One one occasion, tried to make a reservation for 10 people to sit outside due to covid. They were not willing to accommodate. The excuse was the tables were not set up outside. Sorry to make someone have to throw a table cloth on a table. On another day, made a call for reservation and they were not taking reservations due to staff shortage. One server called out was the excuse. Neither day was a special holiday. I feel sorry to bother them. Best of luck. For the prices they charge I would think they could find a server willing to make a $50 tip serving a table for 1 hour. read more

The ambiance was nice. The food was very good. Beware of the "specials". Our server told us about the scallop special but omitted the fact that it cost $52 for 5 scallops when the other entrees ranged from about $20-$35. Shame on us for not asking but an upfront restaurant that doesn't want to pull a fast one on its customers should require the servers to disclose the price of specials especially when the special price is 175% of the average entree price. Very disappointed with Back Burner for this. read more

Not sure what happened to this place! Service was terrible, server forgot to put meal in system so our friend had to wait for her meal while all of us had our meals. It took forever to get our food and then it all came at once, salads aren't supposed to come with meals people!! The manager did not visit our table at all until it was time to question the bill. They charged for the meal that was forgotten about and for a salad that we never got. The manager took the items off the receipt and discounted the bill more. Our husbands meals were good, they had filet. The best part was that the restaurant was empty!!!! read more

We're new to Hockessin and we love The Back Burner. Our favorite server, Diana, always takes good care of us with a personal touch. Nearly everything is prepared to order. Some may find the menu unexciting, but we value the consistent high quality and attention to detail in preparation and presentation instead of superficial novelty. Seafood and meat is always prepared perfectly. I enjoy the simplicity of the Iceberg Wedge with hand made dressing and fresh bacon chips! Standards such as oysters, salmon, shrimp, crab cakes, steak and chops are reasonable and consistently excellent. Hand-make gelato is the crowning touch! Highly recommended. read more

Dinner with my sisters on a Wednesday night. Clean, warm and upscale vibe. Delicious cheddar and crispy flatbread appetizer. We were all happy with our entrees and our server, Diana, was great, a real pro. Service was a bit slow but not the worst. I needed a knife for my filet -- it wasn't too bad but should have been better -- and she comped us a dessert, bread pudding, which was good. I do have one big complaint -- I hope the manager will read this -- one of the wait staff, possibly a bus person, a young man, was in my direct view only a few feet away for most of the evening and repeatedly had his hand(s) in his hair. It seemed they were more often in his hair than not. And then he was handling silverware etc setting up new tables. Not good. read more

just so sad what this restaurant has become my meat was cooked raw and the services was just not good at all took the server over a hour to take our order and i was just disgusted when my food came out. I really wish i didn't have to make this review but it's just sad read more

The Back Burner - New American Near Me - Hockessin, Delaware

They have incredible happy hour ,great cocktails people are very very nice ,the place is clean beat place to sit my fireplace Hera food great brunch ... the bar has so much variety read more

Pleasantly surprised at how good my lunch was. This restaurant has had its ups and downs over the years but I think it's on an up-swing. Everyone at my table was delighted with the quality of the food, service and atmosphere. It was busy too which is a good sign! I will be back! Miss the crispy basket of flat bread crackers! CA read more

It was always a go to for us, however Lately something has possibly changed for the worse. We just had of 2.5 hours waiting at the table with empty empty glasses, plates with no food, and finally 2 out of 5 plates were wrong. We did get plenty of seemingly well rehearsed apologies from the manager though. When it finally arrived, it was good quality. I just cant suggest it to my friends anymore. read more

A classy, low-key spot which is tucked away in what seems to be an old horse stable. White cloth dining. I've been here twice and haven't been disappointed. The scallops are INCREDIBLE. read more

My wife thought it would be a nice restaurant to try. Walked in at 5:30 and asked for a table for two. The snotty hostess asked if we had reservations. I looked at the dining room with six people between two tables and thirteen tables unoccupied and laughed. She said the wait time would be 30 minutes then said, with a smirk, probably 45 minutes. NEVER, EVER will we step back into this restaurant. read more

