Yardbird Table & Bar is the Southern comfort-food restaurant that launched the Yardbird brand in 2011 at 1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, in South Beach’s western Lincoln Road area. Founded by restaurateur John Kunkel with opening chef Jeff McInnis, it became known for fried chicken, cheddar waffles, and bourbon cocktails. Before planning a visit, call the Miami number: Yardbird’s current official website lists its other locations but no longer includes a Miami location page.
What to Expect at Yardbird Table & Bar
The original Yardbird helped establish a more ingredient-conscious version of Southern dining in South Beach. Its defining dish, Chicken ’n’ Watermelon ’n’ Waffles, brought together crisp fried chicken, a cheddar-cheese waffle, chilled spiced watermelon, and bourbon maple syrup. Lewellyn’s Fine Fried Chicken, named for Kunkel’s grandmother, became the restaurant’s calling card; its preparation famously involved a 27-hour brine. Buttermilk biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and fried green tomatoes rounded out the comfort-food identity.
The setting traded beachfront glamour for reclaimed-wood textures, farmhouse references, closely arranged tables, and a lively bar, with patio seating adding an outdoor option. Bourbon was central rather than incidental: whiskey-led cocktails and an extensive American whiskey selection made this as much a drinks destination as a chicken stop. Think an indulgent, à-la-carte meal rather than a tasting-menu experience. The original menu was strongly meat- and dairy-oriented; vegetarian diners and anyone avoiding gluten should discuss suitable preparations before committing to a meal.
- Lewellyn’s fried chicken: The grandmother-inspired recipe behind Yardbird’s reputation, distinguished by its lengthy brining process.
- Chicken and waffles: Cheddar waffles, bourbon maple syrup, and spiced watermelon create the signature sweet-savory combination.
- Southern sides: Biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and fried green tomatoes anchor the restaurant’s culinary identity.
- Bourbon-focused bar: American whiskey and bourbon cocktails are integral to the experience, not an afterthought.
- Rustic dining room and patio: An informal alternative to South Beach’s more theatrical restaurant interiors.
Yardbird Table & Bar at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1600 Lenox Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 |
| Neighborhood / Area | South Beach; western Lincoln Road district |
| Operating Hours | Listed schedule: Monday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Confirm Miami service by telephone. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; upper-midrange dining. Check current menu prices directly. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours for a full meal |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | South Beach trolley connections around Alton Road and Lincoln Road; paid parking at 1111 Lincoln Road |
| Official Website & Phone | Yardbird official website; +1 305-538-5220 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Make the telephone call before arranging transportation or reservations, especially for a celebration. The brand’s general reservation button is not a Miami-specific confirmation. If Miami service is available, request an early lunch or first dinner seating for a less hurried meal, and reserve ahead for weekend brunch. Smart-casual clothing suits the setting; beachwear is better changed before dinner. Ask about patio availability, dietary substitutions, accepted payment methods, and any service charge when booking. Do not assume that fried chicken can be made gluten-free or that vegetable sides are vegetarian.
South Beach has no Metrorail station; use the free Miami Beach trolley network or a bus connection, checking routes through the City of Miami Beach. The Alton Road–Lincoln Road area is a short walk away, while the privately operated 1111 Lincoln Road garage offers paid parking nearby. The restaurant occupies street-level premises, but wheelchair users should confirm the entrance threshold, restroom access, and table clearance; patio seating does not automatically mean step-free access. Pair the neighborhood with the Colony Theatre or Herzog & de Meuron’s open-sided 1111 Lincoln Road parking structure, both roughly five minutes away, or the Holocaust Memorial, around 15 minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best visiting times?
The listed schedule starts at 11 a.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. weekends, with closing between 10 and 11 p.m. Telephone first to establish whether the Miami restaurant is serving; if available, an opening-time meal is the simplest timing choice.
How expensive is Yardbird, and should I reserve?
Yardbird falls in the $$$ dining tier, particularly when cocktails and shared sides are included. Obtain current prices and a Miami-specific reservation directly rather than booking another city through the brand website.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Allow 90 minutes to two hours for drinks, starters, and a main course. Add time if you plan to explore Lincoln Road afterward.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Familiar comfort-food dishes make the concept approachable for families, although the bar-oriented dining room can be noisy. Wheelchair users and families with large strollers should request an accessible table and confirm the entrance and restroom arrangements beforehand.
When planning your Miami travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Miami, pair this stop with standout local spots including Pérez Art Museum Miami, Mandarin Oriental, Miami, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, and CRAFT South Beach – Espanola Way (0.8 km away).
