Backstage Cafe — Restaurant in Kelso

Update 8/1/24

Decided to give them another try after owner's thoughtful response to my first review. Very unlikely to try again (Cue The Who singing won't get fooled again). Decided to try the Osso buco since I haven't had a decent one in a while. I accepted that it wasn't going to be "real" since it was beef brisket instead of shanks. When it arrived, it looked nice enough except for the immediately obvious lack of demi-glace. I intended to mention to my server but she never checked in with me. Still, everything tasted good so I continued eating. After taking a bite of some of my vegetables (the star of the dish), I heard a very loud noise on my plate. I looked to find what appeared to be a fastener for a light or similar (picture attached). I finished my food and gave my server the item and she commented that the kitchen staff needed to be more careful. Two trips, two disappointments. Unfortunately the good parts are no longer outweighing the bad.

First visit Upon entering the hostess asked what I wanted. When I said I was there to get dinner, I was informed they had only spaghetti, Lasagne, and pizza available. I sat down at an empty table and looked over the pizza menu. Immediately, one caught my eye. A BBQ pork belly pizza. I tried to order it only to be told it was no longer available, replaced by a brisket pizza. But, they were out of brisket as well as beef for any pizzas which listed it. I looked back over the menu and decided to get a pepperoni pizza. When I got it, it was fine. Not the best or worst I ever had. Crust was a little too foldy for my preference and toppings fell off when I tried to pick it up, but manageable.

TL;DR Decent pizza with decent enough service. Probably won't be back but not a...

My husband and I made reservations (highly recommended) for 6:15. Sarah, our friendly and personable hostess let us choose a table. The ambiance was delightfully comforting with soft lighting, Italian music playing in the background and the most tantalizing aroma filled the cozy space. I was immediately enchanted with the place and was excited to try something new. We each ordered a glass of Cabernet and roasted brussel sprouts for an appetizer which was quite good and large enough for two or three. I ordered the Cacio pepe verde with a side of meatballs. My husband ordered the Ossobuco . However, when our dishes arrived my husband's Ossobuco was Lasagna, not the dish he ordered. An honest mistake made when entering the order that Sarah did her best to rectify by offering to make the correct dish. However, after one bite my husband was delighted to find the dish so good he refused the offer and enjoyed probably the best Lasagna he has ever had. Sarah offered two free movie tickets and a voucher for half off a dish on our next visit. People say, myself included, that customer service and fine dining are dead and gone, but we found it alive and well at the Backstage Cafe. We had a fantastic time and enjoyed delicious, creative and well made dishes. We will...

I ordered for take out. I'm from out of town, house sitting and picked this place because I felt like pizza. When I walked in I was pleasantly surprised with the wonderful atmosphere. Wishing I could have had a sit down meal with friends or family. I went to the counter to pay for my order and the Manager was very nice and personable. I special ordered my pizza and she double checked to make sure I wasn't over charged before I paid. When they brought me my food it smelled Devine! The kind of wonderful smells that make it feel like torture as you drive home. I ordered a specialty pizza and an order of Fonduta. The pizza is comparable to my all time favorite pizza. A chain that was very prominent where I grew up, but hard to find in Washington state. Needless to say, I loved it! The Fonduta on the other hand is soo flavorful and delicious I am in heaven! As I sit with both in front of me, I just want to devour the Fonduta and the crostini that came with it. I rarely leave a written review, but this place is worth every word! If you live near Kelso, WA and you haven't tried the Backstage Cafe, you are inevitably missing out on...