Backyards — Restaurant in Arizona

I'll probably give them another try for a football game, but if you want anything besides beer don't bother.

Service and food were good, but the cocktails leave much to be desired. Seems like the bartenders may be capable, but with a limited cocktail menu beer is really the only option here. Tried their version of an old fashioned which used makers whiskey instead of a rye, with muddled orange slice/maraschino cherries topped with a splash of simple. For the cocktail enthusiasts, you'll recognize this as your classic dive bar old fashioned, which is a letdown if you're a fan of the craft cocktail bars that have taken the valley by storm over the past five or six years (bar didn't seem to carry basics such as brandied cherries or cocktail onions). Their makers old fashioned might have been okay without the muddled orange and maraschino, but the pink/red drink I received didn't resemble the taste of whiskey at all -- or anything really, other than sugar and melted ice.

I was seated next to managers discussing their grand opening and bit my tongue for as long as I could palate the drink. I mentioned that they needed to add a true old fashioned option to the menu, but felt like my suggestion was blown off. Sounded like being a sports bar was their only priority, but when a bar only has a handful of cocktails on the menu you'd hope they'd be more true to the liquors the drinks are named for. Was considering bringing a group here, but since the girls aren't beer drinkers and the guys tend towards classic/craft cocktails, we'll probably stick to the usual spots in Old Town, Kierland,...

I wouldn't normally leave a negative review just because the food wasn't great...but in addition to the sub-par food, our party of 5 was charged gratuity which appears at the bottom of an itemized receipt (not listed on the standard "credit card sign" receipt). There was no information provided to us by the server that gratuity was added, and when I added a 20 percent tip on the signed copy

Industry standard generally suggests parties of 6 or more are charged gratuity, so I had no idea to even look for it. In addition, when I called to speak to someone regarding this situation I was told that "it is printed on the menu that we may charge gratuity to anyone." The person answering the phone took my name and number to call me back, and I never received any further follow-up about this issue. I mean, great, I understand if the manager says "sorry, can't do anything about it now" but at least have the decency to call back when you say you will.

While I fully understand the concept of gratuity additions, and that it is I who missed the charge (in a place on the bill in which I've never seen it before, but whatever), the series of events surrounding these issues is very disappointing and frustrating. The worst part is, if the server had told me I had mistakenly tipped her twice, I probably would have left her...

A definate locals bar and grill that knows how to make you feel right at home. This is a low brow joint that's calm and friendly with an outstanding staff and a great menu. If you're in their good, stop in and say hello for me.

Thanks for reading

Stopped in today, 03/27/21 and what a complete 180 from my previous review.

Sit down and buckle up because this is going to be a bumpy ride.

Mrs. Wonderful ordered the black bean sandwich, served on toast with lettuce and tomatoes served on the side. She also ordered a side of veggies. Visually, I'm not sure I've ever seen a more poorly done presentation. She skipped the bread and ate the "burger" and said it was "OK".

Not a great endorsement. The veggies appeared to be frozen and heated up in a microwave.

I'm a big fan of chicken wings and this restaurant should not be allowed to sell their version.

I ordered buffalo style but found it odd that their wings has zero flavor.

The bigger issue were the fact that their wings appeared to be cooked in a deep fat fryer. Yuk.

The wings were hard, tough and chewy. I had 3 or 4 out of 9 and gave up.

Avoid ordering these altogether.

Another issue was the simply awful service. When I have to flag down the waiter to get another drink, I'm probably not going...