During a recent trip to South Florida, there was one restaurant I knew I could not pass visiting. That place, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, is putting the “South” in South Beach in a grand, yet unpretentious way.

Both Yardbird and Chef Jeff McInnis have each made the James Beard Award semi-finalist list for best new restaurant 2012 and best chef south 2012, respectively. Yardbird has also been selected as a Bon Appetit 50 Best New Restaurants 2012, a major accomplishment in a year that has seen restaurants like INK. in Los Angeles and Alla Spina in Philadelphia featured.

Chef McInnis is a Floridian by birth and grew up in a small town near the Alabama border. When the Top Chef finalist partnered with John Kunkel and Chris Romero, two local restaurateurs, he yearned to bring some down home favorites to South Beach, a community typically short on caloric intake.

The 170-seat Yardbird with its sexy vibe, chic-yet-homey design and incredibly delicious food attracts a beautiful crowd of movers and shakers. On any given night, one can spot a movie star, sports celebrity or the occasional foodie tourist.

Mama’s Chicken Biscuits

On a recent visit, our knowledgeable server greeted us warmly and walked us through the menu and the restaurant’s sharing concept. He warned us he would alert us if we went overboard and after attempting to order a fifth dish, he did just that. We were grateful when we saw the size of the plates.

We knew we wanted to sample the Llewellyn’s Fine Fried Chicken ($21) at the recommendation of…everyone! The Bell & Evans chicken is marinated for 27 hours then fried using John Kunkel’s grandmother’s recipe. The result is likely the best fried chicken I have had and the beyond-flakey biscuits are a perfect accompaniment. The chicken and biscuits are also brilliantly paired up as a starter, Mama’s Chicken Biscuits ($12), in the form of a sandwiches drizzled with honey and served with pickled vegetables.

Shrimp ‘N Grits ($21) is a must-have entrée. The Florida shrimps are cooked to perfection and along with Virginia ham, top creamy, flavorful grits.

Another dish our party devoured is the mountain of ribs. The Sweet Tea-Brined Southern Ribs ($27) are pork ribs slathered with honey-sweetened barbecue sauce and served with vinegary coleslaw.

One side dish (fixin’) sounds more decadent then the next with some favorites being the Macaroni and Cheese ($9) made with Torchio pasta, five artisanal cheeses and topped with a crispy herb crust, the Big Ol’ Cheddar Waffle ($9) served with Bourbon maple syrup and the Braised Mustard Greens with Smoked Turkey ($8).

Shrimp N Grits

I already know what my next visit will entail: “Surf n’ Swine” – pan seared sea scallops, crispy smoked pork belly, Andouille corn bread stuffing, molasses Q drizzle and the Molasses Grilled Duck Breast with pumpkin puree, grilled cabbage, barbeque duck leg meat balls. I am salivating at the thought.

Not to be overlooked are the all-American, thoughtfully assembled wine list with nearly twenty options by the glass and the extensive Bourbon list that ranges from $9 to $40 and offers neat flights for sampling.

Talented pastry chef Gail Goetsch crafts comforting desserts that few will be hungry for but should still order. Tempting options are the Carrot Layer Cake ($8) with cream cheese frosting and Classic Pecan Pie with Bourbon ice cream ($8)

The décor is fabulous and welcoming, the service is stellar and food is decadent and unlike anything being served in Southern Florida. Make a visit to Yardbird a must on your next visit to South Beach.

Yardbird

1600 Lenox Avenue

Miami Beach, FL 33139

305-538-5220

Sunday: 10AM – 12AM.

Monday – Thursday: 12PM – 12AM

Friday: 12PM – 2AM

Saturday: 10AM – 2AM