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Vegas (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter flapgreen
- Start date
kutta
Footballguy
Finish FBG stuff? What could possibly be more important than posting in the Vegas thread in the FFA?
I get your mindset here. You've owned at least two businesses and obviously care about doing things the right way.
But it is worthwhile to remember that Vegas really isn't a place for the Price's of the world. When I've been places there I'm more interested in well-prepared unique and/or creative cuisine. Yardbird delivers on that (IMO). While they care about marketing, they also care about delivering a very good product.
Ok. Long review. Done with FBG work for the day.
TLDR version: Yardbird in Las Vegas is a very polished modern restaurant serving relatively expensive Southern inspired food. I ate there. It was good. I'd probably go back.
Long version:
There for lunch. Busy and buzzing.
Zero southern vibe. You can't put a whisky barrel up and a picture of Elvis and make it "Southern". (And for the record, I can't describe in words how one "does" make it Southern but we know it when we see it). But no Southern vibe is not necessarily a bad thing. The hostess was nice and friendly. Like many new restaurants, it's open and very loud. No quiet conversations here. It's high energy and noisy with folks forced to talk loud to be heard. Again, not a bad thing. I'm certain it's intentional. But it is a thing.
The server seemed attentive and enthusiastically recommended the fried chicken. Said very confidently it was brined for 27 hours (as if that was some sort of secret time). I asked him what it was brined in. He said "vegetable oil". I said, no what is it brined in, not cooked in". (to be fair, it was loud enough it was easy for him not to have heard it right). He then said with much less confidence it was brined in salt and water and spices. All good.
My wife ordered the $15 Blue Plate Special that was 2 pieces of fried chicken and 4 small pieces of watermelon and a biscuit. We asked for a leg and a thigh and the server said he'd ask the chef.
I got the BLT Chicken Sandwich for $16 that was grilled chicken and a fried green tomato and bacon. With Fries.
For sides, I ordered Collard Greens ($10 for bowl - about 2 servings) and Mac and Cheese $10 for small cast iron dish. Enough for 2 servings.
Fried Chicken: 6 out of 10. The fried chicken was good. Normal size pieces (which is a good thing). But not special at all. But good. Comes with their "honey hot sauce" that is good but not special. It tasted like franks hot sauce and honey and maybe butter.
The watermelon was fine. A bit of spice on it. 4 small 1" cubes. It was watermelon.
Biscuit. 5 out of 10. The biscuit was fine. Small but not bad. Not special at all.
Collard Greens 8 out of 10. Collards were excellent. The menu says they come with "cracklins". This is one of those things where I do the southern food snob thing. What they came with were regular pork rinds from a plastic bag like every gas station in the south has. Cracklins are different and much better with greens. Pork rinds are fine too. But these were from a bag. The greens had lots of meat shredded and lots of onion. They had a great flavor. Lots of places mail in the Collards and they did not. By far the best thing I had.
Mac and Cheese 6 out of 10. This was ok. Bright orange and I don't mean this in a bad way but sort of better version of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Shells instead of elbow pasta which is not good or bad, but different. Breadcrumbs on top. I'd say 6 out of 10. Not special.
Grilled Chicken BLT. 7 out of 10. On Texas Toast. Extra thick sliced bacon and pimento cheese with fried green tomato. All good.
Fries were standard frozen fries. Zero special. Below average.
Butterscotch Cake 6 out of 10. I was full but wanted to try the dessert. They had Peach Cobbler on the menu that they say they bake on order. They must do something else to it as it cost $25. I went with the Butterscotch Cake. Mostly because it said it has "bacon frosting". It was $12. But you did a golfball size scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was good. Like most cake is. Regular size piece of cake. The frosting didn't have any bacon pieces or dusting or anything. It didn't taste much like bacon but was good. More of a buttercream which went fine with the cake. Good but not wow. Coffee to drink.
Basically, it was just about what I thought it'd be. $75 for lunch without a bar tab is not a cheap lunch. But it's not out of line for other spots in the same class. I'd say it's competitive with other restaurants here doing similar things.
I fully admit I'm somewhat biased against $15 for two pieces of chicken and a small biscuit. But that's not the restaurant's fault. They offer what they offer and deliver it. I wasn't tricked and given something different than what I ordered.
