Great service and yummy food. Holly was our server and she was on it! We would love to come back here again. read more

Backyard - Desert Ridge - Sports Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Tori was the best bartender ever! She was honest and our drinks were never empty! We'll definitely be back!

Jacie was the best server! 10/10! She recommended the nachos which are something worth coming back for!

[[HIGHLIGHT]]WOW this place is amazing!! If you're watching soccer this is the place to be. Woww it's so cool.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Like the whole place is super large, fits literally hundreds of people comfortably, and reminded me of one of those Oktoberfest beer tents.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There is a large bar in the middle, where you can get beers, this sweet cider, or other drinks. I tried the cider they had and it was really good, among the sweetest we tried :)) [[HIGHLIGHT]]Then they have booths lining the outer edge, with extra TVs there too, and servers come there to get food orders.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We tried the spinach dip with pita bread, mac and cheese fried balls, and this chicken barbeque pizza. Food was pretty good and I think the mac and cheese fried balls were my favorite out of the things we tried! I've never tried such a thing before =P [[HIGHLIGHT]]And yeah so for World Cup soccer games, they outfitted the place with giant floating soccer balls for decorations (whole place looks super festive), their servers wear these cool US team jerseys which look really cool too, and super importantly they have a GIANT TV screen right in the center that's a pleasure to watch from :)[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]If I could rate Backyard's ambiance and commitment to the FIFA/sports experience 100000/10, I absolutely would. The concept is so well done, it feels like you're sitting in a lush outdoor backyard patio, but you're actually inside a massive, air-conditioned space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, panoramic views, and TVs in every direction. The energy during a game is unmatched, and it's easily one of the coolest sports bars I've been to.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was great too. We ordered the Buffalo Grilled Chicken Pizza along with a few beers, and everything hit the spot. They also offer beer pitchers, which is perfect if you're coming with a larger group. That said, the prices were definitely on the higher side, and the service was painfully slow. We waited almost 45 minutes for our pizza, which took away from the overall experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]For the vibes alone, I'd come back in a heartbeat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But between the steep prices and slow service, I can't give it more than 3/5 stars. If they improve those two things, this place would be an easy favorite. read more

Backyard - Desert Ridge - Interior - Sports Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Came here to catch the USA/Bosnia match. Our first experience here back when they first opened wasn't great because the food wasn't up to par, but after hearing they had a new menu, we decided to give them a second chance. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe was great and our server was wonderful, but the management practices here are incredibly dishonest and frustrating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When the bill came, I realized my beers were marked up $2 each over the menu price. When I questioned it, I was told there was a surcharge for the game. The staff claimed there was a sign at the door and that guests were being verbally warned. None of this happened. The line to get in was so long you couldn't see the host stand, our server never warned us, and the friends who arrived before us never heard a word about it either. Funnily enough, I was the only person at our table who actually got charged this fee. When I brought the manager over to sort it out, she didn't seem to care. She first blamed a "system glitch," then pivoted to arguing that it was a "bigger game" so a surcharge applied. Then, in a complete shift of logic, she tried to claim that they had actually undercharged me for my potato skins, so I was "already getting a discount." It was an insulting attempt to brush me off, and they just took a random $3 off the bill to get me to go away. When we actually checked the front entrance for this "sign" on our way out, it was written in barely legible red chalk on a blackboard, stating only that there may be a surcharge--with absolutely no details on how much or on what items. We actually had tables already reserved to return here this coming Monday, but we will be cancelling them immediately. Instead of doing the right thing and fixing their mistake, the manager doubled down and argued with me. It's not about the money; it's about the principle. They blew their second chance with us. Sneaking random upcharges onto the bill and then fighting a returning customer about it is terrible business. I can't even imagine how much they are making off these secret charges! Won't be back. read more

