When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Why The Yard Milkshake Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Yard Milkshake Bar is a vibrant and creative spot ideal for meeting up with friends, famous for its signature over-the-top milkshakes and indulgent desserts. Founded by engineers-turned-entrepreneurs, The Yard serves not only classic milkshake varieties but also inventive, exclusive shakes like Berkeley's "Sassy Lassi," inspired by local flavors. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it a fun place to relax and share unique sweet treats. Besides milkshakes, visitors can enjoy edible cookie dough and specialty coffee blends inspired by their popular creations, offering a full experience for dessert lovers. With locations expanding across the U.S., including a new spot in Berkeley, California, this bar brings fun and bold flavors to communities looking for something memorable. The Yard Milkshake Bar successfully combines indulgence with creativity, making it an engaging spot to catch up with friends or celebrate a sweet craving.
Here's what people think of The Yard Milkshake Bar
As of recent, The Yard Milkshake Bar holds a 3.8-star rating based on 77 reviews.
Reviews of The Yard Milkshake Bar reveal a mix of experiences from customers and employees. Positive feedback often highlights the fun and laid-back environment, especially from staff who enjoy crafting unique shakes and earning good tips, with some notably praising the enjoyable work atmosphere and friendly customer interactions. Customers appreciate the bold flavors and creative presentation of shakes and desserts, which many find memorable and satisfying. However, negative reviews point to inconsistencies in service and quality across different locations, with some locations receiving lower ratings. Complaints include limited work hours, variability in tip earnings, and occasionally less attentive service. Despite the mixed feedback, the overall impression is that The Yard Milkshake Bar offers a unique treat experience with some locations standing out more positively than others. Enthusiasts of fun, extravagant milkshakes are likely to find enjoyable moments here, though experiences may vary depending on the location and time.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Charleen Asberry
I stopped in today after a long day of shopping, just looking for a sweet treat before heading home. I have been following the yards social media and couldn’t wait to finally try it. I never write reviews but after seeing how many poor reviews have been left I definitely knew I had to write a honest review of my experience. I was warmly greeted by a lovely young lady named Arielle, whose bubbly and fun personality instantly lifted my mood. She recommended the strawberry cheesecake shake—and it absolutely hit the spot! Presentation of the shake and the taste was definitely worth it. Can’t wait to come back and try the cookie dough 🤤. The menu has so many great options, everything was clean and fresh, and the customer service was outstanding.
Ria E
“We don’t do iced teas” Oh ok Also if it’s 11am and you just opened, why do you hate the world already? Also.. just grab ice and put it in the tea? -- responding to the comment below: No, you did not inform me. Also - there wasn't a misunderstanding, it was simply a "we do not do iced teas". Even though your menu clearly shows there is an "iced" option for the tea section. If it's brewed hot, I think you can put ice to cool it down to make an iced tea.
Ashley Irvine
Was very excited to try this place as I’ve been following on instagram for over a year now. My boyfriend and I had a day trip in Portland on Saturday. We had to pay for parking 4 blocks away to get to this location, which isn’t that big of an issue because we thought it would be worth it. Unfortunately we were served the messiest shake I’ve ever seen for $20. Presentation of the shake was a 1/10. Definitely didn’t look like what is posted on Instagram. The outside of the jar was wet and sticky and before I even snapped a pic of it, the topping were dripping down the plate.
zed625
It wasn’t terrible. I saw other reviews saying the food was low quality and I found that to be the case too. The brownie was old and almost inedible, and the ice cream was iced over and generally not $16 worth of quality. You’re also not supporting a small local business. There’s no room for them to do prep, the owner doesn’t work in the store, and you get a distinct feeling nobody really cares that much. I wouldn’t be surprised if the mall owner couldn’t lease the spot, and decided to sell cheap ice cream with their speciality Sunday’s as a gimmick. I will say, to their credit, the food does look cool and it’s a substantial amount of food. It’s just old, low quality food.
Abby Frakes
We loved our sundaes and shakes! James took the time to make sure each one was made to perfection!
How to reach The Yard Milkshake Bar
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Website: None
Why The Yard Milkshake Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Yard Milkshake Bar with your friends? This vibrant dessert hotspot stands out as an unbeatable destination to gather and celebrate with friends or family. At its core, The Yard Milkshake Bar offers a unique and whimsical experience centered around indulgent, creatively crafted milkshakes that are as much a visual treat as a delicious one. For groups looking to share a moment of pure joy, the bar’s extensive and imaginative menu provides unparalleled variety and excitement. The atmosphere is casual yet lively, perfect for relaxed socializing or making memories over one-of-a-kind desserts. Whether you seek a cozy spot to unwind or want an Instagram-worthy experience to spark laughter and conversation, this place ignites delight through its combination of flavor, presentation, and ambiance. Its popularity with both locals and tourists ensures a buzzy, energetic vibe that adds to the feeling of a special occasion. Ultimately, The Yard Milkshake Bar transforms a simple meetup into a playful adventure, perfect for creating lasting connections with friends and family.
