Restaurant Review: Barb's Wooden Spoon

In an increasingly busy and fast paced world, sometimes you just need lunch, fast.  But “fast” in terms of restaurant food usually entails something along the lines of an econo-priced, low-grade McMeal.  The convenience is surely a godsend for some, but the quality, even after, say, a long night of alcohol-infused, college shenanigans, leaves a bit to be desired.

Luckily in the densely populated world of American restaurants, there’s variation. Ahh (sigh) harmony at last. 

Some places can balance these two elements –convenience and quality- and transcend typical fast food stereotypes to become something memorable, maybe even halfway delicious.  Barb’s Wooden Spoon falls into this category.

Nestled in a small Largo, shopping center, Barb’s has been serving up deli-style sandwiches, soups and more, including breakfast, to Largo-ians for a little over six years.  They deliver and everything’s made fresh to order with affordability and taste in mind.

The buffalo chicken sandwich ($5.95) is listed atop the menu as one of their favorites. Eating it was a largely tasteful endeavor. A generous cut of deep fried chicken breast coated perfectly in a tangy, but not overbearing buffalo sauce, paired with a bit of shredded lettuce, melted provolone, and a kiss of ranch dressing.  Buffalo-anything fans will not be disappointed. 

Sadly, a few points get taken off for the use of a flaccid, out-of-the-bag hamburger bun.  Bread is important, sandwich-makers!  And, for almost six bucks, something a tier above an enriched, white-bread bun doesn’t seem like too much to ask.

Other sandwiches on the menu appeared monstrous and mouth-watering.  Barb’s uses all Boar’s Head meats which probably ups the price a bit, but definitely ups the quality a notch or two.  If anything, the Barbzilla sandwich ($8.95) is loaded with a half pound of roast beef, turkey and ham with cheddar and Swiss cheese and topped with mayo, mustard, banana peppers, onions, lettuce and tomatoes. It's worth the trip back.

Side items like french fries ($2.29) were generously portioned and cooked right to golden perfection.  No little shoe strings here. Barb’s fries were thick, crunchy, and a great accompaniment to any hot sandwich.

Barb’s chili ($2.95) was another great sandwich sidekick.  Thick, with equal parts hearty ground beef and tomato chunks, the chili was an ample accompaniment.  Opt for the shredded cheddar and onions to round it out and enjoy.

Barb’s is definitely a suitable spot for a quick lunch that won’t leave you hating your stomach, and life, after eating.   Loaded with an assortment of cold and hot deli sandwiches, salads, soups and more,Barb’s does it quick and fresh which goes a long way in this fast-paced Mcfood world of ours.

Barb's Wooden Spoon is located at 13030 Starkey Rd. in Largo, (727) 518-6321.