Backyard - Desert Ridge - Sports Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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We were so excited when Backyard opened in Desert Ridge because this area really needs a casual, family friendly sports bar. It has such great potential with the huge TVs everywhere, lots of seating, and space for kids to wiggle. Unfortunately our experiences have been consistently disappointing. The biggest issue has always been the service. Almost every visit has involved very slow service and long waits. A few times we watched the hostess stand with multiple open tables available while people waited with no explanation as to why no one was being seated. At first we gave them grace because they were newly opened and figured they just needed time to work out the kinks, but years later it honestly has not improved much. They have updated and expanded the menu over time, which was definitely needed because the original menu lacked variety for this type of restaurant. My kids do enjoy the pizza, so that has been one positive for us. Unfortunately the food has been hit or miss for us. We ordered the Backyard nachos without meat on one visit. They use more of a liquid nacho cheese instead of melted shredded cheese. Shortly after eating them I became extremely sick and had to leave before my entree came. I assumed it was just a random stomach bug. Then months later my husband ordered the exact same nachos, again without meat, and about 20 minutes later became very nauseous and got sick at the restaurant. Nobody else in either group got sick, but after two separate incidents tied to the same dish it definitely left us uncomfortable ordering certain foods there. I do not eat meat, so I have wondered if there is some sort of animal fat or ingredient in the cheese or preparation that did not sit well with me. Another frustrating experience involved drink charges. A friend ordered a vodka with grapefruit juice and was charged not only for the cocktail but also an additional $3 just for the grapefruit juice. Our group thought that was excessive. We have also heard similar complaints from other friends about unexpected extra charges appearing on bills with drinks. It's a bummer because Backyard could be such a great spot. The atmosphere is fun, the kids enjoy it, and there honestly aren't many places with better TVs for watching sports. We just wish the service and food experiences matched the potential of the place. read more

Backyard - Desert Ridge - Backyard Nachos - Sports Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

So, the review is for the mismanagement and miscommunication on their end and for keeping me waiting for a response on the critical day when the USA is playing a Round of 32 game. When I called them yesterday (June 30), the person who called herself a host didn't share a single detail about the minimum spend inside or outside, and all of a sudden, just to get a table, they introduced new rates ($400 for inside and $250 for outside). When I called the restaurant today (July 1) at 11:55 AM, the person speaking with me confirmed that she would text or call me within an hour to let me know whether the reservation was confirmed. Since they did not communicate with me, I called again at 2:29 PM. After spending 13 minutes on the call, the manager (?) told me that I had to pay for the table. Their unethical behavior and unprofessional service led to me missing reservations at other places that were not charging any upfront money, while I stayed committed to watching the US game. I am definitely never going to this place, and I will also let my coworkers know about this experience. read more

Backyard - Desert Ridge - Sports Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Came by on a Tuesday with a decent sized group. Had some tables reserved so seating wasn't an issue. Started ordering as soon as we sat down. Menus were straightforward. Started with the huge sample platter, multiple wing varieties, sticky ribs, tater skins, and numerous pizza pies. Orders came out pretty quick and were decently done. Typical bar food. Sticky ribs and wings were the crowd favorites. The Brookie dessert was how we closed out our meal. Wasn't bad. Host kept things lively as there were trivia and bingo games with nice prizes. Our waitress came by every so often to check on us and kept our drinks full. Not a bad choice if you needed to quick place for a large group. read more

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The Backyard is a great place to meet up with friends for great food and service. What makes it even better is that bringing one's dog is encouraged! Just to meet dog lovers or have your dog's birthday party there- The Backyard looks forward to seeing your dogs! read more

Backyard - Desert Ridge - Two dogs who love going to The Backyard! Celebrating a Birthday! - Sports Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Service was fast and friendly both at the bar and the tables. Chicken quesadilla was lackluster. $11 for a pint of beer is ridiculous. We made a reservation for the USA/Bosnia game and it worked out well...except for the cost of beers. We also made reservations for the USA/Belgium game. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They sat us outside...terrible. So hot![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Apparently there was a different place to make inside reservations and they were charging $100 per person for the reservations. What a joke and a money grab. We left and went somewhere else. Hopefully the next business that takes this revolving restaurant space does better. read more

I live in Desert Ridge so you could say Backyard - Desert Ridge is right in my backyard. Okay, enough with the dad jokes. I've checked out this sports bar twice. Located in Desert Ridge Marketplace, there's ample free parking. Ambiance (5/5): This is where Backyard shines. Backyard makes you feel like you're in your buddy's backyard outside when you're actually inside. There are plenty of lawn-type chairs and it's a huge bar. There's also seating at the bar and high tops. Here's the best part, though. They have a ton of TVs, including a huge screen. And I'm talking huge. If you're a sports fan like me, you know what that means...an elite spot to watch the game. You also have some games that you can pay to play like skee ball and basketball. Plus, there's beer pong! Pretty awesome. Service (3.5/5): Service is pretty standard. A little slow sometimes, but overall, does the job. Food (N/A): While they have food, I've been on a liquid diet both times. I'll have to chow down next time I visit. Drinks (3.5/5): Backyard has a full bar with a large list of cocktails and beer. While the variety is there, the cocktails lack the sophistication you'd find at a cocktail bar or speakeasy. They're about average in my book. With that being said, you can't go wrong with some beer when you're at a sports bar. Pro tip: Check out their happy hour menu for discounts on food and drinks. While Desert Ridge tends to draw an older crowd, at Backyard, you'll find a younger demographic which I enjoyed. And for the awesome set-up with all of the TVs, that makes Backyard a winner in my book. read more

