First off, I don't know what people are talking about - my boyfriend and I went there for Sunday brunch and had GREAT service. Our waiter was super helpful, pleasant, and friendly.
My boyfriend and I were looking for a new brunch place and happened upon Barque by accident. One sniff and we were in. Being from the South, I was personally SUPER excited that their whiskey selection was mainly bourbon (sorry Canadians, rye isn't as good...), and quickly ordered a mint julep to go with my brunch. Delish! It's been so long...haha.
Anyways, my boyfriend got the hash skillet with smoked brisket, fried egg, potatoes cooked in bacon, and peppers in your own personal mini cast iron. Lovely. He is also a huge hot sauce fan, and when he asked about getting some for his food, the waiter told him that they only had the one they made in house(YES!), with smoked scotch bonnet peppers and mango. 'Nuff said.
I got the savory pancake and OH MAN...SO GOOD. Smoked duck LEG (yay dark meat!) on three perfectly fluffy pancakes with blueberry compote and chevre. Heavenly. I was sort of wary of getting a savory pancake, or even pancakes since I'm usually not a big fan, but I'm seriously glad I did. No idea how I finished it. I think my boyfriend did actually.
Have we gushed about this place to all of our friends? Yes. Was our meal a bit pricey? Yes, but the quality was totally worth it, especially when it's more average than higher-than average. Will we be back for lunch, dinner, brunch, or perhaps all of these? Yes.