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Backyard Grill
Category: Restaurants Greek Greek [Edit]
6355 N Pulaski Ave(between Rosemont Ave & Devon Ave)
Chicago, IL 60646
Neighborhood: Sauganash
(773) 478-8802
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
40 reviews for Backyard Grill
Review Highlights
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"They have great meatballs, fantastic gyros and truly yummy..." In 14 reviews -
"sweet potato fries and corn on the cob (My favorites." In 3 reviews -
"Best Chicken Salad I've had yet so far." In 3 reviews
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Lauren P.
12/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I LOVE THE FILET MIGNON KABOBS and the CHICKEN KABOBS here!
Complete with rice pilaf and potatoes and tomatoes and onions!
I was intimidated one day for i saw many police officers in the middle of the restaurant ha.
Oh and they have this rib and chicken combo for $17 enough to share for FOUR people! Their greek chicken is definitely NOT dry, which is a PLUS in my book. Garlic bread is lovely. And you know what? The ribs were pretty up to par with our family favorite "HUBS" . Still torn though on the ribs factor.
All in all this place is awesome and definitely a place to check out. -
Review from Tom Z.
12/13/2011
Cheese Burger with fries.
The burger was juicy with good flavor. The toppings were fresh.
The fries were cooked just right. They have a nice potato flavor.
Clean and friendly.
I will be returning -
Review from Erika F.
Chicago, IL
5/10/2012
I really like this place I've had them cater my children's parties, I really enjoy their Greek chicken potatoes and rice my biggest problem is their service. I'm placing huge orders! Please smile at me a little gratitude goes a long way.
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Review from Natalie S.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2011
I doubt we're patronizing this place again.
I should have known from the minute I placed my order. The guy who answered the phone did so in such a way that I wasn't even sure I had the right number. He muttered something that sounded like, "HHHmanjhahanhja". I said, "um, hi, I'd like to place an order for pickup". I guess I had the right place because he said, "yeah... ? Hello? Go ahead!"... in a not-so-nice-guy-voice.
When I ordered my club in a sub, he asked if I wanted everything. I said no, and he SIGHED a deep, audible sigh. Clearly, he hates his life and his job if the fact that I don't want tomatoes and vinegar on my sub makes him so sad. The rest of my order (2 cheese fries and an Italian combo) were not sigh worthy, apparently. I was barked at, "10 minutes!" and given a number.
My dude comes home... and instead of 2 orders of cheese fries, we have one. Fantastic.
My sandwich was good. I appreciated that there weren't any tomatoes or vinegar.
My dude's Italian combo was awful. They cut the sausage in half when they cook it which makes it incredibly dry. The beef was chewy. He didn't finish it. If you know my dude, you know this is a BIG DEAL. Nothing goes uneaten on his plate unless it's seriously gross.
Booo! Why go back when East of Edens is super close too? -
Review from patty o.
Chicago, IL
10/28/2011
Just ok, food made to order but somehow my fries were cold and seemed like they were probably made ahead and they drop in fryer again not good. Ladies room was gross, the 1 toilet didn't flush & toilet fill w toilet paper in the bowl the other stall had dirty female product in it.Gross!
Not there fault that some women r pigs in the bathroom but as a restaurant u need to stay on top off the restroom to make sure they r clean & maintain.
Probably wont go back again since ladies room gross me out & also guys who seem to always be there @ register must be the owners r like other reviews said are dry and not really service oriented.
The shorter guy sometimes will acknowledge as u r leaving sometimes, but the tall dark hair 1 is never friendly. -
Review from Katrina M.
Chicago, IL
9/30/2011
I've lived within the area of this place for about ten years, and I am still mourning the absence of Nick's (the former restau as this location). So heck, I'm starving and I can't decide what to eat so I go there twice in the last two months to try it out.
The first time, I ordered a salad to go and it took FOREVERRR. When I finally brought it home, I shut up and ate it all because it was reallyyyy fresh and flavorful. Awesome.
The second time, I dined in and AGAIN my food took such a long time. I also didn't like how the couple behind me in line (and the couple behind them) got their food before me! When I got my food (a gyros sandwich plate) it was a large, delicious portion of both gyros and fries...but it wasn't something that wowed me after waiting for so long. Worst of all, I look at the guy next to me eating a salad and the salad is huge!! Definitely not the same size of the one I carried out during the previous visit. 0.0
With all that said (and despite the semi-friendly cashiers), I'll be coming back, but only for the salads. -
Review from Rita P.
