Classic Jazz lounge bar. I go back as far as far to remember Roger Barkley on the morning radio. I even remember TV food critic Elmer Dill who's review still hangs framed on the wall. Red upholstered booths fill the appropriately dark space decorated with past posters. Half a dozen afternoon locals occupied the bar while the lone server delivered water, drinks and menus. Scorsese's Good Fellas and Mean Streets played on the two TVs. Our pile of nachos was amazing. The patty melt and chicken Caesar salad would rival any dive bar. A perfect afternoon! read more

The Barkley, I got you out of my system. I came mostly for the live entertainment. Gina Georgette and the Monarchs were so cool! My date loved it! Other than this, I have to be respectfully honest. The Barkley, you're in a great location. I can see the appeal. I saw why some people keep coming back. Your bar was packed. The drink specials good. The vibe was good, too. But the chicken parm was the worst I've ever had and the pasta was bland, poorly cooked. The piece of bread that came with it was sad looking and sad tasting and just sad. It tasted like old cardboard. Not even new cardboard, but old. The mozzarella sticks were undercooked and therefore soggy. Aesthetically speaking, again, you're cool, but the heat inside was WOW HOT! it wasn't till about an hour and 1/2 later that it got cool in there. The bathrooms for being so small and yes, clean, even HOTTER. This can't be good for business. We got a slice of cheesecake and it was "rubbery" The worst I've ever had too. Jack In The Box has better cheesecake than this. I think overall, you're a cool dive with solid cocktails and decent prices and the live bands will bring the business because there's no cover charge, but for me that's it. Would I ever come back? Maybe, maybe not, and if so it'd be just maybe and during fall / winter for a cocktail and that's it. Why fall / winter? I would hope you'd be nice and crispy cold inside and that it wouldn't feel like a bit of a sauna in there to the point where you had to open the main front entry door for the natural air to flow in and Gina Georgette wouldn't pass out from heat exhaustion. I guess I should've known better when I walked inside and saw men in shorts and sandals and had to go find my host to be seated. I wanted to leave almost immediately but we don't live around the corner, so, i stayed and gave you a chance. Hope everyone's enjoying their summer. read more

The Barkley Restaurant & Bar - The Barkley Restaurant.... - Bars Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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This restaurant was established in 1951, it is an anchor on the corner of Huntington Drive and Fremont Avenue. It's iconic, the city would be "different," and forever changed if it ever moved! They have upscale dinner menu, entertainment, yet a cozy atmosphere. Shannon was our bartender, he was very friendly and provided quick and efficient service. Lots of "regulars," come here. This was evident on my recent visit. A sign-in sheet was on the bar counter for customers to sign up for the Open Mic Comedy Night, which is held on the last Wednesday of the month. As people entered, they were greeted by name. It's has a cool and welcoming vibe with old school feel with leather booths and wood paneling throughout. There's a small parking lot with a back door entrance that is very convenient. Please note that only cash transactions are accepted. Sincerely, Rosemary read more

The Barkley Restaurant & Bar - Lemon Drop - Bars Near Me - South Pasadena, California

I've driven past this place for years but never actually went in. I had to go to the pet hospital next door, and someone mentioned this spot and that it's cash only, so I decided to stop by and wait with my pet. They've got a really solid happy hour and a good group of regulars. I went during a super quiet time, which made the whole experience even better for me. . Bottled beers, great deals, and a chill vibe. I'll definitely be back. read more

The Barkley Restaurant & Bar - Menu. This isn't the happy hour one - Bars Near Me - South Pasadena, California

We had a wonderful dinner here. The food was fresh, flavorful, and served in generous portions. The staff was welcoming, and the relaxed atmosphere made the experience even better. Highly recommend!!!! read more