But to be clear, it's not as much that as it's about the lack of soulfulness. There's a pretty big element to the "fabricated" part of it for me. If you told me there were 200 of these across the country, I wouldn't be surprised at all. It has that kind of lack of soulfulness. For instance. Sean Brock's HUSK is the same type of expensive working class food and it pegs the meter for soulfulness. I wouldn't at all be surprised if the owners didn't care at all about this type of food. Where for Brock, this type of food is an integral part of who he is.
I'd go back probably. But I wouldn't run back.
TLDR version: Yardbird in Las Vegas is a very polished modern restaurant serving relatively expensive Southern inspired food. I ate there. It was good. I'd probably go back.
Long version:
There for lunch. Busy and buzzing.
Zero southern vibe. You can't put a whisky barrel up and a picture of Elvis and make it "Southern". (And for the record, I can't describe in words how one "does" make it Southern but we know it when we see it). But no Southern vibe is not necessarily a bad thing. The hostess was nice and friendly. Like many new restaurants, it's open and very loud. No quiet conversations here. It's high energy and noisy with folks forced to talk loud to be heard. Again, not a bad thing. I'm certain it's intentional. But it is a thing.
The server seemed attentive and enthusiastically recommended the fried chicken. Said very confidently it was brined for 27 hours (as if that was some sort of secret time). I asked him what it was brined in. He said "vegetable oil". I said, no what is it brined in, not cooked in". (to be fair, it was loud enough it was easy for him not to have heard it right). He then said with much less confidence it was brined in salt and water and spices. All good.
My wife ordered the $15 Blue Plate Special that was 2 pieces of fried chicken and 4 small pieces of watermelon and a biscuit. We asked for a leg and a thigh and the server said he'd ask the chef.
I got the BLT Chicken Sandwich for $16 that was grilled chicken and a fried green tomato and bacon. With Fries.
For sides, I ordered Collard Greens ($10 for bowl - about 2 servings) and Mac and Cheese $10 for small cast iron dish. Enough for 2 servings.
Fried Chicken: 6 out of 10. The fried chicken was good. Normal size pieces (which is a good thing). But not special at all. But good. Comes with their "honey hot sauce" that is good but not special. It tasted like franks hot sauce and honey and maybe butter.
The watermelon was fine. A bit of spice on it. 4 small 1" cubes. It was watermelon.
Biscuit. 5 out of 10. The biscuit was fine. Small but not bad. Not special at all.
Collard Greens 8 out of 10. Collards were excellent. The menu says they come with "cracklins". This is one of those things where I do the southern food snob thing. What they came with were regular pork rinds from a plastic bag like every gas station in the south has. Cracklins are different and much better with greens. Pork rinds are fine too. But these were from a bag. The greens had lots of meat shredded and lots of onion. They had a great flavor. Lots of places mail in the Collards and they did not. By far the best thing I had.
Mac and Cheese 6 out of 10. This was ok. Bright orange and I don't mean this in a bad way but sort of better version of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Shells instead of elbow pasta which is not good or bad, but different. Breadcrumbs on top. I'd say 6 out of 10. Not special.
Grilled Chicken BLT. 7 out of 10. On Texas Toast. Extra thick sliced bacon and pimento cheese with fried green tomato. All good.
Fries were standard frozen fries. Zero special. Below average.
Butterscotch Cake 6 out of 10. I was full but wanted to try the dessert. They had Peach Cobbler on the menu that they say they bake on order. They must do something else to it as it cost $25. I went with the Butterscotch Cake. Mostly because it said it has "bacon frosting". It was $12. But you did a golfball size scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was good. Like most cake is. Regular size piece of cake. The frosting didn't have any bacon pieces or dusting or anything. It didn't taste much like bacon but was good. More of a buttercream which went fine with the cake. Good but not wow. Coffee to drink.
Basically, it was just about what I thought it'd be. $75 for lunch without a bar tab is not a cheap lunch. But it's not out of line for other spots in the same class. I'd say it's competitive with other restaurants here doing similar things.
I fully admit I'm somewhat biased against $15 for two pieces of chicken and a small biscuit. But that's not the restaurant's fault. They offer what they offer and deliver it. I wasn't tricked and given something different than what I ordered.
But to be clear, it's not as much that as it's about the lack of soulfulness. There's a pretty big element to the "fabricated" part of it for me. If you told me there were 200 of these across the country, I wouldn't be surprised at all. It has that kind of lack of soulfulness. For instance. Sean Brock's HUSK is the same type of expensive working class food and it pegs the meter for soulfulness. I wouldn't at all be surprised if the owners didn't care at all about this type of food. Where for Brock, this type of food is an integral part of who he is.
