The Yardbird at 1896
The Yardbird at 1896 in McAlester, Oklahoma, is a must-visit spot offering delicious comfort food in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're craving fried chicken or juicy burgers, this place has something for everyone to enjoy.
Nearby Places to Explore
Services
Amenities
Accessibility
Payment Options
Parking Options
Location & Map
Find this place on Google Maps and get turn-by-turn directions before you go.
Google Reviews
Kim VWe like to try non-chain restaurants when we travel, which can be scary...ya just never know! So on a recent trip home we drove through McAlester, OK and I found this spot while searching. The Yardbird lived up to all of the great reviews, the less than great ones are fairly old, so I didn't pay much attention to those. We were not disappointed at all! The food was on point, tasty and they don't hold back on the portions. Jess has a personality bigger than the builder and is just cool. 🙂 Joe is super nice, friendly and very attentive. Enjoyed talking to both of them. My husband got the Dirty Bird and onion rings. I had the Chicken Salad sandwich and potato salad. Both meals were really good, but that potato salad OMG! That was so good and I am a potato salad snob. The atmosphere was nice, I guess it's a historical place so they probably have restrictions. Anyway, next time you're passing through McAlester and want some good food, pop off the highway and go here.
Nov 13, 2025 · Google Review
Anita WyattFood was amazing, we had chicken, fries, dirty bird, flatbread, potato salad and strawberry cake. Everything was so good!! What a find 🙂 Joe and Jess were lovely and so friendly, atmosphere was great! Highly recommend making the stop through McAlester to eat at Yardbird!
Jul 30, 2026 · Google Review
Cindi HarrisonLOVE absolutely everything about this restaurant! The food is amazing, the staff is just delightful, and the history of the place is apparent everywhere. It is held together with original hardware from 1896, and when you walk in, you’re able to leave your troubles outside the door and sink into whatever Joe has spinning on the record player and relax in the soft lighting. Don’t miss the burgers, seriously, DON’T. The southwestern eggroll is this delicious, crispy, delivery from heaven that makes you understand they were actually wrong about the chimichanga. Eggroll wrap FTW! Also, it’s a big enough app to be a meal. Say yes to the fries. They’re as fun to look at as they are delicious. My husband had the wings and I know he loves me but I MIGHT have gotten my hand slapped if I’d tried to steal one. Even the salads make you feel like maybe they were touched by Jesus. Stop in for a weekday lunch break or dinner with a group of friends, but for us, it’s a favorite date night spot. ❤️
Aug 31, 2025 · Google Review
Michael ClevengerHands down the best fries I've ever had. Fluffy inside, crispy outside and seasoned to perfection. They definitely nailed the fried chicken as well. The staff are super friendly and attentive. I will definitely stop here again while passing through Oklahoma.
Jun 25, 2026 · Google Review
MarciLynnGET IN MY BELLY!! We made a stop in McAllister on our drive to Arkansas and wanted real food. Enter Yelp peeps who led me here. We had the grilled chicken, southwest egg rolls, and a Cobb salad. the grilled chicken was the best I’ve had anywhere in a very long time. Service was outstanding and the vibe is amazing. You can tell it’s a favorite with the locals! Thanks for a delicious pit stop!
Jul 3, 2025 · Google Review