The Backyard is more than just a place to grab a libation and relax

By Laura Briedis

Just like in your own home, The Backyard is the perfect place to hang out, eat a burger, have a beer or play a game. But at this local bar and eatery, the staff is ready to serve you so you can relax and soak up the neighborhood ambiance.

“Since opening this spring, our focus has been on providing superb customer service,” says Jay Saleh, general manager. “We also introduced an all-new menu featuring burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads and much more. Another final menu expansion will be coming this winter.”

The new owners purchased this Brunswick neighborhood institution, formerly The Grille, on March 15, just hours before the governor-mandated state shutdown. While some may think of it as bad timing, the folks at The Backyard made the most of it once restaurants were able to re-open in May, taking full advantage of their vast patio, outdoor bar and green space out back.

All summer long there have been volleyball and corn hole leagues. “We have leagues that are winding down, so anyone who comes in can now join in a pickup game of volleyball, corn hole, bocce ball and Bottle Bash, or just sit around one of their big wood-burning firepits (reservations required) through the end of November,” notes Jay. “And in the winter, the fun will move inside as we will continue a general knowledge trivia night on Thursdays and specially themed trivia nights on Mondays. Plus, we have added a pool table and a growing selection of board games so there is always something to do.”

There is also live music every Saturday in the summer, encompassing all genres, from country to classic rock to acoustic.

Serving what can be best described as casual, upscale bar food, the menu is replete with burgers, sliders, chicken wraps, wings and salads.

“Our burgers are fresh, never frozen, gourmet beef,” says Jay. “Our popular Backyard Burger is topped with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, white queso cheese, crispy dillies (fried cucumber chips) and honey-Cajun barbecue sauce.”

Also on the menu are three sliders, including a French Dip Slider, made with tender prime beef and au jus, and a Crispy Chicken Slider, topped with BBQ sauce, slaw and pickles.

“We are also known for our chicken wings,” notes Jay. “We don’t skimp on costs when it comes to wings. They are high-quality—from the raw chicken to the wet and dry rubs.”

It is happy hour every day at The Backyard, from noon to 6:30 p.m., and every Tuesday there are $4 craft beer specials.

“All our bartenders have years of experience in the restaurant industry and are expert mixologists,” says Jay. “Customers come here because after a few visits they start to feel at home.”

While the bar inside is clad with huge TVs from wall to wall, the bar outside offers a more laid-back vibe with over 50 seats and bar-side swings.

This fall look for new items to be added to the menu, as well as some fantastic specials during football games.

With Browns and Buckeye flags hanging outside the restaurant, sports fans are beckoned to come in and watch their favorite teams. The Backyard’s latest and coolest addition to boost the customer experience is overlaying local radio broadcasts perfectly synced with the TVs in the bar.”

“Here, everyone is welcome and considered a friend,” says Jay. “Since we reopened this place, our goal is to give it a fresh look and restore it to its original glory as a neighborhood gathering place, seemingly unaffected by the craziness of the outside world.”

The Backyard is located at 1813 Pearl Road in Brunswick. Hours are Monday through Sunday, from noon to close (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.). For takeout orders, call 330-741-3539 or visit BackyardOH.com.