It is a little sad, really. The food is pretty good on average but on the decline. We used to be "regulars" but well...not any more for a good reason. Last Tuesday we stopped in, not knowing it was half price burger night. We were sat in the dining room and ignored for 20 minutes. Our unexperienced waiter popped by, thanked us for our patience and didn't even take our drink order. So after another 10 minutes we left. Went to the Mexican table and got a hot meal fast and a good margarita. Tonight we called for take out, which we do frequently. The person who took our order didn't know the menu, this has happened before. Two salads with protean. Wedges, no onion, small filet. Should be $22 a plate. Husband gets there, the bill is over $80. They shamed him saying he ordered off the lunch menu. Your staff should know the menu, and confirm the order. Basics 123 in restaurant management. They credited the difference, but without apology. Came home to open my salad and the $7 iceberg salad is limp, no crisp, been in the fridge for a week. Well, I wont settle for unexperienced staff in the restaurant or on the phone. I won't wait to order a nice meal because our waitress is delivering 8 burgers and doesn't know how to multi task. I wont order take out because who ever answers the phone doesnt have a clue about the menu. I will take my business to Eclipse or other restaurants in our area that are wonderful for a lovely meal. And yes I will miss the regular bartenders, but they need to save this once gem, with an educated staff and knowledgeable chef and servers. Gone forever is Marlena. read more

Three stars at best - shrimp appetizer - Excellent - Wings appetizer - good but not "special" - drinks pricey but they are everywhere - now for the main course. I ordered the steak special "rare" - ate less than half and took the rest home - sorry to report, but well over half of the take home was inedible gristle and fat - I know wish I had cut into it at the restaurant as I would have sent it back! I would argue that a $30 "special" should be at least edible - not sure if I will ever return. On the plus side - our server was attentive and did well - no complaints. read more

Meh. Nothing special. I ordered the salmon salad. And got a piece of salmon (very good!) and a SIDE salad. Tiny. Huh? My friend had the Reuben. Mediocre and also small. Had a half and half (w hard tea$) for $10?? Also nothing to write home about. Atmosphere is fancier than actual food Items. Overpriced for what you're eating. read more

See all

This has extenuating circumstances. A group of 7 of us went to popular favorite The Back Burner in Hockessin... Friday night, as all of us are reeling from the threat of COVID-19. We wanted to go out and enjoy each other's company, in case it would be the last time for awhile. The restaurant was busy, but not all tables were full, yet it took us forever to get our meal. The waitress kept apologizing, asked if the manager had been over yet... he hadn't, e en though she claimed she asked him twice. She said "good news, you're all getting free desserts." The manager finally came over, saying they were not expecting the business, given the circumstances, yet while the kitchen seemed full of employees... they have windows that let customers see in.... they were "backed up." As we were finally getting our entrees, the waitress came back after awhile and said "the manager has agreed to TWO free desserts." For seven people. That is the disconnect. Not all of us had wanted desserts, but why limit us? Terrible customer service. I am in retail and would have bent over backwards to accommodate a customer, even if their demands were unreasonable, or expensive. You make more allowances than you would normally,... And especially when you don't back up your staff's promise. I won't be back. And sad about that, because the food was above average. Tina did her best, despite her manager's failure to treat us as valued customers. read more

First of all, I like to comment on how beautiful the restaurant is! high ceiling, sophisticated country resort style, and a very homey atmosphere. However, food -- I thought was nothing special... I got the lobster tail and filet mignon combo. For me, it was lack of flavor in both... the meat of the lobster was too stiff, the steak tasted like a piece of coal.. On the other hand, I believe my boyfriend got the strip steak and I actually enjoyed that over mine because it had a little more meat flavor. Maybe it's because i'm used to complex flavors of new american style, my meal at back burner did not stand out among the other experiences at all. I was a little disappointed having it being fine dinning and all. we also got the pumpkin mushroom soup. A very nice starter indeed. Light on the tummy before the big meal. But still I don't think I can have too much of it. service was fantastic! Very friendly, helpful, and attentive. ambiance? typical delaware scene.. business casual for most people in expensive restaurants.. mostly the older crowd, so I felt like my boyfriend n I were the odd ones out with our t shirts and flip flops.. but the staff didn't judge! Their service attitude is certainly laudable. read more

The Back Burner - lobster tail and steak - New American Near Me - Hockessin, Delaware

Delware Dines Out is this week. Wanted to try the The Backburner for dinner. Three course meak for $35 pp. Why not. Taking my college kid out to dinner. The server was GREAT. Knew the menu and was very attentive. I ordered the pumpkin mushroom soup, braised beef short rib with apple cake for an ending. I also had a cocktail. The Patti Crusher. The pumpkin soup is the highlight here. This is all you need. Forget about the main course. This is it. The cocktail was also amazing!! Short ribs fell short, but the soup, drink, and warm bread made up for it. I will be going back just get the darn soup to go!!!! read more

