South beach is better known for it's flashy models and overpriced "celebrity" restaurants where the social scene far outweighs the food. Yardbird is a truly unique and welcomed addition to the Miami Beach dining scene. Unpretentious and welcoming the restaurant effortlessly combines down home southern hospitality with a whole lot of cool.

Nestled just off the bustling pedestrian thoroughfare that is Lincoln Rd. This basilica of down home goodness seems well, frankly, out of place. Seemingly not caring for the au courant, spurious culture of South beach, Yardbird welcomes you with open arms like a speak easy respite for the silicon and saline weary.

We arrived to a packed house & waited at the bar for our table. With over 40 different types of Bourbon on the menu we decided to try an Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve ($14) and a specialty cocktail called the Bourbon Crusta ($8). Mixologist Josh has imagined all the specialty cocktails and his twist on this classic Old Fashioned was simple; two different types of bitters, sugar, and bourbon - no muddling required. The result was arguably one of the best old fashions I've ever had. The bourbon Crusta was way too easy to drink and dangerously good. The wide selection of Bourbon and craft beers on offer is impressive and deserves it's own evening of bacchanalia and indulgence.

While we waited we took in the slideshow photos projected o the wall behind us. Images that included black and white stage shots of Jimmy Hendrix, Buddy Guy and old school posters and a seemingly endless cast of cool cats. In short time we were ushered to our cost table for two.

The menu is filled with so many mouth-watering options that it took us some time (and tremendous will power) to decide on the selection of dishes we ordered. The waiter brought over a small bowl of boiled peanuts (instead of the usual bread) for us to nibble on while we decided. A simple but tasty preview into what was to come. The menu is broken into small shares (appetizers), large shares (entrees) and sides to share. We started our dinner with an order of Mamas chicken and biscuits with Bell & Evans fried chicken, pepper jelly and homemade biscuits ($14). These were in a word...delicious.

The biscuits were light and fluffy while the fried chicken was unbelievably tender without a trace of the usual greasiness. The peppery flavors of the jelly perfectly complimented the buttery goodness of the biscuits. We learned that Bell & Evans chickens are raised without antibiotics or growth hormones in the feed and are humanely raised. This farm raised, organic theme runs throughout many of the menus items.

Next up was the sweet tea brined southern ribs ($22). Smothered in a slightly tangy BBQ sauce, they were perfectly cooked and so tender that the meat literally fell off the bone when picked up. This was served with a picked coleslaw that went well with the dish. Our sides of brussels sprout leaves ($5) were good but seemed upstaged by the cacophony of flavors we were currently experiencing. However, the Melons and Cheese ($8) which we ordered later were a great choice. The salty, grilled flavor of the cheese paired perfectly with the sweetness of the melons and the citrus of the Meyer lemon texas olive oil.

Last up was the Llewellyn fried chicken ($26). A 1/2 Bell & Evans fried chicken "27 hour recipe" served with cheddar and chow chow waffles, spicy Tupelo honey and citrus pepper watermelon. This dish is huge and definitely enough for two people to share. The chicken was once again unbelievably moist and tender and paired with the tupelo honey took on a whole new dimension of flavor. The waffle was light and the chow chow added an unexpected texture and flavor. The melon had a pleasant heat to it from the citrus pepper. Yardbird has proved that good food and atmosphere will always hold a special place in our hearts (and stomachs). If you haven't visited yet do yourself a favor and "run chicken run" over to this honest to goodness, slice of southern inspired comfort food heaven. We can't wait to go back.