It's unfortunate that my last review of Joe's was 5 stars, and 2 years later, this one is only 2 stars. My wife and I ate here last night and this was not their best performance. First, our server slightly messed up my wife's order, but it was quickly resolved when one of the managers came out and informed us. We thought everything was fine, but then another server came out to clarify my wife's order (it was not that difficult of an order). A few minutes later our food came out. I ordered the swordfish, which came with rice and veggies, and it was undercooked. I returned it without incident, and to make up for it, the manager offered me soup or salad to hold me over until my food came back out. We went with a bowl of the cheddar, bacon, and potato soup (we had already paid for a cup of this for our appetizer, so we have lots of leftover from the bowl), which our server referred to as "tomato", bacon, and potato soup. Oops. Fortunately, the soup was delicious. Anyway, back to the swordfish...on a positive note, they cooked me up a whole new plate (as opposed to just microwaving it). The swordfish and rice were delicious, however, the veggies (carrots and Brussels sprouts) were cooked in enough butter to drown a small child. I actually like vegetables, but I could not finish them because they were so buttery. I understand that mistakes happen, but this dining experience included several little mistakes, which made our dinner less enjoyable. What saved the night was the excellent customer service from the manager. Our server was very nice, but she was a little confused. It just seemed like controlled chaos at Joe's last night. Too bad, because this place as the potential to be great.
(2)
Moises F.
I find this location quite convenient. Never had to wait too long for a table. Staff is very friendly and know their menu quite well, so take their recommendations to heart. I personally recommend the chicken piccata. It was made to perfection really. Better than the one at the Cheesecake Factory. I'd make a reservation when going at dinner time because it's usually quite busy, especially on weekends.
(4)
Al D.
Lunch at the bar on a slowish day. Barman very personable and let us sample several different wines until we found mama bear (just right). Nice draft selection too. Entire staff friendly. Decent fried calamari. Chicken Caesar salad was okey-dokey. Pleasantly surprised overall, and we'll go again.
(3)
Idan H.
2 steaks came out uncooked, 2 came overcooked. We asked the steak tips to come with no diary but they did come with!!! The waitress was really courteous! 1 star of that. They ought to make change in the kitchen, someone doesn't do his job right...
(1)
Anna B.
I'm kind of torn between what rating to give-here is my experience (I've been here mutiple times as well as other New England locations). The food is great. Service is great. However, EVERY time I eat here, like clockwork, somebody has got sick afterwards. I thought it was purely coincidence, but the last time we went a couple days ago I felt sick immediately after. Complete nausea, stomach cramping-lasted about a night. Has this happened to anyone else?! We had a waiter-Alessandro-who was amazing. Offered me espresso in my already-brought starbucks iced coffee and never charged me for it. Classy move, and wonderful service on his part. But the nausea....something to be concerned about?
(3)
Taylor G.
I am a New Jersey native, and have been going to Joe's American Bar & Grill in Short Hills, NJ since I was a little girl. It has been, and continues to be, one of my favorite restaurants. Upon moving to Boston, I was very happy that I would be able to satisfy my Joe's craving. For those with allergies, Joe's American Bar & Grill is very accommodating. They go above and beyond what most restaurants do in order to make sure that my food is 100% allergen-free. As for the food, I think it's great. I have tried many different things there. A family favorite is the buffalo tenderloins and the spinach dip. Both are absolutely delicious. As for entrees, I have tried many different things but my most favorite would have to be the roast chicken. It's among one of the best roast chickens that I have ever had. On a side note, the bread is delicious! In addition, the Joe's locations in Boston also deliver through many delivery services such as Diningin.com and Grubhub.com . I have ordered from both, and my food has arrived perfect every time!
(5)
Angela C.
Joe's on Newbury is way different than any other Joe's I've been to. Way nicer, modern/classy look. Filet Mignon and sirloin steak was excellent (great marinade). They have an open kitchen, and have glass doors in front that completely open so you can view Newbury as you're eating. Would definitely recommend!
(4)
Jay K.
What has happened to this place? I walked in around 11:40AM on a Wednesday for an early lunch. Sat at bar. Ordered a French Dip which I have had before and always found it to be good. However not this time. The fries were ice cold. Since I was one of the first lunch customers were they left over from the day before? And I mean ice cold. The roast beef was cold and overcooked. Again...was this reheated from the day before? I would bet yes. Everything was smothered with salt...way too much. The one good thing is that the service, as always was good. Especially from the bartender Eric. If the food there does not improve I am done with this place. Drinking only.
(2)
Thuy P.
So I don't really like to review big chains, but I had to because of my $20 coleslaw. It was the end of the week and after my first restaurant choice didn't pan out I figured -why not get some prime people watching seats while I eat?- So we went to Joe's. I was in a seafood mood so I ordered the crab cakes and when it came out I was shocked. Out came this huge plate that was covered half by sweet potato fries, a little over a quarter by coleslaw, and the last portion held two itty - bitty crab cakes. I considered asking the waitress if I was missing a crab cake or...... something, (which would have embarassed my uber shy friend). But I was really hungry so I sucked it up and I knew there was no way I'd be full unless I ate all of the coleslaw.... so I did. Maybe I would be less upset if the crab cakes were awesome but they were -meh-alright. The people were also wicked loud, like surprisingly so. I learned from this bad choice so a couple of weeks later I went across the street and had myself a real crab cake! *review posted half a year after initial draft..ooops
(2)
Roxana F.
I've been to Joe's twice, once for brunch and once for a late lunch/early dinner. It's fun and the drinks are great, but this isn't at the top of my list as a place to grab a meal. Pros: -Pink Sangria (rather, sangria in general) is DELICIOUS. I downed this so quickly my friends got quite concerned. -Bloody Mary also seemed to be good, my friends really liked them. -The bread they bring to the table is orgasmic. Piping hot, but airy and delicioussss. I probably enjoyed the bread more than my meal! -Prime location, right on Newbury St so it's great to sit back and people watch or talk with your friends (although it does get very loud) Cons: -Gets VERY crowded on the weekends. If you want to sit upstairs/outside, expect to wait. -The bar gets really loud and obnoxious with Newbury St ladies and their huge purses and the equally loud men that come to prey on them. -My waitress was great (albeit slow, but it was really busy) but my order didn't even come out right. At least she was really nice when we asked to split our check. -Food and drinks are overpriced for what you get. I will definitely come back here for the drinks and maybe some appetizers but I thought this place was overpriced for what I got.
(3)
Sanah K.
I will most likely NEVER go (come) here again. I believe the bartender who was serving me on a Sunday after 3 was an OLD guy named Hash. I came here with a friend on the usual Newbury weekend visit to have drinks. A glass of champagne or not...meaning he refused to serve me a second glass of champagne. Coming from Vegas and being like top sales of alcohol in the entertainment serving business, you would think as a bartender you serve your customers to their highest satisfaction/ expectation and high liquor sales/ volume. I'm sorry I think I was exactly fine to enjoy my second glass, who a female bartender served me my second. Who is Hash to tell me I don't need another glass, he can clearly kiss my ass. In my book you're a dull* bartender who needs to go back to bartending school. ANYWAYS- NEXT
(1)
Khan A.
Best calamari I've ever try. Rally great atmosphere and great service. My friend got fish and ships and it was good. Fish was really fresh and it was perfectly cooked. But my dish was even better. Two pieces of great roasted chicken served with natural jus and mashed potatoes. I really enjoy my meal. Great place to have a dinner.deffinatelly worth it 20 min wait on Friday night.
(5)
Vin F.
Good solid Boston bar (we only drank here). Try the bar downstairs which is old dark wood, black and white pictures of Red Sox from bygone days, and attentive and efficient Boston bartenders. Just a great low key atmosphere to talk, watch a game, relax.
(4)
Alisa T.
I've been to Joe's a few times now, and it is nothing more than just average. Their service has always been great, but the food and cocktails definitely leave something to be desired. My turkey burger was dry and lacking flavor, and my bloody mary just tasted like shrimp cocktail sauce. I would recommend getting the lobster roll though.
(3)
Jieyuan W.
Very average brunch.
(3)
David B.
The food here is wonderful, especially the Mac & Cheese. Drinks are definitely above average. But the best thing about Joe's is Vickie. She is by far the best server I've had. She has strong charisma, is very personable, and is the reason we came back twice in one week. Amazing service!
(5)
Jus J.
Christine C. is a great manager. I'm sad to hear she's no longer at the back bay location. We had a horrible order of scallops. they were scorched. I don't know what happened. I love the food, but this time, it was just messed up. Just a mess. Christine, saved the day. She gave me and my mom our favorite dessert and champagne fore free, and was really personable and adorable. I love this place. Great for people watching. I've been here many, many....many times, and anytime something is wrong, they take care of it.
(4)
Bryan H.
They made us wait over an hour for our food, it was cold, and the waiter was extremely rude to our large group. My friend and I were practically chastised for asking for a modification to our breakfast so that it could be gluten free. One latte came a good 40 min after ordering it. It's too bad because I've had mediocre service from them in the past. But I'm afraid I will never go there again.
(1)
R ALopo C.
Stopped by the other day to check it out with a friend. It was packed, yet the service was still excellent, but the food could've been a little better. My friend got the Blackened Chicken Pasta ( which he absolutely loved)and I got the Mushroom Provolone burger ( the cheese/mushroom combo was delicious, but the burger was a bit bland in taste.. and the fries didnt taste fresh). DO ask for bread with butter though.. it's the best!! I'll definitely stop by to give it another shot or order delivery through diningin.com
(3)
Ellie W.
Joe's is a bit like watching a Baywatch lifeguard sprinting down the beach--you gaze in fascination. Then, they stop to converse with you, and you suddenly realize they can only speak in 5 word sentences, and 3 of those words are "like". This restaurant is a lot more appealing from the outside. Though service is friendly and efficient, the food is an indifferent "meh" at best. The food wasn't bad, but I didn't like anything enough to return.
(3)
Hillary w.
I'd still go back for drinks or dinner but not brunch. Brunch was a deal because they had muffins and a beverage included. They got rid of the muffins awhile ago and recently started serving bread but the beverage is no longer included (even though it is still noted on their online menu). There are a lot of restaurants that offer brunch in the area and I feel that their menu and food items are pretty standard. They don't set themselves apart anymore.
(3)
Michael R.
Good food... and the service is even better... Sam, the manager was wonderful, and our waiter, Ethan was great also... love the French Onion Soup (came here 3 nights in a row... is that sad?). When its warm, great to sit on the street side and people watch. Nicely stocked bar.
(4)
Lisa S.
I went to Joe's American Bar & Grill on July 4th to meet some friends who were visiting from out of town. We knew that it would probably be crowded, so we called ahead to make a reservation about 1.5-2 hours before. We showed up on time, and I checked in. We waited about 30 minutes for our table, and they seated all other groups waiting before us- making the call ahead absolutely pointless. When they finally did seat us, it was a corner table on the patio. It was over 90 degrees out and very sunny, and the table was so hot we were all sweating. We asked to sit somewhere else, and the hostess rudely told us other people were waiting too, and it would be 20-30 more minutes for another table. We sucked it up and sat at the table, because we were starving. We ended up sitting around 3:15-3:20, and our waitress came by and told us that they were no longer serving brunch (ends at 3). We were obviously pissed off, since our reservations were for 245, so she talked to the kitchen and said we could still order brunch. The food took probably 30 minutes to come out. The waitress got one of my friend's orders wrong, and she didn't get the correct dish for another 5-10 minutes. Two of the napkins and a plate that we were given were dirty (the napkins had stains on them). The waitress accidentally poured water into my friend's lemonade (but luckily brought her a new one). My friend's tuna was a very small serving. The food was mediocre at best, and overpriced. The only good things about our meal were the bread (yummy) and having a table where we could people-watch on Newbury. I would definitely not go back to this place.
(1)
Nguyen T.
Spinach artichoke dip is pretty good.
(2)
Matt G.
Phenomenal service, abundant waitstaff, open kitchen runs clean and efficient. Prime rib hash with poached eggs was a well done done satisfying brunch. Special requests always received with a smile. Along with reasonable prices. Food at our 8 top came out exactly as ordered and very timely especially given that the place was packed at the time we were there, Sunday early afternoon. Will return when back in the HUB.
(4)
Alyssa J.
This place was ok. I would go back...I guess. It was pretty generic all around. The thing that really stuck out about this Sunday Brunch was that the waitress was far more hungover than anyone at my table. I am consistently annoyed when I have to ask a server what the specials are. This young woman seemed so confused by the question, she left the table for a few minutes. Probably to ask someone the definition of special...I don't know. She showed up again and read it off of a piece of paper like a 4th grader. The food was good solid breakfast food, nothing to write home about, but I rarely write home as it is. One thing I noticed was that my Eggs Benedict tasted a little sour. My friend had the breakfast pizza and thoroughly enjoyed it. Joe's is a good place to go if you like breakfast food and don't mind a waiter from the Special Olympics. Oh wow, that was really mean. But...still, fairly accurate.
(3)
Emily T.
No wait, so we're in! Hubby got the Joe's Mac & Cheese. I foolishly got some sort of salad with chicken and apples. I could have sworn the menu said it had walnuts, but there weren't any walnuts. The salad was definitely sub-TGIF quality, by a long shot. I think they should take it off of their menu. Seriously. Eww. However, hubby's Mac & Cheese was quite yummy. So, minus two stars for a yucky salad, but this would have been a 4-star review if I had just ordered the Mac & Cheese. :)
(3)
Selena B.
Do NOT order take out here unless you're really into surprises!!! These guys couldn't get a take-out order right if you packed it yourself!!!! With that being said, the food is reliably good and Joe's makes extra effort to have plenty of management available when you're order goes wrong - because it's bound to. I do love their prime rib but they always sell out of it really early....here's a tip for you boys...COOK MORE!!!! If you sell-out every night maybe that's a sign??? I'm sure you don't want to waste food but make a stew or something, if you don't sell out of more!!! The soups they make are sometimes a total slam dunk. GREAT bread. Service can be slow at times but hey - IT'S PACKED!!! This location is much better than the one they had at Dartmouth too. So yes, I'm a "fan", but there's room for improvement. If you can look over some major problems I'm sure you'll enjoy your food very much :) It's just frustrating when the problems are just as reliable as the quality of the food!
(4)
L T.
Nothing too special about this place. It's got your regular Brunch/Food selection - nothing that unique, all pretty safe, but the atmosphere is good for groups, and service is solid. When it's a large party of us we usually sit downstairs in the private room on the left which is nice, at no extra cost.
(3)
Elizabeth B.
A huge "meh." I kept wanting to like this place and came back more than once, but always left pretty disappointed. The food is very average and everything is overpriced. For example, I subbed home fries out for fruit salad (and was charged extra for doing so), and was presented with cantaloupe and some sad looking grapes. That's not even trying! Service has been very spotty on at least two occasions - bringing food before even bringing water to the table, mixing up simple substitutions & acting a bit surly about re-doing the order, neglecting to bring cream and sugar for the coffee & disappearing (we eventually took matters into our own hands and got some splenda/sugar from a nearby cabinet), etc. etc. A nice spot on the corner of Newbury and Exeter with an open air bar, but a fancy bar doesn't make up for mediocre food and a blah experience. If you do insist on going, go for brunch - their fresh squeezed juices are good, and it's hard to mess up eggs.
(2)
Jon B.
I think most people have a pretty good idea of what they are getting when they enter a chain restaurant.. and this one is no exception. The food is pretty unremarkable, the service is pretty decent and the bill is pretty hefty for what you just ate.. Essentially your eating at a high end Applebee's.. The atmosphere is upscale as are the prices for standard fare.. Don't get me wrong.. the unit located on Newburry is a great spot to slip into, have a hearty burger, a cold drink and continue down the street.. Just don't expect too much and you wont be disappointed..
(3)
Phil D.
Great bread! Love the upstairs bar with retractable roof; perfect for sun or snow
(4)
Will F S.
This isn't the restaurant I'd take a date to, or even really frequent as a Boston resident. However, browsing the shops on Newbury Street is a favorite past-time for tourists and this restaurant caters perfectly to that. What better way to eat lunch on Newbury than sitting outside on a gorgeous day, watching the hordes of tourists walk by, and mow down a good burger or a lobster roll? Nothing to write home about, but with decent food and decent prices right in the middle of one of Boston's most famous streets, this is the perfect lunch-stop for when mom and dad are in town.
(4)
Alden G.
Had a great meal here last week (July 2010). Come early and you may be seated by the sidewalk outside, where the people watching is great. Very energetic atmosphere. Tried some excellent wine, including 2007 Landmark Chardonnay, which was top notch, and the very good Caymus Cabernet. Steak tips were excellent!
(3)
Stephanie H.
Went in for an early dinner so there was no wait. Friendly waitress. Interior is on the fancy side but nothing amazing about it. Like the newbury location. Drinks were good. Food: + Filet was delicious. I'm always worried that restaurants will overcook medium rare orders but it was nicely cooked. + Mashed potatoes side was good. + Bbq Ribs appetizer pretty good, but for those who have had Woodranch (CA), their ribs are definitely better. I'd say its overall a nice place and date spot, on the pricey side, good food, but nothing to rave about. I'm glad I went but I probably won't return.
(3)
LeiSs A.
Excellent food, excellent service. The bf and I had two different steaks and they were both delicious!! So were the sides (onion rings, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato fries) we ordered along with it.
(5)
Megan M.
I ate here several times while living in the Back Bay Area & I must say I am a fan. I think I ordered the same thing every time but one, so I can't offer an opinion on everything, but the Turkey Burger here is super good! Polish it off with sweet potato fries & a draft beer & you're good to go! The only drawback is the atmosphere...it feels like you are crammed in like a pack of sardines & there is always a wait...even when you're picking up a take out order that you called in 30 minutes before.
(4)
Lauren P.
Similar story as with most Newbury brunch establishments. Average at best but location trumps all and rewards these places with heavy traffic. Most regular brunch offerings are executed well but huge +1 for service. Our server was funny, attentive to our rather large group and ready with suggestions.
(3)
Andrew S.
Leaving Massachusetts is hard... I love Boston/the Northeast in the late Spring, early Summer. So when we checked out of the Westin and had to catch a noon flight back to Miami, I just went for a quick drive down Newbury and happened upon this parking spot right on the corner, between Stephanies and Joes. Stephanies is old news -- everyone and their grandmother has had their Brunch. So we went to Joes and, boy, a surprise for sure. Considering that we only had 30 minutes to eat and run, I glanced over the menu and saw some delicious and eye-catching options. Everything was priced between $10 to $20, and each dish came with a drink of choice (if before 11am, only non-alcoholic fresh-squeezed orange juice and grapefruit juice) and a basket of muffins. The complementary orange juice was delicious, in 2 small glasses. That weekend, Boston had a 'Boiled Water' problem, meaning that the water wasn't good to drink, so no restaurants had coffee. The waitress brought us our orange juice and we downed it fairly quickly. The muffins were small, warm and delicious. Two varieties... first are corn muffins, and second are carrot/walnut/raisin muffins... paired with a bit of butter, and your stomach is set. I ordered the Prime Rib mash ($12.99) and my girlfriend had the french toast. The mash was awesome -- two poached eggs with hollandaise sauce ladled over the entire dish. The salty, moist baked prime rib bits with the eggs was a perfect pair, that made my hungover heart and mind sing. The french toast was meh. Through the meal, our orange juice ran out, and I requested more. 5 minutes later, 2 large glasses came (much larger than the previous glasses), and I was informed that the larger glasses were because they weren't complementary. Don't you love when a waitress neglects to mention that the additional orange juice (even considering Boston's water problem) costs an additional $4 per glass? That lost this possibly 3 star restaurant a star.
(2)
Parris M.
I came here back in April for a hangover vacation brunch. was recommended by a local. I ordered eggs benedict, because I like to see how restaurants rank with each other. The portion size was small, and my egg was raw. Now, I know what a poached egg is supposed to look like. This was a raw egg. I'd try it again, but I was very underwhelmed.
(3)
Allison B.
My sister and I were visiting from out of town and stopped at Joe's for lunch. It was a beautiful day so we waited for a seat at the windows. We experienced some inappropriate behavior by the hostess and she seated another couple before us. We did speak with the manager on duty that day, Ashley, and she was wonderful! She understood our complaint and seated us immediately. She was incredibly apologetic and friendly and even took care of part of our meal, which was not necessary. Despite our one bad experience with the hostess, all the staff were wonderful, the atmosphere was great and the food equally so. I would eat here again when I visit Boston and would recommend to others for lunch. P.S. Loved the loster roll!
(4)
Kunal M.
One of the major reasons I started yelping was to inform people of places to see and be seen...so far I think I am doing a decent job at it. ALTHOUGH Joe's would technically be considered a place to see and be seen on Newbury I would recommend not coming here! Put it this way- If you could test drive any car on a street, why would you pick the worst one? I would even go to the bar fight haven on Newbury- also known as Daisy Buchanans before I come back to Joe's.
(2)
Julie D.
We stopped by on a recent Sunday morning. The outdoor patio was packed, so we had to wait for a table. They handed us a pager, so we were free to wander the streets. Service was fairly quick and efficient. Although we would not have minded if it were not, because this is a prime place for some people watching. BJ got a shrimp cocktail and a clam chowder in a bread bowl. He really liked and it thought it was exceptional. I opted for a yummy mimosa to go with my french toast. I was excited about the challah bread but it turned out to be pretty much average. We would visit again the next time we are in the area.
(4)
Viv C.
I give this place 5 stars for what it is. This is one of my favorite places to visit. It's great for impromptu drinks/dining. The drinks are absolutely delicious esp the sparkling berry sangria.... some of the best. They also have woodchuck cider year round which isn't the easiest to locate anymore. The food is delicious. If you like a French Dip sandwich look no further. Theres is the absolute best. Everything I've tried has been good. This place is a favorite for many reasons: - Its a nice atmosphere. Feels nice with quality decor/finishes but not so nice you worry about being underdressed if you weren't planning to go out. The walls in the upstairs are all glass which feels like being outside when they open in the summer. And a treat in the winter too when you feel sunlight deprived. -Food. The food is delicious. I read some person who compared this to Applebees due to how the food was cooked, must've been a substitute chef or he had a bad day bc it's always good. This is definitely a better quality place, with good ingredients for the price. Sadly, some people simply cannot identify the difference between crappy chain food vs mixed quality food vs high quality food. I would say this is the middle but def leaning toward higher. A person who thinks this is like applebees cannot tell the difference between pre-made sauces made with chemicals (applebees) and those made on site with more whole ingredients than chemicals (joes) the quality of beef (applebees = cheap delimeat for a roast beef / cheap pink slimy beef in the burgers)...and real food (joes = slices of juicy prime rib for their roast beef and quality beef) I'm just saying. It's not the best of the best, but if you are someone who can taste the difference in ingredient quality you will certainly will find more real food here vs other chains. Enjoy it! -service - I've had almost always excellent service (i.e. waitress/waiter is friendly and checks up but doesn't hover, does not let drinks get empty, etc) I won't knock a star off, for the occasional less attentive staff member which I admit has happened. This a great place to drop in for good drinks or good food when in the area.
(5)
Russ B.
Food: 2 over priced applebees food with less flavor. We had med rare prime rib ( came over cooked gray and lacked flavor). Grilled salmon (looked good but lacked flavor) Ambiance: 4 great pattio area Service: 4 good but awkward. He may have been new. Friendly though. Price: 1 appropriate for newbery but not for the food and drinks we had. I recommend going to capital grill or Atlantic fish co over this place.
(2)
d f.
Joe's has gotten worse. Poor and infrequent table service, low quality food. I ate at Joe's with a friend. The calamari were barely warm and mostly fried batter without much actual squid. The salmon was cooked well, but lacked flavor. The vegetables were undercooked. Service was really spotty -- water glasses were left without refills and had to flag down waitress often, even though it was not that busy. Avoid Joe's -- better off going to Atlantic Fish Company or Abe & Louie's (also skip Stephanie's and Met Bar -- equally bad).
(1)
Emily D.
Everyone says, "Oh I come to Joe's for the Ribs or Wings" Not us, my hubby and I come here for the complimentary bread. Well, we don't just get bread and leave but if that was possible we so would. That warm bread with butter just makes me crazy.. I can't stop eating it. Besides the amazing bread, we've had some really good meals here. My favorite is the Black and Blue Burger, perfectly cooked burger with blue cheese, roasted red peppers, scallions and caramelized onions. Side of fries and garnish of onion rings. It's my go-to meal here. The Newbury Street location is great because of the patio. It's the perfect spot for summer dining and not have crazy newbury street prices like other restaurants.
(4)
Courtney H.
Everytime I come here I get seduced by the awesome openness of the first floor, and then I eat the food. It's too greasy for me and way overpriced but that's to be expected in the area. I always feel regretful whenever I eat here because it just seems so unhealthy. They must use a lot of sodium. However, everything is decent here, but nothing is stand out. The service is very good and I'm never disappointed with the staff, but the food is just meh. Go some place else if you are in the neighborhood.
(2)
Katie S.
I always love this restaurant at every location. This particular location is perfect we sat right where you enter and we could people watch. The pricing was great for everything that we got. Our waitor was very funny, helpful, and quick. The bar downstairs is even nicer than upstairs! The filet was great cooked to my liking. The steak tips were very chewy and very over cooked but steak tips are hard to cook anyways so I will let it slide. Will def return when in the area.
(4)
Michele K.
I'm so glad we found this place! We had just flown in from LA after having not slept or eaten all night and made it for early lunch before the crowd showed up. I ordered the Crab Cake Salad (as recommended by the server) and hubby ordered a french dip sandwich. They brought us the most delicious warm bread before our entrees. That alone was worth it. The crab cake atop my salad was like no other I've ever had on the West Coast, very yummy! Service was excellent as well. Just casual enough, I'll definitely come here again.
(4)
Christina J.
Ok. So not my top choice of places to go to during my weekend trip to Boston. Not that I don't like the food, but I always like to try something different when I'm away from home. However, the Italy v. Spain soccer game was already halfway done so I needed to get to a bar pronto, and I knew they would for sure have the game on. Again, having a Joe's at home, I'm familiar enough with the food and know what I like and what to order, and I'm always happy with my experience there. However.... it seems this time I must have been invisible or something. I sat there for several minutes and no one even looked at me or stopped to ask how I was. THANKS. I might as well have been waving my arms around the whole time I was there because NO ONE would pay me any attention. I had to stop one of them to ask for a menu, ask for my drink, and then ask for bread. The one bartender that ended up serving me came around once to ask if I was doing ok and then when I had stopped eating he didn't even ask how everything was or if I wanted anything else, he only printed out my check without saying a single word to me. Is this the typical customer service they have here?? Thank God I don't live nearby, and thank God I get better service at my local Joe's. I DEFINITELY won't be back to the one on Newbury.
(1)
Kelly K.
Had dinner here before and the food used to be real good but the chicken ziti brocolli was just ok. The service was great but not enough to make me want to go back. Too bad. :/
(3)
Carolyn L.
Stopped in here when I was in Boston a couple of weeks ago and had a great (drunk) time after the Red Sox vs Cubs game. I ended up inadvertently harassing the waiter but he stayed calm and friendly with me. Great food and drinks. A little pricy but it's Newbury Street. I expected no less!
(4)
Cristina P.
I've been to Joe's on Newbury twice, once for breakfast and once for dinner. Breakfast was wayy better, service and food wise. At dinner, our waiter never brought us bread, our food came out after waiting about 20 minutes. We ate and ultimately ran out of water. The waiter passed by and asked how the food was, but didn't "notice our drinks" because he never really stopped to hear our response. We finished eating, the waiter never came back. So we wait again, finally the waiter turns around from helping another table that just been seated and looks at us, thirsty, we asked for the check. If you work on Newbury St, make sure you can handle crowds of people please.
(2)
Chrizzle D.
I really liked it here. My first experience was with the BF. I was craving meatballs, and was not let down by their spaghetti and meatballs! Went there a second time with a friend for her birthday. Got the same dish and was not disappointed. Waitstaff was amazing and even brought out a complimentary (yummy) chocolate cake. If I go back, I may have the spaghetti and meatballs again. YUM!
(4)
Tee B.
Playing that funky music, good drinks, kind server, but the "award winning" clam chowder wasn't better than Chunky's Canned kind; however, not everything is perfect. I would recommend a visit -- open aired seating on a July evening
(4)
Eli B.
This place was great. Not super expensive, but you are paying to get the good stuff. A great selection, from burgers to lobster. Everything my friends and I had was delicious. Service was a little slow, but it's a big place, and when I was there, there were about 8 of us in our group. Recommended for most occasions.
(4)
Lindsey R.
While staying in Boston, my boyfriend and I were looking for someplace to eat on Valentine's Day and by the time we got to Newbury St. we were starving. After a review of the menus of other restaurants, which were far too pricey for our college student budgets, we settled on Joe's. I was a little wary because although I had never been, I knew Joe's was a chain (with one being found at our local mall) but I was pleasantly surprised. The interior was clean and sophisticated and a lot of other couples our age were eating there, probably because the prices are much more affordable than a lot of the other places on Newbury. We were seated quickly and the hostess was really nice, making some conversation as she sat us. Our server was great as well, very friendly and quick to assist us. I got the Rotisserie Roasted Chicken and my boyfriend got the Sirloin Steak Tips. The chicken, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce were delicious. I did however comment to my boyfriend that I was a little afraid I had gotten more than my daily sodium intake in my dish! My boyfriend loved his steak tips. We also got the nachos for an appetizer which were pretty good, although I wish there was a little more cheese. The lemonade is amazing and so is the bread! Also, a nice touch, I was given a rose at the end of our meal because it was Valentine's Day. Cute!
(4)
Julia G.
I'm originally from Dallas, TX, and this place felt a lot like your standard $$ fare. I was excited because the appearance seemed more upscale than most breakfast/brunch spots I visited in Boston (you stand in line, no waiter service, you watch your food being cooked) but this place just did not satisfy my expectations. Great for your standard omelet, waffles, home fries, etc. but nothing to ride home about!
(3)
Lindsay R.
I just stopped into Joe's for an appetizer and a drink with my family while Christmas shopping. Everyone was so friendly. It was my first time visiting Boston and I was pleasantly surprised. The French onion soup was delicious! However our server could have made anything sound wonderful. His name was Colin and he was a peach! He made my whole family laugh even our tired children. I can honestly say he is one of the best servers I have ever had (and we eat out a lot!). If we ever come back to that lovely city we will be sure to stop back into Joe's and hopefully be seated with Colin! Thanks everyone!
(5)
AJ U.
Joe's American Bar and Grill sucks, no other way to put it. The atmosphere is good, but the food and service is downright awful. I tried the Waterfront location last year when my parents were in town (bad choice) and decided to give the Newbury Street location a try Saturday night because a few friends were in town and it was the only 8:30 last minute reservation I could find (shocker). Very disappointing, yet again. Overpriced, undercooked food. What steak comes without a vegetable for $25? The mash potatoes look like they came out of a blender. I think Applebees would have served up a better steak. My friends turkey burger looked like it came off the $1 menu at McDonalds, but with less toppings. I just don't get how a restaurant can have such good locations and atmosphere and yet completely miss on the food. Not making this mistake a third time; should have tried to make reservations sooner and gone elsewhere.
(2)
Alex B.
Our waitress was great, the location is perfect, but I feel like Joe's is a boring restaurant with food one notch up from mediocre. My omelette was good but not memorable and the bloody mary was down right bad; it tasted like watered down tomato juice and wasn't even remotely spicy like it had been advertised on their brunch menu.
(2)
Ayla G.
The food was good, but what I'd like to point out is the great service. My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by Ethan, our server. He was witty, attentive and went above and beyond to make us feel like we were truly special customers. When my husband wondered where the Browns (football team) was in the league, Ethan looked it up and returned promptly with the stats. His service alone will bring us back to Joe's.
(4)
George A.
I love Joe's! Best barenders in the city. The room is beautiful but comfortable. The place is spotless. The food is delicious and reasonable, I love the tuna, buffalo Chicken and of course, the bread bowl clam chowder!! Join the loyalty program. You get $25 gift checks all the time!!! Joe's is the BEST!!
(5)
Aubrie L.
Came here yesterday after walking around Boston... We were happy to find a place open (since it was thanksgiving). The hostess was quick to seat us as soon as we came in. Shortly after this out waiter (I feel terrible that I don't remember his name) and introduced himself and took our drink order. He recommended a beer to me (I usually don't drink beer) and offered to bring a sample just so I could be sure. He came back and asked me how I liked it- it was really good (again I can't remember the name) so I ordered it and we ordered our food. As we chatted our food came to us in a timely manner after a few minutes of eating the owner came over and wished us a Happy thanksgiving and asked us how we were enjoying our meal. My sister got the Cobb salad, my friend got wings and my other friend enjoyed a salad as well. I ended up sharing the wings and fries. The food was good and we had a wonderful time our waiter was attentive and pleasant. We paid and left in a happier mood than when we came! I will be coming back on my next trips to Boston!!
(4)
Kevin R.
Great late night bar.,,., bartenders are the best.
(4)
Liz K.
Went here on a beautiful day when it was 60's and sunny out. The ceiling was open and all the windows were up, so the sun was shining in with lots of fresh air, which made for the perfect atmosphere. There is a good brunch menu and if you order brunch you get a cocktail with it, which is a nice touch. The sandwiches and salads all looked good too. The menu is very large and they have just about everything. Service was good and located right on Newbury street. Definitely recommend for a good weathered day.
(4)
Only My O.
My girlfriend and I went into joes after a movie and we proceeded to the bar with josh the bartender. I asked him to surprise me with a good drink and he made me an awesome combination! Fried chicken wasn't to bad either. I'll definitely return soon
(5)
Mandy A.
We were aiming to have a late lunch since we knew we'd have a late dinner so I was a bit surprised that there was such a wait at 1:30pm. But it was Columbus Day and it was Newbury Street so we waited. We picked this place since a friend of husband's said they had good Boston Creme Pie here. My plans for the Pie had been thwarted the day before so I was pumped. For lunch and pie but mainly pie. Again with the weird servers... I don't know about these Boston girls. This one was talking about the wine like it was poetry or something... I just sort of tuned her out. She brought us bread and one appetizer plate. Ha. And the bread was a big chunk, not cut. So we made a mess and I went without a plate, she didn't notice any of the times she came back which made me laugh. I got the Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich on a whim. I don't normally go for stuff like that but it spoke to me. Fantastic decision, I was really proud of myself for that one. The ham and cheese melted inside the chicken which was perfectly thin and crispy... wow. So freaking good. Husband took a bite and said he wished he ordered that instead. I held off on hoovering all of the fries to save room for the pie. Weird server came back with dessert menus and went on and on about their carrot cake and again, tuned her out as she was talking about cream cheese something or other and as I'm scanning... no PIE. What the heck? So we passed on dessert. I was sad. Probably not their fault, maybe we were lied to and led astray by the coworker. I did laugh when I saw the servers new table all giving her weird looks and whispering as she walked away like what is her deal. At least it's not just me. Overall, fancy place. Not my favorite vibe. Kind of like old school steak house and no real personality. I have a thing with putting "American" in the name of your business... I don't get it.
(4)
Bronwen Y.
Big fan of Joe's. With the warm weather, reservations are a MUST (but thankfully they use Open Table, which makes it super easy). Like so many places in Boston, they won't let you reserve the upstairs patio, but downstairs is gratefully air conditioned! Even if you have a reservation, you'll probably need to chill at the downstairs bar with a pager for a while, but just build that expectation into your plans and you'll be fine. Lots of beers on tap, good wine selection, and a full bar. Food is excellent - try the spicy beef salad if you want something a bit lighter. I also appreciate how all of the burgers and sandwiches come with an onion ring!
(4)
Celeste A.
We just moved to Beacon Street in Boston and were walking around to find someplace to have a late dinner after a long day at work and saw Joe's which I think fancy's itself as sort of tex-mex restaurant. We went there at 8:00 pm and wrongly assumed since Joe's was open that an 8 pm was not something they were not equipped to handle--obviously we were wrong. The host was standing at his station when we arrived. He asked if we were there for drinks or dinner. When we said dinner; he turned to a woman standing near the bar where we should be seated. She looked somewhat annoyed and they exchanged a private conversation with the host for about a minute, after that he said follow me. The host walked us to the back of the restaurant where there were some nasty broken looking tables with stools (no backs). There were empty tables all over the restaurant, both high and regular tables that had chairs with backs. But no they put us at a table that was so broken that I could not even touch the table without it rocking. We ordered a drink and dinner at the same time because it was late and we were hungry. The drinks came out and were fine but the dinner took another 20 minutes to arrive. When the dinner did arrive it was more of a tapas plate size. I had read some of the other yelp reviews before we went so expected a dinner of normal size or bigger. I am certainly glad my husband and I did not share a dinner, as is our normal M.O., even if we are getting a sandwich--because we are not big eaters. I now wander if they were running out of food for the day and decided not to share this information when I ordered the special (tamale mole). The only thing large on the plate was the banana leaf. Perhaps if this was a "REAL" Tex-mex restaurant we would have been served chips and salsa which would have made this tiny portion palatable. We had to go home and grab a snack after dinner. My husband ordered the chicken tortas which was a bit larger but still not large enough to split. The flavors on both entries were bland and uneventful. To be clear, there is NOTHING is special about this place. Perhaps the person who said the portions were huge, went to Joe's before 8 pm. My final note: this place does not deserve to be in business in this town where superb food is the norm. We will certainly never spend our money at Joe's again and I urge anyone who reads this to do the same.
(1)
Kiki D.
On my last trip to Boston, of course we had to walk & shop on Newbury St. We stumbled upon Joe's and decided to have lunch there. Our server was Luis, and he was very nice & friendly. He offered us a bread basket, even though our meals weren't really bread-needy. It was the best bread ever~!! Warm & toasty fresh. I almost ate it all, but had save room. I ordered the chicken parmesan sandwich, which ended up being HUGE. You definitely could not pick it up to eat it like a sandwich. The normal sized bread bun it came with was tiny compared to the chicken. Definitely a knife & fork kind of sandwich. It tasted really good with the marinara & cheese on it. On the side was a nice little green salad w/ balsamic dressing - perfect tasting. Our table also ordered the fish & chips. They were up to par. There were onion rings too. Minus one star for the dirty silverware & bread plate. All else was good.
(4)
Mayra B.
This last Saturday afternoon we had just checked into a hotel in Newbury St. and were starving. We walked a couple of blocks and Joe's was literally the first restaurant we found so we stopped there. I didn't think we were going to like it that much but it was a great experience. The hostess sat us down immediately in a great table with plenty of space that fit our baby's stroller (in spite of it being quite full). Our server's name was Joey and he was very helpful and offered very quick and spot on service. He recommended a couple of different sangrias which were very tasty and refreshing and a had a great beer selection for my husband. We also ordered the ahi tuna tartare, the clam chowder and the onion soup to start and then a couple of great burgers and the blackened haddock sandwich. Everything was well cooked, very flavorful and exactly as we had asked for. Joey also recommended the banana cream pie for desert, which was to die for. This place delivers great American quality food, quick service and a very pleasant and well-trained staff. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Ashley D.
Berry Sangria was to die for
(4)
Drew R.
Had some great Seared Ahi Tuna here. They also have a good selection of beers.
(4)
Thiago G.
Ive been to the New Location on Newberry St a couple times and i love it every time! Always a wait on Friday and Saturday Nights, Go to the bar have a drink and by the time your done a table will be ready! Or its just my luck! Waiting Staff was Great and their Fish Special was amazing! Love the New Look on Newberry St as Well.. Very Large and Modern. Im a Fan!
(4)
Jason M.
While on my way to Fenway for my first Red Sox game (hey stuff it! I moved here in January), we decided to stop and grab a quick bite to eat. Desperately craving another burger, my friend suggested we stop at Joe's. The food didn't stick out as great. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best I've had. My burger was nicely medium and very juicy. They use a poppyseed bun, which you don't see too often. I had a white sharp cheddar cheese which was delicious. The fries were a bit thicker than I like, although they came with an onion ring... a happy little surprise. What made the night an adventure was our waiter. I have several theories: A. It was his first day. B. He was training to be a ninja. C. He had social anxiety. D. All of the above. As he shared the specials, he did so in a rapid-fire, skip every third word in such a weird way. His phrasing was spaced oddly, like he was afraid he'd forget something important. The next word was always on the tip of his tongue as he shoutedouteverythingsoquicklyyoudidn'tunderstandhiÂm. It didn't help he was wearing all black. This helped him sneak up on us without us noticing, loudly announce his presence and then he'd quickly blurt out something: HEY!Wouldyoulikearefillonyourdrinksoranotherbeer?Âno.greatthankyou. Sometimes we didn't get to respond as he would jet away. I'm gonna chalk it up to that it was his first day. And he was part ninja.
(3)
Kate L.
I don't know why I only give 3 stars because the food is always super here. The steak salad with blue cheese is probably the best steak salad I have had next to Abe's. The tuna ahi app was tiny... only 4 pieces of tuna which let me fill up on the great soft, warm bread that is always a sure bet. Service is good. Sangria was sweet and good but made my me and my boyfriend tired. For the price, not bad. I would go back.
(3)
Malea X.
i had 2 meals here, lunch and brunch. both were good (a gluten-free lobster roll!) and they take care to keep the food separated, plus a dedicated fryer. the food and service were good and they were happily accommodating to my allergies, but the lobster roll i had in portland was better. one thing that was quite alarming is that when i asked if they had gluten-free beer the bartender offered me a corona or Heineken, neither of which are gluten-free by any stretch of the imagination! the only way to take gluten out of a grain alcohol is by distilling it. these guys are being given bad information and passing it along. who knows how many people they've gotten sick?!
(3)
Katie K.
Okay so I was going to give this place two stars because my very first experience here wasn't completely abysmal, but the last time I went here was so awful that I will never go back. My boyfriend and I came here for Valentine's day. I'm burger and fries kind of gal. Our waiter didn't even stop by our table to say hello or anything. He literally came up as he was passing and said "drinks?" and walked away before we were able to say anything. He didn't check up on us the entire meal. He didn't smile, he was incredibly unpleasant--honestly I was wondering if he was intoxicated. He was sloppy and rude. Come dessert, we ordered chocolate covered strawberries--a valentine's classic, right? 8 bucks for 3 strawberries, covered in that awful dusty processed chocolate. I bit into one and almost chipped a tooth--THEY WERE FROZEN. So lucky we just sent them back and ended up asking for the check. At least 8 dollars weren't wasted on THREE strawberries. He barely apologized and muttered something. When we asked for the check, he pretty much threw it at us as he walked by. I should have complained, but I'm too agreeable for that and didn't want to ruin anyone's day. We gave him a small tip, but it was still much too generous in my opinion. Ran out of there as fast as possible. Burger was alright and fries were okay too. The Maitre'D was actually very kind. I wouldn't come here unless you're indecisive and desperate.
(1)
Taja R.
I've visited this restaurant on two different occasions. The first time was this past summer. I had the Au Poivre burger, which was pretty good. It was juicy, the bread was soft, the onions were sweet and caramelized as promised. It was a properly cooked medium burger. I couldn't say the same for my fiance's meal. He ordered the Rib au jus, which was overly tender (almost mushy) and wasn't a great cut of meat. We expected so much better! I expected a bit more from the service. There was little in the way of warmth. It felt very mechanical, and we rarely saw the server. The service aspect didn't stand out to us much at all. But we figured, maybe it was just that day. I figured we'd give it another try before putting the nail in the coffin. This weekend was our second time around. My fiance and I met a friend for dinner there. We were promptly greeted and seated. (Great!) However, it took a couple of minutes for our server to come over. Once he did, he too seemed to be out of steam. I got the sense that he was doing the best he could to be "up" and was ready to go home. Nice guy, but I could see it in his very soul that he was not feeling it. (I know the look! I've served long enough to know the look of a tired server!). Decent guy, but he was just through. It was as if he was simply trying to get through this last table. He came over with menus and asked if we would like to start out with drinks, but he didn't really recommend any drinks, rather, he pointed out that they have a drink menu. (Ok...thanks. Maybe one itty bitty drink recommendation? Just one? No? Ok.) We ordered a large bottled water which was served with chilled glasses and a lime, which I appreciated. We were then told of the specials, and took some time to look at the menu. After a while, we noticed that the server was nowhere to be found. We waited between 5-10 minutes (being generous) before we even saw him come back through the dining room. By this time, we ordered apps and entrees. Might I add that once we received the bread for the table, we realized that it was served as one big roll, no slices or cuts to make sharing easier, and we all had blunt butter knives, so imagine how fun that was trying to cut into! It turned into a mini blunt sword fight and evntually, we just tore pieces off.Crumbs everywhere, yay! :-D Anyway, I ordered the soup of the day (butternut squash) and the Ahi Tuna Burger. We also ordered nachos for an appetizer. The soup was okay, it was flavorful, but wasn't as sweet as expected. It tasted more like a carrot, squash soup, and was more savory and citrus flavored, with a kick of the cilantro. I was thrown off, but it was okay. I finished it. The nacho's were okay. I liked the cheese. They were youre typical nachos, nothing to write home about. They were good, but I've had better. They lacked substance. Lettuce, sour cream, some tomato tossed here and there, some salsa on the side. Yeah, nachos. *crickets* But they were good. When the tuna burger arrived (just in time to finish the cup of soup), I was happy with the portion and presentation. The bun was multigrain, but it was soft and had a slight sweetness, with baked in oats on top. The tuna was crusted in sesame seeds, which added an interesting textural element along with a slight nutty flavor. It was also topped with tomato and arugala, which were fresh and deep green. I took a couple of bites, and found it to be pretty balanced and flavorful...however...it wasn't medium as I requested. It was more rare. I figured I could overlook it after the first couple of bites. But about halfway through, I started to not really enjoy it. It was a bit cold, but I figured it was the vegetables that dropped the temperature at first (which was partly to blame), but after a while, I got the feeling that this wasn't fresh tuna. The way it started fo LEAK and FALL APART, I believe the patty had been frozen. Maybe it was fresh when it came in, but it was then ground, shaped into a patty, and frozen until ready to serve. However, this isn't the type of thing you send back to the kitchen to be cooked through, so I just went with it. It was okay, but after a while, I tapped out and couldn't finish it. My fiance ordered the Mushroom Burger. Not only was it cooked medium well, when he ordered medium, but the menu promised mushrooms, which we could tell were not fresh cut. They were definitely from a can. Mind you, he's a chef, so he can kinda definitely spot these things. A man who loves his burgers didn't finish it and didn't care to take it home. The fries, while thick cut, tasted frozen also. I was kinda upset about that. I had sweet potato frieds with my, and they were a bit mushy. *sigh* All in all, we had a good time laughing and talking, but I probably wouldn't pick that restaurant to do it in. It's a shame, because the last time I visited, the burger itself was awessome! Too many details didn't measure up.
(2)
R. G.
This place is decent, but nothing stood out. I had the egg benedict, and my friend had the surf and turf with crab cakes. They were pretty decent, and came with a beverage (my friend had a bloody mary) and some fruit. Mostly importantly, however, it has a prime location for outdoor dining on a sunny day. Our waiter was also great--attentive and friendly, without being over pushy. The inside is kinda dark, with solid black furniture in a traditional style. Not bad, over all.
(3)
Joanne D.
Food is nothing special but probably one of the cheaper restaurant in the back bay. The service is not the best. Their menu indicated brunch comes with bakery basket but when I asked for it, they said it is no longer available and ask if I want bread instead. Even that I had to so twice before they bring it to me. Seriously, if you no longer provide bakery basket, please update your menu.
(3)
Catey W.
Had a wonderful evening at Joe's tonight. The food was perfect and we got a great seat up by the bar with a beautiful view of Newbury street with all of the Christmas lights. What made the night extra special was our wonderful waitress, Alena. She was funny, personable and gave great wine and food recommendations. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Chris C.
Good food and good service in a comfortable atmosphere.
(4)
Jen C.
I came to Joe's with a few friends for dinner and drinks. The food was great and the sangria was delicious. I recommend making reservations on the weekends as it tends to get busy.
(3)
Anastasia R.
They give you a free cocktail with brunch! I always get the Hanger Steak Hash, because omfg it is the best thing you can put in your mouth before noon with few exceptions... I heart ( o )( o )
(5)
Stephanie L.
Joe's bar counter is the perfect place to find a seat and grab a meal if you're in town by yourself. I found the bartenders and other patrons to be super friendly (great indicator of the place!) and the food and drink service fast. The burger was perfectly prepared, and the beer cold and refreshing. Nothing mind blowing, but a solid meal delivery. With a large wall of floor to ceiling windows that are open on a nice day to Newbury St, you can't beat the location and corner bar ambiance.
(4)
Angelo V.
The service at this restaurant was top notch. Rudy was very kind and personable. He was extremely familiar with the dishes and is very customer centric. Everyone at this restaurant is also very kind. The food is excellent. I would highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion and ask for Rudy!!
(5)
J P.
From looking at other reviews, apparently we were somewhat fortunate to have a good experience. Stopped on a weekday for lunch around 1:30. Seated after just a 5 minute wait. The service was prompt and our server was friendly and attentive. I had a burger and she got chowder and a salad. Nothing wrong with any of it. The burger was cooked right and the bun held up strong to the end. She liked the chowder and the salad was fresh. It looked a little on the small side to me but she was satisfied with it. Nice decor, clean, extensive menu.
(4)
H L.
Just had the first try out last week for a quick lunch. The first time, we went there but they did not serve the Brunch in the winter. I cannot remember why, But I was offended for being offered lunch before Noon time then. We went back during the July week for early lunch. They were rather displaying fancy older people to the porch, and casual dressers to the basement level, but we did not mind it as it was cooler and quieter than the upper. Then all filled with the business workers in their 40s+. The lunch was mere $15+. And, fresh with some creative touches. The food, definitely need to be improved to survive the competition across Stephanie's. 3.5 star Perhap's a bit bigger portion for American Joe's would be nice- My salad was fantastic (Beef Noodle salad) But, had to order Apple crumble for a dissert. The two-course finally filled my stomach for the rest of the afternoon. Noticeably, their strong management(2+managers on the scene in suits) keeps every staff to make sure we were well taken care of. Everyone seems to work with focus on what they were doing. All too serious! I will definitely go back and see if their dinner is as good as the lunch we had.
(4)
Amy S.
I've always thought of Joe's as the type of place that you go when you can't decide on somewhere better to go. Or you get lured in b/c it's the only place on the street with outdoor(ish) seating that doesn't have a 30 min wait (which, to be fair to my impatience, is very long when you try to stick to an hour lunch break). That's not to say it's bad, quite reliably good in fact, but nothing to get excited and, say, write a Yelp review about. That all changed when I tried their grilled cheese. You laugh, but this was honestly the best grilled cheese I have EVER had (sorry mom). I'm practically drooling just writing this review. Picture this (unless you have had it, then maybe you can taste it): cheddar and fontina cheese with bacon and tomato (yum!)...and as if that isn't delightful enough...on challah bread! It's one of those sandwiches that you can't help but say, "mmm this is so good" at every bite. Really. I am serious when I say when I was eating it I was planning out when I'd be able to go back. Oh, and it comes with great sweet potato fries (which you can sub for regular fries, but the regular fries are only ehh). As far as service, our waitress was fantastic. She seemed like she was at our table every couple of minutes refilling our waters for us (warm day and one of the people I was with kept downing her water like she just ran 30 miles), which did get a bit awkward, but good service nonetheless. Not so simple grilled cheese - I can't wait until we meet again!
(5)
Joeli G.
Joe's American Bar and Grill on Newbury Street = Disgusting. Flavorless food, cold fries, slow service. 4 people having sandwhiches with a side of 2 beers... $104.00...for lunch!!! That's rediculous. Chain restaurants are always a bad decision but i have to say, Joe's is the worst I've experienced. With so many wonderful places to eat in Boston and its outlying area, don't make the same mistake we made and settle for this place. Wait the 30 minutes to get into Stephanie's across the street - we should have.
(1)
Candice P.
I went here on a Saturday night and we were able to get a table by the window. The weather was amazing and it was a great spot for people watching. I had some seared tuna and it was very small, but it was what I wanted at the time. I suggest you don't order it if you are starving. The sangria was really good, but became a little overwhelmingly sweet after one glass. I really like the atmosphere here. It really casual and fun. Definitely a great spot for a Friday or Saturday night. The service is pretty decent too. Nothing extraordinary though. The one thing that really hurt this rating is the fact that they put an $111 hold in my bank account. I split the bill with my boyfriend and with tip, It should have been charged $50.74 and for some reason the amount showed up as $111 in my checking account. I called and they told me that "sometimes that happens". Why $111 dollars and why didn't my boyfriend get a hold as well? It seems to me they messed something up but didn't want to admit they charged me the wrong amount. It was later fixed but still annoying. I'd go back here again, but next time I will bring cash.
(3)
Joe G.
I work right down the street from joes and I've always wanted to try it. It was pretty good. The only complaint I have was that my beer tasted kind of skunked. I don't know if I got the bottom of the tap or what. But all in all pretty good
(4)
Kyle D.
This place has a nice setup. The bar is right next to the street and it is covered from the elements, but the windows are open in the summer time to allow for nice air circulation. You can see everything going on in the street and it is a nice atmosphere. I would give 4.5 for ambience in the bar and grill category. I ordered the bacon cheesburger done medium with fries and a drink. It took only 10 minutes to hand me my order, which is pretty good considering the high volume of customers at 2:30 on a weekday. They get four stars for service. The food was good. The fries were not a boatload, but adequate enough. The burger was done medium as I requested. I was a little hungry in the end, but I ate my food ravenously. Three and half stars on the food quality and quantity. The prices were a little high. I know that you are paying for the atmosphere, but they charge a little too much for the atmosphere. The bacon cheeseburger, fries, and drink came to about 16 dollars and change. A little high for a bar and grill, even a good one. They get two stars for the price. That comes to 3.5 if you weight everything equally. But I value price efficiently more than ambiance and the higher than usual price brought it down to a 3. But this is a good bar and grill. It is perfect for the summer time. If you have not been there during the summer yet, I suggest you give it a try, or another try, soon.
(3)
Karen V.
I went here for drinks recently with some friends. The bartenders were rude & unprofessional, in fact they behaved like complete idiots. Never again
(1)
Cequesta K.
Came here on a lovely summer day to enjoy the beautiful weather and a delicious meal. The place was packed, which isn't unusual for a Saturday afternoon, but the courteous hostess still managed to seat us promptly. Our waitress was really nice, and she made it a point to find out wheather or not there were Skinny Girl maritnis available (which there was!) For starters we had the spinach and artichoke dip which came with an assortment or pita and tortilla chips, as well as carrot sticks....delicious! But on the other hand, dip is a really hard thing to screw up. For an entree my friend ordered the chicken platter, which was huge! He couldn't even finish it all which says a lot for someone with his appetite. I ordered the special which was the blackened catfish topped with chopped salsa. I've never tasted anything so salty in my life. I'm usually not the type to send food back, but I literally couldn't stomach it! I instead got the catfish-minus all the extra pizazz- and it was simply delightful. The ambiance is classic American decor, casual with a touch of elegance. Very nice. All and all I would definitely come back, I'll just be sure to order something else!
(3)
Allison C.
This spacious restaurant is a great place for drinks after work. Both of our entrees were great, the appetizer was ok but a little less than generous. Sometimes our cocktails were good, sometimes not. I suppose it depends on who is behind the bar. The staff is organized and professional and I liked the atmosphere. Would go again.
(4)
Teddy B.
Not a bad little place. Kind of pricey, but I think that area of Boston is. The food quality was good. Tasty and staff took time to explain the meal and answer questions. The kind of place where what you see is what you get.
(3)
Dave C.
I hadn't been to Joe's on Newbury St in their new location ( former home of Friday's). Went there for Sunday brunch before the Pops Holiday concert. The wait staff handled our GLUTEN FREE needs extremely well and with familiarity and confidence. We were all very satisfied with what we ordered. My daughter ordered a GF grilled cheese, my son had a GF pizza and my wife had a grilled chicken salad. I had the prime rib hash with poached eggs and home fries. All very good. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Lu W.
We had a Margarita pizza and Joe's chopped salad. The pizza was rather unimpressive, and there was too much dressing on the salad. As far as food goes I'd rate it a three star. Then I thought for a Boston bar they could have had a larger and better beer selection, and for the price, the food really could be better. At least I had a fun date. Next time I'll find somewhere else though. Thanks and sorry Ol' Joe.
(2)
Julie R.
It's about time a restaurant moved to this former defunct space. It was an eyesore with it's paper covered windows for years. The new renovation looks fresh. Not only is there a large "patio" with a clear retractable roof, a few steps beneath, a huge sunken dining room. That patio is genius for them to not lose the dining space in winters. On a Sunday afternoon, the place was packed. There were many employees standing near the door wearing suits directing hungry traffic. The hostess took us down to the lower level to be seated, only to realize there was no space, then back up again, they sat us on the covered patio. Our server was all over the place. He seemed disappointed when we ordered lunch with no alcoholic beverages. We got a beef noodle salad and a chicken cordon bleu sandwich. About 15 minutes went by he arrives back to say he forgot our order. Ok server's should really just write things down. I'll give the same tip as if you got it mentally. I think it looks worse to have to come back and say you forgot..especially when our order was a total of 2 items! Some time went by. I knew our order then went in late and we would be waiting a while. We made a plan to speak up about the inconvenience if it didn't arrive in a few. The food arrived at the cusp of our ready-to-complain selves. All I wanted to do was dig in. The beef noodle salad was refreshing. It was served cold with a tangy mint seasoning. The beef was overcooked past med-rare though. My cordon bleu was delicious. It's a heavy sandwich, I was only able to eat half. The place is definitely overpriced with $17 salads and $13-$17 sandwiches. The rest of service was still slow as we waited for drink refills, then the check. The atmosphere seemed sort of sweatshop. The place was so packed and dysfunctional to me. It seemed more of go, go, go, turn tables and let service slide, vs being more attentive and giving a quality experience.
(2)
Hubert H.
Not particularly impressed here. The nicest aspect of their offerings is that they carry gluten-free pasta for those who need that. The basic Joe's burger was overdone (on a medium well request); the fries were substandard, and accompanying the burger was only one measly slice of tomato, with one measly leaf of lettuce. The chicken angel hair pasta was bland, the chicken itself dry and chewy. The main reason to come here is that it's on Newbury Street, and is probably one of the cheaper offerings in this expensive area of town.
(2)
Myrna C.
I finally had the opportunity to come to Joe's after my family went there this summer. We went on a Thursday night, so it wasn't very busy. The food was quite good. Our group of five bought several dishes to split and try. 1) New England Clam Chowder - definitely the best that I had in all of Boston. If I weren't so full from all of the other food, I would have had MUCH more. 2) Filet Mignon - perfectly cooked. It was juicy and tasty. The mashed potatoes on the side were delicious as well. 3) Sesame Ahi Tuna Burger - The tuna was absolutely spectacular. I don't even know what to say about it. I gobbled it down so fast. And the sweet potato fries it came with were SO good. Actually, I think it's the first time I'd ever had sweet potato fries not baked from a Trader Joe's bag. :D 4) Newbury Salad - Looked good. Really didn't have much of it, but my sister seemed to really enjoy it as it was gone pretty quickly as well. Overall, great food and EXCELLENT service. One thing I forgot was that we really loved their bread, so the guy gave us two to go! So cool. :) Will definitely go back the next time I'm there.
(5)
Jessie K.
My friend and I went in for dinner tonight and ate ourselves silly. We split the calamari - which I liked a lot. They serve it with marinara and also throw in some battered peppers which adds a little bit of a kick. The soup of the day was a potato bacon cheddar and my oh my it was rich and delicious! My friend had the ahi tuna salad and she thought it was delicious. I had the chicken club sandwich which I enjoyed and couldn't even come close to finish because of how much other food I'd eaten. For dessert we split the crisp and let's just say that there was nothing left in the bowl when we were through. It's a little overpriced for what it is, but it's sort of expected for a Newbury street restaurant. I remember when it was a TGIFridays and they've definitely upgraded the interior since then! What really made this experience was our server, Mike. He was friendly, attentive and knew the menu inside and out.
(4)
Taylor P.
This review is for BRUNCH only. Wow, I love brunch. Went to Joe's last weekend with a couple of friends and had the most delightful experience. First of all all brunch menu items come with a free beverage - and I'm not talking coffee or juice folks, I mean a real adult beverage. Second, we had an excellent waiter - made some great recommendations and was super friendly/funny. Third the food was plentiful anddd delicious, and fourth, we were all pleasantly surprised when the bill arrived. Again, this is for brunch only. I don't know that I'd come here for dinner as I typically shy away from chains but this place did work out and I would go again in the AM for sure.
(4)
Kimberly H.
Went there for lunch today. Ask to be sat by the street to people watch!
(4)
AnnaMinna H.
It is good. I did npt experience anything even close to the bad reviews here. Steak was cooked perfectly and the chicken fingers are superb. Staff was awesome...and our waiter is a little hottie!!!!
(5)
Gabby B.
So tired of walking and everyplace seemed to be filled out so me and my friend decided to just eat lunch here. I thought the place was classy for it's price so we went outside because it's a nice day and then..It took them for like 5 mins. to give us the menu I mean duh..first things first and HOW COULD YOU not miss me? I ordered this roasted chicken with green wilds(something like that) and when the order had arrived I was like: 'There must be a mistake I've ordered roasted chicken..' 'But this is roasted chicken and green wilds' 'Really?' I mean the food looked like a freaking SALAD! I was starving that day and I'm so sure that the order wasnt in the salad section.I was expecting the chicken with salads on the side not the chicken cut into teeny tiny pieces with these God-knows type of veggies.. After he put it into the table I told him:'I don't like this' but ofcourse you cant trade that and order again so I just sucked it up and ate it cos' I noticed these two couple are looking at me and I don't wanna be embarassed....Urgh...whatevs..
(2)
Joe D.
Classic 3.5 star place. I can't give 3.5, so I went with a 3. Food was good, just not outstanding. I would come back again if I don't have to wait to be seated.
(3)
Angela M.
I made reservations for a bachelorette dinner for last Saturday evening (3/30/2013) for a group of 6. We were a bit late and there was a line outside, but as soon as I mentioned my reservation, we were seated immediately. The manager and the maitre d' were very attentive. We were given the corner table by the windows. What a great spot for people watching! Our server came over right away. His name was Colin. He was superb! He had comprehensive knowledge of the menu, and answered all our questions. We took a bit of time before looking at the menu, but Colin never made us feel rushed. We were trying to decide which appetizers to get, when, before we got the chance to ask, the three different appetizers showed up at our table, as compliments. What a great surprise. The spinach and artichoke dip was very tasty and surprisingly light. The shrimp cocktail was very fresh, and the fried calamari was cooked just right. I hate overcooked calamari. We were still looking at the menu, to select an entree' when Colin appeared at our table. He recommended the special for the evening, which was Crab cakes over a Caesar salad, which he described in detail. So we (all 6 of us) decided to get the get the special. We were all so happy we followed his advice. The crab cakes were divine. They were all crab meat, no fillers, no heavy spices . They were not fried. They were pan seared, which made them so delicate, you could actually taste the crab meat. The salad dressing was on the side, so we could decide how much we wanted to use. The romaine lettuce was crisp and fresh. I really do hope they make that special a permanent part of the menu. We were under a time constraint, (we ere going to a show), which I mentioned to Colin. He made sure we had the check in a timely manner, and also called cabs. I could not have asked for a better dinner with the girls. The bride to be was very pleased and I have to thank Joe'sAmerican Bar and Grille's staff for that. They made it so effortless. I highly recommend this restaurant. You will not regret it. Go ahead, make the reservation.
(5)
Edi D.
Nothing to write home about but the food was pretty standard American fare in a classy setting. I enjoyed the french onion soup and my salad was just fine too. No wow factor at Joe's but everything was good enough.
(3)
Charles E.
I plan to avoid Joe's at all costs in the future. I went there with a couple people on a Sunday afternoon. It was a busy day, with great weather on St. Patrick's Day weekend, and so the hour wait wasn't terribly unusual. What was atrocious were the bartender's manners. Given the fact that we were waiting outside for so long, I hoped to grab a few waters for our group. After the bartender finally took my order, I asked for three waters. He then proceeded to totally ignore my order and instead fulfill a number of others, without ever checking in with me. Granted, no bartender wants to get three waters for someone. But it seemed awfully short-sighted to anger a customer who's about to dine with a group in your restaurant, and might also follow the water order up with a bunch of drink orders. Really poor taste. Our buzzer ended up going before he ever brought the water. The food was fine, although the waitress spilled coffee on my packback, which was on the ground under the table. She also didn't write down the order, which given the complexity inherent in do-it-your-way omelettes, was a bad idea. Luckily, I had great company there. That was the only reason I had a decent meal. I definitely won't be returning anytime soon.
(1)
Tsada K.
THINGS I LEARNED LIVING IN BOSTON: --the only place in your vehicle in which you can keep an open container is a locked trunk, (unless, of course, your father is a cop) --if you see Whitey Bulger standing on the corner, just wave politely and move on, then keep your damn mouth shut for chrissakes --don't park in spaces marked RESIDENT PARKING because you will have to pay a monster ticket (unless, of course, your father is a cop) --the ways in which an individual may fuck his or her mother are, in fact, endless --if someone shovels out a parking space in Southie after a snow storm, that parking space is thereby deeded to that individual until the next thaw; any person who attempts to take that space may be subject to grave personal and/or automotive bodily harm (unless, of course, said person's father is a cop) --you can never have too many bars Joe's has two bars. This is a good thing. Because anyone who's ever been to Boston knows that there's never enough room at one bar to house all the drunk, sports-obsessed, loud, fired-up twatwads, and that that is a very bad thing, and also how people end up getting pissed on or, at the very least, punched in the crochetal region. Kudos to Joe's for thinking ahead. Like almost everything in Boston, the food at Joe's takes a back seat to the liquor. If you stick with the uncomplicated stuff on the menu, however, it can be a terrific neighborhood joint for a quick bite. They make a decent grilled salmon, yummy mashed potatoes, crisp salads, and tasty desserts. It's also a great place to grab a (veggie) burger, fries, and a beer while watching the game at either of the two bars. Just stay away from the froufrou pastas and anything remotely international sounding. Like I said, it's nothing fancy, but if you stick with the basics, Joe's serves the the kind of simple, old fashioned food your mom would make. I mean, if she wasn't so busy with the blow jobs and all.
(3)
Katie V.
Joe's is nothing special, but it has that friendly neighborhood everyone-knows-your-name kind of feel to it. I like the layout of the downstairs bar a lot -- you can sequester yourself but still enjoy the cozy din around you. Things I wish were better -- the menu and the wine by the glass prices. I work in a restaurant and Joe's had many of the same wines, except for a dollar or two more per glass. I felt like I should have been able to order a decent glass of white for less than $9. Menu is pretty uninspired -- but the food arrived quickly and was not bad. But it took me forever to make up my mind because everything just sounded....ok. Nothing special. Like the chefs are on auto-pilot or too lazy to spice things up. My friend and I both ordered specials because they sounded a bit more, well, special. I got turkey pot pie and mashed potatoes, and it was good, but very rich and I couldn't finish it. My friend got a pizza with clams and bacon and joked that it should be called the Anti-Semite pizza. He ate all of it, though, so I'm guessing it was tasty. I could see myself coming back and sitting at the bar, reading while nursing a glass of wine -- just one, though, because it's all I can afford!
(3)
Tory S.
Food here is a joke. Think appleby's or some other strip mall quality fare. Too many great places in Boston to waste any time here.
(1)
Kevin B.
I'm a pretty big fan of the location and the decor of this place. The brunch special is a great deal - comes with a free drink (mimosa, bloody mary, beer, juice, etc). The black and blue burger is delicious for lunch. Fish is also fresh and well cooked. Pretty good draft beer selection too - including whale's tail. Service is also consistently excellent. I'd say not quite as nice as Houston's in Fanuiel, but nicer than expected for a chain.
(4)
Roger C.
Waited 20 minutes for my entree while everyone else in my party enjoyed their meal.
(1)
Dana L.
quick service. good bread. average food (not bad but not necessarily amazing) my friend and i had the shrimp cocktail, calamari, steak and chicken primavera...all were only okay.
(3)
Kathleen F.
Ok...so I know this is supposed to be 'american food' which I guess is supposed to be boring to begin with? But the menu is SO BORRRINNNGG! This is the one place where I can just stare at the menu of overpriced bland gross food and have no cravings for anything? Even the burgers are kind of dry and gross. I guess it's supposed to cater to tourists though, so maybe it serves its purpose. And cheeseburger pizza? No thanks!! The one highlight--the drinks! The backbay sangria and the blueberry mojito are to die for! I would suggest going there for drinks, but that is about it!
(3)
Wendy K.
I am not sure that the upstairs/downstairs seating option is still available, as Joe's has changed locations since I was last there. Just thought you should know! I'll write a real update when I go there next :)
(4)
Colin B.
Within the first few minutes, I told my friends, "I'm going to Yelp the SHIT out of this place." Not the good kind. . . . 1) The plates our "server" put out had orange stains and crumbs on them. 2) The glasses were all DISGUSTING and looked like they had napkin particles all over them. 3) When we told our server, he said, "Oh, dishes dirty?" Yeah man, dishes dirty - don't care too much. 4) It takes a lot for me to NOT LIKE buffalo chicken. It's actually near impossible. Joe's accomplished it - chewy like bubble gum, yuck. I'm really struggling to find any redeeming qualities about this place. Bad food, dirty plates/glasses and a server who doesn't know where/who he is. Try Sonsie.
(1)
Francisco J.
Ok, so I decided to try this place. OMG!! service was good, but the food!! I order the special for the day a Veal Chop bone in! I was sounds great!! Well when I try the mashed potato is was kind of cold so I was mmm I cut the veal chop and it was freezer cold in the center!!!! discus ting!! I will not suggest this place at all!! Who runs a place that will let a dish go to client like this!?
(1)
Shawndy D.
Joe's is one of the things I miss most after moving away from the East coast. I've never had a better caesar salad in my life. Their dressing isn't too creamy, which makes it the best. When I lived in Boston, I'd eat their grilled chicken caesar salad at least once a week! Their peach mango cosmo martini is also amazing. I flew back for a quick weekend trip recently, and Joe's was the only thing on my "MUST DO" list.
(5)
Michael A.
Too bad for JoeS I decided my ratings are inflated. So 3 stars is good now. Anyway. I like joes a lot mainly cuz the new location seats you outside but with glass all around. Great to sit "outside" on the sidewalk during winter!
(3)
Patrick L.
It was a beautiful sunny day and sitting outside with bloody marys was just what we wanted. Our waitress Ashley was nice and took good care of us. The food was not bad but not that good either. If they fixed the food this place would be great.
(3)
Tinku R.
This is your prototypical neighborhood American food go to place - casual, inexpensive, fast service, good food and an atmosphere that is fine. This particular restaurant however is unique because of two factors. First, the location on Newberry Street is simply unbeatable. When they open at the windows in the summertime you literally feel like you're eating on Newbury Street. Secondly, it is a very large restaurant - while there is always a small line on weekends, if you make a reservation you want have much of a wait. Newbury Street. generally has smaller restaurants and you'll always end up waiting, especially in the weekends. So if you want to pop in and have a quick dinner, Joe's is always a good met. The skinny margaritas are light but pack a punch by the way!
(5)
Angie L.
The food was fresh, service was excellent, and good place to go inside and catch up with friends - very accomodating. Typical American foodfare.. think burgers, sandwiches, salads, soup, etc. Got a burger, it was very moist and tender and packed with meat.. but lacking in flavor. The quality of the beef seemed good though and was cooked to my liking. It's better than your huge retail chain restaurants, but nothing particularly striking or distinct about it. I'm sure it's a great place to go for locals.
(3)
Kevin B.
Since they moved one block north on Newberry Street, this place has gone down hill. It used to be reliable but not anymore. Is there any excuse for dirty floors and stairs near the service area and on the way to the restrooms at 11:30 in the morning? The staff is not trained at all. The food runner called my wife "sweetheart." The waitress took our drinks away while still a third full when we said we did not want a refill. The french onion soup was tasteless. This place is now a subterranean tourist trap. Today was the last time we will ever go there.
(1)
Roger A.
It's a kids free day so me and my wife decided to go out to eat on Newbury street, after having a bad experience during brunch at another local restaurant, we decided to go for the real early goal and dinner which was Joe's. We sat at a big table next to the outside windows and had a lovely dinner, the service was kind of slow, they were wicked busy. The food was excellent was usual. We'll be back!!
(5)
Sophia D.
They were really friendly, but almost too friendly. I don't really need to be asked how school is while I'm trying to read a book and eat my dinner-- especially since I don't know you. The food was fine- nothing outstanding, but good enough. The bread was actually quite delicious. Don't know if I would come back, but I think it would be better if I had been sitting in the front or at the bar.
(3)
Alex N.
Visiting on business from California I decided to have lunch with my sales partner at Joes. It is conveniently located on Newbury St, very close to the Boston Public Library, and really great shopping (NO TAX FOR PURCHASES UNDER $150 CALIFORNIANS! Take note Arnold). I ordered the grilled salmon lunch with pureed butternut squash and rice pilaf. The salmon was a long thin piece, which did not bug me very much since it was cooked perfectly and the side dishes were excellent. What was interesting was that my thin piece of salmon bugged our waiter Mark. When I literally took my last bite, Mark was right next to me with another entire salmon lunch complete with sides. He stated he went back and complained about my piece and asked the cooks to make me another. NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL SERVICE! I didnt even notice I had a dinky piece until he pointed it out. I was floored by his thoughtfulness and appreciated the gesture immensly. since I had finshed the whole meal, he happily wrapped it up to go. Best customer service ever experienced at a restuarant. Thanks Mark! I will definately go back when in Boston.
(4)
Veronica M.
The service was great. The food was delicious. They have great burgers and salads. We will definitely dine here again.
(5)
Patryce S.
This place is just amazing! The food is great and the prices are pretty decent (for newbury street anyway). Nachos are probably the best I have had anywhere. I did get the salmon burger and it was OK probably wont get it again. The back bay sangria tastes like there is no alcohol in it but omg 2 of these and you are on the floor lol. Soooooo good! We actually went 3 days in a row lol. Love this place!
(5)
Kyle M.
So, I wanted to go somewhere with my five friends for my 21st B-day. After wracking my brain for days, someone suggested Joe's (I came to find out she had an alterior motive, but more on that later). We were seated in about 10 minutes, which was surprising since the restaurant was pretty busy, and we had such a large party. Actually, now that I think of it, a lot of the tables were accomodating parties of 5+ people. I guess this is the place to go with a bunch of your peeps. Anyways, I let the server know it was my 21st, and he couldn't have been happier. I ordered the Metropolitan and he came back with an extra drink which was "on the house." He wouldn't tell me what was in the second drink (I called it my "roofie colada") but both were good. The food was pretty good too. The friend who suggested the place ordered the Asian Chicken Salad (she wanted one bad, so that's why she suggested Joe's), I got the Blackened Chicken Pasta (good, but not GREAT), and one of my other friends got a honey mustard chicken salad that had noodles on it too (he said it was DANK). At the end of the dinner, I was surprised by a piece of decadent chocolate cake, which was also "on the house." Yummers. All in all, great service, good food, and I didn't have to pay. Thanks Joe's.
(4)
Thuy L.
It was one of those SUPER humid and hot day during the summer, and my boyfriend and I just wanted to be in some air conditioning. We've passed by Joe's several times and thought, why not. Air Conditioning is KEY!!! We wanted a cold beer and some food. Lord knows why there was a wait to sit outside. We opted to sit inside, no wait, and were seated immediately. The leather chairs are quite comfy. I ordered ribs and my boyfriend ordered a ceasar salad. The ribs are okay, nothing majorly special, but good. He was almost done with his salad, so I took a bite before it was all gone. I chomped on something really hard, and ended up spitting it out. It was a translucent, hard, piece of something. I think it was glass. Anyhow, I notified the floor manager immediately. He took it back to the kitchen, examined it, and came back saying that it looks like glass, but he didn't know how it would get back there since they have no glassware in the kitchen. Does it matter? He ended up comping our ENTIRE meal. I was surprised, thinking that he would just comp the salad. As for the service , it was just okay. It took a while for our server to bring us bread, water, and the beers that we ordered. I can't tell you for certain which of the 5 people who came to our table was our server. All in all, I think I would only return if there were no tables open at any of the other Newbury street restaurants.
(2)
Alex C.
When I decided to take my good friend and his mother out to celebrate his graduation I was surprised when he chose Joe's. He had worked there and missed the food so we obliged. It was his birthday after all! Short of the company the experience was terrible. The service was slow, they messed up our sides and both the London broil and Cuban sandwich and fries came out cold. :( definitely not what one would expect when dining on Newbury St!
(1)
Katharine T.
We went here for dinner, at like 4-5pm. Though we are two college students, I would venture to say that it was quite obvious we weren't in for a bar crawl. When we walked in we were not given the option of sitting upstairs, versus sitting downstairs in the bar, and were taken down to the bar. We were ok with this, until we figure out (after our food came), that there were different menus for the bar versus upstairs. Besides that, we had 2 different waitresses, no bread plates, and our water glasses sat empty the entire meal. The food, I must admit, was pretty good. I had the cheeseburger pizza and I really liked it. On the other hand, we were so ticked off that we didn't get to try the chocolate cake that was the whole reason for trekking over here. Boo on you Joe's
(1)
John F.
Food was quite good but it was the service that made me write this review. The waitress went out of her way to make our meal enjoyable and I truly appreciate it (especially with two young children!).
(4)
Raul S.
Went for a nice dinner on Easter. I had a house salad, crab cakes, and Charles River pie for dessert. The salad was a bit underwhelming, in terms of the quality of the vegetables, and the fact that I had half of a grape tomato only. I did love the herb vinaigrette though. The crab cakes were really good, the crab was nice and not a ton of filler. Definitely a good choice. It came with sweet potato fries, but they were lukewarm and felt like they had been sitting around for a while. Tue Charles River pie was really great. It hit all of the things that I like (chocolate and coffee). It was probably my favorite part of the meal. We had a really nice waiter who was overall quite attentive, which was a big plus! I might give it another try, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way for it either.
(3)
Daphne H.
Al fresco dining. Well .... it's a Boston thing, so I guess I can't be all that upset with Joe's but if you say you are going to have "drinks" they will not seat you at the good tables, i.e., outside. Well, here, I got a little perturbed and said "What is it with this town? I can spend more money on drinks than I can on food!" Then they seated us in the outdoor area. Once seated, things were great. Just don't take no for an answer.
(4)
Jessica H.
Meh. I've been to Joe's three times - once for lunch, twice for dinner - and each time it's been just okay. Not horrible, not great. Service was okay. Atmosphere was okay. Food was okay. I did like the clam chowder, but the lobster roll was unimpressive and the mahi mahi with shrimp salsa was kind of gross. I don't like the bar because the people that tend to congregate there when it's busy seem kind of douchey. When I'm at Joe's, I just wish I were somewhere else.
(2)
Kristi S.
Best eggs benedict I've had! They also make a great burger. Sometimes the service is slow, but they offer great outdoor seating when it's warm enough. Con: their beer selection is limited and sometimes tastes like the taps need to be cleaned.
(4)
Iska B.
What's with places named "Joe's" that makes them so average unexceptional? This place was exactly that: decent food, decent drinks with prices that are too high for what is offered. The best quality this place has is location. Right off of Newbury with a lots of outdoor seating so you can people-watch in the summer. The service was great. Everyone was polite and the food came out much quicker then I expected on a Saturday evening (though we had to wait about 10 minutes for a table outside but this really isn't unreasonable). The food was ehhh. Pretty standard American options (burgers, salads, steak tips etc). I had a lobster roll which came with a decent amount of lobster (not a lot but not a teeny amount either), fries, some onion rings and a pickle. Was it worth $18.99? I don't think so. That seemed a bit steep for what basically amounts to a sandwich and fries. Yes it was lobster but this is New England...it ain't that special when they sell it at Market Basket for 5.99 a pound... Yeah so overall...pretty average, kinda overpriced for what is offered but a nice place to sit. Unless you are a tourist or something I probably wouldn't come here. Lots of other places to eat that cost less and offer the same kind of fare.
(3)
Nicole E.
One weeknight after hanging out in Back Bay we decided to pop in for a drink and relax. We had a few cocktails and martinis between the 4 of us. While I felt our server on that particular night wasn't very good, my other experiences here have been good. The beverages were priced well, $8-10 for our cocktails. The place was not very full on that rainy night so it was nice to have a corner of the downstairs bar to ourselves. I came in another night to meet up with a friend for a bite and some beverages. The food is alright. I had salmon and my friend had steak. We certainly did spend a lot! But we had several beverages. I probably drank a bottle of wine myself! My only complaint is that the food wasn't too creative but you can't expect creativity at a chain! Still it was generally a good time. I'll probably be back, though it won't be my first choice.
(3)
Jill H.
Joe's doesn't promise anything it can't deliver. It's standard American grill, so if you're looking for something else, you might want to head up the street to Kashmir or Pho Pasteur, or somewhere else that promises something a little more exotic than burgers, buffalo wings, and sandwiches. That being said, I've never been dissatisfied with my order at Joe's. It's a chain restaurant, yes, but the environment and overall food quality do not leave you feeling like you've just ordered from the $6.99 menu at Friday's. Great apps, great sandwiches. Be forewarned: you must ask to start with bread. Approach this with caution, as it is very possible to stuff your face on the bread, and then lose your appetite for dinner. The bread is warm, chewy, and fresh - and is very hard to resist. Better to go on an empty stomach. My Favs: Chicken Club w/honey mustard on the side, Nachos, Spicy Buffalo Wings. They also have a great brunch option with complimentary mimosa/bloody mary. Definitely good for wetting the hair of the dog. Four stars for service, food, decor. Less one star for the inevitable wait since it's a popular spot in a popular location. Tourist city.
(4)
Margaret R.
Portions were extremely small and food was average at best. Good bar scene.
(2)
Andrew M.
Really bummed my wife and I chose Joe's as our brunch place for our weekend in Boston. We chose it as it had some nice outdoor seating however that was where the good ended and the bad started. We had to wait ten minutes for anyone to come over to our table and acknowledge they were our server. Once we had ordered we were quickly given our coffee and hot water for tea, but no tea bag. My wife asked for one and at the same time we handed our server both of our knives as they had food caked onto them. 10 minutes later, we still did not have a teabag, knives, or the bloody Mary's we had ordered. My wife got up got two knives, helped herself to a teabag in the end. We never saw our server for 40 minutes, eventually I had enough and went to the manager. He came back 5 minutes later and said there had been a mix up, someone fell over with our order so the kitchen was having to remake our food. Eventually our server brought us the food and told us that he was sorry for the mix up, our food had been given to another table. He never offered more coffee, hot water or the wonderful bread everyone talks about. They did in the end comp our meal (which was average at best) but I wish we had of gone somewhere else in the first place. Would never give this place a second chance. Awful.
(1)
Joanna L.
Food here is dependably alright, and the menu is dependably alright as well. Most of the fun comes from the crowd and the people-watching. Best meal is probably brunch, because it's the best combo of value, ambience, and grub. For a little more twist on similar food, I usually go to the Met down the street, but Joe's is always a good place to run into people.
(3)
Siobhan C.
Went here for lunch this past weekend. I've been to the Joe's in Braintree and in Dedham, and always found the chain to be pretty good. Nothing special, but certainly decent food and service, and I opted for it when convenient. However, my visit to the Joe's on Newbury was a disaster. Not only were the two of us seated in a high traffic / awkward area, but it took a very long time for our very rude waiter to greet us. We ordered, and eventually our waiter returned with our drinks, albeit without the straws (which were never received). My boyfriend ordered brunch and I ordered pasta. His $10 dish was a pathetic looking display of three plain, soggy, medium sized pancakes plopped onto a dull white plate with a small cup of syrup on the side; it looked like something you'd get in a school cafeteria. My $15 dish looked a bit more appetizing, but the portion was considerably smaller than any I've had at the Dedham or Braintree Joe's. Overall, it was a big waste of time and money, as the atmosphere was terrible and we were both very hungry again about 45 minutes after leaving. I won't be going back to this Joe's again.
(1)
Ellen E.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! This place for breakfast/brunch. I sat at the bar and the bartender was completely awesome. He was super friendly and really made my time here fun. For less than $20 you can get a big delicious breakfast, a drink from the bar, and a side of muffins for your party. Everything was really yummy and the service was excellent, especially for eating at the bar. I highly recommend this as your brunch stop. I got the Eggs Benedict which came with a side of potatoes, and it was some of the best eggs Benedicts I have ever had.
(5)
Nicola P.
MEEEEEEHHH.. to say the least, but I was impressed with the new location and decor. Went on Wednesday for a bit, the terrace bar was packed so we waited for a seat at the inside bar. The bartenders were great and were really really good with name usage, which is so impressive with a packed bar. however, he food was beyond acceptable. We ordered the onion rings and shrimp tempura to start. The onion rings were like battered rubber bands and not crispy at all. The Shrimp was hardly tempura and borderline shrimp. My boyfriend got the burger med-rare and when it came out it looked like it was steamed and gray on the inside. The french fry portion was minimal to say the least. I would have expected a huge mound of fries to come out but only about 10 appeared on the plate. I had the Ahi Tuna entree and it was hardly an entree. There was about 6 pieces that were 1 inch by 1 inch the most and the "rice cake" was completely blown out. To top it all off, the plate had a HUGE, I mean HUGE garnish of the rice noodles, which are barely edible to say the least. Just utterly disgusting food... you would think with as many restaurants as they have they could at least get one location right...
(2)
Dennis F.
Noisy dinner. Avoid the over priced mac and cheese.
(2)
Ben P.
Really liked this place. Great atmosphere, great service, good food. I like places that can take something basic and make it a little bit unique and well presented and that is what Joes is. Classic American/Continental fare but done well and cleanly. Things like an AWESOME chili bread bowl. Awesome. I also had a Cuban sandwich and we had a ahi tuna salad. Very good service, perfectly sized portions. Cool looking bar area too. Can't wait to hit this place again when we are back in boston.
(5)
Sam T.
This is another can't miss spot for me. My second night in Boston I stumbled upon this place and I go here every Tuesday night after work and every Saturday for the brunch. First, the service is top notch, I always sit at the bar and the bartenders (Eric and Stephanie) are fantastic. They prepare a variety of Gin drinks (Bombay Sapphire) that are heavenly. I love the fact that they use real grapefruit juice when making my Gin with tonic and a splash of grapefruit juice. Secondly, I have had the Bacon Cheeseburger, Sliced London Broil au jus and the Fresh Atlantic Salmon for dinner. The London Broil is delicious. I love how they prepare it, sliced and sitting in its own au jus. Wow! The bacon cheeseburger is one of the best items on the menu. I recommended the burger to a first-timer at the bar a couple weeks ago and after taking his first bite he said, "Man this is one good burger." The salmon is a hit or miss depending on the night. Now me being from the South, I love bacon and eggs. Joe's Three Egg Style Brunch did not disappoint. The eggs weren't over-cooked or too runny and the bacon was crispy. I loved the fact that the Blood Mary was included with my meal but much like the salmon, it's hit or miss as well. They aren't spicy enough for me.
(4)
Keith M.
I and four of my friend three who had never been to this Joe's before went in around 7p and were told it was going to be about 15 min, i thought that was a short wait considering it was a Saturday night, we were seated in a couple of minutes and honestly i would have waited the full 15 min if i new the service was going to be so bad. We were seated in a small room that had a table with a family who let there kids run around and just do what ever they wanted and a full table of women and one son who were celebrating a birthday of one of the other women and i can only assume they were drinking since we could barley hear our selves over the cackling and laughing from the table, this was not a good start. So the server finally comes over after kissing up to the birthday table, asks us if we would like drinks we place the drink order and he comes back with the drinks but to napkins to place the drinks on and no straws so we had to wait for him to come back with bread to ask for the straws. We then went ahead and ordered first was the spinach dip that when it arrived it had a burnt looking cheese crust on top and then when we mixed that in the whole thing tasted burnt and didn't like but since the server was concerned about the birthday girls he never asked how it was. Once our orders showed up two of my friends wanted some BBQ sauce and had to wait for the server to take pictures of the birthday girls before he went to get the sauce and no cheese was offered to my other friend who had the only pasta dinner. Speaking of the pasta dinner the pasta was hard and didn't taste that good. So after flagging down the server, a cake was being served to the b-day table, and we asked for the pasta to be replaced with spaghetti instead of the spiral pasta. It was then brought out sometime later after we had all finished our meals by the manager i think he said something but could not understand his mumbling and again no cheese was offered for the pasta along with no real apology. This time around the pasta was cooked fine but it was very salty and instead of waiting another 15 min they didn't finish it. In most places the plate would have been take off or we would have been offered a desert or something for us having to wait for the meal to come back out and for the person to eat it when everyone else was finished but neither of these things were done. We paid the bill and left, normally i don't blame the server usually its the kitchens fault but this server cared more about the birthday party then us i don't know if he knew them or if he wanted the big tip but i hope they made up for the lack of tip we left him.
(1)
Julie K.
Yummy! New location had just opened and we got to try it on the first BEAUTIFUL Saturday of Spring. Everyone and their mother was out to eat on the terrace anywhere. The wait at lunch was 45 min to get inside and 2 hrs. plus for the terrace. We chose inside and didn't regret it. The atmosphere is cozy but open. Masculine feel and classy. The lemonade is wonderful, the french dip is lacking in something- but it wasn't bad. Just not great either. However, salads were awesome, clam chowder described by my friend as "sex in a bread bowl". They serve you hot fresh bread that literally will make you groan it is so good! The staff was friendly if a little ill-prepared for the busy crowd. Times for meals were a little long, but considering the fact that by the time we got seated the wait for a table had increased to 75 min for inside and almost 3 hours for terrace, we were content. The food was steaming hot or nice and ice-y-cold (the way a salad should be on a hot day!) Joe's was recommended by the cashiers at Filine's Basement and we are SOOOO glad we chatted them up!
(5)
Andi P.
Brunch here is pretty good, but be forewarned that my range of options is limited to the omelettes or steak and eggs, so I can't speak for the pancakes and french toast or anything else involving gluten (or butter for that matter). I do have "normal" friends, however, and they don't seem to mind the pancakes. I've also come here for lunch a number of times and ordered salmon or chicken salads (slightly modified so they don't involve gluten and various other ingredients), with oil and vinegar for dressing. The salads are always decent, and what's even better is how great Joe's is about allergies. One time when I was here a man at the neighboring table said he had an anaphylactic shellfish allergy. After visiting my table to assure me Joe's wouldn't kill me, the manager stopped at said man's table to give him the rundown on what they'd be doing in the kitchen to ensure they wouldn't kill him either, and lo and behold I witnessed him walking out of the place alive an hour and a half later. I've never been glutenated at Joe's, the wait staff has always known what's up with what I've had to avoid, and service has always been right-on. This combination of factors has helped turn the restaurant into a casual stand-by, especially when it's 10 degrees out AND I get so hungry that I don't want to hike more than a block or two from my apartment for a trustworthy bite to eat. Oh, and they've even got gluten-free pasta and pizza, and can do up a special batch of fries for you if you need them gluten-free.
(3)
James N.
Food ranging from good to great. However, there's a lot in terms of service quality to be desired. Like the rest of the reviewers, I've always had to wait a long time to get service after the initial welcome by the hostess. The only thing that gets me to come back is the reasonably good food and brunch specials (and also the fact that I live on the same block as Joe's). The waitstaff this time though was particularly clueless. They forget to give us forks, steak knives when we ordered steak, forgot to bring the bread, forgot to ask us if we wanted more tea when it was very obviously finished, did not give the lady the menu first or ask her first what she wished to order, took forever with the check, and changed waitstaff on us without alerting us. I give it 1 star for the food, which although, good, does not rival the quality of some of the better American/ New American restaurants in the immediate Back Bay vicinity.
(1)
Ned S.
Nice newbury street location, large sidewalk dining area (though its set 4' below street level, which loses some of the charm and harmless voyeurism of sidewalk dining), handsome ivy league looking interior, good reasonably priced menu (think bistro) Part of small local boston chain--Back Bay Restaurant Group. Good looking staff (Manny Ramerez met his wife while she was a hostess here) Inconsistent service, decent kitchen. Dining here is like rolling the dice. Some details: Three levels, two bars (upstairs is smaller, more quiet, better for dining; downstairs big, sometimes loud bar--lends itself to meeting people). Citrus drinks (i.e. screwdriver, grapefruit) are made with fresh squeezed produce. Weekend Brunch is a la carte from $10-$20 for a big breakfast dish that includes a free cocktail (i.e. bloody, mimosa, draft, or screw). Brunch also includes a basket of nice breads, but toast, that costs extra...go figure.
(3)
Matthew M.
Was at the downstairs bar a couple weeks ago eating with a friend and the bartender made is move upstairs because they had an audit going on!!! Sorry not my problem I'm a paying guest... Ive been a regular at Joes on newbury for a while.. Will never return :-(
(1)
Jenna G.
Booked a table for 4 people 20 minutes ahead of time. We got there and they seated us immediately. The waiter got our orders wrong but the food was amazing. The bread they served is fresh out of the oven and it was sooooo delicious. I highly recommend their calamari and nacho grande for appetizers. The squid was fresh and tender! The nachos had the perfect amount of guac, chili, cheese and sour cream and it was perfectly crispy. My friends and I devoured it! The mixed drinks are so delicious too! Stay away from their pizza. The bread tasted doughy and such a let down. Their fish and salads were good though. Mac and cheese is creamy and awesome. If I'm coming back here, I'll just stay with the appetizers and drinks. Maybe try mac and cheese with lobster.
(4)
tman s.
Just the retractable deck alone is worth the money i couldn't believe how nice this place is.... The menu remains the same consistent quality that we are used to if you frequent Joe's! I will return every-week as this is near my house and they always give us great deals on high quality food... Good luck Joe's to the new grill on STEROIDS!
(5)
Margot J.
Whenever I'm in Boston on a Sunday, I love to have brunch at Joe's. The eggs benedict are so delicious - served with hash browns, fresh fruit and a Mimosa (if you're so inclined). I have never had an unfriendly server or a poor meal here, so I would recommend stopping by if you're in town.
(4)
Reb M.
The only reason this isn't four stars is because I haven't had the food yet. I stopped in for a drink, however, and my experience with the service at the bar was so positive I wanted to write a review. Chad and Jose--fantastic bartenders! I ordered a sidecar (a classic) and for whatever reason, this drink seems to mystify several bartenders in Back Bay...I don't know why. But instead of making the wrong drink, Chad asked me what it was and we discussed it (which resulted in me pulling it up on my smartphone). It was great. While I was there, a potentially unruly customer was managed with finesse and courtesy, and the people at the bar were generally friendly and fun to talk to. I'll definitely be back.
(3)
Albert H.
Brunch here is reasonably priced because it includes a morning alcoholic beverage (mimosa, bloody mary, screwdriver). Pancakes were the winner at my table, followed by the French toast and probably the omelette coming in last. It was bar food with slightly better tableware and slightly dressed up servers. There was no charge for the entertaining obnoxious drunks in the bar cheering at the TV, however it was priceless to see their reaction as my sister loaded some chick music into the jukebox.
(2)
E. F.
I had dinner here with two colleagues and it was a sub-par experience. It was ridiculously hot, so we ate inside near the open kitchen. Our food was OK. We ordered buffalo wings and the nachos as our appetizers and both were fine. For entrees, I had the crab cakes and they were excellent, one colleague had the prime rib and he thought it was not bad, and my other colleague had the salmon which was also very good. Here are my two main complaints which dropped my rating from a 4 to a 3/borderline 2 - our server was terrible. She barely spoke English, so the main skill you want from a server - communication - was compromised right off the bat. She did not understand what gluten-free meant, it was very difficult to understand what she was saying, and she didn't quite understand what we were saying. She was very nice, but it was puzzling how this establishment would have her tending to customers during a busy dinner hour. Additionally, she brought our salads with our entrees, which was not the end of the world, but we had expected them prior, so I'm sure that was attributed to the language barrier. I had higher expectations for a restaurant on Newbury Street, as she clearly needed significant training. Food was eh.
(3)
Mary P.
When I think Boston, I don't think chain restaurants, but I do have to say that this place isn't so bad. The ambience isn't so typical. A little more upscale looking than other chains. Brunch was outrageously inexpensive. You have your choice of juices, champagne, mimosa or Bloody Mary with an order of any egg or signature dish...what a deal! Disappointed that we waited so long for our food to come, and therefore, my french toast was cold, but still good. I don't typically order Bloody Mary's but was quite impressed with this one. I believe this one had horseradish rather than black pepper, which made it tastier. There is a plenty of covered outdoor seating for people watching right on Newbury Street.
(4)
Jonathan C.
Probably the best style American food around. Nothing crazy, greeat place to take a group. Decently priced, fuck driving there. You'll spend have your day looking for parking. The t is much better to take, if you have the option. I love that side of Joes is open soo your not sitting 100% outside. Makes it comfortable. Pretty good place to pre game, drinks are good!
(4)
Mark W.
The new Joe's on Newbury St is great! The wait staff and bartenders are excellent. The food was fresh and flavorful. Perfect Newbury St location. The restrooms even have an automatic door opener for the germ freak folks like myself. Just wave your hand over the sensor and wa-la the door opens automatically. All public restrooms should have this cool trick!
(5)
Jennifer L.
Bloody Mary = bloody fantastic! Seriously, one of the best I've ever had. Normally they're a tad too spicy for me (I don't want to hurt myself in the morning) but this one was just right. The service was fine, as was the outdoor seating ambiance and the Florentine omelet I ordered. Nothing too outstanding. I'd go back for the Bloody Mary, though.
(3)
Emily F.
I am really, really sad to give one of my favorite chains a low grade. I had, however, one of the worst nights at a restaurant I have had. ***6:00 pm - Arrive at Joe's, LOVE the new look, fabulous! Get around the bar (party of 5), and are awaiting a table. ***6:50 pm - We sit. The waiter, Mike, was very attentive and friendly, and we quickly got new drink orders in and then our meal order. Ordered by 7:00pm. 4 salads and a pasta-primavera. Uncomplicated, or so I thought. My brother asked for some salad which comes with a choice of "blackened" or "grilled" chicken on it. We discussed with Mike what the difference was, laughed about it, and ordered the "blackened" (its seasoned differently, by the way). ***7:40pm. In all fairness, we had a seat to see all the problems. First another waiter came by and dropped a BILL on my table. I hadn't eaten yet! "My apologies Ma'am. And how long have you been waiting for food?" ***7:45pm and I watch the salads and pasta come up from the kitchen stairs. The two last salads didn't make it; they were dropped on the floor. In front of our hungry eyes! I almost cried. ***7:50 pm Manager Tiffany comes over to apologize; we are still civil at this point. I was very irritated though, when she admitted the food was launched at the floor, that she didn't offer any discount or free appetizers or a round of beers! ***7:55 pm - We ask Mike to bring the salads that were not on the floor. They do, and then the 4th pasta dish comes. Where is the blackened chicken? ***8:00 pm - They put a plate of mystery pasta-chicken dish in front of my brother. The waitress began to walk away until we yelled enough for her to re-think. "Oh, you're right, this is not what you ordered at all". ***8:10 pm - Tiffany brings our last plate. "Anything else I can get you? My apologies again." I thought, "No, but you're going to get a stellar YELP review". In a long but respectful request, I said it was inappropriate and disappointing to wait this long at a restaurant I love so much, and have so many mistakes, and have NO ONE offer to give us anything. I said I would like to not pay for the dinner. She agreed, but I don't understand why I had to ask! Very bizarre. *The meals were disappointing after all of that. Go to one of the other ones OUT of the city, they do so much better. I left Mike a $25 tip b/c I'm sure having a 5-top not pay is detrimental to the whole night. "
(2)
Patrick K.
One of the best that the back bay restaurant group has to offer. The brunch is awesome, with drinks that make the experience even better. The dinner was really good and the service was pretty impeccable. A strong place that is a pretty good bet for a meal of any type. Side bar: Joe's gets a bad rap I think because the one in the North End is probably the worst place I've been in a long time. Polar opposite from this one.
(4)
D M.
Of all the places, why Joe's American Bar & Grill, you ask? It's diagonally across the street from work. And they have Hendrick's Gin, which is always a good reason to go places. I've only been here once with co-workers for a post-work drink, and while the service was a little mechanical, the drinks were good. I went with a gin martini, which came with a cucumber to bring out that good flavor, and shared grande nachos. Both were good and solid for a long work week, and reasonably priced. I'd definitely go back if I didn't want to venture somewhere too far from work.
(3)
Chung T.
I think 3 guys, looking for food, shouldn't go to Newberry Street. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize most of the money on the entree would be going toward renting the damn place, not to the world famous chef in the back. Joe's American Bar and Grill is your run-of-the-mill slightly upscale restaurant with good service, and slightly above average pricing. It has good decor, good looking servers, and a basket of "free" bread to go with your meal. It's far from a suit-required sit down restaurant, but it's better than TGIF or Chili's where the servers don't really care about you. Since the prices weren't all that great, and I didn't want to spend a bundle, I just ordered the day's special - special pork chops with... special veggie. The special pork chop wasn't all that special ~ I think what comes out of my brother's grill taste better than this "special" pork chop. Thus, 18.99 was highway robbery. Now, the focus of the entree, wasn't the pork chops, but a the special veggie that came with the pork chop... they are called, "parsnips." I can't quite describe what the hell the veggie taste like... but it's quite unique and damn nasty after 10 bites. In any case, Joe's Ameircan Bar and Grill may be the cheapest restaurant on Newberry, and if you're stuck on the street and your friends are famished, might as well go to Joe's for some "cheap" food with good service =)
(3)
David D.
"I've made a huge mistake." I should have known better. The same tables outside, the same chairs... and that FUCKING bread! This place is a bigger Charley's Eating and Drinking Saloon with a different name! Some of the menu items are the same, but they try to trick you with faster and friendlier staff, and one of those internet juke boxes where you have to pay $15 to hear Joy Division. + The manager comes to your table to make sure everything is swell. If the manager at Charley's ever came to my table, I would have asked for silverware, a glass of water, a waitress, etc. My only complaints at Joe's: my medium-well cheeseburger was blackened and dryer than a rice cake, and some annoying guy in a Maserati kept doing laps around the block, and he was TOTAL Euro Trash. I don't know... this place is OK. It's totally cooler than Uno's. I would never bring a date here, or anything ... that would suck. I remember my boss brought us here with the company AMEX ... that was OK. Whatevz.
(3)
Kristen F.
Good service, good food, good location, a tad pricey. The whole experience won't blow you away but also won't leave you disappointed. That's really all I have to say about that.
(4)
Tyler b.
meh. nothing special. standard burger and salad menu. overpriced. extra marks for having an outdoor patio, but those are about the only marks they get. waiter service was non existent at times.
(2)
D S.
I give the food 3.5 stars. Good enough, but nothing to write home about. Service gets 3.75 stars... again, good enough. The .25 more is only because I have a mild crush on a waiter there. But here is the part of this review you need to be paying attention to: I give the Bloody Mary's 5.5 stars. Soooo good. It is really nice to sit outside and enjoy them, but I am afraid of the dive bombing birds, so I think that inside might have to do for me. Those birds are out for blood. update: service is HORRIBLE outside when they are even a little bit busy, because they know they are going to make money either way with all of the demand for outdoor seating on Newbury... I am dropping them to 3 stars based on that and the fact that the bloody mary's were sub-par last time, and the food is just blah. The back-bay sangria is delicious though! Stay away from the Pink Sangria though, WAY too sweet... there is watermelon pucker's in it....ew. peaceout.
(3)
Sassy G.
I had dinner wednesday night, not to busy ... no need to be waiting for our waitress for about 20 mins, apps, drinks, entrees, and bill!!! seriously and you got 20 percent to not see us returned!!! you suck!!!!
(2)
R F.
I was going to give this a 4 but our waitress ruined it for us. 3.5 more towards 3... Our waitress didn't even come to ask us how our meal was during the entire night... not once. It wasn't even busy. Then it took like 25 minutes for her to realize we were done and wanted our check... kind of ridiculous. I really wanted to like this place, too. It has a nice atmosphere that pretends it's a fancy restaurant upstairs, and a loud bar atmosphere downstairs. The food is pretty good, but really nothing more than a Cheescake Factory with a less fancy menu and more simple dishes... that don't take much creativity or originality. The prices are quite up there, too. I'm not sure $20 for 4 steak tips is reasonable, but then you look over to Chicken Picatta (which was amazingly sweet and comes with rice instead of pasta... weird?) and it's 3 chicken pieces and a plate of rice and a vegetable for $17 or 18... I don't know. This place could be really good, but it's just average and overpriced...
(3)
Christine K.
This review is totally based on the outdoor seating. There is nothing better than sitting outside at Joe's in the summer with some spinach dip and their amazing mud slides. I think their spinach dip is one of the best that i have had in boston and I am a huge fan of mud slides so I always feel the need to order one when I come here. The bread is delicious as well! I usually order a caesar salad with steak tips and shrimp, it is a special so it is not on the menu but I ask for it every time I go and they have no problem making it. There fish is really good too, they have salmon and cod both on the menu... I do agree that the inside tables aren't great but outside in the nice weather can not be beat!
(4)
Alexander H.
I've been to Joe's many times since moving to Boston, and it's a fairly consistent experience. First off, they are best known for their signature meat dishes and that is no light distinction. Their meatloaf, prime rib challenge, and steaks are all delicious and still reasonably price (~$30). Second, their service is usually very good. If you come in a part of more than 6 or 7 with reservations, the manager will always introduce himself and make sure you have everything you need. The only downside is that Joe's is very popular so there have been instances when overall service has been very slow. Still, none of the servers there have ever been rude or particularly bad at their jobs. Third, it's a good atmosphere. Joe's is usually pleasantly crowded and there's just an overall good, lively feeling to eating there. Overall, I would highly recommend Joe's. It's not the BEST meat in Boston, but for the price it's damn good.
(4)
Joanne R.
Went for drinks with friends from work. Since it was such a lovely night we opted to sit on the patio. Remarkably we snagged the last outdoor table, so others felt the same way for drinking "al fresco"! They had a pretty good martini menu and I opted for the Pomegranate Martini...I was delish and went down very smooth. We got a few apps for the table, nothing outstanding to note but edible. After a couple more PM's decided I fulfilled my nutritional and antioxidant quota and called it a night!
(3)
George R.
Atmosphere was good and so was the service. I really loved my clam chowder bread bowl. The steak salad was great and the burgers looked delicious, everything was great though I will say that didn't like the pizza.
(4)
Ash T.
Solid food that satisfies every time. Very decent prices. Friendly wait staff and laid back atmosphere in the middle of Newbury Street. What's not to like?
(4)
Izzy B.
Don't see what the big deal was. Great PRIME RIB HASH for brunch, but order the sauce on the side. (Beacause otherwise it's COATED in the sauce and you don't get to taste the delicious chopped up bits of Prime Rib)
(3)
Julie A.
This place is SO good! My husband LOVES their burgers, I mean LOVEs them! I get a different thing each time and it's also good. For brunch I always get the same thing, Salmon Benedict. It's freakin' amazing! So are the Bloody Mary's! The servers are really nice, quick, helpful, and are some of the best I have ever encountered. Eat out on a date, bring the kids, or come as a big group, the atmosphere works for everyone! The classy decor works well for casual or fancy, and the bathrooms are even nice! I have never had a bad experience!
(4)
Dan S.
Any restaurant that has a chain outpost in the friggin' Short Hills Mall can't possible rate higher than two stars. Mediocre, overpriced american chain fare. Nothing remarkable. It's basically Applebees with better decor and slightly more high quality microwaves.
(2)
Sean M.
Just ordered a salad and bread as a walk in. Took about 15 minutes to get the order. I walk four blocks back to my office only to realized that they gave me the wrong order. Allegedly there were two people with the same name. If you knew that then you may want to confirm the order. I had to go back and get my order and all they offered me was to keep the other order which I had no idea what it was...Maybe you should offer to pick up the cost of the meal when you make an error like that. Also, no butter with the bread. Guess that would be too much to ask or assume that they would add. Really bad service and follow-up...
(1)
Sami W.
I came here on a Saturday for lunch with some friends. It took more than 45 minutes to get our food. I ordered the Club Sandwich, it was good, but I have had better.
(2)
Mihir P.
Update: Went here for watch the Jags - Pats game and boy it was messed up. Like I wrote before, Joe's needs some renovation. I wonder why the staff is required to wear ties for this upscale dump. We went to watch the game downstairs where they had a bunch of smaller flatscreens. They were all of different quality and out of synch. So we were watching one TV and heard the crowd cheer and we were clueless as to why. We found out that the TV we were watching had a five second delay and was not wired for sound. F-ed up. Being annoyed as hell, my buddy took charge and moved our table and positioned it so we could see the real-time screen. I guess it worked out sort of well. To watch a replay we just turned our heads to the out of synch TV. _________________________ Classic American fare at this sort of landmark restaurant. OK, perhaps a landmark in the 80's. This is an overpriced restaurant that is in serious need of modernization or at least a gutting. If seated downstairs you may be unlucky enough to get a whiff of sewage, rotting food and an overall deterioration of the building that has been superficially covered up. The polite service can't really make up for that or the unimaginative food. But, if you must go to Joe's go to the Waterfront location during the summer months to enjoy the breeze and a better maintained building.
(2)
Katherine L.
I've decided this is the most crowded restaurant in Boston. The only place I like to sit is on the patio place because you get the illusion that you are not trapped in by people. It is a great place to go to meet people or get a drink after work. Love love the Back Bay Sangria
(3)
Michael N.
i have mixed feelings about this place. we went here twice while in boston and it was almost like two different restaurants based on our experiences. the first time we went there, we had a pretty good waiter. ordered the clam chowder, meatloaf sandwich, lobster salad and lobster roll. all entrees were pretty good with the lobster salad probably being the best. the chowder in the breadbowl was awesome as well. price reasonable. we had time to grab lunch before heading out on our last day and thought let's go back to joe's since all our food was good and it was nearby. this time were seated downstairs and our waitress sucked. she didn't come by often and messed up on our bill a few times, never got a salad we ordered (still tried to charge us for it), finally got our bread after the meal?! after asking for it. the food wasn't great, i think we ordered the cod, prime rib hash (brunch) and an omelet . it also took us awhile to get seated. the host directed us downstairs and said they'd get us in. we got a few drinks, waited and waited. finally i asked if we they knew we were there and they said oh, yeah were you waiting on a table? then seated us by the bar. i'd give it 3.5 stars on our first visit and a 1.5 on the second visit.
(2)
Kim N.
We tried this place out for brunch on one of Boston's wetter days, so the restaurant was fairly empty. Even then, the service was so-so. My friend asked for tea, and usually they bring out the box of tea bags and hold it open for you to pick one, but instead they left it in front of my friend to awkwardly trifle through... not a big deal in itself, of course. The rest of brunch was okay, but overall a bit lackluster which means we won't be adding Joe's onto our brunch circulation.
(2)
Nim H.
I went there for brunch with my family, and I would not recommend it. The atmosphere reminds of eating at a Holiday Inn, and you get the feeling that it's way overstaffed. We were sat near the kitchen, and all I heard were footsteps and stomps back and forth from the kitchen to the floor. As for the food, the french toast was mediocre, and the ham was supremely greasy. The bread, even though it came only seconds before we got our meals, was pretty good as others have noted. Overall, there are much better places out there. Don't waste your money on this faux-Newbury locale.
"This is a peasant loaf, it is meant to be broken by hand" If you have ever gone to Joe's I am sure that you have heard this at lease once. That being said, the peasant loaf is pretty damn good. I go here on a fairly regular basis only because it is one and a half blocks exactly, from my work and they have clam chowder in a bread bowl. I always go downstairs. I have a feeling that this place is like the old (I think BBC) show that they used to air on PBS "Upstairs, Downstairs". Meaning that the cultured upper class are upstairs, and the unrefined lower class are downstairs. I am not talking the clientele here, I am talking wait staff. I can sense it too... the all together twitchy new waiter/ess will eye you as you walk down the stairs and you can see the "little train that could" mantra rushing through their head. They let you get settled while they drop off the menu and tentatively ask for your drink order, you give it and they rush away hoping that they don't forget the lime. On the return (with the lime, aren't you proud) they put down the drinks, only spilling a few drops on the table, and ask your order. While furiously taking your order and double checking that it is correct, they forget to give you a straw; and forget about asking for one after you order and before they leave the table, because if you thought that they hustled off to get your drinks fast, it is nothing compared to how fast they go to place your order. When they come back about 10 minutes later, you ask for a straw and they apologize profusely for forgetting and hand them right over. 15 minutes later your food shows up and about 5 minutes after that they come back to ask you how everything is, mid-bite, which I think is mandatory for all establishments like this. When finished they kindly give you your check and then you are on your merry way, of course wait time for your check varies from day to day, I have had it delivered with out even asking for it, and I have waited 15 minutes for it after asking. Three stars, not great, not horrible. Right in the middle, but again, this is for the downstairs. I have ONCE, and only once eaten dinner upstairs and felt like a country bumpkin for asking for a glass of red wine to accompany my pepper encrusted tuna. How dare I. Anyway, I am standing by my three star rating, there could be worse restaurants to have one an a half blocks exactly, from my work; but there could be better ones too.
(3)
Andrew B.
Went for the first time the other day, and after Stephanie's left a poor taste in my mouth from their poor service and high prices at brunch, Joe's friendly setting, good prices and *really* good food totally turned me on to this place. My friend ordered a burger, and he described it as "perfect" to our waitress. This is a guy that dines a Radius so much, that they have a drink named after him there. That's a pretty legit endorsement. I ordered the calamari appetizer as a snack, but it ended up being a good size portion. It had this mild spicy kick to it that made it awesome. Our server was also very nice and cool. Great dinner. Five stars if its the same experience when I return next, which will be very soon.
(4)
Byron B.
Joe's is the average "cookie cutter" corporate restaraunt. The food was good, but not great. My chicken sandwich was on the dry side, but tasty. French onion soup was very good. The best part of the place was the atmosphere. We sat outside since it was such a nice day. They really do have a great location. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. 3 stars because the food was average.
(3)
Jacqueline L.
I went here for dinner on a thursday night, it was busy but maybe because there was a Yankee/Red Sox game on. The menu was a little limited and pricy. They have great bread though, and Harpoon on tap so a couple points for that! The ahi tuna appetizer was good, but the cilantro rice cake was too chewy to eat. Gazpacho was very tasty. Atmosphere was mediocre, it was just a restaurant. I would probably go back for the bar, but not for the food. my company was the best part about it...
(3)
Vance A.
I have been to Joe's a ton of times, usually in the summer when the patio is open, and though I do enjoy coming here, its always a hit or miss when it comes to the food. I was just here for dinner with a friend and grabbed a burger and beer, and it the burger was mediocre. I've had better...at the same place. Not a bad place, and convenient when you want something cheap around the Newbury/Copley area.
(3)
Heather R.
this was my bf's and my 2nd time to Joe's - first was for lunch, 2nd time brunch. of course it was crazy busy again since it was the weekend, but we decided to sit inside to avoid *as much* of a wait. our meal: the mini muffins and fresh OJ were delish. bf's '2 eggs any way' came out just fine. I ordered the prime rib hash.. and I've never been so turned off by a meal out before. literally at LEAST half of the 'meat' in my hash were pieces of pure fat and gristle. I picked through my plate to see if I was making things up, but no, I kept running into cooked fat chunks mixed in with the actual prime rib, eggs and sauce. it was disgusting. I ate the fruit off my plate and finished off the muffins. we won't be back to this restaurant. at this point, the pluses are outweighed by the negatives and there are far better restaurants in the area.
(2)
Fortress A.
Went there for brunch, had some sort of hash with some sort of meat. Flavor was bland, Most of the meat was not chewable. My friend had 3 pieces of pancakes with a single strawberry on the side, and thought it was extremely underwhelming. Not sure why would we ever venture there again, maybe for people watching i guess.
(2)
Kate B.
WHY?? Why does this place survive? First of all, the "thugs" at the door were rude. And we had to wait for a table for weekday lunch even though there were plenty of open tables. Does that mean they don't have enough waitstaff on duty? Then the service was bad and the food was mediocre at best. Really bad.
(1)
Johnny C.
Arrived from San Francisco late in to the evening, exhausted, head cold setting in, hotel problems and in need of food fast... NOT FAST FOOD. Asked the concierge whether there was any place nearby that had good food. He checked his watch, "Hmmm it's kinda late to be eatin'." I gave him the out of towner's stupefied, shoulda known better look, to his up and down assessment. Then he looked around the landscape (he sees this every day right?) like a cowboy in search of steer that had roamed out of the pack.... and finally arrived at a solution, "Well Joe's is puddy good." He pointed in the general direction of Joes, "It's ova theya, just crawss the street and keep wakin' down Daatmath." This man saved my life that night. Joe's is located in Boston's Back Bay. Back in the day it was the high end Josephs...but that was way back, before "Baby Got Back" back. Now it's a solid steaks and chops kinda place. There are two levels. I ate at the bar upstairs, while downstairs a party raged (at least it sounded like it). The upstairs seems like the perfect meeting place for friends or a date. The staff were friendly, efficient and conversant - the charms of Boston! I had angelhair primavera and a glass of wine. Everything was fab! A second glass of wine killed off whatever I was catching. 4 duckets for killing my cold. Minus a ducket for the hootin' and hollerin' down stairs.
(4)
Diane D.
