We’d flown across the continent from Vancouver to New York, and drove up from Midtown to New Canaan to see something quieter. The moment we parked on Elm Street, it felt like the right destination. The name might belong to old horror movies, but the street was nothing but calm. My wife called it “cute” about a thousand times, and she wasn’t wrong.
We walked the shops, stepped in and out of small storefronts, and followed a narrow back alley when hunger finally caught up with us. That’s how we found Back End — tucked away, sunny, and exactly where it needed to be. The November air was cold, but the day had a clear sky that made everything feel sharp and clean.
Service was friendly and quick. The room had an easy rhythm — warm decor, high stools, tight tables. A space used well. Fun without being loud, relaxed without slowing down. Sometimes you stumble onto a place that matches your mood perfectly. This was one of those.
We shared tacos, Nonna's meatballs, and chicken dumplings. Every plate landed. Simple dishes done right, seasoned with confidence. Nothing heavy, nothing forced — the kind of food that keeps a conversation moving and a day on track.
Back End fit the afternoon. A hidden spot in a quiet town, found by accident on a long trip. The kind of place you remember because it met you exactly where you were.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Freddie C
It feels like you’re on vacation
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Reya OnTheRoad
Fun location behind Uncorked. Good patio seating.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Allen Drozd
Recent menu change is less than exciting, but Jason, Amanda, etc al are always wonderful!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Nath Dan
Very good food with their own twist. I love it.
Nicholas DiMuzio
Great drinks, awesome scene.. especially when the weather is good.
ANDRE ON'OKOKO
Great spot!
Dana Costabile
Amazing drinks and food from start to finish! Fun vibe too!
Randy Brophy
A hip and happening place, refreshing to see in New Canaan. Loved the bouncy Latin grooves, the lights, and outdoor seating. Great craft beers and churros for us, but will come back for the other offerings.
Our favorite neighborhood restaurant with amazing team and quality food.
Jessica Bourous
Fun, energetic bar with great margaritas and modern Mexican cuisine. The menu has traditional flavors but with some fun spins on preparation & presentation.The staff was friendly and attentive.It’s a great upbeat place that will be perfect destination as the weather gets nicer and we can enjoy the outdoor space.
Denise Gutierrez
Mommy/Daughter date ( 2 parties). Delicious food great ambiance. The staff was Super friendly. Can’t wait to go back. Thankful to have this in New Canaan. :)
Jen Aczualdez
Delicious food that is beautifully presented, cool vibe, great cocktails, and attentive service. A++ all around.Make it a point to swing The Back End, you won't regret it.
Steve Francolla
Great atmosphere. Good food. Unfortunately overpriced.Knocking down prices by 30% to bring them on par with normal for this class of Mexican does two things:(1) This review becomes five stars; and(2) I become a regular customer that orders twice a month (instead of a once-ever customer)Hoping to see better prices at some point in the future. Thanks!
Great food and drinks!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We’d flown across the continent from Vancouver to New York, and drove up from Midtown to New Canaan to see something quieter. The moment we parked on Elm Street, it felt like the right destination. The name might belong to old horror movies, but the street was nothing but calm. My wife called it “cute” about a thousand times, and she wasn’t wrong.
We walked the shops, stepped in and out of small storefronts, and followed a narrow back alley when hunger finally caught up with us. That’s how we found Back End — tucked away, sunny, and exactly where it needed to be. The November air was cold, but the day had a clear sky that made everything feel sharp and clean.
Service was friendly and quick. The room had an easy rhythm — warm decor, high stools, tight tables. A space used well. Fun without being loud, relaxed without slowing down. Sometimes you stumble onto a place that matches your mood perfectly. This was one of those.
We shared tacos, Nonna's meatballs, and chicken dumplings. Every plate landed. Simple dishes done right, seasoned with confidence. Nothing heavy, nothing forced — the kind of food that keeps a conversation moving and a day on track.
Back End fit the afternoon. A hidden spot in a quiet town, found by accident on a long trip. The kind of place you remember because it met you exactly where you were.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It feels like you’re on vacation
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Fun location behind Uncorked. Good patio seating.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recent menu change is less than exciting, but Jason, Amanda, etc al are always wonderful!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Very good food with their own twist. I love it.
Great drinks, awesome scene.. especially when the weather is good.
Great spot!
Amazing drinks and food from start to finish! Fun vibe too!
A hip and happening place, refreshing to see in New Canaan. Loved the bouncy Latin grooves, the lights, and outdoor seating. Great craft beers and churros for us, but will come back for the other offerings.
Restaurantji Recommends
Our favorite neighborhood restaurant with amazing team and quality food.
Fun, energetic bar with great margaritas and modern Mexican cuisine. The menu has traditional flavors but with some fun spins on preparation & presentation.The staff was friendly and attentive.It’s a great upbeat place that will be perfect destination as the weather gets nicer and we can enjoy the outdoor space.
Mommy/Daughter date ( 2 parties). Delicious food great ambiance. The staff was Super friendly. Can’t wait to go back. Thankful to have this in New Canaan. :)
Delicious food that is beautifully presented, cool vibe, great cocktails, and attentive service. A++ all around.Make it a point to swing The Back End, you won't regret it.
Great atmosphere. Good food. Unfortunately overpriced.Knocking down prices by 30% to bring them on par with normal for this class of Mexican does two things:(1) This review becomes five stars; and(2) I become a regular customer that orders twice a month (instead of a once-ever customer)Hoping to see better prices at some point in the future. Thanks!
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