Dad's Backyard Grill: Family-Friendly BBQ in Prescott Valley

“Holy moly.” - My husband after biting into his Hatch green chili burger

One of the first memories my husband and I shared after we moved to Prescott Valley was a date at Lonesome Valley Brewery, so we were super bummed to find out that the restaurant had closed up shop. We wondered what would become of the place located at 3040 W Windsong Drive.

We didn't have to wait too long, because the next time we wanted to enjoy a date and I said, "Let's try somewhere new," Google told him about a new restaurant at that location!

The new restaurant is completely different, so to compare the two would be like comparing apples to oranges. Instead of drawing comparisons, I'm just going to tell you about this awesome family-friendly addition to the Prescott area.

An Immersive Backyard BBQ Feel That's 100% Family-Approved

The moment you walk into Dad's Backyard Grill, you realize you're in another world. The exterior-facing walls are covered in wood to mimic a fenced backyard. The ground beneath you is Astro-turf. The seating? Wooden benches (with the exception of a few chairs for elderly guests).

Sprinkled throughout the restaurant are little nods to the theme: garden gnomes of various shapes and sizes, colorful garden decor, a "paved" pathway, and several backyard games. (In case you were wondering, they have a giant Connect 4, magnetic dart boards, a giant Jenga set, and giant checkers for the kids to play while the adults talk.)

It seems an ideal place to bring kids - especially neurodivergent kids with a lot of energy who aren't comfortable sitting down for long periods of time. While we were there, a multi-generational family reunion was visiting, with grandparents all the way down to young babies, and it was clear everyone was comfortable. It seemed like kids could even eat on the "grass" if they wished, while adults caught up with each other's lives.

The Vision Behind Dad's Backyard Grill

The owner of Dad's Backyard Grill is Andy Olson, and his vision was to create an experience like the backyard barbeques that defined his childhood growing up in Fargo, North Dakota. When he came to the Prescott area, he realized that families needed a restaurant where kids wouldn't be expected to sit down quietly for prolonged periods of time. They needed something like a backyard barbeque!

Andy invested in the property and immediately set to work bringing his vision to life. The kitchen area looks like a "house," and the restrooms are set up like sheds. Andy's family all got involved with the project: making the benches from a Lowe's kit and setting up the restrooms (including a sink) so that it looks like a shed.

(The garden shed is especially adorable - here's a little glimpse of it!)

Andy's family works together in the restaurant - with his daughter Kimmi taking orders and contributing to the social media account (they're active on Facebook) and her husband running the kitchen.

Enough About That - On to the Food!

But what you really want to know isn't about the ambiance or the vision - it's the food.

I can tell you: it didn't disappoint!

We ordered calamari rings with Boom-Boom Sauce (and cocktail sauce) as an appetizer. They came to our table hot, fried to perfection, and with a fun kick, thanks to the Boom Boom sauce. (I alternated between the Boom-Boom Sauce and the cocktail sauce, and it was delightful.)

My husband had a Hatch green chili burger, and it was love at first bite: "Holy moly!" The large patty had a brioche bun, Hatch green chilis, and pico de gallo. (There were other elements to the burger, but those are the ones that stood out the most to my husband and I. If you want the full lowdown on it, check out their menu.)

I had chicken strips with ranch and barbeque sauce, and they were also fresh and tasty. The sauces were great (and tasted like they'd been made in-house, though don't quote me on that, since I didn't ask Kimmi). 

What Are the Prices Like?

The caliber of the food at Dad’s Backyard Grill is top-notch, and they charge accordingly. The meals that my husband and I ordered (with an appetizer and two drinks) shook out to around $60. Though it’s not cheap, I think the experience is well worth it for those who have discerning tastes but want to take their families to a relaxed and safe indoor atmosphere. 

We’ll Be Back to Dad’s Backyard Grill

All in all, the charm of Dad’s Backyard Grill can’t be disputed. It’s a wonderful place for families to catch up with each other without worrying that their kids will be bored to tears. 

Want to hear more about fun, family-friendly businesses and activities in the Prescott area? Then I’m your gal! Stay tuned for more updates.