Barney's Leduc:
Canada's First
"Pour Your Own Beer"
A Review by YEGfoodie
For a gastro-pub, Barney's Leduc is indeed a hidden gem! This is the second Barney's, the flagship is located in Wetaskiwin. Both restaurants are completely different from each other, including the menu.
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The decor is funky and different. There is a lot of what looks like reclaimed wood, and glitter vinyl covering the booth seats. There is a featured, long booth on the back wall that looks like something out of a malt shop in the 50s. They have a community table for meetings or group gatherings that can be provided that has its own "feasting" menu. There is also a games room.
Barney's is a huge win for Leduc. I know of very few eateries that aren't huge chains. Barney's is a much needed addition.
Firstly what makes Barney's different is the "Pour My Beer" wall. It features Alberta craft beers that you can try in any amount you want. You get a RFID card loaded with 32 oz. The digital display on the wall almost reads like a gas pump, it will tell you the dollar amount as you pour. Your card is charged out per ounce. When you have reached your 32oz, the AGLC requires that you check in with your server to ensure that you haven't had "too much". If you are good to go, you can get another 32 oz loaded on to your card. Taps are rotated on a regular basis so that it will never be boring! Regular selections of bottled craft beers are also available on the menu.
As if the beer wall isn't cool enough, the food is AMAZING! Where has Chef Chris Hickman been hiding all of my life? Ingredients are sourced locally as much as possible. I hear Hutterite farms are visited on a regular basis for meat and produce.
I was impressed that my two favourite dishes from the evening were (mostly) meatless! The "must trys" are the Barney's Sweet Potato Fries and the baked brie.
The baked brie is wrapped in phyllo pastry and finished with caramelized pecans. It was the perfect balance of gooey and sweet. The sweet potato fries were fried perfectly and then topped with pork belly bacon bits, Parmesan and garlic aioli.
We were able to try quite a selection of dishes while we were there. The charcuterie platters are pretty decent as well. Friday nights they have a "Butcher Block Friday"; the Chef decides what local meat to prepare specially for you. This is offered on a first come, first served basis. Amounts are based on what is seasonally available.
So if you love Alberta Craft Beer and some really great food, you should make the journey to Leduc to enjoy Barney's.