The Yard

Amazing first experience at the yard. Came here with some coworkers for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. Staff were super friendly and helpful when placing our orders. Also, they would always come check on us and made sure our drinks were always filled. Superb service! I ordered the seoul sista fried rice. Beautifully plated with a flower in the bowl. The fried rice was made with kimchi that wasn't overly spicy and a large fried egg on top. The Yaya sauce was creamy and paired well with everything. Overall, loved the dish! My coworkers ordered the oxtail sandwich, the walla chicken and the chopped thigh wrap. Everyone loved their dishes and want to come back to try the other dishes. Lastly, we ordered the grilled coconut cake. This is definately a MUST try! First time having a grilled cake and I can say I've been missing out!

If you’re seeing a show at the NJ Performing Arts Center and are looking for a bite, this is the place. Even if you aren’t seeing a show and are nearby, this is the place. I grabbed their chicken sausage roll before a show. It was so good I had to come back again after—to my memory I don’t think I’ve ever done the same restaurant twice in a day. Their fried chicken sandwich was one of the best I’ve had in recent memory (photo included), and they’ve got *sweet potato tots*—nuff said. Many thanks to Owner Kai and The Yard staff will definitely be back again🔥🔥🔥

Wow! Wow! Wow! Out of all the places we googled, I picked the yard. The staff, the food, the grilled pound cook!! My friends and we're so happy I did. We were not disappointed by a long shot! The staff greeted us as soon as we stepped in. They were very attentive to our needs the whole time. Even though our flight was cancelled this past Saturday 11/8/25, this excellent experience at The Yard made up for it. Thank you to all the staff at The Yard. C Lennon Jacksonville FL

My aunt lives in Newark and I was in town for less than 24 hours and I had to come try the oxtail burger! Best decision ever, best burger EVER!!!!!! The next day I tried the shrimp burger and I don’t know which one is better, they are both delicious. Also want to shout out the servers, they were so nice and attentive and playing the best tunes! Lovely experience, I will be back every time I’m in town :)

The food is incredibly flavorful, the staff are really kind and attentive, and the atmosphere of the restaurant in the park was very enjoyable. The dipping sauces were the highlight! Spicy ketchup and sweet tots were an excellent combo 👌

This place is an amazing find. We were in the area to see a show at NJPAC and we happened upon this incredible gem of a restaurant! As other reviewers have said, the service is fantastic, so attentive. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. We are definitely coming back here with family and friends!

Well my wife and I visit the Yard a few times a year and they have some great burgers and sauces that are pleasurable to the palette. I had thr oxtail burger and my wife had the Seoul sister fried rice! It's always a vibe with the music in Military Park in the city of Newark!

I've sent a few people to this restaurant after I was ranting and raving about the food during my initial visit on Nov. 9th 2024 Some of the people I've mentioned it to, have been more than me. I had the oxtail burger with hand cut fries that were so good I kept eating before picking up my oxtail burger. The burger was everything too. I also took a lamb burger home that night which was ok but I'll chalk that up to me warming it up in the microwave. Fast forward to yesterday July 12th 2025. There was an Afrobeat festival going on in the park surrounding The Yard. Hold on to that information. Now before I go with what I didn't like about my experience, I would like to give a shout-out to the guy who gave me a different burger after I realized I made an error on my burger and offered to pay for both as it was my mistake. He took back the original I ordered and gave me the kind I wanted without charging me extra. Upon walking into The Yard, there were 2 signs that read "ALL Orders at the WINDOW. NO Bathroom". In my mind I figured that meant all to go orders are to be placed at the window & the no bathroom was to keep the people who were attending the festival, out of the establishment. Crowd control. My mother and I walked inside to a restaurant that had 2 tables out of about 6 tables with customers. In other words there were about 4 tables available. I proceeded to tell the employee we will like a table for 2. From there we were told to order outside at the window. Confused but we complied. Once we were outside by the window, we sat there for about 7 mins while the worker appeared to be getting orders together. At this point I'm ready to leave but I know my mother wants to try the food since I spoke highly about it. The employee came outside to give out a few orders. While walking past us twice not saying a thing then I asked "why are we ordering at the window if there are a few tables available?" She mentioned that they were trying something different because of the festival in the park.😡 We ordered from the window, paid for our food at the window and then were let in to sit down at a table. 😕 One paying for food in advance when I'm going to be sitting in your restaurant is so strange. Two I never got an answer how ordering from the window then immediately being seated was beneficial for a customer whose intention was to sit down at a table and order. In addition to that whole process, the food was t served on plates but takeout containers. We weren't handed a jar/bottle for condiments but one small cup of ketchup for each of us. Mind you we both had burgers and fries. And plastic forks, not that they were needed. I will post pictures I hope whomever goes doesn't ever experience what I did. I didn't feel like a customer. And to think I traveled from another state to try this again and allow my mother to try it as I loved the food. I made up my mind that I will never go back to that restaurant. I think the only thing that could change this is a conversation with the owner.

