The Yard adjoins Hogtown Smoke, run by the same people and serving the same meats smoked at Hogtown’s Colborne location, along with patio fare.

Their motto is “farm to table, field to rink, crop to keg,” emphasizing their thoughtful ingredient sourcing along with a sports and local craft beer focus.

Eighties ballads pump throughout the space, the menu a collection of fresh, light and modern takes on backyard barbecue classics.

A baby romaine salad ($14) is relatively classic, essentially a spin on a classic wedge with thick sliced sections of baby gem lettuce, smoky, chewy little bacon lardons, charred grape tomatoes for some sweetness, and parm, with a gremolata and roasted garlic vinaigrette.

A trio of mini hot dogs ($12) is available for lunch, with classic Maple Leaf dogs in little white dinner rolls. Though the hot dog and buns are basic, the toppings are quite unique.

One is topped with gochujang, kimchi and cilantro, another with taco sauce, pico de gallo and chicharron. The last is a Canadian-themed mini dog topped with beer-braised onions, HP sauce, yellow mustard, and crushed ketchup chips.

Korean Fried Ribs ($17) are given a rough five-hour smoke at Colborne, dredged in a flour and Chinese five spice mix, deep fried, then tossed a spicy and funky house gochujang. 

Jim Giggie trout rings in at a steep $26, but the fish was fresh caught locally yesterday morning. It’s pan-seared with the skin on, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, fine herbs and lemon zest.

The trout is accompanied by grilled lemon, a complex salsa verde, as well as a succotash of corn, black bean, tomato and onion.

A similarly wide range of craft taps to those at Hogtown line the bar here as well. Listing options like local Beaches Brewing Company’s A-Bay Pale Ale on the menu simply as “beach” invites inquiry and discussion between bartender and guest.

It’s a spacious spot with a front and back dining room, large windows letting in lots of light, wood and metal furnishings that lend a rustic feel, and a sidelong patio. Expect regular “yard sales” like $5 PBR.