I'd go back probably. But I wouldn't run back.
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I don't know @lakerstan If I lived here, I don't think I'd be on the strip too much. What are the local restaurants you like?
kutta
Footballguy
I'm going to have to come eat fried chicken with you because Yardbird fried chicken is the best I've ever had. I love the chicken, love the hot sauce, and love that I can get an awesome rye whiskey to top it all off. Yardbird is my one must-eat at place in Vegas, and I usually go twice.
What place(s) warrant a 10 out of 10 for you for fried chicken?
I don't know I give anywhere a 10. But in the last year I've had Gus' (Memphis, Knoxville and other places), Princes in Nashville, Hattie B's in Nashville, Pepperfire in Nashville, Boltons in Nashville, Wright's Cafeteria in Knoxville, Husk in Nashville / Charleston, Jackie's Dream in Knoxville, Chandlers Deli in Knoxville that were all way better than what I had today at Yardbird. For half the price. (except for HUSK)
But it's different too. None of those places are places, save for HUSK, are where you get an awesome rye whiskey. So if we want to talk the actual chicken (which I am) Yardbird isn't special. If it's fried Chicken and a great whiskey, Yardbird wins there.
Edit to add, I haven't had it yet, but I'd bet my last dollar @tipsy mcstagger 's fried chicken is way better than this. And I know for a fact it has more soul.
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Yeah, I'd agree. My goal for Vegas is focused on quality and non-chains. I don't expect mom and pop (although I'm sure some exist).
Appreciate the review...if you get a chance, post some of your vegas food highlights for those of us returning in the fall
kutta
Footballguy
I just may take you up on that...
I live in the SW, in Phoenix. So I'm probably the same way about Mexican food and finding a good taco that you are about fried chicken.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
lakerstan
Footballguy
There is such a great variety here, but it also allows people to be a bit picky. Most of the steakhouses named previously will get you a great steak for a slightly elevated price.
Someone talked about Mexican and the best I've had is a place called El Dorado, which is right behind the strip. It is right next door to a strip club, but they have separate entrances and I'm comfortable taking visitors there. This isn't your Taco Bell Mexican.
http://www.eldoradovegas.com/
Someone also mentioned Mon Ami Gabi, which I think is nicer for breakfast, especially if you can sit outside and it isn't too hot because it's across from the Bellagio fountains.
I'm not a sushi fan, but I've heard Kabuto is about the best you can get. Only 22 people allowed per service.
GOOD BBQ is unfortunately almost non-existent, but the best in town is probably a place called Rollin' Smoke. If you've had great Texas BBQ, you can probably skip it.
The best pricey meat is at Bazaar Meat where they'll gladly serve you REAL A5 Kobe beef for 50 bucks an ounce. One of only 8 places in America that is CERTIFIED to do so. 2 of the others are in Vegas.... Althogh local favorite dive Herbs and Rye has great 1/2 price steaks during happy hour.
Most Italian places in town will bury your local Olive Garden (the city was built by the mob, after all). I've had good experiences at Nora's.
Good luck and enjoy!
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lakerstan
Footballguy
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I bet you're absolutely right, @kutta Much of it's a regional thing. Sushi for example. Knoxville has a couple of Sushi places thought to be good. But I bet someone from California would laugh at them. And likely rightly so.
Southwest flies into Nashville from Phoenix I think, we should do a tour. Or better yet, you can show me the legit Mexican spots in Phoenix.
tdoss
Footballguy
Kutta...I can attest to Gus' (Memphis) being a tad better...especially factoring price. You're close enough to L.A...ever been to Roscoe's?
I've had some of the best BBQ ever (and pecan pie) in Phoenix...ever been to "Little Miss BBQ"?
kutta
Footballguy
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/location/el-rinconcito-del-df-6493835
http://www.losreyesdelatortaphx.com/index.php
https://www.barriocafe.com/
Three of my favs, but you can pretty much throw a rock and hit a Fileberto's or similar type place that serves pretty darn good Mexican food.
kutta
Footballguy
kutta
Footballguy
I actually get to Huntsville quite often for work, and fly through Nashville sometimes. I'll hit you up next time I'm out that way.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
Little Miss BBQ destroys Pork on a Fork. You have to get there around 10:00 to get in line for the 11am open, but order the fatty brisket. Best brisket and best beans I've ever had. No, I've never done the Texas BBQ circuit. But I cant fathom meat better than theirs.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
kutta
Footballguy
It's pretty awesome.
