Backyard Ale House

I have been torn if I wanted to write this or not. I have been back twice recently at the bequest of others in the group. The ironic thing about this, and the reason I decided to write this, was my comment to a co-​worker (before I had any idea I would return) how I thought the level of service was a shame because the food here is actually really good.
This was mid afternoon for lunch on both occasions. The place was decently filled for a late lunch crowd. And I must say the service has greatly increased. Which I am glad to report, because as stated the food here is well worth the visit.

Beer is a good thing and Backyard Ale House has a lot of it. We were here to celebrate a coworker’s birthday and we had a designated driver so we tried hard to put a dent in the stock here at Backyard. I think I had four, all different, all cold, all tasty. Very nice.
And since I was drinking so many liquid calories, I tried to have something a little lighter than a bacon cheeseburger for dinner. I went with a salad and asked that it be topped with a grilled chicken breast. Well, it sure had less fat but the portion here was massive. Lots of chicken, lots of «stuff» and not a whole lot of lettuce. Impressive.
My only complaint? They don’t move tables. There was a four top and a six top (that was a four and a two) and we wanted to move the loose two to the other four top. Nope. «We don’t move tables.» WTH?
Street parking after 6 is free.

1:50 AM. Bought some shots for my friend and I. Bartendender gave me two half shots and charged me $ 5. That’s not fair at all.
When I asked about the ounces of liquor within the little plastic cup, he said «have a good night.»
Will get my 1:50 am shot somewhere else next time.

Best find for Sunday brunch! Their meal and drink special for $ 10 is cheap and delicious. Place wasn’t crowded and service was great.

I’ve been here more times than I can count and I always enjoy myself. My friends are really into beer and the selection here is outstanding. I had a «root beer» beer and a ginger beer. I enjoyed them both and I don’t think I would be able to find those particular beers in a lot of bars. I then had two bottles of Strongbow which is always a hit for me. We didn’t have any food but we had lots of beers and the bartender was fast and friendly and they were great about taking the empties off the table. I know we’ll be back. Great place to meet up with friends.

We decided to go out to eat after our bowling tournament. We picked this place due to the reviews that I saw on Unilocal.And we were not disappointed the atmosphere was fantastic we ate in the patio area in the back. Our servers name was Kelly and she was very very good. The food was served in a very timely manner and was excellent. I had The Buffalo chicken bites as an appetizer then the ma meatloaf sandwich. I highly recommend this place if you’re in Scranton!

Always great food! Have had most everything on the menu. Some American tapas bar food. They have lots of specials during the week even half price apps. Its a great place for some brews and a meal especially after a long day at work!

This restaurant has good potential. I liked the creativity of their menu, but not very many options for the healthier diner. I had the salmon gyro, and I could tell the salmon was fresh and the gyro very tasty. Our server was top-​notch, and always checked on us. I went with my parents (in their 80s), and they felt a little out of place, especially since we were seated in the front and we didn’t see anyone above college age. (That being said, I think there was a restaurant area in back that was closed off). It sort of mixes «college bar» with «gastropub». They need more tables in the bar area and more help with the décor. We felt a little weird eating dinner in the bar area.

I’m not much of a beer drinker, buy the food was excellent. I had the Morning After Burger, which is a bacon cheeseburger with a fried egg on top, served on a large English muffin. My wife had a pork and rice bowl and my friend had a super chili dog that you had to eat with a fork. Everyone loved their meal. The service was also snappy and courteous, always on hand for refills. Prices were fair, around ten bucks per dish.
It’s definitely worth stopping here next time you’re in Scranton.

Craft beer selection is amazing. They have some basic food choices but some unique dishes at times. Never had a bad mesl here. Burgers are outstanding! Service is excellent, staff are knowledgeable. Love the outside patio in the spring and summer.

Was only in town for a night and came here for the beer list. It’s unstoppable — they’ve got stuff that’s not even in production anymore and it’s reasonably priced. Food menu was exactly what it should be for a beer bar like this — tasted great and friendly service. But here’s how they shined…
My friend and I kept getting badgered (flirted with?) by a middle-​aged woman who wasn’t all there (might have been drugs, likely just a few too many to drink). Not only did the bartenders help try and distract her from us, they didn’t serve her because it was obvious booze was the last thing she needed. That’s a sign of a pro and a great manager. She was persistent, but after about two hours, the doorkeeps escorted her out. Management thanked my friend and I for putting up with her with a few complimentary drinks on the house.
Amber — you were outstanding and patient. You kept the waters coming with my beers, so super props for that. Phil (I think it was Phil?) — the athletic younger manager, you ran this place right. Keep it up. If we’re ever in Scranton again, hope to see you both. Thanks for showing the world how a bar should be run.

