Good food, AMAZING rice. The service was great and quick, the guy who took my order was very kind and welcoming. The lady who served our food was also very kind! Once receiving my food I grabbed some utensils from the side and will say the food is great is you're looking for Caribbean food, the chicken is seasoned well and the salsa they give is good. Definitely recommend the mango drink they have, probably my favorite part of the meal!
Iishae Bougere
I always get my Holiday dinner hear and it’s always great. Highly recommend.
Great food. Beef Patties are . I love the jerk pork and the ox tails. Staff is friendly and place is cozy.
Greg M.
I like Back A Yard, all the food is great and very Jamaican authentic. I'm a fan of the jerk chicken breast. There are a few locations, I've been to the one in Palo Alto and San Jose, the flavor and taste are the same in each place. If you like Jamaican food give them a try. My only disappointment is that the chicken is dry, I'm not sure if it's because I ordered chicken breast or what. Now to compensate for that I'll splash on a little water or order extra sauce. Either way, try out Back A Yard and you'll most definitely like it. On a side note I have been to Jamaica and had jerk chicken there also. The taste is the same. Very good !!!!
Cathy J.
This review is for the Thanksgiving meal, not for the regular food and experience. We decided to try out Back a Yard for the holiday instead of Whole Foods. We ordered package number 3 with a 14-16 pound Jamaican Jerk turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. The pickup experience wasn't great, but it was no worse than what we're used to at Whole Foods. Took about 45 minutes. We should have checked the order before we left, because they gave us an entire tray of cornbread instead of cornbread stuffing. So we had to go back, explain this, and wait another ten minutes. I wouldn't say they were super apologetic, just nice enough. The portions were totally out of whack. We had enough turkey for 20 people, enough gravy for eight people, and enough cranberry sauce for four people. The turkey was yummy but the stuffing was pretty bland - not what we expected from a barbecue place. On Friday we fried up some celery, onions, and sage with butter and remade the stuffing, which helped. But I wouldn't order another Thanksgiving meal from Back a Yard.
Jack T.
after wanting to try this place for over 2 months, the wait was finally over. i came in on a friday night at around 7:15 with one other person and we were served right away. you order at the counter and find a place to sit. there were 4 other parties there when we arrived. i ordered the beef oxtails plate and my gf ordered the jerk chicken. they came in these huge plastic containers and i was amazed at how much food they gave us. both our plates included the protein we ordered, rice/some beans, and 4 fried plantains. there was more than enough food for the both of us. the oxtail plate had the most juicy fall off the bone meat and it was cooked in this super tasty gravy that we couldn't get enough of. the jerk chicken was also perfectly cooked and had a nice char taste to it along with other spices and seasoning. we also ordered a jamaican beef patty and it did not disappoint whatsoever. a crispy crunchy pastry filled with warm juicy beef that was the perfect size for a small meal. overall i was extremely impressed by the restaurant.fast service really great food and large portions make for a meal well worth the wait. i am already planning my next visit back. looking forward to trying things like the curry, mac n cheese, chicken patty and the desserts as well. 10/10 visit must try
Jerrell Stewart
I gotta share my recent experience at this Jamaican joint, and trust me, it deserves a solid 10 out of 10! As soon as I parked and went in the smell hit me. It was so good that I couldn't wait and had to take a bite right there in the parking lot.I went for the classics: oxtails, jerk chicken, and curry goat. Let me tell you, each dish was like a taste of the Caribbean. The oxtails were tender as can be, the jerk chicken had that perfect spicy kick, and the curry goat was bursting with flavor. And the portions were no joke – I left seriously stuffed.The folks working there were super friendly, which made the whole experience even better. I'm already counting down the days till my next trip. If you're in the mood for some legit Jamaican grub that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance, don't miss out on this spot. Seriously, it's a must-visit!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Curried Goat
Bridget Washington
Great place, with some of the best dishes I ever tried!
Lydia White
Great place that serves some of the best dishes I ever had!
We used the catering services at Back a Yard and it was a great experience! They have the online ordering form that you submit. The prices on the menu were not the same, so make sure you look at their latest prices on the catering form.Once you submit, an employee will email you back to confirm within 2 days. They are very prompt to respond. Also, a few days before the event, they call to confirm the order and ask if there are any changes before they charge the credit card.Pick up was quite simplistic as well. They also have the ability to deliver if needed. The trays were very well secure and did not spill at all; they were stacked in cardboard boxes. Great experience and food! Make sure to get the plantains :) yummm!Ordered: Rice and Beans, sautéed vegetables, Fried Plantains, Curried Goat, Coconut Curried Tofu, Beef Oxtail, Jerk Chicken Pieces, and Corn Festivals!
Eileen A.
