Beans & Barley Market and Cafe
Milwaukee, WI 53202-1125
Phone: (414) 278-7878
- Price:
- $
- Best of Citysearch:
- Salad 2006, Vegetarian Food 2004
- Hours:
- Daily 8am-9pm
Editorial Review for Beans & Barley Market and Cafe – by Peter Behle
The Scene
Soak up the sunlight that filters in through the curved, two-story glass wall and nibble on something virtuous. The deli and grocery sections are well-stocked, while the restaurant caters to sit-down or carryout diners. Weekend breakfast is the busiest time of all.
The Food
Begin the day with breakfast or brunch here and you won't go away with that bloated greasy-spoon feeling. The tofu scramble is laced with crunchy sesame seeds for texture--be sure to get the scone of the day instead of toast. Pancakes are available with fresh fruit toppings and real maple syrup. Light and healthy are the buzzwords--featured items include many vegetarian choices, poultry and seafood, fresh-squeezed juices and homemade soups. There are also incredible burritos--the Super is a two-fisted monster stuffed with beans, cheese, onion, tomatoes, sour cream and avocado. Popular desserts include poppy-seed cake and rice pudding.
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Insider Tips
When to GoOn the weekends, either arrive when the doors open at 9am or you'll have a wait until 10:15am or so for a table.
User Reviews for Beans & Barley Market and Cafe
01/21/2007 Posted by expektalot
Beans & Barley hasn't a thing to worry its pretty, little head about when it comes to Whole Foods. I try to have lunch here, whenever I'm in Milwaukee. A few years ago, I was on my way there, for a salad and some chili, when I found the street blocked by fire engines and emergency vehicles. We had to eat somewhere else that day, because B&B was in the process of burning to the ground, due to a maintenance accident, on the roof, I think. I am only one of scores of people who are greatful that the rebuilding went so well, and so quickly. The market part is nice, and I'm sure to pick up a few things while I'm there, but the restaurant section is the real draw for me. I can expect to be sweetly greeted, seated and served. Over the years, I think that my daughter and I have tried everything on the menu, and have never been disappointed. The place is clean and bright...we love the two-story windows. The food is freshly made from healthful ingredients. Everything is tasty and well prepared. Special requests are welcome and provided with grace. The prices are very reasonable. The only problem is that the food is so filling and wholesome, that we never have room for dessert. We solve that problem by showing up in the mid-afternoon, just for tea or coffee and sweets. Decades of healthy and delicious food (Yes, I admit I do love the fruit tart!), great service and tin butterfly pins have ensured that we will continue to return again and again. I look forward to many more years of the Beans & Barley experience.
Pros: Great physical space, excellent food, wonderful service, lots of extras
Cons: Small parking lot
05/22/2006 Posted by smittenbychocolate
If you've been privvy to good vegetarian food, you can't help but leave feeling dissatisfied and ripped off. B&B is a local mainstay and probably wins on the value of having a neighborhood haunt as such. Pity, as Whole Foods is scheduled to move into the hood shortly. If WFM serves up dishes anything like the NYC branch, B&B will need to get it in gear to keep up. As of now, the great atmosphere and very helpful staff are what make it a pleasure. Find your meals elsewhere!
Pros: atmosphere
Cons: dishes
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