Sorry for the hijack, but are you in Phoenix too? Where do you like to go?
Back to Vegas in just a sec...
ffldrew
Footballguy
This is insane - back in the day you could have gone to Peppermill and spent $20 - and probably had a similar meal.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
@kuttaYep.
My wife's preference would rarely be to go for Mexican, so I don't get it often. Barrio Café is probably my favorite. Carolina's (The original. The other two are NOT as good) is also pretty fantastic. We hit Taco Guild on occasion for happy hour, but it's not the same as the old school mom and pop places.
My wife's preference would rarely be to go for Mexican, so I don't get it often. Barrio Café is probably my favorite. Carolina's (The original. The other two are NOT as good) is also pretty fantastic. We hit Taco Guild on occasion for happy hour, but it's not the same as the old school mom and pop places.
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Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
![[icon]](/data/avatars/m/5/5167.jpg?1660313464){kind=avatar}
[icon]
Insoxicated
Your review for Yardbird was kinda what I was worried about. I was excited from the reviews about the idea of epic fried chicken in vegas, but am not surprised to find out it falls a bit flat when compared to the real juggernauts.I don't know I give anywhere a 10. But in the last year I've had Gus' (Memphis, Knoxville and other places), Princes in Nashville, Hattie B's in Nashville, Pepperfire in Nashville, Boltons in Nashville, Wright's Cafeteria in Knoxville, Husk in Nashville / Charleston, Jackie's Dream in Knoxville, Chandlers Deli in Knoxville that were all way better than what I had today at Yardbird. For half the price. (except for HUSK)
But it's different too. None of those places are places, save for HUSK, are where you get an awesome rye whiskey. So if we want to talk the actual chicken (which I am) Yardbird isn't special. If it's fried Chicken and a great whiskey, Yardbird wins there.
Edit to add, I haven't had it yet, but I'd bet my last dollar @tipsy mcstagger 's fried chicken is way better than this. And I know for a fact it has more soul.
Gus's Downtown Memphis is pretty "authentic" to me... bare bones / no frills with a fantastic juke and 40oz beers. It's very BYOB friendly as I've brought in wine before and they'd not bat an eye to bringing a bottle of whiskey from my collection. There's a liquor store not far from there as well.
I'm with Joe on the sticker shock... though I get that it's Vegas. Talk about incredible margins though. Two piece with two sides and white bread at Gus's is $5.50-$6.00 depending on white/dark meat.
@tipsy mcstagger has touted Gus' as among the, if not the, best he's had... beating out even NOLA staple Fannie Mae's scotch house. My buddy Michael Callaghan, pitmaster for the Canadian national BBQ team (and frequent world food championship finalist) has said it's the best he's had, and it's one of the highlights of his annual BBQfest trip to Memphis.
I've tried Hattie B's and was kinda unimpressed. Huge fan of that hot chicken sauce flavor profile, but the chicken itself was greasy and not cooked nearly as well as what we get at Gus's... but I may have had a bad batch.
Kutta I definitely suggest tagging along with Joe if you get the chance.
kutta
Footballguy
kevzilla
Footballguy
ffldrew
Footballguy
For the record you are referring to Willie Mae's Scotch House in NOLA - some great fried chicken. Just in case someone started looking for a Fannie Mae's there.
ffldrew
Footballguy
The problem is price inflation has even hit Peppermill - the whole town got jacked up when all the overhyped/priced food places started up.But you can't beat the drinks at Peppermill at 3AM.You still can. Then go into the lounge and order a drink the size of your head.
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Insoxicated
Sorry, yeah… You're 100% correct… Fannie Mae is a damn mortgage program or something. Was very occupied this morning LOL
ffldrew
Footballguy
tipsy mcstagger
Footballguy
Fannie Mae's ....where you can get chicken and default on your mortgage.Your review for Yardbird was kinda what I was worried about. I was excited from the reviews about the idea of epic fried chicken in vegas, but am not surprised to find out it falls a bit flat when compared to the real juggernauts.
