Yardbird Southern Table & Bar Reviews: Menu, Dress Code & More

Finding a restaurant that nails Southern comfort food this far from the American South isn’t easy. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar has become a go-to spot at Marina Bay Sands for its buttermilk fried chicken and waterfront views.

Location: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (first international location) ·
Owner/Group: John Kunkel (founder, 50 Eggs Hospitality Group) ·
Cuisine: Southern American comfort food with a contemporary twist ·
Known For: Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, bourbon selection, lively waterfront ambiance ·
Dress Code: Smart casual (no swimwear or athletic wear per official policy) ·
Star Rating (TripAdvisor/GMB avg): 4.0/5

Six key facts about Yardbird Singapore, one pattern: the restaurant balances Southern authenticity with a prime waterfront setting at Marina Bay Sands.

Who owns Yardbird Southern Table & Bar?

Yardbird was founded by chef John Kunkel under the 50 Eggs Hospitality Group, according to the Marina Bay Sands official restaurant page (the venue’s landlord and operator). The group also runs other Southern-style concepts in the United States. In 2017, investment firm TriSpan acquired a minority stake, though the exact amount has not been publicly disclosed. The Yardbird name also appears on a separate furniture brand – Yardbird Outdoor Furniture – acquired by Best Buy in 2021, which is unrelated to the restaurant.

Bottom line: John Kunkel and 50 Eggs Hospitality Group own Yardbird. TriSpan holds a minority stake. The furniture brand is a separate company.

Does Yardbird have a dress code?

Yes, and it’s more relaxed than many Marina Bay Sands fine-dining spots. The Marina Bay Sands official page states the dress code is casual. Permitted items include T-shirts, polo shirts, jeans, chinos, sundresses, and skirts. Prohibited items are swimwear, robes, and hotel slippers. Guests not complying may be declined entry. This aligns with user reports on Tripadvisor and Chope, which note that smart casual attire is expected.

What is Yardbird Southern Table known for?

Yardbird is best known for its buttermilk fried chicken served with a 100-year-old heritage recipe for Chicken & Waffles, as highlighted on the Marina Bay Sands page. Other signature dishes include Lobster Mac & Cheese and a 14-day bourbon-aged US Prime Ribeye. The waterfront location at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a lively, casual-attas ambiance noted by bloggers. The MBS factsheet (March 2024) also lists weekday lunch (11:30am–4pm), weekend brunch (10am–4pm), and dinner (4pm–midnight).

• Buttermilk fried chicken and waffles – heritage recipe (Marina Bay Sands)
• Shrimp and grits – a Southern staple (Chope)
• Frickles (fried pickles) – popular appetizer (Tripadvisor)
• Bourbon and whiskey selection – extensive list (Marina Bay Sands)

Does Yardbird have a Michelin star?

No. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is not listed in the Michelin Guide Singapore, and the official Marina Bay Sands description positions it as casual dining, not fine dining. While some diners compare it favourably to other Southern restaurants, it has not received a Michelin star as of 2025.

How much did Yardbird sell for?

The restaurant brand itself has not had a public sale. In 2017, TriSpan invested a minority stake, but the price was not disclosed. The separate Yardbird Outdoor Furniture brand was acquired by Best Buy in 2021 for an estimated $6–10 million, but that entity is completely unrelated to the Southern restaurant chain. The restaurant remains under the ownership of John Kunkel and 50 Eggs Hospitality Group.

Pros and cons of dining at Yardbird Singapore

Timeline: Key milestones for Yardbird

• 2014 – Yardbird Southern Table & Bar opens in Miami by John Kunkel.
• 2017 – First international location at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. TriSpan acquires minority stake (Marina Bay Sands).
• 2017–2025 – Yardbird Singapore maintains a steady 4.0/5 rating across platforms (Tripadvisor).
• 2021 – Best Buy acquires Yardbird Outdoor Furniture brand (separate entity).

What diners say: confirmed facts and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• John Kunkel founded Yardbird (Marina Bay Sands).
• TriSpan is a minority investor (undisclosed amount).
• No Michelin star.
• Dress code is casual per official policy (Marina Bay Sands).
• Yardbird Singapore is at Marina Bay Sands (Marina Bay Sands).

What’s unclear

• Exact sale price of TriSpan investment.
• Whether specific dishes rotate seasonally (not confirmed by official menu).
• Hours listed on third-party sites like Chope differ from the official factsheet (Chope).

What diners are saying: quotes from real reviews

“Overall I give Yardbird a 5/10… subpar except ambiance & service.”

– User review from Facebook group

“I really liked the ambience… dim and casual yet attas.”

– Blogger from faithfullyours18.blogspot.com

“Great location… good frickles and smash burger.”

– User review via official MBS page

For Singapore diners weighing a visit, the choice is clear: Yardbird delivers on atmosphere and its signature fried chicken, but at a premium price. If you’re after a relaxed Southern meal with waterfront views and don’t mind the cost, it’s a solid bet. If you’re looking for budget-friendly or meticulously consistent Southern food, you may want to explore other options.

Frequently asked questions