When I heard the buzz about Yard House and their reputed extensive craft beer of selections, I was intrigued. The added promise of great customer service and fusion cuisine had me headed there in a heartbeat. And here’s what I found. The rumours were true!
Ever since Darden Restaurants bought out Yard House in 2012, they've held their own as the "place where beer and food lovers unite." Imagine my delight walking into one of the world's largest breweries, that offered me the choice of more than 160 different tap beers, brewed in collaboration with breweries from every corner of the world. The list was awe-inspiring, catering to all tastes and promising unique flavours that one might not find elsewhere. So if you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or even a newbie intrigued by the beverage, this is your paradise!
Now, here's a fun backstory: Steele Platt, Yard House's founder, was no stranger to the nitty-gritty of the restaurant business, with a start at only sixteen after his mother quit cooking at home. Through various waiter gigs, opening a few restaurants, and founding a nightclub, he conceived Yard House. And boy, are we grateful!
One can appreciate elements of Steele's Hawaiian background on the menu, alongside an array of around 55 food items — ranging from crowd-favourite burgers, pizzas, salads and pasta dishes to the top-ranked appetizer—the Poke Nachos. Trust me, once you've bitten into these, you'll never look at nachos the same way again!
As for opening hours, Yard House keep their kitchen stoves burning every day of the week starting at 11 AM. During Fridays and Saturdays, they've got your evening chill sessions covered till 1:30 AM for that last call for alcohol. Heads up, the kitchen closes at 12 AM from Sundays to Thursdays and 1 AM during weekends.
A great point to note about Yard House is that their extensive beer collection caters not just local brews, but imported varieties too. They’ve established key partnerships with global breweries to place the most magnificent selections right at the end of your fingertips—or in this case, your taste buds.
And if, like me, you're spoilt for choice, they even offer a beer flight that includes an assortment of different sample-sized tap beers you can try. My suggestion? Include their charming House Honey Blonde. You won't regret it!
In case you’re wondering about their top house beers, we’ve got the House Honey Blonde, House IPA, House Belgian Golden, House Golden Pilsner, and House Belgian Amber Tripel taking the top 5 spots. But don’t let me limit you; go explore their intricate menu!
Not your typical beer advocate? Well, fret not! Yard House also caters to the cocktail lovers among us. Their drinks menu, quite like the beer menu, presents a long list of delightful concoctions which include their popular Pink Dragon and the picture-perfect colour-changing Magic Margarita. For the more adventurous, try out the Pineapple Express, a vodka and rum blend that's a crowd pleaser!
Now, there's the question of their fittingly unique name. A Yard refers to a tall glass with a literal capacity of a yard—about 2.4 pints or 1.4 litres of beer! Apparently, the ingenious design dates back to the 1800s and was meant to enable coachmen to refresh themselves without having to bend and grab a glass. These days, it’s become an endearing icon representing conviviality, flair, and unforgettable experiences.
Yard House isn't just about the beers and burgers though; you’ll find a diverse menu featuring delightful poke bowls, pastas, pizza, elegant salads, steak dishes, sandwiches and even tacos. Ever so often I get nostalgic cravings for the Lobster Garlic Noodles or the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. It’s a menu that begs you to be adventurous with your palate!
As you bite into your dish and sip your chosen beverage, you'll be serenaded by classic rock music, the soul of Yard House's 87 locations. The fact that Steele Platt personally handpicked a unique daily playlist for 12 years says it all.
No matter where you are in the US, from Florida to Washington, or from California to New Jersey, a Yard House isn’t far off. So take a break, get some good food, and have a great pint!
Also worth noting is that Steele Plat, the man behind this beloved chain, along with investors sold Yard House in August 2012 to Darden Restaurants for a whopping $585 million.
Pros:
- Extensive craft beer selection.
- Unique fusion cuisine.
- Great customer service.
- Open late hours.
- Plenty of menu options besides beer.
Cons:
- The menu can be a bit overwhelming.
- The music may be a bit loud for some.
- The Yard Glass might be intimidating for the uninitiated!
- Late-night menu options may be limited.
- Sometimes there’s a long wait for a table.