Got to try this place thanks to a "have you met Newark" food tour! The owner was incredibly kind to all of us, and I got to try their oxtail burger . The burger was delicious!! We truly took the price for me though was the side sauce for the burger and the fries, it seemed like barbecue, but it wasn't as thick, and I had a hint of spice in it. There were around 15 of us on the tour and the restaurant was able to seat all of us with having even a few more tables empty so it is pretty spacious . This is now my go to place for a burger when in Newark . Definitely give them a try!

Both the food and services stay on point! New favorite: Jerk Chicken Roti wrap for a lighter meal + walla Lamb burger is delicious. And can we appreciate how clean this establishment is?! Super attentive staff and owner-- not one dirty napkin will be left lingering around! Lol. Respect.

Amazing first experience at the yard. Came here with some coworkers for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. Staff were super friendly and helpful when placing our orders. Also, they would always come check on us and made sure our drinks were always filled. Superb service! I ordered the seoul sista fried rice. Beautifully plated with a flower in the bowl. The fried rice was made with kimchi that wasn't overly spicy and a large fried egg on top. The Yaya sauce was creamy and paired well with everything. Overall, loved the dish! My coworkers ordered the oxtail sandwich, the walla chicken and the chopped thigh wrap. Everyone loved their dishes and want to come back to try the other dishes. Lastly, we ordered the grilled coconut cake. This is definately a MUST try! First time having a grilled cake and I can say I've been missing out!

First of all the service was amazing and attentive. You can tell the owner takes pride in making sure everyone is doing well and getting their needs met. I came for the amazing oxtail sandwich and sweet potatoes tater tots. OMG, the brioche bread and juiciness of the meat are to die for. The owner offered us three dipping sauces and all of them were delicious. Go check them out ASAP!

I'm glad I was able to come here to try this place while in Newark because it was one of the highlights of my visit. Inside the space, you can sit comfortably even though it looks small from the outside. The server there was super helpful in telling my friend and me about what to order. I got the Zanzi fries with jerk chicken. Imagine if you got poutine but with jerk chicken...so good! The fries alone are enough for two meals! And it was only $15 before tip. All the elements of the dish were flavorful, and the gravy wasn't super thick, which I loved. If you like cheese, get this. My friend got the fried breast sandwich and raved about it. We did see the pound cake and were determined to order it to-go, but once we were ready, they had sold out. So if you see it, get it. I highly recommend this place