We visited over the weekend and really enjoyed our experience. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the service was exceptional, Jordan was one of the best servers we've had in a very long time. While the food was average, we'd definitely return for the great vibe and the ability to bring our dog inside to relax and enjoy the AC with us. read more

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Stopped by for a late dinner one Monday night and was pleasantly surprised by the best sports bar I have been to in a long time! This is a casual, cool and fun place to hang out and order shareable appetizers, and bar food delights. Tgey are not fancy but rather very laid back and even dog friendly if you're into hanging out in public with your canine BFF. Our service was excellent the places surrounded by more screens than the law ought to allow, which is perfect for the sports enthusiast or the casual fan who wants to catch up on the latest games for their favorite local pro sports team. I happen to be here during a Monday Night Football game and watching it here was awesome! The food was good. The happy hour prices are always a nice added bonus. Our table side service was excellent. We will definitely come back here again. read more

Randee is a wonderful server. Food was great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Vibes on point.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Glad I decided to check this place out.

Came in after doing the Sip and Stroll at Desert Ridge. This place is HUGE with tons of seating options. We grabbed a shaded spot on the patio. Spa Water - Tito's, cucumber, lime, simple, soda water Hubby loved it. I didn't try it because I'm not a cucumber person. Tee Time - Crown Royal Peach, lemon, simple, unsweetened tea I'm a sweet-tea kinda gal, but this was actually pretty nice. The lemon and peach make it feel summery, even though it's November in Phoenix. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot - Fireball + RumChata These should be illegal. They are SO good. Poolside Punch - chili mango rum, triple sec, OJ, lime, simple Tropical and tasty, but we make almost the exact same drink at home. Spinach & Artichoke Dip - Do. Not. Order. Super runny, basically tastes like warm milk with a little shaky parmesan. The baked flatbread is good on its own but terrible as a dipping option--it just turns soggy and falls apart. You can't get any actual dip on it without it sliding right off. Really disappointing start, especially because this came out way before our drinks (which we ordered at the same time). The manager offered a substitution, so we swapped it for the pretzel. Bavarian Pretzel Over-the-top presentation that didn't match the actual quality. Pretzel itself was good--nice salt, good bake. But the dipping sauces were a letdown. Queso was basic food-service, and the honey mustard, while tasty, is absolutely not the right mustard for a pretzel. Give me a spicy whole-grain mustard and we'd be talking. As-is... meh. By the time our second round of drinks took nearly 20 minutes to arrive, we decided to skip ordering any entrées. Overall: Fantastic service, decent drinks, but the food was a major disappointment. With so many better options nearby, we probably won't be back. read more

Backyard - Desert Ridge - Sports Bars Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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A great sports bar if you're in the search for one! As soon as I walked in, I was amazed by the huge tv screens and character of this sports bar. On the right side, there's an old-fashioned car and vibrant, image-plastered walls. They also had a live DJ in the back who played bangers during commercial breaks. There's lots of natural lighting from huge garage-looking doors, which I heard they open for a nice cool-down during evenings. It was super busy and lively when we arrived. Tiana was our server and was very nice and attentive. They have a very extensive drink and food menu. The espresso martini was one of my favorite espresso martini's I've ordered! Very sweet tho (to my liking). I got the backyard burger, which was okay. I was hoping it was a little more spicy, even though it did have a grilled jalapeño. My partner got the chicken sandwich, and while it was good, he also thought that the honey mustard sauce was interesting and was willing to try something else on the menu when we return. My partner's brother got the Hawaiian pizza, which he liked. It was a decent serving for the price. I think it's decently priced/on par with other restaurants in the area. I do like that they give you a pretty decent serving of crispy, crinkle-cut fries! They were delicious. read more

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The food was bad, really really bad, how do you mess up potato skins? I did not know they could do that. The service was good [[HIGHLIGHT]]it is way too loud for a place that encourages you to bring your dog[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and it is way too expensive to taste that terrible. I will never go back. read more

