Back A Yard Caribbean Grill Introduce
For residents of California looking to experience the bold and vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, Back A Yard Caribbean Grill in Downtown San Jose stands out as a genuine culinary destination. Located conveniently near the San Jose State University (SJSU) campus, this establishment operates as both a classic Restaurant and a specialized Caribbean restaurant, bringing the authentic tastes of Jamaica and the West Indies right to the heart of Silicon Valley.
The core of the Back A Yard experience is the powerful, smoky, and spicy flavor profile of traditional jerk cooking. Patrons can indulge in signature Yard Plates featuring the essential Jerk Chicken and Jerk Pork, alongside premium options like Jerk NY Steak and Jerk Salmon. The menu extends far beyond jerk, incorporating other beloved island staples such as slow-cooked Beef Oxtails, savory Curried Goat, and a selection of hearty BBQ Plates, including BBQ Pork Spare Ribs.
While the atmosphere is described as Casual, Cozy, and Quiet, the restaurant is highly valued for its quality and efficiency, with "Fast service" listed as a key highlight. It caters to a busy crowd, including students, locals, and Tourists, offering an experience perfect for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining. The dedication to authentic, flavorful cuisine is evident in every dish, from the seasoned meats served over Rice And Beans to the traditional sides like Fried Plantains and Corn Festivals, ensuring that every visit is a true taste of the islands.
Crucially for the local San Jose community, the restaurant is known for Serves local specialty—the very essence of authentic Caribbean cooking—making it a beloved and memorable spot for comfort food with an exotic twist.
The Downtown San Jose location of Back A Yard Caribbean Grill is centrally located at 457 E San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA. This placement makes it a prime dining spot, situated directly across from the San Jose State University area and easily accessible from major thoroughfares and nearby businesses.
Accessibility for the local California community has been thoughtfully addressed:
- The restaurant is highly accessible, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, and Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons.
- For those driving, Free street parking is typically available in the vicinity, which is a notable convenience in a busy downtown setting.
- Its position near the SJSU campus and other local attractions means it is often bustling and easily found by both pedestrians and those utilizing public transit.
- Patrons can enjoy the beautiful California weather with available Outdoor seating, adding a pleasant, open-air dining dimension to the experience. They also permit Dogs allowed outside, accommodating pet owners.
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill is structured to provide flexible and convenient dining services to its diverse San Jose clientele:
- Full Service Modes: Customers have the choice of Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, and traditional Dine-in Seating, adapting to various schedules and preferences.
- Comprehensive Meal Times: The establishment serves both Lunch and Dinner, offering full-service dining throughout the afternoon and evening.
- Event and Group Services: A robust Catering service is available, ideal for corporate events, campus gatherings, or large family celebrations, allowing the rich flavors of Caribbean cuisine to be enjoyed off-site.
- Menu Variety: The menu is extensive and includes Quick bite options like various Beef, Chicken, and Veggie Patties, as well as Small plates and full, multi-component Yard Plates and Yard Combos.
- Beverage and Dessert: The restaurant offers a selection of Beverages, including both non-alcoholic Caribbean specialties like Ginger Beer and Kola Champagne, as well as Alcohol and Beer. Dessert options, such as Key Lime Pie and Sweet Potato Pudding, round out the meal.
- Family Accommodations: The restaurant is considered Good for kids and provides High chairs for the youngest diners.
- Payment Options: For ease of transaction, the business accepts both Credit cards and Debit cards.
The appeal of Back A Yard Caribbean Grill is rooted in the rich quality and variety of its authentic Caribbean fare, making it a true highlight in the San Jose food scene. Key features and menu highlights include:
- Authentic Jerk Meats: The hallmark of the menu is the expertly prepared jerk, available in multiple forms including Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork, Jerk Salmon, and even a vegetarian Jerk Tofu Plate, catering to diverse preferences with a signature marinade and cooking style.
