We discovered Barrel House in July 2025. The first thing we tried were their fried mushrooms. These are not your average, every day, frozen bagged appetizers. They are huge portobello mushrooms, hand breaded, with their special sauce for dipping. We've actually gone back just to have these as a meal. There is something on the menu for everyone, from burgers and pizzas, to salads and wraps. We've tried many options on the menu. But so far, our favorite is the fish & chips. Again, a hand battered, huge portion of haddock. And go for the pickled cucumbers, sliced so thin you can almost see through them. Service is fantastic. When you go (and I know you will) ask for Ashley. She is a genuine, hard working, young lady who knows the menu and how to approach diners. She'll make recommendations based on your palet and is attentive to her customers. Barrel House is located on South Veteran's at the Double Tree Hotel. read more

We've been coming to Barrel House for years, but this visit was very disappointing. Three people at our table ordered the enchiladas, and they were dry, lacked flavor, and the chicken was gristly. We had to ask for extra sauce, and they were missing the sour cream that was shown in the menu picture. The portions were also very small for the price. The service was extremely slow. It took about 15 minutes before our server came to take our drink orders, and our food took a long time to arrive. We also had issues with a coupon that wouldn't scan. The server had to get the manager, who said she couldn't honor it because it was " old and too big of a discount" even though it was on the app and only offered us $2 off instead. We also had a $5 gift card that was forgotten when the bill was brought out, and we had to ask for the manager again to have it corrected. Overall, this was a frustrating experience with slow service, disappointing food, and unnecessary issues at checkout. Unfortunately, this visit did not live up to the experiences we've had here in the past. And people came in way after us and left way before us so we don't know why they were not taking care of our table. read more

I'm not even sure how this place is still in business.... Oh wait it's because it's conveniently attached to a hotel. I did not know this prior to making our trip to Bloomington and then navigating the fam bam all the way there only to be disheartened when I saw this. Given the parents were older and past their lunch time we decided to say what the hell and stop in! If you're thinking this DON'T! This place is pure garbage! I think the only moisture in from the entire set of food we got was from the condensation of the shitty water the waiter brought! I got the bacon burger and the thing was like jerky, literally one single piece of bacon broken in half was placed on the top! No flavor no moisture, there was supposed to be candied jalapeños on top, there was literally hold on let me count......2!!!!! I asked for a side order of them so actually make this a spicy jalapeño bacon burger and the waiter responds with, sorry we're slammed right now, and the cooks would have to make them. They were mildly busy, and if the cooks would have done their jobs correctly in the first place this wouldn't be my problem. The whole thing was a shit show from the time it took to order and pay to asking for extra jalapeños that they couldn't do! Skip this place if you have a palette, even the old folks we were with that enjoy things as sad as dried meatloaf were not impressed! That should clue you in, this place isn't there for good food, it's there for expensive convenience to prop up a sub par hotel! read more

Barrel House - Sad excuse for a burger smothered in bacon and jalapeños! Smothered haha! What a joke! - American Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

Was in Bloomington heading back east on the motorcycle and had dinner here. Great place lively atmosphere and great people. Zack the bartender suggested the chicken Philly and I had it in a wrap with potato coins. I love these wished more places had them. They were excellent if I pace through I will eat here again read more

Barrel House - Chicken Cheese Philly with potato coins. - American Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

Went with fairly average expectations and left genuinely impressed! We happened upon a trivia night which made the scenery that much more interesting. In my optinon: the burger options are creative and exciting while the fried pickles were perfectly crispy. If you're in Bloomington and staying at the Double Tree, this is a great option! - AD read more

Barrel House - Fried Pickles - American Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

The food was good but it all came down to our waitress. Ashley with a K!!! She made our night easy, she was inviting, informative on the menu and overall made the four of us in our group feel right at home. Next time we are in Normal IL we will certainly stop back in and make sure we ask for Ashley with a K!!!! read more

A had the chili lime wings and lobster dip. The wings had a texture like they removed the skin and used the seasons to batter the wings only. I can't describe it and trust me I tried. The lobster dip was just heavy cream cheese with some lobster elements added in and tough over baked cheese on the top. I didn't move past that to get an entree. The blond ale was good and cheap for HH at 2.50! read more

Great TGI replacement! My buddy and I dropped in late Friday to a sparkling disco ball Christmas space. Got fantastic service the entire time, noticed an incredible menu of diverse burgers that tugged heart strings and bubbled up appetites, need to try them all before I die. However after sampling two curious ales neither doing it for me, went for the reuban and House cucumber slices. My friend had the beer and half price late night app deal but discovered the apps are slim trim. Not the loaded plates apps should be for these prices, but the spicy curds made a good case! My reuban was excellent. Yet the house spicy pickled cucumber knocked flavors out of the park! I can see this place sticking around a while and hope so. read more

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Honey chicken salad is always a good bet... I've had it as a wrap and I've had it as a sandwich. Always great. Cucumber salad is always good as well. read more

