Barnaby’s Café

Barnaby’s is a Houston treasure. They seem to be popping up locations all around town, a true monument to their success. However, I have a hard time with their breakfast policy– it ends at 11am SHARP, even on the weekends. Now I don’t know about you, but a leisurely weekend is one of favorite things. That means getting up and out to brunch around 11am, maybe a little after, and nothing ruins my good mood as much as walking in and being greeted with ‘we’re only serving lunch right now, how many in your party?’. If you have to train your hosts to say this, maybe you should extend your brunch hours a bit!
The food (lunch menu) is pretty good. The menu is all over the place, so you can order a hot dog the size of your face, a slice of lasagna, or fresh fish depending on your mood. I had the hot dog last time, and it was very good. Also big enough to share, even if you’re super hungry.
The place has a distinct ‘Austin’ feel, and I was reminded of Kerby Lane when I came in their W Gray location. Only difference is that Kerby Lane serves breakfast all day… But the food is good and I’m sure I’ll be here again, hopefully early enough for breakfast next time.

Though I live pretty close to this restaurant, today was the first time I had eaten here. Typically I eat at the Fairview location, or occasionally the River Oaks location, which is within walking distance from my home. I love Barnaby’s, and now I love this location, too. The food was outstanding! Barnaby’s has the best salads around, and after having one, all others become a sad disappointment. A very nice man named Roy waited on us. The service was exactly as I’ve come to expect from Barnaby’s, very friendly, helpful, and efficient. But when Roy brought us the check, he kicked it up a notch. As he laid a surprise dessert of apple pie with ice cream on our table, he explained that he was doing so, because after working there for 14 years, this was his last day at Barnaby’s, and we were the last people he would be waiting on before leaving. When we asked what prompted him to resign, he said that he had been commuting from Galveston for 6 years, and it was finally time to make the break. Six years! Hats off to you, Barnaby’s. I can’t imagine making that commute for 6 years, no matter what the job was. You must be a heck of an employer! And Roy was an excellent waiter. I am sure Barnaby’s will feel the loss. I am honored to have been his last table. Thank you for such a lovely lunch!

Why did I take so long to try this place? SO delicious. Everything about it was a win. The atmosphere of the restaurant is welcoming, the service is excellent and the food is crazy good. I got the falafel burger and it was basically life changing. I was so excited about it I ate the whole thing before I could even take a picture. Will definitely be coming back!

My favorite Barnaby’s location in Montrose Area! Huge portions, good prices and great service
Thanks to the owners Jeff & Bob an all the wait staff.
Lisa, Kara, Eric, Brandon, Lily, Dee, Sarah, Craig, Marlana, Brandus, Mark, Gabe, Chris, Roy, Blaine, Aaron, Shane, Michael, and Ryan.
Also thank you to anyone I forget to mention
Yes, I been more then a few time’s over the years

This is hands down my favorite location, except for their Midtown location that I haven’t tried. I feel the food is always fresh and hot when it comes to your table. The fries are always fresh and well seasoned. I do get enough seasoning on my fries from the other location. The lebanese chicken fattoush salad is my favorite salad. Perhaps because it has this mint and slightly tarty taste from the lemon or lime they use. It also has enough dressing but not too much. For me, the smaller size salad in a big bowl fills me up!
I brought my two teen nieces for dinner on a Saturday night and they loved it. I wanted to take them somewhere new and not a chain restaurant since they live in the suburbs and do not have a Barnaby’s close to them. They kept taking selfies and pics of their food.

My favorite brunch place in Montrose! Huge portions, good prices and great service :)

I love this place! Nice staff, the food is awesome and really good service. I love coming here for breakfast on weekends. The breakfast plate is really good, love their pancakes… Everything I’ve tried here tastes delicious!