- Traditional Caribbean Specialties: Beyond jerk, the restaurant offers must-try Caribbean Comfort food, such as the slow-braised Beef Oxtails Plate and the rich Curried Goat, which a local reviewer notes is often "life changing" and "fell off the bone."
- Customizable Combos and Value: The Yard Combos and BBQ Combos, like the Jerk Chicken And Beef Oxtails Combo, allow customers to mix and match their favorites at a combined price point. The Family Meals for 4 also offer excellent value for group dining.
- Unique and Flavorful Sides: Traditional sides are a major draw, including Rice And Beans, perfectly ripe Fried Plantains, and the highly recommended Corn Festivals, often praised for being ideal for 'mopping up flavorful sauces.'
- Fresh and Healthier Options: For those seeking lighter fare, the menu includes Fresh Salads like the Jerk Chicken Cobb Salad and the Vegetarian Jerk Tofu Salad, offering a fresh take on the island flavors.
- Specialty Sauces: Diners who desire extra heat can purchase the restaurant's signature Jerk Sauce, Mango Habanero, or the potent Hell Fire sauce by the bottle, allowing them to take the intense flavor home.
For individuals in the Downtown San Jose area interested in dining, takeout, or arranging catering with Back A Yard Caribbean Grill, the following contact details are provided:
Address: 457 E San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
Phone: (408) 217-9443
Mobile Phone: +1 408-217-9443
The restaurant is known to be open daily, generally operating throughout the main meal hours for the Downtown San Jose area. However, specific daily opening and closing times can vary by season, especially for a restaurant catering to a university crowd. While it serves Lunch and Dinner, it is always wise to call the provided phone number to confirm the exact Hours of Operation before planning a late evening visit, as hours can be subject to change and may be shorter than those of typical late-night establishments.
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill is an essential choice for anyone in the California region of San Jose seeking a rich, authentic, and satisfying meal. What is worth choosing here is the unparalleled commitment to genuine Caribbean cuisine, setting it apart from more generalized restaurants. The quality of the food—particularly the melt-in-your-mouth Oxtails and the intensely flavored jerk dishes—is consistently highly rated by local patrons.
The convenience of the location near SJSU, coupled with the Fast service and multiple service options (Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery), makes it the perfect solution for both a quick campus lunch and a relaxed evening meal. The ability to choose from Yard Plates, Yard Bowls, or Fresh Salads ensures that the restaurant can meet various dietary needs and preferences, cementing its status as a local favorite.
For the best experience, diners are strongly encouraged to try a signature dish like the Curried Goat or the Jerk Chicken Plate. Additionally, pairing an entrée with a side of Corn Festivals is highly recommended, as they are superb for soaking up the flavorful sauces, addressing the only minor critique some patrons have—that the rice may be 'slightly dry' without extra sauce. Ultimately, Back A Yard offers a consistently delicious, vibrant, and welcoming experience that truly brings a taste of the Caribbean to the San Jose community.
