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Back When Cafe Reviews List
Back When Cafe
A charming cafe serving farm to table style cuisine, with inventive twists on classic dishes. Located in historic downtown Wausau since 1991.
Sustainable, regional cooking at its best in a causal yet elegant environment with full bar and multiple wines by the glass. Open for Dinner
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Sustainable, regional cooking at its best in a causal yet elegant environment with full bar and multiple wines by the glass. Open for Dinner
37 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 37 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(17)
3 stars
(0)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(24)
- fit for foodies(22)
- neighborhood gem(16)
- romantic(16)
- notable wine list(11)
- good for groups(9)
Back When Cafe Reviews List
Review 1 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chef Joline, Glen and their professional staff never disappoint. This visit was awesome as usual! Thank you!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and service -
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and service - consistently .
Good wine list and the best drinks- ever!!!"
Good wine list and the best drinks- ever!!!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 3 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great !!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My wife and I had the best food ever!! She had salmon I had tenderloin it was very special. Food is not cheap, but good value. We will go again."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 4 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food and service were both
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food and service were both very good. We had walleye and a pasta dish, both were excellent. Serving size was perfect. Rum pecan pie was fabulous. Wish we lived there so we could come back (we were in town for an event and this was our first time)."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 5 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous Find
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant was recommended by a friend - and it did not disappoint. We had a wonderful meal, knowledgeable staff, great service. The wine list was fabulous and had even better prices. The menu was extensive and everything we ordered was delicious. We brought our kids (ages 14, 11, & 9) and they all had different pastas (spaghetti, ravioli, gnocchi) that were outstanding. My husband and I had the fried artichoke appetizer which was really yummy. I had the 4oz filet mignon for dinner, my husband had the lamb chops - all cooked perfectly. We all shared a giant piece of carrot cake for dessert. We would go back to this restaurant in a heartbeat the next time we go up to Granite Peak for a ski trip."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 6 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a wonderful dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a wonderful dinner here before a show at the Grand Theatre. We were pleasantly surprised not only at the attentive and warm service, but that the quality of the meal! We are looking forward to finding a time to return very soon! The atmosphere and attention given to us personally made us feel very welcome!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Amazing food and service! From the soup and salad to the entree, everything was presented beautifully and tasted even better than it looked. I de comment the Back When to everyone!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The staff was the most professional
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"The staff was the most professional group I have ever dealt with. We had a group of 18 and the waiters quickly learned everyone's names and addressed everyone by their name when interacting with them.
Top Notch!!"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list
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Review 9 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food and service was excellent.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food and service was excellent. Prices slightly higher than I would be willing to pay again."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2006
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Review 10 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It was a bit awkward when
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was a bit awkward when we first stepped in for dinner. We weren't certain where to meet the host to get seated. The bartender and other workers kind of looked at us, sort of smiled and made vague nods toward the back of the bar. We got to the appropriate place to check in and still no one had actually greeted us or confirmed that we were standing around waiting in the right place. We waited longer than felt comfortable and then were seated (still with no confirmation that we were waiting in the right place). After that though the experience improved. Our server was friendly and the food was quite good. The space was comfortable and charming. A mostly nice, if somewhat awkward experience."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2010
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Review 11 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The selection my wife close
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The selection my wife close wasn't the greatest, but mine was great. Everyone likes different things though."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Every visit to The Back When
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Every visit to The Back When Cafe is special. All aspects of service were terrific. I am never disappointed with the quality and variety of the menu choices. This is our family's favorite place for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As a New England foodie just
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As a New England foodie just transplanted to Chicago, I was very impressed that this restaurant existed in Wausau. It was recommended to me by a colleague and a friend that lives locally. Great call"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 14 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had 7 resrvation, seated before
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had 7 resrvation, seated before 7. Meal was outstanding, could not have had a better time."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 15 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a wonderful dinner at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a wonderful dinner at Back When Cafe -- good service and good food. Would definitely recommend."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The ambiance was very comfortable.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The ambiance was very comfortable. The food was delicious. The service was top rate."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yummy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The bar is fun to have drinks before - small and cozy.
The food is always good at the Back When.
A great dining experience."
The food is always good at the Back When.
A great dining experience."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 18 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
LOVED it. The food was very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"LOVED it. The food was very good, the ambiance was excellent and the staff was fantastic. Absolutely LOVED the little extra touches like roses for the ladies and a special dessert for couples (went on Valentines Day). Not only would I recommend it, I have to all my friends and will be back myself. Great place!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 19 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We have dined at the Back
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have dined at the Back When a number of times-both for lunch and dinner-and consider it to be Wausau's best restaurant. The food is imaginative and very nicely presented and we appreciate the fact that much of it is locally produced. On our last visit my husband ordered veal piccata which was the best he's ever eaten. I chose Greek Style Jumbo Shrimp which was very tasty. To finish the meal we split what turned out to be a huge piece of their wonderfully decadedent chocolate layer cake. My only criticism of the restaurant is that the wait staff sometimes seems a bit disorganized and service can either be too slow or too fast (as in salads arriving before cocktails are finished). But everyone is pleasant, enthusiastic and personable."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
AMAZING, MUST VISIT
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server was amazing, very friendly, knowledgeable, and hospitable. The food was absolutely AMAZING."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 21 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was my first time in Wausau,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was my first time in Wausau, Wisconsin, and this restaurant made it an awesome trip!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The restaurant was very busy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant was very busy the night we were there, yet our service was prompt, but unhurried. All of the food was delicious. Our waiter recommended the house made cider vinaigrette for our salads and it was a good call! The duck was very moist with a nice balance of orange and cherry in the sauce. The ahi tuna was served rawer than most places, but it was of high quality and tasted wonderful. The desserts were especially well presented, although we were not warned that when you order the carrot cake, the portion looks like you got the whole cake! It was really a table sharing portion, but we didn't mind having some to take home."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 23 for Back When Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Loved it. Wish we lived closer.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved it. Wish we lived closer."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Back When Cafe
Based on the average of (14) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate