We visited Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill during 614 Restaurant Week, and I think this is one of the…read morebetter values offered this week. For $20, you get a starter, an entrée, and a dessert, which is hard to beat.
The restaurant was quiet without feeling empty, and the background music was just loud enough to create a nice atmosphere while still allowing us to have a conversation. The dining room and the restroom were both clean, which I always appreciate.
Our server, Liz, was the highlight of the visit. She was prompt, attentive, and refreshingly honest when I asked about menu substitutions. Instead of saying everything on the menu was great just to make a sale, she gave genuine recommendations, and I really appreciated that. She also stayed on top of our drinks, bringing refills before we ever had to ask. She checked on us several times throughout the meal without being intrusive. We ordered the Cookie Skillet for dessert, and she waited until we were actually finished eating before bringing it out so the ice cream wouldn't melt. It's those little details that make a difference.
I started with the fresh garden salad, followed by the BB-style pizza with pepperoni and sausage. At first glance, it looked like sausage only because the pepperoni is layered under the cheese. The pizza was loaded with cheese and toppings, and the crust had a nice texture. The sauce leaned more savory than sweet. I personally prefer a sweeter pizza sauce, but it was still flavorful and enjoyable.
We also shared the Carolina Gold chicken chunks, onion rings, and provolone wedges. The onion rings had a nice crispy coating and actually tasted like onions, which isn't always the case. The Carolina Gold chicken chunks were generously coated in the Carolina Gold sauce, but the chicken itself was pretty bland and mostly tasted like the sauce. I also think they could have been cooked just a little longer. The provolone wedges were hot, cheesy, and tasty--it's hard to mess those up, but they definitely hit the spot.
The Cookie Skillet was the perfect way to end the meal. The cookie was served warm with crispy edges and a soft, gooey center filled with melted chocolate chips. It was topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and pecans. Even though I boxed up the rest of my meal to take home, I made sure to eat the cookie while it was still warm with the melting ice cream, and I'm glad I did. It was definitely my favorite part of the meal.
One small observation: the restroom doors open inward, so if you've got a big back like me, getting out can be a little awkward. Thankfully, the restroom itself was very clean.
Overall, I think the 614 Restaurant Week special is a great deal. Between the generous portions, comfortable atmosphere, clean restaurant, and exceptional service from Liz, I'd definitely come back. The food wasn't perfect, which is why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5, but I'd absolutely recommend Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill if you're looking for a casual place where you can enjoy a good meal, have a conversation, and get a lot of food for the price.