Gus's Downtown Memphis is pretty "authentic" to me... bare bones / no frills with a fantastic juke and 40oz beers. It's very BYOB friendly as I've brought in wine before and they'd not bat an eye to bringing a bottle of whiskey from my collection. There's a liquor store not far from there as well.
I'm with Joe on the sticker shock... though I get that it's Vegas. Talk about incredible margins though. Two piece with two sides and white bread at Gus's is $5.50-$6.00 depending on white/dark meat.
@tipsy mcstagger has touted Gus' as among the, if not the, best he's had... beating out even NOLA staple Fannie Mae's scotch house. My buddy Michael Callaghan, pitmaster for the Canadian national BBQ team (and frequent world food championship finalist) has said it's the best he's had, and it's one of the highlights of his annual BBQfest trip to Memphis.
I've tried Hattie B's and was kinda unimpressed. Huge fan of that hot chicken sauce flavor profile, but the chicken itself was greasy and not cooked nearly as well as what we get at Gus's... but I may have had a bad batch.
Kutta I definitely suggest tagging along with Joe if you get the chance.
It's Willie Maes dummy.
tipsy mcstagger
Footballguy
oh damn....fannie mae already addressed.
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Insoxicated
Fannie Mae's ....where you can get chicken and default on your mortgage.
It's Willie Maes dummy.
might as well go ahead and put me down now....
tipsy mcstagger
Footballguy
too kind. but mine has been so good these last two times I've actually sold it recently that I' considering one day a week at the restaurant just doing fried chicken and ribs (or something like that....maybe fried pork chops ).Edit to add, I haven't had it yet, but I'd bet my last dollar @tipsy mcstagger 's fried chicken is way better than this. And I know for a fact it has more soul.
[icon]
Insoxicated
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
If I ever make it back to NO, can you add fried chicken and ribs to the all meats/all sides platter and call it the EG? It can just be a one day special, I don't want to muck up your menu or anything, but I have to have it all. Also, make it mandatory to order at least 2 beers in order to get the special. Then, I could die in peace.
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
Anyone been to Mastros? Some friends are suggesting it for dinner, looks $$$$ and meh, but I'll probably be wasted by that point and just go along with it, but feedback would be appreciated
Edit: looks like an up$cale chain so I'm guessing it's OK but wildly overpriced?
Edit: looks like an up$cale chain so I'm guessing it's OK but wildly overpriced?
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Judge Smails
Footballguy
Correct. Chain. I have one down the street from me. Typical high priced, a la carte. Good but you'll struggle with value.
kutta
Footballguy
They actually started here in Scottsdale AZ. One of the best steakhouses in Arizona, but I've never been to any others outside the state. The butter cake is about the best dessert anywhere.
Judge Smails
Footballguy
Yeah - I was sorta worried about giving our fearless leader a recommendation that had anything to do with Southern (or BBQ). It's sort of like you recommending great Mexican food to me. Out here in CA, face it, we don't eat a ton of fried chicken. Bad for you and all that stuff. So for us, who have fried chicken maybe twice a year, Yardbird is really good. I know for the price expectations are high, but in Vegas it's all funny money. Where do you find value on the Strip? My wife and I split the 4 piece (they let us change up the pieces) and shrimp and grits. And some whiskey of course. I think in Vegas it's hot right now because it's different. All the other restaurant concepts and Puck/Battali/Ramsay creations are everywhere. Don't want another high end steak joint? Fried chicken and shrimp and grits? Good option in Vegas.Joe Bryant said:I don't know I give anywhere a 10. But in the last year I've had Gus' (Memphis, Knoxville and other places), Princes in Nashville, Hattie B's in Nashville, Pepperfire in Nashville, Boltons in Nashville, Wright's Cafeteria in Knoxville, Husk in Nashville / Charleston, Jackie's Dream in Knoxville, Chandlers Deli in Knoxville that were all way better than what I had today at Yardbird. For half the price. (except for HUSK)
But it's different too. None of those places are places, save for HUSK, are where you get an awesome rye whiskey. So if we want to talk the actual chicken (which I am) Yardbird isn't special. If it's fried Chicken and a great whiskey, Yardbird wins there.
Edit to add, I haven't had it yet, but I'd bet my last dollar @tipsy mcstagger 's fried chicken is way better than this. And I know for a fact it has more soul.
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
Does Yardbird have TVs? trying to plan a brunch but women have a spa day Saturday and it's football season so Sunday is a tough sell , but if TVs are plentiful it could work
facook
Footballguy
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