Back Nine Grill & BAR — Restaurant in Santa Cruz

Our first impression was positive--the hostess was delightful and helpful, seating us at a nice table by the window as we rolled our disabled family member into the restaurant. The second hostess was also kind, though unfamiliar with the drink options, but she ensured we received our beverages. Our initial server, who had sleeves, was prompt and knowledgeable about mixed drinks. However, things began to decline once Shelby, our primary server, took over.

Shelby asked if we wanted hors d'oeuvres. Initially, we declined, but I quickly corrected us and ordered jumbo shrimp to share. I also requested a straw. Shelby returned much later to take our orders after getting our hors d'oeuvre I requested a straw again after drinking most of my soda. My fiancé ordered for his mother first, requesting fish and chips, followed by my salad, his pulled pork sandwich, and our friend's BBQ chicken. Despite this, Shelby's attitude was cold and dismissive, shocking us with her rolling eyes and snubbing behavior. She rarely checked on us, while attentively serving other tables. Other servers stepped in to assist more than Shelby did.

When the hors d'oeuvres finally arrived, my fiancé asked another staff member if the peach sauce was spicy. He was told it wasn't, but after tasting it, both he and his mother experienced intense heat and heartburn. Shortly after, our meals arrived. My salad was beautifully presented, my fiancé's pulled pork sandwich was good, and our friend's BBQ chicken looked appealing. However, Shelby failed to notice she had completely forgotten my mother-in-law's fish and chips. When it eventually arrived, it was clear it had been frozen--the batter was soggy and tasteless, the fries were wretched, and the coleslaw was the only redeemable item. We had to chase Shelby down for condiments like ketchup and vinegar.

The restroom situation compounded our frustration. The aisles were too narrow for a wheelchair, making navigation difficult. The unisex bathroom was occupied, and the women's restroom door was too small for the wheelchair. My fiancé had to assist in helping my mother-in-law. Meanwhile, I observed customers repeatedly slamming the unisex bathroom door into an outside bench, creating unnecessary disturbances.

After eating, I requested boxes and the check. Shelby brought boxes that were right next to us but failed to bring the check promptly. We waited ten minutes before leaving, except for my fiancé, who waited another ten minutes inside. By the time we were all at the car, the neglectful service made it clear we could've easily left without paying, and no one would've noticed.

The experience was appalling. Shelby's dismissive attitude, lack of care, and forgetfulness ruined what should've been an enjoyable meal. While some dishes were satisfactory, the overall experience was disgraceful. We would never return, and I strongly advise others to avoid this restaurant due to Shelby's...

We went to Back Nine on a whim the other night hoping to enjoy a nice dinner before heading home to the SLV. Those hopes did not come to fruition. From the poor, neglectful service to the unappetizing, overpriced food it was a true letdown.

It was a nice evening so we asked to be seated outside. Even though the outdoor seating is basically in the center of the parking lot, they have managed to make it a quaint area. We were brought waters right away. After just over 10 minutes passed, we asked a passing server if anyone was available to take our order. She said, yes, acting surprised that we hadn’t placed our order yet, and told us she would “find our server.” A young girl frantically came running out and took our appetizer and drink order. When she came back with our drinks, we placed our entree order hoping the calamari would be out shortly.

Our overbreaded, overcooked, rubbery calamari was delivered to our table a short handful of minutes before our entrees arrived. Had the calamari been enjoyable, it would have been a bummer not getting time to enjoy it before pushing it aside so our entrees wouldn’t get cold. We both ordered the New York Steak, one with mashed potatoes, one with a baked potato and a cup of clam chowder. We both ordered our steaks medium rare. One was quite rare and the other medium, borderline well done. Both steaks were incredibly fatty, not trimmed in any way (please reference the pile of fat left on the plate from the rare steak.) The mashed potatoes were warm and tasted fine. The baked potato was cold and rock hard. The mushrooms and vegetables were cooked and seasoned well and the chowder was tasty.

We didn’t see our server at our table again once she delivered our meals. We ate what we were willing and able to and sat for over 20 minutes before we got up and went inside to ask for the check. When we went in, I asked if our server had gone on a break as we hadn’t seen her for close to 40 minutes. The girl inside looked around and pointed at a large party and said she would get her as soon as she was done there. When she walked over the girl mentioned to her that her party from outside was ready for the check to which she responded, “Oh sh*t, I forgot they were out there.” Really? We were standing right there and she didn’t realize we were who she “forgot” about. Our bill was over $120 and we had a horrible experience. It goes without saying, but we will...

My wife and I went here on a recommendation. Our usual goto place is a well respected top tier restaurant on the other side of town. I do not want to name the other place because this place is much much better. When we arrived we were sat down in less than a few moments. Our server was Noelle. She was spot on and very quick and attentive.This continued even when the restaurant filled up. Her service never wavered no matter how many people were at her tables. True professional and her only concern was with the tables she was serving. Top notch customer service from her and all the wait staff. We ordered two of the appetizer specials. Wow the Salmon balls and the artichoke hearts were to die for!!! This was the first indication that whomever was in the back cooking was something special. Then the main dishes came out. My prime rib was perfect. The asparagus was charred perfectly and the potatoes were the best. My wife had the surf and turf and again the chef out did himself. Ingenuity in every dish. We did find out his name was Ben Kralj. He also stepped outside his kitchen to say hi. That is one class act Ben. Thank you for that not every Chef takes a few moments to meet people. Class act. I think those cooking shows you see on tv are below him. He would win and every one go home before the show started. Lets just hope Gordon Ramsey does not find out about him and steal him from SantaCruz..The back nine is a must visit. It is our new goto place in...