The Weber
Buffalo Moon
The Oven Pizza E Vino
El Noa Noa
Jewel of India
Yard House
Shipwreck Landing North
Strings
Modis
Bagali’s
Mary’s Lake Lodge
Cinzzetti’s
Jing

Famous Dave’s

Sushi Matsuri

Small bites

Products We Love:

Sol Azul Teqiula
Seth Ellis Chocolatier

I had the annoying privilege of having a pithy father. He’s one of those guys who repeatedly tells his kids “If you aren’t five minutes early, you’re already late”. More to the point, he was also fond of saying “Everything you do or say demonstrates your character or lack of it”

With that thought as an undercurrent to my life I visited the Yard House and was pleased to see the exceptional effort extended at presenting each dish. Clearly these are people who respect the art of making great food. The creativity demonstrated in their menu backed up my hunch; my first fork full confirmed it.

Before we talk about a dinner menu large enough for anyone to find a new favorite, let me point to one of the best values for happy hour, anywhere. The Yard House offers 23 of their popular appetizers half price from 3pm to 6pm, 7 days a week and 10pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday. You can order a giant California Roll for only $5.50; it’s a favorite of mine when I’m craving something healthy. Their Onion Rings $4.60 are great but are the one place they take presentation too far; the rings are built into a tower, which looks more appealing, but cools too fast. Still order them but ask for a basket. Even better, try the Sweet Potato Fries. Once again, an example of how the Yard House goes a little farther. I love, love, love their Blue Crab Cakes ($5.) served with a mango papaya chutney. The Hawaiian Poke Stack ($5.25) is marinated fresh ahi – a treat if you like that sort of thing. One weak spot on the menu is the pizza ($5 - $6); sorry, it’s just average. Happy Hour drinks are $3 for pints, $4 for well drink and $5 for an extensive list of martinis. The rest of the menu I sampled is stand out; and where else can you satisfy your craving for something extraordinary, have a drink and leave a tip for about ten bucks?

I started my meal with their Grilled Romaine Salad ($8.45) served with gorgonzola dressing and candied walnuts; a nice twist to an old standby. Burger lovers will feel at home; I had the BBQ Bacon & Cheese burger ($10) and found it to be as good as any burger I’ve had in years. One member of my party tried the Lobster Garlic Noodles ($19.45) and raved; it’s a fine balance of cream sauce, lobster, shrimp, crab & mushrooms smothering Chinese egg noodles.

Our server said a house favorite of the employees is the Porcini Crusted Halibut ($22.95). It was perfect: tender, not too dry and flavorful. I also recommend the Miso Sea Bass ($24.95) served with Miso Glaze. Delicious. Even diners who generally don’t like fish are likely to enjoy these tasty dishes.

For a more traditional meal, but still with their signature style, try their Chicken Enchilada ($14.65). It’s served as a tower (but stays warm) and is smothered in Monterey Jack cheese. The Yard House also has several steaks that look good but I didn’t have a chance to try, because…

The deserts are as good as they look, but a bit pricy. I don’t mean to do injustice to the crème brulee ($7.95) or their Chocolate Soufflé Cake ($7.45), which are a very satisfying and live up to the caliber of the rest of the meal, but I have to rave about their Macadamia Nut Cheese Cake ($6.50). I’m a bit of a freak for phenomenal cheesecake and I’m absolutely in love with this dish. It may be the best cheesecake I’ve ever had.

The Yard House has Denver’s largest beer selection on tap – 130 beer choices ranging from $3 to $8 depending on obscurity. They also managed to mix up 23 different Martinis ($8.50). A patio is available when practical, but over looks a parking lot. Hours are 11:30 am – 10pm Sunday – Thursday and 11:30am – midnight on Friday. Open 7 days a week; located in the North East corner of the Colorado Mills shopping mall. Phone: 303/278-9273. Prices reflect the dinner menu. They offer a lunch special priced at $8.65 for a choice of two half portions of pasta, soup, salad or sandwich. More info is available at YardHouse.com. Remember, try the cheesecake!