The Back Burner - The Patti Crusher.... - New American Near Me - Hockessin, Delaware

We typically come here at least a few times a month and always have the same wonderful waitress who has been there for a long time. The previous visit we decided to eat at the bar. It was a very uncomfortable experience because the bartender got mad that a couple came in and were eating but not drinking while taking up bar seats. She had two of her usual customers come in and since there were no bar seats they left. She was complaining loudly about the people still sitting there and they clearly heard her and left shortly after she started with her comments. When they left she kept on going on and on about how mad she was and saying all kinds of horrible things about the couple. It was a bad experience so we ended up finishing our meals and drinks and left. Last night we went here to have dinner. We planned on sitting at a table, but the bar had seats open and the bartender from before was not there. The first person we ordered drinks from was incredibly friendly. We got our drinks and and the bartenders switched out and the previous bartender from before arrived. She said hello and was friendly so we were off to a good start. We ordered our food with the male bartender who is extremely nice. While waiting for our food we were talking and she kept on making remarks about the other bartender and complaining about him not being around and so forth. We ignored it. When my filet came out it had the wrong side and they informed me the kitchen did not have baked potatoes and that they forgot to tell me. I shared I did not like mashed potatoes and they told me they had roasted potatoes in the kitchen and could go get them. After an extended wait I tried the potatoes and they were an odd texture and had no flavor. The bartender asked if I got my potatoes. When I told her no she said she would go get them. I ended up having to eat my steak cold and at that point still no one brought the rest of my meal. She asked how the meal was and I was honest and said it was disappointing because I get this entrée all the time and that it was a shame it was not good this time around. We were paying the bill and my husband made a comment only to me about being surprised they charged the full price of my entrée considering it was wrong and I ended up only have the filet and nothing else to eat. She decided to confront us and started being belligerent. She told us about the manager not comping the meal (which we did not ask for as we were talking to each other and not her). She then started getting very rude and telling us the potato would only be $6 off so it was not a big deal. I said we are not asking for the meal to be free and I told my husband just give her the card so we can leave since she was getting louder and I realized it was going to be a bad situation. He gave her the card and she turned around to run it and called me the "B" word (can't put the full word in a review). My husband then asked her if she really just called me that and informed her she can't talk to us like that. She got even louder than she was before so I walked away. I was up front in the restaurant waiting for my husband and the host asked me how our meal was and then he realized there was an issue at the bar with my husband and the bartender. He finished signing the bill and came up front. The host asked what happened and I told him what occurred. As I was talking the bartender decided to leave the bar and come out front to confront us again. She got right up to me and was continuing to be combative and informed us we can't come back in (which clearly we already knew we would never come back based on her behavior). She kept asking if I wanted the manager after she rudely shared the person we were talking to was "only" a host. She went and got the manager and clearly gave him a different story to what happened. He came out and asked what happened. We shared our experience and he said I can talk to her later but now is not the time and he was dismissive for her behavior. He then told us he would "make sure to get us next time we come in" and I said we will not be returning. After talking with him I was even more appalled because he made it clear he did not care. This was by far the worst experience out we have ever had. My husband and I both have worked in restaurants in the past and so we always make sure to tip very well and be nice to all staff. As much as I love it here typically I will never step foot in there again based on the behavior of the bartender and the lack of care from the manager. I have never seen a more angry and unprofessional person working in a customer service position. read more

We had a delightful late lunch at the Back Burner today. This cozy restaurant has it all, it checked all of my "boxes". Inviting quiet atmosphere, comfortable seating, attentive staff, very good food and a nice wine list made for a very enjoyable meal. The Pumpkin/Mushroom soup served with crusty warm rolls was a perfect starter. The Crab Quiche served with mixed greens and roasted baby potatoes was excellent as was the Crab Cake sandwich served with house made chips. Our glasses of Chardonnay and Rose wines were very good at a reasonable price. Everything was so tasty and beautifully presented that we decided to sample one of the house made desserts too. We shared a huge portion of Warm Bread Pudding with Vanilla ice cream ( from the local Woodside Creamery) and it did not disappoint ! The coffee also got a high rating my husband. Our server, Diana, was very attentive and told us about the history of this long established restaurant, and explained about the specials that occur every evening. She even gave me a tour of the other rooms in the restaurant when we were done with our meal, since we are new to the area. It was a very pleasant surprise to find such a nice place to dine on a Wednesday afternoon in Hockessin. We will definitely be back for more! read more

