Pour-Your-Own Beer Wall at Barney’s Pub & Grill
If you have ever wanted to walk up to a wall of taps, pick your brew, and pour it yourself, Barney’s Pub and Grill at the Best Western Plus Edmonton Airport Hotel in Leduc, Alberta is the place to do it. Home to Canada’s first Pour-Your-Own Beer Wall, Barney’s has been making waves in Alberta’s craft beer scene since 2017 and continues to be one of the most talked-about dining experiences near Edmonton International Airport (YEG).
How the Pour-Your-Own Beer Wall Works
The concept is simple and genuinely fun. When you arrive, you load up an electronic payment card at the bar. Then you head over to the Beer Wall, browse the 12 rotating Alberta craft beer taps, and pour your own glass. Digital info screens above each tap tell you the name of the beer, where it is brewed, what is in it, and how it is made, so even newcomers to craft beer can make an informed choice. The system lets you pour anywhere from one ounce to 32 ounces in your first sitting before reloading your card, making it easy to sample a few different styles without committing to a full pint of each.
The Beer Wall made its Alberta debut in August 2017 and was quickly covered by CBC News, the Edmonton Journal, and the Edmonton Sun as a genuine first for the province. As CBC reported at the time, the dozen taps at Barney’s were the first of their kind in Alberta, and the response from locals and travelers has been enthusiastic ever since.
All Alberta Craft Beer, All the Time
What makes the Beer Wall stand out is its commitment to local craft brewing. Every tap features an Alberta brewery, and the lineup rotates regularly so there is always something new to try. Travel Alberta lists Barney’s as a must-visit attraction for exactly this reason, describing it as home to Canada’s first Pour-Your-Own Beer Wall featuring 12 rotating Alberta craft beers. Regular featured breweries have included names from across the province, giving guests a genuine tour of Alberta’s thriving craft beer scene without leaving the bar.
On Off the Wall Thursdays, brews from the Beer Wall are available at a special rate, making it the best night of the week to work your way through the tap list. If you are serious about craft beer or just beer-curious, Thursday at Barney’s is hard to beat.
Real Food, Made from Scratch
The Beer Wall is the headliner, but the kitchen at Barney’s holds its own. The menu is built around locally sourced ingredients and everything is made from scratch. Food blogger Erika Eats Everything visited and was won over, writing that Barney’s takes pub food and makes it better, noting the kitchen does not skimp and that the wings were some of the best she had in a long time.
A few standouts worth ordering: the Barney’s Appy Platter brings together pork button ribs, wings, nachos, fried pickles, and parmesan fries on one iron tray. The 50th Street Fried Chicken Sandwich layers hot honey, house slaw, pickles, cheddar, and white BBQ sauce on country-fried chicken. The Haystack Salad tops artisan greens with honey sriracha chicken, roasted corn, candied walnuts, and apple cider ranch. On Fridays, the chef sources fresh cuts for the Butcher Block Buster Special, which has featured bacon-wrapped filet mignon, St. Louis ribs, and London broil flank steak.
Patio, Private Dining, and Events
Beyond the bar and dining room, Barney’s has a spacious outdoor patio with a fireplace, perfect for enjoying a cold craft beer when the weather cooperates. For private events, meetings, or group celebrations, Barney’s Office is a dedicated private dining room with a community table that seats 20, a fireplace, TVs, and a sound system. Groups of eight or more can also take advantage of the Family Style menu, which features house-smoked BBQ brisket, roast striploin, roast pork shoulder, and other shared dishes designed for the whole table.
Where to Find Barney’s Pub and Grill
Barney’s Pub and Grill is located inside the Best Western Plus Edmonton Airport Hotel at 5705 50th Street in Leduc, Alberta, just a few minutes south of Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Whether you are catching a flight, staying the night, or just looking for a great night out in the Leduc region, Barney’s is worth making the trip.
As Discover Leduc Region puts it, Barney’s offers locally sourced food, a pour-your-own craft beer wall, and weekly specials. It is one of Leduc’s go-to dining spots and a genuine Alberta original.
As Seen In
Barney’s Pour-Your-Own Beer Wall has been featured in several local and national publications:
CBC News: Leduc pub’s self-serve beer wall a first in Alberta
Edmonton Journal: Popularity brewing at Leduc bar with Alberta’s first self-serve beer and wine
Edmonton Sun: Alberta’s first self-serve beer wall a hit at Leduc pub
Erika Eats Everything: Restaurant Review - Barney’s Pub and Grill
