Came for a date night with the husby and really enjoyed our dinner. Their menu is heavy seafood and the dessert portions are quite large - enough for sharing. Our server, Janet, was attentive and efficient. Would recommend this establishment to others. read more

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We've been to the Back Burner off and on over the past 5 years. It was one of the staples in Macon when the family would gather. In general, we've enjoyed the food but our last experience there will be our last ever and bad enough for us to write this review which we hardly ever do (and usually it's for a restaurant that has gone above and beyond). So what happened that one of our family's staples would warrant a 1 star? For a recent family gathering, we called to make a reservation for 8 including 3 small children for 2 weeks out. They mentioned they only have one high chair and we needed 3, but we made the reservation anyways and then called Marco's to see if their availability was more accommodating, which it was. We called The Back Burner that same evening to cancel the reservations...again this was for 2 weeks in advance. All was well, until the day of reservations. Our family had a wonderful meal at Marco's (which reminds me to give them a positive review). On the drive back to Atlanta, my wife received a belligerent call from a man at the Back Burner saying we were no shows for our reservations there. He was rude from the get go. My wife was taken aback and explained to the man that we had called two weeks ago and canceled that reservation (which I'm 100% sure happened as myself and my mother were sitting next to her when she did...we were all having a discussion about where the family dinner would be held as it's rare for all of us to get down to Macon at the same time). The man refused to believe her and continued to rant until my wife hung up on him. He was yelling so loud I could hear him sitting next to my wife driving on I-75. It was completely unprofessional and rude/insane. This was wrong on all sorts of levels but really: 1) We did call and cancel the reservation. Is he really suggesting that there is NO WAY whoever was working that night forgot to cancel it despite the call? So we're the targets of their own management slip ups. If you've been to the place, I wouldn't say they have modern reservation or ordering systems. I'm pretty sure they're still on the old paper and binder methods. 2) Even if someone did forget to call and cancel, is calling them to berate them and literally call them liars really the answer...way to make a customer for life. I work in marketing, and anyone who does will tell you that word of mouth is the most effective and powerful marketing there is...and with sites like Yelp, facebook, and twitter the kind of behavior the back burner displayed is not just something that happened to a pregnant woman he verbally harassed but anyone looking for a good restaurant in Macon and beyond. The icing on the cake was this jerk actually then sent us a derogatory text message. One of the classiest restaurants in Macon....yeah, right. This guy either has serious mental issues or the Back Burner is about to go out of business if it is reacting this way to a reservation mix up. Honestly, despite the many great meals we've celebrated there as a family with this outrageous behavior they should go out of business or at least take their attitude and french food to where that behavior is tolerated....although I'm not sure were that is because I've never experienced anything like this dinning in France or any restaurant on any continent I've been. All I can say is stay "classy" Back Burner meanwhile we'll take our family dinners to Marco's or Tik Tok or even the Outback would be more palatable. Now the question is will Mr. Ugly raise his head on Yelp! in response to this post. Honestly, I don't care. To other Yelper's, good food but horrible customer service n the Back Burner. read more

I decided to give back burner a second chance after having gone over a year ago and been the recipient of under seasoned beef. Sadly, this was the mistake. I called ahead to set up a reservation which was quickly taken. Once arriving I realized there was no need for a reservation at all as there were very few diners present. Our waiter sat us and took our drink orders along with explaining the specials of the night. Our drinks arrived quickly and the waiter happily took our order of lobster bisque and prime rib served with fingerling potatoes and green beans. The mixed drink that was ordered was a clementine drink that was delicious courtesy of our waiter. The bread came out very much room temperature and tasted as if it was store bought. The food arrived timely however, that was the end of the pleasant experience. The prime rib which was ordered to a temperature of medium rare was medium well to well done, swimming in a broth that was called au jus. Neither my soup nor her prime rib was warm. We sent back the food and the replacement beef came out quicker than it should have-if the food was made to order. The second attempt served warm soup at a temperature that was hotter than room temperature but the prime rib was once again not medium rare. The manager came out very bombastically explaining how ignorant we were about what prime rib should look like and how the braising process along with the ocean of au jus caused the steak to turn a gray color, which looked like old meat, instead of how prime rib should appear. I was less than enthused by his comments and condescending tone. I was told that he would have to speak with the owner and current cook about price adjustments. I can not understand why the chef himself did not come out when the dinning room was less even one-fifth full. The manager also explained to me that this was not a fine dining restaurant, however, all the servers were dressed in black with a tie. In addition to the appearances, the prices dictated that this would be considered as a fine dining restaurant in the area of Macon. I have been to many restaurants within the Macon area, this place is not even qualified to be called a French based restaurant because any French Chef would be appalled at the quality that was served in their country's name. read more

Great for lunch, not so much for dinner. This is, apparently, *the* place to go for good food in Macon. If only they knew what they were missing. Anyway.... Went twice in one day on a recent trip. Lunch was a great deal, at $15-18 for a modest salad, delicious bread with fresh butter, and properly prepared food. All the dishes seem to draw from traditional French from say, the early 80's, but they're well prepared. My coworkers and I sampled the grouper, scallops, and roasted chicken for lunch. Each was accompanied by an unremarkable starch and a tomato "gratin" that consisted of a thick tomato slice stuffed with garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs then toasted under a broiler. The proteins were each finished with well-made sauces. No complaints at all. We sat outside and enjoyed good food, good weather, and good service. One of my coworkers and I came back for dinner, lured by the promise of rack of lamb. Alas, the rack of lamb was substituted that evening for center-cut lamb chops. Not nearly as satisfying. I settled for a filet. Considering the cost (~$30) for each entree, the prices were not wholly unreasonable, but the tomato gratin on my plate looked eerily familiar (and a bit sad at having sat for several hours since lunch service). Bread was still good, but the salads were not comp for dinner as they were with lunch. The owner's wife was yukking it up with a nearby table - she is very French, and apparently does the baking. I'd like to go back to sample her stuff, as she owned a bakery in Paris in the past, but I wasn't feeling dessert that evening. Overall dinner felt painfully overpriced for food that was half the price at lunch. I'd definitely go back for a business lunch, but I'll pass on dinner, just not worth the larger price tag. read more

Julio , the owner/chef is absolutely awesome . The food is really good and he makes the best cake in town ! Hands down !

I will be nice and give 2 stars, I must have hit a bad day, but WOW I have never had bad service and have the waitress be sassy when I want my water filled the 2nd time. WOW. read more

This evening I dined at this eatery with my fiancé to celebrate our new engagement. I was very pleased with both the ambiance and the food quality/options. I ordered a scrumptious plate that consisted of medium-rare lamb chops abed steamed and buttered brussel sprouts, snow peas, and carrots. A halved golden potato was an additional accoutrement and a steamed and stuffed tomatoes completed the plate. My fiancé ordered a plate of penne pasta with a mildly spicy saffron and basil sauce completed with jumbo tiger shrimp. Tiny saffron threads fingered themselves between the al dente pasta and were almost rivaled by her appetizer of heirloom tomatoes slices, buffalo mozzarella, sweets basil, and a balsamic reduction. I had a summer salad of organic greens, boiled eggs, crispy bacon, mushroom slices, and a house raspberry-balsamic reduction. We finished our engagement celebration with a slice of fresh coconut cake topped with buttercream icing and filled with coconut custard - the restaurant gave us complimentary celebratory dessert which we got to-go and enjoyed it from the comfort of our king sized bed. We highly recommend this local eatery. Support local restaurants and keep this neatly tucked away gem an option in Middle Georgia. read more

This one of the best meals I have had just about anywhere. The chef creates a different menu depending on what is available and fresh. We started with the crab cakes. They were cooked perfectly ad full of sweet fresh crab. Next was the tomato and mozzarella salad. Again ripe fresh ingredients and good mixing of spices and oil/vinegar to balance it out just right. For the main course I had the sea bass, this was really good and I have to say the best temperature on a fish I have ever had anywhere! My wife had the steak, and again temp was spot on. For desert we had samples of 2 different desserts, the cheesecake and a chocolate cake. Both made in house and fantastic. Can't say enough about this place don't miss it. I know we will be back next time we are in town. read more

I love the Back Burner! We go here for dinner mostly, and the food is always great. I usually have the filet mignon or the chicken, both are very good! I love the garlic and parmesan roasted tomato that always comes with the dish. I love the atmosphere, very cozy and romatic for a date or quiet dinner. The service is also always excellent! read more

Excellent in every aspect, a great place for any occasion, from an impressive fist date, anniversary dinner or any celebration. I ordered a wonderful pomegranate martini, medallion of beef and a wonderful desert. It's is a very small room, with just several tables, the chef does come out to check on your dinner experience as he can, which shows pride in his life's work. I can't wait to return again next week! read more

The food and service was great Saturday night. The restaurant is a pretty old southern house that is perfect for a enjoyable dinner. The crab cakes and NY steak was outstanding, the lobster bisque could have been warmer. read more

Our favorite "special event" restaurant, and it's right here in Macon! We almost did not go because of a couple of bad reviews...and glad we did because we could not find a fault. The prime rib is the best I've had, my daughter had the whole lobster with the avocado, and is still smiling, and my wife always gets the seafood trio almondine, which I will have to try next time. We had reservations for six for a private room for our company Christmas party, and walked straight in! The service (we've had Kate, Melanie, and Jason) is always prompt, professional, and highly attentive. Simply could not ask for a better restaurant. We've never given out five stars before, but the Back Burner team earns it! Thank You Back Burner! read more

I had biz in GA and got to visit the back burner. What a great place! Service & food. I highly recommend!

Excellent! We had a celebration dinner that everyone thoroughly enjoyed! Food and service were both fantastic, Our first time there and it will remain our favorite. read more

This place has recently gotten new owners and you can definitely tell. I loved the old Backburner, their signature lobster bisque, crab avocado salad and delicious lamb were just some of their classics. But, the new place's quality has definitely gone down. The soup was watered down & salty. Not to mention half of the portion it used to be. I was very disappointed because this was one of my most favorite places in Macon. Maybe the quality will step back up after some switches in the kitchen. read more

So, the service was very good. Everyone was very nice and helpful. The food was just ok. I had the lobster, and it was kinda stringy. My husband had the NY strip and said it was tough. The sides were really good. Perhaps just an off night, but three stars for the service. read more

They have the best crab cake in Macon, GA. Fish dishes are good, but their steak and duck dishes are great. Most of their desserts are very rich, and no creme brulee. Service is great, and the place reminds of 1900's formal dinner reception. read more

We will be back to this sweet little spot. Great filet with truffle sauce...need I say more? Great wine list. Appetizer of catelope and proscuitto was very well done..save room for dessert..the owners wife is a genius baker...mon delice! read more

Seated on porch, ignored until associate cleared a phone call in parking lot. Water and no offer of drinks. Gotta hop to it Back Burner.

In the land of chains and fried food I was please to find this pearl hidden on a small side road in Macon. The service was great. The food was delicious and they even gave me a complimentary dessert. Please do not believe the bad reviews on this place. They're so wrong. read more

This was one of the best places I have eat in Macon. I would give 10 stars with I could

My husband and I enjoyed our anniversary dinner. Free caramel cake to celebrate. Candles light the tables, and cocktails (and mock tails) were delicious. read more

We were recommended this restaurant from some long time locals. We were celebrating our 1 year anniversary and wanted something authentic. This was a perfect environment for the occasion. We had a very nice waitress who was training a new waiter. We started with the crab cakes and we thought they were excellent. We got a bottle of wine and both ordered the NY Strip special that came with a nice sauce and shrimp on top. The steaks were cooked just right, as I am pretty particular with the temperature this meant a lot to me.The sides were pretty good. We also had a chocolate cake dessert that was absolutely delicious. Overall the environment was excellent for us to have a private dinner and enjoy a good meal. We both thought the prices were very reasonable and the portions were good. The chef came out and talked to us for a minute and was very friendly.This is actually the first review I have written and wanted to say I would definitely recommend this place to others. read more

I FRIGGAN LOVE THIS PLACE! i went here once with my class in high school. The food was great and the dessert was my absolute favorite. Chocolate cake! The ambience was nice as well. read more

Excellent intimate dining experience! Seafood dishes were stellar! Service also exceptional! Bar and wine choices maybe slightly limited, but was a wonderful evening! read more

This is the nicest and best restaurant in the Warner Robins/Macon area. The food is fresh and delicious, service is excellent, and the overall atmosphere is exactly what my husband and I look for to celebrate a special occasion. I would definitely recommend this place. read more

This place is fantastic! Very cozy little house, off the beaten path but very worthwhile .

My family ate here last night for the first time last night and it was phenomenal! We all ordered four different entrees and each one was a 5 star meal. Some of the best seafood I've ever had in my entire life and the service was just as spectacular. Would highly recommend the salmon dish and the tuna dish. The baked Brie and bread pudding are also delicious!!! We will definitely be back soon :) read more

My favorite night to enjoy a true culinary delight is Thursday.... The day that they serve a very delightful Lobster Dinner, not just a dinner but a dinner that would make you think that you were dining in Atlanta.... If you enjoy a dinner that is outstanding and want to make a night of fine dining then the is the place. The chef... Chef Julio Rosas prepares a meal that is not only delicious, but the presentation to the eye is great.... The manager Marnie April does a great job running the front and you can expect your service to be outstanding too, she make sure that your time there if very enjoyable..... I have not had all the meals there, but everyone I have has proven to meet my expectation.... read more