Joe's is good if you go there for the right thing I think...the outdoor patio. I cannot see any reason to bother dining at Joe's indoors, although the interior is roomy and also has a large bar area downstairs. The patio is large, sunny yet partially shaded, and a great afternoon stop if you're hanging out in Back Bay and need to take a break for some food and drinks. The food is average, but given the location the prices are quite reasonable - especially for lunch. I had the honey mustard chicken salad and it was very large/filling. Overall Joe's provided a great outdoor venue to catch-up with some friends and enjoy a really nice Memorial Day afternoon... 4 stars!
(4)
Kris H.
Joes is my go to place for a drink after work. Great staff and amazing food. downstairs bar is the place to go!
(5)
J T.
I was not a big fan of Joe's - my brother and I came one Sunday for brunch and we were taken downstairs to the basement. The place gets packed at around brunch time, and so the tables are placed really close together in order to allow for more customers. Not a good idea. They were so awkwardly close together that we could hear everyone's conversation and I'm sure they must have heard mine. Thank goodness there were no screaming babies. My brother ordered pancakes and I ordered an omelette - they were both okay. I've had better brunches. When the bill came out I vowed never to go back for brunch again - it was way too expensive for what they served. Until I find a better brunch place, I'm going to stick with my beloved Brookline Lunch.
(2)
F. B.
This place is awesome!!! Awesome steaks, awesome beer, awesome atmosphere and clean tap lines. Fast service for a reasonable price. With High Society upstairs, and Low Society down, you can take your pick depending on the occasion. The only drawback is parking, which can be a problem.
(4)
John G.
I have never had the urge to write a review on here... until now... Let me tell you about my experience at Joe's: A friend and I went for lunch during the week. Their patio is in the sun, so they were busy, but not packed. The hostess was clueless about a wait time, so we waited until a manager told us it would be a 5-10 min wait... no problem; they gave us a buzzer. 2 more couples walked in after us, each got a buzzer. We waited 10 min and one of the other couples' buzzer goes off before ours... ok odd. 5 minutes later, the second couple's buzzer goes off, so were realize ours clearly isn't working and we talk to the host. She acts confused and the manager steps in and apologizes. Ok, fine, glitches happen. Well, then we were asked to walk downstairs where we'd be seated on the patio. We walk downstairs to wait yet again, and hosts, servers, and others all breeze past us with no acknowledgment what-so-ever... so we try to get someone's attention, but the wait staff is visibly stressed-out and distracted. Finally a hostess notices us (after passing us 3 times before) and brings us to a table on the patio. 10 minutes later, after 1, then 2 then 3 then 4 different servers walk by our table with ZERO acknowledgment, its clear we aren't going to be served, and at this point I'm sick of having to grab someone myself to make this meal happen. We walk out the door, and the first hostess says "Thanks for coming, have a nice day!".....HA! what?? clueless... It's pretty clear that because they're on touristy newbury st, they will always have customers, no matter how disorganized, stressed-out or completely clueless their staff is. my advice: Charley's, down the street, has the exact same menu and prices
(1)
Michael G.
I used Yelp all the time, but never registered, until I was inspired today to save others.... This is my first review. Im trying to think of what frustrated me the most; I sat and watched several tables who arrived well after us get their food first.. In fact, one table who arrived 15 minutes after us, actually got their bill before we even received our food! Our waiter was in another world. Obviously completely unorganized. Between the 15 delay in greeting us, waiting at least another 15 minutes to serve the bread, and another how long to get our meals.. he was definately not on top of things... He was friendly and polite, just oblivious... It was only after we asked for the manager to follow up on our food did we eventualy get it. The food.... the English Muffin was soo stiff, my knife was useless. I needed one of those crocodile cutters like on the infomercial. The 'hash browns'.. more like mash browns. They must collect the potatoes in a plastic bag and take turns throwing it against the wall before serving them. Don't get me started on the coffee. The glass of water was great, no complaints there. There was a table in front of me, there was so much food debris and mess on the floor that was not cleaned up before seating the next group. I watched a woman sit at the table, look down and check that food did not get stuck under her boot. Another nice touch was fact that right under my seat, the floor was steeply slanted. I keep sliding to the right during the meal until the wall would stop me and I would recenter myself again, over and over. I dont know why they ask 'how was everything?' The response was a very loud silence after I described my meal to the waiter. The manager never followed up after I complained how long it took to get my food. There was no concession on my bill either... paid full price and was sure to include a tip of 0.00. My poor wife... She must have thought, what did I do so wrong for him to bring me here for brunch?
(1)
Bryan M.
I'm aware of the fact that, at different times of day .you can go to the same restaurant and go to an entirely different restaurant. That being said I went to this place at 10pm on a Sunday night. expecting a decent burger and some fries with some friends. We sat out on the patio and were literally attacked by 2 mice. We all jumped up startled and were then placed inside where it smelled like, I kid you not, feet. Not just any feet, but DIRTY feet. It took 10 minutes to get out bread and water and 25 minutes for our food. 2 burgers cooked medium and 2 salads. The waiter checked on us when our plates were empty and I had to get up and refill my own water. My burger was passable, but nothing great about it. They gave me roughly 10 french fries and 2 onion rings, both of which were cold and our waiter came to check on us only when we were nearly done and didn't need anything else. My experience here was TERRIBLE.
(1)
susu c.
Not that I am expecting gourmet dining at a chain, but I was not pleased with my chicken tenders. They were horribly bland and tasteless. Plus, why do four chicken tenders that taste like the ones my crappy corner pizza shop has cost 16.99?. The fries sucked too. My Harpoon IPA was good though.
(1)
Nicole B.
i cant really comment on the service because it has been such a long time since i've dined in that i can't recall service, etc. however, i used to get takeout all the time as i worked down the street. i usually got their french onion soup and it always came with the bread. the bread: Amazing! words cannot describe my love for that bread. i think the real reason i'd go there was for the bread and the soup was just an excuse. the french onion soup: good. better than some, worse than some. a bit salty. but on a cold day, it really hits the spot. makes a good, inexpensive lunch. as far as newbury goes, pretty average. you can do better, but you can do much worse::coughcoughstephanie'scoughcough::
(3)
Lin X.
Decent food if you want traditional, no frills American cuisine. I use to go here with co-workers if we wanted a burger or a salad during the work week. The outdoor seating, next to the lower level is great if the weather is nice.
(3)
Pamela P.
Waaaay overpriced for basically TGIF's, Bennigans, Chiles, Outback, etc...fare. It's all the same, and I couldn't believe the $$$ they wanted for supremely mediocre food. Maybe go if you want a Coke and to sit outside or what not at one of their spots...but if you're expecting a good meal...I really wouldn't bother.
(2)
Laura B.
I went in there alone and told them, "I have 45 minutes to eat. I need fast service." The waiter said, "Okay, whatever you want, we can do!" The service is wonderful - they came and checked on me five times before my meal even got to my table. The wine list looked great, but I didn't have time to enjoy my meal, so I didn't order alcohol. There was an old guy sitting near me, probably oogling all the babes prancing out of the fashion design school across the street. He ordered chocolate cake. It was gigantic. I couldn't stop oogling that! He had a bourbon with dessert. It looked so incredibly good. There is never enough time. Next time I am over there, chocolate and sweet wine for me!
(4)
Jen R.
I have always had great meals at Joe's. I always expect good meals and get great meals. It is very kid friendly. It us more upscale than Fridays or even Charlies. The waitstaff are not unfriendly but seem to be in an rush at times. I recommend the chopped salad and the roast beef sandiwch. Overall, a pleasant eating experience.
(4)
Bruno A.
I worked here years ago and though I'd like to tell about gross things done to rude customers' food in the kitchen or other more interesting things, I never saw an incident. In fact the staff is very competent and good to those that came in, as is the management. How the management treats the staff is something else entirely. That's the cause of the high turnover rate at that place. I always wondered why they charged so much. It's a chain restaurant, much like TGI Friday's, Applebee's or other crap places except the prices are higher. The food is better and slightly classier than the above restaurants and the cooks are excellent though there isn't much of a selection. I've been told the clam chowder is excellent but I hate clam chowder of all forms so I can't vouch for it. The bar is good though I always thought the bartenders acted much busier than they actually were. If you don't want any surprises and are showing your family the city I would recommend Joe's. It's nothing fancy, but not bad food either. Two stars for the atrocious management.
(2)
Sam D.
American Joe's is a kind of confusing and disappointing place to eat dinner. The decor and price imply a much fancier restaurant than the food, service, and menu deliver. The selection of food is very limited--a few fish selections and a few steak selections (and then a few assorted items). All of it is pretty good, but none of it is too great. With the fancy look in an old-fashioned tavern environment, the Uno's-quality food (fine, but nothing to write home about) is unexpected. On the plus side, the bread is really good. The service is a little slow, even when the dining room is essentially empty. All in all, with all the other places to eat on Newbury St., I hope you don't end up at Joe's.
(2)
Matt L.
There are several Joe's American Bar and Grill's to try around the area and some are really nice inside and some are really not. One thing that is the same is the mediocre food and chain like atmosphere. This is part of a restaurant group that are all pretty much chains around the area. This particular location is in a busy spot on the Newberry St in the midst of luxury retail stores. The bad news is that the place is so compact and tight and again service is so bad here and so disorganized, who cares if you get a seat, because once you do the place doesnt do much for the pallet. The menu boasts a nice array of sandwiches and dinners, prime rib and burgers and some pasta dishes. I have had a few dinners here and the steak is always either too rare or over done. The sandwiches are just okay and the burgers are large and not that elaborate. In the end this is more of an upscale Applebees, with mahogany walls and a nice bar. Don't let the average food decieve you, the prices are not cheap and your final bill may surprise you!
(3)
Robyn L.
This happened to be the first place we stumbled across, almost literally, after taking a wine tasting class down the street at the BCAE. (I don't recommend taking such a class without eating a heavy meal beforehand.) We decided to share some calamari and a steak tips caesar salad, and bread of course, and we actually had leftovers. The waitress was also happy to split up the food for us before bringing it out. The salad would have been huge on its own plate... and it was just so good. Great spot if you're looking for good food with decent prices -- at least according to Newbury Street standards.
(4)
Omer N.
One thing you are sure when entering this place is consistency. You are pretty much prepped what you are going to order - in fact you have been craving it for the last couple of weeks. Joe's is not an upscale (higher-end) restaurant; at least not in terms of it's set-up nor menu neither price. It's your typical steakhouse (in fact cheaper than some others like Stockyard) just conviniently located on Newbury St. I would recommend filet mignon (comes with a really tasty mushroom sauce) or NY Strip.
(4)
Brian C.
The place looks classier than you would expect from the prices. However, the food was really average, and I say that in the worst way possible. I ordered some sort of seared tuna dish (medium rare), and received approximately 6 silver-dollar sized (diameter AND thickness) pieces of completely cooked tuna, with little to no flavor. There was a thick, artificial-ly tasting sauce all around them, but that didn't help much. My girlfriend got a vegetarian pasta dish, and it was, well, nothing special. I feel like I could've gone to Stop 'n' Shop and bought it in the frozen food section for $4. Otherwise, bread was good, salad was ok, and I have absolutely no desire to ever return.
(2)
Katie G.
I wasn't totally sold on this restaurant. It seemed really packed and not very well laid out. I went with a few of my roomates friends to celebrate his birthday, and got there early, so I sat at the bar to wait. I was one of 2 people sitting at the bar and the bartender took well over 5 minutes to even acknowledge me. The gin and tonic I ordered was pretty weak. Once everyone showed up we were seated at a tiny table that seemed comfortable for 2, but not for the 4 seated there. The burger I ordered was delicious and cooked perfectly, but the meal was kind of marred by the service. There was a clan of maybe 5 waiters who grouped together to chat and laugh in the center of the dining room pretty much ignoring the patrons. The waitress we had no patience whatsoever, and would just shove more and more plates onto our table without clearing others to make room. We ended up putting empty drink glasses on the floor because she came around so infrequently. Overall, I probably wouldn't come back here even though the burger was delicious. There are just too many good decent burger joints in Boston for me to feel the need to come back.
(2)
Jonathan W.
good bloody mary - great bread - horrible brunch. i had higher hopes but was quickly let down. i should have known what i would get with the boston equivalent of the new york power guido (aka. joey badda-bing) greeted us at the door. the staff was disorganized and had ill-fitting clothes. come on guys - low riding trousers work as jeans (if thats your thing) never as a suit - sloppy guido gangsta mess. fire the staff - fire the people in the kitchen. heck - start from scratch. good bloodymary though.
(2)
A B.
Came here after work for drinks and dinner. The outdoor bar and dining area is really nice, particularly if the weather is cooperating. The bartender was great. Sat down at a nice table overlooking Newbury. That's when things went down hill. Our waiter was earnest but clueless. It took forever to get our simple orders which were a sandwich and a pizza. When my pizza finally came, it was completely disappointing. It was seriously a frozen microwave pizza. It was the size of frozen microwave pizza (about 12" in diameter) and it had that same taste (you know that all frozen microwave pizzas have). To make it worse, it came lukewarm to mildly cold. It was quite possibly the worst food I've ever been served at a restaurant. My friend's sandwich was also mildly cold (it was supposed to be a hot sandwich). To top it off, the waiter screwed up our checks which was annoying. I can understand an honest mistake, but that was the straw that broke the camel's back.
(1)
Shikha B.
Great location, especially on a warm day, but this Americana cuisine restaurant is just kind of blah otherwise. First of all, we had requested outside seating, which was a 40 minute wait (understandable) - they gave us a buzzer, which started ringing after about 15 minutes. We ran back to the restaurant only to find that they didn't have any outdoor seating available. Apologizing for their mistake (which is always good), they proceeded to sit us down. The food was OK. I ordered filet mignon benedict, but the muffins were burnt (kind of gross), and the "spicy" bloody mary was watered down and not very good (or spicy) at all. They also didn't give us bread (b/c they had run out... at 1pm) and apparently, they ran out of lemons too! The service was also okay, until the waitress said that despite the fact that we had ordered full meals, dessert, and various beverages, we couldn't sit there just with drinks (even though other tables were doing so directly around us) - needless to say, that affected how much tip we gave her. So, would I go there again? Only if I can get that table right on Newbury Street where I can people watch, and enjoy the rare Boston warmth. But, I'm definitely not heading back for the food or service.
(3)
Jesse N.
I find Joe's to be very unique blend of a higher-end restaurant with a sports bar setting. Clearly, some parts of this restaurant are reserved for sports watching and beer chugging while other parts are for some pleasant wining and dining. I'll cut to the chase. There is one thing that makes Joe's extra special to me. They have the best filet mignon I've ever tasted. The best part is, the cut they give you is a lot bigger than most other places would (i.e. some really fancy french restaurant). I believe it only costs only in the 20s. Great restaurant if you want to have a chill time eating with your friends before going out somewhere else!
(5)
Kristen G.
Upstairs is a little more fancy for people who want a nice, quiet meal. Downstairs is a different story. It's a louder, more active crowd in a sports bar setting. The food throughout the entire place is great. It's great for families, dates or post work beers and dinner with friends. All American, all around quality restaurant.
(4)
Merri L.
chain restaurant, the best thing about it is how friendly the waiters were. we had just left another restaurant cuz they were rude, and it was such a pleasure to be greeted by 2 people at the door and welcomed. the food was regular boring american food, though my friend loves the clam chowder there.
(3)
Kathleen T.
In a city that is not always so child friendly, my family found this to be a grea tplace to grab a bit when our whole family, with people of all ages, was in town. Not only does the atmosphere accomodate everyone, but the prices and variety of food do as well.
(4)
Terance L.
While shopping in the area, we started getting hungry and was looking for a hearty meal that didn't cost a lot. Asked the cashier at Nike Town what she would reccommend and she said Joe's. Decided to give it a try so we went. Once we walked in, we were greeted by the hostess then she walked us to our table by the window. Shortly after, our waitress came by and greeted us then proceded to tell us the specials. Once she was done, she took our drink order and brout out some bread which was delicious. When she came back with our drinks, we were ready to order. I decided to get a bowl of clam chowder since we were in the area known for their choiwder. I also decided to get the lobster ravioli with shrimp which came out nicely done and delicious. My wife ordered a caeser salad and the meatloaf which was made with chicken and beef instead if the traditional way. Though a bit dry and they skimped on the mushroom gravy, the dish tasted good. Our waitress Steph was great. She always checked up on us making sure everything was alright and brought out another drink when ours got low. Now why can't I get service like that back home in california? Wait, I just answered my own question. Anyways, if your in Boston and looking for american grill, give Joe's a try.
(4)
Ashley M.
reliable chain restaurant... though with all of the other good places to go in boston i can't imagine why you'd choose joe's unless you were looking for something central/easy to find. also joe's on the waterfront by the north end is just much prettier.
(3)
Christine Y.
one of my fave brunch places in boston. i can make a meal out of their fresh-baked sourdough loaf
(4)
Meghan L.
ahh, joe's. it's main attraction is the location- a stone's throw from my apartment, making it the perfect locale on wintry nights. i have to say, i love the downstairs bar... it's my own personal cheers. my fiance and i are well taken care of by the awesome and friendly bartenders. the food is mostly decent but the burgers are awesome!!! definitely order a burger from the bar downstairs- the upstairs restaurant will charge you twice as much for it- would never go to the restaurant. overall it's a really expensive place for what it is, but it's on newbury street so you can't expect anything less. it's a great place to watch a game, and it is my default spot to go... always an interesting mix of people and fun times. can't say enough about the bartenders... they are great!
(4)
Steph S.
The food was so yummy! We got the calamari, jambalaya, spinach and artichoke dip, and steak sandwich with French dip. The bread basket is literally straight out of the oven and so chewy and soft. Minus three stars for the terrible service though... We were never greeted when we walked into the restaurant. The three hostesses just stood there having personal conversations with each other and failed to acknowledge the arrival of new customers. When we were seated, the waitress, a short Hispanic lady, never introduced herself. She stopped by our table three times during the entire dinner: once to take our order and give us water, another to refill the water, and then to give us our check. She never checked up on us to see how the meal was going for the entire duration of the dinner. When we were done eating and walking out, those same three hostesses literally just WATCHED US WALK BY without even saying bye. sigh The chefs deserve better than to have their delicious meals ruined by rude servers and hostesses.
Great atmosphere. Huge windows that look out onto newbury street. Large menu with gluten free options. Gluten free Mac and cheese is huge and delicious. Kale and quinoa salad is excellent. Good iced teas. Salsa trio sampler good also. Friendly staff. Nice bar. Consistently good food.
(4)
Danielle E.
Great bread, chowda and ambience. The open patio is great for people watching during nice weather.
(4)
Elizabeth S.
Was pleasantly surprised by this place! Had an excellent salad with blackened Salmon. Came here with a colleague who has a gluten allergy, which they really cater to (had a great gluten free bread as a starter that I even liked!)
(4)
Kelly F.
Pretty popular restaurant on Newbury, a pretty novelty American-style restaurant. Food was awesome, drinks were good, our waiter was super accommodating and attentive. I got the tuna burger without the bun and had a house salad on the side instead of fries. The tuna was awesome and the salad was surprisingly great for a house salad. Wasn't expecting much from it and was pleasantly surprised. My boyfriend got the grilled fish sandwich and that was also delicious. Not the most unique restaurant in Boston, but has a lot of room, a cool ambiance, great food & drinks. No complaints, will definitely be back.
(4)
Carol Ann G.
Their sangria is AMAZING, we frequent it when I'm in Boston on business and sometimes during my leisurely time as well. this last time stood out because we had the sweetest waiter: he was attentive and genuine and we had a blast. Our company included a very picky eater on a very strict diet and he absolutely took care of all of her wants and needs! The kitchen forgot to bring out her chicken and apologized profusely and brought it out in such a timely manner afterwards we have never seen such quick service. I cannot say enough good things. I got the steak and my friend got the burger and he too agreed that it was wonderful. The rolls they bring out are also warm and buttery and amazing and I will definitely definitely be back again!
(5)
Leigh Ann C.
Really enjoyed my dinner here last night. I ordered the French dip sandwich and it was amazing! The homemade ginger ale was very delicious and refreshing. We had an excellent seat in the front and we could enjoy the beautiful weather and people watch. We're from out of town and when we come back we will definitely be visiting Joe's again.
(5)
Sam T.
Joe's is a pretty fun place to hang out and enjoy a great lunch/dinner. They are usually packed on the weekends so be prepared for a wait. But, also, this restaurant is HUGE so they can almost always find space for you. Whatever you do, do not leave this place without tasting the Mac & Cheese. My wife and I both wanted a sandwich/burger type of deal so we went that route but we read so many great reviews about the Mac & Cheese that we tried a side of it, and we pretty much scrapped the dish clean. They have a burger that they recommend with arugula and pork belly bacon strips on it...I honestly was not that impressed; it was lacking flavor and cohesion amongst the ingredients. I think the bread took away from the burger, and the burger itself was not very flavorful plus the pork belly only tasted good when I took it out of the burger. I would come back for the fries and for the mac & cheese, but not the burgers
(4)
Living T.
The setting is perfect: a busy corner in the high end shopping district, downtown Boston! You can sit and people watch, have a deck at the bar or a full meal. The lobster roll is delicious, when if it contains a lot of bread. The sweet potato fries are highly recommended. Although the menu has some seafood options, it's not exclusively so. The menu options are mostly American; nothing terribly risky or out of the ordinary for an American diet.
(4)
Craig S.
I was really surprised by this place. So much so I went twice in one week. I had never been because I'd always assumed this was on par with Applebee's or chilli's, while a chain it is far better. The French dip Sammy with horseradish creme was amazing. Staff was really exceptional (thaks Chris Rock haha). I def reccomend it if you can get a table.
(4)
Gerard H.
Could be a 4.5. Great place for a meal. Thought it looked like a chain restaurant but was pleasantly surprised. Food was delicious. Nice presentation - better taste. I had sliced pork sandwich. Delicious. One of my kids had fish tacos and they were great too. Good selection of beers. Comfortable inside. Great service.
(4)
Stephanie T.
I've only been to Joe's for brunch, but I've always enjoyed my meals here. The clam chowder bread bowl is awesome, some of the best chowder I have had in boston by far. The salads are huge and super filling. Try and get a table out by the street in the indoor patio area, makes for great people watching!
(4)
Sandra M.
I enjoyed my experience here! Nice bar tender, blue moons and a heaping plate of nachos. These are the kind of nachos you hope for when you go out: sour cream, guac, tonnnns of cheese.
(4)
Megan C.
I wish I could have experienced Joe's to its fullest, but due to rude and incompetent front-of-house staff, it simply wasn't possible. A co-worker and I were in search of an after-dinner drink (or several), and Joe's looked to fit the bill. There appeared to be a nice partial outdoors patio with a well-heeled clientele having a good time. There was no shortage of bar and patio tables available, so we were told upon entering the restaurant that bar space and tables were on a first-come, first-serve basis. We scored a sweet table at the bar, which ended up to be too good to be true before we could even order a drink. I stepped away to venture to the restroom (a long walk and down stairs from the main bar), only to return to an empty table and my co-worker back at the host stand. Somehow, this "first-come, first-serve" table had become a "reserved" table, and we were asked to leave the table. We weren't offered an alternative, and - with 10 pounds too much of haughty, aloof attitude - were told that we wouldn't be seated in the dining room if all we were planning on ordering were drinks. The other two host members stood there just as inconsiderately and unhelpfully as we made the right choice, which was to walk ourselves right out of Joe's and move on to Met Bar, where we had a MUCH better experience.
(1)
Mona B.
I personally dont like chain and never liked Joe's at all until every location I went too sucked at making burgers until I tried this location on a desperate rainy day! They have absolutely AMAZING service along amazing chefs because the food is really good. I've now been here several times and it's never been disappointing .
(5)
Danae K.
Great location, quick food, nice ambiance. But the food isn't special... I got a chicken club sandwich and the quality wasn't great... I suggest coming for drinks only.
(2)
Nandanie S.
I was impressed with the food, but not with the service. I found our waitress's attitude very ill tempered and we felt really rushed by her. Granted the timing of the food was good and our entrees were tasty, but service wasn't very inviting, which was a bit of a sour note. I know it's Newbury Street. I know it's a busy beautiful, Saturday morning, but please treat your guests better. I've been to other Joe's in the Boston area, and I've never encountered anything like the above. Not to say that I won't return...maybe just not anytime soon.
(3)
Tyler S.
Joe's is a solid american staple in the area. They have something on the menu for everyone, consistently good service and good beer/ cocktail options. Really great salad options like the kale & quinoa, the seared ahi and the honey chicken. Good place to stop for lunch if you're in the area, also a good place for groups which is sometimes hard to come by.
(4)
K E.
I have to say, I live in the neighborhood and starting off not liking this place because of the bad Joe's in North End. But this place has completely changed my mind. Service is fantastic, especially Anna. If you can, sit in her section! I've always had great meals, but even when my friend had an issue with her eggs, they replaced them (twice) with no questions asked. I will continue to go back!
(4)
Marina G.
The location is great, fantastic modern cocktails, and a beautiful dining room. The ceiling that can open up for open air seating is absolutely fantastic!! And the sweet potato fries are to die for!!! I could live off them. Unfortunately this would have been a glorious 5 star rating if the waiter hadn't inaudible mumbled straight nonstop drivel to my friends and I who just wanted to enjoy quality time together and catch up on each other's lives. He completely ruined our experience and tried to talk to us so many times about NOTHING that we were unable to enjoy a single part of our conversation without getting interrupted by him standing over us and mumbling. Also the waiter's recommendations for getting my fish blackened turned out to be flavorless. I would go back but never want to have the same waiter standing over our shoulders, waiting to interrupt our conversations to ask us 5x if we like the drinks and food, trying to sell us porterhouse steaks (25 year old women don't go for that!) then to make Boston small talk. Rude. Go away. Go harass some other girls night out group at Dick's Last Resort or something.
(2)
Lisa G.
Stopped in at Joe's for lunch and loved it. The wait was about 8 minutes, but we managed to get a table on the patio. It was warm outside, but that was the sacrifice for one of the best seats in the house, I suppose. Made for great people watching and socializing, but they should have some ceiling fans installed. I got the ahi tuna salad, which was done perfectly. Maybe a bit small. I could've eaten more, but it was still delicious. My friend got the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw. This is definitely some of the best fried chicken I've ever tasted. And the mashed potatoes were nice and garlicky! A bit too heavy for me on the hot day, so the taste was all I needed. Great service, too. I can't believe how quickly the food came out. With a smile. Perfect location on swanky Newbury.
(5)
Pam C.
We dropped by after some shopping on Newbury street. The interior is pretty dark, and actually quite large since they also have an extensive downstairs seating section. It was raining pretty hard when we came, but I imagine it would be very nice to sit on the glassy, greenhouse area on a nicer day. The staff was very nice but quite inattentive - when we walked in there was a good deal of confusion about who was going to get seated. They either didn't have a hostess at all, or had too many hostesses, because we were approached by three different confused staffpeople at the door before we finally got seated. They have a rather unremarkable menu - the food is pretty typical of an American sports bar/diner. A lot of hamburgers, a lot of steak. Although people recommended the mac and cheese, all of us ended up getting the signature burger, which was quite good. The pork belly is a little too thick and tough, and the bottom bun was a little too thin - the burger ended up getting very greasy and hard to eat after a while. Additionally, it comes with an overwhelming mound of arugula - we ended up taking most of it out. All in all, though, their signature burger is pretty good and worth a try. The regular fries are very fat and meaty, but their sweet potato fries are crispy and thin and quite delicious. The prices are all very reasonable, with most dishes between 10 and 30 dollars. Service was very attentive and knowledgeable.
(3)
Danielle W.
Went here with some friends and had a lot of fun on the patio! Great atmosphere and pretty good food. Our server was friendly and joked with us. We shared a plate of their nachos and calamari. I love me some good nachos, and theirs were great! I had the signature burger which was good and no one in my party had any complaints about their dishes. My only complaint, is that the hostesses were not particularly welcoming or friendly. Definitely would recommend this place, especially to dedicated people watchers.
(4)
Steven R.
I took a group of 10 to breakfast this morning at Joe's on the recommendation of a concierge. I was slightly skeptical due to the 3-star average on Yelp. We in fact had a SUPREMELY good experience thanks in large part to our server, Colin D. He was the epitome of perfect, with every utterance feeling like a pleasant conversation rather than a script. He was spot on with every single interaction and the food and drinks were delicious. He managed our table and experience flawlessly. The food was delicious as well: we were all very pleased with the meal. But Colin brought it together. We had a really diverse group of diners of all ages and from all parts of the country: we were pretty unanimous in the awesomeness of the venue and especially of the server. Thanks Joe's and Colin!
(5)
Kathie R.
A bunch of us went to Joes after work. We met Joey G there, he was our server. He was wonderful- extremely attentive, enthusiastic, and very kind. We never once went without needed or asking, he was very down to earth, & made us feel appreciated. Our experience was very pleasant due to his superior service he provided! Food was delicious and came out perfect! Coming from a business/service environment, I feel I have a keen eye for great service and compliment lightly; however, Joey G at Joes on Newbury deserves a review:) thanks for the great dinner and thanks for the "not so common" excellent customer service :) see you again!
(5)
Doug E.
I was recommended this place by a gf friend, and to their credit, they are very solicitous of gf issues. They fried my French fries in their own oil, and they had a gf hamburger bun. I also liked my waiter a lot; he was very friendly. I think I ordered wrong. They do have some interesting things on the menu, but I got mesmerized by all the old fashioned American food. I wish I'd gotten their kale and quinoa salad. My real issue with the place was the atmosphere: it's very Chili's esque. Yes, there were a lot of families, but, I don't know, I just felt the need to get out of there as soon as possible. I think I'd need to try it again, and order differently.
(3)
Kristina C.
Soooo.. I feel like people just love to hate on chain restaurants, but I actually really liked it here. We came for my friend's birthday because she has a severe gluten allergy and she noticed they have a good amount of gluten-free choices. They were super accommodating about it, and even gave her a separate bread basket (even though it was just toasted gluten-free sandwich rolls) (it's the thought that counts). The regular bread that came out for the rest of us was literally just that though- a big loaf of unsliced bread that we had to pass around the table like we were Jesus's disciples or something. Can restaurants not do this? Sliced bread, please. On a side note, the bread was super soft and delicious. Also, when I asked our server for her opinion on the reuben vs. the french dip sandwich, she didn't try to upsell the french dip and told me the reuben was her favorite. No regrets there. I actually still think about how good that reuben was sometimes before I fall asleep... is that weird?
I rarely make reviews on this internet web site, but this experience pushed me off the theoretical edge of the boat that I wish I owned. My infant wife, crippled son and I were enjoying a plate of well toasted Swedish-style nachos with Gueda cheese on them. Heavily devoted to the complexity of the texture and flavor of the pig skin, we didn't notice the man on the bicycle steal a handful of our nachos right from our table! Now I'm not too familiar with regulations regarding the thievery of nachos within "American" establishments such as this eatery, but I'm nearly positive that my 2016 presidency will change these rare happenings. I spoke of my cause in Kansas, Hawaii, Montana, and other middle eastern territories our troops are so bravely fighting to withhold. Now I may not be a smart man, but I do know what love is. This nation was built off the roots of animosity and amber waves of grain so I believe we need to return to that state of mind. Remember to vote on September 15, 2015 at your local dispensary. Thank you for you time and God Bless America.
(4)
Hanzhou P.
The restaurant looks very nice from outside,and I wish I could get a chance to try the food here someday with my friends:-)
(4)
Amanda L.
I've been to Joe's plenty of times and I have to say... it's okay. It's certainly one of the more affordable options if you're on Newbury Street. Every table gets a basket of the most amazing bread before their meal. Think about how many times restaurants have dropped off mediocre bread at your table. It's a waste of space in your stomach, empty calories and 9x out of 10... is usually 'just okay' or 'eh' and we regret eating it. Like, seriously. This bread is amazing. It's crispy on the outside and hot and soft on the inside. This is one of the only restaurants where I'll allow myself some bread before the main event - you should do the same. The Ahi Tuna Tartare and Crispy Calamari are two relatively tasty appetizer options. I've tried the Ahi Tuna Salad for lunch once and found it to be missing... something. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it certainly wasn't memorable. In the winter they had Butternut Squash Ravioli. Although the ravioli was okay - they piled roasted butternut squash in the middle of the plate and that was excellent. On two separate visits here my companions each got a burger. My boss said it was one of the best burgers he's ever had (the Joe's Signature Burger) and my boyfriend mentioned his 'make your own' burger was the perfect solution for a starving stomach. Last night I tried the Chicken & Broccoli Ziti and found that it fell flat. The broccoli captured all of the flavor in the dish, which I love, but left the rest of the plate crying for attention. The chicken was bland and the pasta was too. Although I will give props to the kitchen for making the choice to not have this dish swim in cream sauce. I know it's a risk I'm willing to make when ordering this type of dish, but hey, life's all about taking risks. Will I return? I'm sure. With living in the South End and working in the Back Bay it's a super convenient and affordable option for weeknight dining. I've heard their brunch is pretty good too although I have yet to experience it. Grab a pal and head to Joe's for a satisfying dinner and hey... let me know if you find that signature plate that just knocks your socks off. And don't forget... EAT THE BREAD!
(3)
Gabi M.
We came here to celebrate a family birthday over the weekend. We were tucked in a private dining room with two other tables, and the ambient noise was deafening. It was impossible to not shout at one another. The food was disappointing considering the price point-- one dish had to go back-- but I suppose that's to be expected on Newbury. Our service was quite good, however, and she was very sweet to bring our birthday girl an unprompted slice of chocolate cake. The cake, to be honest was the best. The kale salad was also exceptional, and the crab cakes and fish tacos were great. Avoid the tuna burger.
(2)
Scott G.
Consistent reliably good food in a pleasant atmosphere. Good cocktails. Brought the kids here. Appropriate for adults with or without kids. They do have a kids menu if you have them with you. Solid upscale place.
(4)
Alan H.
Unlike met bar this place almost always over cooks food. Service is nice but just once I wish they would get an order correct. They have the worst cooking staff in the back bay besides grill 23. Avoid both of them at all cost.
(1)
Chris M.
Stopped in with a group of co-workers. I had the clam chowder to start which I felt was a bit too thick, almost like corn starch was added so it got kinda gluey. Tasted good though. I then had a caesar salad which was fine and what I liked most was the Jambalaya. Shrimp were large and cooked well, lots of sausage and a very good flavor all around. Beers were kinda pricey and your basic Sam Adams variety. All in all decent but nothing to write home about (oh wait im writing home about it right now).
(4)
Dipak S.
Food - Loved the crab cake Benedict. Fruits were fresh. The sausage omelette by cousin ordered looked very appetizing. Chocolate chip pancakes was good but is surely an order for the table. Ambience - The outside seating was good. But gets super crowded during summers. Unfortunately we had to settle down for the dining booth. The interiors was well done. Service - Great service. Very patient folks and have lp you out with all your queries. Cost - ~25$ per person with drinks. Finally champagne to celebrate my graduation was an icing on the cake.
(4)
Rocco R.
My family and I went to Joes on Newbury for Mother's Day a few weeks ago. We loved the different sangrias offered and tried the chicken nachos, buff chix wrap and crab cakes. The food was average but we received excellent service from James, our waiter. Great location and we did not wait long for a table, we will most likely be back.
(4)
Janie-lynn D.
This place is always busy and there's a reason for it, great food and great seating. The bread always comes out light fluffy and hot, sangria is excellent with perfect amount of wine and fruit. Spinach and artichoke dip always comes out perfect with hot bubbly cheese on top. Anything we've tried from burgers to steak to Mac and cheese has been great. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Heather N.
Had lunch there on a Saturday afternoon. They were fairly busy and the wait was about 10 minutes. Once we had a table, we waited longer than is acceptable for a server to greet us. Finally she came (her name was Maritza), and we ordered our food & drinks all at once. After taking our order, it was another 5 minutes before we got our drinks. This pissed me off for two reasons: 1) we ordered waters. 2) she walked by us twice before bringing our drinks. We were starving, and ordered an appetizer. Maybe that's why she didn't offer us bread. I don't know, but it irked me seeing every other table with a bread basket on their table. Another server brought us our appetizer, and even though she walked by multiple times, she never asked if everything was okay. The same thing happened when we got our food, which really was delicious by the way. I had the chicken pot pie. It was rich, creamy and had a puff pastry top. My husband had the French dip. Half of it was perfect, the other half needed more horseradish. The food here was excellent, but our disinterested server ruined any shot of me dining here again.
(2)
Patrick G.
We came back to Joe's American and ate here twice on 12/5 and 12/7. The place did not disappoint. The first visit I had the NY strip steak which was cooked to perfection. Being from Texas there are very few places outside Texas that can cook good steaks. We also tried the salmon which was very fresh and flaked very easily with a touch of the fork. The second visit we stayed to watch some of the Pat's game and took burgers to go. The burgers were well worth the money and still tasted great when we got back to the hotel. We will be coming back again next year as we have yet to be disappointed!
(4)
Christine J.
Good food, lovely bread!! Love their big chunk of bread when you sit down :D good food and drinks, esp for large groups. Been here for after hour drinks with coworkers, as well as a girls night out dinner. Happy with everything so far.
(4)
Hanna U.
There food was delicious. I got the blackened chicken fuscilli and it was wonderful. The staff was friendly and attentive. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Michael S.
Service ..our server Eric was super friendly.. Ordered tuna tartare, and talk about disappointment.. They need to check the recipe on that. Also the mojitos were not on point ..overall it was an alright place.. Our turkey burgers were great though :)
(3)
Carolyn B.
Great time, even on a Sunday night! Music good, food (calamari) was excellent. Hash the bartender was also very good and helpful. The star of the night was Travis the manager who took very good care of this tourist from Chicago! Thank you.
(5)
Kara M.
Wonderful service ! The manager IS so nice and attentive. A+. We had an amazing dinner...the food is phenomenal. I . Would definitely recommend going if you're in the area.
(5)
Ashley K.
Really god bread and fries but the steak on salads was so plain and dry, chicken club is much better or grilled chicken on a ceaser salad was delicious , just disappointed with the steak.
(3)
Natalie V.
Joe's had an amazing staff to start. It's located on Newbury which is a fantastic location as it is. They had the best clam chowder and lobster roll ever! Ever!! We knew we had to try both of those dishes being in Boston and we did try them at other places and agreed that Joe's had the best. We had a great experience here.
(5)
Meghan C.
Great place on Newbury street! They have an added elegance to a sports bar attitude :)
(5)
Jean R.
If you're looking for quality all American food, Joe's is the place to go. I am new to Boston, so I enjoy exploring the wide variety of restaurants in the area. I wasn't too sure about going inside due to the large quantity of people... I was starving and didn't want to wait but surprisingly I was seated immediately. The waiter quickly took our drink orders while we looked at the menu. I tried the onion soup for starters and it was AMAZING! I then had a classic burger with sweet potato fries which were also quite delicious. The fries could have been fried a bit longer in order to achieve a crunchier texture but they were decent. I was pleased with the service and very happy that the food was delivered so quickly. I wish the servers wore name tags! He was truly great.
(5)
Jamie B.
I've been a client of Joe's American Bar & Grill since it's inception, really, ten years ago. This used to be a charming place with good food. My, how it has gone downhill since those days. I'm dismayed to write this, but the service was horrendous. I went to watch the France vs. Germany World Cup match today, and instead they were showing tennis, which no one was watching. I asked the bartender to change the soccer, but she said she'd do it in a minute. Two minutes passed and she didn't do it, the match was going on, and someone could have scored. So I asked her again, at which she once again said, "one minute". Unbelievable! How hard is it to change a TV station? Well, another minute passed, and she still didn't change it, so I asked the man who was working at the bar to change it, but then the bartender told him to wait! What sort of power trip is that? So I asked the guy again to change it, let's just say I ran out of patience with the malicious bartender. But by this time things had begun to blow up since I was visibly upset to be so disrespected by this bitchy bartender! It looks like I won't be going back to Joe's anytime soon, I had already been there countless times, I could never imagine that anyone there would disrespect me like that. Here's a lesson - next time a World Cup fan asks you to change the channel, do it, instead of going on a perverted little power trip where you are maliciously refusing to change the channel.
(1)
Tom B.
Food was average and a bit pricey for what you get. Good atmosphere. Nice view of harbor.
(3)
Shelby S.
It's our first time in Boston and we stopped here on out first night for dinner and drinks. It was DELICIOUS! we had great service and the music was awesome. If you go, ask for JAMES! He was so personable and really went above and beyond for us. I highly recommend stopping by!
(5)
Hammy E.
When I am craving a turkey burger I go to Joe's. The turkey burger here is really yummy. I order it with the house salad instead of the fries and the salad is really tasty. The only other thing I ordered from here was the chicken quesadilla which was good. Def a good spot to go if you are craving quality bar good.
(4)
Elaine T.
came here with a group of friends and let me tell you, it was pretty great. We made reservations here for a table of 6 and although two of our friends couldn't make it, the staff where fine with it and seated us within 2 minutes. Our waitress was incredibly helpful in suggesting what types of meals/drinks are popular at the restruant (since it was our first time there). I ordered the back bay sangria (which was amazing) and had the blackened chicken fusilli (it wasnt too bad could have been slightly better). The interior of the restaurant added a nice touch to the atmosphere of the whole place. Overall experience was pretty good. The drinks were great. Food, could have been a little better. But very nice place were you can enjoy a drink with friends.
(5)
Nino R.
Best place to sit is on the patio. It's the best place to people watch all year round. I love the design of the place and the menu has tons of great options to choose from. What I like most is that they cater to those with food allergies. They seem to take great care in accommodating special requests. They have a private room for special events which looks like it could hold about 30 people. They also boast a second full-sized bar downstairs. But again, all the action is up top. Not sure what to order? Try the Lobster Roll, Jambalaya, Blackened Chicken Pasta, Kale & Quinoa Salad, or the Steak Frites. They're all fantastic. But my favorite is the Tuna Tartare. It's so fresh and the chips really go great with it. It's a must try. Now if you can only find parking...
(4)
Bea B.
I would give it 11 if I could. The food was amazing. fucking AMAZING. I cried. Real tears of joy. The bread was heaven; straight out of the oven and still hot. Oh, and you can get some bread to go, too. And our server, Anna, was just as good as the food. She stopped to talk to us and served us within 10 minutes of sitting us-- keep in mind it was also pretty busy. 100/10 recommend going here. I could not stop eating. I regret nothing.
(5)
Shannon W.
I went here for brunch on a Saturday afternoon. It was busy but we only had to wait 15 minutes, which we killed at the bar drinking Bloody Mary's. Once we got seated and ordered food, it came fairly quick. We ordered the grilled fish sandwich and Ruben sandwich. The grilled fish was decent but the Ruben just wasn't good. I really wouldn't recommend it.
(2)
Mac D.
The waitress asked me if I wanted alcohol in my tomato juice...maybe I would have been better off ordering a virgin Bloody Mary without any added sauce? My bemusement continued when she asked me if I wanted milk after I ordered "a coffee with milk". Lastly, on top of the low food quality (even the bread?!?), I wasn't served what I ordered and there was no sign of the waitress again until she asked me if I was ready for the check.
(2)
Landon C.
Joe's is fine for a general dinner with friends. It's not exactly a place I'd take out-of-tenets in their visit into Boston. For the price and quality, I think there are quite a few more places that do better. However, if you're looking for a place with consistency and pretty decent food, it's a place to keep in mind. *Update - this doesn't change my review, but helps a bit. Their crab cakes are actually fantastic. Lots of meat, not just filling.
(3)
Rob C.
Meeeeeeh. Pros: Nice location and reasonable prices, plus they had some gluten free options which was important for our group Cons: Food quality slightly below Applebee's (bland burger, soggy fries, etc.) Service was friendly but several items never appeared while other random dishes did get left at the table. Not a bad experience, but probably wouldn't recommend.
(2)
Albert L.
Awesome Ambiance, Music, Food and Service. Lively atmosphere and reasonable pricing ....even for Boston. The Chicken Cesar Salad was on point, Spinach & Artichoke Dip was FABULOUS, and the Sweet Potato Fries were out of this world! I will certainly be returning soon! Shouts to our fantastic and friendly waitress Maritza! She was so wonderful and accommodating! Our late night dinner here was just what we were looking for! Hope to see you again!
(5)
Gabriela S.
This place is alright. Went here for brunch on New Years. I like that there is a lot of room, the staff is friendly, but why would you charge $15 for sub par Mac n cheese. And the house salad I got wih steak came in a tiny bowl with mostly iceberg lettuce. That was another $15. Maybe I should have stuck to breakfast food. But ugh, I hate paying for overpriced food I could have made at home or gotten premade at the grocery store. Wegman's anybody? Prob will not be going back. Booooring.
(3)
Dillon S.
While there are many restaurants to choose from on Newbury street (and in Back Bay in general), Joe's consistently provides some of the best service, particularly at the bar. The food, while nothing fancy, is consistent and affordable - but Christiano and Luke go above and beyond to provide excellent service to all bar patrons. They make Joe's feel less like a chain and more like a neighborhood bar with a solid cocktail program and good beer selection. Come and hang out with him at the bar once and he'll remember your name and drink preferences on all future visits!
(5)
David C.
Always a good stop when shopping along Newbury. Classic american cuisine options. Can get a bit crowded, but the bar often has seats. Wendy was working the bar the last time I went there with a couple of friends. Very friendly. Let me order the now off the menu au poivre burger (always good). Swapped out some less-than-stellar fries quickly for my friends. Was on top of new drinks. But most importantly she was super friendly and engaging. She made our lunch more fun. With so many options on Newbury Street, it's nice to find a person that seemed to care if we had a good time.
(4)
John B.
Only had the Caesar which was good not great. Honestly the bread blew me away! Nice spot for lunch and a beer. 3 stars because 4 stars are for places above average. 5 is too good!
(3)
K G.
If not for the location, I would never have gone here, and I will likely never go again. Food is mediocre. The burger I ordered was not cooked as requested. Fries were not crispy. Service is also mediocre and lacking in attention. Food and service just like a chain...
(2)
Emily J.
Came here for dinner on a weekday with a couple friends and there was around a 20 minute wait. New to the Boston area, I didn't know Joe's was a chain because it felt like its own restaurant right on Newbury. The bread basket to start was clearly freshly baked -- I am a huge bread person and these rolls were so warm and fresh. I got the lobster mac and cheese which was ALL kinds of delicious. Cheddar, jack, blue, gruyère, and parmesan cheese -- you could taste all of them melting together beneath the layer of bread crumbs. Looked like a small amount but is sooo filling and creamy. The lobster pieces were juicy and not overwhelming in the already creamy dish. Other friend got the Joe's Beef Burger which she seemed to enjoy, but I don't think it was anything special. Can't speak to the other items on the menu but would return to try! Service was a bit slow because of the busyness, but overall the ambience is great for people watching (if you're seated near the street) and for some good eats after work.
(4)
Xander M.
I have to say, my two favorite bartenders in Boston work here. Heather and Christiano. I walk in, they already know what I want to drink and eat. But not only that, they are just great people to chat with. They always make my experience here fantastic! It's because of them that I come here!!!
(5)
Ana S.
Joe's is home to one of the best burgers in Boston. It's an unapologetic artery-clogger that comes with a slab of crispy pork belly. It also comes with a guaranteed food coma. I split it with a friend about 3 hours ago and still have no plans to uncurl myself from the fetal position and do anything productive today. Joe's might not be the pinnacle of gourmet cuisine in Boston or even Newbury St, but it has a lot going for it. First, the restaurant is cavernous and so the waits tend to be short even for large groups. The waitstaff is upbeat, speedy, and genuinely excited about what they offer. And if you score a window-side table you now have one of the best vantage points for people watching in the city.
(4)
Desaree J.
Went to Boston for a conference and ate at American Joes Bar and Grill located at 181 Newbury St. The food and service was spectacular!!! We went three days in a row because of the wonderful food. We had the salmon burger, fish burger, ribs, spinach dip, calamari, and crab cake. The cheese cake is made fresh daily and is also a must have. The chef is Matthew Wool, the wait staff James and Jeff were the best. We also spoke with Carol Spiros, the general manger to let know about our great experience. The atmosphere is great with indoor and outdoor seating. A must do when in Boston.
(5)
Kristen S.
Last night was my 10th wedding anniversary. We decided On Joe's after shopping on newbury St. From beginning to to end our service was exceptional. James was our waiter and he was very knowledgeable of the menu and provided 5 star service . Every that passed our table acknowledged our anniversary. They bought complimentary champagne. The food was so good, I have salmon and my husband had the jambalaya. We can't wait to go back and visit our new FaV spot.
(5)
Paisley P.
Had a great experience here when I brought friends over for brunch. The view of Newbury has good people watching. The service was fast. The waiters were great. The food was awesome. No complaints! Will be back!
(5)
Bramfy B.
Breaky sando for brunch. Damn this thing was good. Comes on a J bun that's fluffy. I switched American out for cheddar. Side sausage. Solid bloody - add some hot sauce. Hey guys Buddy of mine got a sneak attack of mayo on his sando. Given his mayo phobia this cracked me up.
(4)
Diane H.
We returned two nights later and we were not disappointed. Their wait staff is first class; in crisp white shirts and sharp wit and wisdom. We enjoyed the assistance of Connor tonight who was utterly delightful! The food . . . beginning with the best bread I can remember having at a restaurant, then a delicious clam chowder, kale and quinoa salad with the yummiest house dressing; best french fries ever and a delicious grilled chicken sandwich with the most unusual pickles! Wish there was a Joe's in Pittsburgh! Hey, there's an idea!
(5)
Megan S.
Food was good American classic. New England Clam Chowder was awesome. Service was amazing and good views of Newbury Street.
(4)
Kelly S.
Joe's is okay for what it is. Decent but overpriced standard American food. Their salads are really tasty and a nice option nearby in my neighborhood. Great service with a great location, but to me it's just a bit boring when you have so many other great restaurants on Newbury. While the food is definitely above typical bar food, it's not worth the Newbury street prices. Stephanie's is across the street serving similar but more creative dishes.
(3)
Alexandria L.
Visiting from California so I am already used to a "fresh veggie" kind of dinner as well as way to many vegetarian options. Since I am on vacation, who really needs these things, but I did find it odd that they only have a few options for vegetarians. People watching is certainly the best charm of this corner restaurant. In the bar/ patio area the windows open up and you can watch the walkers, runners, dogs, etc. The wait staff is lackluster. They had a new waitress/ hostess who was clearly afraid of her position at the front as a greeter. Each time someone came to check on her wellness, she would cower back into the fold and shy away from the staff and welcoming guests. She was eventually pushed and forced to make her way into the crowd. The pasta with chicken & broccoli looked amazing as well as the lobster plate that was ordered by the neighboring table. Serving staff was slow and could not be found when needed, but the food was great. Nightlife & bar scene seem to make this place irresistible to the locals & youthful travelers.
(3)
Blake M.
I love this place. I live close by so I try to stop in when it's not crowded. This time heather and Eric were working the bar. Nice people. The burger I had was a little over cooked. Side salad is awesome. I would give 5 but it was so hot outside. They have a retractable roof and don't turn on AC or have a way I keeping inside cool. Hard to sit down and enjoy a meal when your sweating. Probably won't go back to the bar over the summer. It's just too hot!
(4)
C. D.
A long in Boston 2 days after the 2013 marathon ended at Joe's American Bar & Grill. For the two days prior, this restaurant had been serving up burgers by the hundreds, gratis, to those working long, hard shifts just one block away at the sites of the marathon bombings. Community and kindness were served along with Caesar Salad, Prime Rib, NY Sirloin, dessert, and coffee. Thank you Joe's. If you find yourself in the neighborhood this week, stop in!
(5)
Ali H.
I like Joes because they make the best grilled buffalo wings I've ever had. Their special prime rib steak is so good with either mashed potato or sweet potato fries. Quite place, nice people and very clean.
(4)
Anthony P.
I visit Joe's several times a year. They have great Baby Back Ribs, that fall off the bone. They also serve great warm Bread, that is so tasty & they serve it with Butter and not that oil nonsense that so many other establishments are doing these days. I sat at the front bar and the bartenders Wendy & Frankie were awesome. They really go out of their way to give good service and this is a touristy Joe's which makes it all the more special that they recognize a regular.
(5)
Chris G.
Best lobster mac & cheese I've ever had. Even the balsamic dressing on the salad was amazing. Very accommodating to my gluten-allergic girlfriend with a good selection of gluten-free breads, buns, and pastas. Ask for Bianca, she's a great hostess!
(5)
Dan C.
Love the location, atmosphere and food. Basic American menu. Burgers and steaks and salads and sandwiches. great people watching.
(5)
Jacob S.
The chicken and broccoli Ziti was okay but the sauce was lacking flavor and was a little too watery for me
(2)
Laura K.
So, Joe's is just alright for me. I once went here and got the Roast Chicken and Wild Greens Salad and the rotisserized chicken was warm and the Balsamic on the side was the best I ever had. Since then, I have been back 15+ times and ordered the same thing in hope of a repeat of that one five-star meal. Sometimes I get terrible service, or the wrong dressing; and, sadly, the chicken has never since been warm. I keep coming back because it's convenient to my apartment, I know more-or-less what I'm going to get, I never get sick, it's rarely busy and the bread they give you is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Plus, maybe the 27th time I go in, I'll get a five-star, warm-chicken salad. Wait, what's the definition of insanity again?
(3)
Mike G.
had no idea this was a chain! hungry after running errands. this looked like fun and thought i'd get a decent meal. in sum: fried calamari was over battered & chewy. grilled honey chicken and seared ahi tuna on - drenched - salads were served cold & looked pre-cooked. though waiter said all dishes cooked to order. yeah. cool to sit in the terrace looking out to newbury street for entertainment. so stars for that and service. Only.
(2)
Heath S.
Great place, great waiter, great food, great location, and awesome sangria. We had a great time at Joe's. We sat in the far corner of the porch and had a nice breeze and I couldn't think of a better way to spend the lunch hour during our visit.
(4)
Valerie B.
- Food is great - Great staff - Nice Location I wish their menu wasn't so limited and they didn't only have ONE pasta in their whole menu. I'm a pasta lover so that, DISSAPOINTMENT! If you're a burger lover this is the place for you, they have good fries
(3)
Stacia P.
One time I was floored at how accomodating and gracious our waiter was. We requested oysters and he went all the way to Atlantic Fish to bring them over.. Incredible waiter. We come back a few days later and are told by a different waitress (who was only reiterating what the manager said) that they would be unable to do this again. I was disappointed in the lack of consistency. Overall this location seems better than waterfront.
(3)
David B.
Stopped by for the first time this past Sunday for a drink. Great renovation! A perfect example of a updated space within a old building. Super outdoor eating area with great street views. Do not expect a quiet meal in this place that for sure. It's very busy and the added street noise makes it very loud. I did not try the food though I've eaten at other Joes locations before it looks like the same menu. The open kitchen in back is a plus as well. The only thing I can give negative marks on right now is the small bathrooms that were in need of cleaning especially when it's busy.
(3)
Jill G.
Joe's on Newbury has not only great food, but is in an awesome location. They have open window seating that is great for people watching and the service s awesome. Even though it's a chain restaurant, the Joe's on Newbury still gives you that Boston vibe because of the setup and location. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. i recommend their salads- they are huge and delicious I am definitely a fan and would recommend eating at Joe's!
(4)
christine c.
Incredible new location with a wonderful redesign. Bread, shrimp cocktail, salads, pastas, all pretty good. Drinks are the same as a lot of the other Back Bay Restaurant Group spots (Charley's, Paparazzi, etc.) which is a little disappointing especially if you frequent the area. Still, for a bit more money I'd rather go on over to Abe's or Atlantic Fish (both owned by the same people)... For whatever reason I'd rather dine at Joe's in the South Shore Plaza than on Newbury. Maybe it's just lacking that "wow" factor.
(3)
Brian S.
Great all American place to go with family & friends.
(4)
Lyndsay C.
Living in Back Bay, Joe's used to be our go to spot for late night take out or lazy Saturday afternoon lunches. It was my jam. We usually did take out to avoid the tourist and the millions of kids that tend to migrate there. But recently I have been so disappointed. The menu changed and they got rid of many of my favorite meals and appetizers. I was sad. Then, the quality of the food changed. Twice I've gotten the fish sandwich (once fried and once blackened). It was so bland and had no flavor. Then the other night we ordered the chicken sandwich. We ended up calling the restaurant because the chicken was tough and pretty gross. They made us up a new one and it wasn't any better...I ate French fries for dinner that night. My orders have been messed up more than once and my once yummy food has now been replaced with low quality not so yummy food. Not sure what's going on but I need my Joe's back! In particular, the fried chicken platter.
(2)
Michelle L.
It was hot under the summer sun, but with a cool breeze we were determined to eat outside. In Back Bay that means a small cafe on the sidewalk or, well, Joe's. (Every tourist in the Boston will be at Stephanie's across the street and this local ain't waitin' 45 minutes for lunch!) So we ate a Joe's. They were able to seat us at a very sunny table immediately upon our arrival. One star! Our waiter, Carlos, was prompt and we ordered right away.Two stars! Remember how I said it was hot outside? Well while waiting for our orders we asked to move tables. The manager apparently had other ideas because he vetoed our approved request and sat a couple who'd just walked in. He then began to talk "behind" his menu to the hostess while I shot my signature OMGYouDidNotJustGiveThemMyTableInTheShade look. (We could see you btw Mr. Manager.) This kind of killed the experience. But the atmosphere was nice-- even in the sun that required I hand two men my girlie sunglasses. We ordered the seared tuna appetizer, ribs, and French dip sandwich, which were (as Yelp describes) meh. The food was average. There's really nothing more to say. I already forgot I ate there. In short, I felt that Joe's outdoor atmosphere is great for after-work drinks, but it's just okay for food.
(2)
Kimberly M.
Ive been here a few times in Boston now. I just cant get past a two star on the place. I like the patio. But on a lunch menu in Boston, why not offer fish and chips.. IF you ask, they will provide.. at a price, of course. Its one of those annoyances to me.. ITS Boston!! Have fish and chips out there..The bread bowl with clam chowder.. pretty bland.. not alot for the cost.. be ready to eat up on the bread .. Waitress.. well, I guess she knows her neighborhood, she doesnt have to be friendly.. hmm.. and I dont have to give much tip! See how this works miss rude waitress pants.. ?? So go for the patio.. and a decent wine list.. save your appetite for something more deserving elsewhere.
(2)
Michael C.
The lower reviews for this place surprise me. Joe's has some of the best bar food around even though it is a chain. What really sets this loaction apart for me is their retractable roof bar, which is perfect for people watching. I had the cheeseburger it was cooked to perfection. Walked by here in the morning to see that they were serving what looked like a good brunch as well.
(4)
Russ Y.
Solid 3 star. Food is so-so. Definitely not high end or innovative, but predictable and large portions. Atmosphere is fun and lively, and staff is friendly and attentive. Good choice if you're weighting atmosphere over food quality.
(3)
Food Fan A.
After a long day, we were looking for a place to eat with easonable prices and lots of choices. We decided to make a stop at Joe's to sit at the bar, but it was packed for a Monday evening. We sat at table when we were greeted by Luie G. He offered us drinks and I asked to sample a draft beer. He came back with the sample in an ice cold glass...kudos to the bar tender. I started with the black bean soup with andouille sausage. It was very thick, so we shared it as a dip; it was very good with a nice hint of the little pieces of the andouille sausage. We both got sandwiches that were very good, but one order of the fries were on the cold side, but otherwise everything was very good. Our server Luie was very attentive and pleasant.
(4)
Julie N.
I can't even count how many times I've been here in the past 10 years. Joe's has been the family go-to in Boston and it seems like everytime my parents come in to town, we end up here (or Steve's Greek). The bread will always be the highlight of the restaurant and last time we went I splurged and got the clam chowder in the bread bowl and destroyed the meal. That meal took up my weeks worth of calories, but was more than worth it. Other go to's are the steak tips, the honey mustard chicken salad, and the burgers. I wouldn't be afraid of trying anything on the menu but I know that some things are just better than others. You might get a miss but the next time you go, you'll order something different and like it. It's a solid place in a good location with a decent amount of consistency. Oh, and sit upstairs, downstairs has subpar service and it's way too loud.
(3)
Era F.
It's a bar & grill. Not a brasserie, not a gastropub, there's nothing swank about it, but it is the sort of Americana chic I kind of like. I don't know why all the hate - it's definitely better than its North End counterpart. It's huge, so you don't have to wait if you're willing to eat inside, or eat at one of the two bars. The outdoor-yet-covered area is nice. Food - lots of options. Typical salads, sandwiches, pizza, and mains. The pizza is gluten free for the celiacs out there (I'm not one myself, but I hear gluten free pizza is a big deal). It's all fresh and fairly portioned. They even have sweet potato fries! Drinks - are yummy and strong. As they all should be. The blueberry lemonade is out of this world. Would I make a trip to come here from a far away land? No. But when I'm craving something 'American' and quick, it's a good standby.
(4)
Jocelyn G.
We got seated immediately and our waiter was very attentive. Add that to the fact that the food was tasty (although they seemed to have switched my dish for my boyfriend's (they were the same, just cooked at different levels)). We also had a lovely view of two of the tv's, which was helpful. Tasty food, it is a bit expensive, but since I didn't pay, I didn't notice.
(4)
Ed Y.
One of my favorite places to eat prime rib. They use to serve it 7 days a week but now only on Fridays and Saturdays. Still its one of the best prime ribs in Mass. I always get the challenge which i can never finish but makes a great second dinner the next day. Price is a little steep but its prime rib, what do you expect. $28 for the Joes challenge. Service is great, very attentive. By the way i usually go to the Joes in Dedham to avoid parking hassles downtown.
(4)
David H.
Great new location on Newbury Street (former Friday's). Much nicer decor than Dartmouth location. Much nicer bars and comfortable dining room. Open kitchen. Nice new restrooms. All the food I had was good. The wine list is a lot better than before. Although it doesn't have quite a outdoor cafe; the retractable roof is pretty amazing. I predict the "new Joe's" will be a hit with the Newbury Street crowd. Parking hasn't changed on Newbury Street; difficult - valet parking of course available. Please note my review is based on (1) visit.
(4)
Dan W.
Good food for a good value. Our salads were fantastic and we enjoyed our steaks. I would go elsewhere for desert and don't order the coffee, it was terrible. Nice to be able to sit out on Newbury Street and take in the street life while dining, but expect to wait a little longer to get this prime seating.
(3)
Taryn C.
After a busy day of Christmas shopping we stopped into Joe's for a burger and a grilled cheese. While there was a 30 min wait (saturday before Christmas on Newbury Street) we went over to the bar and got some drinks. The bartender and our waitress were both very friendly and never made us feel rushed. Food was really good - burger cooked perfectly and the bacon on my grilled cheese was extra crispy (yum!). Great spot if you don't mind the wait.
(4)
Meredith V.
As a visitor to Boston, I must say I was very impressed with Joes. We went to the Atlantic Ave location and the Newbury St. location as well, and both times the energy here was authentic and lively. Excellent martini and wine selections, down to earth bartenders, and great views. It was great for lunch as well as late night. This is upscale without the pretension.
(4)
Amanda A.
This place is consistently good. Okay, so I have only been a few times, but its definitely a place that I would go back to when meeting friends for dinner - rather than trying out other restaurants that may not be as nice. The first time I went was for lunch and I ordered the crab cakes which were very good. More recently I was there for dinner and had their Buffalo Chicken Pizza which was a generous size for 1 person. For a place called "Joes American Bar & Grill", this place definitely impresses. Inside it is nicely decorated the lighting is cozy. Prices are all very reasonable for the food, service and environment.
(5)
stephanie c.
Love the new renovated Joes. Great patio and outdoor bar. It's a perfect balance between casual comfort and upscale atmosphere. Good crowd as well. One of the wonderful outdoor spots when Boston weather is sunny and nice. In terms of food, I only came here for lunch so far. Great spinach dip and tasty salads. Portions are decent and the quality of food is good. I'd definitely come back and enjoy the dining experience with nice weather.
(4)
Larry J.
I only got to eat here once and loved it. Had a burger during lunchtime, with sweet potato fries. Couldn't have been better. Was very pleased to learn there was one in Wellington, FL. Been there. Loved it all-over again.
(4)
Jeremy K.
Nothing exceptional about this establishment... the fare is typical American burgers and other fried stuff... Might want to avoid if your counting your calories, let's just leave it at that. The decoration is pretty nice and the place isn't too bad. The service is quick and efficient, a well-oiled machine. Aside from that they do have really good meatloaf, I'll give them that and their onion soup is very tasty. Worth a try occasionally but definitely not a place I'd wait in line for.
(4)
Jerry C.
Been here twice for Brunch and twice I left happy... Joe's walks the fine line of being a nice place to grab a bite while not coming off as stuffy or uptight in any way. Prices are reasonable and the service is friendly and attentive. The farmer's omelet and pancakes are tasty and the orange juice is fresh and sweet with pulp the way I like it. Ill def be back.
(4)
Tricia W.
I wouldn't recommend this place for brunch. I paid $11 for 3 small pancakes that weren't anything special-and they didn't come with any sides. The food was good, but it wasn't great, and it definitely wasn't worth the price. My "fresh-squeezed" orange juice was lukewarm and had seeds in the bottom of the glass. unappetizing! I would consider trying the burgers another time, but I don't think that it will be worth the second visit.
(2)
Niki V.
Went here my first ever time in Boston & the outdoor seating looked nice so we went in to get seated. Wouldn't let us sit outside (not sure why) & sat us inside which was very fancy looking which felt weird as we were in shorts and tank tops and flip flops. I guess it is a casual place but I felt really uncomfortable the whole time I was there, our waiter was really snobby & we just felt like we didn't belong there. Food was way overpriced for what we got (I just remember it not tasting very good, but the presentation being nice) The whole restaurant seemed like all they cared about was the way things looked & not how the food tasted or friendly service. Wouldn't go here again.
(2)
Lydia B.
Okay the cool part of this place is sitting outside with all the windows open. I'd come back just for that. especially on a day like today when the weather was so beautiful. The food was okay. though someone in our party got the beef and noodle salad which was pretty good and I'd probably order again. Also a few onion rings came with my meal and those were amazing. Service was good, but not amazing. I also recommend getting there right when they open because the tables filled up fast.
(3)
J M.
In the past I've never been a fan of Joe's but this past weekend I tried the new location on Newbury Street and was very pleased. I love the bar/patio type atmosphere when you first enter, it was perfect for a summer night. We were told there would be a 25 min. wait but I barely got my drink at the bar before our table was ready. The waiter was cute and helpful with suggestions and specials to try. I went for the "not your average grilled cheese" and am still thinking about it 4 days later. We also got free cupcakes and cappuccino which ...I think could have gotten the waiter in trouble but was truly a nice gesture.
(4)
Bret C.
Bread. Bread. And more bread...please! That's how every meal of mine starts at Joe's. Sure, it's a little awkward that someone has to break the loaf and people are worried about who has washed their hands, etc....but it's just outstanding. Seems like they bake these all day long. You can order most everything on the menu and it's very good. Chowdah is a great starter. Hint: some of the meals that are no longer on the menu can still be ordered. I do that once and awhile... Get the Charles River Pie for a great towering dessert. And do you know how to finish? With a loaf of bread to go.
(5)
Thomas R.
I went here for the first time with my wife and it was fantastic. They have outdoor seating with airconditing so you get the best of both world. We went there around 6 and there was no wait. We had mussels for appetizer and the portion was generous. I ordered the special filled with crab meat, lobster and fish and the wife ordered shrimp pasta. Overall the food was cooked right and tasted fantastic.
(5)
Rachel W.
Came here for lunch today, short wait, great food, terrific and friendly service. Can't complain. Love the renovations!
(4)
Nick M.
We visited the Joe's American Bar and Grill on Newbury Street this past Friday night. I made a reservation on OpenTable and we were seated within 15 minutes of arrival at a table outside. Before we sat down, we visited the bar, which was setup very nice. There were attentive bar staff, who were quick with making sure everyone had what they needed. We ended up being able to score a seat at the bar while we waited for our table, which was a huge plus Once we were seated, we had Chad as our server, who was definitely a pleasure to have. He immediately brought over waters as he noticed we had drinks in our hand (this is a huge plus in my book -- I will order drinks all night long as long as I know I can get water to go along with it). He went over the specials in detail, then let us peruse over the menu while he brought back some delicious warm bread fresh from the oven We ordered our meals - my wife went for the swordfish and I went for the salmon. We substituted the sides for something else as I'm not a fan of cooked vegetables; this was not a problem at all During our meal, Chad came back to check on us, making sure we had everything we needed. He was a fantastic server: visibily around so you could get their attention if needed, but not around too much that you felt like they were part of your meal. We ordered a few more drinks and desert and then paid our bill and were on our way The actual restaurant is quite excellent. There's an outside and an inside bar. The outside bar has several seats facing the bar, with a roof that opens above them, exposing the bar and the tables to the sunlight. The sides are open as well. If there's inclement weather, the roof panels can retract, covering up the tables and the bar from rain, etc The inside bar has several TV's, plenty of seating and was pretty hopping when we left. We'll definitely be back in the near future to check this out again
(5)
Jessie C.
Ok - service was WICKED slow. Had honey-mustard chicken salad it was good. but the service was very very slow.
(3)
Michael G.
1 star for just the BREAD....MMMMM... Yes the bread is the same as from Charlie's down the road because they are all owned by the Back Bay Restaurant Group. But it is DELICIOUS. 2 stars for having outdoor seating on newbury st. 3 stars for having food. it is definitely mediocre, but hey.... i'm sorry you can dine here without going broke. the menu is not innovative, but its JOE's AMERICAN GRILL! Not Joe's Innovation Grill.
(3)
Marcus C.
During a long day of apartment-hunting, we stopped into Joe's for some grub. Even though it was nearly 2pm, there was a long wait for a table, so we slipped downstairs and seated ourselves in a little corner and waited. And waited. Finally, we were able to flag down our waiter, who was efficient, but not very attentive. I opted for the honey mustard chicken salad, which was better than I expected. Still, the highlight for me was the warm bread. I love warm bread! Maybe this is why I am fat.
(3)
Andrle W.
I can't seem to find a reason to give this place more than 2 stars. I've been here twice since it opened in this location, and both times I've left feeling rather dispassionate about it. The restaurant itself is visually very pretty. Nice dark wood, clean surfaces. But HELLO - what were they thinking when they designed an outdoor patio that's not cut off from the "indoor" space? Walk by the restaurant on any given (warm/hot) day, and you can just feel the AC pouring out of the building. I'm not usually a crazy person about these things, but it just seems so excessive to air condition an inside space that is wide open to the outdoor patio. If they wanted the spaces to flow, they could have used glass at least to section it off. It's so wasteful, I'm torn between wanting to boycott it for their irresponsibility, and wanting to get a good look at their electric bill. (it can't be cheap!) ;) The other problem is that the group of hosts/hostesses on my second visit were not at all on top of their game. We specifically requested an inside table, were handed a buzzer, waited ten minutes, then were called up. They must have recognized their error because the first thing they said to us was "oh, did you want an inside table?" - Uhm, yes. So they asked us to wait, said "you'll get the first table we have!" and then I proceeded to wait in the heat for about 10 more minutes before they finally gave me a new buzzer (I had to ask twice). About 25 minutes and we finally were seated inside. Now the important part: the food. It was... OK? The first time I was here, a few months ago, I got a burger. The second time, steak. It would be going too far to say the food is bad or "off" - but it's just not at all impressive. For the price you pay for an entree here, I'd expect much better taste and flavor. The service is poor-to-forgettable, the food is dull and pricey, and the entire experience is not something I'll go out of my way to have again. With all the other options on Newbury (and nearby), save yourself the time and go somewhere else.
(2)
Francisca W.
(review dated 2/09): busy sat lunch time, average, typical american food, meh service. whatev. w/all the better and nicer and newer restaurants in the area, tell me one reason to return? :)
(2)
Barbara S.
I had a good time here, but I thought the food was a little overpriced. I had a pasta primavera, which was delicious. I ordered decaf coffee and it was a little cold. Other than that, the ambiance was good. It reminded me of Applebees, but with better food.
(3)
Molly B.
What a fabulous restaurant the food is amazing great flavor. Tiffany the manager made sure we were well taken care of making our trip to Boston very memorable.
(5)
Joe C.
Great All-American Restaurant on the streets of Boston. I love Boston - it's such a great town. And one of my favorite things to do is eat outside. Their outdoor PATIO is great for this. The food is a classic american standard; burgers, fries, etc. But they do it right. Give it a try for a casual stop on the streets of Boston.
(4)
Rebecca Z.
While visiting Boston I had the pleasure to try this place. LOVE their Sangria and Prime Rib. Great atmosphere. Definitely recommend to anyone! Even out-of-towners! YUM!
(5)
Jacqueline Z.
Went here last night (Wednesday) for a friend's bday. Had called ahead to get a reservation and was surprised that they didn't reserve the terrace/patio tables. I was happy though when I arrived and they promptly seated us at a table on the terrace - prime people-watching spot. To concur with others - this is a great open air spot for when it's nice weather. Tons of people to gawk at and lively scene. Food - decent. Crab-cake order was tiny and not very good. Nachos were 3-star, spinach-artichoke dip was really amazing but not enough pita chips---no worry though, the bread they serve at the table covered us. That bread, by the way, is incredible, to second others' comments. Drinks - lots on the menu. I just got some of the Adessa Pinot Grigio @$7/glass. Hit the spot. Boys got margaritas but said they weren't that great. Service - very good. Zach was our server and was very attentive. Zach and Lance and Matthew (hosts) were very accommodating as we ended up having 8 people sitting at our 4-person table. I would definitely go back to try some other stuff on the menu and to people watch. Recommend that you make a reservation in advance though - at least then you have a shot of not waiting too long -- esp for the terrace spots.
(3)
John A.
Reliable. That's the one word that comes to mind when I think of this version of Joe's American Bar and Grill. My dad and I sometimes meet here for lunch during the week and the food is always served fast. We usually sit at the bar and the bartenders are always good for a conversation and can hold their own in anything from local sports to progressive politics. Joe's is part of a chain but if any of their other restaurants are like this one then I wouldn't hesistate to visit. Joe's on Dartmouth has a nice semi-classy atmosphere and a reasonably priced menu. The menu also offers plenty of choices from burgers and steaks to salad and pasta. They're a little lacking in the vegetarian friendly category but still manage to cater to a wide audience. Definitely a reliable eatery for a quick weekday lunch!
(4)
Keith O.
Joes is an old staple in the back bay. The new location is beautiful but they have some serious problems with service. Five of us decided to stop in Sunday for lunch. We ordered a chicken salad, a burger, a reuben, a turkey burger, and chicken fingers for my daughter. After waiting about 45 minutes for the food the Reuben was cold the fries were soggy and the turkey burger never even showed up until I asked about when the waitor stopped by 10 minutes later. By the time the turkey burger showed up everyone was done eating thier cold food. We had them pack it - I am not sure why because I could have had them just throw it away for me. Until they figure out thier service issues this place is off my list of "go to" places in the back bay.
(1)
Thomas A.
Had plenty of time before a concert to pick and chose somewhere to dine on Newbury Street. We chose Joe's and are glad we did. We realize it's a 'chain' restaurant but wow, they sure didn't act like a chain! The main dining room although quite busy was quiet enough to have a conversation over diner. The service was perfect - friendly, informed, and timely. And the food? Nothing fancy, we both had the house salad and split a pizza but it was delicious! A well done for Joe's, we even sent a complimentary email to their website. We will certainly return.
(4)
Jamie S.
Brunch this Sunday here was kind of a Joe-ke! HEYO! watch out. I've been here a few times, it's a dependable spot, but this past Sunday brizunch left a lot to be desired. One of the strengths of this chain is that it's a step up food-wise from say a Friday's or Applebee's, and they really welcome you at the front of the house with friendly hosts/hostesses greeting you. That's where the good service ended this visit. We got seated outside by our pleasant hostess, and then waited a good 15 minutes to be acknowledged. Kind of strange, seeing as how we were sitting right in the thick of the patio area, with no less than 3 or 4 servers circulating in our general area. Finally my ladyfriend decided to turn up the bitch-o-meter (her words, not mine!) and demand some service. The waiter was kind of mousey, didn't have much affect, and seemed really thrown off by our demand for some service. That's kind of how this is supposed to work budzo....we sit down, you take our order and subsequently bring us the stuff that we ask for, and then we pay and might even throw you a nice tip. He comp'd us some fresh squeezed OJ. Yippee. Fine. Nice gesture I guess, but it was too little too late after checking his blackberry as we were ordering (double you tee eff??!?!?!!) and proceeded to be extremely soft-spoken and awkward during every subsequent interaction. The long wait would have been a lot easier to forgive had every other step of the way hadn't been extremely delayed as well. Ok, order is in, food didn't take too long. Then after he cleared our plates, it was another 15 MINS to come back with the check. I seriously considered chewin and screwin, walking off without paying, as I doubt anyone would have noticed and I really wouldn't have felt that bad about it. Then it took EASILY another 10 minutes to swipe the old Capital One. $1 tip NOT EARNED!!! ZERO stars for this visit, I'll give it one because zero is not allowed and on other days it's easily a 3 star joint. BAH!
(1)
Cam S.
Went here a few years ago and didn't like it but revisited and I'm now a big fan. Great chicken tenders.
(4)
Penelope J.
I've visited another Joe's location and never had a bad meal but this Joe's was mediocre, at best. I was with a fairly large party and the table had everything from salad, to steak, to meatloaf, to salmon--I had the special of the night: cajun catfish which was incredibly fatty...even for catfish. Everyone else said their meals were just "blah". All the sides were really boring: rice or potato or mixed veggies, that's it. The service was also crazy slow and out waitress was forgetful. There is outside seating--so that's a draw, I guess but I'd look elsewhere.
(2)
Nik B.
Chill, but smells kinda funky. Was kinda boring too. I felt like I was at a lonely hotel bar. The furniture is nice. Otherwise it's pretty standard. Wouldn't go out of my way to come back. I only sat at the bar, didn't try any food.
(3)
Bernie R.
Ok, where do I begin... My boyfriend and I decided we wanted to try some place new last Friday night. I remembered hearing that Joe's was a good bet, so we headed there around 8 pm. When we arrived we scanned the menu at the door to see if the place would be appropriate for my boyfriend, who has been a life long vegetarian. The dinner menu has some good pasta and fish options, so we decided to go on in. Upon arriving at the host stand we were immediately wisked away downstairs into the lower level. At first, I thought "yes, prompt service!" However, I soon saw that they were seating us in the bar that was already full with a drunken college crowd. I understand it's a Friday night and this is a "Bar & Grill," but I really would have appreciated being seated in the dining room as opposed to being serenaded by Journey in a dimly lit basement. Once we're seated I notice that the menus we were handed were not the menus we glanced through outside. It was the bar menu, that had typical meaty bar far (burgers, chicken, etc). Not wanting to ask for special treatment, my boyfriend decided he could probably find something off of this menu, so we let it go. Ok, now for the best part. I'm pretty sure our waitress was either: a. out of her mind, b. on amphetamines, or c. princess rainbow of magical fairyland kingdom. Not only didn't she card for drinks (I'm 21, but this is the first place I wasn't carded at), she exclaimed "oooo, YUMMY YUMMY!" when I ordered a Sangria. Yeahh....ok.... My boyfriend asked if the clam chowder had meat in it, she said "nope!" So our order has been place. Awesome. We get the bread, it's pretty damn good. Waitress comes out with the clam chowder and says "sooo, i guess the chowder has bacon in it....can you not eat that?" My boyfriend has to then explain that no, he cannot eat bacon, thats why he asked if there was meat in the soup. Her response is "ooo no! Ok, well could you do grilled chicken?" Uh noooooo.... "Pork and lentil" Wtf....no! So she puts on her best frowny sady-wady face and brings it back to the kitchen, leaving my dissapointed boyfriend to munch on his bread. Our food arrives. I have a burger and fries, bf has the salmon. Everything is just....ok. Salmon is rather dry, burger is meh, fries are typical. A highlight was watching our waitress sing and dance along with the other drunken co-eds. We finally (she disappeared for a while) paid for our meal and left, disgusted and throughly disappointed. On the way home I got sick and spent the greater portion of my evening throwing up the mediocre burger. Awesome. I ONLY give Joe's 1 star because their Sangria was tasty. However, thats not enough to bring me back again. It's way overpriced, the food is medicore, and the service is ridiculous. Save your money and eat someplace else.
(1)
Kap N.
This place was DE-LICIOUS! We decided to take a pitstop to get some food and beers while viewing some of the World Cup. The ambiance of this restaurant is amazing. The downstairs bar is lit perfectly. The waitress was really informative and cordial. Fantastic service. The food - the salad selection was brilliant. We ended up ordering one salad with steak, lo mien, and a host of other ingredients, and the turkey burger, with sweet potato fries. Of course we ordered plenty of beers as well. The food was great all around!
(4)
Sara E.
Only been here twice - once for after work drinks at about 5ish, and another time for lunch. During the first occasion (drinks), the place was packed! It was a beautiful evening, so I suppose people were crowding to their semi-outdoor patio, but I could barely move/breathe... it wasn't exactly "comfortable". The drafts were reasonably priced ($5)- and they had some neat local/craft selections. On my second Joe's excursion, I sat at a table and had lunch with a friend. Our waiter was great and super accommodating. My friend and I split Calamari and a Cobb salad. Both dishes were aesthetically beautiful and pretty delicious. However, nothing seemed particularly original or unique about the place - guess that's what you get with a chain restaurant. I'd return, but it wouldn't be my #1 choice.
(3)
Joshua H.
Went here with a part of four. The new location is awesome, cleanest bathrooms I've ever been in at a restaurant. We started with the clam chowder, which was great, but not the best I've had in Boston. The bread was so fresh and soft, maybe the best white bread I've ever been served at a restaurant. Our main courses were crab cakes (awesome) with sweet potato fries and coleslaw, ahi tuna (pretty good, but skip the crispy noodles, they're bland) with a rice cilantro cake and a very potent soy sauce, and salmon with asparagus. All of us were really pleased with everything. The service was awesome and for where we where in Boston and how much we ate, the prices were reasonable. I would definitely return if I'm in Boston again.
(5)
Cecilia H.
I just came back from Joe's and we had an amazing night! My sister just turned 21 and our table was bombarded with free goodies from the bar. We felt very special and had a great time. The manager (?), Jake, even came by the table once or twice to check up on us. Our waiter was also excellent. This is the second time my sis and I have had a meal at Joe's and both times we've had a great overall experience. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a good spot in the pricey Back Bay area. We'll be back soon Joe! -C-
(4)
Lorraine F.
I liked this place. The food and service was representative of the cost in my opinion. The seating arrangement was a little strange. One long bench, individual tables, and then executive like over-sized chairs (which are not very comfortable I was told) on the other side. We were at the edge, so we had to move the table a bit so that my friend was centered properly on the table. =/ I had the Chicken Picatta. I normally don't like capers, but the dish was well done and the chicken was very tender. The server didn't ask me what sides I wanted and just served me brussel sprouts and pilaf. The brussel sprouts were pretty tasty, but the pilar tasted a bit over done. I would have given this place 3 stars, but they were nice enough to precut my chicken (I have wrist injuries and thus it's difficult to use a knife). The server genuinely looked like he was trying his best, although he kept making silly mistakes (like not asking my side preference, although he did offer to change it after realizing it). I'm guessing he was new or having an off day. I was overall pleased with this place
(4)
Katelyn M.
An unexpected Sunday stroll led us to Joe's for brunch. Brunch is one of my favorite meals, if done right. It's always challenging to decide what to order, though -- do I go sweet? or savory? Joe's totally surpassed my expectations. After a 15 minute wait, we were seated upstairs with a great view. The brunch menu specials come with a morning cocktail (I ordered a bellini, of course). My choice: an omelet version of eggs benedict. The eggs were cooked PERFECTLY and the asparagus was cut into nice tiny pieces. The sauce was divine. I would HIGHLY recommend Joe's for brunch. Make sure you bring your wallet, though. This is no broke college kid's brunch place.
(4)
Edward S.
Unquestionably the worst lobster roll I have ever had. The lobster had no taste and was very watery and unusually red which makes me think it was frozen lobster meat. I have had seafood salad from the Stop & Shop deli counter which although fake tasted better, The service was great but the meal less than stellar. Joe's should be ashamed serving this.
(1)
Humaira M.
I don't typically eat on Newbury, but I met a friend here for brunch. I typically prefer fancier brunch fare so I decided to stick with a burger since I figured a place called "Joe's American Bar and Grill" couldn't mess up a burger. Boy was I wrong. I ordered the original, with mushrooms and carmelized onions, cooked medium. As soon as I picked it up, I noticed that the patty was not well formed, and sure enough, after a couple of bites, a 2oz piece of the patty fell right off. I did't need to eat it, but still was pretty annoying. And the fries that came with the burger were lukewarm, and kind of soggy and stale. All in all - a fairly disappointing meal, and not worth the ~$20 check (I only ordered the burger). The other disappointment was the service. When we first walked in, we saw another "group" ahead of us so we waited for a server to come help us. After 3-5 minutes nobody had come by, so we started looking around to find someone. We turned around to face the other "group" and realized that they ALL WORKED THERE. None of them had bothered to say hello to us when we walked in, and were busy chatting amongst themselves. Their excuse was that they thought we were waiting for more people. This was unacceptable and unprofessional. When we left the restaurant almost two hours later, we saw the exact same employees all standing together, by the door, still talking. Clearly the owner of this establishment is overpaying these guys and should instead hire better cooks.
(2)
Jeff W.
Joes is a great spot to grab dinner. I had a reservation for two and was seated right away. The food quality and service is excellent.
(4)
Anne W.
I actually really like Joe's. I think there is good food here... this location is perfectly located on Newbury. Just great for breaking for lunch before walking further down the street. The wait was about 20 minutes.. so we wandered to the bar to grab two seats. My fav salad on the menu is the Thai beef salad.. it probably tastes nothing like Thai salad.. but it's good. The bread is also outstanding and really fresh. The grilled salmon was also awesome. Perfectly crisp on the outside.. and juicy on the inside. The chicken cobb isn't very good.. I was dissapointed in that. The clam chowder was also just okay.. they have less potatoes.. so that's a plus. Service was good.. but I would say.. they were dissapointed we didn't have drinks... so I think it affected our service.
(3)
Alex C.
We love this place. Great staff, good food and the wait is worth it. After the bombing at the marathon, they paid for our lunch. Could you be more nice? I will always be a fan of joes and this just made me appreciate you even more!
(5)
Ann Z.
We almost didn't go to Joe's because it only had 3 stars, but I'm really glad we did. The atmosphere was beautiful and quiet - a peaceful oasis on Newbury street. Our server Rodolfo was really nice and accommodating. He gave us great recommendations and made sure our dishes fit our dietary restrictions. I was especially pleased with the kale and quinoa salad. It's the kind of dish a mediocre restaurant would try and mess up. Rodolfo assured me it was delicious and he was spot on. What a refreshing, healthy mix of flavors!
(5)
Lynn C.
You know, the sun could have gotten to my head the day I was eating there, because I'm giving this place a 5 star when most people are giving this place 3 or 4 stars. I think what made this place amazing for is that I went there on a Friday afternoon when the sun was out, the temperature was in the 80s, after shopping, sat outside at the TERRACE, and enjoyed a good meal with great services. What more can one ask for? We got there at around 1pm, put down our name, was told to come back in 30 minutes. 30 minutes later, we came back, and was seated right away. One of my friends came from the UK and is allergic to gluten, and she was so ecstatic that the menu had gluten-free version of ALMOST EVERYTHING that she ordered TWO entrees...hahah, apparently restaurants in the UK doesn't cater to Celiacs the way they do here. She had a gluten-free pizza that was actually very good (!!) and Mac and Cheese, which I did not try, but she said was good. Her husband and I had the burger au poivre and just thinking about it makes me salivate. Beef patty covered in black pepper grilled to taste with caramelized onions...oooooooh...MmmmMmm.. Admittedly we asked for medium and the burger came out well-done but that did not take away the amazingness at all. I also asked for extra pickles after i finished eating the one that came with it because the pickles are so good. The server gave me like 6 more and i ate them all. Oh, and did I mention all the male servers there are HOT? They all look like male models, why wouldn't I go back again even if it's just to have a drink..hahahaha. So yes, I had a good time there, people watching, eating good food, and enjoying the sunshine. I'd go back, for sure!
(5)
Stephanie B.
I used to go here pretty regularly. It was easy and well located. Unfortunately, the last few times I have been there I was disappointed. It breaks down to this: 1. They removed the tuna burger from the menu. This was pretty much the only thing on the menu I liked, so I was at a loss after it was removed. I ordered the ahi tuna salad, which was good, but not $18 good. 2. They changed the chocolate cake. It used to be amazing (our favorite part of the meal!). Now it's lack luster. 3. There are VERY limited vegetarian options. Basically Mac & Chees and a Boca burger. BOCA burger, Joe's?? Seriously?? The kind I can buy at the grocery store for $5 a pack and you want me to spend $10 on one at your restaurant? No thanks. And I know I can order a salad without the meat, but their salads are pretty lame once you take the meet off. The honey chicken salad becomes spaghetti and iceburg lettuce - blah. 4. Why is it so expensive? Have they forgotten that they're a chain restaurant that's normally located in a mall? Since you're on Newbury you're all fancy now, Joe's? Let's be honest here. Pretty much the only thing this place has going for it now is the bread. Which is admittedly delicious, but not enough to get me to go there when there are so many other options on Newbury. Check out Cafeteria instead.
(2)
Maria S.
This place was ok, the waitstaff was really helpful and patient with our large group, but the food was nothing special - and for that reason, I wouldn't return.
(3)
Caroline H.
I was in Boston for a conference last week and about 9 of us walked over to Joe's for lunch just after noon. We were seated right away, which was great (and unexpected)! The waitress was really friendly, helped to answer questions about vegetarian options and didn't seem to mind when half of the people wanted water withOUT ice and the other half wanted water WITH ice. My lobster roll was really tasty, but I'm from a landlocked state, so I don't really get seafood very often and might not be a top authority on the matter. The roll was buttery and the pickles were a nice touch. I really enjoyed the food and was impressed with the service for such a big group at such a busy hour. My lunch-mates all seemed to enjoy their meals, too! With our complicated reimbursement needs, the waitress even let us split the check and had each of us pay with a separate card. Overall, I'd recommend Joe's fo sho.
(4)
Kockyo X.
I came in this restaurant in a rainny day with my friends. We had roasted mussels as appetizer. We did not expect this huge portion of food when it came, and it was so fresh and delicious! The entrees were mediocre though. Their bread was actually fantastic. It was so soft! I would recommend eating at this restaurant!
(3)
Emily D.
Joe's used to be my go-to celiac destination for gluten free food! They had tons of stuff and were really knowledgeable. The manager would personally deliver my gluten free food for me! Their menu was nothing special but it was good and they had gluten free pizza that actually tasted like pizza versus most places which tastes like cardboard. My sister and I were craving pizza last Friday afternoon so we strolled into Joes. Lo and behold we find the pizzas are gone! All of them - gluten and non-gluten. What the hell?! Now their menu is pretty uninspired and limited and expensive- gluten free pasta still available and gluten free buns for the fries. I guess they have dedicated fryers now for the fries, so that's fun, but literally my burger was $17! That's right a small turkey burger and I added cheese, guac, and bacon. Ummm any burger over $12 is the biggest scam ever. The gluten free roll was also a waste since it crumbled and fell apart when I picked it up. Should have known better! Joe's - bring back your old menu! I want gluten free buffalo chicken pizza!!!!!
(2)
Susan C.
I believe Joe's is located at the former TGI Fridays. In any case, it's on the middle part of Newbury Street. The food here is pretty good and the service friendly. I got the prime rib with a caesar salad side and sweet potato fries as well as an ahi tuna for an app. Everything was fresh and tasted good. I esp. liked the tuna app which came with crispy rice cakes (i.e. white rice packed into the shape of patties and crisped up on the outside). I also like the mixed drinks here. I generally don't eat out at chains, but I'd be back to Joe's if I was hungry and in the area.
(3)
Thomas N.
we had been here before and their design, esp the bar seating area, is great, wasn't planning on going there but when we walked past there were a couple of empty seats along the windows so we stayed.....glad we did, i know this is a small chain restaurant but the experience here was great...service was very pleasant and attentive, drinks were very good and reasonably priced by Boston standards, i had the signature burger and it was wonderful, wife had the meat load and it was also great and was dinner for us that evening.....really nice experience!!!
(5)
Aclaire H.
Hands down the freshest nachos plate I've ever had. Also a very good French dip sandwich.
(4)
Emi S.
I've been here before and have had a great experience. I cannot say the same for my most recent visit. I sat at the bar with a friend and the bartenders were seriously bad. The two girls were very neglectful and we eventually had to wave them down to get a drink after 10 minutes with empty drinks - all the while they were chatting with each other and very clearly not waiting on anyone. I worked as a waitress for quite some time so I understand the difference between being swamped and being lazy. At the end of our visit one of them snatched the menu out of my friend's hand to give to the next customer. Overall, it was an incredibly disappointing experience considering this restaurant's reputation.
(2)
Sherrie T.
Having never been to Boston before we just came upon this place and liked the idea of the street view seating. Their indoor/outdoor patio is awesome and very inviting. We were served by an awesome waiter named James. He was funny and very attentive. We had ordered clam chowder and a side of macaroni and cheese before the meal. For some reason the meal came out first. We didn't complain, we just mentioned it to James who was totally apologetic and asked if we still wanted those items. We did, and a few minutes later Travis the manager came over. He was pleasant and "on it" he comped the chowder and the macaroni and also our next round of drinks. When we ordered dessert he comped that also, saying that he was sincerely sorry about the mix up at the beginning and wanted us to truly enjoy the restaurant. The food was amazing, the chocolate chip cookie in a pan with ice cream was delicious. We enjoyed it so much we went back the next night. Thank you again to Travis and James for showing us by their actions how much patrons are valued at Joe's American Bar and Grill.
(5)
Hugh L.
Chyea.
(5)
Rachel T.
As a gluten free diner (severe allergy, not a preference) Joe's was AMAZING. The waiter was very understanding, and after ordering the manager came over to verify. They brought gluten free bread to the table (unsolicited), and had great attention to detail. Joe's even has a dedicated fryer for gluten free items, which means that I can eat stuff like french fries and has browns that I can't normally eat. They are rated 5 stars on "find me gluten free", but I wanted to add this here because my experience was truly outstanding.
(5)
Tiff D.
If its a perfectly rare, succulent tuna burger you crave or some amazingly crisp sweet potato fries...look no further. BEST DAMN TUNA BURGER ANYWHERE! and for you saps complaining about the prices...you are on NEWBURY street, and your $13 sandwich is huge and loaded with moist deliciousness AND comes with a heaping pile of perfectly cooked fries (not to mention the crisp pickle). Quit your bitchin'.
(4)
CJ L.
Went for lunch. No wait. We both had an appetizer and house salads one with grill chicken. Food was ok. Some of the salad had the start of brown edges. We were very disappointed with the service. Our waitress took our order and we only saw her again when we asked the food runners for something. With so many places to eat on Newbury Street, we will not be back to Joe's anytime soon!
(2)
Annie N.
I went to Joe's on a Friday night with my friend after a long work week. We were more than ready to unwind and Joe's did not disappoint! We had Michelle as our server and have to say that she was SUPERB. Vey attentive, extremely friendly, and kept us enjoying ourselves the whole evening. If we ever go back (which I'm sure we will!) we would definitely make it a point to request her. Between the two of us, my friend and I ordered wings, burgers, and several delicious drinks. The food was cooked well and the downstairs level of the restaurant was the ideal cozy atmosphere for a cold winter night in Boston. Keep on keeping on, Joe's!
(5)
Altita M.
I was there at a dinner last week!! the food and the server was the best!! Maritza Ayala the server was very attentive. The food has. Very good taste.
(5)
Lisa M.
Went to Joe's on Sunday night 8/10/2014 for dinner with a couple friends and had to wait because the hostess didn't know where to seat us or what tables were clean. Once we got seated everything was great. Our servers name was Marco and he had great customer service. He was awesome, he brought out our food on time, and was very attentive to us through out the night. I will definitely be asking for him next time I go to dine there. The food was also very good.
(4)
Peter W.
Five stars for being open on Christians! Also, their staff is helpful. The setting is comfortable as well. Nice experience and definitely a safe choice if you don't know anywhere else to go.
(5)
Rafael R.
I knew better, but while looking for a quick bite for lunch and limited on time with a group of co-workers in tow, Joe's was exactly what I expected, ho-hum food, nothing special, although the patio people watching on Newbury Street was a plus.
(2)
Paul O.
Not a bad restaurant....nice atmosphere but not very good food. It's just somewhere to eat and that's it
(3)
Sam A.
I grabbed lunch here on Easter Sunday with my buddy, Sharon, during my stay in Boston that weekend. It was quite packed, but the wait was nearly 40 minutes to an hour. Normally, knowing my impatience, I would've just chose to ditch the place and go to some other food shop on Newbury, but I lost track of time and wait seemed a lot shorter than usual. Since it was Easter Sunday, the place seemed almost fancy with all the people grabbing a late lunch after Easter service, and it was abnormally packed, but I doubt it's always like that where people are always dressed up. The restaurant itself is very spacious, and so there must have been a lot of people that day, because we were only a party of two, yet we had to wait a while. Other than that, the service was very good for the amount of people that were there that day. I can't seem to focus on anything else other than that; maybe it just seemed extra packed that usual! But onto the part that really matters: the food. I don't quite remember what my friend got, but I got the chicken picatta pasta, and boy, was that good! The portions were plenty (I ended up having leftovers, and I'm a pretty big guy). Everything seems to be under the $20 range, and they have a wide variety of foods from soups, burgers, salads, pasta, you name it. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there and the environment was quite lively. I'd love to go back if I visit Boston again.
(5)
Aleksey Z.
I made reservations for a Saturday evening at Joe's through the Open Table application via Yelp's website (kudos). I arrived on time with my girlfriend and for some reason my name wasn't showing up on their system, so I showed them the email, they apologized, and seated us right away. They led us to a table in the middle of a few couples already eating so I requested a booth a few feet away; they said that was fine. We had the spinach artichoke dip as an appetizer and it was really great- not only the flavor but also they gave tortilla chips and pita chips to choose between. I then ordered the Black and Blue burger, and she ordered the Turkey burger. The burgers came out when we were about halfway done with the dip (which was brought to us about 5 minutes after ordering. The burgers were delicious, mine was cooked medium (exactly how I had asked for), and the fries were fresh. The waiter was pleasant but not needy. The restaurant was packed but not overwhelming by any means. On the way out, a few people thanked us for coming. It was a really solid experience, I got exactly what I expected.
(5)
sasha h.
I think 3 stars is generous. I would never eat at this place except for the fact that my office is nearby and there aren't too many options for lunch on Newbury street in a 2 block radius. In summary, this place is expensive, touristy and the food is mediocre. The menu has enough variety but after trying something from every part of the menu and hating all of it, i've decided to stop ordering from here. Only thing i like are the roasted vegetables though i think i could make that at home
(3)
Penny K.
Tonight (Saturday) was a big disappointment. We get to Joe's/Boston once a year or so, but usually on a weeknight, and we have always enjoyed the experience. Obviously Saturday nights are different; the place was mobbed, and our evening was crazily rushed and unpleasant. A chunk of warm bread arrived minus a cutting knife. Salad came almost immediately after our glass of wine, the entrees showed up within a few minutes of our getting the salad (there was no room on the table). We noticed that the two tables around us had the same experience. Food-wise: meh. The salad looked like it came it of a commercial-grade bag. The food was lukewarm, the meat was very underdone, and the sweet potato fries were soggy and mushy. We chose to not stay for coffee/dessert, and I felt so uncomfortable that I was unwilling to sit for a few minutes to finish my one glass of wine. Whether it was the intention to get us in/out quickly because of the crowd, we have no idea. But we felt the rush (given the overly quick arrival of the entree). We will probably consider going back, but most definitely NOT on a Saturday evening.
(3)
Theresa M.
I secretly love Joe's, so when my boyfriend and I were on Newbury Street the other day we decided to grab some lunch at the Newbury Street location. It was equally as good as the other locations that I have visited, but given it was lunch time on Newbury Street there was a 30 minute wait and the place was very noisy and crowded. The service was good taking into account that they were so busy, but I've had better service at other locations even when they are equally as busy. Oh and although the menu is essentially the same the prices are $2-3.00 more...I guess you have to pay more because your on Newbury Street, but we did have a window table...which was lovely.
(3)
Erica N.
As a foodie and local event planner, I do not recommend this restaurant. Food is mediocre and not worth the frustration with service. Better to go to Stephanie's across the street at a little higher price and much better service, try Paramount Cafe as well or anywhere else in the area. Made a reservation here and was still told I had to wait when I arrived. Then when we were seated finally 10 minutes later not one person stopped at our table. Waited another 10 minutes and saw another table that was just seated then immediately approached by a waiter. Not sure where ours was. Probably the stupid kid who dropped all the silverware clearing the table next to us. Couldn't even get the attention of the 10 different snobby waiters and hostesses that walked by. Not even any acknowledgement so we decided to get up and leave. Told the manager when we were leaving and although he offered to ask for him when we come back I declined since I won't be going back as this is the second time this has happened here. If you can get a seat at the bar try it out because at least you are in their face there so you'll get faster service. But again food is not impressive. All in all staff is pretentious for a lowsy chain restaurant on Newbury Street. You have many other options and they should recognize that and appreciate the business you bring. I was honestly shocked that I was able to get a last minute reservation on Easter Sunday and Boston Marathon weekend so other people must share the same feeling as me....
(1)
Holly Marie C.
A very traditionally American restaurant with a decent menu to offer for breakfast and lunch. The service was nice and the food was okay. I had the veggie burger (dry, needed a whole jar of mayo but tasted fine with the sauce), and the sweet potato fries (generic, every day find).
(3)
Jennifer B.
The three of us sat at the bar and were waited on hand and foot by Josh. We enjoyed hours of the best service anywhere. We would travel back from CT to get that kind of royal treatment again. Is he still working Sunday brunch?
(4)
Justin S.
Do not order Tito's Bloody Mary. Tito is a virgin or a teetotaler. Either way the Bloody Mary is non-alcoholic. Brunch was tasty. The waitress was friendly. When you order coffee be sure to order milk at the same time, they won't being it with otherwise.
(2)
Luena L.
Chili "soup" is not really soup, it's more like dry ground meat with cheese in a cup.
(2)
Steve M.
Great place to meet friends and have lunch. Service was excellent and the food was very good. It's right in the middle of Newbury St. where shopping is also lots of fun!
(4)
Carina R.
My hubster and I were shopping on Newbury and looking for a place to eat. We found Joe's it looked nice and was convenient for us, so we ate lunch here. We were seated right away and the hostess and waitress there were very nice. We both ordered the BLT salad. My husband got his with shrimp, which was an exception and one they seemed all too happy to make for him. The salads were really good actually. Very refreshing for the extreme heat that was outside. We got seated so we were facing the street and they had the windows open, so it was a really nice lunch with people watching and being able to enjoy the day without being overcome by heat. This place seemed like somewhere people go to lunch while working, but it worked perfect for us. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Katie B.
I wish Yelp could do half stars, because Joe's is more of a 3.5 star place. The food and service is good and I have nothing to complain about here. The only thing is it's simply not worth the price. The bread they serve before your meal is AMAZING. My favorite part about the restaurant, haha. It's just so soft and hot and delicious. Their burgers are good, nothing special though. I wouldn't advise against this restaurant, but I wouldn't really recommend it either.
(3)
Carrianne C.
Ah I'm so in between a 2 and a 3.... it's honestly not great food. The ambiance is pretty standard, but its a great spot for people watching on Newbury St. Not much to say other than that. It's just ehh.
(3)
Chris I.
Don't let the location fool you. Located in the heart of Back Bay, Joe's is quite reasonably priced and doesn't really seem to have a "tourist trap" vibe to it. I met a friend there for dinner after work on a Tuesday night and had very little trouble getting a table. We hung out at the bar for a bit and then made our way to a booth for dinner. Service was fast and friendly, and the food was excellent - I had the Joe's Signature Burger, which was terrific. If you're looking for a good meal in Back Bay that won't break the bank, check it out.
(4)
Julianne S.
I'm a HUGE fan of this place and I will usually be the first one to suggest Joe's whenever looking for a brunch spot in the Back Bay. It's easy, hassle free, and cheap! I've only come here on the weekends for brunch, so I can't comment on other times of the day. I first came with a big corporate group for brunch and loved that they had a prix fixe menu for us. We had completed a long walk so we were all starving and ready to chow down. The food did not disappoint then, nor did it disappoint when I came back another time with a couple of friends. I highly recommend the buffalo chicken & waffle. Seriously so good.
(4)
Elizabeth H.
Went for brunch with friends and was content with the bread, a staple. Having seen banana chocolate chip pancakes on the menu, I was excited and decided to deviate from my norm of eggs in the mornings these days. What a dissapoinment. The chips weren't even in and very limited supply and the pancakes had no fluff or favor. Would definitely not come back again if I did not know that the other dishes were superb. Hoping it was a fluke.
(2)
gwynnie p.
Had breakfast here recently and wouldn't recommend it as a morning place - looks like they open early three days a week. It's hard to find a hot breakfast in the Copley Square area, at least we found it tough. My Eggs Florentine were cold, including the english muffin and the side of potatoes. They did remove the dish from the bill, which was very nice. Can't even remember what my husband had but it was equally unimpressive, with the same cooked the day before and not heated up well potatoes. Later in the day when the kitchen is cranking and people are getting their drink on while shopping on Newbury Street, I imagine that sitting outside is lots of fun in nice weather, so I'd go back for that....
(3)
Navie N.
I definitely enjoyed the food here more than I expected to! I thought it would be typical American food - wings, burgers, the normal not-so-grand type, but I was totally wrong! While these menus were still on the item, they had a special touch them! I especially enjoyed the turkey burger with sweet potato fries! It was just done so well and was so tasty! They also offered us a window seat when we requested one! My mom and I also wanted to share the two dishes and they kindly put it on separate plates for us! The minus one star is only because I told them I did not want tomatoes in my burger, but they put them in anyway. If I weren't so repulsed by tomatoes, this place definitely would have received five stars!
(4)
Caroline H.
We stopped here after a long day at the Museum of Fine Arts. We were seated by the windows and it was fantastic people watching on Newbury Street! I have to say that the air conditioning felt nice on this 90 plus degree day. This restaurant was busy and had a great menu. I had the fish tacos and they were amazing, and hubby had a burger. We were heading to the Red Sox game after dinner and we were wearing Red Sox tshirts and the waitress told us that we just missed the Red Sox second baseman, Pedroia. Our waitress, although crazy busy, was nice, prompt and came to our table often for refills on water and beer. I definitely recommend this palce!
(4)
Nicole J.
Great location on Newbury Street. Have been here a couple of times and less than blown away. It is a decent meal, nothing too unique about it. The staff has always been nice and accommodating, no complaints there. If you are hanging out on Newbury and looking to be where the people are, this is definitely the spot. Drinks and food aren't cheap, however, so bring a fat pocketbook!
(3)
Brendon B.
I work for Favor, a food delivery service, so I deliver from dozens of restaurants every week. American Joe's is the only place in over a year and 500+ delivery runs that I've actually been fed up with enough to go on Yelp an write a bad review. Rude doesn't even begin to describe their service. When I got the order request from my customer, I was just a block away from Joes so it was easier to just walk in and order. The hostess treated me like I was a bum off the street from the get-go. She didnt offer me anywhere to sit while I was waiting. When I asked, she told me to sit at the bar (even though there were a bunch of open tables). The bartender kept hovering over me and asking me multiple times what I wanted to drink and why I was there. I told her I was waiting for my take out order and showed her my receipt. She proceeded to take my receipt and crumple it up (mind you I need to provide receipts for my customers) After waiting over 30 minutes, I started to wonder what was taking so long. I went back to the entrance to find my order sitting there getting cold with the hostess. I'm amazed they couldnt take 30 seconds of their time to at least let me know my food was ready. Mind you this was almost 11 pm on a week night so it was pretty quiet and the hostress was just standing there chatting with her colleagues. Again, I do delivery runs all the time from all over Boston. Don't get me wrong. I've had way worse problems from other places like poorly packed containers that exploded in my bag or screwed up orders, but Joes really left a sour enough taste in my mouth. Its the atmosphere of arrogance they created
(1)
Garen A.
One star only because the waitress was nice. We came in for breakfast. Waited over 30 minutes to get eggs, hash browns, sausage and toast. Everything, yes everything was cold. How do you screw up breakfast this bad. I inhaled my Luke warm eggs and left the rest. I am so unhappy I am writing this review with a cold ass plate of food in front of me (see pic). Never again...avoid for breakfast.
(1)
Karn J.
Worst Dining Experience of my entire life, poor management of customers. I had the misfortune on sitting next to two gentlemen who, upon me sitting down started insulting me in a somewhat racist manner as well immediately ( the phrase "dirty indian" was thrown around). I politely asked them to leave if they had a problem with me and they moved a few seats away while still loudly insulting me. I ignored them for the most part and talked to the new customers who had just arrived next to me, they had no problem with me and we were talking over drinks. Then the manager arrives and asks ME to leave. I don't like confrontation so I just took my food and left. needless to say I did not like the customer service or how the situation was handled. The only plus was that they comp'd my meal and drink.
(1)
Lizzy P.
Amazing drink list and I recommend the lobster mac. Avoid the chowda it's just meh. Needed salt and pepper just to taste like anything. Good for baby carrier, good service and very friendly. Gorgeous view would love to go there when it's snowing! See pics.
(4)
Gabe L.
I went there with my friend after her appointment. My chicken for my salad wasn't cooked all the way. Her buffalo boneless chicken was the same chicken that was on my salad just in hot sauce. Price for the food we got wasn't worth it..
(1)
Marie C.
Very torn about this review. This is my third time eating here and each time I leave here with a different opinion. The negatives: - Entrees are hit or miss. All three times I have been here, half of the people I'm with like their meals and half dislike. - Wait was atrocious. We had reservations... and waited 45 mins to be seated! But worse was that the maitre d kept coming over saying that our table was just about ready... after the third time, we didn't know what to do! They did give us 2 free apps, but it didn't make up for a 45 minute wait. The positives: - Apps were great. Love that the spinach-artichoke dip was served with both chips and toasted bread. The calamari was also very tasty and perfectly cooked, the tomato dip was a great addition! - My entree last night was amazing! I had the kale and quinoa salad with grilled chicken which came with raisins, parmesan and nuts... it was a wonderful salad! Highly recommend! - The small loaf of bread for the table was warm and very fresh. Nice supplement to the salad I had! - You can't beat the prices here... for a restaurant on newbury! Very reasonably priced, many many options well under $20. So very hard to decide what to rate this place. Maybe my next visit will do the trick.
Take out from NYAJ tonight. Out door seating as well as plenty of parking. Food is always prepped with consistency. Except for the buffalo sauce on the chicken. Sometimes that sauce will melt your lips! Could be ghost peppers? However - I love this place!
(5)
Renu G.
Great food. Ribs full rack was awesome. Loved Gimlet drink. Duncan was a great server. Will definitely come back again !!
(4)
Noreen A.
Great food and our host, James was very nice and courteous, gave us enough time to decide our orders. It was a ladies night out and we haven't met in a while so go figure! LOL I ordered the crab cake which was excellently made and quite stuffing. I took a side of clam chowder done to perfection. I'd totally recommend this place to others for small group dinners and breakfasts.
(5)
Denise F.
3.5 I had Cobb salad, son had chicken sandwich, hub had tuna burger. Sides were sweet potato fries and Mac and cheese. Everything was very tasty. 15 minute wait.
(3)
Angela Y.
#NAME?
(4)
Kayla S.
8/13/15 - came here for appetizers and drinks with my bf. it was pretty cool, I ordered buffalo boneless chicken wings and my bf had the chicken club. I was surprised when I received my boneless wings, it was chicken breast chopped up! it was fresh protein (with the exception of the buffalo sauce), and grilled. they were succulent and full of flavor. my boyfriend enjoyed his chicken club. we both had Stella's to drink and a round of water. I think we both enjoyed the atmosphere as it wasn't overly crowded. the service wasn't bad, and can't complain about much.
(4)
Nicole B.
Joe's on Newbury has a semi-swank atmosphere and is usually less crowded than their competition directly across the street: Stephanie's on Newbury. Immediately when you walk in is the porch and upper bar, and to get to the main dining room, you go down some stairs and see another large bar, open kitchen and ample seating. The more-formal-than-not atmosphere is betrayed by the food, which includes lots of down home comfort food favorites, including cheesy pastas and (to my delight) fried chicken. I should have known -- being from the South it's hard to find good fried chicken in Boston, and Joe's is another name for the list of places that just should not even try it. The chicken was overcooked and flavorless and the biscuit (if you could call it that) tasted baked from a frozen dough puck of the supermarket brand variety. No bueno. The mashed potatoes were delicious, I must say, as was the gravy smothering them. The portion was huge, and a good value for the price. I went for lunch with coworkers and we experienced very slow, inattentive service, but the waitress was pleasant enough when she was around. I've been once before that experience, and sat at the bar for some sangria and a sampler of tortilla chips and salsa, neither of which blew me away. The service there was great. Overall, the best thing Joe's has going for it is the atmosphere and Newbury St. cred. The food, however, in my experience, is plainly basic. Stick to this place for happy hour only and you'll be ok.
(3)
Becky T.
This is a solid 3-star restaurant. If you're expecting an amazing culinary feast, this isn't it. But if you've been walking around Boston for a couple of hours and want to eat at a place w good beer, great atmosphere, and patio seating, this is it! I sat at the upstairs bar and loved the feeling of being IN Boston. The clam chowder was standard, nothing to write home about. I also had the buffalo chicken wrap, which also was fine. The draught beer was a bit pricey at 6.50 a pop, but I think that's just what you get for eating in this area! Again, solid 3 stars, but I'm sure locals probably go elsewhere to get the great food.
(3)
Mohammad C.
The food is way to salty for me, and the drinks are completely watered down, and not fresh at all! I got my food before I got my drinks, which is a big NO NO in this Industry.
(1)
Lauren P.
Your typical neighborhood bar. We were walking around Boston looking for a place for dinner. The bar was hopping so we knew it should be a good place to try out. They had a large drink menu although not a ton of beers. I went with the Sam Adam's Summer- when in Rome! Lots of options on the menu from appetizers, salads and sandwiches to entrees. I went with a Cobb salad with chicken which came with a lot of fresh toppings including avocado and cheese. My friend got a burger and the steak fries looked so good I had to order a side of them. It was busy for a Thursday and the service was fine. Lots of indoor seating downstairs in the dining room as well as upstairs at the bar.
(3)
Alexis R.
I work on Newbury St and Joe's is my go to spot. I always order the same thing and most of the staff is very friendly. The Boneless Buffalo wings are my favorite. Joe's is always hoping and during the warm summer months they open the enclosure to expose the street level dining area. It is a go to for locals that like to people watch on their breaks. It is set right in the center of Newbury street, so you never know what you will see. It is reasonably priced for Newbury St and the can accommodate large groups. Locals tip: always ask for the bread.
(5)
Keith C.
A few people were in town, so my wife and I came to meet them for brunch a couple weeks ago. All in all, there were five of us. I have gluten issues, so I was looking forward to coming here and having some quality gluten-free food. I was told they even have a dedicated gluten-free fryer so I was excited about that. When we arrived before everyone else, they brought around some normal bread for my wife, and gluten-free bread for myself. Her bread was soft, but just a giant hunk-o-bread, which was odd for the middle of the cold season, when everyone is being ultra-germophobic. The gluten-free bread is really those sandwich rolls, and was quite decent. After everyone arrived, I got a gluten-free burger with sweet-potato fries, and everyone else got eggs or pancakes. My gluten-free burger came out on the sandwich rolls, and was already caking apart before I even touched it. By time I ate half of the burger, it had effectively disintegrated just from me grabbing it, and the burger/ketchup juices. It really made for a horrifically messy meal, combined with that I was afraid to put it down for fear of being unable to pick it back up. I was told that the eggs/pancakes were fine, but no better than any breakfast place near us, but at double the price. The service was good, and for my gluten-free items, they were brought out my a manager, undoubtedly to ensure safety and avoid cross-contamination. All in all, it was A-Ok, as 3 stars signifies, but totally unremarkable.
(3)
Makalo L.
This is a really good restaurant. We went here for brunch. They have excellent egg Benedict. I suggest u to try it.
(5)
Carla D.
My husband and I visited Joe's on a Friday for lunch one winter day. My husband will not stop raving about how delicious the crab cakes were, and how out-of-this-world the tartar sauces served along with them tasted! I ordered a cup of chili, which was fresh & hot and satisfying. Our waiter (Greg) was friendly and attentive. A most enjoyable lunch.
(4)
Adam P.
Came here as a group for brunch before heading to the airport. It was our last day in town and really wanted a good meal before we left. I was very disappointed. The table and atmosphere was fantastic. This place looks and feels like the all-American restaurant, and the menu makes you feel that way too. I did not like much else though. The waiter looked like Adam Levine, and he wasn't really that good. He took a long time to greet us, a long time to get us drinks, and overall just seemed like he didn't do much other than give blank stares. I started with the clam chowder which was fine. Not the best I ever had, but good enough. I then ordered a breakfast sandwich with pork belly egg and cheese. I don't know exactly why this sandwich sucked, but it did. It sounds so easy, and impossible to screw up. It looked and tasted like there was mayo on the sandwich, and I couldn't even finish it. The worst egg sandwich I have ever had, and am still baffled that it wasn't good. It came with potatoes. They looked like they would be good, but pretty much tasted terrible. I couldn't even eat these. Seems like a popular spot, the other reviews are solid, so who knows. But the other guys in my group were underwhelmed as well, so maybe we caught a bad day. But overall, I was very disappointed and was expecting a much higher-end brunch.
