Eugene’s Yardy Rum Bar has gained nationwide recognition, being named one of the New York Times’ 50 best restaurants in the U.S. The restaurant, which features West Indian and Caribbean cuisine, started as a pop-up in 2020 and later operated as a food cart before settling in its current location at 837 Lincoln St. in downtown Eugene in January 2024.

Chef and owner Isaiah Martinez has expressed pride in his restaurant’s mission to educate patrons about Caribbean culture through food. He views culinary experiences as a way to bridge cultural gaps.

This accolade is not the first time Yardy Rum Bar has garnered attention; earlier in the year, Martinez was recognized as a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific. The rush of customers following the Beard nomination prepared his staff for the recent uptick in business that comes with this latest honor.

Martinez noted that they experienced a significant surge in customer traffic post-nomination, describing the bustling atmosphere as "everyday was a Saturday for a couple of months." As the restaurant heads into a slower season, this recognition will help attract more customers and maintain the quality service that regular patrons expect.

For more information, visit Yardy Rum Bar and view the New York Times restaurant list.