Located beside (walkable) from the Cinemark at Valley View which is so nice. I love to pair a movie and a delightful meal. The Oak Barrel is a gastropub that has a cozy interior decor and in the winter the main dining room has a fireplace. Outdoors there is a fire pit if you want to wait outside.
I was delighted to learn this place has the owner/chef the started out with Deagan's in Lakewood which when he was there it was fabulous. The menu here has many of my old favorites when he was in Lakewood and I've soooo missed. The chicken breast with waffles -- delish! The deviled eggs for appetizers and the brie cheese -- great! Great mac and cheese as entree or a side! The entree (and side) salads are fresh and interesting. The grilled salmon with whipped potatoes are excellent (my go-to choice) and I loved the side arugula salad with beets, goat cheese and candied walnuts. So delicious. Writing this makes makes me wanna make a trip south for dinner.
Excellent draft beer selection that changes and interesting mixed drinks and wines. Service is always spotty -- seems to be a lot of turnover and not well-trained staff but the food and environment is so great that I'm willing mostly to overlook it. Would love to see that improve and then I'd go with 5-stars.