the yardbird

The first time we went to The Yardbird we found the food exceptional. Went twice again for dinner and once again for lunch. Food, service, everything good. The last two times we were there I was extremely disappointed with the main course. The first time I had the venison main dish. The venison had no flavour, had a rubbery surface and looked a bit raw in the middle. I was so disappointed. The next time I went I had the short rib. It was terrible. Had bone in it, was stringy with fat deposits. Considering the price of these two entree’s I expected so much more” I have had short rib at Hot Rocks and Bistro 23. It is good size chunk of beef with no bone and no large fat deposits. Superb. Other than that everything about this restaurant is perfect. I am reluctant to return after this experience.

January 2, 2025 on Google

We were served by Jason, the owner, who delivered great advice on food which was absolutely delicious. I am lactose intolerant, and he took great care ensuring I could eat safe. I have not had a sandwich this good in years. My wife is also raving.... We will definitely be coming by here again soon!

December 28, 2024 on Google

I took my mother here for lunch and we both enjoyed our drinks and meal. We ordered the avocado artichoke dip to share and then a sandwich & side combo each. Both were delicious, along with the 2 glasses of white wine we ordered. They have a great selection of cocktails here but we just didn't get around to ordering any that day. Little on the pricier side but you get what you pay for here. Service was friendly and attentive - would come by for lunch here any day!

December 27, 2024 on Google

So went here the other day. It was our first time and based on the high rating we were quite excited. The restaurant itself is very small but cozy, dim lighting. We ordered shrimp cakes and steak tartare for starters (they were out of soup) by 2pm. Shrimp cakes were good, not a lot of flavor. The steak tartare I found to be very salty along with the bread served with it, it’s texture and presentation were good. For our main we ordered the glass noodle and broccoli salad, as told by waitress it was egg noodles and not glass noodles. Fine. The noodles were actually more like a fettuccine noodle. The noodles were very hard. The dressing was tasty but for the amount you pay this was extremely disappointing. We then ordered the Croque Monsieur on Sourdough. This was okay but I feel I could have done just as good a job if I made it myself. The waitress was nice but never came to clear our table of excess bottle of water or beer so we just placed it on the table beside us to make room at our small table. She only came by to serve and not to offer second rounds of drinks and had to be waved over for more water. The restaurant wasn’t busy at this time. I didn’t think parking was an issue as it was around the corner in behind and the month of December is free. I really wanted to love this place but for the price and quality of the food I think this is a one and done visit.

December 19, 2024 on Google

Amazing food, can’t cocktails, service and atmosphere! So lucky to have a trendy TO restaurant in the heart of Bowmanville!!!

November 6, 2024 on Google

As a vegetarian there is always a great option for me. The vibe is on point and the service is amazing. The cocktails are perfectly balanced and creative. Totally recommend 100000%

July 22, 2024 on Google

Such a cosy place to grab a meal. Highly recommend getting the Cornish hen sandwich! Everything was delicious and seasoned so well . Service was A+++

July 19, 2024 on Google

I met up with my sister for lunch and this was one of the places she suggested. It was a great friendly atmosphere, staff checked up on us regularly and was super friendly. I love the unique menu. I had the salmon sandwich with their soup of the day (a berry Gazpacho that was very refreshing on a hot day)

June 20, 2024 on Google