Reviewer: Foodnut.com Back A Yard 1189 Willow Rd (At Newbridge) Menlo Park, CA 94025 650-323-4244 |
Back A Yard Caribbean American Grill is a legendary Caribbean American grill restaurant in eastern Menlo Park, right near Highway 101. It is a hole in the wall located next to a lower class area of Menlo Park. The chef Robert Simpson also runs much more upscale Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant & Bar in Downtown Palo Alto. He learned his trade in Jamaica.
Decor, Vibe – Back A Yard has informal and simplistic 16 seat dining room with some nice large paintings on the walls. People of all races and ages were dining when we went, most were repeat visitors.
Back A Yard Menu Pictures (Click to zoom into any picture)
Back A Yard Food Picks:
Jerk Chicken & Jerk Pork Combo ($11.50) brings the best of both worlds. A big piece of jerk chicken, pre cut jerk pork, rice n beans, plantains, and a small tossed salad. Both meats were excellent and tender. Slight amount of heat was present, more available with the on the side sauce. Rice and plantains were also good.
Fried Catfish & Fried Shrimp Combo ($11.95) has fries, cole slaw, and a warm roll. The herbs and spices on the breading were strong and zesty, but not too thick. Two big pieces of quality catfish and a handful of shrimp made for a good meat of deep fried goodness.
OK:
None
Pans:
None
Back A Yard took about ten minutes to bring us our food. The food is very good at this off the beaten track restaurant. If you are passing by on Highway 101, be sure to stop in. It isn’t the best area, so come during daylight hours. Worried?, try the chef’s sister restaurant, Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant & Bar in upscale Palo Alto.
They have ever changing special dishes each day including several curries. Back A Yard also does catering of events.
2 Comments
LamarT
September 8, 2009 at 2:00 pmFried Catfish looks delish. Nice to see the prices are reasonable.
Coconuts Caribbean, Palo Alto | Foodnut.com
September 5, 2013 at 2:04 pm[…] Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant and Bar had very friendly service, a reflection of the Island focus. Prices were reasonable and the split portion upcharge of $2 was fair. Happy hour brings discount cocktails and beer. They have a Lunch menu and a tiny kids menu. The food at Coconuts Caribbean was very good, the atmosphere fun, making this place a no brainer. Sister Back-A-yard restaurant in Menlo Park may be a cheaper bet, but it does not have much flair. […]