Barrel 135: A Culinary Gem in Williamsport, PA

Have never been disappointed in a drink or a plate from this place. Bartender is stellar and the drinks are crafted with quality everytime. Will always be a favorite!

I wish I lived closer so I could visit more often! We stopped in for a girls brunch and had delicious handcrafted drinks by Kelli. She was very attentive and made us feel at home. The food was also amazing.

Visiting our daughter at college and a Google Maps search for food landed us at Barrel 135. The reviews sold us and after stepping inside, we were not disappointed! The cocktail menu had a lot of great options, we tried 4 or 5 and were impressed with each one for different reasons. Food was not what I expected walking in, but was right up our alley for something different. The short rib ramen was great, nice big chunks of meat, a good kick in the broth, and was something that I wouldn’t typically land on at a first-time visit… but glad I did. The poke bowl and seared tuna were also great options and tasted great. Desserts were out of this world, we literally each got our own because we couldn’t decide on one to share. Again, zero disappointment in that decision and would do it again. Our server was fun and energetic, made us feel like we had been friends for years, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We will most certainly take this stop again when we’re back in the area.

Our Saturday night dine out took us to a new place (for us) in Williamsport - Barrel 135.  I've been seeing a number of their FB posts recently and was eager to try out some of their menu. The restaurant is along 3rd Street with limited street parking (although there is a parking garage right next door). The restaurant is small and narrow on the inside with outdoor seating in the alley. Reservations are strongly encouraged due to space and we watched many customers get turned away without them. Seating is a bit tight with some tables approximately 12 inches from your neighbor and with the brick walls, it was a bit loud/noisy, so don't expect an intimate conversation here.  Also, the chairs weren't the best regarding comfort.  If you are classified in the "big and tall" category, you will most certainly be uncomfortable.  My hubby had to periodically stand up mid-meal to shake out his legs and hips before settling back in.  So take a cushion. Or sit at the bar. The food and cocktails, on the other hand, were amazing. I started off with a Tart Berry Martini.  Refreshing, but not tart at all - actually too sweet for my tastes.  I downed that baby pretty fast.  My second and favorite drink was a Smoky Paloma. This one was a good sipper and I loved the beads of chili oil floating on top. Kept the tingle on my lips throughout the evening. Appetizers were incredible.  The Beef Tataki just melted in your mouth.  Thin strips of tender beef in a very tasty ponzu sauce really hit the spot.  And the 'Nduja Bruschetta was a true taste treat! A hefty slice of grilled sourdough slathered with 'Nduja and topped with roasted red peppers, feta, a little honey drizzle, and a sprinkling of microgreens.  Not knowing what to expect, my first bite was met with a spicey goodness that actually brought water to my eyes!  I had never heard of 'nduja before and I am so glad I tried it.  I like spice and this little piece of heaven was wonderful. I could have had two of those without hesitation. Main courses were the Sundried Tomato and Italian Sausage Tagliatelle (the homemade pesto sauce was fresh and tasted like summer) and the Grilled Chicken Souvlaki (tender marinated chicken over a bed of flavored couscous and hummus). Even the toasted pita was delicious.  I do need to point out, however, that the souvlaki was NOT my menu of choice and here is my strike against the place. My first choice was the Bulgogi Lion's Mane steak and I had been thinking about that dish pretty much all day because I had reviewed the online menu days beforehand.  We put our orders in and after 15-20 minutes, our server came back saying they no longer had the Lion's Mane mushroom.  I think she could see my disappointment.  So I had to scramble for a substitution.  Don't get me wrong, I think I made the right decision in getting the chicken but it wasn't what my mouth had been 'set' on.  Communication between the kitchen and the wait staff could have been better in this instance. I wish I would have been told up front when we placed our original orders. Desserts were three - a death by chocolate cake, a cheesecake with some kind of jammy topping, and an espresso mousse something or other - sorry I didn't catch all she said.  We decided to skip dessert - I knew my poor hubby was not comfortable in that tiny chair and we just decided to leave. But we'll definitely return - we'll just sit at the bar because the seating there looked better.  Our food and cocktails were outstanding and we were told the menu changes every couple of months.  Service was good but a bit slow (we were there almost 90 minutes). (8/10)

We travel to Williamsport from Maryland multiple times during the spring and eat at Barrel 135 almost every time we’re here. The food is amazing, the ramen is some of the best I’ve ever had! **chefs kiss** We love that the menu updates with seasons and everything we’ve had has been delicious, including the drinks!!! As for the service and atmosphere, we often ascend upon this restaurant with a boisterous bunch of folks and the co-owner who waits on us takes it all in stride. Giving back as much banter as we dish out. She deserves way more than 5 stars. We just love it here. If you haven’t tried this restaurant, what have you been doing? Go try it!

Unique menu and very friendly staff. Had the tuna special Friday and short rib tacos on Saturday, and both were excellent! Good selection of appetizers and drink.

I’ve been in here a few times and always come away pleased. The staff is friendly. It might look “upscale” or trendy but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The food is just really good. I’ll be thinking of that pimento cheese for quite some time. Thanks for making memorable dishes with fun service.

this place is easily my favorite restaurant in the area. their cocktails are thoughtfully crafted and absolutely delicious. The food is just as amazing. Both times we've been the staff has been friendly and attentive. The environment feels appropriate for a both a casual dinner or special occasion. definitely plan to visit again soon.