Stopped in this afternoon w best friend, "Need a bib" and my niece, her husband, and their youngest son. Pet friendly, and lots of furry four-legged pups frolicking. Happy hour, at least during weekdays, is from 3 to 6. Certain drinks and appys reduced. A cool vibe. With numerous big screen TVs, some of which are GINORMOUS! Three of us ordered shaved steak sandwiches, one a wedge salad w chicken, and one a sausage/ pepperoni pizza. Service was exceptional. Madison was attentive, efficient, and friendly. I polled everyone. The consensus was the ambiance and service rated a 5. But to us, the food was just ok. The cheese on the steak sandwiches seemed (and tasted) like melted Cheese Whiz. For $19, the Back Yard needs to up its game. A bit noisy and not the kind of place to bring a date. Good hangout for friends after work for a few drinks and some apps. In general, prices a bit higher than what I'm used to. Last, my friend, NAB... could not determine the sources of the multiple stains on his shirt. Take your pick among salad dressing, cheese whiz, steak drippings. Maybe all the sbove. 4 stars read more

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Fun family time! Great food, great drinks and excellent service!!! Good location & we all got to watch our sports

Yesterday was my first dining experience here, and I brought a client for Happy Hour. As someone who frequently hosts clients, I found this to be a fun spot with a great atmosphere. The Happy Hour menu offers a nice selection of light bites and drinks, while the main menu is extensive. We were very pleased with everything we ordered--each dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The pretzel which is shareable is my favorite. While my party was impressed with the Pizza and the Spinach Dip. While the price point is on the higher side, the quality and taste absolutely justify it. There's plenty of seating, and the overall vibe is upbeat and enjoyable. The only drawback was our server. She was polite but not very attentive--waters and soft drinks weren't refilled, and I think my party would have ordered more if she had checked in more often. That said, I was impressed overall and will definitely bring clients back again for another try. A few things to note is there is plenty of parking. They also take reservations which are linked to Open Table. read more

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I'm not gonna lie. Lex was top notch. She not only met our basic needs of food and drink, but she went over and above. I can't remember having a server take my experience above and beyond every expectation I had at a restaurant/venue. She also made my England friends happy by requesting Wonderwall after the England win. Top Notch is too small a compliment. read more

The food is okay, the service is usually very good (they work hard). This review is the result of the World Cup games. I visited 3 times during the World Cup. Only once did I make a reservation but when I showed up early, they sat us with no problem. There wasn't a minimum either. For the finals, I wanted to bring my family to experience the wild excitement and I called to make a reservation. They said there was a table minimum! What? The amounts they established where outrageous! For a party of 6, the minimum spend was $400 plus tax and gratuity so the total was going to be $536 or something. For a party of 4 adults and 2 kids? Their prices are a little on the high side but even so, 4 adults spending $25/head for lunch plus $15 for one drink and 2 kids cannot spend $400. a Table of 6 will have to have appetizers, lunch and probably 4 drinks putting them over the legal limit of achohol comsumption. Look out for the DUI Checkpoints sitting in the parking lot! It is clear they do not want "Families" at these events and they are greety! Sadly I will never visit again! read more

Quickly becoming a favorite place for a casual meal! Great food & great service. Dog friendly & great live music.

Atmosphere is good to watch a game and if you're not in a hurry. We were there tonight, big crowd and a lot of games on. (Music so no sound for any of the games). Service was terrible. Everything slow, drink even slow. The server told us we are backed up and now telling people who come in only drink until they are caught up. We were there with friends and 6 kids for almost 3 hours. Do not go here if you just want a quick bite to eat. Even paying the bill took forever. Food is so so. Been here 3 times and nothing stands out as amazing. Miss the old Sandbar. read more

Kinda pricy. Super big place. The vibes look cool. But the cushions are dirty and have stains. Also it has an interesting smell. They do have happy hour. We got the wings. They were good. I got the burger. It was interesting that it tasted sweet. Maybe from the sauce. Also had a lot of onions inside. My sister got the pulled pork. She liked it. The fries were good. read more

The food is bland and overpriced. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is super loud.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I feel bad for the wait staff, you can't hear yourself much less anyone else. Every TV in the place is at full volume. read more

