Yard House, a popular American sports bar chain, offers a surprising array of healthy options for health-conscious diners. With over 80 locations across the United States, this restaurant has been committed to providing nutritious choices since its inception in 1991.
Yard House’s menu features a variety of dishes catering to different dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie options. The chain’s dedication to healthy eating is evident in their detailed nutrition and allergen information, which allows guests to make informed decisions about their meals.
While known for its extensive beer selection and hearty fare, Yard House also provides lighter alternatives. Diners can find leafy salads, grilled proteins, and vegetable-based dishes among the menu offerings. The restaurant’s commitment to transparency and diverse menu options makes it a viable choice for those seeking a balance between indulgence and health-conscious dining.
Understanding Yard House
Yard House is an American sports bar and restaurant chain known for its extensive craft beer selection and upscale casual dining experience. The brand has established itself as a popular destination for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Overview of the Brand
Yard House opened its first location in 1996 in Long Beach, California. The restaurant’s name comes from its signature yard-long glass of beer. Yard House offers over 100 taps of craft and imported beers, alongside a diverse menu of American fusion cuisine.
The restaurant’s decor features a central island bar and open kitchen. Large flat-screen TVs throughout the space cater to sports fans. Yard House’s menu includes appetizers, salads, street tacos, burgers, steaks, and seafood.
Industry Position
Yard House occupies a unique position in the sports bar and casual dining segment. It differentiates itself through its vast beer selection and upscale atmosphere. The chain competes with both traditional sports bars and more upscale casual dining establishments.
Yard House has expanded to over 80 locations across the United States. It’s owned by Darden Restaurants, which also operates Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. The brand appeals to a wide demographic, including young professionals, families, and sports enthusiasts.
Yard House’s focus on craft beer aligns with growing consumer interest in artisanal and locally-produced beverages. This positioning has helped the brand maintain relevance in a competitive restaurant landscape.
Menu Highlights
Yard House offers a diverse menu with options to satisfy various tastes and dietary preferences. The restaurant’s extensive selection includes craft beers, signature dishes, and accommodating choices for vegetarian and vegan diners.
Craft Beer Selection
Yard House boasts an impressive array of craft beers on tap. With over 100 varieties available, beer enthusiasts can explore a wide range of flavors and styles. The selection includes local brews, seasonal offerings, and popular national brands.
Yard House utilizes a state-of-the-art draft system to ensure each beer is served at the optimal temperature. Patrons can choose from various glass sizes, including the signature half-yard glass.
Beer flights are available for those who want to sample multiple brews. The knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations based on individual preferences.
Signature Dishes
Yard House’s menu features several standout items that have become customer favorites. The Vampire Taco, a unique twist on traditional tacos, combines tender chicken with bacon chorizo and vampire sauce in a cheese-crusted tortilla.
Poke Nachos offer a fusion of flavors, combining raw ahi tuna with wonton chips and Asian-inspired toppings. For those seeking comfort food, the Nashville Hot Chicken delivers a spicy kick with its crispy coating and accompanying ranch dressing.
Street Tacos provide a variety of filling options, including grilled chicken, carnitas, and fish. The Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a lighter alternative, featuring sautéed chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and water chestnuts.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Yard House caters to plant-based diets with a range of vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant partners with Gardein to offer meat alternatives in many of its popular dishes.
Vegan-friendly choices include the Gardein Orange Chicken, which replicates the flavors of the classic dish without animal products. The Gardein Barbecue Chicken Pizza features a crispy crust topped with plant-based chicken and vegetables.
For vegetarians, options like the Spinach Cheese Dip and Margherita Pizza provide satisfying meat-free meals. The menu clearly labels vegetarian and vegan items, making it easy for diners to identify suitable choices.
Healthy Eating at Yard House
Yard House offers a variety of nutritious options for health-conscious diners. The restaurant provides detailed nutritional information and accommodates different dietary needs with low-calorie, low-sodium, and vegetarian choices.
Nutritional Information Overview
Yard House makes nutritional data readily available to customers. Their Food & Beverage Nutrition Guide lists calorie counts, fat content, sodium levels, and other key nutrients for all menu items.
This transparency allows guests to make informed decisions about their meals. The guide is particularly useful for those tracking specific nutrients or managing health conditions.
Yard House updates this information regularly to reflect menu changes and ensure accuracy.
Low-Calorie Menu Options
For calorie-conscious diners, Yard House offers several lighter options. The House Salad contains 430 calories and provides a nutritious mix of vegetables.
Steamed edamame is another low-calorie appetizer choice. It’s rich in protein and fiber while being low in fat.
The BBQ Chicken Salad is a popular entree option that balances flavor and nutrition. It includes fresh greens, grilled chicken, and a lighter dressing.
Vegetarian dishes made with Gardein™ plant-based proteins offer satisfying meals with fewer calories than their meat counterparts.
Sodium and Carbs Management
Managing sodium and carbohydrate intake can be challenging when dining out, but Yard House provides options to help. The nutrition guide clearly lists sodium content for each dish.
Guests can request modifications to reduce sodium, such as dressings or sauces on the side. For lower-carb choices, salads without croutons or bread are available.
Grilled proteins paired with vegetable sides offer a balanced meal lower in carbs. The Kale & Romaine Caesar Salad can be a good option when ordered without croutons.
Avocado can be added to many dishes as a heart-healthy fat source that doesn’t increase carb content significantly.
Popular Healthy Choices
Yard House offers several nutritious options for health-conscious diners. The menu features lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and lighter alternatives to traditional bar fare.
Salads Selection
The Cobb Salad stands out as a protein-packed choice. It combines grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, and hard-boiled eggs on a bed of mixed greens. For a lighter option, guests can request dressing on the side.
Yard House also offers a Kale Caesar Salad with crisp romaine and kale, parmesan cheese, and house-made croutons. Adding grilled chicken or salmon boosts the protein content.
The Grilled Chicken & Spinach Salad provides a nutrient-rich meal with fresh spinach, goat cheese, and candied walnuts. Its balsamic vinaigrette adds flavor without excess calories.
Wrap and Tacos
The Blackened Shrimp Taco offers a flavorful, lower-calorie option. It features seasoned shrimp, cabbage, pico de gallo, and cilantro cream sauce in a soft corn tortilla.
For a hearty wrap, the Grilled Chicken & Avocado Sandwich is served on a wheat tortilla. It includes fresh avocado, tomato, and arugula for added nutrients.
The Spicy Tuna Roll delivers lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Wrapped in nori and sushi rice, it’s a lighter alternative to fried appetizers.
Appetizers and Shareables
Steamed Edamame serves as a nutritious starter. These soybeans are high in protein and fiber, making them a filling choice.
The Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a low-carb option. Minced chicken, water chestnuts, and mushrooms are served with crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping.
Poke Nachos provide a healthier twist on traditional nachos. Marinated raw ahi tuna is served over wonton chips with avocado and serrano peppers.
For pizza lovers, the Margherita Pizza can be a sensible choice when shared. Its thin crust and fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil keep calories in check.
Beverage Options
Yard House offers an extensive selection of draft beers and non-alcoholic drinks. Their diverse beverage menu caters to various preferences and dietary needs.
Draft Beer
Yard House is renowned for its impressive draft beer selection. The restaurant features up to 130 taps, showcasing a wide range of local, regional, and international brews. Craft beers from popular microbreweries are prominently featured alongside well-known commercial brands.
Beer enthusiasts can enjoy lagers, ales, stouts, and IPAs. The draft list often includes seasonal and limited-edition brews, providing unique tasting experiences.
Yard House offers beer flights, allowing customers to sample multiple varieties. These flights typically consist of 4-6 small pours of different beers.
Non-Alcoholic Selections
For those seeking alcohol-free options, Yard House provides a variety of refreshing choices. Their menu includes classic sodas, iced teas, and lemonades.
Health-conscious patrons can opt for fresh fruit juices or sparkling water. The restaurant also offers specialty non-alcoholic beverages, such as flavored lemonades and house-made sodas.
Coffee and tea are available for those needing a caffeine boost. Yard House typically serves both hot and iced versions of these beverages.
Some locations may offer non-alcoholic versions of popular cocktails, providing flavorful alternatives for those abstaining from alcohol.
Eating Out Wisely
Choosing healthy options at restaurants like Yard House requires awareness of nutrition facts and smart decision-making. Paying attention to calorie content and sodium levels can help diners make informed choices.
Tips for Healthy Choices
At Yard House, look for menu items marked as healthier options. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes that can fit into a balanced diet.
Opt for grilled proteins instead of fried foods. Choose dishes with vegetables as side options. Consider splitting larger portions with dining companions to control calorie intake.
Ask for dressings and sauces on the side. This allows you to control how much you add to your meal. Request modifications like no added salt or substitutions for healthier ingredients when possible.
Avoid high-calorie appetizers like the Chicken Nachos, which contain 2,580 calories and 5,190 mg of sodium. Instead, select lighter starters or share with the table.
Understanding Portion Sizes
Restaurant portions are often larger than recommended serving sizes. Be mindful of this when ordering and eating out.
Consider ordering an appetizer as your main course. This can help control portion sizes and calorie intake. If ordering a full entrée, ask for a to-go container at the start of the meal.
Use visual cues to estimate proper portion sizes. A serving of meat should be about the size of a deck of cards. A cup of pasta is roughly the size of a tennis ball.
Pay attention to calorie information provided on the menu. This can guide you in making choices that align with your dietary goals. Remember that beverages can also contribute significant calories to your meal.