Yard Bird Replaces Black Pearl (and Gaia Bistro)

At the end of 2016, Gaia Bistro closed its doors, pushed out by the growth and development on Old South Pearl. When the news first came out that a closure of the casual spot was inevitable, owner Patrick Mangold-White promised that he'd find another location for the eatery. And not only did he keep his word, but he has spun Gaia into a new spruced up business.

Yardbird (formally Gaia Bistro) is launching today at 1529 S. Pearl Street In the former Black Pearl space, which closed in August after eleven years. Yardbird will offer some of the most popular dishes from Gaia but also a new menu with a diner-inspired twist. There are pot pies, shepherd's pies, meatloaf with garlic mashers, and fried chicken, which is gluten-free, but also Benedicts and waffles, and a full bar menu. Mangold-White describes his reborn restaurant (one of five he owns) as an elevated diner where sourcing and careful preparation is important but prices and the vibe remain accessible.

The new space, which got a bright makeover, that includes lighter paint, a whitewash on the bar, and a subway tile wall behind the bar, gives Yardbird double the seating that Gaia had both inside and out. Breakfast will be served all day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and a dinner menu will be offered from 4 to 9 p.m.