09/06/2011 - Behind the Scenes...Barrel House

What's more fun than a barrel full of monkeys? Dinner and drinks at the Barrel House! Located at 211 E Second Street in downtown Davenport, the Barrel House is the newest hotspot in the Quad Cities. Owners, Michael DeWitte and Jimmy Holt picked the busiest weekend this summer to open, playing host to tourists and regulars who were enjoying Ragbrai and Bix Fest. With their soft opening a success the menu was expanded and has been drawing back regular customers ever since!

DeWitte describes the Barrel House as a pub with better than pub food. And not only is it better but different- highlighted by Chicken Twists, Carnita and Atlantic Cod Tacos, Boom Boom Chicken, Flatbread Pizzas and Barrel Burgers that range in size from Firkin, Hogshead and Big Butt (all referencing the traditional wooden cask capacities). A not so common pub menu feature is a PB&J that is served with a tall glass of cold milk. I was reassured that this isn't your typical childhood classic either!

They also feature 10 different $5.99 lunch specials as well as different drink and dinner specials!  The bartenders have also been known to run super specials during Hawkeye games and that will carry over into the NFL season.

The Barrel House is a part of the famed Knostman Building that originally opened in 1908. In most recent years the area has been used as storage for Paragon Commercial Interiors, current owners of the building. This spring the first floor underwent extensive renovations that now lend its space to seating 70 plus guests inside and an additional 30 on the patio.  DeWitte and Holt eventually would like to expand into the second floor of the building with a sports bar and entertainment venue.

The local pub will play host to Great River's Oktoberfest can party on September 9^th beginning at 5 p.m. Visit them on Facebook, Barrel House 211, for more information.

The Barrel House is located just blocks from the Arsenal Bridge at 211 East Second Street, Davenport, IA and is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.

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