Skokie, IL
1/22/2012
The food here is really good. But what makes this a five star place is that the salads are delicious, fresh, huge, and made to order. This is something that you don't see in a lot of fast food places. I recommend the shrimp. Cute decor also.
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Review from eve r.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2012
It was fine. My chicken kabob was tasty and not dried out. Overall a good experience. I'd go back if it was convenient. LOTS of choices on the menu.
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Review from Jennifer E.
Chicago, IL
5/10/2011
I come here probably 2 -3 times a month because it's close to my work.
Food is alright, portions are huge so if you're hungry on a budget then its a good place to go.
I recommend calling your order in if you want to come for lunch because between 11am - 1pm it's crazy busy and you'd be waiting for your food for a while. Take a menu next time you come in and keep it on your work desk and call in ahead of time :) -
Review from Gerry D.
Chicago, IL
1/9/2012
GREAT FOOD!!! I used to smash everytime I went here while I was in college. This place would get a 5 except for the fact that they dont have hot water in the restroom and the guy who works the register told me a confusing 5 minute joke that doesnt funny!
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Review from Kamil D.
Schaumburg, IL
12/28/2011
I work a couple miles for Backyard Grill and visit for lunch about once a week with three of my co-workers. What we love about this place is the extensive menu and the amount of food you get for the price. I could honestly say I usually dont finish everything I get when ordering a chicken breast plate, gyro plate or kabob plate. The food good and for the price I would recommend it to anyone.
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Review from Carole G.
Chicago, IL
9/5/2011
I have been a regular since this place opened, and I have never been disappointed. It is our go-to carry out spot. Favorites are the chopped chicken salad, BBQ pork sandwich, and my current favorite, chicken kabob plate.
I am surprised by the reviews that complain how long it takes to get the food. Normally my wait is 10 minutes, except for the kabobs which take a little longer. They are cooking your food fresh when you order, people! If it's too slow for you, there is a McDonalds nearby.
Mr Order Taker is a serious lot, but we have a rapport now and we make small talk. But give him a break...no matter what day or time we go, he is working! You would be surly too if you had to wait on some of you all day every day!
Great food for a good price, if you are in the area you can't go wrong. -
Review from Jason B.
Chicago, IL
10/11/2010 10 Check-ins Here
I live down the street and may be bias, but this is an overall great All-American establishment. This place carries everything flavorful, from the chicken carbonara, gyros!, polish sausage, salads (for the "vegetarian" in you ha!), amazing shakes (only 3.00!), chicken ka bob, philly chicken, and MORE.
I suggest the chicken ka-bob plate. The chicken is so tender and soft coming off the skewer, and it comes with this nice creamy sauce for the dips. This is also complemented by a bed of rice pilaf, a pita bread, and large servings of sliced potatoes.
If you're ever in this neighborhood and are looking for a sure-thing, BYG is the place to be! -
Review from Jamie G.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2011
Best Chicken Salad I've had yet so far.. Place was clean and the lettuce was so crisp and clean. The wifey ordered the Steak Caprese Salad and that was Bomb Diggity as well.. Yeah Son! Don't sleep on the Spinach
Pie.. It is one of the staples!
P.S.
Yeah I said it! "Bomb Diggity"...... -
Review from Jack P.
11/12/2009
Now here is the type of self-service char house I don't enjoy. I came for lunch recently because an authentic Greek who used to own a gyros place told me this was the BEST gyros in town. So I give it three stars and two squad cars: one grey unmarked Chicago and the other The Illinois State Police. Always a good harbinger in a char house parking lot. We were only missing the Cook County Sheriff. (They were probably busy evicting someone.)
You walk into a pretty spacious (and busy) place, give your order to an impatient grumpy guy. Take a number. Wait 20-30 minutes (they provide chairs), then the Marisa Tomei look-a-like, who hates the fact that she works at her uncle's restaurant hands you your tray. You maneuver through the other unfriendly patrons to find a spot of your own, chow down, then try to bus your table and get those red plastic baskets in the right place, after squeezing past the other patrons at those high bar tables. You hope they don't knock you as they gesture and your tray flies into some stranger's head.
