Yardbird Southern Table & Bar Review
Southern Comfort Meets Vegas Sophistication
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar brings a taste of genuine Southern hospitality to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Located within The Venetian Resort, this establishment masterfully blends rustic charm with contemporary elegance, offering a dining experience that feels both authentic and refined.
Ambiance and Amenities
The restaurant features a warm, inviting interior with exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood accents, and subtle farmhouse touches. The spacious dining area is complemented by a beautiful marble-top bar and an open kitchen that lets guests glimpse the culinary action. Despite its Strip location, Yardbird maintains a surprisingly intimate atmosphere, with comfortable seating and thoughtful acoustics that allow for conversation without shouting.
Culinary Excellence
Yardbird's menu is a celebration of Southern classics executed with precision and creativity. The star attraction is undoubtedly the Lewellyn's Fine Fried Chicken - a masterpiece of buttermilk-brined poultry, pressure-fried to golden perfection. Available as a half or whole bird, it's served with chilled spiced watermelon and honey hot sauce, creating a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Other standout dishes include the shrimp and grits, featuring stone-ground cheese grits with bacon, scallions, and sherry broth, and the chicken 'n' watermelon 'n' waffles - an innovative twist on the classic that somehow works spectacularly. The biscuits served with pepper jelly are worth visiting for alone - flaky, buttery, and utterly addictive.
Service and Experience
Service at Yardbird is generally attentive and knowledgeable, though it can occasionally slow during peak hours. Staff members demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the menu and provide excellent recommendations. The bar program deserves special mention, featuring craft cocktails that incorporate Southern ingredients like peach nectar and sorghum syrup alongside an impressive bourbon selection.
Value Considerations
While not inexpensive (entrées range from $28-$48), Yardbird delivers substantial value through generous portions and exceptional quality. The fried chicken dinner easily serves two, making the per-person cost more reasonable than initially appears. The cocktail program, while pricey ($16-22 per drink), features premium ingredients and expert craftsmanship.
Recommendations
For couples: The intimate booths and craft cocktails create a perfect date night atmosphere. Consider sharing the fried chicken and adding several sides for a family-style experience.
For groups: The large tables accommodate groups well. The shared plates and family-style serving make it ideal for gatherings.
For business meals: The professional yet relaxed atmosphere works well for business dining, though it can get noisy during dinner service.
For families: While children are welcome, the sophisticated atmosphere and higher prices may not suit all families with younger children.
Practical Information
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM-11 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-Midnight
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend brunch
Dress code: Resort casual
Special features: Weekend brunch, full bar, private dining available