(1)
Ryan R.
Went here to celebrate a friend's bday on a Friday night. We had made a reservation for 14 ppl so we were seated right away. We started off with their bread (which I actually really enjoyed) and a couple plates of nachos. The nachos were definitely the best dish of the night. For my meal I ordered the reuben with sweet potato fries. The sandwich had decent taste but the meat was bit chewy in my opinion. In addition, the fries were sort of limp and lacked crispiness, but I enjoyed dipping them into their chipotle cream sauce. Overall, this place has a sort of sports bar vibe and the food seems to match that (though prices are a bit high). The service was friendly, but not always attentive to our large party. The venue was able to seat us all comfortably though, and we ended up having a nice night out.
(3)
Ryan A.
Came here for dinner last week. Good thing we had a reservation because we were seated right on time despite how many people we're waiting for a table. The space is much bigger than it appears to be when walking by and only being able to see the outdoor seating area. The very large indoor seating area is downstairs and not visible from the street. We were given a booth, which we greatly appreciated and greeted by a very friendly waiter. However, as weird as this sounds, that was my one complaint. The waiter was really nice and attentive but so much so that it got a bit annoying by the end of the meal. It seemed like he came to check on us at least every 5 minutes. Regardless, thats a minor issue is the grand scheme of things. More importantly, the food was awesome. We shared the fajita quesadilla for our appetizer which I highly recommend. It's the perfect size for two people. For my entree I had the ribeye which was definitely a top-10 Bostonian steak in my book.
(5)
Lauren T.
This was one of the best brunches that I have ever had. The orange juice was amazing and the bread was delicious. We had such a good meal that we are coming back tomorrow morning with friends! Great service as well- the manager even came over to our table to deliver our food after I told them about my food allergy.
(5)
Lucy E.
It's a chain, so right off the bat I'm not thrilled. But it is fairly consistent and it has great views for people watching on Newbury if you get a seat by the windows. The service is good enough, our waiter while friendly mentioned he didn't like Boston (probably not a great thing to say while serving a table of Bostonians). The food was decent. I got a blackened chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. The chicken was very dry and not very flavorful considering it was blackened. The french fries were good, tasty and hot. The beer was shipyard pumpkinhead, cold and delicious. Will I go back? Probably. Will I learn to love it? Probably not.
(3)
Chelsey A.
This review is for their brunch. Get the waffle and the fresh orange juice. The waffle is life changing. See the picture. Came on a Saturday early afternoon and while there was a wait my friend and I were seated quickly, after less than 15 minutes. I'll definitely be back for another waffle!
(5)
Danielle S.
We came here for an early lunch before we left the city for home. They have an upstairs and a downstairs - upstairs is more open. It's like sitting outside, only it is covered, so you could sit there if it was raining. We ate downstairs because it was a little cooler. I'm glad we came earlier, because later it definitely filled up! We were greeted by a nice waitress, who promptly took our drink order. They have a little of everything on their menu -I had a hard time deciding! We ordered the nachos for an appetizer - they were probably the best nachos I have ever had. They were smothered with cheese and other toppings. There was the perfect proportion of chips to toppings! I knew I couldn't leave Boston without getting a lobster roll. I was very happy with the taste and presentation. The bread was obviously home made (soft and sweet), and the lobster was perfect. Their sweet potato fries are also delish! I loved the atmosphere, service, food, and variety of things to order. I would definitely come back!
(5)
Ngan T.
I've never been here when it wasn't crowded. Although it's not a touristy crowd--actually a lot of locals grabbing a casual lunch or dinner. I've never successfully gotten a table by myself, but all is forgiven. The front staff are always very sweet. Most times they'll walk over to the bar themselves to make sure there's a seat before telling me to walk over. The drinks are generally very watered down, though bartenders are fantastically friendly. I'm not sure what the rest of the staff is like here since my experience has been limited to the bar area. I've tried their mac n cheese. It was a bit too saucy for my tastes, and the portion size (as is with allllll the places on newbury street) was just too small for what you pay for. I overheard the girls next to me send back a salad but shhhhh, you didn't hear it from me. lol anyway, I wouldn't come back here for the food, but rather for the excellent customer service.
(3)
Joanna F.
Yes, Joe's American Bar & Grill is a chain and tourist trap on Newbury Street, but it gets the job done. Joe's offers entrees, sandwiches and salads at really reasonable prices for this part of town. And the food is pretty good! One of my favorites is the Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. Grilled or fried chicken over greens with a little angel hair pasta and some crispy wontons thrown in with a delicious honey mustard dressing. The bread to start is absolutely amazing too. This is also a great place to come in the warmer months for a few drinks post work. The windows in the front open up to Newbury Street so it's beautiful. I'm a fan.
(4)
Mike L.
Great dinner here! Food was good, service even better! Thanks to Mark for being super accommodating to us and appeasing all our requests! Really appreciate the hostesses seating us in a quiet spot so my Dad could hear. Even if the food sucked, which it doesn't, we come back for the exceptional service!
(5)
Emily W.
By far one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. We were visiting Boston and walked by this place and thought we would check it out. I had the Mac and cheese and it was phenomenal! They were also VERY accommodating with changes to the food as I am vegetarian and my sister is Vegan. Our waiter was absolutely amazing! He was so helpful and so nice. The atmosphere, food, staff, everything was lovely. Highly highly recommend this restaurant!!! PS: they're appetizer bread is to die for. Doughy and warm on the inside and perfectly crusted on the outside, I've never had anything like it.
(5)
Jazzy J.
I'm writing this based on a one-time, tourist experience so don't get your scrotum twisted if you disagree with my opinion. It was a really nice day so we sat on the patio during a Friday lunch hour. It was busy but we only waited about 10 minutes for a table so that was cool. Our server was super cute so that automatically defaults to 3 stars. He brought our beers right away and was super attentive. I ordered the crab cakes and they were freakin delicious. Also their French fries were big and awesome. My brother got the lobster roll and that nailed it too. My mom ordered the fish sandwich and really liked it. We enjoyed the food, the service, and the atmosphere. Highly recommend it.
(4)
Becca B.
I am writing this review based on take out only. That being said, I created a Yelp account solely so that I could show the world the salad I got for $21.25. I ordered the Ahi Tuna salad from the Newbury Street location and was extremely disappointed. The salad consisted of some iceberg lettuce, a bunch of red onions, a small pile of ginger, and some tuna. The salad dressing (which I ordered on the side) consisted of 1 small tub of soy sauce and 1 small tub of what I can only describe as thousand island dressing with some hot sesame oil thrown in. The tuna was edible, but not great. For the price, I expected a lot more and was thoroughly disappointed. I feel better now that I created a yelp account and could share my distress with the world. Thanks yelp!
This is for your own good: do not eat brunch here. I'm not sure how one screws up breakfast sandwiches, but they do and charge $13 for it. The eggs Benedict is gross too. There is too much good food on Boston, save yourself.
(2)
Marck N.
Walking down Newbury street, we had several hours to kill before our flight. Passing Joe's American Bar & Grill, it looked like a nice place to get a few drinks and enjoy the sunny weather. We sat at the outside bar and looked at the crowd walking by. My first drink I ordered was the sparkling blueberry sangria.I asked the bartender to make it without the sour mix and only a splash of sprite. He was very accommodating to do this and made made a refreshing summer sangria. It was slightly tart, but still sweet by the pureed blueberry. Much better tasting than my partners blueberry mojito. My second drink was the pear-fect martini. This is an awesome drink that made my afternoon. Pear vodka and pureed pear. The pureed pear added the sweetness to the martini and it is a pretty large martini. After enjoying the conversation and sun, we headed back to the hotel to leave Boston. A nice farewell touch.
(3)
Kenson K.
What to do on our last day in Boston? Why, head down to Joe's. We only stopped in for drinks here. Their blueberry mojitos were really fresh. They had real blueberries crushed into here and it was like a summer drink. What a perfect thing to have on a sunny afternoon. I also tried the blueberry iced tea. It was little more tart than the mojito but still very refreshing. It didn't taste like either one had alcohol in it until later as it all started to sink in.
(3)
Casey H.
Great selection and it was delicious. Parking sucks but other than that the place is great.
(4)
Michael S.
I had Joe's signature burger and the clam chowder in a bread bowl, absoluteluly delicious! Service was a bit over the top (I know you're trolling for tips, but relax... You were stressing me out). Expensive meal, but if you're hungry for a burger, give it a go.
(3)
Anahid H.
I have been to Boston many times, but only been to Joe's twice. I remember having a good experience the first time, but this last time was really amazing! The lobster mac and cheese is BY FAR THE BEST LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE! I had my husband in NY wanting some. Their crab cakes are also great (my sister enjoyed them as well).
(5)
Alisia P.
I love Joe's! I have only been there 3-4 times but never once had bad service or bad food. The spinach and artichoke dip is delish :-)
(5)
Maria D.
We were looking for a place that was open for reservations on OpenTable and we found Joe's. It is a quaint little place, but the food was not good at all. I was incredibly disappointed at the quality of the food we were served. We all had chicken-- presented differently and none of us were impressed. For a better take on food in a nicer atmosphere, go to the Met Bar right up the street. Joe's was also too loud and too crowded. Not to mention, the gluten free options were laughable at best. The utensils were also dirty-- there was food on them! And the waiter took a while to take our orders. Maybe it was the Friday night thing? Or maybe it really just is always that bad.
(2)
Molly P.
Friends and I came into the bar for drinks and was amazed at how rude the servers were to us. The bartender was the worst. He showed no respect to his customers. He talked down to us, never showed interest and had a nasty attitude. I'll never come back.
(1)
Greg G.
Bar staff completely rude. Don't waste your time here. If I could give it a negative star I would.
(1)
Carlin T.
Joe's consistently make good burgers and drinks. My new favorite is the bacon Mac and cheese. The staff is always friendly, and the atmosphere is always laid back and welcoming
(5)
Pilar B.
Worst meal I've had out in many months. Plates were dirty, medium rare steak arrived raw and cool to touch, salad greens wilted and brown, service friendly but super slow. Never again!
(1)
Apeksha R.
This place is situated right on Newbury street and is quiet crowded. We went here for brunch on Saturday and had to wait for a good 40 mins to get a table for 5 (one kid ) . The portions are big for 1 person and small for 2. They have a good number of dishes on their menu and more than 1 veggie dish ( I am a vegetarian - so it does matter ). I ordered for banana chocolate chip pancakes and they taste awesome!! However it had 3 such pancakes stuffed with banana and chocolate of which I could finish just one .for drinks we ordered champagne to toast for my husband's graduation at MIT. Was meeting my cousin after 15 years and this place was great for catching up. A must try if u live in Boston. Next time I want to try the outdoor seating which looked far more interesting ..
(3)
Thien N.
Can your bread be any more perfect? WIth the chewy inside but crispy outside with a side of butter that just all melts in your mouth. I've passed Joe's on many occasions, mainly because of the long wait. This time, it was only a 15-minute wait for 2 during Brunch time, and we could handle that wait time. The bloody mary was not spicy enough for my liking, but the bar was able to accommodate with extra horseradish, hot sauce, and olives (bonus points for Joe's!). We split the nachos, which was definitely a sharable size for 2-4 people. The Prime Rib Hash was amazing, although it was a bit too greasy for me. I'm not a fan of finding a pool of grease in my food. Overall, service was excellent even during rush hour. Food was pretty decent, but really, come for the bread. It's amazing.
(3)
Veronika L.
Food is pretty good. Nachos are the best thing we ordered. Burgers were average but they are gluten-allergy friendly and the waitstaff is extremely polite. I enjoyed the atmosphere overall.
(4)
Laura B.
I came here last Saturday afternoon and had a really great experience. Food: I got the grilled cheese and asked for avacado with it. It was awesomeeeee. Drinks: Best Sangria ever!! I got the Berry sangria that has bubbles in it. So sweet and refreshing. Our waitress recommended a special coctkail they were serving only for the weekend (Mothers day) called Mother's little helper, and it was really good. I wish I had more than one. Really surprised with the quality of cocktails here, not your typical american chain restaurant quality. Service: Our waitress was Alena, and she was the best! SO nice and helpful even though the restaurant was very busy. She was really great and when I come back I hope I have her again. One of my new favorite places!
(5)
Tony S.
I normally would not have written a review of a 'meh' dining establishment. I've been coming to this location since it was a TGI Friday, and even with the new chain, I neither love or hate it. Yes the street-level view is great, and there are some hottie pa-tottie patrons that come in, but the food is middle of the road, hence the 3 stars. However, there are two things worth writing about: First, there is a server named Aaron (I think), who was the nicest, most professional and patient server I have ever had in Boston. Not only was he cool and informative, he was funny, friendly, and didn't make my small group feel uncomfortable at all when we stayed waaaaay longer beyond dinner. Two-thumbs up for this guy. Makes Boston proud. Second, I had this BLT salad, which I'll review in two parts. First, the salad dressing was completely wrong for the dish. Yes it's a decent vinaigrette, but TOTALLY clashes with the flavor of bacon, which is the centerpiece of the salad. They should be using a more ranchy or creamier dressing...... something less acidic. It clashed like peanut butter and chewing a vitamin C pill. BUT.... but but but.......BUT...... the salad comes with a bacon-on-bread arrangement that is OUT OF THIS WORLD. These 2 small toast servings come with a cajun maple bacon infused with some sort of parmesan crusted.... something. Yes.... it is THAT good. I'm a bacon expert that engages in a famous candied-bacon dish, so I KNOW when bacon is presented well. So......yeah, I'll come back.
(3)
Suzanne N.
Great food, great waitress, and great manager! First time in Boston and totally worth it.
(5)
Amy B.
The positive first: Joe's is great for groups. I have a monthly meeting that's lately been gathering at Joe's, and they don't mind us arriving at different times and are fabulous about splitting the check. I also like the decor of Joe's and the big open windows facing Newbury Street. That said, Joe's is not my favorite. The food is reminiscent of TGI Friday's (although I could be primed by the fact that TGIF was the previous business in this space). The Bloody Mary that comes free with some of the brunch entrees is appropriately priced for its quality. Beer and wine lists are fine, but not particularly impressive. Joe's also has a practice that really pisses me off. They artificially create a line outside the restaurant at peak hours (weekend nights and brunch times). If you see a line outside Joe's and want to eat there, whip out your smart phone and make an Open Table reservation. Chances are, you can get a reservation and be shown to your seat almost immediately. This might be savvy marketing, but I don't think it's good treatment of customers.
Great burger, better cocktails, whole table loved the place, server was old and amazing, nicest guy in Boston so far on my trip, busy tho immediately seated, picky gf had amazing steak tips, good location, would come back.
(4)
Jim T.
Joe's for a chain is actually consistently good and so is the service. Tonight however was even better than usual. We had Loren as our server. Blew us away. Upbeat, friendly and actually made us feel like she cared about us enjoying our meal and having a good time. This place was packed and she made us feel like we were her only party. Very impressed!
(5)
Lyndsey C.
On a nice day, windows open onto Newbury st., this place is great. Beautiful light flows in and the windows/walls are open in the front. Great service, nice selection. We had the special grilled cheese, sweet potato fries, nachos, and drinks... All very good. (We were here for a late lunch/ late afternoon drinks) Great location and atmosphere.
(4)
Cornelia M.
Okay so let's be honest the reason that this place is getting any stars at all is because the food is actually good. My friends and Iive/work and go out in the area quite frequently and often come to Joe's after our events for something to eat as we did this past Saturday 3/21. We decided to go to Joe's because we had a $20 gift card that was expiring at the end of the month so we figured why not spend it. When we get there we were told there was a little bit of a wait which we were happy to do. We went to the downstairs bar to wait for our buzzer to ring when two seats opened up. We figured great we'll sit down and wait for our table so we grabbed the seats and the bartender asked my friend what she wanted to drink and my friend replied water (now mind you we had been out drinking all day at a ShockTop event and my friend was also trying not to spend much money) to which the bartender told my friend that she shouldn't be sitting there if she wasn't going to drink. I had planned on ordering something (which I did) but my friend felt pressured by the douche bartender to get a drink which she reluctantly did. Never in my life have I encountered such piss poor service. I just couldn't believe that this jerk felt the need to say something to my friend. Unfortunately I think in my fuzzy brain I actually left the douche a tip which he sooo didn't deserve. The bartender was also doing his best jerk impression on two women sitting next to us giving them free drinks and such. If I didn't have another gift certificate to use this would have been my last time. I'll go back one more time but that's going to be it. My friends and I are going to find a new place to hang after events! Sorry Joe's but your jerk bartender did you in!
(2)
Marie C.
While we waited for our table, we grabbed a drink at the bar downstairs. The bartender served us our drinks, and after having waiting for a bill for quite a while, we handed him money for our drinks. Expecting our change back, he simply said "how are the drinks, are they good??", while he held up the money we gave him. We were all a bit confused by this, but figured out he was just going to keep whatever the difference between the bill and leftover amount was. No problem with tipping, especially for a good drink, but I thought his assumption and putting us on the spot in front of other patrons, was just plain run & presumptuous. I like to be able to decide what I tip for service, having worked in the service industry before. We finally got to our table & ordered the nachos, burgers & wings. Being from Texas, I can't say I was impressed by the nachos, but they weren't bad either. The burgers were good, as were the wings. Nothing stood out as delicious, however it was a good meal.
(3)
Nick F.
Whenever my parents came to visit me at college, they would always prefer to eat at Joes- and I didn't blame them. Joes was always reliable for great food, awesome drinks, and spectacular service. I can't wait to get back to Boston and eat here.
(5)
Maryam F.
They had amazing food and Alena made my experience at the restaurant even better! I'll definitely coma back again! Thank you Alena for your service, too kind! :)
(5)
Mo L.
I have been a customer of Joe's for a very long time but it hasn't been until recent that I've decided to write a review and that's because I've met Christiano and Luke. With amazing service and great conversation, these two have a handle on such a busy bar. Christiano has a knack for knowing what I'm in the mood for without even asking and Luke ALWAYS makes me feel welcome and at home the minute I step foot into the establishment - it's like Cheers, everyone knows your name! I work in customer service so I appreciate good service that comes genuine and these two guys are immaculate.
(5)
Cindy K.
Personally I think that Joe's has one of the best chowders in the city. It's nice and thick and if you get it in the bread bowl even better. Last time Frank was our bar tender. He was friendly and even remembered our names the first time we went. It was very personable. The over atmosphere of this is great. I love this place in the warmer season when they open their windows and have the area is like a "patio"
(5)
John D.
I recently went back to Joe's bar and grill since I was in Boston, and I was not pleased at all. I normally go for breakfast and you always get a free drink and muffins before the breakfast. So, I'm waiting for my muffins and decided to ask the waiter for them and he informed me, that they no longer serve them nor do you get a free drink with your breakfast!! Why you may ask? Because, the prior management sold the restaurant to a Private Equity firm!! Oh, nice. So basically I paid $30 for eggs, bacon, toast and a glass of Orange Juice, that they use to squeeze fresh right in front of me. Overall food was okay. Its tough to mess up eggs and bacon. Finally, Just before I leave I shake the waiter/bar tenders hand, who is a nice guy but when we shake hands he decides to completely twist my hand to show dominance! (not sure if he knows he's doing this) I'm thinking to myself, Wtf! FYI, your working for TIPS don't try to be dominate, just shake my hand like a normal person. And if you need help, and instruction, read this. "Shake hands like JFK - Instructables"....Google it. I probably will not be going back to Joe's when I go back to Boston. P.S. - You've made outstanding changes to the restaurant, Tavisstock group.
(2)
TinoX T.
I'm fan of Joe's Bar,Nic food with any Branch you Try,Great Service and the price is very Gooood.
(4)
Emily C.
Decent brunch place. Entrees come with a choice of freshly squeezed orange juice, grapefruit juice, mimosa, spicy bloody mary, champagne, screwdriver or Bud Light. Pretty good deal for the price. My friend and I ordered the Prime rib hash. My eggs were a little too well done, but his were perfectly runny. The flavors were ok. Another friend ordered the benedict, and her eggs were a little too well done as well. The service was really great. Our waiter was so nice and really efficient. The restaurant was really busy, but he checked on us pretty frequently and got us our food really quickly. This place can fill up pretty quickly after noon on the weekends, so plan accordingly! There are probably better places for brunch on Newbury, but Joe's is a decent place to hit up when the more popular places, like Stephanie's get too busy!
(3)
Joelle K.
I have been to both the Newbury Street and North End locations. Taking into consideration the ambiance, I would rate both with 3.5/5. Joe's in the North End is one of the few reasonably priced restaurants that you can go to that is right on the water. The location on Newbury Street has nice exposed brick and two great bar areas. The food is solid but mostly just typical bar food. I have had calamari and nachos for appetizers and the buffalo chicken wrap and crab cakes for an appetizer. I will probably be back to visit the bar or for brunch as I hear that you get a free alcoholic drink with brunch.
(3)
Lauren H.
Poor service from the start. The host seemed annoyed that we even walked in. Once seated, it was about 5 minutes until anyone came to our table. Our waiter brought two waters upon request with our two wines. One of the waters had a big smear on the rim, maybe it had previously been coated with sugar or salt for a drink? Either way, it was a very dirty glass. The food just isn't the quality it was when it was owned by Back Bay Reataurant Group. Service, food quality, and host interaction was not up to standards, per BBrg. Too bad, won't be back.
(2)
Lisa L.
Delicious food! Our server literally knew the entire menu inside out. She was great! I ordered thro Mac n Cheese (homemade with 3cheeses) and lobster. Absolutely perfect!
(5)
Marsha S.
Enjoyed beverages only but bartenders were excellent!!! (Chris/Lori) really fantastic service...can't believe Tito's is their house vodka...awesome!!!!
(5)
Crissy T.
I was disappointed there was no French toast on the breakfast menu. I asked for two eggs (scrambled w/swiss) and they gave me three eggs with cheddar. The potatoes were good. Do not expect grape jelly for your toast--only strawberry. Yuck lol.
(3)
Jovanna O.
Went there last night for dinner. I ordered the fish and chips and the fish was huge! It was absolutely delicious!! The fries were yummy also. Service was great our wait was 35 minutes and that was around the time the hostess said we would be seated. Going to Joes was a great way to end my stay in Boston.
(4)
Fred E.
Came for a great Bloody Mary and cup of chowder on Sunday before heading to Fenway. Met Christiano at the downstairs bar. What a great bartender. Wonderful service. We can't wait to come back.
(5)
Brittany P.
Great location right on the edge of the harbor with plenty of outdoor seating. Good service and great food. Started with the nachos (amazing!) and fish tacos. I had Joe's macaroni & cheese as an entree which was delicious. Tends to be very busy due to location during the summer so reservations are recommended!
(4)
Lynn J.
Joe's is a good, solid chain restaurant! FOOD: Consistently good, but not exceptional. Burgers are the same variety you get other places. Pancakes were the thinnest I've ever been served. The loaf of table bread was the best food of the night! DRINKS: Brunch Mamosas for only $6.99! SERVICE: The staff is attentive & courteous. THE DEAL: Joe's is a super spot in the Summer for PEOPLE WATCHING on Newbury Street! They open the "walls" onto the street itself, so it's like an enclosed sun deck.
(3)
Ming W.
Had the calimari and mussels as appetizers. The calimari was typical - battered and fried and unspectacular - but the mussels were excellent. They were steamed, lightly salted, juicy, and very fresh. For my entree, I had the Prime Rib Challenge - a monstrous 24oz bone-in pan-blackened prime rib with a side of garlic sauteed spinach. The prime rib was juicy and cooked to the correct temperature. The spinach, however, was a decent bit oversalted. Overall, I'm a fan and would come again to thy some of their burgers and hang out at the bar as the ambience is nice.
(4)
Willy G.
Okay, let me preface this review by saying my server/bartender was top notch. Restaurant was very clean and the rest of the staff was very professional. Okay, here's the bad news. I ordered the fried chicken, i wanted something different and the menu description sounded great. Garlic smashed potatoes with a mushroom gravy were very tasty, biscuit also pretty good for a chain. But the fried chicken was inexcusable, im a foodie, but i admit in the past i have bought banquet frozen fried chicken at the suprermarket. Not good i know. But this chicken was honestly worse than that. I am 100 percent sure what i was served was pre-cooked and frozen, there is no denying that flavor. Shame on Joe's for charging people 15.00 for something that is not even made fresh. Customers expect to get something from a restaurant that they either can not make at home, or would rathet not make at home. And so you know, i tipped over 20% and didn't complain to the server. I just had to vent here.
(1)
Shiri Y.
Had a late lunch on a busy Saturday so I made a reservation, luckily, since there was a very long line. The food was excellent, very unique combination of scallops, kale and quinoa (it was a daily special), our waitress was super attentive. Not cheap but also not super expensive, especially considering the location. I recommend sitting on the patio
(4)
Peter M.
Delicious buffalo chicken wrap on whole wheat. Good ceaser salad with anchovies in dressing. Wrap had a nice tangy flavor with blue cheese. Good, fast, attentive service. I want to try the outdoor seating. Would dine here again.
(4)
Patrick F.
The saying goes the first 5 minutes in a restaurant makes the whole meal and I understand it was a busy Friday night, but the rude young lady working as hostess pretty much shot this place down. The food wasn't bad and once we were seated the waitress was kind of attentive, but the hostess still left a bad taste in our mouth. Don't get me wrong, It's not like I expect a hug when I walk in a place, but the condescending tone she used. And her flippant attitude sets the tone for the entire experience.
(2)
Larry S.
Joe's food is good. Sometimes very good but we go there to get a seat by the window looking at Newbury Street to watch the shoppers stroll by. We are always very pleased by the service - every time. Great young vibe and effort from the hostess, wait staff and servers. We are always so pleased and enjoy ourselves there. We have never eaten in the dining room but the place is always busy, loud and fun! For a reasonably priced meal and a good feeling - this is our go to place for lunch when we are on town visiting.
(4)
Jared H.
The PRIME RIB is why I love this place. On Friday and Saturday's they serve prime rib and have two versions, a 12oz for $22.99 and the prime rib challenge which is 24oz for just $28.99 Whenever I want to celebrate and treat myself to a huge piece of red meat, this is my spot. Service is good and the prime rib is delicious. I have had their pizza as an appetizer as well and enjoyed it. But seriously, if you go here, try the prime rib. You can't beat it for the price!
(5)
Monica C.
Nice spot on Newberry. Highly recommend getting a burger as they are delicious (even the turkey burger) and the fries were great too. Vegetable risotto was OK, not too flavorful, and the Mac and cheese was not too cheesy/dry so I wouldn't recommend getting that but everything else was delicious so still gets 5 stars! The brownie dessert was also a highlight :) and service was great too, great atmosphere as well
(5)
Jim B.
We had a terrific time in the outdoor seating area. Food was great and service by Greg was fantastic. Highly recommend this place. Jim- santa Barbara, CA
(4)
Erynn W.
An overall great place to eat! My sister and I were visiting Boston for a few days and found ourselves on Newbury street. Freezing cold, aching feet and hungry bellies, we ran straight into the first place we could find, which was Joe's. We waited a few minutes for our table but the second we sat down we had the best freshly baked bread and glasses of water in front of us. Our waiter (can't remember his name! grrr) was a true gem. He stood at our table, chatted us up about our vacation and told us about himself as well. They guy is attending Harvard's extension school! Anyways, he helps me decide on a much needed alcoholic beverage, an old fashioned with a holiday twist (cranberries and ginger beer). When we finally order our food (after tearing through our second loaf of bread), he accommodated our every need. My sister, a vegetarian, and picky, got her perfect sandwich. And I, with dairy allergies, enjoyed our meal very much! I got the kale salad, which was the perfect combination of flavors and no heavy dressing. Of course we got dessert, a brownie thing with toppings that was hot, gooey, chocolatey and just amazing. We were able to take our time, relax, eat our food and enjoy a great atmosphere. As well as a nice break from the cold outside. We are definitely going back to this place upon our Return to Boston.
(5)
Anna G.
Wow - why such poor reviews? I only live a couple blocks away so have beer here numerous times. It's consistently a good place to sit in the bar area, have a Stella on draft, and order some bar food. In the summer it's really nice when they open the windows - great Newbury people watching. They do a lot of gluten free options and accommodated a visitor I had in town. The buff chick sandwich is pretty good as are the nachos and fish tacos. Overall, I wouldn't come here to sit in the main restaurant area but would def recommend a drink and app to refuel while in the area.
(4)
Beth L.
Came to Joe's on a recommendation from a server at another restaurant around the corner. Being in the service industry we ask around to find the good spots to stop by on vacation. We sat at the bar and our service was great! The bartenders answered questions we had about the area and were very attentive. Cocktail list is great and I recommend the Black Garden.
(5)
Daniel K.
Went there this afternoon for brunch. We called and asked if they could seat a party of seven at noon for brunch. She put our name down and said come right in. We showed up five minutes later, waited thirty minutes then had to be split up to be seated. The whole time the two hostesses working were very confused and seemed overwhelmed. Finally we offered to be split up if that would help and they were able to seat us a few minutes later. Then when we sat down we were told by two waiters (at our two different tables) that they were not actually serving brunch. This came as a surprise since we had seen people getting brunch food while we waited to be seated. After much confusion our waiter realized they were in fact serving brunch. Food was decent but the front of house service was terrible. We did like our waiter a lot, he was friendly and helpful.
(2)
Lauren M.
Eh, there are better options. Joe's American is good because it is one of the few restaurants opened on Newbury street til midnight. However, it just doesn't provide a good Boston experience. It feels too much like a chain restaurant, the entrees are overpriced, and the service is mediocre at best. The food is good, but your money is better spent at a Legal's Seafood, or even better spent at a local restaurant. We had to wait for our table and had to wait way too long for our slow and over-worked server and food. While mostly everything on the menu is okay, avoid the mussels. They look very good, but have a strange taste, are way too squishy, and don't come in a delicious sauce as I expect with mussels. Joe's American has decent food, a busy atmosphere, and has some prime locations. It's a good spot if you are already there and hungry, but it is definitely not a must-stop while in Boston.
(2)
Mike B.
We had a good meal in a good setting. Highly recommend the crab cakes Benedict. It's not your typical breakfast/brunch item and we found it amazing. The Fresh squeezed orange was also excellent.
(5)
Jessica S.
Heather Sances is an exemplary bartender. Also the brunch is good. Order licorice matti is here...Heather will tell you about them.
(5)
Neek S.
Not sure why this place has so many positive reviews. Service was incredibly slow and food was pricey and mediocre.
(1)
Oksana N.
Food was excellent, best waiter (James) ever. The manager, Travis, came out to talk to our table when he found out that someone had a food allergy, and assured her that her food would be safe for her to eat. Very entertaining and inviting atmosphere. Baby back ribs are the way to go :-)
(5)
D T.
The price of the burger went up- oh well, no biggie, what I did have a probem with: 1) The burger came already put together where before it came deconstructed- Don't like my bun with pickle juice and don't like red onions. 2) Boursin cheese- There was so little, I had to check to see if there was any on there 3) The bartender kept touching his face and not washing his hands. 4) Bartenders acting as if they are the best bartenders in the world and we should be lucky to be in their presence (Think studio 54). 5) Servers and bartenders arguing at the server station.
(1)
Crystal B.
"Definitely 5 Stars~!" That is what my Fiance just said when I asked him how many stars... I couldn't agree more. We went last night, the last night of our Boston Vaca and loved it. We made reservations but ended up going earlier and they were fine... Our server was a well put together, nicely dressed, sweet guy. :) We have 2 small boys (2 & 5) and he was great with them. I wish, for the life of me, I couldn't remember his name! Hoping he will somehow get credit for his Terrific Service. He was on top of it, getting drinks, making sure we liked everything, and made us feel welcome. Delicious Food, and even better Service! Oh and the Margarita's were swell! Thank you Joe's!
(5)
Mollie W.
We went to Joe's for lunch after getting into town and we were starving. Bloody Mary's were not my favorite. Service was good. The buffalo chicken wrap is the best one I've ever had. The French dip was mediocre at best.
(4)
Karen C.
Came for Sunday brunch while we waited for the Newbury St. stores to open and was pleasantly surprised. There were a few things on the menu I had never seen - prime rib hash and filet mignon benedict. How do you choose? Eventually I went with prime rib has which turned out to be delicious and I got my hollandaise fix because it came with two poached eggs/hollandaise. Side of fruit was a little sad - just dry canteloupe and grapes but other than that I really can't complain. Waiter was friendly, bloody mary hit the spot, and prices were reasonable. Very good people watching on Newbury if you can snag one of the tables close to the open sides.
(4)
Jay S.
Ate lunch here yesterday with three coworkers. We got a nice seat in the downstairs area. The service was ok. One of my coworkers ordered the veggie burger or turkey burger and she felt like it was not cooked but a frozen puck heated up. I ordered the Asian chicken salad which should not be called a salad due to the amount of dressing the salad is drenched in. I just ate the chicken. My other two coworkers ordered the burger and clam chowder of which they enjoyed.
(2)
Jaime G.
Was greeted right as we walked in and given a great table by the front. Had an awesome server named Joey that was attentive and met us soon after we sat down. He offered us beverages and came back quickly. Offered us specialty beer and knew about the specials of the day. Very sociable and suggested the buffalo chicken with the Mac n cheese that we were going to order. The Mac n cheese was phenomenal and will absolutely get it again. Overall the service by Joey was great and food was just what was needed! Will definitely come back again. Jaime G
(5)
Jason W.
Visited here recently with some peers from a conference I was attending. Had the prime rib w/ baked potato. The beef was seasoned well, but slightly dry (the au jus was just poured all over). They didn't specify the size, but I would guess it was around 16 oz - pretty good sized. Price was pretty reasonable too (compared to a lot of other places on Newbury St). The baked potato was just a bare potato. I just sliced it up and used it to soak up the au jus. The patio was packed when we got there, so we dined inside. It was nice, but I would have preferred to be outside (we got there fairly late, were hungry, and didn't want to wait). Staff and service were both excellent.
(4)
Emann B.
Should not have picked such a bustling tourist trap, but one of my mates wanted a Caeser salad and this seemed to fit the bill. Service was OK (umm...how does one forget to bring bread?). We all had salads (Cobb and tuna) which were fine, but we could have done without the fruit flies buzzing about.
(2)
Hannah H.
Ate at Joe's last night with my cousin who was in from out of town for one evening. We had been walking around for about 45-50 minutes just trying to decide on a place to go. We decided to check this place out, and I'm glad we did. We were greeted at the door by the hostess and the head chef. We asked to see a menu, and the chef informed us that everything is made from scratch and we won't be let down. So we stayed. And we weren't. We sat at a table right next to the front window. Our waitress was a super friendly girl who had obviously rehearsed the specials, as she sold the fresh swordfish very well. Unfortunately, I wasn't in the mood for fish. I get a Reuben sandwich with sweet potato fries, my cousin got the blackened chicken pasta with a Caesar salad, and the waitress brought us bread to start with, which was delicious. It was warm and the edges were perfectly crispy. Love a good warm bread. The food came out so fast, but not too fast that we were overwhelmed with what was in front of us. My sandwich was one of the best Reuben's I've had in a while. The meat was thinly sliced, which I love. Otherwise, it can get too chewy and I hate that. The fries were good. Not overdone, which I find a lot with sweet potato fries (I think because they're thinner than your average fry). My cousin said his pasta was really good. I tried it, but don't remember what it tasted like enough to write about it. So like I said, my cousin was just in for the night, all the way from Colorado, so we had a lot of catching up to do. Our waitress didn't bother us and knew when to refill our drinks, and didn't make us feel rushed to leave (which, as a former waitress--I HATE). Overall, it was a lovely experience. Not to mention the very reasonable prices for downtown Boston! Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for something that's not too fancy and overdone downtown.
(4)
Marina B.
First -Joes changed their menu that made them who they are-removing some great appetizers and entrees. Second the portions have been cut by at least 1/3. The food was God awful- chicken piccata was so thin it had no flavor. Lobster Roll was 70 lettuce and 30 % meat. This place is going downhill fast. If you want value- get a hot dog- it would be tastier!
(1)
Kyndall W.
Great spot for brunch especially when it's nice out. The crab cake benedict was outstanding. The traditional breakfast is average. The bread is fantastic. Skip the Bloody Mary and go for the mimosa.
(4)
Karen M.
This was the best clam chowder and bread we had all over Boston. My family and I kept comparing every meal we had to Joe's and they won hands down! The bread was warm with a crisp outer layer and soft delicious middle. The clam chowder was of the perfect consistency and flavor. This is a must when visiting Boston. Bonus - they had a great kids menu.
(5)
Jess B.
My Boyfriend and I currently live in the Back Bay and Joes has always been our go-to bar/restaurant. Whether we are entertaining our parents from out of town or just want to relax with apps and drinks the atmosphere here is perfect for any occasion. The bartenders are always super friendly and having the open air bar in the summer/ spring is definitely worth stopping in for. Artichoke Dip and the Roasted Chicken are my recommendations.
(5)
Kristina K.
Fun environment, perfect for people watching - clam chowder and lobster Mac and cheese are amazing!
(5)
Robert H.
We were walking on Newbury street trying to find a restaurant for dinner. We stopped at Stephanie's - but their menu was quite expensive. So, we went across the street to Joe's. The menu says "Real Food, Made from Scratch". Okay, we will try this! The wait was 30 minutes, and it was an accurate wait time. Just about exactly 30 mins later, our buzzer went off, and we were sat at a table. The server approached, and she was great! We ordered the macaroni and cheese entree as an appetizer to share at the table. It was great!!! I would definitely get it again. One person at our table got the WBS (Wicked Big Sandwich). It was great. It's a huge sandwich that has pastrami, provolone, French fries, coleslaw, and brown mustard all on Texas toast. It was great!!! Another got the Prime Rib - and also said it was great! I had French onion soup, a side of coleslaw and a loaded baked potato. Everything was delicious. I would definitely go back to Joe's. Service and food were great. Prices were reasonable!
(4)
Jennifer A.
Went here last night after trying to find good food off the bar scene of the pour house and pretty much every scene on this street. For starters, first get there it's raining and they have there windows up which means all the tables and floors next to the windows were soaked. As we were standing there next to the we table waiting to be seated a black bind fold was sitting on the chair unaccompanied and I picked it up to hand it to the waitress and a tall slender blond hair lady snatched it out of my hand as if I was stealing it and after explaining to her not to leave these around because they can get stole she gave me the dumb act of she was cleaning ( mind u nobody had still helped up) after getting seated by another blond hair lady ( different from the long haired one prior) she was helpful the first few mins but then disappeared almost the entire time. Finally we flagged down the bald waiter and he ended up helping us the entire time. In the mean time the blond hair waitress before was giving us dirty looks or wouldn't acknowledge us. Very disappointed considering the size of my check. The food was ok, nothing amazing. The drinks were ok at best. Will not be back
(1)
Bo L.
I tried Joe's Bar & Grill at the waterfront before and really enjoyed the experience, unfortunately I can't say the same about their restaurant on Newbury street. The lady at the front was not very nice when I accidentally blocked the reception area when waiting for a table. While you can handle it with a simple reminder or a small joke, why go full force and drive the customers away?
(1)
Daniel F.
Terrible! Food service and atmosphere. Don't come here for any of those... Hostess made us wait 15 minutes for practically an empty indoor dining room... Then once we got our bland overpriced food, there was a hair on the plate. Both servers seemed to not really care much about it. They replaced the plate but still charged us for it! Terrible experience all around.
(1)
Michelle D.
Party of eight and no complaints. Food was perfect, the waiter was attentive and knowledgable. Never rushed. Thank you for a delightfull evening.
(5)
Christine J.
When I visited Boston last spring I stopped in here while doing some shopping in the area. It was around brunch time so it was really packed but we were seated quickly. My bf ordered breakfast and since I'm not a breakfast gal, I ordered a french dipped sandwich which I'm still thinking about! Their Bloody Mary was also very good.
(4)
Jackie C.
I love this brunch place! My fiancee brought me here when I was visiting several months ago when he first moved and it is now our go to place for brunch on Sundays! He gets the farmer's market omelette and I usually order the french toast or make your own omelette. The french toast is one of my favorites! If you are a french toast fan, definitely try them! The brunch menu also comes with a selection of drinks that are complimentary so don't forget about those! The screw drivers are really strong so be sure to mix them up before you try them otherwise you will find all the vodka on the bottom. Every server we have ever had there was so friendly and attentive!
(5)
Katie C.
I was in the Back Bay and unbeknownst to me, it was Pride weekend and there was a parade down Boylston Street. I was craving some sliders from Dillons, but I was on Newbury Street and I could see open seats at the bar at Joe's so... Joe's it was. Sure, it is definitely one of the places where you find a lot of people there hoping "to be seen" and I felt like the most underdressed person in the area even though I had on a pair of jeans and a cute knit top. Anyway, I found a seat at the bar and I was quickly served. During the summer, they offer a lot of patio/semi-outdoorsy dining and if you can't find a space at the bar, there is a downstairs bar as well. It's probably not as trendy as the upstairs one, but it will work. I had a blackened caesar chicken salad. It came out in less than five minutes than I ordered. So either it was sloppy seconds or the kitchen was operating at breakneck efficiency. I'll go with the former. The bartenders were friendly and worked well as a team. Is it me or are the portion sizes getting smaller and smaller every time I visit? So why not 4 stars? There needs to be, there has to be, a better seating policy. The front door and foyer is extremely small and the hostesses ran the hostess stand like a prison. No one got past them without getting interrogated. In doing so, there are a lot of people in the foyer and front area and it is hard to get in and out if you know exactly where you're going.
(3)
N N.
Tried out this place because all the other restaurants nearby had too long of a wait time. This place is just okay. Food is decent, nothing special. There's a nice bar area and the restaurant is generally pretty big but nothing special. I probably wouldn't come back.
(2)
Gerardo F.
I've been to this place a couple of times. What do I make of it? It's actually a really decent restaurant. It is one of the cheaper one's in Boston (and as far as I know the cheapest on Newbury Street), but don't let the cheaper price tag fool you, as the food and service are pretty good. Even if it is often packed, especially on Friday nights and throughout the summer, the service is usually great. Waiters are usually friendly and efficient, though I have seen some that just stand around and do nothing. Food wise, the name says it all: this is pure American cuisine, with hamburgers and steaks galore. As much as it looks good, the food does tend to be ok at best. I've had several of their steaks. They're far from bad, but they aren't great either. However, one thing that definitely makes Joe's Grill stand out among nearly every restaurant in Boston is the bread they offer. I don't know how they make it, but the bread there is quite possibly the best one I've had in the US. It's fluffy, breaks easily, and its taste is wonderful. Also, I've tried their brunch meals. Also pretty darn good. So overall, I like that place, but the food could be better.
(4)
Alden G.
Had a great meal here last week (July 2010). Come early and you may be seated by the sidewalk outside, where the people watching is great. Very energetic atmosphere. Tried some excellent wine, including 2007 Landmark Chardonnay, which was top notch, and the very good Caymus Cabernet. Steak tips were excellent!
(3)
Stephanie H.
Went in for an early dinner so there was no wait. Friendly waitress. Interior is on the fancy side but nothing amazing about it. Like the newbury location. Drinks were good. Food: + Filet was delicious. I'm always worried that restaurants will overcook medium rare orders but it was nicely cooked. + Mashed potatoes side was good. + Bbq Ribs appetizer pretty good, but for those who have had Woodranch (CA), their ribs are definitely better. I'd say its overall a nice place and date spot, on the pricey side, good food, but nothing to rave about. I'm glad I went but I probably won't return.
(3)
LeiSs A.
Excellent food, excellent service. The bf and I had two different steaks and they were both delicious!! So were the sides (onion rings, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato fries) we ordered along with it.
(5)
Eli B.
This place was great. Not super expensive, but you are paying to get the good stuff. A great selection, from burgers to lobster. Everything my friends and I had was delicious. Service was a little slow, but it's a big place, and when I was there, there were about 8 of us in our group. Recommended for most occasions.
(4)
George A.
I love Joe's! Best barenders in the city. The room is beautiful but comfortable. The place is spotless. The food is delicious and reasonable, I love the tuna, buffalo Chicken and of course, the bread bowl clam chowder!! Join the loyalty program. You get $25 gift checks all the time!!! Joe's is the BEST!!
(5)
Anastasia R.
They give you a free cocktail with brunch! I always get the Hanger Steak Hash, because omfg it is the best thing you can put in your mouth before noon with few exceptions... I heart ( o )( o )
(5)
J P.
From looking at other reviews, apparently we were somewhat fortunate to have a good experience. Stopped on a weekday for lunch around 1:30. Seated after just a 5 minute wait. The service was prompt and our server was friendly and attentive. I had a burger and she got chowder and a salad. Nothing wrong with any of it. The burger was cooked right and the bun held up strong to the end. She liked the chowder and the salad was fresh. It looked a little on the small side to me but she was satisfied with it. Nice decor, clean, extensive menu.
(4)
Dana L.
quick service. good bread. average food (not bad but not necessarily amazing) my friend and i had the shrimp cocktail, calamari, steak and chicken primavera...all were only okay.
(3)
Kathleen F.
Ok...so I know this is supposed to be 'american food' which I guess is supposed to be boring to begin with? But the menu is SO BORRRINNNGG! This is the one place where I can just stare at the menu of overpriced bland gross food and have no cravings for anything? Even the burgers are kind of dry and gross. I guess it's supposed to cater to tourists though, so maybe it serves its purpose. And cheeseburger pizza? No thanks!! The one highlight--the drinks! The backbay sangria and the blueberry mojito are to die for! I would suggest going there for drinks, but that is about it!
(3)
Wendy K.
I am not sure that the upstairs/downstairs seating option is still available, as Joe's has changed locations since I was last there. Just thought you should know! I'll write a real update when I go there next :)
(4)
Sami W.
I came here on a Saturday for lunch with some friends. It took more than 45 minutes to get our food. I ordered the Club Sandwich, it was good, but I have had better.
(2)
Fortress A.
Went there for brunch, had some sort of hash with some sort of meat. Flavor was bland, Most of the meat was not chewable. My friend had 3 pieces of pancakes with a single strawberry on the side, and thought it was extremely underwhelming. Not sure why would we ever venture there again, maybe for people watching i guess.
(2)
Omer N.
One thing you are sure when entering this place is consistency. You are pretty much prepped what you are going to order - in fact you have been craving it for the last couple of weeks. Joe's is not an upscale (higher-end) restaurant; at least not in terms of it's set-up nor menu neither price. It's your typical steakhouse (in fact cheaper than some others like Stockyard) just conviniently located on Newbury St. I would recommend filet mignon (comes with a really tasty mushroom sauce) or NY Strip.
(4)
Dipak S.
Food - Loved the crab cake Benedict. Fruits were fresh. The sausage omelette by cousin ordered looked very appetizing. Chocolate chip pancakes was good but is surely an order for the table. Ambience - The outside seating was good. But gets super crowded during summers. Unfortunately we had to settle down for the dining booth. The interiors was well done. Service - Great service. Very patient folks and have lp you out with all your queries. Cost - ~25$ per person with drinks. Finally champagne to celebrate my graduation was an icing on the cake.
(4)
Meghan C.
Great place on Newbury street! They have an added elegance to a sports bar attitude :)
(5)
Jean R.
If you're looking for quality all American food, Joe's is the place to go. I am new to Boston, so I enjoy exploring the wide variety of restaurants in the area. I wasn't too sure about going inside due to the large quantity of people... I was starving and didn't want to wait but surprisingly I was seated immediately. The waiter quickly took our drink orders while we looked at the menu. I tried the onion soup for starters and it was AMAZING! I then had a classic burger with sweet potato fries which were also quite delicious. The fries could have been fried a bit longer in order to achieve a crunchier texture but they were decent. I was pleased with the service and very happy that the food was delivered so quickly. I wish the servers wore name tags! He was truly great.
(5)
David C.
Always a good stop when shopping along Newbury. Classic american cuisine options. Can get a bit crowded, but the bar often has seats. Wendy was working the bar the last time I went there with a couple of friends. Very friendly. Let me order the now off the menu au poivre burger (always good). Swapped out some less-than-stellar fries quickly for my friends. Was on top of new drinks. But most importantly she was super friendly and engaging. She made our lunch more fun. With so many options on Newbury Street, it's nice to find a person that seemed to care if we had a good time.
(4)
John B.
Only had the Caesar which was good not great. Honestly the bread blew me away! Nice spot for lunch and a beer. 3 stars because 4 stars are for places above average. 5 is too good!
(3)
Gabriela S.
This place is alright. Went here for brunch on New Years. I like that there is a lot of room, the staff is friendly, but why would you charge $15 for sub par Mac n cheese. And the house salad I got wih steak came in a tiny bowl with mostly iceberg lettuce. That was another $15. Maybe I should have stuck to breakfast food. But ugh, I hate paying for overpriced food I could have made at home or gotten premade at the grocery store. Wegman's anybody? Prob will not be going back. Booooring.
(3)
Dillon S.
While there are many restaurants to choose from on Newbury street (and in Back Bay in general), Joe's consistently provides some of the best service, particularly at the bar. The food, while nothing fancy, is consistent and affordable - but Christiano and Luke go above and beyond to provide excellent service to all bar patrons. They make Joe's feel less like a chain and more like a neighborhood bar with a solid cocktail program and good beer selection. Come and hang out with him at the bar once and he'll remember your name and drink preferences on all future visits!
(5)
Paisley P.
Had a great experience here when I brought friends over for brunch. The view of Newbury has good people watching. The service was fast. The waiters were great. The food was awesome. No complaints! Will be back!
(5)
Bramfy B.
Breaky sando for brunch. Damn this thing was good. Comes on a J bun that's fluffy. I switched American out for cheddar. Side sausage. Solid bloody - add some hot sauce. Hey guys Buddy of mine got a sneak attack of mayo on his sando. Given his mayo phobia this cracked me up.
(4)
Ashley K.
Really god bread and fries but the steak on salads was so plain and dry, chicken club is much better or grilled chicken on a ceaser salad was delicious , just disappointed with the steak.
(3)
Natalie V.
Joe's had an amazing staff to start. It's located on Newbury which is a fantastic location as it is. They had the best clam chowder and lobster roll ever! Ever!! We knew we had to try both of those dishes being in Boston and we did try them at other places and agreed that Joe's had the best. We had a great experience here.
(5)
Kate B.
WHY?? Why does this place survive? First of all, the "thugs" at the door were rude. And we had to wait for a table for weekday lunch even though there were plenty of open tables. Does that mean they don't have enough waitstaff on duty? Then the service was bad and the food was mediocre at best. Really bad.
(1)
K G.
If not for the location, I would never have gone here, and I will likely never go again. Food is mediocre. The burger I ordered was not cooked as requested. Fries were not crispy. Service is also mediocre and lacking in attention. Food and service just like a chain...
(2)
Leigh Ann C.
Really enjoyed my dinner here last night. I ordered the French dip sandwich and it was amazing! The homemade ginger ale was very delicious and refreshing. We had an excellent seat in the front and we could enjoy the beautiful weather and people watch. We're from out of town and when we come back we will definitely be visiting Joe's again.
(5)
Desaree J.
Went to Boston for a conference and ate at American Joes Bar and Grill located at 181 Newbury St. The food and service was spectacular!!! We went three days in a row because of the wonderful food. We had the salmon burger, fish burger, ribs, spinach dip, calamari, and crab cake. The cheese cake is made fresh daily and is also a must have. The chef is Matthew Wool, the wait staff James and Jeff were the best. We also spoke with Carol Spiros, the general manger to let know about our great experience. The atmosphere is great with indoor and outdoor seating. A must do when in Boston.
(5)
Kristen S.
Last night was my 10th wedding anniversary. We decided On Joe's after shopping on newbury St. From beginning to to end our service was exceptional. James was our waiter and he was very knowledgeable of the menu and provided 5 star service . Every that passed our table acknowledged our anniversary. They bought complimentary champagne. The food was so good, I have salmon and my husband had the jambalaya. We can't wait to go back and visit our new FaV spot.
(5)
Stephanie L.
Joe's bar counter is the perfect place to find a seat and grab a meal if you're in town by yourself. I found the bartenders and other patrons to be super friendly (great indicator of the place!) and the food and drink service fast. The burger was perfectly prepared, and the beer cold and refreshing. Nothing mind blowing, but a solid meal delivery. With a large wall of floor to ceiling windows that are open on a nice day to Newbury St, you can't beat the location and corner bar ambiance.
(4)
Jen R.
I have always had great meals at Joe's. I always expect good meals and get great meals. It is very kid friendly. It us more upscale than Fridays or even Charlies. The waitstaff are not unfriendly but seem to be in an rush at times. I recommend the chopped salad and the roast beef sandiwch. Overall, a pleasant eating experience.
(4)
Karen V.
I went here for drinks recently with some friends. The bartenders were rude & unprofessional, in fact they behaved like complete idiots. Never again
(1)
Dave C.
I hadn't been to Joe's on Newbury St in their new location ( former home of Friday's). Went there for Sunday brunch before the Pops Holiday concert. The wait staff handled our GLUTEN FREE needs extremely well and with familiarity and confidence. We were all very satisfied with what we ordered. My daughter ordered a GF grilled cheese, my son had a GF pizza and my wife had a grilled chicken salad. I had the prime rib hash with poached eggs and home fries. All very good. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Lu W.
We had a Margarita pizza and Joe's chopped salad. The pizza was rather unimpressive, and there was too much dressing on the salad. As far as food goes I'd rate it a three star. Then I thought for a Boston bar they could have had a larger and better beer selection, and for the price, the food really could be better. At least I had a fun date. Next time I'll find somewhere else though. Thanks and sorry Ol' Joe.
(2)
Rocco R.
My family and I went to Joes on Newbury for Mother's Day a few weeks ago. We loved the different sangrias offered and tried the chicken nachos, buff chix wrap and crab cakes. The food was average but we received excellent service from James, our waiter. Great location and we did not wait long for a table, we will most likely be back.
(4)
Janie-lynn D.
This place is always busy and there's a reason for it, great food and great seating. The bread always comes out light fluffy and hot, sangria is excellent with perfect amount of wine and fruit. Spinach and artichoke dip always comes out perfect with hot bubbly cheese on top. Anything we've tried from burgers to steak to Mac and cheese has been great. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Hillary w.
I'd still go back for drinks or dinner but not brunch. Brunch was a deal because they had muffins and a beverage included. They got rid of the muffins awhile ago and recently started serving bread but the beverage is no longer included (even though it is still noted on their online menu). There are a lot of restaurants that offer brunch in the area and I feel that their menu and food items are pretty standard. They don't set themselves apart anymore.
(3)
Michael R.
Good food... and the service is even better... Sam, the manager was wonderful, and our waiter, Ethan was great also... love the French Onion Soup (came here 3 nights in a row... is that sad?). When its warm, great to sit on the street side and people watch. Nicely stocked bar.
(4)
Lisa M.
Went to Joe's on Sunday night 8/10/2014 for dinner with a couple friends and had to wait because the hostess didn't know where to seat us or what tables were clean. Once we got seated everything was great. Our servers name was Marco and he had great customer service. He was awesome, he brought out our food on time, and was very attentive to us through out the night. I will definitely be asking for him next time I go to dine there. The food was also very good.
(4)
Karen C.
Came for Sunday brunch while we waited for the Newbury St. stores to open and was pleasantly surprised. There were a few things on the menu I had never seen - prime rib hash and filet mignon benedict. How do you choose? Eventually I went with prime rib has which turned out to be delicious and I got my hollandaise fix because it came with two poached eggs/hollandaise. Side of fruit was a little sad - just dry canteloupe and grapes but other than that I really can't complain. Waiter was friendly, bloody mary hit the spot, and prices were reasonable. Very good people watching on Newbury if you can snag one of the tables close to the open sides.
(4)
Kyndall W.
Great spot for brunch especially when it's nice out. The crab cake benedict was outstanding. The traditional breakfast is average. The bread is fantastic. Skip the Bloody Mary and go for the mimosa.
(4)
Karen M.
This was the best clam chowder and bread we had all over Boston. My family and I kept comparing every meal we had to Joe's and they won hands down! The bread was warm with a crisp outer layer and soft delicious middle. The clam chowder was of the perfect consistency and flavor. This is a must when visiting Boston. Bonus - they had a great kids menu.
(5)
Jess B.
My Boyfriend and I currently live in the Back Bay and Joes has always been our go-to bar/restaurant. Whether we are entertaining our parents from out of town or just want to relax with apps and drinks the atmosphere here is perfect for any occasion. The bartenders are always super friendly and having the open air bar in the summer/ spring is definitely worth stopping in for. Artichoke Dip and the Roasted Chicken are my recommendations.
(5)
Emily W.
By far one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. We were visiting Boston and walked by this place and thought we would check it out. I had the Mac and cheese and it was phenomenal! They were also VERY accommodating with changes to the food as I am vegetarian and my sister is Vegan. Our waiter was absolutely amazing! He was so helpful and so nice. The atmosphere, food, staff, everything was lovely. Highly highly recommend this restaurant!!! PS: they're appetizer bread is to die for. Doughy and warm on the inside and perfectly crusted on the outside, I've never had anything like it.
(5)
Christine J.
When I visited Boston last spring I stopped in here while doing some shopping in the area. It was around brunch time so it was really packed but we were seated quickly. My bf ordered breakfast and since I'm not a breakfast gal, I ordered a french dipped sandwich which I'm still thinking about! Their Bloody Mary was also very good.
(4)
Lyndsey C.
On a nice day, windows open onto Newbury st., this place is great. Beautiful light flows in and the windows/walls are open in the front. Great service, nice selection. We had the special grilled cheese, sweet potato fries, nachos, and drinks... All very good. (We were here for a late lunch/ late afternoon drinks) Great location and atmosphere.
(4)
Bryan H.
They made us wait over an hour for our food, it was cold, and the waiter was extremely rude to our large group. My friend and I were practically chastised for asking for a modification to our breakfast so that it could be gluten free. One latte came a good 40 min after ordering it. It's too bad because I've had mediocre service from them in the past. But I'm afraid I will never go there again.
(1)
Emily T.
No wait, so we're in! Hubby got the Joe's Mac & Cheese. I foolishly got some sort of salad with chicken and apples. I could have sworn the menu said it had walnuts, but there weren't any walnuts. The salad was definitely sub-TGIF quality, by a long shot. I think they should take it off of their menu. Seriously. Eww. However, hubby's Mac & Cheese was quite yummy. So, minus two stars for a yucky salad, but this would have been a 4-star review if I had just ordered the Mac & Cheese. :)
(3)
R ALopo C.
Stopped by the other day to check it out with a friend. It was packed, yet the service was still excellent, but the food could've been a little better. My friend got the Blackened Chicken Pasta ( which he absolutely loved)and I got the Mushroom Provolone burger ( the cheese/mushroom combo was delicious, but the burger was a bit bland in taste.. and the fries didnt taste fresh). DO ask for bread with butter though.. it's the best!! I'll definitely stop by to give it another shot or order delivery through diningin.com
(3)
Ellie W.
Joe's is a bit like watching a Baywatch lifeguard sprinting down the beach--you gaze in fascination. Then, they stop to converse with you, and you suddenly realize they can only speak in 5 word sentences, and 3 of those words are "like". This restaurant is a lot more appealing from the outside. Though service is friendly and efficient, the food is an indifferent "meh" at best. The food wasn't bad, but I didn't like anything enough to return.
(3)
Will F S.
This isn't the restaurant I'd take a date to, or even really frequent as a Boston resident. However, browsing the shops on Newbury Street is a favorite past-time for tourists and this restaurant caters perfectly to that. What better way to eat lunch on Newbury than sitting outside on a gorgeous day, watching the hordes of tourists walk by, and mow down a good burger or a lobster roll? Nothing to write home about, but with decent food and decent prices right in the middle of one of Boston's most famous streets, this is the perfect lunch-stop for when mom and dad are in town.
(4)
Veronica M.
The service was great. The food was delicious. They have great burgers and salads. We will definitely dine here again.
(5)
Kyle M.
So, I wanted to go somewhere with my five friends for my 21st B-day. After wracking my brain for days, someone suggested Joe's (I came to find out she had an alterior motive, but more on that later). We were seated in about 10 minutes, which was surprising since the restaurant was pretty busy, and we had such a large party. Actually, now that I think of it, a lot of the tables were accomodating parties of 5+ people. I guess this is the place to go with a bunch of your peeps. Anyways, I let the server know it was my 21st, and he couldn't have been happier. I ordered the Metropolitan and he came back with an extra drink which was "on the house." He wouldn't tell me what was in the second drink (I called it my "roofie colada") but both were good. The food was pretty good too. The friend who suggested the place ordered the Asian Chicken Salad (she wanted one bad, so that's why she suggested Joe's), I got the Blackened Chicken Pasta (good, but not GREAT), and one of my other friends got a honey mustard chicken salad that had noodles on it too (he said it was DANK). At the end of the dinner, I was surprised by a piece of decadent chocolate cake, which was also "on the house." Yummers. All in all, great service, good food, and I didn't have to pay. Thanks Joe's.
(4)
Megan M.
I ate here several times while living in the Back Bay Area & I must say I am a fan. I think I ordered the same thing every time but one, so I can't offer an opinion on everything, but the Turkey Burger here is super good! Polish it off with sweet potato fries & a draft beer & you're good to go! The only drawback is the atmosphere...it feels like you are crammed in like a pack of sardines & there is always a wait...even when you're picking up a take out order that you called in 30 minutes before.
(4)
Lauren P.
Similar story as with most Newbury brunch establishments. Average at best but location trumps all and rewards these places with heavy traffic. Most regular brunch offerings are executed well but huge +1 for service. Our server was funny, attentive to our rather large group and ready with suggestions.
(3)
Kunal M.
One of the major reasons I started yelping was to inform people of places to see and be seen...so far I think I am doing a decent job at it. ALTHOUGH Joe's would technically be considered a place to see and be seen on Newbury I would recommend not coming here! Put it this way- If you could test drive any car on a street, why would you pick the worst one? I would even go to the bar fight haven on Newbury- also known as Daisy Buchanans before I come back to Joe's.
(2)
Julie D.
We stopped by on a recent Sunday morning. The outdoor patio was packed, so we had to wait for a table. They handed us a pager, so we were free to wander the streets. Service was fairly quick and efficient. Although we would not have minded if it were not, because this is a prime place for some people watching. BJ got a shrimp cocktail and a clam chowder in a bread bowl. He really liked and it thought it was exceptional. I opted for a yummy mimosa to go with my french toast. I was excited about the challah bread but it turned out to be pretty much average. We would visit again the next time we are in the area.
(4)
Rafael R.
I knew better, but while looking for a quick bite for lunch and limited on time with a group of co-workers in tow, Joe's was exactly what I expected, ho-hum food, nothing special, although the patio people watching on Newbury Street was a plus.
(2)
Paul O.
Not a bad restaurant....nice atmosphere but not very good food. It's just somewhere to eat and that's it
(3)
Fred E.
Came for a great Bloody Mary and cup of chowder on Sunday before heading to Fenway. Met Christiano at the downstairs bar. What a great bartender. Wonderful service. We can't wait to come back.
(5)
Brittany P.
Great location right on the edge of the harbor with plenty of outdoor seating. Good service and great food. Started with the nachos (amazing!) and fish tacos. I had Joe's macaroni & cheese as an entree which was delicious. Tends to be very busy due to location during the summer so reservations are recommended!
(4)
Annie N.
I went to Joe's on a Friday night with my friend after a long work week. We were more than ready to unwind and Joe's did not disappoint! We had Michelle as our server and have to say that she was SUPERB. Vey attentive, extremely friendly, and kept us enjoying ourselves the whole evening. If we ever go back (which I'm sure we will!) we would definitely make it a point to request her. Between the two of us, my friend and I ordered wings, burgers, and several delicious drinks. The food was cooked well and the downstairs level of the restaurant was the ideal cozy atmosphere for a cold winter night in Boston. Keep on keeping on, Joe's!
(5)
Altita M.
I was there at a dinner last week!! the food and the server was the best!! Maritza Ayala the server was very attentive. The food has. Very good taste.
(5)
Monica C.
Nice spot on Newberry. Highly recommend getting a burger as they are delicious (even the turkey burger) and the fries were great too. Vegetable risotto was OK, not too flavorful, and the Mac and cheese was not too cheesy/dry so I wouldn't recommend getting that but everything else was delicious so still gets 5 stars! The brownie dessert was also a highlight :) and service was great too, great atmosphere as well
(5)
Jim B.
We had a terrific time in the outdoor seating area. Food was great and service by Greg was fantastic. Highly recommend this place. Jim- santa Barbara, CA
(4)
Mollie W.
We went to Joe's for lunch after getting into town and we were starving. Bloody Mary's were not my favorite. Service was good. The buffalo chicken wrap is the best one I've ever had. The French dip was mediocre at best.
(4)
Khan A.
Best calamari I've ever try. Rally great atmosphere and great service. My friend got fish and ships and it was good. Fish was really fresh and it was perfectly cooked. But my dish was even better. Two pieces of great roasted chicken served with natural jus and mashed potatoes. I really enjoy my meal. Great place to have a dinner.deffinatelly worth it 20 min wait on Friday night.
(5)
Vin F.
Good solid Boston bar (we only drank here). Try the bar downstairs which is old dark wood, black and white pictures of Red Sox from bygone days, and attentive and efficient Boston bartenders. Just a great low key atmosphere to talk, watch a game, relax.
(4)
Holly Marie C.
A very traditionally American restaurant with a decent menu to offer for breakfast and lunch. The service was nice and the food was okay. I had the veggie burger (dry, needed a whole jar of mayo but tasted fine with the sauce), and the sweet potato fries (generic, every day find).
(3)
Jennifer B.
The three of us sat at the bar and were waited on hand and foot by Josh. We enjoyed hours of the best service anywhere. We would travel back from CT to get that kind of royal treatment again. Is he still working Sunday brunch?
(4)
Alisa T.
I've been to Joe's a few times now, and it is nothing more than just average. Their service has always been great, but the food and cocktails definitely leave something to be desired. My turkey burger was dry and lacking flavor, and my bloody mary just tasted like shrimp cocktail sauce. I would recommend getting the lobster roll though.
(3)
Jieyuan W.
Very average brunch.
(3)
David B.
The food here is wonderful, especially the Mac & Cheese. Drinks are definitely above average. But the best thing about Joe's is Vickie. She is by far the best server I've had. She has strong charisma, is very personable, and is the reason we came back twice in one week. Amazing service!
(5)
Albert L.
Awesome Ambiance, Music, Food and Service. Lively atmosphere and reasonable pricing ....even for Boston. The Chicken Cesar Salad was on point, Spinach & Artichoke Dip was FABULOUS, and the Sweet Potato Fries were out of this world! I will certainly be returning soon! Shouts to our fantastic and friendly waitress Maritza! She was so wonderful and accommodating! Our late night dinner here was just what we were looking for! Hope to see you again!
(5)
Jaime G.
Was greeted right as we walked in and given a great table by the front. Had an awesome server named Joey that was attentive and met us soon after we sat down. He offered us beverages and came back quickly. Offered us specialty beer and knew about the specials of the day. Very sociable and suggested the buffalo chicken with the Mac n cheese that we were going to order. The Mac n cheese was phenomenal and will absolutely get it again. Overall the service by Joey was great and food was just what was needed! Will definitely come back again. Jaime G
(5)
Alexis R.
I work on Newbury St and Joe's is my go to spot. I always order the same thing and most of the staff is very friendly. The Boneless Buffalo wings are my favorite. Joe's is always hoping and during the warm summer months they open the enclosure to expose the street level dining area. It is a go to for locals that like to people watch on their breaks. It is set right in the center of Newbury street, so you never know what you will see. It is reasonably priced for Newbury St and the can accommodate large groups. Locals tip: always ask for the bread.
(5)
Carlin T.
Joe's consistently make good burgers and drinks. My new favorite is the bacon Mac and cheese. The staff is always friendly, and the atmosphere is always laid back and welcoming
(5)
Pilar B.
Worst meal I've had out in many months. Plates were dirty, medium rare steak arrived raw and cool to touch, salad greens wilted and brown, service friendly but super slow. Never again!
(1)
Apeksha R.
This place is situated right on Newbury street and is quiet crowded. We went here for brunch on Saturday and had to wait for a good 40 mins to get a table for 5 (one kid ) . The portions are big for 1 person and small for 2. They have a good number of dishes on their menu and more than 1 veggie dish ( I am a vegetarian - so it does matter ). I ordered for banana chocolate chip pancakes and they taste awesome!! However it had 3 such pancakes stuffed with banana and chocolate of which I could finish just one .for drinks we ordered champagne to toast for my husband's graduation at MIT. Was meeting my cousin after 15 years and this place was great for catching up. A must try if u live in Boston. Next time I want to try the outdoor seating which looked far more interesting ..
(3)
Lisa L.
Delicious food! Our server literally knew the entire menu inside out. She was great! I ordered thro Mac n Cheese (homemade with 3cheeses) and lobster. Absolutely perfect!
(5)
Marsha S.
Enjoyed beverages only but bartenders were excellent!!! (Chris/Lori) really fantastic service...can't believe Tito's is their house vodka...awesome!!!!
(5)
Crissy T.
I was disappointed there was no French toast on the breakfast menu. I asked for two eggs (scrambled w/swiss) and they gave me three eggs with cheddar. The potatoes were good. Do not expect grape jelly for your toast--only strawberry. Yuck lol.
(3)
Jovanna O.
Went there last night for dinner. I ordered the fish and chips and the fish was huge! It was absolutely delicious!! The fries were yummy also. Service was great our wait was 35 minutes and that was around the time the hostess said we would be seated. Going to Joes was a great way to end my stay in Boston.
(4)
Ming W.
Had the calimari and mussels as appetizers. The calimari was typical - battered and fried and unspectacular - but the mussels were excellent. They were steamed, lightly salted, juicy, and very fresh. For my entree, I had the Prime Rib Challenge - a monstrous 24oz bone-in pan-blackened prime rib with a side of garlic sauteed spinach. The prime rib was juicy and cooked to the correct temperature. The spinach, however, was a decent bit oversalted. Overall, I'm a fan and would come again to thy some of their burgers and hang out at the bar as the ambience is nice.
(4)
Jay S.
Ate lunch here yesterday with three coworkers. We got a nice seat in the downstairs area. The service was ok. One of my coworkers ordered the veggie burger or turkey burger and she felt like it was not cooked but a frozen puck heated up. I ordered the Asian chicken salad which should not be called a salad due to the amount of dressing the salad is drenched in. I just ate the chicken. My other two coworkers ordered the burger and clam chowder of which they enjoyed.
(2)
Kristina K.
Fun environment, perfect for people watching - clam chowder and lobster Mac and cheese are amazing!
(5)
Robert H.
We were walking on Newbury street trying to find a restaurant for dinner. We stopped at Stephanie's - but their menu was quite expensive. So, we went across the street to Joe's. The menu says "Real Food, Made from Scratch". Okay, we will try this! The wait was 30 minutes, and it was an accurate wait time. Just about exactly 30 mins later, our buzzer went off, and we were sat at a table. The server approached, and she was great! We ordered the macaroni and cheese entree as an appetizer to share at the table. It was great!!! I would definitely get it again. One person at our table got the WBS (Wicked Big Sandwich). It was great. It's a huge sandwich that has pastrami, provolone, French fries, coleslaw, and brown mustard all on Texas toast. It was great!!! Another got the Prime Rib - and also said it was great! I had French onion soup, a side of coleslaw and a loaded baked potato. Everything was delicious. I would definitely go back to Joe's. Service and food were great. Prices were reasonable!
(4)
Thomas N.
we had been here before and their design, esp the bar seating area, is great, wasn't planning on going there but when we walked past there were a couple of empty seats along the windows so we stayed.....glad we did, i know this is a small chain restaurant but the experience here was great...service was very pleasant and attentive, drinks were very good and reasonably priced by Boston standards, i had the signature burger and it was wonderful, wife had the meat load and it was also great and was dinner for us that evening.....really nice experience!!!
(5)
Aclaire H.
Hands down the freshest nachos plate I've ever had. Also a very good French dip sandwich.
(4)
Peter W.
Five stars for being open on Christians! Also, their staff is helpful. The setting is comfortable as well. Nice experience and definitely a safe choice if you don't know anywhere else to go.
(5)
Justin S.
Do not order Tito's Bloody Mary. Tito is a virgin or a teetotaler. Either way the Bloody Mary is non-alcoholic. Brunch was tasty. The waitress was friendly. When you order coffee be sure to order milk at the same time, they won't being it with otherwise.
(2)
Luena L.
Chili "soup" is not really soup, it's more like dry ground meat with cheese in a cup.
(2)
Steve M.
Great place to meet friends and have lunch. Service was excellent and the food was very good. It's right in the middle of Newbury St. where shopping is also lots of fun!
(4)
Jus J.
Christine C. is a great manager. I'm sad to hear she's no longer at the back bay location. We had a horrible order of scallops. they were scorched. I don't know what happened. I love the food, but this time, it was just messed up. Just a mess. Christine, saved the day. She gave me and my mom our favorite dessert and champagne fore free, and was really personable and adorable. I love this place. Great for people watching. I've been here many, many....many times, and anytime something is wrong, they take care of it.
(4)
Emily J.
Came here for dinner on a weekday with a couple friends and there was around a 20 minute wait. New to the Boston area, I didn't know Joe's was a chain because it felt like its own restaurant right on Newbury. The bread basket to start was clearly freshly baked -- I am a huge bread person and these rolls were so warm and fresh. I got the lobster mac and cheese which was ALL kinds of delicious. Cheddar, jack, blue, gruyère, and parmesan cheese -- you could taste all of them melting together beneath the layer of bread crumbs. Looked like a small amount but is sooo filling and creamy. The lobster pieces were juicy and not overwhelming in the already creamy dish. Other friend got the Joe's Beef Burger which she seemed to enjoy, but I don't think it was anything special. Can't speak to the other items on the menu but would return to try! Service was a bit slow because of the busyness, but overall the ambience is great for people watching (if you're seated near the street) and for some good eats after work.
(4)
Xander M.
I have to say, my two favorite bartenders in Boston work here. Heather and Christiano. I walk in, they already know what I want to drink and eat. But not only that, they are just great people to chat with. They always make my experience here fantastic! It's because of them that I come here!!!
(5)
Ana S.
Joe's is home to one of the best burgers in Boston. It's an unapologetic artery-clogger that comes with a slab of crispy pork belly. It also comes with a guaranteed food coma. I split it with a friend about 3 hours ago and still have no plans to uncurl myself from the fetal position and do anything productive today. Joe's might not be the pinnacle of gourmet cuisine in Boston or even Newbury St, but it has a lot going for it. First, the restaurant is cavernous and so the waits tend to be short even for large groups. The waitstaff is upbeat, speedy, and genuinely excited about what they offer. And if you score a window-side table you now have one of the best vantage points for people watching in the city.
(4)
Elizabeth H.
Went for brunch with friends and was content with the bread, a staple. Having seen banana chocolate chip pancakes on the menu, I was excited and decided to deviate from my norm of eggs in the mornings these days. What a dissapoinment. The chips weren't even in and very limited supply and the pancakes had no fluff or favor. Would definitely not come back again if I did not know that the other dishes were superb. Hoping it was a fluke.
(2)
Molly P.
Friends and I came into the bar for drinks and was amazed at how rude the servers were to us. The bartender was the worst. He showed no respect to his customers. He talked down to us, never showed interest and had a nasty attitude. I'll never come back.
(1)
Greg G.
Bar staff completely rude. Don't waste your time here. If I could give it a negative star I would.
(1)
Mo L.
I have been a customer of Joe's for a very long time but it hasn't been until recent that I've decided to write a review and that's because I've met Christiano and Luke. With amazing service and great conversation, these two have a handle on such a busy bar. Christiano has a knack for knowing what I'm in the mood for without even asking and Luke ALWAYS makes me feel welcome and at home the minute I step foot into the establishment - it's like Cheers, everyone knows your name! I work in customer service so I appreciate good service that comes genuine and these two guys are immaculate.
(5)
Cindy K.
Personally I think that Joe's has one of the best chowders in the city. It's nice and thick and if you get it in the bread bowl even better. Last time Frank was our bar tender. He was friendly and even remembered our names the first time we went. It was very personable. The over atmosphere of this is great. I love this place in the warmer season when they open their windows and have the area is like a "patio"
(5)
Carrianne C.
Ah I'm so in between a 2 and a 3.... it's honestly not great food. The ambiance is pretty standard, but its a great spot for people watching on Newbury St. Not much to say other than that. It's just ehh.
(3)
Chris I.
Don't let the location fool you. Located in the heart of Back Bay, Joe's is quite reasonably priced and doesn't really seem to have a "tourist trap" vibe to it. I met a friend there for dinner after work on a Tuesday night and had very little trouble getting a table. We hung out at the bar for a bit and then made our way to a booth for dinner. Service was fast and friendly, and the food was excellent - I had the Joe's Signature Burger, which was terrific. If you're looking for a good meal in Back Bay that won't break the bank, check it out.
(4)
Julianne S.
I'm a HUGE fan of this place and I will usually be the first one to suggest Joe's whenever looking for a brunch spot in the Back Bay. It's easy, hassle free, and cheap! I've only come here on the weekends for brunch, so I can't comment on other times of the day. I first came with a big corporate group for brunch and loved that they had a prix fixe menu for us. We had completed a long walk so we were all starving and ready to chow down. The food did not disappoint then, nor did it disappoint when I came back another time with a couple of friends. I highly recommend the buffalo chicken & waffle. Seriously so good.
(4)
gwynnie p.
Had breakfast here recently and wouldn't recommend it as a morning place - looks like they open early three days a week. It's hard to find a hot breakfast in the Copley Square area, at least we found it tough. My Eggs Florentine were cold, including the english muffin and the side of potatoes. They did remove the dish from the bill, which was very nice. Can't even remember what my husband had but it was equally unimpressive, with the same cooked the day before and not heated up well potatoes. Later in the day when the kitchen is cranking and people are getting their drink on while shopping on Newbury Street, I imagine that sitting outside is lots of fun in nice weather, so I'd go back for that....
(3)
Navie N.
I definitely enjoyed the food here more than I expected to! I thought it would be typical American food - wings, burgers, the normal not-so-grand type, but I was totally wrong! While these menus were still on the item, they had a special touch them! I especially enjoyed the turkey burger with sweet potato fries! It was just done so well and was so tasty! They also offered us a window seat when we requested one! My mom and I also wanted to share the two dishes and they kindly put it on separate plates for us! The minus one star is only because I told them I did not want tomatoes in my burger, but they put them in anyway. If I weren't so repulsed by tomatoes, this place definitely would have received five stars!
(4)
Caroline H.
We stopped here after a long day at the Museum of Fine Arts. We were seated by the windows and it was fantastic people watching on Newbury Street! I have to say that the air conditioning felt nice on this 90 plus degree day. This restaurant was busy and had a great menu. I had the fish tacos and they were amazing, and hubby had a burger. We were heading to the Red Sox game after dinner and we were wearing Red Sox tshirts and the waitress told us that we just missed the Red Sox second baseman, Pedroia. Our waitress, although crazy busy, was nice, prompt and came to our table often for refills on water and beer. I definitely recommend this palce!
(4)
Nicole J.
Great location on Newbury Street. Have been here a couple of times and less than blown away. It is a decent meal, nothing too unique about it. The staff has always been nice and accommodating, no complaints there. If you are hanging out on Newbury and looking to be where the people are, this is definitely the spot. Drinks and food aren't cheap, however, so bring a fat pocketbook!
(3)
Kayla S.
8/13/15 - came here for appetizers and drinks with my bf. it was pretty cool, I ordered buffalo boneless chicken wings and my bf had the chicken club. I was surprised when I received my boneless wings, it was chicken breast chopped up! it was fresh protein (with the exception of the buffalo sauce), and grilled. they were succulent and full of flavor. my boyfriend enjoyed his chicken club. we both had Stella's to drink and a round of water. I think we both enjoyed the atmosphere as it wasn't overly crowded. the service wasn't bad, and can't complain about much.
(4)
Brendon B.
I work for Favor, a food delivery service, so I deliver from dozens of restaurants every week. American Joe's is the only place in over a year and 500+ delivery runs that I've actually been fed up with enough to go on Yelp an write a bad review. Rude doesn't even begin to describe their service. When I got the order request from my customer, I was just a block away from Joes so it was easier to just walk in and order. The hostess treated me like I was a bum off the street from the get-go. She didnt offer me anywhere to sit while I was waiting. When I asked, she told me to sit at the bar (even though there were a bunch of open tables). The bartender kept hovering over me and asking me multiple times what I wanted to drink and why I was there. I told her I was waiting for my take out order and showed her my receipt. She proceeded to take my receipt and crumple it up (mind you I need to provide receipts for my customers) After waiting over 30 minutes, I started to wonder what was taking so long. I went back to the entrance to find my order sitting there getting cold with the hostess. I'm amazed they couldnt take 30 seconds of their time to at least let me know my food was ready. Mind you this was almost 11 pm on a week night so it was pretty quiet and the hostress was just standing there chatting with her colleagues. Again, I do delivery runs all the time from all over Boston. Don't get me wrong. I've had way worse problems from other places like poorly packed containers that exploded in my bag or screwed up orders, but Joes really left a sour enough taste in my mouth. Its the atmosphere of arrogance they created
(1)
Garen A.
One star only because the waitress was nice. We came in for breakfast. Waited over 30 minutes to get eggs, hash browns, sausage and toast. Everything, yes everything was cold. How do you screw up breakfast this bad. I inhaled my Luke warm eggs and left the rest. I am so unhappy I am writing this review with a cold ass plate of food in front of me (see pic). Never again...avoid for breakfast.
(1)
Karn J.
Worst Dining Experience of my entire life, poor management of customers. I had the misfortune on sitting next to two gentlemen who, upon me sitting down started insulting me in a somewhat racist manner as well immediately ( the phrase "dirty indian" was thrown around). I politely asked them to leave if they had a problem with me and they moved a few seats away while still loudly insulting me. I ignored them for the most part and talked to the new customers who had just arrived next to me, they had no problem with me and we were talking over drinks. Then the manager arrives and asks ME to leave. I don't like confrontation so I just took my food and left. needless to say I did not like the customer service or how the situation was handled. The only plus was that they comp'd my meal and drink.
(1)
Lizzy P.
Amazing drink list and I recommend the lobster mac. Avoid the chowda it's just meh. Needed salt and pepper just to taste like anything. Good for baby carrier, good service and very friendly. Gorgeous view would love to go there when it's snowing! See pics.
(4)
Gabe L.
I went there with my friend after her appointment. My chicken for my salad wasn't cooked all the way. Her buffalo boneless chicken was the same chicken that was on my salad just in hot sauce. Price for the food we got wasn't worth it..
(1)
Marie C.
Very torn about this review. This is my third time eating here and each time I leave here with a different opinion. The negatives: - Entrees are hit or miss. All three times I have been here, half of the people I'm with like their meals and half dislike. - Wait was atrocious. We had reservations... and waited 45 mins to be seated! But worse was that the maitre d kept coming over saying that our table was just about ready... after the third time, we didn't know what to do! They did give us 2 free apps, but it didn't make up for a 45 minute wait. The positives: - Apps were great. Love that the spinach-artichoke dip was served with both chips and toasted bread. The calamari was also very tasty and perfectly cooked, the tomato dip was a great addition! - My entree last night was amazing! I had the kale and quinoa salad with grilled chicken which came with raisins, parmesan and nuts... it was a wonderful salad! Highly recommend! - The small loaf of bread for the table was warm and very fresh. Nice supplement to the salad I had! - You can't beat the prices here... for a restaurant on newbury! Very reasonably priced, many many options well under $20. So very hard to decide what to rate this place. Maybe my next visit will do the trick.
Take out from NYAJ tonight. Out door seating as well as plenty of parking. Food is always prepped with consistency. Except for the buffalo sauce on the chicken. Sometimes that sauce will melt your lips! Could be ghost peppers? However - I love this place!
(5)
Renu G.
Great food. Ribs full rack was awesome. Loved Gimlet drink. Duncan was a great server. Will definitely come back again !!
(4)
Noreen A.
Great food and our host, James was very nice and courteous, gave us enough time to decide our orders. It was a ladies night out and we haven't met in a while so go figure! LOL I ordered the crab cake which was excellently made and quite stuffing. I took a side of clam chowder done to perfection. I'd totally recommend this place to others for small group dinners and breakfasts.
(5)
Denise F.
3.5 I had Cobb salad, son had chicken sandwich, hub had tuna burger. Sides were sweet potato fries and Mac and cheese. Everything was very tasty. 15 minute wait.
(3)
Angela Y.
#NAME?
(4)
Nicole B.
Joe's on Newbury has a semi-swank atmosphere and is usually less crowded than their competition directly across the street: Stephanie's on Newbury. Immediately when you walk in is the porch and upper bar, and to get to the main dining room, you go down some stairs and see another large bar, open kitchen and ample seating. The more-formal-than-not atmosphere is betrayed by the food, which includes lots of down home comfort food favorites, including cheesy pastas and (to my delight) fried chicken. I should have known -- being from the South it's hard to find good fried chicken in Boston, and Joe's is another name for the list of places that just should not even try it. The chicken was overcooked and flavorless and the biscuit (if you could call it that) tasted baked from a frozen dough puck of the supermarket brand variety. No bueno. The mashed potatoes were delicious, I must say, as was the gravy smothering them. The portion was huge, and a good value for the price. I went for lunch with coworkers and we experienced very slow, inattentive service, but the waitress was pleasant enough when she was around. I've been once before that experience, and sat at the bar for some sangria and a sampler of tortilla chips and salsa, neither of which blew me away. The service there was great. Overall, the best thing Joe's has going for it is the atmosphere and Newbury St. cred. The food, however, in my experience, is plainly basic. Stick to this place for happy hour only and you'll be ok.
(3)
Becky T.
This is a solid 3-star restaurant. If you're expecting an amazing culinary feast, this isn't it. But if you've been walking around Boston for a couple of hours and want to eat at a place w good beer, great atmosphere, and patio seating, this is it! I sat at the upstairs bar and loved the feeling of being IN Boston. The clam chowder was standard, nothing to write home about. I also had the buffalo chicken wrap, which also was fine. The draught beer was a bit pricey at 6.50 a pop, but I think that's just what you get for eating in this area! Again, solid 3 stars, but I'm sure locals probably go elsewhere to get the great food.
(3)
Mohammad C.
The food is way to salty for me, and the drinks are completely watered down, and not fresh at all! I got my food before I got my drinks, which is a big NO NO in this Industry.
(1)
Lauren P.
Your typical neighborhood bar. We were walking around Boston looking for a place for dinner. The bar was hopping so we knew it should be a good place to try out. They had a large drink menu although not a ton of beers. I went with the Sam Adam's Summer- when in Rome! Lots of options on the menu from appetizers, salads and sandwiches to entrees. I went with a Cobb salad with chicken which came with a lot of fresh toppings including avocado and cheese. My friend got a burger and the steak fries looked so good I had to order a side of them. It was busy for a Thursday and the service was fine. Lots of indoor seating downstairs in the dining room as well as upstairs at the bar.
(3)
Keith C.
A few people were in town, so my wife and I came to meet them for brunch a couple weeks ago. All in all, there were five of us. I have gluten issues, so I was looking forward to coming here and having some quality gluten-free food. I was told they even have a dedicated gluten-free fryer so I was excited about that. When we arrived before everyone else, they brought around some normal bread for my wife, and gluten-free bread for myself. Her bread was soft, but just a giant hunk-o-bread, which was odd for the middle of the cold season, when everyone is being ultra-germophobic. The gluten-free bread is really those sandwich rolls, and was quite decent. After everyone arrived, I got a gluten-free burger with sweet-potato fries, and everyone else got eggs or pancakes. My gluten-free burger came out on the sandwich rolls, and was already caking apart before I even touched it. By time I ate half of the burger, it had effectively disintegrated just from me grabbing it, and the burger/ketchup juices. It really made for a horrifically messy meal, combined with that I was afraid to put it down for fear of being unable to pick it back up. I was told that the eggs/pancakes were fine, but no better than any breakfast place near us, but at double the price. The service was good, and for my gluten-free items, they were brought out my a manager, undoubtedly to ensure safety and avoid cross-contamination. All in all, it was A-Ok, as 3 stars signifies, but totally unremarkable.
(3)
Adam P.
Came here as a group for brunch before heading to the airport. It was our last day in town and really wanted a good meal before we left. I was very disappointed. The table and atmosphere was fantastic. This place looks and feels like the all-American restaurant, and the menu makes you feel that way too. I did not like much else though. The waiter looked like Adam Levine, and he wasn't really that good. He took a long time to greet us, a long time to get us drinks, and overall just seemed like he didn't do much other than give blank stares. I started with the clam chowder which was fine. Not the best I ever had, but good enough. I then ordered a breakfast sandwich with pork belly egg and cheese. I don't know exactly why this sandwich sucked, but it did. It sounds so easy, and impossible to screw up. It looked and tasted like there was mayo on the sandwich, and I couldn't even finish it. The worst egg sandwich I have ever had, and am still baffled that it wasn't good. It came with potatoes. They looked like they would be good, but pretty much tasted terrible. I couldn't even eat these. Seems like a popular spot, the other reviews are solid, so who knows. But the other guys in my group were underwhelmed as well, so maybe we caught a bad day. But overall, I was very disappointed and was expecting a much higher-end brunch.
(1)
Ryan R.
Went here to celebrate a friend's bday on a Friday night. We had made a reservation for 14 ppl so we were seated right away. We started off with their bread (which I actually really enjoyed) and a couple plates of nachos. The nachos were definitely the best dish of the night. For my meal I ordered the reuben with sweet potato fries. The sandwich had decent taste but the meat was bit chewy in my opinion. In addition, the fries were sort of limp and lacked crispiness, but I enjoyed dipping them into their chipotle cream sauce. Overall, this place has a sort of sports bar vibe and the food seems to match that (though prices are a bit high). The service was friendly, but not always attentive to our large party. The venue was able to seat us all comfortably though, and we ended up having a nice night out.
(3)
Ryan A.
Came here for dinner last week. Good thing we had a reservation because we were seated right on time despite how many people we're waiting for a table. The space is much bigger than it appears to be when walking by and only being able to see the outdoor seating area. The very large indoor seating area is downstairs and not visible from the street. We were given a booth, which we greatly appreciated and greeted by a very friendly waiter. However, as weird as this sounds, that was my one complaint. The waiter was really nice and attentive but so much so that it got a bit annoying by the end of the meal. It seemed like he came to check on us at least every 5 minutes. Regardless, thats a minor issue is the grand scheme of things. More importantly, the food was awesome. We shared the fajita quesadilla for our appetizer which I highly recommend. It's the perfect size for two people. For my entree I had the ribeye which was definitely a top-10 Bostonian steak in my book.
(5)
Lauren T.
This was one of the best brunches that I have ever had. The orange juice was amazing and the bread was delicious. We had such a good meal that we are coming back tomorrow morning with friends! Great service as well- the manager even came over to our table to deliver our food after I told them about my food allergy.
(5)
Makalo L.
This is a really good restaurant. We went here for brunch. They have excellent egg Benedict. I suggest u to try it.
(5)
Carla D.
My husband and I visited Joe's on a Friday for lunch one winter day. My husband will not stop raving about how delicious the crab cakes were, and how out-of-this-world the tartar sauces served along with them tasted! I ordered a cup of chili, which was fresh & hot and satisfying. Our waiter (Greg) was friendly and attentive. A most enjoyable lunch.
(4)
Lucy E.
It's a chain, so right off the bat I'm not thrilled. But it is fairly consistent and it has great views for people watching on Newbury if you get a seat by the windows. The service is good enough, our waiter while friendly mentioned he didn't like Boston (probably not a great thing to say while serving a table of Bostonians). The food was decent. I got a blackened chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. The chicken was very dry and not very flavorful considering it was blackened. The french fries were good, tasty and hot. The beer was shipyard pumpkinhead, cold and delicious. Will I go back? Probably. Will I learn to love it? Probably not.
(3)
Chelsey A.
This review is for their brunch. Get the waffle and the fresh orange juice. The waffle is life changing. See the picture. Came on a Saturday early afternoon and while there was a wait my friend and I were seated quickly, after less than 15 minutes. I'll definitely be back for another waffle!
(5)
Danielle S.
We came here for an early lunch before we left the city for home. They have an upstairs and a downstairs - upstairs is more open. It's like sitting outside, only it is covered, so you could sit there if it was raining. We ate downstairs because it was a little cooler. I'm glad we came earlier, because later it definitely filled up! We were greeted by a nice waitress, who promptly took our drink order. They have a little of everything on their menu -I had a hard time deciding! We ordered the nachos for an appetizer - they were probably the best nachos I have ever had. They were smothered with cheese and other toppings. There was the perfect proportion of chips to toppings! I knew I couldn't leave Boston without getting a lobster roll. I was very happy with the taste and presentation. The bread was obviously home made (soft and sweet), and the lobster was perfect. Their sweet potato fries are also delish! I loved the atmosphere, service, food, and variety of things to order. I would definitely come back!
(5)
Ngan T.
I've never been here when it wasn't crowded. Although it's not a touristy crowd--actually a lot of locals grabbing a casual lunch or dinner. I've never successfully gotten a table by myself, but all is forgiven. The front staff are always very sweet. Most times they'll walk over to the bar themselves to make sure there's a seat before telling me to walk over. The drinks are generally very watered down, though bartenders are fantastically friendly. I'm not sure what the rest of the staff is like here since my experience has been limited to the bar area. I've tried their mac n cheese. It was a bit too saucy for my tastes, and the portion size (as is with allllll the places on newbury street) was just too small for what you pay for. I overheard the girls next to me send back a salad but shhhhh, you didn't hear it from me. lol anyway, I wouldn't come back here for the food, but rather for the excellent customer service.
(3)
Joanna F.
Yes, Joe's American Bar & Grill is a chain and tourist trap on Newbury Street, but it gets the job done. Joe's offers entrees, sandwiches and salads at really reasonable prices for this part of town. And the food is pretty good! One of my favorites is the Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. Grilled or fried chicken over greens with a little angel hair pasta and some crispy wontons thrown in with a delicious honey mustard dressing. The bread to start is absolutely amazing too. This is also a great place to come in the warmer months for a few drinks post work. The windows in the front open up to Newbury Street so it's beautiful. I'm a fan.
(4)
Mike L.
Great dinner here! Food was good, service even better! Thanks to Mark for being super accommodating to us and appeasing all our requests! Really appreciate the hostesses seating us in a quiet spot so my Dad could hear. Even if the food sucked, which it doesn't, we come back for the exceptional service!
(5)
Jazzy J.
I'm writing this based on a one-time, tourist experience so don't get your scrotum twisted if you disagree with my opinion. It was a really nice day so we sat on the patio during a Friday lunch hour. It was busy but we only waited about 10 minutes for a table so that was cool. Our server was super cute so that automatically defaults to 3 stars. He brought our beers right away and was super attentive. I ordered the crab cakes and they were freakin delicious. Also their French fries were big and awesome. My brother got the lobster roll and that nailed it too. My mom ordered the fish sandwich and really liked it. We enjoyed the food, the service, and the atmosphere. Highly recommend it.
(4)
Becca B.
I am writing this review based on take out only. That being said, I created a Yelp account solely so that I could show the world the salad I got for $21.25. I ordered the Ahi Tuna salad from the Newbury Street location and was extremely disappointed. The salad consisted of some iceberg lettuce, a bunch of red onions, a small pile of ginger, and some tuna. The salad dressing (which I ordered on the side) consisted of 1 small tub of soy sauce and 1 small tub of what I can only describe as thousand island dressing with some hot sesame oil thrown in. The tuna was edible, but not great. For the price, I expected a lot more and was thoroughly disappointed. I feel better now that I created a yelp account and could share my distress with the world. Thanks yelp!
This is for your own good: do not eat brunch here. I'm not sure how one screws up breakfast sandwiches, but they do and charge $13 for it. The eggs Benedict is gross too. There is too much good food on Boston, save yourself.
(2)
Marck N.
Walking down Newbury street, we had several hours to kill before our flight. Passing Joe's American Bar & Grill, it looked like a nice place to get a few drinks and enjoy the sunny weather. We sat at the outside bar and looked at the crowd walking by. My first drink I ordered was the sparkling blueberry sangria.I asked the bartender to make it without the sour mix and only a splash of sprite. He was very accommodating to do this and made made a refreshing summer sangria. It was slightly tart, but still sweet by the pureed blueberry. Much better tasting than my partners blueberry mojito. My second drink was the pear-fect martini. This is an awesome drink that made my afternoon. Pear vodka and pureed pear. The pureed pear added the sweetness to the martini and it is a pretty large martini. After enjoying the conversation and sun, we headed back to the hotel to leave Boston. A nice farewell touch.
(3)
Kenson K.
What to do on our last day in Boston? Why, head down to Joe's. We only stopped in for drinks here. Their blueberry mojitos were really fresh. They had real blueberries crushed into here and it was like a summer drink. What a perfect thing to have on a sunny afternoon. I also tried the blueberry iced tea. It was little more tart than the mojito but still very refreshing. It didn't taste like either one had alcohol in it until later as it all started to sink in.
(3)
Casey H.
Great selection and it was delicious. Parking sucks but other than that the place is great.
(4)
Michael S.
I had Joe's signature burger and the clam chowder in a bread bowl, absoluteluly delicious! Service was a bit over the top (I know you're trolling for tips, but relax... You were stressing me out). Expensive meal, but if you're hungry for a burger, give it a go.
(3)
Anahid H.
I have been to Boston many times, but only been to Joe's twice. I remember having a good experience the first time, but this last time was really amazing! The lobster mac and cheese is BY FAR THE BEST LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE! I had my husband in NY wanting some. Their crab cakes are also great (my sister enjoyed them as well).
(5)
Alisia P.
I love Joe's! I have only been there 3-4 times but never once had bad service or bad food. The spinach and artichoke dip is delish :-)
(5)
Maria D.
We were looking for a place that was open for reservations on OpenTable and we found Joe's. It is a quaint little place, but the food was not good at all. I was incredibly disappointed at the quality of the food we were served. We all had chicken-- presented differently and none of us were impressed. For a better take on food in a nicer atmosphere, go to the Met Bar right up the street. Joe's was also too loud and too crowded. Not to mention, the gluten free options were laughable at best. The utensils were also dirty-- there was food on them! And the waiter took a while to take our orders. Maybe it was the Friday night thing? Or maybe it really just is always that bad.
(2)
Thien N.
Can your bread be any more perfect? WIth the chewy inside but crispy outside with a side of butter that just all melts in your mouth. I've passed Joe's on many occasions, mainly because of the long wait. This time, it was only a 15-minute wait for 2 during Brunch time, and we could handle that wait time. The bloody mary was not spicy enough for my liking, but the bar was able to accommodate with extra horseradish, hot sauce, and olives (bonus points for Joe's!). We split the nachos, which was definitely a sharable size for 2-4 people. The Prime Rib Hash was amazing, although it was a bit too greasy for me. I'm not a fan of finding a pool of grease in my food. Overall, service was excellent even during rush hour. Food was pretty decent, but really, come for the bread. It's amazing.
(3)
Veronika L.
Food is pretty good. Nachos are the best thing we ordered. Burgers were average but they are gluten-allergy friendly and the waitstaff is extremely polite. I enjoyed the atmosphere overall.
(4)
Laura B.
I came here last Saturday afternoon and had a really great experience. Food: I got the grilled cheese and asked for avacado with it. It was awesomeeeee. Drinks: Best Sangria ever!! I got the Berry sangria that has bubbles in it. So sweet and refreshing. Our waitress recommended a special coctkail they were serving only for the weekend (Mothers day) called Mother's little helper, and it was really good. I wish I had more than one. Really surprised with the quality of cocktails here, not your typical american chain restaurant quality. Service: Our waitress was Alena, and she was the best! SO nice and helpful even though the restaurant was very busy. She was really great and when I come back I hope I have her again. One of my new favorite places!
(5)
Tony S.
I normally would not have written a review of a 'meh' dining establishment. I've been coming to this location since it was a TGI Friday, and even with the new chain, I neither love or hate it. Yes the street-level view is great, and there are some hottie pa-tottie patrons that come in, but the food is middle of the road, hence the 3 stars. However, there are two things worth writing about: First, there is a server named Aaron (I think), who was the nicest, most professional and patient server I have ever had in Boston. Not only was he cool and informative, he was funny, friendly, and didn't make my small group feel uncomfortable at all when we stayed waaaaay longer beyond dinner. Two-thumbs up for this guy. Makes Boston proud. Second, I had this BLT salad, which I'll review in two parts. First, the salad dressing was completely wrong for the dish. Yes it's a decent vinaigrette, but TOTALLY clashes with the flavor of bacon, which is the centerpiece of the salad. They should be using a more ranchy or creamier dressing...... something less acidic. It clashed like peanut butter and chewing a vitamin C pill. BUT.... but but but.......BUT...... the salad comes with a bacon-on-bread arrangement that is OUT OF THIS WORLD. These 2 small toast servings come with a cajun maple bacon infused with some sort of parmesan crusted.... something. Yes.... it is THAT good. I'm a bacon expert that engages in a famous candied-bacon dish, so I KNOW when bacon is presented well. So......yeah, I'll come back.
(3)
Suzanne N.
Great food, great waitress, and great manager! First time in Boston and totally worth it.
(5)
Amy B.
The positive first: Joe's is great for groups. I have a monthly meeting that's lately been gathering at Joe's, and they don't mind us arriving at different times and are fabulous about splitting the check. I also like the decor of Joe's and the big open windows facing Newbury Street. That said, Joe's is not my favorite. The food is reminiscent of TGI Friday's (although I could be primed by the fact that TGIF was the previous business in this space). The Bloody Mary that comes free with some of the brunch entrees is appropriately priced for its quality. Beer and wine lists are fine, but not particularly impressive. Joe's also has a practice that really pisses me off. They artificially create a line outside the restaurant at peak hours (weekend nights and brunch times). If you see a line outside Joe's and want to eat there, whip out your smart phone and make an Open Table reservation. Chances are, you can get a reservation and be shown to your seat almost immediately. This might be savvy marketing, but I don't think it's good treatment of customers.
Great burger, better cocktails, whole table loved the place, server was old and amazing, nicest guy in Boston so far on my trip, busy tho immediately seated, picky gf had amazing steak tips, good location, would come back.
(4)
Jim T.
Joe's for a chain is actually consistently good and so is the service. Tonight however was even better than usual. We had Loren as our server. Blew us away. Upbeat, friendly and actually made us feel like she cared about us enjoying our meal and having a good time. This place was packed and she made us feel like we were her only party. Very impressed!
(5)
Lynn J.
Joe's is a good, solid chain restaurant! FOOD: Consistently good, but not exceptional. Burgers are the same variety you get other places. Pancakes were the thinnest I've ever been served. The loaf of table bread was the best food of the night! DRINKS: Brunch Mamosas for only $6.99! SERVICE: The staff is attentive & courteous. THE DEAL: Joe's is a super spot in the Summer for PEOPLE WATCHING on Newbury Street! They open the "walls" onto the street itself, so it's like an enclosed sun deck.
(3)
Cornelia M.
Okay so let's be honest the reason that this place is getting any stars at all is because the food is actually good. My friends and Iive/work and go out in the area quite frequently and often come to Joe's after our events for something to eat as we did this past Saturday 3/21. We decided to go to Joe's because we had a $20 gift card that was expiring at the end of the month so we figured why not spend it. When we get there we were told there was a little bit of a wait which we were happy to do. We went to the downstairs bar to wait for our buzzer to ring when two seats opened up. We figured great we'll sit down and wait for our table so we grabbed the seats and the bartender asked my friend what she wanted to drink and my friend replied water (now mind you we had been out drinking all day at a ShockTop event and my friend was also trying not to spend much money) to which the bartender told my friend that she shouldn't be sitting there if she wasn't going to drink. I had planned on ordering something (which I did) but my friend felt pressured by the douche bartender to get a drink which she reluctantly did. Never in my life have I encountered such piss poor service. I just couldn't believe that this jerk felt the need to say something to my friend. Unfortunately I think in my fuzzy brain I actually left the douche a tip which he sooo didn't deserve. The bartender was also doing his best jerk impression on two women sitting next to us giving them free drinks and such. If I didn't have another gift certificate to use this would have been my last time. I'll go back one more time but that's going to be it. My friends and I are going to find a new place to hang after events! Sorry Joe's but your jerk bartender did you in!
(2)
Marie C.
While we waited for our table, we grabbed a drink at the bar downstairs. The bartender served us our drinks, and after having waiting for a bill for quite a while, we handed him money for our drinks. Expecting our change back, he simply said "how are the drinks, are they good??", while he held up the money we gave him. We were all a bit confused by this, but figured out he was just going to keep whatever the difference between the bill and leftover amount was. No problem with tipping, especially for a good drink, but I thought his assumption and putting us on the spot in front of other patrons, was just plain run & presumptuous. I like to be able to decide what I tip for service, having worked in the service industry before. We finally got to our table & ordered the nachos, burgers & wings. Being from Texas, I can't say I was impressed by the nachos, but they weren't bad either. The burgers were good, as were the wings. Nothing stood out as delicious, however it was a good meal.
(3)
Nick F.
Whenever my parents came to visit me at college, they would always prefer to eat at Joes- and I didn't blame them. Joes was always reliable for great food, awesome drinks, and spectacular service. I can't wait to get back to Boston and eat here.
(5)
Maryam F.
They had amazing food and Alena made my experience at the restaurant even better! I'll definitely coma back again! Thank you Alena for your service, too kind! :)
(5)
John D.
I recently went back to Joe's bar and grill since I was in Boston, and I was not pleased at all. I normally go for breakfast and you always get a free drink and muffins before the breakfast. So, I'm waiting for my muffins and decided to ask the waiter for them and he informed me, that they no longer serve them nor do you get a free drink with your breakfast!! Why you may ask? Because, the prior management sold the restaurant to a Private Equity firm!! Oh, nice. So basically I paid $30 for eggs, bacon, toast and a glass of Orange Juice, that they use to squeeze fresh right in front of me. Overall food was okay. Its tough to mess up eggs and bacon. Finally, Just before I leave I shake the waiter/bar tenders hand, who is a nice guy but when we shake hands he decides to completely twist my hand to show dominance! (not sure if he knows he's doing this) I'm thinking to myself, Wtf! FYI, your working for TIPS don't try to be dominate, just shake my hand like a normal person. And if you need help, and instruction, read this. "Shake hands like JFK - Instructables"....Google it. I probably will not be going back to Joe's when I go back to Boston. P.S. - You've made outstanding changes to the restaurant, Tavisstock group.
(2)
TinoX T.
I'm fan of Joe's Bar,Nic food with any Branch you Try,Great Service and the price is very Gooood.
(4)
Emily C.
Decent brunch place. Entrees come with a choice of freshly squeezed orange juice, grapefruit juice, mimosa, spicy bloody mary, champagne, screwdriver or Bud Light. Pretty good deal for the price. My friend and I ordered the Prime rib hash. My eggs were a little too well done, but his were perfectly runny. The flavors were ok. Another friend ordered the benedict, and her eggs were a little too well done as well. The service was really great. Our waiter was so nice and really efficient. The restaurant was really busy, but he checked on us pretty frequently and got us our food really quickly. This place can fill up pretty quickly after noon on the weekends, so plan accordingly! There are probably better places for brunch on Newbury, but Joe's is a decent place to hit up when the more popular places, like Stephanie's get too busy!
(3)
Joelle K.
I have been to both the Newbury Street and North End locations. Taking into consideration the ambiance, I would rate both with 3.5/5. Joe's in the North End is one of the few reasonably priced restaurants that you can go to that is right on the water. The location on Newbury Street has nice exposed brick and two great bar areas. The food is solid but mostly just typical bar food. I have had calamari and nachos for appetizers and the buffalo chicken wrap and crab cakes for an appetizer. I will probably be back to visit the bar or for brunch as I hear that you get a free alcoholic drink with brunch.
(3)
Lauren H.
Poor service from the start. The host seemed annoyed that we even walked in. Once seated, it was about 5 minutes until anyone came to our table. Our waiter brought two waters upon request with our two wines. One of the waters had a big smear on the rim, maybe it had previously been coated with sugar or salt for a drink? Either way, it was a very dirty glass. The food just isn't the quality it was when it was owned by Back Bay Reataurant Group. Service, food quality, and host interaction was not up to standards, per BBrg. Too bad, won't be back.
(2)
Willy G.
Okay, let me preface this review by saying my server/bartender was top notch. Restaurant was very clean and the rest of the staff was very professional. Okay, here's the bad news. I ordered the fried chicken, i wanted something different and the menu description sounded great. Garlic smashed potatoes with a mushroom gravy were very tasty, biscuit also pretty good for a chain. But the fried chicken was inexcusable, im a foodie, but i admit in the past i have bought banquet frozen fried chicken at the suprermarket. Not good i know. But this chicken was honestly worse than that. I am 100 percent sure what i was served was pre-cooked and frozen, there is no denying that flavor. Shame on Joe's for charging people 15.00 for something that is not even made fresh. Customers expect to get something from a restaurant that they either can not make at home, or would rathet not make at home. And so you know, i tipped over 20% and didn't complain to the server. I just had to vent here.
(1)
Shiri Y.
Had a late lunch on a busy Saturday so I made a reservation, luckily, since there was a very long line. The food was excellent, very unique combination of scallops, kale and quinoa (it was a daily special), our waitress was super attentive. Not cheap but also not super expensive, especially considering the location. I recommend sitting on the patio
(4)
Peter M.
Delicious buffalo chicken wrap on whole wheat. Good ceaser salad with anchovies in dressing. Wrap had a nice tangy flavor with blue cheese. Good, fast, attentive service. I want to try the outdoor seating. Would dine here again.
(4)
Patrick F.
The saying goes the first 5 minutes in a restaurant makes the whole meal and I understand it was a busy Friday night, but the rude young lady working as hostess pretty much shot this place down. The food wasn't bad and once we were seated the waitress was kind of attentive, but the hostess still left a bad taste in our mouth. Don't get me wrong, It's not like I expect a hug when I walk in a place, but the condescending tone she used. And her flippant attitude sets the tone for the entire experience.
(2)
Larry S.
Joe's food is good. Sometimes very good but we go there to get a seat by the window looking at Newbury Street to watch the shoppers stroll by. We are always very pleased by the service - every time. Great young vibe and effort from the hostess, wait staff and servers. We are always so pleased and enjoy ourselves there. We have never eaten in the dining room but the place is always busy, loud and fun! For a reasonably priced meal and a good feeling - this is our go to place for lunch when we are on town visiting.
(4)
Jared H.
The PRIME RIB is why I love this place. On Friday and Saturday's they serve prime rib and have two versions, a 12oz for $22.99 and the prime rib challenge which is 24oz for just $28.99 Whenever I want to celebrate and treat myself to a huge piece of red meat, this is my spot. Service is good and the prime rib is delicious. I have had their pizza as an appetizer as well and enjoyed it. But seriously, if you go here, try the prime rib. You can't beat it for the price!
(5)
Erynn W.
An overall great place to eat! My sister and I were visiting Boston for a few days and found ourselves on Newbury street. Freezing cold, aching feet and hungry bellies, we ran straight into the first place we could find, which was Joe's. We waited a few minutes for our table but the second we sat down we had the best freshly baked bread and glasses of water in front of us. Our waiter (can't remember his name! grrr) was a true gem. He stood at our table, chatted us up about our vacation and told us about himself as well. They guy is attending Harvard's extension school! Anyways, he helps me decide on a much needed alcoholic beverage, an old fashioned with a holiday twist (cranberries and ginger beer). When we finally order our food (after tearing through our second loaf of bread), he accommodated our every need. My sister, a vegetarian, and picky, got her perfect sandwich. And I, with dairy allergies, enjoyed our meal very much! I got the kale salad, which was the perfect combination of flavors and no heavy dressing. Of course we got dessert, a brownie thing with toppings that was hot, gooey, chocolatey and just amazing. We were able to take our time, relax, eat our food and enjoy a great atmosphere. As well as a nice break from the cold outside. We are definitely going back to this place upon our Return to Boston.
(5)
Anna G.
Wow - why such poor reviews? I only live a couple blocks away so have beer here numerous times. It's consistently a good place to sit in the bar area, have a Stella on draft, and order some bar food. In the summer it's really nice when they open the windows - great Newbury people watching. They do a lot of gluten free options and accommodated a visitor I had in town. The buff chick sandwich is pretty good as are the nachos and fish tacos. Overall, I wouldn't come here to sit in the main restaurant area but would def recommend a drink and app to refuel while in the area.
(4)
Beth L.
Came to Joe's on a recommendation from a server at another restaurant around the corner. Being in the service industry we ask around to find the good spots to stop by on vacation. We sat at the bar and our service was great! The bartenders answered questions we had about the area and were very attentive. Cocktail list is great and I recommend the Black Garden.
(5)
Daniel K.
Went there this afternoon for brunch. We called and asked if they could seat a party of seven at noon for brunch. She put our name down and said come right in. We showed up five minutes later, waited thirty minutes then had to be split up to be seated. The whole time the two hostesses working were very confused and seemed overwhelmed. Finally we offered to be split up if that would help and they were able to seat us a few minutes later. Then when we sat down we were told by two waiters (at our two different tables) that they were not actually serving brunch. This came as a surprise since we had seen people getting brunch food while we waited to be seated. After much confusion our waiter realized they were in fact serving brunch. Food was decent but the front of house service was terrible. We did like our waiter a lot, he was friendly and helpful.
(2)
Lauren M.
Eh, there are better options. Joe's American is good because it is one of the few restaurants opened on Newbury street til midnight. However, it just doesn't provide a good Boston experience. It feels too much like a chain restaurant, the entrees are overpriced, and the service is mediocre at best. The food is good, but your money is better spent at a Legal's Seafood, or even better spent at a local restaurant. We had to wait for our table and had to wait way too long for our slow and over-worked server and food. While mostly everything on the menu is okay, avoid the mussels. They look very good, but have a strange taste, are way too squishy, and don't come in a delicious sauce as I expect with mussels. Joe's American has decent food, a busy atmosphere, and has some prime locations. It's a good spot if you are already there and hungry, but it is definitely not a must-stop while in Boston.
(2)
Mike B.
We had a good meal in a good setting. Highly recommend the crab cakes Benedict. It's not your typical breakfast/brunch item and we found it amazing. The Fresh squeezed orange was also excellent.
(5)
Jessica S.
Heather Sances is an exemplary bartender. Also the brunch is good. Order licorice matti is here...Heather will tell you about them.
(5)
Neek S.
Not sure why this place has so many positive reviews. Service was incredibly slow and food was pricey and mediocre.
(1)
Oksana N.
Food was excellent, best waiter (James) ever. The manager, Travis, came out to talk to our table when he found out that someone had a food allergy, and assured her that her food would be safe for her to eat. Very entertaining and inviting atmosphere. Baby back ribs are the way to go :-)
(5)
D T.
The price of the burger went up- oh well, no biggie, what I did have a probem with: 1) The burger came already put together where before it came deconstructed- Don't like my bun with pickle juice and don't like red onions. 2) Boursin cheese- There was so little, I had to check to see if there was any on there 3) The bartender kept touching his face and not washing his hands. 4) Bartenders acting as if they are the best bartenders in the world and we should be lucky to be in their presence (Think studio 54). 5) Servers and bartenders arguing at the server station.
(1)
Crystal B.
"Definitely 5 Stars~!" That is what my Fiance just said when I asked him how many stars... I couldn't agree more. We went last night, the last night of our Boston Vaca and loved it. We made reservations but ended up going earlier and they were fine... Our server was a well put together, nicely dressed, sweet guy. :) We have 2 small boys (2 & 5) and he was great with them. I wish, for the life of me, I couldn't remember his name! Hoping he will somehow get credit for his Terrific Service. He was on top of it, getting drinks, making sure we liked everything, and made us feel welcome. Delicious Food, and even better Service! Oh and the Margarita's were swell! Thank you Joe's!
(5)
Jason W.
Visited here recently with some peers from a conference I was attending. Had the prime rib w/ baked potato. The beef was seasoned well, but slightly dry (the au jus was just poured all over). They didn't specify the size, but I would guess it was around 16 oz - pretty good sized. Price was pretty reasonable too (compared to a lot of other places on Newbury St). The baked potato was just a bare potato. I just sliced it up and used it to soak up the au jus. The patio was packed when we got there, so we dined inside. It was nice, but I would have preferred to be outside (we got there fairly late, were hungry, and didn't want to wait). Staff and service were both excellent.
(4)
Emann B.
Should not have picked such a bustling tourist trap, but one of my mates wanted a Caeser salad and this seemed to fit the bill. Service was OK (umm...how does one forget to bring bread?). We all had salads (Cobb and tuna) which were fine, but we could have done without the fruit flies buzzing about.
(2)
Hannah H.
