Fast Favorite
Backroads Tavern Is Finding a Firm Foothold in Wolcottville
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Kari Lipscomb
Noble County residents Lori and Pete Phares had no previous experience opening a restaurant, yet it was something they had dreamed of doing over the years.
In April of 2022, that dream came to fruition with the grand opening of Backroads Tavern in Wolcottville.
Their choice in food, atmosphere and entertainment seemed simple. There wasnt anything around here with steak, without going to a larger city, Lori Phares says. We knew we wanted to offer the prime, which is a specialty item, and we knew wed have rib eye and ribs, so thats what led to the tavern style.
The menu is bursting with bar-and-grill favorites, and the team posts specials on Facebook each day. They offer many classics like brick-oven pizza, burgers, cheesesteaks, bacon-wrapped pork, and smothered chicken with a side of coleslaw, green beans or fries.
For lunch, visitors can grab a quick bite of the Texan, a grilled Swiss cheese topped with bacon, jalapeños and blackberry jam, or the Coyote Ugly, a breaded chicken sandwich with hot sauce, coleslaw and pickles.
Popular appetizers include fried mushrooms, mac-and-cheese balls and loaded fries. Desserts include cheesecake in a variety of flavors.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the prime rib and baby back ribs are local favorites.
The past six months have been an adventure, as the couple learned what works and what doesnt. Phares says they surrounded themselves with people with industry experience, and the choice has been the key to their success.
They completely renovated the kitchen area prior to opening, and were up against pandemic-related shipping issues, but just days before the grand opening, everything had fallen to place.
Theyve also had a consistent following and support from the community, helping to shape the restaurant and create a must-have dining stop on the way home from work or during a weekend out on the town.
We began with a lot of the lake-community residents throughout the summer months and now, since the seasonal customers have left, we have regulars that have supported us from day one, Phares says. Several people asked about tenderloins and cod, so weve started offering those – just figuring out what works for us and what people want.
Late this summer, Phares added entertainment on the back patio.
What was once a 21-and-over space at Backroads is now family friendly, and the couple has received good feedback from the variety of bands gracing the stage.
Local musicians like Jeff Colin, Gunslinger, Scott Bond, and Jackie and Lindsey keep the live music going, and guests can bring their own lawn chair to sit outside and enjoy the performances.
Originally it was set up as half bar, half restaurant, and the patio was classified as 21 and over, but when we realized how many families would be interested, we reclassified the patio, Phares says. Its been really nice to see the bands come out over the summer, and families being able to sit outside and enjoy that as well.
Entertainment is expected to slow during the winter months, but there is space indoors for karaoke with Ronda Scarlett, football games on a big-screen TV and a small stage for musicians.
The bar includes a full-service host of drinks for just about any persons tastebuds.
From cocktails like the Huckleberry Hound Lemonade and Caramel Apple to draft beer, bourbon and moonshine, Backroads Tavern has a little bit of everything.
When they arent running Backroads Tavern, the couple has a farm to operate, but they are enjoying the time they have together. Phares says each has their own tasks with the restaurant, and some tasks take a group effort.
This is something weve always wanted to do, Phares says. Were fortunate that we can do it. We have a great staff and were just lucky to be in the position were in. Weve been blessed. We so appreciate the outpouring of support from the community.
Backroads Tavern now accepts reservations on weekends, and customers can visit their Facebook page for daily updates and specials. It is located at 725 West 700 South in Wolcottville. For more information, visit facebook.com/brtinwolcottville.
