About
Welcome to Backstage Pub, where culinary creativity takes center stage! Nestled in the heart of Schenectady, NY, this vibrant pub has transformed from a smoky watering hole into a trendy hotspot for food lovers and socialites alike. The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a comfortable, welcoming ambiance that invites you to unwind and enjoy the superb offerings on the menu.
Backstage Pub specializes in mouthwatering burgers and tantalizing chicken wings, but that’s just the beginning. The menu is packed with innovative dishes that reflect seasonal flavors and local ingredients. Diners rave about the ever-changing options on the blackboard menu, keeping your dining experience fresh and exciting with each visit. Whether you're savoring brisket tacos or indulging in a perfectly crafted chicken sandwich, the quality and taste are simply unparalleled.
But don't just take our word for it—local patrons like Alan G. and Steve G. testify to the exceptional service and quality of the food. Alan praises the welcoming environment and outstanding service, while Steve highlights the impressive drink selection and the friendly bartenders who elevate the experience. Meanwhile, Brittany H. and Samantha D. celebrated the delicious food and creative cocktails, establishing Backstage Pub as a go-to destination in Schenectady.
In this lively establishment, every meal becomes a memorable occasion. Whether you’re indulging in their famous wings or sipping on a berry margarita crafted with care, Backstage Pub undoubtedly delivers an experience that keeps you coming back for more. So why not step behind the scenes and discover the culinary magic that awaits at Backstage Pub?
Visit: 501 Smith St, Schenectady, NY 12305
Call: (518) 709-0104
“ The service was exceptional and the food matched the service. The pub was comfortable and very welcoming. We had a great experience! ”
“ So I've lived in Schenectady my whole life and there are some real gems in that crappy city. And this has become one of them. It used to be a smoky little bar with a bunch of old people. It has changed into a younger man's crowd with trendy food and an enormous amount of liquor, really good liquor. We had some great drinks made with care from the young bartender and he was super friendly too. We had a chicken sandwich was was really good too. I think the owner was there talking about bourbon and showing a guy around. We all sampled some varieties and it was a fun time. You gotta go here! ”
“ Great margaritas and food! Had the brisket tacos and they were delicious! Quick and great service, too. Highly recommend. ”
“ Backstage is a great place, I've had drinks here many times but today was the first time I had the food and it was delicious. We ended up at The Library which is their more upscale bar, it is the same food. I don't drink bourbon but they had a great selection, according to my husband. He got a bourbon based cocktail off their specialty cocktail menu and he said it was delicious. We have a friend who swears that they make one of the best old fashioned ever. I had the bartender make me something, he made me a berry margarita which was delicious. He muddled the berries together. The food was fantastic and a big portion. Such a neat looking bar as well. ”
“ The menu here is fabulous. You always have new and exciting options on the blackboard menu. The service is impeccable with great attention to detail. And the cocktails...Yum! ”
“ Excellent beer selection. Not your average pub food. My go-tos are their chopped cheese, philly cheese-steak, tacos. ”
“ Backstage is located right behind Proctor's Theater and OrthoNY. This week, I had quickly fallen in love with this place. Although many say space often comes at a premium at Backstage, I was lucky enough three nights this week to walk right up to the bar, grab a seat, and order a brew and dinner. Thursday I had dinner and a brew. Friday, just a brew. Saturday, I had a reservation for 6 so my family could experience all the offerings. The atmosphere is certainly friendly and happy with both locals and aspiring locals. Ashley, Jake, and Amy(?) were our bartender/servers who took great care in all their work. Attentive to everyone at the bar or tables! Terry, the chef and owner, made his rounds through out each night to personally check on his patrons and their meals. Fraternizing with his regulars and not once without a smile and a handshake. He even checked on his staff to be sure they had all they needed. Epic! Thursday, I ordered the Backstage Hot Fried chicken sandwich. It came out perfectly cooked and the bun nicely toasted. The pickles added excellent flavor, the slaw was nicely seasoned and piled on with just the right amount. BUT-- I was so excited about the sandwich I forgot to take a picture. So... Saturday, I ordered it again and it was completely worth it. My wife ordered the Backstage Burger. She asked for it medium and as you can see -- it was perfectly cooked. The flavor of flame broil just wafting around. A simple yet so refined, pub burger! It was awesome. My father, had the Philly Cheese Steak. It came out in a near traditional Philadelphia style which didn't let down. Needless to say, every dish that passed me by left me saying either out loud or in my head "oooo... what's that? I want it!" Terry knows what he's doing. Finally, I said to one of the bartenders "the staff seems pretty happy". His response was a quick and uncomplicated, "definitely! Terry is an awesome boss!" Only one minor gripe... as much as I love the presentation of the food on slate, the slate added a bit of complication to my brains ability to comprehend not having a rim on my plate. For that I give a 4.9998/5! We'll be back! ”
“ What a little corner pub with great food drink and service! The grilled cheese with beef brisket and bbq deviled eggs were spot on! Let alone great beers on tap, Wednesday whiskey night, Ashley and other servers never let the glass get empty and if your up for some drama, Proctor's theater waits across the street! Enjoy! ”
“ If you visit on a Proctor's show night be prepared to wait for a table or sit at the bar. The restaurant is very busy. I ordered the nightly special braised beef with roasted potatoes brown gravy crispy onion straws and pepper demi glace. The dish was very comforting and the gravy flavorful. The bartender asked how I was enjoying my meal. I offered one suggestion, more demi glace, the dish was missing the pepper flare. One six ounce pour of white wine was a very reasonable $8. My friend order Hamm's beer because Back Stage is the largest purveyor of Hamm's in the US, at least according to the signage.The service and food was excellent and we enjoyed a nice dinner. ”