Ate at Joe's last night with my cousin who was in from out of town for one evening. We had been walking around for about 45-50 minutes just trying to decide on a place to go. We decided to check this place out, and I'm glad we did. We were greeted at the door by the hostess and the head chef. We asked to see a menu, and the chef informed us that everything is made from scratch and we won't be let down. So we stayed. And we weren't. We sat at a table right next to the front window. Our waitress was a super friendly girl who had obviously rehearsed the specials, as she sold the fresh swordfish very well. Unfortunately, I wasn't in the mood for fish. I get a Reuben sandwich with sweet potato fries, my cousin got the blackened chicken pasta with a Caesar salad, and the waitress brought us bread to start with, which was delicious. It was warm and the edges were perfectly crispy. Love a good warm bread. The food came out so fast, but not too fast that we were overwhelmed with what was in front of us. My sandwich was one of the best Reuben's I've had in a while. The meat was thinly sliced, which I love. Otherwise, it can get too chewy and I hate that. The fries were good. Not overdone, which I find a lot with sweet potato fries (I think because they're thinner than your average fry). My cousin said his pasta was really good. I tried it, but don't remember what it tasted like enough to write about it. So like I said, my cousin was just in for the night, all the way from Colorado, so we had a lot of catching up to do. Our waitress didn't bother us and knew when to refill our drinks, and didn't make us feel rushed to leave (which, as a former waitress--I HATE). Overall, it was a lovely experience. Not to mention the very reasonable prices for downtown Boston! Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for something that's not too fancy and overdone downtown.
(4)
Marina B.
First -Joes changed their menu that made them who they are-removing some great appetizers and entrees. Second the portions have been cut by at least 1/3. The food was God awful- chicken piccata was so thin it had no flavor. Lobster Roll was 70 lettuce and 30 % meat. This place is going downhill fast. If you want value- get a hot dog- it would be tastier!
(1)
Jennifer A.
Went here last night after trying to find good food off the bar scene of the pour house and pretty much every scene on this street. For starters, first get there it's raining and they have there windows up which means all the tables and floors next to the windows were soaked. As we were standing there next to the we table waiting to be seated a black bind fold was sitting on the chair unaccompanied and I picked it up to hand it to the waitress and a tall slender blond hair lady snatched it out of my hand as if I was stealing it and after explaining to her not to leave these around because they can get stole she gave me the dumb act of she was cleaning ( mind u nobody had still helped up) after getting seated by another blond hair lady ( different from the long haired one prior) she was helpful the first few mins but then disappeared almost the entire time. Finally we flagged down the bald waiter and he ended up helping us the entire time. In the mean time the blond hair waitress before was giving us dirty looks or wouldn't acknowledge us. Very disappointed considering the size of my check. The food was ok, nothing amazing. The drinks were ok at best. Will not be back
(1)
Bo L.
I tried Joe's Bar & Grill at the waterfront before and really enjoyed the experience, unfortunately I can't say the same about their restaurant on Newbury street. The lady at the front was not very nice when I accidentally blocked the reception area when waiting for a table. While you can handle it with a simple reminder or a small joke, why go full force and drive the customers away?
(1)
Daniel F.
Terrible! Food service and atmosphere. Don't come here for any of those... Hostess made us wait 15 minutes for practically an empty indoor dining room... Then once we got our bland overpriced food, there was a hair on the plate. Both servers seemed to not really care much about it. They replaced the plate but still charged us for it! Terrible experience all around.
(1)
Michelle D.
Party of eight and no complaints. Food was perfect, the waiter was attentive and knowledgable. Never rushed. Thank you for a delightfull evening.
(5)
Jackie C.
I love this brunch place! My fiancee brought me here when I was visiting several months ago when he first moved and it is now our go to place for brunch on Sundays! He gets the farmer's market omelette and I usually order the french toast or make your own omelette. The french toast is one of my favorites! If you are a french toast fan, definitely try them! The brunch menu also comes with a selection of drinks that are complimentary so don't forget about those! The screw drivers are really strong so be sure to mix them up before you try them otherwise you will find all the vodka on the bottom. Every server we have ever had there was so friendly and attentive!
(5)
Katie C.
I was in the Back Bay and unbeknownst to me, it was Pride weekend and there was a parade down Boylston Street. I was craving some sliders from Dillons, but I was on Newbury Street and I could see open seats at the bar at Joe's so... Joe's it was. Sure, it is definitely one of the places where you find a lot of people there hoping "to be seen" and I felt like the most underdressed person in the area even though I had on a pair of jeans and a cute knit top. Anyway, I found a seat at the bar and I was quickly served. During the summer, they offer a lot of patio/semi-outdoorsy dining and if you can't find a space at the bar, there is a downstairs bar as well. It's probably not as trendy as the upstairs one, but it will work. I had a blackened caesar chicken salad. It came out in less than five minutes than I ordered. So either it was sloppy seconds or the kitchen was operating at breakneck efficiency. I'll go with the former. The bartenders were friendly and worked well as a team. Is it me or are the portion sizes getting smaller and smaller every time I visit? So why not 4 stars? There needs to be, there has to be, a better seating policy. The front door and foyer is extremely small and the hostesses ran the hostess stand like a prison. No one got past them without getting interrogated. In doing so, there are a lot of people in the foyer and front area and it is hard to get in and out if you know exactly where you're going.
(3)
N N.
Tried out this place because all the other restaurants nearby had too long of a wait time. This place is just okay. Food is decent, nothing special. There's a nice bar area and the restaurant is generally pretty big but nothing special. I probably wouldn't come back.
(2)
Gerardo F.
I've been to this place a couple of times. What do I make of it? It's actually a really decent restaurant. It is one of the cheaper one's in Boston (and as far as I know the cheapest on Newbury Street), but don't let the cheaper price tag fool you, as the food and service are pretty good. Even if it is often packed, especially on Friday nights and throughout the summer, the service is usually great. Waiters are usually friendly and efficient, though I have seen some that just stand around and do nothing. Food wise, the name says it all: this is pure American cuisine, with hamburgers and steaks galore. As much as it looks good, the food does tend to be ok at best. I've had several of their steaks. They're far from bad, but they aren't great either. However, one thing that definitely makes Joe's Grill stand out among nearly every restaurant in Boston is the bread they offer. I don't know how they make it, but the bread there is quite possibly the best one I've had in the US. It's fluffy, breaks easily, and its taste is wonderful. Also, I've tried their brunch meals. Also pretty darn good. So overall, I like that place, but the food could be better.
(4)
Humaira M.
I don't typically eat on Newbury, but I met a friend here for brunch. I typically prefer fancier brunch fare so I decided to stick with a burger since I figured a place called "Joe's American Bar and Grill" couldn't mess up a burger. Boy was I wrong. I ordered the original, with mushrooms and carmelized onions, cooked medium. As soon as I picked it up, I noticed that the patty was not well formed, and sure enough, after a couple of bites, a 2oz piece of the patty fell right off. I did't need to eat it, but still was pretty annoying. And the fries that came with the burger were lukewarm, and kind of soggy and stale. All in all - a fairly disappointing meal, and not worth the ~$20 check (I only ordered the burger). The other disappointment was the service. When we first walked in, we saw another "group" ahead of us so we waited for a server to come help us. After 3-5 minutes nobody had come by, so we started looking around to find someone. We turned around to face the other "group" and realized that they ALL WORKED THERE. None of them had bothered to say hello to us when we walked in, and were busy chatting amongst themselves. Their excuse was that they thought we were waiting for more people. This was unacceptable and unprofessional. When we left the restaurant almost two hours later, we saw the exact same employees all standing together, by the door, still talking. Clearly the owner of this establishment is overpaying these guys and should instead hire better cooks.
(2)
Jeff W.
Joes is a great spot to grab dinner. I had a reservation for two and was seated right away. The food quality and service is excellent.
(4)
Anne W.
I actually really like Joe's. I think there is good food here... this location is perfectly located on Newbury. Just great for breaking for lunch before walking further down the street. The wait was about 20 minutes.. so we wandered to the bar to grab two seats. My fav salad on the menu is the Thai beef salad.. it probably tastes nothing like Thai salad.. but it's good. The bread is also outstanding and really fresh. The grilled salmon was also awesome. Perfectly crisp on the outside.. and juicy on the inside. The chicken cobb isn't very good.. I was dissapointed in that. The clam chowder was also just okay.. they have less potatoes.. so that's a plus. Service was good.. but I would say.. they were dissapointed we didn't have drinks... so I think it affected our service.
(3)
Alex C.
We love this place. Great staff, good food and the wait is worth it. After the bombing at the marathon, they paid for our lunch. Could you be more nice? I will always be a fan of joes and this just made me appreciate you even more!
(5)
Ann Z.
We almost didn't go to Joe's because it only had 3 stars, but I'm really glad we did. The atmosphere was beautiful and quiet - a peaceful oasis on Newbury street. Our server Rodolfo was really nice and accommodating. He gave us great recommendations and made sure our dishes fit our dietary restrictions. I was especially pleased with the kale and quinoa salad. It's the kind of dish a mediocre restaurant would try and mess up. Rodolfo assured me it was delicious and he was spot on. What a refreshing, healthy mix of flavors!
(5)
Lynn C.
You know, the sun could have gotten to my head the day I was eating there, because I'm giving this place a 5 star when most people are giving this place 3 or 4 stars. I think what made this place amazing for is that I went there on a Friday afternoon when the sun was out, the temperature was in the 80s, after shopping, sat outside at the TERRACE, and enjoyed a good meal with great services. What more can one ask for? We got there at around 1pm, put down our name, was told to come back in 30 minutes. 30 minutes later, we came back, and was seated right away. One of my friends came from the UK and is allergic to gluten, and she was so ecstatic that the menu had gluten-free version of ALMOST EVERYTHING that she ordered TWO entrees...hahah, apparently restaurants in the UK doesn't cater to Celiacs the way they do here. She had a gluten-free pizza that was actually very good (!!) and Mac and Cheese, which I did not try, but she said was good. Her husband and I had the burger au poivre and just thinking about it makes me salivate. Beef patty covered in black pepper grilled to taste with caramelized onions...oooooooh...MmmmMmm.. Admittedly we asked for medium and the burger came out well-done but that did not take away the amazingness at all. I also asked for extra pickles after i finished eating the one that came with it because the pickles are so good. The server gave me like 6 more and i ate them all. Oh, and did I mention all the male servers there are HOT? They all look like male models, why wouldn't I go back again even if it's just to have a drink..hahahaha. So yes, I had a good time there, people watching, eating good food, and enjoying the sunshine. I'd go back, for sure!
(5)
Stephanie B.
I used to go here pretty regularly. It was easy and well located. Unfortunately, the last few times I have been there I was disappointed. It breaks down to this: 1. They removed the tuna burger from the menu. This was pretty much the only thing on the menu I liked, so I was at a loss after it was removed. I ordered the ahi tuna salad, which was good, but not $18 good. 2. They changed the chocolate cake. It used to be amazing (our favorite part of the meal!). Now it's lack luster. 3. There are VERY limited vegetarian options. Basically Mac & Chees and a Boca burger. BOCA burger, Joe's?? Seriously?? The kind I can buy at the grocery store for $5 a pack and you want me to spend $10 on one at your restaurant? No thanks. And I know I can order a salad without the meat, but their salads are pretty lame once you take the meet off. The honey chicken salad becomes spaghetti and iceburg lettuce - blah. 4. Why is it so expensive? Have they forgotten that they're a chain restaurant that's normally located in a mall? Since you're on Newbury you're all fancy now, Joe's? Let's be honest here. Pretty much the only thing this place has going for it now is the bread. Which is admittedly delicious, but not enough to get me to go there when there are so many other options on Newbury. Check out Cafeteria instead.
(2)
Maria S.
This place was ok, the waitstaff was really helpful and patient with our large group, but the food was nothing special - and for that reason, I wouldn't return.
(3)
Caroline H.
I was in Boston for a conference last week and about 9 of us walked over to Joe's for lunch just after noon. We were seated right away, which was great (and unexpected)! The waitress was really friendly, helped to answer questions about vegetarian options and didn't seem to mind when half of the people wanted water withOUT ice and the other half wanted water WITH ice. My lobster roll was really tasty, but I'm from a landlocked state, so I don't really get seafood very often and might not be a top authority on the matter. The roll was buttery and the pickles were a nice touch. I really enjoyed the food and was impressed with the service for such a big group at such a busy hour. My lunch-mates all seemed to enjoy their meals, too! With our complicated reimbursement needs, the waitress even let us split the check and had each of us pay with a separate card. Overall, I'd recommend Joe's fo sho.
(4)
Kockyo X.
I came in this restaurant in a rainny day with my friends. We had roasted mussels as appetizer. We did not expect this huge portion of food when it came, and it was so fresh and delicious! The entrees were mediocre though. Their bread was actually fantastic. It was so soft! I would recommend eating at this restaurant!
(3)
Emily D.
Joe's used to be my go-to celiac destination for gluten free food! They had tons of stuff and were really knowledgeable. The manager would personally deliver my gluten free food for me! Their menu was nothing special but it was good and they had gluten free pizza that actually tasted like pizza versus most places which tastes like cardboard. My sister and I were craving pizza last Friday afternoon so we strolled into Joes. Lo and behold we find the pizzas are gone! All of them - gluten and non-gluten. What the hell?! Now their menu is pretty uninspired and limited and expensive- gluten free pasta still available and gluten free buns for the fries. I guess they have dedicated fryers now for the fries, so that's fun, but literally my burger was $17! That's right a small turkey burger and I added cheese, guac, and bacon. Ummm any burger over $12 is the biggest scam ever. The gluten free roll was also a waste since it crumbled and fell apart when I picked it up. Should have known better! Joe's - bring back your old menu! I want gluten free buffalo chicken pizza!!!!!
(2)
Susan C.
I believe Joe's is located at the former TGI Fridays. In any case, it's on the middle part of Newbury Street. The food here is pretty good and the service friendly. I got the prime rib with a caesar salad side and sweet potato fries as well as an ahi tuna for an app. Everything was fresh and tasted good. I esp. liked the tuna app which came with crispy rice cakes (i.e. white rice packed into the shape of patties and crisped up on the outside). I also like the mixed drinks here. I generally don't eat out at chains, but I'd be back to Joe's if I was hungry and in the area.
(3)
Emi S.
I've been here before and have had a great experience. I cannot say the same for my most recent visit. I sat at the bar with a friend and the bartenders were seriously bad. The two girls were very neglectful and we eventually had to wave them down to get a drink after 10 minutes with empty drinks - all the while they were chatting with each other and very clearly not waiting on anyone. I worked as a waitress for quite some time so I understand the difference between being swamped and being lazy. At the end of our visit one of them snatched the menu out of my friend's hand to give to the next customer. Overall, it was an incredibly disappointing experience considering this restaurant's reputation.
(2)
Sherrie T.
Having never been to Boston before we just came upon this place and liked the idea of the street view seating. Their indoor/outdoor patio is awesome and very inviting. We were served by an awesome waiter named James. He was funny and very attentive. We had ordered clam chowder and a side of macaroni and cheese before the meal. For some reason the meal came out first. We didn't complain, we just mentioned it to James who was totally apologetic and asked if we still wanted those items. We did, and a few minutes later Travis the manager came over. He was pleasant and "on it" he comped the chowder and the macaroni and also our next round of drinks. When we ordered dessert he comped that also, saying that he was sincerely sorry about the mix up at the beginning and wanted us to truly enjoy the restaurant. The food was amazing, the chocolate chip cookie in a pan with ice cream was delicious. We enjoyed it so much we went back the next night. Thank you again to Travis and James for showing us by their actions how much patrons are valued at Joe's American Bar and Grill.
(5)
Hugh L.
Chyea.
(5)
Rachel T.
As a gluten free diner (severe allergy, not a preference) Joe's was AMAZING. The waiter was very understanding, and after ordering the manager came over to verify. They brought gluten free bread to the table (unsolicited), and had great attention to detail. Joe's even has a dedicated fryer for gluten free items, which means that I can eat stuff like french fries and has browns that I can't normally eat. They are rated 5 stars on "find me gluten free", but I wanted to add this here because my experience was truly outstanding.
(5)
Tiff D.
If its a perfectly rare, succulent tuna burger you crave or some amazingly crisp sweet potato fries...look no further. BEST DAMN TUNA BURGER ANYWHERE! and for you saps complaining about the prices...you are on NEWBURY street, and your $13 sandwich is huge and loaded with moist deliciousness AND comes with a heaping pile of perfectly cooked fries (not to mention the crisp pickle). Quit your bitchin'.
(4)
CJ L.
Went for lunch. No wait. We both had an appetizer and house salads one with grill chicken. Food was ok. Some of the salad had the start of brown edges. We were very disappointed with the service. Our waitress took our order and we only saw her again when we asked the food runners for something. With so many places to eat on Newbury Street, we will not be back to Joe's anytime soon!
(2)
Sam A.
I grabbed lunch here on Easter Sunday with my buddy, Sharon, during my stay in Boston that weekend. It was quite packed, but the wait was nearly 40 minutes to an hour. Normally, knowing my impatience, I would've just chose to ditch the place and go to some other food shop on Newbury, but I lost track of time and wait seemed a lot shorter than usual. Since it was Easter Sunday, the place seemed almost fancy with all the people grabbing a late lunch after Easter service, and it was abnormally packed, but I doubt it's always like that where people are always dressed up. The restaurant itself is very spacious, and so there must have been a lot of people that day, because we were only a party of two, yet we had to wait a while. Other than that, the service was very good for the amount of people that were there that day. I can't seem to focus on anything else other than that; maybe it just seemed extra packed that usual! But onto the part that really matters: the food. I don't quite remember what my friend got, but I got the chicken picatta pasta, and boy, was that good! The portions were plenty (I ended up having leftovers, and I'm a pretty big guy). Everything seems to be under the $20 range, and they have a wide variety of foods from soups, burgers, salads, pasta, you name it. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there and the environment was quite lively. I'd love to go back if I visit Boston again.
(5)
Aleksey Z.
I made reservations for a Saturday evening at Joe's through the Open Table application via Yelp's website (kudos). I arrived on time with my girlfriend and for some reason my name wasn't showing up on their system, so I showed them the email, they apologized, and seated us right away. They led us to a table in the middle of a few couples already eating so I requested a booth a few feet away; they said that was fine. We had the spinach artichoke dip as an appetizer and it was really great- not only the flavor but also they gave tortilla chips and pita chips to choose between. I then ordered the Black and Blue burger, and she ordered the Turkey burger. The burgers came out when we were about halfway done with the dip (which was brought to us about 5 minutes after ordering. The burgers were delicious, mine was cooked medium (exactly how I had asked for), and the fries were fresh. The waiter was pleasant but not needy. The restaurant was packed but not overwhelming by any means. On the way out, a few people thanked us for coming. It was a really solid experience, I got exactly what I expected.
(5)
sasha h.
I think 3 stars is generous. I would never eat at this place except for the fact that my office is nearby and there aren't too many options for lunch on Newbury street in a 2 block radius. In summary, this place is expensive, touristy and the food is mediocre. The menu has enough variety but after trying something from every part of the menu and hating all of it, i've decided to stop ordering from here. Only thing i like are the roasted vegetables though i think i could make that at home
(3)
Tinku R.
This is your prototypical neighborhood American food go to place - casual, inexpensive, fast service, good food and an atmosphere that is fine. This particular restaurant however is unique because of two factors. First, the location on Newberry Street is simply unbeatable. When they open at the windows in the summertime you literally feel like you're eating on Newbury Street. Secondly, it is a very large restaurant - while there is always a small line on weekends, if you make a reservation you want have much of a wait. Newbury Street. generally has smaller restaurants and you'll always end up waiting, especially in the weekends. So if you want to pop in and have a quick dinner, Joe's is always a good met. The skinny margaritas are light but pack a punch by the way!
(5)
Angie L.
The food was fresh, service was excellent, and good place to go inside and catch up with friends - very accomodating. Typical American foodfare.. think burgers, sandwiches, salads, soup, etc. Got a burger, it was very moist and tender and packed with meat.. but lacking in flavor. The quality of the beef seemed good though and was cooked to my liking. It's better than your huge retail chain restaurants, but nothing particularly striking or distinct about it. I'm sure it's a great place to go for locals.
(3)
Kevin B.
Since they moved one block north on Newberry Street, this place has gone down hill. It used to be reliable but not anymore. Is there any excuse for dirty floors and stairs near the service area and on the way to the restrooms at 11:30 in the morning? The staff is not trained at all. The food runner called my wife "sweetheart." The waitress took our drinks away while still a third full when we said we did not want a refill. The french onion soup was tasteless. This place is now a subterranean tourist trap. Today was the last time we will ever go there.
(1)
Roger A.
It's a kids free day so me and my wife decided to go out to eat on Newbury street, after having a bad experience during brunch at another local restaurant, we decided to go for the real early goal and dinner which was Joe's. We sat at a big table next to the outside windows and had a lovely dinner, the service was kind of slow, they were wicked busy. The food was excellent was usual. We'll be back!!
(5)
Sophia D.
They were really friendly, but almost too friendly. I don't really need to be asked how school is while I'm trying to read a book and eat my dinner-- especially since I don't know you. The food was fine- nothing outstanding, but good enough. The bread was actually quite delicious. Don't know if I would come back, but I think it would be better if I had been sitting in the front or at the bar.
(3)
David V.
It's unfortunate that my last review of Joe's was 5 stars, and 2 years later, this one is only 2 stars. My wife and I ate here last night and this was not their best performance. First, our server slightly messed up my wife's order, but it was quickly resolved when one of the managers came out and informed us. We thought everything was fine, but then another server came out to clarify my wife's order (it was not that difficult of an order). A few minutes later our food came out. I ordered the swordfish, which came with rice and veggies, and it was undercooked. I returned it without incident, and to make up for it, the manager offered me soup or salad to hold me over until my food came back out. We went with a bowl of the cheddar, bacon, and potato soup (we had already paid for a cup of this for our appetizer, so we have lots of leftover from the bowl), which our server referred to as "tomato", bacon, and potato soup. Oops. Fortunately, the soup was delicious. Anyway, back to the swordfish...on a positive note, they cooked me up a whole new plate (as opposed to just microwaving it). The swordfish and rice were delicious, however, the veggies (carrots and Brussels sprouts) were cooked in enough butter to drown a small child. I actually like vegetables, but I could not finish them because they were so buttery. I understand that mistakes happen, but this dining experience included several little mistakes, which made our dinner less enjoyable. What saved the night was the excellent customer service from the manager. Our server was very nice, but she was a little confused. It just seemed like controlled chaos at Joe's last night. Too bad, because this place as the potential to be great.
(2)
Moises F.
I find this location quite convenient. Never had to wait too long for a table. Staff is very friendly and know their menu quite well, so take their recommendations to heart. I personally recommend the chicken piccata. It was made to perfection really. Better than the one at the Cheesecake Factory. I'd make a reservation when going at dinner time because it's usually quite busy, especially on weekends.
(4)
Al D.
Lunch at the bar on a slowish day. Barman very personable and let us sample several different wines until we found mama bear (just right). Nice draft selection too. Entire staff friendly. Decent fried calamari. Chicken Caesar salad was okey-dokey. Pleasantly surprised overall, and we'll go again.
(3)
Idan H.
2 steaks came out uncooked, 2 came overcooked. We asked the steak tips to come with no diary but they did come with!!! The waitress was really courteous! 1 star of that. They ought to make change in the kitchen, someone doesn't do his job right...
(1)
Anna B.
I'm kind of torn between what rating to give-here is my experience (I've been here mutiple times as well as other New England locations). The food is great. Service is great. However, EVERY time I eat here, like clockwork, somebody has got sick afterwards. I thought it was purely coincidence, but the last time we went a couple days ago I felt sick immediately after. Complete nausea, stomach cramping-lasted about a night. Has this happened to anyone else?! We had a waiter-Alessandro-who was amazing. Offered me espresso in my already-brought starbucks iced coffee and never charged me for it. Classy move, and wonderful service on his part. But the nausea....something to be concerned about?
(3)
Taylor G.
I am a New Jersey native, and have been going to Joe's American Bar & Grill in Short Hills, NJ since I was a little girl. It has been, and continues to be, one of my favorite restaurants. Upon moving to Boston, I was very happy that I would be able to satisfy my Joe's craving. For those with allergies, Joe's American Bar & Grill is very accommodating. They go above and beyond what most restaurants do in order to make sure that my food is 100% allergen-free. As for the food, I think it's great. I have tried many different things there. A family favorite is the buffalo tenderloins and the spinach dip. Both are absolutely delicious. As for entrees, I have tried many different things but my most favorite would have to be the roast chicken. It's among one of the best roast chickens that I have ever had. On a side note, the bread is delicious! In addition, the Joe's locations in Boston also deliver through many delivery services such as Diningin.com and Grubhub.com . I have ordered from both, and my food has arrived perfect every time!
(5)
Angela C.
Joe's on Newbury is way different than any other Joe's I've been to. Way nicer, modern/classy look. Filet Mignon and sirloin steak was excellent (great marinade). They have an open kitchen, and have glass doors in front that completely open so you can view Newbury as you're eating. Would definitely recommend!
(4)
Jay K.
What has happened to this place? I walked in around 11:40AM on a Wednesday for an early lunch. Sat at bar. Ordered a French Dip which I have had before and always found it to be good. However not this time. The fries were ice cold. Since I was one of the first lunch customers were they left over from the day before? And I mean ice cold. The roast beef was cold and overcooked. Again...was this reheated from the day before? I would bet yes. Everything was smothered with salt...way too much. The one good thing is that the service, as always was good. Especially from the bartender Eric. If the food there does not improve I am done with this place. Drinking only.
(2)
Thuy P.
So I don't really like to review big chains, but I had to because of my $20 coleslaw. It was the end of the week and after my first restaurant choice didn't pan out I figured -why not get some prime people watching seats while I eat?- So we went to Joe's. I was in a seafood mood so I ordered the crab cakes and when it came out I was shocked. Out came this huge plate that was covered half by sweet potato fries, a little over a quarter by coleslaw, and the last portion held two itty - bitty crab cakes. I considered asking the waitress if I was missing a crab cake or...... something, (which would have embarassed my uber shy friend). But I was really hungry so I sucked it up and I knew there was no way I'd be full unless I ate all of the coleslaw.... so I did. Maybe I would be less upset if the crab cakes were awesome but they were -meh-alright. The people were also wicked loud, like surprisingly so. I learned from this bad choice so a couple of weeks later I went across the street and had myself a real crab cake! *review posted half a year after initial draft..ooops
(2)
Penny K.
Tonight (Saturday) was a big disappointment. We get to Joe's/Boston once a year or so, but usually on a weeknight, and we have always enjoyed the experience. Obviously Saturday nights are different; the place was mobbed, and our evening was crazily rushed and unpleasant. A chunk of warm bread arrived minus a cutting knife. Salad came almost immediately after our glass of wine, the entrees showed up within a few minutes of our getting the salad (there was no room on the table). We noticed that the two tables around us had the same experience. Food-wise: meh. The salad looked like it came it of a commercial-grade bag. The food was lukewarm, the meat was very underdone, and the sweet potato fries were soggy and mushy. We chose to not stay for coffee/dessert, and I felt so uncomfortable that I was unwilling to sit for a few minutes to finish my one glass of wine. Whether it was the intention to get us in/out quickly because of the crowd, we have no idea. But we felt the rush (given the overly quick arrival of the entree). We will probably consider going back, but most definitely NOT on a Saturday evening.
(3)
Theresa M.
I secretly love Joe's, so when my boyfriend and I were on Newbury Street the other day we decided to grab some lunch at the Newbury Street location. It was equally as good as the other locations that I have visited, but given it was lunch time on Newbury Street there was a 30 minute wait and the place was very noisy and crowded. The service was good taking into account that they were so busy, but I've had better service at other locations even when they are equally as busy. Oh and although the menu is essentially the same the prices are $2-3.00 more...I guess you have to pay more because your on Newbury Street, but we did have a window table...which was lovely.
(3)
Erica N.
As a foodie and local event planner, I do not recommend this restaurant. Food is mediocre and not worth the frustration with service. Better to go to Stephanie's across the street at a little higher price and much better service, try Paramount Cafe as well or anywhere else in the area. Made a reservation here and was still told I had to wait when I arrived. Then when we were seated finally 10 minutes later not one person stopped at our table. Waited another 10 minutes and saw another table that was just seated then immediately approached by a waiter. Not sure where ours was. Probably the stupid kid who dropped all the silverware clearing the table next to us. Couldn't even get the attention of the 10 different snobby waiters and hostesses that walked by. Not even any acknowledgement so we decided to get up and leave. Told the manager when we were leaving and although he offered to ask for him when we come back I declined since I won't be going back as this is the second time this has happened here. If you can get a seat at the bar try it out because at least you are in their face there so you'll get faster service. But again food is not impressive. All in all staff is pretentious for a lowsy chain restaurant on Newbury Street. You have many other options and they should recognize that and appreciate the business you bring. I was honestly shocked that I was able to get a last minute reservation on Easter Sunday and Boston Marathon weekend so other people must share the same feeling as me....
(1)
Carina R.
My hubster and I were shopping on Newbury and looking for a place to eat. We found Joe's it looked nice and was convenient for us, so we ate lunch here. We were seated right away and the hostess and waitress there were very nice. We both ordered the BLT salad. My husband got his with shrimp, which was an exception and one they seemed all too happy to make for him. The salads were really good actually. Very refreshing for the extreme heat that was outside. We got seated so we were facing the street and they had the windows open, so it was a really nice lunch with people watching and being able to enjoy the day without being overcome by heat. This place seemed like somewhere people go to lunch while working, but it worked perfect for us. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Katie B.
I wish Yelp could do half stars, because Joe's is more of a 3.5 star place. The food and service is good and I have nothing to complain about here. The only thing is it's simply not worth the price. The bread they serve before your meal is AMAZING. My favorite part about the restaurant, haha. It's just so soft and hot and delicious. Their burgers are good, nothing special though. I wouldn't advise against this restaurant, but I wouldn't really recommend it either.
(3)
Roxana F.
I've been to Joe's twice, once for brunch and once for a late lunch/early dinner. It's fun and the drinks are great, but this isn't at the top of my list as a place to grab a meal. Pros: -Pink Sangria (rather, sangria in general) is DELICIOUS. I downed this so quickly my friends got quite concerned. -Bloody Mary also seemed to be good, my friends really liked them. -The bread they bring to the table is orgasmic. Piping hot, but airy and delicioussss. I probably enjoyed the bread more than my meal! -Prime location, right on Newbury St so it's great to sit back and people watch or talk with your friends (although it does get very loud) Cons: -Gets VERY crowded on the weekends. If you want to sit upstairs/outside, expect to wait. -The bar gets really loud and obnoxious with Newbury St ladies and their huge purses and the equally loud men that come to prey on them. -My waitress was great (albeit slow, but it was really busy) but my order didn't even come out right. At least she was really nice when we asked to split our check. -Food and drinks are overpriced for what you get. I will definitely come back here for the drinks and maybe some appetizers but I thought this place was overpriced for what I got.
(3)
Sanah K.
I will most likely NEVER go (come) here again. I believe the bartender who was serving me on a Sunday after 3 was an OLD guy named Hash. I came here with a friend on the usual Newbury weekend visit to have drinks. A glass of champagne or not...meaning he refused to serve me a second glass of champagne. Coming from Vegas and being like top sales of alcohol in the entertainment serving business, you would think as a bartender you serve your customers to their highest satisfaction/ expectation and high liquor sales/ volume. I'm sorry I think I was exactly fine to enjoy my second glass, who a female bartender served me my second. Who is Hash to tell me I don't need another glass, he can clearly kiss my ass. In my book you're a dull* bartender who needs to go back to bartending school. ANYWAYS- NEXT
(1)
Lisa S.
I went to Joe's American Bar & Grill on July 4th to meet some friends who were visiting from out of town. We knew that it would probably be crowded, so we called ahead to make a reservation about 1.5-2 hours before. We showed up on time, and I checked in. We waited about 30 minutes for our table, and they seated all other groups waiting before us- making the call ahead absolutely pointless. When they finally did seat us, it was a corner table on the patio. It was over 90 degrees out and very sunny, and the table was so hot we were all sweating. We asked to sit somewhere else, and the hostess rudely told us other people were waiting too, and it would be 20-30 more minutes for another table. We sucked it up and sat at the table, because we were starving. We ended up sitting around 3:15-3:20, and our waitress came by and told us that they were no longer serving brunch (ends at 3). We were obviously pissed off, since our reservations were for 245, so she talked to the kitchen and said we could still order brunch. The food took probably 30 minutes to come out. The waitress got one of my friend's orders wrong, and she didn't get the correct dish for another 5-10 minutes. Two of the napkins and a plate that we were given were dirty (the napkins had stains on them). The waitress accidentally poured water into my friend's lemonade (but luckily brought her a new one). My friend's tuna was a very small serving. The food was mediocre at best, and overpriced. The only good things about our meal were the bread (yummy) and having a table where we could people-watch on Newbury. I would definitely not go back to this place.
(1)
Nguyen T.
Spinach artichoke dip is pretty good.
(2)
Matt G.
Phenomenal service, abundant waitstaff, open kitchen runs clean and efficient. Prime rib hash with poached eggs was a well done done satisfying brunch. Special requests always received with a smile. Along with reasonable prices. Food at our 8 top came out exactly as ordered and very timely especially given that the place was packed at the time we were there, Sunday early afternoon. Will return when back in the HUB.
(4)
Alyssa J.
This place was ok. I would go back...I guess. It was pretty generic all around. The thing that really stuck out about this Sunday Brunch was that the waitress was far more hungover than anyone at my table. I am consistently annoyed when I have to ask a server what the specials are. This young woman seemed so confused by the question, she left the table for a few minutes. Probably to ask someone the definition of special...I don't know. She showed up again and read it off of a piece of paper like a 4th grader. The food was good solid breakfast food, nothing to write home about, but I rarely write home as it is. One thing I noticed was that my Eggs Benedict tasted a little sour. My friend had the breakfast pizza and thoroughly enjoyed it. Joe's is a good place to go if you like breakfast food and don't mind a waiter from the Special Olympics. Oh wow, that was really mean. But...still, fairly accurate.
(3)
Selena B.
Do NOT order take out here unless you're really into surprises!!! These guys couldn't get a take-out order right if you packed it yourself!!!! With that being said, the food is reliably good and Joe's makes extra effort to have plenty of management available when you're order goes wrong - because it's bound to. I do love their prime rib but they always sell out of it really early....here's a tip for you boys...COOK MORE!!!! If you sell-out every night maybe that's a sign??? I'm sure you don't want to waste food but make a stew or something, if you don't sell out of more!!! The soups they make are sometimes a total slam dunk. GREAT bread. Service can be slow at times but hey - IT'S PACKED!!! This location is much better than the one they had at Dartmouth too. So yes, I'm a "fan", but there's room for improvement. If you can look over some major problems I'm sure you'll enjoy your food very much :) It's just frustrating when the problems are just as reliable as the quality of the food!
(4)
L T.
Nothing too special about this place. It's got your regular Brunch/Food selection - nothing that unique, all pretty safe, but the atmosphere is good for groups, and service is solid. When it's a large party of us we usually sit downstairs in the private room on the left which is nice, at no extra cost.
(3)
Elizabeth B.
A huge "meh." I kept wanting to like this place and came back more than once, but always left pretty disappointed. The food is very average and everything is overpriced. For example, I subbed home fries out for fruit salad (and was charged extra for doing so), and was presented with cantaloupe and some sad looking grapes. That's not even trying! Service has been very spotty on at least two occasions - bringing food before even bringing water to the table, mixing up simple substitutions & acting a bit surly about re-doing the order, neglecting to bring cream and sugar for the coffee & disappearing (we eventually took matters into our own hands and got some splenda/sugar from a nearby cabinet), etc. etc. A nice spot on the corner of Newbury and Exeter with an open air bar, but a fancy bar doesn't make up for mediocre food and a blah experience. If you do insist on going, go for brunch - their fresh squeezed juices are good, and it's hard to mess up eggs.
(2)
Jon B.
I think most people have a pretty good idea of what they are getting when they enter a chain restaurant.. and this one is no exception. The food is pretty unremarkable, the service is pretty decent and the bill is pretty hefty for what you just ate.. Essentially your eating at a high end Applebee's.. The atmosphere is upscale as are the prices for standard fare.. Don't get me wrong.. the unit located on Newburry is a great spot to slip into, have a hearty burger, a cold drink and continue down the street.. Just don't expect too much and you wont be disappointed..
(3)
Phil D.
Great bread! Love the upstairs bar with retractable roof; perfect for sun or snow
(4)
Andrew S.
Leaving Massachusetts is hard... I love Boston/the Northeast in the late Spring, early Summer. So when we checked out of the Westin and had to catch a noon flight back to Miami, I just went for a quick drive down Newbury and happened upon this parking spot right on the corner, between Stephanies and Joes. Stephanies is old news -- everyone and their grandmother has had their Brunch. So we went to Joes and, boy, a surprise for sure. Considering that we only had 30 minutes to eat and run, I glanced over the menu and saw some delicious and eye-catching options. Everything was priced between $10 to $20, and each dish came with a drink of choice (if before 11am, only non-alcoholic fresh-squeezed orange juice and grapefruit juice) and a basket of muffins. The complementary orange juice was delicious, in 2 small glasses. That weekend, Boston had a 'Boiled Water' problem, meaning that the water wasn't good to drink, so no restaurants had coffee. The waitress brought us our orange juice and we downed it fairly quickly. The muffins were small, warm and delicious. Two varieties... first are corn muffins, and second are carrot/walnut/raisin muffins... paired with a bit of butter, and your stomach is set. I ordered the Prime Rib mash ($12.99) and my girlfriend had the french toast. The mash was awesome -- two poached eggs with hollandaise sauce ladled over the entire dish. The salty, moist baked prime rib bits with the eggs was a perfect pair, that made my hungover heart and mind sing. The french toast was meh. Through the meal, our orange juice ran out, and I requested more. 5 minutes later, 2 large glasses came (much larger than the previous glasses), and I was informed that the larger glasses were because they weren't complementary. Don't you love when a waitress neglects to mention that the additional orange juice (even considering Boston's water problem) costs an additional $4 per glass? That lost this possibly 3 star restaurant a star.
(2)
Parris M.
I came here back in April for a hangover vacation brunch. was recommended by a local. I ordered eggs benedict, because I like to see how restaurants rank with each other. The portion size was small, and my egg was raw. Now, I know what a poached egg is supposed to look like. This was a raw egg. I'd try it again, but I was very underwhelmed.
(3)
Allison B.
My sister and I were visiting from out of town and stopped at Joe's for lunch. It was a beautiful day so we waited for a seat at the windows. We experienced some inappropriate behavior by the hostess and she seated another couple before us. We did speak with the manager on duty that day, Ashley, and she was wonderful! She understood our complaint and seated us immediately. She was incredibly apologetic and friendly and even took care of part of our meal, which was not necessary. Despite our one bad experience with the hostess, all the staff were wonderful, the atmosphere was great and the food equally so. I would eat here again when I visit Boston and would recommend to others for lunch. P.S. Loved the loster roll!
(4)
Viv C.
I give this place 5 stars for what it is. This is one of my favorite places to visit. It's great for impromptu drinks/dining. The drinks are absolutely delicious esp the sparkling berry sangria.... some of the best. They also have woodchuck cider year round which isn't the easiest to locate anymore. The food is delicious. If you like a French Dip sandwich look no further. Theres is the absolute best. Everything I've tried has been good. This place is a favorite for many reasons: - Its a nice atmosphere. Feels nice with quality decor/finishes but not so nice you worry about being underdressed if you weren't planning to go out. The walls in the upstairs are all glass which feels like being outside when they open in the summer. And a treat in the winter too when you feel sunlight deprived. -Food. The food is delicious. I read some person who compared this to Applebees due to how the food was cooked, must've been a substitute chef or he had a bad day bc it's always good. This is definitely a better quality place, with good ingredients for the price. Sadly, some people simply cannot identify the difference between crappy chain food vs mixed quality food vs high quality food. I would say this is the middle but def leaning toward higher. A person who thinks this is like applebees cannot tell the difference between pre-made sauces made with chemicals (applebees) and those made on site with more whole ingredients than chemicals (joes) the quality of beef (applebees = cheap delimeat for a roast beef / cheap pink slimy beef in the burgers)...and real food (joes = slices of juicy prime rib for their roast beef and quality beef) I'm just saying. It's not the best of the best, but if you are someone who can taste the difference in ingredient quality you will certainly will find more real food here vs other chains. Enjoy it! -service - I've had almost always excellent service (i.e. waitress/waiter is friendly and checks up but doesn't hover, does not let drinks get empty, etc) I won't knock a star off, for the occasional less attentive staff member which I admit has happened. This a great place to drop in for good drinks or good food when in the area.
(5)
Russ B.
Food: 2 over priced applebees food with less flavor. We had med rare prime rib ( came over cooked gray and lacked flavor). Grilled salmon (looked good but lacked flavor) Ambiance: 4 great pattio area Service: 4 good but awkward. He may have been new. Friendly though. Price: 1 appropriate for newbery but not for the food and drinks we had. I recommend going to capital grill or Atlantic fish co over this place.
(2)
d f.
Joe's has gotten worse. Poor and infrequent table service, low quality food. I ate at Joe's with a friend. The calamari were barely warm and mostly fried batter without much actual squid. The salmon was cooked well, but lacked flavor. The vegetables were undercooked. Service was really spotty -- water glasses were left without refills and had to flag down waitress often, even though it was not that busy. Avoid Joe's -- better off going to Atlantic Fish Company or Abe & Louie's (also skip Stephanie's and Met Bar -- equally bad).
(1)
Emily D.
Everyone says, "Oh I come to Joe's for the Ribs or Wings" Not us, my hubby and I come here for the complimentary bread. Well, we don't just get bread and leave but if that was possible we so would. That warm bread with butter just makes me crazy.. I can't stop eating it. Besides the amazing bread, we've had some really good meals here. My favorite is the Black and Blue Burger, perfectly cooked burger with blue cheese, roasted red peppers, scallions and caramelized onions. Side of fries and garnish of onion rings. It's my go-to meal here. The Newbury Street location is great because of the patio. It's the perfect spot for summer dining and not have crazy newbury street prices like other restaurants.
(4)
Courtney H.
Everytime I come here I get seduced by the awesome openness of the first floor, and then I eat the food. It's too greasy for me and way overpriced but that's to be expected in the area. I always feel regretful whenever I eat here because it just seems so unhealthy. They must use a lot of sodium. However, everything is decent here, but nothing is stand out. The service is very good and I'm never disappointed with the staff, but the food is just meh. Go some place else if you are in the neighborhood.
(2)
Katie S.
I always love this restaurant at every location. This particular location is perfect we sat right where you enter and we could people watch. The pricing was great for everything that we got. Our waitor was very funny, helpful, and quick. The bar downstairs is even nicer than upstairs! The filet was great cooked to my liking. The steak tips were very chewy and very over cooked but steak tips are hard to cook anyways so I will let it slide. Will def return when in the area.
(4)
Michele K.
I'm so glad we found this place! We had just flown in from LA after having not slept or eaten all night and made it for early lunch before the crowd showed up. I ordered the Crab Cake Salad (as recommended by the server) and hubby ordered a french dip sandwich. They brought us the most delicious warm bread before our entrees. That alone was worth it. The crab cake atop my salad was like no other I've ever had on the West Coast, very yummy! Service was excellent as well. Just casual enough, I'll definitely come here again.
(4)
Alex B.
Our waitress was great, the location is perfect, but I feel like Joe's is a boring restaurant with food one notch up from mediocre. My omelette was good but not memorable and the bloody mary was down right bad; it tasted like watered down tomato juice and wasn't even remotely spicy like it had been advertised on their brunch menu.
(2)
Ayla G.
The food was good, but what I'd like to point out is the great service. My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by Ethan, our server. He was witty, attentive and went above and beyond to make us feel like we were truly special customers. When my husband wondered where the Browns (football team) was in the league, Ethan looked it up and returned promptly with the stats. His service alone will bring us back to Joe's.
(4)
Christina J.
Ok. So not my top choice of places to go to during my weekend trip to Boston. Not that I don't like the food, but I always like to try something different when I'm away from home. However, the Italy v. Spain soccer game was already halfway done so I needed to get to a bar pronto, and I knew they would for sure have the game on. Again, having a Joe's at home, I'm familiar enough with the food and know what I like and what to order, and I'm always happy with my experience there. However.... it seems this time I must have been invisible or something. I sat there for several minutes and no one even looked at me or stopped to ask how I was. THANKS. I might as well have been waving my arms around the whole time I was there because NO ONE would pay me any attention. I had to stop one of them to ask for a menu, ask for my drink, and then ask for bread. The one bartender that ended up serving me came around once to ask if I was doing ok and then when I had stopped eating he didn't even ask how everything was or if I wanted anything else, he only printed out my check without saying a single word to me. Is this the typical customer service they have here?? Thank God I don't live nearby, and thank God I get better service at my local Joe's. I DEFINITELY won't be back to the one on Newbury.
(1)
Kelly K.
Had dinner here before and the food used to be real good but the chicken ziti brocolli was just ok. The service was great but not enough to make me want to go back. Too bad. :/
(3)
Carolyn L.
Stopped in here when I was in Boston a couple of weeks ago and had a great (drunk) time after the Red Sox vs Cubs game. I ended up inadvertently harassing the waiter but he stayed calm and friendly with me. Great food and drinks. A little pricy but it's Newbury Street. I expected no less!
(4)
Cristina P.
I've been to Joe's on Newbury twice, once for breakfast and once for dinner. Breakfast was wayy better, service and food wise. At dinner, our waiter never brought us bread, our food came out after waiting about 20 minutes. We ate and ultimately ran out of water. The waiter passed by and asked how the food was, but didn't "notice our drinks" because he never really stopped to hear our response. We finished eating, the waiter never came back. So we wait again, finally the waiter turns around from helping another table that just been seated and looks at us, thirsty, we asked for the check. If you work on Newbury St, make sure you can handle crowds of people please.
(2)
Chrizzle D.
I really liked it here. My first experience was with the BF. I was craving meatballs, and was not let down by their spaghetti and meatballs! Went there a second time with a friend for her birthday. Got the same dish and was not disappointed. Waitstaff was amazing and even brought out a complimentary (yummy) chocolate cake. If I go back, I may have the spaghetti and meatballs again. YUM!
(4)
Tee B.
Playing that funky music, good drinks, kind server, but the "award winning" clam chowder wasn't better than Chunky's Canned kind; however, not everything is perfect. I would recommend a visit -- open aired seating on a July evening
(4)
Lindsey R.
While staying in Boston, my boyfriend and I were looking for someplace to eat on Valentine's Day and by the time we got to Newbury St. we were starving. After a review of the menus of other restaurants, which were far too pricey for our college student budgets, we settled on Joe's. I was a little wary because although I had never been, I knew Joe's was a chain (with one being found at our local mall) but I was pleasantly surprised. The interior was clean and sophisticated and a lot of other couples our age were eating there, probably because the prices are much more affordable than a lot of the other places on Newbury. We were seated quickly and the hostess was really nice, making some conversation as she sat us. Our server was great as well, very friendly and quick to assist us. I got the Rotisserie Roasted Chicken and my boyfriend got the Sirloin Steak Tips. The chicken, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce were delicious. I did however comment to my boyfriend that I was a little afraid I had gotten more than my daily sodium intake in my dish! My boyfriend loved his steak tips. We also got the nachos for an appetizer which were pretty good, although I wish there was a little more cheese. The lemonade is amazing and so is the bread! Also, a nice touch, I was given a rose at the end of our meal because it was Valentine's Day. Cute!
(4)
Julia G.
I'm originally from Dallas, TX, and this place felt a lot like your standard $$ fare. I was excited because the appearance seemed more upscale than most breakfast/brunch spots I visited in Boston (you stand in line, no waiter service, you watch your food being cooked) but this place just did not satisfy my expectations. Great for your standard omelet, waffles, home fries, etc. but nothing to ride home about!
(3)
Lindsay R.
I just stopped into Joe's for an appetizer and a drink with my family while Christmas shopping. Everyone was so friendly. It was my first time visiting Boston and I was pleasantly surprised. The French onion soup was delicious! However our server could have made anything sound wonderful. His name was Colin and he was a peach! He made my whole family laugh even our tired children. I can honestly say he is one of the best servers I have ever had (and we eat out a lot!). If we ever come back to that lovely city we will be sure to stop back into Joe's and hopefully be seated with Colin! Thanks everyone!
(5)
AJ U.
Joe's American Bar and Grill sucks, no other way to put it. The atmosphere is good, but the food and service is downright awful. I tried the Waterfront location last year when my parents were in town (bad choice) and decided to give the Newbury Street location a try Saturday night because a few friends were in town and it was the only 8:30 last minute reservation I could find (shocker). Very disappointing, yet again. Overpriced, undercooked food. What steak comes without a vegetable for $25? The mash potatoes look like they came out of a blender. I think Applebees would have served up a better steak. My friends turkey burger looked like it came off the $1 menu at McDonalds, but with less toppings. I just don't get how a restaurant can have such good locations and atmosphere and yet completely miss on the food. Not making this mistake a third time; should have tried to make reservations sooner and gone elsewhere.
(2)
Aubrie L.
Came here yesterday after walking around Boston... We were happy to find a place open (since it was thanksgiving). The hostess was quick to seat us as soon as we came in. Shortly after this out waiter (I feel terrible that I don't remember his name) and introduced himself and took our drink order. He recommended a beer to me (I usually don't drink beer) and offered to bring a sample just so I could be sure. He came back and asked me how I liked it- it was really good (again I can't remember the name) so I ordered it and we ordered our food. As we chatted our food came to us in a timely manner after a few minutes of eating the owner came over and wished us a Happy thanksgiving and asked us how we were enjoying our meal. My sister got the Cobb salad, my friend got wings and my other friend enjoyed a salad as well. I ended up sharing the wings and fries. The food was good and we had a wonderful time our waiter was attentive and pleasant. We paid and left in a happier mood than when we came! I will be coming back on my next trips to Boston!!
(4)
Kevin R.
Great late night bar.,,., bartenders are the best.
(4)
Liz K.
Went here on a beautiful day when it was 60's and sunny out. The ceiling was open and all the windows were up, so the sun was shining in with lots of fresh air, which made for the perfect atmosphere. There is a good brunch menu and if you order brunch you get a cocktail with it, which is a nice touch. The sandwiches and salads all looked good too. The menu is very large and they have just about everything. Service was good and located right on Newbury street. Definitely recommend for a good weathered day.
(4)
Only My O.
My girlfriend and I went into joes after a movie and we proceeded to the bar with josh the bartender. I asked him to surprise me with a good drink and he made me an awesome combination! Fried chicken wasn't to bad either. I'll definitely return soon
(5)
Malea X.
i had 2 meals here, lunch and brunch. both were good (a gluten-free lobster roll!) and they take care to keep the food separated, plus a dedicated fryer. the food and service were good and they were happily accommodating to my allergies, but the lobster roll i had in portland was better. one thing that was quite alarming is that when i asked if they had gluten-free beer the bartender offered me a corona or Heineken, neither of which are gluten-free by any stretch of the imagination! the only way to take gluten out of a grain alcohol is by distilling it. these guys are being given bad information and passing it along. who knows how many people they've gotten sick?!
(3)
Angelo V.
The service at this restaurant was top notch. Rudy was very kind and personable. He was extremely familiar with the dishes and is very customer centric. Everyone at this restaurant is also very kind. The food is excellent. I would highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion and ask for Rudy!!
(5)
Mandy A.
We were aiming to have a late lunch since we knew we'd have a late dinner so I was a bit surprised that there was such a wait at 1:30pm. But it was Columbus Day and it was Newbury Street so we waited. We picked this place since a friend of husband's said they had good Boston Creme Pie here. My plans for the Pie had been thwarted the day before so I was pumped. For lunch and pie but mainly pie. Again with the weird servers... I don't know about these Boston girls. This one was talking about the wine like it was poetry or something... I just sort of tuned her out. She brought us bread and one appetizer plate. Ha. And the bread was a big chunk, not cut. So we made a mess and I went without a plate, she didn't notice any of the times she came back which made me laugh. I got the Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich on a whim. I don't normally go for stuff like that but it spoke to me. Fantastic decision, I was really proud of myself for that one. The ham and cheese melted inside the chicken which was perfectly thin and crispy... wow. So freaking good. Husband took a bite and said he wished he ordered that instead. I held off on hoovering all of the fries to save room for the pie. Weird server came back with dessert menus and went on and on about their carrot cake and again, tuned her out as she was talking about cream cheese something or other and as I'm scanning... no PIE. What the heck? So we passed on dessert. I was sad. Probably not their fault, maybe we were lied to and led astray by the coworker. I did laugh when I saw the servers new table all giving her weird looks and whispering as she walked away like what is her deal. At least it's not just me. Overall, fancy place. Not my favorite vibe. Kind of like old school steak house and no real personality. I have a thing with putting "American" in the name of your business... I don't get it.
(4)
Bronwen Y.
Big fan of Joe's. With the warm weather, reservations are a MUST (but thankfully they use Open Table, which makes it super easy). Like so many places in Boston, they won't let you reserve the upstairs patio, but downstairs is gratefully air conditioned! Even if you have a reservation, you'll probably need to chill at the downstairs bar with a pager for a while, but just build that expectation into your plans and you'll be fine. Lots of beers on tap, good wine selection, and a full bar. Food is excellent - try the spicy beef salad if you want something a bit lighter. I also appreciate how all of the burgers and sandwiches come with an onion ring!
(4)
Kate L.
I don't know why I only give 3 stars because the food is always super here. The steak salad with blue cheese is probably the best steak salad I have had next to Abe's. The tuna ahi app was tiny... only 4 pieces of tuna which let me fill up on the great soft, warm bread that is always a sure bet. Service is good. Sangria was sweet and good but made my me and my boyfriend tired. For the price, not bad. I would go back.
(3)
Celeste A.
We just moved to Beacon Street in Boston and were walking around to find someplace to have a late dinner after a long day at work and saw Joe's which I think fancy's itself as sort of tex-mex restaurant. We went there at 8:00 pm and wrongly assumed since Joe's was open that an 8 pm was not something they were not equipped to handle--obviously we were wrong. The host was standing at his station when we arrived. He asked if we were there for drinks or dinner. When we said dinner; he turned to a woman standing near the bar where we should be seated. She looked somewhat annoyed and they exchanged a private conversation with the host for about a minute, after that he said follow me. The host walked us to the back of the restaurant where there were some nasty broken looking tables with stools (no backs). There were empty tables all over the restaurant, both high and regular tables that had chairs with backs. But no they put us at a table that was so broken that I could not even touch the table without it rocking. We ordered a drink and dinner at the same time because it was late and we were hungry. The drinks came out and were fine but the dinner took another 20 minutes to arrive. When the dinner did arrive it was more of a tapas plate size. I had read some of the other yelp reviews before we went so expected a dinner of normal size or bigger. I am certainly glad my husband and I did not share a dinner, as is our normal M.O., even if we are getting a sandwich--because we are not big eaters. I now wander if they were running out of food for the day and decided not to share this information when I ordered the special (tamale mole). The only thing large on the plate was the banana leaf. Perhaps if this was a "REAL" Tex-mex restaurant we would have been served chips and salsa which would have made this tiny portion palatable. We had to go home and grab a snack after dinner. My husband ordered the chicken tortas which was a bit larger but still not large enough to split. The flavors on both entries were bland and uneventful. To be clear, there is NOTHING is special about this place. Perhaps the person who said the portions were huge, went to Joe's before 8 pm. My final note: this place does not deserve to be in business in this town where superb food is the norm. We will certainly never spend our money at Joe's again and I urge anyone who reads this to do the same.
(1)
Kiki D.
On my last trip to Boston, of course we had to walk & shop on Newbury St. We stumbled upon Joe's and decided to have lunch there. Our server was Luis, and he was very nice & friendly. He offered us a bread basket, even though our meals weren't really bread-needy. It was the best bread ever~!! Warm & toasty fresh. I almost ate it all, but had save room. I ordered the chicken parmesan sandwich, which ended up being HUGE. You definitely could not pick it up to eat it like a sandwich. The normal sized bread bun it came with was tiny compared to the chicken. Definitely a knife & fork kind of sandwich. It tasted really good with the marinara & cheese on it. On the side was a nice little green salad w/ balsamic dressing - perfect tasting. Our table also ordered the fish & chips. They were up to par. There were onion rings too. Minus one star for the dirty silverware & bread plate. All else was good.
(4)
Mayra B.
This last Saturday afternoon we had just checked into a hotel in Newbury St. and were starving. We walked a couple of blocks and Joe's was literally the first restaurant we found so we stopped there. I didn't think we were going to like it that much but it was a great experience. The hostess sat us down immediately in a great table with plenty of space that fit our baby's stroller (in spite of it being quite full). Our server's name was Joey and he was very helpful and offered very quick and spot on service. He recommended a couple of different sangrias which were very tasty and refreshing and a had a great beer selection for my husband. We also ordered the ahi tuna tartare, the clam chowder and the onion soup to start and then a couple of great burgers and the blackened haddock sandwich. Everything was well cooked, very flavorful and exactly as we had asked for. Joey also recommended the banana cream pie for desert, which was to die for. This place delivers great American quality food, quick service and a very pleasant and well-trained staff. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Ashley D.
Berry Sangria was to die for
(4)
Drew R.
Had some great Seared Ahi Tuna here. They also have a good selection of beers.
(4)
Thiago G.
Ive been to the New Location on Newberry St a couple times and i love it every time! Always a wait on Friday and Saturday Nights, Go to the bar have a drink and by the time your done a table will be ready! Or its just my luck! Waiting Staff was Great and their Fish Special was amazing! Love the New Look on Newberry St as Well.. Very Large and Modern. Im a Fan!
(4)
Jason M.
While on my way to Fenway for my first Red Sox game (hey stuff it! I moved here in January), we decided to stop and grab a quick bite to eat. Desperately craving another burger, my friend suggested we stop at Joe's. The food didn't stick out as great. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best I've had. My burger was nicely medium and very juicy. They use a poppyseed bun, which you don't see too often. I had a white sharp cheddar cheese which was delicious. The fries were a bit thicker than I like, although they came with an onion ring... a happy little surprise. What made the night an adventure was our waiter. I have several theories: A. It was his first day. B. He was training to be a ninja. C. He had social anxiety. D. All of the above. As he shared the specials, he did so in a rapid-fire, skip every third word in such a weird way. His phrasing was spaced oddly, like he was afraid he'd forget something important. The next word was always on the tip of his tongue as he shoutedouteverythingsoquicklyyoudidn'tunderstandhiÂm. It didn't help he was wearing all black. This helped him sneak up on us without us noticing, loudly announce his presence and then he'd quickly blurt out something: HEY!Wouldyoulikearefillonyourdrinksoranotherbeer?Âno.greatthankyou. Sometimes we didn't get to respond as he would jet away. I'm gonna chalk it up to that it was his first day. And he was part ninja.
(3)
Katie K.
Okay so I was going to give this place two stars because my very first experience here wasn't completely abysmal, but the last time I went here was so awful that I will never go back. My boyfriend and I came here for Valentine's day. I'm burger and fries kind of gal. Our waiter didn't even stop by our table to say hello or anything. He literally came up as he was passing and said "drinks?" and walked away before we were able to say anything. He didn't check up on us the entire meal. He didn't smile, he was incredibly unpleasant--honestly I was wondering if he was intoxicated. He was sloppy and rude. Come dessert, we ordered chocolate covered strawberries--a valentine's classic, right? 8 bucks for 3 strawberries, covered in that awful dusty processed chocolate. I bit into one and almost chipped a tooth--THEY WERE FROZEN. So lucky we just sent them back and ended up asking for the check. At least 8 dollars weren't wasted on THREE strawberries. He barely apologized and muttered something. When we asked for the check, he pretty much threw it at us as he walked by. I should have complained, but I'm too agreeable for that and didn't want to ruin anyone's day. We gave him a small tip, but it was still much too generous in my opinion. Ran out of there as fast as possible. Burger was alright and fries were okay too. The Maitre'D was actually very kind. I wouldn't come here unless you're indecisive and desperate.
(1)
Taja R.
I've visited this restaurant on two different occasions. The first time was this past summer. I had the Au Poivre burger, which was pretty good. It was juicy, the bread was soft, the onions were sweet and caramelized as promised. It was a properly cooked medium burger. I couldn't say the same for my fiance's meal. He ordered the Rib au jus, which was overly tender (almost mushy) and wasn't a great cut of meat. We expected so much better! I expected a bit more from the service. There was little in the way of warmth. It felt very mechanical, and we rarely saw the server. The service aspect didn't stand out to us much at all. But we figured, maybe it was just that day. I figured we'd give it another try before putting the nail in the coffin. This weekend was our second time around. My fiance and I met a friend for dinner there. We were promptly greeted and seated. (Great!) However, it took a couple of minutes for our server to come over. Once he did, he too seemed to be out of steam. I got the sense that he was doing the best he could to be "up" and was ready to go home. Nice guy, but I could see it in his very soul that he was not feeling it. (I know the look! I've served long enough to know the look of a tired server!). Decent guy, but he was just through. It was as if he was simply trying to get through this last table. He came over with menus and asked if we would like to start out with drinks, but he didn't really recommend any drinks, rather, he pointed out that they have a drink menu. (Ok...thanks. Maybe one itty bitty drink recommendation? Just one? No? Ok.) We ordered a large bottled water which was served with chilled glasses and a lime, which I appreciated. We were then told of the specials, and took some time to look at the menu. After a while, we noticed that the server was nowhere to be found. We waited between 5-10 minutes (being generous) before we even saw him come back through the dining room. By this time, we ordered apps and entrees. Might I add that once we received the bread for the table, we realized that it was served as one big roll, no slices or cuts to make sharing easier, and we all had blunt butter knives, so imagine how fun that was trying to cut into! It turned into a mini blunt sword fight and evntually, we just tore pieces off.Crumbs everywhere, yay! :-D Anyway, I ordered the soup of the day (butternut squash) and the Ahi Tuna Burger. We also ordered nachos for an appetizer. The soup was okay, it was flavorful, but wasn't as sweet as expected. It tasted more like a carrot, squash soup, and was more savory and citrus flavored, with a kick of the cilantro. I was thrown off, but it was okay. I finished it. The nacho's were okay. I liked the cheese. They were youre typical nachos, nothing to write home about. They were good, but I've had better. They lacked substance. Lettuce, sour cream, some tomato tossed here and there, some salsa on the side. Yeah, nachos. *crickets* But they were good. When the tuna burger arrived (just in time to finish the cup of soup), I was happy with the portion and presentation. The bun was multigrain, but it was soft and had a slight sweetness, with baked in oats on top. The tuna was crusted in sesame seeds, which added an interesting textural element along with a slight nutty flavor. It was also topped with tomato and arugala, which were fresh and deep green. I took a couple of bites, and found it to be pretty balanced and flavorful...however...it wasn't medium as I requested. It was more rare. I figured I could overlook it after the first couple of bites. But about halfway through, I started to not really enjoy it. It was a bit cold, but I figured it was the vegetables that dropped the temperature at first (which was partly to blame), but after a while, I got the feeling that this wasn't fresh tuna. The way it started fo LEAK and FALL APART, I believe the patty had been frozen. Maybe it was fresh when it came in, but it was then ground, shaped into a patty, and frozen until ready to serve. However, this isn't the type of thing you send back to the kitchen to be cooked through, so I just went with it. It was okay, but after a while, I tapped out and couldn't finish it. My fiance ordered the Mushroom Burger. Not only was it cooked medium well, when he ordered medium, but the menu promised mushrooms, which we could tell were not fresh cut. They were definitely from a can. Mind you, he's a chef, so he can kinda definitely spot these things. A man who loves his burgers didn't finish it and didn't care to take it home. The fries, while thick cut, tasted frozen also. I was kinda upset about that. I had sweet potato frieds with my, and they were a bit mushy. *sigh* All in all, we had a good time laughing and talking, but I probably wouldn't pick that restaurant to do it in. It's a shame, because the last time I visited, the burger itself was awessome! Too many details didn't measure up.
(2)
R. G.
This place is decent, but nothing stood out. I had the egg benedict, and my friend had the surf and turf with crab cakes. They were pretty decent, and came with a beverage (my friend had a bloody mary) and some fruit. Mostly importantly, however, it has a prime location for outdoor dining on a sunny day. Our waiter was also great--attentive and friendly, without being over pushy. The inside is kinda dark, with solid black furniture in a traditional style. Not bad, over all.
(3)
Joanne D.
Food is nothing special but probably one of the cheaper restaurant in the back bay. The service is not the best. Their menu indicated brunch comes with bakery basket but when I asked for it, they said it is no longer available and ask if I want bread instead. Even that I had to so twice before they bring it to me. Seriously, if you no longer provide bakery basket, please update your menu.
(3)
Catey W.
Had a wonderful evening at Joe's tonight. The food was perfect and we got a great seat up by the bar with a beautiful view of Newbury street with all of the Christmas lights. What made the night extra special was our wonderful waitress, Alena. She was funny, personable and gave great wine and food recommendations. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Chris C.
Good food and good service in a comfortable atmosphere.
(4)
Jen C.
I came to Joe's with a few friends for dinner and drinks. The food was great and the sangria was delicious. I recommend making reservations on the weekends as it tends to get busy.
(3)
H L.
Just had the first try out last week for a quick lunch. The first time, we went there but they did not serve the Brunch in the winter. I cannot remember why, But I was offended for being offered lunch before Noon time then. We went back during the July week for early lunch. They were rather displaying fancy older people to the porch, and casual dressers to the basement level, but we did not mind it as it was cooler and quieter than the upper. Then all filled with the business workers in their 40s+. The lunch was mere $15+. And, fresh with some creative touches. The food, definitely need to be improved to survive the competition across Stephanie's. 3.5 star Perhap's a bit bigger portion for American Joe's would be nice- My salad was fantastic (Beef Noodle salad) But, had to order Apple crumble for a dissert. The two-course finally filled my stomach for the rest of the afternoon. Noticeably, their strong management(2+managers on the scene in suits) keeps every staff to make sure we were well taken care of. Everyone seems to work with focus on what they were doing. All too serious! I will definitely go back and see if their dinner is as good as the lunch we had.
(4)
Amy S.
I've always thought of Joe's as the type of place that you go when you can't decide on somewhere better to go. Or you get lured in b/c it's the only place on the street with outdoor(ish) seating that doesn't have a 30 min wait (which, to be fair to my impatience, is very long when you try to stick to an hour lunch break). That's not to say it's bad, quite reliably good in fact, but nothing to get excited and, say, write a Yelp review about. That all changed when I tried their grilled cheese. You laugh, but this was honestly the best grilled cheese I have EVER had (sorry mom). I'm practically drooling just writing this review. Picture this (unless you have had it, then maybe you can taste it): cheddar and fontina cheese with bacon and tomato (yum!)...and as if that isn't delightful enough...on challah bread! It's one of those sandwiches that you can't help but say, "mmm this is so good" at every bite. Really. I am serious when I say when I was eating it I was planning out when I'd be able to go back. Oh, and it comes with great sweet potato fries (which you can sub for regular fries, but the regular fries are only ehh). As far as service, our waitress was fantastic. She seemed like she was at our table every couple of minutes refilling our waters for us (warm day and one of the people I was with kept downing her water like she just ran 30 miles), which did get a bit awkward, but good service nonetheless. Not so simple grilled cheese - I can't wait until we meet again!
(5)
Joeli G.
Joe's American Bar and Grill on Newbury Street = Disgusting. Flavorless food, cold fries, slow service. 4 people having sandwhiches with a side of 2 beers... $104.00...for lunch!!! That's rediculous. Chain restaurants are always a bad decision but i have to say, Joe's is the worst I've experienced. With so many wonderful places to eat in Boston and its outlying area, don't make the same mistake we made and settle for this place. Wait the 30 minutes to get into Stephanie's across the street - we should have.
(1)
Candice P.
I went here on a Saturday night and we were able to get a table by the window. The weather was amazing and it was a great spot for people watching. I had some seared tuna and it was very small, but it was what I wanted at the time. I suggest you don't order it if you are starving. The sangria was really good, but became a little overwhelmingly sweet after one glass. I really like the atmosphere here. It really casual and fun. Definitely a great spot for a Friday or Saturday night. The service is pretty decent too. Nothing extraordinary though. The one thing that really hurt this rating is the fact that they put an $111 hold in my bank account. I split the bill with my boyfriend and with tip, It should have been charged $50.74 and for some reason the amount showed up as $111 in my checking account. I called and they told me that "sometimes that happens". Why $111 dollars and why didn't my boyfriend get a hold as well? It seems to me they messed something up but didn't want to admit they charged me the wrong amount. It was later fixed but still annoying. I'd go back here again, but next time I will bring cash.
(3)
Joe G.
I work right down the street from joes and I've always wanted to try it. It was pretty good. The only complaint I have was that my beer tasted kind of skunked. I don't know if I got the bottom of the tap or what. But all in all pretty good
(4)
Kyle D.
This place has a nice setup. The bar is right next to the street and it is covered from the elements, but the windows are open in the summer time to allow for nice air circulation. You can see everything going on in the street and it is a nice atmosphere. I would give 4.5 for ambience in the bar and grill category. I ordered the bacon cheesburger done medium with fries and a drink. It took only 10 minutes to hand me my order, which is pretty good considering the high volume of customers at 2:30 on a weekday. They get four stars for service. The food was good. The fries were not a boatload, but adequate enough. The burger was done medium as I requested. I was a little hungry in the end, but I ate my food ravenously. Three and half stars on the food quality and quantity. The prices were a little high. I know that you are paying for the atmosphere, but they charge a little too much for the atmosphere. The bacon cheeseburger, fries, and drink came to about 16 dollars and change. A little high for a bar and grill, even a good one. They get two stars for the price. That comes to 3.5 if you weight everything equally. But I value price efficiently more than ambiance and the higher than usual price brought it down to a 3. But this is a good bar and grill. It is perfect for the summer time. If you have not been there during the summer yet, I suggest you give it a try, or another try, soon.
(3)
Kevin B.
I'm a pretty big fan of the location and the decor of this place. The brunch special is a great deal - comes with a free drink (mimosa, bloody mary, beer, juice, etc). The black and blue burger is delicious for lunch. Fish is also fresh and well cooked. Pretty good draft beer selection too - including whale's tail. Service is also consistently excellent. I'd say not quite as nice as Houston's in Fanuiel, but nicer than expected for a chain.
(4)
Roger C.
Waited 20 minutes for my entree while everyone else in my party enjoyed their meal.
(1)
Cequesta K.
Came here on a lovely summer day to enjoy the beautiful weather and a delicious meal. The place was packed, which isn't unusual for a Saturday afternoon, but the courteous hostess still managed to seat us promptly. Our waitress was really nice, and she made it a point to find out wheather or not there were Skinny Girl maritnis available (which there was!) For starters we had the spinach and artichoke dip which came with an assortment or pita and tortilla chips, as well as carrot sticks....delicious! But on the other hand, dip is a really hard thing to screw up. For an entree my friend ordered the chicken platter, which was huge! He couldn't even finish it all which says a lot for someone with his appetite. I ordered the special which was the blackened catfish topped with chopped salsa. I've never tasted anything so salty in my life. I'm usually not the type to send food back, but I literally couldn't stomach it! I instead got the catfish-minus all the extra pizazz- and it was simply delightful. The ambiance is classic American decor, casual with a touch of elegance. Very nice. All and all I would definitely come back, I'll just be sure to order something else!
(3)
Allison C.
This spacious restaurant is a great place for drinks after work. Both of our entrees were great, the appetizer was ok but a little less than generous. Sometimes our cocktails were good, sometimes not. I suppose it depends on who is behind the bar. The staff is organized and professional and I liked the atmosphere. Would go again.
(4)
Teddy B.
Not a bad little place. Kind of pricey, but I think that area of Boston is. The food quality was good. Tasty and staff took time to explain the meal and answer questions. The kind of place where what you see is what you get.
(3)
Jennifer L.
Bloody Mary = bloody fantastic! Seriously, one of the best I've ever had. Normally they're a tad too spicy for me (I don't want to hurt myself in the morning) but this one was just right. The service was fine, as was the outdoor seating ambiance and the Florentine omelet I ordered. Nothing too outstanding. I'd go back for the Bloody Mary, though.
(3)
Dan S.
Any restaurant that has a chain outpost in the friggin' Short Hills Mall can't possible rate higher than two stars. Mediocre, overpriced american chain fare. Nothing remarkable. It's basically Applebees with better decor and slightly more high quality microwaves.
(2)
Sean M.
Just ordered a salad and bread as a walk in. Took about 15 minutes to get the order. I walk four blocks back to my office only to realized that they gave me the wrong order. Allegedly there were two people with the same name. If you knew that then you may want to confirm the order. I had to go back and get my order and all they offered me was to keep the other order which I had no idea what it was...Maybe you should offer to pick up the cost of the meal when you make an error like that. Also, no butter with the bread. Guess that would be too much to ask or assume that they would add. Really bad service and follow-up...
(1)
Julie R.
It's about time a restaurant moved to this former defunct space. It was an eyesore with it's paper covered windows for years. The new renovation looks fresh. Not only is there a large "patio" with a clear retractable roof, a few steps beneath, a huge sunken dining room. That patio is genius for them to not lose the dining space in winters. On a Sunday afternoon, the place was packed. There were many employees standing near the door wearing suits directing hungry traffic. The hostess took us down to the lower level to be seated, only to realize there was no space, then back up again, they sat us on the covered patio. Our server was all over the place. He seemed disappointed when we ordered lunch with no alcoholic beverages. We got a beef noodle salad and a chicken cordon bleu sandwich. About 15 minutes went by he arrives back to say he forgot our order. Ok server's should really just write things down. I'll give the same tip as if you got it mentally. I think it looks worse to have to come back and say you forgot..especially when our order was a total of 2 items! Some time went by. I knew our order then went in late and we would be waiting a while. We made a plan to speak up about the inconvenience if it didn't arrive in a few. The food arrived at the cusp of our ready-to-complain selves. All I wanted to do was dig in. The beef noodle salad was refreshing. It was served cold with a tangy mint seasoning. The beef was overcooked past med-rare though. My cordon bleu was delicious. It's a heavy sandwich, I was only able to eat half. The place is definitely overpriced with $17 salads and $13-$17 sandwiches. The rest of service was still slow as we waited for drink refills, then the check. The atmosphere seemed sort of sweatshop. The place was so packed and dysfunctional to me. It seemed more of go, go, go, turn tables and let service slide, vs being more attentive and giving a quality experience.
(2)
Hubert H.
Not particularly impressed here. The nicest aspect of their offerings is that they carry gluten-free pasta for those who need that. The basic Joe's burger was overdone (on a medium well request); the fries were substandard, and accompanying the burger was only one measly slice of tomato, with one measly leaf of lettuce. The chicken angel hair pasta was bland, the chicken itself dry and chewy. The main reason to come here is that it's on Newbury Street, and is probably one of the cheaper offerings in this expensive area of town.
(2)
Myrna C.
I finally had the opportunity to come to Joe's after my family went there this summer. We went on a Thursday night, so it wasn't very busy. The food was quite good. Our group of five bought several dishes to split and try. 1) New England Clam Chowder - definitely the best that I had in all of Boston. If I weren't so full from all of the other food, I would have had MUCH more. 2) Filet Mignon - perfectly cooked. It was juicy and tasty. The mashed potatoes on the side were delicious as well. 3) Sesame Ahi Tuna Burger - The tuna was absolutely spectacular. I don't even know what to say about it. I gobbled it down so fast. And the sweet potato fries it came with were SO good. Actually, I think it's the first time I'd ever had sweet potato fries not baked from a Trader Joe's bag. :D 4) Newbury Salad - Looked good. Really didn't have much of it, but my sister seemed to really enjoy it as it was gone pretty quickly as well. Overall, great food and EXCELLENT service. One thing I forgot was that we really loved their bread, so the guy gave us two to go! So cool. :) Will definitely go back the next time I'm there.
(5)
Jessie K.
My friend and I went in for dinner tonight and ate ourselves silly. We split the calamari - which I liked a lot. They serve it with marinara and also throw in some battered peppers which adds a little bit of a kick. The soup of the day was a potato bacon cheddar and my oh my it was rich and delicious! My friend had the ahi tuna salad and she thought it was delicious. I had the chicken club sandwich which I enjoyed and couldn't even come close to finish because of how much other food I'd eaten. For dessert we split the crisp and let's just say that there was nothing left in the bowl when we were through. It's a little overpriced for what it is, but it's sort of expected for a Newbury street restaurant. I remember when it was a TGIFridays and they've definitely upgraded the interior since then! What really made this experience was our server, Mike. He was friendly, attentive and knew the menu inside and out.
(4)
Taylor P.
This review is for BRUNCH only. Wow, I love brunch. Went to Joe's last weekend with a couple of friends and had the most delightful experience. First of all all brunch menu items come with a free beverage - and I'm not talking coffee or juice folks, I mean a real adult beverage. Second, we had an excellent waiter - made some great recommendations and was super friendly/funny. Third the food was plentiful anddd delicious, and fourth, we were all pleasantly surprised when the bill arrived. Again, this is for brunch only. I don't know that I'd come here for dinner as I typically shy away from chains but this place did work out and I would go again in the AM for sure.
(4)
Kimberly H.
Went there for lunch today. Ask to be sat by the street to people watch!
(4)
AnnaMinna H.
It is good. I did npt experience anything even close to the bad reviews here. Steak was cooked perfectly and the chicken fingers are superb. Staff was awesome...and our waiter is a little hottie!!!!
(5)
Gabby B.
So tired of walking and everyplace seemed to be filled out so me and my friend decided to just eat lunch here. I thought the place was classy for it's price so we went outside because it's a nice day and then..It took them for like 5 mins. to give us the menu I mean duh..first things first and HOW COULD YOU not miss me? I ordered this roasted chicken with green wilds(something like that) and when the order had arrived I was like: 'There must be a mistake I've ordered roasted chicken..' 'But this is roasted chicken and green wilds' 'Really?' I mean the food looked like a freaking SALAD! I was starving that day and I'm so sure that the order wasnt in the salad section.I was expecting the chicken with salads on the side not the chicken cut into teeny tiny pieces with these God-knows type of veggies.. After he put it into the table I told him:'I don't like this' but ofcourse you cant trade that and order again so I just sucked it up and ate it cos' I noticed these two couple are looking at me and I don't wanna be embarassed....Urgh...whatevs..
(2)
Joe D.
Classic 3.5 star place. I can't give 3.5, so I went with a 3. Food was good, just not outstanding. I would come back again if I don't have to wait to be seated.
(3)
Angela M.
I made reservations for a bachelorette dinner for last Saturday evening (3/30/2013) for a group of 6. We were a bit late and there was a line outside, but as soon as I mentioned my reservation, we were seated immediately. The manager and the maitre d' were very attentive. We were given the corner table by the windows. What a great spot for people watching! Our server came over right away. His name was Colin. He was superb! He had comprehensive knowledge of the menu, and answered all our questions. We took a bit of time before looking at the menu, but Colin never made us feel rushed. We were trying to decide which appetizers to get, when, before we got the chance to ask, the three different appetizers showed up at our table, as compliments. What a great surprise. The spinach and artichoke dip was very tasty and surprisingly light. The shrimp cocktail was very fresh, and the fried calamari was cooked just right. I hate overcooked calamari. We were still looking at the menu, to select an entree' when Colin appeared at our table. He recommended the special for the evening, which was Crab cakes over a Caesar salad, which he described in detail. So we (all 6 of us) decided to get the get the special. We were all so happy we followed his advice. The crab cakes were divine. They were all crab meat, no fillers, no heavy spices . They were not fried. They were pan seared, which made them so delicate, you could actually taste the crab meat. The salad dressing was on the side, so we could decide how much we wanted to use. The romaine lettuce was crisp and fresh. I really do hope they make that special a permanent part of the menu. We were under a time constraint, (we ere going to a show), which I mentioned to Colin. He made sure we had the check in a timely manner, and also called cabs. I could not have asked for a better dinner with the girls. The bride to be was very pleased and I have to thank Joe'sAmerican Bar and Grille's staff for that. They made it so effortless. I highly recommend this restaurant. You will not regret it. Go ahead, make the reservation.
(5)
Edi D.
Nothing to write home about but the food was pretty standard American fare in a classy setting. I enjoyed the french onion soup and my salad was just fine too. No wow factor at Joe's but everything was good enough.
(3)
Charles E.
I plan to avoid Joe's at all costs in the future. I went there with a couple people on a Sunday afternoon. It was a busy day, with great weather on St. Patrick's Day weekend, and so the hour wait wasn't terribly unusual. What was atrocious were the bartender's manners. Given the fact that we were waiting outside for so long, I hoped to grab a few waters for our group. After the bartender finally took my order, I asked for three waters. He then proceeded to totally ignore my order and instead fulfill a number of others, without ever checking in with me. Granted, no bartender wants to get three waters for someone. But it seemed awfully short-sighted to anger a customer who's about to dine with a group in your restaurant, and might also follow the water order up with a bunch of drink orders. Really poor taste. Our buzzer ended up going before he ever brought the water. The food was fine, although the waitress spilled coffee on my packback, which was on the ground under the table. She also didn't write down the order, which given the complexity inherent in do-it-your-way omelettes, was a bad idea. Luckily, I had great company there. That was the only reason I had a decent meal. I definitely won't be returning anytime soon.
(1)
Tsada K.
THINGS I LEARNED LIVING IN BOSTON: --the only place in your vehicle in which you can keep an open container is a locked trunk, (unless, of course, your father is a cop) --if you see Whitey Bulger standing on the corner, just wave politely and move on, then keep your damn mouth shut for chrissakes --don't park in spaces marked RESIDENT PARKING because you will have to pay a monster ticket (unless, of course, your father is a cop) --the ways in which an individual may fuck his or her mother are, in fact, endless --if someone shovels out a parking space in Southie after a snow storm, that parking space is thereby deeded to that individual until the next thaw; any person who attempts to take that space may be subject to grave personal and/or automotive bodily harm (unless, of course, said person's father is a cop) --you can never have too many bars Joe's has two bars. This is a good thing. Because anyone who's ever been to Boston knows that there's never enough room at one bar to house all the drunk, sports-obsessed, loud, fired-up twatwads, and that that is a very bad thing, and also how people end up getting pissed on or, at the very least, punched in the crochetal region. Kudos to Joe's for thinking ahead. Like almost everything in Boston, the food at Joe's takes a back seat to the liquor. If you stick with the uncomplicated stuff on the menu, however, it can be a terrific neighborhood joint for a quick bite. They make a decent grilled salmon, yummy mashed potatoes, crisp salads, and tasty desserts. It's also a great place to grab a (veggie) burger, fries, and a beer while watching the game at either of the two bars. Just stay away from the froufrou pastas and anything remotely international sounding. Like I said, it's nothing fancy, but if you stick with the basics, Joe's serves the the kind of simple, old fashioned food your mom would make. I mean, if she wasn't so busy with the blow jobs and all.
(3)
Katie V.
Joe's is nothing special, but it has that friendly neighborhood everyone-knows-your-name kind of feel to it. I like the layout of the downstairs bar a lot -- you can sequester yourself but still enjoy the cozy din around you. Things I wish were better -- the menu and the wine by the glass prices. I work in a restaurant and Joe's had many of the same wines, except for a dollar or two more per glass. I felt like I should have been able to order a decent glass of white for less than $9. Menu is pretty uninspired -- but the food arrived quickly and was not bad. But it took me forever to make up my mind because everything just sounded....ok. Nothing special. Like the chefs are on auto-pilot or too lazy to spice things up. My friend and I both ordered specials because they sounded a bit more, well, special. I got turkey pot pie and mashed potatoes, and it was good, but very rich and I couldn't finish it. My friend got a pizza with clams and bacon and joked that it should be called the Anti-Semite pizza. He ate all of it, though, so I'm guessing it was tasty. I could see myself coming back and sitting at the bar, reading while nursing a glass of wine -- just one, though, because it's all I can afford!
(3)
Tory S.
Food here is a joke. Think appleby's or some other strip mall quality fare. Too many great places in Boston to waste any time here.
(1)
Colin B.
Within the first few minutes, I told my friends, "I'm going to Yelp the SHIT out of this place." Not the good kind. . . . 1) The plates our "server" put out had orange stains and crumbs on them. 2) The glasses were all DISGUSTING and looked like they had napkin particles all over them. 3) When we told our server, he said, "Oh, dishes dirty?" Yeah man, dishes dirty - don't care too much. 4) It takes a lot for me to NOT LIKE buffalo chicken. It's actually near impossible. Joe's accomplished it - chewy like bubble gum, yuck. I'm really struggling to find any redeeming qualities about this place. Bad food, dirty plates/glasses and a server who doesn't know where/who he is. Try Sonsie.
(1)
Francisco J.
Ok, so I decided to try this place. OMG!! service was good, but the food!! I order the special for the day a Veal Chop bone in! I was sounds great!! Well when I try the mashed potato is was kind of cold so I was mmm I cut the veal chop and it was freezer cold in the center!!!! discus ting!! I will not suggest this place at all!! Who runs a place that will let a dish go to client like this!?
(1)
Shawndy D.
Joe's is one of the things I miss most after moving away from the East coast. I've never had a better caesar salad in my life. Their dressing isn't too creamy, which makes it the best. When I lived in Boston, I'd eat their grilled chicken caesar salad at least once a week! Their peach mango cosmo martini is also amazing. I flew back for a quick weekend trip recently, and Joe's was the only thing on my "MUST DO" list.
(5)
Michael A.
Too bad for JoeS I decided my ratings are inflated. So 3 stars is good now. Anyway. I like joes a lot mainly cuz the new location seats you outside but with glass all around. Great to sit "outside" on the sidewalk during winter!
(3)
Patrick L.
It was a beautiful sunny day and sitting outside with bloody marys was just what we wanted. Our waitress Ashley was nice and took good care of us. The food was not bad but not that good either. If they fixed the food this place would be great.
(3)
Alex N.
Visiting on business from California I decided to have lunch with my sales partner at Joes. It is conveniently located on Newbury St, very close to the Boston Public Library, and really great shopping (NO TAX FOR PURCHASES UNDER $150 CALIFORNIANS! Take note Arnold). I ordered the grilled salmon lunch with pureed butternut squash and rice pilaf. The salmon was a long thin piece, which did not bug me very much since it was cooked perfectly and the side dishes were excellent. What was interesting was that my thin piece of salmon bugged our waiter Mark. When I literally took my last bite, Mark was right next to me with another entire salmon lunch complete with sides. He stated he went back and complained about my piece and asked the cooks to make me another. NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL SERVICE! I didnt even notice I had a dinky piece until he pointed it out. I was floored by his thoughtfulness and appreciated the gesture immensly. since I had finshed the whole meal, he happily wrapped it up to go. Best customer service ever experienced at a restuarant. Thanks Mark! I will definately go back when in Boston.
(4)
Thuy L.
It was one of those SUPER humid and hot day during the summer, and my boyfriend and I just wanted to be in some air conditioning. We've passed by Joe's several times and thought, why not. Air Conditioning is KEY!!! We wanted a cold beer and some food. Lord knows why there was a wait to sit outside. We opted to sit inside, no wait, and were seated immediately. The leather chairs are quite comfy. I ordered ribs and my boyfriend ordered a ceasar salad. The ribs are okay, nothing majorly special, but good. He was almost done with his salad, so I took a bite before it was all gone. I chomped on something really hard, and ended up spitting it out. It was a translucent, hard, piece of something. I think it was glass. Anyhow, I notified the floor manager immediately. He took it back to the kitchen, examined it, and came back saying that it looks like glass, but he didn't know how it would get back there since they have no glassware in the kitchen. Does it matter? He ended up comping our ENTIRE meal. I was surprised, thinking that he would just comp the salad. As for the service , it was just okay. It took a while for our server to bring us bread, water, and the beers that we ordered. I can't tell you for certain which of the 5 people who came to our table was our server. All in all, I think I would only return if there were no tables open at any of the other Newbury street restaurants.
(2)
Alex C.
When I decided to take my good friend and his mother out to celebrate his graduation I was surprised when he chose Joe's. He had worked there and missed the food so we obliged. It was his birthday after all! Short of the company the experience was terrible. The service was slow, they messed up our sides and both the London broil and Cuban sandwich and fries came out cold. :( definitely not what one would expect when dining on Newbury St!
(1)
Katharine T.
We went here for dinner, at like 4-5pm. Though we are two college students, I would venture to say that it was quite obvious we weren't in for a bar crawl. When we walked in we were not given the option of sitting upstairs, versus sitting downstairs in the bar, and were taken down to the bar. We were ok with this, until we figure out (after our food came), that there were different menus for the bar versus upstairs. Besides that, we had 2 different waitresses, no bread plates, and our water glasses sat empty the entire meal. The food, I must admit, was pretty good. I had the cheeseburger pizza and I really liked it. On the other hand, we were so ticked off that we didn't get to try the chocolate cake that was the whole reason for trekking over here. Boo on you Joe's
(1)
John F.
Food was quite good but it was the service that made me write this review. The waitress went out of her way to make our meal enjoyable and I truly appreciate it (especially with two young children!).
(4)
Raul S.
Went for a nice dinner on Easter. I had a house salad, crab cakes, and Charles River pie for dessert. The salad was a bit underwhelming, in terms of the quality of the vegetables, and the fact that I had half of a grape tomato only. I did love the herb vinaigrette though. The crab cakes were really good, the crab was nice and not a ton of filler. Definitely a good choice. It came with sweet potato fries, but they were lukewarm and felt like they had been sitting around for a while. Tue Charles River pie was really great. It hit all of the things that I like (chocolate and coffee). It was probably my favorite part of the meal. We had a really nice waiter who was overall quite attentive, which was a big plus! I might give it another try, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way for it either.
(3)
Daphne H.
Al fresco dining. Well .... it's a Boston thing, so I guess I can't be all that upset with Joe's but if you say you are going to have "drinks" they will not seat you at the good tables, i.e., outside. Well, here, I got a little perturbed and said "What is it with this town? I can spend more money on drinks than I can on food!" Then they seated us in the outdoor area. Once seated, things were great. Just don't take no for an answer.
(4)
Iska B.
What's with places named "Joe's" that makes them so average unexceptional? This place was exactly that: decent food, decent drinks with prices that are too high for what is offered. The best quality this place has is location. Right off of Newbury with a lots of outdoor seating so you can people-watch in the summer. The service was great. Everyone was polite and the food came out much quicker then I expected on a Saturday evening (though we had to wait about 10 minutes for a table outside but this really isn't unreasonable). The food was ehhh. Pretty standard American options (burgers, salads, steak tips etc). I had a lobster roll which came with a decent amount of lobster (not a lot but not a teeny amount either), fries, some onion rings and a pickle. Was it worth $18.99? I don't think so. That seemed a bit steep for what basically amounts to a sandwich and fries. Yes it was lobster but this is New England...it ain't that special when they sell it at Market Basket for 5.99 a pound... Yeah so overall...pretty average, kinda overpriced for what is offered but a nice place to sit. Unless you are a tourist or something I probably wouldn't come here. Lots of other places to eat that cost less and offer the same kind of fare.
(3)
Nicole E.
One weeknight after hanging out in Back Bay we decided to pop in for a drink and relax. We had a few cocktails and martinis between the 4 of us. While I felt our server on that particular night wasn't very good, my other experiences here have been good. The beverages were priced well, $8-10 for our cocktails. The place was not very full on that rainy night so it was nice to have a corner of the downstairs bar to ourselves. I came in another night to meet up with a friend for a bite and some beverages. The food is alright. I had salmon and my friend had steak. We certainly did spend a lot! But we had several beverages. I probably drank a bottle of wine myself! My only complaint is that the food wasn't too creative but you can't expect creativity at a chain! Still it was generally a good time. I'll probably be back, though it won't be my first choice.
(3)
Jill H.
Joe's doesn't promise anything it can't deliver. It's standard American grill, so if you're looking for something else, you might want to head up the street to Kashmir or Pho Pasteur, or somewhere else that promises something a little more exotic than burgers, buffalo wings, and sandwiches. That being said, I've never been dissatisfied with my order at Joe's. It's a chain restaurant, yes, but the environment and overall food quality do not leave you feeling like you've just ordered from the $6.99 menu at Friday's. Great apps, great sandwiches. Be forewarned: you must ask to start with bread. Approach this with caution, as it is very possible to stuff your face on the bread, and then lose your appetite for dinner. The bread is warm, chewy, and fresh - and is very hard to resist. Better to go on an empty stomach. My Favs: Chicken Club w/honey mustard on the side, Nachos, Spicy Buffalo Wings. They also have a great brunch option with complimentary mimosa/bloody mary. Definitely good for wetting the hair of the dog. Four stars for service, food, decor. Less one star for the inevitable wait since it's a popular spot in a popular location. Tourist city.
(4)
Margaret R.
Portions were extremely small and food was average at best. Good bar scene.
(2)
Patryce S.
This place is just amazing! The food is great and the prices are pretty decent (for newbury street anyway). Nachos are probably the best I have had anywhere. I did get the salmon burger and it was OK probably wont get it again. The back bay sangria tastes like there is no alcohol in it but omg 2 of these and you are on the floor lol. Soooooo good! We actually went 3 days in a row lol. Love this place!
(5)
Andrew M.
Really bummed my wife and I chose Joe's as our brunch place for our weekend in Boston. We chose it as it had some nice outdoor seating however that was where the good ended and the bad started. We had to wait ten minutes for anyone to come over to our table and acknowledge they were our server. Once we had ordered we were quickly given our coffee and hot water for tea, but no tea bag. My wife asked for one and at the same time we handed our server both of our knives as they had food caked onto them. 10 minutes later, we still did not have a teabag, knives, or the bloody Mary's we had ordered. My wife got up got two knives, helped herself to a teabag in the end. We never saw our server for 40 minutes, eventually I had enough and went to the manager. He came back 5 minutes later and said there had been a mix up, someone fell over with our order so the kitchen was having to remake our food. Eventually our server brought us the food and told us that he was sorry for the mix up, our food had been given to another table. He never offered more coffee, hot water or the wonderful bread everyone talks about. They did in the end comp our meal (which was average at best) but I wish we had of gone somewhere else in the first place. Would never give this place a second chance. Awful.
(1)
Joanna L.
Food here is dependably alright, and the menu is dependably alright as well. Most of the fun comes from the crowd and the people-watching. Best meal is probably brunch, because it's the best combo of value, ambience, and grub. For a little more twist on similar food, I usually go to the Met down the street, but Joe's is always a good place to run into people.
(3)
Siobhan C.
Went here for lunch this past weekend. I've been to the Joe's in Braintree and in Dedham, and always found the chain to be pretty good. Nothing special, but certainly decent food and service, and I opted for it when convenient. However, my visit to the Joe's on Newbury was a disaster. Not only were the two of us seated in a high traffic / awkward area, but it took a very long time for our very rude waiter to greet us. We ordered, and eventually our waiter returned with our drinks, albeit without the straws (which were never received). My boyfriend ordered brunch and I ordered pasta. His $10 dish was a pathetic looking display of three plain, soggy, medium sized pancakes plopped onto a dull white plate with a small cup of syrup on the side; it looked like something you'd get in a school cafeteria. My $15 dish looked a bit more appetizing, but the portion was considerably smaller than any I've had at the Dedham or Braintree Joe's. Overall, it was a big waste of time and money, as the atmosphere was terrible and we were both very hungry again about 45 minutes after leaving. I won't be going back to this Joe's again.
(1)
Nicola P.
MEEEEEEHHH.. to say the least, but I was impressed with the new location and decor. Went on Wednesday for a bit, the terrace bar was packed so we waited for a seat at the inside bar. The bartenders were great and were really really good with name usage, which is so impressive with a packed bar. however, he food was beyond acceptable. We ordered the onion rings and shrimp tempura to start. The onion rings were like battered rubber bands and not crispy at all. The Shrimp was hardly tempura and borderline shrimp. My boyfriend got the burger med-rare and when it came out it looked like it was steamed and gray on the inside. The french fry portion was minimal to say the least. I would have expected a huge mound of fries to come out but only about 10 appeared on the plate. I had the Ahi Tuna entree and it was hardly an entree. There was about 6 pieces that were 1 inch by 1 inch the most and the "rice cake" was completely blown out. To top it all off, the plate had a HUGE, I mean HUGE garnish of the rice noodles, which are barely edible to say the least. Just utterly disgusting food... you would think with as many restaurants as they have they could at least get one location right...
(2)
Dennis F.
Noisy dinner. Avoid the over priced mac and cheese.
(2)
Ben P.
Really liked this place. Great atmosphere, great service, good food. I like places that can take something basic and make it a little bit unique and well presented and that is what Joes is. Classic American/Continental fare but done well and cleanly. Things like an AWESOME chili bread bowl. Awesome. I also had a Cuban sandwich and we had a ahi tuna salad. Very good service, perfectly sized portions. Cool looking bar area too. Can't wait to hit this place again when we are back in boston.
(5)
Sam T.
This is another can't miss spot for me. My second night in Boston I stumbled upon this place and I go here every Tuesday night after work and every Saturday for the brunch. First, the service is top notch, I always sit at the bar and the bartenders (Eric and Stephanie) are fantastic. They prepare a variety of Gin drinks (Bombay Sapphire) that are heavenly. I love the fact that they use real grapefruit juice when making my Gin with tonic and a splash of grapefruit juice. Secondly, I have had the Bacon Cheeseburger, Sliced London Broil au jus and the Fresh Atlantic Salmon for dinner. The London Broil is delicious. I love how they prepare it, sliced and sitting in its own au jus. Wow! The bacon cheeseburger is one of the best items on the menu. I recommended the burger to a first-timer at the bar a couple weeks ago and after taking his first bite he said, "Man this is one good burger." The salmon is a hit or miss depending on the night. Now me being from the South, I love bacon and eggs. Joe's Three Egg Style Brunch did not disappoint. The eggs weren't over-cooked or too runny and the bacon was crispy. I loved the fact that the Blood Mary was included with my meal but much like the salmon, it's hit or miss as well. They aren't spicy enough for me.
(4)
Jessica H.
Meh. I've been to Joe's three times - once for lunch, twice for dinner - and each time it's been just okay. Not horrible, not great. Service was okay. Atmosphere was okay. Food was okay. I did like the clam chowder, but the lobster roll was unimpressive and the mahi mahi with shrimp salsa was kind of gross. I don't like the bar because the people that tend to congregate there when it's busy seem kind of douchey. When I'm at Joe's, I just wish I were somewhere else.
(2)
Kristi S.
Best eggs benedict I've had! They also make a great burger. Sometimes the service is slow, but they offer great outdoor seating when it's warm enough. Con: their beer selection is limited and sometimes tastes like the taps need to be cleaned.
(4)
Ellen E.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! This place for breakfast/brunch. I sat at the bar and the bartender was completely awesome. He was super friendly and really made my time here fun. For less than $20 you can get a big delicious breakfast, a drink from the bar, and a side of muffins for your party. Everything was really yummy and the service was excellent, especially for eating at the bar. I highly recommend this as your brunch stop. I got the Eggs Benedict which came with a side of potatoes, and it was some of the best eggs Benedicts I have ever had.
(5)
Matthew M.
Was at the downstairs bar a couple weeks ago eating with a friend and the bartender made is move upstairs because they had an audit going on!!! Sorry not my problem I'm a paying guest... Ive been a regular at Joes on newbury for a while.. Will never return :-(
(1)
Keith M.
I and four of my friend three who had never been to this Joe's before went in around 7p and were told it was going to be about 15 min, i thought that was a short wait considering it was a Saturday night, we were seated in a couple of minutes and honestly i would have waited the full 15 min if i new the service was going to be so bad. We were seated in a small room that had a table with a family who let there kids run around and just do what ever they wanted and a full table of women and one son who were celebrating a birthday of one of the other women and i can only assume they were drinking since we could barley hear our selves over the cackling and laughing from the table, this was not a good start. So the server finally comes over after kissing up to the birthday table, asks us if we would like drinks we place the drink order and he comes back with the drinks but to napkins to place the drinks on and no straws so we had to wait for him to come back with bread to ask for the straws. We then went ahead and ordered first was the spinach dip that when it arrived it had a burnt looking cheese crust on top and then when we mixed that in the whole thing tasted burnt and didn't like but since the server was concerned about the birthday girls he never asked how it was. Once our orders showed up two of my friends wanted some BBQ sauce and had to wait for the server to take pictures of the birthday girls before he went to get the sauce and no cheese was offered to my other friend who had the only pasta dinner. Speaking of the pasta dinner the pasta was hard and didn't taste that good. So after flagging down the server, a cake was being served to the b-day table, and we asked for the pasta to be replaced with spaghetti instead of the spiral pasta. It was then brought out sometime later after we had all finished our meals by the manager i think he said something but could not understand his mumbling and again no cheese was offered for the pasta along with no real apology. This time around the pasta was cooked fine but it was very salty and instead of waiting another 15 min they didn't finish it. In most places the plate would have been take off or we would have been offered a desert or something for us having to wait for the meal to come back out and for the person to eat it when everyone else was finished but neither of these things were done. We paid the bill and left, normally i don't blame the server usually its the kitchens fault but this server cared more about the birthday party then us i don't know if he knew them or if he wanted the big tip but i hope they made up for the lack of tip we left him.
(1)
Julie K.
Yummy! New location had just opened and we got to try it on the first BEAUTIFUL Saturday of Spring. Everyone and their mother was out to eat on the terrace anywhere. The wait at lunch was 45 min to get inside and 2 hrs. plus for the terrace. We chose inside and didn't regret it. The atmosphere is cozy but open. Masculine feel and classy. The lemonade is wonderful, the french dip is lacking in something- but it wasn't bad. Just not great either. However, salads were awesome, clam chowder described by my friend as "sex in a bread bowl". They serve you hot fresh bread that literally will make you groan it is so good! The staff was friendly if a little ill-prepared for the busy crowd. Times for meals were a little long, but considering the fact that by the time we got seated the wait for a table had increased to 75 min for inside and almost 3 hours for terrace, we were content. The food was steaming hot or nice and ice-y-cold (the way a salad should be on a hot day!) Joe's was recommended by the cashiers at Filine's Basement and we are SOOOO glad we chatted them up!
(5)
Andi P.
Brunch here is pretty good, but be forewarned that my range of options is limited to the omelettes or steak and eggs, so I can't speak for the pancakes and french toast or anything else involving gluten (or butter for that matter). I do have "normal" friends, however, and they don't seem to mind the pancakes. I've also come here for lunch a number of times and ordered salmon or chicken salads (slightly modified so they don't involve gluten and various other ingredients), with oil and vinegar for dressing. The salads are always decent, and what's even better is how great Joe's is about allergies. One time when I was here a man at the neighboring table said he had an anaphylactic shellfish allergy. After visiting my table to assure me Joe's wouldn't kill me, the manager stopped at said man's table to give him the rundown on what they'd be doing in the kitchen to ensure they wouldn't kill him either, and lo and behold I witnessed him walking out of the place alive an hour and a half later. I've never been glutenated at Joe's, the wait staff has always known what's up with what I've had to avoid, and service has always been right-on. This combination of factors has helped turn the restaurant into a casual stand-by, especially when it's 10 degrees out AND I get so hungry that I don't want to hike more than a block or two from my apartment for a trustworthy bite to eat. Oh, and they've even got gluten-free pasta and pizza, and can do up a special batch of fries for you if you need them gluten-free.
(3)
James N.
Food ranging from good to great. However, there's a lot in terms of service quality to be desired. Like the rest of the reviewers, I've always had to wait a long time to get service after the initial welcome by the hostess. The only thing that gets me to come back is the reasonably good food and brunch specials (and also the fact that I live on the same block as Joe's). The waitstaff this time though was particularly clueless. They forget to give us forks, steak knives when we ordered steak, forgot to bring the bread, forgot to ask us if we wanted more tea when it was very obviously finished, did not give the lady the menu first or ask her first what she wished to order, took forever with the check, and changed waitstaff on us without alerting us. I give it 1 star for the food, which although, good, does not rival the quality of some of the better American/ New American restaurants in the immediate Back Bay vicinity.
(1)
Ned S.
Nice newbury street location, large sidewalk dining area (though its set 4' below street level, which loses some of the charm and harmless voyeurism of sidewalk dining), handsome ivy league looking interior, good reasonably priced menu (think bistro) Part of small local boston chain--Back Bay Restaurant Group. Good looking staff (Manny Ramerez met his wife while she was a hostess here) Inconsistent service, decent kitchen. Dining here is like rolling the dice. Some details: Three levels, two bars (upstairs is smaller, more quiet, better for dining; downstairs big, sometimes loud bar--lends itself to meeting people). Citrus drinks (i.e. screwdriver, grapefruit) are made with fresh squeezed produce. Weekend Brunch is a la carte from $10-$20 for a big breakfast dish that includes a free cocktail (i.e. bloody, mimosa, draft, or screw). Brunch also includes a basket of nice breads, but toast, that costs extra...go figure.
(3)
Jenna G.
Booked a table for 4 people 20 minutes ahead of time. We got there and they seated us immediately. The waiter got our orders wrong but the food was amazing. The bread they served is fresh out of the oven and it was sooooo delicious. I highly recommend their calamari and nacho grande for appetizers. The squid was fresh and tender! The nachos had the perfect amount of guac, chili, cheese and sour cream and it was perfectly crispy. My friends and I devoured it! The mixed drinks are so delicious too! Stay away from their pizza. The bread tasted doughy and such a let down. Their fish and salads were good though. Mac and cheese is creamy and awesome. If I'm coming back here, I'll just stay with the appetizers and drinks. Maybe try mac and cheese with lobster.
(4)
tman s.
Just the retractable deck alone is worth the money i couldn't believe how nice this place is.... The menu remains the same consistent quality that we are used to if you frequent Joe's! I will return every-week as this is near my house and they always give us great deals on high quality food... Good luck Joe's to the new grill on STEROIDS!
(5)
Margot J.
Whenever I'm in Boston on a Sunday, I love to have brunch at Joe's. The eggs benedict are so delicious - served with hash browns, fresh fruit and a Mimosa (if you're so inclined). I have never had an unfriendly server or a poor meal here, so I would recommend stopping by if you're in town.
(4)
Reb M.
The only reason this isn't four stars is because I haven't had the food yet. I stopped in for a drink, however, and my experience with the service at the bar was so positive I wanted to write a review. Chad and Jose--fantastic bartenders! I ordered a sidecar (a classic) and for whatever reason, this drink seems to mystify several bartenders in Back Bay...I don't know why. But instead of making the wrong drink, Chad asked me what it was and we discussed it (which resulted in me pulling it up on my smartphone). It was great. While I was there, a potentially unruly customer was managed with finesse and courtesy, and the people at the bar were generally friendly and fun to talk to. I'll definitely be back.
(3)
Albert H.
Brunch here is reasonably priced because it includes a morning alcoholic beverage (mimosa, bloody mary, screwdriver). Pancakes were the winner at my table, followed by the French toast and probably the omelette coming in last. It was bar food with slightly better tableware and slightly dressed up servers. There was no charge for the entertaining obnoxious drunks in the bar cheering at the TV, however it was priceless to see their reaction as my sister loaded some chick music into the jukebox.
(2)
E. F.
I had dinner here with two colleagues and it was a sub-par experience. It was ridiculously hot, so we ate inside near the open kitchen. Our food was OK. We ordered buffalo wings and the nachos as our appetizers and both were fine. For entrees, I had the crab cakes and they were excellent, one colleague had the prime rib and he thought it was not bad, and my other colleague had the salmon which was also very good. Here are my two main complaints which dropped my rating from a 4 to a 3/borderline 2 - our server was terrible. She barely spoke English, so the main skill you want from a server - communication - was compromised right off the bat. She did not understand what gluten-free meant, it was very difficult to understand what she was saying, and she didn't quite understand what we were saying. She was very nice, but it was puzzling how this establishment would have her tending to customers during a busy dinner hour. Additionally, she brought our salads with our entrees, which was not the end of the world, but we had expected them prior, so I'm sure that was attributed to the language barrier. I had higher expectations for a restaurant on Newbury Street, as she clearly needed significant training. Food was eh.
(3)
Mary P.
When I think Boston, I don't think chain restaurants, but I do have to say that this place isn't so bad. The ambience isn't so typical. A little more upscale looking than other chains. Brunch was outrageously inexpensive. You have your choice of juices, champagne, mimosa or Bloody Mary with an order of any egg or signature dish...what a deal! Disappointed that we waited so long for our food to come, and therefore, my french toast was cold, but still good. I don't typically order Bloody Mary's but was quite impressed with this one. I believe this one had horseradish rather than black pepper, which made it tastier. There is a plenty of covered outdoor seating for people watching right on Newbury Street.
(4)
Jonathan C.
Probably the best style American food around. Nothing crazy, greeat place to take a group. Decently priced, fuck driving there. You'll spend have your day looking for parking. The t is much better to take, if you have the option. I love that side of Joes is open soo your not sitting 100% outside. Makes it comfortable. Pretty good place to pre game, drinks are good!
(4)
Mark W.
The new Joe's on Newbury St is great! The wait staff and bartenders are excellent. The food was fresh and flavorful. Perfect Newbury St location. The restrooms even have an automatic door opener for the germ freak folks like myself. Just wave your hand over the sensor and wa-la the door opens automatically. All public restrooms should have this cool trick!
(5)
D M.
Of all the places, why Joe's American Bar & Grill, you ask? It's diagonally across the street from work. And they have Hendrick's Gin, which is always a good reason to go places. I've only been here once with co-workers for a post-work drink, and while the service was a little mechanical, the drinks were good. I went with a gin martini, which came with a cucumber to bring out that good flavor, and shared grande nachos. Both were good and solid for a long work week, and reasonably priced. I'd definitely go back if I didn't want to venture somewhere too far from work.
(3)
Emily F.
I am really, really sad to give one of my favorite chains a low grade. I had, however, one of the worst nights at a restaurant I have had. ***6:00 pm - Arrive at Joe's, LOVE the new look, fabulous! Get around the bar (party of 5), and are awaiting a table. ***6:50 pm - We sit. The waiter, Mike, was very attentive and friendly, and we quickly got new drink orders in and then our meal order. Ordered by 7:00pm. 4 salads and a pasta-primavera. Uncomplicated, or so I thought. My brother asked for some salad which comes with a choice of "blackened" or "grilled" chicken on it. We discussed with Mike what the difference was, laughed about it, and ordered the "blackened" (its seasoned differently, by the way). ***7:40pm. In all fairness, we had a seat to see all the problems. First another waiter came by and dropped a BILL on my table. I hadn't eaten yet! "My apologies Ma'am. And how long have you been waiting for food?" ***7:45pm and I watch the salads and pasta come up from the kitchen stairs. The two last salads didn't make it; they were dropped on the floor. In front of our hungry eyes! I almost cried. ***7:50 pm Manager Tiffany comes over to apologize; we are still civil at this point. I was very irritated though, when she admitted the food was launched at the floor, that she didn't offer any discount or free appetizers or a round of beers! ***7:55 pm - We ask Mike to bring the salads that were not on the floor. They do, and then the 4th pasta dish comes. Where is the blackened chicken? ***8:00 pm - They put a plate of mystery pasta-chicken dish in front of my brother. The waitress began to walk away until we yelled enough for her to re-think. "Oh, you're right, this is not what you ordered at all". ***8:10 pm - Tiffany brings our last plate. "Anything else I can get you? My apologies again." I thought, "No, but you're going to get a stellar YELP review". In a long but respectful request, I said it was inappropriate and disappointing to wait this long at a restaurant I love so much, and have so many mistakes, and have NO ONE offer to give us anything. I said I would like to not pay for the dinner. She agreed, but I don't understand why I had to ask! Very bizarre. *The meals were disappointing after all of that. Go to one of the other ones OUT of the city, they do so much better. I left Mike a $25 tip b/c I'm sure having a 5-top not pay is detrimental to the whole night. "
(2)
Patrick K.
One of the best that the back bay restaurant group has to offer. The brunch is awesome, with drinks that make the experience even better. The dinner was really good and the service was pretty impeccable. A strong place that is a pretty good bet for a meal of any type. Side bar: Joe's gets a bad rap I think because the one in the North End is probably the worst place I've been in a long time. Polar opposite from this one.
(4)
Nim H.
I went there for brunch with my family, and I would not recommend it. The atmosphere reminds of eating at a Holiday Inn, and you get the feeling that it's way overstaffed. We were sat near the kitchen, and all I heard were footsteps and stomps back and forth from the kitchen to the floor. As for the food, the french toast was mediocre, and the ham was supremely greasy. The bread, even though it came only seconds before we got our meals, was pretty good as others have noted. Overall, there are much better places out there. Don't waste your money on this faux-Newbury locale.
(1)
Chung T.
I think 3 guys, looking for food, shouldn't go to Newberry Street. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize most of the money on the entree would be going toward renting the damn place, not to the world famous chef in the back. Joe's American Bar and Grill is your run-of-the-mill slightly upscale restaurant with good service, and slightly above average pricing. It has good decor, good looking servers, and a basket of "free" bread to go with your meal. It's far from a suit-required sit down restaurant, but it's better than TGIF or Chili's where the servers don't really care about you. Since the prices weren't all that great, and I didn't want to spend a bundle, I just ordered the day's special - special pork chops with... special veggie. The special pork chop wasn't all that special ~ I think what comes out of my brother's grill taste better than this "special" pork chop. Thus, 18.99 was highway robbery. Now, the focus of the entree, wasn't the pork chops, but a the special veggie that came with the pork chop... they are called, "parsnips." I can't quite describe what the hell the veggie taste like... but it's quite unique and damn nasty after 10 bites. In any case, Joe's Ameircan Bar and Grill may be the cheapest restaurant on Newberry, and if you're stuck on the street and your friends are famished, might as well go to Joe's for some "cheap" food with good service =)
(3)
David D.
"I've made a huge mistake." I should have known better. The same tables outside, the same chairs... and that FUCKING bread! This place is a bigger Charley's Eating and Drinking Saloon with a different name! Some of the menu items are the same, but they try to trick you with faster and friendlier staff, and one of those internet juke boxes where you have to pay $15 to hear Joy Division. + The manager comes to your table to make sure everything is swell. If the manager at Charley's ever came to my table, I would have asked for silverware, a glass of water, a waitress, etc. My only complaints at Joe's: my medium-well cheeseburger was blackened and dryer than a rice cake, and some annoying guy in a Maserati kept doing laps around the block, and he was TOTAL Euro Trash. I don't know... this place is OK. It's totally cooler than Uno's. I would never bring a date here, or anything ... that would suck. I remember my boss brought us here with the company AMEX ... that was OK. Whatevz.
(3)
Kristen F.
Good service, good food, good location, a tad pricey. The whole experience won't blow you away but also won't leave you disappointed. That's really all I have to say about that.
(4)
Tyler b.
meh. nothing special. standard burger and salad menu. overpriced. extra marks for having an outdoor patio, but those are about the only marks they get. waiter service was non existent at times.
(2)
D S.
I give the food 3.5 stars. Good enough, but nothing to write home about. Service gets 3.75 stars... again, good enough. The .25 more is only because I have a mild crush on a waiter there. But here is the part of this review you need to be paying attention to: I give the Bloody Mary's 5.5 stars. Soooo good. It is really nice to sit outside and enjoy them, but I am afraid of the dive bombing birds, so I think that inside might have to do for me. Those birds are out for blood. update: service is HORRIBLE outside when they are even a little bit busy, because they know they are going to make money either way with all of the demand for outdoor seating on Newbury... I am dropping them to 3 stars based on that and the fact that the bloody mary's were sub-par last time, and the food is just blah. The back-bay sangria is delicious though! Stay away from the Pink Sangria though, WAY too sweet... there is watermelon pucker's in it....ew. peaceout.
(3)
Sassy G.
I had dinner wednesday night, not to busy ... no need to be waiting for our waitress for about 20 mins, apps, drinks, entrees, and bill!!! seriously and you got 20 percent to not see us returned!!! you suck!!!!
(2)
R F.
I was going to give this a 4 but our waitress ruined it for us. 3.5 more towards 3... Our waitress didn't even come to ask us how our meal was during the entire night... not once. It wasn't even busy. Then it took like 25 minutes for her to realize we were done and wanted our check... kind of ridiculous. I really wanted to like this place, too. It has a nice atmosphere that pretends it's a fancy restaurant upstairs, and a loud bar atmosphere downstairs. The food is pretty good, but really nothing more than a Cheescake Factory with a less fancy menu and more simple dishes... that don't take much creativity or originality. The prices are quite up there, too. I'm not sure $20 for 4 steak tips is reasonable, but then you look over to Chicken Picatta (which was amazingly sweet and comes with rice instead of pasta... weird?) and it's 3 chicken pieces and a plate of rice and a vegetable for $17 or 18... I don't know. This place could be really good, but it's just average and overpriced...
(3)
Christine K.
This review is totally based on the outdoor seating. There is nothing better than sitting outside at Joe's in the summer with some spinach dip and their amazing mud slides. I think their spinach dip is one of the best that i have had in boston and I am a huge fan of mud slides so I always feel the need to order one when I come here. The bread is delicious as well! I usually order a caesar salad with steak tips and shrimp, it is a special so it is not on the menu but I ask for it every time I go and they have no problem making it. There fish is really good too, they have salmon and cod both on the menu... I do agree that the inside tables aren't great but outside in the nice weather can not be beat!
(4)
Alexander H.
I've been to Joe's many times since moving to Boston, and it's a fairly consistent experience. First off, they are best known for their signature meat dishes and that is no light distinction. Their meatloaf, prime rib challenge, and steaks are all delicious and still reasonably price (~$30). Second, their service is usually very good. If you come in a part of more than 6 or 7 with reservations, the manager will always introduce himself and make sure you have everything you need. The only downside is that Joe's is very popular so there have been instances when overall service has been very slow. Still, none of the servers there have ever been rude or particularly bad at their jobs. Third, it's a good atmosphere. Joe's is usually pleasantly crowded and there's just an overall good, lively feeling to eating there. Overall, I would highly recommend Joe's. It's not the BEST meat in Boston, but for the price it's damn good.