I’m a big fan of Barnaby’s. My local location is in the heights and always order out, but since I was headed to school I figured why not stop and grab a bite at this one. The food is fine, big portions and a decent amount on the dollar.
What sucked about here was the experience. At first I was greeted by a nice lady, so I thought I’d be fine. My waitress came a bit later and after that one time I never saw her again! I waited forever to place my actual order. Other waiters kept passing by and finally after sitting there for a while, the same nice lady that greeted me, attended to my needs. She also had other tables to look after, so I after all my waiting, I got so impatient that I grabbed my check, and just paid at the front with the host.
If something happened to my waitress, someone else should have looked after her tables. So disappointing.

We order pick up from Barnaby’s at least once a week. My wife and I love the pork chops and carrot cake. This restaurant is our go to when we are to lazy to cook.

I visited here on my lunch hour with co-​workers and I was so excited because I’ve been wanting to try them for a while. I wouldn’t suggest to try them for lunch if all you have is an hour. They have a tiny parking lot but of course it was full and trying to find parking in the area can be a challenge. The good thing is that we were seated immediately. The bad thing is that it took the food forever to come. I ordered the Lebanese Fatoush salad and it was a huge portion and tasted great! I ask tried the spinach dip and it was great as well. My co-​worker ordered the club sandwich and fries and while I didn’t taste them it was huge and looked awesome so I would say the food was worth the wait but just not worth risking your job if you’ve been gone two hours… lol I also tried one of their gigantic chocolate chip cookies. The size make sit worth the $ 2 but the taste feel short. I like soft cookies and this one was sort of stiff. The edges were definitely hard. Overall, I would definitely go back and highly I recommend them. Huge portions, great taste!

I love this place! Great for families with multiple kids. I have 3 myself and I didn’t feel out of place at all. Actually we might’ve been a little overdressed but when is it a bad thing to look nice? Anyways they’re super casual. It’s great! If you have kids like me they’ll give your child a toy to play with while waiting for your food. Let me tell you as a mother those little things mean everything. Anything that will occupy my kids from bickering or complaining Im totally grateful for. Its a very casual place. I didn’t get to look at the menu too much but I noticed every one of our meals came with fries. They give you huge portions so you’re definitely getting your moneys worth and to top it off the ambience was amazing! You have to try it here once doesn’t matter if you’re with a crowd or not, its perfect for both. I had the salad and it was amazing (i forget the name of it but their most popular one). No complaints from me. I think this is my family’s new favorite family restaurant. Great location and free parking.

I love this location… It has a great patio and a very open feeling. The staff are always great. I am excited that Barnaby’s now has wings on their menu… The are super tasty… I am not sure what it is about Barnaby’s be all of their locations have great food and energy.

Comparing Barnaby’s to its kind, the food here is very good Barnaby’s but not exactly the best place for brunch. They don’t offer pancakes, or waffles, or anything of that sort. They specialize on burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
After jumping from place to place trying to find where to eat, Barnaby’s was able to accommodate us immediately. We were a group of 6.
FOOD
As I said, they specialize in burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The food is very good for what it is. I need to admit my expectations where not too high, but the food here definitely exceeded them. Their sweet potato fries are incredible. The perfect crunchy, and the seasoning was on point.
They have a picture menu which is AWESOME! It makes the choosing what to eat a lot easier.
SERVICE
The service is average. Not bad, but not great. I’d say it is just the typical service as any other diner.
PARKING
They have a parking lot. So it should be fairly easy to get a spot.
Recommendation: would keep as my backup plan if all my other brunch places fail.

When it comes to large portions, Barnaby’s takes the cake! It’s your place for a relaxed, yummy meal. We usually come for dinner, after a run at Memorial Park. The place is down-​to-​earth and friendly. Parking is a «B» though. If they only paved that back parking lot… Our go-​to items are the Lebanese chicken fattoush salad and buffalo burger with sweet potato fries. If you don’t like sweet potato fries, you might want to give these a try… Just sayin’. The black bean burger will be one of the best you’ve ever had! I’ve also tried the tuna sammich with pecans (TONS of pecans, but I’m not complaining…), which is pretty excellent, and most of the appetizers are spot-​on. The waffle fries with the blue cheese fondue is overloaded with blue cheese IMO, and I am in the minority who actually enjoys blue cheese! Baby back ribs are fallin’ off the bone and their «pink» chicken is succulent. The tuna burger has been hit or miss on several occasions — sometimes it’s a perfect medium rare, sometimes tougher than week-​old, over-​cooked chicken breast. Stay away from the Mexican dishes. Don’t forget dessert! The $ 2 microwaved chocolate chip cookie a la mode is delicious… lol

