Someone needs to add the Tap House Grill (evidently, it is formerly the Backyard Bar and Grill) to TripAdvisor. I'm not sure if I can do this. But if the public can not, someone who can, should do so, because we had a great time at this restaurant and it deserves a review. Someone can certainly use the following:

We went to the Tap House Grill to celebrate my son's Commencement from UMass Amherst. The restaurants near Amherst were all booked and we had a group of seven. I found Tap House Grill on Open Table. Sure, it was a bit of a trip (about 25 minutes), but it was well worth it. As our server explained, the food is all crafted from scratch. And it is authentic. The servings were nice sized, without being oversized. Our server was very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic! She was very attentive. Just terrific! I wish I could remember her name as she is top notch.

The ambiance is homey. We arrived about an hour early and they seated us. I was VERY worried when we arrived as the restaurant's location is in front of a Super 8 hotel on a busy section of some run down properties in West Springfield. I really worried before entering we might have picked a lemon. It was pouring out when we arrived on Saturday 5/13/17. But right when you walk in, the carpets were clean and immaculate, as were the floors. The lighting was a bit dark at the entrance but it was near the bar, so it made sense. The paneling was a nice touch. Everything was spotless, including the tables. We were comfortable right from the start. My Father-in-law is very judgemental when it comes to Restaurants. He is VERY choosy and relies upon ZAGAT ratings. But even he was very pleased!

Overall, we loved the Tap House Grill. It was worth the trip. I can see us going there again at some point, should we be in the Springfield, MA area, even if we are 30 min away!