Yardy Rum Bar Named One of New York Times’ Best Restaurants in the US

The New York Times named Yardy Rum Bar in Eugene, Oregon, as one of the 50 best restaurants in the United States for 2025. The restaurant joins only one other Oregon establishment on the prestigious list, underscoring its growing influence on the national dining scene.

From Pop-Up to Acclaimed Restaurant

Chef and owner Isaiah Martinez first launched Yardy as a pop-up in 2020. The concept evolved into a food cart before finally finding a permanent home in January 2024 at 837 Lincoln St. in downtown Eugene.

Martinez sees food as a cultural bridge. As he told Klcc: “I’m happy to be a part of a space and a restaurant where we get to educate people about certain parts of West Indian/Caribbean.”

Yardy Rum Bar’s Award-Winning Momentum

This recognition from The New York Times marks the second major accolade for Yardy Rum Bar in 2025. Earlier in the year, Martinez earned a semifinalist spot for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific. He and his team have already felt the pressure—and the reward—of increased customer demand.

Reflecting on the experience, Martinez explained: “Every day was a Saturday for a couple of months and we got annihilated. My team did really well, front and back team and my business partner, and so we’re pretty good at that.”

Balancing Growth and Community

While the spotlight brings excitement, Martinez remains committed to his regular customers. His priority is ensuring the same high-quality food and service that built Yardy’s loyal following.

The timing of the recognition also helps. According to Martinez, Yardy often experiences slower business periods around this time of year. The surge in demand from The New York Times’ feature will not only boost visibility but also provide stability for the restaurant’s continued growth.

A Bright Future for Yardy Rum Bar

With its recent accolades and unique mission of bringing Caribbean and West Indian culture to Eugene, Yardy Rum Bar stands poised for even greater success. Martinez and his team now balance the challenges of national recognition with their passion for serving their community—ensuring that every plate tells a story.

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Source of Information

KLCC Article — Eugene’s Yardy Rum Bar named one of New York Times’ 50 best restaurants in the US, written by Zac Ziegler

The image of the article is courtesy of ©Jacob Lund via Canva.com