I popped in for a late lunch. The hostess asked me to seat myself. My waiter arrived within seconds, took my drink order, and returned right away. Off to a great start. I was in a burger sort of mood hence why I chose to eat here. I decided on the Buffalo burger. Who doesn’t love red meat? But a bit of a wiser choice cholesterol-​wise than cattle. I asked the waiter to substitute the wheat bun for white (I don’t care for wheat buns on a burger, they tend to be dry). He told me that wasn’t possible, yet offered no options to the wheat. I found this odd given the number of sandwiches on the menu. Progress slowed to a snails pace from there. Aside from me, there were only two other tables, strange for it to take 20 minutes for a simple order when the place is empty. My burger arrived. Large, and pleasant in appearance. Looks can be deceiving as it were. The bun as expected was dry, a veritable flavorless sponge; the burger itself… Equally dry and flavorless. It was little more than a means to an end. I was hungry, now I am not. In essence, mission accomplished. A hefty $ 19 price tag for a burger, fries, and drink; I think I’ll try other places from now on. Price point is as equally off putting as the meal itself.

I’m like one of Barnaby’s biggest fans. For some reason I just like everything about this local chain of restaurants. I’ve only ordered the really delicious turkey burger, but I really like the atmosphere of the two locations I frequent. The unlimited carafe of lemonade is also an added plus. The wait staff is consistently friendly and sweet.

So I have had the breakfast (Sunday brunch) and was amazingly impressed. But most recently I had the guacamole burger!!! Oh my gosh it was so amazing. If you are a over of guacamole it is heaven because they do not skimp on it. Further you can tell its fresh. I tend to like my guacamole a little zestier but this was still great! Not to chunky and very fresh.
I also had the sweet potato fries which were well worth the upcharge! They are delicious. I will be going back here again soon.
I still reiterate my early one negative from a previous review is that I really wish they had bust boys! Wait staff is everywhere trying to serve and bust tables at the same time. It looks so disorganized. But the food is great!

Food quality: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Value: 4
Comments/​side notes: try the buffalo burger and the fattoush salad these are go to items on the menu.

My go to neighborhood place w the kids — simple great menu covering all bases — something for everyone. Great casual atmosphere. Staff is welcoming, friendly, and attentive. Service is prompt, food is fresh, cooked to your liking, cooked right everytime not to mention the best sweet potato fries EVER! Got a sweet tooth but don’t want to smash a whole dessert? They’ve got little $ 2 desserts that will give you just what you’re looking for. oh! and $ 5 glasses of wine!!! What more can you ask for?

I love the flat iron streak, the salmon and the mushroom Swiss burger. This is one of the only places in Houston you can get a burger cooked the way you order it. Everyone loves the salads, too. The waitstaff is awesome and one of the reasons I return as frequently as I do. And I love the way the rice crispy treats smell.

My SERVER was AMAZING!!!
I have never had a server so helpful, patient, and friendly ever in my life. God, do I wish I knew her name, maybe I’ll go back and try to find her again! But seriously, I asked one question and seemed really confused, it’d been a long day at work and I really was struggling to make a decision, seeing as everything on their menu looked good. She was willing to go into detail about everything on the menu if I needed.
My friend and I had a lot of special requests for our meal since we both have a lot of stomach issues and they got everything perfect, she didn’t act like it was a burden to take care of us. I was literally so impressed.
My friends husband got the Bacon Cheeseburger with Waffle Fries. The Waffle Fries, people, the WAFFLE FRIES. Better then Chick-​fil-​a, sorry all you CFA lovers but it’s true. He ate the whole burger cause he just couldn’t stop.
My friend and I both had the Petaluma salad, we got the smaller portion and even that was huge, I took more then half of mine home. The dressing on this salad is killer! It’s the best, I think it was a Salsa Ranch and why I’ve never thought to have that before on a salad I’ll never know. It’s basically a Taco Salad, I added chicken to mine and it was cooked perfectly. Because we are both dairy intolerant, we asked for no sour cream or cheese, so they proceeded to bring us extra guac. No body normal does that, but BARNABY’S DOES!
The atmosphere was fun, the prices weren’t too much to handle. I honestly wish I could give it more stars. I had such a great experience here!