If you have never been here before, it can be easy to miss. It's located within Military Park which is great ..nice balance of nature and city vibes. The restaurant itself provides an intimate, cozy setting with extremely personable and attentive staff. I ordered the oxtail burger with sweet potato tater tots. It was delicious, very flavorful. I dipped the tots in one of their special dipping sauces. I can't remember the name of it, but it paired very well. Having oxtails in burger form was a new experience for me, or tater tots made from sweet potatoes, for that matter. I trusted the process and thankfully it worked out. Served on brioche bread, the oxtail burger was tender, properly seasoned, topped with gruyère cheese, tomato, dill pickles, shallots, and Masala sauce. That is for sure a signature dish, and I understand why. We all ordered the Black Cherry soda which was nice to enjoy on a warm day. I don't know what brand it was, but I was ready to ask for another round for the road. I also had an opportunity to taste one of their desserts. It wasn't my order, but after reviewing the menu, it was possibly their banana flavored Georgia pound cake, served warm off the grill. What?! That was the finisher I wasn't expecting. Thankfully, I left some room for dessert by boxing half of my entree to go. That cake is a (good) problem. Please make sure you ask for it, and let me know when you do. Overall, everyone at my table enjoyed their meals which included a Beyond vegetarian burger, fried chicken sandwich, and wings. Also worth noting - the owner wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty, working right alongside his staff. Great example of leadership and made our experience feel more welcoming. After our meal, we stepped outside and walked around the park for a while. I'll definitely be back.

Food: I tried the oxtail burger and the shrimp burger. Both burgers were delicious. We also ordered this potato fry or maybe it was tater tot smothered in cheese and gravy. That was also good. They had black cherry soda which tasted like the real thing, the way I remember it from childhood. Service: Great service, great waitstaff. Everybody was chill. Ambiance: Nice space. Somewhat small but it is located inside of a park. Really, the only space I did not like is the single person bathroom. It was dark inside and the lock was kind of iffy and the floor was wet due to the other patrons. Aside from the bathroom issue, I have no complaints about the place and I would definitely return.

Funky little armosphere with good music. I had a large lovely salad with freshly squeezed lemonade with the coconut pound cake for desert. I wanted the entire cake it was so good! Would definitely go again.

Absolutely delicious! Very friendly too! We came in for a bite on the way to the airport. My husband wasn't really hungry so I ordered a FABULOUS chicken sandwich. My guy basically took it and ate it ALL. Kai(the owner, I think!) Gave us several sauces for our fries, and my husband nearly fell over about how good they all were. "Best in his life". *He's the sauce connoisseur, I inhale my food* If we are ever back in Newark, we are gonna return for a saucy encore from Kai! Nice place, good vibes, kind people, and mind blowing food.

The food was delicious and nicely presented. Service was attentive, and the atmosphere felt welcoming. A few small details could improve, but overall, it was a wonderful dining experience worth repeating.

Perfect experience. This may be my new go to joint. As a successful business owner myself it is clear to see why this place is special. The customer service was exceptional as was the food and presentation. I loved the vibe, great music but not so loud that you had to yell at the person next to you. Priced right. And always the cherry on top when the owner takes a second to check on you. My only advice :Smile a bit more brother. I know it's hard, but it'll help! Great job to the entire staff!

Came in before a show at the PAC for dinner. Small place so I can see it getting busy quickly. The staff is super nice. We both had the fried chicken sandwhich. The coating was good. Chicken was cooked perfectly. They gave interesting sauces to put on it. I had the sweet potato tots and bf had the fries. Preferred the tots. He also had a bottled strawberry lemonade which was really good. Overall great place to stop in and grab a meal before a show

Burgers were juicy and delicious. The fries and sweet potato tater tots were crunchy and nice. The portion size of the burger was on the smaller side.

