Backyard Desert Ridge: The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Hangout in Phoenix
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 24 Dec 2025 04:50
TL;DR: Backyard - Desert Ridge Brunch Time is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Phoenix
Backyard Desert Ridge in Phoenix stands out as a vibrant, dog-friendly bar and restaurant perfect for meeting up with friends. Its spacious indoor-outdoor setting provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy a lively blend of games, live music, and an impressive menu filled with elevated bar favorites, including handcrafted cocktails and a curated beer list boasting over 40 draft and bottled options. The venue is well-known for its fun environment, featuring over 40 high-definition TVs and four massive LED walls, making it an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts to watch games together. The food offerings range from hearty burgers and sammies to creative pizzas with gluten-free options and savory entrées like BBQ-glazed salmon and homestyle meatloaf. Beyond the cuisine, the friendly staff and unbeatable happy hour contribute to a relaxed vibe that encourages socializing and memorable outings. Regular live entertainment and DJ nights keep the energy alive, while the dog-friendly policy with treats available ensures that furry friends are just as welcome. Whether you’re looking for a casual hangout, a place to catch a game, or an exciting night with music and drinks, Backyard Desert Ridge offers a versatile and enjoyable experience that makes it a perfect destination for any gathering.
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What people think of Backyard - Desert Ridge, based on reviews
As of recent, Backyard - Desert Ridge holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1159 reviews.
User reviews of Backyard Desert Ridge paint a generally positive picture of the establishment. Many patrons praise the friendly and attentive staff, the enjoyable and lively atmosphere, and the attractive menu with flavorful food. The venue's commitment to a dog-friendly environment and the presence of numerous TVs for sports watching are frequently highlighted as major draws. Positive feedback often centers on the tasty elevated bar food, the expertly crafted cocktails, and the value of the happy hour offerings, which together create a welcoming space to relax and enjoy time with friends. However, some negative reviews note occasional issues such as cleanliness concerns—flies and crumbs on tables have been mentioned—and inconsistencies in service and order fulfillment. A few reviewers have called attention to the gluten-free menu as being rather basic, without much special consideration. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment remains upbeat, with many reviewers returning due to the fun ambiance and quality experiences. In conclusion, Backyard Desert Ridge enjoys a strong reputation for its buzzing social scene, varied food and drink options, and dog-friendly hospitality, making it a popular choice in the Phoenix area despite some isolated service or cleanliness hiccups.
How to reach Backyard - Desert Ridge
21001 N Tatum Blvd #14, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
FAQ about Backyard - Desert Ridge, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Phoenix, Arizona
When it comes to finding the perfect spot to gather with friends, Backyard - Desert Ridge stands out as a vibrant destination that blends entertainment, great food, and a lively atmosphere. With a solid 4.3 rating based on over 1,100 reviews, this venue clearly resonates with visitors looking for a fun and relaxed environment. The moment you step into Backyard, you’re welcomed by an open-air playground featuring over 40 high-definition TVs and four massive LED walls, ensuring that every sporting event or game night is an immersive experience. Whether you’re a sports fanatic wanting to catch every play or just want a casual place to unwind, Backyard offers that perfect mix of comfort and excitement. The space is also dog-friendly, making it an inclusive social spot where you can bring your furry friends along for the fun. Coupled with happy hour specials, a curated beer list of 40+ draft and bottled options, and a menu that elevates traditional bar fare, Backyard - Desert Ridge is an outstanding venue to rally your friends, celebrate milestones, or just enjoy a memorable night out.
Backyard - Desert Ridge is not just about eating and drinking; it’s an all-encompassing entertainment hub tailored to group experiences. First, the centerpiece of its appeal is the plethora of screens showing live sports and various entertainment options, so groups never miss out on the action, whether it’s football, basketball, or any other popular sport. Beyond the TV screens, Backyard boasts an open-air playground where groups can engage in interactive games, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition. Networking or just socializing feels natural here because the space encourages engagement between friends and even strangers alike. There’s also the regular lineup of live entertainment and DJs that keeps the energy high well into the night on weekends, perfect for groups who want to combine watching sports with dancing or listening to live music. For weekend gatherings, Backyard serves brunch from 11 AM to 2 PM, giving groups a perfect way to start their day with elevated comfort food and refreshing drinks in a lively yet casual setting.
