Denver Diners Squawk About Yardbird Prices

RiNo is one of Denver’s top dining destinations, but lately chains have been invading the area, with mom-and-pops and independent spots moving out. All chains are not created equal, however.

Yardbird, which opened at 2763 Blake Street in July, has impressive culinary roots. After appearing as a finalist on Top Chef, Jeff McInnis partnered with restaurateurs John Kunkel and Chris Romero to open the original restaurant in Miami in 2011, and it was nominated for a James Beard Award and named one of Bon Appétit‘s Best New Restaurants in 2012. Since then, it’s expanded to eight locations total, including Las Vegas, Singapore and Denver, its biggest outpost yet. The menu not only has Yardbird staples (short ribs!), but some city-specific options.

As Molly Martin discovered, the food is…