We were in Santa Cruz for a few days and had a wonderful dinner here! All together we ordered the mushroom risotto and added a chicken breast. We also had the flat iron steak and the barbecue ribs and the pear salad was one of the best salads I've ever had! David was our server and did a great job! read more

My boyfriend went there because he likes the food. He ordered me food to go. An order of Artichoke Hearts and a side of scalloped potatoes. The receipt says the same. Unfortunately, instead of scalloped potatoes he received a side order of baked beans. Price is too expensive for something unwanted and easy to make like baked beans. He and I expect a refund for the order mixup. Don't know how you mixup baked beans and scalloped potatoes. He was there around 5pm on 6/21/26. Back nine please do the right thing and refund the incorrect side. His name is Brian Curtin so you should be able to find his credit card receipt that is incorrect due to the switch of scalloped potatoes for baked beans , which aren't even an equivalent!! Thank you in advance for taking this matter seriously. read more

The happy hour wings seem to be popular. I regret not ordering some. My French Dip was good. I would have preferred a bit more meat, but was acceptable. The horseradish sauce is tame. The au jus was very good. The fries are homemade fresh. I could tell, not frozen. I will return. Was not a bad experience at all and nothing looked off or greasy. Kind of reminds me of the old Los Gatos Lodge ambiance wise. read more

Back Nine Grill & Bar - Sports Bars Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

We came in on a Friday and caught the tail end of happy hour. There were tables open when we arrived, but by the time we left the restaurant was packed, so it clearly gets busy fast. Restaurant is located at the Pasatiempo Inn and Golf Club. Service started off strong with drinks and appetizers, but slowed noticeably as the night went on. After that initial round, it took some effort to place additional appetizer orders, our entrees, and more drinks. We tried to get our server's attention as he passed by and were told he'd be right back, but there were several long gaps between check-ins. Once we stacked our empty plates to the side, a busser cleared them and our server returned shortly after. It seemed like a very busy night, but what we expected to be a quicker meal stretched closer to 2.5 hours. That said, the food was solid. Appetizers included the shrimp cocktail, which was fine but served on a plate rather than the traditional chilled presentation, coconut shrimp with a sweet chili sauce that we enjoyed, and veggie-loaded potato skins that were huge and easily shareable or even a meal on their own. For entrees, we tried the French dip special with shaved prime rib, which was decent, the mahi mahi which was fresh and well prepared, and the mushroom risotto both as listed and with steak added. The risotto with steak was a standout and absolutely delicious. It's topped with asparagus and cherry tomatoes, though the tomatoes didn't really add much to the dish. Overall, our group enjoyed the food and we'd be open to coming back for another try. Happy hour is offered daily with drink specials and discounted appetizers, which is a nice bonus. read more

Back Nine Grill & Bar - Veggie Loaded Potato Skins - Sports Bars Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

See all

Cozy spot with a relaxed, friendly vibe--perfect after a round of golf or just for a casual night out. The menu has a solid mix of comfort classics and creative twists. I especially loved the Bbq Chicken Salad which was flavorful and perfectly dressed. Drinks were well-made and reasonably priced, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. The patio seating is a bonus on a sunny day. Perfect for a laid-back meal with good food and a friendly atmosphere, The Back Nine hits the mark. read more

See all

The steak had no seasoning and rushed to make, Potatoes were mushy and under seasoned and the only thing on the plate that was full of flavor was the asparagus. The pork Chop was warm but the flavor was distant and once I cut into the middle it was pink, hopefully it was smoked so I don't get sick. picture attached, read more

Back Nine Grill & Bar - Grillled Pork chop - Sports Bars Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

See all

Location - great Pro - Location Parking Generous menu Food taste fresh Lovely wait staff Great for intimate dining Perfect for large crowds Con Musty smell Shows a bit of wear and tear And tables could be better cleaned read more

See all

When I want a nicely cooked steak in a fun and semi-casual environment I go to Back Nine! They have a wonderful selection of bar style appetizers, salads, barbecue, fish, and pork entrees, and a few different cuts of steak. Something for everyone! The decor is very nice, but it still gives off a neighborhood sports bar type vibe. Everyone is friendly, and I've always had quick and attentive service. On my most recent visit I had the flat iron steak, which came with a bleu cheese compound butter. On the side I ordered the loaded baked potato, and it was perfection. It was enough for two meals, and I was super excited for my left overs. They have a full bar, with a nice cocktail menu, and wine list. They also have some delicious desserts. I love their NY style cheesecake that is topped with a raspberry syrup drizzle. read more

Back Nine Grill & Bar - Peppered Flat Iron Steak (comes with potatoes on the plate, but I got a baked potato instead) - Sports Bars Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

See all

I had the pork chop this time and it was great. The veggies and mashed potatoes hit the spot! If you come on a Friday try the prime rib sandwich. You'll Love it. Try the scalloped potatoes for a side. You will thank me! read more

This review is only for their wings. Best in Santa Cruz. Bartenders are hit or miss but it's a nice place to chill.

We came here for a steak dinner after a day of visiting Santa Cruz. The ambiance was nice and we enjoyed the outdoor seating. Our server was friendly but a little slow. We enjoyed the coconut shrimp appetizer as well. For dinner we both opted in for the New York strip steak and it was unfortunately awful. It wasn't seasoned with a single thing including salt or pepper. The cut served was extremely fatty and low quality. We both thought that it wasn't the correct steak served to us. The asparagus was also tasteless and steamed without any butter or seasonings. We definitely will not be giving this place another go. read more

Back Nine Grill & Bar - New York steak with onions instead of mushrooms - Sports Bars Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Was attending a wedding in the inn and didn't really take into account lunch. Ordered the Caesar salad with grilled chicken. Was OK. Not the best I've eaten but fine. It was a takeaway read more

I ordered from your restaurant through DoorDash tonight because I saw berry cobbler on the dessert menu, and I've been craving it for weeks. I was so excited that I even decided to order my dinner from you as well and make it a fun Friday night in. Unfortunately, the cobbler I received was completely undercooked. While the top had a slight crust and some crystallized sugar, beneath that it was raw dough--so raw that it stretched and pulled apart like uncooked batter. Yuck! I was really disappointed because I'd been looking forward to this dessert for so long, and at $15, it was frustrating not to be able to eat it at all. I wanted to bring this to your attention because I believe it's important feedback for the kitchen. A dessert in this condition really shouldn't have left the restaurant. If I were the owner, I would absolutely want to know. read more

Back Nine Grill & Bar - Undercooked Berry Cobbler - Sports Bars Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Came in for happy hour, but their liquor license is suspended... not much of a happy hour. read more

Back Nine Grill & Bar - Front Door - Sports Bars Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Ribs were pretty lit, not gonna lie. Ambiance was chill. Service was great. I'd definitely go back. read more

Back Nine Grill & Bar - Half rack of Pork Ribs - Sports Bars Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Wow this was the worst mistake I've made for mother's day ever. We (party of 5 (4 adults 1 child)) decided to try it out and I enjoyed the ambiance and the cozy vibe and was going into here with an open and excited mind seeing how they've won the best burger in Santa Cruz. We were seated quickly as it was not busy. We were given waters but unfortunately it would be the only water we would get as no one ever asked to refill them during our experience. We had looked at the menu before we arrived so we all had an idea of what we wanted to order when we got there. We waited about 20 minutes before I had to get up and asked one of the servers (I did not get her name because she never introduced herself to us and only came to our table 3 times) to take our orders and informed them how long we've been waiting to order. She apologized for the delay saying that she was "talking to her manager". She took our orders of which I got the Outlaw Burger (3/5) my mother got the Pork Chop (4/5) my father got the Fish and Chips (2.5/5) and my brother got the Meatloaf (0/5) and our 4 year old would have a sampler from what we ordered. The cook of both the burger and pork chop was nice and they both had nice flavor. The fish was very bland, the tartar sauce had little flavor and the french fries were the highlight of the dish. But the meatloaf was the lowlight of the night. The texture of it was the oddest thing i'd ever expected from meatloaf. When any pressure was applied to it, it fell apart to mush and had no structure whatsoever. The flavor was abhorred to the point where I cant even describe it but what I do know is that the pickles from my burger tasted better than it. This experience was one of the worse I've ever had at a restaurant and I hope they improve. P.S I have a suspicion that most of the responses to any sort of review good or bad are generated by A.I and I would like to have human written response to my review. read more

