Name: Yard House

Where: 15900 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio TX  78256 (Get directions here.)

Did you know? The name yard house pays homage to the 3-foot tall English glass, originally created for passing to stage coach drivers easily, during more relaxed alcohol consumption days.  (There is approximately 32 ounces in a yard house including those glasses offered at all Yard House locations.)

Quick Bit: Opened for only a week, the first Yard House in Texas did not disappoint!  My friend and I enjoyed an incredibly indulgent Sunday afternoon meal at The Shops at La Cantera’s newest eatery addition.  The sun streamed demurely through the windows, offering a full-scale view we did not ascertain during a late-night reconnaissance visit the previous Friday.  As one of the first lunchtime patrons (day-lights savings has no affect on the discerning palate), I was struck by the intimate openness of the spacious restaurant, the dramatic artwork on the walls (details to follow), and the numerous flat screens patiently waiting for NFL Sunday (and yes, sports fans, they do have NFL Sunday Ticket.)

Geekette Bit’s Tasty Byte Highlight

While reviewing the extensive menu, my dining companion and I immediately struggled to select a rational and reasonable number of tantalizing appetizer specialties from the 20-plus offered on our local menu.  We were not disappointed with the crisp, solid Blue Crab Cakes happily dancing with the lightest mango papaya chutney, passion fruit beurre blanc, and tomato oil.  Dipped individually, the crab cakes spawned 3 distinct tastes, joined revealed its perfect complements.  For our starter course we also ordered the behemoth Hawaiian Poke Stake which included generous layers of fresh, hearty ahi tuna, crunchy wontons, and ginger mix of julienned carrots and bean sprouts medley.  The avocado accompaniment politely subdued the strong ginger crescendo without diminishing the dish’s richness.

The half pound avocado and Swiss burger my friend ordered was served in the good company of a slender French fries and a tasty pickle which I thought was pleasantly attentive to a somewhat minor detail!)  He was also offered the choice between a potato or wheat bun.  I did not need the charming wooden stake to know my 12 oz. full flavor grilled rib eye was a perfect medium, my butter rose melting quickly.  The garlic mashed potatoes, full of texture and adorned with a sprig of rosemary, quietly outperformed the green beans that packed a solid crunch but almost under-delivered on flavor.  The colossal shrimp impaled with a thick lemon grass skewer were beautifully grilled and seasoned.

Our meal concluded with a light mini chocolate soufflé, the perfect portion, coupled with vanilla ice crème.  Served warm, both immediately melted fondly in my mouth.

Throughout the meal, our server Casey treated us as if we were her only (and favorite!) customers – gregarious, patient, and charming, a wonderful host who only enhanced our meal.

For more pictures see Geekette Bit’s Tasty Bytes on Flickr

Feature(s):

• Beer Menu – “Transparent keg room containing more than 600 barrels, some 1,000 gallons of beer” contributing to the 130-some beers on tap at the San Antonio, TX location, dramatically ascend across the ceiling to the island bar.
• Kids Klub – [Family Friendly] although I haven’t been there with my daughter yet, I know she’ll appreciate the 12-page kid’s activity book (with a chance to win the monthly kid’s coloring contest, multiple winners), frozen strawberry fruit bar, and VERY kid-friendly, diverse meal selection.
• Order Online – order online for pick up (and conveniently curbside)…I don’t see San Antonio as an option yet, benefit of a doubt inserted here.
• Large Party?!  Call ahead! – Instead of having to wait (and it was packed Friday night), parties with 8 can make reservations, smaller parties can take advantage of “call ahead seating”.
• Tap In – After setting up an account, create evites to send to friends, co-workers, and family.  Pre-populated with your default Yard House (address, phone number, etc.), you’re given the option of 4 stunning images and multiple styles to play around with.  Evites also track guest lists with option to allow guests to invite others and view whose already rsvp-ed.  Invite can be sent to 200 email address and a personalize message can also be included.  Mimi’s Café offers a similar online event invite option however Yard House’s reigns supreme.
• Gastaldi – Massive, contemporary artwork by Italian ancestry artist Jerome Gastaldi fill the walls of Yard House with bright vibrant colors and distorted reality, complimenting the dynamic energy that consumes the restaurant.

Menu

• Breakfast – No breakfast, opens at 11am, 7 days a week.
• Lunch – lasts from 11am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, includes entrée salads, house favorites, and other enticing combos.
• Dinner – late-night dining offered Monday through Friday until 12am; Friday/Saturday kitchen is cooking until 1am!

In the Community

Take a second to view the main organizations Team Yard House continues to supports in the community:

1 – Komen Cancer Foundation

2 – Canyon Acres

3 – Share Our Selves (SOS)

4 – 9-1-1 for Kids

5 – Kids Konnected

In addition to these incredible groups, you can also contact Yard House with other opportunities to support.

Get the Deal(s):

• Happy Hour

Mon – Fri from 3pm to 6pm

Sun – Thu from 9pm to 11pm

Monday Night Football from kick-off to 11pm

• Extensive list of half-priced appetizers, sliders (Classic/Bearnaise/Pastrami/Turkey mini-burgers), and specialty pizzas are offered
• Bountiful pint, well, wine, and martini drink specials

• Alerts - Sign up for the e-mail newsletter (below) to hear about specials and events at your Yard House

E-mail Newsletter: http://www.yardhouse.com/invite/default.asp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yardhouse

Twitter: @yardhouse

Price: $$$           (Although moderate during Happy Hour!)

$ – Bargain

$ $ – Moderate

$ $ $ – Upscale

$ $ $ $- Expensive