The Yards Bruncheon — Restaurant in Spokane

Having walked past The Yards countless times on my daily commute, I was thrilled to finally step inside and explore what this vibrant restaurant had to offer. Located in the heart of Kendall Yards, The Yards has a warm, inviting atmosphere that seamlessly blends modern design with a cozy, welcoming vibe. Today, I had the pleasure of treating some out-of-town clients—who happen to be food enthusiasts—to lunch, and I can confidently say that The Yards did not disappoint.

As soon as we entered, we were greeted by friendly staff who made us feel right at home. The ambiance was lively yet relaxed, perfect for casual business discussions over a meal. With its open layout and large windows, The Yards offered a beautiful view of the surrounding area, enhancing our dining experience. In the summer, patio seating is available.

To kick off our meal, we decided to try a variety of dishes that would give us a taste of The Yards’ culinary creativity. First up was the Curried Carrot Soup. The subtle sweetness of the carrots combined with the aromatic curry created a harmony of flavors that left us all wanting more. It was a fantastic way to start our meal, setting high expectations for what was to come.

My clients dove into the Wedge Salads. Presented beautifully, it was a vibrant display of fresh ingredients. The crispness of the iceberg lettuce, combined with tangy blue cheese, crunchy bacon, and a drizzle of creamy dressing, made for a refreshing and satisfying dish. Each bite was a delightful crunch, and it provided the perfect balance to the richer flavors we were about to indulge in.

For our main courses, we opted for the Chicken and Waffles and the Irish Benedict and the wedge salad. The Chicken and Waffles was a dish that exemplified comfort food at its best. The fried chicken was perfectly seasoned, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, resting atop a fluffy waffle that was both light and delicious. Drizzled with maple syrup, this dish was a delightful combination of sweet and savory that had us all raving. It was a playful yet sophisticated take on a classic, and I could see why it’s one of the restaurant’s standout offerings.

Meanwhile, the Irish Benedict was another hit at our table. This dish featured perfectly poached eggs sitting atop corned beef hash, all smothered in a rich hollandaise sauce. Each element was executed flawlessly—the eggs were cooked to perfection, the corned beef was flavorful and hearty, and the hollandaise added a luxurious creaminess that tied everything together. It was a unique twist on the traditional Benedict that was both satisfying and indulgent.

Throughout our meal, the service was attentive without being intrusive. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and provided great recommendations, ensuring that our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable. The attention to detail and commitment to excellent service truly elevated our meal.

As we wrapped up our lunch, we couldn’t resist the temptation to indulge in dessert. Although we were already quite full, we decided to share a dessert to cap off our meal. The dessert special that day was a chocolate lava cake, and it was the perfect way to end our culinary journey at The Yards. The cake was rich, decadent, and melted in our mouths, with a gooey chocolate center that was simply divine. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it was the ideal sweet finale that left us all smiling.

Overall, our experience at The Yards was nothing short of exceptional. From the inviting atmosphere to the mouthwatering dishes, every aspect of our meal was thoughtfully curated. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and creativity is evident in each dish, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in Spokane, whether you’re a local or just...

Disappointing Decline at a Once-Favorite Spot

We used to love The Yards Bruncheon. The BLT toad-in-the-hole sandwich and parmesan fries were, in my opinion, the best dish in Spokane—a must-have on every visit. Unfortunately, after today’s experience, we won’t be returning.

We were seated at a six-top, including two high chairs for our toddlers. When my mother-in-law, who was walking by, popped in to say a quick hello, the restaurant was nearly empty. She didn’t sit, didn’t order, and was there for less than two minutes. Still, the manager hovered awkwardly and prompted our server to inform us that we couldn’t have “seven” at the table. We were asked to move—mid-meal—to another table and carry everything ourselves. It was unnecessary and uncomfortable.

That should’ve been our cue to leave. Instead, we stayed—and were further disappointed. Although it was over 80 degrees outside and we had our personal water bottles with us, we were met with snide comments about the restaurant’s “no outside food or drink” policy. Later, the manager came by again and told us we had to physically remove our water bottles from the restaurant, citing “health code” violations. I’ve looked up the relevant regulations—this is simply false.

Ironically, the restaurant’s bathroom lacks signage indicating that staff must wash their hands—an actual health code violation. Even more concerning: as we exited through the side door near the parking lot, we found it deadbolted shut. Not only had we placed our water bottles outside this door minutes earlier, but there’s a clearly posted sign saying it must remain unlocked—this is a fire code violation.

As for the food: what used to be a standout meal has lost its quality. The sandwich was a shadow of its former self—overcooked egg, cheap bacon, and missing its once-bold flavors. The fries were dry and lacked garlic or cheese.

The saddest part of all was watching our waiter, who was kind and clearly doing his best, get repeatedly micromanaged into delivering awkward or unnecessary messages. He seemed genuinely embarrassed at several points.

We brunch out often, and this was our fourth and final attempt this year to give The Yards another chance. It’s unfortunate to see such a once-great local favorite deteriorate under uncomfortable and misguided management. I sincerely hope the Eat Good Food Group takes notice and brings in leadership that can restore what made this...

Summary: Not going back, crunchy potatoes and vinegar-tasting eggs beni has thoroughly turned me off this place.

---Purchase Info--- Visit Date: 05/26/2018 Review Date: 06/07/2018

Items Ordered: Bacon-Maple Waffle Country Fried NY Strip n’ Eggs (sub Chicken)