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Main Street Barrel House provides live entertainment

T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Main Street Barrel House co-owners Leah McClurg and Scott Whitacre stand inside the eatery and pub. The establishment is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

BARNESVILLE — In addition to food and beverages, the Main Street Barrel House is also providing live music and entertainment in the downtown area of Barnesville.

Every Thursday evening, people of all ages flock to the bistro for open mic night. Leah McClurg and Scott Whitacre, co-owners of the eatery, said a range of music is played including blues, country, rock and bluegrass.

“We invite people of all ages to come in and play all kinds of musical genres,” Whitacre said.

Whitacre also owns Alpha Audio Services.. He said many students he provides music lessons for come in for the open mic night to perform. McClurg said they also try to have live entertainment every Friday evening, and occasionally on Saturdays. She said the community was lacking in entertainment venues and they hope to fill that gap

“We try to do live music or something every weekend,” she said. “We try to appeal to all ages … We try to make sure we have something for people of all ages.”

McClurg, who also owns another business located above the bistro called DG Dance Shop and Gymnastics, said a restaurant/bar/musical venue seemed like a great option.

The eatery and bar has a family-style atmosphere McClurg said.

Food served at the restaurant includes soups, salads, paninis, sandwiches, appetizers and various desserts.

“We’re pretty well known for our reubens, chili and wings,” she added.

She said she spent 38 years in Phoenix, Arizona, so many of the restaurant’s dishes were inspired by the cuisine of that area.

McClurg said they remain involved in the business — greeting and interacting with patrons. Whitacre said they both enjoy meeting new people and providing a fun and friendly atmosphere for all who come in. He said they’ve had people come visit the restaurant from as far away as Columbus because of the high ratings people have given for service, decor, food and experience.

“It’s really nice to hear someone drove that far to come in,” he said.

Barrel House opened in September 2019, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic. McClurg said it was a challenge, but thanks to the community’s support they remained open to serve takeout orders.

“If it wasn’t for the other small businesses in town, we probably would have struggled a lot more and I don’t know if we would have made it,” she said. “We’re happy to be a part of a community that cares so much about their hometown local businesses.”

Whitacre added that they would not be here now if not for those who helped support them over the past year. He said they have recently begun to see an upswing in business which they are grateful for.

Main Street Barrel House is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday at 137 E. Main St.

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