The Barley House in Thornwood, NY

The air is getting crisp, and the ales are getting strong! The Barley House in Thornwood has got you covered.

I’ve been semi-regular at The Barley House in Thornwood since it opened. During the height of Covid, it was a regular take-out spot.

The Barley House is a great local tavern. It’s got a rustic decor, a great menu that will satisfy with tasty comfort food options and an excellent mid-sized beer list. The bar comfortably can seat 15+ patrons and there are high-tops and booths all around it. Big glass doors let in natural light and are open when it’s perfect outside. There is outdoor seating on their patio and an outdoor party area as well. I threw a party there myself a few years back. It went perfectly. It’s a casual attire restaurant with fancy service.

On this visit I sat and had a couple beers while ordering takeout. Had the Broken Bow Brewery “Petunia’s Red” (future review) and a Smithwicks. The menu is neatly categorized by beer style so you can quickly find something that fits your taste or your food pairing. It’s a good-sized list of close to 30 taps and better than anything else in this area. If you are looking for 50+ taps, you can try Ron Blacks in White Plains or the Yard House in Yonkers.

I was getting dinner to go this night and I ordered a favorite of mine, The Chicken Panini with Pesto but as usualy, substituted the roasted peppers for hot cherry peppers. Get this. Do this! I got the Rigatoni Bolognese for the wife which was a special on their board.

I knew the panini would be good, as it always is. The Rigatoni however was excellent. Super flavorful, meaty and filling with the pasta being perfectly aldente (did I spell that right?).

Both were packed in their environmentally friendly cardboard containers of which I’m a fan.

They have a great menu of favorites ranging from your usual tavern fare with some great comfort food options.  Try the Farmhouse Mac and Cheese!  There are a number of good salad options and full entree’s as well.

There has never been any issue with service at The Barley House. In fact, they’re probably the most consistantly friendly servers I’ve come across and you get the feeling they enjoy their jobs. They are attentive and smiling. If you’re sitting at the table one of the managers or the owner will check on you and on occasion, fill your wine glass.

The Barley house is just about a half-mile north of the Hawthorne train station. There is free parking but on busy nights their lot will be full. You might find parking in one of the other local business lots if so.

Prices are competitive with the area.  They have music on occasion, usually a 2-piece acoustic duo. Bagpipes on St. Paddy’s Day and other events so follow them on Instagram.

Get here for lunch or dinner some day.  You won’t regret it.

Cons

Name, Address, Phone details, and Google Map