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Barney's Beanery
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Barney's Beanery
8.3
Operating since 1920, this Route 66 roadhouse serves up classic hot wings alongside a massive 1000-item menu and over 175 beers. The weekday happy hour delivers half-price appetizers including their well-executed buffalo wings, making it a reliable choice for both wing enthusiasts and sports fans seeking an authentic Los Angeles institution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Hot Wings, Famous Chili, Route 66 Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Nearly 100-year-old Hollywood landmark with rock n' roll history and massive beer selection
Who should go: Sports fans, groups, anyone seeking classic LA dive-bar vibe
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 4-7pm for half-price apps, trivia Wednesdays
What to order: $9 hot wings with choice of sauce, famous chili, any burger
Insider tip: Sit at the bar during happy hour for best deals and fastest service
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot adjacent to restaurant - free for customers. Street parking also available but fills up evenings and weekends
Dress code: Ultra casual - come as you are. T-shirts, jeans, sports jerseys all standard. This is a dive bar, not a fashion show
Noise level: Loud and raucous during games - expect bar noise and rock music. Not ideal for serious conversations
Weekend wait: 30-45 min during prime time 7-9pm, longer during major games. Reservations accepted for large parties
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk right in and grab a table or bar seat
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple veggie burgers, salads, and meatless options on the massive menu
Vegan options: Yes - several vegan options available including clearly marked dishes
Gluten-free options: Limited - some salads and modifications possible, but this is classic bar food territory
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both laid-back sports fans who appreciate dive bars. The loud atmosphere and casual vibe work better for 'let's grab a beer and wings' dates rather than romantic dinners. Perfect for second or third dates when you're keeping it casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are the norm. Reservations only needed for groups of 8+ or during major sporting events (Super Bowl, World Series finals). Weeknights and non-game times have plenty of availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evening hours - they have a kids menu and high chairs. However, as night progresses it becomes more bar-like. Best for families before 8pm on weekends, anytime during weekdays.
What's the scene like on weekends? Packed and energetic, especially during games. Weekend nights draw a mix of locals, tourists, and pre-club crowds. Expect a lively bar atmosphere with music, multiple games on TVs, and potential karaoke. Come early or embrace the chaos.
Is the 1000-item menu real or a gimmick? It's real - a famous newspaper-style menu with everything from breakfast to burgers to international dishes. Quality is solid across the board, though wings, chili, and burgers are the standouts. The extensive beer list (175+) is equally legitimate.
Best For
Better for: Best for authentic LA dive-bar history and character, massive beer selection (175+ including 40+ on draft), accommodating huge groups with the 1000-item menu, late-night food until 1am, and reliable weekday happy hour deals. The nearly century-old Hollywood landmark vibe is unmatched in WeHo
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance, craft cocktails, quiet conversation, romantic atmosphere, or cutting-edge culinary innovation. Also skip if you're sensitive to loud bar noise or prefer modern/trendy over classic dive-bar character. Head to 33 Taps for inclusive LGBTQ+ vibes or Saddle Ranch for family entertainment instead
Barney's Beanery
8.7
Legendary West Hollywood gastropub since 1927 where Jim Morrison drank, Janis Joplin hung out, and Quentin Tarantino wrote Pulp Fiction. This historic dive serves elevated pub fare including signature burgers alongside an extensive craft beer selection in an atmosphere rich with rock 'n' roll history.
Must-Try Dishes:
Famous Chili Burger, BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger, Loaded Nachos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.8
What makes it special: Nearly century-old gastropub with authentic rock star history and celebrity clientele
Who should go: Music lovers, history buffs, celebrity spotters
When to visit: Late evening for atmosphere and potential star sightings
What to order: Famous chili burger, craft beer, any booth special
Insider tip: Sit in Tarantino's corner booth where he wrote Pulp Fiction
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, challenging after 7pm - plan extra time or ride-share recommended
Dress code: Dive bar casual - jeans and t-shirt perfect, no need to dress up
Noise level: Loud during live music nights, moderate conversation volume otherwise
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for tables, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, seats readily available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several veggie burger options and salads
Vegan options: Limited - impossible burger available, some sides
Gluten-free options: Few options - mainly salads and some protein dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for casual first dates if you both appreciate dive bar atmosphere and rock history - not ideal for quiet conversation during live music nights
Can I get a table without a reservation? First-come, first-served seating - no reservations taken, but bar seating usually available as backup
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - primarily a bar atmosphere, gets loud and crowded, better for 21+ crowds especially evenings
Best For
Better for: Authentic dive bar experience with real celebrity history, late-night eats, rock music atmosphere
Skip if: You want upscale dining, quiet conversation, family meal, or don't enjoy bar crowds and loud music
Barney's Beanery
7.9
A historic Route 66 roadhouse since 1920 serving wings with six sauce options alongside their famous 1000-item menu. This rock 'n' roll institution offers substantial portions and late-night dining in a boisterous, memorabilia-filled setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
El Diablo Wings, Sweet & Spicy Wings, Honey Glaze Wings
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Century-old institution with rock history and diverse wing sauces
Who should go: History buffs and large groups wanting variety
When to visit: Late nights for full rock bar experience
What to order: 12-wing combo, el diablo sauce, classic chili
Insider tip: Sit at the bar where Morrison and Joplin once held court
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 7pm, paid lot across Santa Monica Blvd ($10 flat rate), valet available weekends ($8)
Dress code: Come as you are - anything from band tees to business casual fits right in
Noise level: Loud and lively - expect bar atmosphere, difficult for intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for tables, bar seats usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait, seat yourself at bar or grab any open table
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options beyond wings including veggie burgers, salads, pasta
Vegan options: Limited - about 5 clearly marked options, can modify others
Gluten-free options: Some options available, wings are not GF due to shared fryers
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for third dates - the loud atmosphere and sports bar vibe make conversation tough, but great for watching a game together or group dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations except for large parties (8+). Show up and put your name down - bar seats turn over quickly
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 9pm - kids menu available, high chairs provided, but gets rowdier late night. Stick to booths away from the bar area
Best For
Better for: Late night wings (open until 2am), rock history ambiance, and massive menu variety that satisfies any craving in your group
Skip if: You want craft wing specialists with 20+ sauce options, quiet conversation, or a modern upscale vibe - try Hot Wings Cafe or Wingstop for pure wing focus
Barney's Beanery
7.9
Since 1920, this Route 66 roadhouse has served over 1000 menu items including solid burgers alongside 175+ beers in a rock 'n' roll atmosphere where Jim Morrison once held court. The sprawling menu and late-night scene make it a WeHo institution for groups seeking affordable eats with entertainment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheeseburger, BBQ Bacon Burger, Chili Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: 104-year history as LA's original roadhouse bar
Who should go: Sports fans and late-night crowds
When to visit: Game nights or after midnight
What to order: Cheeseburger, chili fries, draft beer
Insider tip: Monday trivia nights pack the house
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 7pm, nearby paid lots $8-15, valet available weekends $10
Dress code: Come as you are - jerseys to jeans all welcome
Noise level: Loud during games and weekend nights - expect bar atmosphere
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for tables, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait, plenty of seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers, salads, and multiple appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - veggie burger can be modified, several salads
Gluten-free options: Some options but cross-contamination likely in kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - it's loud and sports-focused. Better for casual third dates or group hangs
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first come, first served. Grab a beer at the bar while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 9pm - high chairs available and kids menu. After 9pm becomes more of a bar scene
Best For
Better for: Watching the game with 20 friends, 2am hunger fixes, and beer selection that destroys any gastropub
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy burgers or intimate conversation - head to Republique or Found Oyster instead