Reason for 4 stars.... I need to explain. Service is good here. Be patient they usually are busy and are limited in servers. Drinks are decent. Food is good some of it is from scratch some of it you can tell was from a can and warmed up. The food is reasonably priced. I feel they make a mean mozzarella stick, and the marinara sauce is really flavorful. Don't come here expecting a really fancy restaurant, but it blows most bar food out of the water. It's got an old time feel in here. Very rat pack feel inside. They have live music got to follow them to see who is playing. Tonight it is The Pepper Moons. Love them!!! Thank you to The Pepper Moons for being here tonight. read more

The Barkley Restaurant & Bar - Mozzarella Stick - Bars Near Me - South Pasadena, California

OK vibe, but stingy and expensive wine pours and cash only? Really??? Come on Sunday evenings for the jazz, but other than that not really worth the trip. I've had dinner here a couple of times and it wasn't very good either, which is too bad, since the room has a groovy "old school" vibe. read more

Fish and chips are great. The beer was cold. They have an ATM in the bar and Matt the bar tender is the best. Plus great vide. It's old school cool. read more

Always a fun time here but remember it's cash only... Check out their weekly live music and their happy hour dues not disappoint... as a local and lifelong resident, the Barkley is always the right call! read more

I love fish & chips! I'm always looking for a place that uses fresh, not frozen, fish and that's exactly what you get here. I was happy with the crunch of the exterior and the flaky white meat interior. Also, they give a nice amount of food. The plate is filled with fries, many pieces of excellent fish, and a creamy coleslaw. I sat at the bar and had great service. The ambiance is relatively friendly, and the bathroom is clean! They have a parking lot, only take cash, and still offer free packs of matches. I didn't have them, but several people raved about the fresh made cheese sticks and sauce. I will definitely get those on my next visit. I mean, fresh breaded fried cheese sounds like a winner to me. read more

This place felt like a fever dream. We were very hungry and wanted wings so we ended up here after running a bunch of Sunday night errands. It's an intriguing atmosphere that feels nostalgic and like you're in another time and place. The service made it feel like we were in a sleazy off-strip Vegas joint- we were served by two different no eye contact, coke-energy gum-chewing women in bandage/bodycon dresses. The food was just ok. The vibes are strange here and I can't put my finger on it. Cash only? Makes me raise an eyebrow. What's going on behind the scenes? Are these servers ok?? Blink twice if you need help girl!! read more

Our December Barkley Show was epic. First class presentation. Fun for all and first class. read more

The Barkley Restaurant & Bar - PCCs great jazz students! - Bars Near Me - South Pasadena, California

I don't like to give a trash review, I really don't. But when the shoe fits... My friends kind of like this place because the happy hour (which ends at 6) is a good deal for cheap drinks and decent snacks, and it definitely is. I was warned that the "Cash Only" policy (and some other details...) give the vibe that this is a money laundering operation, and my general experience bore out that this is a definite possibility, not that that's a dealbreaker for me. To get the happy hour deal, you need to sit at the bar, which I was fine with. I got three trays of food and two glasses of wine. All good. Then at 5:50, the waitress asked if I want to cash out. I wanted another drink and asked if happy hour is over, and she said Yes. I took out my phone in front of her, and it visibly said 5:50. I didn't make a fuss, and asked my friends if they want to move into a booth in the (completely empty) main area and we did so. Once there, a waitress came by and asked if we want food. I said, "Just drinks for now." I did not have a drink with me since leaving the bar. Staff kept walking past without asking if we needed anything, and finally I asked a guy, "Can I get a drink?" He snottily answered, "It's a bar. You get drinks at the bar." It was so nasty, I said "F-it" under my breath, and he instantly yelled, "GET OUT," which I immediately and happily did, while he yelled, "Get out, you crybaby!" My crime is that I wanted a drink, I didn't know that I had to walk across the (empty) restaurant and order it at the bar. Like I said, this place has the reputation of being a money laundering joint (IRS, are you listening?!?) It wouldn't surprise me. THUMBS DOWN. Can't wait to see the manager respond here! read more