This is a really cool spot to watch a game or grab a bite and just hang out. Our waitress was super friendly and gave us tips of places to visit while we were in town. The food was also really good. I highly recommend the chicken bites. It was one of our favorites. read more

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Tried this place for the first time Friday night for a concert. Sound system and video system are amazing. Getting drinks was sometimes frustrating since there's a long bar and no actual "up system", just a matter of who makes eye contact with a bartender first. Drinks were good, typical prices for the area and overall I can see this place being really fun for a sporting event as well. Look forward to trying the patio when it's cooler! read more

Jenny was awesome. loved our server. bar tender needs to make a better old fashioned. pours to the rim no place for the smoke to settle. still a perfect night Ferg Baby from the owners. table out read more

came here to watched the World Cup games with a group. had a great time! Holly was a great server!

Food was fantastic We had burgers and margaritas [[HIGHLIGHT]]Vibe was fun[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Holly was first class for service !!!!! read more

Came for trivia, stayed for happy hour. It was a fun cheap night. The apps were good , the chicken was . The happy hour margarita was delicious and I love a good prickly flavored anything. Our waitress was amazing. Her name was Jacie. She was very aware of what and when we needed anything. We also had fun with trivia. It was the first time they did this trivia company so there were a few kinks that needed to be worked out, but ultimately, it was successful. It's also very dog friendly, they have snacks for dogs and water bowls. The best part, every time a staff member walked pass our dog, they asked if it was okay to pet her. They didn't just pet her on their own accord. The night turned out better than expected and I will be returning soon. read more

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Food was amazing. Got pizza with sun-dried tomatoes, excellent. spinach and artichoke dip. The bread had a seasoning on it that was fantastic. One friend had a burger and onion rings. He said it was very good. Drinks were reasonable. Craft beer for $5!!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Music was loud on a Friday night. We were shouting at each other so cut the night short.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Really fun atmosphere. Highly recommend. The TV's are the best and biggest we've ever seen! read more

We have been here a few times before and service has always been good. Today we came in for the soccer matches. It's been PACKED! But our server, Lex, has been amazing. Always making sure to be very attentive and polite, despite the crowd. She has made our experience amazing! Love this place! Especially for sporting events, and an extra plus... they are dog friendly! read more

This place has so much potential but continues to fall short. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great tvs but the music and the tvs are so loud no one can hear each other and that always includes the bartenders and servers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is always disappointing subpar and slow and the service is always terrible. The food always takes forever and the service is so slow and upset. Majerles was far superior on food and service but the draw put it out of business. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Also they put djs on during games that never know how or when to play, always infringing on the game.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This place needs a massive managerial shift in a big way. It could be a great sports bar and I would love it to be, but big tvs are a feature not a business plan. read more

Our server Taylor was awesome. Anticipating all our needs with a smile! Sourdough pizza was delish and the wedge salad was a perfect addition. read more

Randee was an awesome waitress/server. She was very attentive and friendly. Anytime we needed anything she was right there. Our food and drinks were spot on and we didn't need to ask for anything. Great place to enjoy the World Cup game and enjoy time with family. read more

Holly made our entire evening. She was attentive in the most effortless way -- checking in exactly when we needed her and giving us space when we were enjoying our meal. Her drink recommendations were spot‑on and honestly elevated the whole dinner. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance tied everything together: warm lighting, relaxed energy, and a space that felt inviting without being loud.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Between the atmosphere, the great food, and Holly's exceptional service, the night felt easy, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable. We'll absolutely be back. read more

This was my second time here. My first visit was shortly after they opened, and the food and service were bad enough that I didn't come back for years. [[HIGHLIGHT]]With the World Cup on, we decided to give it another shot because we wanted to watch the USA game on the big screens, and the Backyard does deliver that !![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was packed--standing room only--which wasn't an issue at all.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Then I went to the bar and ordered two Tito's and sodas. $38. For two single Tito's and sodas. At first I thought there had to be a mistake. Nope. Just two drinks served in plastic cups with plastic straws. No handcrafted cocktail. No top-shelf bourbon. No fancy presentation. Just Tito's and soda (out of the gun). If I'm paying almost $20 for a single vodka soda, I expect to at least wonder where the other $15 went. I understand businesses have to make money, but there's a difference between charging a premium and taking advantage of customers because the place is packed for a major sporting event. They obviously won't miss my business--the place was overflowing--but on principle alone, I won't be back. There are plenty of other places to watch sports that don't charge steakhouse prices for a vodka soda. read more