If the smell of fresh hand-cut steaks grilled to order is appealing, the Backyard Steak Pit in Gurnee is the place to be. West of Interstate Highway 94 on Grand Avenue, this restaurant offers a unique dining atmosphere.
As customers enter, a large, comfortable lounge awaits them. They can sit, relax and watch the entrees being prepared.
Directly behind the bar stands a 15-foot-long charcoal grill. The head chef, complete with earphone and mouthpiece, orchestrates the entrees. He skillfully works the grill while coordinating with the back kitchen so the lobster tails are done in conjunction with the T-bones and barbecue ribs. The final product is a symphony of good food with entrees accompanied by a choice of Texas toast or garlic bread, a baked potato and a salad bar.
The Backyard Steak Pit opened in 1985 and is the creation of the Scott family. Mother Nancy claims she gets most of her help from ”my three sons”- Keith, Mike and Brian. The three brothers run the business while Nancy serves as bookkeeper, hostess and jack-of-all-trades.
”Originally when we opened,” Nancy said, ”we were the only restaurant out here. We used only four waitresses then; now we have 14. But it didn`t happen overnight; we slowly grew into it. The restaurant initially seated 90, and with the addition it now seats 180.”
The Backyard Steak Pit offers a varied menu, with portions ranging from 15 to 32 ounces for their ”colossal steak.” A variety of seafood-including shrimp, salmon, lobster and cod-are featured as well.
”People like our warm atmosphere,” Keith said. ”They get high-quality food for low prices. And our portions are a good size.” Steak dinner prices start at $13.25.
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The Backyard Steak Pit is at 1818 N. Granwood Drive, Gurnee. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 4:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Phone 708-356-5200.