We had a party of 7 and 2of us did not receive our meal. Even though it was Mother's Day it was not overly busy. They said it was coming but never arrived. We finally left and then they had the audacity to charge a 20% tip. I do not recommend this place. read more

Hello - I wanted to appreciate this place but had a horrible experience with a booked group of 15 for a Happy Hour. I tried to contact the GM before writing this but was told he works only 2-3 hours 4 to 5 days a week. His name is Ben. Ok - I called 3 times that we were coming. Showed up to learn the restaurant staff called in sick. The poor bartender trying to make drinks and take food orders. I cannot imagine treating staff this way. Long story, short, terrible experience. Not the fault of the people who showed up to work but will never go back. read more

Local friendly place with good grilled food and attentive service. Though primarily a bar, we appreciate the Happy Hours and the fireplace!

Came here from the beach after reading the other reviews. We have two young children so something chill/casual is a must. The restaurant itself is really cute and it was perfect vibes for what we needed. However, we were incredibly disappointed at the food. My husband ordered the angus burger without pickles and tomatoes. It came completely plain - literally meat and bun. No cheese or anything. And with a very small amount of fries on the side. I ordered the mushroom risotto. I LOVE mushroom risotto so I was soooo excited. When it got to our table, the portion was ridiculously small for the price ($20!!!). I usually can not eat much in one sitting but was able to clear this portion easily. Our kids really liked the kids food (Mac and cheese and mini corn dogs) but also finished all their food and were still hungry. We overall spent $70 on a meal that did not fill any of us up. We may come back if we're ever in the area again to give it one more shot - but I wouldn't hold my breath. read more

Very good food and excellent service and a great bar. It was close to my hotel and always pleases.

Food is amazing, Ribs, BBQ chicken Salad, Mushroom Risotto, Burgers, all of it just full of deliciousness to include their deserts the blueberry cobbler over vanilla ice cream is to die for. Great service and cocktails. Great Servers and Service read more

Food was marginal Service was poor Pretty decor Kitchen door was open so almost every seat could see and hear talking and music coming out of it. read more

Ok honestly the food was good. But I had reservations at 630 didn't get a server for about 15 minutes. Food took about 40-45 minutes to get to us after ordering. Server was very respectful and nice. Restaurant was very nice. Parking is crazy because it's hooked up with a hotel. Very pricey if you ask me. Very limited menu options. SLOOOOOW service. I'm not sure if it's a Santa Cruz thing but everyone there is slow! read more

Food was so delicious, cozy inside and perfect after a long day! Can't wait to waddle back to my room read more

See all

I ordered through DoorDash and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the meal. Soup This was delicious. Tomato based veggie soup with some bow tie pasta. I recommend it! Kids cheeseburger. I ordered medium rare and got medium. I expected as much, so my strategy worked. Burger was big for a kids burger plus they give all the fixings on the side (lettuce, red onion, pickles, tomatoes). If you don't eat like a starving teenage boy, then this burger is a good size for you. Blue cheese and pear salad. THIS was DELICIOUS. For anyone with nut allergies, know that it comes with pecans in it, but I just pick them out. I would order this again for sure. Plenty of pear, nice and thin slices. Ratio of salad to pear was good. Dressing was ample and smartly provided on the side. Food options are limited here. This place is worth it and prices are reasonable. read more

Got food poisoning from their burgers. Tried to let people know they might want to inspect the food and they didn't seem to care at all and not even a "sorry your family is throwing up while sitting on the pot all night" So, definitely do not recommend. read more

The Back Nine is a really cozy place . The staff is super nice. The make an amazing Burger !

