You’re driving through Cape Coral, Florida, or maybe you're just looking for a spot where the beer is actually cold and the floor doesn't feel like a sterile hospital wing. That’s where Backstreets Sports Bar comes in. It’s been a staple since the mid-90s. Honestly, when people look up the Backstreets Bar & Grill menu, they aren't usually looking for a five-course tasting menu with foam and microgreens. They want the heavy hitters. They want the stuff that pairs well with a karaoke session or a Sunday afternoon football game.
It's about the wings.
Always has been.
What’s Actually on the Backstreets Bar & Grill Menu?
If you walk in expecting a small, curated list of three items, you’re in the wrong place. The menu is massive. It covers everything from standard bar bites to full-on dinners that will probably require a nap afterward. One thing you've gotta realize about this place is that it’s a "24/7" vibe—though hours can shift—meaning the kitchen is designed to handle different crowds at different times.
The appetizers set the stage. You have your standard mozzarella sticks and onion rings, sure. But then you get into the stuff people actually talk about on Yelp and TripAdvisor. The Backstreets Sampler is a beast. It’s basically a pile of the greatest hits: wings, chicken fingers, sticks, and potato skins. It’s perfect for when you’re with a group and nobody can decide if they want to be healthy or just embrace the deep-fryer.
The Wing Situation
We have to talk about the wings because, frankly, that’s the soul of the Backstreets Bar & Grill menu. They offer them in various counts—usually starting at ten—and the sauce list is where things get interesting. You have your mild, medium, and hot, but the "Backstreets Sauce" is the one that people get weirdly defensive about. It’s a proprietary blend that hits that sweet and spicy note without being overwhelming.
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The wings are traditionally fried. They aren't those tiny, sad wings you get at chain restaurants. They’re meaty.
- Garlic Parmesan: Heavy on the garlic, just how it should be.
- Teriyaki: For those who want the salt without the burn.
- Mango Habanero: It’s a slow creep of heat.
- Dry Rubs: If you hate messy fingers, these are actually surprisingly seasoned.
Burgers and Handhelds That Require Two Hands
The burgers here are not those thin, gray patties. They use fresh beef. The Backstreets Burger is the flagship. It’s a half-pound of meat, usually topped with the standard lettuce, tomato, and onion, but most regulars start customizing immediately. Bacon. Extra cheese. Jalapeños.
Then there’s the Philly Cheesesteak. Now, look, if you’re from Philadelphia, you’re going to have an opinion. That’s just law. But for a Florida sports bar, Backstreets does a respectable job. They use shaved ribeye and they don't skimp on the onions. It’s greasy. It’s filling. It’s exactly what you want at 11:00 PM on a Tuesday.
Sandwiches You Might Overlook
Everyone goes for the burger, but the "Grown Up Grilled Cheese" is a sleeper hit. It’s not just American cheese on white bread. It’s a blend of cheeses, often with tomato or bacon added in, served on thick Texas toast.
And the Reuben.
Most bars mess up a Reuben by making the bread soggy. Backstreets usually manages to keep the rye crisp enough to handle the sauerkraut and thousand island dressing. It's a messy eat, but it’s worth the extra napkins.
The Pizza Factor
A lot of people don’t realize that the Backstreets Bar & Grill menu features a full pizza section. This isn't frozen, cardboard-crust pizza. They make the dough. They have a dedicated oven. You can get a personal 10-inch or a large 16-inch.
The "Kitchen Sink" pizza is exactly what it sounds like. Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives—basically, if it’s in the fridge, it’s on the pie. The crust is a middle-ground style; it’s not super thin like New York style, but it’s not a thick Chicago deep dish either. It has a decent chew to it.
If you’re there during a big game, you’ll see these flying out of the kitchen. It’s the ultimate group food.
Beyond the Fried Stuff: Salads and Entrees
Believe it or not, you can actually find a vegetable here. The salad section is surprisingly robust. The Chef Salad is huge. It’s loaded with ham, turkey, egg, and cheese. It’s basically a sandwich without the bread.
