Critic's Review
The Yard House is a "Tap Room" located in the heart of "The Village" at Gulfstream park. It's a national chain with 35 Locations. They'll be opening a new location in Mizer Park next Summer.
Yard House is not to be confused with Yardbird, a new place in Miami. Yard Houses are big places with big bars, lots of taps and spacious patios. It's a very impressive place. It sort of has an industrial feel, with warehouse type ceilings and bathrooms decorated in stainless steel.
They have the NFL Sunday Ticket, so this is a prime spot for watching the games. They don't have an afternoon happy hour on weekends, however, so you'll be paying full price. I stopped in on Sunday and ordered a Young's Double Chocolate Stout; a fantastic beer that can make you forget all about Guinness.
In December when it's 82 degrees; eating on th patio is a must. The Village is a nice quiet place with no cars so eating outside is nicer than most places in South Florida. I was surprised at how many people were in the place at 3pm, which is usually dead time for most restaurants.
As my server explained the menu, it became clear why there were so many people. Their happy hour starts at 3pm, and it overlaps with lunch which is served until 5. So between 3 and 5 you have a choice of their lunch specials as well as 1/2 price appetizers and reduced price drinks. I had to switch gears as I intended to try one of their lunch deals; but I couldn't pass up a chance to have some jerk wings for $5.27. I also selected the Seared Rare Ahi Tuna Sashimi, which is also 1/2 price at $6.47.
The tuna was a smaller portion than expected, although for 1/2 price it's certainly a good deal. The tuna was good quality and the soy vinaigrette dipping sauce was good; better with a bit of added lemon.
The wings were grilled; good but very messy. I had to ask for extra napkins. The sauce they serve it with isn't a very good compliment; I would have preferred blue cheese or ranch dressing. I continue to like jerk wings better straight out of the refrigerator; I took a few of these home and I'll have them for a midnight snack one day this week.
I'd describe the service in this place as slow-paced, My server was attentive and I don't blame him, but things just took a long time to come together. It's like they have to travel a long distance to get anything for you, particularly out on the patio. It usually doesn't take over an hour to get a couple of apps. I wouldn't come here if I was in a hurry. And it didn't seem like any of the people here were in much of a hurry.
This place will rock Mizner Park; this will quickly become the most popular place in town. I just wish that they took the Jackson Steakhouse space instead. This would instantly be the hottest place on Las Olas.