Da portions here are TEXAS SIZED. But the price tag matches the amount of food your getting (example to go food for 3 was about 50 $). The menu has a little of everything … Reminding me of an upscale diner that’s also actually heard of salads.
I’ve dined at barnaby’s a few times:
Ribs −−−5÷5 for a non bbq joint. They fell RIGHT off the bone and –probably because I’m not too sophisticated — I enjoyed the sweet Bbq sauce. The Ribs came with some delicious warm apples and met the sweet tooth needs.
Mashed potatoes 2÷4−− no no no ;(don’t mess with my potatoes. These were unfortunately clumpy. You know when mashed potatos don’t stick together and instead create little lumps and balls? Boo.
Cobb salad: ⁵⁄₅ & it’s HUGE. Except for they serve it in an infuriatingly small bowl so you have no room to mix or toss. Easily a salad for 2 and comes with lots of bacon and a delicious home made ranch. Non of that bottled shiz up in here
Macaroni and cheese side 4÷5… Curly Mac noodles in creamy cheese… But I’ve said it before … If it’s covered in cheese it doesn’t matter what it is!
Small parking lot so you may end up parking on the street !

I love their guacamole burger with fries. I’d die for their Huevos Rancheros – a heaping plate of scrambled eggs (you can order your eggs any way you like) and perfectly-​cooked, crispy potatoes and flavorful black beans and fresh whole-​wheat tortillas and extra salsa and delicious bottomless organic coffee! I love it!
When crowded (which is always on weekend mornings) the service can be hit-​or-​miss.

Cant go wrong with the Chicken Fattosh Salad !! So awesome, the tender chicken takes it to a whole different level.

I have had breakfast and dinner at the place and love the chill vibe.
I have had their green eggs for breakfast. Which is eggs scrambled with spinach and artichoke hearts. It comes with chicken apple sausage, potatoes, and toast. They give you huge portions at the place, so it well worth the money.
I went there last week and something possessed me to get the meatloaf because well. i love meatloaf! But, i am spoiled with my moms meatloaf and this is not really like that. The sauce is has a lot of tomato chunks and is really really sweet. I like the tomato paste type sauce, so I was not really a fan of this dish. I ordered it with broccoli and mashed potatoes. The broccoli was huge! it was like a head of broccoli. The mashed potatoes were fresh and really really good!
My boyfriend ordered the blue cheese bacon burger and it was fantastic! I dont even like blue cheese and i loved this burger.
We did order sweet potato fries on his burger but they came out with regular fries.
The lady came within minutes with the sweet potato fries and let us keep the regular ones with no charge. It was no hassle and she was apologetic when we were about to just eat the regular fries.
They have a patio which is a chill place for dogs to hang out.
Also, if you order a soda, they just give you a can and a glass of ice, so beware soda refills are not free!
I am dying to try so many things on their menu! Love you barnabys!

Barnaby’s lived up to the hype. Good food, reasonable prices.
I came in craving a burger. I left satisfied and comfortably full. The classic burger was awesome, not greasy and the toasted wheat bun had a lot of flavor. My date ordered the meatloaf, which was also fairly lean while being extremely flavorful! Our tab came out to less than $ 30, and was well worth every bit. Our server Chris was also awesome! I can’t wait to come back for dessert!

Good service, huge portions, lots of flavor, decent price. I got the guacamole and cheese burger, cooked medium, and it was excellent, as were the sweet potato fries that I substituted in.
It lost a star only because of how loud it was… my friends and I could barely hear each other. This place needs some noise dampening. Or you can try getting a table to the left across from the kitchen, which seemed way less noisy when I walked through to the restroom.
Overall, great place and I will go back.

