Backyard Brewery was a total letdown when I went recently. I used to look forward to visiting this place years ago, but after returning to the area, my experience was so disappointing that I felt embarrassed bringing my friend here for a Friday night outing around 8 pm.
The interior of Backyard Brewery appears quite clean, with a trendy, hipster vibe mixed with a country aesthetic. Situated just outside of town near the airport, it seems to attract a more affluent crowd, keeping the downtown riffraff at bay. On Friday nights, they offer some cool live music that is not overpowering.
Unfortunately, the service was absolutely terrible. I used to visit this place often during my travels through Manchester, but this past year, I've been less frequent. I wanted to show a friend from out of town, who was staying nearby and had an early flight the next morning, what this place was like. The restaurant was only about half full, so we were promptly seated, but the atmosphere felt crowded. Seating us at a long table right next to other people. No privacy.
The staff quickly took our drink and food orders, and everything arrived in a reasonable timeframe. However, no one checked in with us to see if we needed anything.
Shortly after our food arrived--my pork carnitas and my friend's chicken tenders--my friend enjoyed their meal, but my pork carnitas were cold and clearly had been sitting out for too long; they were overcooked and unappetizing. I managed to eat just one of the two servings and waited for the waiter to return, but he never did. After my friend finished their meal, we finally managed to flag him down by asking for another round of drinks. He took my friend's empty plate but didn't inquire about my food and hurried off as I tried to express my concerns.
When he returned, I said, "Hey, you can take this away; it's not good." He gave me a strange look, initially silent, then just tilted his head in confusion. I explained, "The pork is cold and dry; I was trying to tell you earlier, but you ran off, and you didn't ask me how my food was when you saw I hardly touched it." He stared back at me, looking skeptical. I reassured him, "I'm not trying to get a free meal; I'll pay for it, but it clearly wasn't fresh." He took my plate without any acknowledgment of my complaint--no apology, no offer for anything else--just a blank stare.
After that, our other drinks arrived, and the waiter soon asked if we wanted to place a last call, which we declined.
The drink prices seemed fair to moderate for a nicer establishment away from the typical NH Walmart best wearing crowd. You won't find the yokel local mouth breathing teeth missing granite staters here with their uncouth behaviors drinking cheap swill beer. However, I felt ripped off when I was charged for the food I barely ate and complained about, with no explanation or concern from the staff.
Will I be back? No, I don't think so. Restaurants like this have their ups and downs. Without improvements in customer service and food quality, I'd rather explore newer places that offer a similar relaxed vibe, good craft beer, and better service, which are a dime a dozen now.
Backyard Brewery, I'm sorry, but tonight was disappointing. While we enjoyed the drinks and live music, there was no acknowledgment of my complaint, just an awkward look that suggested indifference. The lack of attention from the staff was disheartening, leading me to leave without a proper meal and the first time I've ever chosen not to tip a server. I have to be provided a product and service to tip. It's unfortunate, but I can't justify returning without a significant improvement in effort and service.
2 stars for drinks and atmosphere. read more