This smartly refurbished shop-house on the fringes of Chinatown does some of Bangkok’s best sandwiches. 2nd Yard’s menu may be brief but there’s no faulting the flavors, which get more innovative the more you splash out. Select from seven fillings that range from mushroom and cheese (B180) up to grilled beef (B450) and grilled unagi (freshwater eel, B550), each served between two pieces of lightly-charred ciabatta.

The beef option, in particular, is wonderful with the juicy strips of meat complemented by a sharp mix of mustard, pickle, rocket and shallot—a heftily-portioned, proper premium sandwich. The unagi is also a fusion hit, packing a seriously spicy punch due to the grilled green pepper and ponzu sauce. We love the soft texture and bold, rich taste of the eel, though we perhaps wish the bread had spent a little longer on the grill. Generally, though, this ciabatta is delicious and chewy yet firm—there’s a reason you won’t be offered cutlery. Though less exciting, the mushroom and cheese is still a solid handful, all gooey mozzarella and parmesan.

Dessert is limited to ice-cream sandwiches (B150), which are a bit of a bread overload, but there are some spot-on if predictable appetizers. The perfectly crisp, deep-fried squid (B250) are so light and flavorful you don’t need any dipping sauce, while the hash browns (B100) are irregular-sized nuggets of golden goodness that come with a nice, mushy center.

Since opening November 2015 with an emphasis on fruity shakes (do try the Tropical Carnival, mango, pineapple and lychee syrup with the interesting addition of thyme, B75), 2nd Yard has grown into a proper nightspot with a well-stocked bar, craft beers and cocktails starting from B280. The comparisons with Phra Athit’s Escapade Burgers and Shakes are obvious, and it’s perhaps no surprise they acted as consultants here. Thankfully there’s far less surliness on show, though on our last visit the partners far outnumbered the patrons making for a slightly awkward experience. 

Aside from the solid sandwiches and drinks, part of 2nd Yard’s appeal is its location amid the crumbling walls and auto shops of Talad Noi. But truth is this is the kind of barebones, effortlessly cool spot you’d welcome in your own neighborhood. Note: It’s cash-only. Corkage B500 (wine), B300 (spirits).

This review took place in May 2016 and is based on a visit to the restaurant without the restaurant's knowledge. For more on BK's review policy, click here.