(4)
Joanne R.
Went for drinks with friends from work. Since it was such a lovely night we opted to sit on the patio. Remarkably we snagged the last outdoor table, so others felt the same way for drinking "al fresco"! They had a pretty good martini menu and I opted for the Pomegranate Martini...I was delish and went down very smooth. We got a few apps for the table, nothing outstanding to note but edible. After a couple more PM's decided I fulfilled my nutritional and antioxidant quota and called it a night!
(3)
George R.
Atmosphere was good and so was the service. I really loved my clam chowder bread bowl. The steak salad was great and the burgers looked delicious, everything was great though I will say that didn't like the pizza.
(4)
Ash T.
Solid food that satisfies every time. Very decent prices. Friendly wait staff and laid back atmosphere in the middle of Newbury Street. What's not to like?
(4)
Izzy B.
Don't see what the big deal was. Great PRIME RIB HASH for brunch, but order the sauce on the side. (Beacause otherwise it's COATED in the sauce and you don't get to taste the delicious chopped up bits of Prime Rib)
(3)
Julie A.
This place is SO good! My husband LOVES their burgers, I mean LOVEs them! I get a different thing each time and it's also good. For brunch I always get the same thing, Salmon Benedict. It's freakin' amazing! So are the Bloody Mary's! The servers are really nice, quick, helpful, and are some of the best I have ever encountered. Eat out on a date, bring the kids, or come as a big group, the atmosphere works for everyone! The classy decor works well for casual or fancy, and the bathrooms are even nice! I have never had a bad experience!
(4)
Mihir P.
Update: Went here for watch the Jags - Pats game and boy it was messed up. Like I wrote before, Joe's needs some renovation. I wonder why the staff is required to wear ties for this upscale dump. We went to watch the game downstairs where they had a bunch of smaller flatscreens. They were all of different quality and out of synch. So we were watching one TV and heard the crowd cheer and we were clueless as to why. We found out that the TV we were watching had a five second delay and was not wired for sound. F-ed up. Being annoyed as hell, my buddy took charge and moved our table and positioned it so we could see the real-time screen. I guess it worked out sort of well. To watch a replay we just turned our heads to the out of synch TV. _________________________ Classic American fare at this sort of landmark restaurant. OK, perhaps a landmark in the 80's. This is an overpriced restaurant that is in serious need of modernization or at least a gutting. If seated downstairs you may be unlucky enough to get a whiff of sewage, rotting food and an overall deterioration of the building that has been superficially covered up. The polite service can't really make up for that or the unimaginative food. But, if you must go to Joe's go to the Waterfront location during the summer months to enjoy the breeze and a better maintained building.
(2)
Katherine L.
I've decided this is the most crowded restaurant in Boston. The only place I like to sit is on the patio place because you get the illusion that you are not trapped in by people. It is a great place to go to meet people or get a drink after work. Love love the Back Bay Sangria
(3)
Michael N.
i have mixed feelings about this place. we went here twice while in boston and it was almost like two different restaurants based on our experiences. the first time we went there, we had a pretty good waiter. ordered the clam chowder, meatloaf sandwich, lobster salad and lobster roll. all entrees were pretty good with the lobster salad probably being the best. the chowder in the breadbowl was awesome as well. price reasonable. we had time to grab lunch before heading out on our last day and thought let's go back to joe's since all our food was good and it was nearby. this time were seated downstairs and our waitress sucked. she didn't come by often and messed up on our bill a few times, never got a salad we ordered (still tried to charge us for it), finally got our bread after the meal?! after asking for it. the food wasn't great, i think we ordered the cod, prime rib hash (brunch) and an omelet . it also took us awhile to get seated. the host directed us downstairs and said they'd get us in. we got a few drinks, waited and waited. finally i asked if we they knew we were there and they said oh, yeah were you waiting on a table? then seated us by the bar. i'd give it 3.5 stars on our first visit and a 1.5 on the second visit.
(2)
Kim N.
We tried this place out for brunch on one of Boston's wetter days, so the restaurant was fairly empty. Even then, the service was so-so. My friend asked for tea, and usually they bring out the box of tea bags and hold it open for you to pick one, but instead they left it in front of my friend to awkwardly trifle through... not a big deal in itself, of course. The rest of brunch was okay, but overall a bit lackluster which means we won't be adding Joe's onto our brunch circulation.
(2)
Cloie H.
"This is a peasant loaf, it is meant to be broken by hand" If you have ever gone to Joe's I am sure that you have heard this at lease once. That being said, the peasant loaf is pretty damn good. I go here on a fairly regular basis only because it is one and a half blocks exactly, from my work and they have clam chowder in a bread bowl. I always go downstairs. I have a feeling that this place is like the old (I think BBC) show that they used to air on PBS "Upstairs, Downstairs". Meaning that the cultured upper class are upstairs, and the unrefined lower class are downstairs. I am not talking the clientele here, I am talking wait staff. I can sense it too... the all together twitchy new waiter/ess will eye you as you walk down the stairs and you can see the "little train that could" mantra rushing through their head. They let you get settled while they drop off the menu and tentatively ask for your drink order, you give it and they rush away hoping that they don't forget the lime. On the return (with the lime, aren't you proud) they put down the drinks, only spilling a few drops on the table, and ask your order. While furiously taking your order and double checking that it is correct, they forget to give you a straw; and forget about asking for one after you order and before they leave the table, because if you thought that they hustled off to get your drinks fast, it is nothing compared to how fast they go to place your order. When they come back about 10 minutes later, you ask for a straw and they apologize profusely for forgetting and hand them right over. 15 minutes later your food shows up and about 5 minutes after that they come back to ask you how everything is, mid-bite, which I think is mandatory for all establishments like this. When finished they kindly give you your check and then you are on your merry way, of course wait time for your check varies from day to day, I have had it delivered with out even asking for it, and I have waited 15 minutes for it after asking. Three stars, not great, not horrible. Right in the middle, but again, this is for the downstairs. I have ONCE, and only once eaten dinner upstairs and felt like a country bumpkin for asking for a glass of red wine to accompany my pepper encrusted tuna. How dare I. Anyway, I am standing by my three star rating, there could be worse restaurants to have one an a half blocks exactly, from my work; but there could be better ones too.
(3)
Andrew B.
Went for the first time the other day, and after Stephanie's left a poor taste in my mouth from their poor service and high prices at brunch, Joe's friendly setting, good prices and *really* good food totally turned me on to this place. My friend ordered a burger, and he described it as "perfect" to our waitress. This is a guy that dines a Radius so much, that they have a drink named after him there. That's a pretty legit endorsement. I ordered the calamari appetizer as a snack, but it ended up being a good size portion. It had this mild spicy kick to it that made it awesome. Our server was also very nice and cool. Great dinner. Five stars if its the same experience when I return next, which will be very soon.
Joe's is the average "cookie cutter" corporate restaraunt. The food was good, but not great. My chicken sandwich was on the dry side, but tasty. French onion soup was very good. The best part of the place was the atmosphere. We sat outside since it was such a nice day. They really do have a great location. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. 3 stars because the food was average.
(3)
Jacqueline L.
I went here for dinner on a thursday night, it was busy but maybe because there was a Yankee/Red Sox game on. The menu was a little limited and pricy. They have great bread though, and Harpoon on tap so a couple points for that! The ahi tuna appetizer was good, but the cilantro rice cake was too chewy to eat. Gazpacho was very tasty. Atmosphere was mediocre, it was just a restaurant. I would probably go back for the bar, but not for the food. my company was the best part about it...
(3)
Vance A.
I have been to Joe's a ton of times, usually in the summer when the patio is open, and though I do enjoy coming here, its always a hit or miss when it comes to the food. I was just here for dinner with a friend and grabbed a burger and beer, and it the burger was mediocre. I've had better...at the same place. Not a bad place, and convenient when you want something cheap around the Newbury/Copley area.
(3)
Heather R.
this was my bf's and my 2nd time to Joe's - first was for lunch, 2nd time brunch. of course it was crazy busy again since it was the weekend, but we decided to sit inside to avoid *as much* of a wait. our meal: the mini muffins and fresh OJ were delish. bf's '2 eggs any way' came out just fine. I ordered the prime rib hash.. and I've never been so turned off by a meal out before. literally at LEAST half of the 'meat' in my hash were pieces of pure fat and gristle. I picked through my plate to see if I was making things up, but no, I kept running into cooked fat chunks mixed in with the actual prime rib, eggs and sauce. it was disgusting. I ate the fruit off my plate and finished off the muffins. we won't be back to this restaurant. at this point, the pluses are outweighed by the negatives and there are far better restaurants in the area.
(2)
Johnny C.
Arrived from San Francisco late in to the evening, exhausted, head cold setting in, hotel problems and in need of food fast... NOT FAST FOOD. Asked the concierge whether there was any place nearby that had good food. He checked his watch, "Hmmm it's kinda late to be eatin'." I gave him the out of towner's stupefied, shoulda known better look, to his up and down assessment. Then he looked around the landscape (he sees this every day right?) like a cowboy in search of steer that had roamed out of the pack.... and finally arrived at a solution, "Well Joe's is puddy good." He pointed in the general direction of Joes, "It's ova theya, just crawss the street and keep wakin' down Daatmath." This man saved my life that night. Joe's is located in Boston's Back Bay. Back in the day it was the high end Josephs...but that was way back, before "Baby Got Back" back. Now it's a solid steaks and chops kinda place. There are two levels. I ate at the bar upstairs, while downstairs a party raged (at least it sounded like it). The upstairs seems like the perfect meeting place for friends or a date. The staff were friendly, efficient and conversant - the charms of Boston! I had angelhair primavera and a glass of wine. Everything was fab! A second glass of wine killed off whatever I was catching. 4 duckets for killing my cold. Minus a ducket for the hootin' and hollerin' down stairs.
(4)
Diane D.
Joe's is good if you go there for the right thing I think...the outdoor patio. I cannot see any reason to bother dining at Joe's indoors, although the interior is roomy and also has a large bar area downstairs. The patio is large, sunny yet partially shaded, and a great afternoon stop if you're hanging out in Back Bay and need to take a break for some food and drinks. The food is average, but given the location the prices are quite reasonable - especially for lunch. I had the honey mustard chicken salad and it was very large/filling. Overall Joe's provided a great outdoor venue to catch-up with some friends and enjoy a really nice Memorial Day afternoon... 4 stars!
(4)
Kris H.
Joes is my go to place for a drink after work. Great staff and amazing food. downstairs bar is the place to go!
(5)
J T.
I was not a big fan of Joe's - my brother and I came one Sunday for brunch and we were taken downstairs to the basement. The place gets packed at around brunch time, and so the tables are placed really close together in order to allow for more customers. Not a good idea. They were so awkwardly close together that we could hear everyone's conversation and I'm sure they must have heard mine. Thank goodness there were no screaming babies. My brother ordered pancakes and I ordered an omelette - they were both okay. I've had better brunches. When the bill came out I vowed never to go back for brunch again - it was way too expensive for what they served. Until I find a better brunch place, I'm going to stick with my beloved Brookline Lunch.
(2)
F. B.
This place is awesome!!! Awesome steaks, awesome beer, awesome atmosphere and clean tap lines. Fast service for a reasonable price. With High Society upstairs, and Low Society down, you can take your pick depending on the occasion. The only drawback is parking, which can be a problem.
(4)
John G.
I have never had the urge to write a review on here... until now... Let me tell you about my experience at Joe's: A friend and I went for lunch during the week. Their patio is in the sun, so they were busy, but not packed. The hostess was clueless about a wait time, so we waited until a manager told us it would be a 5-10 min wait... no problem; they gave us a buzzer. 2 more couples walked in after us, each got a buzzer. We waited 10 min and one of the other couples' buzzer goes off before ours... ok odd. 5 minutes later, the second couple's buzzer goes off, so were realize ours clearly isn't working and we talk to the host. She acts confused and the manager steps in and apologizes. Ok, fine, glitches happen. Well, then we were asked to walk downstairs where we'd be seated on the patio. We walk downstairs to wait yet again, and hosts, servers, and others all breeze past us with no acknowledgment what-so-ever... so we try to get someone's attention, but the wait staff is visibly stressed-out and distracted. Finally a hostess notices us (after passing us 3 times before) and brings us to a table on the patio. 10 minutes later, after 1, then 2 then 3 then 4 different servers walk by our table with ZERO acknowledgment, its clear we aren't going to be served, and at this point I'm sick of having to grab someone myself to make this meal happen. We walk out the door, and the first hostess says "Thanks for coming, have a nice day!".....HA! what?? clueless... It's pretty clear that because they're on touristy newbury st, they will always have customers, no matter how disorganized, stressed-out or completely clueless their staff is. my advice: Charley's, down the street, has the exact same menu and prices
(1)
Michael G.
I used Yelp all the time, but never registered, until I was inspired today to save others.... This is my first review. Im trying to think of what frustrated me the most; I sat and watched several tables who arrived well after us get their food first.. In fact, one table who arrived 15 minutes after us, actually got their bill before we even received our food! Our waiter was in another world. Obviously completely unorganized. Between the 15 delay in greeting us, waiting at least another 15 minutes to serve the bread, and another how long to get our meals.. he was definately not on top of things... He was friendly and polite, just oblivious... It was only after we asked for the manager to follow up on our food did we eventualy get it. The food.... the English Muffin was soo stiff, my knife was useless. I needed one of those crocodile cutters like on the infomercial. The 'hash browns'.. more like mash browns. They must collect the potatoes in a plastic bag and take turns throwing it against the wall before serving them. Don't get me started on the coffee. The glass of water was great, no complaints there. There was a table in front of me, there was so much food debris and mess on the floor that was not cleaned up before seating the next group. I watched a woman sit at the table, look down and check that food did not get stuck under her boot. Another nice touch was fact that right under my seat, the floor was steeply slanted. I keep sliding to the right during the meal until the wall would stop me and I would recenter myself again, over and over. I dont know why they ask 'how was everything?' The response was a very loud silence after I described my meal to the waiter. The manager never followed up after I complained how long it took to get my food. There was no concession on my bill either... paid full price and was sure to include a tip of 0.00. My poor wife... She must have thought, what did I do so wrong for him to bring me here for brunch?
(1)
Bryan M.
I'm aware of the fact that, at different times of day .you can go to the same restaurant and go to an entirely different restaurant. That being said I went to this place at 10pm on a Sunday night. expecting a decent burger and some fries with some friends. We sat out on the patio and were literally attacked by 2 mice. We all jumped up startled and were then placed inside where it smelled like, I kid you not, feet. Not just any feet, but DIRTY feet. It took 10 minutes to get out bread and water and 25 minutes for our food. 2 burgers cooked medium and 2 salads. The waiter checked on us when our plates were empty and I had to get up and refill my own water. My burger was passable, but nothing great about it. They gave me roughly 10 french fries and 2 onion rings, both of which were cold and our waiter came to check on us only when we were nearly done and didn't need anything else. My experience here was TERRIBLE.
(1)
susu c.
Not that I am expecting gourmet dining at a chain, but I was not pleased with my chicken tenders. They were horribly bland and tasteless. Plus, why do four chicken tenders that taste like the ones my crappy corner pizza shop has cost 16.99?. The fries sucked too. My Harpoon IPA was good though.
(1)
Nicole B.
i cant really comment on the service because it has been such a long time since i've dined in that i can't recall service, etc. however, i used to get takeout all the time as i worked down the street. i usually got their french onion soup and it always came with the bread. the bread: Amazing! words cannot describe my love for that bread. i think the real reason i'd go there was for the bread and the soup was just an excuse. the french onion soup: good. better than some, worse than some. a bit salty. but on a cold day, it really hits the spot. makes a good, inexpensive lunch. as far as newbury goes, pretty average. you can do better, but you can do much worse::coughcoughstephanie'scoughcough::
(3)
Lin X.
Decent food if you want traditional, no frills American cuisine. I use to go here with co-workers if we wanted a burger or a salad during the work week. The outdoor seating, next to the lower level is great if the weather is nice.
(3)
Pamela P.
Waaaay overpriced for basically TGIF's, Bennigans, Chiles, Outback, etc...fare. It's all the same, and I couldn't believe the $$$ they wanted for supremely mediocre food. Maybe go if you want a Coke and to sit outside or what not at one of their spots...but if you're expecting a good meal...I really wouldn't bother.
(2)
Laura B.
I went in there alone and told them, "I have 45 minutes to eat. I need fast service." The waiter said, "Okay, whatever you want, we can do!" The service is wonderful - they came and checked on me five times before my meal even got to my table. The wine list looked great, but I didn't have time to enjoy my meal, so I didn't order alcohol. There was an old guy sitting near me, probably oogling all the babes prancing out of the fashion design school across the street. He ordered chocolate cake. It was gigantic. I couldn't stop oogling that! He had a bourbon with dessert. It looked so incredibly good. There is never enough time. Next time I am over there, chocolate and sweet wine for me!
(4)
Bruno A.
I worked here years ago and though I'd like to tell about gross things done to rude customers' food in the kitchen or other more interesting things, I never saw an incident. In fact the staff is very competent and good to those that came in, as is the management. How the management treats the staff is something else entirely. That's the cause of the high turnover rate at that place. I always wondered why they charged so much. It's a chain restaurant, much like TGI Friday's, Applebee's or other crap places except the prices are higher. The food is better and slightly classier than the above restaurants and the cooks are excellent though there isn't much of a selection. I've been told the clam chowder is excellent but I hate clam chowder of all forms so I can't vouch for it. The bar is good though I always thought the bartenders acted much busier than they actually were. If you don't want any surprises and are showing your family the city I would recommend Joe's. It's nothing fancy, but not bad food either. Two stars for the atrocious management.
(2)
Sam D.
American Joe's is a kind of confusing and disappointing place to eat dinner. The decor and price imply a much fancier restaurant than the food, service, and menu deliver. The selection of food is very limited--a few fish selections and a few steak selections (and then a few assorted items). All of it is pretty good, but none of it is too great. With the fancy look in an old-fashioned tavern environment, the Uno's-quality food (fine, but nothing to write home about) is unexpected. On the plus side, the bread is really good. The service is a little slow, even when the dining room is essentially empty. All in all, with all the other places to eat on Newbury St., I hope you don't end up at Joe's.
(2)
Matt L.
There are several Joe's American Bar and Grill's to try around the area and some are really nice inside and some are really not. One thing that is the same is the mediocre food and chain like atmosphere. This is part of a restaurant group that are all pretty much chains around the area. This particular location is in a busy spot on the Newberry St in the midst of luxury retail stores. The bad news is that the place is so compact and tight and again service is so bad here and so disorganized, who cares if you get a seat, because once you do the place doesnt do much for the pallet. The menu boasts a nice array of sandwiches and dinners, prime rib and burgers and some pasta dishes. I have had a few dinners here and the steak is always either too rare or over done. The sandwiches are just okay and the burgers are large and not that elaborate. In the end this is more of an upscale Applebees, with mahogany walls and a nice bar. Don't let the average food decieve you, the prices are not cheap and your final bill may surprise you!
(3)
Robyn L.
This happened to be the first place we stumbled across, almost literally, after taking a wine tasting class down the street at the BCAE. (I don't recommend taking such a class without eating a heavy meal beforehand.) We decided to share some calamari and a steak tips caesar salad, and bread of course, and we actually had leftovers. The waitress was also happy to split up the food for us before bringing it out. The salad would have been huge on its own plate... and it was just so good. Great spot if you're looking for good food with decent prices -- at least according to Newbury Street standards.
(4)
Brian C.
The place looks classier than you would expect from the prices. However, the food was really average, and I say that in the worst way possible. I ordered some sort of seared tuna dish (medium rare), and received approximately 6 silver-dollar sized (diameter AND thickness) pieces of completely cooked tuna, with little to no flavor. There was a thick, artificial-ly tasting sauce all around them, but that didn't help much. My girlfriend got a vegetarian pasta dish, and it was, well, nothing special. I feel like I could've gone to Stop 'n' Shop and bought it in the frozen food section for $4. Otherwise, bread was good, salad was ok, and I have absolutely no desire to ever return.
(2)
Katie G.
I wasn't totally sold on this restaurant. It seemed really packed and not very well laid out. I went with a few of my roomates friends to celebrate his birthday, and got there early, so I sat at the bar to wait. I was one of 2 people sitting at the bar and the bartender took well over 5 minutes to even acknowledge me. The gin and tonic I ordered was pretty weak. Once everyone showed up we were seated at a tiny table that seemed comfortable for 2, but not for the 4 seated there. The burger I ordered was delicious and cooked perfectly, but the meal was kind of marred by the service. There was a clan of maybe 5 waiters who grouped together to chat and laugh in the center of the dining room pretty much ignoring the patrons. The waitress we had no patience whatsoever, and would just shove more and more plates onto our table without clearing others to make room. We ended up putting empty drink glasses on the floor because she came around so infrequently. Overall, I probably wouldn't come back here even though the burger was delicious. There are just too many good decent burger joints in Boston for me to feel the need to come back.
(2)
Jonathan W.
good bloody mary - great bread - horrible brunch. i had higher hopes but was quickly let down. i should have known what i would get with the boston equivalent of the new york power guido (aka. joey badda-bing) greeted us at the door. the staff was disorganized and had ill-fitting clothes. come on guys - low riding trousers work as jeans (if thats your thing) never as a suit - sloppy guido gangsta mess. fire the staff - fire the people in the kitchen. heck - start from scratch. good bloodymary though.
(2)
A B.
Came here after work for drinks and dinner. The outdoor bar and dining area is really nice, particularly if the weather is cooperating. The bartender was great. Sat down at a nice table overlooking Newbury. That's when things went down hill. Our waiter was earnest but clueless. It took forever to get our simple orders which were a sandwich and a pizza. When my pizza finally came, it was completely disappointing. It was seriously a frozen microwave pizza. It was the size of frozen microwave pizza (about 12" in diameter) and it had that same taste (you know that all frozen microwave pizzas have). To make it worse, it came lukewarm to mildly cold. It was quite possibly the worst food I've ever been served at a restaurant. My friend's sandwich was also mildly cold (it was supposed to be a hot sandwich). To top it off, the waiter screwed up our checks which was annoying. I can understand an honest mistake, but that was the straw that broke the camel's back.
(1)
Shikha B.
Great location, especially on a warm day, but this Americana cuisine restaurant is just kind of blah otherwise. First of all, we had requested outside seating, which was a 40 minute wait (understandable) - they gave us a buzzer, which started ringing after about 15 minutes. We ran back to the restaurant only to find that they didn't have any outdoor seating available. Apologizing for their mistake (which is always good), they proceeded to sit us down. The food was OK. I ordered filet mignon benedict, but the muffins were burnt (kind of gross), and the "spicy" bloody mary was watered down and not very good (or spicy) at all. They also didn't give us bread (b/c they had run out... at 1pm) and apparently, they ran out of lemons too! The service was also okay, until the waitress said that despite the fact that we had ordered full meals, dessert, and various beverages, we couldn't sit there just with drinks (even though other tables were doing so directly around us) - needless to say, that affected how much tip we gave her. So, would I go there again? Only if I can get that table right on Newbury Street where I can people watch, and enjoy the rare Boston warmth. But, I'm definitely not heading back for the food or service.
(3)
Jesse N.
I find Joe's to be very unique blend of a higher-end restaurant with a sports bar setting. Clearly, some parts of this restaurant are reserved for sports watching and beer chugging while other parts are for some pleasant wining and dining. I'll cut to the chase. There is one thing that makes Joe's extra special to me. They have the best filet mignon I've ever tasted. The best part is, the cut they give you is a lot bigger than most other places would (i.e. some really fancy french restaurant). I believe it only costs only in the 20s. Great restaurant if you want to have a chill time eating with your friends before going out somewhere else!
(5)
Kristen G.
Upstairs is a little more fancy for people who want a nice, quiet meal. Downstairs is a different story. It's a louder, more active crowd in a sports bar setting. The food throughout the entire place is great. It's great for families, dates or post work beers and dinner with friends. All American, all around quality restaurant.
(4)
Merri L.
chain restaurant, the best thing about it is how friendly the waiters were. we had just left another restaurant cuz they were rude, and it was such a pleasure to be greeted by 2 people at the door and welcomed. the food was regular boring american food, though my friend loves the clam chowder there.
(3)
Kathleen T.
In a city that is not always so child friendly, my family found this to be a grea tplace to grab a bit when our whole family, with people of all ages, was in town. Not only does the atmosphere accomodate everyone, but the prices and variety of food do as well.
(4)
Terance L.
While shopping in the area, we started getting hungry and was looking for a hearty meal that didn't cost a lot. Asked the cashier at Nike Town what she would reccommend and she said Joe's. Decided to give it a try so we went. Once we walked in, we were greeted by the hostess then she walked us to our table by the window. Shortly after, our waitress came by and greeted us then proceded to tell us the specials. Once she was done, she took our drink order and brout out some bread which was delicious. When she came back with our drinks, we were ready to order. I decided to get a bowl of clam chowder since we were in the area known for their choiwder. I also decided to get the lobster ravioli with shrimp which came out nicely done and delicious. My wife ordered a caeser salad and the meatloaf which was made with chicken and beef instead if the traditional way. Though a bit dry and they skimped on the mushroom gravy, the dish tasted good. Our waitress Steph was great. She always checked up on us making sure everything was alright and brought out another drink when ours got low. Now why can't I get service like that back home in california? Wait, I just answered my own question. Anyways, if your in Boston and looking for american grill, give Joe's a try.
(4)
Ashley M.
reliable chain restaurant... though with all of the other good places to go in boston i can't imagine why you'd choose joe's unless you were looking for something central/easy to find. also joe's on the waterfront by the north end is just much prettier.
(3)
Christine Y.
one of my fave brunch places in boston. i can make a meal out of their fresh-baked sourdough loaf
(4)
Meghan L.
ahh, joe's. it's main attraction is the location- a stone's throw from my apartment, making it the perfect locale on wintry nights. i have to say, i love the downstairs bar... it's my own personal cheers. my fiance and i are well taken care of by the awesome and friendly bartenders. the food is mostly decent but the burgers are awesome!!! definitely order a burger from the bar downstairs- the upstairs restaurant will charge you twice as much for it- would never go to the restaurant. overall it's a really expensive place for what it is, but it's on newbury street so you can't expect anything less. it's a great place to watch a game, and it is my default spot to go... always an interesting mix of people and fun times. can't say enough about the bartenders... they are great!
(4)
Danielle W.
Went here with some friends and had a lot of fun on the patio! Great atmosphere and pretty good food. Our server was friendly and joked with us. We shared a plate of their nachos and calamari. I love me some good nachos, and theirs were great! I had the signature burger which was good and no one in my party had any complaints about their dishes. My only complaint, is that the hostesses were not particularly welcoming or friendly. Definitely would recommend this place, especially to dedicated people watchers.
(4)
Steph S.
The food was so yummy! We got the calamari, jambalaya, spinach and artichoke dip, and steak sandwich with French dip. The bread basket is literally straight out of the oven and so chewy and soft. Minus three stars for the terrible service though... We were never greeted when we walked into the restaurant. The three hostesses just stood there having personal conversations with each other and failed to acknowledge the arrival of new customers. When we were seated, the waitress, a short Hispanic lady, never introduced herself. She stopped by our table three times during the entire dinner: once to take our order and give us water, another to refill the water, and then to give us our check. She never checked up on us to see how the meal was going for the entire duration of the dinner. When we were done eating and walking out, those same three hostesses literally just WATCHED US WALK BY without even saying bye. sigh The chefs deserve better than to have their delicious meals ruined by rude servers and hostesses.
Great atmosphere. Huge windows that look out onto newbury street. Large menu with gluten free options. Gluten free Mac and cheese is huge and delicious. Kale and quinoa salad is excellent. Good iced teas. Salsa trio sampler good also. Friendly staff. Nice bar. Consistently good food.
(4)
Danielle E.
Great bread, chowda and ambience. The open patio is great for people watching during nice weather.
(4)
Elizabeth S.
Was pleasantly surprised by this place! Had an excellent salad with blackened Salmon. Came here with a colleague who has a gluten allergy, which they really cater to (had a great gluten free bread as a starter that I even liked!)
(4)
Kelly F.
Pretty popular restaurant on Newbury, a pretty novelty American-style restaurant. Food was awesome, drinks were good, our waiter was super accommodating and attentive. I got the tuna burger without the bun and had a house salad on the side instead of fries. The tuna was awesome and the salad was surprisingly great for a house salad. Wasn't expecting much from it and was pleasantly surprised. My boyfriend got the grilled fish sandwich and that was also delicious. Not the most unique restaurant in Boston, but has a lot of room, a cool ambiance, great food & drinks. No complaints, will definitely be back.
(4)
Carol Ann G.
Their sangria is AMAZING, we frequent it when I'm in Boston on business and sometimes during my leisurely time as well. this last time stood out because we had the sweetest waiter: he was attentive and genuine and we had a blast. Our company included a very picky eater on a very strict diet and he absolutely took care of all of her wants and needs! The kitchen forgot to bring out her chicken and apologized profusely and brought it out in such a timely manner afterwards we have never seen such quick service. I cannot say enough good things. I got the steak and my friend got the burger and he too agreed that it was wonderful. The rolls they bring out are also warm and buttery and amazing and I will definitely definitely be back again!
(5)
Sam T.
Joe's is a pretty fun place to hang out and enjoy a great lunch/dinner. They are usually packed on the weekends so be prepared for a wait. But, also, this restaurant is HUGE so they can almost always find space for you. Whatever you do, do not leave this place without tasting the Mac & Cheese. My wife and I both wanted a sandwich/burger type of deal so we went that route but we read so many great reviews about the Mac & Cheese that we tried a side of it, and we pretty much scrapped the dish clean. They have a burger that they recommend with arugula and pork belly bacon strips on it...I honestly was not that impressed; it was lacking flavor and cohesion amongst the ingredients. I think the bread took away from the burger, and the burger itself was not very flavorful plus the pork belly only tasted good when I took it out of the burger. I would come back for the fries and for the mac & cheese, but not the burgers
(4)
Living T.
The setting is perfect: a busy corner in the high end shopping district, downtown Boston! You can sit and people watch, have a deck at the bar or a full meal. The lobster roll is delicious, when if it contains a lot of bread. The sweet potato fries are highly recommended. Although the menu has some seafood options, it's not exclusively so. The menu options are mostly American; nothing terribly risky or out of the ordinary for an American diet.
(4)
Craig S.
I was really surprised by this place. So much so I went twice in one week. I had never been because I'd always assumed this was on par with Applebee's or chilli's, while a chain it is far better. The French dip Sammy with horseradish creme was amazing. Staff was really exceptional (thaks Chris Rock haha). I def reccomend it if you can get a table.
(4)
Gerard H.
Could be a 4.5. Great place for a meal. Thought it looked like a chain restaurant but was pleasantly surprised. Food was delicious. Nice presentation - better taste. I had sliced pork sandwich. Delicious. One of my kids had fish tacos and they were great too. Good selection of beers. Comfortable inside. Great service.
(4)
Stephanie T.
I've only been to Joe's for brunch, but I've always enjoyed my meals here. The clam chowder bread bowl is awesome, some of the best chowder I have had in boston by far. The salads are huge and super filling. Try and get a table out by the street in the indoor patio area, makes for great people watching!
(4)
Sandra M.
I enjoyed my experience here! Nice bar tender, blue moons and a heaping plate of nachos. These are the kind of nachos you hope for when you go out: sour cream, guac, tonnnns of cheese.
(4)
Megan C.
I wish I could have experienced Joe's to its fullest, but due to rude and incompetent front-of-house staff, it simply wasn't possible. A co-worker and I were in search of an after-dinner drink (or several), and Joe's looked to fit the bill. There appeared to be a nice partial outdoors patio with a well-heeled clientele having a good time. There was no shortage of bar and patio tables available, so we were told upon entering the restaurant that bar space and tables were on a first-come, first-serve basis. We scored a sweet table at the bar, which ended up to be too good to be true before we could even order a drink. I stepped away to venture to the restroom (a long walk and down stairs from the main bar), only to return to an empty table and my co-worker back at the host stand. Somehow, this "first-come, first-serve" table had become a "reserved" table, and we were asked to leave the table. We weren't offered an alternative, and - with 10 pounds too much of haughty, aloof attitude - were told that we wouldn't be seated in the dining room if all we were planning on ordering were drinks. The other two host members stood there just as inconsiderately and unhelpfully as we made the right choice, which was to walk ourselves right out of Joe's and move on to Met Bar, where we had a MUCH better experience.
(1)
Mona B.
I personally dont like chain and never liked Joe's at all until every location I went too sucked at making burgers until I tried this location on a desperate rainy day! They have absolutely AMAZING service along amazing chefs because the food is really good. I've now been here several times and it's never been disappointing .
(5)
Danae K.
Great location, quick food, nice ambiance. But the food isn't special... I got a chicken club sandwich and the quality wasn't great... I suggest coming for drinks only.
(2)
Nandanie S.
I was impressed with the food, but not with the service. I found our waitress's attitude very ill tempered and we felt really rushed by her. Granted the timing of the food was good and our entrees were tasty, but service wasn't very inviting, which was a bit of a sour note. I know it's Newbury Street. I know it's a busy beautiful, Saturday morning, but please treat your guests better. I've been to other Joe's in the Boston area, and I've never encountered anything like the above. Not to say that I won't return...maybe just not anytime soon.
(3)
Tyler S.
Joe's is a solid american staple in the area. They have something on the menu for everyone, consistently good service and good beer/ cocktail options. Really great salad options like the kale & quinoa, the seared ahi and the honey chicken. Good place to stop for lunch if you're in the area, also a good place for groups which is sometimes hard to come by.
(4)
K E.
I have to say, I live in the neighborhood and starting off not liking this place because of the bad Joe's in North End. But this place has completely changed my mind. Service is fantastic, especially Anna. If you can, sit in her section! I've always had great meals, but even when my friend had an issue with her eggs, they replaced them (twice) with no questions asked. I will continue to go back!
(4)
Marina G.
The location is great, fantastic modern cocktails, and a beautiful dining room. The ceiling that can open up for open air seating is absolutely fantastic!! And the sweet potato fries are to die for!!! I could live off them. Unfortunately this would have been a glorious 5 star rating if the waiter hadn't inaudible mumbled straight nonstop drivel to my friends and I who just wanted to enjoy quality time together and catch up on each other's lives. He completely ruined our experience and tried to talk to us so many times about NOTHING that we were unable to enjoy a single part of our conversation without getting interrupted by him standing over us and mumbling. Also the waiter's recommendations for getting my fish blackened turned out to be flavorless. I would go back but never want to have the same waiter standing over our shoulders, waiting to interrupt our conversations to ask us 5x if we like the drinks and food, trying to sell us porterhouse steaks (25 year old women don't go for that!) then to make Boston small talk. Rude. Go away. Go harass some other girls night out group at Dick's Last Resort or something.
(2)
Lisa G.
Stopped in at Joe's for lunch and loved it. The wait was about 8 minutes, but we managed to get a table on the patio. It was warm outside, but that was the sacrifice for one of the best seats in the house, I suppose. Made for great people watching and socializing, but they should have some ceiling fans installed. I got the ahi tuna salad, which was done perfectly. Maybe a bit small. I could've eaten more, but it was still delicious. My friend got the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw. This is definitely some of the best fried chicken I've ever tasted. And the mashed potatoes were nice and garlicky! A bit too heavy for me on the hot day, so the taste was all I needed. Great service, too. I can't believe how quickly the food came out. With a smile. Perfect location on swanky Newbury.
(5)
Pam C.
We dropped by after some shopping on Newbury street. The interior is pretty dark, and actually quite large since they also have an extensive downstairs seating section. It was raining pretty hard when we came, but I imagine it would be very nice to sit on the glassy, greenhouse area on a nicer day. The staff was very nice but quite inattentive - when we walked in there was a good deal of confusion about who was going to get seated. They either didn't have a hostess at all, or had too many hostesses, because we were approached by three different confused staffpeople at the door before we finally got seated. They have a rather unremarkable menu - the food is pretty typical of an American sports bar/diner. A lot of hamburgers, a lot of steak. Although people recommended the mac and cheese, all of us ended up getting the signature burger, which was quite good. The pork belly is a little too thick and tough, and the bottom bun was a little too thin - the burger ended up getting very greasy and hard to eat after a while. Additionally, it comes with an overwhelming mound of arugula - we ended up taking most of it out. All in all, though, their signature burger is pretty good and worth a try. The regular fries are very fat and meaty, but their sweet potato fries are crispy and thin and quite delicious. The prices are all very reasonable, with most dishes between 10 and 30 dollars. Service was very attentive and knowledgeable.
(3)
Steven R.
I took a group of 10 to breakfast this morning at Joe's on the recommendation of a concierge. I was slightly skeptical due to the 3-star average on Yelp. We in fact had a SUPREMELY good experience thanks in large part to our server, Colin D. He was the epitome of perfect, with every utterance feeling like a pleasant conversation rather than a script. He was spot on with every single interaction and the food and drinks were delicious. He managed our table and experience flawlessly. The food was delicious as well: we were all very pleased with the meal. But Colin brought it together. We had a really diverse group of diners of all ages and from all parts of the country: we were pretty unanimous in the awesomeness of the venue and especially of the server. Thanks Joe's and Colin!
(5)
Kathie R.
A bunch of us went to Joes after work. We met Joey G there, he was our server. He was wonderful- extremely attentive, enthusiastic, and very kind. We never once went without needed or asking, he was very down to earth, & made us feel appreciated. Our experience was very pleasant due to his superior service he provided! Food was delicious and came out perfect! Coming from a business/service environment, I feel I have a keen eye for great service and compliment lightly; however, Joey G at Joes on Newbury deserves a review:) thanks for the great dinner and thanks for the "not so common" excellent customer service :) see you again!
(5)
Doug E.
I was recommended this place by a gf friend, and to their credit, they are very solicitous of gf issues. They fried my French fries in their own oil, and they had a gf hamburger bun. I also liked my waiter a lot; he was very friendly. I think I ordered wrong. They do have some interesting things on the menu, but I got mesmerized by all the old fashioned American food. I wish I'd gotten their kale and quinoa salad. My real issue with the place was the atmosphere: it's very Chili's esque. Yes, there were a lot of families, but, I don't know, I just felt the need to get out of there as soon as possible. I think I'd need to try it again, and order differently.
(3)
Kristina C.
Soooo.. I feel like people just love to hate on chain restaurants, but I actually really liked it here. We came for my friend's birthday because she has a severe gluten allergy and she noticed they have a good amount of gluten-free choices. They were super accommodating about it, and even gave her a separate bread basket (even though it was just toasted gluten-free sandwich rolls) (it's the thought that counts). The regular bread that came out for the rest of us was literally just that though- a big loaf of unsliced bread that we had to pass around the table like we were Jesus's disciples or something. Can restaurants not do this? Sliced bread, please. On a side note, the bread was super soft and delicious. Also, when I asked our server for her opinion on the reuben vs. the french dip sandwich, she didn't try to upsell the french dip and told me the reuben was her favorite. No regrets there. I actually still think about how good that reuben was sometimes before I fall asleep... is that weird?
I rarely make reviews on this internet web site, but this experience pushed me off the theoretical edge of the boat that I wish I owned. My infant wife, crippled son and I were enjoying a plate of well toasted Swedish-style nachos with Gueda cheese on them. Heavily devoted to the complexity of the texture and flavor of the pig skin, we didn't notice the man on the bicycle steal a handful of our nachos right from our table! Now I'm not too familiar with regulations regarding the thievery of nachos within "American" establishments such as this eatery, but I'm nearly positive that my 2016 presidency will change these rare happenings. I spoke of my cause in Kansas, Hawaii, Montana, and other middle eastern territories our troops are so bravely fighting to withhold. Now I may not be a smart man, but I do know what love is. This nation was built off the roots of animosity and amber waves of grain so I believe we need to return to that state of mind. Remember to vote on September 15, 2015 at your local dispensary. Thank you for you time and God Bless America.
(4)
Hanzhou P.
The restaurant looks very nice from outside,and I wish I could get a chance to try the food here someday with my friends:-)
(4)
Chris M.
Stopped in with a group of co-workers. I had the clam chowder to start which I felt was a bit too thick, almost like corn starch was added so it got kinda gluey. Tasted good though. I then had a caesar salad which was fine and what I liked most was the Jambalaya. Shrimp were large and cooked well, lots of sausage and a very good flavor all around. Beers were kinda pricey and your basic Sam Adams variety. All in all decent but nothing to write home about (oh wait im writing home about it right now).
(4)
Amanda L.
I've been to Joe's plenty of times and I have to say... it's okay. It's certainly one of the more affordable options if you're on Newbury Street. Every table gets a basket of the most amazing bread before their meal. Think about how many times restaurants have dropped off mediocre bread at your table. It's a waste of space in your stomach, empty calories and 9x out of 10... is usually 'just okay' or 'eh' and we regret eating it. Like, seriously. This bread is amazing. It's crispy on the outside and hot and soft on the inside. This is one of the only restaurants where I'll allow myself some bread before the main event - you should do the same. The Ahi Tuna Tartare and Crispy Calamari are two relatively tasty appetizer options. I've tried the Ahi Tuna Salad for lunch once and found it to be missing... something. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it certainly wasn't memorable. In the winter they had Butternut Squash Ravioli. Although the ravioli was okay - they piled roasted butternut squash in the middle of the plate and that was excellent. On two separate visits here my companions each got a burger. My boss said it was one of the best burgers he's ever had (the Joe's Signature Burger) and my boyfriend mentioned his 'make your own' burger was the perfect solution for a starving stomach. Last night I tried the Chicken & Broccoli Ziti and found that it fell flat. The broccoli captured all of the flavor in the dish, which I love, but left the rest of the plate crying for attention. The chicken was bland and the pasta was too. Although I will give props to the kitchen for making the choice to not have this dish swim in cream sauce. I know it's a risk I'm willing to make when ordering this type of dish, but hey, life's all about taking risks. Will I return? I'm sure. With living in the South End and working in the Back Bay it's a super convenient and affordable option for weeknight dining. I've heard their brunch is pretty good too although I have yet to experience it. Grab a pal and head to Joe's for a satisfying dinner and hey... let me know if you find that signature plate that just knocks your socks off. And don't forget... EAT THE BREAD!
(3)
Gabi M.
We came here to celebrate a family birthday over the weekend. We were tucked in a private dining room with two other tables, and the ambient noise was deafening. It was impossible to not shout at one another. The food was disappointing considering the price point-- one dish had to go back-- but I suppose that's to be expected on Newbury. Our service was quite good, however, and she was very sweet to bring our birthday girl an unprompted slice of chocolate cake. The cake, to be honest was the best. The kale salad was also exceptional, and the crab cakes and fish tacos were great. Avoid the tuna burger.
(2)
Scott G.
Consistent reliably good food in a pleasant atmosphere. Good cocktails. Brought the kids here. Appropriate for adults with or without kids. They do have a kids menu if you have them with you. Solid upscale place.
(4)
Alan H.
Unlike met bar this place almost always over cooks food. Service is nice but just once I wish they would get an order correct. They have the worst cooking staff in the back bay besides grill 23. Avoid both of them at all cost.
(1)
Heather N.
Had lunch there on a Saturday afternoon. They were fairly busy and the wait was about 10 minutes. Once we had a table, we waited longer than is acceptable for a server to greet us. Finally she came (her name was Maritza), and we ordered our food & drinks all at once. After taking our order, it was another 5 minutes before we got our drinks. This pissed me off for two reasons: 1) we ordered waters. 2) she walked by us twice before bringing our drinks. We were starving, and ordered an appetizer. Maybe that's why she didn't offer us bread. I don't know, but it irked me seeing every other table with a bread basket on their table. Another server brought us our appetizer, and even though she walked by multiple times, she never asked if everything was okay. The same thing happened when we got our food, which really was delicious by the way. I had the chicken pot pie. It was rich, creamy and had a puff pastry top. My husband had the French dip. Half of it was perfect, the other half needed more horseradish. The food here was excellent, but our disinterested server ruined any shot of me dining here again.
(2)
Patrick G.
We came back to Joe's American and ate here twice on 12/5 and 12/7. The place did not disappoint. The first visit I had the NY strip steak which was cooked to perfection. Being from Texas there are very few places outside Texas that can cook good steaks. We also tried the salmon which was very fresh and flaked very easily with a touch of the fork. The second visit we stayed to watch some of the Pat's game and took burgers to go. The burgers were well worth the money and still tasted great when we got back to the hotel. We will be coming back again next year as we have yet to be disappointed!
(4)
Christine J.
Good food, lovely bread!! Love their big chunk of bread when you sit down :D good food and drinks, esp for large groups. Been here for after hour drinks with coworkers, as well as a girls night out dinner. Happy with everything so far.
(4)
Hanna U.
There food was delicious. I got the blackened chicken fuscilli and it was wonderful. The staff was friendly and attentive. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Michael S.
Service ..our server Eric was super friendly.. Ordered tuna tartare, and talk about disappointment.. They need to check the recipe on that. Also the mojitos were not on point ..overall it was an alright place.. Our turkey burgers were great though :)
(3)
Carolyn B.
Great time, even on a Sunday night! Music good, food (calamari) was excellent. Hash the bartender was also very good and helpful. The star of the night was Travis the manager who took very good care of this tourist from Chicago! Thank you.
(5)
Kara M.
Wonderful service ! The manager IS so nice and attentive. A+. We had an amazing dinner...the food is phenomenal. I . Would definitely recommend going if you're in the area.
(5)
Jamie B.
I've been a client of Joe's American Bar & Grill since it's inception, really, ten years ago. This used to be a charming place with good food. My, how it has gone downhill since those days. I'm dismayed to write this, but the service was horrendous. I went to watch the France vs. Germany World Cup match today, and instead they were showing tennis, which no one was watching. I asked the bartender to change the soccer, but she said she'd do it in a minute. Two minutes passed and she didn't do it, the match was going on, and someone could have scored. So I asked her again, at which she once again said, "one minute". Unbelievable! How hard is it to change a TV station? Well, another minute passed, and she still didn't change it, so I asked the man who was working at the bar to change it, but then the bartender told him to wait! What sort of power trip is that? So I asked the guy again to change it, let's just say I ran out of patience with the malicious bartender. But by this time things had begun to blow up since I was visibly upset to be so disrespected by this bitchy bartender! It looks like I won't be going back to Joe's anytime soon, I had already been there countless times, I could never imagine that anyone there would disrespect me like that. Here's a lesson - next time a World Cup fan asks you to change the channel, do it, instead of going on a perverted little power trip where you are maliciously refusing to change the channel.
(1)
Tom B.
Food was average and a bit pricey for what you get. Good atmosphere. Nice view of harbor.
(3)
Shelby S.
It's our first time in Boston and we stopped here on out first night for dinner and drinks. It was DELICIOUS! we had great service and the music was awesome. If you go, ask for JAMES! He was so personable and really went above and beyond for us. I highly recommend stopping by!
(5)
Hammy E.
When I am craving a turkey burger I go to Joe's. The turkey burger here is really yummy. I order it with the house salad instead of the fries and the salad is really tasty. The only other thing I ordered from here was the chicken quesadilla which was good. Def a good spot to go if you are craving quality bar good.
(4)
Elaine T.
came here with a group of friends and let me tell you, it was pretty great. We made reservations here for a table of 6 and although two of our friends couldn't make it, the staff where fine with it and seated us within 2 minutes. Our waitress was incredibly helpful in suggesting what types of meals/drinks are popular at the restruant (since it was our first time there). I ordered the back bay sangria (which was amazing) and had the blackened chicken fusilli (it wasnt too bad could have been slightly better). The interior of the restaurant added a nice touch to the atmosphere of the whole place. Overall experience was pretty good. The drinks were great. Food, could have been a little better. But very nice place were you can enjoy a drink with friends.
(5)
Nino R.
Best place to sit is on the patio. It's the best place to people watch all year round. I love the design of the place and the menu has tons of great options to choose from. What I like most is that they cater to those with food allergies. They seem to take great care in accommodating special requests. They have a private room for special events which looks like it could hold about 30 people. They also boast a second full-sized bar downstairs. But again, all the action is up top. Not sure what to order? Try the Lobster Roll, Jambalaya, Blackened Chicken Pasta, Kale & Quinoa Salad, or the Steak Frites. They're all fantastic. But my favorite is the Tuna Tartare. It's so fresh and the chips really go great with it. It's a must try. Now if you can only find parking...
(4)
Bea B.
I would give it 11 if I could. The food was amazing. fucking AMAZING. I cried. Real tears of joy. The bread was heaven; straight out of the oven and still hot. Oh, and you can get some bread to go, too. And our server, Anna, was just as good as the food. She stopped to talk to us and served us within 10 minutes of sitting us-- keep in mind it was also pretty busy. 100/10 recommend going here. I could not stop eating. I regret nothing.
(5)
Shannon W.
I went here for brunch on a Saturday afternoon. It was busy but we only had to wait 15 minutes, which we killed at the bar drinking Bloody Mary's. Once we got seated and ordered food, it came fairly quick. We ordered the grilled fish sandwich and Ruben sandwich. The grilled fish was decent but the Ruben just wasn't good. I really wouldn't recommend it.
(2)
Mac D.
The waitress asked me if I wanted alcohol in my tomato juice...maybe I would have been better off ordering a virgin Bloody Mary without any added sauce? My bemusement continued when she asked me if I wanted milk after I ordered "a coffee with milk". Lastly, on top of the low food quality (even the bread?!?), I wasn't served what I ordered and there was no sign of the waitress again until she asked me if I was ready for the check.
(2)
Landon C.
Joe's is fine for a general dinner with friends. It's not exactly a place I'd take out-of-tenets in their visit into Boston. For the price and quality, I think there are quite a few more places that do better. However, if you're looking for a place with consistency and pretty decent food, it's a place to keep in mind. *Update - this doesn't change my review, but helps a bit. Their crab cakes are actually fantastic. Lots of meat, not just filling.
(3)
Rob C.
Meeeeeeh. Pros: Nice location and reasonable prices, plus they had some gluten free options which was important for our group Cons: Food quality slightly below Applebee's (bland burger, soggy fries, etc.) Service was friendly but several items never appeared while other random dishes did get left at the table. Not a bad experience, but probably wouldn't recommend.
(2)
Diane H.
We returned two nights later and we were not disappointed. Their wait staff is first class; in crisp white shirts and sharp wit and wisdom. We enjoyed the assistance of Connor tonight who was utterly delightful! The food . . . beginning with the best bread I can remember having at a restaurant, then a delicious clam chowder, kale and quinoa salad with the yummiest house dressing; best french fries ever and a delicious grilled chicken sandwich with the most unusual pickles! Wish there was a Joe's in Pittsburgh! Hey, there's an idea!
(5)
Megan S.
Food was good American classic. New England Clam Chowder was awesome. Service was amazing and good views of Newbury Street.
(4)
Kelly S.
Joe's is okay for what it is. Decent but overpriced standard American food. Their salads are really tasty and a nice option nearby in my neighborhood. Great service with a great location, but to me it's just a bit boring when you have so many other great restaurants on Newbury. While the food is definitely above typical bar food, it's not worth the Newbury street prices. Stephanie's is across the street serving similar but more creative dishes.
(3)
Alexandria L.
Visiting from California so I am already used to a "fresh veggie" kind of dinner as well as way to many vegetarian options. Since I am on vacation, who really needs these things, but I did find it odd that they only have a few options for vegetarians. People watching is certainly the best charm of this corner restaurant. In the bar/ patio area the windows open up and you can watch the walkers, runners, dogs, etc. The wait staff is lackluster. They had a new waitress/ hostess who was clearly afraid of her position at the front as a greeter. Each time someone came to check on her wellness, she would cower back into the fold and shy away from the staff and welcoming guests. She was eventually pushed and forced to make her way into the crowd. The pasta with chicken & broccoli looked amazing as well as the lobster plate that was ordered by the neighboring table. Serving staff was slow and could not be found when needed, but the food was great. Nightlife & bar scene seem to make this place irresistible to the locals & youthful travelers.
(3)
Blake M.
I love this place. I live close by so I try to stop in when it's not crowded. This time heather and Eric were working the bar. Nice people. The burger I had was a little over cooked. Side salad is awesome. I would give 5 but it was so hot outside. They have a retractable roof and don't turn on AC or have a way I keeping inside cool. Hard to sit down and enjoy a meal when your sweating. Probably won't go back to the bar over the summer. It's just too hot!
(4)
C. D.
A long in Boston 2 days after the 2013 marathon ended at Joe's American Bar & Grill. For the two days prior, this restaurant had been serving up burgers by the hundreds, gratis, to those working long, hard shifts just one block away at the sites of the marathon bombings. Community and kindness were served along with Caesar Salad, Prime Rib, NY Sirloin, dessert, and coffee. Thank you Joe's. If you find yourself in the neighborhood this week, stop in!
(5)
Ali H.
I like Joes because they make the best grilled buffalo wings I've ever had. Their special prime rib steak is so good with either mashed potato or sweet potato fries. Quite place, nice people and very clean.
(4)
Anthony P.
I visit Joe's several times a year. They have great Baby Back Ribs, that fall off the bone. They also serve great warm Bread, that is so tasty & they serve it with Butter and not that oil nonsense that so many other establishments are doing these days. I sat at the front bar and the bartenders Wendy & Frankie were awesome. They really go out of their way to give good service and this is a touristy Joe's which makes it all the more special that they recognize a regular.
(5)
Chris G.
Best lobster mac & cheese I've ever had. Even the balsamic dressing on the salad was amazing. Very accommodating to my gluten-allergic girlfriend with a good selection of gluten-free breads, buns, and pastas. Ask for Bianca, she's a great hostess!
(5)
Dan C.
Love the location, atmosphere and food. Basic American menu. Burgers and steaks and salads and sandwiches. great people watching.
(5)
Jacob S.
The chicken and broccoli Ziti was okay but the sauce was lacking flavor and was a little too watery for me
(2)
Laura K.
So, Joe's is just alright for me. I once went here and got the Roast Chicken and Wild Greens Salad and the rotisserized chicken was warm and the Balsamic on the side was the best I ever had. Since then, I have been back 15+ times and ordered the same thing in hope of a repeat of that one five-star meal. Sometimes I get terrible service, or the wrong dressing; and, sadly, the chicken has never since been warm. I keep coming back because it's convenient to my apartment, I know more-or-less what I'm going to get, I never get sick, it's rarely busy and the bread they give you is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Plus, maybe the 27th time I go in, I'll get a five-star, warm-chicken salad. Wait, what's the definition of insanity again?
(3)
Mike G.
had no idea this was a chain! hungry after running errands. this looked like fun and thought i'd get a decent meal. in sum: fried calamari was over battered & chewy. grilled honey chicken and seared ahi tuna on - drenched - salads were served cold & looked pre-cooked. though waiter said all dishes cooked to order. yeah. cool to sit in the terrace looking out to newbury street for entertainment. so stars for that and service. Only.
(2)
Heath S.
Great place, great waiter, great food, great location, and awesome sangria. We had a great time at Joe's. We sat in the far corner of the porch and had a nice breeze and I couldn't think of a better way to spend the lunch hour during our visit.
(4)
Valerie B.
- Food is great - Great staff - Nice Location I wish their menu wasn't so limited and they didn't only have ONE pasta in their whole menu. I'm a pasta lover so that, DISSAPOINTMENT! If you're a burger lover this is the place for you, they have good fries
(3)
Stacia P.
One time I was floored at how accomodating and gracious our waiter was. We requested oysters and he went all the way to Atlantic Fish to bring them over.. Incredible waiter. We come back a few days later and are told by a different waitress (who was only reiterating what the manager said) that they would be unable to do this again. I was disappointed in the lack of consistency. Overall this location seems better than waterfront.
(3)
David B.
Stopped by for the first time this past Sunday for a drink. Great renovation! A perfect example of a updated space within a old building. Super outdoor eating area with great street views. Do not expect a quiet meal in this place that for sure. It's very busy and the added street noise makes it very loud. I did not try the food though I've eaten at other Joes locations before it looks like the same menu. The open kitchen in back is a plus as well. The only thing I can give negative marks on right now is the small bathrooms that were in need of cleaning especially when it's busy.
(3)
Jill G.
Joe's on Newbury has not only great food, but is in an awesome location. They have open window seating that is great for people watching and the service s awesome. Even though it's a chain restaurant, the Joe's on Newbury still gives you that Boston vibe because of the setup and location. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. i recommend their salads- they are huge and delicious I am definitely a fan and would recommend eating at Joe's!
(4)
christine c.
Incredible new location with a wonderful redesign. Bread, shrimp cocktail, salads, pastas, all pretty good. Drinks are the same as a lot of the other Back Bay Restaurant Group spots (Charley's, Paparazzi, etc.) which is a little disappointing especially if you frequent the area. Still, for a bit more money I'd rather go on over to Abe's or Atlantic Fish (both owned by the same people)... For whatever reason I'd rather dine at Joe's in the South Shore Plaza than on Newbury. Maybe it's just lacking that "wow" factor.
(3)
Brian S.
Great all American place to go with family & friends.
(4)
Lyndsay C.
Living in Back Bay, Joe's used to be our go to spot for late night take out or lazy Saturday afternoon lunches. It was my jam. We usually did take out to avoid the tourist and the millions of kids that tend to migrate there. But recently I have been so disappointed. The menu changed and they got rid of many of my favorite meals and appetizers. I was sad. Then, the quality of the food changed. Twice I've gotten the fish sandwich (once fried and once blackened). It was so bland and had no flavor. Then the other night we ordered the chicken sandwich. We ended up calling the restaurant because the chicken was tough and pretty gross. They made us up a new one and it wasn't any better...I ate French fries for dinner that night. My orders have been messed up more than once and my once yummy food has now been replaced with low quality not so yummy food. Not sure what's going on but I need my Joe's back! In particular, the fried chicken platter.
(2)
Michelle L.
It was hot under the summer sun, but with a cool breeze we were determined to eat outside. In Back Bay that means a small cafe on the sidewalk or, well, Joe's. (Every tourist in the Boston will be at Stephanie's across the street and this local ain't waitin' 45 minutes for lunch!) So we ate a Joe's. They were able to seat us at a very sunny table immediately upon our arrival. One star! Our waiter, Carlos, was prompt and we ordered right away.Two stars! Remember how I said it was hot outside? Well while waiting for our orders we asked to move tables. The manager apparently had other ideas because he vetoed our approved request and sat a couple who'd just walked in. He then began to talk "behind" his menu to the hostess while I shot my signature OMGYouDidNotJustGiveThemMyTableInTheShade look. (We could see you btw Mr. Manager.) This kind of killed the experience. But the atmosphere was nice-- even in the sun that required I hand two men my girlie sunglasses. We ordered the seared tuna appetizer, ribs, and French dip sandwich, which were (as Yelp describes) meh. The food was average. There's really nothing more to say. I already forgot I ate there. In short, I felt that Joe's outdoor atmosphere is great for after-work drinks, but it's just okay for food.
(2)
Kimberly M.
Ive been here a few times in Boston now. I just cant get past a two star on the place. I like the patio. But on a lunch menu in Boston, why not offer fish and chips.. IF you ask, they will provide.. at a price, of course. Its one of those annoyances to me.. ITS Boston!! Have fish and chips out there..The bread bowl with clam chowder.. pretty bland.. not alot for the cost.. be ready to eat up on the bread .. Waitress.. well, I guess she knows her neighborhood, she doesnt have to be friendly.. hmm.. and I dont have to give much tip! See how this works miss rude waitress pants.. ?? So go for the patio.. and a decent wine list.. save your appetite for something more deserving elsewhere.
(2)
Michael C.
The lower reviews for this place surprise me. Joe's has some of the best bar food around even though it is a chain. What really sets this loaction apart for me is their retractable roof bar, which is perfect for people watching. I had the cheeseburger it was cooked to perfection. Walked by here in the morning to see that they were serving what looked like a good brunch as well.
(4)
Russ Y.
Solid 3 star. Food is so-so. Definitely not high end or innovative, but predictable and large portions. Atmosphere is fun and lively, and staff is friendly and attentive. Good choice if you're weighting atmosphere over food quality.
(3)
Food Fan A.
After a long day, we were looking for a place to eat with easonable prices and lots of choices. We decided to make a stop at Joe's to sit at the bar, but it was packed for a Monday evening. We sat at table when we were greeted by Luie G. He offered us drinks and I asked to sample a draft beer. He came back with the sample in an ice cold glass...kudos to the bar tender. I started with the black bean soup with andouille sausage. It was very thick, so we shared it as a dip; it was very good with a nice hint of the little pieces of the andouille sausage. We both got sandwiches that were very good, but one order of the fries were on the cold side, but otherwise everything was very good. Our server Luie was very attentive and pleasant.
(4)
Julie N.
I can't even count how many times I've been here in the past 10 years. Joe's has been the family go-to in Boston and it seems like everytime my parents come in to town, we end up here (or Steve's Greek). The bread will always be the highlight of the restaurant and last time we went I splurged and got the clam chowder in the bread bowl and destroyed the meal. That meal took up my weeks worth of calories, but was more than worth it. Other go to's are the steak tips, the honey mustard chicken salad, and the burgers. I wouldn't be afraid of trying anything on the menu but I know that some things are just better than others. You might get a miss but the next time you go, you'll order something different and like it. It's a solid place in a good location with a decent amount of consistency. Oh, and sit upstairs, downstairs has subpar service and it's way too loud.
(3)
Era F.
It's a bar & grill. Not a brasserie, not a gastropub, there's nothing swank about it, but it is the sort of Americana chic I kind of like. I don't know why all the hate - it's definitely better than its North End counterpart. It's huge, so you don't have to wait if you're willing to eat inside, or eat at one of the two bars. The outdoor-yet-covered area is nice. Food - lots of options. Typical salads, sandwiches, pizza, and mains. The pizza is gluten free for the celiacs out there (I'm not one myself, but I hear gluten free pizza is a big deal). It's all fresh and fairly portioned. They even have sweet potato fries! Drinks - are yummy and strong. As they all should be. The blueberry lemonade is out of this world. Would I make a trip to come here from a far away land? No. But when I'm craving something 'American' and quick, it's a good standby.
(4)
Jocelyn G.
We got seated immediately and our waiter was very attentive. Add that to the fact that the food was tasty (although they seemed to have switched my dish for my boyfriend's (they were the same, just cooked at different levels)). We also had a lovely view of two of the tv's, which was helpful. Tasty food, it is a bit expensive, but since I didn't pay, I didn't notice.
(4)
Ed Y.
One of my favorite places to eat prime rib. They use to serve it 7 days a week but now only on Fridays and Saturdays. Still its one of the best prime ribs in Mass. I always get the challenge which i can never finish but makes a great second dinner the next day. Price is a little steep but its prime rib, what do you expect. $28 for the Joes challenge. Service is great, very attentive. By the way i usually go to the Joes in Dedham to avoid parking hassles downtown.
(4)
David H.
Great new location on Newbury Street (former Friday's). Much nicer decor than Dartmouth location. Much nicer bars and comfortable dining room. Open kitchen. Nice new restrooms. All the food I had was good. The wine list is a lot better than before. Although it doesn't have quite a outdoor cafe; the retractable roof is pretty amazing. I predict the "new Joe's" will be a hit with the Newbury Street crowd. Parking hasn't changed on Newbury Street; difficult - valet parking of course available. Please note my review is based on (1) visit.
(4)
Dan W.
Good food for a good value. Our salads were fantastic and we enjoyed our steaks. I would go elsewhere for desert and don't order the coffee, it was terrible. Nice to be able to sit out on Newbury Street and take in the street life while dining, but expect to wait a little longer to get this prime seating.
(3)
Taryn C.
After a busy day of Christmas shopping we stopped into Joe's for a burger and a grilled cheese. While there was a 30 min wait (saturday before Christmas on Newbury Street) we went over to the bar and got some drinks. The bartender and our waitress were both very friendly and never made us feel rushed. Food was really good - burger cooked perfectly and the bacon on my grilled cheese was extra crispy (yum!). Great spot if you don't mind the wait.
(4)
Meredith V.
As a visitor to Boston, I must say I was very impressed with Joes. We went to the Atlantic Ave location and the Newbury St. location as well, and both times the energy here was authentic and lively. Excellent martini and wine selections, down to earth bartenders, and great views. It was great for lunch as well as late night. This is upscale without the pretension.
(4)
Amanda A.
This place is consistently good. Okay, so I have only been a few times, but its definitely a place that I would go back to when meeting friends for dinner - rather than trying out other restaurants that may not be as nice. The first time I went was for lunch and I ordered the crab cakes which were very good. More recently I was there for dinner and had their Buffalo Chicken Pizza which was a generous size for 1 person. For a place called "Joes American Bar & Grill", this place definitely impresses. Inside it is nicely decorated the lighting is cozy. Prices are all very reasonable for the food, service and environment.
(5)
stephanie c.
Love the new renovated Joes. Great patio and outdoor bar. It's a perfect balance between casual comfort and upscale atmosphere. Good crowd as well. One of the wonderful outdoor spots when Boston weather is sunny and nice. In terms of food, I only came here for lunch so far. Great spinach dip and tasty salads. Portions are decent and the quality of food is good. I'd definitely come back and enjoy the dining experience with nice weather.
(4)
Larry J.
I only got to eat here once and loved it. Had a burger during lunchtime, with sweet potato fries. Couldn't have been better. Was very pleased to learn there was one in Wellington, FL. Been there. Loved it all-over again.
(4)
Jeremy K.
Nothing exceptional about this establishment... the fare is typical American burgers and other fried stuff... Might want to avoid if your counting your calories, let's just leave it at that. The decoration is pretty nice and the place isn't too bad. The service is quick and efficient, a well-oiled machine. Aside from that they do have really good meatloaf, I'll give them that and their onion soup is very tasty. Worth a try occasionally but definitely not a place I'd wait in line for.
(4)
Jerry C.
Been here twice for Brunch and twice I left happy... Joe's walks the fine line of being a nice place to grab a bite while not coming off as stuffy or uptight in any way. Prices are reasonable and the service is friendly and attentive. The farmer's omelet and pancakes are tasty and the orange juice is fresh and sweet with pulp the way I like it. Ill def be back.
(4)
Tricia W.
I wouldn't recommend this place for brunch. I paid $11 for 3 small pancakes that weren't anything special-and they didn't come with any sides. The food was good, but it wasn't great, and it definitely wasn't worth the price. My "fresh-squeezed" orange juice was lukewarm and had seeds in the bottom of the glass. unappetizing! I would consider trying the burgers another time, but I don't think that it will be worth the second visit.
(2)
Niki V.
Went here my first ever time in Boston & the outdoor seating looked nice so we went in to get seated. Wouldn't let us sit outside (not sure why) & sat us inside which was very fancy looking which felt weird as we were in shorts and tank tops and flip flops. I guess it is a casual place but I felt really uncomfortable the whole time I was there, our waiter was really snobby & we just felt like we didn't belong there. Food was way overpriced for what we got (I just remember it not tasting very good, but the presentation being nice) The whole restaurant seemed like all they cared about was the way things looked & not how the food tasted or friendly service. Wouldn't go here again.
(2)
Lydia B.
Okay the cool part of this place is sitting outside with all the windows open. I'd come back just for that. especially on a day like today when the weather was so beautiful. The food was okay. though someone in our party got the beef and noodle salad which was pretty good and I'd probably order again. Also a few onion rings came with my meal and those were amazing. Service was good, but not amazing. I also recommend getting there right when they open because the tables filled up fast.
(3)
J M.
In the past I've never been a fan of Joe's but this past weekend I tried the new location on Newbury Street and was very pleased. I love the bar/patio type atmosphere when you first enter, it was perfect for a summer night. We were told there would be a 25 min. wait but I barely got my drink at the bar before our table was ready. The waiter was cute and helpful with suggestions and specials to try. I went for the "not your average grilled cheese" and am still thinking about it 4 days later. We also got free cupcakes and cappuccino which ...I think could have gotten the waiter in trouble but was truly a nice gesture.
(4)
Bret C.
Bread. Bread. And more bread...please! That's how every meal of mine starts at Joe's. Sure, it's a little awkward that someone has to break the loaf and people are worried about who has washed their hands, etc....but it's just outstanding. Seems like they bake these all day long. You can order most everything on the menu and it's very good. Chowdah is a great starter. Hint: some of the meals that are no longer on the menu can still be ordered. I do that once and awhile... Get the Charles River Pie for a great towering dessert. And do you know how to finish? With a loaf of bread to go.
(5)
Thomas R.
I went here for the first time with my wife and it was fantastic. They have outdoor seating with airconditing so you get the best of both world. We went there around 6 and there was no wait. We had mussels for appetizer and the portion was generous. I ordered the special filled with crab meat, lobster and fish and the wife ordered shrimp pasta. Overall the food was cooked right and tasted fantastic.
(5)
Rachel W.
Came here for lunch today, short wait, great food, terrific and friendly service. Can't complain. Love the renovations!
(4)
Molly B.
What a fabulous restaurant the food is amazing great flavor. Tiffany the manager made sure we were well taken care of making our trip to Boston very memorable.
(5)
Joe C.
Great All-American Restaurant on the streets of Boston. I love Boston - it's such a great town. And one of my favorite things to do is eat outside. Their outdoor PATIO is great for this. The food is a classic american standard; burgers, fries, etc. But they do it right. Give it a try for a casual stop on the streets of Boston.
(4)
Rebecca Z.
While visiting Boston I had the pleasure to try this place. LOVE their Sangria and Prime Rib. Great atmosphere. Definitely recommend to anyone! Even out-of-towners! YUM!
(5)
Nick M.
We visited the Joe's American Bar and Grill on Newbury Street this past Friday night. I made a reservation on OpenTable and we were seated within 15 minutes of arrival at a table outside. Before we sat down, we visited the bar, which was setup very nice. There were attentive bar staff, who were quick with making sure everyone had what they needed. We ended up being able to score a seat at the bar while we waited for our table, which was a huge plus Once we were seated, we had Chad as our server, who was definitely a pleasure to have. He immediately brought over waters as he noticed we had drinks in our hand (this is a huge plus in my book -- I will order drinks all night long as long as I know I can get water to go along with it). He went over the specials in detail, then let us peruse over the menu while he brought back some delicious warm bread fresh from the oven We ordered our meals - my wife went for the swordfish and I went for the salmon. We substituted the sides for something else as I'm not a fan of cooked vegetables; this was not a problem at all During our meal, Chad came back to check on us, making sure we had everything we needed. He was a fantastic server: visibily around so you could get their attention if needed, but not around too much that you felt like they were part of your meal. We ordered a few more drinks and desert and then paid our bill and were on our way The actual restaurant is quite excellent. There's an outside and an inside bar. The outside bar has several seats facing the bar, with a roof that opens above them, exposing the bar and the tables to the sunlight. The sides are open as well. If there's inclement weather, the roof panels can retract, covering up the tables and the bar from rain, etc The inside bar has several TV's, plenty of seating and was pretty hopping when we left. We'll definitely be back in the near future to check this out again
(5)
Jessie C.
Ok - service was WICKED slow. Had honey-mustard chicken salad it was good. but the service was very very slow.
(3)
Michael G.
1 star for just the BREAD....MMMMM... Yes the bread is the same as from Charlie's down the road because they are all owned by the Back Bay Restaurant Group. But it is DELICIOUS. 2 stars for having outdoor seating on newbury st. 3 stars for having food. it is definitely mediocre, but hey.... i'm sorry you can dine here without going broke. the menu is not innovative, but its JOE's AMERICAN GRILL! Not Joe's Innovation Grill.
(3)
Marcus C.
During a long day of apartment-hunting, we stopped into Joe's for some grub. Even though it was nearly 2pm, there was a long wait for a table, so we slipped downstairs and seated ourselves in a little corner and waited. And waited. Finally, we were able to flag down our waiter, who was efficient, but not very attentive. I opted for the honey mustard chicken salad, which was better than I expected. Still, the highlight for me was the warm bread. I love warm bread! Maybe this is why I am fat.
(3)
Andrle W.
I can't seem to find a reason to give this place more than 2 stars. I've been here twice since it opened in this location, and both times I've left feeling rather dispassionate about it. The restaurant itself is visually very pretty. Nice dark wood, clean surfaces. But HELLO - what were they thinking when they designed an outdoor patio that's not cut off from the "indoor" space? Walk by the restaurant on any given (warm/hot) day, and you can just feel the AC pouring out of the building. I'm not usually a crazy person about these things, but it just seems so excessive to air condition an inside space that is wide open to the outdoor patio. If they wanted the spaces to flow, they could have used glass at least to section it off. It's so wasteful, I'm torn between wanting to boycott it for their irresponsibility, and wanting to get a good look at their electric bill. (it can't be cheap!) ;) The other problem is that the group of hosts/hostesses on my second visit were not at all on top of their game. We specifically requested an inside table, were handed a buzzer, waited ten minutes, then were called up. They must have recognized their error because the first thing they said to us was "oh, did you want an inside table?" - Uhm, yes. So they asked us to wait, said "you'll get the first table we have!" and then I proceeded to wait in the heat for about 10 more minutes before they finally gave me a new buzzer (I had to ask twice). About 25 minutes and we finally were seated inside. Now the important part: the food. It was... OK? The first time I was here, a few months ago, I got a burger. The second time, steak. It would be going too far to say the food is bad or "off" - but it's just not at all impressive. For the price you pay for an entree here, I'd expect much better taste and flavor. The service is poor-to-forgettable, the food is dull and pricey, and the entire experience is not something I'll go out of my way to have again. With all the other options on Newbury (and nearby), save yourself the time and go somewhere else.
(2)
Francisca W.
(review dated 2/09): busy sat lunch time, average, typical american food, meh service. whatev. w/all the better and nicer and newer restaurants in the area, tell me one reason to return? :)
(2)
Barbara S.
I had a good time here, but I thought the food was a little overpriced. I had a pasta primavera, which was delicious. I ordered decaf coffee and it was a little cold. Other than that, the ambiance was good. It reminded me of Applebees, but with better food.
(3)
Katelyn M.
An unexpected Sunday stroll led us to Joe's for brunch. Brunch is one of my favorite meals, if done right. It's always challenging to decide what to order, though -- do I go sweet? or savory? Joe's totally surpassed my expectations. After a 15 minute wait, we were seated upstairs with a great view. The brunch menu specials come with a morning cocktail (I ordered a bellini, of course). My choice: an omelet version of eggs benedict. The eggs were cooked PERFECTLY and the asparagus was cut into nice tiny pieces. The sauce was divine. I would HIGHLY recommend Joe's for brunch. Make sure you bring your wallet, though. This is no broke college kid's brunch place.
(4)
Jacqueline Z.
Went here last night (Wednesday) for a friend's bday. Had called ahead to get a reservation and was surprised that they didn't reserve the terrace/patio tables. I was happy though when I arrived and they promptly seated us at a table on the terrace - prime people-watching spot. To concur with others - this is a great open air spot for when it's nice weather. Tons of people to gawk at and lively scene. Food - decent. Crab-cake order was tiny and not very good. Nachos were 3-star, spinach-artichoke dip was really amazing but not enough pita chips---no worry though, the bread they serve at the table covered us. That bread, by the way, is incredible, to second others' comments. Drinks - lots on the menu. I just got some of the Adessa Pinot Grigio @$7/glass. Hit the spot. Boys got margaritas but said they weren't that great. Service - very good. Zach was our server and was very attentive. Zach and Lance and Matthew (hosts) were very accommodating as we ended up having 8 people sitting at our 4-person table. I would definitely go back to try some other stuff on the menu and to people watch. Recommend that you make a reservation in advance though - at least then you have a shot of not waiting too long -- esp for the terrace spots.
(3)
John A.
Reliable. That's the one word that comes to mind when I think of this version of Joe's American Bar and Grill. My dad and I sometimes meet here for lunch during the week and the food is always served fast. We usually sit at the bar and the bartenders are always good for a conversation and can hold their own in anything from local sports to progressive politics. Joe's is part of a chain but if any of their other restaurants are like this one then I wouldn't hesistate to visit. Joe's on Dartmouth has a nice semi-classy atmosphere and a reasonably priced menu. The menu also offers plenty of choices from burgers and steaks to salad and pasta. They're a little lacking in the vegetarian friendly category but still manage to cater to a wide audience. Definitely a reliable eatery for a quick weekday lunch!
(4)
Keith O.
Joes is an old staple in the back bay. The new location is beautiful but they have some serious problems with service. Five of us decided to stop in Sunday for lunch. We ordered a chicken salad, a burger, a reuben, a turkey burger, and chicken fingers for my daughter. After waiting about 45 minutes for the food the Reuben was cold the fries were soggy and the turkey burger never even showed up until I asked about when the waitor stopped by 10 minutes later. By the time the turkey burger showed up everyone was done eating thier cold food. We had them pack it - I am not sure why because I could have had them just throw it away for me. Until they figure out thier service issues this place is off my list of "go to" places in the back bay.
(1)
Thomas A.
Had plenty of time before a concert to pick and chose somewhere to dine on Newbury Street. We chose Joe's and are glad we did. We realize it's a 'chain' restaurant but wow, they sure didn't act like a chain! The main dining room although quite busy was quiet enough to have a conversation over diner. The service was perfect - friendly, informed, and timely. And the food? Nothing fancy, we both had the house salad and split a pizza but it was delicious! A well done for Joe's, we even sent a complimentary email to their website. We will certainly return.
(4)
Jamie S.
Brunch this Sunday here was kind of a Joe-ke! HEYO! watch out. I've been here a few times, it's a dependable spot, but this past Sunday brizunch left a lot to be desired. One of the strengths of this chain is that it's a step up food-wise from say a Friday's or Applebee's, and they really welcome you at the front of the house with friendly hosts/hostesses greeting you. That's where the good service ended this visit. We got seated outside by our pleasant hostess, and then waited a good 15 minutes to be acknowledged. Kind of strange, seeing as how we were sitting right in the thick of the patio area, with no less than 3 or 4 servers circulating in our general area. Finally my ladyfriend decided to turn up the bitch-o-meter (her words, not mine!) and demand some service. The waiter was kind of mousey, didn't have much affect, and seemed really thrown off by our demand for some service. That's kind of how this is supposed to work budzo....we sit down, you take our order and subsequently bring us the stuff that we ask for, and then we pay and might even throw you a nice tip. He comp'd us some fresh squeezed OJ. Yippee. Fine. Nice gesture I guess, but it was too little too late after checking his blackberry as we were ordering (double you tee eff??!?!?!!) and proceeded to be extremely soft-spoken and awkward during every subsequent interaction. The long wait would have been a lot easier to forgive had every other step of the way hadn't been extremely delayed as well. Ok, order is in, food didn't take too long. Then after he cleared our plates, it was another 15 MINS to come back with the check. I seriously considered chewin and screwin, walking off without paying, as I doubt anyone would have noticed and I really wouldn't have felt that bad about it. Then it took EASILY another 10 minutes to swipe the old Capital One. $1 tip NOT EARNED!!! ZERO stars for this visit, I'll give it one because zero is not allowed and on other days it's easily a 3 star joint. BAH!
(1)
Cam S.
Went here a few years ago and didn't like it but revisited and I'm now a big fan. Great chicken tenders.
(4)
Penelope J.
I've visited another Joe's location and never had a bad meal but this Joe's was mediocre, at best. I was with a fairly large party and the table had everything from salad, to steak, to meatloaf, to salmon--I had the special of the night: cajun catfish which was incredibly fatty...even for catfish. Everyone else said their meals were just "blah". All the sides were really boring: rice or potato or mixed veggies, that's it. The service was also crazy slow and out waitress was forgetful. There is outside seating--so that's a draw, I guess but I'd look elsewhere.
(2)
Nik B.
Chill, but smells kinda funky. Was kinda boring too. I felt like I was at a lonely hotel bar. The furniture is nice. Otherwise it's pretty standard. Wouldn't go out of my way to come back. I only sat at the bar, didn't try any food.
(3)
Bernie R.
Ok, where do I begin... My boyfriend and I decided we wanted to try some place new last Friday night. I remembered hearing that Joe's was a good bet, so we headed there around 8 pm. When we arrived we scanned the menu at the door to see if the place would be appropriate for my boyfriend, who has been a life long vegetarian. The dinner menu has some good pasta and fish options, so we decided to go on in. Upon arriving at the host stand we were immediately wisked away downstairs into the lower level. At first, I thought "yes, prompt service!" However, I soon saw that they were seating us in the bar that was already full with a drunken college crowd. I understand it's a Friday night and this is a "Bar & Grill," but I really would have appreciated being seated in the dining room as opposed to being serenaded by Journey in a dimly lit basement. Once we're seated I notice that the menus we were handed were not the menus we glanced through outside. It was the bar menu, that had typical meaty bar far (burgers, chicken, etc). Not wanting to ask for special treatment, my boyfriend decided he could probably find something off of this menu, so we let it go. Ok, now for the best part. I'm pretty sure our waitress was either: a. out of her mind, b. on amphetamines, or c. princess rainbow of magical fairyland kingdom. Not only didn't she card for drinks (I'm 21, but this is the first place I wasn't carded at), she exclaimed "oooo, YUMMY YUMMY!" when I ordered a Sangria. Yeahh....ok.... My boyfriend asked if the clam chowder had meat in it, she said "nope!" So our order has been place. Awesome. We get the bread, it's pretty damn good. Waitress comes out with the clam chowder and says "sooo, i guess the chowder has bacon in it....can you not eat that?" My boyfriend has to then explain that no, he cannot eat bacon, thats why he asked if there was meat in the soup. Her response is "ooo no! Ok, well could you do grilled chicken?" Uh noooooo.... "Pork and lentil" Wtf....no! So she puts on her best frowny sady-wady face and brings it back to the kitchen, leaving my dissapointed boyfriend to munch on his bread. Our food arrives. I have a burger and fries, bf has the salmon. Everything is just....ok. Salmon is rather dry, burger is meh, fries are typical. A highlight was watching our waitress sing and dance along with the other drunken co-eds. We finally (she disappeared for a while) paid for our meal and left, disgusted and throughly disappointed. On the way home I got sick and spent the greater portion of my evening throwing up the mediocre burger. Awesome. I ONLY give Joe's 1 star because their Sangria was tasty. However, thats not enough to bring me back again. It's way overpriced, the food is medicore, and the service is ridiculous. Save your money and eat someplace else.
(1)
Kap N.
This place was DE-LICIOUS! We decided to take a pitstop to get some food and beers while viewing some of the World Cup. The ambiance of this restaurant is amazing. The downstairs bar is lit perfectly. The waitress was really informative and cordial. Fantastic service. The food - the salad selection was brilliant. We ended up ordering one salad with steak, lo mien, and a host of other ingredients, and the turkey burger, with sweet potato fries. Of course we ordered plenty of beers as well. The food was great all around!
(4)
Sara E.
Only been here twice - once for after work drinks at about 5ish, and another time for lunch. During the first occasion (drinks), the place was packed! It was a beautiful evening, so I suppose people were crowding to their semi-outdoor patio, but I could barely move/breathe... it wasn't exactly "comfortable". The drafts were reasonably priced ($5)- and they had some neat local/craft selections. On my second Joe's excursion, I sat at a table and had lunch with a friend. Our waiter was great and super accommodating. My friend and I split Calamari and a Cobb salad. Both dishes were aesthetically beautiful and pretty delicious. However, nothing seemed particularly original or unique about the place - guess that's what you get with a chain restaurant. I'd return, but it wouldn't be my #1 choice.
(3)
Joshua H.
Went here with a part of four. The new location is awesome, cleanest bathrooms I've ever been in at a restaurant. We started with the clam chowder, which was great, but not the best I've had in Boston. The bread was so fresh and soft, maybe the best white bread I've ever been served at a restaurant. Our main courses were crab cakes (awesome) with sweet potato fries and coleslaw, ahi tuna (pretty good, but skip the crispy noodles, they're bland) with a rice cilantro cake and a very potent soy sauce, and salmon with asparagus. All of us were really pleased with everything. The service was awesome and for where we where in Boston and how much we ate, the prices were reasonable. I would definitely return if I'm in Boston again.
(5)
Cecilia H.
I just came back from Joe's and we had an amazing night! My sister just turned 21 and our table was bombarded with free goodies from the bar. We felt very special and had a great time. The manager (?), Jake, even came by the table once or twice to check up on us. Our waiter was also excellent. This is the second time my sis and I have had a meal at Joe's and both times we've had a great overall experience. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a good spot in the pricey Back Bay area. We'll be back soon Joe! -C-
(4)
Lorraine F.
I liked this place. The food and service was representative of the cost in my opinion. The seating arrangement was a little strange. One long bench, individual tables, and then executive like over-sized chairs (which are not very comfortable I was told) on the other side. We were at the edge, so we had to move the table a bit so that my friend was centered properly on the table. =/ I had the Chicken Picatta. I normally don't like capers, but the dish was well done and the chicken was very tender. The server didn't ask me what sides I wanted and just served me brussel sprouts and pilaf. The brussel sprouts were pretty tasty, but the pilar tasted a bit over done. I would have given this place 3 stars, but they were nice enough to precut my chicken (I have wrist injuries and thus it's difficult to use a knife). The server genuinely looked like he was trying his best, although he kept making silly mistakes (like not asking my side preference, although he did offer to change it after realizing it). I'm guessing he was new or having an off day. I was overall pleased with this place
(4)
Edward S.
Unquestionably the worst lobster roll I have ever had. The lobster had no taste and was very watery and unusually red which makes me think it was frozen lobster meat. I have had seafood salad from the Stop & Shop deli counter which although fake tasted better, The service was great but the meal less than stellar. Joe's should be ashamed serving this.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
David V.
It's unfortunate that my last review of Joe's was 5 stars, and 2 years later, this one is only 2 stars. My wife and I ate here last night and this was not their best performance. First, our server slightly messed up my wife's order, but it was quickly resolved when one of the managers came out and informed us. We thought everything was fine, but then another server came out to clarify my wife's order (it was not that difficult of an order). A few minutes later our food came out. I ordered the swordfish, which came with rice and veggies, and it was undercooked. I returned it without incident, and to make up for it, the manager offered me soup or salad to hold me over until my food came back out. We went with a bowl of the cheddar, bacon, and potato soup (we had already paid for a cup of this for our appetizer, so we have lots of leftover from the bowl), which our server referred to as "tomato", bacon, and potato soup. Oops. Fortunately, the soup was delicious. Anyway, back to the swordfish...on a positive note, they cooked me up a whole new plate (as opposed to just microwaving it). The swordfish and rice were delicious, however, the veggies (carrots and Brussels sprouts) were cooked in enough butter to drown a small child. I actually like vegetables, but I could not finish them because they were so buttery. I understand that mistakes happen, but this dining experience included several little mistakes, which made our dinner less enjoyable. What saved the night was the excellent customer service from the manager. Our server was very nice, but she was a little confused. It just seemed like controlled chaos at Joe's last night. Too bad, because this place as the potential to be great.
(2)Moises F.
I find this location quite convenient. Never had to wait too long for a table. Staff is very friendly and know their menu quite well, so take their recommendations to heart. I personally recommend the chicken piccata. It was made to perfection really. Better than the one at the Cheesecake Factory. I'd make a reservation when going at dinner time because it's usually quite busy, especially on weekends.
(4)Al D.
Lunch at the bar on a slowish day. Barman very personable and let us sample several different wines until we found mama bear (just right). Nice draft selection too. Entire staff friendly. Decent fried calamari. Chicken Caesar salad was okey-dokey. Pleasantly surprised overall, and we'll go again.
(3)Idan H.
2 steaks came out uncooked, 2 came overcooked. We asked the steak tips to come with no diary but they did come with!!! The waitress was really courteous! 1 star of that. They ought to make change in the kitchen, someone doesn't do his job right...
(1)Anna B.
I'm kind of torn between what rating to give-here is my experience (I've been here mutiple times as well as other New England locations). The food is great. Service is great. However, EVERY time I eat here, like clockwork, somebody has got sick afterwards. I thought it was purely coincidence, but the last time we went a couple days ago I felt sick immediately after. Complete nausea, stomach cramping-lasted about a night. Has this happened to anyone else?! We had a waiter-Alessandro-who was amazing. Offered me espresso in my already-brought starbucks iced coffee and never charged me for it. Classy move, and wonderful service on his part. But the nausea....something to be concerned about?
(3)Taylor G.
I am a New Jersey native, and have been going to Joe's American Bar & Grill in Short Hills, NJ since I was a little girl. It has been, and continues to be, one of my favorite restaurants. Upon moving to Boston, I was very happy that I would be able to satisfy my Joe's craving. For those with allergies, Joe's American Bar & Grill is very accommodating. They go above and beyond what most restaurants do in order to make sure that my food is 100% allergen-free. As for the food, I think it's great. I have tried many different things there. A family favorite is the buffalo tenderloins and the spinach dip. Both are absolutely delicious. As for entrees, I have tried many different things but my most favorite would have to be the roast chicken. It's among one of the best roast chickens that I have ever had. On a side note, the bread is delicious! In addition, the Joe's locations in Boston also deliver through many delivery services such as Diningin.com and Grubhub.com . I have ordered from both, and my food has arrived perfect every time!
(5)Angela C.
Joe's on Newbury is way different than any other Joe's I've been to. Way nicer, modern/classy look. Filet Mignon and sirloin steak was excellent (great marinade). They have an open kitchen, and have glass doors in front that completely open so you can view Newbury as you're eating. Would definitely recommend!
(4)Jay K.
What has happened to this place? I walked in around 11:40AM on a Wednesday for an early lunch. Sat at bar. Ordered a French Dip which I have had before and always found it to be good. However not this time. The fries were ice cold. Since I was one of the first lunch customers were they left over from the day before? And I mean ice cold. The roast beef was cold and overcooked. Again...was this reheated from the day before? I would bet yes. Everything was smothered with salt...way too much. The one good thing is that the service, as always was good. Especially from the bartender Eric. If the food there does not improve I am done with this place. Drinking only.
(2)Thuy P.
So I don't really like to review big chains, but I had to because of my $20 coleslaw. It was the end of the week and after my first restaurant choice didn't pan out I figured -why not get some prime people watching seats while I eat?- So we went to Joe's. I was in a seafood mood so I ordered the crab cakes and when it came out I was shocked. Out came this huge plate that was covered half by sweet potato fries, a little over a quarter by coleslaw, and the last portion held two itty - bitty crab cakes. I considered asking the waitress if I was missing a crab cake or...... something, (which would have embarassed my uber shy friend). But I was really hungry so I sucked it up and I knew there was no way I'd be full unless I ate all of the coleslaw.... so I did. Maybe I would be less upset if the crab cakes were awesome but they were -meh-alright. The people were also wicked loud, like surprisingly so. I learned from this bad choice so a couple of weeks later I went across the street and had myself a real crab cake! *review posted half a year after initial draft..ooops
(2)Roxana F.
I've been to Joe's twice, once for brunch and once for a late lunch/early dinner. It's fun and the drinks are great, but this isn't at the top of my list as a place to grab a meal. Pros: -Pink Sangria (rather, sangria in general) is DELICIOUS. I downed this so quickly my friends got quite concerned. -Bloody Mary also seemed to be good, my friends really liked them. -The bread they bring to the table is orgasmic. Piping hot, but airy and delicioussss. I probably enjoyed the bread more than my meal! -Prime location, right on Newbury St so it's great to sit back and people watch or talk with your friends (although it does get very loud) Cons: -Gets VERY crowded on the weekends. If you want to sit upstairs/outside, expect to wait. -The bar gets really loud and obnoxious with Newbury St ladies and their huge purses and the equally loud men that come to prey on them. -My waitress was great (albeit slow, but it was really busy) but my order didn't even come out right. At least she was really nice when we asked to split our check. -Food and drinks are overpriced for what you get. I will definitely come back here for the drinks and maybe some appetizers but I thought this place was overpriced for what I got.
(3)Sanah K.
I will most likely NEVER go (come) here again. I believe the bartender who was serving me on a Sunday after 3 was an OLD guy named Hash. I came here with a friend on the usual Newbury weekend visit to have drinks. A glass of champagne or not...meaning he refused to serve me a second glass of champagne. Coming from Vegas and being like top sales of alcohol in the entertainment serving business, you would think as a bartender you serve your customers to their highest satisfaction/ expectation and high liquor sales/ volume. I'm sorry I think I was exactly fine to enjoy my second glass, who a female bartender served me my second. Who is Hash to tell me I don't need another glass, he can clearly kiss my ass. In my book you're a dull* bartender who needs to go back to bartending school. ANYWAYS- NEXT
(1)Khan A.
Best calamari I've ever try. Rally great atmosphere and great service. My friend got fish and ships and it was good. Fish was really fresh and it was perfectly cooked. But my dish was even better. Two pieces of great roasted chicken served with natural jus and mashed potatoes. I really enjoy my meal. Great place to have a dinner.deffinatelly worth it 20 min wait on Friday night.
(5)Vin F.
Good solid Boston bar (we only drank here). Try the bar downstairs which is old dark wood, black and white pictures of Red Sox from bygone days, and attentive and efficient Boston bartenders. Just a great low key atmosphere to talk, watch a game, relax.
(4)Alisa T.
I've been to Joe's a few times now, and it is nothing more than just average. Their service has always been great, but the food and cocktails definitely leave something to be desired. My turkey burger was dry and lacking flavor, and my bloody mary just tasted like shrimp cocktail sauce. I would recommend getting the lobster roll though.
(3)Jieyuan W.
Very average brunch.
(3)David B.
The food here is wonderful, especially the Mac & Cheese. Drinks are definitely above average. But the best thing about Joe's is Vickie. She is by far the best server I've had. She has strong charisma, is very personable, and is the reason we came back twice in one week. Amazing service!
(5)Jus J.
Christine C. is a great manager. I'm sad to hear she's no longer at the back bay location. We had a horrible order of scallops. they were scorched. I don't know what happened. I love the food, but this time, it was just messed up. Just a mess. Christine, saved the day. She gave me and my mom our favorite dessert and champagne fore free, and was really personable and adorable. I love this place. Great for people watching. I've been here many, many....many times, and anytime something is wrong, they take care of it.
(4)Bryan H.
They made us wait over an hour for our food, it was cold, and the waiter was extremely rude to our large group. My friend and I were practically chastised for asking for a modification to our breakfast so that it could be gluten free. One latte came a good 40 min after ordering it. It's too bad because I've had mediocre service from them in the past. But I'm afraid I will never go there again.
(1)R ALopo C.
Stopped by the other day to check it out with a friend. It was packed, yet the service was still excellent, but the food could've been a little better. My friend got the Blackened Chicken Pasta ( which he absolutely loved)and I got the Mushroom Provolone burger ( the cheese/mushroom combo was delicious, but the burger was a bit bland in taste.. and the fries didnt taste fresh). DO ask for bread with butter though.. it's the best!! I'll definitely stop by to give it another shot or order delivery through diningin.com
(3)Ellie W.
Joe's is a bit like watching a Baywatch lifeguard sprinting down the beach--you gaze in fascination. Then, they stop to converse with you, and you suddenly realize they can only speak in 5 word sentences, and 3 of those words are "like". This restaurant is a lot more appealing from the outside. Though service is friendly and efficient, the food is an indifferent "meh" at best. The food wasn't bad, but I didn't like anything enough to return.
(3)Hillary w.
I'd still go back for drinks or dinner but not brunch. Brunch was a deal because they had muffins and a beverage included. They got rid of the muffins awhile ago and recently started serving bread but the beverage is no longer included (even though it is still noted on their online menu). There are a lot of restaurants that offer brunch in the area and I feel that their menu and food items are pretty standard. They don't set themselves apart anymore.
(3)Michael R.
Good food... and the service is even better... Sam, the manager was wonderful, and our waiter, Ethan was great also... love the French Onion Soup (came here 3 nights in a row... is that sad?). When its warm, great to sit on the street side and people watch. Nicely stocked bar.
(4)Lisa S.
I went to Joe's American Bar & Grill on July 4th to meet some friends who were visiting from out of town. We knew that it would probably be crowded, so we called ahead to make a reservation about 1.5-2 hours before. We showed up on time, and I checked in. We waited about 30 minutes for our table, and they seated all other groups waiting before us- making the call ahead absolutely pointless. When they finally did seat us, it was a corner table on the patio. It was over 90 degrees out and very sunny, and the table was so hot we were all sweating. We asked to sit somewhere else, and the hostess rudely told us other people were waiting too, and it would be 20-30 more minutes for another table. We sucked it up and sat at the table, because we were starving. We ended up sitting around 3:15-3:20, and our waitress came by and told us that they were no longer serving brunch (ends at 3). We were obviously pissed off, since our reservations were for 245, so she talked to the kitchen and said we could still order brunch. The food took probably 30 minutes to come out. The waitress got one of my friend's orders wrong, and she didn't get the correct dish for another 5-10 minutes. Two of the napkins and a plate that we were given were dirty (the napkins had stains on them). The waitress accidentally poured water into my friend's lemonade (but luckily brought her a new one). My friend's tuna was a very small serving. The food was mediocre at best, and overpriced. The only good things about our meal were the bread (yummy) and having a table where we could people-watch on Newbury. I would definitely not go back to this place.
(1)Nguyen T.
Spinach artichoke dip is pretty good.
(2)Matt G.
Phenomenal service, abundant waitstaff, open kitchen runs clean and efficient. Prime rib hash with poached eggs was a well done done satisfying brunch. Special requests always received with a smile. Along with reasonable prices. Food at our 8 top came out exactly as ordered and very timely especially given that the place was packed at the time we were there, Sunday early afternoon. Will return when back in the HUB.
(4)Alyssa J.
This place was ok. I would go back...I guess. It was pretty generic all around. The thing that really stuck out about this Sunday Brunch was that the waitress was far more hungover than anyone at my table. I am consistently annoyed when I have to ask a server what the specials are. This young woman seemed so confused by the question, she left the table for a few minutes. Probably to ask someone the definition of special...I don't know. She showed up again and read it off of a piece of paper like a 4th grader. The food was good solid breakfast food, nothing to write home about, but I rarely write home as it is. One thing I noticed was that my Eggs Benedict tasted a little sour. My friend had the breakfast pizza and thoroughly enjoyed it. Joe's is a good place to go if you like breakfast food and don't mind a waiter from the Special Olympics. Oh wow, that was really mean. But...still, fairly accurate.
(3)Emily T.
No wait, so we're in! Hubby got the Joe's Mac & Cheese. I foolishly got some sort of salad with chicken and apples. I could have sworn the menu said it had walnuts, but there weren't any walnuts. The salad was definitely sub-TGIF quality, by a long shot. I think they should take it off of their menu. Seriously. Eww. However, hubby's Mac & Cheese was quite yummy. So, minus two stars for a yucky salad, but this would have been a 4-star review if I had just ordered the Mac & Cheese. :)
(3)Selena B.
Do NOT order take out here unless you're really into surprises!!! These guys couldn't get a take-out order right if you packed it yourself!!!! With that being said, the food is reliably good and Joe's makes extra effort to have plenty of management available when you're order goes wrong - because it's bound to. I do love their prime rib but they always sell out of it really early....here's a tip for you boys...COOK MORE!!!! If you sell-out every night maybe that's a sign??? I'm sure you don't want to waste food but make a stew or something, if you don't sell out of more!!! The soups they make are sometimes a total slam dunk. GREAT bread. Service can be slow at times but hey - IT'S PACKED!!! This location is much better than the one they had at Dartmouth too. So yes, I'm a "fan", but there's room for improvement. If you can look over some major problems I'm sure you'll enjoy your food very much :) It's just frustrating when the problems are just as reliable as the quality of the food!
(4)L T.
Nothing too special about this place. It's got your regular Brunch/Food selection - nothing that unique, all pretty safe, but the atmosphere is good for groups, and service is solid. When it's a large party of us we usually sit downstairs in the private room on the left which is nice, at no extra cost.
(3)Elizabeth B.
A huge "meh." I kept wanting to like this place and came back more than once, but always left pretty disappointed. The food is very average and everything is overpriced. For example, I subbed home fries out for fruit salad (and was charged extra for doing so), and was presented with cantaloupe and some sad looking grapes. That's not even trying! Service has been very spotty on at least two occasions - bringing food before even bringing water to the table, mixing up simple substitutions & acting a bit surly about re-doing the order, neglecting to bring cream and sugar for the coffee & disappearing (we eventually took matters into our own hands and got some splenda/sugar from a nearby cabinet), etc. etc. A nice spot on the corner of Newbury and Exeter with an open air bar, but a fancy bar doesn't make up for mediocre food and a blah experience. If you do insist on going, go for brunch - their fresh squeezed juices are good, and it's hard to mess up eggs.
(2)Jon B.
I think most people have a pretty good idea of what they are getting when they enter a chain restaurant.. and this one is no exception. The food is pretty unremarkable, the service is pretty decent and the bill is pretty hefty for what you just ate.. Essentially your eating at a high end Applebee's.. The atmosphere is upscale as are the prices for standard fare.. Don't get me wrong.. the unit located on Newburry is a great spot to slip into, have a hearty burger, a cold drink and continue down the street.. Just don't expect too much and you wont be disappointed..
(3)Phil D.
Great bread! Love the upstairs bar with retractable roof; perfect for sun or snow
(4)Will F S.
This isn't the restaurant I'd take a date to, or even really frequent as a Boston resident. However, browsing the shops on Newbury Street is a favorite past-time for tourists and this restaurant caters perfectly to that. What better way to eat lunch on Newbury than sitting outside on a gorgeous day, watching the hordes of tourists walk by, and mow down a good burger or a lobster roll? Nothing to write home about, but with decent food and decent prices right in the middle of one of Boston's most famous streets, this is the perfect lunch-stop for when mom and dad are in town.
(4)Alden G.
Had a great meal here last week (July 2010). Come early and you may be seated by the sidewalk outside, where the people watching is great. Very energetic atmosphere. Tried some excellent wine, including 2007 Landmark Chardonnay, which was top notch, and the very good Caymus Cabernet. Steak tips were excellent!
(3)Stephanie H.
Went in for an early dinner so there was no wait. Friendly waitress. Interior is on the fancy side but nothing amazing about it. Like the newbury location. Drinks were good. Food: + Filet was delicious. I'm always worried that restaurants will overcook medium rare orders but it was nicely cooked. + Mashed potatoes side was good. + Bbq Ribs appetizer pretty good, but for those who have had Woodranch (CA), their ribs are definitely better. I'd say its overall a nice place and date spot, on the pricey side, good food, but nothing to rave about. I'm glad I went but I probably won't return.
(3)LeiSs A.
Excellent food, excellent service. The bf and I had two different steaks and they were both delicious!! So were the sides (onion rings, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato fries) we ordered along with it.
(5)Megan M.
I ate here several times while living in the Back Bay Area & I must say I am a fan. I think I ordered the same thing every time but one, so I can't offer an opinion on everything, but the Turkey Burger here is super good! Polish it off with sweet potato fries & a draft beer & you're good to go! The only drawback is the atmosphere...it feels like you are crammed in like a pack of sardines & there is always a wait...even when you're picking up a take out order that you called in 30 minutes before.
(4)Lauren P.
Similar story as with most Newbury brunch establishments. Average at best but location trumps all and rewards these places with heavy traffic. Most regular brunch offerings are executed well but huge +1 for service. Our server was funny, attentive to our rather large group and ready with suggestions.
(3)Andrew S.
Leaving Massachusetts is hard... I love Boston/the Northeast in the late Spring, early Summer. So when we checked out of the Westin and had to catch a noon flight back to Miami, I just went for a quick drive down Newbury and happened upon this parking spot right on the corner, between Stephanies and Joes. Stephanies is old news -- everyone and their grandmother has had their Brunch. So we went to Joes and, boy, a surprise for sure. Considering that we only had 30 minutes to eat and run, I glanced over the menu and saw some delicious and eye-catching options. Everything was priced between $10 to $20, and each dish came with a drink of choice (if before 11am, only non-alcoholic fresh-squeezed orange juice and grapefruit juice) and a basket of muffins. The complementary orange juice was delicious, in 2 small glasses. That weekend, Boston had a 'Boiled Water' problem, meaning that the water wasn't good to drink, so no restaurants had coffee. The waitress brought us our orange juice and we downed it fairly quickly. The muffins were small, warm and delicious. Two varieties... first are corn muffins, and second are carrot/walnut/raisin muffins... paired with a bit of butter, and your stomach is set. I ordered the Prime Rib mash ($12.99) and my girlfriend had the french toast. The mash was awesome -- two poached eggs with hollandaise sauce ladled over the entire dish. The salty, moist baked prime rib bits with the eggs was a perfect pair, that made my hungover heart and mind sing. The french toast was meh. Through the meal, our orange juice ran out, and I requested more. 5 minutes later, 2 large glasses came (much larger than the previous glasses), and I was informed that the larger glasses were because they weren't complementary. Don't you love when a waitress neglects to mention that the additional orange juice (even considering Boston's water problem) costs an additional $4 per glass? That lost this possibly 3 star restaurant a star.
(2)Parris M.
I came here back in April for a hangover vacation brunch. was recommended by a local. I ordered eggs benedict, because I like to see how restaurants rank with each other. The portion size was small, and my egg was raw. Now, I know what a poached egg is supposed to look like. This was a raw egg. I'd try it again, but I was very underwhelmed.
(3)Allison B.
My sister and I were visiting from out of town and stopped at Joe's for lunch. It was a beautiful day so we waited for a seat at the windows. We experienced some inappropriate behavior by the hostess and she seated another couple before us. We did speak with the manager on duty that day, Ashley, and she was wonderful! She understood our complaint and seated us immediately. She was incredibly apologetic and friendly and even took care of part of our meal, which was not necessary. Despite our one bad experience with the hostess, all the staff were wonderful, the atmosphere was great and the food equally so. I would eat here again when I visit Boston and would recommend to others for lunch. P.S. Loved the loster roll!
(4)Kunal M.
One of the major reasons I started yelping was to inform people of places to see and be seen...so far I think I am doing a decent job at it. ALTHOUGH Joe's would technically be considered a place to see and be seen on Newbury I would recommend not coming here! Put it this way- If you could test drive any car on a street, why would you pick the worst one? I would even go to the bar fight haven on Newbury- also known as Daisy Buchanans before I come back to Joe's.
(2)Julie D.
We stopped by on a recent Sunday morning. The outdoor patio was packed, so we had to wait for a table. They handed us a pager, so we were free to wander the streets. Service was fairly quick and efficient. Although we would not have minded if it were not, because this is a prime place for some people watching. BJ got a shrimp cocktail and a clam chowder in a bread bowl. He really liked and it thought it was exceptional. I opted for a yummy mimosa to go with my french toast. I was excited about the challah bread but it turned out to be pretty much average. We would visit again the next time we are in the area.
(4)Viv C.
I give this place 5 stars for what it is. This is one of my favorite places to visit. It's great for impromptu drinks/dining. The drinks are absolutely delicious esp the sparkling berry sangria.... some of the best. They also have woodchuck cider year round which isn't the easiest to locate anymore. The food is delicious. If you like a French Dip sandwich look no further. Theres is the absolute best. Everything I've tried has been good. This place is a favorite for many reasons: - Its a nice atmosphere. Feels nice with quality decor/finishes but not so nice you worry about being underdressed if you weren't planning to go out. The walls in the upstairs are all glass which feels like being outside when they open in the summer. And a treat in the winter too when you feel sunlight deprived. -Food. The food is delicious. I read some person who compared this to Applebees due to how the food was cooked, must've been a substitute chef or he had a bad day bc it's always good. This is definitely a better quality place, with good ingredients for the price. Sadly, some people simply cannot identify the difference between crappy chain food vs mixed quality food vs high quality food. I would say this is the middle but def leaning toward higher. A person who thinks this is like applebees cannot tell the difference between pre-made sauces made with chemicals (applebees) and those made on site with more whole ingredients than chemicals (joes) the quality of beef (applebees = cheap delimeat for a roast beef / cheap pink slimy beef in the burgers)...and real food (joes = slices of juicy prime rib for their roast beef and quality beef) I'm just saying. It's not the best of the best, but if you are someone who can taste the difference in ingredient quality you will certainly will find more real food here vs other chains. Enjoy it! -service - I've had almost always excellent service (i.e. waitress/waiter is friendly and checks up but doesn't hover, does not let drinks get empty, etc) I won't knock a star off, for the occasional less attentive staff member which I admit has happened. This a great place to drop in for good drinks or good food when in the area.
(5)Russ B.
Food: 2 over priced applebees food with less flavor. We had med rare prime rib ( came over cooked gray and lacked flavor). Grilled salmon (looked good but lacked flavor) Ambiance: 4 great pattio area Service: 4 good but awkward. He may have been new. Friendly though. Price: 1 appropriate for newbery but not for the food and drinks we had. I recommend going to capital grill or Atlantic fish co over this place.
(2)d f.
Joe's has gotten worse. Poor and infrequent table service, low quality food. I ate at Joe's with a friend. The calamari were barely warm and mostly fried batter without much actual squid. The salmon was cooked well, but lacked flavor. The vegetables were undercooked. Service was really spotty -- water glasses were left without refills and had to flag down waitress often, even though it was not that busy. Avoid Joe's -- better off going to Atlantic Fish Company or Abe & Louie's (also skip Stephanie's and Met Bar -- equally bad).
(1)Emily D.
Everyone says, "Oh I come to Joe's for the Ribs or Wings" Not us, my hubby and I come here for the complimentary bread. Well, we don't just get bread and leave but if that was possible we so would. That warm bread with butter just makes me crazy.. I can't stop eating it. Besides the amazing bread, we've had some really good meals here. My favorite is the Black and Blue Burger, perfectly cooked burger with blue cheese, roasted red peppers, scallions and caramelized onions. Side of fries and garnish of onion rings. It's my go-to meal here. The Newbury Street location is great because of the patio. It's the perfect spot for summer dining and not have crazy newbury street prices like other restaurants.
(4)Courtney H.
Everytime I come here I get seduced by the awesome openness of the first floor, and then I eat the food. It's too greasy for me and way overpriced but that's to be expected in the area. I always feel regretful whenever I eat here because it just seems so unhealthy. They must use a lot of sodium. However, everything is decent here, but nothing is stand out. The service is very good and I'm never disappointed with the staff, but the food is just meh. Go some place else if you are in the neighborhood.
(2)Katie S.
I always love this restaurant at every location. This particular location is perfect we sat right where you enter and we could people watch. The pricing was great for everything that we got. Our waitor was very funny, helpful, and quick. The bar downstairs is even nicer than upstairs! The filet was great cooked to my liking. The steak tips were very chewy and very over cooked but steak tips are hard to cook anyways so I will let it slide. Will def return when in the area.
(4)Michele K.
I'm so glad we found this place! We had just flown in from LA after having not slept or eaten all night and made it for early lunch before the crowd showed up. I ordered the Crab Cake Salad (as recommended by the server) and hubby ordered a french dip sandwich. They brought us the most delicious warm bread before our entrees. That alone was worth it. The crab cake atop my salad was like no other I've ever had on the West Coast, very yummy! Service was excellent as well. Just casual enough, I'll definitely come here again.
(4)Christina J.
Ok. So not my top choice of places to go to during my weekend trip to Boston. Not that I don't like the food, but I always like to try something different when I'm away from home. However, the Italy v. Spain soccer game was already halfway done so I needed to get to a bar pronto, and I knew they would for sure have the game on. Again, having a Joe's at home, I'm familiar enough with the food and know what I like and what to order, and I'm always happy with my experience there. However.... it seems this time I must have been invisible or something. I sat there for several minutes and no one even looked at me or stopped to ask how I was. THANKS. I might as well have been waving my arms around the whole time I was there because NO ONE would pay me any attention. I had to stop one of them to ask for a menu, ask for my drink, and then ask for bread. The one bartender that ended up serving me came around once to ask if I was doing ok and then when I had stopped eating he didn't even ask how everything was or if I wanted anything else, he only printed out my check without saying a single word to me. Is this the typical customer service they have here?? Thank God I don't live nearby, and thank God I get better service at my local Joe's. I DEFINITELY won't be back to the one on Newbury.
(1)Kelly K.
Had dinner here before and the food used to be real good but the chicken ziti brocolli was just ok. The service was great but not enough to make me want to go back. Too bad. :/
(3)Carolyn L.
Stopped in here when I was in Boston a couple of weeks ago and had a great (drunk) time after the Red Sox vs Cubs game. I ended up inadvertently harassing the waiter but he stayed calm and friendly with me. Great food and drinks. A little pricy but it's Newbury Street. I expected no less!
(4)Cristina P.
I've been to Joe's on Newbury twice, once for breakfast and once for dinner. Breakfast was wayy better, service and food wise. At dinner, our waiter never brought us bread, our food came out after waiting about 20 minutes. We ate and ultimately ran out of water. The waiter passed by and asked how the food was, but didn't "notice our drinks" because he never really stopped to hear our response. We finished eating, the waiter never came back. So we wait again, finally the waiter turns around from helping another table that just been seated and looks at us, thirsty, we asked for the check. If you work on Newbury St, make sure you can handle crowds of people please.
(2)Chrizzle D.
I really liked it here. My first experience was with the BF. I was craving meatballs, and was not let down by their spaghetti and meatballs! Went there a second time with a friend for her birthday. Got the same dish and was not disappointed. Waitstaff was amazing and even brought out a complimentary (yummy) chocolate cake. If I go back, I may have the spaghetti and meatballs again. YUM!
(4)Tee B.
Playing that funky music, good drinks, kind server, but the "award winning" clam chowder wasn't better than Chunky's Canned kind; however, not everything is perfect. I would recommend a visit -- open aired seating on a July evening
(4)Eli B.
This place was great. Not super expensive, but you are paying to get the good stuff. A great selection, from burgers to lobster. Everything my friends and I had was delicious. Service was a little slow, but it's a big place, and when I was there, there were about 8 of us in our group. Recommended for most occasions.
(4)Lindsey R.
While staying in Boston, my boyfriend and I were looking for someplace to eat on Valentine's Day and by the time we got to Newbury St. we were starving. After a review of the menus of other restaurants, which were far too pricey for our college student budgets, we settled on Joe's. I was a little wary because although I had never been, I knew Joe's was a chain (with one being found at our local mall) but I was pleasantly surprised. The interior was clean and sophisticated and a lot of other couples our age were eating there, probably because the prices are much more affordable than a lot of the other places on Newbury. We were seated quickly and the hostess was really nice, making some conversation as she sat us. Our server was great as well, very friendly and quick to assist us. I got the Rotisserie Roasted Chicken and my boyfriend got the Sirloin Steak Tips. The chicken, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce were delicious. I did however comment to my boyfriend that I was a little afraid I had gotten more than my daily sodium intake in my dish! My boyfriend loved his steak tips. We also got the nachos for an appetizer which were pretty good, although I wish there was a little more cheese. The lemonade is amazing and so is the bread! Also, a nice touch, I was given a rose at the end of our meal because it was Valentine's Day. Cute!
(4)Julia G.
I'm originally from Dallas, TX, and this place felt a lot like your standard $$ fare. I was excited because the appearance seemed more upscale than most breakfast/brunch spots I visited in Boston (you stand in line, no waiter service, you watch your food being cooked) but this place just did not satisfy my expectations. Great for your standard omelet, waffles, home fries, etc. but nothing to ride home about!
(3)Lindsay R.
I just stopped into Joe's for an appetizer and a drink with my family while Christmas shopping. Everyone was so friendly. It was my first time visiting Boston and I was pleasantly surprised. The French onion soup was delicious! However our server could have made anything sound wonderful. His name was Colin and he was a peach! He made my whole family laugh even our tired children. I can honestly say he is one of the best servers I have ever had (and we eat out a lot!). If we ever come back to that lovely city we will be sure to stop back into Joe's and hopefully be seated with Colin! Thanks everyone!
(5)AJ U.
Joe's American Bar and Grill sucks, no other way to put it. The atmosphere is good, but the food and service is downright awful. I tried the Waterfront location last year when my parents were in town (bad choice) and decided to give the Newbury Street location a try Saturday night because a few friends were in town and it was the only 8:30 last minute reservation I could find (shocker). Very disappointing, yet again. Overpriced, undercooked food. What steak comes without a vegetable for $25? The mash potatoes look like they came out of a blender. I think Applebees would have served up a better steak. My friends turkey burger looked like it came off the $1 menu at McDonalds, but with less toppings. I just don't get how a restaurant can have such good locations and atmosphere and yet completely miss on the food. Not making this mistake a third time; should have tried to make reservations sooner and gone elsewhere.
(2)Alex B.
Our waitress was great, the location is perfect, but I feel like Joe's is a boring restaurant with food one notch up from mediocre. My omelette was good but not memorable and the bloody mary was down right bad; it tasted like watered down tomato juice and wasn't even remotely spicy like it had been advertised on their brunch menu.
(2)Ayla G.
The food was good, but what I'd like to point out is the great service. My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by Ethan, our server. He was witty, attentive and went above and beyond to make us feel like we were truly special customers. When my husband wondered where the Browns (football team) was in the league, Ethan looked it up and returned promptly with the stats. His service alone will bring us back to Joe's.
(4)George A.
I love Joe's! Best barenders in the city. The room is beautiful but comfortable. The place is spotless. The food is delicious and reasonable, I love the tuna, buffalo Chicken and of course, the bread bowl clam chowder!! Join the loyalty program. You get $25 gift checks all the time!!! Joe's is the BEST!!
(5)Aubrie L.
