Barclay's On College

Mark

California

4.9/5  rDev +18.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4.5 | $$

Smallish, slightly below street level restaurant and pub in Oakland, right on the Berkeley border. This pub had a very English feel to it in the aspect that it really seemed like a local full of regulars. People seemed to know each other and quite a few guys had shirts on that signified they were "club" members. Large selection of quality beer on tap and two were offered cask conditioned. Food was excellent, very tasy and ample portions. Service was very friendly and our waitress smiled often and found out answers to my questions most happily. Suzanne and I enjoyed our time here and commented on how it really did feel like a true "local". A bit expensive but the pours were Imperial pints and glassware authentic, (British Conical). We liked this place and will return. This place has become our true local. The staff has gotten to know us and knows our preference for cask ale. They have made efforts to make sure it is available as often as possible. We love hanging out here and the employee's are outstanding. Rowdy is awesome as is Tori. Tori has a great sense of humor and we look forward to joking with her. Terri is great and is a joy to have serve us. all the staff are great and I wish I knew all their names. The last time there was the best. We walked in and were sad to see there was no cask Red Seal, but Rowdy saw us, went to the back, brought out a fresh cask and loaded it on. We were very pleased to say the least and most appreciative. This place is among if not our favorite pub that is not in England!

04-13-2003 17:46:22 | More by Mark

Denali

Pennsylvania

4.55/5  rDev +9.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4 | $$

A few of us went here on a Saturday nite after the DIPA festival at The Bistro.

Getting to this place is very easy - only a few blocks north of the Rockridge BART station, so driving is not necessary. Its in a really nice neighborhood too.

Inside, its a cross between a restaurant and neighborhood sports bar, and is able to function as both, depending on your choosing. There are plenty of tables in the restaurant area, and the bar seats about 15+ people. Dart boards were also available, as well as plenty of television sets.

The bartender was very friendly and was more than willing to answer any questions from a Barclays rookie such as myself. They have about 20 taps, ALL micros - extremely impressive selection (keyword on "selection", since they don't have 50 million taps so they chose very wisely). Moonlight, Anchor, Drakes, Rubicon, and other regional breweries were well represented. Beer quality was impeccable.

The crowd was very friendly as well, including the regulars which were more than happy to explain to me about the beer club that they have.

We were then seated at table. I ordered a hamburger and fries, which hit the spot.

All in all, a great time, and worth checking out again when in the east bay.

02-25-2007 20:01:15 | More by Denali

donnebaby

North Carolina

4.53/5  rDev +9.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

Probably the best reason I have ever to leave the city and head to the East Bay ;) Barclay's has at least as good or better a selection of beers on tap as Toronado -- and certainly a far better selection of local California and obscure offerings -- their best point. For example, where many beers in the area have Drake's IPA on-tap, Barclay's will feature a different brew, their Expedition ale in my most recent visit. They always have at least 30 beers on tap (almost all american) and they change on a daily basis. There's probably 2 to 3 new beers each evening. I go once a week and the selection is always completely different.

Service is speedy and cheery from an array of beautiful waitresses and the bartender Bryan kicks ass.

Food is above-average certainly.

Not an over-abundance of character in Barclay's on College, more or a college/sports bar feel, focus less on the atmosphere. Two nice dart boards w nice darts. Big TV for games. Love the chalkboard in the mens' bathroom where anyone can write whatever they want..

They have a beer club for avid beer drinkers and an arcane numbering system, which has a unique number (sometimes 5 digits long) that represents each beer. Something to check out if in the area for an extended period of time.

04-28-2005 04:43:12 | More by donnebaby

ipa247

California

4.4/5  rDev +6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4 | $$

I work in the local area which means I have been in here on dozens of occasions over the past decade. I was recently in here on a Thursday evening for a few pints.

As mentioned by others, it is in a great location due to the fact that it is only three blocks from the Bart train station. No need to drive here as the parking can be difficult and lots of cops drive around this neighborhood. Also lots of other decent beer establishments (Ben & Nicks) and other restaurants in the nearby area. It is a relatively small place and can get crowded in the evenings especially as you get closer to the weekend. It has an outdoor patio with tables that is nice during the summer months.

The beer selection is above-average. 20+ on tap with usually one or two on cask. A lot of local California products with a few imports sprinkled in for flavor. Green Flash, Bear Republic, Russian River, Ballast Point, Moonlight and Stone beers were on tap during my last visit. You cannot beat a place that almost always has at least 1-2 Russian River beers on tap. The beers are a little pricey but nothing unreasonable for the location and quality. You can save some $$$ if you buy the "chips" sold at the bar. The food is above-average pub fare and I have never had a bad meal here.

The bartenders and service staff are very friendly and willing the discuss the beers with you and give you free samples to try before buying. The waitresses could use a little more training on the specifics of the beers they are pouring. I frequently have had to go to the bar to uncover the particulars concerning an unfamiliar beer..

Overall, a fine taphouse that I can recommend to anyone visiting the Oakland area. I will undoubtedly be back soon for the Pliny the Younger on tap which should be end of January.

01-10-2009 00:23:01 | More by ipa247

mxchap

California

4.4/5  rDev +6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.25 | service: 5 | selection: 4 | food: 4.25 | $

Ahhh Barclay's. What can I say about this place?

To be fair, this has been my current pub-of-choice for the past 2 years. So my opinion is rather biased.

