So, it's been a month since the previous review, which means there have been a few more weeks for the kinks to be worked out since this place went "live." And, as I suspected, the level of confidence and dependability the staff has demonstrated tonight is like night vs. day when it comes to those earlier three visits I paid this place. While it's not quite to the five-star upper echelon it's capable of, it's more than a step in the right direction! If you have been on the fence at all about this place, it's time to hop down and stride through those double doors with the nifty faux beer glasses for handles - this is one of the best places to drink in Addison, along with the entire DFW area.
I've been here with friends, I've been here with family and I've been here with coworkers. This most recent visit, a whopping two hours ago at the time of this draft, was with my folks, and the three of us have been fans of the Yard House business for years. We were initially deterred by the opening jitters of this particular location last month but with a few weeks removed from those impressions, we decided to head back and chance it: after all, it's a Wednesday night and the regular crazy people that Addison is known for should not be out in force, a la between the hours of 6:00 p.m. Friday and 2:00 a.m. Monday.
My biggest complaint with this location on all my prior visits was the ineptitude of the staff. Chalk it up to "first month nerves" or a lack of confidence or whatever: when the staff is not mentally prepared for their job, I'm not prepared to stick around for the long run. Fortunately, it was like a revelation from start to finish, with (almost) every member of the staff more than pulling their weight, and instilling a sense of knowledge, ambition and eagerness missing from most other dining establishment in the area.
My Mom and I walked in around 5:45 and were greeted by two hostesses behind the main desk. We asked if it was possible to be seated at a booth and with no hesitation, the main gal promptly and politely said it was, and asked a nearby server to take us to a booth near the kitchen. The dining room was packed for Wednesday night, which was a relief: people like this place! They really like this place! It's going to make it, unicorns are real and Santa Claus invited me to his volcano workshop.
Literally seconds after we were seated, Jessica was with us. She was poised and attentive in her service and let us know "happy hour" was still a thing for the next few minutes. She had Mom's iced tea over in no time and offered me more time to determine what alcoholic journey I would steel myself in for, while also giving me a proper overview of the lengthy drink menu. By this time, Dad had arrived and so did Chad. I gather there may have been a misunderstanding between who had what tables but Chad and Jessica worked well together, as far as we could see. While he took care of us the remainder of the evening, Jessica was always close by, ready with a refill or any assistance Chad's tables (as well as her own) needed. It was a genuine example of teamwork that more places could learn from.
Not that Chad needed any help: the man excelled at his job, and it was like we had known him for years with the ease of the pace he kept our dining experience at. The man was honest with his recommendations (turns out the turkey pot pie is a massive undertaking) and easily brought the best service of anyone who has waited on me in the numerous visits I've paid this place.
In fact, just about everyone was polished in their duties. The food runners each asked if we needed anything, a server who bussed our plates offered to help out in any way possible and, it may be wishful thinking, but I'm pretty sure I could take some press releases drafts here and ask anyone passing by to proofread my writing: these folks are -THAT- clued in on their guest's needs.
Which is more than can be said for management. I do not care for higher ups that cannot be bothered with customer relations. I never saw any manager on duty stop by any table. I'm sure if a table had a complaint or was trying to scam something for free, then a manager would appease them, but even beyond that, what's to stop a manager from asking how everything is? I never witnessed it once in the 90 minutes I was there, and that's a detriment to the goodwill the remaineder of the staff provided.
Also, and this is big: I've discovered something on the menu that is somehow not delicious. That Southern Fried Chicken Breast, despite being cavalierly placed under "House Favorites" on the menu, is almost an exercise to chomp through. Dad did not care much for it, but everything else, from the appetizer nachos, through the Spicy Chicken Breast Sandwich and Roast Beef Dip, and especially the mint ice cream, was more than satisfying.
I've written more words on Yard House than just about any other place on Yelp, and I look forward to writing more. Fingers crossed for five stars! read more