The gyros was OK. I could not tell that it didn't have filler or that it was made there. The yogurt sauce was that thin shiney variety that has the consistency of hair conditioner. The sweet potato fries were really tasty, though. Crispy as all get-out and nicely spiced.
The menu is extensive and the food I watched fly by me while I waited for my sandwich all looked good. Big, Chicago-worthy portions. if I worked around here or found myself in the neighborhood, maybe returning from O'Hare at an off-time, I would come back. But not a new gyros destination, unfortunately. -
Review from Jacob J.
10/11/2006 7 Check-ins Here
Decent char house. Though if you aren't used to Char prices, you may find the prices high. Most combo's are $6.50+, a double cheeseburger combo can cost almost $10.70 with tax!
Its very filling. Its a nice clean place, TV's, free refills!
But like A.w.'s review. Nothing that really pulls you back again and again.
I miss the place that was once here, Nick's. That was a really great char house. -
Review from April P.
4/14/2010
Driving around the neighborhood, me and my brother were looking for a reasonable spot with fairly healthy food. If you YELP cheap eats, you are bound to have a selection of Mexican and fast food joints populate. Eh...not today, I can't stomach some greasy food.
So we were pretty happy when we drove and found Backyard Grill. It looked fairly empty, which was an okay thing since we weren't in the mood to wait in line.
There was no line, and maybe about 10 people in the place, mostly off duty cops. Guess they like this place better than the Dunkin Donuts across the street The guy at the counter was less than helpful when we were choosing of our orders in front of the gigantic board , even less enthusiastic and friendly when we actually chose them.
I chose the filet mignon shish kabobs dinner, while brother dear chose the half Grecian chicken. My dinner came with 2 skewers, with onion and peppers laced with the tender beef. The skewers were done tastefully, grilled to perfection, leaving them juicy and tender, even as I had the 2nd skewer for lunch the next day. The sides were a let down though. The rice was oily and the potatoes were just a slop of chunkiness slopped on my plate. Sure, they gave a huge helping of it, but not appreciate since they were not that great. Garlic bread was good, yay, one good carb out of the bunch. Slightly crunchy, but with a softness in the inside, it had great flavoring. A bite out of the Grecian chicken had me convinced that their sides weren't their star components. The Grecian chicken was tender and flavorful.
The sitting area was pretty messy when we sat to eat. That knocked off some stars. They did have a nice selection of pastas, burgers and other items as well as a huge crepe bar in the back, that I unfortunately didn't try. I'd be willing to come back and try the other items and the crepe bar, and hope they have cleaned the sitting area on my next visit. -
Review from Glenn D.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2012
What happens when you order chili? Yes, you get some kind of artichoke soup. What happens when you ask for your hot dog to have chili AND you pay extra? That's right, they leave it off. What happens when you go to wash your hands in the bathroom? That's right, in January, when it is 18 degrees outside, NO HOT WATER. When you go to dry your freezing cold hands, the air dryer blows out ONLY COLD AIR. It's unfortunate that small businesses are failing so often. With service like this, it is clear why.
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Review from Oly D.
Chicago, IL
5/16/2009
I absolutely LOVE this restaurant ( I live 45 mins away so if I'm willing to travel that far, it goes to say alot.)
I am a raving fan of the tuna salad with house dressing. The portion is enough for 2 people and it comes with a free cheese roll (omg! heaven in my mouth). I've also tried the chicken nuggets (they're all right), the grilled chicken sandwich basket (grilled chicken sandwich with fries and a pop), and the chicken philly.
They have an extensive menu from burgers, salads, pastas, steak dinners, roasted/grill chicken, to shrimp. -
Review from Oliver S.
Chicago, IL
6/14/2011
Best Chicken sandwich iv'e ever tasted...the reason why its getting a 4 star is because of that mediocre looking worker...yes. im talking about the big dude that stares at you hard when your ordering something and has a heart attack if you ask him for extra condiments...other then that amazing foood and one hot ass waitress lol :D
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Review from Skazoo M.