Then you have the actual entrees. We're talking:
- Fish and Chips: Flaky white fish, beer-battered, served with fries and slaw.
- Shrimp Basket: For when you want that Florida coastal feel.
- NY Strip Steak: Usually a 12oz cut, served with a side and a salad.
Is the steak going to compete with a $100 steakhouse in Miami? No. But for the price point and the environment? It’s a solid, honest piece of meat.
The Atmosphere Influences the Taste
You can’t talk about the menu without talking about the bar itself. It’s dark. There are TVs everywhere. There’s live music or karaoke almost every night. This isn't a place where you sit in silence and ponder the notes of your wine. You’re there to have a good time.
The drink menu is just as long as the food menu. They have a massive selection of craft beers, both on tap and in bottles. If you’re into the local Florida brewery scene, you’ll usually find something from Fort Myers Brewing or other nearby spots.
They also do "Happy Hour" which is a bit of a misnomer because it lasts for a huge chunk of the day. This is when the Backstreets Bar & Grill menu becomes even more attractive because the prices drop on appetizers and domestic drafts.
Surprising Details and Misconceptions
One thing people get wrong is thinking Backstreets is just for the "late night" crowd. While it definitely thrives after dark, the lunch specials are some of the best deals in Cape Coral. You can get a solid meal for under fifteen bucks, which is becoming increasingly rare in 2026.
Another misconception is that it’s "just bar food." While the foundation is definitely pub-style, the kitchen staff actually cares. You can tell by the way the wings are tossed—completely coated, not just drizzled—and the fact that the lettuce in the salads is actually crisp.
The "Secret" Menu Items
While not officially on a secret list, regulars know you can ask for certain tweaks.
- Loaded Fries: Take the standard fries and ask them to throw on the pizza toppings.
- The "Everything" Wing: If you ask nicely, sometimes they’ll mix sauces for you. A Buffalo-Garlic-Parmesan mix is a game changer.
Why This Menu Works for Cape Coral
Cape Coral is a unique city. It’s sprawling, it has a lot of canals, and it has a mix of retirees and young families. Backstreets bridges that gap. You’ll see a guy in a suit sitting next to someone who just came off a fishing boat. The menu reflects that. It’s pretentious-free.
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There’s a sense of consistency here. You go there in 2015, and you go back in 2025, and the wings still taste the same. In a world where restaurants change concepts every six months to chase trends, there’s something deeply comforting about a place that just knows how to fry a chicken wing and pour a heavy drink.
Dietary Considerations
Let's be real: if you are strictly vegan, your options are limited. You’re looking at a garden salad (hold the cheese) or maybe some fries. But for the gluten-sensitive, they do offer some options, and since things are often made to order, the kitchen is usually pretty good about modifications if you catch them when it's not slammed.
Real Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head over and tackle the Backstreets Bar & Grill menu, here is the actual strategy you should use:
- Timing matters: If you go during a major NFL game, expect a wait. The kitchen will be pushed to the limit, so your wings might take an extra ten minutes. It’s worth it.
- Check the Specials: They often have daily food specials that aren't on the main printed menu. Ask your server. Sometimes it’s a taco Tuesday vibe, other times it’s a specific pasta dish.
- Park in the back: The front lot is almost always full. There’s more space than you think if you just drive around.
- Bring an appetite: The portions are "Florida-sized." You will likely leave with a box.
The beauty of Backstreets is that it doesn't try to be anything other than a great sports bar. It’s loud, it’s fun, and the food hits the spot when you need it to. Whether you’re there for the pizza, the burgers, or those famous wings, you’re getting exactly what you paid for—and usually a little bit more.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are ready to check it out, don't just wing it (pun intended). First, check their official social media pages for the live music lineup, as that drastically changes the "vibe" of your meal. If you want a quiet lunch, go between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. If you want the full experience, show up after 9:00 PM. Make sure to try the "Backstreets Sauce" on at least five of your wings—it's the definitive flavor of the establishment. Finally, bring a designated driver if you plan on diving into the extensive craft beer list; those Florida pours can be deceptive.