Backyard Grill — Restaurant in Chantilly

8/18/24 Update: I have had quite a few meals at Backyard Grill now. Let me say that the shrimp fajitas was a bad day. Ever since I have had some of the best real food I have had in years. I have gotten to know Freddy the Owner and what a fabulous man. He has been there 28 years and strives to be the best food each and every day for all customers. Thank you Freddy for your stand out food and sacrifices you make for the community. Now I am gonna let you all in Freddy’s secret weapon. Her name is Kyra and she is a bartender beyond and bartender you will meet. Go just for her

Backyard Grill in Chantilly, Virginia, is a popular spot known for its casual, welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu. They offer a range of American and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including burgers, kebabs, seafood, and various appetizers. The restaurant also features a spacious outdoor seating area, making it an excellent choice for enjoying meals in pleasant weather. Additionally, Backyard Grill often hosts events and live music, adding to the vibrant and community-focused ambiance. Whether you're looking for a place to have a casual meal with family or a spot to unwind with friends, Backyard Grill is a great option in the Chantilly area.

The shrimp fajitas at Backyard Grill in Chantilly, Virginia, have garnered mixed reviews, with some customers noting that the quality was lower than expected. Concerns have been raised about the shrimp's freshness and texture, with some diners finding them to be overcooked and lacking the plump, juicy quality typically associated with well-prepared shrimp. Additionally, the accompanying vegetables and tortillas have sometimes been described as less flavorful or fresh than anticipated, contributing to an overall underwhelming experience. While Backyard Grill generally maintains a good reputation, the shrimp fajitas might not always meet the high standards set by the rest of their menu. I find this to be a true assessment. The shrimp were overcooked, the onions not cooked enough and over all presentation had way too much many plates. I felt like I was having Tapas.

Backyard Grill in Chantilly, Virginia, features a beautiful bar area that attracts many patrons. The bar is well-designed, with an inviting ambiance, comfortable seating, and a good selection of drinks. However, some customers have noted a lack of televisions being turned on, which can detract from the overall experience, especially for those looking to catch a game or enjoy some background entertainment. While the bar's aesthetic appeal and drink offerings are commendable, ensuring that the televisions are on and tuned to popular events could enhance the atmosphere and meet the expectations of sports enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. As well I counted over a half dozen tv’s turned off. Even at the bar. If you have tv’s in your establishment, they need to be on from open to close. Its atmosphere and it shows throughout the establishment.

Now for the best part of my lunch:

Kyra stands out for her exceptional bartending skills. When making an amaretto sour, she delivers the perfect pour, balancing the sweet and sour elements flawlessly. Her attention to detail and commitment to quality result in a drink that is both refreshing and well-crafted, leaving a lasting impression on patrons. Kyra's expertise and personable service contribute significantly to the positive experience at the beautiful bar, making her a valued member of the Backyard Grill team. I will be back to try another meal. I will be back many times to enjoy the...

Um... I'd skip this place. Can you give food 0 stars?

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out and offering to hear more about my experience.

I visited your restaurant with a friend who was eager to show me one of his old favorite spots. While it's not my usual kind of place, I’ve had some fantastic meals in places like this and thought I might be in for a pleasant surprise.

I asked the bartender for recommendations, and she raved about the French onion soup. Unfortunately, what arrived was far from what I’d hoped. The broth was watery, and although the crock it was served in could have rivaled the surface of the sun in temperature, the contents were lukewarm at best. The soggy bread and half-hearted onions led me to believe it was microwaved rather than prepared with any care. The cheese was melted, but that was the only part that seemed to receive any proper heat.

Still trying to give it a fair shot, I opted for the fajitas next since they were highlighted on the menu. The bartender assured me they were made by "real Spanish people," implying that I was about to experience something authentic. However, considering fajitas are a Tex-Mex dish, I’m pretty sure Spain has nothing to do with it.

The fajitas were a serious letdown. The onions were poorly cut and still attached at the center, making them difficult to eat. The chicken was dry, overcooked, and completely flavorless—more like chewing on rubber than anything appetizing. To make matters worse, the tortillas seemed to have been pulled straight out of the package and served cold, without a hint of warmth, or care.

My friend also had issues with his food, but I’ll let him speak for himself. I wasn’t planning to go into all this detail—I was just going to leave the review as is. But since you asked for more feedback, here it is.

As for the atmosphere, it didn’t help either. The decor is a bizarre mix of mismatched murals, odd partitions, and a layout that feels like different buildings were awkwardly combined. Honestly, it made me wonder if this place was a Greek diner at one point because nothing seems to match. I don’t expect perfection, but the overall vibe felt chaotic and disjointed.

So...yeah.

I hope this gives you some insight into what went wrong at your...

EDIT to Reply to Owner

I'll start from the top, a Facebook post on July 15 shows Happy Hour 7 Days a Week, 3PM-7PM. It says 10% off check. That is where I got the 10% from. If that is different it should be published as such. If the beers are nearly 25% off then I guess the regular price of my 60 IPA is near $10?

Also, the service was lackluster. I sat at the bar and there was no barkeep for a solid 5 minutes, just a few patrons at the bar. That's fine, it was about 4PM and it was slow. She comes over, asks what I want to drink, and me a menu, serves my drink and asks if I want food. That was it, the extent of her service. She never mentioned any specials, happy hour, or anything. It wasn't bad service, quick and to the point, but also wasn't good. At 4:45 she walked around and just handed out checks with few words, I knew what was going on, but she never said anything, that is why it was awkward.

I was not looking "to have the bartender pay for your beer," and I don't know where you even get that from. Such a strange and off putting response. Been looking for a place for cheap beers after work, but this isn't it. Happy hour is supposed to be 10% off, which isn't great to begin with, but i didn't see that on my check. They charge a 3% surcharge to use a card. Service was lackluster and she awkwardly asked me to close out because her shift was ending. I'll...