything! You cant go wrong at Barnabys. The only minus is sometimes the wait can be long.

Pros: Great Food, Decent Prices, Can be healthy

Cons: Crowded

Crowd is chick and good looking, but the food is boring as hell. They serve meatloaf for Pete's sake. I got the southwestern chicken and all it turned out to be was a broiled chicken breast on top of white rice, and black beans. My 16 year old little sister could make that. When I go out to eat, I want something better than I could make at home. Please put more interesting stuff on the menu!

Pros: Hot people

Cons: Blah food

Food is well prepared and they provide reasonable portions at a fair price. Service can be uneven - new waitstaff seems poorly trained, more senior waitstaff are excellent. Can be quite noisy - but quality and value keep us going back...

Pros: Fair value, Quality food

Cons: Noise, Parking, Inexpereinced waiters

I love the chic crowd that goes to thisw place that has great food. I have taken a lot of people there that have fallen in love with this place just as I have. The service is excellent and the food is great. You will be surpised at the good food you get here...especially the fries!

Sounds lame, but really great hamburgers! Hot brownie desert also amazing. Service on/off, but I think you'll find that the great food for great price is enough.

I love Barnaby's. In fact, I eat there at least once a week. The burgers are made from organic meat, and you can definitely tell the difference. The staff is super friendly, and they have a bunch of other great items on the menu, such as the Chinese chicken salad. The desserts are great too, especially the chocolate cake with ice cream. It's decadent enough to be a meal in itself.

Pros: food, service, price

Barnaby's, in a word, is amazing...everything from the salads, burgers, and meatloaf is so yummy. And the french fries, ahhh, any fool who tries to tell you their fries are worse than McDonalds obviously considers that fast food establishment to be haute cuisine. :) Order them for an appetizer, they are worth it with Barnaby's honey mustard and garlic ranch.
And the apple pie....need I say more??

I love Barnaby's. Once upon a time ate at the Fairview location, now mostly on Shepherd. Great burger, great Cobb salad, great meatloaf. Your kids will bring varied looks from the crowd, but that's okay......the diverse crowd Barnaby's serves really should appreciate the alternative-ness of energetic youth. NOT!

Pros: great food, fun crowd

Cons: too many cyclists, not too fond of kids

Don't come here on a diet, but if you have an appetite. I've never found anything on the menu thats not delicious. (for atmosphere skip the River Oaks location)

Chinese Chicken salad is usually a hands-down favourite for me, but last time I ordered it is seems the dressing has changed (using processed lemon juice! ugh!) and it just wasn't as yummy.

Perhaps Barnaby's is over-stretching itself....

Barnaby's is consistent in quality and flavor. It is a fantastic value for all that you get. The burgers are made with fresh organic beef. The meat is moist. If you have to have a burger it might as be good for you. Don't get me started about their french fries.

Pros: Great Value, Inexpensive, Good Variety

Cons: Parking

The salads are huge, the chicken the best, and you can eat healthy if you want......

Pros: great selection, very affordable, good deserts

Cons: bad parking, crowded at lunch

Barnaby's is one of my favorite places in Houston to eat. Everything I've ever tried has been great. You can't beat the prices -- where else can you get two meals worth of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and brocolli for less than $7? The atmosphere is also great and is a fun place to go out with friends.

Pros: Service, Price, Atmosphere

Cons: Parking at Fairview