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill Food & drink
Daily Specials
- Monday Jerk Fish Special $17.95
- Monday Jerk Fish And Shrimp Special $19.45
Curried Goat Specials
- Curried Goat $17.45
- Curried Goat And Jerk Chicken $18.95
- Curried Goat And Jerk Pork $18.95
- Curried Goat And Beef Oxtail $19.95
- Curried Goat And Jerk Salmon $19.95
Yard Plates
- Jerk Chicken Plate $14.95
- Jerk Chicken White Meat Plate $15.95
- Jerk Pork Plate $14.95
- Beef Oxtails Plate $18.95
- Jerk NY Steak Plate $18.95
- Jerk Salmon Plate $18.95
- Jerk Tofu Plate $14.95
Yard Combos
- Jerk Chicken And Pork Combo $17.95
- Jerk Chicken White Meat & Jerk Pork $18.95
- Jerk Chicken & Salmon Combo $19.45
- Jerk Chicken & Beef Oxtails Combo $19.45
- Jerk Chicken White Meat & Beef Oxtails $19.95
- Jerk Pork & Salmon Combo $19.45
- Jerk Pork & Beef Oxtails Combo $19.45
- Jerk Salmon & Beef Oxtails Combo $19.95
BBQ Plates
- BBQ Chicken Plate $14.95
- BBQ Chicken White Meat Plate $15.95
- BBQ Boneless Pork Plate $14.95
- BBQ Pork Spare Ribs Plate $18.95
- Hot Link Sausages Plate $14.95
BBQ Combos
- 3 Meat Combo $19.95
- BBQ Chicken & Ribs Combo $18.45
- BBQ Ribs & Hot Link Combo $18.45
- BBQ Chicken & Hot Link Combo $18.45
Sandwiches & Wraps
- Jerk Chicken Wrap $9.95
Flour Tortilla, Lettuce, Tomato, Ranch Dressing
- Jerk Pork Wrap $9.95
Flour Tortilla, Lettuce, Tomato, Ranch Dressing
- Jerk Chicken Sandwich $12.45
- Jerk Pork Sandwich $12.45
- Jerk Salmon Sandwich $14.95
Yard Bowls
- Jerk Chicken Yard Bowl $13.95
- BBQ Chicken Yard Bowl $13.95
- Jerk Pork Yard Bowl $13.95
- BBQ Pork Yard Bowl $13.95
- Jerk Salmon Yard Bowl $15.95
- Jerk Tofu Yard Bowl $13.95
Fresh Salads and Soup
- Small Soup 8oz $4.45
Fresh and hearty.
- Large Soup 24oz $9.45
Fresh and hearty.
- Jerk Chicken Cobb Salad $14.45
Mixed lettuce, hardboiled egg, tomato, bacon, avocado, and cheddar cheese with ranch dressing. Add sauces for an additional charge.
- Jerk Pork Cobb Salad $14.45
Mixed lettuce, hardboiled egg, tomato, bacon, avocado, and cheddar cheese with ranch dressing. Add sauces for an additional charge.
- Jerk Salmon Cobb Salad $16.95
Mixed lettuce, hardboiled egg, tomato, bacon, avocado, and cheddar cheese with ranch dressing. Add sauces for an additional charge.
- Jerk Salmon Mixed Green Salad $15.95
Mixed lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber with honey mustard dressing. Add sauces for an additional charge.
- Vegetarian Jerk Tofu Salad $13.95
Jerk tofu, mixed lettuce, tomato, cucumber, garbanzo beans with Italian dressing. Add sauces for an additional charge.
Quick Eats
- Jerk Chicken Pieces $10.95
Served with bread rolls.
- Jerk Pork Pieces $10.95
Served with bread rolls.
- 3 Pieces BBQ Pork Ribs $10.95
Served with bread rolls.
- Whole Jerk Wings $15.95
5 pieces, served with bread rolls.
- Fried Chicken Wings $12.95
8 pieces, served with bread rolls.
- Beef Patty $4.75
- Chicken Patty $4.75
- Veggie Patty $4.75
- Coco Bread $3.25
- Side Of 6 Pieces Oxtails $14.95
Ala carte.
- Side Of Curried Goat $13.45
Ala carte.
Sides and Sauces
- Rice And Beans $4.95
- Fried Plantains $4.95
- Macaroni And Cheese $5.95
- French Fries $3.95
- Collard Greens $4.95
- Corn Bread $3.95
- Corn Festivals $3.95
Jamaican fried cornmeal bread.
- Tossed Salad $4.95
- Sauteed Vegetables $5.95
- Coleslaw $3.95
- 8oz Jerk Sauce $9.50
8oz, bottled
- 8oz Mango Habanero $9.50
8oz, bottled
- 8oz Hell Fire $9.50
8oz, bottled
Desserts
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake $5.95
- Key Lime Pie $5.95
- Sweet Potato Pudding $5.95
Beverages
- Bottled Water $2.45
- Sparkling Water $3.00
- Ginger Beer $4.50
Fresh juice.
- Mango Passionfruit $4.50
Fresh juice.
