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Back Burner Restaurant Reviews List

Back Burner Restaurant

Tucked away in Hockessin Corner with other specialty shops is The Back Burner Restaurant. For 26 years it has been a cozy place to enjoy a lunch or dinner with friends in a casual-upscale yet relaxed atmosphere.



The menu features Executive Chef Chris Peters seasonal selections of American style cuisine. Start off with our Signature Pumpkin Mushroom Soup as you take your time reading over our menu featuring exciting items such as Kangaroo Loin, House-made Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, and Shrimp Lejons.



Enjoy your own private evening with friends, family or clients in our cozy Fireplace Room (seats up to 30) We can tailor the menu to meet your individual needs.


Make sure to stop by the "The Back Burner To Go" gourmet take out shop, which features the Better Cheddar cheese spread as well as a varied cheese selection from around the world, as well as other local and imported items.
See more Back Burner Restaurant details
57 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
(57 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 57 reviews
5 stars
(17)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(3)
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
1.6 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(35)
  • special occasion(29)
  • fit for foodies(19)
  • romantic(19)
  • notable wine list(12)
  • good for groups(8)
Back Burner Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We sat down to dinner at 6:20. We had 6:30 reservations, but we arrived a little early and we were seated right away. We ordered our drinks and food as normal, but it took an hour and a half for our food to make it to our table. I was very upset because part of our party had plans for 8:30 and missed them. Also, one member of our party ordered the steak and asked for it to be medium-rare. It came well done. I don't know whose fault it was, but we did not have the best experience. This is unfortunate because we have frequented the restaurant many other times and this has never been the case in the past."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 2 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Terrible

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food and service were terrible. The bartender filled her own glass up with tanqueray more than once while we were there. Someone should handle this train wreck of an establishment and quickly!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 3 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Always a top choice for us.

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Have been coming to the Back Burner for years and always have had a great experience. The food and service was excellent. We have had several special occasion dinners and lunches there and have always been treated to a great meal. Thanks."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 4 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Still Good After All These Years

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We hadn't been to the Back Burner in about 20 years. I don't know why we stopped going because we had liked it. The last time we went you entered a food store to get to the restaurant. Now the restaurant has a separate entrance. My chicken was tasty, but a little dry. Husband's salmon dish was superb. The restaurant's signature pumpkin mushroom soup was every bit as delicious as I had remembered it. We'll be back long before another 20 year's"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 5 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Hidden Treasure

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/07/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Great restaurant hidden away in Hockessin, DE. Try the stuffed mushrooms appetizer."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/02/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had an amazing experience at the Back Burner! Our server was well spoken and polite, every question we had about food was answered in detail. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating and the food was top notch! I would reccomend that anyone who enjoys good food in a quaint yet elegant environment dine at the Back Burner."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Have enjoyed Back Burner almost

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Have enjoyed Back Burner almost since it opened as a one room restaurant. It has kept the same charm as it expanded and is always my first choice for taking a friend out for lunch."
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

We arrived for our reservation,

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We arrived for our reservation, the Hostess greeted us and said I can show you to your table, we followed to a really small 2 top table in the Bar, this was unacceptable and we asked for another table or booth.We sat at bar to have a cocktail while they closed the doors on the fireplace room and broke it down and separated tables to accommodation smaller groups as it was set for large parties. So we sat at bar, the girl bartender said I will get to you soon as I get caught up ( 4 people at the bar) wow, kidding me.I knew this was going to be a downhill experience. We finally made it to our table, food was extremely over priced( Fish n Chips $ 22.50) yes, must have been some exotic fish caught and flown in."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2010
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Review 9 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Easily one of the best overall

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Easily one of the best overall meals my husband and I have EVER had. We had some meals off their special bacon week menu and were not disappointed. The poached pears with blue cheese wrapped in bacon and fried were amazing. Then the bread pudding truly was the sweetest way to end a meal. We can't wait to return. Kudos to the chef and servers!"
Dined on 04/10/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

In a word,DISAPPOINTING,especially

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"In a word,DISAPPOINTING,especially for an upscale rest."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2013
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Review 11 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Went for Sunday brunch on

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Went for Sunday brunch on Easter? Ok menu but lacked the WOW factor. Good food and service"
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2012
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 12 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Food was very good. The service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was very good. The service was poor at best. The server was not very well informed about the dishes we inquire about. Also, brought the wrong drink order and also late bringing out appetizers and bread. He was more suitable for a Fridays or a Ruby tuesday restaurant type."
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2013
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Review 13 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

What happened to the food?