Northbrook, IL
1/15/2007
Reasonably clean and OK service - although not at all quick... it usually takes 15 - 20 minutes for me to get my order.
I agree with the "eh" ratings for the cheeseburgers - you're better off going to Charcoal Delights on Foster for a char experience.
I've had the best luck (but just 2 1/2 stars worth) with the subs. I usually get the italian (although I prefer the italian sub at Potbelly's or Jimmy John's), have had the roast beef, and have been meaning to try to steak.
I've considered trying one of their gyros but haven't been brave enough. I can eat a lousy burger but a lousy gyro is truly a horror.
Why do I eat here? It is conveniently located when I have to run out and hit Kinko's over lunch hour (which isn't often). -
Review from Kimberly A.
Chicago, IL
8/24/2011
I work right across the street from BYG so i eat here mostly because it is convenient for me.
There are so many options to choose from and their menu has everything you could think of which makes ordering for me so much harder!
Their Greek salad is really good. I could eat this everyday if i could. I've had the following:
gyros (which are huge!!),
grilled chicken plate (the rice pilaf is tasty),
the cheeseburger (just OK),
spaghetti (actually very good),
shrimp carbonara (definitely disliked!),
cheese dog (must get two cause it is that good)
BBQ wings (I've had better, but I'll still eat it)
skirt steak sandwich (HUGE)
sweet potato fries and corn on the cob (My favorites!!)
Overall, pretty decent place! It is always busy when i go in, so they must be doing something right.
Has anyone every seen the guy that takes the order smile? I swear every time i go there (which is a lot) he always looks so sad. Mr. cash register guy... your face won't break if you cracked a smile every so often. -
Review from Thuc N.
Chicago, IL
10/26/2008
I only had the gyros since I read Steve P. review about their in-store gyros. I tried their gyros twice and it was good but I still think Hellas Gyros tasted better to me. The onion used for the gyros here had a very strong taste which is not to my liking.
The staffs were nice to carry on a conversation with me while I was placing my order. -
Review from Crystal K.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2011
I called for a lunch pickup and ordered a BLT with avocado and cheese fries. The guy said 10 minutes and i got there in about 5 and it was already ready- even though the place was packed!! I wish they would've had other bread (like multi-grain) instead of just sour-dough but I'm not that picky. The sandwich was excellent and the cheese fries were average (no better or worse than most places like this). I'd go back for sure. The special on the menu board was pulled pork sandwiches.. I need to get on that!
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Review from Jaz P.
Chicago, IL
9/3/2010
Backyard Grill replaced a prior fast food place that was here for several years. But they revamped the space and made it 10 times more attractive. One side of the seating area is elevated and cutesy. Somehow, it doesn't feel quite so fast-food. Gyros plate has an authentic strong lamb flavor and significant in size (leftovers produced 2 more meals).. With so many items on the menu, ie burgers, grilled shrimp, salads, I can keep coming back.
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Review from Steve P.
Chicago, IL
9/25/2008
I think Backyard Grill has the best tasting Gyros on the North-side. It's homemade and is very tender. Most Gyros is pre-made from a factory. Not Backyard Grill. They blend the meat on-site. Some people might think this place is expensive probably because they're used to dollar menus and drive-thrus. This is not typical "fast food" Their salads are big and good too. You order your food, find a seat, and listen for your number. Enjoy!
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Review from tessa c.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2008
I live by this place. Sometimes if my mom doesn't feel like cooking we get the chicken with rice and potatoes and it's always amazing. The hot wings also equally amazing :) Portions are huge and cheap prices! The only complaint I have, and it's not really a complaint is that I need to find my .10 cent wings in Chicago. My boyfriend and I used to get some every thursday at Joe's in Champaign and I've yet to get decent wings for that price.
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Review from Joseph O.
Chicago, IL
4/6/2010
Typical Greek fast food joint; not particularly better or worse from a food standpoint.
The reason they get the one star treatment (and they really don't deserve that) is the owners. What a couple of lazy a**holes. Just because the girl who buses the tables is out of the restaurant doesn't mean that THEY can't do it. The place wasn't filthy, but how about clearing what little is still on the table and straightening the chairs? Is that too much to ask?