ZERO STARS! Worst POS bar and service ever! I don't know how this place stays open. It's definitely struggling... I guarantee! I cannot begin to express how horrible the service is first of all! We showed up and asked to be seated for a party of 6, I specifically asked if there was still food and the waitress (brunette with a tattoo front and center on her neck) said yes! She then came back and said the kitchen was closed, saying it was her first day. We went to explain the situation to the owner/manager (I guess) and instead of being polite he proceeded to yell at us and even went as far as to kicking us out saying we can leave if we aren't going to drink!! (Talk about escalating) like woooah! All we asked for was clarification. Lastly, the ambience is just off! Feels like a sleezy depressed dried up bar. The owner definitely looks like a skinny drugged up alcoholic. LASTLYYYYY... we decided to stay, and since we were there might as well give it a chance... bad choice! When the check came, the same incompetent waitress brought us the wrong check trying to charge us tequila shots. We finally got the right check, and paid cash with no tip! I mention the no tip because they also try to impose a 20% gratuity fee on parties of five or more. So if you do go to this POS take cash so you can do the same! Never going back! read more

Had the best date ever here. We always see it on our way to church (lol). Came on a sunday for happy hour. Chatted with the bartenders and regulars, then waited for the jazz band to start up and they were incredible. Food is good, the people are great. Couldn't ask for more. read more

Hello Readers, Have been to Barkley's twice now and am writing this review because of poor experiences both times. My partner and I went to this restaurant for the live music (which was excellent both times), sadly the service was terrible. Our server was easily frazzled, didn't offer basic things like water and cutlery, and gave us a lot of attitude when we asked for these things. They also didn't check in on us to see if the meal was okay. In addition, they also glared at my partner when he asked for change upon paying the bill. When my partner called in to complain to the manager, he wouldn't give his name and was combative. Unfortunately, the whole experience left both of us frustrated and disappointed, and we won't be returning or referring anyone to this place. read more

It is an old fashioned bar type restaurant. Old fashioned semi circle booths and dark interior. On a weekday, around lunchtime, it was surprisingly not busy. Prices are reasonable. Service was very good and attentive. Had fish and chips. The batter was slightly different from usual breaded type, but it was light and crispy and tasted like it just came out of the fryer. Same for the fries. The servings were large. I really enjoyed it. read more

Well we've been here a few times for holiday events and expected better We saw they had a jazz night and so disappointing unfortunately Had a jam band playing garage jams..that's it Not bad BUT it's t was advertised as JAZZ night and nothing JAZZ about it If you're gonna advertise something..please stick with it and also don't play a television by the bar with 3-4 other TVs playing bible verses..it's a sports bar..seriously keep the religion at home or church..that was another bummer..you're at a bar having fun and enjoying the night..no need for bible class on a Friday night Service..ehhhh..server was not on it..probably could've ordered another 2 drinks Drinks watered down Parking ok 3/5 stars..make the changes!! Especially the Bible class read more

We stopped by this place a couple months back looking to grab a couple drinks and catch up. This place has a vibe that is certainly unwelcoming. First eyes on us had a questioning look like "why are you here?" Before we could put in the order, we were informed they were cash only... which is 'interesting' these days. We thanked them and move to a different place with a more welcoming scene. read more

Another Jazz Club Collected! This little fille took herself out on a date and of course ended up listening to some Jazz. It was my first time at the Barkley, but most certainly won't be my last. I've been trying to get myself here for the longest time! Its one of the few places that I know does Jazz on a late weekend night (9pm - 1am, Friday -Sunday) and I was excited! After adventuring to a few other places earlier in the night, I was pumped to end my evening with some live music. Pro Tip: Cash Only! But the drinks were mighty affordable ($11) Arrived here around 11:00 and headed straight to the bar. After getting my drink, I headed for one of the gigantic booths. One thing about me, I LOVE A GIGANTIC BOOTH. Although I was riding solo, I can totally see myself here on a date, simultaneously snuggling with a lover and grooving to music. The music was great! Luis Bonilla + Friends played the house down and I loved the energy in the place. Everyone was having a great time! I loved my little visit to The Barkley! I love coming up to Pasadena to listen to good music, The Barkley just gives me another excuse to keep coming back! read more