BEER — Their beer list is out of control. I had actually decided to stop drinking beer to cut calories but then I saw their beer menu and couldn’t possibly abstain.
FOOD — I wasn’t particularly impressed. The chicken bites were just OK, although I did get mild. I tried my friend’s bites with Gnome Gnightmares sauce and they weren’t as horribly spicy as I anticipated — they were actually better than my mild. Also had a veggie burger and that was alright — nothing special. Veggie burgers rarely stand out though so kudos for just having it on the menu. I didn’t see too many vegetarian options on their menu by the way so they could improve that, I think.
SERVICE — Excellent! Our server (Christian, according to my receipt) was sooooooo nice and friendly and helpful. In fact, everyone was really nice, and when we left, it seemed like the entire staff said goodbye. Awesome, thanks everyone!
DECOR/​VIBE — Cozy, comfortable. Diggin’ the gnome influence.
Would definitely recommend for a craft beer and maybe some bites.

Great food in a fun atmosphere. We stepped in around 8:00 on a Friday night. It was understandably busy. There is no hostess, so you may have to shark for a seat. Simple no fuss service. When the food arrived there was little to say as everyone was busy enjoying their meal.
I had a steak and mushroom flatbread that was on special. It was fantastic, the mushrooms were extremely flavorful. Others with us had burgers which they said were terrific. The buns looked excellent.
While we did not drink while we were there, it looked like a popular watering hole. There were some drink specials that looked interesting in a good way. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet look elsewhere. But, if you’re looking for good food and drinks in an upbeat atmosphere then give it a go.

So this review is based on 3 recent visits. I’ve sat both inside and outside and both times the service was excellent, friendly
& attentive. They have my beer, Guinness and my only complaint is that a few times I had a quick pour and for a «beer place» this shouldn’t happen once.
Last night the outdoor patio crew was excellent as they all seem to share the workload, and that means I could always count on service, which to us is big.
The wings I had last night were delicious (hot) which aren’t too hot and my fiancé enjoyed her Burger but the potato chips were bland. The only other point, they need to get better Vodka, Absolut Citron for the ladies and Tito’s just because. Overall though, I plan to continue to enjoy this place, nice job!

I’ve been here a few times for beers with friends, and the atmosphere was always pleasant and fun. Lots of beers from which to choose, decent prices. Recently, I visited for dinner AND drinks and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their food and the interesting takes on «pub food» they had listed on their menu. They had a really great skillet mac and cheese, and their other specials looked super good. I will definitely consider coming for more than beers the next time I’m in town.

Backyard Ale House has by far the best burgers I have ever tried. This in combination with their many craft beers on tap with their EXCEPTIONALLY HUGE bottle list. How could you go wrong!
All the employees are fantastic, attentive, and knowledgeable in knowing their food and beer menus both forwards and backwards.
If I could come in here everyday without going broke. I’d do it. And more than once a day.
People, please come here and experience one the best food + craft beer establishments you’ll ever witness. I promise you will not regret a single thing.

If I could not give them any stars I would.
I have highly disappointed in this bar/​restaurant. We were in town for the night and were told by two different people to check this place out.
EVERY person who worked there that night was rude and not helpful. We waited at the bar to just order drinks for about 15 mins with two female bartenders just standing and talking to each other. We called a male worker (I think the bar back) over and ordered but never got our drinks. Finally a table opened and we moved over, however one of us waited at the bar for drinks (at least another 10 mins).
NO ONE came over to take our food order. We decided that we would not stay and when we were ready to leave a waitress came over and asked if we needed another drink. I was so angry and told her we were leaving (food menus still out on the table).
I would never go back here or recommend this place!!!

Awesome place with AMAZING beer selection… apparently they just added a food menu, definitely a good idea. Their food was really good and the waiter had great ideas of what we should get to eat. Definitely will stop back here next time I’m in the area!!!

This place is very cool and trendy. I recommend the bloody mary brunch on Sunday. Two thumbs up! Great beet selection as well.

These Folx must know that Ale Mary’s is the competition. But lucky for them, Ale Mary’s is closed on Tuesday. So it’s wings night at the Backyard. I wish I had some friends in the area so we could try 5 sauces on 5 wings (25 wings) for $ 14. I had to settle for 10 of their hottest wings. Good spice and flavor, but not that spicy for my deranged palette.
Also on Tues nights is their beer tasting flight. 5 selected beers (4oz pours) for $ 5. Great selection — but my only complaint is that they’re in plastic cups (c’mon guys, invest in some fracking 4 oz glasses) and the poor wait staff has to bring them out one by one?
I didn’t try much other food, other than a fresh salad, but the space and the atmosphere here is great.