Back Deck Backyard Vibes Downtown
Back Deck serves up casual American fare with an indoor backyard barbecue feel that Boston locals and theatergoers choose for relaxed meals with friends and family in the city center.
- American restaurant
- $20–30
- 4.1
- 1644 reviews
Gallery
Reviews
This place was great! I've walked by it a bunch of times when I've been in the area and always wanted to check it out. I was going to a show at Citizens Opera House and we went here for dinner. First. The drinks were good & the food was delicious! I had the western burger and it totally hit the spot, my friend had the meatloaf and loved it. Traditional pub food, great environment, really great service, highly recommend!
Back Deck in Downtown Crossing is a wonderful spot with a unique concept. The atmosphere feels just like an indoor backyard barbecue with patio style seating, and warm lighting that let in a great breeze during nice weather. The food and drinks are fantastic, making it a comfortable place to hang out with friends or relax after work in the city center.
Stopped by for a quick lunch and a cocktail, and even on a busy afternoon the place had a great energy. I ordered the smoked turkey club with thick potato wedge fries, and it was a really satisfying meal. The sandwich was flavorful, and the fries were the perfect side. The spiked strawberry lemonade was also a standout—super refreshing and easy to enjoy.
Love this place. Excellent for gluten and celiac. But even if you don’t have the need, the food is great. Every time in Boston I eat here!!!
We stopped in for a late lunch during a quick day trip to see the sights downtown. It was kid friendly and the service was great! The food was delicious. The kids had French toast. We had the pulled pork sandwich and the mexi burger. Amazing! I had the sangria as well and was not disappointed.
Good selection of food for all palates. Friendly staff perfectly times refills and other needs. Great for the whole family and their music selection was top notch
The food is amazing. Our bartender was amazing.
Excellent food and service. Very enjoyable, highly recommended.
A crowd pleaser and safe stop downtown. Casual, pretty quick, and decent quality.
My experience at Back Deck started out rough and I found some of the staff to be rude and unaccommodating but the bartender Geo was absolutely amazing. Made the experience top-tier. 100 out of 10
Good to know
- Visit for late lunch or early dinner around 3:30-4pm when the restaurant is quieter and easier to get a table even on busy days.
- Sit at the bar if the initial host stand experience feels off — several reviewers say bartender Geo turns things around with excellent attention and vibe.
- Ask about gluten-free or celiac-safe options as the kitchen handles them very well according to repeat visitors.
- Order the spiked strawberry lemonade or sangria — multiple guests called these standout and refreshing drinks.
- Request the sofa-table seating for a more relaxed backyard feel, but be aware there may be some crumbs on the seats.
- Book ahead or go early when seeing a show at Citizens Opera House since the location is convenient and many use it as a pre-theater spot.
- The menu works well for groups of ten — one party of ten appreciated that the bill came organized by individual order.
- Try the thick potato wedge fries as a side — they were called the perfect companion to the smoked turkey club.
Why people choose us
Backyard Atmosphere
Reviewers repeatedly describe the unique indoor backyard barbecue concept with patio-style seating and warm lighting that creates a comfortable, relaxing space. Customers love how it feels like an open backyard even in downtown Boston, with a great breeze during nice weather. The layout gives breathing room so it never feels claustrophobic or loud, making it ideal after work or shows.
Friendly Service
Multiple guests highlight how nice and attentive the staff are, with specific praise for servers like Delaney and bartender Geo who turn experiences around. Waiters are described as very nice, perfectly timing refills and needs while keeping things fun. Even when initial experiences felt off, the team often made it right, and one group appreciated their credit card being mailed back.
Gluten-Free Options
Celiac and gluten-free diners specifically return every time they are in Boston because the menu works so well for their needs. The food is praised as great even if you don't have dietary restrictions. Reviewers call out the excellent gluten-free choices that don't feel like compromises.
Family Friendly
Families appreciate that all food arrives at the same time so everyone can eat together. Kids enjoy options like French toast, burger sliders and wings while parents relax. The comfortable layout, kid-friendly vibe and music selection make it a solid choice for the whole family in downtown Boston.
Varied Menu
The menu offers something for all palates with burgers, salads, sandwiches, quesadillas and lighter lunch options. Guests note the good selection and variety that works for groups. Many say the food is delicious and satisfying whether you want traditional pub fare or something different.
Back Deck
Back Deck is a American restaurant in Boston. Customers rate it 4.1★ across 1644 Google reviews. Regulars describe it as cozy indoor backyard barbecue with friendly neighborhood energy.
Everything on this page — the highlights, the favourites, the answers — comes from what real customers wrote in their Google reviews. Nothing here is invented.
You will find us at 2 West St, Boston, MA 02111. Questions? Call (617) 670-0320 — we are happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
Is Back Deck good for families in Boston?
Yes, Back Deck is described as kid friendly and great for the whole family. Reviewers note that all the food comes out at the same time so families can eat together, and kids enjoy options like French toast, burger sliders and wings.
Does Back Deck have gluten-free or celiac options?
Back Deck is praised as excellent for gluten and celiac needs. Multiple reviewers with dietary restrictions say they eat here every time they are in Boston because the food is great even if you don't need the gluten-free options.
Is Back Deck a good spot before or after a show?
Many customers choose Back Deck after a show at Citizens Opera House or for dinner before heading to a performance. It is conveniently located in downtown Boston and serves as a crowd pleaser and safe stop with decent quality and quick service.
What is the atmosphere like at Back Deck?
The atmosphere feels like an indoor backyard barbecue with patio style seating, warm lighting and a great breeze. Guests say it is relaxing, not claustrophobic or loud, and gives you space to breathe compared to other downtown Boston restaurants.
How is the service at Back Deck in Boston?
Service is generally described as very good, friendly and attentive. Specific staff like server Delaney and bartender Geo receive repeated praise for making experiences top-tier, though a few reviews mention inconsistent early service.
Is Back Deck good for groups or large parties?
Back Deck works well for groups with a varied menu and good selection for all palates. One party of ten appreciated that the bill came organized by individual order, and the layout can handle a busy rush.
Visit us
Hours
- Monday11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday11:30 AM to 8 PM