Hello dear
At Back When Cafe, we celebrate the flavors of New American cuisine in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Located in the heart of Wausau, our cafe prioritizes fresh ingredients and quality dishes, offering a menu filled with delightful options, including many vegetarian selections. Guests rave about our expertly prepared pasta and delectable carrot cake. Our warm, attentive staff ensures every visit feels special, providing a delightful dining experience whether you’re here for dinner, dessert, or drinks. With a charming bar and outdoor seating, Back When Cafe is perfect for groups and families alike, making it a treasured local gem.
About
Welcome to the charming world of Back When Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Wausau, Wisconsin. This quaint establishment blends the warmth of a cozy eatery with the sophistication of a full-service restaurant, serving an enticing selection of New American cuisine. Located at 606 N 3rd St, Back When Cafe is not just a place to dine; it’s a culinary experience that tantalizes the senses.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by a welcoming ambiance that reflects both modern decor and the rich history of the building. The staff here are notably attentive and friendly, contributing to the moderate noise level that encourages conversation while maintaining a lively atmosphere. Whether you're in the mood for an intimate dinner, a casual outing with friends, or even a family gathering, Back When Cafe stands out as an excellent choice.
Customer reviews speak volumes about the quality of food offered at Back When Cafe. Jessica B. raves about the consistently good food, particularly the pasta, highlighting the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. Sher K. mentions the "fantastic surprise" of great service and fresh ingredients, while Rich P. appreciates the historical ambiance paired with a knowledgeable bartending staff.
The menu is carefully curated, with each dish showcasing fresh ingredients and creative preparation. The zucchini pasta is a standout, perfectly embodying the season's essence. Epicureans also rave about the truffle pasta and spinach salad, which complement the stunning dessert options—particularly the noteworthy carrot cake, described by Sean D. as "out of this world."
Ultimately, Back When Cafe transcends the conventional dining experience. With a commitment to quality, community, and culinary adventure, it is no wonder patrons find themselves returning time and again, drawn in by the promise of delightful dishes and an atmosphere that feels like home. So, gear up for your next culinary outing in Wausau—Back When Cafe awaits you!
“ Good food always, love the pasta. Nice ambiance, cozy. Friendly staff. One of our favorites. ”
“ Fantastic surprise. Wonderful service, great menu. Adorable bar. Jolene and her staff are delightful. Fresh ingredients, quality food. Our new Wausau favorite spot. ”
“ 2nd visit. It was a quite night, the staff informed us that was due to "spring break". This restaurant has a warm, fun atmosphere. We were given a "tour" of the two main floor dining rooms and learned about the history of the building and Wausau itself buy the pictures hanging on the walls. The staff was attentive. Extensive wine list, bartender gave a quick lesson of Gins (differences between London dry and botanical) to one of our guests. With spring around the corner, I enjoyed the zucchini pasta. ”
“ Great service. Nice, small selection of carefully prepared dishes. Next time, we start with the carrot cake as an appetizer so that we aren't too full to finish-it was out of this world. Truffle pasta was excellent. Spinach salad very nice. Loved the ambiance-would be a great place to meet friends for dinner/drinks/carrot cake:) ”
“ I have eaten here 3 times now and each time seems to get better! Tonight I had a simple chicken breast with capers, artichoke and lemon butter. It was amazing! The breast was perfectly cooked with only one side breaded. It made for a light meal packed with tremendous flavor. Richard at the bar is a great mixologist and entertainer. Had so much fun with him that we ate at the bar. I think he said he has been working at Back When for 17 years. What a great find for any owner! If possible, save room for desert. The Carrot Cake is top notch. Very shareable! ”