I waited over 10 minutes to get help and was completely ignored. The server passed by me multiple times without checking in or offering any assistance. There was only one other group in the restaurant, so it wasn't busy at all. I made eye contact with multiple staff members and still no one helped me. I honestly don't know if it was because I'm a person of color or what, but the fact that I was clearly being ignored made me uncomfortable. Because of that, I decided to leave. Horrible service. read more

Terrible We had a brand new server who didn't know how to use the system. Half our table got their food that was microwaved and tasteless. A couple didn't receive food at all and the whole experience was awful on a special occasion They didn't adjust our bill and the manager was useless. They took off the food we didn't get without an apology, this used to be our favorite restaurant. Please find an alternative as obviously changes have been made with the kitchen staff and wait staff. read more

This place was pretty good. Service was okay. The food tasted very good! The inside of the restroom was beautiful, even though it was a bar atmosphere. I think the burger and the fried cauliflower were amazing. The mashed potatoes are very good too. The brownie sundae was addictive too. I would recommend this place to others. read more

See all

The food is delicious, service is outstanding and the ambience is nice . I really recommend their appetizers. Also their steaks are cooked to perfection. read more

My first meal was the 22oz ribeye. It was done to perfection! My wife had the Risotto, and my grandsons had the BLTA burger. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The next day we had an early dinner and the boys had the BLTA again. I had the Angus burger. Later that evening my wife and I went to the bar for drinks and desert. You gotta try the berry cobbler. The restaurant was very busy and the service is great. Highly recommend this spot even if you are staying somewhere else. The indoor part of the restaurant has been updated and is very comfortable. read more

A few things at this place could be improved. The wedge salad was great along the home made french fries. The coconut prawns were a little on the small side. The thing that we did not like was the 'Fish' part of the 'Fish & Chips'. Chips were fine but the greasy fish did not have much fish mostly overcooked dark oily brown batter. We ordered two appetizers the 'wedge' along with the 'prawns'. Guess what they brought all 3 things out at once, my main dish the 'Fish & Chips' at the same time. Forget the wait staff not once did a waiter come to our table to ask how the food was or bring more water or ask If we wanted a desert. We had to hunt him down to get the bill. Same waiter was the bartender. Place was not crowded. The padding on the side bench type seating needs a replacement. Will try the place out on a Monday when they feature meat loaf. Will tell the waiter to hold off on bringing the main dish till we our finished with the salad ect. Most restaurants will wait a little while you finish your soup or salad before they bring you the main dish seems they don't do this here at the Back 9? read more

The food is very good and there is a great array of choices! Fun to eat there and fun to eat at home! Very good hamburgers. The people are very friendly and cater to your needs. Haven't had anything I didn't like!! Nice drive and surroundings. read more

I have a follow up to my original review of the May 13th Mothers Day Brunch. It was suggested by Beatriz M (possibly an AI generated response person) that i contact the events planning division regarding my unsatisfactory experience at their Brunch event. Not surprisingly, i received no response to my effort to contact them, but it does afford me the opportunity to make several other comments. The $65 price per person is fairly expensive even for a Mothers Day Brunch event. One would usually expect a carving station and or a fresh omelet station at that price (no such luck). My 3 yr-old granddaughter was playing with some children from a neighboring table, and when my daughter was putting her in her car seat, she noticed the bottom of her socks were black from contact with the carpet. It probably hasn't been cleaned in years. read more

This place has a cute vibe and a fireplace on a rainy day which kept us cozy.We had the pulled pork potato skins as an appetizer- which tasted amazing! For lunch we had the apple salad with chicken and the garden salad with sherry vinaigrette, both were beautiful and tasty. It can get a little noisy so gave 4 stars for that, overall a nice lunch experience. read more

Good service, beers and cocktails are also good, plenty of tv's for sports., parking could be better. read more

Back Nine Grill & Bar - Peach Chicken Wings - Sports Bars Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

See all

Standard Santa Cruz with nothing special about the food. Service was excellent nice patio, but food needs help. I had fish and chips, worst fries in town. Fish was so so. Dad had burger and said it was good. Onion rings were decent read more

This restaurant has one of my favorite steak dishes; their New York steak is absolutely amazing. I always get it cooked medium, and the steak is flavorful and juicy. The mushrooms and garlic mashed potatoes pair very well to the steak, adding the perfect textures. My family usually also gets the bbq chicken salad and burgers here. We tried the berry cobbler this time and it was amazing, a variety of textures blending well together. The scoop of ice cream balanced the warm berry cobbler. Would definitely recommend splurging! The service has always been impeccable, there's an outdoor patio and bar, and plenty of parking spaces. Nothing not to love! read more

Back Nine Grill & Bar - Sports Bars Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

See all