Bru Crew Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Johnsburg

It's time for another review, this time for a restaurant on the chain of lakes under new management: "The Backyard Bar & Marina," formerly known as "The Lake House on Pistakee." With a rich history and promising potential, The Backyard Bar & Marina (formerly The Lake House on Pistakee) held immense appeal. My wife's family frequented The Lake House when she was young, recounting tales of fun times on the water with great food and conversation. Naturally, we were excited to visit. Unfortunately, our recent experience left much to be desired. Arriving with my wife, her mother, and our dog, we parked near the launch.  Despite the location's enduring charm, the presence of dead fish spoiled the ambiance. Our biggest disappointment was the lack of waitstaff. The self-service model, reminiscent of a fast-food joint, felt out of place in a lakeside setting. Typically, one would be seated, given menus, and asked about the party size—none of which happened here. After a staffer kindly brought water for our dog, she disappeared, leaving us to decipher the menu ourselves. My wife attempted to clarify the service process, but her explanation nearly drove me to leave. There was no service; patrons were expected to order their own food and drinks, each on separate bills. A sign outside suggested we should enjoy the afternoon regardless, but I hadn't come for fast food. We waited for assistance with the menu and food choices, to no avail. Frustration grew evident, prompting my wife to handle the ordering. She placed the drink order and had her mom bring me a drink to try and calm my nerves. I was left with the puppy after all.  I debated a Tuna Sandwich but opted for a Burger, fearing a botched order. The hand-packed fresh burger, while promising, disappointed. It scored a 3; the tots lacked flavor. My wife's street tacos resembled cardboard, earning a 2. The absence of Cheese Curds, only discovered upon ordering, added to our dismay were replaced with Pot Stickers (but those were overcooked). Boats arriving and departing without service reinforced our concerns. I voiced my dissatisfaction openly. Eventually, someone delivered our food, though it was too late to salvage the experience. Better service might have enticed more drinks; we weren't informed of their prices, compounding our dissatisfaction. I won't return until they prioritize service quality. If fast turnover is their aim, they might consider a side-door short-order kitchen, leaving patrons like us to enjoy simpler pleasures. In conclusion, if you prefer attentive service, avoid "The Backyard Bar & Marina." Nearby options like Dockers or Fairmont Shores offer better food and service. I give them 1 star and hope for...

Came in didnt get a hello, welcome NOTHING ! One bartender and another must of been leaving her shift. Another young server. Mind you there was lady who offered her table to us as we had 2 young kids and another family who was outaide so no excuses not busy nothing to not be aknowledged. We came to get ice cream ! Please save your money and go to mcds. This ice cream is NOT soft sereve NOT ice cream. Not sure if its yogurt if so ITS NOT stated at all. Its sour ! Vanilla is sour the chocolate is sour. My four year old would not eat either was a waste of money. My fault for giving benift of a doubt and even ordering the chocolate after trying the vanilla. Not to mention they where out of almost every topping. We did not finish it at all. We go the menus for food but decided to save our time and not even risk it. The only plus side was the bounce houses m kid was happy to try but even then outside was so dirry my 1 year old kept trying to pick up cups and...

Place has a great potential stopped by for lunch after vet appointment with dog on outside patio. When ordering drinks girlfriend asked how the margaritas tasted and girl said they lacked ingredients (even tho it’s a special) she opted for vodka lemonade mixture which was missing something also. She had beef sandwich not bad on taste wrong style bun and small. I had smash burger which actually came with two burgers with no toppings and both had fries which could be amazing but over cooked, recooked and old oil. Asked server about fries she just said they appeared to be over cooked and walked away and seemed to care less. Music for a lake bar could be better not everyone likes acid rock! Will try again for the fresh fries could be so good.. hopefully they work...