History

Yardarm Bar & Grill History

As many as a hundred years ago, and as few as twenty-five, the only yardarm in Racine was on a passing tall ship or on a fine plastic rummage model. Now the Yardarm is it’s own entity. What started as a delapatated paint company has now become Racine’s most unique restaurant.

The Yardarm (est. 1983) is a culmination of dreams and treasures all put together, with thanks to a guy named Pete. He had a vision and spent many a year improving it. Pete’s now sailing and fishing the world yet his dream lives on. Many of the decorations are more than just stuff on the wall. Most of the things you’ll notice are borrowed from our customers’ basements, garages and off their boats. A twenty-one foot oar…(whose house could hold that?) Life jackets and oars from one of Onasis’ oar carriers, and relics recovered from Lake Michigan. Pretty interesting stuff for an old bar, huh?

Enough about the history and the decor, the food, the drinks and the great staff are what we are known for now. We serve our authentic Wisconsin fish fry daily as well as the best burgers in the State (thanks to Dennis Getto’s Milwaukee Journal review). Our meat and bakery are also delivered daily. And who would have thought that you could find sand dollars so far away from the ocean? They are a must have at the Yardarm. Sliced potatoes fried, dusted with seasoned salt and parmesan cheese, yum! Just try one and you will know what people are raving about. Our variety of imported tap beer is impressive including the freshest Guinness in town. For wineo’s out there, our wine list is constantly updated. Our wine list is available by glass or bottle (with or without a bag). We also have tremendous homemade Bloody Mary’s, Old Fashioned’s, Rumrunner’s, Long Island’s and lots more. We know how to make drinks right. The Yardarm is also known for live music every Wednesday and every other Saturday night. We feature the best in local and touring jazz, folk and blues bands with absolutely no cover charge. Should you want more? We have fun-nest employees around. Our employees are so great they will make you want to work here too. Many a crew have been here longer than the figure head in the men’s room. While you are here…experience all of it, today and again.