My bestie recently relocated from North Carolina to Newark and we have been on quite a few adventures as she learns her city. We were out for an evening stroll looking for local dining when we found The Yard. We are so glad we walked to Military Park from Mulberry Commons. Parking can be tricky in the area. The Yard is perfectly nestled in the park. It is upscale meets casual. You are greeted when you enter but free to sit wherever you like. My bestie is a true Southern belle. We were chatting and interacting with everyone in earshot and asking for suggestions. Little did we know, we were chopping it up with the owner, Kai. At Kai's suggestion we had the Beyond Combo and the Cauli-Wings Combo. If you're not new here, you know I love a good cauliflower wing. These did not disappoint. Kai was nice enough to let us try all the sauces with them. All of which, are picky eater approved (by me) lol. I also had the Sweet Potato Tater Tots and boy do I wish I could have those everyday. They are exactly what they say they are AND pair perfectly with the sauces. I ended our visit with the grilled pound cake to go. Let me tell you something...I make pound cake from scratch. I've never in my life had it off the griddle and now I can't go back. On a separate occasion my bestie and I came back for a community event. Kai gave each participant their choice of a whole sandwich (vegan or chicken) and a drink. There were quite a few of us. The Yard is the best. You get quality ingredients, good food, a comfy atmosphere, and great company. My bestie brings all of her out of town visitors to The Yard. We go each time I come to visit her as well. Make a plan to walk on over and see for yourself!

Enjoyable experience! The dishes were flavorful, and the staff attentive. The setting was relaxed and inviting. A few small improvements could make it perfect, but overall, it was definitely worth visiting.

The Oxtail Burger is amazing. The fries are so good. I had the Spicy Lemonade and it was so delicious. The place is very small. So if you go when it crowded expect at least "20 minutes wait." It will be worth it!

Went here recently with my father who lives out of state, this restaurant was a great introduction to the city of Newark. The atmosphere was very warm and inclusive and you could tell that people are regulars here, it was nice to see our server call their regulars by name. The presentation of the food is absolutely beautiful (See pictures), and the taste was amazing, our server brought us several sauces all of which were great. The only thing that could be improved is the seats were a little bit uncomfortable. P.S. the cream soda is S++++++ tier

Excellent value for what you're getting. Oxtail Burger - delicious. For $17 bucks you can't beat it. It was cooked perfectly..excellent flavor, nicely sized. Fries - $5.00 extra..even had the option for "extra crispy." Amazing Fast service, beautiful location. Parking sucks BUT on a nice day, just drive around until you find some street parking and embrace the environment of trees and birds (seriously). I don't live in Newark anymore but if I did, I'd come here weekly. Highly recommend.

Great service and great food. Love the oxtail burger and the shrimp burger. Shout out to the owner Kai!

Gem in the heart of Military Park! It gave me an at-home feel with comfortable seating, friendly service and the best playlist adding an extra razzle dazzle to the experience. The menu (which is digital) has eye catching names for the selections and everything we ate was made to order. From the Fried Salmon Cakes to the Chopped Chicken with grits we thoroughly enjoyed each bite. There is an outside seating area, concerts in the summer and live music regularly. It's a beautiful spot and would highly recommend.

We went to The Yard on a beautiful spring day and had a nice view of the cherry blossom trees from our seat. They were pretty busy when we arrived but we didn't have to wait too long to be seated. The host and servers were all very friendly. My friend and I both ordered the oxtail burger which is only available to be ordered medium well or well done - if you are used to this then I highly recommend the burger, all of the flavors go really well together, but to me the medium well burger tasted more like well done and was really dry. The flavor was definitely there, and after adding a little extra sauce the burger got better. I really wanted to like it, but I can't deal with the dry patty. We ordered two wing flavors, but weren't crazy about them. We'll definitely come back and order something different, the lamb burger and the salmon cakes look amazing. When we go back, I hope they have actual cutlery and not plastic cutlery.

I visited this restaurant on a Saturday afternoon and thankfully it was not too crowded. The weight was short and we were seated promptly. The ambience was nice, it was simple and I liked the African prints on the seats. The bathroom was also a very nice touch since it's the first bathroom I've ever been to that had Q-tips in there. It's the small things that count. The staff was very nice and knowledgeable. And the owner walked around to make sure that everybody was having a good time. The food didn't take long to come out and it was definitely amazing. The fries were the best fries I've ever had and were not processed at all. The burger was worth me stuffing myself because I couldn't stop eating it. I will definitely return in the future to try some of the other options.