For a fancy restaurant I was pretty disappointed. Our stay was almost 2.5 hrs and we didn't even order anything cooked except scallops which take 6 min. Was not crowded either. It was baffling. Food was nothing to write home about. Kept waiting for some amazing dish and nope. I was bummed as I've wanted to go here for several years. read more

Food was very good and service was good. I was with a group of friends and the waitress didn't rush us at all. Great experience. We will be back. read more

I ate here for the first time in a long time last week and was surprised! This restaurant used to be more upscale. The atmosphere is still nice, but is overall more casual. The menu was much wider. I ordered the salmon salad and it was delicious! It came with avocado, and a dressing that had just a little bit of kick to it. It was a great salad, and I would come back to order the same thing again (or something different, but the salad was so good). Our server, Diana, was very attentive and made it a pleasant experience. I much preferred the new vibe here, and I'll definitely be back. read more

Nice service and good food! The sous chef is a wonderful person. The desserts were amazing too! read more

The Back Burner - Filet Mignon# Best steak ever! - New American Near Me - Hockessin, Delaware

I've been here twice now because my mother likes it so when she comes to visit we go there. I'm only going there when mom comes... Today (Saturday) 7 of my family showed up for lunch. There was NO ONE else in the restaurant (never a good sign..). Within 30 minutes, though, there was one more table of 2 and another with 3...so 12 people total in the restaurant at lunch. The menu was trying desperately to be a fancy restaurant but just didn't make it. The prices for what we got (over $12 for nearly everything) was just not worth it. What was worse was it took nearly 30 min for our food which for 12 people TOTAL in the restaurant was nuts. Drink refills while we waited? Nah..never asked (#Halley's_Waitress). The waitress didn't seemed thrilled to be there (and to be fair, *I* don't want to be at work...ever...either...), and my fiancee's Maryland Crab Soup was more of a Tomato soup with green beans in it (but she did like the crab-stuffed mushrooms!). read more

A great surprise. We were just at Longwood Gardens and after closed we want to check Delaware out so we got to this place, first surprise 1/2 price appetizers. I was expecting some reasonable food. The Chef skills are solid and the menu is great. I had mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat topped with hollandaise sauce and pork belly. The server Samantha was super friendly without being overwhelming. read more

My boyfriend and I have been here twice for special occasions. We return for the food, not for the service. The first time the staff was incredibly young which is not bad, but they have no experience for the cost of what you are eating. The second time our waitress was too overwhelmed and inexperienced so made too many mistakes so the couple next to us as well as me and my boyfriend went home with free desserts. read more

I agree with Melissa F, servers in the in the bar act like they are sorry you even came it to the place. Very tense atmosphere. If you ask more than one question about the menu they just turn and walk away.. not the first time this has happened to us. I definitely would replace them. This place has had its ups and downs and this is certainly a down time. Will not be back for a while. Oh, took 15 minutes to get a drink and a 45 minute wait for dinner, and it was not crowded. And what they charge for a Johnny Black is obscene. read more

Reliably delicious. Great place to enjoy a nice meal. The pumpkin mushroom soup is outstanding. I went a little lighter this time and had the beet salad with shrimp. Perfect meal! read more

Had a delicious birthday dinner at back burner tonight. I had the shrimp was on which was delicious the corn and crab chowder which was good and I also had the fillet en crute. That was delicious as usual. My husband had the veal porterhouse and it was delicious. Our server was courteous and attentive, we had a great time! We will be back. The signature drink, the border was amazing! Light and sweet. Perfect with antipasti cheeses and meats before appetizers. Bravo Back Burner. This life time customer will be back. read more

The Back Burner - Main room. Nice! - New American Near Me - Hockessin, Delaware

Nice upscale restaurant in Hockessin. Good food and ambiance. I like to sit near the bar as it is more livelier. Lots of older people in restaurant area and families. The bar itself is ok. The stools are way to big and wobbly. Kind of scary need to swap them out now. Service was below average for the price. I do enjoy going here on occasion. read more

