Eugene, Oregon – Yardy Rum Bar, a vibrant Caribbean restaurant and rum bar, has achieved a significant culinary milestone, being named among The New York Times’ prestigious annual list of the Top 50 Restaurants in America. This national recognition celebrates the establishment’s unique fusion of Caribbean flavors with Pacific Northwest seasonality and ingredients, solidifying its status as a trending culinary destination.
From Food Cart to National Acclaim
The journey of Yardy Rum Bar to this esteemed list is a testament to perseverance and culinary vision. Chef and owner Isaiah Martinez began his venture as a pop-up in 2020, which soon evolved into a popular food truck, frequently serving patrons at ColdFire Brewing. In January 2024, Yardy Rum Bar opened its brick-and-mortar location in a charming Victorian house in Eugene, offering a more expansive dining experience. This transition marked a significant step from its food truck roots, allowing for a broader exploration of its Caribbean-inspired menu.
A Fusion of Culture and Cuisine
Yardy Rum Bar is celebrated for its distinctive culinary identity, masterfully blending the bold spices and rich traditions of the West Indies with the fresh, seasonal bounty of the Pacific Northwest. The New York Times highlighted this unique approach, noting, “When you think Oregon, the first flavor that jumps to mind is probably not Caribbean spice. But it should be.” The restaurant prides itself on bringing the food and drinking cultures of the Caribbean to Oregon, utilizing local ingredients to create authentic yet innovative dishes. Signature offerings include the beloved “doubles,” a Trinidadian street food featuring curried chickpeas nestled between fried flatbreads, and the much-lauded “Jibarito No. 2,” which layers griyo pork with Scotch bonnets and Haitian pikliz slaw between twice-fried plantains. Other notable dishes include pan-fried chicken and a unique jerked beet salad.
Chef Isaiah Martinez: A Visionary Culinary Artist
At the heart of Yardy Rum Bar’s success is Chef Isaiah Martinez, a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific in January 2025. Born in New York with family roots in Puerto Rico and Grenada, Martinez’s passion lies in celebrating Caribbean heritage and Black food history through his cooking. He aims to introduce diners to the depth and diversity of Caribbean culture, believing that food possesses a unique power to connect people with unfamiliar traditions. His dedication to culinary craft and cultural authenticity has been recognized by critics and diners alike, fueling Yardy’s rise in the restaurant scene.
Oregon’s Culinary Stars Shine on National Stage
Yardy Rum Bar is not the only Oregonian restaurant to receive this distinguished honor. The Paper Bridge, a Northern Vietnamese restaurant in Portland, also earned a spot on The New York Times’ Top 50 list. This dual recognition underscores the dynamic and diverse culinary landscape emerging within Oregon, showcasing the state’s capacity to host world-class restaurants that push creative boundaries and offer exceptional dining experiences.
The New York Times’ list, compiled by 14 reporters and editors who traveled extensively and dined anonymously, aims to capture the essence of American dining. It emphasizes not only delicious food and mastery of craft but also a generosity of spirit and a singular point of view—qualities that Yardy Rum Bar embodies.
Anticipating the Impact
Chef Martinez expressed his surprise and gratitude for the national recognition, acknowledging that while his staff had identified the visiting New York Times writer, the extent of the accolade was unexpected. Having previously navigated a surge in popularity following his James Beard nomination, Martinez is prepared for increased demand but remains committed to ensuring his regular patrons continue to receive the quality and warmth they’ve come to expect. The national spotlight is expected to bring new diners eager to experience the authentic Caribbean-Pacific Northwest fusion that has made Yardy Rum Bar a standout among America’s best restaurants and bars.
Yardy Rum Bar stands as a vibrant example of culinary innovation, cultural celebration, and the power of local ingredients, now recognized on a national level as one of America’s essential dining establishments.
