The Backyard

Living in East Auckland it's not often I venture onto "the Shore". However, it was an easy 20 minute drive and parking was a breeze... actually A LOT easier then heading to the viaduct for some food and drinks!

We were meeting friends for a mid-week catch-up and couldn't have picked a better spot. I loved the interior - a couple of funky different looks - and the outdoor eating area was very inviting, although unfortunately full (should've booked!). Setting up near the huge fish tank, we found the service at the backyard to be fantastic. The waitresses were very friendly and attentive (although we did have to ask for the specials... oops!). The lighting and music were spot on for a quiet drink and a meal with friends.

The menu was pretty good, offering burgers, pizza, steaks and salad although noticeably there weren't any entrees (except for breads). The pricing was pretty high for a gastro-pub, but not so high so that we thought it was inappropriate. The food itself was only really average. My scotch fillet was cooked to a great medium-rare but was a bit fatty and slightly chewy (and I am very fussy when it comes to steak!) and the mashed potato was warm (not hot). However, the salt-and-pepper squid got good reviews (and great value at only $15.50 for a huge plate of it) and the Surf n Turf gave me menu-envy too. Anyone who includes Kapiti ice cream in their dessert menu is a winner for me and the chocolate mud cake was divine and presented beautifully too. My creme brulee-loving friend thought their dessert was good, although not the best they've had.

Overall, the Backyard is a great place with okay food so if heading over the Harbour Bridge again, I would go back (and I hear they have great live music so it might even be worth that big trip to Takapuna on a Friday night!).

best bar on the shore - pretty loose which is all good and makes for a good night. Looking forward to summers at the backyard - good reason to head into taka

Haven't eaten here but have been there for a pool party and to see Cassius play. Pretty nice bar, was a good venue for the pool party but kinda of a strange layout when the band was playing.

Excellent place for the family to go, great food and awesome outdoor area for the kids. Very friendly and obliging staff. Will definitely take the family back.

We went to Backyard to catch up with friends for Lunch on a Sunday, Sun was out so it was perfect place to be! Service was great the Bar Manager was very attentive and made sure everyone was looked after.
My mate recommended the "Backyard Burger" served with fries which did not disappoint!
We ended up staying for a few hours and everyone had a great time!

Primo food! Good place to watch a footy match.

Being Approximately 500m from auckland finest - Tonar St - why oh why do the Backyard bouncers think they are in downtown L.A.? They dress sharply and its a great establishment, but these guys are just egotistical penises. I was enjoying an afternoon beverage there on one occasion and the off duty bouncers were there in NFL singlets, Baseball caps and had shitty lines shaved into their facial hair. One big goon that works there was bragging about pinning a patron to the ground, dislocating his shoulder and knocking him unconscious. If someone is being a dick and not behaving as they should then get rid of them. Its not the hardest to over power a grossly intoxicated person so why go to such extremes to ruin someone, best of luck if they approach someone who can look after themselves; Then then have the brains to brag about it where the public can hear?? Absolute winner..The place is great and seriously has the potential to become the place to be on the shore for a good time, but those clowns ruin it for everyone. One factor needs to change to make the backyard top notch.

Great Bar, fellas. Loved the atmosphere, quality food and plenty of parking! Also home to wear Buck Shelford and the boys started the enception of the mighty North Harbour Rugby Team (Onewa Domain)