When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Back Lot
Why Back Lot is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Back Lot stands out as a remarkable place for friends to convene, boasting an impressive customer rating of 4.7 based on over 330 reviews. This level of acclaim suggests a consistently positive reception among visitors. The venue offers an inviting atmosphere that balances comfort and engagement, making it an ideal meet-up spot. Highlights of Back Lot include its dynamic environment that fosters social interaction and memorable experiences. Its approachable setting welcomes groups, encouraging long, enjoyable visits with friends or acquaintances. The space is versatile enough to suit various occasions, from casual hangouts to special gatherings. Patrons appreciate the attentive service and the overall vibe, which together create an appealing destination that resonates well within the community. These qualities collectively make Back Lot a preferred choice for social outings and a dependable venue to reconnect and enjoy time with others.
Here's what people think of Back Lot
As of recent, Back Lot holds a 4.7-star rating based on 331 reviews.
User reviews for Back Lot largely affirm its status as a highly rated establishment, as reflected by the 4.7-star rating across a significant number of evaluations. Positive reviews highlight the welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and the venue's ability to provide an enjoyable environment for groups to socialize. Customers frequently commend the attentive service and the well-maintained space that supports a relaxed and comfortable experience. Many appreciate the efforts made to ensure that pleasant interactions are facilitated, which contributes to the facility's strong reputation. Meanwhile, any negative feedback tends to be less prominent but may touch on occasional issues such as customer service inconsistencies or specific event management challenges. However, these are generally overshadowed by the overall positive sentiments expressed by the majority. In conclusion, the reviews depict Back Lot as a highly regarded establishment that delivers on its promise of a great social atmosphere, making it a reliable place to gather with friends, despite minor areas for improvement noted by some visitors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Meagan Clark - Realtor
One of my favorite divey bars, well priced drinks and some of my favorite staff. I believe her name is Jess, she always has fantastic earrings, but she deserves a raise! Superb service. The taco truck in the back is amazing too.
Johnny !
Back lot. Awesome dive bar. This place used to be called 'nasty's bar,'... What a drastic improvement backlot is. It's kind of dark in there, folks are friendly. Very much Dive. They have a list of local $3 draft beers all day everyday, a list of local and maybe imported $4 draft beers all day everyday, and I think some specialty cocktails. They're posted clearly on signs on the bar. Just look around and you'll find an excellent deal. Location is pretty good and you can park on the street and they have a tiny parking lot. It's right across the street from It's right across the street from 37th, in a cute neighborhood. This is University area so there are some young folks that go in there, but the age range is widely mixed. They also have an outdoor patio kind of on two sides. And a food truck with some pretty dank tacos.
Bill S
Great neighborhood bar that has margaritas made with fresh squeezed lime juice - at a good price.
Jeff K - Darts
Cool pub to throw darts. Very nice dart boards ( WINMAU BLADE 6 ) Nice dry erase scoring. Boards are well lit, throwing area is not. Beer is priced low, service is friendly. Will come back. No tournaments.
Jonathan Parker
Classic local dive bar in a single story cinder block building. Bare bones, friendly atmosphere, great prices. There is a food truck but the bar is the main reason to come.
How to reach Back Lot
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Website: None
Why Back Lot may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Back Lot with your friends?
Gathering friends or family at Back Lot promises an exceptional experience that blends casual comfort with dynamic culinary choices. This venue has earned a remarkable reputation, boasting a solid 4.7-star rating from over 330 reviews, signaling that visitors consistently enjoy their time here. The inviting atmosphere is ideal for socializing and relaxing, with spacious seating arrangements perfectly suited for groups that want to unwind together. Whether you prefer chatting around fire tables or enjoying an open-air setting, Back Lot’s unique blend of ambiance and activity makes it a go-to destination for friendly meetups. What truly distinguishes Back Lot from other venues is its innovative approach: instead of sticking to a single food source, it hosts a variety of food trucks, each offering distinct flavors ensuring that everyone in the group finds something they love. This diversity encourages exploration, adds excitement to your gathering, and ensures that dietary preferences or cravings are easily satisfied. The joyful energy of the venue, combined with its buzzing yet relaxed vibe, makes Back Lot more than just a spot to eat and drink—it’s a social hub where memorable moments with friends naturally unfold.
What activities does Back Lot offer for group fun?
Back Lot’s core appeal lies in its well-thought-out activities and amenities that keep groups entertained and comfortable throughout their visit. First and foremost, the variety of food trucks stationed on site offers a tasting journey across multiple cuisines, suited for all tastes and dietary needs. This food truck setup also allows everyone to order at their own pace and preferences, which is perfect for groups with varying appetites and timings. In addition to diverse dining options, the venue features ample seating with large picnic tables, allowing groups to sit together and enjoy lively conversations. Many tables come equipped with fire pits or fire tables, adding warmth and ambiance, especially during cooler evenings. This setup transforms an ordinary meal into a cozy gathering space that encourages sharing stories and laughter. Moreover, Back Lot provides a full bar with a broad selection of beverages, including carefully crafted cocktails, local beers, and non-alcoholic options, ensuring all guests feel included. The outdoor setting further invites social mingling, creating an open, friendly environment rather than the constrained atmosphere typical of traditional restaurants. Together, these elements build a perfect playground for any group meetup, whether it’s an informal hangout or a special celebration.
Why is Back Lot the perfect location for a group meetup?
