The Barley Mow

If you are looking for the perfect place to unwind after a walk, Barley Mow in Reading is exactly what you need. This cozy craft pub in the USA has become a true legend among beer enthusiasts thanks to its incredible selection and homey atmosphere.

The establishment is famous for one of the most impressive collections of craft beer in the region: it features over 750 varieties from hundreds of the best American breweries. Visitors can choose from 10 constantly rotating taps or explore endless rows of bottles and cans brought from every corner of the country.

The owners, Peter and Claire Starr, created a small but very soulful space where a love for quality drinks is paired with gastronomic delights. The pub's kitchen offers guests comfort dishes with interesting accents inspired by culinary traditions from around the world.

For your convenience, we have gathered the current contact details of this popular West Reading establishment. You can contact the staff directly to check the availability of rare varieties or book a table for a large group. When planning your visit, be sure to save this information to easily find the pub on the city's busy street.

The main reason to visit Barley Mow is for a full-scale tasting. Start your journey with a flight of several beers on tap to experience the variety of local flavors, or ask the staff—they will be happy to help you navigate the massive catalog of hundreds of bottles and cans.

Be sure to try items from the comfort cuisine menu. The kitchen masterfully combines seasonal products with elements of gastronomy from Peru, Vietnam, and Thailand, turning an ordinary snack into a mini-journey. This is a great place for a quiet evening with friends or a leisurely dinner in pleasant company.

If you're in a hurry, take advantage of the takeaway option. Many rare beers are available for purchase to go, allowing you to build a unique collection for your home. The establishment's atmosphere is perfectly suited for chatting with like-minded people and sharing impressions of new flavor discoveries.

Getting to Barley Mow, located at 719 Penn Ave, is very easy. If you are in downtown Reading, a taxi or car ride will take no more than 10–15 minutes. Parking can usually be found on the surrounding streets.

For those who prefer public transport, BARTA buses, which run between various city districts, are ideal. You should get off in the West Reading area, from where the establishment is just a couple of minutes' walk. A stroll along Penn Avenue itself is also enjoyable, as the area is very pedestrian-friendly and full of interesting storefronts and local shops.

The history of Barley Mow began with the ambitious dream of Peter and Claire Starr to create a unique space in Reading for everyone who truly appreciates craft culture. They set a goal to gather the most extensive collection of American beer in one place, and they succeeded brilliantly.

Located on busy Penn Avenue, the pub quickly evolved from a local bar into an essential spot on the state's gastronomic map. A significant milestone was the arrival of chef Jim Churchman, who introduced the concept of international appetizers that perfectly complement the wide selection of drinks.

Although it is a modern establishment, it has already managed to form its own traditions and become a hub for the local community. Today, the pub maintains high rankings thanks to its commitment to quality and its drive to constantly surprise guests with new flavors from across the country.

It is recommended to set aside 1 to 2 hours for a visit to the pub. This is quite enough time to leisurely browse the bar menu, enjoy a glass of a cold beverage, and try signature snacks in a pleasant setting.

If you are a true craft connoisseur planning a thorough tasting of rare varieties or a full dinner with friends, it's better to schedule up to 3 hours. The cozy atmosphere and hospitable staff often make guests stay longer than originally planned.

The establishment welcomes guests from Tuesday to Sunday, with the pub open until midnight on weekends, making it an excellent choice for an evening out. Please note that Monday is the day off when the team takes a break.

Standard schedule: from Tuesday to Thursday, doors are open from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM; on Friday and Saturday—from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM; and on Sunday, the pub awaits visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Before visiting, we recommend checking the official website or calling, as the schedule may change slightly.

A visit to the pub can easily be combined with sightseeing in the surrounding area. The West Reading district and its environs offer guests diverse leisure activities, from educational museums to scenic natural spots.

Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to create a full day's itinerary, filling it with vibrant impressions before a well-deserved rest in the bar's cozy atmosphere.