What kind of activities and experiences can you enjoy at The Yard Milkshake Bar? At its heart, The Yard Milkshake Bar specializes in over-the-top milkshakes that are more than just drinks—they're immersive experiences. Groups can dive into a "secret menu" filled with extravagant creations featuring toppings like cookie dough, candy, cheesecake slices, and even whole desserts perched atop the shakes. This makes the visit inherently social, as friends can share and compare these dazzling treats. Beyond the milkshakes, diners can also enjoy safe-to-eat raw cookie dough, offering a nostalgic and novel snack that adds a playful twist to the outing. The venue often encourages sharing and sampling to maximize the fun, which creates a communal dining experience ideal for groups. On top of the edible elements, guests can browse and purchase unique merchandise like plush toys and themed apparel, giving them a tangible memory of the meetup. All these activities contribute to an immersive dessert-focused social event where tasting, sharing, snapping photos, and chatting merge seamlessly.
Why is The Yard Milkshake Bar ideal for group meetups? The Yard Milkshake Bar perfectly suits groups due to its interactive, share-friendly menu and casual setting. Its milkshakes are designed in generous portions, often large enough to split among friends or family, encouraging everyone to participate in the experience without worrying about ordering multiple small servings. This communal aspect fosters conversation, laughter, and delight in discovery as each person samples unique combinations. The bar’s lively, kid-friendly environment also ensures that visitors of all ages feel welcome, making it a great family outing spot. Moreover, the staff is known for friendly, welcoming service that helps first-timers navigate the menu and makes groups feel at ease. The location's cashless policy streamlines ordering and ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience for large parties. Its proximity to other local attractions means it can easily be part of a broader day out, adding flexibility to meetups. These qualities combine to create an environment where groups can focus on enjoying each other’s company and the creative culinary offerings without distraction.
What makes The Yard Milkshake Bar’s menu stand out? Unlike traditional dessert spots, The Yard Milkshake Bar’s menu is packed with visually spectacular milkshakes that blur the line between food and fun. Signature options like the Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss or Cookie Butter shake elevate classic flavors with rich, indulgent ingredients and extravagant toppings. The "secret menu" adds an element of surprise, inviting curious visitors to explore less-advertised concoctions for even more excitement. Additionally, all cookie dough offerings are safe to eat raw, setting it apart by allowing customers to indulge worry-free—a treat that resonates with many who enjoy cookie dough as a comfort food or childhood favorite. The extensive blend of flavors and mix-ins caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences while ensuring every sip and bite is a sensory experience. This bold approach to dessert creates a feast for the eyes and palate, enhancing the group's outing with memorable, crave-worthy options that invite comparison and conversation.
How does the ambiance at The Yard Milkshake Bar contribute to its appeal as a gathering spot? The Yard Milkshake Bar emphasizes a playful, colorful, and vibrant vibe that turns an ordinary meetup into a mini celebration. The interior design incorporates elements that are both trendy and fun, blending modern aesthetics with whimsical details like rainbow motifs and plush mascots like Sprinkles the UniCow. This environment sparks smiles and encourages photo-taking, making it a social media favorite where groups can capture unique moments. Its energetic yet casual atmosphere means visitors feel relaxed but energized, a balance perfect for lively group interactions. The staff’s enthusiasm and attentiveness further boost the welcoming feel, ensuring all guests, including children, feel special and cared for. The location often buzzes with the excitement of people sampling and sharing, adding to the collective energy that makes an outing here feel festive and memorable.
What practical considerations should groups keep in mind when planning a meetup here? While The Yard Milkshake Bar offers an amazing experience, groups should plan accordingly to maximize enjoyment. The prices tend to be on the higher side, reflecting the premium ingredients and elaborate presentations, so budgeting slightly above average dessert costs is wise. Since the venue practices a cashless payment system, everyone should be prepared with cards or digital wallets to avoid inconveniences. Because the milkshakes are large and rich, arriving hungry is recommended, especially if the group plans to share multiple treats. The spot can get busy, especially on weekends, so allowing flexibility with timing or making efforts to visit during off-peak hours can help avoid long waits. Finally, considering the location near downtown Atlanta and other attractions can enable groups to combine visits, creating a fuller, more diverse day out. By keeping these factors in mind, groups can focus on fun, flavor, and friendship without logistical hiccups.
What makes The Yard Milkshake Bar a memorable place to celebrate with friends or family? The Yard Milkshake Bar crafts a unique environment that celebrates indulgence, creativity, and community, making it perfect for marking special moments or simply enjoying time together. The sheer creativity in their milkshakes, blending dessert artistry with flavor innovation, stimulates all senses and invites playful engagement from every member of the group. The experience of sharing oversized, decadent milkshakes stimulates connection and encourages storytelling and laughter, key ingredients in meaningful social interactions. The welcoming, lively atmosphere ensures everyone feels a part of the celebration, whether it’s a birthday, reunion, or casual get-together. The availability of merchandise and specialty coffee blends extends the memory beyond the visit. Altogether, The Yard Milkshake Bar offers more than just dessert—it provides a platform for creating joyful memories with the people you care about in a setting designed to spark delight and togetherness.