01/21/07

Aw...this is a great place!

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

05/22/06

Highly overrated

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