Hangout Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Cary

Hubby and I went over to MacGregor Downs to meet someone for lunch and then some fun playing up at the Geekery, to find out that Wasabi is not open on Sunday for "Lunch". After looking around near Wasabi, found this place tucked in the back, that was actually open. Since it was still well before "evening", the place was fairly empty, which was fine by us. Got to chatting with the staff, and found out they have recently reopened under new management. They had previously had bad reviews, and then covid hit, and everything went sideways. We've all been there. So I took it upon myself to have a "look around".

First off, the food and service were fantastic, and I don't think that was "just" because it was slow. I got a pic of my burger, and oh yes I will be ordering THAT again - YUM! The staff was happy to chat with us, from the bartender just making small talk, to the cook coming out to not only check on our dietary restrictions, but to laugh and chat with us as well. LOVE when we get to chat with the staff and are welcomed to hang out, instead of feeling rushed to finish our food and "get out" so more customers can dine.

Second, oh my goodness, this place is SO MUCH LARGER than it appears on the outside, or even at the front door. MULTIPLE Rooms of dart boards, a separate area for pool tables, a massive dance floor, space for live entertainment, even a raised separated seating area filled with massive reclining chairs, and that's all before even mentioning the regular tables, bar, and the outside seating! Which, there's more than just "one" bar. Just what the what?! I haven't seen this massive of a layout for a bar, since "It's" in Fayetteville!

Third, music. Vibe is definitely country honky-tonk, with apparently line dancing classes on Sunday evenings. Haven't been able to check that out yet, but I'm hoping that we can soon. But, considering this is more of a honky-tonk vibe, expect thumping country music from the past 30 years. BIG screens behind the stage by the dance floor, was playing country music videos. BUT, it wasn't "so loud" that we couldn't hear each other talk up at the bar, which for me is a bonus.

Lastly, it pulls off the "vast yet intimate" vibe... so depending on your mood, you can either be in a mass social setting, or off in a private corner. I've seen massive dance halls where you couldn't find a quiet spot to save your life, and I've seen literal underground speak-easy's that were nothing BUT a grouping of walled off private corners, and yet they expected you to be able to dance to live entertainment. This is the happy medium, that most bars can't provide. My 40+years of "clubbing" has shown me that much.

So, if you're looking for a place to do some boot-scootin', enjoy a REALLY good burger and top-notch onion rings, indulge in an old fashioned made with Woodford Reserve, and enjoy some good vibes all around, DEFINITELY check...

We went to Back Then Bar and Grill for the second time yesterday, and the food was great, AGAIN. We need this place to be there for a LONG time, so PLEASE check them out. In the two times we’ve been there since we found out about them, we, and those we were with, had the Touchdown [appetizer sampler] Platter, Coconut Shrimp, Fish and Chips [twice], BTBG Chicken sandwich [both Fried and Grilled], Quesadilla Burger, Grown-up Grilled Cheese, and Steak Sando. Everyone LOVED their entrees. The Tater Tots, Onion Rings, and Fries were very good as well. HOWEVER, the most surprising and amazing item we had was the Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie; if there’s any remaining when you get there [ask] order it IMMEDIATELY so you are ensured of having it for dessert!!!

We can’t wait to go “Back” to try other things on the menu, and another slice [or two] of the Peanut Butter Pie!!

In addition, the service by everyone was terrific; you were made to feel like they really cared for your patronage. Thank you Alexis, and the others.

The place is HUGE, with 50 TV's, Games [darts, pool], Trivia, Karaoke, and more., There's a LONG bar, lots of room for big parties, and you're not back to back with others...

Back Then is in MacGregor Village, 107 Edinburgh South Drive, #129, Cary They are in the back, where Tony’s [Bourbon St.] Oyster Bar used to be, across from where Jimmy V’s Steakhouse used to be. Look it up, it is WELL worth the trip!! Maybe you’ll...

The owner Tony and his beautiful wife and lovely staff were very friendly and accommodating. I have never been to this kind of event and didn’t know much of music but I had a ball. It was truly truly a perfect relaxing fun experience. I had the cucumber core and the blueberry buliet as my drinks and loved them both. The cucumber was refreshing and the the blueberry one was very very strong which kind of drowned out the blueberry purée and cinnamon. My friend had the Back Then Old Fashioned (Usually my drink of choice) and it was also very good but a bit sweet, possibly from the cherry in bottom. Her other drink I cannot remember name of but it was also very tasty with very fruity notes. For entrees we had quesadilla burger medium rare with onion rings and cajun shrimp pasta. The cream sauce for the pasta seemed a little bland which with the full flavor of Parmesan you would expect more especially since sauce doesn’t penetrate cavatappi noodles well. The shrimp however were seasoned to perfection and very flavorful. The quesadilla burger was very tasty and the onion rings were great as well. Theres multiple other onsite activities of cornhole, pool, darts, and more. The restrooms are individual open gender toilets and are pretty clean for a bar. Overall I had a great time and would definitely return and try...