Summer is the best time to enjoy brews-and-grub at this lower Hawthorne McMenamins location, when you and a few friends can occupy one of several streetside wooden picnic tables. True to McMenamins form, the Barley Mill serves up greasy spoon delights alongside their microbrewed creations. Always ask for whatever's on 'nitro' that day, because it's bound to be the tastiest of the bunch. Oil-drenched fries are their specialty, and a plate of this greasy treat is great on its own or served with one of several signature burgers and sandwiches. Don't make the mistake of dipping the fries in simple ketchup--make sure to douse it first with tangy malt vinegar for some added kick. Grateful Dead memorabilia adorn almost every surface in the pub, which only adds to its relaxed ambience. Service can be spotty, much like the restrooms. This is not a 'date place' unless you consider the mezzanine seating romantic enough for some public displays of affection. As with anything beer related, pitcherfuls are the way to go, because buying by the pint can add up. Parking can be a bit of a pain, but not as nearly impossible up a little further on Hawthorne.
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