The food is delicious, and the customer service is excellent. I think it's time for a visit soon; the wings are delicious.

Tried The Yard in Newark and had the oxtail burger with fries--absolutely amazing! The burger was juicy, flavorful, and so unique, while the fries were crispy and fresh. Great vibes, good music, and definitely a spot worth checking out if you're in the area. The service was also amazing everyone was super friendly

The oxtail burger, the wings with that walla sauce and the hot dog was all on point. There was nothing bad to say about the food and this establishment. The chef / owner I am guessing was friendly and engaging. Homeboy that brought our check was top notch and great. Definitely coming back when we in the neighborhood. Thank you for making this visit a pleasant and memorable one.

DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS PLACE! THE FOOD IS BOMB! I first walked in and I was greeted by a lady, I sat down, ordered the hot dog with Carmelized onions and the Walla Sauce. OH MY GOD, so freaking worth it! The walla sauce is homemade and it's seriously so good! The ambiance here is peaceful, inviting and cute! It's a small restaurant but so worth it! Eat here if you can cuz the vibes are to die for! I wish this place was at Coachella because they would do so freaking amazing there as a food vendor!

Great place in a really nice location. Went there in December and the staff were nice and helpful to our large party. Tried the bean pie and would honestly recommend it to others. Only disappointment was that I heard they had an amazing coconut pound cake and it was all gone haha.

The food was terrific. We tried the shrimp sandwich, the oxtail and the lamb. While all were good, the oxtail burger was by far the best of the bunch. Much better than a five guys burger. It was so good we bought an extra one just because. The fries were fresh cut and delicious. The sauces were terrific and the ranch dressing was nice and thick. The only negative might be the price and as someone mentioned previously the plastic silverware. They used small glasses of water but they refilled them frequently. Overall, it was worth going out of our way to try it. The ambiance is fair. There are a lot people in the park just hanging out.

The chicken burger with walla sauce is excellent. Love the food, the service and the vibe at The Yard!! It's a great experience.

Thought it'd end up being an ordinary burger that was overpriced but it's really good. It's not an everyday craving for me but when I do have it really good. Service was great, I've had been in person and have gotten it as pickup and staff has always been kind. Ambiance is nice too and has the vibe and feel that's in the middle of casual and fancy.

Being a burger lover, I saw a web link for "best burger joints in Newark" and I started clicking through the slideshow... I was about to lose my mind if "The Yard" was not at or near the top... but then there it was, sitting proudly at #1, which is exactly where it belongs. Located in Military Park, the owner puts his heart and soul into his food. His staff are all well-trained, attentive and courteous. But most importantly, his burgers are "next level". The Oxtail burger... he grinds prime cuts of beef and combines it with braised oxtail meat. He then serves it on a brioche bun with grilled onions, a pickle and his signature Walla sauce (think... Soul Food - Indian Fusion)... pure perfection. The Shrimp Burger... you might expect to see a tiny serving of shrimp encased in a cocoon of thick batter. Instead, what you get is a large patty of ground shrimp, grilled/crisped to perfection, also served on a Brioche bun. The Lamb Burger is another favorite. If you're not familiar with Newark, it may require a bit of planning. There is a large parking lot under Military Park. There's also a parking lot under the Whole Foods (across the street). Buy a pack of gum at Whole Foods to get your parking ticket validated for nearly free parking. Or you can take the light rail from Newark Penn Station. If you're a burger lover, then you owe it to yourself to seek out and try this hidden gem. Ask for the owner, Kai, and tell him that "Big Mike" sent you.

amazing spot! I love the yard, it's right by my job and any time I have an opportunity to come, it's a yes!! They have a unique menu which such great options. Sometimes they run out of stuff can be a downfall. The service is good, they're constantly checking on you. It's a hole in the wall kind of spot to me even though it's right In the center of a park area, it's very cute. I got the sweet potato tots with the jerk chicken wrap, the walla - the waitress let me try two different sauces both delicious. And my friend got Chicken wings and fries, presentation was great and loved the fresh fries. Sometimes it is closed due to private events, that's been the only frustrating thing I wish they would post that some place so people know. Overall definitely check it out.