Hard to find parking. That's the major downside of this place. I will say the proteins were quite dry so I was a bit surprised. I did go during peak lunch hours so I would assume it was fresh maybe just overcooked. Greens and Mac n Cheese are great.
Dasia Stennett
Patties are fresh, flakey, and hot 10/10. The oxtail and rice & peas was delicious and WELL SEASONED, 10/10 !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Plantains
Douglas M.
Love the food! I have been going for years at the old down town place. Now they have moved to the new location near the campus. There are a few changes, no inside seating, bathroom for customers, and no more salad with the entrees (which I'm ok with)This trip I finally tired theHell Fire Hot Sauce (3 Stars) it's a little sweet, I think they use some pineapple and mango to give it some sweetness then added some heat, but nothing near hell fire heat. The free jerk sauce that comes with the order has more heat.I also had the Curry Goat and Jerk Pork (5 Stars for both) They have Curry Goat every day now, good stuff but you have to like getting your hands messy to pick all the meat from the bones. The Jerk Pork is awesome, perfectly cooked nice chucks of pork with jerk sauce. Love the Beans and Rice but I found out they will not substitute for anything else. You can only double the plantains if you are avoiding carbs.Notes from previous trips:Jerk Chicken (5 stars) I can't decide what's better, chicken or pork. I think I might like pork a little better, has more fat. The chicken is much leaner, but still awesome! Jerk New York Steak (3 Stars) It was not worth the price, it was small and thin.Chicken Pumpkin Soup (5 stars) awesome! Red potatoes, carrots, a little spicy in a pumpkin broth. Soup is always the same no matter the dayCorn Bread (5 stars) One of the best I've had! Not dry and not too sweet, just right, served warmMac'n cheese (3 Stars) nothing specialCollar Greens (4 stars) Good flavor with a little sweet in the cooking liquid. Not over cooked. Added some hot sauce to make it really good! Pineapple Upside Down Cake (3 stars) Nothing special. Didn't seem homemade, more like store boughtFountain drinks:Mango Passionfruit and Guava Pineapple are good but too sweetGinger Beer, very strong ginger, maybe to much, not to sweetDrinks from the fridge:Ting (4 stars) sparkling grapefruit, pretty good.Still need to try:Jerk chicken wingsSweet potato puddingUntil next time...
David Brawn
Food is so good and such big portions!! I only wish they were open for dinner too, but a great place to pick up lunch
Good food, AMAZING rice. The service was great and quick, the guy who took my order was very kind and welcoming. The lady who served our food was also very kind! Once receiving my food I grabbed some utensils from the side and will say the food is great is you're looking for Caribbean food, the chicken is seasoned well and the salsa they give is good. Definitely recommend the mango drink they have, probably my favorite part of the meal!
I always get my Holiday dinner hear and it’s always great. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Jerk Salmon is my go to. Great food!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken, Jerk Chicken White Meat & Jerk Salmon
Great food. Beef Patties are . I love the jerk pork and the ox tails. Staff is friendly and place is cozy.
I like Back A Yard, all the food is great and very Jamaican authentic. I'm a fan of the jerk chicken breast. There are a few locations, I've been to the one in Palo Alto and San Jose, the flavor and taste are the same in each place. If you like Jamaican food give them a try. My only disappointment is that the chicken is dry, I'm not sure if it's because I ordered chicken breast or what. Now to compensate for that I'll splash on a little water or order extra sauce. Either way, try out Back A Yard and you'll most definitely like it. On a side note I have been to Jamaica and had jerk chicken there also. The taste is the same. Very good !!!!
This review is for the Thanksgiving meal, not for the regular food and experience. We decided to try out Back a Yard for the holiday instead of Whole Foods. We ordered package number 3 with a 14-16 pound Jamaican Jerk turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. The pickup experience wasn't great, but it was no worse than what we're used to at Whole Foods. Took about 45 minutes. We should have checked the order before we left, because they gave us an entire tray of cornbread instead of cornbread stuffing. So we had to go back, explain this, and wait another ten minutes. I wouldn't say they were super apologetic, just nice enough. The portions were totally out of whack. We had enough turkey for 20 people, enough gravy for eight people, and enough cranberry sauce for four people. The turkey was yummy but the stuffing was pretty bland - not what we expected from a barbecue place. On Friday we fried up some celery, onions, and sage with butter and remade the stuffing, which helped. But I wouldn't order another Thanksgiving meal from Back a Yard.