Atmosphere - classic pub with lots of hardwood and beer decorations. Also very family friendly and there are always owners + dogs outside. (4.5)

Quality - the food and beer is great here! (4.25)

Service - BEST BEER SERVICE that I have had (hence why I go here). All of the waitresses either know their stuff or will bring you a taster. If you buy beer chips, you can get 4 imperials pints for ~$20. (5.0)

Selection - The food menu is fairly diverse. However, the beer menu is a bit unbalanced. Always a ton of IPA and Pale Ales on tap. Would love to see more dark beer and cask ales. (4.0)

Food - solid, no complaints. I recommend the pot pie if it is on the daily food specials. Always a winner. (4.25)

Value - Fantastic if you know what you are doing. Either become a Barclay's member if you plan on frequenting ($3 pints 2nd Sunday of every month and prizes as you drink more). Or just buy beer chips and get 4 imperials pints for ~$20. You can't lose!

Give this place a try. It's worth it!

05-19-2013 02:23:39 | More by mxchap

Georgiabeer

Georgia

4.35/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 4 | $$

Great place, probably my favorite in the East Bay. As others have mentioned this place is slightly below street level with a small patio outside. Certainly not much to look at from outside- very stark, and not very homey looking. Inside is better- mismatched tables, some sorta rough hewn, a good bar, very basic and beer focused. The service is good and effecient and quite friendly. Everyone seems to know at least something about beer, and those behind the bar quite a bit..The selection is excellent, about 25-30 beers on tap, almost all regional brews and some quite hard to find.Its not so much that they try to stock rare beers as that they often have stuff from small breweries and will get their more unusual offerings when available. Also, they have some cool special programs like brewers dinners and Christmas in July when they put back on kegs of winter brews that have been aging. I've never had a beer here that wasn't impecably fresh.The food is also good-not just pub fare but substantial plates of sausages or stews or pastas often with quasi exotic ingedients (for a pub) like tasso ham or good seafood. Great place that I always enjoy returning to.I once ate dinner here every night for two weeks straight.

01-21-2007 04:01:56 | More by Georgiabeer

TheEremite

California

4.35/5  rDev +4.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5 | $$

This is my favorite beer destination in the East Bay. I know, you can't find rare beers or bottles here, but there are a ton of taps, the food is great and the price is right. The atmosphere is a little lacking, but on par for a beer joint (stale smell and a little sweaty). And, I love Rockridge. If you can get there early enough to sit on the patio in the summer, then that's heaven to me. They almost always have an excellent IPA on tap, a few decent belgians and something is always on cask. You can't ask for much more.

07-29-2009 02:14:02 | More by TheEremite

mattffrost

California

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4 | $$

I have been to Barclays twice now, once with my wife and once alone.

This is the best atmoshpher bar I have ever been to. People all seem very friendly and nice. Both times I went it was easy to talk to the bartenders and customers. They are really good about letting you try samples.

It was really nice to try Moonlight Toast. I also tried my first Green Flash on draft here. The first time I went there was no Pliny or Pig but the second time they were both on draft. The carry an excellent selection of beers with a good balance of varities.

I look forward to going back again and again.

01-03-2009 21:00:15 | More by mattffrost

NorCalScott

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5 | $$

I've been going to Barclay's for about five years now during Cal Bears football season and about 3-5X additionally per year. I don't live nearby. I love this pub! Wish my town had something similar. I was just there Sunday night, 1/6/13

Here is the scoop: They have 28 beers on tap at all times. They rotate kegs all the time. If a keg runs out they replace it with something different. Beers from major breweries and smaller pubs so there is always something good to try. Yes, as one guy noted, it is mainly beers from NorCal, but also SoCal, OR, WA, and a few others. They have a Beer Club where you can keep track of what beers you've had as each beer is numbered, they're up to about 1500 now.

A- nothing great but a nice wood & dark green theme. It's a pub. If you want fine dining look elsewhere on College Ave, there are plenty of upscale spots. About 16 tables total, from 2 seats to 8. Bar seating is about 12-15 with an additional side bar of about 5-6. Also a patio at entrance with about 4 small tables. Typical pub decorations in beer signs, some sports stuff. Three 40" HDTV's for sports viewing.

Q- top notch beer & food

S- can vary depending upon how busy they are and, of course, who your waitress is. Most are really good, friendly, and helpful. My fav is Frankie, a true sweetheart.

S- food menu changes regularly just like the beers on tap.

F- really good, and a new chef arrived in Sept/Oct who just kills it. From breakfast/brunch items to burgers, sandwiches, pasta & garden burgers we've had it all and never disappointed.

V- Beers are kinda high at $5.75, but if you buy chips (4 for $19) you can save a few bucks. They do also offer pitchers. Food prices are competitive.

This is a nice neighborhood pub, alot of people know one another. Rory is the undisputed beer guru, he's Barclays' version of Cheer's Norm, but Rory knows a ton about beer.

01-09-2013 03:52:38 | More by NorCalScott

Natural510

Ohio

4.3/5  rDev +3.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | $$

Simply a good place to have a beer.

The atmosphere is sparce, yet not dingy. In addition to the interior, which is generally packed with patrons on stools, is a small patio, just downstairs from street level.
The taps are clean, and good beer is obviously at the forefront here.
Service can be somewhat aloof, but I did not want for a beer while seated at the bar. An by reputation, they know their beer here.
While they do carry mostly local stand-bys from Russian River, Moonlight, Trumer, etc, you are also guaranteed at least one or two "special" taps...such as the latest Black Butte porter release, or a five-year-old Bigfoot keg. If none of that catches your fancy, you can always order a cask ale.
Prices are good: $6.00 for a 20oz imperial pint and $3 for a 10oz beer.

Great neighborhood beer bar. Perhaps a beer snob would find some fault, or not be impressed by its lack of Belgians, but to your average beer lover, this is a solid place to park your buttocks.

Tap list is updated daily on their website.

08-26-2009 16:09:07 | More by Natural510