| rev:text
| - It's a shame Barrel Junction suffers from a lack of visibility - it's truly tucked away right near the junction of Route 8 and Route 910 in Gibsonia. It's practically hidden behind a barber shop. I think this place would be booming if it had better visibility from the road.
Location woes aside, I really loved my first experience at Barrel Junction last week. I am currently eating leftover barbecue chicken dip for lunch. That item alone below me away - a cheesy, creamy dip stuffed to the brim with BBQ brisket, bacon, onions, accompanied by tortilla chips, and served in a miniature cast-iron skillet. It's honestly one of the most impressive, and tastiest, appetizers I've ever had.
Barrel Junction is a neatly decorated bar and restaurant, if a bit dark. It has a stained-wood theme with all sorts of awesome artwork on the walls. I didn't get any drinks from the bar when I was there, but it looked large, and quite busy. Their draft selection seemed pretty big just based on the chalkboard behind the bar.
Food quality was really, really good. Portions are enormous, or at least the caprese salad I ordered was. It was brought to our table in a metal mixing bowl big enough to wear on your head like a helmet. The flavors all came together quite well, and while the presentation maybe was a little less than 'refined,' I went home with enough salad to pack for lunch the next day.
I had read some less than savory reviews about service here, but I gave it a try anyway and had no complaints. Our food was served quickly and at the appropriate temperature.
My only complaints are that I felt some of the appetizers were a bit overpriced, and finding this place is honestly a little frustrating if you don't know where to look. But, overall, I enjoyed the casual atmosphere, and the food was a welcome surprise. I hope this place can thrive where it's at, because it really brings something new to the Hampton/Gibsonia area.
|