after wanting to try this place for over 2 months, the wait was finally over. i came in on a friday night at around 7:15 with one other person and we were served right away. you order at the counter and find a place to sit. there were 4 other parties there when we arrived. i ordered the beef oxtails plate and my gf ordered the jerk chicken. they came in these huge plastic containers and i was amazed at how much food they gave us. both our plates included the protein we ordered, rice/some beans, and 4 fried plantains. there was more than enough food for the both of us. the oxtail plate had the most juicy fall off the bone meat and it was cooked in this super tasty gravy that we couldn't get enough of. the jerk chicken was also perfectly cooked and had a nice char taste to it along with other spices and seasoning. we also ordered a jamaican beef patty and it did not disappoint whatsoever. a crispy crunchy pastry filled with warm juicy beef that was the perfect size for a small meal. overall i was extremely impressed by the restaurant.fast service really great food and large portions make for a meal well worth the wait. i am already planning my next visit back. looking forward to trying things like the curry, mac n cheese, chicken patty and the desserts as well. 10/10 visit must try
I gotta share my recent experience at this Jamaican joint, and trust me, it deserves a solid 10 out of 10! As soon as I parked and went in the smell hit me. It was so good that I couldn't wait and had to take a bite right there in the parking lot.I went for the classics: oxtails, jerk chicken, and curry goat. Let me tell you, each dish was like a taste of the Caribbean. The oxtails were tender as can be, the jerk chicken had that perfect spicy kick, and the curry goat was bursting with flavor. And the portions were no joke – I left seriously stuffed.The folks working there were super friendly, which made the whole experience even better. I'm already counting down the days till my next trip. If you're in the mood for some legit Jamaican grub that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance, don't miss out on this spot. Seriously, it's a must-visit!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Curried Goat
Great place, with some of the best dishes I ever tried!
Great place that serves some of the best dishes I ever had!
Restaurantji Recommends
We used the catering services at Back a Yard and it was a great experience! They have the online ordering form that you submit. The prices on the menu were not the same, so make sure you look at their latest prices on the catering form.Once you submit, an employee will email you back to confirm within 2 days. They are very prompt to respond. Also, a few days before the event, they call to confirm the order and ask if there are any changes before they charge the credit card.Pick up was quite simplistic as well. They also have the ability to deliver if needed. The trays were very well secure and did not spill at all; they were stacked in cardboard boxes. Great experience and food! Make sure to get the plantains :) yummm!Ordered: Rice and Beans, sautéed vegetables, Fried Plantains, Curried Goat, Coconut Curried Tofu, Beef Oxtail, Jerk Chicken Pieces, and Corn Festivals!
Hard to find parking. That's the major downside of this place. I will say the proteins were quite dry so I was a bit surprised. I did go during peak lunch hours so I would assume it was fresh maybe just overcooked. Greens and Mac n Cheese are great.
Patties are fresh, flakey, and hot 10/10. The oxtail and rice & peas was delicious and WELL SEASONED, 10/10 !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Plantains
Love the food! I have been going for years at the old down town place. Now they have moved to the new location near the campus. There are a few changes, no inside seating, bathroom for customers, and no more salad with the entrees (which I'm ok with)This trip I finally tired theHell Fire Hot Sauce (3 Stars) it's a little sweet, I think they use some pineapple and mango to give it some sweetness then added some heat, but nothing near hell fire heat. The free jerk sauce that comes with the order has more heat.I also had the Curry Goat and Jerk Pork (5 Stars for both) They have Curry Goat every day now, good stuff but you have to like getting your hands messy to pick all the meat from the bones. The Jerk Pork is awesome, perfectly cooked nice chucks of pork with jerk sauce. Love the Beans and Rice but I found out they will not substitute for anything else. You can only double the plantains if you are avoiding carbs.Notes from previous trips:Jerk Chicken (5 stars) I can't decide what's better, chicken or pork. I think I might like pork a little better, has more fat. The chicken is much leaner, but still awesome! Jerk New York Steak (3 Stars) It was not worth the price, it was small and thin.Chicken Pumpkin Soup (5 stars) awesome! Red potatoes, carrots, a little spicy in a pumpkin broth. Soup is always the same no matter the dayCorn Bread (5 stars) One of the best I've had! Not dry and not too sweet, just right, served warmMac'n cheese (3 Stars) nothing specialCollar Greens (4 stars) Good flavor with a little sweet in the cooking liquid. Not over cooked. Added some hot sauce to make it really good! Pineapple Upside Down Cake (3 stars) Nothing special. Didn't seem homemade, more like store boughtFountain drinks:Mango Passionfruit and Guava Pineapple are good but too sweetGinger Beer, very strong ginger, maybe to much, not to sweetDrinks from the fridge:Ting (4 stars) sparkling grapefruit, pretty good.Still need to try:Jerk chicken wingsSweet potato puddingUntil next time...
Food is so good and such big portions!! I only wish they were open for dinner too, but a great place to pick up lunch
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken