Tucked away in a bright blue house on Lincoln Street lies Yardy Rum Bar, Eugene’s most exciting new spot for fine dining. After being mentioned in the New York Times Top 50 restaurants in the country, Yardy has risen to new heights and is getting nationwide attention for their establishment. With a constant line around the corner and customers singing nothing but praise for the food, service and ambiance, saying the restaurant is a success is a wild understatement. This is due in no small part to Isaiah Martinez, head chef and co-owner of Yardy.
Martinez grew up in Crown Heights, New York City, and was raised on WestIndies and Caribbean cuisine from his family. When he came out to Eugene to help a mentor open an Italian restaurant in town, he was obligated to stay much longer than expected due to the COVID pandemic. Realizing he was more or less stuck in Eugene, he decided to open up his own food cart, the first iteration of Yardy, to deliver his home-grown Caribbean food to the people of this city. Within a few years, Martinez was able to open up a brick-and-mortar restaurant in a tight nook on Lincoln Street.
“I was really motivated to see my friends help my dreams come true,” he said. Upon acquiring the property for the restaurant and with the help of the Eugene community, there was only a 3-week turn-around to get the building restaurant-ready. Martinez went into business with fellow owner and bar manager Nico Centanni, University of Oregon alum and highly-acclaimed bartender, and opened their doors in February of 2024.
“It’s important for history… most people don’t know about Caribbean food and culture,” Martinez said, and with the constant line out of the door, it’s easy to see that the people of Eugene agree. Upon speaking to customers leaving Yardy, everyone had nothing but amazing things to say about the restaurant, whether it be the quick and attentive staff, the comfortable dining experience, or the delicious food…