Came here yesterday after walking around Boston... We were happy to find a place open (since it was thanksgiving). The hostess was quick to seat us as soon as we came in. Shortly after this out waiter (I feel terrible that I don't remember his name) and introduced himself and took our drink order. He recommended a beer to me (I usually don't drink beer) and offered to bring a sample just so I could be sure. He came back and asked me how I liked it- it was really good (again I can't remember the name) so I ordered it and we ordered our food. As we chatted our food came to us in a timely manner after a few minutes of eating the owner came over and wished us a Happy thanksgiving and asked us how we were enjoying our meal. My sister got the Cobb salad, my friend got wings and my other friend enjoyed a salad as well. I ended up sharing the wings and fries. The food was good and we had a wonderful time our waiter was attentive and pleasant. We paid and left in a happier mood than when we came! I will be coming back on my next trips to Boston!!
(4)Kevin R.
Great late night bar.,,., bartenders are the best.
(4)Liz K.
Went here on a beautiful day when it was 60's and sunny out. The ceiling was open and all the windows were up, so the sun was shining in with lots of fresh air, which made for the perfect atmosphere. There is a good brunch menu and if you order brunch you get a cocktail with it, which is a nice touch. The sandwiches and salads all looked good too. The menu is very large and they have just about everything. Service was good and located right on Newbury street. Definitely recommend for a good weathered day.
(4)Only My O.
My girlfriend and I went into joes after a movie and we proceeded to the bar with josh the bartender. I asked him to surprise me with a good drink and he made me an awesome combination! Fried chicken wasn't to bad either. I'll definitely return soon
(5)Mandy A.
We were aiming to have a late lunch since we knew we'd have a late dinner so I was a bit surprised that there was such a wait at 1:30pm. But it was Columbus Day and it was Newbury Street so we waited. We picked this place since a friend of husband's said they had good Boston Creme Pie here. My plans for the Pie had been thwarted the day before so I was pumped. For lunch and pie but mainly pie. Again with the weird servers... I don't know about these Boston girls. This one was talking about the wine like it was poetry or something... I just sort of tuned her out. She brought us bread and one appetizer plate. Ha. And the bread was a big chunk, not cut. So we made a mess and I went without a plate, she didn't notice any of the times she came back which made me laugh. I got the Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich on a whim. I don't normally go for stuff like that but it spoke to me. Fantastic decision, I was really proud of myself for that one. The ham and cheese melted inside the chicken which was perfectly thin and crispy... wow. So freaking good. Husband took a bite and said he wished he ordered that instead. I held off on hoovering all of the fries to save room for the pie. Weird server came back with dessert menus and went on and on about their carrot cake and again, tuned her out as she was talking about cream cheese something or other and as I'm scanning... no PIE. What the heck? So we passed on dessert. I was sad. Probably not their fault, maybe we were lied to and led astray by the coworker. I did laugh when I saw the servers new table all giving her weird looks and whispering as she walked away like what is her deal. At least it's not just me. Overall, fancy place. Not my favorite vibe. Kind of like old school steak house and no real personality. I have a thing with putting "American" in the name of your business... I don't get it.
(4)Bronwen Y.
Big fan of Joe's. With the warm weather, reservations are a MUST (but thankfully they use Open Table, which makes it super easy). Like so many places in Boston, they won't let you reserve the upstairs patio, but downstairs is gratefully air conditioned! Even if you have a reservation, you'll probably need to chill at the downstairs bar with a pager for a while, but just build that expectation into your plans and you'll be fine. Lots of beers on tap, good wine selection, and a full bar. Food is excellent - try the spicy beef salad if you want something a bit lighter. I also appreciate how all of the burgers and sandwiches come with an onion ring!
(4)Celeste A.
We just moved to Beacon Street in Boston and were walking around to find someplace to have a late dinner after a long day at work and saw Joe's which I think fancy's itself as sort of tex-mex restaurant. We went there at 8:00 pm and wrongly assumed since Joe's was open that an 8 pm was not something they were not equipped to handle--obviously we were wrong. The host was standing at his station when we arrived. He asked if we were there for drinks or dinner. When we said dinner; he turned to a woman standing near the bar where we should be seated. She looked somewhat annoyed and they exchanged a private conversation with the host for about a minute, after that he said follow me. The host walked us to the back of the restaurant where there were some nasty broken looking tables with stools (no backs). There were empty tables all over the restaurant, both high and regular tables that had chairs with backs. But no they put us at a table that was so broken that I could not even touch the table without it rocking. We ordered a drink and dinner at the same time because it was late and we were hungry. The drinks came out and were fine but the dinner took another 20 minutes to arrive. When the dinner did arrive it was more of a tapas plate size. I had read some of the other yelp reviews before we went so expected a dinner of normal size or bigger. I am certainly glad my husband and I did not share a dinner, as is our normal M.O., even if we are getting a sandwich--because we are not big eaters. I now wander if they were running out of food for the day and decided not to share this information when I ordered the special (tamale mole). The only thing large on the plate was the banana leaf. Perhaps if this was a "REAL" Tex-mex restaurant we would have been served chips and salsa which would have made this tiny portion palatable. We had to go home and grab a snack after dinner. My husband ordered the chicken tortas which was a bit larger but still not large enough to split. The flavors on both entries were bland and uneventful. To be clear, there is NOTHING is special about this place. Perhaps the person who said the portions were huge, went to Joe's before 8 pm. My final note: this place does not deserve to be in business in this town where superb food is the norm. We will certainly never spend our money at Joe's again and I urge anyone who reads this to do the same.
(1)Kiki D.
On my last trip to Boston, of course we had to walk & shop on Newbury St. We stumbled upon Joe's and decided to have lunch there. Our server was Luis, and he was very nice & friendly. He offered us a bread basket, even though our meals weren't really bread-needy. It was the best bread ever~!! Warm & toasty fresh. I almost ate it all, but had save room. I ordered the chicken parmesan sandwich, which ended up being HUGE. You definitely could not pick it up to eat it like a sandwich. The normal sized bread bun it came with was tiny compared to the chicken. Definitely a knife & fork kind of sandwich. It tasted really good with the marinara & cheese on it. On the side was a nice little green salad w/ balsamic dressing - perfect tasting. Our table also ordered the fish & chips. They were up to par. There were onion rings too. Minus one star for the dirty silverware & bread plate. All else was good.
(4)Mayra B.
This last Saturday afternoon we had just checked into a hotel in Newbury St. and were starving. We walked a couple of blocks and Joe's was literally the first restaurant we found so we stopped there. I didn't think we were going to like it that much but it was a great experience. The hostess sat us down immediately in a great table with plenty of space that fit our baby's stroller (in spite of it being quite full). Our server's name was Joey and he was very helpful and offered very quick and spot on service. He recommended a couple of different sangrias which were very tasty and refreshing and a had a great beer selection for my husband. We also ordered the ahi tuna tartare, the clam chowder and the onion soup to start and then a couple of great burgers and the blackened haddock sandwich. Everything was well cooked, very flavorful and exactly as we had asked for. Joey also recommended the banana cream pie for desert, which was to die for. This place delivers great American quality food, quick service and a very pleasant and well-trained staff. We will definitely be back.
(5)Ashley D.
Berry Sangria was to die for
(4)Drew R.
Had some great Seared Ahi Tuna here. They also have a good selection of beers.
(4)Thiago G.
Ive been to the New Location on Newberry St a couple times and i love it every time! Always a wait on Friday and Saturday Nights, Go to the bar have a drink and by the time your done a table will be ready! Or its just my luck! Waiting Staff was Great and their Fish Special was amazing! Love the New Look on Newberry St as Well.. Very Large and Modern. Im a Fan!
(4)Jason M.
While on my way to Fenway for my first Red Sox game (hey stuff it! I moved here in January), we decided to stop and grab a quick bite to eat. Desperately craving another burger, my friend suggested we stop at Joe's. The food didn't stick out as great. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best I've had. My burger was nicely medium and very juicy. They use a poppyseed bun, which you don't see too often. I had a white sharp cheddar cheese which was delicious. The fries were a bit thicker than I like, although they came with an onion ring... a happy little surprise. What made the night an adventure was our waiter. I have several theories: A. It was his first day. B. He was training to be a ninja. C. He had social anxiety. D. All of the above. As he shared the specials, he did so in a rapid-fire, skip every third word in such a weird way. His phrasing was spaced oddly, like he was afraid he'd forget something important. The next word was always on the tip of his tongue as he shoutedouteverythingsoquicklyyoudidn'tunderstandhiÂm. It didn't help he was wearing all black. This helped him sneak up on us without us noticing, loudly announce his presence and then he'd quickly blurt out something: HEY!Wouldyoulikearefillonyourdrinksoranotherbeer?Âno.greatthankyou. Sometimes we didn't get to respond as he would jet away. I'm gonna chalk it up to that it was his first day. And he was part ninja.
(3)Kate L.
I don't know why I only give 3 stars because the food is always super here. The steak salad with blue cheese is probably the best steak salad I have had next to Abe's. The tuna ahi app was tiny... only 4 pieces of tuna which let me fill up on the great soft, warm bread that is always a sure bet. Service is good. Sangria was sweet and good but made my me and my boyfriend tired. For the price, not bad. I would go back.
(3)Malea X.
i had 2 meals here, lunch and brunch. both were good (a gluten-free lobster roll!) and they take care to keep the food separated, plus a dedicated fryer. the food and service were good and they were happily accommodating to my allergies, but the lobster roll i had in portland was better. one thing that was quite alarming is that when i asked if they had gluten-free beer the bartender offered me a corona or Heineken, neither of which are gluten-free by any stretch of the imagination! the only way to take gluten out of a grain alcohol is by distilling it. these guys are being given bad information and passing it along. who knows how many people they've gotten sick?!
(3)Katie K.
Okay so I was going to give this place two stars because my very first experience here wasn't completely abysmal, but the last time I went here was so awful that I will never go back. My boyfriend and I came here for Valentine's day. I'm burger and fries kind of gal. Our waiter didn't even stop by our table to say hello or anything. He literally came up as he was passing and said "drinks?" and walked away before we were able to say anything. He didn't check up on us the entire meal. He didn't smile, he was incredibly unpleasant--honestly I was wondering if he was intoxicated. He was sloppy and rude. Come dessert, we ordered chocolate covered strawberries--a valentine's classic, right? 8 bucks for 3 strawberries, covered in that awful dusty processed chocolate. I bit into one and almost chipped a tooth--THEY WERE FROZEN. So lucky we just sent them back and ended up asking for the check. At least 8 dollars weren't wasted on THREE strawberries. He barely apologized and muttered something. When we asked for the check, he pretty much threw it at us as he walked by. I should have complained, but I'm too agreeable for that and didn't want to ruin anyone's day. We gave him a small tip, but it was still much too generous in my opinion. Ran out of there as fast as possible. Burger was alright and fries were okay too. The Maitre'D was actually very kind. I wouldn't come here unless you're indecisive and desperate.
(1)Taja R.
I've visited this restaurant on two different occasions. The first time was this past summer. I had the Au Poivre burger, which was pretty good. It was juicy, the bread was soft, the onions were sweet and caramelized as promised. It was a properly cooked medium burger. I couldn't say the same for my fiance's meal. He ordered the Rib au jus, which was overly tender (almost mushy) and wasn't a great cut of meat. We expected so much better! I expected a bit more from the service. There was little in the way of warmth. It felt very mechanical, and we rarely saw the server. The service aspect didn't stand out to us much at all. But we figured, maybe it was just that day. I figured we'd give it another try before putting the nail in the coffin. This weekend was our second time around. My fiance and I met a friend for dinner there. We were promptly greeted and seated. (Great!) However, it took a couple of minutes for our server to come over. Once he did, he too seemed to be out of steam. I got the sense that he was doing the best he could to be "up" and was ready to go home. Nice guy, but I could see it in his very soul that he was not feeling it. (I know the look! I've served long enough to know the look of a tired server!). Decent guy, but he was just through. It was as if he was simply trying to get through this last table. He came over with menus and asked if we would like to start out with drinks, but he didn't really recommend any drinks, rather, he pointed out that they have a drink menu. (Ok...thanks. Maybe one itty bitty drink recommendation? Just one? No? Ok.) We ordered a large bottled water which was served with chilled glasses and a lime, which I appreciated. We were then told of the specials, and took some time to look at the menu. After a while, we noticed that the server was nowhere to be found. We waited between 5-10 minutes (being generous) before we even saw him come back through the dining room. By this time, we ordered apps and entrees. Might I add that once we received the bread for the table, we realized that it was served as one big roll, no slices or cuts to make sharing easier, and we all had blunt butter knives, so imagine how fun that was trying to cut into! It turned into a mini blunt sword fight and evntually, we just tore pieces off.Crumbs everywhere, yay! :-D Anyway, I ordered the soup of the day (butternut squash) and the Ahi Tuna Burger. We also ordered nachos for an appetizer. The soup was okay, it was flavorful, but wasn't as sweet as expected. It tasted more like a carrot, squash soup, and was more savory and citrus flavored, with a kick of the cilantro. I was thrown off, but it was okay. I finished it. The nacho's were okay. I liked the cheese. They were youre typical nachos, nothing to write home about. They were good, but I've had better. They lacked substance. Lettuce, sour cream, some tomato tossed here and there, some salsa on the side. Yeah, nachos. *crickets* But they were good. When the tuna burger arrived (just in time to finish the cup of soup), I was happy with the portion and presentation. The bun was multigrain, but it was soft and had a slight sweetness, with baked in oats on top. The tuna was crusted in sesame seeds, which added an interesting textural element along with a slight nutty flavor. It was also topped with tomato and arugala, which were fresh and deep green. I took a couple of bites, and found it to be pretty balanced and flavorful...however...it wasn't medium as I requested. It was more rare. I figured I could overlook it after the first couple of bites. But about halfway through, I started to not really enjoy it. It was a bit cold, but I figured it was the vegetables that dropped the temperature at first (which was partly to blame), but after a while, I got the feeling that this wasn't fresh tuna. The way it started fo LEAK and FALL APART, I believe the patty had been frozen. Maybe it was fresh when it came in, but it was then ground, shaped into a patty, and frozen until ready to serve. However, this isn't the type of thing you send back to the kitchen to be cooked through, so I just went with it. It was okay, but after a while, I tapped out and couldn't finish it. My fiance ordered the Mushroom Burger. Not only was it cooked medium well, when he ordered medium, but the menu promised mushrooms, which we could tell were not fresh cut. They were definitely from a can. Mind you, he's a chef, so he can kinda definitely spot these things. A man who loves his burgers didn't finish it and didn't care to take it home. The fries, while thick cut, tasted frozen also. I was kinda upset about that. I had sweet potato frieds with my, and they were a bit mushy. *sigh* All in all, we had a good time laughing and talking, but I probably wouldn't pick that restaurant to do it in. It's a shame, because the last time I visited, the burger itself was awessome! Too many details didn't measure up.
(2)R. G.
This place is decent, but nothing stood out. I had the egg benedict, and my friend had the surf and turf with crab cakes. They were pretty decent, and came with a beverage (my friend had a bloody mary) and some fruit. Mostly importantly, however, it has a prime location for outdoor dining on a sunny day. Our waiter was also great--attentive and friendly, without being over pushy. The inside is kinda dark, with solid black furniture in a traditional style. Not bad, over all.
(3)Joanne D.
Food is nothing special but probably one of the cheaper restaurant in the back bay. The service is not the best. Their menu indicated brunch comes with bakery basket but when I asked for it, they said it is no longer available and ask if I want bread instead. Even that I had to so twice before they bring it to me. Seriously, if you no longer provide bakery basket, please update your menu.
(3)Catey W.
Had a wonderful evening at Joe's tonight. The food was perfect and we got a great seat up by the bar with a beautiful view of Newbury street with all of the Christmas lights. What made the night extra special was our wonderful waitress, Alena. She was funny, personable and gave great wine and food recommendations. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Chris C.
Good food and good service in a comfortable atmosphere.
(4)Jen C.
I came to Joe's with a few friends for dinner and drinks. The food was great and the sangria was delicious. I recommend making reservations on the weekends as it tends to get busy.
(3)Anastasia R.
They give you a free cocktail with brunch! I always get the Hanger Steak Hash, because omfg it is the best thing you can put in your mouth before noon with few exceptions... I heart ( o )( o )
(5)Stephanie L.
Joe's bar counter is the perfect place to find a seat and grab a meal if you're in town by yourself. I found the bartenders and other patrons to be super friendly (great indicator of the place!) and the food and drink service fast. The burger was perfectly prepared, and the beer cold and refreshing. Nothing mind blowing, but a solid meal delivery. With a large wall of floor to ceiling windows that are open on a nice day to Newbury St, you can't beat the location and corner bar ambiance.
(4)Angelo V.
The service at this restaurant was top notch. Rudy was very kind and personable. He was extremely familiar with the dishes and is very customer centric. Everyone at this restaurant is also very kind. The food is excellent. I would highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion and ask for Rudy!!
(5)J P.
From looking at other reviews, apparently we were somewhat fortunate to have a good experience. Stopped on a weekday for lunch around 1:30. Seated after just a 5 minute wait. The service was prompt and our server was friendly and attentive. I had a burger and she got chowder and a salad. Nothing wrong with any of it. The burger was cooked right and the bun held up strong to the end. She liked the chowder and the salad was fresh. It looked a little on the small side to me but she was satisfied with it. Nice decor, clean, extensive menu.
(4)H L.
Just had the first try out last week for a quick lunch. The first time, we went there but they did not serve the Brunch in the winter. I cannot remember why, But I was offended for being offered lunch before Noon time then. We went back during the July week for early lunch. They were rather displaying fancy older people to the porch, and casual dressers to the basement level, but we did not mind it as it was cooler and quieter than the upper. Then all filled with the business workers in their 40s+. The lunch was mere $15+. And, fresh with some creative touches. The food, definitely need to be improved to survive the competition across Stephanie's. 3.5 star Perhap's a bit bigger portion for American Joe's would be nice- My salad was fantastic (Beef Noodle salad) But, had to order Apple crumble for a dissert. The two-course finally filled my stomach for the rest of the afternoon. Noticeably, their strong management(2+managers on the scene in suits) keeps every staff to make sure we were well taken care of. Everyone seems to work with focus on what they were doing. All too serious! I will definitely go back and see if their dinner is as good as the lunch we had.
(4)Amy S.
I've always thought of Joe's as the type of place that you go when you can't decide on somewhere better to go. Or you get lured in b/c it's the only place on the street with outdoor(ish) seating that doesn't have a 30 min wait (which, to be fair to my impatience, is very long when you try to stick to an hour lunch break). That's not to say it's bad, quite reliably good in fact, but nothing to get excited and, say, write a Yelp review about. That all changed when I tried their grilled cheese. You laugh, but this was honestly the best grilled cheese I have EVER had (sorry mom). I'm practically drooling just writing this review. Picture this (unless you have had it, then maybe you can taste it): cheddar and fontina cheese with bacon and tomato (yum!)...and as if that isn't delightful enough...on challah bread! It's one of those sandwiches that you can't help but say, "mmm this is so good" at every bite. Really. I am serious when I say when I was eating it I was planning out when I'd be able to go back. Oh, and it comes with great sweet potato fries (which you can sub for regular fries, but the regular fries are only ehh). As far as service, our waitress was fantastic. She seemed like she was at our table every couple of minutes refilling our waters for us (warm day and one of the people I was with kept downing her water like she just ran 30 miles), which did get a bit awkward, but good service nonetheless. Not so simple grilled cheese - I can't wait until we meet again!
(5)Joeli G.
Joe's American Bar and Grill on Newbury Street = Disgusting. Flavorless food, cold fries, slow service. 4 people having sandwhiches with a side of 2 beers... $104.00...for lunch!!! That's rediculous. Chain restaurants are always a bad decision but i have to say, Joe's is the worst I've experienced. With so many wonderful places to eat in Boston and its outlying area, don't make the same mistake we made and settle for this place. Wait the 30 minutes to get into Stephanie's across the street - we should have.
(1)Candice P.
I went here on a Saturday night and we were able to get a table by the window. The weather was amazing and it was a great spot for people watching. I had some seared tuna and it was very small, but it was what I wanted at the time. I suggest you don't order it if you are starving. The sangria was really good, but became a little overwhelmingly sweet after one glass. I really like the atmosphere here. It really casual and fun. Definitely a great spot for a Friday or Saturday night. The service is pretty decent too. Nothing extraordinary though. The one thing that really hurt this rating is the fact that they put an $111 hold in my bank account. I split the bill with my boyfriend and with tip, It should have been charged $50.74 and for some reason the amount showed up as $111 in my checking account. I called and they told me that "sometimes that happens". Why $111 dollars and why didn't my boyfriend get a hold as well? It seems to me they messed something up but didn't want to admit they charged me the wrong amount. It was later fixed but still annoying. I'd go back here again, but next time I will bring cash.
(3)Joe G.
I work right down the street from joes and I've always wanted to try it. It was pretty good. The only complaint I have was that my beer tasted kind of skunked. I don't know if I got the bottom of the tap or what. But all in all pretty good
(4)Kyle D.
This place has a nice setup. The bar is right next to the street and it is covered from the elements, but the windows are open in the summer time to allow for nice air circulation. You can see everything going on in the street and it is a nice atmosphere. I would give 4.5 for ambience in the bar and grill category. I ordered the bacon cheesburger done medium with fries and a drink. It took only 10 minutes to hand me my order, which is pretty good considering the high volume of customers at 2:30 on a weekday. They get four stars for service. The food was good. The fries were not a boatload, but adequate enough. The burger was done medium as I requested. I was a little hungry in the end, but I ate my food ravenously. Three and half stars on the food quality and quantity. The prices were a little high. I know that you are paying for the atmosphere, but they charge a little too much for the atmosphere. The bacon cheeseburger, fries, and drink came to about 16 dollars and change. A little high for a bar and grill, even a good one. They get two stars for the price. That comes to 3.5 if you weight everything equally. But I value price efficiently more than ambiance and the higher than usual price brought it down to a 3. But this is a good bar and grill. It is perfect for the summer time. If you have not been there during the summer yet, I suggest you give it a try, or another try, soon.
(3)Karen V.
I went here for drinks recently with some friends. The bartenders were rude & unprofessional, in fact they behaved like complete idiots. Never again
(1)Cequesta K.
Came here on a lovely summer day to enjoy the beautiful weather and a delicious meal. The place was packed, which isn't unusual for a Saturday afternoon, but the courteous hostess still managed to seat us promptly. Our waitress was really nice, and she made it a point to find out wheather or not there were Skinny Girl maritnis available (which there was!) For starters we had the spinach and artichoke dip which came with an assortment or pita and tortilla chips, as well as carrot sticks....delicious! But on the other hand, dip is a really hard thing to screw up. For an entree my friend ordered the chicken platter, which was huge! He couldn't even finish it all which says a lot for someone with his appetite. I ordered the special which was the blackened catfish topped with chopped salsa. I've never tasted anything so salty in my life. I'm usually not the type to send food back, but I literally couldn't stomach it! I instead got the catfish-minus all the extra pizazz- and it was simply delightful. The ambiance is classic American decor, casual with a touch of elegance. Very nice. All and all I would definitely come back, I'll just be sure to order something else!
(3)Allison C.
This spacious restaurant is a great place for drinks after work. Both of our entrees were great, the appetizer was ok but a little less than generous. Sometimes our cocktails were good, sometimes not. I suppose it depends on who is behind the bar. The staff is organized and professional and I liked the atmosphere. Would go again.
(4)Teddy B.
Not a bad little place. Kind of pricey, but I think that area of Boston is. The food quality was good. Tasty and staff took time to explain the meal and answer questions. The kind of place where what you see is what you get.
(3)Dave C.
I hadn't been to Joe's on Newbury St in their new location ( former home of Friday's). Went there for Sunday brunch before the Pops Holiday concert. The wait staff handled our GLUTEN FREE needs extremely well and with familiarity and confidence. We were all very satisfied with what we ordered. My daughter ordered a GF grilled cheese, my son had a GF pizza and my wife had a grilled chicken salad. I had the prime rib hash with poached eggs and home fries. All very good. I will definitely go back.
(4)Lu W.
We had a Margarita pizza and Joe's chopped salad. The pizza was rather unimpressive, and there was too much dressing on the salad. As far as food goes I'd rate it a three star. Then I thought for a Boston bar they could have had a larger and better beer selection, and for the price, the food really could be better. At least I had a fun date. Next time I'll find somewhere else though. Thanks and sorry Ol' Joe.
(2)Julie R.
It's about time a restaurant moved to this former defunct space. It was an eyesore with it's paper covered windows for years. The new renovation looks fresh. Not only is there a large "patio" with a clear retractable roof, a few steps beneath, a huge sunken dining room. That patio is genius for them to not lose the dining space in winters. On a Sunday afternoon, the place was packed. There were many employees standing near the door wearing suits directing hungry traffic. The hostess took us down to the lower level to be seated, only to realize there was no space, then back up again, they sat us on the covered patio. Our server was all over the place. He seemed disappointed when we ordered lunch with no alcoholic beverages. We got a beef noodle salad and a chicken cordon bleu sandwich. About 15 minutes went by he arrives back to say he forgot our order. Ok server's should really just write things down. I'll give the same tip as if you got it mentally. I think it looks worse to have to come back and say you forgot..especially when our order was a total of 2 items! Some time went by. I knew our order then went in late and we would be waiting a while. We made a plan to speak up about the inconvenience if it didn't arrive in a few. The food arrived at the cusp of our ready-to-complain selves. All I wanted to do was dig in. The beef noodle salad was refreshing. It was served cold with a tangy mint seasoning. The beef was overcooked past med-rare though. My cordon bleu was delicious. It's a heavy sandwich, I was only able to eat half. The place is definitely overpriced with $17 salads and $13-$17 sandwiches. The rest of service was still slow as we waited for drink refills, then the check. The atmosphere seemed sort of sweatshop. The place was so packed and dysfunctional to me. It seemed more of go, go, go, turn tables and let service slide, vs being more attentive and giving a quality experience.
(2)Hubert H.
Not particularly impressed here. The nicest aspect of their offerings is that they carry gluten-free pasta for those who need that. The basic Joe's burger was overdone (on a medium well request); the fries were substandard, and accompanying the burger was only one measly slice of tomato, with one measly leaf of lettuce. The chicken angel hair pasta was bland, the chicken itself dry and chewy. The main reason to come here is that it's on Newbury Street, and is probably one of the cheaper offerings in this expensive area of town.
(2)Myrna C.
I finally had the opportunity to come to Joe's after my family went there this summer. We went on a Thursday night, so it wasn't very busy. The food was quite good. Our group of five bought several dishes to split and try. 1) New England Clam Chowder - definitely the best that I had in all of Boston. If I weren't so full from all of the other food, I would have had MUCH more. 2) Filet Mignon - perfectly cooked. It was juicy and tasty. The mashed potatoes on the side were delicious as well. 3) Sesame Ahi Tuna Burger - The tuna was absolutely spectacular. I don't even know what to say about it. I gobbled it down so fast. And the sweet potato fries it came with were SO good. Actually, I think it's the first time I'd ever had sweet potato fries not baked from a Trader Joe's bag. :D 4) Newbury Salad - Looked good. Really didn't have much of it, but my sister seemed to really enjoy it as it was gone pretty quickly as well. Overall, great food and EXCELLENT service. One thing I forgot was that we really loved their bread, so the guy gave us two to go! So cool. :) Will definitely go back the next time I'm there.
(5)Jessie K.
My friend and I went in for dinner tonight and ate ourselves silly. We split the calamari - which I liked a lot. They serve it with marinara and also throw in some battered peppers which adds a little bit of a kick. The soup of the day was a potato bacon cheddar and my oh my it was rich and delicious! My friend had the ahi tuna salad and she thought it was delicious. I had the chicken club sandwich which I enjoyed and couldn't even come close to finish because of how much other food I'd eaten. For dessert we split the crisp and let's just say that there was nothing left in the bowl when we were through. It's a little overpriced for what it is, but it's sort of expected for a Newbury street restaurant. I remember when it was a TGIFridays and they've definitely upgraded the interior since then! What really made this experience was our server, Mike. He was friendly, attentive and knew the menu inside and out.
(4)Taylor P.
This review is for BRUNCH only. Wow, I love brunch. Went to Joe's last weekend with a couple of friends and had the most delightful experience. First of all all brunch menu items come with a free beverage - and I'm not talking coffee or juice folks, I mean a real adult beverage. Second, we had an excellent waiter - made some great recommendations and was super friendly/funny. Third the food was plentiful anddd delicious, and fourth, we were all pleasantly surprised when the bill arrived. Again, this is for brunch only. I don't know that I'd come here for dinner as I typically shy away from chains but this place did work out and I would go again in the AM for sure.
(4)Kimberly H.
Went there for lunch today. Ask to be sat by the street to people watch!
(4)AnnaMinna H.
It is good. I did npt experience anything even close to the bad reviews here. Steak was cooked perfectly and the chicken fingers are superb. Staff was awesome...and our waiter is a little hottie!!!!
(5)Gabby B.
So tired of walking and everyplace seemed to be filled out so me and my friend decided to just eat lunch here. I thought the place was classy for it's price so we went outside because it's a nice day and then..It took them for like 5 mins. to give us the menu I mean duh..first things first and HOW COULD YOU not miss me? I ordered this roasted chicken with green wilds(something like that) and when the order had arrived I was like: 'There must be a mistake I've ordered roasted chicken..' 'But this is roasted chicken and green wilds' 'Really?' I mean the food looked like a freaking SALAD! I was starving that day and I'm so sure that the order wasnt in the salad section.I was expecting the chicken with salads on the side not the chicken cut into teeny tiny pieces with these God-knows type of veggies.. After he put it into the table I told him:'I don't like this' but ofcourse you cant trade that and order again so I just sucked it up and ate it cos' I noticed these two couple are looking at me and I don't wanna be embarassed....Urgh...whatevs..
(2)Joe D.
Classic 3.5 star place. I can't give 3.5, so I went with a 3. Food was good, just not outstanding. I would come back again if I don't have to wait to be seated.
(3)Angela M.
I made reservations for a bachelorette dinner for last Saturday evening (3/30/2013) for a group of 6. We were a bit late and there was a line outside, but as soon as I mentioned my reservation, we were seated immediately. The manager and the maitre d' were very attentive. We were given the corner table by the windows. What a great spot for people watching! Our server came over right away. His name was Colin. He was superb! He had comprehensive knowledge of the menu, and answered all our questions. We took a bit of time before looking at the menu, but Colin never made us feel rushed. We were trying to decide which appetizers to get, when, before we got the chance to ask, the three different appetizers showed up at our table, as compliments. What a great surprise. The spinach and artichoke dip was very tasty and surprisingly light. The shrimp cocktail was very fresh, and the fried calamari was cooked just right. I hate overcooked calamari. We were still looking at the menu, to select an entree' when Colin appeared at our table. He recommended the special for the evening, which was Crab cakes over a Caesar salad, which he described in detail. So we (all 6 of us) decided to get the get the special. We were all so happy we followed his advice. The crab cakes were divine. They were all crab meat, no fillers, no heavy spices . They were not fried. They were pan seared, which made them so delicate, you could actually taste the crab meat. The salad dressing was on the side, so we could decide how much we wanted to use. The romaine lettuce was crisp and fresh. I really do hope they make that special a permanent part of the menu. We were under a time constraint, (we ere going to a show), which I mentioned to Colin. He made sure we had the check in a timely manner, and also called cabs. I could not have asked for a better dinner with the girls. The bride to be was very pleased and I have to thank Joe'sAmerican Bar and Grille's staff for that. They made it so effortless. I highly recommend this restaurant. You will not regret it. Go ahead, make the reservation.
(5)Edi D.
Nothing to write home about but the food was pretty standard American fare in a classy setting. I enjoyed the french onion soup and my salad was just fine too. No wow factor at Joe's but everything was good enough.
(3)Charles E.
I plan to avoid Joe's at all costs in the future. I went there with a couple people on a Sunday afternoon. It was a busy day, with great weather on St. Patrick's Day weekend, and so the hour wait wasn't terribly unusual. What was atrocious were the bartender's manners. Given the fact that we were waiting outside for so long, I hoped to grab a few waters for our group. After the bartender finally took my order, I asked for three waters. He then proceeded to totally ignore my order and instead fulfill a number of others, without ever checking in with me. Granted, no bartender wants to get three waters for someone. But it seemed awfully short-sighted to anger a customer who's about to dine with a group in your restaurant, and might also follow the water order up with a bunch of drink orders. Really poor taste. Our buzzer ended up going before he ever brought the water. The food was fine, although the waitress spilled coffee on my packback, which was on the ground under the table. She also didn't write down the order, which given the complexity inherent in do-it-your-way omelettes, was a bad idea. Luckily, I had great company there. That was the only reason I had a decent meal. I definitely won't be returning anytime soon.
(1)Tsada K.
THINGS I LEARNED LIVING IN BOSTON: --the only place in your vehicle in which you can keep an open container is a locked trunk, (unless, of course, your father is a cop) --if you see Whitey Bulger standing on the corner, just wave politely and move on, then keep your damn mouth shut for chrissakes --don't park in spaces marked RESIDENT PARKING because you will have to pay a monster ticket (unless, of course, your father is a cop) --the ways in which an individual may fuck his or her mother are, in fact, endless --if someone shovels out a parking space in Southie after a snow storm, that parking space is thereby deeded to that individual until the next thaw; any person who attempts to take that space may be subject to grave personal and/or automotive bodily harm (unless, of course, said person's father is a cop) --you can never have too many bars Joe's has two bars. This is a good thing. Because anyone who's ever been to Boston knows that there's never enough room at one bar to house all the drunk, sports-obsessed, loud, fired-up twatwads, and that that is a very bad thing, and also how people end up getting pissed on or, at the very least, punched in the crochetal region. Kudos to Joe's for thinking ahead. Like almost everything in Boston, the food at Joe's takes a back seat to the liquor. If you stick with the uncomplicated stuff on the menu, however, it can be a terrific neighborhood joint for a quick bite. They make a decent grilled salmon, yummy mashed potatoes, crisp salads, and tasty desserts. It's also a great place to grab a (veggie) burger, fries, and a beer while watching the game at either of the two bars. Just stay away from the froufrou pastas and anything remotely international sounding. Like I said, it's nothing fancy, but if you stick with the basics, Joe's serves the the kind of simple, old fashioned food your mom would make. I mean, if she wasn't so busy with the blow jobs and all.
(3)Katie V.
Joe's is nothing special, but it has that friendly neighborhood everyone-knows-your-name kind of feel to it. I like the layout of the downstairs bar a lot -- you can sequester yourself but still enjoy the cozy din around you. Things I wish were better -- the menu and the wine by the glass prices. I work in a restaurant and Joe's had many of the same wines, except for a dollar or two more per glass. I felt like I should have been able to order a decent glass of white for less than $9. Menu is pretty uninspired -- but the food arrived quickly and was not bad. But it took me forever to make up my mind because everything just sounded....ok. Nothing special. Like the chefs are on auto-pilot or too lazy to spice things up. My friend and I both ordered specials because they sounded a bit more, well, special. I got turkey pot pie and mashed potatoes, and it was good, but very rich and I couldn't finish it. My friend got a pizza with clams and bacon and joked that it should be called the Anti-Semite pizza. He ate all of it, though, so I'm guessing it was tasty. I could see myself coming back and sitting at the bar, reading while nursing a glass of wine -- just one, though, because it's all I can afford!
(3)Tory S.
Food here is a joke. Think appleby's or some other strip mall quality fare. Too many great places in Boston to waste any time here.
(1)Kevin B.
I'm a pretty big fan of the location and the decor of this place. The brunch special is a great deal - comes with a free drink (mimosa, bloody mary, beer, juice, etc). The black and blue burger is delicious for lunch. Fish is also fresh and well cooked. Pretty good draft beer selection too - including whale's tail. Service is also consistently excellent. I'd say not quite as nice as Houston's in Fanuiel, but nicer than expected for a chain.
(4)Roger C.
Waited 20 minutes for my entree while everyone else in my party enjoyed their meal.
(1)Dana L.
quick service. good bread. average food (not bad but not necessarily amazing) my friend and i had the shrimp cocktail, calamari, steak and chicken primavera...all were only okay.
(3)Kathleen F.
Ok...so I know this is supposed to be 'american food' which I guess is supposed to be boring to begin with? But the menu is SO BORRRINNNGG! This is the one place where I can just stare at the menu of overpriced bland gross food and have no cravings for anything? Even the burgers are kind of dry and gross. I guess it's supposed to cater to tourists though, so maybe it serves its purpose. And cheeseburger pizza? No thanks!! The one highlight--the drinks! The backbay sangria and the blueberry mojito are to die for! I would suggest going there for drinks, but that is about it!
(3)Wendy K.
I am not sure that the upstairs/downstairs seating option is still available, as Joe's has changed locations since I was last there. Just thought you should know! I'll write a real update when I go there next :)
(4)Colin B.
Within the first few minutes, I told my friends, "I'm going to Yelp the SHIT out of this place." Not the good kind. . . . 1) The plates our "server" put out had orange stains and crumbs on them. 2) The glasses were all DISGUSTING and looked like they had napkin particles all over them. 3) When we told our server, he said, "Oh, dishes dirty?" Yeah man, dishes dirty - don't care too much. 4) It takes a lot for me to NOT LIKE buffalo chicken. It's actually near impossible. Joe's accomplished it - chewy like bubble gum, yuck. I'm really struggling to find any redeeming qualities about this place. Bad food, dirty plates/glasses and a server who doesn't know where/who he is. Try Sonsie.
(1)Francisco J.
Ok, so I decided to try this place. OMG!! service was good, but the food!! I order the special for the day a Veal Chop bone in! I was sounds great!! Well when I try the mashed potato is was kind of cold so I was mmm I cut the veal chop and it was freezer cold in the center!!!! discus ting!! I will not suggest this place at all!! Who runs a place that will let a dish go to client like this!?
(1)Shawndy D.
Joe's is one of the things I miss most after moving away from the East coast. I've never had a better caesar salad in my life. Their dressing isn't too creamy, which makes it the best. When I lived in Boston, I'd eat their grilled chicken caesar salad at least once a week! Their peach mango cosmo martini is also amazing. I flew back for a quick weekend trip recently, and Joe's was the only thing on my "MUST DO" list.
(5)Michael A.
Too bad for JoeS I decided my ratings are inflated. So 3 stars is good now. Anyway. I like joes a lot mainly cuz the new location seats you outside but with glass all around. Great to sit "outside" on the sidewalk during winter!
(3)Patrick L.
It was a beautiful sunny day and sitting outside with bloody marys was just what we wanted. Our waitress Ashley was nice and took good care of us. The food was not bad but not that good either. If they fixed the food this place would be great.
(3)Tinku R.
This is your prototypical neighborhood American food go to place - casual, inexpensive, fast service, good food and an atmosphere that is fine. This particular restaurant however is unique because of two factors. First, the location on Newberry Street is simply unbeatable. When they open at the windows in the summertime you literally feel like you're eating on Newbury Street. Secondly, it is a very large restaurant - while there is always a small line on weekends, if you make a reservation you want have much of a wait. Newbury Street. generally has smaller restaurants and you'll always end up waiting, especially in the weekends. So if you want to pop in and have a quick dinner, Joe's is always a good met. The skinny margaritas are light but pack a punch by the way!
(5)Angie L.
The food was fresh, service was excellent, and good place to go inside and catch up with friends - very accomodating. Typical American foodfare.. think burgers, sandwiches, salads, soup, etc. Got a burger, it was very moist and tender and packed with meat.. but lacking in flavor. The quality of the beef seemed good though and was cooked to my liking. It's better than your huge retail chain restaurants, but nothing particularly striking or distinct about it. I'm sure it's a great place to go for locals.
(3)Kevin B.
Since they moved one block north on Newberry Street, this place has gone down hill. It used to be reliable but not anymore. Is there any excuse for dirty floors and stairs near the service area and on the way to the restrooms at 11:30 in the morning? The staff is not trained at all. The food runner called my wife "sweetheart." The waitress took our drinks away while still a third full when we said we did not want a refill. The french onion soup was tasteless. This place is now a subterranean tourist trap. Today was the last time we will ever go there.
(1)Roger A.
It's a kids free day so me and my wife decided to go out to eat on Newbury street, after having a bad experience during brunch at another local restaurant, we decided to go for the real early goal and dinner which was Joe's. We sat at a big table next to the outside windows and had a lovely dinner, the service was kind of slow, they were wicked busy. The food was excellent was usual. We'll be back!!
(5)Sophia D.
They were really friendly, but almost too friendly. I don't really need to be asked how school is while I'm trying to read a book and eat my dinner-- especially since I don't know you. The food was fine- nothing outstanding, but good enough. The bread was actually quite delicious. Don't know if I would come back, but I think it would be better if I had been sitting in the front or at the bar.
(3)Alex N.
Visiting on business from California I decided to have lunch with my sales partner at Joes. It is conveniently located on Newbury St, very close to the Boston Public Library, and really great shopping (NO TAX FOR PURCHASES UNDER $150 CALIFORNIANS! Take note Arnold). I ordered the grilled salmon lunch with pureed butternut squash and rice pilaf. The salmon was a long thin piece, which did not bug me very much since it was cooked perfectly and the side dishes were excellent. What was interesting was that my thin piece of salmon bugged our waiter Mark. When I literally took my last bite, Mark was right next to me with another entire salmon lunch complete with sides. He stated he went back and complained about my piece and asked the cooks to make me another. NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL SERVICE! I didnt even notice I had a dinky piece until he pointed it out. I was floored by his thoughtfulness and appreciated the gesture immensly. since I had finshed the whole meal, he happily wrapped it up to go. Best customer service ever experienced at a restuarant. Thanks Mark! I will definately go back when in Boston.
(4)Veronica M.
The service was great. The food was delicious. They have great burgers and salads. We will definitely dine here again.
(5)Patryce S.
This place is just amazing! The food is great and the prices are pretty decent (for newbury street anyway). Nachos are probably the best I have had anywhere. I did get the salmon burger and it was OK probably wont get it again. The back bay sangria tastes like there is no alcohol in it but omg 2 of these and you are on the floor lol. Soooooo good! We actually went 3 days in a row lol. Love this place!
(5)Kyle M.
So, I wanted to go somewhere with my five friends for my 21st B-day. After wracking my brain for days, someone suggested Joe's (I came to find out she had an alterior motive, but more on that later). We were seated in about 10 minutes, which was surprising since the restaurant was pretty busy, and we had such a large party. Actually, now that I think of it, a lot of the tables were accomodating parties of 5+ people. I guess this is the place to go with a bunch of your peeps. Anyways, I let the server know it was my 21st, and he couldn't have been happier. I ordered the Metropolitan and he came back with an extra drink which was "on the house." He wouldn't tell me what was in the second drink (I called it my "roofie colada") but both were good. The food was pretty good too. The friend who suggested the place ordered the Asian Chicken Salad (she wanted one bad, so that's why she suggested Joe's), I got the Blackened Chicken Pasta (good, but not GREAT), and one of my other friends got a honey mustard chicken salad that had noodles on it too (he said it was DANK). At the end of the dinner, I was surprised by a piece of decadent chocolate cake, which was also "on the house." Yummers. All in all, great service, good food, and I didn't have to pay. Thanks Joe's.
(4)Thuy L.
It was one of those SUPER humid and hot day during the summer, and my boyfriend and I just wanted to be in some air conditioning. We've passed by Joe's several times and thought, why not. Air Conditioning is KEY!!! We wanted a cold beer and some food. Lord knows why there was a wait to sit outside. We opted to sit inside, no wait, and were seated immediately. The leather chairs are quite comfy. I ordered ribs and my boyfriend ordered a ceasar salad. The ribs are okay, nothing majorly special, but good. He was almost done with his salad, so I took a bite before it was all gone. I chomped on something really hard, and ended up spitting it out. It was a translucent, hard, piece of something. I think it was glass. Anyhow, I notified the floor manager immediately. He took it back to the kitchen, examined it, and came back saying that it looks like glass, but he didn't know how it would get back there since they have no glassware in the kitchen. Does it matter? He ended up comping our ENTIRE meal. I was surprised, thinking that he would just comp the salad. As for the service , it was just okay. It took a while for our server to bring us bread, water, and the beers that we ordered. I can't tell you for certain which of the 5 people who came to our table was our server. All in all, I think I would only return if there were no tables open at any of the other Newbury street restaurants.
(2)Alex C.
When I decided to take my good friend and his mother out to celebrate his graduation I was surprised when he chose Joe's. He had worked there and missed the food so we obliged. It was his birthday after all! Short of the company the experience was terrible. The service was slow, they messed up our sides and both the London broil and Cuban sandwich and fries came out cold. :( definitely not what one would expect when dining on Newbury St!
(1)Katharine T.
We went here for dinner, at like 4-5pm. Though we are two college students, I would venture to say that it was quite obvious we weren't in for a bar crawl. When we walked in we were not given the option of sitting upstairs, versus sitting downstairs in the bar, and were taken down to the bar. We were ok with this, until we figure out (after our food came), that there were different menus for the bar versus upstairs. Besides that, we had 2 different waitresses, no bread plates, and our water glasses sat empty the entire meal. The food, I must admit, was pretty good. I had the cheeseburger pizza and I really liked it. On the other hand, we were so ticked off that we didn't get to try the chocolate cake that was the whole reason for trekking over here. Boo on you Joe's
(1)John F.
Food was quite good but it was the service that made me write this review. The waitress went out of her way to make our meal enjoyable and I truly appreciate it (especially with two young children!).
(4)Raul S.
Went for a nice dinner on Easter. I had a house salad, crab cakes, and Charles River pie for dessert. The salad was a bit underwhelming, in terms of the quality of the vegetables, and the fact that I had half of a grape tomato only. I did love the herb vinaigrette though. The crab cakes were really good, the crab was nice and not a ton of filler. Definitely a good choice. It came with sweet potato fries, but they were lukewarm and felt like they had been sitting around for a while. Tue Charles River pie was really great. It hit all of the things that I like (chocolate and coffee). It was probably my favorite part of the meal. We had a really nice waiter who was overall quite attentive, which was a big plus! I might give it another try, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way for it either.
(3)Daphne H.
Al fresco dining. Well .... it's a Boston thing, so I guess I can't be all that upset with Joe's but if you say you are going to have "drinks" they will not seat you at the good tables, i.e., outside. Well, here, I got a little perturbed and said "What is it with this town? I can spend more money on drinks than I can on food!" Then they seated us in the outdoor area. Once seated, things were great. Just don't take no for an answer.
(4)Jessica H.
Meh. I've been to Joe's three times - once for lunch, twice for dinner - and each time it's been just okay. Not horrible, not great. Service was okay. Atmosphere was okay. Food was okay. I did like the clam chowder, but the lobster roll was unimpressive and the mahi mahi with shrimp salsa was kind of gross. I don't like the bar because the people that tend to congregate there when it's busy seem kind of douchey. When I'm at Joe's, I just wish I were somewhere else.
(2)Kristi S.
Best eggs benedict I've had! They also make a great burger. Sometimes the service is slow, but they offer great outdoor seating when it's warm enough. Con: their beer selection is limited and sometimes tastes like the taps need to be cleaned.
(4)Iska B.
What's with places named "Joe's" that makes them so average unexceptional? This place was exactly that: decent food, decent drinks with prices that are too high for what is offered. The best quality this place has is location. Right off of Newbury with a lots of outdoor seating so you can people-watch in the summer. The service was great. Everyone was polite and the food came out much quicker then I expected on a Saturday evening (though we had to wait about 10 minutes for a table outside but this really isn't unreasonable). The food was ehhh. Pretty standard American options (burgers, salads, steak tips etc). I had a lobster roll which came with a decent amount of lobster (not a lot but not a teeny amount either), fries, some onion rings and a pickle. Was it worth $18.99? I don't think so. That seemed a bit steep for what basically amounts to a sandwich and fries. Yes it was lobster but this is New England...it ain't that special when they sell it at Market Basket for 5.99 a pound... Yeah so overall...pretty average, kinda overpriced for what is offered but a nice place to sit. Unless you are a tourist or something I probably wouldn't come here. Lots of other places to eat that cost less and offer the same kind of fare.
(3)Nicole E.
One weeknight after hanging out in Back Bay we decided to pop in for a drink and relax. We had a few cocktails and martinis between the 4 of us. While I felt our server on that particular night wasn't very good, my other experiences here have been good. The beverages were priced well, $8-10 for our cocktails. The place was not very full on that rainy night so it was nice to have a corner of the downstairs bar to ourselves. I came in another night to meet up with a friend for a bite and some beverages. The food is alright. I had salmon and my friend had steak. We certainly did spend a lot! But we had several beverages. I probably drank a bottle of wine myself! My only complaint is that the food wasn't too creative but you can't expect creativity at a chain! Still it was generally a good time. I'll probably be back, though it won't be my first choice.
(3)Jill H.
Joe's doesn't promise anything it can't deliver. It's standard American grill, so if you're looking for something else, you might want to head up the street to Kashmir or Pho Pasteur, or somewhere else that promises something a little more exotic than burgers, buffalo wings, and sandwiches. That being said, I've never been dissatisfied with my order at Joe's. It's a chain restaurant, yes, but the environment and overall food quality do not leave you feeling like you've just ordered from the $6.99 menu at Friday's. Great apps, great sandwiches. Be forewarned: you must ask to start with bread. Approach this with caution, as it is very possible to stuff your face on the bread, and then lose your appetite for dinner. The bread is warm, chewy, and fresh - and is very hard to resist. Better to go on an empty stomach. My Favs: Chicken Club w/honey mustard on the side, Nachos, Spicy Buffalo Wings. They also have a great brunch option with complimentary mimosa/bloody mary. Definitely good for wetting the hair of the dog. Four stars for service, food, decor. Less one star for the inevitable wait since it's a popular spot in a popular location. Tourist city.
(4)Margaret R.
Portions were extremely small and food was average at best. Good bar scene.
(2)Andrew M.
Really bummed my wife and I chose Joe's as our brunch place for our weekend in Boston. We chose it as it had some nice outdoor seating however that was where the good ended and the bad started. We had to wait ten minutes for anyone to come over to our table and acknowledge they were our server. Once we had ordered we were quickly given our coffee and hot water for tea, but no tea bag. My wife asked for one and at the same time we handed our server both of our knives as they had food caked onto them. 10 minutes later, we still did not have a teabag, knives, or the bloody Mary's we had ordered. My wife got up got two knives, helped herself to a teabag in the end. We never saw our server for 40 minutes, eventually I had enough and went to the manager. He came back 5 minutes later and said there had been a mix up, someone fell over with our order so the kitchen was having to remake our food. Eventually our server brought us the food and told us that he was sorry for the mix up, our food had been given to another table. He never offered more coffee, hot water or the wonderful bread everyone talks about. They did in the end comp our meal (which was average at best) but I wish we had of gone somewhere else in the first place. Would never give this place a second chance. Awful.
(1)Joanna L.
Food here is dependably alright, and the menu is dependably alright as well. Most of the fun comes from the crowd and the people-watching. Best meal is probably brunch, because it's the best combo of value, ambience, and grub. For a little more twist on similar food, I usually go to the Met down the street, but Joe's is always a good place to run into people.
(3)Siobhan C.
Went here for lunch this past weekend. I've been to the Joe's in Braintree and in Dedham, and always found the chain to be pretty good. Nothing special, but certainly decent food and service, and I opted for it when convenient. However, my visit to the Joe's on Newbury was a disaster. Not only were the two of us seated in a high traffic / awkward area, but it took a very long time for our very rude waiter to greet us. We ordered, and eventually our waiter returned with our drinks, albeit without the straws (which were never received). My boyfriend ordered brunch and I ordered pasta. His $10 dish was a pathetic looking display of three plain, soggy, medium sized pancakes plopped onto a dull white plate with a small cup of syrup on the side; it looked like something you'd get in a school cafeteria. My $15 dish looked a bit more appetizing, but the portion was considerably smaller than any I've had at the Dedham or Braintree Joe's. Overall, it was a big waste of time and money, as the atmosphere was terrible and we were both very hungry again about 45 minutes after leaving. I won't be going back to this Joe's again.
(1)Ellen E.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! This place for breakfast/brunch. I sat at the bar and the bartender was completely awesome. He was super friendly and really made my time here fun. For less than $20 you can get a big delicious breakfast, a drink from the bar, and a side of muffins for your party. Everything was really yummy and the service was excellent, especially for eating at the bar. I highly recommend this as your brunch stop. I got the Eggs Benedict which came with a side of potatoes, and it was some of the best eggs Benedicts I have ever had.
(5)Nicola P.
MEEEEEEHHH.. to say the least, but I was impressed with the new location and decor. Went on Wednesday for a bit, the terrace bar was packed so we waited for a seat at the inside bar. The bartenders were great and were really really good with name usage, which is so impressive with a packed bar. however, he food was beyond acceptable. We ordered the onion rings and shrimp tempura to start. The onion rings were like battered rubber bands and not crispy at all. The Shrimp was hardly tempura and borderline shrimp. My boyfriend got the burger med-rare and when it came out it looked like it was steamed and gray on the inside. The french fry portion was minimal to say the least. I would have expected a huge mound of fries to come out but only about 10 appeared on the plate. I had the Ahi Tuna entree and it was hardly an entree. There was about 6 pieces that were 1 inch by 1 inch the most and the "rice cake" was completely blown out. To top it all off, the plate had a HUGE, I mean HUGE garnish of the rice noodles, which are barely edible to say the least. Just utterly disgusting food... you would think with as many restaurants as they have they could at least get one location right...
(2)Dennis F.
Noisy dinner. Avoid the over priced mac and cheese.
(2)Ben P.
Really liked this place. Great atmosphere, great service, good food. I like places that can take something basic and make it a little bit unique and well presented and that is what Joes is. Classic American/Continental fare but done well and cleanly. Things like an AWESOME chili bread bowl. Awesome. I also had a Cuban sandwich and we had a ahi tuna salad. Very good service, perfectly sized portions. Cool looking bar area too. Can't wait to hit this place again when we are back in boston.
(5)Sam T.
This is another can't miss spot for me. My second night in Boston I stumbled upon this place and I go here every Tuesday night after work and every Saturday for the brunch. First, the service is top notch, I always sit at the bar and the bartenders (Eric and Stephanie) are fantastic. They prepare a variety of Gin drinks (Bombay Sapphire) that are heavenly. I love the fact that they use real grapefruit juice when making my Gin with tonic and a splash of grapefruit juice. Secondly, I have had the Bacon Cheeseburger, Sliced London Broil au jus and the Fresh Atlantic Salmon for dinner. The London Broil is delicious. I love how they prepare it, sliced and sitting in its own au jus. Wow! The bacon cheeseburger is one of the best items on the menu. I recommended the burger to a first-timer at the bar a couple weeks ago and after taking his first bite he said, "Man this is one good burger." The salmon is a hit or miss depending on the night. Now me being from the South, I love bacon and eggs. Joe's Three Egg Style Brunch did not disappoint. The eggs weren't over-cooked or too runny and the bacon was crispy. I loved the fact that the Blood Mary was included with my meal but much like the salmon, it's hit or miss as well. They aren't spicy enough for me.
(4)Keith M.
I and four of my friend three who had never been to this Joe's before went in around 7p and were told it was going to be about 15 min, i thought that was a short wait considering it was a Saturday night, we were seated in a couple of minutes and honestly i would have waited the full 15 min if i new the service was going to be so bad. We were seated in a small room that had a table with a family who let there kids run around and just do what ever they wanted and a full table of women and one son who were celebrating a birthday of one of the other women and i can only assume they were drinking since we could barley hear our selves over the cackling and laughing from the table, this was not a good start. So the server finally comes over after kissing up to the birthday table, asks us if we would like drinks we place the drink order and he comes back with the drinks but to napkins to place the drinks on and no straws so we had to wait for him to come back with bread to ask for the straws. We then went ahead and ordered first was the spinach dip that when it arrived it had a burnt looking cheese crust on top and then when we mixed that in the whole thing tasted burnt and didn't like but since the server was concerned about the birthday girls he never asked how it was. Once our orders showed up two of my friends wanted some BBQ sauce and had to wait for the server to take pictures of the birthday girls before he went to get the sauce and no cheese was offered to my other friend who had the only pasta dinner. Speaking of the pasta dinner the pasta was hard and didn't taste that good. So after flagging down the server, a cake was being served to the b-day table, and we asked for the pasta to be replaced with spaghetti instead of the spiral pasta. It was then brought out sometime later after we had all finished our meals by the manager i think he said something but could not understand his mumbling and again no cheese was offered for the pasta along with no real apology. This time around the pasta was cooked fine but it was very salty and instead of waiting another 15 min they didn't finish it. In most places the plate would have been take off or we would have been offered a desert or something for us having to wait for the meal to come back out and for the person to eat it when everyone else was finished but neither of these things were done. We paid the bill and left, normally i don't blame the server usually its the kitchens fault but this server cared more about the birthday party then us i don't know if he knew them or if he wanted the big tip but i hope they made up for the lack of tip we left him.
(1)Julie K.
Yummy! New location had just opened and we got to try it on the first BEAUTIFUL Saturday of Spring. Everyone and their mother was out to eat on the terrace anywhere. The wait at lunch was 45 min to get inside and 2 hrs. plus for the terrace. We chose inside and didn't regret it. The atmosphere is cozy but open. Masculine feel and classy. The lemonade is wonderful, the french dip is lacking in something- but it wasn't bad. Just not great either. However, salads were awesome, clam chowder described by my friend as "sex in a bread bowl". They serve you hot fresh bread that literally will make you groan it is so good! The staff was friendly if a little ill-prepared for the busy crowd. Times for meals were a little long, but considering the fact that by the time we got seated the wait for a table had increased to 75 min for inside and almost 3 hours for terrace, we were content. The food was steaming hot or nice and ice-y-cold (the way a salad should be on a hot day!) Joe's was recommended by the cashiers at Filine's Basement and we are SOOOO glad we chatted them up!
(5)Andi P.
Brunch here is pretty good, but be forewarned that my range of options is limited to the omelettes or steak and eggs, so I can't speak for the pancakes and french toast or anything else involving gluten (or butter for that matter). I do have "normal" friends, however, and they don't seem to mind the pancakes. I've also come here for lunch a number of times and ordered salmon or chicken salads (slightly modified so they don't involve gluten and various other ingredients), with oil and vinegar for dressing. The salads are always decent, and what's even better is how great Joe's is about allergies. One time when I was here a man at the neighboring table said he had an anaphylactic shellfish allergy. After visiting my table to assure me Joe's wouldn't kill me, the manager stopped at said man's table to give him the rundown on what they'd be doing in the kitchen to ensure they wouldn't kill him either, and lo and behold I witnessed him walking out of the place alive an hour and a half later. I've never been glutenated at Joe's, the wait staff has always known what's up with what I've had to avoid, and service has always been right-on. This combination of factors has helped turn the restaurant into a casual stand-by, especially when it's 10 degrees out AND I get so hungry that I don't want to hike more than a block or two from my apartment for a trustworthy bite to eat. Oh, and they've even got gluten-free pasta and pizza, and can do up a special batch of fries for you if you need them gluten-free.
(3)James N.
Food ranging from good to great. However, there's a lot in terms of service quality to be desired. Like the rest of the reviewers, I've always had to wait a long time to get service after the initial welcome by the hostess. The only thing that gets me to come back is the reasonably good food and brunch specials (and also the fact that I live on the same block as Joe's). The waitstaff this time though was particularly clueless. They forget to give us forks, steak knives when we ordered steak, forgot to bring the bread, forgot to ask us if we wanted more tea when it was very obviously finished, did not give the lady the menu first or ask her first what she wished to order, took forever with the check, and changed waitstaff on us without alerting us. I give it 1 star for the food, which although, good, does not rival the quality of some of the better American/ New American restaurants in the immediate Back Bay vicinity.
(1)Ned S.
Nice newbury street location, large sidewalk dining area (though its set 4' below street level, which loses some of the charm and harmless voyeurism of sidewalk dining), handsome ivy league looking interior, good reasonably priced menu (think bistro) Part of small local boston chain--Back Bay Restaurant Group. Good looking staff (Manny Ramerez met his wife while she was a hostess here) Inconsistent service, decent kitchen. Dining here is like rolling the dice. Some details: Three levels, two bars (upstairs is smaller, more quiet, better for dining; downstairs big, sometimes loud bar--lends itself to meeting people). Citrus drinks (i.e. screwdriver, grapefruit) are made with fresh squeezed produce. Weekend Brunch is a la carte from $10-$20 for a big breakfast dish that includes a free cocktail (i.e. bloody, mimosa, draft, or screw). Brunch also includes a basket of nice breads, but toast, that costs extra...go figure.
(3)Matthew M.
Was at the downstairs bar a couple weeks ago eating with a friend and the bartender made is move upstairs because they had an audit going on!!! Sorry not my problem I'm a paying guest... Ive been a regular at Joes on newbury for a while.. Will never return :-(
(1)Jenna G.
Booked a table for 4 people 20 minutes ahead of time. We got there and they seated us immediately. The waiter got our orders wrong but the food was amazing. The bread they served is fresh out of the oven and it was sooooo delicious. I highly recommend their calamari and nacho grande for appetizers. The squid was fresh and tender! The nachos had the perfect amount of guac, chili, cheese and sour cream and it was perfectly crispy. My friends and I devoured it! The mixed drinks are so delicious too! Stay away from their pizza. The bread tasted doughy and such a let down. Their fish and salads were good though. Mac and cheese is creamy and awesome. If I'm coming back here, I'll just stay with the appetizers and drinks. Maybe try mac and cheese with lobster.
(4)tman s.
Just the retractable deck alone is worth the money i couldn't believe how nice this place is.... The menu remains the same consistent quality that we are used to if you frequent Joe's! I will return every-week as this is near my house and they always give us great deals on high quality food... Good luck Joe's to the new grill on STEROIDS!
(5)Margot J.
Whenever I'm in Boston on a Sunday, I love to have brunch at Joe's. The eggs benedict are so delicious - served with hash browns, fresh fruit and a Mimosa (if you're so inclined). I have never had an unfriendly server or a poor meal here, so I would recommend stopping by if you're in town.
(4)Reb M.
The only reason this isn't four stars is because I haven't had the food yet. I stopped in for a drink, however, and my experience with the service at the bar was so positive I wanted to write a review. Chad and Jose--fantastic bartenders! I ordered a sidecar (a classic) and for whatever reason, this drink seems to mystify several bartenders in Back Bay...I don't know why. But instead of making the wrong drink, Chad asked me what it was and we discussed it (which resulted in me pulling it up on my smartphone). It was great. While I was there, a potentially unruly customer was managed with finesse and courtesy, and the people at the bar were generally friendly and fun to talk to. I'll definitely be back.
(3)Albert H.
Brunch here is reasonably priced because it includes a morning alcoholic beverage (mimosa, bloody mary, screwdriver). Pancakes were the winner at my table, followed by the French toast and probably the omelette coming in last. It was bar food with slightly better tableware and slightly dressed up servers. There was no charge for the entertaining obnoxious drunks in the bar cheering at the TV, however it was priceless to see their reaction as my sister loaded some chick music into the jukebox.
(2)E. F.
I had dinner here with two colleagues and it was a sub-par experience. It was ridiculously hot, so we ate inside near the open kitchen. Our food was OK. We ordered buffalo wings and the nachos as our appetizers and both were fine. For entrees, I had the crab cakes and they were excellent, one colleague had the prime rib and he thought it was not bad, and my other colleague had the salmon which was also very good. Here are my two main complaints which dropped my rating from a 4 to a 3/borderline 2 - our server was terrible. She barely spoke English, so the main skill you want from a server - communication - was compromised right off the bat. She did not understand what gluten-free meant, it was very difficult to understand what she was saying, and she didn't quite understand what we were saying. She was very nice, but it was puzzling how this establishment would have her tending to customers during a busy dinner hour. Additionally, she brought our salads with our entrees, which was not the end of the world, but we had expected them prior, so I'm sure that was attributed to the language barrier. I had higher expectations for a restaurant on Newbury Street, as she clearly needed significant training. Food was eh.
(3)Mary P.
When I think Boston, I don't think chain restaurants, but I do have to say that this place isn't so bad. The ambience isn't so typical. A little more upscale looking than other chains. Brunch was outrageously inexpensive. You have your choice of juices, champagne, mimosa or Bloody Mary with an order of any egg or signature dish...what a deal! Disappointed that we waited so long for our food to come, and therefore, my french toast was cold, but still good. I don't typically order Bloody Mary's but was quite impressed with this one. I believe this one had horseradish rather than black pepper, which made it tastier. There is a plenty of covered outdoor seating for people watching right on Newbury Street.
(4)Jonathan C.
Probably the best style American food around. Nothing crazy, greeat place to take a group. Decently priced, fuck driving there. You'll spend have your day looking for parking. The t is much better to take, if you have the option. I love that side of Joes is open soo your not sitting 100% outside. Makes it comfortable. Pretty good place to pre game, drinks are good!
(4)Mark W.
The new Joe's on Newbury St is great! The wait staff and bartenders are excellent. The food was fresh and flavorful. Perfect Newbury St location. The restrooms even have an automatic door opener for the germ freak folks like myself. Just wave your hand over the sensor and wa-la the door opens automatically. All public restrooms should have this cool trick!
(5)Jennifer L.
Bloody Mary = bloody fantastic! Seriously, one of the best I've ever had. Normally they're a tad too spicy for me (I don't want to hurt myself in the morning) but this one was just right. The service was fine, as was the outdoor seating ambiance and the Florentine omelet I ordered. Nothing too outstanding. I'd go back for the Bloody Mary, though.
(3)Emily F.
I am really, really sad to give one of my favorite chains a low grade. I had, however, one of the worst nights at a restaurant I have had. ***6:00 pm - Arrive at Joe's, LOVE the new look, fabulous! Get around the bar (party of 5), and are awaiting a table. ***6:50 pm - We sit. The waiter, Mike, was very attentive and friendly, and we quickly got new drink orders in and then our meal order. Ordered by 7:00pm. 4 salads and a pasta-primavera. Uncomplicated, or so I thought. My brother asked for some salad which comes with a choice of "blackened" or "grilled" chicken on it. We discussed with Mike what the difference was, laughed about it, and ordered the "blackened" (its seasoned differently, by the way). ***7:40pm. In all fairness, we had a seat to see all the problems. First another waiter came by and dropped a BILL on my table. I hadn't eaten yet! "My apologies Ma'am. And how long have you been waiting for food?" ***7:45pm and I watch the salads and pasta come up from the kitchen stairs. The two last salads didn't make it; they were dropped on the floor. In front of our hungry eyes! I almost cried. ***7:50 pm Manager Tiffany comes over to apologize; we are still civil at this point. I was very irritated though, when she admitted the food was launched at the floor, that she didn't offer any discount or free appetizers or a round of beers! ***7:55 pm - We ask Mike to bring the salads that were not on the floor. They do, and then the 4th pasta dish comes. Where is the blackened chicken? ***8:00 pm - They put a plate of mystery pasta-chicken dish in front of my brother. The waitress began to walk away until we yelled enough for her to re-think. "Oh, you're right, this is not what you ordered at all". ***8:10 pm - Tiffany brings our last plate. "Anything else I can get you? My apologies again." I thought, "No, but you're going to get a stellar YELP review". In a long but respectful request, I said it was inappropriate and disappointing to wait this long at a restaurant I love so much, and have so many mistakes, and have NO ONE offer to give us anything. I said I would like to not pay for the dinner. She agreed, but I don't understand why I had to ask! Very bizarre. *The meals were disappointing after all of that. Go to one of the other ones OUT of the city, they do so much better. I left Mike a $25 tip b/c I'm sure having a 5-top not pay is detrimental to the whole night. "
(2)Patrick K.
One of the best that the back bay restaurant group has to offer. The brunch is awesome, with drinks that make the experience even better. The dinner was really good and the service was pretty impeccable. A strong place that is a pretty good bet for a meal of any type. Side bar: Joe's gets a bad rap I think because the one in the North End is probably the worst place I've been in a long time. Polar opposite from this one.
(4)D M.
Of all the places, why Joe's American Bar & Grill, you ask? It's diagonally across the street from work. And they have Hendrick's Gin, which is always a good reason to go places. I've only been here once with co-workers for a post-work drink, and while the service was a little mechanical, the drinks were good. I went with a gin martini, which came with a cucumber to bring out that good flavor, and shared grande nachos. Both were good and solid for a long work week, and reasonably priced. I'd definitely go back if I didn't want to venture somewhere too far from work.
(3)Chung T.
I think 3 guys, looking for food, shouldn't go to Newberry Street. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize most of the money on the entree would be going toward renting the damn place, not to the world famous chef in the back. Joe's American Bar and Grill is your run-of-the-mill slightly upscale restaurant with good service, and slightly above average pricing. It has good decor, good looking servers, and a basket of "free" bread to go with your meal. It's far from a suit-required sit down restaurant, but it's better than TGIF or Chili's where the servers don't really care about you. Since the prices weren't all that great, and I didn't want to spend a bundle, I just ordered the day's special - special pork chops with... special veggie. The special pork chop wasn't all that special ~ I think what comes out of my brother's grill taste better than this "special" pork chop. Thus, 18.99 was highway robbery. Now, the focus of the entree, wasn't the pork chops, but a the special veggie that came with the pork chop... they are called, "parsnips." I can't quite describe what the hell the veggie taste like... but it's quite unique and damn nasty after 10 bites. In any case, Joe's Ameircan Bar and Grill may be the cheapest restaurant on Newberry, and if you're stuck on the street and your friends are famished, might as well go to Joe's for some "cheap" food with good service =)
(3)David D.
"I've made a huge mistake." I should have known better. The same tables outside, the same chairs... and that FUCKING bread! This place is a bigger Charley's Eating and Drinking Saloon with a different name! Some of the menu items are the same, but they try to trick you with faster and friendlier staff, and one of those internet juke boxes where you have to pay $15 to hear Joy Division. + The manager comes to your table to make sure everything is swell. If the manager at Charley's ever came to my table, I would have asked for silverware, a glass of water, a waitress, etc. My only complaints at Joe's: my medium-well cheeseburger was blackened and dryer than a rice cake, and some annoying guy in a Maserati kept doing laps around the block, and he was TOTAL Euro Trash. I don't know... this place is OK. It's totally cooler than Uno's. I would never bring a date here, or anything ... that would suck. I remember my boss brought us here with the company AMEX ... that was OK. Whatevz.
(3)Kristen F.
Good service, good food, good location, a tad pricey. The whole experience won't blow you away but also won't leave you disappointed. That's really all I have to say about that.
(4)Tyler b.
meh. nothing special. standard burger and salad menu. overpriced. extra marks for having an outdoor patio, but those are about the only marks they get. waiter service was non existent at times.
(2)D S.
I give the food 3.5 stars. Good enough, but nothing to write home about. Service gets 3.75 stars... again, good enough. The .25 more is only because I have a mild crush on a waiter there. But here is the part of this review you need to be paying attention to: I give the Bloody Mary's 5.5 stars. Soooo good. It is really nice to sit outside and enjoy them, but I am afraid of the dive bombing birds, so I think that inside might have to do for me. Those birds are out for blood. update: service is HORRIBLE outside when they are even a little bit busy, because they know they are going to make money either way with all of the demand for outdoor seating on Newbury... I am dropping them to 3 stars based on that and the fact that the bloody mary's were sub-par last time, and the food is just blah. The back-bay sangria is delicious though! Stay away from the Pink Sangria though, WAY too sweet... there is watermelon pucker's in it....ew. peaceout.
(3)Sassy G.
I had dinner wednesday night, not to busy ... no need to be waiting for our waitress for about 20 mins, apps, drinks, entrees, and bill!!! seriously and you got 20 percent to not see us returned!!! you suck!!!!
(2)R F.
I was going to give this a 4 but our waitress ruined it for us. 3.5 more towards 3... Our waitress didn't even come to ask us how our meal was during the entire night... not once. It wasn't even busy. Then it took like 25 minutes for her to realize we were done and wanted our check... kind of ridiculous. I really wanted to like this place, too. It has a nice atmosphere that pretends it's a fancy restaurant upstairs, and a loud bar atmosphere downstairs. The food is pretty good, but really nothing more than a Cheescake Factory with a less fancy menu and more simple dishes... that don't take much creativity or originality. The prices are quite up there, too. I'm not sure $20 for 4 steak tips is reasonable, but then you look over to Chicken Picatta (which was amazingly sweet and comes with rice instead of pasta... weird?) and it's 3 chicken pieces and a plate of rice and a vegetable for $17 or 18... I don't know. This place could be really good, but it's just average and overpriced...
(3)Christine K.
This review is totally based on the outdoor seating. There is nothing better than sitting outside at Joe's in the summer with some spinach dip and their amazing mud slides. I think their spinach dip is one of the best that i have had in boston and I am a huge fan of mud slides so I always feel the need to order one when I come here. The bread is delicious as well! I usually order a caesar salad with steak tips and shrimp, it is a special so it is not on the menu but I ask for it every time I go and they have no problem making it. There fish is really good too, they have salmon and cod both on the menu... I do agree that the inside tables aren't great but outside in the nice weather can not be beat!
(4)Alexander H.
I've been to Joe's many times since moving to Boston, and it's a fairly consistent experience. First off, they are best known for their signature meat dishes and that is no light distinction. Their meatloaf, prime rib challenge, and steaks are all delicious and still reasonably price (~$30). Second, their service is usually very good. If you come in a part of more than 6 or 7 with reservations, the manager will always introduce himself and make sure you have everything you need. The only downside is that Joe's is very popular so there have been instances when overall service has been very slow. Still, none of the servers there have ever been rude or particularly bad at their jobs. Third, it's a good atmosphere. Joe's is usually pleasantly crowded and there's just an overall good, lively feeling to eating there. Overall, I would highly recommend Joe's. It's not the BEST meat in Boston, but for the price it's damn good.
(4)Joanne R.
Went for drinks with friends from work. Since it was such a lovely night we opted to sit on the patio. Remarkably we snagged the last outdoor table, so others felt the same way for drinking "al fresco"! They had a pretty good martini menu and I opted for the Pomegranate Martini...I was delish and went down very smooth. We got a few apps for the table, nothing outstanding to note but edible. After a couple more PM's decided I fulfilled my nutritional and antioxidant quota and called it a night!
(3)George R.
Atmosphere was good and so was the service. I really loved my clam chowder bread bowl. The steak salad was great and the burgers looked delicious, everything was great though I will say that didn't like the pizza.
(4)Ash T.
Solid food that satisfies every time. Very decent prices. Friendly wait staff and laid back atmosphere in the middle of Newbury Street. What's not to like?
(4)Izzy B.
Don't see what the big deal was. Great PRIME RIB HASH for brunch, but order the sauce on the side. (Beacause otherwise it's COATED in the sauce and you don't get to taste the delicious chopped up bits of Prime Rib)
(3)Julie A.
This place is SO good! My husband LOVES their burgers, I mean LOVEs them! I get a different thing each time and it's also good. For brunch I always get the same thing, Salmon Benedict. It's freakin' amazing! So are the Bloody Mary's! The servers are really nice, quick, helpful, and are some of the best I have ever encountered. Eat out on a date, bring the kids, or come as a big group, the atmosphere works for everyone! The classy decor works well for casual or fancy, and the bathrooms are even nice! I have never had a bad experience!
(4)Dan S.
Any restaurant that has a chain outpost in the friggin' Short Hills Mall can't possible rate higher than two stars. Mediocre, overpriced american chain fare. Nothing remarkable. It's basically Applebees with better decor and slightly more high quality microwaves.
(2)Sean M.
Just ordered a salad and bread as a walk in. Took about 15 minutes to get the order. I walk four blocks back to my office only to realized that they gave me the wrong order. Allegedly there were two people with the same name. If you knew that then you may want to confirm the order. I had to go back and get my order and all they offered me was to keep the other order which I had no idea what it was...Maybe you should offer to pick up the cost of the meal when you make an error like that. Also, no butter with the bread. Guess that would be too much to ask or assume that they would add. Really bad service and follow-up...
(1)Sami W.
I came here on a Saturday for lunch with some friends. It took more than 45 minutes to get our food. I ordered the Club Sandwich, it was good, but I have had better.
(2)Mihir P.
Update: Went here for watch the Jags - Pats game and boy it was messed up. Like I wrote before, Joe's needs some renovation. I wonder why the staff is required to wear ties for this upscale dump. We went to watch the game downstairs where they had a bunch of smaller flatscreens. They were all of different quality and out of synch. So we were watching one TV and heard the crowd cheer and we were clueless as to why. We found out that the TV we were watching had a five second delay and was not wired for sound. F-ed up. Being annoyed as hell, my buddy took charge and moved our table and positioned it so we could see the real-time screen. I guess it worked out sort of well. To watch a replay we just turned our heads to the out of synch TV. _________________________ Classic American fare at this sort of landmark restaurant. OK, perhaps a landmark in the 80's. This is an overpriced restaurant that is in serious need of modernization or at least a gutting. If seated downstairs you may be unlucky enough to get a whiff of sewage, rotting food and an overall deterioration of the building that has been superficially covered up. The polite service can't really make up for that or the unimaginative food. But, if you must go to Joe's go to the Waterfront location during the summer months to enjoy the breeze and a better maintained building.
(2)Katherine L.
I've decided this is the most crowded restaurant in Boston. The only place I like to sit is on the patio place because you get the illusion that you are not trapped in by people. It is a great place to go to meet people or get a drink after work. Love love the Back Bay Sangria
(3)Michael N.
i have mixed feelings about this place. we went here twice while in boston and it was almost like two different restaurants based on our experiences. the first time we went there, we had a pretty good waiter. ordered the clam chowder, meatloaf sandwich, lobster salad and lobster roll. all entrees were pretty good with the lobster salad probably being the best. the chowder in the breadbowl was awesome as well. price reasonable. we had time to grab lunch before heading out on our last day and thought let's go back to joe's since all our food was good and it was nearby. this time were seated downstairs and our waitress sucked. she didn't come by often and messed up on our bill a few times, never got a salad we ordered (still tried to charge us for it), finally got our bread after the meal?! after asking for it. the food wasn't great, i think we ordered the cod, prime rib hash (brunch) and an omelet . it also took us awhile to get seated. the host directed us downstairs and said they'd get us in. we got a few drinks, waited and waited. finally i asked if we they knew we were there and they said oh, yeah were you waiting on a table? then seated us by the bar. i'd give it 3.5 stars on our first visit and a 1.5 on the second visit.
(2)Kim N.
We tried this place out for brunch on one of Boston's wetter days, so the restaurant was fairly empty. Even then, the service was so-so. My friend asked for tea, and usually they bring out the box of tea bags and hold it open for you to pick one, but instead they left it in front of my friend to awkwardly trifle through... not a big deal in itself, of course. The rest of brunch was okay, but overall a bit lackluster which means we won't be adding Joe's onto our brunch circulation.
(2)Nim H.
I went there for brunch with my family, and I would not recommend it. The atmosphere reminds of eating at a Holiday Inn, and you get the feeling that it's way overstaffed. We were sat near the kitchen, and all I heard were footsteps and stomps back and forth from the kitchen to the floor. As for the food, the french toast was mediocre, and the ham was supremely greasy. The bread, even though it came only seconds before we got our meals, was pretty good as others have noted. Overall, there are much better places out there. Don't waste your money on this faux-Newbury locale.
(1)Jenn B.
We ended up here during a trip to Boston because we were ravenous and it was the first place we saw after realizing the restaurant we had originally chosen was closed for lunch. We ordered the Pan-Fried Mozzarella which was served with prosciutto, herb crumbs, tomato basil sauce and parmesan cheese. It was a bit on the bland side, the basil sauce could've used a bit more oomph. We also had the Crispy Calamari Milano which looked amazing but fell short. It's served with breaded red peppers which makes the plate look larger than it actually is. I had the Newbury Salad as my entrée. The salad includes spinach, romaine hearts, cashews, almonds, walnuts, raisins, bacon, apples, chopped eggs, onions, tomatoes, croutons, and rotisserie chicken with a creamy yogurt mustard dressing. The salad was pretty amazing and had a bit of sweetness to it but I wasn't a fan of rotisserie chicken in a salad. I don't think the texture really works. I'd still order it again though, maybe without the chicken.
(3)Cloie H.
"This is a peasant loaf, it is meant to be broken by hand" If you have ever gone to Joe's I am sure that you have heard this at lease once. That being said, the peasant loaf is pretty damn good. I go here on a fairly regular basis only because it is one and a half blocks exactly, from my work and they have clam chowder in a bread bowl. I always go downstairs. I have a feeling that this place is like the old (I think BBC) show that they used to air on PBS "Upstairs, Downstairs". Meaning that the cultured upper class are upstairs, and the unrefined lower class are downstairs. I am not talking the clientele here, I am talking wait staff. I can sense it too... the all together twitchy new waiter/ess will eye you as you walk down the stairs and you can see the "little train that could" mantra rushing through their head. They let you get settled while they drop off the menu and tentatively ask for your drink order, you give it and they rush away hoping that they don't forget the lime. On the return (with the lime, aren't you proud) they put down the drinks, only spilling a few drops on the table, and ask your order. While furiously taking your order and double checking that it is correct, they forget to give you a straw; and forget about asking for one after you order and before they leave the table, because if you thought that they hustled off to get your drinks fast, it is nothing compared to how fast they go to place your order. When they come back about 10 minutes later, you ask for a straw and they apologize profusely for forgetting and hand them right over. 15 minutes later your food shows up and about 5 minutes after that they come back to ask you how everything is, mid-bite, which I think is mandatory for all establishments like this. When finished they kindly give you your check and then you are on your merry way, of course wait time for your check varies from day to day, I have had it delivered with out even asking for it, and I have waited 15 minutes for it after asking. Three stars, not great, not horrible. Right in the middle, but again, this is for the downstairs. I have ONCE, and only once eaten dinner upstairs and felt like a country bumpkin for asking for a glass of red wine to accompany my pepper encrusted tuna. How dare I. Anyway, I am standing by my three star rating, there could be worse restaurants to have one an a half blocks exactly, from my work; but there could be better ones too.
(3)Andrew B.
Went for the first time the other day, and after Stephanie's left a poor taste in my mouth from their poor service and high prices at brunch, Joe's friendly setting, good prices and *really* good food totally turned me on to this place. My friend ordered a burger, and he described it as "perfect" to our waitress. This is a guy that dines a Radius so much, that they have a drink named after him there. That's a pretty legit endorsement. I ordered the calamari appetizer as a snack, but it ended up being a good size portion. It had this mild spicy kick to it that made it awesome. Our server was also very nice and cool. Great dinner. Five stars if its the same experience when I return next, which will be very soon.
(4)Byron B.
Joe's is the average "cookie cutter" corporate restaraunt. The food was good, but not great. My chicken sandwich was on the dry side, but tasty. French onion soup was very good. The best part of the place was the atmosphere. We sat outside since it was such a nice day. They really do have a great location. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. 3 stars because the food was average.
(3)Jacqueline L.
I went here for dinner on a thursday night, it was busy but maybe because there was a Yankee/Red Sox game on. The menu was a little limited and pricy. They have great bread though, and Harpoon on tap so a couple points for that! The ahi tuna appetizer was good, but the cilantro rice cake was too chewy to eat. Gazpacho was very tasty. Atmosphere was mediocre, it was just a restaurant. I would probably go back for the bar, but not for the food. my company was the best part about it...
(3)Vance A.
I have been to Joe's a ton of times, usually in the summer when the patio is open, and though I do enjoy coming here, its always a hit or miss when it comes to the food. I was just here for dinner with a friend and grabbed a burger and beer, and it the burger was mediocre. I've had better...at the same place. Not a bad place, and convenient when you want something cheap around the Newbury/Copley area.
(3)Heather R.
this was my bf's and my 2nd time to Joe's - first was for lunch, 2nd time brunch. of course it was crazy busy again since it was the weekend, but we decided to sit inside to avoid *as much* of a wait. our meal: the mini muffins and fresh OJ were delish. bf's '2 eggs any way' came out just fine. I ordered the prime rib hash.. and I've never been so turned off by a meal out before. literally at LEAST half of the 'meat' in my hash were pieces of pure fat and gristle. I picked through my plate to see if I was making things up, but no, I kept running into cooked fat chunks mixed in with the actual prime rib, eggs and sauce. it was disgusting. I ate the fruit off my plate and finished off the muffins. we won't be back to this restaurant. at this point, the pluses are outweighed by the negatives and there are far better restaurants in the area.
(2)Fortress A.
Went there for brunch, had some sort of hash with some sort of meat. Flavor was bland, Most of the meat was not chewable. My friend had 3 pieces of pancakes with a single strawberry on the side, and thought it was extremely underwhelming. Not sure why would we ever venture there again, maybe for people watching i guess.
(2)Kate B.
WHY?? Why does this place survive? First of all, the "thugs" at the door were rude. And we had to wait for a table for weekday lunch even though there were plenty of open tables. Does that mean they don't have enough waitstaff on duty? Then the service was bad and the food was mediocre at best. Really bad.
(1)Johnny C.
Arrived from San Francisco late in to the evening, exhausted, head cold setting in, hotel problems and in need of food fast... NOT FAST FOOD. Asked the concierge whether there was any place nearby that had good food. He checked his watch, "Hmmm it's kinda late to be eatin'." I gave him the out of towner's stupefied, shoulda known better look, to his up and down assessment. Then he looked around the landscape (he sees this every day right?) like a cowboy in search of steer that had roamed out of the pack.... and finally arrived at a solution, "Well Joe's is puddy good." He pointed in the general direction of Joes, "It's ova theya, just crawss the street and keep wakin' down Daatmath." This man saved my life that night. Joe's is located in Boston's Back Bay. Back in the day it was the high end Josephs...but that was way back, before "Baby Got Back" back. Now it's a solid steaks and chops kinda place. There are two levels. I ate at the bar upstairs, while downstairs a party raged (at least it sounded like it). The upstairs seems like the perfect meeting place for friends or a date. The staff were friendly, efficient and conversant - the charms of Boston! I had angelhair primavera and a glass of wine. Everything was fab! A second glass of wine killed off whatever I was catching. 4 duckets for killing my cold. Minus a ducket for the hootin' and hollerin' down stairs.
(4)Diane D.
Joe's is good if you go there for the right thing I think...the outdoor patio. I cannot see any reason to bother dining at Joe's indoors, although the interior is roomy and also has a large bar area downstairs. The patio is large, sunny yet partially shaded, and a great afternoon stop if you're hanging out in Back Bay and need to take a break for some food and drinks. The food is average, but given the location the prices are quite reasonable - especially for lunch. I had the honey mustard chicken salad and it was very large/filling. Overall Joe's provided a great outdoor venue to catch-up with some friends and enjoy a really nice Memorial Day afternoon... 4 stars!
(4)Kris H.
Joes is my go to place for a drink after work. Great staff and amazing food. downstairs bar is the place to go!
(5)J T.
I was not a big fan of Joe's - my brother and I came one Sunday for brunch and we were taken downstairs to the basement. The place gets packed at around brunch time, and so the tables are placed really close together in order to allow for more customers. Not a good idea. They were so awkwardly close together that we could hear everyone's conversation and I'm sure they must have heard mine. Thank goodness there were no screaming babies. My brother ordered pancakes and I ordered an omelette - they were both okay. I've had better brunches. When the bill came out I vowed never to go back for brunch again - it was way too expensive for what they served. Until I find a better brunch place, I'm going to stick with my beloved Brookline Lunch.
(2)F. B.
This place is awesome!!! Awesome steaks, awesome beer, awesome atmosphere and clean tap lines. Fast service for a reasonable price. With High Society upstairs, and Low Society down, you can take your pick depending on the occasion. The only drawback is parking, which can be a problem.
(4)John G.
I have never had the urge to write a review on here... until now... Let me tell you about my experience at Joe's: A friend and I went for lunch during the week. Their patio is in the sun, so they were busy, but not packed. The hostess was clueless about a wait time, so we waited until a manager told us it would be a 5-10 min wait... no problem; they gave us a buzzer. 2 more couples walked in after us, each got a buzzer. We waited 10 min and one of the other couples' buzzer goes off before ours... ok odd. 5 minutes later, the second couple's buzzer goes off, so were realize ours clearly isn't working and we talk to the host. She acts confused and the manager steps in and apologizes. Ok, fine, glitches happen. Well, then we were asked to walk downstairs where we'd be seated on the patio. We walk downstairs to wait yet again, and hosts, servers, and others all breeze past us with no acknowledgment what-so-ever... so we try to get someone's attention, but the wait staff is visibly stressed-out and distracted. Finally a hostess notices us (after passing us 3 times before) and brings us to a table on the patio. 10 minutes later, after 1, then 2 then 3 then 4 different servers walk by our table with ZERO acknowledgment, its clear we aren't going to be served, and at this point I'm sick of having to grab someone myself to make this meal happen. We walk out the door, and the first hostess says "Thanks for coming, have a nice day!".....HA! what?? clueless... It's pretty clear that because they're on touristy newbury st, they will always have customers, no matter how disorganized, stressed-out or completely clueless their staff is. my advice: Charley's, down the street, has the exact same menu and prices
(1)Michael G.
I used Yelp all the time, but never registered, until I was inspired today to save others.... This is my first review. Im trying to think of what frustrated me the most; I sat and watched several tables who arrived well after us get their food first.. In fact, one table who arrived 15 minutes after us, actually got their bill before we even received our food! Our waiter was in another world. Obviously completely unorganized. Between the 15 delay in greeting us, waiting at least another 15 minutes to serve the bread, and another how long to get our meals.. he was definately not on top of things... He was friendly and polite, just oblivious... It was only after we asked for the manager to follow up on our food did we eventualy get it. The food.... the English Muffin was soo stiff, my knife was useless. I needed one of those crocodile cutters like on the infomercial. The 'hash browns'.. more like mash browns. They must collect the potatoes in a plastic bag and take turns throwing it against the wall before serving them. Don't get me started on the coffee. The glass of water was great, no complaints there. There was a table in front of me, there was so much food debris and mess on the floor that was not cleaned up before seating the next group. I watched a woman sit at the table, look down and check that food did not get stuck under her boot. Another nice touch was fact that right under my seat, the floor was steeply slanted. I keep sliding to the right during the meal until the wall would stop me and I would recenter myself again, over and over. I dont know why they ask 'how was everything?' The response was a very loud silence after I described my meal to the waiter. The manager never followed up after I complained how long it took to get my food. There was no concession on my bill either... paid full price and was sure to include a tip of 0.00. My poor wife... She must have thought, what did I do so wrong for him to bring me here for brunch?
(1)Bryan M.
I'm aware of the fact that, at different times of day .you can go to the same restaurant and go to an entirely different restaurant. That being said I went to this place at 10pm on a Sunday night. expecting a decent burger and some fries with some friends. We sat out on the patio and were literally attacked by 2 mice. We all jumped up startled and were then placed inside where it smelled like, I kid you not, feet. Not just any feet, but DIRTY feet. It took 10 minutes to get out bread and water and 25 minutes for our food. 2 burgers cooked medium and 2 salads. The waiter checked on us when our plates were empty and I had to get up and refill my own water. My burger was passable, but nothing great about it. They gave me roughly 10 french fries and 2 onion rings, both of which were cold and our waiter came to check on us only when we were nearly done and didn't need anything else. My experience here was TERRIBLE.
(1)susu c.
Not that I am expecting gourmet dining at a chain, but I was not pleased with my chicken tenders. They were horribly bland and tasteless. Plus, why do four chicken tenders that taste like the ones my crappy corner pizza shop has cost 16.99?. The fries sucked too. My Harpoon IPA was good though.
(1)Nicole B.
i cant really comment on the service because it has been such a long time since i've dined in that i can't recall service, etc. however, i used to get takeout all the time as i worked down the street. i usually got their french onion soup and it always came with the bread. the bread: Amazing! words cannot describe my love for that bread. i think the real reason i'd go there was for the bread and the soup was just an excuse. the french onion soup: good. better than some, worse than some. a bit salty. but on a cold day, it really hits the spot. makes a good, inexpensive lunch. as far as newbury goes, pretty average. you can do better, but you can do much worse::coughcoughstephanie'scoughcough::
(3)Lin X.
Decent food if you want traditional, no frills American cuisine. I use to go here with co-workers if we wanted a burger or a salad during the work week. The outdoor seating, next to the lower level is great if the weather is nice.
(3)Pamela P.
Waaaay overpriced for basically TGIF's, Bennigans, Chiles, Outback, etc...fare. It's all the same, and I couldn't believe the $$$ they wanted for supremely mediocre food. Maybe go if you want a Coke and to sit outside or what not at one of their spots...but if you're expecting a good meal...I really wouldn't bother.
(2)Laura B.
I went in there alone and told them, "I have 45 minutes to eat. I need fast service." The waiter said, "Okay, whatever you want, we can do!" The service is wonderful - they came and checked on me five times before my meal even got to my table. The wine list looked great, but I didn't have time to enjoy my meal, so I didn't order alcohol. There was an old guy sitting near me, probably oogling all the babes prancing out of the fashion design school across the street. He ordered chocolate cake. It was gigantic. I couldn't stop oogling that! He had a bourbon with dessert. It looked so incredibly good. There is never enough time. Next time I am over there, chocolate and sweet wine for me!
(4)Jen R.
I have always had great meals at Joe's. I always expect good meals and get great meals. It is very kid friendly. It us more upscale than Fridays or even Charlies. The waitstaff are not unfriendly but seem to be in an rush at times. I recommend the chopped salad and the roast beef sandiwch. Overall, a pleasant eating experience.
(4)Bruno A.
I worked here years ago and though I'd like to tell about gross things done to rude customers' food in the kitchen or other more interesting things, I never saw an incident. In fact the staff is very competent and good to those that came in, as is the management. How the management treats the staff is something else entirely. That's the cause of the high turnover rate at that place. I always wondered why they charged so much. It's a chain restaurant, much like TGI Friday's, Applebee's or other crap places except the prices are higher. The food is better and slightly classier than the above restaurants and the cooks are excellent though there isn't much of a selection. I've been told the clam chowder is excellent but I hate clam chowder of all forms so I can't vouch for it. The bar is good though I always thought the bartenders acted much busier than they actually were. If you don't want any surprises and are showing your family the city I would recommend Joe's. It's nothing fancy, but not bad food either. Two stars for the atrocious management.
(2)Sam D.
American Joe's is a kind of confusing and disappointing place to eat dinner. The decor and price imply a much fancier restaurant than the food, service, and menu deliver. The selection of food is very limited--a few fish selections and a few steak selections (and then a few assorted items). All of it is pretty good, but none of it is too great. With the fancy look in an old-fashioned tavern environment, the Uno's-quality food (fine, but nothing to write home about) is unexpected. On the plus side, the bread is really good. The service is a little slow, even when the dining room is essentially empty. All in all, with all the other places to eat on Newbury St., I hope you don't end up at Joe's.
(2)Matt L.
There are several Joe's American Bar and Grill's to try around the area and some are really nice inside and some are really not. One thing that is the same is the mediocre food and chain like atmosphere. This is part of a restaurant group that are all pretty much chains around the area. This particular location is in a busy spot on the Newberry St in the midst of luxury retail stores. The bad news is that the place is so compact and tight and again service is so bad here and so disorganized, who cares if you get a seat, because once you do the place doesnt do much for the pallet. The menu boasts a nice array of sandwiches and dinners, prime rib and burgers and some pasta dishes. I have had a few dinners here and the steak is always either too rare or over done. The sandwiches are just okay and the burgers are large and not that elaborate. In the end this is more of an upscale Applebees, with mahogany walls and a nice bar. Don't let the average food decieve you, the prices are not cheap and your final bill may surprise you!
(3)Robyn L.
This happened to be the first place we stumbled across, almost literally, after taking a wine tasting class down the street at the BCAE. (I don't recommend taking such a class without eating a heavy meal beforehand.) We decided to share some calamari and a steak tips caesar salad, and bread of course, and we actually had leftovers. The waitress was also happy to split up the food for us before bringing it out. The salad would have been huge on its own plate... and it was just so good. Great spot if you're looking for good food with decent prices -- at least according to Newbury Street standards.
(4)Omer N.
One thing you are sure when entering this place is consistency. You are pretty much prepped what you are going to order - in fact you have been craving it for the last couple of weeks. Joe's is not an upscale (higher-end) restaurant; at least not in terms of it's set-up nor menu neither price. It's your typical steakhouse (in fact cheaper than some others like Stockyard) just conviniently located on Newbury St. I would recommend filet mignon (comes with a really tasty mushroom sauce) or NY Strip.
(4)Brian C.
The place looks classier than you would expect from the prices. However, the food was really average, and I say that in the worst way possible. I ordered some sort of seared tuna dish (medium rare), and received approximately 6 silver-dollar sized (diameter AND thickness) pieces of completely cooked tuna, with little to no flavor. There was a thick, artificial-ly tasting sauce all around them, but that didn't help much. My girlfriend got a vegetarian pasta dish, and it was, well, nothing special. I feel like I could've gone to Stop 'n' Shop and bought it in the frozen food section for $4. Otherwise, bread was good, salad was ok, and I have absolutely no desire to ever return.
(2)Katie G.
I wasn't totally sold on this restaurant. It seemed really packed and not very well laid out. I went with a few of my roomates friends to celebrate his birthday, and got there early, so I sat at the bar to wait. I was one of 2 people sitting at the bar and the bartender took well over 5 minutes to even acknowledge me. The gin and tonic I ordered was pretty weak. Once everyone showed up we were seated at a tiny table that seemed comfortable for 2, but not for the 4 seated there. The burger I ordered was delicious and cooked perfectly, but the meal was kind of marred by the service. There was a clan of maybe 5 waiters who grouped together to chat and laugh in the center of the dining room pretty much ignoring the patrons. The waitress we had no patience whatsoever, and would just shove more and more plates onto our table without clearing others to make room. We ended up putting empty drink glasses on the floor because she came around so infrequently. Overall, I probably wouldn't come back here even though the burger was delicious. There are just too many good decent burger joints in Boston for me to feel the need to come back.
(2)Jonathan W.
good bloody mary - great bread - horrible brunch. i had higher hopes but was quickly let down. i should have known what i would get with the boston equivalent of the new york power guido (aka. joey badda-bing) greeted us at the door. the staff was disorganized and had ill-fitting clothes. come on guys - low riding trousers work as jeans (if thats your thing) never as a suit - sloppy guido gangsta mess. fire the staff - fire the people in the kitchen. heck - start from scratch. good bloodymary though.
(2)A B.
Came here after work for drinks and dinner. The outdoor bar and dining area is really nice, particularly if the weather is cooperating. The bartender was great. Sat down at a nice table overlooking Newbury. That's when things went down hill. Our waiter was earnest but clueless. It took forever to get our simple orders which were a sandwich and a pizza. When my pizza finally came, it was completely disappointing. It was seriously a frozen microwave pizza. It was the size of frozen microwave pizza (about 12" in diameter) and it had that same taste (you know that all frozen microwave pizzas have). To make it worse, it came lukewarm to mildly cold. It was quite possibly the worst food I've ever been served at a restaurant. My friend's sandwich was also mildly cold (it was supposed to be a hot sandwich). To top it off, the waiter screwed up our checks which was annoying. I can understand an honest mistake, but that was the straw that broke the camel's back.
(1)Shikha B.
Great location, especially on a warm day, but this Americana cuisine restaurant is just kind of blah otherwise. First of all, we had requested outside seating, which was a 40 minute wait (understandable) - they gave us a buzzer, which started ringing after about 15 minutes. We ran back to the restaurant only to find that they didn't have any outdoor seating available. Apologizing for their mistake (which is always good), they proceeded to sit us down. The food was OK. I ordered filet mignon benedict, but the muffins were burnt (kind of gross), and the "spicy" bloody mary was watered down and not very good (or spicy) at all. They also didn't give us bread (b/c they had run out... at 1pm) and apparently, they ran out of lemons too! The service was also okay, until the waitress said that despite the fact that we had ordered full meals, dessert, and various beverages, we couldn't sit there just with drinks (even though other tables were doing so directly around us) - needless to say, that affected how much tip we gave her. So, would I go there again? Only if I can get that table right on Newbury Street where I can people watch, and enjoy the rare Boston warmth. But, I'm definitely not heading back for the food or service.
(3)Jesse N.
I find Joe's to be very unique blend of a higher-end restaurant with a sports bar setting. Clearly, some parts of this restaurant are reserved for sports watching and beer chugging while other parts are for some pleasant wining and dining. I'll cut to the chase. There is one thing that makes Joe's extra special to me. They have the best filet mignon I've ever tasted. The best part is, the cut they give you is a lot bigger than most other places would (i.e. some really fancy french restaurant). I believe it only costs only in the 20s. Great restaurant if you want to have a chill time eating with your friends before going out somewhere else!
(5)Kristen G.
Upstairs is a little more fancy for people who want a nice, quiet meal. Downstairs is a different story. It's a louder, more active crowd in a sports bar setting. The food throughout the entire place is great. It's great for families, dates or post work beers and dinner with friends. All American, all around quality restaurant.
(4)Merri L.
chain restaurant, the best thing about it is how friendly the waiters were. we had just left another restaurant cuz they were rude, and it was such a pleasure to be greeted by 2 people at the door and welcomed. the food was regular boring american food, though my friend loves the clam chowder there.
(3)Kathleen T.
In a city that is not always so child friendly, my family found this to be a grea tplace to grab a bit when our whole family, with people of all ages, was in town. Not only does the atmosphere accomodate everyone, but the prices and variety of food do as well.
(4)Terance L.
While shopping in the area, we started getting hungry and was looking for a hearty meal that didn't cost a lot. Asked the cashier at Nike Town what she would reccommend and she said Joe's. Decided to give it a try so we went. Once we walked in, we were greeted by the hostess then she walked us to our table by the window. Shortly after, our waitress came by and greeted us then proceded to tell us the specials. Once she was done, she took our drink order and brout out some bread which was delicious. When she came back with our drinks, we were ready to order. I decided to get a bowl of clam chowder since we were in the area known for their choiwder. I also decided to get the lobster ravioli with shrimp which came out nicely done and delicious. My wife ordered a caeser salad and the meatloaf which was made with chicken and beef instead if the traditional way. Though a bit dry and they skimped on the mushroom gravy, the dish tasted good. Our waitress Steph was great. She always checked up on us making sure everything was alright and brought out another drink when ours got low. Now why can't I get service like that back home in california? Wait, I just answered my own question. Anyways, if your in Boston and looking for american grill, give Joe's a try.
(4)Ashley M.
reliable chain restaurant... though with all of the other good places to go in boston i can't imagine why you'd choose joe's unless you were looking for something central/easy to find. also joe's on the waterfront by the north end is just much prettier.
(3)Christine Y.
one of my fave brunch places in boston. i can make a meal out of their fresh-baked sourdough loaf
(4)Meghan L.
ahh, joe's. it's main attraction is the location- a stone's throw from my apartment, making it the perfect locale on wintry nights. i have to say, i love the downstairs bar... it's my own personal cheers. my fiance and i are well taken care of by the awesome and friendly bartenders. the food is mostly decent but the burgers are awesome!!! definitely order a burger from the bar downstairs- the upstairs restaurant will charge you twice as much for it- would never go to the restaurant. overall it's a really expensive place for what it is, but it's on newbury street so you can't expect anything less. it's a great place to watch a game, and it is my default spot to go... always an interesting mix of people and fun times. can't say enough about the bartenders... they are great!
(4)Steph S.
The food was so yummy! We got the calamari, jambalaya, spinach and artichoke dip, and steak sandwich with French dip. The bread basket is literally straight out of the oven and so chewy and soft. Minus three stars for the terrible service though... We were never greeted when we walked into the restaurant. The three hostesses just stood there having personal conversations with each other and failed to acknowledge the arrival of new customers. When we were seated, the waitress, a short Hispanic lady, never introduced herself. She stopped by our table three times during the entire dinner: once to take our order and give us water, another to refill the water, and then to give us our check. She never checked up on us to see how the meal was going for the entire duration of the dinner. When we were done eating and walking out, those same three hostesses literally just WATCHED US WALK BY without even saying bye. sigh The chefs deserve better than to have their delicious meals ruined by rude servers and hostesses.
(3)Chloé R.
Great atmosphere. Huge windows that look out onto newbury street. Large menu with gluten free options. Gluten free Mac and cheese is huge and delicious. Kale and quinoa salad is excellent. Good iced teas. Salsa trio sampler good also. Friendly staff. Nice bar. Consistently good food.
(4)Danielle E.
Great bread, chowda and ambience. The open patio is great for people watching during nice weather.
(4)Elizabeth S.
Was pleasantly surprised by this place! Had an excellent salad with blackened Salmon. Came here with a colleague who has a gluten allergy, which they really cater to (had a great gluten free bread as a starter that I even liked!)
(4)Kelly F.
Pretty popular restaurant on Newbury, a pretty novelty American-style restaurant. Food was awesome, drinks were good, our waiter was super accommodating and attentive. I got the tuna burger without the bun and had a house salad on the side instead of fries. The tuna was awesome and the salad was surprisingly great for a house salad. Wasn't expecting much from it and was pleasantly surprised. My boyfriend got the grilled fish sandwich and that was also delicious. Not the most unique restaurant in Boston, but has a lot of room, a cool ambiance, great food & drinks. No complaints, will definitely be back.
(4)Carol Ann G.
Their sangria is AMAZING, we frequent it when I'm in Boston on business and sometimes during my leisurely time as well. this last time stood out because we had the sweetest waiter: he was attentive and genuine and we had a blast. Our company included a very picky eater on a very strict diet and he absolutely took care of all of her wants and needs! The kitchen forgot to bring out her chicken and apologized profusely and brought it out in such a timely manner afterwards we have never seen such quick service. I cannot say enough good things. I got the steak and my friend got the burger and he too agreed that it was wonderful. The rolls they bring out are also warm and buttery and amazing and I will definitely definitely be back again!
(5)Leigh Ann C.
Really enjoyed my dinner here last night. I ordered the French dip sandwich and it was amazing! The homemade ginger ale was very delicious and refreshing. We had an excellent seat in the front and we could enjoy the beautiful weather and people watch. We're from out of town and when we come back we will definitely be visiting Joe's again.
(5)Sam T.
Joe's is a pretty fun place to hang out and enjoy a great lunch/dinner. They are usually packed on the weekends so be prepared for a wait. But, also, this restaurant is HUGE so they can almost always find space for you. Whatever you do, do not leave this place without tasting the Mac & Cheese. My wife and I both wanted a sandwich/burger type of deal so we went that route but we read so many great reviews about the Mac & Cheese that we tried a side of it, and we pretty much scrapped the dish clean. They have a burger that they recommend with arugula and pork belly bacon strips on it...I honestly was not that impressed; it was lacking flavor and cohesion amongst the ingredients. I think the bread took away from the burger, and the burger itself was not very flavorful plus the pork belly only tasted good when I took it out of the burger. I would come back for the fries and for the mac & cheese, but not the burgers
(4)Living T.
The setting is perfect: a busy corner in the high end shopping district, downtown Boston! You can sit and people watch, have a deck at the bar or a full meal. The lobster roll is delicious, when if it contains a lot of bread. The sweet potato fries are highly recommended. Although the menu has some seafood options, it's not exclusively so. The menu options are mostly American; nothing terribly risky or out of the ordinary for an American diet.
(4)Craig S.
I was really surprised by this place. So much so I went twice in one week. I had never been because I'd always assumed this was on par with Applebee's or chilli's, while a chain it is far better. The French dip Sammy with horseradish creme was amazing. Staff was really exceptional (thaks Chris Rock haha). I def reccomend it if you can get a table.
(4)Gerard H.
Could be a 4.5. Great place for a meal. Thought it looked like a chain restaurant but was pleasantly surprised. Food was delicious. Nice presentation - better taste. I had sliced pork sandwich. Delicious. One of my kids had fish tacos and they were great too. Good selection of beers. Comfortable inside. Great service.
(4)Stephanie T.
I've only been to Joe's for brunch, but I've always enjoyed my meals here. The clam chowder bread bowl is awesome, some of the best chowder I have had in boston by far. The salads are huge and super filling. Try and get a table out by the street in the indoor patio area, makes for great people watching!
(4)Sandra M.
I enjoyed my experience here! Nice bar tender, blue moons and a heaping plate of nachos. These are the kind of nachos you hope for when you go out: sour cream, guac, tonnnns of cheese.
(4)Megan C.
I wish I could have experienced Joe's to its fullest, but due to rude and incompetent front-of-house staff, it simply wasn't possible. A co-worker and I were in search of an after-dinner drink (or several), and Joe's looked to fit the bill. There appeared to be a nice partial outdoors patio with a well-heeled clientele having a good time. There was no shortage of bar and patio tables available, so we were told upon entering the restaurant that bar space and tables were on a first-come, first-serve basis. We scored a sweet table at the bar, which ended up to be too good to be true before we could even order a drink. I stepped away to venture to the restroom (a long walk and down stairs from the main bar), only to return to an empty table and my co-worker back at the host stand. Somehow, this "first-come, first-serve" table had become a "reserved" table, and we were asked to leave the table. We weren't offered an alternative, and - with 10 pounds too much of haughty, aloof attitude - were told that we wouldn't be seated in the dining room if all we were planning on ordering were drinks. The other two host members stood there just as inconsiderately and unhelpfully as we made the right choice, which was to walk ourselves right out of Joe's and move on to Met Bar, where we had a MUCH better experience.
(1)Mona B.
I personally dont like chain and never liked Joe's at all until every location I went too sucked at making burgers until I tried this location on a desperate rainy day! They have absolutely AMAZING service along amazing chefs because the food is really good. I've now been here several times and it's never been disappointing .
(5)Danae K.
Great location, quick food, nice ambiance. But the food isn't special... I got a chicken club sandwich and the quality wasn't great... I suggest coming for drinks only.
(2)Nandanie S.
I was impressed with the food, but not with the service. I found our waitress's attitude very ill tempered and we felt really rushed by her. Granted the timing of the food was good and our entrees were tasty, but service wasn't very inviting, which was a bit of a sour note. I know it's Newbury Street. I know it's a busy beautiful, Saturday morning, but please treat your guests better. I've been to other Joe's in the Boston area, and I've never encountered anything like the above. Not to say that I won't return...maybe just not anytime soon.
(3)Tyler S.
Joe's is a solid american staple in the area. They have something on the menu for everyone, consistently good service and good beer/ cocktail options. Really great salad options like the kale & quinoa, the seared ahi and the honey chicken. Good place to stop for lunch if you're in the area, also a good place for groups which is sometimes hard to come by.
(4)K E.
I have to say, I live in the neighborhood and starting off not liking this place because of the bad Joe's in North End. But this place has completely changed my mind. Service is fantastic, especially Anna. If you can, sit in her section! I've always had great meals, but even when my friend had an issue with her eggs, they replaced them (twice) with no questions asked. I will continue to go back!
(4)Marina G.
The location is great, fantastic modern cocktails, and a beautiful dining room. The ceiling that can open up for open air seating is absolutely fantastic!! And the sweet potato fries are to die for!!! I could live off them. Unfortunately this would have been a glorious 5 star rating if the waiter hadn't inaudible mumbled straight nonstop drivel to my friends and I who just wanted to enjoy quality time together and catch up on each other's lives. He completely ruined our experience and tried to talk to us so many times about NOTHING that we were unable to enjoy a single part of our conversation without getting interrupted by him standing over us and mumbling. Also the waiter's recommendations for getting my fish blackened turned out to be flavorless. I would go back but never want to have the same waiter standing over our shoulders, waiting to interrupt our conversations to ask us 5x if we like the drinks and food, trying to sell us porterhouse steaks (25 year old women don't go for that!) then to make Boston small talk. Rude. Go away. Go harass some other girls night out group at Dick's Last Resort or something.
(2)Lisa G.
Stopped in at Joe's for lunch and loved it. The wait was about 8 minutes, but we managed to get a table on the patio. It was warm outside, but that was the sacrifice for one of the best seats in the house, I suppose. Made for great people watching and socializing, but they should have some ceiling fans installed. I got the ahi tuna salad, which was done perfectly. Maybe a bit small. I could've eaten more, but it was still delicious. My friend got the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw. This is definitely some of the best fried chicken I've ever tasted. And the mashed potatoes were nice and garlicky! A bit too heavy for me on the hot day, so the taste was all I needed. Great service, too. I can't believe how quickly the food came out. With a smile. Perfect location on swanky Newbury.
(5)Pam C.
We dropped by after some shopping on Newbury street. The interior is pretty dark, and actually quite large since they also have an extensive downstairs seating section. It was raining pretty hard when we came, but I imagine it would be very nice to sit on the glassy, greenhouse area on a nicer day. The staff was very nice but quite inattentive - when we walked in there was a good deal of confusion about who was going to get seated. They either didn't have a hostess at all, or had too many hostesses, because we were approached by three different confused staffpeople at the door before we finally got seated. They have a rather unremarkable menu - the food is pretty typical of an American sports bar/diner. A lot of hamburgers, a lot of steak. Although people recommended the mac and cheese, all of us ended up getting the signature burger, which was quite good. The pork belly is a little too thick and tough, and the bottom bun was a little too thin - the burger ended up getting very greasy and hard to eat after a while. Additionally, it comes with an overwhelming mound of arugula - we ended up taking most of it out. All in all, though, their signature burger is pretty good and worth a try. The regular fries are very fat and meaty, but their sweet potato fries are crispy and thin and quite delicious. The prices are all very reasonable, with most dishes between 10 and 30 dollars. Service was very attentive and knowledgeable.
(3)Danielle W.
Went here with some friends and had a lot of fun on the patio! Great atmosphere and pretty good food. Our server was friendly and joked with us. We shared a plate of their nachos and calamari. I love me some good nachos, and theirs were great! I had the signature burger which was good and no one in my party had any complaints about their dishes. My only complaint, is that the hostesses were not particularly welcoming or friendly. Definitely would recommend this place, especially to dedicated people watchers.
(4)Steven R.
I took a group of 10 to breakfast this morning at Joe's on the recommendation of a concierge. I was slightly skeptical due to the 3-star average on Yelp. We in fact had a SUPREMELY good experience thanks in large part to our server, Colin D. He was the epitome of perfect, with every utterance feeling like a pleasant conversation rather than a script. He was spot on with every single interaction and the food and drinks were delicious. He managed our table and experience flawlessly. The food was delicious as well: we were all very pleased with the meal. But Colin brought it together. We had a really diverse group of diners of all ages and from all parts of the country: we were pretty unanimous in the awesomeness of the venue and especially of the server. Thanks Joe's and Colin!
(5)Kathie R.
A bunch of us went to Joes after work. We met Joey G there, he was our server. He was wonderful- extremely attentive, enthusiastic, and very kind. We never once went without needed or asking, he was very down to earth, & made us feel appreciated. Our experience was very pleasant due to his superior service he provided! Food was delicious and came out perfect! Coming from a business/service environment, I feel I have a keen eye for great service and compliment lightly; however, Joey G at Joes on Newbury deserves a review:) thanks for the great dinner and thanks for the "not so common" excellent customer service :) see you again!
(5)Doug E.
I was recommended this place by a gf friend, and to their credit, they are very solicitous of gf issues. They fried my French fries in their own oil, and they had a gf hamburger bun. I also liked my waiter a lot; he was very friendly. I think I ordered wrong. They do have some interesting things on the menu, but I got mesmerized by all the old fashioned American food. I wish I'd gotten their kale and quinoa salad. My real issue with the place was the atmosphere: it's very Chili's esque. Yes, there were a lot of families, but, I don't know, I just felt the need to get out of there as soon as possible. I think I'd need to try it again, and order differently.
(3)Kristina C.
Soooo.. I feel like people just love to hate on chain restaurants, but I actually really liked it here. We came for my friend's birthday because she has a severe gluten allergy and she noticed they have a good amount of gluten-free choices. They were super accommodating about it, and even gave her a separate bread basket (even though it was just toasted gluten-free sandwich rolls) (it's the thought that counts). The regular bread that came out for the rest of us was literally just that though- a big loaf of unsliced bread that we had to pass around the table like we were Jesus's disciples or something. Can restaurants not do this? Sliced bread, please. On a side note, the bread was super soft and delicious. Also, when I asked our server for her opinion on the reuben vs. the french dip sandwich, she didn't try to upsell the french dip and told me the reuben was her favorite. No regrets there. I actually still think about how good that reuben was sometimes before I fall asleep... is that weird?
(4)Mike R.
Average food, Average service, High Price, Great Location. Went for brunch today. I ordered scrambled eggs, with and english muffin, pork belly and a screwdriver. The eggs were over cooked. The english muffin seemed day old; it was hard on both sides, even though it was only grilled on one... the screwdriver was very light on liquor. The dish also came with home fries. Essentially the home fries were small cut up pieces of potatoes that were sautéed. The home fries had very little taste even though they seemed greasy. The Pork Belly tasted more like a pork chop than pork belly. Normally Port Belly tastes like enhanced bacon... this was not that... it was cooked well, it just didn't have any flavor. The service was okay. They didn't bring my wife ketchup for her fries and they didn't give me any butter or jelly for my muffin. Also, most other tables received complementary bread but we never got any. My waitress never asked me if I wanted another drink or a glass of water. The prices are high for what your receive. Just a couple of years ago, you could get scrambled eggs, toast and a drink for $12 or $13. Now the same dish wold cost $22 or $23 and it wasn't as good. The location was the one saving grace. It wasn't a busy day so we got patio seating and I will admit that it is a great location. It was defiantly not worth the money. There are better options.
(2)Gus L.