Backyard’s design and atmosphere are crafted specifically to support group interactions, making it highly suitable for meetups among friends, families, or colleagues. The expansive seating areas accommodate different group sizes comfortably, from intimate gatherings to larger parties, without feeling crowded. Its extensive happy hour running weekdays from 3 PM to 6 PM offers unbeatable deals on domestic drafts, well cocktails, house wines, and the popular prickly-pom margaritas, plus half-off select appetizers—ideal for groups looking to indulge without overspending. The menu balances classic and creative options, ensuring there is something for everyone’s palate, which is crucial when dining with a diverse group. Adding to this, the dog-friendly policy means no one has to leave behind their pets, providing a relaxed and inclusive environment that caters to modern social habits. This welcoming vibe makes Backyard not just a place to eat and drink, but a communal space where friends can feel at home while enjoying dynamic entertainment and delicious food.
The ambiance at Backyard - Desert Ridge is a vital ingredient that elevates every meetup into an enjoyable social outing. The open-air format allows guests to relish Arizona’s pleasant weather while engaging in their favorite group activities. Its layout is crafted for visibility and interaction, with strategically placed TVs and LED walls so no one in the group misses any sports highlights or key moments during live events. The presence of live DJs and bands punctuates the week with musical energy, transforming the venue from a casual hangout into a thriving nightlife spot as the evening progresses. This mix of entertainment modes creates a fluid experience where groups can casually chat, cheer for their teams, and dance or listen to music—all without having to move to a different venue. Beyond that, the staff is reputed to be friendly and attentive, helping to keep the event running smoothly and ensuring every guest feels taken care of, key for any successful group gathering.
Backyard offers an elevated bar food experience that perfectly complements its vibrant and interactive setting. Their menu features a range of elevated bar favorites that go beyond typical pub grub. From shareable appetizers to hearty mains and specialty cocktails, every item is designed to be flavorful and satisfying. The drink list is particularly impressive, boasting over 40 draft and bottled beers with a mix of local craft and popular options, alongside carefully crafted cocktails and wines. Their happy hour specials, such as $5 domestic drafts and $7 prickly-pom margaritas, give groups an affordable way to sample a variety of drinks without breaking the bank. Weekend brunch is another highlight, serving fresh and innovative dishes from 11 AM to 2 PM to provide the perfect start for any daytime gathering. These food and drink offerings not only cater to a wide range of tastes but also encourage sharing and trying new flavors, which is perfect for a group dynamic.
Backyard - Desert Ridge is located within the Desert Ridge Marketplace, a well-known and easily accessible area in North Phoenix. Its central location offers plenty of parking options and proximity to major roads, making it convenient for guests coming from different parts of the city. The venue’s operating hours are generous, staying open until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday, and running from late morning through the evening during the week, thus allowing groups flexible timing for their meetups. Reservations are accepted, which is a significant advantage for larger parties or special occasions, removing guesswork and ensuring a smooth experience for organizers. The venue’s online presence also facilitates easy planning, with updated event calendars and social media channels keeping guests informed about the latest entertainment and promotions. This combination of location, hours, and booking options makes Backyard a stress-free choice for people arranging group events.
Beyond friend groups, Backyard - Desert Ridge is also a welcoming spot for families looking to enjoy a lively yet comfortable outing. Its open-air setting and dog-friendly policy encourage relaxed family visits where children and pets can be part of the fun without disrupting others. Safety and comfort are prioritized through spacious seating and well-managed crowd flow, which is important for family groups that may have young kids or elderly members. Weekend brunch hours offer a daytime option that suits family schedules, accompanied by a diverse menu that can meet the tastes and dietary needs of all ages. The wide array of entertainment options, from sports broadcasts to live music, ensures there’s always something engaging for every member of the family. This family-friendly approach, combined with great food and drink offerings, distinguishes Backyard as an inclusive venue where groups of all kinds can come together and make lasting memories.