I had the opportunity to accompany my good friend for my first experience of The Back Burner Restaurant! Melanie was an AMAZING person providing EXCELLENT service! I tried the Escargot for the first time and it was WONDERFUL! Then we preceded to order two specials off the menu to share.....we were accommodated by the Chef being able to split the two meals we selected and organized them perfectly on separate platters especially for us! The experience was ABSOLUTELY STELLAR, we are totally IMPRESSED! read more

I booked this restaurant for a large group. The manager was able to accommodate us by reserving the patio for drinks and a larger room for dinner. With a fixed menu which had 4 different choices, the selections pleased all of the guests. The dinners were served quickly, and the staff were professional. The crab cakes were exceptional, and the chocolate dessert rich and served beautifully. It is difficult for a small restaurant to serve 22 plated meals simultaneously, but the kitchen staff did. This is an intimate setting and perfect place for a private gathering. read more

Good experience overall for Lauren's birthday. We made reservations and seating immediately after arriving. The set up is a bit odd as the place used to be a house so there is no hostess stand when you enter and we weren't sure if we came in the front door, side door or back door. The service was quick and the food was pretty good but the cocktails left something to be desired. We started with two appetizers, the lobster bisque and a special comprised of grilled octopus and some vegetables like onions drizzled with olive oil. Both appetizers were great but the bisque was our favorite of the two. For entrees I got the rack of lamb and Lauren got the seafood trio almondine. Mine came with mashed potatoes and three pieces of asparagus but the portion of lamb was pitiful in my opinion when you consider it is the most expensive entree option. The lamb tasted pretty good but wasn't anything special. Lauren's dish was huge with a giant piece of fish she couldn't even finish, crab cakes and shrimp. Her entree came with fingerling potatoes and asparagus. Lauren said everything on her plate was great with the crab cakes being the best part. For drinks she got a Moscow Mule that she said wasn't very flavorful and I got an old fashioned that hand no muddling and was watered down. Our waiter was either new or sick because he had to read all the specials off a cheat sheet and didn't even tell us one of the specials that we overheard from another waiter at another table. He was also hard to hear, almost mumbling the entire time. We were in and out in an hour which was great and the bill ran us just north of $100. I'd go back just because of the proximity to our house but there are other (and better in my opinion) options around town. read more

I have been to this restaurant once or twice every year at lunch for some special occasion or work related thing since 2002. Each time everything has been very pleasant and the food above average (4 star lunch). In 2011, my husband and I decided to go there for Valentine's Day dinner. We are seated, a nice young man is our waiter. My husband orders a martini, I order a french martini. The waiter returns about 10 minutes later to inform us that the bartender doesn't know how to make one. I order wine instead. The wine comes out, followed by the french martini. Apparently the bartender had looked it up online or in a book and attempted to make it anyway. I send it back, which I never do. Horrible, but no big deal. I have my husband and my wine and it's V-day. We start looking at the menu. It's a "special events" menu, which requires you to select an appetizer, entree and dessert...all for the bargain price of $60. No other options. Well, whatever it's a holiday. Why not. The app was so unmemorable, I have no clue what it was. I remember that we didn't finish it though. We order the NY Strip, which we have been told is the best anywhere. What we get instead is a tough steak COVERED in the most dreadful sauce that resembles some peppercornish nightmare. Gordon Ramsey would have had a field day. Dessert: FANTASTIC chocolate creation...which makes me wonder if it was actually made in-house. When the check came, we were charged for both the wine and the french martini that I had sent back. We got it straightened out, but wish we had gone to one of the other places in town instead. I would say that this one occurrence shouldn't keep you from going here, but be cautious. Christian has always been stellar with his dishes...but the quality just really seems to be slipping. We won't be returning for dinner. read more

I've been there twice in the past 6 months for dinner. Am really trying to like the place, but at this point I'm going to go elsewhere. Here's the good: - food is pretty good; not great, but pretty good. - pretty cool building/dining room - interesting and fairly innovative menu - drinks are pretty good, good wine list - MOST of the entrees are reasonably priced Now the bad: - so I ordered a starter salad (it was a special for the evening) and when I get the bill I notice it was $14. For a spinach salad! - we had to wait at least five minutes to get a menu AFTER the waiter had brought us our drinks. And even then I had to stop the waiter and ask for the menu. - the specials are outrageously priced (expect $40 for some). - we both ordered dessert specials. One was (supposed to be) a New York cheesecake, but it was frozen! At this point I didn't even bother and asked for the check to leave. Cannot recommend read more