I rarely make reviews on this internet web site, but this experience pushed me off the theoretical edge of the boat that I wish I owned. My infant wife, crippled son and I were enjoying a plate of well toasted Swedish-style nachos with Gueda cheese on them. Heavily devoted to the complexity of the texture and flavor of the pig skin, we didn't notice the man on the bicycle steal a handful of our nachos right from our table! Now I'm not too familiar with regulations regarding the thievery of nachos within "American" establishments such as this eatery, but I'm nearly positive that my 2016 presidency will change these rare happenings. I spoke of my cause in Kansas, Hawaii, Montana, and other middle eastern territories our troops are so bravely fighting to withhold. Now I may not be a smart man, but I do know what love is. This nation was built off the roots of animosity and amber waves of grain so I believe we need to return to that state of mind. Remember to vote on September 15, 2015 at your local dispensary. Thank you for you time and God Bless America.
(4)Hanzhou P.
The restaurant looks very nice from outside,and I wish I could get a chance to try the food here someday with my friends:-)
(4)Amanda L.
I've been to Joe's plenty of times and I have to say... it's okay. It's certainly one of the more affordable options if you're on Newbury Street. Every table gets a basket of the most amazing bread before their meal. Think about how many times restaurants have dropped off mediocre bread at your table. It's a waste of space in your stomach, empty calories and 9x out of 10... is usually 'just okay' or 'eh' and we regret eating it. Like, seriously. This bread is amazing. It's crispy on the outside and hot and soft on the inside. This is one of the only restaurants where I'll allow myself some bread before the main event - you should do the same. The Ahi Tuna Tartare and Crispy Calamari are two relatively tasty appetizer options. I've tried the Ahi Tuna Salad for lunch once and found it to be missing... something. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it certainly wasn't memorable. In the winter they had Butternut Squash Ravioli. Although the ravioli was okay - they piled roasted butternut squash in the middle of the plate and that was excellent. On two separate visits here my companions each got a burger. My boss said it was one of the best burgers he's ever had (the Joe's Signature Burger) and my boyfriend mentioned his 'make your own' burger was the perfect solution for a starving stomach. Last night I tried the Chicken & Broccoli Ziti and found that it fell flat. The broccoli captured all of the flavor in the dish, which I love, but left the rest of the plate crying for attention. The chicken was bland and the pasta was too. Although I will give props to the kitchen for making the choice to not have this dish swim in cream sauce. I know it's a risk I'm willing to make when ordering this type of dish, but hey, life's all about taking risks. Will I return? I'm sure. With living in the South End and working in the Back Bay it's a super convenient and affordable option for weeknight dining. I've heard their brunch is pretty good too although I have yet to experience it. Grab a pal and head to Joe's for a satisfying dinner and hey... let me know if you find that signature plate that just knocks your socks off. And don't forget... EAT THE BREAD!
(3)Gabi M.
We came here to celebrate a family birthday over the weekend. We were tucked in a private dining room with two other tables, and the ambient noise was deafening. It was impossible to not shout at one another. The food was disappointing considering the price point-- one dish had to go back-- but I suppose that's to be expected on Newbury. Our service was quite good, however, and she was very sweet to bring our birthday girl an unprompted slice of chocolate cake. The cake, to be honest was the best. The kale salad was also exceptional, and the crab cakes and fish tacos were great. Avoid the tuna burger.
(2)Scott G.
Consistent reliably good food in a pleasant atmosphere. Good cocktails. Brought the kids here. Appropriate for adults with or without kids. They do have a kids menu if you have them with you. Solid upscale place.
(4)Alan H.
Unlike met bar this place almost always over cooks food. Service is nice but just once I wish they would get an order correct. They have the worst cooking staff in the back bay besides grill 23. Avoid both of them at all cost.
(1)Chris M.
Stopped in with a group of co-workers. I had the clam chowder to start which I felt was a bit too thick, almost like corn starch was added so it got kinda gluey. Tasted good though. I then had a caesar salad which was fine and what I liked most was the Jambalaya. Shrimp were large and cooked well, lots of sausage and a very good flavor all around. Beers were kinda pricey and your basic Sam Adams variety. All in all decent but nothing to write home about (oh wait im writing home about it right now).
(4)Dipak S.
Food - Loved the crab cake Benedict. Fruits were fresh. The sausage omelette by cousin ordered looked very appetizing. Chocolate chip pancakes was good but is surely an order for the table. Ambience - The outside seating was good. But gets super crowded during summers. Unfortunately we had to settle down for the dining booth. The interiors was well done. Service - Great service. Very patient folks and have lp you out with all your queries. Cost - ~25$ per person with drinks. Finally champagne to celebrate my graduation was an icing on the cake.
(4)Rocco R.
My family and I went to Joes on Newbury for Mother's Day a few weeks ago. We loved the different sangrias offered and tried the chicken nachos, buff chix wrap and crab cakes. The food was average but we received excellent service from James, our waiter. Great location and we did not wait long for a table, we will most likely be back.
(4)Janie-lynn D.
This place is always busy and there's a reason for it, great food and great seating. The bread always comes out light fluffy and hot, sangria is excellent with perfect amount of wine and fruit. Spinach and artichoke dip always comes out perfect with hot bubbly cheese on top. Anything we've tried from burgers to steak to Mac and cheese has been great. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Heather N.
Had lunch there on a Saturday afternoon. They were fairly busy and the wait was about 10 minutes. Once we had a table, we waited longer than is acceptable for a server to greet us. Finally she came (her name was Maritza), and we ordered our food & drinks all at once. After taking our order, it was another 5 minutes before we got our drinks. This pissed me off for two reasons: 1) we ordered waters. 2) she walked by us twice before bringing our drinks. We were starving, and ordered an appetizer. Maybe that's why she didn't offer us bread. I don't know, but it irked me seeing every other table with a bread basket on their table. Another server brought us our appetizer, and even though she walked by multiple times, she never asked if everything was okay. The same thing happened when we got our food, which really was delicious by the way. I had the chicken pot pie. It was rich, creamy and had a puff pastry top. My husband had the French dip. Half of it was perfect, the other half needed more horseradish. The food here was excellent, but our disinterested server ruined any shot of me dining here again.
(2)Patrick G.
We came back to Joe's American and ate here twice on 12/5 and 12/7. The place did not disappoint. The first visit I had the NY strip steak which was cooked to perfection. Being from Texas there are very few places outside Texas that can cook good steaks. We also tried the salmon which was very fresh and flaked very easily with a touch of the fork. The second visit we stayed to watch some of the Pat's game and took burgers to go. The burgers were well worth the money and still tasted great when we got back to the hotel. We will be coming back again next year as we have yet to be disappointed!
(4)Christine J.
Good food, lovely bread!! Love their big chunk of bread when you sit down :D good food and drinks, esp for large groups. Been here for after hour drinks with coworkers, as well as a girls night out dinner. Happy with everything so far.
(4)Hanna U.
There food was delicious. I got the blackened chicken fuscilli and it was wonderful. The staff was friendly and attentive. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)Michael S.
Service ..our server Eric was super friendly.. Ordered tuna tartare, and talk about disappointment.. They need to check the recipe on that. Also the mojitos were not on point ..overall it was an alright place.. Our turkey burgers were great though :)
(3)Carolyn B.
Great time, even on a Sunday night! Music good, food (calamari) was excellent. Hash the bartender was also very good and helpful. The star of the night was Travis the manager who took very good care of this tourist from Chicago! Thank you.
(5)Kara M.
Wonderful service ! The manager IS so nice and attentive. A+. We had an amazing dinner...the food is phenomenal. I . Would definitely recommend going if you're in the area.
(5)Ashley K.
Really god bread and fries but the steak on salads was so plain and dry, chicken club is much better or grilled chicken on a ceaser salad was delicious , just disappointed with the steak.
(3)Natalie V.
Joe's had an amazing staff to start. It's located on Newbury which is a fantastic location as it is. They had the best clam chowder and lobster roll ever! Ever!! We knew we had to try both of those dishes being in Boston and we did try them at other places and agreed that Joe's had the best. We had a great experience here.
(5)Meghan C.
Great place on Newbury street! They have an added elegance to a sports bar attitude :)
(5)Jean R.
If you're looking for quality all American food, Joe's is the place to go. I am new to Boston, so I enjoy exploring the wide variety of restaurants in the area. I wasn't too sure about going inside due to the large quantity of people... I was starving and didn't want to wait but surprisingly I was seated immediately. The waiter quickly took our drink orders while we looked at the menu. I tried the onion soup for starters and it was AMAZING! I then had a classic burger with sweet potato fries which were also quite delicious. The fries could have been fried a bit longer in order to achieve a crunchier texture but they were decent. I was pleased with the service and very happy that the food was delivered so quickly. I wish the servers wore name tags! He was truly great.
(5)Jamie B.
I've been a client of Joe's American Bar & Grill since it's inception, really, ten years ago. This used to be a charming place with good food. My, how it has gone downhill since those days. I'm dismayed to write this, but the service was horrendous. I went to watch the France vs. Germany World Cup match today, and instead they were showing tennis, which no one was watching. I asked the bartender to change the soccer, but she said she'd do it in a minute. Two minutes passed and she didn't do it, the match was going on, and someone could have scored. So I asked her again, at which she once again said, "one minute". Unbelievable! How hard is it to change a TV station? Well, another minute passed, and she still didn't change it, so I asked the man who was working at the bar to change it, but then the bartender told him to wait! What sort of power trip is that? So I asked the guy again to change it, let's just say I ran out of patience with the malicious bartender. But by this time things had begun to blow up since I was visibly upset to be so disrespected by this bitchy bartender! It looks like I won't be going back to Joe's anytime soon, I had already been there countless times, I could never imagine that anyone there would disrespect me like that. Here's a lesson - next time a World Cup fan asks you to change the channel, do it, instead of going on a perverted little power trip where you are maliciously refusing to change the channel.
(1)Tom B.
Food was average and a bit pricey for what you get. Good atmosphere. Nice view of harbor.
(3)Shelby S.
It's our first time in Boston and we stopped here on out first night for dinner and drinks. It was DELICIOUS! we had great service and the music was awesome. If you go, ask for JAMES! He was so personable and really went above and beyond for us. I highly recommend stopping by!
(5)Hammy E.
When I am craving a turkey burger I go to Joe's. The turkey burger here is really yummy. I order it with the house salad instead of the fries and the salad is really tasty. The only other thing I ordered from here was the chicken quesadilla which was good. Def a good spot to go if you are craving quality bar good.
(4)Elaine T.
came here with a group of friends and let me tell you, it was pretty great. We made reservations here for a table of 6 and although two of our friends couldn't make it, the staff where fine with it and seated us within 2 minutes. Our waitress was incredibly helpful in suggesting what types of meals/drinks are popular at the restruant (since it was our first time there). I ordered the back bay sangria (which was amazing) and had the blackened chicken fusilli (it wasnt too bad could have been slightly better). The interior of the restaurant added a nice touch to the atmosphere of the whole place. Overall experience was pretty good. The drinks were great. Food, could have been a little better. But very nice place were you can enjoy a drink with friends.
(5)Nino R.
Best place to sit is on the patio. It's the best place to people watch all year round. I love the design of the place and the menu has tons of great options to choose from. What I like most is that they cater to those with food allergies. They seem to take great care in accommodating special requests. They have a private room for special events which looks like it could hold about 30 people. They also boast a second full-sized bar downstairs. But again, all the action is up top. Not sure what to order? Try the Lobster Roll, Jambalaya, Blackened Chicken Pasta, Kale & Quinoa Salad, or the Steak Frites. They're all fantastic. But my favorite is the Tuna Tartare. It's so fresh and the chips really go great with it. It's a must try. Now if you can only find parking...
(4)Bea B.
I would give it 11 if I could. The food was amazing. fucking AMAZING. I cried. Real tears of joy. The bread was heaven; straight out of the oven and still hot. Oh, and you can get some bread to go, too. And our server, Anna, was just as good as the food. She stopped to talk to us and served us within 10 minutes of sitting us-- keep in mind it was also pretty busy. 100/10 recommend going here. I could not stop eating. I regret nothing.
(5)Shannon W.
I went here for brunch on a Saturday afternoon. It was busy but we only had to wait 15 minutes, which we killed at the bar drinking Bloody Mary's. Once we got seated and ordered food, it came fairly quick. We ordered the grilled fish sandwich and Ruben sandwich. The grilled fish was decent but the Ruben just wasn't good. I really wouldn't recommend it.
(2)Mac D.
The waitress asked me if I wanted alcohol in my tomato juice...maybe I would have been better off ordering a virgin Bloody Mary without any added sauce? My bemusement continued when she asked me if I wanted milk after I ordered "a coffee with milk". Lastly, on top of the low food quality (even the bread?!?), I wasn't served what I ordered and there was no sign of the waitress again until she asked me if I was ready for the check.
(2)Landon C.
Joe's is fine for a general dinner with friends. It's not exactly a place I'd take out-of-tenets in their visit into Boston. For the price and quality, I think there are quite a few more places that do better. However, if you're looking for a place with consistency and pretty decent food, it's a place to keep in mind. *Update - this doesn't change my review, but helps a bit. Their crab cakes are actually fantastic. Lots of meat, not just filling.
(3)Rob C.
Meeeeeeh. Pros: Nice location and reasonable prices, plus they had some gluten free options which was important for our group Cons: Food quality slightly below Applebee's (bland burger, soggy fries, etc.) Service was friendly but several items never appeared while other random dishes did get left at the table. Not a bad experience, but probably wouldn't recommend.
(2)Albert L.
Awesome Ambiance, Music, Food and Service. Lively atmosphere and reasonable pricing ....even for Boston. The Chicken Cesar Salad was on point, Spinach & Artichoke Dip was FABULOUS, and the Sweet Potato Fries were out of this world! I will certainly be returning soon! Shouts to our fantastic and friendly waitress Maritza! She was so wonderful and accommodating! Our late night dinner here was just what we were looking for! Hope to see you again!
(5)Gabriela S.
This place is alright. Went here for brunch on New Years. I like that there is a lot of room, the staff is friendly, but why would you charge $15 for sub par Mac n cheese. And the house salad I got wih steak came in a tiny bowl with mostly iceberg lettuce. That was another $15. Maybe I should have stuck to breakfast food. But ugh, I hate paying for overpriced food I could have made at home or gotten premade at the grocery store. Wegman's anybody? Prob will not be going back. Booooring.
(3)Dillon S.
While there are many restaurants to choose from on Newbury street (and in Back Bay in general), Joe's consistently provides some of the best service, particularly at the bar. The food, while nothing fancy, is consistent and affordable - but Christiano and Luke go above and beyond to provide excellent service to all bar patrons. They make Joe's feel less like a chain and more like a neighborhood bar with a solid cocktail program and good beer selection. Come and hang out with him at the bar once and he'll remember your name and drink preferences on all future visits!
(5)David C.
Always a good stop when shopping along Newbury. Classic american cuisine options. Can get a bit crowded, but the bar often has seats. Wendy was working the bar the last time I went there with a couple of friends. Very friendly. Let me order the now off the menu au poivre burger (always good). Swapped out some less-than-stellar fries quickly for my friends. Was on top of new drinks. But most importantly she was super friendly and engaging. She made our lunch more fun. With so many options on Newbury Street, it's nice to find a person that seemed to care if we had a good time.
(4)John B.
Only had the Caesar which was good not great. Honestly the bread blew me away! Nice spot for lunch and a beer. 3 stars because 4 stars are for places above average. 5 is too good!
(3)K G.
If not for the location, I would never have gone here, and I will likely never go again. Food is mediocre. The burger I ordered was not cooked as requested. Fries were not crispy. Service is also mediocre and lacking in attention. Food and service just like a chain...
(2)Emily J.
Came here for dinner on a weekday with a couple friends and there was around a 20 minute wait. New to the Boston area, I didn't know Joe's was a chain because it felt like its own restaurant right on Newbury. The bread basket to start was clearly freshly baked -- I am a huge bread person and these rolls were so warm and fresh. I got the lobster mac and cheese which was ALL kinds of delicious. Cheddar, jack, blue, gruyère, and parmesan cheese -- you could taste all of them melting together beneath the layer of bread crumbs. Looked like a small amount but is sooo filling and creamy. The lobster pieces were juicy and not overwhelming in the already creamy dish. Other friend got the Joe's Beef Burger which she seemed to enjoy, but I don't think it was anything special. Can't speak to the other items on the menu but would return to try! Service was a bit slow because of the busyness, but overall the ambience is great for people watching (if you're seated near the street) and for some good eats after work.
(4)Xander M.
I have to say, my two favorite bartenders in Boston work here. Heather and Christiano. I walk in, they already know what I want to drink and eat. But not only that, they are just great people to chat with. They always make my experience here fantastic! It's because of them that I come here!!!
(5)Ana S.
Joe's is home to one of the best burgers in Boston. It's an unapologetic artery-clogger that comes with a slab of crispy pork belly. It also comes with a guaranteed food coma. I split it with a friend about 3 hours ago and still have no plans to uncurl myself from the fetal position and do anything productive today. Joe's might not be the pinnacle of gourmet cuisine in Boston or even Newbury St, but it has a lot going for it. First, the restaurant is cavernous and so the waits tend to be short even for large groups. The waitstaff is upbeat, speedy, and genuinely excited about what they offer. And if you score a window-side table you now have one of the best vantage points for people watching in the city.
(4)Desaree J.
Went to Boston for a conference and ate at American Joes Bar and Grill located at 181 Newbury St. The food and service was spectacular!!! We went three days in a row because of the wonderful food. We had the salmon burger, fish burger, ribs, spinach dip, calamari, and crab cake. The cheese cake is made fresh daily and is also a must have. The chef is Matthew Wool, the wait staff James and Jeff were the best. We also spoke with Carol Spiros, the general manger to let know about our great experience. The atmosphere is great with indoor and outdoor seating. A must do when in Boston.
(5)Kristen S.
Last night was my 10th wedding anniversary. We decided On Joe's after shopping on newbury St. From beginning to to end our service was exceptional. James was our waiter and he was very knowledgeable of the menu and provided 5 star service . Every that passed our table acknowledged our anniversary. They bought complimentary champagne. The food was so good, I have salmon and my husband had the jambalaya. We can't wait to go back and visit our new FaV spot.
(5)Paisley P.
Had a great experience here when I brought friends over for brunch. The view of Newbury has good people watching. The service was fast. The waiters were great. The food was awesome. No complaints! Will be back!
(5)Bramfy B.
Breaky sando for brunch. Damn this thing was good. Comes on a J bun that's fluffy. I switched American out for cheddar. Side sausage. Solid bloody - add some hot sauce. Hey guys Buddy of mine got a sneak attack of mayo on his sando. Given his mayo phobia this cracked me up.
(4)Diane H.
We returned two nights later and we were not disappointed. Their wait staff is first class; in crisp white shirts and sharp wit and wisdom. We enjoyed the assistance of Connor tonight who was utterly delightful! The food . . . beginning with the best bread I can remember having at a restaurant, then a delicious clam chowder, kale and quinoa salad with the yummiest house dressing; best french fries ever and a delicious grilled chicken sandwich with the most unusual pickles! Wish there was a Joe's in Pittsburgh! Hey, there's an idea!
(5)Megan S.
Food was good American classic. New England Clam Chowder was awesome. Service was amazing and good views of Newbury Street.
(4)Kelly S.
Joe's is okay for what it is. Decent but overpriced standard American food. Their salads are really tasty and a nice option nearby in my neighborhood. Great service with a great location, but to me it's just a bit boring when you have so many other great restaurants on Newbury. While the food is definitely above typical bar food, it's not worth the Newbury street prices. Stephanie's is across the street serving similar but more creative dishes.
(3)Alexandria L.
Visiting from California so I am already used to a "fresh veggie" kind of dinner as well as way to many vegetarian options. Since I am on vacation, who really needs these things, but I did find it odd that they only have a few options for vegetarians. People watching is certainly the best charm of this corner restaurant. In the bar/ patio area the windows open up and you can watch the walkers, runners, dogs, etc. The wait staff is lackluster. They had a new waitress/ hostess who was clearly afraid of her position at the front as a greeter. Each time someone came to check on her wellness, she would cower back into the fold and shy away from the staff and welcoming guests. She was eventually pushed and forced to make her way into the crowd. The pasta with chicken & broccoli looked amazing as well as the lobster plate that was ordered by the neighboring table. Serving staff was slow and could not be found when needed, but the food was great. Nightlife & bar scene seem to make this place irresistible to the locals & youthful travelers.
(3)Blake M.
I love this place. I live close by so I try to stop in when it's not crowded. This time heather and Eric were working the bar. Nice people. The burger I had was a little over cooked. Side salad is awesome. I would give 5 but it was so hot outside. They have a retractable roof and don't turn on AC or have a way I keeping inside cool. Hard to sit down and enjoy a meal when your sweating. Probably won't go back to the bar over the summer. It's just too hot!
(4)C. D.
A long in Boston 2 days after the 2013 marathon ended at Joe's American Bar & Grill. For the two days prior, this restaurant had been serving up burgers by the hundreds, gratis, to those working long, hard shifts just one block away at the sites of the marathon bombings. Community and kindness were served along with Caesar Salad, Prime Rib, NY Sirloin, dessert, and coffee. Thank you Joe's. If you find yourself in the neighborhood this week, stop in!
(5)Ali H.
I like Joes because they make the best grilled buffalo wings I've ever had. Their special prime rib steak is so good with either mashed potato or sweet potato fries. Quite place, nice people and very clean.
(4)Anthony P.
I visit Joe's several times a year. They have great Baby Back Ribs, that fall off the bone. They also serve great warm Bread, that is so tasty & they serve it with Butter and not that oil nonsense that so many other establishments are doing these days. I sat at the front bar and the bartenders Wendy & Frankie were awesome. They really go out of their way to give good service and this is a touristy Joe's which makes it all the more special that they recognize a regular.
(5)Chris G.
Best lobster mac & cheese I've ever had. Even the balsamic dressing on the salad was amazing. Very accommodating to my gluten-allergic girlfriend with a good selection of gluten-free breads, buns, and pastas. Ask for Bianca, she's a great hostess!
(5)Dan C.
Love the location, atmosphere and food. Basic American menu. Burgers and steaks and salads and sandwiches. great people watching.
(5)Jacob S.
The chicken and broccoli Ziti was okay but the sauce was lacking flavor and was a little too watery for me
(2)Laura K.
So, Joe's is just alright for me. I once went here and got the Roast Chicken and Wild Greens Salad and the rotisserized chicken was warm and the Balsamic on the side was the best I ever had. Since then, I have been back 15+ times and ordered the same thing in hope of a repeat of that one five-star meal. Sometimes I get terrible service, or the wrong dressing; and, sadly, the chicken has never since been warm. I keep coming back because it's convenient to my apartment, I know more-or-less what I'm going to get, I never get sick, it's rarely busy and the bread they give you is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Plus, maybe the 27th time I go in, I'll get a five-star, warm-chicken salad. Wait, what's the definition of insanity again?
(3)Mike G.
had no idea this was a chain! hungry after running errands. this looked like fun and thought i'd get a decent meal. in sum: fried calamari was over battered & chewy. grilled honey chicken and seared ahi tuna on - drenched - salads were served cold & looked pre-cooked. though waiter said all dishes cooked to order. yeah. cool to sit in the terrace looking out to newbury street for entertainment. so stars for that and service. Only.
(2)Heath S.
Great place, great waiter, great food, great location, and awesome sangria. We had a great time at Joe's. We sat in the far corner of the porch and had a nice breeze and I couldn't think of a better way to spend the lunch hour during our visit.
(4)Valerie B.
- Food is great - Great staff - Nice Location I wish their menu wasn't so limited and they didn't only have ONE pasta in their whole menu. I'm a pasta lover so that, DISSAPOINTMENT! If you're a burger lover this is the place for you, they have good fries
(3)Stacia P.
One time I was floored at how accomodating and gracious our waiter was. We requested oysters and he went all the way to Atlantic Fish to bring them over.. Incredible waiter. We come back a few days later and are told by a different waitress (who was only reiterating what the manager said) that they would be unable to do this again. I was disappointed in the lack of consistency. Overall this location seems better than waterfront.
(3)David B.
Stopped by for the first time this past Sunday for a drink. Great renovation! A perfect example of a updated space within a old building. Super outdoor eating area with great street views. Do not expect a quiet meal in this place that for sure. It's very busy and the added street noise makes it very loud. I did not try the food though I've eaten at other Joes locations before it looks like the same menu. The open kitchen in back is a plus as well. The only thing I can give negative marks on right now is the small bathrooms that were in need of cleaning especially when it's busy.
(3)Jill G.
Joe's on Newbury has not only great food, but is in an awesome location. They have open window seating that is great for people watching and the service s awesome. Even though it's a chain restaurant, the Joe's on Newbury still gives you that Boston vibe because of the setup and location. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. i recommend their salads- they are huge and delicious I am definitely a fan and would recommend eating at Joe's!
(4)christine c.
Incredible new location with a wonderful redesign. Bread, shrimp cocktail, salads, pastas, all pretty good. Drinks are the same as a lot of the other Back Bay Restaurant Group spots (Charley's, Paparazzi, etc.) which is a little disappointing especially if you frequent the area. Still, for a bit more money I'd rather go on over to Abe's or Atlantic Fish (both owned by the same people)... For whatever reason I'd rather dine at Joe's in the South Shore Plaza than on Newbury. Maybe it's just lacking that "wow" factor.
(3)Brian S.
Great all American place to go with family & friends.
(4)Lyndsay C.
Living in Back Bay, Joe's used to be our go to spot for late night take out or lazy Saturday afternoon lunches. It was my jam. We usually did take out to avoid the tourist and the millions of kids that tend to migrate there. But recently I have been so disappointed. The menu changed and they got rid of many of my favorite meals and appetizers. I was sad. Then, the quality of the food changed. Twice I've gotten the fish sandwich (once fried and once blackened). It was so bland and had no flavor. Then the other night we ordered the chicken sandwich. We ended up calling the restaurant because the chicken was tough and pretty gross. They made us up a new one and it wasn't any better...I ate French fries for dinner that night. My orders have been messed up more than once and my once yummy food has now been replaced with low quality not so yummy food. Not sure what's going on but I need my Joe's back! In particular, the fried chicken platter.
(2)Michelle L.
It was hot under the summer sun, but with a cool breeze we were determined to eat outside. In Back Bay that means a small cafe on the sidewalk or, well, Joe's. (Every tourist in the Boston will be at Stephanie's across the street and this local ain't waitin' 45 minutes for lunch!) So we ate a Joe's. They were able to seat us at a very sunny table immediately upon our arrival. One star! Our waiter, Carlos, was prompt and we ordered right away.Two stars! Remember how I said it was hot outside? Well while waiting for our orders we asked to move tables. The manager apparently had other ideas because he vetoed our approved request and sat a couple who'd just walked in. He then began to talk "behind" his menu to the hostess while I shot my signature OMGYouDidNotJustGiveThemMyTableInTheShade look. (We could see you btw Mr. Manager.) This kind of killed the experience. But the atmosphere was nice-- even in the sun that required I hand two men my girlie sunglasses. We ordered the seared tuna appetizer, ribs, and French dip sandwich, which were (as Yelp describes) meh. The food was average. There's really nothing more to say. I already forgot I ate there. In short, I felt that Joe's outdoor atmosphere is great for after-work drinks, but it's just okay for food.
(2)Kimberly M.
Ive been here a few times in Boston now. I just cant get past a two star on the place. I like the patio. But on a lunch menu in Boston, why not offer fish and chips.. IF you ask, they will provide.. at a price, of course. Its one of those annoyances to me.. ITS Boston!! Have fish and chips out there..The bread bowl with clam chowder.. pretty bland.. not alot for the cost.. be ready to eat up on the bread .. Waitress.. well, I guess she knows her neighborhood, she doesnt have to be friendly.. hmm.. and I dont have to give much tip! See how this works miss rude waitress pants.. ?? So go for the patio.. and a decent wine list.. save your appetite for something more deserving elsewhere.
(2)Michael C.
The lower reviews for this place surprise me. Joe's has some of the best bar food around even though it is a chain. What really sets this loaction apart for me is their retractable roof bar, which is perfect for people watching. I had the cheeseburger it was cooked to perfection. Walked by here in the morning to see that they were serving what looked like a good brunch as well.
(4)Russ Y.
Solid 3 star. Food is so-so. Definitely not high end or innovative, but predictable and large portions. Atmosphere is fun and lively, and staff is friendly and attentive. Good choice if you're weighting atmosphere over food quality.
(3)Food Fan A.
After a long day, we were looking for a place to eat with easonable prices and lots of choices. We decided to make a stop at Joe's to sit at the bar, but it was packed for a Monday evening. We sat at table when we were greeted by Luie G. He offered us drinks and I asked to sample a draft beer. He came back with the sample in an ice cold glass...kudos to the bar tender. I started with the black bean soup with andouille sausage. It was very thick, so we shared it as a dip; it was very good with a nice hint of the little pieces of the andouille sausage. We both got sandwiches that were very good, but one order of the fries were on the cold side, but otherwise everything was very good. Our server Luie was very attentive and pleasant.
(4)Julie N.
I can't even count how many times I've been here in the past 10 years. Joe's has been the family go-to in Boston and it seems like everytime my parents come in to town, we end up here (or Steve's Greek). The bread will always be the highlight of the restaurant and last time we went I splurged and got the clam chowder in the bread bowl and destroyed the meal. That meal took up my weeks worth of calories, but was more than worth it. Other go to's are the steak tips, the honey mustard chicken salad, and the burgers. I wouldn't be afraid of trying anything on the menu but I know that some things are just better than others. You might get a miss but the next time you go, you'll order something different and like it. It's a solid place in a good location with a decent amount of consistency. Oh, and sit upstairs, downstairs has subpar service and it's way too loud.
(3)Era F.
It's a bar & grill. Not a brasserie, not a gastropub, there's nothing swank about it, but it is the sort of Americana chic I kind of like. I don't know why all the hate - it's definitely better than its North End counterpart. It's huge, so you don't have to wait if you're willing to eat inside, or eat at one of the two bars. The outdoor-yet-covered area is nice. Food - lots of options. Typical salads, sandwiches, pizza, and mains. The pizza is gluten free for the celiacs out there (I'm not one myself, but I hear gluten free pizza is a big deal). It's all fresh and fairly portioned. They even have sweet potato fries! Drinks - are yummy and strong. As they all should be. The blueberry lemonade is out of this world. Would I make a trip to come here from a far away land? No. But when I'm craving something 'American' and quick, it's a good standby.
(4)Jocelyn G.
We got seated immediately and our waiter was very attentive. Add that to the fact that the food was tasty (although they seemed to have switched my dish for my boyfriend's (they were the same, just cooked at different levels)). We also had a lovely view of two of the tv's, which was helpful. Tasty food, it is a bit expensive, but since I didn't pay, I didn't notice.
(4)Ed Y.
One of my favorite places to eat prime rib. They use to serve it 7 days a week but now only on Fridays and Saturdays. Still its one of the best prime ribs in Mass. I always get the challenge which i can never finish but makes a great second dinner the next day. Price is a little steep but its prime rib, what do you expect. $28 for the Joes challenge. Service is great, very attentive. By the way i usually go to the Joes in Dedham to avoid parking hassles downtown.
(4)David H.
Great new location on Newbury Street (former Friday's). Much nicer decor than Dartmouth location. Much nicer bars and comfortable dining room. Open kitchen. Nice new restrooms. All the food I had was good. The wine list is a lot better than before. Although it doesn't have quite a outdoor cafe; the retractable roof is pretty amazing. I predict the "new Joe's" will be a hit with the Newbury Street crowd. Parking hasn't changed on Newbury Street; difficult - valet parking of course available. Please note my review is based on (1) visit.
(4)Dan W.
Good food for a good value. Our salads were fantastic and we enjoyed our steaks. I would go elsewhere for desert and don't order the coffee, it was terrible. Nice to be able to sit out on Newbury Street and take in the street life while dining, but expect to wait a little longer to get this prime seating.
(3)Taryn C.
After a busy day of Christmas shopping we stopped into Joe's for a burger and a grilled cheese. While there was a 30 min wait (saturday before Christmas on Newbury Street) we went over to the bar and got some drinks. The bartender and our waitress were both very friendly and never made us feel rushed. Food was really good - burger cooked perfectly and the bacon on my grilled cheese was extra crispy (yum!). Great spot if you don't mind the wait.
(4)Meredith V.
As a visitor to Boston, I must say I was very impressed with Joes. We went to the Atlantic Ave location and the Newbury St. location as well, and both times the energy here was authentic and lively. Excellent martini and wine selections, down to earth bartenders, and great views. It was great for lunch as well as late night. This is upscale without the pretension.
(4)Amanda A.
This place is consistently good. Okay, so I have only been a few times, but its definitely a place that I would go back to when meeting friends for dinner - rather than trying out other restaurants that may not be as nice. The first time I went was for lunch and I ordered the crab cakes which were very good. More recently I was there for dinner and had their Buffalo Chicken Pizza which was a generous size for 1 person. For a place called "Joes American Bar & Grill", this place definitely impresses. Inside it is nicely decorated the lighting is cozy. Prices are all very reasonable for the food, service and environment.
(5)stephanie c.
Love the new renovated Joes. Great patio and outdoor bar. It's a perfect balance between casual comfort and upscale atmosphere. Good crowd as well. One of the wonderful outdoor spots when Boston weather is sunny and nice. In terms of food, I only came here for lunch so far. Great spinach dip and tasty salads. Portions are decent and the quality of food is good. I'd definitely come back and enjoy the dining experience with nice weather.
(4)Larry J.
I only got to eat here once and loved it. Had a burger during lunchtime, with sweet potato fries. Couldn't have been better. Was very pleased to learn there was one in Wellington, FL. Been there. Loved it all-over again.
(4)Jeremy K.
Nothing exceptional about this establishment... the fare is typical American burgers and other fried stuff... Might want to avoid if your counting your calories, let's just leave it at that. The decoration is pretty nice and the place isn't too bad. The service is quick and efficient, a well-oiled machine. Aside from that they do have really good meatloaf, I'll give them that and their onion soup is very tasty. Worth a try occasionally but definitely not a place I'd wait in line for.
(4)Jerry C.
Been here twice for Brunch and twice I left happy... Joe's walks the fine line of being a nice place to grab a bite while not coming off as stuffy or uptight in any way. Prices are reasonable and the service is friendly and attentive. The farmer's omelet and pancakes are tasty and the orange juice is fresh and sweet with pulp the way I like it. Ill def be back.
(4)Tricia W.
I wouldn't recommend this place for brunch. I paid $11 for 3 small pancakes that weren't anything special-and they didn't come with any sides. The food was good, but it wasn't great, and it definitely wasn't worth the price. My "fresh-squeezed" orange juice was lukewarm and had seeds in the bottom of the glass. unappetizing! I would consider trying the burgers another time, but I don't think that it will be worth the second visit.
(2)Niki V.
Went here my first ever time in Boston & the outdoor seating looked nice so we went in to get seated. Wouldn't let us sit outside (not sure why) & sat us inside which was very fancy looking which felt weird as we were in shorts and tank tops and flip flops. I guess it is a casual place but I felt really uncomfortable the whole time I was there, our waiter was really snobby & we just felt like we didn't belong there. Food was way overpriced for what we got (I just remember it not tasting very good, but the presentation being nice) The whole restaurant seemed like all they cared about was the way things looked & not how the food tasted or friendly service. Wouldn't go here again.
(2)Lydia B.
Okay the cool part of this place is sitting outside with all the windows open. I'd come back just for that. especially on a day like today when the weather was so beautiful. The food was okay. though someone in our party got the beef and noodle salad which was pretty good and I'd probably order again. Also a few onion rings came with my meal and those were amazing. Service was good, but not amazing. I also recommend getting there right when they open because the tables filled up fast.
(3)J M.
In the past I've never been a fan of Joe's but this past weekend I tried the new location on Newbury Street and was very pleased. I love the bar/patio type atmosphere when you first enter, it was perfect for a summer night. We were told there would be a 25 min. wait but I barely got my drink at the bar before our table was ready. The waiter was cute and helpful with suggestions and specials to try. I went for the "not your average grilled cheese" and am still thinking about it 4 days later. We also got free cupcakes and cappuccino which ...I think could have gotten the waiter in trouble but was truly a nice gesture.
(4)Bret C.
Bread. Bread. And more bread...please! That's how every meal of mine starts at Joe's. Sure, it's a little awkward that someone has to break the loaf and people are worried about who has washed their hands, etc....but it's just outstanding. Seems like they bake these all day long. You can order most everything on the menu and it's very good. Chowdah is a great starter. Hint: some of the meals that are no longer on the menu can still be ordered. I do that once and awhile... Get the Charles River Pie for a great towering dessert. And do you know how to finish? With a loaf of bread to go.
(5)Thomas R.
I went here for the first time with my wife and it was fantastic. They have outdoor seating with airconditing so you get the best of both world. We went there around 6 and there was no wait. We had mussels for appetizer and the portion was generous. I ordered the special filled with crab meat, lobster and fish and the wife ordered shrimp pasta. Overall the food was cooked right and tasted fantastic.
(5)Rachel W.
Came here for lunch today, short wait, great food, terrific and friendly service. Can't complain. Love the renovations!
(4)Nick M.
We visited the Joe's American Bar and Grill on Newbury Street this past Friday night. I made a reservation on OpenTable and we were seated within 15 minutes of arrival at a table outside. Before we sat down, we visited the bar, which was setup very nice. There were attentive bar staff, who were quick with making sure everyone had what they needed. We ended up being able to score a seat at the bar while we waited for our table, which was a huge plus Once we were seated, we had Chad as our server, who was definitely a pleasure to have. He immediately brought over waters as he noticed we had drinks in our hand (this is a huge plus in my book -- I will order drinks all night long as long as I know I can get water to go along with it). He went over the specials in detail, then let us peruse over the menu while he brought back some delicious warm bread fresh from the oven We ordered our meals - my wife went for the swordfish and I went for the salmon. We substituted the sides for something else as I'm not a fan of cooked vegetables; this was not a problem at all During our meal, Chad came back to check on us, making sure we had everything we needed. He was a fantastic server: visibily around so you could get their attention if needed, but not around too much that you felt like they were part of your meal. We ordered a few more drinks and desert and then paid our bill and were on our way The actual restaurant is quite excellent. There's an outside and an inside bar. The outside bar has several seats facing the bar, with a roof that opens above them, exposing the bar and the tables to the sunlight. The sides are open as well. If there's inclement weather, the roof panels can retract, covering up the tables and the bar from rain, etc The inside bar has several TV's, plenty of seating and was pretty hopping when we left. We'll definitely be back in the near future to check this out again
(5)Jessie C.
Ok - service was WICKED slow. Had honey-mustard chicken salad it was good. but the service was very very slow.
(3)Michael G.
1 star for just the BREAD....MMMMM... Yes the bread is the same as from Charlie's down the road because they are all owned by the Back Bay Restaurant Group. But it is DELICIOUS. 2 stars for having outdoor seating on newbury st. 3 stars for having food. it is definitely mediocre, but hey.... i'm sorry you can dine here without going broke. the menu is not innovative, but its JOE's AMERICAN GRILL! Not Joe's Innovation Grill.
(3)Marcus C.
During a long day of apartment-hunting, we stopped into Joe's for some grub. Even though it was nearly 2pm, there was a long wait for a table, so we slipped downstairs and seated ourselves in a little corner and waited. And waited. Finally, we were able to flag down our waiter, who was efficient, but not very attentive. I opted for the honey mustard chicken salad, which was better than I expected. Still, the highlight for me was the warm bread. I love warm bread! Maybe this is why I am fat.
(3)Andrle W.
I can't seem to find a reason to give this place more than 2 stars. I've been here twice since it opened in this location, and both times I've left feeling rather dispassionate about it. The restaurant itself is visually very pretty. Nice dark wood, clean surfaces. But HELLO - what were they thinking when they designed an outdoor patio that's not cut off from the "indoor" space? Walk by the restaurant on any given (warm/hot) day, and you can just feel the AC pouring out of the building. I'm not usually a crazy person about these things, but it just seems so excessive to air condition an inside space that is wide open to the outdoor patio. If they wanted the spaces to flow, they could have used glass at least to section it off. It's so wasteful, I'm torn between wanting to boycott it for their irresponsibility, and wanting to get a good look at their electric bill. (it can't be cheap!) ;) The other problem is that the group of hosts/hostesses on my second visit were not at all on top of their game. We specifically requested an inside table, were handed a buzzer, waited ten minutes, then were called up. They must have recognized their error because the first thing they said to us was "oh, did you want an inside table?" - Uhm, yes. So they asked us to wait, said "you'll get the first table we have!" and then I proceeded to wait in the heat for about 10 more minutes before they finally gave me a new buzzer (I had to ask twice). About 25 minutes and we finally were seated inside. Now the important part: the food. It was... OK? The first time I was here, a few months ago, I got a burger. The second time, steak. It would be going too far to say the food is bad or "off" - but it's just not at all impressive. For the price you pay for an entree here, I'd expect much better taste and flavor. The service is poor-to-forgettable, the food is dull and pricey, and the entire experience is not something I'll go out of my way to have again. With all the other options on Newbury (and nearby), save yourself the time and go somewhere else.
(2)Francisca W.
(review dated 2/09): busy sat lunch time, average, typical american food, meh service. whatev. w/all the better and nicer and newer restaurants in the area, tell me one reason to return? :)
(2)Barbara S.
I had a good time here, but I thought the food was a little overpriced. I had a pasta primavera, which was delicious. I ordered decaf coffee and it was a little cold. Other than that, the ambiance was good. It reminded me of Applebees, but with better food.
(3)Molly B.
What a fabulous restaurant the food is amazing great flavor. Tiffany the manager made sure we were well taken care of making our trip to Boston very memorable.
(5)Joe C.
Great All-American Restaurant on the streets of Boston. I love Boston - it's such a great town. And one of my favorite things to do is eat outside. Their outdoor PATIO is great for this. The food is a classic american standard; burgers, fries, etc. But they do it right. Give it a try for a casual stop on the streets of Boston.
(4)Rebecca Z.
While visiting Boston I had the pleasure to try this place. LOVE their Sangria and Prime Rib. Great atmosphere. Definitely recommend to anyone! Even out-of-towners! YUM!
(5)Jacqueline Z.
Went here last night (Wednesday) for a friend's bday. Had called ahead to get a reservation and was surprised that they didn't reserve the terrace/patio tables. I was happy though when I arrived and they promptly seated us at a table on the terrace - prime people-watching spot. To concur with others - this is a great open air spot for when it's nice weather. Tons of people to gawk at and lively scene. Food - decent. Crab-cake order was tiny and not very good. Nachos were 3-star, spinach-artichoke dip was really amazing but not enough pita chips---no worry though, the bread they serve at the table covered us. That bread, by the way, is incredible, to second others' comments. Drinks - lots on the menu. I just got some of the Adessa Pinot Grigio @$7/glass. Hit the spot. Boys got margaritas but said they weren't that great. Service - very good. Zach was our server and was very attentive. Zach and Lance and Matthew (hosts) were very accommodating as we ended up having 8 people sitting at our 4-person table. I would definitely go back to try some other stuff on the menu and to people watch. Recommend that you make a reservation in advance though - at least then you have a shot of not waiting too long -- esp for the terrace spots.
(3)John A.
Reliable. That's the one word that comes to mind when I think of this version of Joe's American Bar and Grill. My dad and I sometimes meet here for lunch during the week and the food is always served fast. We usually sit at the bar and the bartenders are always good for a conversation and can hold their own in anything from local sports to progressive politics. Joe's is part of a chain but if any of their other restaurants are like this one then I wouldn't hesistate to visit. Joe's on Dartmouth has a nice semi-classy atmosphere and a reasonably priced menu. The menu also offers plenty of choices from burgers and steaks to salad and pasta. They're a little lacking in the vegetarian friendly category but still manage to cater to a wide audience. Definitely a reliable eatery for a quick weekday lunch!
(4)Keith O.
Joes is an old staple in the back bay. The new location is beautiful but they have some serious problems with service. Five of us decided to stop in Sunday for lunch. We ordered a chicken salad, a burger, a reuben, a turkey burger, and chicken fingers for my daughter. After waiting about 45 minutes for the food the Reuben was cold the fries were soggy and the turkey burger never even showed up until I asked about when the waitor stopped by 10 minutes later. By the time the turkey burger showed up everyone was done eating thier cold food. We had them pack it - I am not sure why because I could have had them just throw it away for me. Until they figure out thier service issues this place is off my list of "go to" places in the back bay.
(1)Thomas A.
Had plenty of time before a concert to pick and chose somewhere to dine on Newbury Street. We chose Joe's and are glad we did. We realize it's a 'chain' restaurant but wow, they sure didn't act like a chain! The main dining room although quite busy was quiet enough to have a conversation over diner. The service was perfect - friendly, informed, and timely. And the food? Nothing fancy, we both had the house salad and split a pizza but it was delicious! A well done for Joe's, we even sent a complimentary email to their website. We will certainly return.
(4)Jamie S.
Brunch this Sunday here was kind of a Joe-ke! HEYO! watch out. I've been here a few times, it's a dependable spot, but this past Sunday brizunch left a lot to be desired. One of the strengths of this chain is that it's a step up food-wise from say a Friday's or Applebee's, and they really welcome you at the front of the house with friendly hosts/hostesses greeting you. That's where the good service ended this visit. We got seated outside by our pleasant hostess, and then waited a good 15 minutes to be acknowledged. Kind of strange, seeing as how we were sitting right in the thick of the patio area, with no less than 3 or 4 servers circulating in our general area. Finally my ladyfriend decided to turn up the bitch-o-meter (her words, not mine!) and demand some service. The waiter was kind of mousey, didn't have much affect, and seemed really thrown off by our demand for some service. That's kind of how this is supposed to work budzo....we sit down, you take our order and subsequently bring us the stuff that we ask for, and then we pay and might even throw you a nice tip. He comp'd us some fresh squeezed OJ. Yippee. Fine. Nice gesture I guess, but it was too little too late after checking his blackberry as we were ordering (double you tee eff??!?!?!!) and proceeded to be extremely soft-spoken and awkward during every subsequent interaction. The long wait would have been a lot easier to forgive had every other step of the way hadn't been extremely delayed as well. Ok, order is in, food didn't take too long. Then after he cleared our plates, it was another 15 MINS to come back with the check. I seriously considered chewin and screwin, walking off without paying, as I doubt anyone would have noticed and I really wouldn't have felt that bad about it. Then it took EASILY another 10 minutes to swipe the old Capital One. $1 tip NOT EARNED!!! ZERO stars for this visit, I'll give it one because zero is not allowed and on other days it's easily a 3 star joint. BAH!
(1)Cam S.
Went here a few years ago and didn't like it but revisited and I'm now a big fan. Great chicken tenders.
(4)Penelope J.
I've visited another Joe's location and never had a bad meal but this Joe's was mediocre, at best. I was with a fairly large party and the table had everything from salad, to steak, to meatloaf, to salmon--I had the special of the night: cajun catfish which was incredibly fatty...even for catfish. Everyone else said their meals were just "blah". All the sides were really boring: rice or potato or mixed veggies, that's it. The service was also crazy slow and out waitress was forgetful. There is outside seating--so that's a draw, I guess but I'd look elsewhere.
(2)Nik B.
Chill, but smells kinda funky. Was kinda boring too. I felt like I was at a lonely hotel bar. The furniture is nice. Otherwise it's pretty standard. Wouldn't go out of my way to come back. I only sat at the bar, didn't try any food.
(3)Bernie R.
Ok, where do I begin... My boyfriend and I decided we wanted to try some place new last Friday night. I remembered hearing that Joe's was a good bet, so we headed there around 8 pm. When we arrived we scanned the menu at the door to see if the place would be appropriate for my boyfriend, who has been a life long vegetarian. The dinner menu has some good pasta and fish options, so we decided to go on in. Upon arriving at the host stand we were immediately wisked away downstairs into the lower level. At first, I thought "yes, prompt service!" However, I soon saw that they were seating us in the bar that was already full with a drunken college crowd. I understand it's a Friday night and this is a "Bar & Grill," but I really would have appreciated being seated in the dining room as opposed to being serenaded by Journey in a dimly lit basement. Once we're seated I notice that the menus we were handed were not the menus we glanced through outside. It was the bar menu, that had typical meaty bar far (burgers, chicken, etc). Not wanting to ask for special treatment, my boyfriend decided he could probably find something off of this menu, so we let it go. Ok, now for the best part. I'm pretty sure our waitress was either: a. out of her mind, b. on amphetamines, or c. princess rainbow of magical fairyland kingdom. Not only didn't she card for drinks (I'm 21, but this is the first place I wasn't carded at), she exclaimed "oooo, YUMMY YUMMY!" when I ordered a Sangria. Yeahh....ok.... My boyfriend asked if the clam chowder had meat in it, she said "nope!" So our order has been place. Awesome. We get the bread, it's pretty damn good. Waitress comes out with the clam chowder and says "sooo, i guess the chowder has bacon in it....can you not eat that?" My boyfriend has to then explain that no, he cannot eat bacon, thats why he asked if there was meat in the soup. Her response is "ooo no! Ok, well could you do grilled chicken?" Uh noooooo.... "Pork and lentil" Wtf....no! So she puts on her best frowny sady-wady face and brings it back to the kitchen, leaving my dissapointed boyfriend to munch on his bread. Our food arrives. I have a burger and fries, bf has the salmon. Everything is just....ok. Salmon is rather dry, burger is meh, fries are typical. A highlight was watching our waitress sing and dance along with the other drunken co-eds. We finally (she disappeared for a while) paid for our meal and left, disgusted and throughly disappointed. On the way home I got sick and spent the greater portion of my evening throwing up the mediocre burger. Awesome. I ONLY give Joe's 1 star because their Sangria was tasty. However, thats not enough to bring me back again. It's way overpriced, the food is medicore, and the service is ridiculous. Save your money and eat someplace else.
(1)Kap N.
This place was DE-LICIOUS! We decided to take a pitstop to get some food and beers while viewing some of the World Cup. The ambiance of this restaurant is amazing. The downstairs bar is lit perfectly. The waitress was really informative and cordial. Fantastic service. The food - the salad selection was brilliant. We ended up ordering one salad with steak, lo mien, and a host of other ingredients, and the turkey burger, with sweet potato fries. Of course we ordered plenty of beers as well. The food was great all around!
(4)Sara E.
Only been here twice - once for after work drinks at about 5ish, and another time for lunch. During the first occasion (drinks), the place was packed! It was a beautiful evening, so I suppose people were crowding to their semi-outdoor patio, but I could barely move/breathe... it wasn't exactly "comfortable". The drafts were reasonably priced ($5)- and they had some neat local/craft selections. On my second Joe's excursion, I sat at a table and had lunch with a friend. Our waiter was great and super accommodating. My friend and I split Calamari and a Cobb salad. Both dishes were aesthetically beautiful and pretty delicious. However, nothing seemed particularly original or unique about the place - guess that's what you get with a chain restaurant. I'd return, but it wouldn't be my #1 choice.
(3)Joshua H.
Went here with a part of four. The new location is awesome, cleanest bathrooms I've ever been in at a restaurant. We started with the clam chowder, which was great, but not the best I've had in Boston. The bread was so fresh and soft, maybe the best white bread I've ever been served at a restaurant. Our main courses were crab cakes (awesome) with sweet potato fries and coleslaw, ahi tuna (pretty good, but skip the crispy noodles, they're bland) with a rice cilantro cake and a very potent soy sauce, and salmon with asparagus. All of us were really pleased with everything. The service was awesome and for where we where in Boston and how much we ate, the prices were reasonable. I would definitely return if I'm in Boston again.
(5)Cecilia H.
I just came back from Joe's and we had an amazing night! My sister just turned 21 and our table was bombarded with free goodies from the bar. We felt very special and had a great time. The manager (?), Jake, even came by the table once or twice to check up on us. Our waiter was also excellent. This is the second time my sis and I have had a meal at Joe's and both times we've had a great overall experience. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a good spot in the pricey Back Bay area. We'll be back soon Joe! -C-
(4)Lorraine F.
I liked this place. The food and service was representative of the cost in my opinion. The seating arrangement was a little strange. One long bench, individual tables, and then executive like over-sized chairs (which are not very comfortable I was told) on the other side. We were at the edge, so we had to move the table a bit so that my friend was centered properly on the table. =/ I had the Chicken Picatta. I normally don't like capers, but the dish was well done and the chicken was very tender. The server didn't ask me what sides I wanted and just served me brussel sprouts and pilaf. The brussel sprouts were pretty tasty, but the pilar tasted a bit over done. I would have given this place 3 stars, but they were nice enough to precut my chicken (I have wrist injuries and thus it's difficult to use a knife). The server genuinely looked like he was trying his best, although he kept making silly mistakes (like not asking my side preference, although he did offer to change it after realizing it). I'm guessing he was new or having an off day. I was overall pleased with this place
(4)Katelyn M.
An unexpected Sunday stroll led us to Joe's for brunch. Brunch is one of my favorite meals, if done right. It's always challenging to decide what to order, though -- do I go sweet? or savory? Joe's totally surpassed my expectations. After a 15 minute wait, we were seated upstairs with a great view. The brunch menu specials come with a morning cocktail (I ordered a bellini, of course). My choice: an omelet version of eggs benedict. The eggs were cooked PERFECTLY and the asparagus was cut into nice tiny pieces. The sauce was divine. I would HIGHLY recommend Joe's for brunch. Make sure you bring your wallet, though. This is no broke college kid's brunch place.
(4)Edward S.
Unquestionably the worst lobster roll I have ever had. The lobster had no taste and was very watery and unusually red which makes me think it was frozen lobster meat. I have had seafood salad from the Stop & Shop deli counter which although fake tasted better, The service was great but the meal less than stellar. Joe's should be ashamed serving this.
(1)Humaira M.
I don't typically eat on Newbury, but I met a friend here for brunch. I typically prefer fancier brunch fare so I decided to stick with a burger since I figured a place called "Joe's American Bar and Grill" couldn't mess up a burger. Boy was I wrong. I ordered the original, with mushrooms and carmelized onions, cooked medium. As soon as I picked it up, I noticed that the patty was not well formed, and sure enough, after a couple of bites, a 2oz piece of the patty fell right off. I did't need to eat it, but still was pretty annoying. And the fries that came with the burger were lukewarm, and kind of soggy and stale. All in all - a fairly disappointing meal, and not worth the ~$20 check (I only ordered the burger). The other disappointment was the service. When we first walked in, we saw another "group" ahead of us so we waited for a server to come help us. After 3-5 minutes nobody had come by, so we started looking around to find someone. We turned around to face the other "group" and realized that they ALL WORKED THERE. None of them had bothered to say hello to us when we walked in, and were busy chatting amongst themselves. Their excuse was that they thought we were waiting for more people. This was unacceptable and unprofessional. When we left the restaurant almost two hours later, we saw the exact same employees all standing together, by the door, still talking. Clearly the owner of this establishment is overpaying these guys and should instead hire better cooks.
(2)Jeff W.
Joes is a great spot to grab dinner. I had a reservation for two and was seated right away. The food quality and service is excellent.
(4)Anne W.
I actually really like Joe's. I think there is good food here... this location is perfectly located on Newbury. Just great for breaking for lunch before walking further down the street. The wait was about 20 minutes.. so we wandered to the bar to grab two seats. My fav salad on the menu is the Thai beef salad.. it probably tastes nothing like Thai salad.. but it's good. The bread is also outstanding and really fresh. The grilled salmon was also awesome. Perfectly crisp on the outside.. and juicy on the inside. The chicken cobb isn't very good.. I was dissapointed in that. The clam chowder was also just okay.. they have less potatoes.. so that's a plus. Service was good.. but I would say.. they were dissapointed we didn't have drinks... so I think it affected our service.
(3)Alex C.
We love this place. Great staff, good food and the wait is worth it. After the bombing at the marathon, they paid for our lunch. Could you be more nice? I will always be a fan of joes and this just made me appreciate you even more!
(5)Ann Z.
We almost didn't go to Joe's because it only had 3 stars, but I'm really glad we did. The atmosphere was beautiful and quiet - a peaceful oasis on Newbury street. Our server Rodolfo was really nice and accommodating. He gave us great recommendations and made sure our dishes fit our dietary restrictions. I was especially pleased with the kale and quinoa salad. It's the kind of dish a mediocre restaurant would try and mess up. Rodolfo assured me it was delicious and he was spot on. What a refreshing, healthy mix of flavors!
(5)Lynn C.
You know, the sun could have gotten to my head the day I was eating there, because I'm giving this place a 5 star when most people are giving this place 3 or 4 stars. I think what made this place amazing for is that I went there on a Friday afternoon when the sun was out, the temperature was in the 80s, after shopping, sat outside at the TERRACE, and enjoyed a good meal with great services. What more can one ask for? We got there at around 1pm, put down our name, was told to come back in 30 minutes. 30 minutes later, we came back, and was seated right away. One of my friends came from the UK and is allergic to gluten, and she was so ecstatic that the menu had gluten-free version of ALMOST EVERYTHING that she ordered TWO entrees...hahah, apparently restaurants in the UK doesn't cater to Celiacs the way they do here. She had a gluten-free pizza that was actually very good (!!) and Mac and Cheese, which I did not try, but she said was good. Her husband and I had the burger au poivre and just thinking about it makes me salivate. Beef patty covered in black pepper grilled to taste with caramelized onions...oooooooh...MmmmMmm.. Admittedly we asked for medium and the burger came out well-done but that did not take away the amazingness at all. I also asked for extra pickles after i finished eating the one that came with it because the pickles are so good. The server gave me like 6 more and i ate them all. Oh, and did I mention all the male servers there are HOT? They all look like male models, why wouldn't I go back again even if it's just to have a drink..hahahaha. So yes, I had a good time there, people watching, eating good food, and enjoying the sunshine. I'd go back, for sure!
(5)Stephanie B.
I used to go here pretty regularly. It was easy and well located. Unfortunately, the last few times I have been there I was disappointed. It breaks down to this: 1. They removed the tuna burger from the menu. This was pretty much the only thing on the menu I liked, so I was at a loss after it was removed. I ordered the ahi tuna salad, which was good, but not $18 good. 2. They changed the chocolate cake. It used to be amazing (our favorite part of the meal!). Now it's lack luster. 3. There are VERY limited vegetarian options. Basically Mac & Chees and a Boca burger. BOCA burger, Joe's?? Seriously?? The kind I can buy at the grocery store for $5 a pack and you want me to spend $10 on one at your restaurant? No thanks. And I know I can order a salad without the meat, but their salads are pretty lame once you take the meet off. The honey chicken salad becomes spaghetti and iceburg lettuce - blah. 4. Why is it so expensive? Have they forgotten that they're a chain restaurant that's normally located in a mall? Since you're on Newbury you're all fancy now, Joe's? Let's be honest here. Pretty much the only thing this place has going for it now is the bread. Which is admittedly delicious, but not enough to get me to go there when there are so many other options on Newbury. Check out Cafeteria instead.
(2)Maria S.
This place was ok, the waitstaff was really helpful and patient with our large group, but the food was nothing special - and for that reason, I wouldn't return.
(3)Caroline H.
I was in Boston for a conference last week and about 9 of us walked over to Joe's for lunch just after noon. We were seated right away, which was great (and unexpected)! The waitress was really friendly, helped to answer questions about vegetarian options and didn't seem to mind when half of the people wanted water withOUT ice and the other half wanted water WITH ice. My lobster roll was really tasty, but I'm from a landlocked state, so I don't really get seafood very often and might not be a top authority on the matter. The roll was buttery and the pickles were a nice touch. I really enjoyed the food and was impressed with the service for such a big group at such a busy hour. My lunch-mates all seemed to enjoy their meals, too! With our complicated reimbursement needs, the waitress even let us split the check and had each of us pay with a separate card. Overall, I'd recommend Joe's fo sho.
(4)Kockyo X.
I came in this restaurant in a rainny day with my friends. We had roasted mussels as appetizer. We did not expect this huge portion of food when it came, and it was so fresh and delicious! The entrees were mediocre though. Their bread was actually fantastic. It was so soft! I would recommend eating at this restaurant!
(3)Emily D.
Joe's used to be my go-to celiac destination for gluten free food! They had tons of stuff and were really knowledgeable. The manager would personally deliver my gluten free food for me! Their menu was nothing special but it was good and they had gluten free pizza that actually tasted like pizza versus most places which tastes like cardboard. My sister and I were craving pizza last Friday afternoon so we strolled into Joes. Lo and behold we find the pizzas are gone! All of them - gluten and non-gluten. What the hell?! Now their menu is pretty uninspired and limited and expensive- gluten free pasta still available and gluten free buns for the fries. I guess they have dedicated fryers now for the fries, so that's fun, but literally my burger was $17! That's right a small turkey burger and I added cheese, guac, and bacon. Ummm any burger over $12 is the biggest scam ever. The gluten free roll was also a waste since it crumbled and fell apart when I picked it up. Should have known better! Joe's - bring back your old menu! I want gluten free buffalo chicken pizza!!!!!
(2)Susan C.
I believe Joe's is located at the former TGI Fridays. In any case, it's on the middle part of Newbury Street. The food here is pretty good and the service friendly. I got the prime rib with a caesar salad side and sweet potato fries as well as an ahi tuna for an app. Everything was fresh and tasted good. I esp. liked the tuna app which came with crispy rice cakes (i.e. white rice packed into the shape of patties and crisped up on the outside). I also like the mixed drinks here. I generally don't eat out at chains, but I'd be back to Joe's if I was hungry and in the area.
(3)Thomas N.
we had been here before and their design, esp the bar seating area, is great, wasn't planning on going there but when we walked past there were a couple of empty seats along the windows so we stayed.....glad we did, i know this is a small chain restaurant but the experience here was great...service was very pleasant and attentive, drinks were very good and reasonably priced by Boston standards, i had the signature burger and it was wonderful, wife had the meat load and it was also great and was dinner for us that evening.....really nice experience!!!
(5)Aclaire H.
Hands down the freshest nachos plate I've ever had. Also a very good French dip sandwich.
(4)Emi S.
I've been here before and have had a great experience. I cannot say the same for my most recent visit. I sat at the bar with a friend and the bartenders were seriously bad. The two girls were very neglectful and we eventually had to wave them down to get a drink after 10 minutes with empty drinks - all the while they were chatting with each other and very clearly not waiting on anyone. I worked as a waitress for quite some time so I understand the difference between being swamped and being lazy. At the end of our visit one of them snatched the menu out of my friend's hand to give to the next customer. Overall, it was an incredibly disappointing experience considering this restaurant's reputation.
(2)Sherrie T.
Having never been to Boston before we just came upon this place and liked the idea of the street view seating. Their indoor/outdoor patio is awesome and very inviting. We were served by an awesome waiter named James. He was funny and very attentive. We had ordered clam chowder and a side of macaroni and cheese before the meal. For some reason the meal came out first. We didn't complain, we just mentioned it to James who was totally apologetic and asked if we still wanted those items. We did, and a few minutes later Travis the manager came over. He was pleasant and "on it" he comped the chowder and the macaroni and also our next round of drinks. When we ordered dessert he comped that also, saying that he was sincerely sorry about the mix up at the beginning and wanted us to truly enjoy the restaurant. The food was amazing, the chocolate chip cookie in a pan with ice cream was delicious. We enjoyed it so much we went back the next night. Thank you again to Travis and James for showing us by their actions how much patrons are valued at Joe's American Bar and Grill.
(5)Hugh L.
Chyea.
(5)Rachel T.
As a gluten free diner (severe allergy, not a preference) Joe's was AMAZING. The waiter was very understanding, and after ordering the manager came over to verify. They brought gluten free bread to the table (unsolicited), and had great attention to detail. Joe's even has a dedicated fryer for gluten free items, which means that I can eat stuff like french fries and has browns that I can't normally eat. They are rated 5 stars on "find me gluten free", but I wanted to add this here because my experience was truly outstanding.
(5)Tiff D.
If its a perfectly rare, succulent tuna burger you crave or some amazingly crisp sweet potato fries...look no further. BEST DAMN TUNA BURGER ANYWHERE! and for you saps complaining about the prices...you are on NEWBURY street, and your $13 sandwich is huge and loaded with moist deliciousness AND comes with a heaping pile of perfectly cooked fries (not to mention the crisp pickle). Quit your bitchin'.
(4)CJ L.
Went for lunch. No wait. We both had an appetizer and house salads one with grill chicken. Food was ok. Some of the salad had the start of brown edges. We were very disappointed with the service. Our waitress took our order and we only saw her again when we asked the food runners for something. With so many places to eat on Newbury Street, we will not be back to Joe's anytime soon!
(2)Annie N.
I went to Joe's on a Friday night with my friend after a long work week. We were more than ready to unwind and Joe's did not disappoint! We had Michelle as our server and have to say that she was SUPERB. Vey attentive, extremely friendly, and kept us enjoying ourselves the whole evening. If we ever go back (which I'm sure we will!) we would definitely make it a point to request her. Between the two of us, my friend and I ordered wings, burgers, and several delicious drinks. The food was cooked well and the downstairs level of the restaurant was the ideal cozy atmosphere for a cold winter night in Boston. Keep on keeping on, Joe's!
(5)Altita M.
I was there at a dinner last week!! the food and the server was the best!! Maritza Ayala the server was very attentive. The food has. Very good taste.
(5)Lisa M.
Went to Joe's on Sunday night 8/10/2014 for dinner with a couple friends and had to wait because the hostess didn't know where to seat us or what tables were clean. Once we got seated everything was great. Our servers name was Marco and he had great customer service. He was awesome, he brought out our food on time, and was very attentive to us through out the night. I will definitely be asking for him next time I go to dine there. The food was also very good.
(4)Peter W.
Five stars for being open on Christians! Also, their staff is helpful. The setting is comfortable as well. Nice experience and definitely a safe choice if you don't know anywhere else to go.
(5)Rafael R.
I knew better, but while looking for a quick bite for lunch and limited on time with a group of co-workers in tow, Joe's was exactly what I expected, ho-hum food, nothing special, although the patio people watching on Newbury Street was a plus.
(2)Paul O.
Not a bad restaurant....nice atmosphere but not very good food. It's just somewhere to eat and that's it
(3)Sam A.
I grabbed lunch here on Easter Sunday with my buddy, Sharon, during my stay in Boston that weekend. It was quite packed, but the wait was nearly 40 minutes to an hour. Normally, knowing my impatience, I would've just chose to ditch the place and go to some other food shop on Newbury, but I lost track of time and wait seemed a lot shorter than usual. Since it was Easter Sunday, the place seemed almost fancy with all the people grabbing a late lunch after Easter service, and it was abnormally packed, but I doubt it's always like that where people are always dressed up. The restaurant itself is very spacious, and so there must have been a lot of people that day, because we were only a party of two, yet we had to wait a while. Other than that, the service was very good for the amount of people that were there that day. I can't seem to focus on anything else other than that; maybe it just seemed extra packed that usual! But onto the part that really matters: the food. I don't quite remember what my friend got, but I got the chicken picatta pasta, and boy, was that good! The portions were plenty (I ended up having leftovers, and I'm a pretty big guy). Everything seems to be under the $20 range, and they have a wide variety of foods from soups, burgers, salads, pasta, you name it. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there and the environment was quite lively. I'd love to go back if I visit Boston again.
(5)Aleksey Z.
I made reservations for a Saturday evening at Joe's through the Open Table application via Yelp's website (kudos). I arrived on time with my girlfriend and for some reason my name wasn't showing up on their system, so I showed them the email, they apologized, and seated us right away. They led us to a table in the middle of a few couples already eating so I requested a booth a few feet away; they said that was fine. We had the spinach artichoke dip as an appetizer and it was really great- not only the flavor but also they gave tortilla chips and pita chips to choose between. I then ordered the Black and Blue burger, and she ordered the Turkey burger. The burgers came out when we were about halfway done with the dip (which was brought to us about 5 minutes after ordering. The burgers were delicious, mine was cooked medium (exactly how I had asked for), and the fries were fresh. The waiter was pleasant but not needy. The restaurant was packed but not overwhelming by any means. On the way out, a few people thanked us for coming. It was a really solid experience, I got exactly what I expected.
(5)sasha h.
I think 3 stars is generous. I would never eat at this place except for the fact that my office is nearby and there aren't too many options for lunch on Newbury street in a 2 block radius. In summary, this place is expensive, touristy and the food is mediocre. The menu has enough variety but after trying something from every part of the menu and hating all of it, i've decided to stop ordering from here. Only thing i like are the roasted vegetables though i think i could make that at home
(3)Penny K.
Tonight (Saturday) was a big disappointment. We get to Joe's/Boston once a year or so, but usually on a weeknight, and we have always enjoyed the experience. Obviously Saturday nights are different; the place was mobbed, and our evening was crazily rushed and unpleasant. A chunk of warm bread arrived minus a cutting knife. Salad came almost immediately after our glass of wine, the entrees showed up within a few minutes of our getting the salad (there was no room on the table). We noticed that the two tables around us had the same experience. Food-wise: meh. The salad looked like it came it of a commercial-grade bag. The food was lukewarm, the meat was very underdone, and the sweet potato fries were soggy and mushy. We chose to not stay for coffee/dessert, and I felt so uncomfortable that I was unwilling to sit for a few minutes to finish my one glass of wine. Whether it was the intention to get us in/out quickly because of the crowd, we have no idea. But we felt the rush (given the overly quick arrival of the entree). We will probably consider going back, but most definitely NOT on a Saturday evening.
(3)Theresa M.
I secretly love Joe's, so when my boyfriend and I were on Newbury Street the other day we decided to grab some lunch at the Newbury Street location. It was equally as good as the other locations that I have visited, but given it was lunch time on Newbury Street there was a 30 minute wait and the place was very noisy and crowded. The service was good taking into account that they were so busy, but I've had better service at other locations even when they are equally as busy. Oh and although the menu is essentially the same the prices are $2-3.00 more...I guess you have to pay more because your on Newbury Street, but we did have a window table...which was lovely.
(3)Erica N.
As a foodie and local event planner, I do not recommend this restaurant. Food is mediocre and not worth the frustration with service. Better to go to Stephanie's across the street at a little higher price and much better service, try Paramount Cafe as well or anywhere else in the area. Made a reservation here and was still told I had to wait when I arrived. Then when we were seated finally 10 minutes later not one person stopped at our table. Waited another 10 minutes and saw another table that was just seated then immediately approached by a waiter. Not sure where ours was. Probably the stupid kid who dropped all the silverware clearing the table next to us. Couldn't even get the attention of the 10 different snobby waiters and hostesses that walked by. Not even any acknowledgement so we decided to get up and leave. Told the manager when we were leaving and although he offered to ask for him when we come back I declined since I won't be going back as this is the second time this has happened here. If you can get a seat at the bar try it out because at least you are in their face there so you'll get faster service. But again food is not impressive. All in all staff is pretentious for a lowsy chain restaurant on Newbury Street. You have many other options and they should recognize that and appreciate the business you bring. I was honestly shocked that I was able to get a last minute reservation on Easter Sunday and Boston Marathon weekend so other people must share the same feeling as me....
(1)Holly Marie C.
A very traditionally American restaurant with a decent menu to offer for breakfast and lunch. The service was nice and the food was okay. I had the veggie burger (dry, needed a whole jar of mayo but tasted fine with the sauce), and the sweet potato fries (generic, every day find).
(3)Jennifer B.
The three of us sat at the bar and were waited on hand and foot by Josh. We enjoyed hours of the best service anywhere. We would travel back from CT to get that kind of royal treatment again. Is he still working Sunday brunch?
(4)Justin S.
Do not order Tito's Bloody Mary. Tito is a virgin or a teetotaler. Either way the Bloody Mary is non-alcoholic. Brunch was tasty. The waitress was friendly. When you order coffee be sure to order milk at the same time, they won't being it with otherwise.
(2)Luena L.
Chili "soup" is not really soup, it's more like dry ground meat with cheese in a cup.
(2)Steve M.
Great place to meet friends and have lunch. Service was excellent and the food was very good. It's right in the middle of Newbury St. where shopping is also lots of fun!
(4)Carina R.
My hubster and I were shopping on Newbury and looking for a place to eat. We found Joe's it looked nice and was convenient for us, so we ate lunch here. We were seated right away and the hostess and waitress there were very nice. We both ordered the BLT salad. My husband got his with shrimp, which was an exception and one they seemed all too happy to make for him. The salads were really good actually. Very refreshing for the extreme heat that was outside. We got seated so we were facing the street and they had the windows open, so it was a really nice lunch with people watching and being able to enjoy the day without being overcome by heat. This place seemed like somewhere people go to lunch while working, but it worked perfect for us. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)Katie B.
I wish Yelp could do half stars, because Joe's is more of a 3.5 star place. The food and service is good and I have nothing to complain about here. The only thing is it's simply not worth the price. The bread they serve before your meal is AMAZING. My favorite part about the restaurant, haha. It's just so soft and hot and delicious. Their burgers are good, nothing special though. I wouldn't advise against this restaurant, but I wouldn't really recommend it either.
(3)Carrianne C.
Ah I'm so in between a 2 and a 3.... it's honestly not great food. The ambiance is pretty standard, but its a great spot for people watching on Newbury St. Not much to say other than that. It's just ehh.
(3)Chris I.
Don't let the location fool you. Located in the heart of Back Bay, Joe's is quite reasonably priced and doesn't really seem to have a "tourist trap" vibe to it. I met a friend there for dinner after work on a Tuesday night and had very little trouble getting a table. We hung out at the bar for a bit and then made our way to a booth for dinner. Service was fast and friendly, and the food was excellent - I had the Joe's Signature Burger, which was terrific. If you're looking for a good meal in Back Bay that won't break the bank, check it out.
(4)Julianne S.
I'm a HUGE fan of this place and I will usually be the first one to suggest Joe's whenever looking for a brunch spot in the Back Bay. It's easy, hassle free, and cheap! I've only come here on the weekends for brunch, so I can't comment on other times of the day. I first came with a big corporate group for brunch and loved that they had a prix fixe menu for us. We had completed a long walk so we were all starving and ready to chow down. The food did not disappoint then, nor did it disappoint when I came back another time with a couple of friends. I highly recommend the buffalo chicken & waffle. Seriously so good.
(4)Elizabeth H.
Went for brunch with friends and was content with the bread, a staple. Having seen banana chocolate chip pancakes on the menu, I was excited and decided to deviate from my norm of eggs in the mornings these days. What a dissapoinment. The chips weren't even in and very limited supply and the pancakes had no fluff or favor. Would definitely not come back again if I did not know that the other dishes were superb. Hoping it was a fluke.
(2)gwynnie p.
Had breakfast here recently and wouldn't recommend it as a morning place - looks like they open early three days a week. It's hard to find a hot breakfast in the Copley Square area, at least we found it tough. My Eggs Florentine were cold, including the english muffin and the side of potatoes. They did remove the dish from the bill, which was very nice. Can't even remember what my husband had but it was equally unimpressive, with the same cooked the day before and not heated up well potatoes. Later in the day when the kitchen is cranking and people are getting their drink on while shopping on Newbury Street, I imagine that sitting outside is lots of fun in nice weather, so I'd go back for that....
(3)Navie N.
I definitely enjoyed the food here more than I expected to! I thought it would be typical American food - wings, burgers, the normal not-so-grand type, but I was totally wrong! While these menus were still on the item, they had a special touch them! I especially enjoyed the turkey burger with sweet potato fries! It was just done so well and was so tasty! They also offered us a window seat when we requested one! My mom and I also wanted to share the two dishes and they kindly put it on separate plates for us! The minus one star is only because I told them I did not want tomatoes in my burger, but they put them in anyway. If I weren't so repulsed by tomatoes, this place definitely would have received five stars!
(4)Caroline H.
We stopped here after a long day at the Museum of Fine Arts. We were seated by the windows and it was fantastic people watching on Newbury Street! I have to say that the air conditioning felt nice on this 90 plus degree day. This restaurant was busy and had a great menu. I had the fish tacos and they were amazing, and hubby had a burger. We were heading to the Red Sox game after dinner and we were wearing Red Sox tshirts and the waitress told us that we just missed the Red Sox second baseman, Pedroia. Our waitress, although crazy busy, was nice, prompt and came to our table often for refills on water and beer. I definitely recommend this palce!
(4)Nicole J.
Great location on Newbury Street. Have been here a couple of times and less than blown away. It is a decent meal, nothing too unique about it. The staff has always been nice and accommodating, no complaints there. If you are hanging out on Newbury and looking to be where the people are, this is definitely the spot. Drinks and food aren't cheap, however, so bring a fat pocketbook!
(3)Brendon B.
I work for Favor, a food delivery service, so I deliver from dozens of restaurants every week. American Joe's is the only place in over a year and 500+ delivery runs that I've actually been fed up with enough to go on Yelp an write a bad review. Rude doesn't even begin to describe their service. When I got the order request from my customer, I was just a block away from Joes so it was easier to just walk in and order. The hostess treated me like I was a bum off the street from the get-go. She didnt offer me anywhere to sit while I was waiting. When I asked, she told me to sit at the bar (even though there were a bunch of open tables). The bartender kept hovering over me and asking me multiple times what I wanted to drink and why I was there. I told her I was waiting for my take out order and showed her my receipt. She proceeded to take my receipt and crumple it up (mind you I need to provide receipts for my customers) After waiting over 30 minutes, I started to wonder what was taking so long. I went back to the entrance to find my order sitting there getting cold with the hostess. I'm amazed they couldnt take 30 seconds of their time to at least let me know my food was ready. Mind you this was almost 11 pm on a week night so it was pretty quiet and the hostress was just standing there chatting with her colleagues. Again, I do delivery runs all the time from all over Boston. Don't get me wrong. I've had way worse problems from other places like poorly packed containers that exploded in my bag or screwed up orders, but Joes really left a sour enough taste in my mouth. Its the atmosphere of arrogance they created
(1)Garen A.
One star only because the waitress was nice. We came in for breakfast. Waited over 30 minutes to get eggs, hash browns, sausage and toast. Everything, yes everything was cold. How do you screw up breakfast this bad. I inhaled my Luke warm eggs and left the rest. I am so unhappy I am writing this review with a cold ass plate of food in front of me (see pic). Never again...avoid for breakfast.
(1)Karn J.
Worst Dining Experience of my entire life, poor management of customers. I had the misfortune on sitting next to two gentlemen who, upon me sitting down started insulting me in a somewhat racist manner as well immediately ( the phrase "dirty indian" was thrown around). I politely asked them to leave if they had a problem with me and they moved a few seats away while still loudly insulting me. I ignored them for the most part and talked to the new customers who had just arrived next to me, they had no problem with me and we were talking over drinks. Then the manager arrives and asks ME to leave. I don't like confrontation so I just took my food and left. needless to say I did not like the customer service or how the situation was handled. The only plus was that they comp'd my meal and drink.
(1)Lizzy P.
Amazing drink list and I recommend the lobster mac. Avoid the chowda it's just meh. Needed salt and pepper just to taste like anything. Good for baby carrier, good service and very friendly. Gorgeous view would love to go there when it's snowing! See pics.
(4)Gabe L.
I went there with my friend after her appointment. My chicken for my salad wasn't cooked all the way. Her buffalo boneless chicken was the same chicken that was on my salad just in hot sauce. Price for the food we got wasn't worth it..
(1)Marie C.
Very torn about this review. This is my third time eating here and each time I leave here with a different opinion. The negatives: - Entrees are hit or miss. All three times I have been here, half of the people I'm with like their meals and half dislike. - Wait was atrocious. We had reservations... and waited 45 mins to be seated! But worse was that the maitre d kept coming over saying that our table was just about ready... after the third time, we didn't know what to do! They did give us 2 free apps, but it didn't make up for a 45 minute wait. The positives: - Apps were great. Love that the spinach-artichoke dip was served with both chips and toasted bread. The calamari was also very tasty and perfectly cooked, the tomato dip was a great addition! - My entree last night was amazing! I had the kale and quinoa salad with grilled chicken which came with raisins, parmesan and nuts... it was a wonderful salad! Highly recommend! - The small loaf of bread for the table was warm and very fresh. Nice supplement to the salad I had! - You can't beat the prices here... for a restaurant on newbury! Very reasonably priced, many many options well under $20. So very hard to decide what to rate this place. Maybe my next visit will do the trick.
(3)Dominique S.
My food was absolutely amazing and the waiter was nice and gave great feedback when I asked about different options on the menu. I had their special for the night which included - BBQ shrimp and sautéed spinach (appetizer) - Seafood platter with salmon, scallops, 1/2 of lobster, and mussels with lobster broth. - Butterscotch pudding with vanilla ice cream I had a food allergy and the chef was more than accommodating to alter the recipe so that I could still order the special. He even brought my meal to me just to ensure me that both my appetizer and meal were dairy free per my request which I thought was extremely nice. I would definitely go back.
(4)Cynthia L.
Take out from NYAJ tonight. Out door seating as well as plenty of parking. Food is always prepped with consistency. Except for the buffalo sauce on the chicken. Sometimes that sauce will melt your lips! Could be ghost peppers? However - I love this place!
(5)Renu G.
Great food. Ribs full rack was awesome. Loved Gimlet drink. Duncan was a great server. Will definitely come back again !!
(4)Noreen A.
Great food and our host, James was very nice and courteous, gave us enough time to decide our orders. It was a ladies night out and we haven't met in a while so go figure! LOL I ordered the crab cake which was excellently made and quite stuffing. I took a side of clam chowder done to perfection. I'd totally recommend this place to others for small group dinners and breakfasts.
(5)Denise F.
3.5 I had Cobb salad, son had chicken sandwich, hub had tuna burger. Sides were sweet potato fries and Mac and cheese. Everything was very tasty. 15 minute wait.
(3)Angela Y.
#NAME?
(4)Kayla S.
8/13/15 - came here for appetizers and drinks with my bf. it was pretty cool, I ordered buffalo boneless chicken wings and my bf had the chicken club. I was surprised when I received my boneless wings, it was chicken breast chopped up! it was fresh protein (with the exception of the buffalo sauce), and grilled. they were succulent and full of flavor. my boyfriend enjoyed his chicken club. we both had Stella's to drink and a round of water. I think we both enjoyed the atmosphere as it wasn't overly crowded. the service wasn't bad, and can't complain about much.
(4)Nicole B.
Joe's on Newbury has a semi-swank atmosphere and is usually less crowded than their competition directly across the street: Stephanie's on Newbury. Immediately when you walk in is the porch and upper bar, and to get to the main dining room, you go down some stairs and see another large bar, open kitchen and ample seating. The more-formal-than-not atmosphere is betrayed by the food, which includes lots of down home comfort food favorites, including cheesy pastas and (to my delight) fried chicken. I should have known -- being from the South it's hard to find good fried chicken in Boston, and Joe's is another name for the list of places that just should not even try it. The chicken was overcooked and flavorless and the biscuit (if you could call it that) tasted baked from a frozen dough puck of the supermarket brand variety. No bueno. The mashed potatoes were delicious, I must say, as was the gravy smothering them. The portion was huge, and a good value for the price. I went for lunch with coworkers and we experienced very slow, inattentive service, but the waitress was pleasant enough when she was around. I've been once before that experience, and sat at the bar for some sangria and a sampler of tortilla chips and salsa, neither of which blew me away. The service there was great. Overall, the best thing Joe's has going for it is the atmosphere and Newbury St. cred. The food, however, in my experience, is plainly basic. Stick to this place for happy hour only and you'll be ok.
(3)Becky T.
This is a solid 3-star restaurant. If you're expecting an amazing culinary feast, this isn't it. But if you've been walking around Boston for a couple of hours and want to eat at a place w good beer, great atmosphere, and patio seating, this is it! I sat at the upstairs bar and loved the feeling of being IN Boston. The clam chowder was standard, nothing to write home about. I also had the buffalo chicken wrap, which also was fine. The draught beer was a bit pricey at 6.50 a pop, but I think that's just what you get for eating in this area! Again, solid 3 stars, but I'm sure locals probably go elsewhere to get the great food.
(3)Mohammad C.
The food is way to salty for me, and the drinks are completely watered down, and not fresh at all! I got my food before I got my drinks, which is a big NO NO in this Industry.
(1)Lauren P.
Your typical neighborhood bar. We were walking around Boston looking for a place for dinner. The bar was hopping so we knew it should be a good place to try out. They had a large drink menu although not a ton of beers. I went with the Sam Adam's Summer- when in Rome! Lots of options on the menu from appetizers, salads and sandwiches to entrees. I went with a Cobb salad with chicken which came with a lot of fresh toppings including avocado and cheese. My friend got a burger and the steak fries looked so good I had to order a side of them. It was busy for a Thursday and the service was fine. Lots of indoor seating downstairs in the dining room as well as upstairs at the bar.
(3)Alexis R.
I work on Newbury St and Joe's is my go to spot. I always order the same thing and most of the staff is very friendly. The Boneless Buffalo wings are my favorite. Joe's is always hoping and during the warm summer months they open the enclosure to expose the street level dining area. It is a go to for locals that like to people watch on their breaks. It is set right in the center of Newbury street, so you never know what you will see. It is reasonably priced for Newbury St and the can accommodate large groups. Locals tip: always ask for the bread.
(5)Keith C.
A few people were in town, so my wife and I came to meet them for brunch a couple weeks ago. All in all, there were five of us. I have gluten issues, so I was looking forward to coming here and having some quality gluten-free food. I was told they even have a dedicated gluten-free fryer so I was excited about that. When we arrived before everyone else, they brought around some normal bread for my wife, and gluten-free bread for myself. Her bread was soft, but just a giant hunk-o-bread, which was odd for the middle of the cold season, when everyone is being ultra-germophobic. The gluten-free bread is really those sandwich rolls, and was quite decent. After everyone arrived, I got a gluten-free burger with sweet-potato fries, and everyone else got eggs or pancakes. My gluten-free burger came out on the sandwich rolls, and was already caking apart before I even touched it. By time I ate half of the burger, it had effectively disintegrated just from me grabbing it, and the burger/ketchup juices. It really made for a horrifically messy meal, combined with that I was afraid to put it down for fear of being unable to pick it back up. I was told that the eggs/pancakes were fine, but no better than any breakfast place near us, but at double the price. The service was good, and for my gluten-free items, they were brought out my a manager, undoubtedly to ensure safety and avoid cross-contamination. All in all, it was A-Ok, as 3 stars signifies, but totally unremarkable.
(3)Makalo L.
This is a really good restaurant. We went here for brunch. They have excellent egg Benedict. I suggest u to try it.
(5)Carla D.
My husband and I visited Joe's on a Friday for lunch one winter day. My husband will not stop raving about how delicious the crab cakes were, and how out-of-this-world the tartar sauces served along with them tasted! I ordered a cup of chili, which was fresh & hot and satisfying. Our waiter (Greg) was friendly and attentive. A most enjoyable lunch.
(4)Adam P.
Came here as a group for brunch before heading to the airport. It was our last day in town and really wanted a good meal before we left. I was very disappointed. The table and atmosphere was fantastic. This place looks and feels like the all-American restaurant, and the menu makes you feel that way too. I did not like much else though. The waiter looked like Adam Levine, and he wasn't really that good. He took a long time to greet us, a long time to get us drinks, and overall just seemed like he didn't do much other than give blank stares. I started with the clam chowder which was fine. Not the best I ever had, but good enough. I then ordered a breakfast sandwich with pork belly egg and cheese. I don't know exactly why this sandwich sucked, but it did. It sounds so easy, and impossible to screw up. It looked and tasted like there was mayo on the sandwich, and I couldn't even finish it. The worst egg sandwich I have ever had, and am still baffled that it wasn't good. It came with potatoes. They looked like they would be good, but pretty much tasted terrible. I couldn't even eat these. Seems like a popular spot, the other reviews are solid, so who knows. But the other guys in my group were underwhelmed as well, so maybe we caught a bad day. But overall, I was very disappointed and was expecting a much higher-end brunch.
(1)Ryan R.
Went here to celebrate a friend's bday on a Friday night. We had made a reservation for 14 ppl so we were seated right away. We started off with their bread (which I actually really enjoyed) and a couple plates of nachos. The nachos were definitely the best dish of the night. For my meal I ordered the reuben with sweet potato fries. The sandwich had decent taste but the meat was bit chewy in my opinion. In addition, the fries were sort of limp and lacked crispiness, but I enjoyed dipping them into their chipotle cream sauce. Overall, this place has a sort of sports bar vibe and the food seems to match that (though prices are a bit high). The service was friendly, but not always attentive to our large party. The venue was able to seat us all comfortably though, and we ended up having a nice night out.
(3)Ryan A.
Came here for dinner last week. Good thing we had a reservation because we were seated right on time despite how many people we're waiting for a table. The space is much bigger than it appears to be when walking by and only being able to see the outdoor seating area. The very large indoor seating area is downstairs and not visible from the street. We were given a booth, which we greatly appreciated and greeted by a very friendly waiter. However, as weird as this sounds, that was my one complaint. The waiter was really nice and attentive but so much so that it got a bit annoying by the end of the meal. It seemed like he came to check on us at least every 5 minutes. Regardless, thats a minor issue is the grand scheme of things. More importantly, the food was awesome. We shared the fajita quesadilla for our appetizer which I highly recommend. It's the perfect size for two people. For my entree I had the ribeye which was definitely a top-10 Bostonian steak in my book.
(5)Lauren T.
This was one of the best brunches that I have ever had. The orange juice was amazing and the bread was delicious. We had such a good meal that we are coming back tomorrow morning with friends! Great service as well- the manager even came over to our table to deliver our food after I told them about my food allergy.
(5)Lucy E.
It's a chain, so right off the bat I'm not thrilled. But it is fairly consistent and it has great views for people watching on Newbury if you get a seat by the windows. The service is good enough, our waiter while friendly mentioned he didn't like Boston (probably not a great thing to say while serving a table of Bostonians). The food was decent. I got a blackened chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. The chicken was very dry and not very flavorful considering it was blackened. The french fries were good, tasty and hot. The beer was shipyard pumpkinhead, cold and delicious. Will I go back? Probably. Will I learn to love it? Probably not.
(3)Chelsey A.
This review is for their brunch. Get the waffle and the fresh orange juice. The waffle is life changing. See the picture. Came on a Saturday early afternoon and while there was a wait my friend and I were seated quickly, after less than 15 minutes. I'll definitely be back for another waffle!
(5)Danielle S.
We came here for an early lunch before we left the city for home. They have an upstairs and a downstairs - upstairs is more open. It's like sitting outside, only it is covered, so you could sit there if it was raining. We ate downstairs because it was a little cooler. I'm glad we came earlier, because later it definitely filled up! We were greeted by a nice waitress, who promptly took our drink order. They have a little of everything on their menu -I had a hard time deciding! We ordered the nachos for an appetizer - they were probably the best nachos I have ever had. They were smothered with cheese and other toppings. There was the perfect proportion of chips to toppings! I knew I couldn't leave Boston without getting a lobster roll. I was very happy with the taste and presentation. The bread was obviously home made (soft and sweet), and the lobster was perfect. Their sweet potato fries are also delish! I loved the atmosphere, service, food, and variety of things to order. I would definitely come back!
(5)Ngan T.
I've never been here when it wasn't crowded. Although it's not a touristy crowd--actually a lot of locals grabbing a casual lunch or dinner. I've never successfully gotten a table by myself, but all is forgiven. The front staff are always very sweet. Most times they'll walk over to the bar themselves to make sure there's a seat before telling me to walk over. The drinks are generally very watered down, though bartenders are fantastically friendly. I'm not sure what the rest of the staff is like here since my experience has been limited to the bar area. I've tried their mac n cheese. It was a bit too saucy for my tastes, and the portion size (as is with allllll the places on newbury street) was just too small for what you pay for. I overheard the girls next to me send back a salad but shhhhh, you didn't hear it from me. lol anyway, I wouldn't come back here for the food, but rather for the excellent customer service.
(3)Joanna F.
Yes, Joe's American Bar & Grill is a chain and tourist trap on Newbury Street, but it gets the job done. Joe's offers entrees, sandwiches and salads at really reasonable prices for this part of town. And the food is pretty good! One of my favorites is the Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. Grilled or fried chicken over greens with a little angel hair pasta and some crispy wontons thrown in with a delicious honey mustard dressing. The bread to start is absolutely amazing too. This is also a great place to come in the warmer months for a few drinks post work. The windows in the front open up to Newbury Street so it's beautiful. I'm a fan.
(4)Mike L.
Great dinner here! Food was good, service even better! Thanks to Mark for being super accommodating to us and appeasing all our requests! Really appreciate the hostesses seating us in a quiet spot so my Dad could hear. Even if the food sucked, which it doesn't, we come back for the exceptional service!
(5)Emily W.
By far one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. We were visiting Boston and walked by this place and thought we would check it out. I had the Mac and cheese and it was phenomenal! They were also VERY accommodating with changes to the food as I am vegetarian and my sister is Vegan. Our waiter was absolutely amazing! He was so helpful and so nice. The atmosphere, food, staff, everything was lovely. Highly highly recommend this restaurant!!! PS: they're appetizer bread is to die for. Doughy and warm on the inside and perfectly crusted on the outside, I've never had anything like it.
(5)Jazzy J.
I'm writing this based on a one-time, tourist experience so don't get your scrotum twisted if you disagree with my opinion. It was a really nice day so we sat on the patio during a Friday lunch hour. It was busy but we only waited about 10 minutes for a table so that was cool. Our server was super cute so that automatically defaults to 3 stars. He brought our beers right away and was super attentive. I ordered the crab cakes and they were freakin delicious. Also their French fries were big and awesome. My brother got the lobster roll and that nailed it too. My mom ordered the fish sandwich and really liked it. We enjoyed the food, the service, and the atmosphere. Highly recommend it.
(4)Becca B.
I am writing this review based on take out only. That being said, I created a Yelp account solely so that I could show the world the salad I got for $21.25. I ordered the Ahi Tuna salad from the Newbury Street location and was extremely disappointed. The salad consisted of some iceberg lettuce, a bunch of red onions, a small pile of ginger, and some tuna. The salad dressing (which I ordered on the side) consisted of 1 small tub of soy sauce and 1 small tub of what I can only describe as thousand island dressing with some hot sesame oil thrown in. The tuna was edible, but not great. For the price, I expected a lot more and was thoroughly disappointed. I feel better now that I created a yelp account and could share my distress with the world. Thanks yelp!
(1)Brendan M.
It was not my first choice for lunch but I was not paying, never turn down a free meal and was rewarded with a satisfying experience. The place was pretty packed but we were seated right away. Split an app. of Nachos which were fan-f'ing-tastic and the guacamole was so good I ordered an extra side to bring home. I got Joe's Classic Burger which was the main goal of my meal. I am always looking for a great burger but alas, I did not find one on this day. Just a plain tasting, common hunk of ground beef, very disappointing caramelized onions and a bun that looked like someone kicked it's ass before it made it on the plate. Sigh...... But, BUT!! The Creme Brûlée was the binding agent that brought the whole meal together! A rich and creamy custard, a nice crispy shell topped with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream with a sprig of fresh mint leaf. All in all a pleasant time was had. Prompt, friendly service, and a clean dining area, but a few of the plates we were served were very scratched and dinged up which I found odd. A quick glance makes the plate appear dirty, but after the initial shock you notice it has just been as badly abused as my burger bun was.
(4)Kate R.
This is for your own good: do not eat brunch here. I'm not sure how one screws up breakfast sandwiches, but they do and charge $13 for it. The eggs Benedict is gross too. There is too much good food on Boston, save yourself.
(2)Marck N.
Walking down Newbury street, we had several hours to kill before our flight. Passing Joe's American Bar & Grill, it looked like a nice place to get a few drinks and enjoy the sunny weather. We sat at the outside bar and looked at the crowd walking by. My first drink I ordered was the sparkling blueberry sangria.I asked the bartender to make it without the sour mix and only a splash of sprite. He was very accommodating to do this and made made a refreshing summer sangria. It was slightly tart, but still sweet by the pureed blueberry. Much better tasting than my partners blueberry mojito. My second drink was the pear-fect martini. This is an awesome drink that made my afternoon. Pear vodka and pureed pear. The pureed pear added the sweetness to the martini and it is a pretty large martini. After enjoying the conversation and sun, we headed back to the hotel to leave Boston. A nice farewell touch.
(3)Kenson K.
What to do on our last day in Boston? Why, head down to Joe's. We only stopped in for drinks here. Their blueberry mojitos were really fresh. They had real blueberries crushed into here and it was like a summer drink. What a perfect thing to have on a sunny afternoon. I also tried the blueberry iced tea. It was little more tart than the mojito but still very refreshing. It didn't taste like either one had alcohol in it until later as it all started to sink in.
(3)Casey H.
Great selection and it was delicious. Parking sucks but other than that the place is great.
(4)Michael S.
I had Joe's signature burger and the clam chowder in a bread bowl, absoluteluly delicious! Service was a bit over the top (I know you're trolling for tips, but relax... You were stressing me out). Expensive meal, but if you're hungry for a burger, give it a go.
(3)Anahid H.
I have been to Boston many times, but only been to Joe's twice. I remember having a good experience the first time, but this last time was really amazing! The lobster mac and cheese is BY FAR THE BEST LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE! I had my husband in NY wanting some. Their crab cakes are also great (my sister enjoyed them as well).
(5)Alisia P.
I love Joe's! I have only been there 3-4 times but never once had bad service or bad food. The spinach and artichoke dip is delish :-)
(5)Maria D.
We were looking for a place that was open for reservations on OpenTable and we found Joe's. It is a quaint little place, but the food was not good at all. I was incredibly disappointed at the quality of the food we were served. We all had chicken-- presented differently and none of us were impressed. For a better take on food in a nicer atmosphere, go to the Met Bar right up the street. Joe's was also too loud and too crowded. Not to mention, the gluten free options were laughable at best. The utensils were also dirty-- there was food on them! And the waiter took a while to take our orders. Maybe it was the Friday night thing? Or maybe it really just is always that bad.
(2)Molly P.
Friends and I came into the bar for drinks and was amazed at how rude the servers were to us. The bartender was the worst. He showed no respect to his customers. He talked down to us, never showed interest and had a nasty attitude. I'll never come back.
(1)Greg G.
Bar staff completely rude. Don't waste your time here. If I could give it a negative star I would.
(1)Carlin T.
Joe's consistently make good burgers and drinks. My new favorite is the bacon Mac and cheese. The staff is always friendly, and the atmosphere is always laid back and welcoming
(5)Pilar B.
Worst meal I've had out in many months. Plates were dirty, medium rare steak arrived raw and cool to touch, salad greens wilted and brown, service friendly but super slow. Never again!
(1)Apeksha R.
This place is situated right on Newbury street and is quiet crowded. We went here for brunch on Saturday and had to wait for a good 40 mins to get a table for 5 (one kid ) . The portions are big for 1 person and small for 2. They have a good number of dishes on their menu and more than 1 veggie dish ( I am a vegetarian - so it does matter ). I ordered for banana chocolate chip pancakes and they taste awesome!! However it had 3 such pancakes stuffed with banana and chocolate of which I could finish just one .for drinks we ordered champagne to toast for my husband's graduation at MIT. Was meeting my cousin after 15 years and this place was great for catching up. A must try if u live in Boston. Next time I want to try the outdoor seating which looked far more interesting ..
(3)Thien N.
Can your bread be any more perfect? WIth the chewy inside but crispy outside with a side of butter that just all melts in your mouth. I've passed Joe's on many occasions, mainly because of the long wait. This time, it was only a 15-minute wait for 2 during Brunch time, and we could handle that wait time. The bloody mary was not spicy enough for my liking, but the bar was able to accommodate with extra horseradish, hot sauce, and olives (bonus points for Joe's!). We split the nachos, which was definitely a sharable size for 2-4 people. The Prime Rib Hash was amazing, although it was a bit too greasy for me. I'm not a fan of finding a pool of grease in my food. Overall, service was excellent even during rush hour. Food was pretty decent, but really, come for the bread. It's amazing.
(3)Veronika L.
Food is pretty good. Nachos are the best thing we ordered. Burgers were average but they are gluten-allergy friendly and the waitstaff is extremely polite. I enjoyed the atmosphere overall.
(4)Laura B.
I came here last Saturday afternoon and had a really great experience. Food: I got the grilled cheese and asked for avacado with it. It was awesomeeeee. Drinks: Best Sangria ever!! I got the Berry sangria that has bubbles in it. So sweet and refreshing. Our waitress recommended a special coctkail they were serving only for the weekend (Mothers day) called Mother's little helper, and it was really good. I wish I had more than one. Really surprised with the quality of cocktails here, not your typical american chain restaurant quality. Service: Our waitress was Alena, and she was the best! SO nice and helpful even though the restaurant was very busy. She was really great and when I come back I hope I have her again. One of my new favorite places!
(5)Tony S.
I normally would not have written a review of a 'meh' dining establishment. I've been coming to this location since it was a TGI Friday, and even with the new chain, I neither love or hate it. Yes the street-level view is great, and there are some hottie pa-tottie patrons that come in, but the food is middle of the road, hence the 3 stars. However, there are two things worth writing about: First, there is a server named Aaron (I think), who was the nicest, most professional and patient server I have ever had in Boston. Not only was he cool and informative, he was funny, friendly, and didn't make my small group feel uncomfortable at all when we stayed waaaaay longer beyond dinner. Two-thumbs up for this guy. Makes Boston proud. Second, I had this BLT salad, which I'll review in two parts. First, the salad dressing was completely wrong for the dish. Yes it's a decent vinaigrette, but TOTALLY clashes with the flavor of bacon, which is the centerpiece of the salad. They should be using a more ranchy or creamier dressing...... something less acidic. It clashed like peanut butter and chewing a vitamin C pill. BUT.... but but but.......BUT...... the salad comes with a bacon-on-bread arrangement that is OUT OF THIS WORLD. These 2 small toast servings come with a cajun maple bacon infused with some sort of parmesan crusted.... something. Yes.... it is THAT good. I'm a bacon expert that engages in a famous candied-bacon dish, so I KNOW when bacon is presented well. So......yeah, I'll come back.
(3)Suzanne N.
Great food, great waitress, and great manager! First time in Boston and totally worth it.
(5)Amy B.
The positive first: Joe's is great for groups. I have a monthly meeting that's lately been gathering at Joe's, and they don't mind us arriving at different times and are fabulous about splitting the check. I also like the decor of Joe's and the big open windows facing Newbury Street. That said, Joe's is not my favorite. The food is reminiscent of TGI Friday's (although I could be primed by the fact that TGIF was the previous business in this space). The Bloody Mary that comes free with some of the brunch entrees is appropriately priced for its quality. Beer and wine lists are fine, but not particularly impressive. Joe's also has a practice that really pisses me off. They artificially create a line outside the restaurant at peak hours (weekend nights and brunch times). If you see a line outside Joe's and want to eat there, whip out your smart phone and make an Open Table reservation. Chances are, you can get a reservation and be shown to your seat almost immediately. This might be savvy marketing, but I don't think it's good treatment of customers.
(2)Nihan K.
Would give 2 stars, but I'll cut them some slack since they were open on Christmas. My fiancé ordered the Mac n cheese with chicken and after trying his dish, I can safely say it tasted superior to my burger. Really cheesy and flavorful, with a fun kick of spice. As for my burger: I haven't eaten such a dry burger in years, so I'm wondering if the server mistook my medium well done request for a "well done, please let my burger bathe in flames" request. I also asked for dressing on the side, but when my salad arrived, I saw dressing with some leaves of lettuce tossed in for decoration. The basement level was warmer than the entrance, and much quieter, which made talking around the table so much more pleasant. TL;DR: skip the burger, try the fajitas or Mac n cheese. Nice location, go down to the basement floor to stay toasty warm. Somewhat expensive, but on par with bar food prices.
(3)Robert W.
Great burger, better cocktails, whole table loved the place, server was old and amazing, nicest guy in Boston so far on my trip, busy tho immediately seated, picky gf had amazing steak tips, good location, would come back.
(4)Jim T.
Joe's for a chain is actually consistently good and so is the service. Tonight however was even better than usual. We had Loren as our server. Blew us away. Upbeat, friendly and actually made us feel like she cared about us enjoying our meal and having a good time. This place was packed and she made us feel like we were her only party. Very impressed!
(5)Lyndsey C.
On a nice day, windows open onto Newbury st., this place is great. Beautiful light flows in and the windows/walls are open in the front. Great service, nice selection. We had the special grilled cheese, sweet potato fries, nachos, and drinks... All very good. (We were here for a late lunch/ late afternoon drinks) Great location and atmosphere.
(4)Cornelia M.
Okay so let's be honest the reason that this place is getting any stars at all is because the food is actually good. My friends and Iive/work and go out in the area quite frequently and often come to Joe's after our events for something to eat as we did this past Saturday 3/21. We decided to go to Joe's because we had a $20 gift card that was expiring at the end of the month so we figured why not spend it. When we get there we were told there was a little bit of a wait which we were happy to do. We went to the downstairs bar to wait for our buzzer to ring when two seats opened up. We figured great we'll sit down and wait for our table so we grabbed the seats and the bartender asked my friend what she wanted to drink and my friend replied water (now mind you we had been out drinking all day at a ShockTop event and my friend was also trying not to spend much money) to which the bartender told my friend that she shouldn't be sitting there if she wasn't going to drink. I had planned on ordering something (which I did) but my friend felt pressured by the douche bartender to get a drink which she reluctantly did. Never in my life have I encountered such piss poor service. I just couldn't believe that this jerk felt the need to say something to my friend. Unfortunately I think in my fuzzy brain I actually left the douche a tip which he sooo didn't deserve. The bartender was also doing his best jerk impression on two women sitting next to us giving them free drinks and such. If I didn't have another gift certificate to use this would have been my last time. I'll go back one more time but that's going to be it. My friends and I are going to find a new place to hang after events! Sorry Joe's but your jerk bartender did you in!
(2)Marie C.
While we waited for our table, we grabbed a drink at the bar downstairs. The bartender served us our drinks, and after having waiting for a bill for quite a while, we handed him money for our drinks. Expecting our change back, he simply said "how are the drinks, are they good??", while he held up the money we gave him. We were all a bit confused by this, but figured out he was just going to keep whatever the difference between the bill and leftover amount was. No problem with tipping, especially for a good drink, but I thought his assumption and putting us on the spot in front of other patrons, was just plain run & presumptuous. I like to be able to decide what I tip for service, having worked in the service industry before. We finally got to our table & ordered the nachos, burgers & wings. Being from Texas, I can't say I was impressed by the nachos, but they weren't bad either. The burgers were good, as were the wings. Nothing stood out as delicious, however it was a good meal.
(3)Nick F.
Whenever my parents came to visit me at college, they would always prefer to eat at Joes- and I didn't blame them. Joes was always reliable for great food, awesome drinks, and spectacular service. I can't wait to get back to Boston and eat here.
(5)Maryam F.
They had amazing food and Alena made my experience at the restaurant even better! I'll definitely coma back again! Thank you Alena for your service, too kind! :)
(5)Mo L.
I have been a customer of Joe's for a very long time but it hasn't been until recent that I've decided to write a review and that's because I've met Christiano and Luke. With amazing service and great conversation, these two have a handle on such a busy bar. Christiano has a knack for knowing what I'm in the mood for without even asking and Luke ALWAYS makes me feel welcome and at home the minute I step foot into the establishment - it's like Cheers, everyone knows your name! I work in customer service so I appreciate good service that comes genuine and these two guys are immaculate.
(5)Cindy K.
Personally I think that Joe's has one of the best chowders in the city. It's nice and thick and if you get it in the bread bowl even better. Last time Frank was our bar tender. He was friendly and even remembered our names the first time we went. It was very personable. The over atmosphere of this is great. I love this place in the warmer season when they open their windows and have the area is like a "patio"
(5)John D.
I recently went back to Joe's bar and grill since I was in Boston, and I was not pleased at all. I normally go for breakfast and you always get a free drink and muffins before the breakfast. So, I'm waiting for my muffins and decided to ask the waiter for them and he informed me, that they no longer serve them nor do you get a free drink with your breakfast!! Why you may ask? Because, the prior management sold the restaurant to a Private Equity firm!! Oh, nice. So basically I paid $30 for eggs, bacon, toast and a glass of Orange Juice, that they use to squeeze fresh right in front of me. Overall food was okay. Its tough to mess up eggs and bacon. Finally, Just before I leave I shake the waiter/bar tenders hand, who is a nice guy but when we shake hands he decides to completely twist my hand to show dominance! (not sure if he knows he's doing this) I'm thinking to myself, Wtf! FYI, your working for TIPS don't try to be dominate, just shake my hand like a normal person. And if you need help, and instruction, read this. "Shake hands like JFK - Instructables"....Google it. I probably will not be going back to Joe's when I go back to Boston. P.S. - You've made outstanding changes to the restaurant, Tavisstock group.
(2)TinoX T.
I'm fan of Joe's Bar,Nic food with any Branch you Try,Great Service and the price is very Gooood.
(4)Emily C.
Decent brunch place. Entrees come with a choice of freshly squeezed orange juice, grapefruit juice, mimosa, spicy bloody mary, champagne, screwdriver or Bud Light. Pretty good deal for the price. My friend and I ordered the Prime rib hash. My eggs were a little too well done, but his were perfectly runny. The flavors were ok. Another friend ordered the benedict, and her eggs were a little too well done as well. The service was really great. Our waiter was so nice and really efficient. The restaurant was really busy, but he checked on us pretty frequently and got us our food really quickly. This place can fill up pretty quickly after noon on the weekends, so plan accordingly! There are probably better places for brunch on Newbury, but Joe's is a decent place to hit up when the more popular places, like Stephanie's get too busy!
(3)Joelle K.
I have been to both the Newbury Street and North End locations. Taking into consideration the ambiance, I would rate both with 3.5/5. Joe's in the North End is one of the few reasonably priced restaurants that you can go to that is right on the water. The location on Newbury Street has nice exposed brick and two great bar areas. The food is solid but mostly just typical bar food. I have had calamari and nachos for appetizers and the buffalo chicken wrap and crab cakes for an appetizer. I will probably be back to visit the bar or for brunch as I hear that you get a free alcoholic drink with brunch.
(3)Lauren H.
Poor service from the start. The host seemed annoyed that we even walked in. Once seated, it was about 5 minutes until anyone came to our table. Our waiter brought two waters upon request with our two wines. One of the waters had a big smear on the rim, maybe it had previously been coated with sugar or salt for a drink? Either way, it was a very dirty glass. The food just isn't the quality it was when it was owned by Back Bay Reataurant Group. Service, food quality, and host interaction was not up to standards, per BBrg. Too bad, won't be back.
(2)Lisa L.
Delicious food! Our server literally knew the entire menu inside out. She was great! I ordered thro Mac n Cheese (homemade with 3cheeses) and lobster. Absolutely perfect!
(5)Marsha S.
Enjoyed beverages only but bartenders were excellent!!! (Chris/Lori) really fantastic service...can't believe Tito's is their house vodka...awesome!!!!
(5)Crissy T.
I was disappointed there was no French toast on the breakfast menu. I asked for two eggs (scrambled w/swiss) and they gave me three eggs with cheddar. The potatoes were good. Do not expect grape jelly for your toast--only strawberry. Yuck lol.
(3)Jovanna O.
Went there last night for dinner. I ordered the fish and chips and the fish was huge! It was absolutely delicious!! The fries were yummy also. Service was great our wait was 35 minutes and that was around the time the hostess said we would be seated. Going to Joes was a great way to end my stay in Boston.
(4)Fred E.
Came for a great Bloody Mary and cup of chowder on Sunday before heading to Fenway. Met Christiano at the downstairs bar. What a great bartender. Wonderful service. We can't wait to come back.
(5)Brittany P.
Great location right on the edge of the harbor with plenty of outdoor seating. Good service and great food. Started with the nachos (amazing!) and fish tacos. I had Joe's macaroni & cheese as an entree which was delicious. Tends to be very busy due to location during the summer so reservations are recommended!
(4)Lynn J.
Joe's is a good, solid chain restaurant! FOOD: Consistently good, but not exceptional. Burgers are the same variety you get other places. Pancakes were the thinnest I've ever been served. The loaf of table bread was the best food of the night! DRINKS: Brunch Mamosas for only $6.99! SERVICE: The staff is attentive & courteous. THE DEAL: Joe's is a super spot in the Summer for PEOPLE WATCHING on Newbury Street! They open the "walls" onto the street itself, so it's like an enclosed sun deck.
(3)Ming W.
Had the calimari and mussels as appetizers. The calimari was typical - battered and fried and unspectacular - but the mussels were excellent. They were steamed, lightly salted, juicy, and very fresh. For my entree, I had the Prime Rib Challenge - a monstrous 24oz bone-in pan-blackened prime rib with a side of garlic sauteed spinach. The prime rib was juicy and cooked to the correct temperature. The spinach, however, was a decent bit oversalted. Overall, I'm a fan and would come again to thy some of their burgers and hang out at the bar as the ambience is nice.
(4)Willy G.
Okay, let me preface this review by saying my server/bartender was top notch. Restaurant was very clean and the rest of the staff was very professional. Okay, here's the bad news. I ordered the fried chicken, i wanted something different and the menu description sounded great. Garlic smashed potatoes with a mushroom gravy were very tasty, biscuit also pretty good for a chain. But the fried chicken was inexcusable, im a foodie, but i admit in the past i have bought banquet frozen fried chicken at the suprermarket. Not good i know. But this chicken was honestly worse than that. I am 100 percent sure what i was served was pre-cooked and frozen, there is no denying that flavor. Shame on Joe's for charging people 15.00 for something that is not even made fresh. Customers expect to get something from a restaurant that they either can not make at home, or would rathet not make at home. And so you know, i tipped over 20% and didn't complain to the server. I just had to vent here.
(1)Shiri Y.
Had a late lunch on a busy Saturday so I made a reservation, luckily, since there was a very long line. The food was excellent, very unique combination of scallops, kale and quinoa (it was a daily special), our waitress was super attentive. Not cheap but also not super expensive, especially considering the location. I recommend sitting on the patio
(4)Peter M.
Delicious buffalo chicken wrap on whole wheat. Good ceaser salad with anchovies in dressing. Wrap had a nice tangy flavor with blue cheese. Good, fast, attentive service. I want to try the outdoor seating. Would dine here again.
(4)Patrick F.
The saying goes the first 5 minutes in a restaurant makes the whole meal and I understand it was a busy Friday night, but the rude young lady working as hostess pretty much shot this place down. The food wasn't bad and once we were seated the waitress was kind of attentive, but the hostess still left a bad taste in our mouth. Don't get me wrong, It's not like I expect a hug when I walk in a place, but the condescending tone she used. And her flippant attitude sets the tone for the entire experience.
(2)Larry S.
Joe's food is good. Sometimes very good but we go there to get a seat by the window looking at Newbury Street to watch the shoppers stroll by. We are always very pleased by the service - every time. Great young vibe and effort from the hostess, wait staff and servers. We are always so pleased and enjoy ourselves there. We have never eaten in the dining room but the place is always busy, loud and fun! For a reasonably priced meal and a good feeling - this is our go to place for lunch when we are on town visiting.
(4)Jared H.
The PRIME RIB is why I love this place. On Friday and Saturday's they serve prime rib and have two versions, a 12oz for $22.99 and the prime rib challenge which is 24oz for just $28.99 Whenever I want to celebrate and treat myself to a huge piece of red meat, this is my spot. Service is good and the prime rib is delicious. I have had their pizza as an appetizer as well and enjoyed it. But seriously, if you go here, try the prime rib. You can't beat it for the price!
(5)Monica C.
Nice spot on Newberry. Highly recommend getting a burger as they are delicious (even the turkey burger) and the fries were great too. Vegetable risotto was OK, not too flavorful, and the Mac and cheese was not too cheesy/dry so I wouldn't recommend getting that but everything else was delicious so still gets 5 stars! The brownie dessert was also a highlight :) and service was great too, great atmosphere as well
(5)Jim B.
We had a terrific time in the outdoor seating area. Food was great and service by Greg was fantastic. Highly recommend this place. Jim- santa Barbara, CA
(4)Erynn W.
An overall great place to eat! My sister and I were visiting Boston for a few days and found ourselves on Newbury street. Freezing cold, aching feet and hungry bellies, we ran straight into the first place we could find, which was Joe's. We waited a few minutes for our table but the second we sat down we had the best freshly baked bread and glasses of water in front of us. Our waiter (can't remember his name! grrr) was a true gem. He stood at our table, chatted us up about our vacation and told us about himself as well. They guy is attending Harvard's extension school! Anyways, he helps me decide on a much needed alcoholic beverage, an old fashioned with a holiday twist (cranberries and ginger beer). When we finally order our food (after tearing through our second loaf of bread), he accommodated our every need. My sister, a vegetarian, and picky, got her perfect sandwich. And I, with dairy allergies, enjoyed our meal very much! I got the kale salad, which was the perfect combination of flavors and no heavy dressing. Of course we got dessert, a brownie thing with toppings that was hot, gooey, chocolatey and just amazing. We were able to take our time, relax, eat our food and enjoy a great atmosphere. As well as a nice break from the cold outside. We are definitely going back to this place upon our Return to Boston.
(5)Anna G.
Wow - why such poor reviews? I only live a couple blocks away so have beer here numerous times. It's consistently a good place to sit in the bar area, have a Stella on draft, and order some bar food. In the summer it's really nice when they open the windows - great Newbury people watching. They do a lot of gluten free options and accommodated a visitor I had in town. The buff chick sandwich is pretty good as are the nachos and fish tacos. Overall, I wouldn't come here to sit in the main restaurant area but would def recommend a drink and app to refuel while in the area.
(4)Beth L.
Came to Joe's on a recommendation from a server at another restaurant around the corner. Being in the service industry we ask around to find the good spots to stop by on vacation. We sat at the bar and our service was great! The bartenders answered questions we had about the area and were very attentive. Cocktail list is great and I recommend the Black Garden.
(5)Daniel K.
