Backstreet Pub — Restaurant in Waukesha

We went on a Friday night to give the fish fry a shot. So it was LOUD. Expected for a Friday in WI, at a bar, that has a fry goin' on. It very much is more of a bar than a grill, which is fine, I just wouldn't bring kids. They cover their pool tables on fry night with heavy-duty table tops and surround them with chairs. Excellent way to be able to seat more people. It APPEARED these were the only low-top seats, but I did NOT tour around and inspect the place. They do take reservations, so if you have a preference, be sure to ask. It is a fun, friendly place but not sure if we'd go back - you'll find out why shortly.

Service was not good. The server herself was great for what she was being tasked with, but because she was the ONLY one, overall service was lacking. It took nearly an hour for our food to come out; was it the kitchen being slow, or was it that our food was sitting and waiting to come out because the sole server was too busy to keep up. We don't know. After all of our meals came out, one person didn't get their food. Wasn't even made. Yet it was on the ticket. So that I'll put on the kitchen. But as I said, the server herself was a trooper and deserves to be treated better by having a full wait staff - especially on a fry night.

The food was a mixed bag. I don't eat fish (that had scales when it was alive) so I don't really know what all fish dishes were ordered. From what I could gather over the noise, the fish eaters were happy with their choices. I personally tried the Creamy Clam Chowder which is just delicious. When the entrées came out I was given the Coconut Shrimp my friend ordered, but with MY sides, and she was given my Tiger Shrimp with HER sides. We got that switched with little fuss. Unfortunately the tiger shrimp was barely peeled. There were so many shell pieces left on that I was continually spitting them out. Then the sides were a problem. One of the people said his cheesy potatoes were cold, one said his were room temp, but coconut shrimp girl said hers were warm. I ordered the Sour Cream and Chive Fries. I received plain fries with a dipping sauce. Not a big deal as I know other places that do it this way versus having it be a seasoning blend ON the fries. The problem was what I received tasted like pineapple and had coconut flakes in it. Now I happen to be someone who detests coconut. Luckily I'm not actually allergic or there could have been some major problems.

Not sure if we'll be back a different night to try...

I have been to Backstreet quite a bit over the last 40 years I lived in Waukesha. Always pretty steady with good drinks, food and service. Their Friday fish options really cannot be matched in the area with both baked and fried and I've never had one I didn't like. I had to give a review as last Friday night we went with friends and for some reason, there was a mix up and the other 5 at the table got their food and mine didn't come. It was noticed right away and immediately I had one of the owners come and apologize and even offer me soup while I waited. It did take a little bit but what made it right for me was that she checked in yet again and our server came over as well and owned the fact that he had made a mistake. What impressed me was the fact that it was important to them to make it right. In a world where so many could care less, make excuses or just plain not acknowledge, I appreciate those who will just look you in the eye, speak the truth and apologize. It was a busy night, waiters were hopping and I appreciate what they do when I know they are putting all they have into it. I felt like I had the best dinner... No corners cut, hot and made...

Huge props to the two gals bartending AND also running food and taking orders at all the tables so everyone could play Bingo without interruptions. They busted their as*%! I'm afraid to say how much I recommend it, and risk even more customers coming- The place was packed! :) So please note: if you're going to play Bingo, you need to be there early. With that being said, they went out of their way to be sure to try to get everyone seated. And if you come early, order food and drinks - don't be "those" people just there for the bingo. And tip well! Order the pot stickers,...