I had wanted to go to the Back Burner for some time and was really looking forward to my meal. I made reservations for two and was very excited. When I told friends where I was going to dinner, the general response was "eh, the food is good but over priced and the whole experience was not as good as the other "nice" restaurants in Macon. After eating there, I feel that that description is accurate. The restaurant was busy but the service we received was less than poor. We didn't receive menus until was had been there 20 min although we were offered cocktails after about 10 min after our arrival. My husband ordered wine which he said was very good and it came out promptly. When our order was finally taken, an appetizer and two entrees, we noticed that other tables around us were severed bread. Honestly, the tables around us were receiving excellent service. The room we were sitting in was small and there wasn't any music so the scraping of knives and the conversations between the waitstaff and other patrons was very easy to hear. After 45 min, I inquired about our crab cake appetizer. We were assured it was almost ready. It came out nearly 10 min later and instead of two crab cakes we were severed one. We were later told that they had run out of the small crab cakes so they were using the large crab cake. That is fine but we should have been told. The sauce served with the crab cake was fantastic but the center of the crab cake was still very cold. One excellent point about the restaurant was the young man refilling our water glasses. He was attentive and when we asked him about bread he did bring it out to us. We were later told that the bread was late because the oven was full. That is fine but we should have been told before we were there an hour and still had to request it. My husband ordered the sea bass special and said it was fantastic. My steak was underdone and the potatoes served on the side can only be described as " not good". I know it is not easy to cook a good steak and roast potatoes but for $35 I except it to be as least as good as any number of chain steak houses. What really topped the evening off was hearing our waitress tell one of the tables close to us, who to be fair were getting excellent service, that another restaurant she worked at was a place they could go for "a great steak and great service". After hearing that I laughed out load. To be fair, a member of management asked how we were and when we told her our situation, was everything you would want or expect in a restaurant manager. She apologized, explained, and comped a portion of our meal and did everything she could to ensure the rest of our visit was pleasant. From what I could tell, the regular customers receive excellent and attentive service. When unfamiliar costumers are given poor service, they are unlikely to ever become regulars. read more

New York strip was so tough I had three bites and gave up. Great atmosphere, great drinks just don't order new York strip.

the setting is cute and charming, and we heard the chef here may be on this seasons top chef. the food did not let down. it was delicious. we were rather sorely disappointed with our server. he wasn't aloof or pretentious, but was extremely disconnected and "green". several times he had to go "check" on the answer to a question we had, never to return with the answer. we arrived at 6:30, seated and given a drink menu, but didn't get a dinner menu until 7pm, which is precisely when the early bird special ended. needless to say, we weren't able to take advantage of the special (and it looked like a pretty good deal). but all the same we would go back, perhaps a little more vocal to our waiter. since it was middle of the week, we were one of 3 couples there, but i've heard it gets packed on the weekend. very high priced (or so i thought) so be prepared to shell out some dough. read more

Up until Friday night the Back Burner was my favorite Macon restrauant but Friday night was bad. First of all, they didn't have the kind of beer I wanted (which was OK) and then they didn't have the trout that was listed on the menu that my wife wanted. Her second choice was a chicken dish and they brought the wrong thing. My steak was a poor quality NY strip and it was overcooked. The crab cakes were good and I liked the sauce that came with it. When we were finished and ready to leave we were ignored. We had to head for the door in order to get their attention in order to pay up. I ended up leaving a 10 dollar tip and that is cheap for me but was more than deserved. read more

The food is always fantastic, and the hostess(/owner?) makes you feel right at home, even if it is your first time there. This is the best French food I've had in the States other than Le Cirque in Vegas (however, a full meal here is $100, not $600, for two). I would rather eat here than the Four Seasons, Baccanalia, or a number of the other "elite" restaurants in Atlanta. read more

Excellent food and service. My husband and I were headed out of town celebrating our anniversary and read the reviews of this restaurant and made reservations and checked it out. I had the seafood trio of trout which was deliciously seasoned with a light cream sauce, garlic shrimp and a fabulous crab cake that had zero filler-just lump crab. In Atlanta I like Bacchanalia, the Fish Market, and Brooklyn cafes crab cakes so the bar is high. I was thrilled that theirs was made with such high quality lump crab meat. My meal came with fingerling potatoes and asparagus. My husband ordered prime rib with horseradish sauce and his also came with fingerling potatoes and asparagus. The bread was crusty on the outside and soft inside and the butter was room temperature so perfectly spreadable. The prime rib was perfectly done-delicious and tender and the horseradish sauce took it over the edge. The tiramisu cake was a wonderful way to end the meal. We will definitely return. The executive chef came out and asked us about our meal and congratulated us on our anniversary. We had a great experience. read more