YAVA Kitchen and Brewhouse Cumming

Review of Yava Kitchen and Brewhouse

First Impressions
Our debut visit to @yavaatl in Cumming, near Lake Lanier, was a mixed experience. Although we had a rocky start due to being seated at a less-than-ideal location—a cramped two-top by the restroom and a pole—the rest of the evening was promising.

Beverage Selection
We started off with an American IPA, which was better than average. I was a bit surprised that, given the substantial size of the restaurant and brewery, they only had four beers on offer. However, the quality of the IPA made up for the limited selection, hinting at a potential for future growth in their beer offerings.

Appetizers
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the chicken wings. They were overnight brined, blanched, and flash fried to crispy perfection. I opted for the Alabama barbecue sauce, which was both flavorful and satisfying. While Buffalo is known for its Buffalo sauce and Atlanta for its lemon pepper wings, this Alabama barbecue stood out as one of the best non-traditional flavors I've tried. They also offer a pecan habanero Buffalo style for those looking to experiment.

Main Courses

Club Sandwich
My adult son and I have been on a quest to find a new favorite club sandwich since Peach & the Pork Chop closed its doors. Yava Kitchen's version might just take the top spot, potentially even surpassing Brookwood Café. The sandwich features really good turkey and crispy applewood smoked bacon, with a creative twist—Granny Smith apples instead of traditional tomatoes. While I wouldn't mind a bit more aioli, it was a commendable sandwich overall.

Hearth Grilled Airline Chicken
Both Mrs. Grub and I liked her hearth grilled airline chicken breast served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Conclusion
Overall, Yava Kitchen and Brewhouse provided a pleasant dining experience, despite the initial seating turnoff. The quality of the food and the potential in their beer offerings make it a spot worth revisiting. Less