Tales

Told by Niall O'Byrne on January 12, 2007

It was an autumn evening in mid October 1989, but not like any other evening. I was set to meet a Spanish friend Tony Rodriquez at The Barley to discuss the fate of the SF Giants opponent in the World Series. But the earth shook that day, and not a little 3.5 shaker either. Some say it was an earthquake, but I think it was John Barleycorn himself raising a glass of stout in a toast to good friends coming to his house. While most other establisments were frightened and shut their doors that night. John Barleycorn was open under candlelight, with foam flowing over pints glasses and sounds of a transistor radio in the background. Toasts were made and many stories were told.

Other miracles happen at John's place. He can make a portugese pizza and he doesn't even have an oven. But if you order it 15 minutes later it will appear through the backdoor.

We can't lose this little oasis of Nob hill.

Told by Julie McMahon on January 09, 2007

Some time in 1972 I, a newcomer to U.S.A. from the Wee County in Ireland, along with my new friend Terry Solini, wandered into the John Barleycorn to wet our whistles. The barman one Dennis O'Sullivan, charmed us with his Irish-American wit and friendliness. Larry was somewhere in the background, Lesley, Art Rivera,John Mundle, The Professor and many more. When my sister Marcella came to join me a couple of years later, she too quickly fell under the spell and great times were had in most esoteric, eclectic and even eccentric company (?!?) Eevie Sullivan, David Johnston and a host of others. All became good friends. Treasured memories would definitely include the white river rafting trips, softball games,Thanksgiving parties, our "going away" party in Golden Gate Park, Days on the Green concerts -- Fleetwood Mac, Grateful Dead, The Who, Peter Frampton, Billy Joel,The Eagles and what about Pavorotti's free concert in the Park. Dirty Mothers and Separators were the drinks of the day. The name Barleycorn sums up the strongest and happiest memories of wonderful times and friends that time just cannot diminish. It would be a veritable calamity, indeed even a travesty, if the Barleycorn cannot be saved. Where have all the flowers gone . . . when will they ever learn? Ab? le Se?n MacBharlaich?rn! Is mise, le meas, Julie McMahon (nee McGahon)!! Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland.

Told by Rita Hernandez on January 08, 2007

My friend Deb worked there as a cocktail waitress and lived up the hill. I went their regularly to keep her company and found it to be a very neighborhood-like environment. Long time friendships were made there for me and although I don't live in the City any longer, from time to time I drive by the area and always talk about the good old days at the JB. If an establishment such as this fits a specific need, it would be a shame to lose it.

Told by Marcella Mc Bride on January 08, 2007

From 1974 to 1977 when I came back to Ireland, The Barleycorn was home from home to me . It was an extension to the apartment two doors away that I shared with my sister Julie and friend Steve Sullivan as we would adjourn to the Barleycorn after dinner for an Irish Coffee and stay more often than not until closing time in the best of company, playing old favourites like The Boardwalk, City of New Orleans, etc , on the jukebox. There was always great craic as we say in Ireland. You never felt aloneand were always made feel welcome. Great friendships and alliances were formed there.We loved the magic of San Francisco and the Barleycorn was our safe harbour. Julie , myself and Maggie from Belfast nearly fell off our barstools laughing when we'd ask Larry or Dennis for "three dirty mothers", a cocktail certainly never heard of in Ireland ! Long live The Barleycorn !

Told by Antonella Goldsborough on January 07, 2007

I came here from the old country (Europe) in Sept. 1991. My (now) best friend Lisa and I discovered the John Barleycorn. Everyone was very freindly to me even though I talked funny. From the JB I have many wonderful memories and friends and a husband. When our first baby came, everyone from the pub gave me a baby shower at Dawn and Eric's. The guys came too, it was wonderful. I still remember it like it was yesterday. Thank you to Larry and Dan and the whole JB extended family!