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The haddock was superb and nice size portion. My wife had a wrap and was very pleased. Great sweet potato fries. Brittany was our server and was awesome. First time customer and will definitely be back. read more

I'm staying at the Doubletree so it was too easy to walk over for dinner. Nice sports bar atmosphere. I ordered my food to go at the bar. I was promptly greeted and served. I got the portabella mushroom Swiss burger and upgraded to a pretzel bun, with potato rounds for a side. Both the burger and potatoes (like sliced tots) were delicious and I couldn't finish the portions were very large. They have a full bar and serve Coke products. The prices were very reasonable and there were so many good menu options. I will be back! read more

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When we were being seated and asked to be sat at a booth instead of a table at a nearly empty restaurant, and were told "No, because technically that's a different section" red flags immediately went up. Nonetheless we stayed. The burger was a dried out well done, flavorless patty with one piece of bacon cut in half and put on top. Potato rounds were good. Fish and chips served with a half a handful of fries and staff was irritated when we asked for Malt Vinegar. Black thing floating in the drink. I don't put this kind of thing in my reviews ever, but this time I will because it's fair to assume it was the food - my parents both were in the bathroom for the rest of the evening and we absolutely won't be back. Just a gross experience. 2 stars because our server was pleasant and efficient, it was the people at the host stand who were annoyed by us asking for the malt vinegar. read more

Food and service were TOP tier, my family and I went for the first time today and we had a great time, the vibe was also PERFECT. Overall, amazing restaurant. read more

Ordered two sandwiches and soda . Ruben and chicken salad. The roofing was obviously not corned beef but rather ground up roast beef , completely wrong . Bread was soggy . The onion rings were a sorry excuse for the real thing , with thin fake breading . Also soggy . A tiny quantity of thousand island dressing on the side , inadequate. I got coleslaw which I was charged extra for . All the undercarbonated soda you can drink . All in all a terrible meal for $48! Complete rip off . Then the waitress struggled to find our loyalty Point account , saying it was currently not available . When I ask to speak to the manager about this she suddenly found it . Flashing high intensity fake white Christmas tree lights 4 ft from my table we're a complete distraction . Not going back to this place . read more

Came here after a 6 hour drive. Checked into the doubletree. Food was awesome, Lexi the bartender arranged a slice of turkey for my service dog, Next trip south we'll be sure to stop here! read more

Had a wonderful time with a group of friends during Happy Hour. We had great appetizers such as the Mr. Nacho and Boneless wings. The service was friendly and speedy. We can't wait to try their brunch menu! read more

I had a great experience at Barrel House! Food was great and the drinks were amazing! Can't wait to try their brunch!!

So for all you Yelpers that have lots of negative experiences and it appears there are lots. SIT AT THE BAR! Brittany was a rock star. Managed the bar and the tables with a smile. Yep, prices are a little high but it is hard for restaurants to survive. Fast food prices are out of control and making gobs of money so before you rip a local restaurant take a deep breath. I was in Bloomington on business and stayed next door. So food was excellent and Brittany gave me a run down and went with the Mushroom and Swiss. Really good! Decor was cool (see pic). Everyone in the place was happy and smiling and laughing so as always I take bad reviews with a grain of salt. Please trust my review Barrel House is worth a shot. Again if in doubt whether you drink or not sit at the bar in most restaurants if you can. read more

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Made a reservation for our party of 7 and we were immediately sat when we arrived. Service was very good. Were waited on and checked on throughout the meal. We had a wide range of food in our party and all of it had very good reviews! Burgers, pulled pork, mac & cheese, and kids meals. All delicious. First time trying Barrel House out but won't be the last! read more

Barrel House - American Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

Just popped in on the off-chance the renovations to 'TG McFunsters' were complete a couple weeks ago and in fact discovered that it was their opening day! Fair-to-midland guest beer selection (given the business name) and since we had just eaten, I just took menu pics for the benefit of others - they do have some interesting choices including a lunch 'special' and a crispy breaded/deep fried deviled egg?, but the focus looks to be on what seems like at least 15 different $15+ burgers, flatbread pizzas, and 6-8 chicken sandwich/wrap options! We'll be back for a meal soon. Until then....3 stars for the bar/service. read more

Excellent food! If you haven't tried the spicy cheese curds, highly recommend! We Loved the Chicken Avo Salad & Fish and Chips! The service was excellent as well. Also, so much variety on the menu, we will be back. read more

Huge menu with great food. House made potato chips are very good. Pizza was good and all lunch sandwiches were delicious. Highly recommend for off campus food when you're visiting ISU. read more

Staff is really friendly. We have been here twice since the hotel is a stopping point for us on our drive to Michigan for the holidays and both times we had great service and the food was good! It's great that it is attached to the hotel because it makes it easy on us while traveling however this is a hidden gem and should attract more than just hotel guests. read more

First time I've ordered because I was Craving a chicken Caesar wrap and fries and it is by far the best one I've had in town! Not only was the chicken very flavorful and well cooked but the croutons and dressing were also delicious. This along with the excellent fries and the pickle it came with made a great dinner. Will absolutely be ordering again! read more

Wow. Like bad wow. Can you give negative stars? Burnt food cooked in old grease with terrible service. May be one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. Understaffed but when they did come by I mentioned it wasn't great food and there were some issues and it was laughed off. Save your money. read more

Barrel House - Homemade Chips - American Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

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Food was very very good service so-so. Ambiance is very good!! Overall experience was great!! We'll be back !!