- Pineapple Guava $4.50
Fresh juice
- Diet Coke $3.45
- Coke Zero $3.45
- Sprite $3.45
- Pineapple Soda $3.45
Jamaican soda.
- Kola Champagne $3.45
Jamaican soda.
- Ting $3.45
Jamaican soda.
- Vita Malt Ginger $3.95
Jamaican soda.
- Vita Malt Classic $3.95
Jamaican soda.
- Coconut Water $3.25
- Sorrel Ginger $4.95
Fresh made- 16 oz. bottle.
- Bottled Coke $3.45
Family Meals for 4
- Fam Pack Jerk Chicken $75.00
Includes rice and beans and fried plantains to serve up to 4 guests.
- Fam Pack BBQ Chicken $75.00
Includes rice and beans and fried plantains to serve up to 4 guests.
- Fam Pack Jerk Pork $75.00
Includes rice and beans and fried plantains to serve up to 4 guests.
- Fam Pack BBQ Pork $75.00
Includes rice and beans and fried plantains to serve up to 4 guests.
- Fam Pack BBQ Pork Ribs $85.00
Includes corn bread and coleslaw to serve up to 4 guests.
- Fam Pack Jerk Salmon $90.00
Includes rice and beans and fried plantains to serve up to 4 guests.
- Fam Pack: Curried Shrimp $90.00
Includes Seasonal Vegetables, Rice and Beans & Fried Plantains to serve up to 4 guests
Cutlery | Condiments
- 3pc Cutlery Kit $0.00
Napkin, fork, knife
- Straw $0.00
- 1pc- Spoon $0.00
- Ketchup Packets $0.00
- Hot Sauce Packets $0.00
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill Photos










Back A Yard Caribbean Grill Location
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill
457 E San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95112, USA
Back A Yard Caribbean Grill Reviews
oxtailbeans and ricegoat curryplantainsjerk chickenplatespicyjerk salmonjamaican foodpatties
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Back A Yard is my favorite spot! Their food is ALWAYS on point. I’ve tried several items from the menu and everything was so flavorful and delicious. If you’re lucky to order on a Wednesday, you must try their brown chicken stew. It was life changing for me! I also love their oxtails and curry chicken. I recommend getting the corn festivals if you are getting an entree in a gravy — they are perfect for mopping up flavorful sauces! I’ve also tried their corn bread, beef patty, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Everything is sooo good! You can’t go wrong at Back A Yard!
April 02 · Liz NooneThe food was really good. I was not a fan of some of the desserts. The only thing I wished was, the rice came with some sort of sauce on it. It was slightly dry for me. I know you can purchase extra sauce but that’s just me personally!!! OHH the Sangrias are amazing. Other than that I’ll def come back!
August 24 · Kiera WilliamsHell yeahThe plates are heavy and delicious. The curried goat slaps and the ox tail is always so tender. Great cooking and great menu options.
August 31 · Michael HI ordered via UberEats. I was pleasantly surprised with the oxtails. While they were too fatty for my taste, the flavor was 🔥 The guava pineapple juice was 🔥 as well. The jerk chicken that came with the oxtails was extremely dry. I'm not sure how this happened as both my pieces were dark meat. The pineapple upside down cake was okay. Overall I think I'd order again if I was in town and skip the chicken and cake.
March 29 · FeliceBack A Yard on San Carlos St, San Jose. Within the SJSU neighborhood. A nice place with no seating inside, 4 tables outside the store gives that home feeling of having a BBQ in your own backyard. I’m glad i ordered the Oxtails plate, the dish came with Rice and Beans and d Plantains on the side, the Jerk seasoning was a sweet and tangy blend with a smoky allspice aftertaste. The stew was mildly hot, the Beans and Rice were mixed together with coconut notes at the end, the plate was served with sweet Fried Plantain, a good size meal. I had a side of Collard Greens, the chop leaves were steamed hot with a slightly bitter taste.
March 13 · Emilio
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