Too Bad, iv'e alway's wanted to try the red barrel

Posted by: george of gloucester at November 19, 2009 09:28 AM

Ugh! Tried to order off the menu; they were out of nearly everything so I was forced to order fried clams which were greasy and huge. Like a 5" clam. needed a knife and fork then chew chew chew. At 2, wrapped up the rest in my napkin for my dog. The place is on its last legs. Just hideous. The owner should get out of the business she is not into running a real restaurant.

Posted by: Carly at November 17, 2009 05:01 PM

Visit this place before it disappears. Yes, the wait for our food was long, but it was so worth it. Joyce, owner and cook, created a meal that is worth remembering. Simple food made special by the owner/chef. Everything on our plates was homemade and yummy. This was our first visit but not our last. I never make it to dessert, but in this case, I wanted more.

Posted by: Paul at August 19, 2009 09:14 PM

Wow...This place is eccentric in a good way. The food, cooked by the owner, Joyce, is some of the finest I have ever had. The best fried clams in the area, without doubt. Menu is very limited, but this is a good thing...Everything we ordered was fab. You really do need to take in the "Red Barrel Experience" before it disappears. This place is a landmark. If I could, I would buy this place and keep it exactly like it is right now...You cannot improve upon the best and the eccentrities only add to the charm of the place.

PS. Everything is homemade. Can you believe this place also has the best coleslaw? Joyce said it was because she added granny smith apples. Homemade tartar sauce...Hot rolls with real butter...A real treat. Homemade bread pudding with vanilla ice cream for dessert. It does not get any better than this...Go now.

Posted by: PB at June 19, 2009 10:19 PM

WARNING DINE HERE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Filthy,Filthy,Filthy.And the alleged food is the worst Pub Food I have EVER had in the states and I grew up in Scotland and got my degree in London & my Mum cooked the same food found in real pubs for dinner. So I think I know real pub food. As for cleanliness the surroundings were deplorable. ESSEX SHOULD HAVE THE HEALTH INSPECTOR FIRED BECAUSE EITHER HE IS ON THE TAKE OR NOT DOING THE JOB TAX DOLLARS FROM ESSEX RESIDENTS PAY FOR. Town Hall has quite a bit of explaining to do. It reminded me of those bits in the news where peoples homes are condemned and deemed "Unfit To Live In". I'd feel safer eating at a Cat Ladies House.I agree with the one statement made by the reviewer before me: BE GONE WITH YA FROM OUR SPECIAL SHORE! in reference to the prices and failure to provide an ambulance staffed if the car park.

Posted by: Marillion at July 9, 2008 09:21 PM

We won the war back in 1776. Except for one spot of ground that is still warring with anyone who steps foot inside. Yes, the Red Barrel. Taxation without representation might have been a cry way back then, but at this place, it's "overcharging for the tap beer without justification" is what gives me the symptoms of ague. Oh, and the minute ya cut 'em slack, out trots Daisy and Nell. Be gone with ya from our special shore! All of ye! AAAAARRRGGGHHHHHHH

Posted by: jim at January 22, 2008 10:59 PM

This place is to be avoided at all cost. If you find yourself there leave. The food is awful and the service worse. A pitiful excuse for a restaurant

Posted by: Clifton at December 26, 2007 09:38 PM

Unless this place has changed over the past few years, the woman owner opens when she wants and serves old food at high prices. As an expert in food safety, you can cook anything but toxins out of food. YUK! What does a black and tan cost there now? $10

Posted by: bill at July 31, 2007 07:23 PM

Limited menu, but great food. Great advice from waitress on what to get for drinks, I got a shandy. Loved the quirky atmosphere and had a great time with the owner listening to her tell stories about the place. Everyone should go once in their life!

Posted by: Kelly at May 7, 2007 10:24 PM

Great food A great place to reserve for a party of adults.

Posted by: John at December 19, 2006 09:37 AM

The food was great and the character of the place is wonderfull a quiet gem

Posted by: Kris at December 19, 2006 09:30 AM

Review #2... Went there recently and had a FAB Steak and Onion Pie. Tender flavorful beef topped with crisp puff pastry..it was delightful.

Posted by: elliegirl at January 1, 2004 12:36 AM

They used to have a delicious Chicken Basket but it's gone so I don't go there anymore. The chicken "tenders" they have instead are nasty.Also they need to change the menu. It says the fish and chips comes wrapped in the London Daily Times but it didn't. How difficult would it be to replace the paper menu with a current one !!

Posted by: elliegirl at December 8, 2003 12:17 AM

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