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Yardbird Table & Bar
Master Critic Review
Yardbird Table & Bar
8.5
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Yardbird brings Southern-leaning comfort to River North brunch with towering fried chicken plates, biscuits, and big-format sweets. The space reads polished and lively, drawing both travelers and locals for chicken & waffles and boozy brunches that feel celebratory without being formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lewellyn’s Fine Fried Chicken & Waffles, Biscuit French Toast, Warm Cinnamon Rolls
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Southern-style brunch built around fried chicken, biscuits, and a polished, high-energy room.
Who should go: Groups craving indulgent Southern brunch with strong cocktails.
When to visit: Late-morning weekend slots; expect a wait at prime times.
What to order: Chicken & waffles, biscuit French toast, cinnamon roll to share.
Insider tip: Split one big fried chicken entrée and a sweet plate instead of ordering two heavy mains per person.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly paid garages and metered street parking in River North; street spots fill quickly during brunch rush
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual dresses are common, but the room leans polished
Noise level: Lively and upbeat; conversation is doable at smaller tables but group tables can run loud
Weekend wait: Usually manageable — 15–30 minutes without a reservation, longer on peak Saturdays
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short waits outside of convention/travel surges
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (salads, sides, a few brunch plates) but menu leans heavily toward chicken and pork
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes contain dairy, egg, or butter-based components
Gluten-free options: Select items can be modified; fried items share fryers, so cross-contact is possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a fun, high-energy brunch — the room is lively and celebratory, but it’s not ideal if you prefer a quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but weekend late-morning brunch can mean 45–75 minute waits; join the waitlist early or arrive closer to opening for the best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — staff is accommodating and portions are shareable; better for older kids and families comfortable with a busy, loud brunch environment.
Best For
Better for: Big, indulgent Southern-style brunch with standout fried chicken, polished service, and a celebratory vibe for groups and birthdays.
Skip if: You want a quiet brunch, lighter/health-focused menus, or strict vegan/gluten-free dining — a calmer café or specialty bakery may be a better fit.