The Barkley Restaurant & Bar - Bar & grill in South Pasadena - 1400 Huntington Dr, USA

my first impression was that it is quite dark, with all the wood paneling. It is in dire need of a remodel, the booths are torn and there must have been duct tape where I sat, that had rolled up - I thought I was sitting on my purse strap. Too dark to see what exactly it was. The toilet tank is missing the lid. Quite lively for a Tuesday evening, most looked like "regulars", and a bit of an older crowd but nice atmosphere. The band was awesome!!! I counted 14 musicians. It would be amazing if there was a dedicated area for the band. The breading on my fish could have used another minute, to fully cook the breading, but both fish and fries were served hot. And malt vinegar was provided, as well as plenty of tartar sauce.

The customer service was great. The bartender was very friendly and welcoming. The food, not so much. I had the fried fish sandwich with onion rings. The fish didn't have much flavor, I even tried to add tartar sauce and buffalo sauce. Still didn't help. The onion rings were good. My husband had the steak quesadilla. The flavor wasn't there, very bland. The french fries were warm, not hot, so that didn't help. I had a margarita, not tasty, at all.🙄 They have live music in the evenings, but we didn't experience that as it was 5:30 PM. 🤔 They are a cash only business. They don't take credit cards. We wanted to support a black-owned business. Unfortunately, we're not encouraged to return.

I have passed this place so many times and decided to finally stop in. Worst drinks. Bartender used bottom of the barrel liquor that tasted watered down. Sent a drink back to have another bartender insist she make another which was better but better than undrinkable is not what I’m looking for. The staff while friendly had a weird vibe with one another. A lot of whispering and side conversations. Bizarre energy. I don’t mind a dive bar or old school joint but like…at least take pride in your work as a bartender. Won’t go back.

I have never eaten here, I go for the music and sometimes have a beer. Very good staff, and eclectic music choices that are playing on the weekends at 9:00PM. A lot of people dining at that time as the kitchen is open until 10:00PM, if you want to talk you just sit in the other room. Vinyl booths, several rooms and it is great for parties.

Great old school place! Very chill! Haven't had a bad bartender there. Make sure you bring cash, or you can use the available ATM.

I have not been to the Barkley maybe since Roger passed. We had to go to the vet next door and thought we'd give it a try. It was good. Good enough that I would go back. It might not be for everyone and I have read some negative reviews but I still like it..

The best jazz bar I’ve been to in LA County. This place is like home, friendly staff, amazing music, good drinks, and good food all in an old world setting that is becoming increasingly hard to find. Hope this place never changes.

Please never come to this bar! It’s too high class for average people I mean that’s what they told me. General manager is rude and the drinks were nasty anyway 🗣️