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I ordered the quiche of the day which included crab & mozzarella. HORRIBLE! The main flavor was salt, followed by salty cheese & salty crab. There was no need for mozzarella to be included in the quiche & the crab should have been left out until fresh local crab was available. I expected much better fare from The Back Burner. The server, Susan, was outstanding; unfortunately, her professionalism could not make up for the quiche."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2013
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Review 14 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Improved menu

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The menu has been updated and there is an improvement in the selection and the number of items. The risotto with grilled eggplant was a satisfying vegetarian meal. The dinner rolls were warm and crisp. Portion sizes are larger than I personally desire but smaller than the monstrous ones served at other restaurants."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Crabcake entree was the best,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Crabcake entree was the best, and I've eaten a lot of crabcakes. Great atmosphere for lunch with the girls, or casual business meeting. Back Burner lives up to its reputation for good food, but we are disappointed with the service."
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2013
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Review 16 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Always very good food and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Always very good food and great service. Nice place to pop into on a weeknight."
Dined on 02/21/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Even though I made a reservation

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Even though I made a reservation 10 days ahead of time. It was as if we just walked in off the street. Had to wait over an hour for a table, you would think that with a reservation we would be seated ahead of parties that did not. Staff was very nice and apologized many times. Food was outstanding and very fresh."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A wonderful meal on Valentine's

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"A wonderful meal on Valentine's Day evening. The food was superb (filet and surf and turf) Both filets were prepared to perfection. Service was a bit slow, but not unexpected on a busy holiday evening. All in all, a wonderful evening. We can't wait to return."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Was greeted with a rose for

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Was greeted with a rose for my date on Valentines Day. Service as excellent and was mde to feel special on a special occasion. Food was outstanding as it always has been every time I have been here. The rack of lamb was superb and I look forward to coming back and getting it again. Never disappointed,"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Hidden in Hockessin, DE...

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Had V-Day Dinner. Very busy, as you can guess. Service was slow; but we did not care since there was no hurry. I cannot imagine service is slow like this all the time. Food arrived after long delay, was warm and appealing. Had surf-n-turf, steak cooked as requested. (2) different wines we requested were sold out; selected a 3rd choice. Only charged for (1) glass of wine, which was unexpected. Prices were a little higher than expected but certainly worthy of a visit for a special occasion again!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 21 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Entrees ordered, lamb and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Entrees ordered, lamb and surf and turf, were very good -- nothing special to note but good quality food and well executed. The highlight was the pumpkin mushroom soup, just amazing. Service cheerful and mostly efficient, but glasses allowed to stay empty as closing time approached."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Pumpkin mushroom soup was

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Pumpkin mushroom soup was wonderful, as always. Prefer the older menu where you can choose your side for the filet, as the mashed potatoes were too heavy."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service outstanding along

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Service outstanding along with excellent menu selections."
Dined on 02/05/2013
 2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

First visit in a while turned

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"First visit in a while turned in to areal surprise. Food quality, presentation and service were all very good. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. An interesting not by our son: We were among the younger folks there on a Saturday evening; which was fine for us but pointed out that mid-age folks aren't aware of this treasure."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The entire meal was outstanding:

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The entire meal was outstanding: the quality of the food, the seasonings, even the portion sizes were just right. The atmosphere was tranquil and the staff was friendly."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

It was a bitterly cold night

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"It was a bitterly cold night and there were only a couple of other tables there. The food was not as good as other times I had been there and I wondered if it was because it was such a slow night. We were seated where we could see the kitchen and there was very little happening there! Our salads were excellent but two out of the three entrees were not that great."
Dined on 01/24/2013
 2011
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Review 27 for Back Burner Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Possibly the best dinning

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Possibly the best dinning experience I have everf had. The food was outstanding and the service was excellent."
Dined on 01/23/2013
 2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Back Burner Restaurant
Based on the average of (30) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
1.5 / 3
Moderate