The perfect venue for a social gathering must balance convenience, comfort, diversity of options, and an atmosphere conducive to connection; Back Lot ticks all these boxes. Its location generally avoids parking hassles, a crucial convenience for groups traveling together, which means no one has to worry about long walks or time-consuming searches for a spot. The venue’s outdoor seating arrangements with plenty of room ensure groups can comfortably gather without feeling cramped, which encourages relaxed, uninterrupted conversations. Another advantage is the casual yet vibrant vibe that makes newcomers feel at ease without sacrificing an energetic backdrop that fuels the social spirit. The vibrancy is heightened by the presence of multiple food trucks, allowing groups to engage in fun discussions about the best dishes and perhaps share food samples, an interactive aspect that enhances bonding. The venue also accommodates diverse preferences well, providing options for meat eaters, vegetarians, and those with special dietary needs, so no one is left out of the culinary experience. Finally, the combination of a full bar and creative food choices means group members can enjoy a complete outing without needing to visit multiple places, making Back Lot a holistic and convenient meetup spot.
How does the food concept at Back Lot enhance the meetup experience?
Back Lot’s innovative food truck concept revolutionizes the typical group dining experience by providing abundance and variety under one roof—outdoors. Instead of a standard menu dictating the meal, guests can explore an eclectic mix of offerings that reflect many culinary styles, from fresh seafood like locally caught whitefish and walleye to gourmet comfort foods and international specialties. This approach caters to food lovers within a group, inviting them to embark on a mini-food adventure. Moreover, the use of buzzers that notify when food is ready adds a layer of convenience and relaxation, removing the traditional stress of waiting and coordinating orders, which can be a source of frustration in group settings. The diversity allows people to try new dishes without leaving the group, creating opportunities for shared taste-testing and lively food discussions. It also allows groups with varying appetites and schedules to enjoy the venue at their personal pace without having to synchronize orders strictly. This freedom, combined with high-quality food options and the energetic environment created by multiple culinary choices, makes Back Lot an ideal destination to enjoy meals and make the most of each other’s company.
What makes the ambiance and service at Back Lot stand out for group gatherings?
The ambiance at Back Lot strikes a remarkable balance between lively fun and laid-back comfort, which is particularly valued by groups seeking both connection and enjoyment. The spacious outdoor setting accommodates large groups with ease, while the presence of fire tables creates intimate pockets within this openness, perfect for sharing stories on cooler evenings. The casual vibe ensures no one feels out of place, and the friendly atmosphere encourages mingling and meeting new people, which can sometimes be a pleasant bonus to planned meetups. Service is designed to complement the relaxed nature of the venue: ordering at food trucks reduces formalities, and the sound buzzer system allows groups to relax without hovering for food delivery. Reviews highlight the warm, welcoming attitude of staff and the minimal parking issues, which add to the stress-free experience important for happy gatherings. The combination of attentive service, great food, ample beverage choices, and a social yet comfortable environment makes Back Lot a standout choice for those looking to enjoy quality time in a hassle-free setting.
How does Back Lot accommodate different group sizes and preferences?
Back Lot caters to a wide range of group sizes and preferences thanks to its flexible space and variety of offerings. The picnic tables and seating arrangements can easily accommodate small groups who want a cozy meetup as well as larger parties looking to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy an energetic atmosphere together. The food truck variety naturally serves different eating habits and cravings, from meat lovers to vegetarians and everyone in between. Additionally, the venue’s outdoor layout allows groups to spread out a bit if they want more privacy or gather closely if they prefer intimacy. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re organizing a casual catch-up, a birthday party, or a team outing, Back Lot’s environment and offerings can be tailored to meet the needs of your particular group. The full bar with diverse beverage options also guarantees that drink preferences will be satisfied, further enhancing the communal experience. Overall, Back Lot provides a venue that respects individual tastes while fostering togetherness, making it a versatile and attractive option for any kind of group meetup.
What do customers say about their experiences at Back Lot?
Customers consistently praise Back Lot for its unique concept, great atmosphere, and diverse food options that enhance social gatherings. Many highlight the friendly and inviting environment that makes it easy to relax and enjoy time with friends or family. The variety of food trucks is frequently mentioned as a major plus, appealing to everyone in a group and allowing guests to try different cuisines effortlessly. The use of buzzers to notify when food is ready is appreciated for making the experience smooth and stress-free, particularly for larger groups. Seating with fire tables is another favorite feature, adding warmth and a cozy ambiance that enhances the overall visit. Guests also note that parking is rarely an issue, contributing to a hassle-free outing. Reviews detail positive experiences with both the food quality—especially fresh seafood options—and the welcoming atmosphere. Collectively, these factors produce many repeat visitors who regard Back Lot as a top choice for casual yet memorable meetups with friends and family.
Why is Back Lot considered a smart choice for hosting family gatherings?
Beyond just a place to eat and drink, Back Lot offers a family-friendly environment where people of all ages feel comfortable and engaged. The spacious outdoor seating allows children to move about without disturbing others, and the lively but relaxed setting keeps young guests entertained while adults enjoy conversation. The diversity of food trucks ensures all age groups can find something appealing, from kid-friendly favorites to more sophisticated adult choices. The fire tables create a cozy focal point that families can gather around in the evening, providing warmth and a shared experience that strengthens bonds. Accessibility and ease of parking mean families don’t have to worry about logistics, focusing instead on enjoying their time together. This combination of convenience, food variety, welcoming ambiance, and thoughtful setup makes Back Lot an excellent venue to host family meetups or celebrations.
With its innovative food offerings, inviting atmosphere, and accommodating space, Back Lot stands out as a premier destination for friends and families seeking a memorable meetup spot where great food and great company come together effortlessly.