After waiting 20 years to go back and try again, my husband and I realized exactly why we have not been to Back Burner in 2 decades!! Food was ok, service less than and for the price, MANY more restaurants to go to where service, food and all around experience is MUCH better!! Start to finish, the entire experience was terrible! We will not be back again. Too many other options with better service, food and management! The young man we dealt with was less than service oriented and needs some training. He happened to be "in charge" but when we asked if he was a manager he said "No", with which my reply was "That's evident!". I, myself, am a server and work in the industry so I was more than patient and understanding. Who wants to have $130+ tab where they plop a vat of water on the table and the customer PAYING serves themselves water??!! Not me!! I'm going out to dinner to be served, not serve myself. I could've stayed home and done that for A LOT less money!! No thank you!! read more

I have eaten at The Back Burner at least fives times for dinner over the past 2-3 years. Two of my meals were on Thanksgiving. The food is always good. Fresh, quality ingredients. The presentation of the food is pleasing. The meal matches the price the ask. My only issue is that there is nothing particularly special about going there. There's nothing terribly unique on the menu. The waitstaff seems young and inexperienced. They try hard, but they really don't make any connection with you and don't seem enthusiastic about the menu. They might forget to ask you if you want another beverage or bring the appetizer out at the same time as the main course. It's not a terribly warm experience. I wouldn't discourage you from going because there is nothing horrible about it. The food is really good, but there are other places where you might feel more valued. read more

Had a Valentine's Day reservation here. We were seated and then ignored. I mean... no one came to the table. Not to say hello, not to take drink orders or even say "someone will be with you shortly". We waited for 20 minutes as we watched other tables also get visibly frustrated before we decided to just leave. The host saw us leaving and didn't say anything. I will never return here. read more

I visited the Back Burner for the first time this week. I love the rustic, country atmosphere of the dining area! For my appetizer I ordered crab chowder, and for my entree the staff was extremely accommodating in allowing me to choose shrimp with the sides that normally accompany the salmon. Everything was delicious, especially the kale and pumpkin risotto (my new favorite combination!). In addition, the service was fantastic and we felt very welcome. I would love to make it back and try a few other things on the menu that caught my eye! read more

Thanks to an article in Delaware Today featuring restaurants that source local ingredients, my husband and I decided to visit this little hidden gem for our third anniversary. Our first impression was that it was quiet, but a Tuesday night, decorated with a certain rustic charm (although I would dispose of the large amount of fake ivy and plastic grapes in flower boxes if I were the owner), and that the staff was very friendly. Our waitress was able to suggest a nice, fruity red to go with my meal, so I was quite content before the food even arrived. We both ordered the Surf and Turf, which seemed like a steal for $31. The filet was Medium instead of Medium Rare, but it was so delicious that we didn't care! The lobster was delicate, the spinach was rich and garlicky, and the truffled whipped potatoes were divine! We both sat in mostly silence, just savoring every bite. We definitely need to go back in order to sample more of their dishes, but the prices mean that we will have to go for another special occasion instead of a Wednesday when we don't want to cook. It's worth a visit! read more

This is absolutely the best dining experience I've ever had. To include: the best food, the best service, the best atmosphere, everything... I've always been satisfied after a trip to the Back Burner. Bravo! read more

NOT ACTUALLY OPEN SUNDAY. Despite what the website says, this place is only somewhat open on Sunday. The restaurant is closed, but the deli is open, serving leftover soup and half assed sandwiches from the walk-up counter. Blech. I like this restaurant on most days, but skip Sunday. I brought guests here on 12/6/15 and was embarrassed. Hey Back Burner, do it right or stay closed. read more

The pumpkin mushroom soup is to die for!!! Great place for a wonderful meal with someone special! read more

The Little Woman and I have been here numerous times over the years. It's nice and quiet, the food is very good, the servers are pleasant and professional. read more

The Back Burner - Even with a nice low-light atmosphere, restaurant-goers can supervise their meal preparation! - New American Near Me - Hockessin, Delaware

A Hockessin classic. The menu is relatively "safe", nothing too adventurous. But the steaks, seafood, and other dishes are always excellent, and the portions and prices are very good. Service is excellent. Tuesdays are burger night, with reduced prices on burgers. For a relaxed atmosphere, sit at the bar, chat with the bartenders or other customers. Or, to relax even more, grab a table in the back room where there is a fireplace and sofas. read more