Im not hard to please but If you like mediocre service/food this your spot. Sat at the bar greeted with a nod. 1 beer in almost an hour before asked. Captive audience from the hotel taken for granted. Servers had no clue who ordered what at the bar. Thank his 1 night here. Only time I got a smile and TY when I got presented the bill! read more

Barrel House - Fish/Chips mediocre at best - American Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

Went this past Tuesday night. Yes, it was trivia night, but we didn't realize how that would screw up regular diners. We were seated and didn't see our server for over 5 minutes. She took our drink order and brought us water. Drinks took 15 more minutes. She dropped them (apologied about the bar being backed up) and was going to leave but we stopped her so we could put in our dinner order. 30 minutes later only 2 of our 3 dinners arrived! The table immediately across the aisle (seated after us) then received all 3 of their entrees. Our 3rd entree didn't show up for TEN more minutes (yes we timed it). Now we had 2 luke warm dinners... What a cluster. The mac and cheese entree with chicken was amazing and big enough for 2 or 3 meals. The Nashville hot chicken sandwich was "the worst I ever had" and the Reuben (the last meal to arrive) was just "okay." The trivia announcer was very loud. It was fun at first guessing a long, but since we weren't there to play it got annoying after awhile. Had our food and drinks arrived in a more timely fashion the trivia wouldn't have been an issue because we would have been out of there! read more

That place was a good fast service and our sever was nice person and they have excellent customer service and their fries are really good read more

Barrel House - American Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois

Visited the Bloomington, IL location for the first time today. I was pleased with how pleasant the waitress was and how quickly the food came to the table. The downside to today's visit was that either queso or burger (with queso) made my fiancé feel immediately sick to his stomach. The concern was then shared with the manager and he said it could not have been any of the food because they have sold so many of the burgers and so much of the queso with weekend. There was so sense of compassion with how unwell my fiancé felt after consuming something from the establishment nor was their reassurance that they will look into the issue. read more

I came in after a long day of traveling hoping just to relax for a while and have some good food, but I was basically ignored for 5 minutes while I waited in the front. Then when the hostess comes over she says, "hey, can I help you?". I told her just one for dinner. She told me I could sit at the bar if I want. So I did that and was then ignored by the bartender for another 5 minutes. I left and will go somewhere else. read more

Incredible menu, something for everyone. Wings were so good! Service was great, wonderful workers.

Skip it! Went there with a group of ten. Chrystian was trading a new waiter, so we really had two servers.ordered a Chardonnay and glass of water.wine was warm so I asked for a glass of ice ( three times ). Order the Ruben no sauerkraut. It came out cut into 4 pieces? Small cut up pieces of corn beef and very little of it. The positive is the French fry's where good. I know help is hard to find but if we where looking for a comedy show we would have went to one. Our waiter thought he was so funny. read more

Great atmosphere - no loud music blaring so you can enjoy your meal and a conversation. The decor was sleek and clean looking , not cluttered. Reuben was really good - tender and just enough sauce. The Fish and Chips was fried to perfection. Our waitress was friendly and efficient (kudos to Brittany F). This was our first time here and we will definitely come back when in the area. read more

Amazing food, and fantastic service. Bartenders were attentive and helpful! Highly recommend the Nashville chicken sandwich and truffle fries. read more

The appetizers were nice pretty expensive for a frozen cheeseburger server was nice probably won't go back - I had the mushroom and Swiss burger Hardees has a better burger read more

We went in on nye the place was half empty the bar was not full at all had plenty of good seats available. The hostess told us there would be a 45 minute wait. We asked about sitting at the bar to wait she went and asked the manager who came over and said no we couldn't sit at the more then half empty bar because the bartender a MORE behind on drinks then the kitchen was on food. The manager was clearly not helping with food in the kitchen or drinks at the bar he wasn't doing anything. It's was completely ridiculous all of it. Whoever owns this place should be disgusted and fire everyone who works there horribly ran. read more

Have been there a couple times for dinner. Good service and good food. We will be back.

Excellent food. Short wait. The waiter did a good job with our 8 person group! Really enjoyed the $8 burger and fry basket.

Great place! My go to are the fish n chips, Rueben, boneless wings, club sandwich, Cajun jack chicken sandwich, soft pretzels and portobello mushroom fries. All good food! read more

Barrel House - Gladiator! - American Near Me - Bloomington, Illinois