Hidden within Military Park in downtown Newark, The Yard brings something truly special to New Jersey’s burger scene 🍔.
This intimate restaurant transforms global flavors into comfort food masterpieces, creating dishes that reflect Newark’s vibrant multicultural spirit.
Owner Kai Campbell has crafted a space where innovative ingredients meet familiar favorites, drawing food lovers from across the region to experience something completely different.
How they won local’s hearts
Kai Campbell’s vision became reality when he opened The Yard in 2020, bringing his background as a Newark economist and third-generation resident into the food world.
Campbell deliberately chose Military Park as his location, recognizing Newark’s cultural diversity and wanting to create a community gathering space that celebrates the African diaspora through food.
His unique approach combines his family’s kosher cooking heritage with his passion for Indian cuisine and international travels, resulting in a menu that tells Newark’s global story.
The restaurant gained popularity through its revolutionary approach to burger making – particularly the famous oxtail burger that blends slow-cooked oxtail with premium beef cuts.
Local food enthusiasts discovered this hidden gem through word-of-mouth, with customers consistently praising the exceptional quality and creative combinations.
The restaurant’s success stems from its commitment to quality ingredients, respectful customer service, and creating a space where all community members feel welcome.
Food Highlights
- The Oxtail Burger: A 5oz patty combining slow-cooked oxtail with premium beef, served with gruyere cheese, tomato, dill pickles, crispy shallots, and signature Masala sauce on garlic-butter brioche
- The Shrimp Burger: Fresh ground domestic shrimp patty pan-grilled in garlic butter, topped with pepper-jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, spicy pickles, red onion, and Masala sauce
- The Walla Lamb Burger: Colorado-raised lamb patty infused with mint chutney, served with Masala sauce, spicy pickles, tomatoes, red onions, and goat cheese
- Fried Chicken Sandwich: Tender boneless chicken breast seasoned with ancestral spices and deep-fried to perfection
- Beyond Burger: Plant-based patty grilled and served with arugula, tomato, dill pickles, red onions, and vegan Yaya sauce on whole wheat bun
Atmosphere
The Yard creates a warm, welcoming environment where exceptional hospitality meets cozy comfort 🌟.
Located inside Military Park, the restaurant offers both indoor seating for about 30 people and outdoor patio space that connects to the park’s green areas.
The intimate setting encourages community interaction, with the owner frequently engaging with guests personally.
This laid-back atmosphere perfectly complements the innovative menu, making it an ideal spot for casual dining with friends or discovering Newark’s evolving food scene.
Bottom Line
The Yard deserves a visit for its groundbreaking approach to comfort food and commitment to community building 🎯.
This restaurant successfully combines exceptional culinary creativity with genuine hospitality, offering dishes you simply cannot find anywhere else.
The unique burger combinations, particularly the oxtail and shrimp options, provide unforgettable flavors that keep customers returning repeatedly.
Address: 55 Park Pl, Newark, NJ 07102
📞 (973) 273-0033
🕔 Open Tue-Sat, 12:00 PM–8:30 PM (closed Sun-Mon)