Really great food, and the service was amazing. I felt like family. I really enjoyed the zanzi fries!

We went to The Yard prior to our concert at NJpac, super close! It was a very nice surprise. I had the oxtail burger and fries, alot of food and very good. I split it with my husband and still left full. he had the chicken wings, he enjoyed them but thought they were very small. We finished our meal with their grilled banana pound cake - a must it was delious. Obviously a local favorite for a good reason, the staff was attentive and very friendly. We really enjoyed our time there.

The food at The Yard - Newark was great. Got the oxtail burger was delicious. The beef hot dog was good but I couldv'e done without the onions and pickle. Ordered through Uber eats and it was ready exactly when it said. They have seating indoor and outdoors. Sill def be back!

Selection of food and taste was amazing. Selection of beer is great. Love their tuna ahi chips

I ordered the Seoul Sista fried rice with jerk chicken and the Zanzi fries with fried chicken. The food was delicious as always. Order was ready on time and service was on point. I'll be back soon.

I had this restaurant on my list for my trip to New Jersey. The good vibes exude as you walk in. The customer service is excellent. I ordered the shrimp burger with fries and the walla chicken burger with sweet potato tots. Both burgers were delicious. This was my first time trying a shrimp burger. All the ingredients were fresh. The shrimp patty was juicy and perfectly cooked. The burger is made with masala sauce. I ordered it on the side. The sauce is delicious. Definitely have one on the side if your burger doesn't come with it. I enjoyed dipping the fries and tots in it. The chicken burger was flavorful and perfectly cooked. The patty was infused with cilantro chutney and came with caramelized onions. The fries and tots were good. They both had a slight crisp to them. I will stop by again when I am in town.

Food was delicious great place to have a burger. Can't wait to come back me and my family had a ball. customer service was great too.

Great local business with delicious food. The have live jazz music during brunch time which elevates the experience. Very friendly service too

The Yard is definitely worth the hype. Unique spot to get flavorful food. The environment has fun, friendly, and attentive staff. Worth the trip! After work, I went on a solo date to The Yard. It was recommended by my brother, who lives in Texas and had seen the restaurant on YouTube. I watched it too and was curious about the taste matching up with JL Jupiter's video. It did! Once I came into The Yard, I was immediately greeted and seated. For my beverage, I went with the Jamaican Kola Champagne (iykyk). I decided to try the delicious and tasty oxtail burger. I went with medium well, but I should've gotten well done, but it was still very good. I also had the sweet tots, which I was dipping it into the masala sauce... yummy! The entire meal was great! Next time, I'm trying out their shrimp burger!

Loved the kimchi jerk chicken fried rice! Amazing! Great little spot with amazing flavor!

What an amazing experience! My daughter found this location because of the proximity and the menu! My daughter is a vegetarian and loves soul food but not every one is able to do a great soul food vegetarian meal. The offerings were fantastic. I got the KNUCK IF YOU CLUCK Which is a fried and honey drizzled chicken breast, served atop a sweet golden brown waffle. The chicken was juicy an fried just right and was mouthwatering with the honey. The chicken was infused with spices that bought out the flavor of the chicken. My daughter ordered the CHASING INFINITY Beyond product infused with house spices, served with home fries and vegan eggs. We also ordered the CHALLAH @ ME FRENCH TOAST and shared it. Hand braided challah bread, stuffed with a lemon mascarpone, and topped with grilled peaches. Served with 2 eggs. This dish was very sweet so I'm glad we got it after our initial meals. It was like a brunch dessert. The grilled peaches was a nice touch coons usually sauté peaches so to have them grilled was a nice touch and taste with a bit of a different texture. The live Jazz was icing on the cake! It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Placeholder for the "sauciest" review coming soon... For now, just know that I was served off the brunch menu and had THEE single most delicious salmon cakes that I've ever eaten in my 40 years of life! I just happened to find this place on a whim only because Tops Diner had my mate and I down for a wait time of 60-90 minutes. But, boy, am I glad that we ditched that plan and found this gem --thanks to the Yelp search bar. A+ for the effort and execution by Chef Kai and staff, and I will surely be back. :-)

