Yardy Rum Bar

For me, Yardy was an overpriced and thoroughly underwhelming experience. The evening started poorly, with my group huddled in the cramped entrance area standing and looking over the menus.
Orders are made at the front station, which was a bit difficult with the relatively large group I came with.
Water is self service as well. When we got to our table the plates were stacked up in the center, with silverware collected in a large mason jar.
We set the table, served ourselves water, and waited for the food.
My friend pinched her leg on the cracked upholstery of her chair and had to switch it out.
It's a small thing, but it's just one more small thing in a long list of issues.
Why are the upstairs chairs in such bad shape? It's bewildering. As far as the food, I'll say I came away from this meal hungry.
I had cornbread and the chicken and waffle.
For nearly $25 altogether it was a disappointing amount of food.
While the food is undoubtedly good, it's certainly not the best chicken I've had in Eugene even if it is the most expensive.
Highlight of the meal was the very impressive hot sauce which I do highly recommend. That wasn't the most overpriced thing though.
Another at our table paid $16 for 3 pork ribs on a bed of greens.
I was incredulous, at these prices I expected to be more impressed with the quality of the food. In summary: at Yardy I experienced food truck service, at restaurant prices, for fine dining serving sizes.
This restaurant seems to aspire to greatness, but this aspiration is undercut at every corner by puzzling decisions.
I feel like I accidentally went to a different restaurant than the one I keep seeing such great reviews for.
I wrote this review the night of, but delayed posting it initially because I felt like perhaps I was making mountains out of molehills in the moment.
But the general consensus with my dining party remains broadly unfavourable, and my own feelings are unchanged.
I'm hoping this place improves so I can revisit this review in the future.

Owner response

If I could gave this place a million stars, I would! I had the chicken and waffles with sorrel, and my bestie got the market salad with corn bread and a rum & coke.
I'm not a drinker, but she said it was the best rum and coke she's ever had! My chicken was cooked perfectly- crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside (like, grab extra napkins juicy).
It was also a treat to get a buckwheat waffle.
I hadn't had one in forever and it was nostalgic and delicious.
The bartender was nice and super knowledgable and recommended the sorrel for me- such a treat! It was sweet and full of spices.
Of course I had to try bites off of my friend's plate too, so I got to try the crisp and flavorful salad and delicious cornbread.
Cornbread can really go either way for me, but I was a big fan of this.
It was an all around great experience! I loved the atmosphere and the set up.
The staff was super friendly, you could tell people enjoyed their job and wanted to be at work .
There was a definite pride in the presentation, and I can't wait to bring more friends back!

Owner response

I'm new to Eugene and just discovered this yummy food truck owned by Isaiah - who happened to be there on my visit.
Isaiah and I had a wonderful conversation about the San Francisco Bay Area and food.
I'm so glad I found a place serving pasture-raised and gluten-free battered fried chicken and local ingredients! The chicken is delicious - crispy crust and juicy inside.
The collard greens are also amazing with just the right amount of spice kick - the rice porridge is mine (rice was not a part of this yummy meal).
Well, I have to get back to my yummy meal now.
Thank you, Isaiah!