Menu is much smaller than it used to be but it was still good. Very friendly bartenders and had some live music on q Friday night up in the pines.
W2165CSmarcell
There's a new joint in town - and you know how it goes...the best marketing for a place with 'hardwood smoked meats' is that tantalizing aroma of wood-smoke wafting thru the neighborhood. Yeah, but not here. The newest version of this decades-old restaurant location is called The Weekender, a fitting appelation for a town that sees its population increase exponentially when the flatlanders arrive on Friday. In keeping with the current trend of eateries not wanting to, or able to, hire and retain wait staff, when you check in at The Weekender, you are told it is "'something' casual" which means you order, get your table and a beeper, then go back to the counter to serve yourself. Mrs. L ordered a burger (which she later reported was tasty) along with a side of sweet potato fries. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich, and as I did, I asked the young worker where the smoker is. She looked at me totally surprised, like what is a smoker. Just as I suspected...no wonder we've not seen or smelled any smoke! From my seat, I watched the cook prepping our meals...he put buns on the flat top, fries in the cooker, and while the burger was cooking, he put the pork on my bun. Pulled the fries, put them in the baskets, along with my assembled sandwich, and set them on the counter to cool while he finished cooking and assembling the burger...then rang our buzzer. You KNOW the fries were already cold… The pork was moist and tender, tasted OK, but not great. Absolutely no smoke flavor or smoke-ring. The menu says ‘hardwood smoked meats’ - pulled pork, brisket, links - but don’t bet on it. The pork is described as ‘soaked in pale ale”, which was evident in the flavor, so I suspect it is actually braised in beer in the oven. The cost of the 2 meals is right up there with the best BBQ shops in Arizona, but the quality is worlds apart. Years ago this place was called The Black Bear, named for its ursine neighbors on Strawberry Mountain, and it had a great reputation. But the last 4 (at least) iterations have each started and failed, I believe for the same reason: amateurs do not make good restaurateurs. A great location and nice rustic building do not guarantee a good dining experience. Just because you like to cook at home, doesn't mean you can operate a restaurant. Just travel 3 miles down the highway for a pizza, or a burger, or some wine, and see how a professional does it. The Weekender should be called the ‘One and Done,’ ‘cause like the ‘Strawbeary Bear’ before it, all it takes is one visit to know there is no reason to return.
Sheena S.
We've eaten here a couple times now, we highly recommend! Food is great, excellent customer service and the atmosphere is appealing. Come get your grub on!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Roger Ferguson
Limited menu, had the crispy chicken sandwich which is offered with a scoop of coleslaw on it. No lettuce, tomato, pickels or onions. It was an ok sandwich. Can't rate service as there is very little offered.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Pamdabearus
Monica & Aaron have done such great things with The Weekender! If you want great pulled bbq meat and an amazing drink, go see Tina in the restaurant and Missy at the bar! Thank you all for the Great Re-opening!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hilary Hammer
We really love the appetizer selection. They are served charcuterie style and are delicious. We love not only the staff but the clientele as well. We are also looking forward to their summer music line up in 2023. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Norm Hill
Off the beaten path.So glad we found this place a couple weeks ago. the owner and staff are super friendly and accommodating.Great food and an amazing atmosphere up in the pines.Hard to find, but worth the effort.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Megarry (Mr Bob)
A cozy place just off the main road with nice views of the wooded hills. A friendly bar and ample different seating areas both inside and outside.
JESSE “MasterP” PEREZ
Attended a New Years eve party with a good variety of food selections and very well presented. Service was understandably a bit rough considering the amount of patrons but the bar manager was out there picking up the slack.
Nikki Binns
Service and entertainment were good. Food was average. Margaritas my husband and friend ordered were terrible (beyond sour). Bartender got snappy with my husband after complaining.
Awesome food, drinks and service. Expresso martini and wine selection are great. Sweet potato fries are off the hook. Been there several times now and has been very consistent.
Nick Warner
Just the cutest little place in Strawberry, and the food was phenomenal. The staff especially was super cool and really had a great vibe. 10/10
Tom Crow
Took an hour + for just a burger with only two other people there, my wife's mack and cheese was missing the chillies and pulled pork..again after waiting an hour+. This was our second try there and will be our last.
Liz Kleven
We love The Weekender! We hosted our Rehearsal Dinner here the night before our wedding, and it was perfect! Monica and Josh helped ensure all of our needs were met and that everyone had a great time. They helped us arrange live music, helped us decorate, and made sure they had our guest's favorite bar selections. The food was amazing; we got so many compliments. They set up a beautiful buffet and it was a great value. The staff was friendly and attentive. If you are looking for a great private event space in Payson, Pine or Strawberry, The Weekender is your place!
Steven N.
