The LAB at Armen’s Barrels

Review summary

1. D

   David

   VIP

   Richmond

   7 reviews

   2.0

   7 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 1

   Our biggest complaints were poor value and inflexibility. Because we were presented with only one salad option we both ordered the Caesar salad. It was absurdly small. Each of our salads had four leaves of lettuce and two (big) croutons. Thus, we paid $3.25 per leaf! For the entrées, the two side options were risotto or fried potatoes. When we asked if there were any other options, they said no but then we spotted a nearby table with a different side. The risotto had very little flavor and the potatoes were badly burned. The waitress did not check back until I had eaten half of my steak but then did bring new potatoes. The only vegetable option was asparagus, which my wife loathes. So, she accepted the asparagus and gave it to me. The asparagus consisted of three pieces on each of our plates. Mine was fine, but the asparagus they gave to my wife was seriously over salted. In fairness, my wife’s Tuscan chicken was good and my New York strip steak was good. Lastly, we went on New Year’s Eve and the restaurant was presenting only half of the menu that it listed online.  Had we known what would be missing from the menu we probably would not have gone.  I appreciate that some restaurants will offer different menus on New Year’s but they should tell you that when you book.  Given the poor value and the lack of flexibility we don’t plan to go back. 
   

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2. B

   Barbara

   VIP

   Charleston

   11 reviews

   4.0

   11 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We enjoyed your own Cabernet, as well as the Red blend offered. Would like to see more dessert options.
   

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3. S

   Sarah

   Denver

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on December 11, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Upscale restaurant in the quiet town of Washington, PA.
   

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4. M

   Michael

   Pittsburgh

   6 reviews

   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on December 10, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   We went for $15 burger night. While the flavor of the burgers was very good, I ordered mine medium (some pink preferred) and my wife ordered hers well done. Both came well done. I thought there could have been more aioli as well as mushrooms on my burger. We ordered two mushroom bisques for $13/ very small bowl. I thought mine was outstanding but my wife couldn't eat hers because it was over spiced. I should have tasted hers at the restaurant but I took it home. When I tasted it at home, it was obvious that hers was much more heavily spiced than mine and quite inedible. Had I tasted it at the restaurant, I would have sent it back at that price. At $59 (plus $12 tip) for two burgers and one very small bowl of soup I was less than impressed.
   

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5. L

   Lenora

   Pittsburgh

   16 reviews

   5.0

   16 reviews

   Dined on December 10, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What a surprise to find such an interesting, high-quality place in this location! Lovely people, talented chef, interesting setting. We left with the idea that we will be back!
   

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6. N

   Nathan

   Pittsburgh

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 7, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great restaurant that we love to go to. Food is always delicious and paired with their on site liquor and wine options excellently. Quiet ambiance, great for a date night.
   

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7. S

   Samuel

   Pittsburgh

   15 reviews

   4.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on November 30, 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We had dinner reservations for two on a Saturday at 5pm. The restaurant was empty minus a few other tables. Our waitress, Amber, greeted us immediately and was attentive all night. She was very friendly and made excellent choices when we asked for menu recommendations. The stuffed mushrooms were an excellent appetizer. The squash seasonal bisque was phenomenal. The Caesar salad was very good, caution very small wedge portions. My wife’s Sea Bass was excellent as well as both our sides of asparagus and risotto. Highly recommend the risotto. My duck was just fair, nothing special and would not really recommend. The crane brûlée was also good. For the drinks, my wife said her Sangria was very good and my Manhattan was one of the better ones I’ve ever had. I sampled the Concord house wine but was not a fan , so I elected for a Malbec that was good. Overall very pleased and will definitely go back.
   

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8. T

   Teresa

   Pittsburgh

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on November 29, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Second visit and honesty some of the best meal out that we have enjoyed in a long time . We will always celebrate here ! Kudos !
   

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9. J

   James

   Pittsburgh

   7 reviews

   3.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on November 16, 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   too pricey compared to other fine dining restaurants but the atmosphere did not equate to a fining dining experience. it is an old skating rink building, I thought I was in a gym, the wall next to my dining table was an unfinished block wall. they were very inflexible, no substitute for vegatable or potato, they had Asparagus no ohter vegatable, which I don't like, they wouldn't sub a small salad in lieu of the veggie. I chose an entree of $59. not a pleasant dining experience. not returning for another dining experience
   

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10. A

    Albert

    VIP

    Pittsburgh

    322 reviews

    4.0

    322 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    The BEST MANHATTAN we've ever had - strip steak done to perfection--Ashley and Mason so efficient and friendly
    

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