I don't need to be fawned over, but how about showing some appreciation to your customers for coming in? A simple "Thank you." How about a look that doesn't say, "I'm talking to my buddy; make it quick."? My brother refused to let his kids use the bathrooms. 'Nuff said about that.
I wasn't a big fan of this place when it was Nick's #2. (Come to think of it, #2 is still an appropriate numeral for this joint.) It took them two years to remodel. The actual remodeling looks like it took two weeks.
The only reason I went back every now and then is because of the girls they hire to bus the tables. I'll admit it, I go for the eye candy. They're not dressed provocatively, but they are gorgeous.
However, it's reached the point where nothing could make me want to give the owners any more of my money under any circumstances. If you want the same kind of food, go to East of Edens or Hub's. Heck, go to BK on Lincoln or Taco Bell on Devon. Do yourself a favor and go anywhere but here. -
Review from Duke B.
Chicago, IL
10/1/2009
I work in Skokie and I have probably had lunch from every establishment in the area in the last 2 years.
Their chopped chicken salad with house dressing is phenominal.
When I place an order, which is atleast twice a week, I have 3-4 people order this salad as well.
Give it a try. -
Review from Mike O.
3/7/2007
Good food, beautiful wall & ceiling paintings, and a nice seating arrangement. It gets a bit crowded by the order pickup area, especially by the drink fountain. It takes about 10-15 minutes for a lunch order to be ready, which is slow by fast food standards, even for a fancier place like this. Still, I come here on occasion and like it. I stick to the specials, as things are pricy.
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Review from a w.
Chicago, IL
8/18/2005 2 photos
I've been here a few times for lunch. Its a decent place to get a filling meal. I had a cheeseburger and fries. It was filling and fresh, but certainly nothing to bring me back again and again. Give it a try if you're in the area -- you might find something you like!
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Review from Joan A.
Chicago, IL
10/19/2010
I love this place. I've been going here for over 5 years now and the food is always great. I won't lie though, sometimes placing an order by phone is not so fun (sometimes they forget about you and keep you on hold for like 5 minutes). They have a wide variety of food and everything that i've tried has always been delicious (gyros, chopped salad, souvlaki, burgers, you name it and i've probably tried it). They have changed their menu a bit in the last 2 years which included a slight price markup =/ but I don't care I still go.
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Review from John F.
7/20/2006
Nice place for fast food at reasonable prices, with some good specials everyday. Very tasty and well-prepared salads. Beverage choices leave a bit to be desired and the place is hot inside sometimes.
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Review from Jacqueline A.
Mount Prospect, IL
5/20/2010
I really like the gyros from here and it looks like they have lots of other good stuff on their menu. The place had plenty of seating and was nice and clean. I wish I live closer - I would go much more often. I want to try the chicken and rice and potatoes - it looked so good!
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Review from Dominic R.
Chicago, IL
1/5/2008
I have never had anything bad here..........love the beef and fries. the service is pretty quick and why wouldn't you love sitting in a plastic lawn chair to eat your meal?
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Review from Dionna R.
Chicago, IL
6/6/2007
I can't believe the reviews I'm reading. I have never had anything bad here. The guys from work order from here a few times a week and say the same thing. They have great meatballs, fantastic gyros and truly yummy salads. Their salads are huge and delicious
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Review from mick e.
Wilmette, IL
10/6/2010
very disappointing - used to be a good gyros place here
bad service (except for the nice girls doing the cleanup!)
mediocre gyros - bland italian beef- small order of sweet potato fries
not going back -
Review from maggie j.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2009
Terrific food, and that's what counts. Not a lot of seating, but comfortable enough. Portions are huge (caprese salad to die for and would be at least two meals). Opening soon - expresso/crepes/soft serve ice cream bar ~ does it get any better than this! Restrooms are spotless. All that, and very congenial hosts as well.
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Review from janice l.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2009
What more could you want from your neighborhood burger / gyros / chicken joint?! It's always good food and they have a large menu that is sure to please everyone in your group. A great option if you're in the mood for something quick and filling.
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Review from Brian B.
Chicago, IL
1/5/2011
Was driving around looking for a gyros spot around, thought I would give this place a try. From when I went in the short guy mugged me with a dirty look. Then I got the gyros. Oh man it was "dry" no flavor and there was not enough sauce on it. I had better gyros. This place does not look clean.
