5510 Virginia Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63111
http://www.ironbarley.com/
As featured on The Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this restaurant was a "must eat". Thanks to the recommendation of some new friends attending school in the St. Louis area. Situated in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood, were it not for the sign out front, the establishment could pass for just another house in the suburbs. The interior looked as you would imagine any other "dive" restaurant. At dinner hour, the place was already filled so we decided to bypass the wait and take a seat in the rear patio, where a single guitarist strummed Johnny Cash sounding songs throughout the night.
1. hot smoked trout - This was some yummy fish. Cooked to perfection with a delicious white-wine vinaigrette dressing. The flesh was light and flakey with a crisp skin underneath. The sauce lent a bit of weight and acidity to compliment the trout perfectly. The corn slaw was a nice addition as well. The fries on the side were not necessary, but were crispy and provided something to munch on if the filet didn't fill you up. Quite a well executed dish from a "hole-in-the-wall" establishment.
2. special of the night: chicken,pecan butter chicken. The real star of this dish was the sauce. It was aromatic, sweet, savory and delicious. The chicken was cooked well and worked well with the sauce. Almost like a Southern version of Asian curry. Would have preferred dark meat to go with the sauce, as I always find the white to be tasteless.
Saint Louis, MO 63111
http://www.ironbarley.com/
As featured on The Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this restaurant was a "must eat". Thanks to the recommendation of some new friends attending school in the St. Louis area. Situated in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood, were it not for the sign out front, the establishment could pass for just another house in the suburbs. The interior looked as you would imagine any other "dive" restaurant. At dinner hour, the place was already filled so we decided to bypass the wait and take a seat in the rear patio, where a single guitarist strummed Johnny Cash sounding songs throughout the night.
1. hot smoked trout - This was some yummy fish. Cooked to perfection with a delicious white-wine vinaigrette dressing. The flesh was light and flakey with a crisp skin underneath. The sauce lent a bit of weight and acidity to compliment the trout perfectly. The corn slaw was a nice addition as well. The fries on the side were not necessary, but were crispy and provided something to munch on if the filet didn't fill you up. Quite a well executed dish from a "hole-in-the-wall" establishment.
2. special of the night: chicken,pecan butter chicken. The real star of this dish was the sauce. It was aromatic, sweet, savory and delicious. The chicken was cooked well and worked well with the sauce. Almost like a Southern version of Asian curry. Would have preferred dark meat to go with the sauce, as I always find the white to be tasteless.
The Iron Barley has a large blackboard of specials in the back; all of which sounded delicious as the waitress described them upon our seating. The service was incredibly friendly and knowledgable. I believe our server had been with the establishment for years and was well versed with everything on and off the menu.
It was a pleasure to eat at the Iron Barley. If we are ever in the St. Louis area again, this would definitely be a place to return; whether it be for the trout or for a shot at something new.