The Backyard Bar and Marina

Under new management. Outstanding lakefront ambiance, sort of a divey getaway. Tasty snack/sandwich food in a relaxing summer lakefront atmosphere. Don't go there for the service.

Parking: Definitely an out of the way location...difficult to find, but worth the effort.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

I would give this place 0 stars but due to the fact they updated their chairs and tables 1 star is required. We went based of the lake view and amazing outside patio... come to find out we need to get menus ourselves, order food from one location and drinks from another, with seperate tickets. They need to step up, when dining on the lake servers and service is expected.

New menu with an upgrade to the standard lunch bar choices. We had pork tacos and a tuna melt on Texas toast. Both were delicious. This coupled with the atmosphere, water view and a very friendly bartender made for a great afternoon. Definitely will be back.

Update! FIRST we came back as a family in the evening for a beautiful sunset and great atmosphere and was met with no service /only self-service, which means you order at the bar, your own drinks and your food, which is ordered at a table off to the side. You will run back-and-forth for a water refill, drinks, or even napkins. The food options are limited for dinner. The evening we were there was a beautiful one and there was no staff to assist. (Only 1)I had to wait to order a drink at the bar and order my food.. first run to the bar for an appetizer, and then our dinner. The bartender was very kind and did her best but she was taking food orders as well as drinks. It’s a different feeling than having a couple of drinks at the bar. I’m not sure that will ever be back for more than the sunset and a few drinks. when I asked the owner if this was a short term service model, a unique evening, staffing, was told that this may not be the restaurant for me. Wishing the best for the new owners, however I suggest taking into consideration as a customer you’ll be doing all of your own work…. As for me, if I’m doing the running, I’d rather stay home and serve my family there.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

A hidden gem! Service was fantastic. Food was great. View was amazing. They blew up the bounce house for our toddler and we finally got to enjoy a meal in peace! Awesome place for kids! 100% would come here again!

The food was acceptable, but I would not go back. The Thai Chicken Nuggets were a chicken breast cut up into quarter to half dollar sized pieces and tempura breaded and fried. Chicken was VERY dry. The Thai Rice Bowl was ok, but the Shredded Pork sauce was pretty spicy.

You sit yourself, then you order your food & drinks at the counter inside the building. You take your drinks back to your table & someone brings your food to you when it's ready. If you want more food or drink you go back inside to order it.

The view onto the lake was incredible, but the food wasn't that good and we definitely won't be returning.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Too noisy, too much drinking , music too loud

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

It's time for another review, this time for a restaurant on the chain of lakes under new management: "The Backyard Bar & Marina," formerly known as "The Lake House on Pistakee."
With a rich history and promising potential, The Backyard Bar & Marina (formerly The Lake House on Pistakee) held immense appeal. My wife's family frequented The Lake House when she was young, recounting tales of fun times on the water with great food and conversation. Naturally, we were excited to visit.
Unfortunately, our recent experience left much to be desired. Arriving with my wife, her mother, and our dog, we parked near the launch.  Despite the location's enduring charm, the presence of dead fish spoiled the ambiance.
Our biggest disappointment was the lack of waitstaff. The self-service model, reminiscent of a fast-food joint, felt out of place in a lakeside setting. Typically, one would be seated, given menus, and asked about the party size—none of which happened here. After a staffer kindly brought water for our dog, she disappeared, leaving us to decipher the menu ourselves.
My wife attempted to clarify the service process, but her explanation nearly drove me to leave. There was no service; patrons were expected to order their own food and drinks, each on separate bills. A sign outside suggested we should enjoy the afternoon regardless, but I hadn't come for fast food.
We waited for assistance with the menu and food choices, to no avail. Frustration grew evident, prompting my wife to handle the ordering. She placed the drink order and had her mom bring me a drink to try and calm my nerves. I was left with the puppy after all.  I debated a Tuna Sandwich but opted for a Burger, fearing a botched order. The hand-packed fresh burger, while promising, disappointed. It scored a 3; the tots lacked flavor. My wife's street tacos resembled cardboard, earning a 2. The absence of Cheese Curds, only discovered upon ordering, added to our dismay were replaced with Pot Stickers (but those were overcooked).
Boats arriving and departing without service reinforced our concerns. I voiced my dissatisfaction openly. Eventually, someone delivered our food, though it was too late to salvage the experience. Better service might have enticed more drinks; we weren't informed of their prices, compounding our dissatisfaction.
I won't return until they prioritize service quality. If fast turnover is their aim, they might consider a side-door short-order kitchen, leaving patrons like us to enjoy simpler pleasures.
In conclusion, if you prefer attentive service, avoid "The Backyard Bar & Marina." Nearby options like Dockers or Fairmont Shores offer better food and service. I give them 1 star and hope for improvement.

Wheelchair accessibility: Yes there was a ramp.

Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger

Hidden Gem when finding it on the road, way easier to find on the water.

Parking: Plenty of slips to dock your boat

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We recently had a 60th birthday party at The Lake House and it turned out so great! Nick and Brian (new owners) were so helpful with planning the party. We purchased a drink package and catered their street tacos. The tacos were so good!! Couldn’t ask for a better place to host a party. The service, food, price and views were all wonderful! Thank you!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Really miss Cabanas
Closed

Lake house now closed

Now called " Back Yard"
Will see
Selling thai food and bar food

Parking: boat parking

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Southwest Egg Rolls, Housemade Cheese Curds

You wanna come here for beers after the boat , 5 stars, come here to gamble.... avoid. New owners, slots are in take mode. Avoid slots at all costs

Same style of service as Famous Freddie's. Liked the old Lakehouae food selection more.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Great food and service. Beautiful sunset to be seen from the deck. Try a frozen drink and a rice bowl. Great atmosphere...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Housemade Cheese Curds

We were excited to try the lake house after new ownership and were heavily disappointed. There were seven of us and no accommodations available . We also were surprised that there were ZERO servers. This would be understandable on a weekday, but we were there on a Sunday. This is unacceptable and we’ll never support their business.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1