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| - I've been several times and as a general rule really enjoy The Yard for drinking and good times. I haven't been to Cleo's for the seafood, but am excited to give it a try. I think Culinary Dropout is basically good. The mussels are usually a strong performer and I will order them with a side of roasted tomatoes. Really, I think sitting at the bar and ordering the tomatoes and bread is a pretty good thing.
What makes this place really a great addition to the neighborhood and Phoenix as a whole is the backyard area that offers both fun activities (ping pong, bean bags, etc.), drinks (I really like when the beer tent/stand is open) and good people watching. Be warned, taking advantage of the nice beer selection will eventually ruin your ping pong abilities.
Problems? Sure, everyplace has problems. The thing that really starts to wear on you after a little bit are the kids that take over the game areas. I get it, mom and dad want to go out and have a nice time and the yard has space that kids can (should they??? A much, much bigger question) run around. Fine. I'm just saying that there is some sort of chart or graph that could be developed incorporating: drinks consumed, relative parenting skill, time of day/night, propriety of having your kids at what transforms into more bar than restaurant and way more of both than playground. I'm no stat wizard so somebody will have to work out the details. I have had a kid running way beyond restaurant speed knock the (somewhat pricey) full beer out of my hand. His parents are officially out of the running for parent of the year.
All told, The Yard is a great addition to what is becoming a very nice area for bars and restaurants near Bethany Home Rd.
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