Backpocket Pin and Pixel 6205 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131

"Stopped in to get a bite and see the Hawkeye game. We've been to the Iowa City Location and loved it. But overall, a lot lacking in our first experience dining here. Staff wasn't knowledgeable in some beer questions or food and seemed to have overall disengaged looked about them. This was more evident by watching them not clean and just standing around for an hour we were there. Food wasn't bad, but nothing to be excited over. We both got pizzas that were decent."

"There is so much potential with this location. Feels like owners spent all their money building it and forgot they need to have staff to operate it or they have never operated a bar/restaurant before. The wings were fantastic, some of the best I've ever had!! I prefer bleu cheese dressing but wasn't asked that, but the dipping sauce(i think ranch) they came with was still really good Unfortunately, that was the only bright spot. I also ordered the cheesy bread, it was good but nothing special. It was served with cold sauce and had the cup placed right on top of the bread(hopefully it was clean). Also, the only napkins available came in the cheapest possible single use pre-wrapped silverware packages. Sat for 10 minutes at the bar before finally getting up to stand in line for 10 minutes to order a beer and my food. Heard several customers say they wish there were actual servers because it was relatively busy. Had more people working in the kitchen than on the floor. They had a private party that was set up in front of the only walk out door to the front patio. Heard guests complain about that, awkward to go out and enjoy the patio. Saw an employee walk from that area to the bar, with his gloves on, filled his drink, wiped his hands on his pants, and drank from the cup, all without removing his gloves. Even went to the buffet line to help adjust some of the food with the same gloves on and went back into the kitchen. My beer glass sat empty for 15/20 minutes with no staff asking if I wanted another one. Wasn't about to get up and leave my food to stand in line for a refill..... Overall, it's an ok place. May give it a try again. Food is good but service needs a lot of work. They have hand-held tablets to make it work a lot better than they do. Update: tried again. Take out this time. Wings still good. Cheesballs-complete fail. So overcooked they are barely edible"

"The patio is dog-friendly so we came here with mine. You have to order the food inside at the bar and go in to get your food when the pager goes off. Not very practical if you come alone with a dog. The fried chicken was good, beer is alright, burger was mediocre. Tried a flight of their beers and they were all okay. This is what I would consider shower beers."

"Great ambiance, beer and food. No table service so be ready to order food from the bar or via your phone. Beer is always great but went to try the pizza. It was fantastic. Great flavor and texture all around. We ordered the Meatza and it was well worth it. Quality ingredients. Didn’t bring the kids but they would have a lot of fun with the multiple games available. Great job Backpocket!"

"They have an awesome space. Great indoor and outdoor seating, high ceilings, fun games. The beer is great. I enjoyed a tangerine Berliner Weisse and have had others I’ve liked. The food wasn’t my favorite. For one, tacos were unavailable, burgers were sold out, so the only options were apps or pizza. The chips with the dip were good but had varying degrees of crispness. The Buffalo wings were pretty good. The sauce was interesting, but the wings themselves were big and had lots of meat. The cheese bread was kind of bland. The ordering/pick up process is a little confusing. They text you when you’re food is ready, but sometimes people would bring food out. Helpful but also kind of confusing. You can order at the bar or at your table with scanning on your phone. I will go back to just hang and get a beer."