Stopped into this place Saturday 09/03. I was not disappointed. My parents and wife were not disappointed either. Cody was our bartender and he is hands down the best bartender out there. Took care of my family while crushing the high dinner volume. We’ll be back again, and he’s definitely the main reason.
Menu is much smaller than it used to be but it was still good. Very friendly bartenders and had some live music on q Friday night up in the pines.
There's a new joint in town - and you know how it goes...the best marketing for a place with 'hardwood smoked meats' is that tantalizing aroma of wood-smoke wafting thru the neighborhood. Yeah, but not here. The newest version of this decades-old restaurant location is called The Weekender, a fitting appelation for a town that sees its population increase exponentially when the flatlanders arrive on Friday. In keeping with the current trend of eateries not wanting to, or able to, hire and retain wait staff, when you check in at The Weekender, you are told it is "'something' casual" which means you order, get your table and a beeper, then go back to the counter to serve yourself. Mrs. L ordered a burger (which she later reported was tasty) along with a side of sweet potato fries. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich, and as I did, I asked the young worker where the smoker is. She looked at me totally surprised, like what is a smoker. Just as I suspected...no wonder we've not seen or smelled any smoke! From my seat, I watched the cook prepping our meals...he put buns on the flat top, fries in the cooker, and while the burger was cooking, he put the pork on my bun. Pulled the fries, put them in the baskets, along with my assembled sandwich, and set them on the counter to cool while he finished cooking and assembling the burger...then rang our buzzer. You KNOW the fries were already cold… The pork was moist and tender, tasted OK, but not great. Absolutely no smoke flavor or smoke-ring. The menu says ‘hardwood smoked meats’ - pulled pork, brisket, links - but don’t bet on it. The pork is described as ‘soaked in pale ale”, which was evident in the flavor, so I suspect it is actually braised in beer in the oven. The cost of the 2 meals is right up there with the best BBQ shops in Arizona, but the quality is worlds apart. Years ago this place was called The Black Bear, named for its ursine neighbors on Strawberry Mountain, and it had a great reputation. But the last 4 (at least) iterations have each started and failed, I believe for the same reason: amateurs do not make good restaurateurs. A great location and nice rustic building do not guarantee a good dining experience. Just because you like to cook at home, doesn't mean you can operate a restaurant. Just travel 3 miles down the highway for a pizza, or a burger, or some wine, and see how a professional does it. The Weekender should be called the ‘One and Done,’ ‘cause like the ‘Strawbeary Bear’ before it, all it takes is one visit to know there is no reason to return.
We've eaten here a couple times now, we highly recommend! Food is great, excellent customer service and the atmosphere is appealing. Come get your grub on!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Limited menu, had the crispy chicken sandwich which is offered with a scoop of coleslaw on it. No lettuce, tomato, pickels or onions. It was an ok sandwich. Can't rate service as there is very little offered.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Monica & Aaron have done such great things with The Weekender! If you want great pulled bbq meat and an amazing drink, go see Tina in the restaurant and Missy at the bar! Thank you all for the Great Re-opening!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We really love the appetizer selection. They are served charcuterie style and are delicious. We love not only the staff but the clientele as well. We are also looking forward to their summer music line up in 2023. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Off the beaten path.So glad we found this place a couple weeks ago. the owner and staff are super friendly and accommodating.Great food and an amazing atmosphere up in the pines.Hard to find, but worth the effort.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A cozy place just off the main road with nice views of the wooded hills. A friendly bar and ample different seating areas both inside and outside.
Attended a New Years eve party with a good variety of food selections and very well presented. Service was understandably a bit rough considering the amount of patrons but the bar manager was out there picking up the slack.
Service and entertainment were good. Food was average. Margaritas my husband and friend ordered were terrible (beyond sour). Bartender got snappy with my husband after complaining.
Restaurantji Recommends
Awesome food, drinks and service. Expresso martini and wine selection are great. Sweet potato fries are off the hook. Been there several times now and has been very consistent.
Just the cutest little place in Strawberry, and the food was phenomenal. The staff especially was super cool and really had a great vibe. 10/10
Took an hour + for just a burger with only two other people there, my wife's mack and cheese was missing the chillies and pulled pork..again after waiting an hour+. This was our second try there and will be our last.
We love The Weekender! We hosted our Rehearsal Dinner here the night before our wedding, and it was perfect! Monica and Josh helped ensure all of our needs were met and that everyone had a great time. They helped us arrange live music, helped us decorate, and made sure they had our guest's favorite bar selections. The food was amazing; we got so many compliments. They set up a beautiful buffet and it was a great value. The staff was friendly and attentive. If you are looking for a great private event space in Payson, Pine or Strawberry, The Weekender is your place!
Stopped into this place Saturday 09/03. I was not disappointed. My parents and wife were not disappointed either. Cody was our bartender and he is hands down the best bartender out there. Took care of my family while crushing the high dinner volume. We’ll be back again, and he’s definitely the main reason.
Loading...