Yardbird Smoked Meats is a new dining destination in Keego Harbor, MI that spotlights an array of smoked meats and old-fashioned griddle burgers and dogs in a setting reminiscent of authentic Texas barbecue. Co-owned by celebrated Chef Jeremy Grandon and renowned designer Brad Cousens, Yardbird is located at 1978 Cass Lake Rd.
The 80-seat restaurant offers Chef Grandon’s take on barbecue comfort food starring a variety of smoked meats, including beef, chicken, fish and pork.
BBQ Sandwiches feature a generous helping of meat that has been smoked “low ‘n’ slow” in-house using Michigan apple, cherry, maple and oak woods. Smoked Meat Platters, which include brisket, sausage and ribs with either a specialty dry rub or glaze of Yardbird’s own Northern Red BBQ sauce, are served with two traditional sides-of-choice, accompanied by sweet cornbread with apple butter.
Diners looking to try a little of each can choose the Pork, Brisket and Sausage Sampler, as well as purchase a bottle of one of the restaurant’s house-made sauces to experiment with and enjoy at home.
The Yardbird menu also features Yard Burgers that are cooked on a griddle and served with fries, and all-Angus beef Yard Dogs that come with Great Lakes Potato Chips. Comforts include Buttermilk Fried Yardbird, Smoked Salmon Filet, fresh fish of the day, Mac and Cheese and fried green tomatoes. Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding, Ray’s Ice Cream Sundae, Vernors and Faygo floats, homemade cake and seasonal cobbler or pie daily round out the Sweets offerings.
The beverage menu includes a carefully curated selection of craft beers as well as locally brewed offerings; wine and specialty cocktails featuring select bourbon.
“We wanted the restaurant to be a reflection of the local neighborhood and lifestyles of the residents of surrounding communities,” said Grandon of the vision he shares with Cousens. “Yardbird also was created of diners’ preferences for a more back-to-basics culinary experience, without sacrificing quality and sophistication. It’s all about serving great food, simply prepared, accompanied by a modern, down-to-earth beverage selection, in an atmosphere that is both easygoing and cool.”
Yardbird Smoked Meats now welcomes patrons on weekends for Chef Jeremy Grandon’s Texas barbecue twist on brunch and lunch, beginning at noon Saturdays and 11 a.m. Sundays.
“Since we opened Yardbird in September 2014, diners have been showing up earlier and earlier for our array of smoked meat dishes and sandwiches,” said Chef Grandon. “Instead of preparing breakfast or lunch for just myself, I decided the more the merrier.”
From savory omelets such as a three cheese or Spanish to sweet Belgian waffles with seasonal fruit jam and whipped cream and Cornmeal Pancakes or a thick cut Texas toast French Toast served with orange butter and maple syrup, Yardbird’s brunch menu has what it takes to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Those craving “low ‘n’ slow” smoked meats, a Yardbird specialty prepared in-house, can enjoy eggs and hash made with brisket or salmon or a hearty Meat and Potatoes offering with brisket, bacon, andouille, potato hash topped with an egg.
Yardbird also puts its own spin on southern favorites, including BBQ Huevos Rancheros made with corn tortillas, two eggs, BBQ brisket, tomato salsa and topped with queso fresco; and Fried Yardbird and Waffles.
In addition to the menu, a comfortable, come-as-you-are feel can be found in Yardbird’s décor throughout the interior and exterior, which was designed and decorated by Cousens, who also owns a restaurant establishment in Chicago. Reclaimed lumber, old iron skillets, dark wood and aluminum seating, and a restored terrazzo floor characterize the interior.
An American flag made from recycled glass hangs prominently over one of the main windows of the entrance. An array of black and white Yardbird-themed photos adorns a nearby wall. A custom-branded vintage bicycle that will be used to make local carryout deliveries starting next summer is parked on a rack that includes space for residents’ bikes.
Outside, a rustic, split rail fence outlines an outdoor patio that offers both wrought iron and wood picnic table seating. Light bulbs strung overhead give the patio a backyard barbeque feel. Graffiti that was left along one of the exterior walls that reads you’re sooo good lookin’ exhibits the less-serious vibe of the restaurant.
 |
| Co-owners Brad Cousens (Left) and Jeremy Grandon (right) |
Cousens’ experience in the industry dates back to the late 80s, when he began a successful run of restaurant design and operations management. In addition to Yardbird, he currently owns Dukes Chicago Bar and Grill located at 2616 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, which is approaching its 10-year anniversary.
Yardbird Smoked Meats is located at 1978 Cass Lake Rd. in Keego Harbor. Dinner is served daily from 4 to 11 p.m. and also offers carryout service. A limited number of reservations are available for parties of six or more and can be made by calling 248-681-2124.
For more information on Yardbird Smoked Meats Restaurant visit www.yardbird.cool
Two (2) FREEISMYLIFE readers will each win a $20 Yardbird Gift Card so you can try out Yardbird Smoked Meats Restaurant for yourselves - HOLLA TO THE FREE!!!
To Enter -
- Fill out the information in the form below.
- One entry per person please. Duplicate entries will be removed.
- USA addresses only - YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE OF YARDYARD RESTAURANT IN KEEGO HARBOR, MI TO WIN THIS GIVEAWAY.
- The contest ends on Friday, March 20, 2015 at 11:59am EST.
- The winners will be selected by random number generation.
- Prize fulfillment to the winners will be the responsibility of the PR company for Yardbird Restaurant.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE on Instagram.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE on Facebook.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following Yardbird on Facebook.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following the FREEISMYLIFE "AND THE WINNING IS EASY" Board on Pinterest.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for answering the Yardbird Menu Question at this link.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE on Twitter.
- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for tweeting the following message on Twitter " I entered the @freeismylife GIVEAWAY to WIN a $20 Gift Card to Metro Detroit Yardbird Restaurant http://ow.ly/K3uzQ "
Random.org has spoken!!! Out of 112 entries, Random.org has picked the following 2 winners who will each receive a $20 Gift Card to Yardbird Restaurant in Keego Harbor, MI -
Congratulations to:
#57 - Susan R. of Detroit, MI
#108 - Brandy M. of Commerce Township, MI
Enjoy!