I mean Barnaby’s never disappoints! I have 2 favorites on the menu! The BBQ chicken breast w/​the fries {the bomb} and the Sausalito Crunch chicken salad! Do I combine the two. Minus the fries. Sure, From time to time! The BBQ chicken Sausalito crunch salad is the ultimate game changer!

I love Barnaby’s but most of all this location! The portions are fairly large so I usually skip the appetizer & have enough for a second meal with the leftovers.
I love the staff at this location, they remember you after the second visit, they are hilarious, friendly & always have the prefect suggestion for a meal! Prices are really decent considering you get 2 meals out of each dish.
I love the sandwiches especially the albacore tuna with pecans! I have had the club sandwich with a few substitutions;-) The salads are humonguous & worth getting the full portion since the half portion is only 2 $ difference. The chicken mill valley is my favorite dish. It’s a chicken breast topped with creamed spinach & melted cheese which I think is swiss! The cinnamon apples are a really nice touch. The salmon is also a nice option. My spouse really loves the flat iron steak, it’s always cooked perfectly.
I’m not a fan of the lasagna. The meatloaf is thick & good but wouldn’t be my first choice.
I LOVE THE LEMONADE! It’s fresh & just damn perfect, I prefer the regular but the strawberry one is also berry-​licious!
I’ll try to remember to take a picture next time!

We came here for a burger after a work out (yeah yeah, the gain after the pain…). I had never been to a Barnaby’s although I have seen several around town. They were pretty busy for a Monday night, but we had no wait for a table.
Our server Lloyd was outstanding. He gave us his top picks in each category.
My friend had the avocado bacon burger. They did not skimp on the avocado at all. The burger had good flavor with a bit of char on the outside. I was feeling something hearty and was surprised when Lloyd recommended the flat iron over the ribeye. I decided to roll the dice and order the flat iron. The flat iron turned out to be very flavorful and grilled to a perfect medium rare. I was very surprised at how much I liked it to the point I second guess myself… I started thinking… damn, this is so good, the ribeye is probably awesome… suppose I should just always go the ribeye. Both mains came with almost McDonald’s quality fries… and that’s saying a lot. I was impressed.
The food and Lloyd’s service was outstanding. We wanted to bring my friend’s dog. Although Barnaby’s in general are dog friendly, but this particular location does not have a patio. There is plenty parking available on both sides of the building. I’ll be back.
Stay sexy fellow Unilocalers!

Our server, Jaimie, made us feel welcomed and gave us plenty of information about the menu choices. Really excellent service. Find out what section he is covering and sit there.
Start with the sweet potato fries. So good. Crispy. Seasoned just right.
Get the meatloaf. Large portion that taste like an Italian meatball covered in sauce. You can’t leave hungry.

I wasn’t blown away. The wait was too long. When you get seated there is no privacy for your conversation as you are practically dining with those seated to your left or right. All Barnaby’s are not the same. LOL The food was OK, but nothing special. Maybe it was just and off day.

Barnaby’s Café seems to be a Houston staple so there is nothing I can tell you that isn’t reflected in the other reviews for this place.
The salads are massive, the burger look and smell delish, the strawberry lemonade tastes great and those chocolate chip cookies will give your life new meaning.
I recommend the Chinese Chicken Salad. Perfectly cooked — flavorful chicken topped with lettuce and the most yummy peanut sauce I have EVER HAD. I made everyone at my table dip their pinky in the sauce. Good God!

Barnaby’s Café is always a must for lunch or dinner. Décor is comforting and welcoming, staff is wonderful, and the food is oh so delicious. Comfort food done right.
Portion sizes are huge, at least in my opinion. I usually get the same thing every time I go to any Barnaby’s locations– the chicken mill valley. Succulent chicken, topped with spinach and cheese. How can you go wrong? For my last visit, I subbed mashed potatoes for fries and I must say, I’ll be doing that from now on.
Don’t forget to get the chocolate cake for dessert! You’ll love it, I promise you.