So I went to the Yard in Newark and had the oxtail sandwich, It was tender but missing the flavor profile I have come to expect from oxtails. Also its a mix of oxtails and other premium cuts of meat. Very misleading wording. The wings were OK. But I wouldnt run back for that sandwich.

A great burger, with great service, and awesome hospitality! I was able to visit The Yard, located in Military Park and boy I was happy I did! I came in and was greeted pleasantly by their staff and had a seat in the decently sized, but cozy inside! The decided to get what I was eyeing here, the Oxtail Burger! When I got the Oxtail Burger, it was worth the visit, this burger was delish! You taste the that combination of beef and oxtail meat in the burger and it was perfect for me! They also put their Masala Sauce on it, which complemented the overall flavor very well. I also got it with a side of Sweet Tots, which were crispy and yummy as well! I definitely want to come back for their other offerings and visit for brunch. The staff was incredibly nice and I can tell the owner takes pride in having good service and delicious food here. And when it is a nice day, take a seat outside and enjoy the day at the small park!

We had a wonderful time! Tasty dishes and fast service. Only reason it's not five stars is the noise level--quite loud during peak hours.

What a find!!!! So happy with the service and the food! We had the oxtail burger and the chicken burger. Regular fries and sweet tater tots with cinnamon sugar. Amazing!!

A couple months ago I was delayed in Newark while in the area for business. Suddenly with a gap of time available before my next obligation I needed something to do. Sometimes the best way to pass time is to grab some grub. So I opened Yelp and came across The Yard and said "lunch it is" and decided to give them a try. If you are unfamiliar with the area, they are located in a park. Cute little spot, I imagine it would be really great to chill on a nice day. Mid-afternoon in April, only one other patron inside as we approached. I first thought they were closed or about to close. The chairs on top of the tables and the huge ladder across the floor gave me that impression. Happy to say they were very much open. The lovely lady @ the counter, handling the front end, orders and phones welcomed us in. (I feel bad I don't remember her name, it will come back to me later... she was GRRREAT!). She explained they were a little short staffed but happy to have us. As the young lady explained the options I was concerned that several things on the menu were sold out (it was still pretty early) but we were able to find a couple of options to try. The Shrimp Burger Combo and The Walla Chopped Thigh Sandwich Combo with a Natalie's Strawberry Lemonade for me (both w/ sweet potato tots). Learning that we were from NY and new to The Yard, we were given a few sauces to try with our food. I had The Walla Chopped Thigh Sandwich Combo: Grilled and chopped jerk chicken thighs served on roti/paratha. It was extremely tasty, well seasoned and juicy. However small, I would have preferred more to my sandwich and less of the tots. Albeit really good, had it not been for the great service I would say a little pricey for what we had. My bestie had The shrimp burger also well seasoned IMO. She enjoyed it but admitted the texture was not what she pictured and not ideal for her after all (a little too soft she said). The sweet potato tots were a nice surprise and enjoyed by both. I was very pleased and impressed that a random Yelp search landed me here. Happy to support a black/brown owned biz in Newark. So much so I attempted order some pound cake to-go.... but it was Sold Out. Just A Note: The Yard and Burger Walla (The Walla) are the same owners. The young lady called Burger Walla to see if they had pound cake available. She suggested if I happened to swing by to make sure they grill it for me.