The Barkley Restaurant & Bar - Live music - Bars Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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I came in today, for the first time, on Thursday, 04/10, around 3 PM. There were two patrons at the bar top and a cool, friendly bartender, Kiara, came out and took care of me. She was very warm, attentive, and easy to chat with. The place was clean, the bathroom was clean, chill vibe, the locals were friendly, and I felt welcomed. The happy hour prices are very fair and the happy hour nachos were so good! Shout out to chef Pancho! I was told he has been there for a very long time and I know why! They are cash only (there is an ATM) although I understand you can start a tab with a matching ID. Just pay cash to make it easier for everyone involved. Clean bar top, clean bathroom, plenty of space inside, easy and plentiful parking, and it just seems like a cool place to check out, especially on the evenings and weekends. Once again, the service and food were amazing and the happy hour prices are totally legit! I am a bar guy, I've been to plenty of bars, low end, upscale, and everything in between, and this place is on my list of places to come back to. Thanks again to Kiara (bartender) and Pancho (chef)! I'll be in again soon! read more

The Barkley Restaurant & Bar - Happy hour well drink (gin and tonic) and happy hour nachos (no meat) - Bars Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Manager threw us out for no reason and called us cry babies. We bought several drinks and appetizers at the bar. But when we tried to order more at a table they wouldn't give us a straight answer as to whether we could get table service. Hostile thugs. read more

This bar means so much to me as a Queer person of color. I have never experienced even one poor interaction and I've been coming to The Barkley for over half a year now as a patron and as a performer. The owner is a kind hearted soul, he's funny and witty and so is his staff! Come to the Barkley if you want to support a bar that supports the LGBTQ community! read more

I've never been treated so bad in any service establishment. I was the one to suggest our neighborhood haunt. Never again, after being accosted by the owner-manager. It was 11pm, kitchen closed, but my friend brought his own dinner because he had to work late but the rest of us were ready to start the evening off with some drinks. He thought it would be ok since we had both seen customers bring in food and share it at the bar before. We sat at a booth and a server came over to tell us we need to order drinks. Not "can I take your order?" or "what are you drinking", or "please order a drink, outside food isn't allowed". I got us three well drinks($13 each, cash only) but then was immediately informed we needed to order TWO rounds. Ok, fine - we would've probably done so anyway, and I understood that was their 'concession' to allowing my friend to eat his own food. (Another friend had asked to see the menu but they said they don't have one. So no menu, no publicly listed prices- that's illegal!) But then they started insisting we order our 2nd round WITH our first, before even taking my first sip. I had barely taken my drink back to the booth when the server came to the booth to demand we give her our 2nd order. Then the rude owner-manager came running over again and made such a scene. He accused my friend of being rude to his server which he was not-- he had merely been engaging in conversation with her. He said my friend should have asked permission from him first before eating; and he demanded we leave, before even taking sips of our first round! Reading the other reviews, it really is that bad there. read more

The woman who answered the phone when I wanted to make reservation hung up on me twice. She said CASH only. I asked, no debit, credit?? She hung up. I called back and she treated me like I should know their policy and hung up on me again. What an awful person to be answering the phone so a person can make a reservation. Get rid of this rude employee. This use to be a cool place to go for dinner and listen to jazz. But cash only is very suspicious and the nasty behavior of the woman who answered the phone is rather odd to say the least. read more

Old school restaurant! Great bar food! Service is excellent! Love our server Carina! The chili is outstanding!

The Barkley has live jazz on Sunday nights - not smooth "jazz" but actual jazz (Monk, Parker, Mingus, etc). We were there tonight and really enjoyed the sets. The band is very good, with the sax player being excellent! We also had dinner and drinks. The dinner and drinks were just okay, tbh. The wait staff was nice. But people go on Sunday nights for the jazz and the place delivers! Also, the atmosphere is great - sort of a throwback vibe with a lot of people that know each other and are very friendly. read more

It's a very spacious restaurant with a lovely live jazz band and great performances! The staff definitely puts the customer first, and the customers there definitely act as a community. The food is great and the drinks are better! Definitely a place to wind down after work or get a drink and a show. read more

Not a Jazz Bar. Not a Big Band Jazz club. Although the funk music was good. I came there for Real 1940 Jazz. It's a dive bar with good food. We came here for jazz and dinner. Not what we expected. 1st, we called to make a reservation and asked for the dress code . ( After all, it's supposed to be a Jazz Club) The girl who answered the phone said," No tank tops." 2. Once we arrived dressed for a night of jazz ( me in a cute "going out skirt and top" and my boyfriend in his " going out outfit," The waitress/bartender was wearing a black tank top dress, which looked like something from a Vegas hostess. She had no idea that we had a reservation, just handed us the menu and told us to sit anywhere. 3. Gordon Ramsey would have had a field day if he came here; the menu is all over the place with bar food. The food was good. I just expected more of an upscale menu. 4. With the history of this place, I expected to hear big band Jazz. Instead, it was funk. Music was good. 5. It's a sad way to represent the history of this place. If this place had a makeover, and invited musicians who play big band Jazz. This place could be fun. And reinvent the menu, more upscale. Like the Edison. 6. Be prepared it's a dive bar. Not a Jazz Bar. read more

The noodle to meat ratio wasn't even, way more meat than spaghetti but it was really good, chili flakes on the side at your convenience was awesome too as well as the garlic bread. Performances were delightful, band was just lovely can't wait to return. read more

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first time there took our mother to celebrate her 82nd birthday Had a wonderful time and cannot express how absolutely wonderful the bartender was. I believe her name was Devon and she is a definite reason to return. read more

This is a big nope from me. I really want to be rational, but had I not come before the regulars, I wouldn't have been given the time of day. Unless you come here often & take shots with the bartender, this is not the place for you if you expect service in any capacity. It's CASH ONLY, so come prepared or get ready to pay an additional $3+ at the ATM by the bar. If you can math better than your waitress with a few shots in her, I'd recommend you tally your own bill. I see people don't come here for the coffee, but that's ok. Sold out of 50% of the beers on their menu. Fab. Who doesn't love Bud Light? Oh right, me. The pro: their green salsa was good. It's probably from a can, but hey, it works to give flavor to their bland, butter rice, beans & tacos. read more

I've never left a bad review of a venue, but after the way I was treated tonight, I felt it necessary. First let me say that I had a great time because of the band. The music was fantastic. Before the band started, I ordered a beer. This place has nothing on tap, just bottles. The selection was not great, but I ordered an IPA. The cost was $6, which seems okay for a bottle. The band ended up playing three sets, so before the third set I went to order another IPA. I got a different bartender this time, and she said it was $11. I thought I misheard her, and she repeated it. I said my previous beer had been $6. She said the price goes up when the music starts. So I asked, "Oh, does the band get half the bar tab?" Because if that was the case, I was happy to pay $11 for a bottle. She did not answer my question and removed the bottle from the bar and placed it on the counter below and walked away from me. So that was that. I didn't give it any more thought. Then at 1:20 a.m. after the band finished and I was getting ready to leave, some guy I had never met before got in my face, holding a bottle of beer, possibly the bottle I had ordered, and told me I had to pay for it. This is an hour and a half later, mind you. I told him no, I am leaving, I'm not going to drink a warm beer, and not going to drink any beer because I'm about to drive. And he got belligerent, and said I owed him $11. I said no, I'm not paying for a beer that I didn't drink. Two other patrons offered to pay for me (because there are still good people in this country), but I asked them to please not do that. That would not be right. The guy then started pushing me toward the door, which is completely unreasonable and also criminal. I recommend avoiding this place. If there is a really good band playing that you don't want to miss, then just don't order anything from the bar. By the way, I asked the band, and no, they didn't get any of the bar tab. So this place uses the band to rip people off and doesn't compensate the band. Totally shitty. Avoid this place unless you absolutely have to see the band. read more

We're here for the Roseleaf Ragtime, I think our menu is different. Service was attentive. It's soft lighting in the restaurant. Leather booths, wood panel wall. There's a small wood floor that can serve as a dance area. Full bar. read more

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I've driven past this place a million times over the years but had never stopped by. Well we came in on a Monday night to satisfy my curiosity and I'd have to say that it was an underwhelming experience. I had expected this to be an old school kind of dive bar place and to be fair it definitely was. I was expecting large stiff drinks at a reasonable price and it kind of was? But it also billed it self as a restaurant, and thats where for me it mostly fails. The menu isn't super extensive its mostly cheap bar foods and also an odd mix of like italian diner? Anyway, its not expensive but most items it definitely adds up real quick because things like fried zucchini is $15 mozzeralla sticks are like $16, wings are like $16 etc. most food items are around $15-20 range. But the portions are quite small for the prices your paying like you get like half a plate of zucchini slices for $15.... you'd get a larger portion at Lucky Boy for half the price. ALso the food is mostly just bland and the sauces are bland. The drinks were serviceable but not weren't particularly mixed well or tasty. They are about $9 each or so. The service was great, but the food and drink were pretty bad for the prices youre paying. The only reason why i'd come back is beecause the bartender said they have live music on weekends, which he said was crackin. So i'm open to that. read more

What a gem! We went on Sunday, 15 Oct to watch the jazz band perform. The staff are friendly and really made us feel welcomed. We got a plate of chicken nuggets for my kiddo who came with us to watch the live music, which were such a hit. Highly recommend their steak dinner read more

The Barkley Restaurant & Bar - Great live music! Get dinner and drinks, be ready for a fun night. - Bars Near Me - South Pasadena, California

I don't like the pack that the fries and the green beans came out of a bag with frozen vegetables. The waitress is very slow and the empty plates have been sitting at the table out for about 15 minutes and I just wanna order the bill and go and she's not coming. read more

The Barkley Restaurant & Bar - Bars Near Me - South Pasadena, California

The service was very good. I was there for dinner with a friend at the end when I pulled out my credit card I was informed cash only. Between the 2 of us we had money for the bill and tip. When we left we went outside and no signage cash only. They do have an atm, but I prefer using the one for my bank. read more

if i could i would put negative ratings for this place, first of all yesterday, 9/25 was a drag show at this place, my gf and i and friends were there to see our friend perform. They didn't ID anyone until we sat down and we were under the impression that this event was 18 and up. I am 20 and the bartender made rounds and checked everyone's ID Including mine and she didn't say anything about my ID. but then when our friend sits down they ask for her ID and she didn't have it but that we were here for our friends performance so they go out and try to find their ID cause they said it was 21 and up. But they let me stay? then the owner comes up to my gf and I confidently and tells her that he needs to see her id or that she needs to leave. But the lady already checked her ID, my gf and our friend were the only two black women that night in their establishment and they were the only ones targeted. My girlfriend pointed out that it was racist to mix up the two black woman that looked completely different, and he was like no the worker described her and he said the one with "red dreads" but our friend had a completely different hairstyle and when my girlfriend and I said he was being racist he said she needs to get out of the bar. We went up to the worker who ID us and she said she actually described that the girl who didn't have an id had purple braids but the owner was so confident that was the it was my girlfriend. He immediately goes to call the cops for her acting "smart" . his words. We left and the cops did manage to come and when we spoke to the cop he says the owners constantly calls the cops on people at this location, god forbid you speak up about his racist behaviors. None of us were being violent nor harming anyone we simply were speaking up and he immediately goes to call the cops, he was acting completely out of line all on a power trip. Do not go here the workers racists pos. read more

Have eaten there a few times, but they aren't very customer friendly. For example, I was having a sandwich that came with onion rings or fries and I asked for half and half and they wouldn't do it. I asked the bartender to ask the cook if he would make an exception and the bartender said the owner will just get mad at him. That's how much they aim to please. So I stopped going . read more