Ribs weren't fresh but rather frozen or refrigerated and warmed before serving. At least the last time I was there the restroom was filthy. They should hang a sign stating "We aim to please. You aim too please!" With that you can imagine what it smelled like. read more

Quirky little bar restaurant, a bit off the main highway, but worth the drive. The burgers and fries were tasty and served hot. Our server was very informative about the history and got to meet owner and tell him we enjoyed finding the place and our food. read more

Always fun and satisfying to eat here. Friendly atmosphere, fast service, great burgers.

We've been "locals" for 35 plus years. Our daughter's family came up from the Danube area and decided to take them out to the dog. That afternoon/early evening, we went in for the ribs. Must be an old menu online because it says $15.99.....when we got there it was $23 plus. Now......understand that we haven't been in since Covid due to the "crazy hours" they have. We have found in our years here, that the business's cater to the tourists not the ones that keep them going thru the hard times! Anyway, since our last time in, Tom, the previous owner, has stepped back, and left it to I believe his son. Big difference in food quality and customer service. The meat was so tough, we left half the meal. Now at the prices per person times 6.......you do the math. Not happy. Very hot inside. Asked to have A/C turned on, waitress had to ask another how to push the on button!!! Very dirty carpet. Looks almost original or never been cleaned. If the quality stays like it is, it won't be open long. Tom......we miss your food. read more

Ok, stopped at the Salty Dog because of the reviews. Should have questioned it when we walked up the ramp to the front door and there was a dirty mop hanging over the hand rail and buckets of old cleaning materials against the wall. Went in and found a table, ordered a few beers from a very limited selection and then ordered food. The four of us had Chicken Strip Baskets, a Reuben and I had the rib basket. I asked the server about the ribs, if they were fall off the bone or what. She said they were tender, so I went with that. The Chicken was dry, the Reuben was ok and the ribs were the worst I have ever had. Hardly any meat on the bones, very tough and just not much flavor. Needless to say, we will not be back to the Salty Dog. Giving it a 1 star is being very generous. read more

Wow! We stopped here on our way to walker and the food was incredible. We ordered burgers, pickle fries, and drummies and everything was 5 star. The man who owns the bar was our server and was so kind. Service is top notch. We hope to come back! read more

Salty Dog Saloon & Eatery - the dining room - Barbeque Near Me - Backus, Minnesota

This is a fun out of the way restaurant and bar. The ribs are some of the best I've ever had.

This place is an up north lake retreat must. This small place is built into an old resort and has the small town friendliness and charm. The food is great. Ribs (which they have displayed a document from MN legislature claiming to be the best in MN signed by the governor), burgers, huge hot dogs, and other bar eats. The meats are smoked and fire grilled and delicious. The owner is the cook and is super friendly. All the staff are great and the price is right. If you are in the Backus area, search this jewel out. You will also get a nice view of some premier lakes in the area. I have been going here for years and I have never been disappointed. read more

We love "the dog." Really great burgers and if you're feeling like you're flush, a very nice rack of ribs. Go crazy and have some ice cream after dinner. Local beer on tap and in bottles. Don't come to Backus for fancy cuisine but if you're looking for a great "I don't feel like cooking tonight" place that's welcoming with great service and good food it's the Salty Dog! read more

Been in business for decades. Try the BBQ ribs - they are terrific. The owner / cook was very welcoming. It is truly a Minnesota north woods place that makes it a joy to vacation in this part of the state. read more

Salty Dog Saloon & Eatery - a table and chairs - Barbeque Near Me - Backus, Minnesota

Great ribs. Like the smokey taste. Perfect amount of sauce. The decor is typical northern Minnesota motif which adds to the experience. The pricing on the menu is very affordable. Staff and service was very good. I have a cabin close to the restaurant and try to stop in every other trip at least! read more

When people come to the alpaca farm, I expect that they'll want to approach me and try to pet me since I'm the handsome alpaca that I am. I don't rate them low as visitors for that, though I prefer they admire from a short distance and keep their hands to themselves. Similarly, the Salty Dog met all my expectations: the ambiance was nice and everything I hoped for, the staff was polite and very Minnesotan, and the food tasted good. Strongly recommend. read more

The Salty Dog is just down the road from my cabin, so I've been here many many times. The food is always great! The beer is cold (love the frosty mugs). Their bathrooms are clean and I've always had good service. Their hours sometimes change - I would recommend calling or checking their Facebook page if you're making a special trip. The only negative aspect is that the prices seem to keep creeping up higher. read more

Stop in for a great burger! Perfectly small up north old time eatery. Beer only. Cool place.

This is my favorite place in the area for ribs The pulled pork sandwich and onion rings were also very good. Great up north atmosphere. Beer served in ice cold glasses, have a strawberry Sunday for desert if you have room. We are now regulars. read more

Best ribs in Minnesota, good burger and very friendly staff. We miss when they close for the season. Well worth the price of admission. Love it. read more

Should be featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Great small town, family-run beer bar with good bar food. Have been going here for decades. read more

Can't say enough about this place! We fell upon it while vacationing with the family in Walker. The owner was super friendly and down to earth. Delicious beers in a frosty mug. The food was AMAZING! I had the pulled pork sandwich and the rest got burgers. All yummy! If your looking for a one of a kind Gem up North you have to stop in this place! Also the ambiance was perfect. Felt vert cozy. read more

A classic establishment with good food, nice people, and absolutely no pretense. As relaxed as relaxed can be, the food is taken seriously. My walleye sandwich was excellent, and my family loved their burgers. And we had tots with everything--that seems to be a NW Minnesota thing. read more