Around Back Bat - Lower Burrell

Around Back Cafe permanently closed its doors in February 2022. This review was written prior to that date but was never published until now. The reviewer expresses disappointment in the decline of the restaurant over the years since its opening in 2006 by Gary and Janee Wislie. The original owners provided a welcoming atmosphere with exceptional food and service, but after the business was sold to the Meyer family in 2011, there were noticeable changes. The menu shifted towards more typical bar food, and the once friendly staff became less engaging and more stressed. The reviewer notes a lack of consistency in the food quality, high prices, and a focus on takeout rather than dining in. Despite attempts to adapt to challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic, the reviewer believes Around Back Cafe lost its loyal customer base and has struggled to maintain its reputation as a top bar restaurant in the area. The reviewer also mentions the owners' new venture, Willow Event Center, may face similar difficulties.

I am not sure what is happening with this place. I will provide some historical context below, but it seems like the owners over the past few years have allowed this establishment to deteriorate. It is a mere shadow of its former self. Almost everything has changed, with only a couple of employees holding on. If Around Back Cafe moves to the King's location, it will mark the end of an era. There is little chance they will maintain the same loyal customer base or recapture the magic that made it one of the best bar restaurants in the area. Moving a few miles away will only result in a decline in quality. I used to frequent Around Back Cafe regularly before 2014, and occasionally from 2014 onwards. I visited several times in the past few months when I was back in town, and caught up with friends who are regulars. I want to offer this review from a historical perspective to make a few key points: The cafe was opened in 2006 by Gary and Janee Wislie. Initially, it was unmatched in the area in terms of atmosphere, fun, food, and friendly faces from both staff and patrons. The menu offered a range of dishes not typical of a bar, with items like stuffed banana peppers, calamari, peel and eat shrimp, and dinners that were a cut above. The bar was a gathering place for people of all ages, filled with excitement and positive energy. It was simply the best in the LB/NK area for comfort and enjoyment. In 2011, Gary and Janee sold the business to the Meyer family. While the first five years saw some improvements, the past five years have seen a decline. The menu now features more standard bar food and some favorite dishes have disappeared. Ownership became difficult, leading to unhappy staff and a decline in customer service. The once lively atmosphere has been replaced with tense and unhappy staff. The closure during COVID only made things worse, as the loyal customer base disappeared and the restaurant struggled to survive. The quality of the food has become inconsistent, although the drink selection remains good. Prices have gone up due to COVID-related shortages. The focus has shifted towards takeout, and the current closing time of 10 pm feels limiting. Portions have also decreased, hinting at a business in survival mode. For future entrepreneurs looking to revive the spirit of Around Back Cafe, securing a liquor license and hiring friendly bartenders with the ability to attract a diverse clientele will be key. Bringing back the charm and quality of the early days could be a recipe for success.

Today, Around Back Cafe closed its doors for good at its current location. I never posted this review until now, but here it is: Not sure what's happening with this place. Over the years, it seems like the owners have let it deteriorate. It's a shell of its former self, with only a few loyal employees hanging on. If Around Back Cafe moves to the Kings location, it's game over. They won't have the same loyal customer base or the same charm that made it one of the best bar restaurants in the area. As someone who frequented Around Back Cafe before 2014 and occasionally since then, I can say that it used to be a vibrant spot with delicious, home-cooked food and a welcoming atmosphere. However, since the ownership change in 2011, things have declined. The menu has shifted towards more typical bar food, and the once-friendly staff now seem unhappy and stressed. The closure during COVID may have been a misstep, as many loyal customers have disappeared, and the quality and consistency of the food has wavered. The move to the Kings location may be a last-ditch effort, but I doubt it will recapture the magic of the original spot. To any future entrepreneurs looking to revive the spirit of Around Back Cafe, consider getting a liquor license and focusing on good drinks and home-cooked meals in a welcoming setting. We're all rooting for their success, but it won't be easy to recreate the atmosphere and charm of the original location.

The entire dining experience was fantastic! The coconut chicken salad is amazing.

Huge portions. We tried the oktoberfest specials and were not disappointed. The potato pancakes were enormous. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $10–20