By Jared Curtis
Barclay’s
Ankeny’s newest destination
Drew Melton knows a thing or two about the restaurant/bar business. So when Rookies in Ankeny (his former employer for seven years) closed, Melton took a chance and opened his own restaurant/bar called Barclay’s in the same location.
“I have been in the business for a long time, and I had some plans of opening my own place. I just didn’t think it would be this soon,” Melton said. “I knew it was a good location, so I figured I’d take it over and try something new.”
The building has the look of a chain-style restaurant/bar, but Melton has added a neighborhood feel to Ankeny’s newest sports destination.
“We have 31 TVs and offer fans the NFL Ticket along with all the college football games,” Melton said. “We offer food and drink specials on game days, including a wing special.”
Barlcay’s offers football fans a great way to save a little money while enjoying the game. For $20, patrons can join Barclay’s “Offensive Line Club,” where members receive appetizer coupons, drink tickets and the opportunity to drink from Barclay’s 23-ounce football mugs for $3 during games.
“It’s a good way to give back to our customers,” Melton said. “At the end of the season, each member gets to take a football mug home with them.”
Barclay’s will hold a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Sept 12 with a tailgate party for the Iowa/Iowa State football game. Doors open at 8 a.m.; game starts at 11:05 a.m. There’ll be food and drink specials as well as numerous prize giveaways. After 6 p.m., the party becomes 21-and-over with live music from Facility Lounge. There is a $5 cover, and patrons receive a raffle ticket for prize giveaways, with the music starting at 8 p.m.
“We’ll have the game on every TV,” Melton said. “It’s going to be a great time, and we have tons of prizes to giveaway.”
Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., with two-for-one domestic bottles, $2 domestic draws, $1 off pitchers and 50 cents off everything else. Barclay’s also offers a wide variety of nightly specials throughout the week. Stop in Monday for one of the house specialties, The Moscow Mule, for $4. On Tuesday, Barclay’s offers $3 margaritas and Coronas. Wednesday offers $3 Long Island Iced Teas and $4 bombs. On Thursday, enjoy $3 draws and calls. Patrons can get $1 off martinis on Friday and $1 off wine after 5 p.m. on Saturday’s. Sunday offers $3 Bloody Marys. Also on Sunday, enjoy free pool, $5 pitchers, $4 bombs and $6 homemade pizzas after 5 p.m.
“Our food is great, and everything is made from scratch,” Melton said. “Not a lot of places have Moscow Mules, so I tracked down some mugs and they’ve become a popular item.”
Melton is proud of what he has accomplished in a short time and looks forward to building a clientele not only in Ankeny, but from all across the metro.
“We’re a sports bar with a neighborhood feel,” he said. “We have good prices, great homemade food and plenty of entertainment. We offer something for everybody.” CV
caption: Bar manager Leslie Lindeman serves up a Moscow Mule at Barclay’s, 1810 White Birch Circle, Ankeny. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.), Sunday through Thursday and 11 to 2 a.m. (kitchen closes at 11 p.m.) Friday and Saturday.
