Magnolia B.
Yelp
I don't go to chain restaurants often because I'd always expect to be less than impressed...but Yard House Pasadena was a pleasant surprise.
I'd give 5 stars for the service. Our waitress was highly efficient, just the right amount of friendly, and attentive without being pushy. She let us know when happy hour was ending so we could get another round of drinks in, she checked on allergy accommodations for our group, and she made sure we had condiments, extra napkins, and water refills before we even had to ask. I also watched the bartenders move like well-oiled machines getting brews and attractive-looking cocktails out. The employees here WORK.
The food was great. Not life-changingly phenomenal, but very good. My boyfriend and I ordered the everything bagel-crusted ahi sandwich and the club sandwich. My ahi sandwich was interesting and tasty, with a truffle sauce and truffle fries on the side (upcharge for the truffle fries, which the server thoughtfully pointed out as I ordered). My boyfriend loved the club, though I thought it looked a bit boring with its Kroger "sandwich style" thin, square bread - but he gobbled it up and said it was super. Our companions ordered pasta, a burger, and the Nashville chicken sandwich, and everything was tantalisingly presented. We had pub glasses of beers, which was plenty (as opposed to committing to a half-yard glass). The beer selection seems endless.
It's a high-ceilinged, black-painted warehouse-style place - but acoustics are good and there's no roar from the crowd, and with the cosy, tall-backed booths, there's no chance of somebody's kid poking over into your space.
Because it's a chain, this wouldn't be my choice for a date or special celebration, but this Yard House location is an exemplary spot for a casual outing.