Went there this afternoon for brunch. We called and asked if they could seat a party of seven at noon for brunch. She put our name down and said come right in. We showed up five minutes later, waited thirty minutes then had to be split up to be seated. The whole time the two hostesses working were very confused and seemed overwhelmed. Finally we offered to be split up if that would help and they were able to seat us a few minutes later. Then when we sat down we were told by two waiters (at our two different tables) that they were not actually serving brunch. This came as a surprise since we had seen people getting brunch food while we waited to be seated. After much confusion our waiter realized they were in fact serving brunch. Food was decent but the front of house service was terrible. We did like our waiter a lot, he was friendly and helpful.
(2)Lauren M.
Eh, there are better options. Joe's American is good because it is one of the few restaurants opened on Newbury street til midnight. However, it just doesn't provide a good Boston experience. It feels too much like a chain restaurant, the entrees are overpriced, and the service is mediocre at best. The food is good, but your money is better spent at a Legal's Seafood, or even better spent at a local restaurant. We had to wait for our table and had to wait way too long for our slow and over-worked server and food. While mostly everything on the menu is okay, avoid the mussels. They look very good, but have a strange taste, are way too squishy, and don't come in a delicious sauce as I expect with mussels. Joe's American has decent food, a busy atmosphere, and has some prime locations. It's a good spot if you are already there and hungry, but it is definitely not a must-stop while in Boston.
(2)Mike B.
We had a good meal in a good setting. Highly recommend the crab cakes Benedict. It's not your typical breakfast/brunch item and we found it amazing. The Fresh squeezed orange was also excellent.
(5)Jessica S.
Heather Sances is an exemplary bartender. Also the brunch is good. Order licorice matti is here...Heather will tell you about them.
(5)Neek S.
Not sure why this place has so many positive reviews. Service was incredibly slow and food was pricey and mediocre.
(1)Oksana N.
Food was excellent, best waiter (James) ever. The manager, Travis, came out to talk to our table when he found out that someone had a food allergy, and assured her that her food would be safe for her to eat. Very entertaining and inviting atmosphere. Baby back ribs are the way to go :-)
(5)D T.
The price of the burger went up- oh well, no biggie, what I did have a probem with: 1) The burger came already put together where before it came deconstructed- Don't like my bun with pickle juice and don't like red onions. 2) Boursin cheese- There was so little, I had to check to see if there was any on there 3) The bartender kept touching his face and not washing his hands. 4) Bartenders acting as if they are the best bartenders in the world and we should be lucky to be in their presence (Think studio 54). 5) Servers and bartenders arguing at the server station.
(1)Crystal B.
"Definitely 5 Stars~!" That is what my Fiance just said when I asked him how many stars... I couldn't agree more. We went last night, the last night of our Boston Vaca and loved it. We made reservations but ended up going earlier and they were fine... Our server was a well put together, nicely dressed, sweet guy. :) We have 2 small boys (2 & 5) and he was great with them. I wish, for the life of me, I couldn't remember his name! Hoping he will somehow get credit for his Terrific Service. He was on top of it, getting drinks, making sure we liked everything, and made us feel welcome. Delicious Food, and even better Service! Oh and the Margarita's were swell! Thank you Joe's!
(5)Mollie W.
We went to Joe's for lunch after getting into town and we were starving. Bloody Mary's were not my favorite. Service was good. The buffalo chicken wrap is the best one I've ever had. The French dip was mediocre at best.
(4)Karen C.
Came for Sunday brunch while we waited for the Newbury St. stores to open and was pleasantly surprised. There were a few things on the menu I had never seen - prime rib hash and filet mignon benedict. How do you choose? Eventually I went with prime rib has which turned out to be delicious and I got my hollandaise fix because it came with two poached eggs/hollandaise. Side of fruit was a little sad - just dry canteloupe and grapes but other than that I really can't complain. Waiter was friendly, bloody mary hit the spot, and prices were reasonable. Very good people watching on Newbury if you can snag one of the tables close to the open sides.
(4)Jay S.
Ate lunch here yesterday with three coworkers. We got a nice seat in the downstairs area. The service was ok. One of my coworkers ordered the veggie burger or turkey burger and she felt like it was not cooked but a frozen puck heated up. I ordered the Asian chicken salad which should not be called a salad due to the amount of dressing the salad is drenched in. I just ate the chicken. My other two coworkers ordered the burger and clam chowder of which they enjoyed.
(2)Jaime G.
Was greeted right as we walked in and given a great table by the front. Had an awesome server named Joey that was attentive and met us soon after we sat down. He offered us beverages and came back quickly. Offered us specialty beer and knew about the specials of the day. Very sociable and suggested the buffalo chicken with the Mac n cheese that we were going to order. The Mac n cheese was phenomenal and will absolutely get it again. Overall the service by Joey was great and food was just what was needed! Will definitely come back again. Jaime G
(5)Jason W.
Visited here recently with some peers from a conference I was attending. Had the prime rib w/ baked potato. The beef was seasoned well, but slightly dry (the au jus was just poured all over). They didn't specify the size, but I would guess it was around 16 oz - pretty good sized. Price was pretty reasonable too (compared to a lot of other places on Newbury St). The baked potato was just a bare potato. I just sliced it up and used it to soak up the au jus. The patio was packed when we got there, so we dined inside. It was nice, but I would have preferred to be outside (we got there fairly late, were hungry, and didn't want to wait). Staff and service were both excellent.
(4)Emann B.
Should not have picked such a bustling tourist trap, but one of my mates wanted a Caeser salad and this seemed to fit the bill. Service was OK (umm...how does one forget to bring bread?). We all had salads (Cobb and tuna) which were fine, but we could have done without the fruit flies buzzing about.
(2)Hannah H.
Ate at Joe's last night with my cousin who was in from out of town for one evening. We had been walking around for about 45-50 minutes just trying to decide on a place to go. We decided to check this place out, and I'm glad we did. We were greeted at the door by the hostess and the head chef. We asked to see a menu, and the chef informed us that everything is made from scratch and we won't be let down. So we stayed. And we weren't. We sat at a table right next to the front window. Our waitress was a super friendly girl who had obviously rehearsed the specials, as she sold the fresh swordfish very well. Unfortunately, I wasn't in the mood for fish. I get a Reuben sandwich with sweet potato fries, my cousin got the blackened chicken pasta with a Caesar salad, and the waitress brought us bread to start with, which was delicious. It was warm and the edges were perfectly crispy. Love a good warm bread. The food came out so fast, but not too fast that we were overwhelmed with what was in front of us. My sandwich was one of the best Reuben's I've had in a while. The meat was thinly sliced, which I love. Otherwise, it can get too chewy and I hate that. The fries were good. Not overdone, which I find a lot with sweet potato fries (I think because they're thinner than your average fry). My cousin said his pasta was really good. I tried it, but don't remember what it tasted like enough to write about it. So like I said, my cousin was just in for the night, all the way from Colorado, so we had a lot of catching up to do. Our waitress didn't bother us and knew when to refill our drinks, and didn't make us feel rushed to leave (which, as a former waitress--I HATE). Overall, it was a lovely experience. Not to mention the very reasonable prices for downtown Boston! Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for something that's not too fancy and overdone downtown.
(4)Marina B.
First -Joes changed their menu that made them who they are-removing some great appetizers and entrees. Second the portions have been cut by at least 1/3. The food was God awful- chicken piccata was so thin it had no flavor. Lobster Roll was 70 lettuce and 30 % meat. This place is going downhill fast. If you want value- get a hot dog- it would be tastier!
(1)Kyndall W.
Great spot for brunch especially when it's nice out. The crab cake benedict was outstanding. The traditional breakfast is average. The bread is fantastic. Skip the Bloody Mary and go for the mimosa.
(4)Karen M.
This was the best clam chowder and bread we had all over Boston. My family and I kept comparing every meal we had to Joe's and they won hands down! The bread was warm with a crisp outer layer and soft delicious middle. The clam chowder was of the perfect consistency and flavor. This is a must when visiting Boston. Bonus - they had a great kids menu.
(5)Jess B.
My Boyfriend and I currently live in the Back Bay and Joes has always been our go-to bar/restaurant. Whether we are entertaining our parents from out of town or just want to relax with apps and drinks the atmosphere here is perfect for any occasion. The bartenders are always super friendly and having the open air bar in the summer/ spring is definitely worth stopping in for. Artichoke Dip and the Roasted Chicken are my recommendations.
(5)Kristina K.
Fun environment, perfect for people watching - clam chowder and lobster Mac and cheese are amazing!
(5)Robert H.
We were walking on Newbury street trying to find a restaurant for dinner. We stopped at Stephanie's - but their menu was quite expensive. So, we went across the street to Joe's. The menu says "Real Food, Made from Scratch". Okay, we will try this! The wait was 30 minutes, and it was an accurate wait time. Just about exactly 30 mins later, our buzzer went off, and we were sat at a table. The server approached, and she was great! We ordered the macaroni and cheese entree as an appetizer to share at the table. It was great!!! I would definitely get it again. One person at our table got the WBS (Wicked Big Sandwich). It was great. It's a huge sandwich that has pastrami, provolone, French fries, coleslaw, and brown mustard all on Texas toast. It was great!!! Another got the Prime Rib - and also said it was great! I had French onion soup, a side of coleslaw and a loaded baked potato. Everything was delicious. I would definitely go back to Joe's. Service and food were great. Prices were reasonable!
(4)Jennifer A.
Went here last night after trying to find good food off the bar scene of the pour house and pretty much every scene on this street. For starters, first get there it's raining and they have there windows up which means all the tables and floors next to the windows were soaked. As we were standing there next to the we table waiting to be seated a black bind fold was sitting on the chair unaccompanied and I picked it up to hand it to the waitress and a tall slender blond hair lady snatched it out of my hand as if I was stealing it and after explaining to her not to leave these around because they can get stole she gave me the dumb act of she was cleaning ( mind u nobody had still helped up) after getting seated by another blond hair lady ( different from the long haired one prior) she was helpful the first few mins but then disappeared almost the entire time. Finally we flagged down the bald waiter and he ended up helping us the entire time. In the mean time the blond hair waitress before was giving us dirty looks or wouldn't acknowledge us. Very disappointed considering the size of my check. The food was ok, nothing amazing. The drinks were ok at best. Will not be back
(1)Bo L.
I tried Joe's Bar & Grill at the waterfront before and really enjoyed the experience, unfortunately I can't say the same about their restaurant on Newbury street. The lady at the front was not very nice when I accidentally blocked the reception area when waiting for a table. While you can handle it with a simple reminder or a small joke, why go full force and drive the customers away?
(1)Daniel F.
Terrible! Food service and atmosphere. Don't come here for any of those... Hostess made us wait 15 minutes for practically an empty indoor dining room... Then once we got our bland overpriced food, there was a hair on the plate. Both servers seemed to not really care much about it. They replaced the plate but still charged us for it! Terrible experience all around.
(1)Michelle D.
Party of eight and no complaints. Food was perfect, the waiter was attentive and knowledgable. Never rushed. Thank you for a delightfull evening.
(5)Christine J.
When I visited Boston last spring I stopped in here while doing some shopping in the area. It was around brunch time so it was really packed but we were seated quickly. My bf ordered breakfast and since I'm not a breakfast gal, I ordered a french dipped sandwich which I'm still thinking about! Their Bloody Mary was also very good.
(4)Jackie C.
I love this brunch place! My fiancee brought me here when I was visiting several months ago when he first moved and it is now our go to place for brunch on Sundays! He gets the farmer's market omelette and I usually order the french toast or make your own omelette. The french toast is one of my favorites! If you are a french toast fan, definitely try them! The brunch menu also comes with a selection of drinks that are complimentary so don't forget about those! The screw drivers are really strong so be sure to mix them up before you try them otherwise you will find all the vodka on the bottom. Every server we have ever had there was so friendly and attentive!
(5)Katie C.
I was in the Back Bay and unbeknownst to me, it was Pride weekend and there was a parade down Boylston Street. I was craving some sliders from Dillons, but I was on Newbury Street and I could see open seats at the bar at Joe's so... Joe's it was. Sure, it is definitely one of the places where you find a lot of people there hoping "to be seen" and I felt like the most underdressed person in the area even though I had on a pair of jeans and a cute knit top. Anyway, I found a seat at the bar and I was quickly served. During the summer, they offer a lot of patio/semi-outdoorsy dining and if you can't find a space at the bar, there is a downstairs bar as well. It's probably not as trendy as the upstairs one, but it will work. I had a blackened caesar chicken salad. It came out in less than five minutes than I ordered. So either it was sloppy seconds or the kitchen was operating at breakneck efficiency. I'll go with the former. The bartenders were friendly and worked well as a team. Is it me or are the portion sizes getting smaller and smaller every time I visit? So why not 4 stars? There needs to be, there has to be, a better seating policy. The front door and foyer is extremely small and the hostesses ran the hostess stand like a prison. No one got past them without getting interrogated. In doing so, there are a lot of people in the foyer and front area and it is hard to get in and out if you know exactly where you're going.
(3)N N.
Tried out this place because all the other restaurants nearby had too long of a wait time. This place is just okay. Food is decent, nothing special. There's a nice bar area and the restaurant is generally pretty big but nothing special. I probably wouldn't come back.
(2)Gerardo F.
I've been to this place a couple of times. What do I make of it? It's actually a really decent restaurant. It is one of the cheaper one's in Boston (and as far as I know the cheapest on Newbury Street), but don't let the cheaper price tag fool you, as the food and service are pretty good. Even if it is often packed, especially on Friday nights and throughout the summer, the service is usually great. Waiters are usually friendly and efficient, though I have seen some that just stand around and do nothing. Food wise, the name says it all: this is pure American cuisine, with hamburgers and steaks galore. As much as it looks good, the food does tend to be ok at best. I've had several of their steaks. They're far from bad, but they aren't great either. However, one thing that definitely makes Joe's Grill stand out among nearly every restaurant in Boston is the bread they offer. I don't know how they make it, but the bread there is quite possibly the best one I've had in the US. It's fluffy, breaks easily, and its taste is wonderful. Also, I've tried their brunch meals. Also pretty darn good. So overall, I like that place, but the food could be better.
(4)Alden G.
Had a great meal here last week (July 2010). Come early and you may be seated by the sidewalk outside, where the people watching is great. Very energetic atmosphere. Tried some excellent wine, including 2007 Landmark Chardonnay, which was top notch, and the very good Caymus Cabernet. Steak tips were excellent!
(3)Stephanie H.
Went in for an early dinner so there was no wait. Friendly waitress. Interior is on the fancy side but nothing amazing about it. Like the newbury location. Drinks were good. Food: + Filet was delicious. I'm always worried that restaurants will overcook medium rare orders but it was nicely cooked. + Mashed potatoes side was good. + Bbq Ribs appetizer pretty good, but for those who have had Woodranch (CA), their ribs are definitely better. I'd say its overall a nice place and date spot, on the pricey side, good food, but nothing to rave about. I'm glad I went but I probably won't return.
(3)LeiSs A.
Excellent food, excellent service. The bf and I had two different steaks and they were both delicious!! So were the sides (onion rings, mashed potatoes, and sweet potato fries) we ordered along with it.
(5)Eli B.
This place was great. Not super expensive, but you are paying to get the good stuff. A great selection, from burgers to lobster. Everything my friends and I had was delicious. Service was a little slow, but it's a big place, and when I was there, there were about 8 of us in our group. Recommended for most occasions.
(4)George A.
I love Joe's! Best barenders in the city. The room is beautiful but comfortable. The place is spotless. The food is delicious and reasonable, I love the tuna, buffalo Chicken and of course, the bread bowl clam chowder!! Join the loyalty program. You get $25 gift checks all the time!!! Joe's is the BEST!!
(5)Anastasia R.
They give you a free cocktail with brunch! I always get the Hanger Steak Hash, because omfg it is the best thing you can put in your mouth before noon with few exceptions... I heart ( o )( o )
(5)J P.
From looking at other reviews, apparently we were somewhat fortunate to have a good experience. Stopped on a weekday for lunch around 1:30. Seated after just a 5 minute wait. The service was prompt and our server was friendly and attentive. I had a burger and she got chowder and a salad. Nothing wrong with any of it. The burger was cooked right and the bun held up strong to the end. She liked the chowder and the salad was fresh. It looked a little on the small side to me but she was satisfied with it. Nice decor, clean, extensive menu.
(4)Dana L.
quick service. good bread. average food (not bad but not necessarily amazing) my friend and i had the shrimp cocktail, calamari, steak and chicken primavera...all were only okay.
(3)Kathleen F.
Ok...so I know this is supposed to be 'american food' which I guess is supposed to be boring to begin with? But the menu is SO BORRRINNNGG! This is the one place where I can just stare at the menu of overpriced bland gross food and have no cravings for anything? Even the burgers are kind of dry and gross. I guess it's supposed to cater to tourists though, so maybe it serves its purpose. And cheeseburger pizza? No thanks!! The one highlight--the drinks! The backbay sangria and the blueberry mojito are to die for! I would suggest going there for drinks, but that is about it!
(3)Wendy K.
I am not sure that the upstairs/downstairs seating option is still available, as Joe's has changed locations since I was last there. Just thought you should know! I'll write a real update when I go there next :)
(4)Sami W.
I came here on a Saturday for lunch with some friends. It took more than 45 minutes to get our food. I ordered the Club Sandwich, it was good, but I have had better.
(2)Fortress A.
Went there for brunch, had some sort of hash with some sort of meat. Flavor was bland, Most of the meat was not chewable. My friend had 3 pieces of pancakes with a single strawberry on the side, and thought it was extremely underwhelming. Not sure why would we ever venture there again, maybe for people watching i guess.
(2)Omer N.
One thing you are sure when entering this place is consistency. You are pretty much prepped what you are going to order - in fact you have been craving it for the last couple of weeks. Joe's is not an upscale (higher-end) restaurant; at least not in terms of it's set-up nor menu neither price. It's your typical steakhouse (in fact cheaper than some others like Stockyard) just conviniently located on Newbury St. I would recommend filet mignon (comes with a really tasty mushroom sauce) or NY Strip.
(4)Dipak S.
Food - Loved the crab cake Benedict. Fruits were fresh. The sausage omelette by cousin ordered looked very appetizing. Chocolate chip pancakes was good but is surely an order for the table. Ambience - The outside seating was good. But gets super crowded during summers. Unfortunately we had to settle down for the dining booth. The interiors was well done. Service - Great service. Very patient folks and have lp you out with all your queries. Cost - ~25$ per person with drinks. Finally champagne to celebrate my graduation was an icing on the cake.
(4)Meghan C.
Great place on Newbury street! They have an added elegance to a sports bar attitude :)
(5)Jean R.
If you're looking for quality all American food, Joe's is the place to go. I am new to Boston, so I enjoy exploring the wide variety of restaurants in the area. I wasn't too sure about going inside due to the large quantity of people... I was starving and didn't want to wait but surprisingly I was seated immediately. The waiter quickly took our drink orders while we looked at the menu. I tried the onion soup for starters and it was AMAZING! I then had a classic burger with sweet potato fries which were also quite delicious. The fries could have been fried a bit longer in order to achieve a crunchier texture but they were decent. I was pleased with the service and very happy that the food was delivered so quickly. I wish the servers wore name tags! He was truly great.
(5)David C.
Always a good stop when shopping along Newbury. Classic american cuisine options. Can get a bit crowded, but the bar often has seats. Wendy was working the bar the last time I went there with a couple of friends. Very friendly. Let me order the now off the menu au poivre burger (always good). Swapped out some less-than-stellar fries quickly for my friends. Was on top of new drinks. But most importantly she was super friendly and engaging. She made our lunch more fun. With so many options on Newbury Street, it's nice to find a person that seemed to care if we had a good time.
(4)John B.
Only had the Caesar which was good not great. Honestly the bread blew me away! Nice spot for lunch and a beer. 3 stars because 4 stars are for places above average. 5 is too good!
(3)Gabriela S.
This place is alright. Went here for brunch on New Years. I like that there is a lot of room, the staff is friendly, but why would you charge $15 for sub par Mac n cheese. And the house salad I got wih steak came in a tiny bowl with mostly iceberg lettuce. That was another $15. Maybe I should have stuck to breakfast food. But ugh, I hate paying for overpriced food I could have made at home or gotten premade at the grocery store. Wegman's anybody? Prob will not be going back. Booooring.
(3)Dillon S.
While there are many restaurants to choose from on Newbury street (and in Back Bay in general), Joe's consistently provides some of the best service, particularly at the bar. The food, while nothing fancy, is consistent and affordable - but Christiano and Luke go above and beyond to provide excellent service to all bar patrons. They make Joe's feel less like a chain and more like a neighborhood bar with a solid cocktail program and good beer selection. Come and hang out with him at the bar once and he'll remember your name and drink preferences on all future visits!
(5)Paisley P.
Had a great experience here when I brought friends over for brunch. The view of Newbury has good people watching. The service was fast. The waiters were great. The food was awesome. No complaints! Will be back!
(5)Bramfy B.
Breaky sando for brunch. Damn this thing was good. Comes on a J bun that's fluffy. I switched American out for cheddar. Side sausage. Solid bloody - add some hot sauce. Hey guys Buddy of mine got a sneak attack of mayo on his sando. Given his mayo phobia this cracked me up.
(4)Ashley K.
Really god bread and fries but the steak on salads was so plain and dry, chicken club is much better or grilled chicken on a ceaser salad was delicious , just disappointed with the steak.
(3)Natalie V.
Joe's had an amazing staff to start. It's located on Newbury which is a fantastic location as it is. They had the best clam chowder and lobster roll ever! Ever!! We knew we had to try both of those dishes being in Boston and we did try them at other places and agreed that Joe's had the best. We had a great experience here.
(5)Kate B.
WHY?? Why does this place survive? First of all, the "thugs" at the door were rude. And we had to wait for a table for weekday lunch even though there were plenty of open tables. Does that mean they don't have enough waitstaff on duty? Then the service was bad and the food was mediocre at best. Really bad.
(1)K G.
If not for the location, I would never have gone here, and I will likely never go again. Food is mediocre. The burger I ordered was not cooked as requested. Fries were not crispy. Service is also mediocre and lacking in attention. Food and service just like a chain...
(2)Leigh Ann C.
Really enjoyed my dinner here last night. I ordered the French dip sandwich and it was amazing! The homemade ginger ale was very delicious and refreshing. We had an excellent seat in the front and we could enjoy the beautiful weather and people watch. We're from out of town and when we come back we will definitely be visiting Joe's again.
(5)Desaree J.
Went to Boston for a conference and ate at American Joes Bar and Grill located at 181 Newbury St. The food and service was spectacular!!! We went three days in a row because of the wonderful food. We had the salmon burger, fish burger, ribs, spinach dip, calamari, and crab cake. The cheese cake is made fresh daily and is also a must have. The chef is Matthew Wool, the wait staff James and Jeff were the best. We also spoke with Carol Spiros, the general manger to let know about our great experience. The atmosphere is great with indoor and outdoor seating. A must do when in Boston.
(5)Kristen S.
Last night was my 10th wedding anniversary. We decided On Joe's after shopping on newbury St. From beginning to to end our service was exceptional. James was our waiter and he was very knowledgeable of the menu and provided 5 star service . Every that passed our table acknowledged our anniversary. They bought complimentary champagne. The food was so good, I have salmon and my husband had the jambalaya. We can't wait to go back and visit our new FaV spot.
(5)Stephanie L.
Joe's bar counter is the perfect place to find a seat and grab a meal if you're in town by yourself. I found the bartenders and other patrons to be super friendly (great indicator of the place!) and the food and drink service fast. The burger was perfectly prepared, and the beer cold and refreshing. Nothing mind blowing, but a solid meal delivery. With a large wall of floor to ceiling windows that are open on a nice day to Newbury St, you can't beat the location and corner bar ambiance.
(4)Jen R.
I have always had great meals at Joe's. I always expect good meals and get great meals. It is very kid friendly. It us more upscale than Fridays or even Charlies. The waitstaff are not unfriendly but seem to be in an rush at times. I recommend the chopped salad and the roast beef sandiwch. Overall, a pleasant eating experience.
(4)Karen V.
I went here for drinks recently with some friends. The bartenders were rude & unprofessional, in fact they behaved like complete idiots. Never again
(1)Dave C.
I hadn't been to Joe's on Newbury St in their new location ( former home of Friday's). Went there for Sunday brunch before the Pops Holiday concert. The wait staff handled our GLUTEN FREE needs extremely well and with familiarity and confidence. We were all very satisfied with what we ordered. My daughter ordered a GF grilled cheese, my son had a GF pizza and my wife had a grilled chicken salad. I had the prime rib hash with poached eggs and home fries. All very good. I will definitely go back.
(4)Lu W.
We had a Margarita pizza and Joe's chopped salad. The pizza was rather unimpressive, and there was too much dressing on the salad. As far as food goes I'd rate it a three star. Then I thought for a Boston bar they could have had a larger and better beer selection, and for the price, the food really could be better. At least I had a fun date. Next time I'll find somewhere else though. Thanks and sorry Ol' Joe.
(2)Rocco R.
My family and I went to Joes on Newbury for Mother's Day a few weeks ago. We loved the different sangrias offered and tried the chicken nachos, buff chix wrap and crab cakes. The food was average but we received excellent service from James, our waiter. Great location and we did not wait long for a table, we will most likely be back.
(4)Janie-lynn D.
This place is always busy and there's a reason for it, great food and great seating. The bread always comes out light fluffy and hot, sangria is excellent with perfect amount of wine and fruit. Spinach and artichoke dip always comes out perfect with hot bubbly cheese on top. Anything we've tried from burgers to steak to Mac and cheese has been great. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Hillary w.
I'd still go back for drinks or dinner but not brunch. Brunch was a deal because they had muffins and a beverage included. They got rid of the muffins awhile ago and recently started serving bread but the beverage is no longer included (even though it is still noted on their online menu). There are a lot of restaurants that offer brunch in the area and I feel that their menu and food items are pretty standard. They don't set themselves apart anymore.
(3)Michael R.
Good food... and the service is even better... Sam, the manager was wonderful, and our waiter, Ethan was great also... love the French Onion Soup (came here 3 nights in a row... is that sad?). When its warm, great to sit on the street side and people watch. Nicely stocked bar.
(4)Lisa M.
Went to Joe's on Sunday night 8/10/2014 for dinner with a couple friends and had to wait because the hostess didn't know where to seat us or what tables were clean. Once we got seated everything was great. Our servers name was Marco and he had great customer service. He was awesome, he brought out our food on time, and was very attentive to us through out the night. I will definitely be asking for him next time I go to dine there. The food was also very good.
(4)Karen C.
Came for Sunday brunch while we waited for the Newbury St. stores to open and was pleasantly surprised. There were a few things on the menu I had never seen - prime rib hash and filet mignon benedict. How do you choose? Eventually I went with prime rib has which turned out to be delicious and I got my hollandaise fix because it came with two poached eggs/hollandaise. Side of fruit was a little sad - just dry canteloupe and grapes but other than that I really can't complain. Waiter was friendly, bloody mary hit the spot, and prices were reasonable. Very good people watching on Newbury if you can snag one of the tables close to the open sides.
(4)Kyndall W.
Great spot for brunch especially when it's nice out. The crab cake benedict was outstanding. The traditional breakfast is average. The bread is fantastic. Skip the Bloody Mary and go for the mimosa.
(4)Karen M.
This was the best clam chowder and bread we had all over Boston. My family and I kept comparing every meal we had to Joe's and they won hands down! The bread was warm with a crisp outer layer and soft delicious middle. The clam chowder was of the perfect consistency and flavor. This is a must when visiting Boston. Bonus - they had a great kids menu.
(5)Jess B.
My Boyfriend and I currently live in the Back Bay and Joes has always been our go-to bar/restaurant. Whether we are entertaining our parents from out of town or just want to relax with apps and drinks the atmosphere here is perfect for any occasion. The bartenders are always super friendly and having the open air bar in the summer/ spring is definitely worth stopping in for. Artichoke Dip and the Roasted Chicken are my recommendations.
(5)Emily W.
By far one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. We were visiting Boston and walked by this place and thought we would check it out. I had the Mac and cheese and it was phenomenal! They were also VERY accommodating with changes to the food as I am vegetarian and my sister is Vegan. Our waiter was absolutely amazing! He was so helpful and so nice. The atmosphere, food, staff, everything was lovely. Highly highly recommend this restaurant!!! PS: they're appetizer bread is to die for. Doughy and warm on the inside and perfectly crusted on the outside, I've never had anything like it.
(5)Christine J.
When I visited Boston last spring I stopped in here while doing some shopping in the area. It was around brunch time so it was really packed but we were seated quickly. My bf ordered breakfast and since I'm not a breakfast gal, I ordered a french dipped sandwich which I'm still thinking about! Their Bloody Mary was also very good.
(4)Lyndsey C.
On a nice day, windows open onto Newbury st., this place is great. Beautiful light flows in and the windows/walls are open in the front. Great service, nice selection. We had the special grilled cheese, sweet potato fries, nachos, and drinks... All very good. (We were here for a late lunch/ late afternoon drinks) Great location and atmosphere.
(4)Bryan H.
They made us wait over an hour for our food, it was cold, and the waiter was extremely rude to our large group. My friend and I were practically chastised for asking for a modification to our breakfast so that it could be gluten free. One latte came a good 40 min after ordering it. It's too bad because I've had mediocre service from them in the past. But I'm afraid I will never go there again.
(1)Emily T.
No wait, so we're in! Hubby got the Joe's Mac & Cheese. I foolishly got some sort of salad with chicken and apples. I could have sworn the menu said it had walnuts, but there weren't any walnuts. The salad was definitely sub-TGIF quality, by a long shot. I think they should take it off of their menu. Seriously. Eww. However, hubby's Mac & Cheese was quite yummy. So, minus two stars for a yucky salad, but this would have been a 4-star review if I had just ordered the Mac & Cheese. :)
(3)R ALopo C.
Stopped by the other day to check it out with a friend. It was packed, yet the service was still excellent, but the food could've been a little better. My friend got the Blackened Chicken Pasta ( which he absolutely loved)and I got the Mushroom Provolone burger ( the cheese/mushroom combo was delicious, but the burger was a bit bland in taste.. and the fries didnt taste fresh). DO ask for bread with butter though.. it's the best!! I'll definitely stop by to give it another shot or order delivery through diningin.com
(3)Ellie W.
Joe's is a bit like watching a Baywatch lifeguard sprinting down the beach--you gaze in fascination. Then, they stop to converse with you, and you suddenly realize they can only speak in 5 word sentences, and 3 of those words are "like". This restaurant is a lot more appealing from the outside. Though service is friendly and efficient, the food is an indifferent "meh" at best. The food wasn't bad, but I didn't like anything enough to return.
(3)Will F S.
This isn't the restaurant I'd take a date to, or even really frequent as a Boston resident. However, browsing the shops on Newbury Street is a favorite past-time for tourists and this restaurant caters perfectly to that. What better way to eat lunch on Newbury than sitting outside on a gorgeous day, watching the hordes of tourists walk by, and mow down a good burger or a lobster roll? Nothing to write home about, but with decent food and decent prices right in the middle of one of Boston's most famous streets, this is the perfect lunch-stop for when mom and dad are in town.
(4)Veronica M.
The service was great. The food was delicious. They have great burgers and salads. We will definitely dine here again.
(5)Kyle M.
So, I wanted to go somewhere with my five friends for my 21st B-day. After wracking my brain for days, someone suggested Joe's (I came to find out she had an alterior motive, but more on that later). We were seated in about 10 minutes, which was surprising since the restaurant was pretty busy, and we had such a large party. Actually, now that I think of it, a lot of the tables were accomodating parties of 5+ people. I guess this is the place to go with a bunch of your peeps. Anyways, I let the server know it was my 21st, and he couldn't have been happier. I ordered the Metropolitan and he came back with an extra drink which was "on the house." He wouldn't tell me what was in the second drink (I called it my "roofie colada") but both were good. The food was pretty good too. The friend who suggested the place ordered the Asian Chicken Salad (she wanted one bad, so that's why she suggested Joe's), I got the Blackened Chicken Pasta (good, but not GREAT), and one of my other friends got a honey mustard chicken salad that had noodles on it too (he said it was DANK). At the end of the dinner, I was surprised by a piece of decadent chocolate cake, which was also "on the house." Yummers. All in all, great service, good food, and I didn't have to pay. Thanks Joe's.
(4)Megan M.
I ate here several times while living in the Back Bay Area & I must say I am a fan. I think I ordered the same thing every time but one, so I can't offer an opinion on everything, but the Turkey Burger here is super good! Polish it off with sweet potato fries & a draft beer & you're good to go! The only drawback is the atmosphere...it feels like you are crammed in like a pack of sardines & there is always a wait...even when you're picking up a take out order that you called in 30 minutes before.
(4)Lauren P.
Similar story as with most Newbury brunch establishments. Average at best but location trumps all and rewards these places with heavy traffic. Most regular brunch offerings are executed well but huge +1 for service. Our server was funny, attentive to our rather large group and ready with suggestions.
(3)Kunal M.
One of the major reasons I started yelping was to inform people of places to see and be seen...so far I think I am doing a decent job at it. ALTHOUGH Joe's would technically be considered a place to see and be seen on Newbury I would recommend not coming here! Put it this way- If you could test drive any car on a street, why would you pick the worst one? I would even go to the bar fight haven on Newbury- also known as Daisy Buchanans before I come back to Joe's.
(2)Julie D.
We stopped by on a recent Sunday morning. The outdoor patio was packed, so we had to wait for a table. They handed us a pager, so we were free to wander the streets. Service was fairly quick and efficient. Although we would not have minded if it were not, because this is a prime place for some people watching. BJ got a shrimp cocktail and a clam chowder in a bread bowl. He really liked and it thought it was exceptional. I opted for a yummy mimosa to go with my french toast. I was excited about the challah bread but it turned out to be pretty much average. We would visit again the next time we are in the area.
(4)Rafael R.
I knew better, but while looking for a quick bite for lunch and limited on time with a group of co-workers in tow, Joe's was exactly what I expected, ho-hum food, nothing special, although the patio people watching on Newbury Street was a plus.
(2)Paul O.
Not a bad restaurant....nice atmosphere but not very good food. It's just somewhere to eat and that's it
(3)Fred E.
Came for a great Bloody Mary and cup of chowder on Sunday before heading to Fenway. Met Christiano at the downstairs bar. What a great bartender. Wonderful service. We can't wait to come back.
(5)Brittany P.
Great location right on the edge of the harbor with plenty of outdoor seating. Good service and great food. Started with the nachos (amazing!) and fish tacos. I had Joe's macaroni & cheese as an entree which was delicious. Tends to be very busy due to location during the summer so reservations are recommended!
(4)Annie N.
I went to Joe's on a Friday night with my friend after a long work week. We were more than ready to unwind and Joe's did not disappoint! We had Michelle as our server and have to say that she was SUPERB. Vey attentive, extremely friendly, and kept us enjoying ourselves the whole evening. If we ever go back (which I'm sure we will!) we would definitely make it a point to request her. Between the two of us, my friend and I ordered wings, burgers, and several delicious drinks. The food was cooked well and the downstairs level of the restaurant was the ideal cozy atmosphere for a cold winter night in Boston. Keep on keeping on, Joe's!
(5)Altita M.
I was there at a dinner last week!! the food and the server was the best!! Maritza Ayala the server was very attentive. The food has. Very good taste.
(5)Monica C.
Nice spot on Newberry. Highly recommend getting a burger as they are delicious (even the turkey burger) and the fries were great too. Vegetable risotto was OK, not too flavorful, and the Mac and cheese was not too cheesy/dry so I wouldn't recommend getting that but everything else was delicious so still gets 5 stars! The brownie dessert was also a highlight :) and service was great too, great atmosphere as well
(5)Jim B.
We had a terrific time in the outdoor seating area. Food was great and service by Greg was fantastic. Highly recommend this place. Jim- santa Barbara, CA
(4)Mollie W.
We went to Joe's for lunch after getting into town and we were starving. Bloody Mary's were not my favorite. Service was good. The buffalo chicken wrap is the best one I've ever had. The French dip was mediocre at best.
(4)Khan A.
Best calamari I've ever try. Rally great atmosphere and great service. My friend got fish and ships and it was good. Fish was really fresh and it was perfectly cooked. But my dish was even better. Two pieces of great roasted chicken served with natural jus and mashed potatoes. I really enjoy my meal. Great place to have a dinner.deffinatelly worth it 20 min wait on Friday night.
(5)Vin F.
Good solid Boston bar (we only drank here). Try the bar downstairs which is old dark wood, black and white pictures of Red Sox from bygone days, and attentive and efficient Boston bartenders. Just a great low key atmosphere to talk, watch a game, relax.
(4)Holly Marie C.
A very traditionally American restaurant with a decent menu to offer for breakfast and lunch. The service was nice and the food was okay. I had the veggie burger (dry, needed a whole jar of mayo but tasted fine with the sauce), and the sweet potato fries (generic, every day find).
(3)Jennifer B.
The three of us sat at the bar and were waited on hand and foot by Josh. We enjoyed hours of the best service anywhere. We would travel back from CT to get that kind of royal treatment again. Is he still working Sunday brunch?
(4)Alisa T.
I've been to Joe's a few times now, and it is nothing more than just average. Their service has always been great, but the food and cocktails definitely leave something to be desired. My turkey burger was dry and lacking flavor, and my bloody mary just tasted like shrimp cocktail sauce. I would recommend getting the lobster roll though.
(3)Jieyuan W.
Very average brunch.
(3)David B.
The food here is wonderful, especially the Mac & Cheese. Drinks are definitely above average. But the best thing about Joe's is Vickie. She is by far the best server I've had. She has strong charisma, is very personable, and is the reason we came back twice in one week. Amazing service!
(5)Albert L.
Awesome Ambiance, Music, Food and Service. Lively atmosphere and reasonable pricing ....even for Boston. The Chicken Cesar Salad was on point, Spinach & Artichoke Dip was FABULOUS, and the Sweet Potato Fries were out of this world! I will certainly be returning soon! Shouts to our fantastic and friendly waitress Maritza! She was so wonderful and accommodating! Our late night dinner here was just what we were looking for! Hope to see you again!
(5)Jaime G.
Was greeted right as we walked in and given a great table by the front. Had an awesome server named Joey that was attentive and met us soon after we sat down. He offered us beverages and came back quickly. Offered us specialty beer and knew about the specials of the day. Very sociable and suggested the buffalo chicken with the Mac n cheese that we were going to order. The Mac n cheese was phenomenal and will absolutely get it again. Overall the service by Joey was great and food was just what was needed! Will definitely come back again. Jaime G
(5)Alexis R.
I work on Newbury St and Joe's is my go to spot. I always order the same thing and most of the staff is very friendly. The Boneless Buffalo wings are my favorite. Joe's is always hoping and during the warm summer months they open the enclosure to expose the street level dining area. It is a go to for locals that like to people watch on their breaks. It is set right in the center of Newbury street, so you never know what you will see. It is reasonably priced for Newbury St and the can accommodate large groups. Locals tip: always ask for the bread.
(5)Carlin T.
Joe's consistently make good burgers and drinks. My new favorite is the bacon Mac and cheese. The staff is always friendly, and the atmosphere is always laid back and welcoming
(5)Pilar B.
Worst meal I've had out in many months. Plates were dirty, medium rare steak arrived raw and cool to touch, salad greens wilted and brown, service friendly but super slow. Never again!
(1)Apeksha R.
This place is situated right on Newbury street and is quiet crowded. We went here for brunch on Saturday and had to wait for a good 40 mins to get a table for 5 (one kid ) . The portions are big for 1 person and small for 2. They have a good number of dishes on their menu and more than 1 veggie dish ( I am a vegetarian - so it does matter ). I ordered for banana chocolate chip pancakes and they taste awesome!! However it had 3 such pancakes stuffed with banana and chocolate of which I could finish just one .for drinks we ordered champagne to toast for my husband's graduation at MIT. Was meeting my cousin after 15 years and this place was great for catching up. A must try if u live in Boston. Next time I want to try the outdoor seating which looked far more interesting ..
(3)Lisa L.
Delicious food! Our server literally knew the entire menu inside out. She was great! I ordered thro Mac n Cheese (homemade with 3cheeses) and lobster. Absolutely perfect!
(5)Marsha S.
Enjoyed beverages only but bartenders were excellent!!! (Chris/Lori) really fantastic service...can't believe Tito's is their house vodka...awesome!!!!
(5)Crissy T.
I was disappointed there was no French toast on the breakfast menu. I asked for two eggs (scrambled w/swiss) and they gave me three eggs with cheddar. The potatoes were good. Do not expect grape jelly for your toast--only strawberry. Yuck lol.
(3)Jovanna O.
Went there last night for dinner. I ordered the fish and chips and the fish was huge! It was absolutely delicious!! The fries were yummy also. Service was great our wait was 35 minutes and that was around the time the hostess said we would be seated. Going to Joes was a great way to end my stay in Boston.
(4)Ming W.
Had the calimari and mussels as appetizers. The calimari was typical - battered and fried and unspectacular - but the mussels were excellent. They were steamed, lightly salted, juicy, and very fresh. For my entree, I had the Prime Rib Challenge - a monstrous 24oz bone-in pan-blackened prime rib with a side of garlic sauteed spinach. The prime rib was juicy and cooked to the correct temperature. The spinach, however, was a decent bit oversalted. Overall, I'm a fan and would come again to thy some of their burgers and hang out at the bar as the ambience is nice.
(4)Jay S.
Ate lunch here yesterday with three coworkers. We got a nice seat in the downstairs area. The service was ok. One of my coworkers ordered the veggie burger or turkey burger and she felt like it was not cooked but a frozen puck heated up. I ordered the Asian chicken salad which should not be called a salad due to the amount of dressing the salad is drenched in. I just ate the chicken. My other two coworkers ordered the burger and clam chowder of which they enjoyed.
(2)Kristina K.
Fun environment, perfect for people watching - clam chowder and lobster Mac and cheese are amazing!
(5)Robert H.
We were walking on Newbury street trying to find a restaurant for dinner. We stopped at Stephanie's - but their menu was quite expensive. So, we went across the street to Joe's. The menu says "Real Food, Made from Scratch". Okay, we will try this! The wait was 30 minutes, and it was an accurate wait time. Just about exactly 30 mins later, our buzzer went off, and we were sat at a table. The server approached, and she was great! We ordered the macaroni and cheese entree as an appetizer to share at the table. It was great!!! I would definitely get it again. One person at our table got the WBS (Wicked Big Sandwich). It was great. It's a huge sandwich that has pastrami, provolone, French fries, coleslaw, and brown mustard all on Texas toast. It was great!!! Another got the Prime Rib - and also said it was great! I had French onion soup, a side of coleslaw and a loaded baked potato. Everything was delicious. I would definitely go back to Joe's. Service and food were great. Prices were reasonable!
(4)Thomas N.
we had been here before and their design, esp the bar seating area, is great, wasn't planning on going there but when we walked past there were a couple of empty seats along the windows so we stayed.....glad we did, i know this is a small chain restaurant but the experience here was great...service was very pleasant and attentive, drinks were very good and reasonably priced by Boston standards, i had the signature burger and it was wonderful, wife had the meat load and it was also great and was dinner for us that evening.....really nice experience!!!
(5)Aclaire H.
Hands down the freshest nachos plate I've ever had. Also a very good French dip sandwich.
(4)Peter W.
Five stars for being open on Christians! Also, their staff is helpful. The setting is comfortable as well. Nice experience and definitely a safe choice if you don't know anywhere else to go.
(5)Justin S.
Do not order Tito's Bloody Mary. Tito is a virgin or a teetotaler. Either way the Bloody Mary is non-alcoholic. Brunch was tasty. The waitress was friendly. When you order coffee be sure to order milk at the same time, they won't being it with otherwise.
(2)Luena L.
Chili "soup" is not really soup, it's more like dry ground meat with cheese in a cup.
(2)Steve M.
Great place to meet friends and have lunch. Service was excellent and the food was very good. It's right in the middle of Newbury St. where shopping is also lots of fun!
(4)Jus J.
Christine C. is a great manager. I'm sad to hear she's no longer at the back bay location. We had a horrible order of scallops. they were scorched. I don't know what happened. I love the food, but this time, it was just messed up. Just a mess. Christine, saved the day. She gave me and my mom our favorite dessert and champagne fore free, and was really personable and adorable. I love this place. Great for people watching. I've been here many, many....many times, and anytime something is wrong, they take care of it.
(4)Emily J.
Came here for dinner on a weekday with a couple friends and there was around a 20 minute wait. New to the Boston area, I didn't know Joe's was a chain because it felt like its own restaurant right on Newbury. The bread basket to start was clearly freshly baked -- I am a huge bread person and these rolls were so warm and fresh. I got the lobster mac and cheese which was ALL kinds of delicious. Cheddar, jack, blue, gruyère, and parmesan cheese -- you could taste all of them melting together beneath the layer of bread crumbs. Looked like a small amount but is sooo filling and creamy. The lobster pieces were juicy and not overwhelming in the already creamy dish. Other friend got the Joe's Beef Burger which she seemed to enjoy, but I don't think it was anything special. Can't speak to the other items on the menu but would return to try! Service was a bit slow because of the busyness, but overall the ambience is great for people watching (if you're seated near the street) and for some good eats after work.
(4)Xander M.
I have to say, my two favorite bartenders in Boston work here. Heather and Christiano. I walk in, they already know what I want to drink and eat. But not only that, they are just great people to chat with. They always make my experience here fantastic! It's because of them that I come here!!!
(5)Ana S.
Joe's is home to one of the best burgers in Boston. It's an unapologetic artery-clogger that comes with a slab of crispy pork belly. It also comes with a guaranteed food coma. I split it with a friend about 3 hours ago and still have no plans to uncurl myself from the fetal position and do anything productive today. Joe's might not be the pinnacle of gourmet cuisine in Boston or even Newbury St, but it has a lot going for it. First, the restaurant is cavernous and so the waits tend to be short even for large groups. The waitstaff is upbeat, speedy, and genuinely excited about what they offer. And if you score a window-side table you now have one of the best vantage points for people watching in the city.
(4)Elizabeth H.
Went for brunch with friends and was content with the bread, a staple. Having seen banana chocolate chip pancakes on the menu, I was excited and decided to deviate from my norm of eggs in the mornings these days. What a dissapoinment. The chips weren't even in and very limited supply and the pancakes had no fluff or favor. Would definitely not come back again if I did not know that the other dishes were superb. Hoping it was a fluke.
(2)Molly P.
Friends and I came into the bar for drinks and was amazed at how rude the servers were to us. The bartender was the worst. He showed no respect to his customers. He talked down to us, never showed interest and had a nasty attitude. I'll never come back.
(1)Greg G.
Bar staff completely rude. Don't waste your time here. If I could give it a negative star I would.
(1)Mo L.
I have been a customer of Joe's for a very long time but it hasn't been until recent that I've decided to write a review and that's because I've met Christiano and Luke. With amazing service and great conversation, these two have a handle on such a busy bar. Christiano has a knack for knowing what I'm in the mood for without even asking and Luke ALWAYS makes me feel welcome and at home the minute I step foot into the establishment - it's like Cheers, everyone knows your name! I work in customer service so I appreciate good service that comes genuine and these two guys are immaculate.
(5)Cindy K.
Personally I think that Joe's has one of the best chowders in the city. It's nice and thick and if you get it in the bread bowl even better. Last time Frank was our bar tender. He was friendly and even remembered our names the first time we went. It was very personable. The over atmosphere of this is great. I love this place in the warmer season when they open their windows and have the area is like a "patio"
(5)Carrianne C.
Ah I'm so in between a 2 and a 3.... it's honestly not great food. The ambiance is pretty standard, but its a great spot for people watching on Newbury St. Not much to say other than that. It's just ehh.
(3)Chris I.
Don't let the location fool you. Located in the heart of Back Bay, Joe's is quite reasonably priced and doesn't really seem to have a "tourist trap" vibe to it. I met a friend there for dinner after work on a Tuesday night and had very little trouble getting a table. We hung out at the bar for a bit and then made our way to a booth for dinner. Service was fast and friendly, and the food was excellent - I had the Joe's Signature Burger, which was terrific. If you're looking for a good meal in Back Bay that won't break the bank, check it out.
(4)Julianne S.
I'm a HUGE fan of this place and I will usually be the first one to suggest Joe's whenever looking for a brunch spot in the Back Bay. It's easy, hassle free, and cheap! I've only come here on the weekends for brunch, so I can't comment on other times of the day. I first came with a big corporate group for brunch and loved that they had a prix fixe menu for us. We had completed a long walk so we were all starving and ready to chow down. The food did not disappoint then, nor did it disappoint when I came back another time with a couple of friends. I highly recommend the buffalo chicken & waffle. Seriously so good.
(4)gwynnie p.
Had breakfast here recently and wouldn't recommend it as a morning place - looks like they open early three days a week. It's hard to find a hot breakfast in the Copley Square area, at least we found it tough. My Eggs Florentine were cold, including the english muffin and the side of potatoes. They did remove the dish from the bill, which was very nice. Can't even remember what my husband had but it was equally unimpressive, with the same cooked the day before and not heated up well potatoes. Later in the day when the kitchen is cranking and people are getting their drink on while shopping on Newbury Street, I imagine that sitting outside is lots of fun in nice weather, so I'd go back for that....
(3)Navie N.
I definitely enjoyed the food here more than I expected to! I thought it would be typical American food - wings, burgers, the normal not-so-grand type, but I was totally wrong! While these menus were still on the item, they had a special touch them! I especially enjoyed the turkey burger with sweet potato fries! It was just done so well and was so tasty! They also offered us a window seat when we requested one! My mom and I also wanted to share the two dishes and they kindly put it on separate plates for us! The minus one star is only because I told them I did not want tomatoes in my burger, but they put them in anyway. If I weren't so repulsed by tomatoes, this place definitely would have received five stars!
(4)Caroline H.
We stopped here after a long day at the Museum of Fine Arts. We were seated by the windows and it was fantastic people watching on Newbury Street! I have to say that the air conditioning felt nice on this 90 plus degree day. This restaurant was busy and had a great menu. I had the fish tacos and they were amazing, and hubby had a burger. We were heading to the Red Sox game after dinner and we were wearing Red Sox tshirts and the waitress told us that we just missed the Red Sox second baseman, Pedroia. Our waitress, although crazy busy, was nice, prompt and came to our table often for refills on water and beer. I definitely recommend this palce!
(4)Nicole J.
Great location on Newbury Street. Have been here a couple of times and less than blown away. It is a decent meal, nothing too unique about it. The staff has always been nice and accommodating, no complaints there. If you are hanging out on Newbury and looking to be where the people are, this is definitely the spot. Drinks and food aren't cheap, however, so bring a fat pocketbook!
(3)Kayla S.
8/13/15 - came here for appetizers and drinks with my bf. it was pretty cool, I ordered buffalo boneless chicken wings and my bf had the chicken club. I was surprised when I received my boneless wings, it was chicken breast chopped up! it was fresh protein (with the exception of the buffalo sauce), and grilled. they were succulent and full of flavor. my boyfriend enjoyed his chicken club. we both had Stella's to drink and a round of water. I think we both enjoyed the atmosphere as it wasn't overly crowded. the service wasn't bad, and can't complain about much.
(4)Brendon B.
I work for Favor, a food delivery service, so I deliver from dozens of restaurants every week. American Joe's is the only place in over a year and 500+ delivery runs that I've actually been fed up with enough to go on Yelp an write a bad review. Rude doesn't even begin to describe their service. When I got the order request from my customer, I was just a block away from Joes so it was easier to just walk in and order. The hostess treated me like I was a bum off the street from the get-go. She didnt offer me anywhere to sit while I was waiting. When I asked, she told me to sit at the bar (even though there were a bunch of open tables). The bartender kept hovering over me and asking me multiple times what I wanted to drink and why I was there. I told her I was waiting for my take out order and showed her my receipt. She proceeded to take my receipt and crumple it up (mind you I need to provide receipts for my customers) After waiting over 30 minutes, I started to wonder what was taking so long. I went back to the entrance to find my order sitting there getting cold with the hostess. I'm amazed they couldnt take 30 seconds of their time to at least let me know my food was ready. Mind you this was almost 11 pm on a week night so it was pretty quiet and the hostress was just standing there chatting with her colleagues. Again, I do delivery runs all the time from all over Boston. Don't get me wrong. I've had way worse problems from other places like poorly packed containers that exploded in my bag or screwed up orders, but Joes really left a sour enough taste in my mouth. Its the atmosphere of arrogance they created
(1)Garen A.
One star only because the waitress was nice. We came in for breakfast. Waited over 30 minutes to get eggs, hash browns, sausage and toast. Everything, yes everything was cold. How do you screw up breakfast this bad. I inhaled my Luke warm eggs and left the rest. I am so unhappy I am writing this review with a cold ass plate of food in front of me (see pic). Never again...avoid for breakfast.
(1)Karn J.
Worst Dining Experience of my entire life, poor management of customers. I had the misfortune on sitting next to two gentlemen who, upon me sitting down started insulting me in a somewhat racist manner as well immediately ( the phrase "dirty indian" was thrown around). I politely asked them to leave if they had a problem with me and they moved a few seats away while still loudly insulting me. I ignored them for the most part and talked to the new customers who had just arrived next to me, they had no problem with me and we were talking over drinks. Then the manager arrives and asks ME to leave. I don't like confrontation so I just took my food and left. needless to say I did not like the customer service or how the situation was handled. The only plus was that they comp'd my meal and drink.
(1)Lizzy P.
Amazing drink list and I recommend the lobster mac. Avoid the chowda it's just meh. Needed salt and pepper just to taste like anything. Good for baby carrier, good service and very friendly. Gorgeous view would love to go there when it's snowing! See pics.
(4)Gabe L.
I went there with my friend after her appointment. My chicken for my salad wasn't cooked all the way. Her buffalo boneless chicken was the same chicken that was on my salad just in hot sauce. Price for the food we got wasn't worth it..
(1)Marie C.
Very torn about this review. This is my third time eating here and each time I leave here with a different opinion. The negatives: - Entrees are hit or miss. All three times I have been here, half of the people I'm with like their meals and half dislike. - Wait was atrocious. We had reservations... and waited 45 mins to be seated! But worse was that the maitre d kept coming over saying that our table was just about ready... after the third time, we didn't know what to do! They did give us 2 free apps, but it didn't make up for a 45 minute wait. The positives: - Apps were great. Love that the spinach-artichoke dip was served with both chips and toasted bread. The calamari was also very tasty and perfectly cooked, the tomato dip was a great addition! - My entree last night was amazing! I had the kale and quinoa salad with grilled chicken which came with raisins, parmesan and nuts... it was a wonderful salad! Highly recommend! - The small loaf of bread for the table was warm and very fresh. Nice supplement to the salad I had! - You can't beat the prices here... for a restaurant on newbury! Very reasonably priced, many many options well under $20. So very hard to decide what to rate this place. Maybe my next visit will do the trick.
(3)Dominique S.
My food was absolutely amazing and the waiter was nice and gave great feedback when I asked about different options on the menu. I had their special for the night which included - BBQ shrimp and sautéed spinach (appetizer) - Seafood platter with salmon, scallops, 1/2 of lobster, and mussels with lobster broth. - Butterscotch pudding with vanilla ice cream I had a food allergy and the chef was more than accommodating to alter the recipe so that I could still order the special. He even brought my meal to me just to ensure me that both my appetizer and meal were dairy free per my request which I thought was extremely nice. I would definitely go back.
(4)Cynthia L.
Take out from NYAJ tonight. Out door seating as well as plenty of parking. Food is always prepped with consistency. Except for the buffalo sauce on the chicken. Sometimes that sauce will melt your lips! Could be ghost peppers? However - I love this place!
(5)Renu G.
Great food. Ribs full rack was awesome. Loved Gimlet drink. Duncan was a great server. Will definitely come back again !!
(4)Noreen A.
Great food and our host, James was very nice and courteous, gave us enough time to decide our orders. It was a ladies night out and we haven't met in a while so go figure! LOL I ordered the crab cake which was excellently made and quite stuffing. I took a side of clam chowder done to perfection. I'd totally recommend this place to others for small group dinners and breakfasts.
(5)Denise F.
3.5 I had Cobb salad, son had chicken sandwich, hub had tuna burger. Sides were sweet potato fries and Mac and cheese. Everything was very tasty. 15 minute wait.
(3)Angela Y.
#NAME?
(4)Nicole B.
Joe's on Newbury has a semi-swank atmosphere and is usually less crowded than their competition directly across the street: Stephanie's on Newbury. Immediately when you walk in is the porch and upper bar, and to get to the main dining room, you go down some stairs and see another large bar, open kitchen and ample seating. The more-formal-than-not atmosphere is betrayed by the food, which includes lots of down home comfort food favorites, including cheesy pastas and (to my delight) fried chicken. I should have known -- being from the South it's hard to find good fried chicken in Boston, and Joe's is another name for the list of places that just should not even try it. The chicken was overcooked and flavorless and the biscuit (if you could call it that) tasted baked from a frozen dough puck of the supermarket brand variety. No bueno. The mashed potatoes were delicious, I must say, as was the gravy smothering them. The portion was huge, and a good value for the price. I went for lunch with coworkers and we experienced very slow, inattentive service, but the waitress was pleasant enough when she was around. I've been once before that experience, and sat at the bar for some sangria and a sampler of tortilla chips and salsa, neither of which blew me away. The service there was great. Overall, the best thing Joe's has going for it is the atmosphere and Newbury St. cred. The food, however, in my experience, is plainly basic. Stick to this place for happy hour only and you'll be ok.
(3)Becky T.
This is a solid 3-star restaurant. If you're expecting an amazing culinary feast, this isn't it. But if you've been walking around Boston for a couple of hours and want to eat at a place w good beer, great atmosphere, and patio seating, this is it! I sat at the upstairs bar and loved the feeling of being IN Boston. The clam chowder was standard, nothing to write home about. I also had the buffalo chicken wrap, which also was fine. The draught beer was a bit pricey at 6.50 a pop, but I think that's just what you get for eating in this area! Again, solid 3 stars, but I'm sure locals probably go elsewhere to get the great food.
(3)Mohammad C.
The food is way to salty for me, and the drinks are completely watered down, and not fresh at all! I got my food before I got my drinks, which is a big NO NO in this Industry.
(1)Lauren P.
Your typical neighborhood bar. We were walking around Boston looking for a place for dinner. The bar was hopping so we knew it should be a good place to try out. They had a large drink menu although not a ton of beers. I went with the Sam Adam's Summer- when in Rome! Lots of options on the menu from appetizers, salads and sandwiches to entrees. I went with a Cobb salad with chicken which came with a lot of fresh toppings including avocado and cheese. My friend got a burger and the steak fries looked so good I had to order a side of them. It was busy for a Thursday and the service was fine. Lots of indoor seating downstairs in the dining room as well as upstairs at the bar.
(3)Keith C.
A few people were in town, so my wife and I came to meet them for brunch a couple weeks ago. All in all, there were five of us. I have gluten issues, so I was looking forward to coming here and having some quality gluten-free food. I was told they even have a dedicated gluten-free fryer so I was excited about that. When we arrived before everyone else, they brought around some normal bread for my wife, and gluten-free bread for myself. Her bread was soft, but just a giant hunk-o-bread, which was odd for the middle of the cold season, when everyone is being ultra-germophobic. The gluten-free bread is really those sandwich rolls, and was quite decent. After everyone arrived, I got a gluten-free burger with sweet-potato fries, and everyone else got eggs or pancakes. My gluten-free burger came out on the sandwich rolls, and was already caking apart before I even touched it. By time I ate half of the burger, it had effectively disintegrated just from me grabbing it, and the burger/ketchup juices. It really made for a horrifically messy meal, combined with that I was afraid to put it down for fear of being unable to pick it back up. I was told that the eggs/pancakes were fine, but no better than any breakfast place near us, but at double the price. The service was good, and for my gluten-free items, they were brought out my a manager, undoubtedly to ensure safety and avoid cross-contamination. All in all, it was A-Ok, as 3 stars signifies, but totally unremarkable.
(3)Adam P.
Came here as a group for brunch before heading to the airport. It was our last day in town and really wanted a good meal before we left. I was very disappointed. The table and atmosphere was fantastic. This place looks and feels like the all-American restaurant, and the menu makes you feel that way too. I did not like much else though. The waiter looked like Adam Levine, and he wasn't really that good. He took a long time to greet us, a long time to get us drinks, and overall just seemed like he didn't do much other than give blank stares. I started with the clam chowder which was fine. Not the best I ever had, but good enough. I then ordered a breakfast sandwich with pork belly egg and cheese. I don't know exactly why this sandwich sucked, but it did. It sounds so easy, and impossible to screw up. It looked and tasted like there was mayo on the sandwich, and I couldn't even finish it. The worst egg sandwich I have ever had, and am still baffled that it wasn't good. It came with potatoes. They looked like they would be good, but pretty much tasted terrible. I couldn't even eat these. Seems like a popular spot, the other reviews are solid, so who knows. But the other guys in my group were underwhelmed as well, so maybe we caught a bad day. But overall, I was very disappointed and was expecting a much higher-end brunch.
(1)Ryan R.
Went here to celebrate a friend's bday on a Friday night. We had made a reservation for 14 ppl so we were seated right away. We started off with their bread (which I actually really enjoyed) and a couple plates of nachos. The nachos were definitely the best dish of the night. For my meal I ordered the reuben with sweet potato fries. The sandwich had decent taste but the meat was bit chewy in my opinion. In addition, the fries were sort of limp and lacked crispiness, but I enjoyed dipping them into their chipotle cream sauce. Overall, this place has a sort of sports bar vibe and the food seems to match that (though prices are a bit high). The service was friendly, but not always attentive to our large party. The venue was able to seat us all comfortably though, and we ended up having a nice night out.
(3)Ryan A.
Came here for dinner last week. Good thing we had a reservation because we were seated right on time despite how many people we're waiting for a table. The space is much bigger than it appears to be when walking by and only being able to see the outdoor seating area. The very large indoor seating area is downstairs and not visible from the street. We were given a booth, which we greatly appreciated and greeted by a very friendly waiter. However, as weird as this sounds, that was my one complaint. The waiter was really nice and attentive but so much so that it got a bit annoying by the end of the meal. It seemed like he came to check on us at least every 5 minutes. Regardless, thats a minor issue is the grand scheme of things. More importantly, the food was awesome. We shared the fajita quesadilla for our appetizer which I highly recommend. It's the perfect size for two people. For my entree I had the ribeye which was definitely a top-10 Bostonian steak in my book.
(5)Lauren T.
This was one of the best brunches that I have ever had. The orange juice was amazing and the bread was delicious. We had such a good meal that we are coming back tomorrow morning with friends! Great service as well- the manager even came over to our table to deliver our food after I told them about my food allergy.
(5)Makalo L.
This is a really good restaurant. We went here for brunch. They have excellent egg Benedict. I suggest u to try it.
(5)Carla D.
My husband and I visited Joe's on a Friday for lunch one winter day. My husband will not stop raving about how delicious the crab cakes were, and how out-of-this-world the tartar sauces served along with them tasted! I ordered a cup of chili, which was fresh & hot and satisfying. Our waiter (Greg) was friendly and attentive. A most enjoyable lunch.
(4)Lucy E.
It's a chain, so right off the bat I'm not thrilled. But it is fairly consistent and it has great views for people watching on Newbury if you get a seat by the windows. The service is good enough, our waiter while friendly mentioned he didn't like Boston (probably not a great thing to say while serving a table of Bostonians). The food was decent. I got a blackened chicken sandwich with sweet potato fries. The chicken was very dry and not very flavorful considering it was blackened. The french fries were good, tasty and hot. The beer was shipyard pumpkinhead, cold and delicious. Will I go back? Probably. Will I learn to love it? Probably not.
(3)Chelsey A.
This review is for their brunch. Get the waffle and the fresh orange juice. The waffle is life changing. See the picture. Came on a Saturday early afternoon and while there was a wait my friend and I were seated quickly, after less than 15 minutes. I'll definitely be back for another waffle!
(5)Danielle S.
We came here for an early lunch before we left the city for home. They have an upstairs and a downstairs - upstairs is more open. It's like sitting outside, only it is covered, so you could sit there if it was raining. We ate downstairs because it was a little cooler. I'm glad we came earlier, because later it definitely filled up! We were greeted by a nice waitress, who promptly took our drink order. They have a little of everything on their menu -I had a hard time deciding! We ordered the nachos for an appetizer - they were probably the best nachos I have ever had. They were smothered with cheese and other toppings. There was the perfect proportion of chips to toppings! I knew I couldn't leave Boston without getting a lobster roll. I was very happy with the taste and presentation. The bread was obviously home made (soft and sweet), and the lobster was perfect. Their sweet potato fries are also delish! I loved the atmosphere, service, food, and variety of things to order. I would definitely come back!
(5)Ngan T.
I've never been here when it wasn't crowded. Although it's not a touristy crowd--actually a lot of locals grabbing a casual lunch or dinner. I've never successfully gotten a table by myself, but all is forgiven. The front staff are always very sweet. Most times they'll walk over to the bar themselves to make sure there's a seat before telling me to walk over. The drinks are generally very watered down, though bartenders are fantastically friendly. I'm not sure what the rest of the staff is like here since my experience has been limited to the bar area. I've tried their mac n cheese. It was a bit too saucy for my tastes, and the portion size (as is with allllll the places on newbury street) was just too small for what you pay for. I overheard the girls next to me send back a salad but shhhhh, you didn't hear it from me. lol anyway, I wouldn't come back here for the food, but rather for the excellent customer service.
(3)Joanna F.
Yes, Joe's American Bar & Grill is a chain and tourist trap on Newbury Street, but it gets the job done. Joe's offers entrees, sandwiches and salads at really reasonable prices for this part of town. And the food is pretty good! One of my favorites is the Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. Grilled or fried chicken over greens with a little angel hair pasta and some crispy wontons thrown in with a delicious honey mustard dressing. The bread to start is absolutely amazing too. This is also a great place to come in the warmer months for a few drinks post work. The windows in the front open up to Newbury Street so it's beautiful. I'm a fan.
(4)Mike L.
Great dinner here! Food was good, service even better! Thanks to Mark for being super accommodating to us and appeasing all our requests! Really appreciate the hostesses seating us in a quiet spot so my Dad could hear. Even if the food sucked, which it doesn't, we come back for the exceptional service!
(5)Jazzy J.
I'm writing this based on a one-time, tourist experience so don't get your scrotum twisted if you disagree with my opinion. It was a really nice day so we sat on the patio during a Friday lunch hour. It was busy but we only waited about 10 minutes for a table so that was cool. Our server was super cute so that automatically defaults to 3 stars. He brought our beers right away and was super attentive. I ordered the crab cakes and they were freakin delicious. Also their French fries were big and awesome. My brother got the lobster roll and that nailed it too. My mom ordered the fish sandwich and really liked it. We enjoyed the food, the service, and the atmosphere. Highly recommend it.
(4)Becca B.
I am writing this review based on take out only. That being said, I created a Yelp account solely so that I could show the world the salad I got for $21.25. I ordered the Ahi Tuna salad from the Newbury Street location and was extremely disappointed. The salad consisted of some iceberg lettuce, a bunch of red onions, a small pile of ginger, and some tuna. The salad dressing (which I ordered on the side) consisted of 1 small tub of soy sauce and 1 small tub of what I can only describe as thousand island dressing with some hot sesame oil thrown in. The tuna was edible, but not great. For the price, I expected a lot more and was thoroughly disappointed. I feel better now that I created a yelp account and could share my distress with the world. Thanks yelp!
(1)Brendan M.
It was not my first choice for lunch but I was not paying, never turn down a free meal and was rewarded with a satisfying experience. The place was pretty packed but we were seated right away. Split an app. of Nachos which were fan-f'ing-tastic and the guacamole was so good I ordered an extra side to bring home. I got Joe's Classic Burger which was the main goal of my meal. I am always looking for a great burger but alas, I did not find one on this day. Just a plain tasting, common hunk of ground beef, very disappointing caramelized onions and a bun that looked like someone kicked it's ass before it made it on the plate. Sigh...... But, BUT!! The Creme Brûlée was the binding agent that brought the whole meal together! A rich and creamy custard, a nice crispy shell topped with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream with a sprig of fresh mint leaf. All in all a pleasant time was had. Prompt, friendly service, and a clean dining area, but a few of the plates we were served were very scratched and dinged up which I found odd. A quick glance makes the plate appear dirty, but after the initial shock you notice it has just been as badly abused as my burger bun was.
(4)Kate R.
This is for your own good: do not eat brunch here. I'm not sure how one screws up breakfast sandwiches, but they do and charge $13 for it. The eggs Benedict is gross too. There is too much good food on Boston, save yourself.
(2)Marck N.
Walking down Newbury street, we had several hours to kill before our flight. Passing Joe's American Bar & Grill, it looked like a nice place to get a few drinks and enjoy the sunny weather. We sat at the outside bar and looked at the crowd walking by. My first drink I ordered was the sparkling blueberry sangria.I asked the bartender to make it without the sour mix and only a splash of sprite. He was very accommodating to do this and made made a refreshing summer sangria. It was slightly tart, but still sweet by the pureed blueberry. Much better tasting than my partners blueberry mojito. My second drink was the pear-fect martini. This is an awesome drink that made my afternoon. Pear vodka and pureed pear. The pureed pear added the sweetness to the martini and it is a pretty large martini. After enjoying the conversation and sun, we headed back to the hotel to leave Boston. A nice farewell touch.
(3)Kenson K.
What to do on our last day in Boston? Why, head down to Joe's. We only stopped in for drinks here. Their blueberry mojitos were really fresh. They had real blueberries crushed into here and it was like a summer drink. What a perfect thing to have on a sunny afternoon. I also tried the blueberry iced tea. It was little more tart than the mojito but still very refreshing. It didn't taste like either one had alcohol in it until later as it all started to sink in.
(3)Casey H.
Great selection and it was delicious. Parking sucks but other than that the place is great.
(4)Michael S.
I had Joe's signature burger and the clam chowder in a bread bowl, absoluteluly delicious! Service was a bit over the top (I know you're trolling for tips, but relax... You were stressing me out). Expensive meal, but if you're hungry for a burger, give it a go.
(3)Anahid H.
I have been to Boston many times, but only been to Joe's twice. I remember having a good experience the first time, but this last time was really amazing! The lobster mac and cheese is BY FAR THE BEST LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE! I had my husband in NY wanting some. Their crab cakes are also great (my sister enjoyed them as well).
(5)Alisia P.
I love Joe's! I have only been there 3-4 times but never once had bad service or bad food. The spinach and artichoke dip is delish :-)
(5)Maria D.
We were looking for a place that was open for reservations on OpenTable and we found Joe's. It is a quaint little place, but the food was not good at all. I was incredibly disappointed at the quality of the food we were served. We all had chicken-- presented differently and none of us were impressed. For a better take on food in a nicer atmosphere, go to the Met Bar right up the street. Joe's was also too loud and too crowded. Not to mention, the gluten free options were laughable at best. The utensils were also dirty-- there was food on them! And the waiter took a while to take our orders. Maybe it was the Friday night thing? Or maybe it really just is always that bad.
(2)Thien N.
Can your bread be any more perfect? WIth the chewy inside but crispy outside with a side of butter that just all melts in your mouth. I've passed Joe's on many occasions, mainly because of the long wait. This time, it was only a 15-minute wait for 2 during Brunch time, and we could handle that wait time. The bloody mary was not spicy enough for my liking, but the bar was able to accommodate with extra horseradish, hot sauce, and olives (bonus points for Joe's!). We split the nachos, which was definitely a sharable size for 2-4 people. The Prime Rib Hash was amazing, although it was a bit too greasy for me. I'm not a fan of finding a pool of grease in my food. Overall, service was excellent even during rush hour. Food was pretty decent, but really, come for the bread. It's amazing.
(3)Veronika L.
Food is pretty good. Nachos are the best thing we ordered. Burgers were average but they are gluten-allergy friendly and the waitstaff is extremely polite. I enjoyed the atmosphere overall.
(4)Laura B.
I came here last Saturday afternoon and had a really great experience. Food: I got the grilled cheese and asked for avacado with it. It was awesomeeeee. Drinks: Best Sangria ever!! I got the Berry sangria that has bubbles in it. So sweet and refreshing. Our waitress recommended a special coctkail they were serving only for the weekend (Mothers day) called Mother's little helper, and it was really good. I wish I had more than one. Really surprised with the quality of cocktails here, not your typical american chain restaurant quality. Service: Our waitress was Alena, and she was the best! SO nice and helpful even though the restaurant was very busy. She was really great and when I come back I hope I have her again. One of my new favorite places!
(5)Tony S.
I normally would not have written a review of a 'meh' dining establishment. I've been coming to this location since it was a TGI Friday, and even with the new chain, I neither love or hate it. Yes the street-level view is great, and there are some hottie pa-tottie patrons that come in, but the food is middle of the road, hence the 3 stars. However, there are two things worth writing about: First, there is a server named Aaron (I think), who was the nicest, most professional and patient server I have ever had in Boston. Not only was he cool and informative, he was funny, friendly, and didn't make my small group feel uncomfortable at all when we stayed waaaaay longer beyond dinner. Two-thumbs up for this guy. Makes Boston proud. Second, I had this BLT salad, which I'll review in two parts. First, the salad dressing was completely wrong for the dish. Yes it's a decent vinaigrette, but TOTALLY clashes with the flavor of bacon, which is the centerpiece of the salad. They should be using a more ranchy or creamier dressing...... something less acidic. It clashed like peanut butter and chewing a vitamin C pill. BUT.... but but but.......BUT...... the salad comes with a bacon-on-bread arrangement that is OUT OF THIS WORLD. These 2 small toast servings come with a cajun maple bacon infused with some sort of parmesan crusted.... something. Yes.... it is THAT good. I'm a bacon expert that engages in a famous candied-bacon dish, so I KNOW when bacon is presented well. So......yeah, I'll come back.
(3)Suzanne N.
Great food, great waitress, and great manager! First time in Boston and totally worth it.
(5)Amy B.
The positive first: Joe's is great for groups. I have a monthly meeting that's lately been gathering at Joe's, and they don't mind us arriving at different times and are fabulous about splitting the check. I also like the decor of Joe's and the big open windows facing Newbury Street. That said, Joe's is not my favorite. The food is reminiscent of TGI Friday's (although I could be primed by the fact that TGIF was the previous business in this space). The Bloody Mary that comes free with some of the brunch entrees is appropriately priced for its quality. Beer and wine lists are fine, but not particularly impressive. Joe's also has a practice that really pisses me off. They artificially create a line outside the restaurant at peak hours (weekend nights and brunch times). If you see a line outside Joe's and want to eat there, whip out your smart phone and make an Open Table reservation. Chances are, you can get a reservation and be shown to your seat almost immediately. This might be savvy marketing, but I don't think it's good treatment of customers.
(2)Nihan K.
Would give 2 stars, but I'll cut them some slack since they were open on Christmas. My fiancé ordered the Mac n cheese with chicken and after trying his dish, I can safely say it tasted superior to my burger. Really cheesy and flavorful, with a fun kick of spice. As for my burger: I haven't eaten such a dry burger in years, so I'm wondering if the server mistook my medium well done request for a "well done, please let my burger bathe in flames" request. I also asked for dressing on the side, but when my salad arrived, I saw dressing with some leaves of lettuce tossed in for decoration. The basement level was warmer than the entrance, and much quieter, which made talking around the table so much more pleasant. TL;DR: skip the burger, try the fajitas or Mac n cheese. Nice location, go down to the basement floor to stay toasty warm. Somewhat expensive, but on par with bar food prices.
(3)Robert W.
Great burger, better cocktails, whole table loved the place, server was old and amazing, nicest guy in Boston so far on my trip, busy tho immediately seated, picky gf had amazing steak tips, good location, would come back.
(4)Jim T.
Joe's for a chain is actually consistently good and so is the service. Tonight however was even better than usual. We had Loren as our server. Blew us away. Upbeat, friendly and actually made us feel like she cared about us enjoying our meal and having a good time. This place was packed and she made us feel like we were her only party. Very impressed!
(5)Lynn J.
Joe's is a good, solid chain restaurant! FOOD: Consistently good, but not exceptional. Burgers are the same variety you get other places. Pancakes were the thinnest I've ever been served. The loaf of table bread was the best food of the night! DRINKS: Brunch Mamosas for only $6.99! SERVICE: The staff is attentive & courteous. THE DEAL: Joe's is a super spot in the Summer for PEOPLE WATCHING on Newbury Street! They open the "walls" onto the street itself, so it's like an enclosed sun deck.
(3)Cornelia M.
Okay so let's be honest the reason that this place is getting any stars at all is because the food is actually good. My friends and Iive/work and go out in the area quite frequently and often come to Joe's after our events for something to eat as we did this past Saturday 3/21. We decided to go to Joe's because we had a $20 gift card that was expiring at the end of the month so we figured why not spend it. When we get there we were told there was a little bit of a wait which we were happy to do. We went to the downstairs bar to wait for our buzzer to ring when two seats opened up. We figured great we'll sit down and wait for our table so we grabbed the seats and the bartender asked my friend what she wanted to drink and my friend replied water (now mind you we had been out drinking all day at a ShockTop event and my friend was also trying not to spend much money) to which the bartender told my friend that she shouldn't be sitting there if she wasn't going to drink. I had planned on ordering something (which I did) but my friend felt pressured by the douche bartender to get a drink which she reluctantly did. Never in my life have I encountered such piss poor service. I just couldn't believe that this jerk felt the need to say something to my friend. Unfortunately I think in my fuzzy brain I actually left the douche a tip which he sooo didn't deserve. The bartender was also doing his best jerk impression on two women sitting next to us giving them free drinks and such. If I didn't have another gift certificate to use this would have been my last time. I'll go back one more time but that's going to be it. My friends and I are going to find a new place to hang after events! Sorry Joe's but your jerk bartender did you in!
(2)Marie C.
While we waited for our table, we grabbed a drink at the bar downstairs. The bartender served us our drinks, and after having waiting for a bill for quite a while, we handed him money for our drinks. Expecting our change back, he simply said "how are the drinks, are they good??", while he held up the money we gave him. We were all a bit confused by this, but figured out he was just going to keep whatever the difference between the bill and leftover amount was. No problem with tipping, especially for a good drink, but I thought his assumption and putting us on the spot in front of other patrons, was just plain run & presumptuous. I like to be able to decide what I tip for service, having worked in the service industry before. We finally got to our table & ordered the nachos, burgers & wings. Being from Texas, I can't say I was impressed by the nachos, but they weren't bad either. The burgers were good, as were the wings. Nothing stood out as delicious, however it was a good meal.
(3)Nick F.
Whenever my parents came to visit me at college, they would always prefer to eat at Joes- and I didn't blame them. Joes was always reliable for great food, awesome drinks, and spectacular service. I can't wait to get back to Boston and eat here.
(5)Maryam F.
They had amazing food and Alena made my experience at the restaurant even better! I'll definitely coma back again! Thank you Alena for your service, too kind! :)
(5)John D.
I recently went back to Joe's bar and grill since I was in Boston, and I was not pleased at all. I normally go for breakfast and you always get a free drink and muffins before the breakfast. So, I'm waiting for my muffins and decided to ask the waiter for them and he informed me, that they no longer serve them nor do you get a free drink with your breakfast!! Why you may ask? Because, the prior management sold the restaurant to a Private Equity firm!! Oh, nice. So basically I paid $30 for eggs, bacon, toast and a glass of Orange Juice, that they use to squeeze fresh right in front of me. Overall food was okay. Its tough to mess up eggs and bacon. Finally, Just before I leave I shake the waiter/bar tenders hand, who is a nice guy but when we shake hands he decides to completely twist my hand to show dominance! (not sure if he knows he's doing this) I'm thinking to myself, Wtf! FYI, your working for TIPS don't try to be dominate, just shake my hand like a normal person. And if you need help, and instruction, read this. "Shake hands like JFK - Instructables"....Google it. I probably will not be going back to Joe's when I go back to Boston. P.S. - You've made outstanding changes to the restaurant, Tavisstock group.
(2)TinoX T.
I'm fan of Joe's Bar,Nic food with any Branch you Try,Great Service and the price is very Gooood.
(4)Emily C.
Decent brunch place. Entrees come with a choice of freshly squeezed orange juice, grapefruit juice, mimosa, spicy bloody mary, champagne, screwdriver or Bud Light. Pretty good deal for the price. My friend and I ordered the Prime rib hash. My eggs were a little too well done, but his were perfectly runny. The flavors were ok. Another friend ordered the benedict, and her eggs were a little too well done as well. The service was really great. Our waiter was so nice and really efficient. The restaurant was really busy, but he checked on us pretty frequently and got us our food really quickly. This place can fill up pretty quickly after noon on the weekends, so plan accordingly! There are probably better places for brunch on Newbury, but Joe's is a decent place to hit up when the more popular places, like Stephanie's get too busy!
(3)Joelle K.
I have been to both the Newbury Street and North End locations. Taking into consideration the ambiance, I would rate both with 3.5/5. Joe's in the North End is one of the few reasonably priced restaurants that you can go to that is right on the water. The location on Newbury Street has nice exposed brick and two great bar areas. The food is solid but mostly just typical bar food. I have had calamari and nachos for appetizers and the buffalo chicken wrap and crab cakes for an appetizer. I will probably be back to visit the bar or for brunch as I hear that you get a free alcoholic drink with brunch.
(3)Lauren H.
Poor service from the start. The host seemed annoyed that we even walked in. Once seated, it was about 5 minutes until anyone came to our table. Our waiter brought two waters upon request with our two wines. One of the waters had a big smear on the rim, maybe it had previously been coated with sugar or salt for a drink? Either way, it was a very dirty glass. The food just isn't the quality it was when it was owned by Back Bay Reataurant Group. Service, food quality, and host interaction was not up to standards, per BBrg. Too bad, won't be back.
(2)Willy G.
Okay, let me preface this review by saying my server/bartender was top notch. Restaurant was very clean and the rest of the staff was very professional. Okay, here's the bad news. I ordered the fried chicken, i wanted something different and the menu description sounded great. Garlic smashed potatoes with a mushroom gravy were very tasty, biscuit also pretty good for a chain. But the fried chicken was inexcusable, im a foodie, but i admit in the past i have bought banquet frozen fried chicken at the suprermarket. Not good i know. But this chicken was honestly worse than that. I am 100 percent sure what i was served was pre-cooked and frozen, there is no denying that flavor. Shame on Joe's for charging people 15.00 for something that is not even made fresh. Customers expect to get something from a restaurant that they either can not make at home, or would rathet not make at home. And so you know, i tipped over 20% and didn't complain to the server. I just had to vent here.
(1)Shiri Y.
Had a late lunch on a busy Saturday so I made a reservation, luckily, since there was a very long line. The food was excellent, very unique combination of scallops, kale and quinoa (it was a daily special), our waitress was super attentive. Not cheap but also not super expensive, especially considering the location. I recommend sitting on the patio
(4)Peter M.
Delicious buffalo chicken wrap on whole wheat. Good ceaser salad with anchovies in dressing. Wrap had a nice tangy flavor with blue cheese. Good, fast, attentive service. I want to try the outdoor seating. Would dine here again.
(4)Patrick F.
The saying goes the first 5 minutes in a restaurant makes the whole meal and I understand it was a busy Friday night, but the rude young lady working as hostess pretty much shot this place down. The food wasn't bad and once we were seated the waitress was kind of attentive, but the hostess still left a bad taste in our mouth. Don't get me wrong, It's not like I expect a hug when I walk in a place, but the condescending tone she used. And her flippant attitude sets the tone for the entire experience.
(2)Larry S.
Joe's food is good. Sometimes very good but we go there to get a seat by the window looking at Newbury Street to watch the shoppers stroll by. We are always very pleased by the service - every time. Great young vibe and effort from the hostess, wait staff and servers. We are always so pleased and enjoy ourselves there. We have never eaten in the dining room but the place is always busy, loud and fun! For a reasonably priced meal and a good feeling - this is our go to place for lunch when we are on town visiting.
(4)Jared H.
The PRIME RIB is why I love this place. On Friday and Saturday's they serve prime rib and have two versions, a 12oz for $22.99 and the prime rib challenge which is 24oz for just $28.99 Whenever I want to celebrate and treat myself to a huge piece of red meat, this is my spot. Service is good and the prime rib is delicious. I have had their pizza as an appetizer as well and enjoyed it. But seriously, if you go here, try the prime rib. You can't beat it for the price!
(5)Erynn W.
An overall great place to eat! My sister and I were visiting Boston for a few days and found ourselves on Newbury street. Freezing cold, aching feet and hungry bellies, we ran straight into the first place we could find, which was Joe's. We waited a few minutes for our table but the second we sat down we had the best freshly baked bread and glasses of water in front of us. Our waiter (can't remember his name! grrr) was a true gem. He stood at our table, chatted us up about our vacation and told us about himself as well. They guy is attending Harvard's extension school! Anyways, he helps me decide on a much needed alcoholic beverage, an old fashioned with a holiday twist (cranberries and ginger beer). When we finally order our food (after tearing through our second loaf of bread), he accommodated our every need. My sister, a vegetarian, and picky, got her perfect sandwich. And I, with dairy allergies, enjoyed our meal very much! I got the kale salad, which was the perfect combination of flavors and no heavy dressing. Of course we got dessert, a brownie thing with toppings that was hot, gooey, chocolatey and just amazing. We were able to take our time, relax, eat our food and enjoy a great atmosphere. As well as a nice break from the cold outside. We are definitely going back to this place upon our Return to Boston.
(5)Anna G.
Wow - why such poor reviews? I only live a couple blocks away so have beer here numerous times. It's consistently a good place to sit in the bar area, have a Stella on draft, and order some bar food. In the summer it's really nice when they open the windows - great Newbury people watching. They do a lot of gluten free options and accommodated a visitor I had in town. The buff chick sandwich is pretty good as are the nachos and fish tacos. Overall, I wouldn't come here to sit in the main restaurant area but would def recommend a drink and app to refuel while in the area.
(4)Beth L.
Came to Joe's on a recommendation from a server at another restaurant around the corner. Being in the service industry we ask around to find the good spots to stop by on vacation. We sat at the bar and our service was great! The bartenders answered questions we had about the area and were very attentive. Cocktail list is great and I recommend the Black Garden.
(5)Daniel K.
Went there this afternoon for brunch. We called and asked if they could seat a party of seven at noon for brunch. She put our name down and said come right in. We showed up five minutes later, waited thirty minutes then had to be split up to be seated. The whole time the two hostesses working were very confused and seemed overwhelmed. Finally we offered to be split up if that would help and they were able to seat us a few minutes later. Then when we sat down we were told by two waiters (at our two different tables) that they were not actually serving brunch. This came as a surprise since we had seen people getting brunch food while we waited to be seated. After much confusion our waiter realized they were in fact serving brunch. Food was decent but the front of house service was terrible. We did like our waiter a lot, he was friendly and helpful.
(2)Lauren M.
Eh, there are better options. Joe's American is good because it is one of the few restaurants opened on Newbury street til midnight. However, it just doesn't provide a good Boston experience. It feels too much like a chain restaurant, the entrees are overpriced, and the service is mediocre at best. The food is good, but your money is better spent at a Legal's Seafood, or even better spent at a local restaurant. We had to wait for our table and had to wait way too long for our slow and over-worked server and food. While mostly everything on the menu is okay, avoid the mussels. They look very good, but have a strange taste, are way too squishy, and don't come in a delicious sauce as I expect with mussels. Joe's American has decent food, a busy atmosphere, and has some prime locations. It's a good spot if you are already there and hungry, but it is definitely not a must-stop while in Boston.
(2)Mike B.
We had a good meal in a good setting. Highly recommend the crab cakes Benedict. It's not your typical breakfast/brunch item and we found it amazing. The Fresh squeezed orange was also excellent.
(5)Jessica S.
Heather Sances is an exemplary bartender. Also the brunch is good. Order licorice matti is here...Heather will tell you about them.
(5)Neek S.
Not sure why this place has so many positive reviews. Service was incredibly slow and food was pricey and mediocre.
(1)Oksana N.
Food was excellent, best waiter (James) ever. The manager, Travis, came out to talk to our table when he found out that someone had a food allergy, and assured her that her food would be safe for her to eat. Very entertaining and inviting atmosphere. Baby back ribs are the way to go :-)
(5)D T.
The price of the burger went up- oh well, no biggie, what I did have a probem with: 1) The burger came already put together where before it came deconstructed- Don't like my bun with pickle juice and don't like red onions. 2) Boursin cheese- There was so little, I had to check to see if there was any on there 3) The bartender kept touching his face and not washing his hands. 4) Bartenders acting as if they are the best bartenders in the world and we should be lucky to be in their presence (Think studio 54). 5) Servers and bartenders arguing at the server station.
(1)Crystal B.
"Definitely 5 Stars~!" That is what my Fiance just said when I asked him how many stars... I couldn't agree more. We went last night, the last night of our Boston Vaca and loved it. We made reservations but ended up going earlier and they were fine... Our server was a well put together, nicely dressed, sweet guy. :) We have 2 small boys (2 & 5) and he was great with them. I wish, for the life of me, I couldn't remember his name! Hoping he will somehow get credit for his Terrific Service. He was on top of it, getting drinks, making sure we liked everything, and made us feel welcome. Delicious Food, and even better Service! Oh and the Margarita's were swell! Thank you Joe's!
(5)Jason W.
Visited here recently with some peers from a conference I was attending. Had the prime rib w/ baked potato. The beef was seasoned well, but slightly dry (the au jus was just poured all over). They didn't specify the size, but I would guess it was around 16 oz - pretty good sized. Price was pretty reasonable too (compared to a lot of other places on Newbury St). The baked potato was just a bare potato. I just sliced it up and used it to soak up the au jus. The patio was packed when we got there, so we dined inside. It was nice, but I would have preferred to be outside (we got there fairly late, were hungry, and didn't want to wait). Staff and service were both excellent.
(4)Emann B.
Should not have picked such a bustling tourist trap, but one of my mates wanted a Caeser salad and this seemed to fit the bill. Service was OK (umm...how does one forget to bring bread?). We all had salads (Cobb and tuna) which were fine, but we could have done without the fruit flies buzzing about.
(2)Hannah H.
Ate at Joe's last night with my cousin who was in from out of town for one evening. We had been walking around for about 45-50 minutes just trying to decide on a place to go. We decided to check this place out, and I'm glad we did. We were greeted at the door by the hostess and the head chef. We asked to see a menu, and the chef informed us that everything is made from scratch and we won't be let down. So we stayed. And we weren't. We sat at a table right next to the front window. Our waitress was a super friendly girl who had obviously rehearsed the specials, as she sold the fresh swordfish very well. Unfortunately, I wasn't in the mood for fish. I get a Reuben sandwich with sweet potato fries, my cousin got the blackened chicken pasta with a Caesar salad, and the waitress brought us bread to start with, which was delicious. It was warm and the edges were perfectly crispy. Love a good warm bread. The food came out so fast, but not too fast that we were overwhelmed with what was in front of us. My sandwich was one of the best Reuben's I've had in a while. The meat was thinly sliced, which I love. Otherwise, it can get too chewy and I hate that. The fries were good. Not overdone, which I find a lot with sweet potato fries (I think because they're thinner than your average fry). My cousin said his pasta was really good. I tried it, but don't remember what it tasted like enough to write about it. So like I said, my cousin was just in for the night, all the way from Colorado, so we had a lot of catching up to do. Our waitress didn't bother us and knew when to refill our drinks, and didn't make us feel rushed to leave (which, as a former waitress--I HATE). Overall, it was a lovely experience. Not to mention the very reasonable prices for downtown Boston! Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for something that's not too fancy and overdone downtown.
(4)Marina B.
First -Joes changed their menu that made them who they are-removing some great appetizers and entrees. Second the portions have been cut by at least 1/3. The food was God awful- chicken piccata was so thin it had no flavor. Lobster Roll was 70 lettuce and 30 % meat. This place is going downhill fast. If you want value- get a hot dog- it would be tastier!
(1)Jennifer A.
Went here last night after trying to find good food off the bar scene of the pour house and pretty much every scene on this street. For starters, first get there it's raining and they have there windows up which means all the tables and floors next to the windows were soaked. As we were standing there next to the we table waiting to be seated a black bind fold was sitting on the chair unaccompanied and I picked it up to hand it to the waitress and a tall slender blond hair lady snatched it out of my hand as if I was stealing it and after explaining to her not to leave these around because they can get stole she gave me the dumb act of she was cleaning ( mind u nobody had still helped up) after getting seated by another blond hair lady ( different from the long haired one prior) she was helpful the first few mins but then disappeared almost the entire time. Finally we flagged down the bald waiter and he ended up helping us the entire time. In the mean time the blond hair waitress before was giving us dirty looks or wouldn't acknowledge us. Very disappointed considering the size of my check. The food was ok, nothing amazing. The drinks were ok at best. Will not be back
(1)Bo L.
I tried Joe's Bar & Grill at the waterfront before and really enjoyed the experience, unfortunately I can't say the same about their restaurant on Newbury street. The lady at the front was not very nice when I accidentally blocked the reception area when waiting for a table. While you can handle it with a simple reminder or a small joke, why go full force and drive the customers away?
(1)Daniel F.
Terrible! Food service and atmosphere. Don't come here for any of those... Hostess made us wait 15 minutes for practically an empty indoor dining room... Then once we got our bland overpriced food, there was a hair on the plate. Both servers seemed to not really care much about it. They replaced the plate but still charged us for it! Terrible experience all around.
(1)Michelle D.
Party of eight and no complaints. Food was perfect, the waiter was attentive and knowledgable. Never rushed. Thank you for a delightfull evening.
(5)Jackie C.
I love this brunch place! My fiancee brought me here when I was visiting several months ago when he first moved and it is now our go to place for brunch on Sundays! He gets the farmer's market omelette and I usually order the french toast or make your own omelette. The french toast is one of my favorites! If you are a french toast fan, definitely try them! The brunch menu also comes with a selection of drinks that are complimentary so don't forget about those! The screw drivers are really strong so be sure to mix them up before you try them otherwise you will find all the vodka on the bottom. Every server we have ever had there was so friendly and attentive!
(5)Katie C.
I was in the Back Bay and unbeknownst to me, it was Pride weekend and there was a parade down Boylston Street. I was craving some sliders from Dillons, but I was on Newbury Street and I could see open seats at the bar at Joe's so... Joe's it was. Sure, it is definitely one of the places where you find a lot of people there hoping "to be seen" and I felt like the most underdressed person in the area even though I had on a pair of jeans and a cute knit top. Anyway, I found a seat at the bar and I was quickly served. During the summer, they offer a lot of patio/semi-outdoorsy dining and if you can't find a space at the bar, there is a downstairs bar as well. It's probably not as trendy as the upstairs one, but it will work. I had a blackened caesar chicken salad. It came out in less than five minutes than I ordered. So either it was sloppy seconds or the kitchen was operating at breakneck efficiency. I'll go with the former. The bartenders were friendly and worked well as a team. Is it me or are the portion sizes getting smaller and smaller every time I visit? So why not 4 stars? There needs to be, there has to be, a better seating policy. The front door and foyer is extremely small and the hostesses ran the hostess stand like a prison. No one got past them without getting interrogated. In doing so, there are a lot of people in the foyer and front area and it is hard to get in and out if you know exactly where you're going.
(3)N N.
Tried out this place because all the other restaurants nearby had too long of a wait time. This place is just okay. Food is decent, nothing special. There's a nice bar area and the restaurant is generally pretty big but nothing special. I probably wouldn't come back.
(2)Gerardo F.
I've been to this place a couple of times. What do I make of it? It's actually a really decent restaurant. It is one of the cheaper one's in Boston (and as far as I know the cheapest on Newbury Street), but don't let the cheaper price tag fool you, as the food and service are pretty good. Even if it is often packed, especially on Friday nights and throughout the summer, the service is usually great. Waiters are usually friendly and efficient, though I have seen some that just stand around and do nothing. Food wise, the name says it all: this is pure American cuisine, with hamburgers and steaks galore. As much as it looks good, the food does tend to be ok at best. I've had several of their steaks. They're far from bad, but they aren't great either. However, one thing that definitely makes Joe's Grill stand out among nearly every restaurant in Boston is the bread they offer. I don't know how they make it, but the bread there is quite possibly the best one I've had in the US. It's fluffy, breaks easily, and its taste is wonderful. Also, I've tried their brunch meals. Also pretty darn good. So overall, I like that place, but the food could be better.
(4)Humaira M.
I don't typically eat on Newbury, but I met a friend here for brunch. I typically prefer fancier brunch fare so I decided to stick with a burger since I figured a place called "Joe's American Bar and Grill" couldn't mess up a burger. Boy was I wrong. I ordered the original, with mushrooms and carmelized onions, cooked medium. As soon as I picked it up, I noticed that the patty was not well formed, and sure enough, after a couple of bites, a 2oz piece of the patty fell right off. I did't need to eat it, but still was pretty annoying. And the fries that came with the burger were lukewarm, and kind of soggy and stale. All in all - a fairly disappointing meal, and not worth the ~$20 check (I only ordered the burger). The other disappointment was the service. When we first walked in, we saw another "group" ahead of us so we waited for a server to come help us. After 3-5 minutes nobody had come by, so we started looking around to find someone. We turned around to face the other "group" and realized that they ALL WORKED THERE. None of them had bothered to say hello to us when we walked in, and were busy chatting amongst themselves. Their excuse was that they thought we were waiting for more people. This was unacceptable and unprofessional. When we left the restaurant almost two hours later, we saw the exact same employees all standing together, by the door, still talking. Clearly the owner of this establishment is overpaying these guys and should instead hire better cooks.
(2)Jeff W.
Joes is a great spot to grab dinner. I had a reservation for two and was seated right away. The food quality and service is excellent.
(4)Anne W.
I actually really like Joe's. I think there is good food here... this location is perfectly located on Newbury. Just great for breaking for lunch before walking further down the street. The wait was about 20 minutes.. so we wandered to the bar to grab two seats. My fav salad on the menu is the Thai beef salad.. it probably tastes nothing like Thai salad.. but it's good. The bread is also outstanding and really fresh. The grilled salmon was also awesome. Perfectly crisp on the outside.. and juicy on the inside. The chicken cobb isn't very good.. I was dissapointed in that. The clam chowder was also just okay.. they have less potatoes.. so that's a plus. Service was good.. but I would say.. they were dissapointed we didn't have drinks... so I think it affected our service.
(3)Alex C.
We love this place. Great staff, good food and the wait is worth it. After the bombing at the marathon, they paid for our lunch. Could you be more nice? I will always be a fan of joes and this just made me appreciate you even more!
(5)Ann Z.
We almost didn't go to Joe's because it only had 3 stars, but I'm really glad we did. The atmosphere was beautiful and quiet - a peaceful oasis on Newbury street. Our server Rodolfo was really nice and accommodating. He gave us great recommendations and made sure our dishes fit our dietary restrictions. I was especially pleased with the kale and quinoa salad. It's the kind of dish a mediocre restaurant would try and mess up. Rodolfo assured me it was delicious and he was spot on. What a refreshing, healthy mix of flavors!
(5)Lynn C.
You know, the sun could have gotten to my head the day I was eating there, because I'm giving this place a 5 star when most people are giving this place 3 or 4 stars. I think what made this place amazing for is that I went there on a Friday afternoon when the sun was out, the temperature was in the 80s, after shopping, sat outside at the TERRACE, and enjoyed a good meal with great services. What more can one ask for? We got there at around 1pm, put down our name, was told to come back in 30 minutes. 30 minutes later, we came back, and was seated right away. One of my friends came from the UK and is allergic to gluten, and she was so ecstatic that the menu had gluten-free version of ALMOST EVERYTHING that she ordered TWO entrees...hahah, apparently restaurants in the UK doesn't cater to Celiacs the way they do here. She had a gluten-free pizza that was actually very good (!!) and Mac and Cheese, which I did not try, but she said was good. Her husband and I had the burger au poivre and just thinking about it makes me salivate. Beef patty covered in black pepper grilled to taste with caramelized onions...oooooooh...MmmmMmm.. Admittedly we asked for medium and the burger came out well-done but that did not take away the amazingness at all. I also asked for extra pickles after i finished eating the one that came with it because the pickles are so good. The server gave me like 6 more and i ate them all. Oh, and did I mention all the male servers there are HOT? They all look like male models, why wouldn't I go back again even if it's just to have a drink..hahahaha. So yes, I had a good time there, people watching, eating good food, and enjoying the sunshine. I'd go back, for sure!
(5)Stephanie B.
I used to go here pretty regularly. It was easy and well located. Unfortunately, the last few times I have been there I was disappointed. It breaks down to this: 1. They removed the tuna burger from the menu. This was pretty much the only thing on the menu I liked, so I was at a loss after it was removed. I ordered the ahi tuna salad, which was good, but not $18 good. 2. They changed the chocolate cake. It used to be amazing (our favorite part of the meal!). Now it's lack luster. 3. There are VERY limited vegetarian options. Basically Mac & Chees and a Boca burger. BOCA burger, Joe's?? Seriously?? The kind I can buy at the grocery store for $5 a pack and you want me to spend $10 on one at your restaurant? No thanks. And I know I can order a salad without the meat, but their salads are pretty lame once you take the meet off. The honey chicken salad becomes spaghetti and iceburg lettuce - blah. 4. Why is it so expensive? Have they forgotten that they're a chain restaurant that's normally located in a mall? Since you're on Newbury you're all fancy now, Joe's? Let's be honest here. Pretty much the only thing this place has going for it now is the bread. Which is admittedly delicious, but not enough to get me to go there when there are so many other options on Newbury. Check out Cafeteria instead.
(2)Maria S.
This place was ok, the waitstaff was really helpful and patient with our large group, but the food was nothing special - and for that reason, I wouldn't return.
(3)Caroline H.
I was in Boston for a conference last week and about 9 of us walked over to Joe's for lunch just after noon. We were seated right away, which was great (and unexpected)! The waitress was really friendly, helped to answer questions about vegetarian options and didn't seem to mind when half of the people wanted water withOUT ice and the other half wanted water WITH ice. My lobster roll was really tasty, but I'm from a landlocked state, so I don't really get seafood very often and might not be a top authority on the matter. The roll was buttery and the pickles were a nice touch. I really enjoyed the food and was impressed with the service for such a big group at such a busy hour. My lunch-mates all seemed to enjoy their meals, too! With our complicated reimbursement needs, the waitress even let us split the check and had each of us pay with a separate card. Overall, I'd recommend Joe's fo sho.
(4)Kockyo X.
I came in this restaurant in a rainny day with my friends. We had roasted mussels as appetizer. We did not expect this huge portion of food when it came, and it was so fresh and delicious! The entrees were mediocre though. Their bread was actually fantastic. It was so soft! I would recommend eating at this restaurant!
(3)Emily D.
Joe's used to be my go-to celiac destination for gluten free food! They had tons of stuff and were really knowledgeable. The manager would personally deliver my gluten free food for me! Their menu was nothing special but it was good and they had gluten free pizza that actually tasted like pizza versus most places which tastes like cardboard. My sister and I were craving pizza last Friday afternoon so we strolled into Joes. Lo and behold we find the pizzas are gone! All of them - gluten and non-gluten. What the hell?! Now their menu is pretty uninspired and limited and expensive- gluten free pasta still available and gluten free buns for the fries. I guess they have dedicated fryers now for the fries, so that's fun, but literally my burger was $17! That's right a small turkey burger and I added cheese, guac, and bacon. Ummm any burger over $12 is the biggest scam ever. The gluten free roll was also a waste since it crumbled and fell apart when I picked it up. Should have known better! Joe's - bring back your old menu! I want gluten free buffalo chicken pizza!!!!!
(2)Susan C.
I believe Joe's is located at the former TGI Fridays. In any case, it's on the middle part of Newbury Street. The food here is pretty good and the service friendly. I got the prime rib with a caesar salad side and sweet potato fries as well as an ahi tuna for an app. Everything was fresh and tasted good. I esp. liked the tuna app which came with crispy rice cakes (i.e. white rice packed into the shape of patties and crisped up on the outside). I also like the mixed drinks here. I generally don't eat out at chains, but I'd be back to Joe's if I was hungry and in the area.
(3)Emi S.
I've been here before and have had a great experience. I cannot say the same for my most recent visit. I sat at the bar with a friend and the bartenders were seriously bad. The two girls were very neglectful and we eventually had to wave them down to get a drink after 10 minutes with empty drinks - all the while they were chatting with each other and very clearly not waiting on anyone. I worked as a waitress for quite some time so I understand the difference between being swamped and being lazy. At the end of our visit one of them snatched the menu out of my friend's hand to give to the next customer. Overall, it was an incredibly disappointing experience considering this restaurant's reputation.
(2)Sherrie T.
Having never been to Boston before we just came upon this place and liked the idea of the street view seating. Their indoor/outdoor patio is awesome and very inviting. We were served by an awesome waiter named James. He was funny and very attentive. We had ordered clam chowder and a side of macaroni and cheese before the meal. For some reason the meal came out first. We didn't complain, we just mentioned it to James who was totally apologetic and asked if we still wanted those items. We did, and a few minutes later Travis the manager came over. He was pleasant and "on it" he comped the chowder and the macaroni and also our next round of drinks. When we ordered dessert he comped that also, saying that he was sincerely sorry about the mix up at the beginning and wanted us to truly enjoy the restaurant. The food was amazing, the chocolate chip cookie in a pan with ice cream was delicious. We enjoyed it so much we went back the next night. Thank you again to Travis and James for showing us by their actions how much patrons are valued at Joe's American Bar and Grill.
(5)Hugh L.
Chyea.
(5)Rachel T.
As a gluten free diner (severe allergy, not a preference) Joe's was AMAZING. The waiter was very understanding, and after ordering the manager came over to verify. They brought gluten free bread to the table (unsolicited), and had great attention to detail. Joe's even has a dedicated fryer for gluten free items, which means that I can eat stuff like french fries and has browns that I can't normally eat. They are rated 5 stars on "find me gluten free", but I wanted to add this here because my experience was truly outstanding.
(5)Tiff D.
If its a perfectly rare, succulent tuna burger you crave or some amazingly crisp sweet potato fries...look no further. BEST DAMN TUNA BURGER ANYWHERE! and for you saps complaining about the prices...you are on NEWBURY street, and your $13 sandwich is huge and loaded with moist deliciousness AND comes with a heaping pile of perfectly cooked fries (not to mention the crisp pickle). Quit your bitchin'.
(4)CJ L.
Went for lunch. No wait. We both had an appetizer and house salads one with grill chicken. Food was ok. Some of the salad had the start of brown edges. We were very disappointed with the service. Our waitress took our order and we only saw her again when we asked the food runners for something. With so many places to eat on Newbury Street, we will not be back to Joe's anytime soon!
(2)Sam A.
I grabbed lunch here on Easter Sunday with my buddy, Sharon, during my stay in Boston that weekend. It was quite packed, but the wait was nearly 40 minutes to an hour. Normally, knowing my impatience, I would've just chose to ditch the place and go to some other food shop on Newbury, but I lost track of time and wait seemed a lot shorter than usual. Since it was Easter Sunday, the place seemed almost fancy with all the people grabbing a late lunch after Easter service, and it was abnormally packed, but I doubt it's always like that where people are always dressed up. The restaurant itself is very spacious, and so there must have been a lot of people that day, because we were only a party of two, yet we had to wait a while. Other than that, the service was very good for the amount of people that were there that day. I can't seem to focus on anything else other than that; maybe it just seemed extra packed that usual! But onto the part that really matters: the food. I don't quite remember what my friend got, but I got the chicken picatta pasta, and boy, was that good! The portions were plenty (I ended up having leftovers, and I'm a pretty big guy). Everything seems to be under the $20 range, and they have a wide variety of foods from soups, burgers, salads, pasta, you name it. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there and the environment was quite lively. I'd love to go back if I visit Boston again.
(5)Aleksey Z.
I made reservations for a Saturday evening at Joe's through the Open Table application via Yelp's website (kudos). I arrived on time with my girlfriend and for some reason my name wasn't showing up on their system, so I showed them the email, they apologized, and seated us right away. They led us to a table in the middle of a few couples already eating so I requested a booth a few feet away; they said that was fine. We had the spinach artichoke dip as an appetizer and it was really great- not only the flavor but also they gave tortilla chips and pita chips to choose between. I then ordered the Black and Blue burger, and she ordered the Turkey burger. The burgers came out when we were about halfway done with the dip (which was brought to us about 5 minutes after ordering. The burgers were delicious, mine was cooked medium (exactly how I had asked for), and the fries were fresh. The waiter was pleasant but not needy. The restaurant was packed but not overwhelming by any means. On the way out, a few people thanked us for coming. It was a really solid experience, I got exactly what I expected.
(5)sasha h.
I think 3 stars is generous. I would never eat at this place except for the fact that my office is nearby and there aren't too many options for lunch on Newbury street in a 2 block radius. In summary, this place is expensive, touristy and the food is mediocre. The menu has enough variety but after trying something from every part of the menu and hating all of it, i've decided to stop ordering from here. Only thing i like are the roasted vegetables though i think i could make that at home
(3)Tinku R.
This is your prototypical neighborhood American food go to place - casual, inexpensive, fast service, good food and an atmosphere that is fine. This particular restaurant however is unique because of two factors. First, the location on Newberry Street is simply unbeatable. When they open at the windows in the summertime you literally feel like you're eating on Newbury Street. Secondly, it is a very large restaurant - while there is always a small line on weekends, if you make a reservation you want have much of a wait. Newbury Street. generally has smaller restaurants and you'll always end up waiting, especially in the weekends. So if you want to pop in and have a quick dinner, Joe's is always a good met. The skinny margaritas are light but pack a punch by the way!
(5)Angie L.
The food was fresh, service was excellent, and good place to go inside and catch up with friends - very accomodating. Typical American foodfare.. think burgers, sandwiches, salads, soup, etc. Got a burger, it was very moist and tender and packed with meat.. but lacking in flavor. The quality of the beef seemed good though and was cooked to my liking. It's better than your huge retail chain restaurants, but nothing particularly striking or distinct about it. I'm sure it's a great place to go for locals.
(3)Kevin B.
Since they moved one block north on Newberry Street, this place has gone down hill. It used to be reliable but not anymore. Is there any excuse for dirty floors and stairs near the service area and on the way to the restrooms at 11:30 in the morning? The staff is not trained at all. The food runner called my wife "sweetheart." The waitress took our drinks away while still a third full when we said we did not want a refill. The french onion soup was tasteless. This place is now a subterranean tourist trap. Today was the last time we will ever go there.
(1)Roger A.
It's a kids free day so me and my wife decided to go out to eat on Newbury street, after having a bad experience during brunch at another local restaurant, we decided to go for the real early goal and dinner which was Joe's. We sat at a big table next to the outside windows and had a lovely dinner, the service was kind of slow, they were wicked busy. The food was excellent was usual. We'll be back!!
(5)Sophia D.
They were really friendly, but almost too friendly. I don't really need to be asked how school is while I'm trying to read a book and eat my dinner-- especially since I don't know you. The food was fine- nothing outstanding, but good enough. The bread was actually quite delicious. Don't know if I would come back, but I think it would be better if I had been sitting in the front or at the bar.
(3)David V.
It's unfortunate that my last review of Joe's was 5 stars, and 2 years later, this one is only 2 stars. My wife and I ate here last night and this was not their best performance. First, our server slightly messed up my wife's order, but it was quickly resolved when one of the managers came out and informed us. We thought everything was fine, but then another server came out to clarify my wife's order (it was not that difficult of an order). A few minutes later our food came out. I ordered the swordfish, which came with rice and veggies, and it was undercooked. I returned it without incident, and to make up for it, the manager offered me soup or salad to hold me over until my food came back out. We went with a bowl of the cheddar, bacon, and potato soup (we had already paid for a cup of this for our appetizer, so we have lots of leftover from the bowl), which our server referred to as "tomato", bacon, and potato soup. Oops. Fortunately, the soup was delicious. Anyway, back to the swordfish...on a positive note, they cooked me up a whole new plate (as opposed to just microwaving it). The swordfish and rice were delicious, however, the veggies (carrots and Brussels sprouts) were cooked in enough butter to drown a small child. I actually like vegetables, but I could not finish them because they were so buttery. I understand that mistakes happen, but this dining experience included several little mistakes, which made our dinner less enjoyable. What saved the night was the excellent customer service from the manager. Our server was very nice, but she was a little confused. It just seemed like controlled chaos at Joe's last night. Too bad, because this place as the potential to be great.
(2)Moises F.
I find this location quite convenient. Never had to wait too long for a table. Staff is very friendly and know their menu quite well, so take their recommendations to heart. I personally recommend the chicken piccata. It was made to perfection really. Better than the one at the Cheesecake Factory. I'd make a reservation when going at dinner time because it's usually quite busy, especially on weekends.
(4)Al D.
Lunch at the bar on a slowish day. Barman very personable and let us sample several different wines until we found mama bear (just right). Nice draft selection too. Entire staff friendly. Decent fried calamari. Chicken Caesar salad was okey-dokey. Pleasantly surprised overall, and we'll go again.
(3)Idan H.
2 steaks came out uncooked, 2 came overcooked. We asked the steak tips to come with no diary but they did come with!!! The waitress was really courteous! 1 star of that. They ought to make change in the kitchen, someone doesn't do his job right...
(1)Anna B.
I'm kind of torn between what rating to give-here is my experience (I've been here mutiple times as well as other New England locations). The food is great. Service is great. However, EVERY time I eat here, like clockwork, somebody has got sick afterwards. I thought it was purely coincidence, but the last time we went a couple days ago I felt sick immediately after. Complete nausea, stomach cramping-lasted about a night. Has this happened to anyone else?! We had a waiter-Alessandro-who was amazing. Offered me espresso in my already-brought starbucks iced coffee and never charged me for it. Classy move, and wonderful service on his part. But the nausea....something to be concerned about?
(3)Taylor G.
I am a New Jersey native, and have been going to Joe's American Bar & Grill in Short Hills, NJ since I was a little girl. It has been, and continues to be, one of my favorite restaurants. Upon moving to Boston, I was very happy that I would be able to satisfy my Joe's craving. For those with allergies, Joe's American Bar & Grill is very accommodating. They go above and beyond what most restaurants do in order to make sure that my food is 100% allergen-free. As for the food, I think it's great. I have tried many different things there. A family favorite is the buffalo tenderloins and the spinach dip. Both are absolutely delicious. As for entrees, I have tried many different things but my most favorite would have to be the roast chicken. It's among one of the best roast chickens that I have ever had. On a side note, the bread is delicious! In addition, the Joe's locations in Boston also deliver through many delivery services such as Diningin.com and Grubhub.com . I have ordered from both, and my food has arrived perfect every time!
(5)Angela C.
Joe's on Newbury is way different than any other Joe's I've been to. Way nicer, modern/classy look. Filet Mignon and sirloin steak was excellent (great marinade). They have an open kitchen, and have glass doors in front that completely open so you can view Newbury as you're eating. Would definitely recommend!
(4)Jay K.
What has happened to this place? I walked in around 11:40AM on a Wednesday for an early lunch. Sat at bar. Ordered a French Dip which I have had before and always found it to be good. However not this time. The fries were ice cold. Since I was one of the first lunch customers were they left over from the day before? And I mean ice cold. The roast beef was cold and overcooked. Again...was this reheated from the day before? I would bet yes. Everything was smothered with salt...way too much. The one good thing is that the service, as always was good. Especially from the bartender Eric. If the food there does not improve I am done with this place. Drinking only.
(2)Thuy P.
So I don't really like to review big chains, but I had to because of my $20 coleslaw. It was the end of the week and after my first restaurant choice didn't pan out I figured -why not get some prime people watching seats while I eat?- So we went to Joe's. I was in a seafood mood so I ordered the crab cakes and when it came out I was shocked. Out came this huge plate that was covered half by sweet potato fries, a little over a quarter by coleslaw, and the last portion held two itty - bitty crab cakes. I considered asking the waitress if I was missing a crab cake or...... something, (which would have embarassed my uber shy friend). But I was really hungry so I sucked it up and I knew there was no way I'd be full unless I ate all of the coleslaw.... so I did. Maybe I would be less upset if the crab cakes were awesome but they were -meh-alright. The people were also wicked loud, like surprisingly so. I learned from this bad choice so a couple of weeks later I went across the street and had myself a real crab cake! *review posted half a year after initial draft..ooops
(2)Penny K.
Tonight (Saturday) was a big disappointment. We get to Joe's/Boston once a year or so, but usually on a weeknight, and we have always enjoyed the experience. Obviously Saturday nights are different; the place was mobbed, and our evening was crazily rushed and unpleasant. A chunk of warm bread arrived minus a cutting knife. Salad came almost immediately after our glass of wine, the entrees showed up within a few minutes of our getting the salad (there was no room on the table). We noticed that the two tables around us had the same experience. Food-wise: meh. The salad looked like it came it of a commercial-grade bag. The food was lukewarm, the meat was very underdone, and the sweet potato fries were soggy and mushy. We chose to not stay for coffee/dessert, and I felt so uncomfortable that I was unwilling to sit for a few minutes to finish my one glass of wine. Whether it was the intention to get us in/out quickly because of the crowd, we have no idea. But we felt the rush (given the overly quick arrival of the entree). We will probably consider going back, but most definitely NOT on a Saturday evening.
(3)Theresa M.
I secretly love Joe's, so when my boyfriend and I were on Newbury Street the other day we decided to grab some lunch at the Newbury Street location. It was equally as good as the other locations that I have visited, but given it was lunch time on Newbury Street there was a 30 minute wait and the place was very noisy and crowded. The service was good taking into account that they were so busy, but I've had better service at other locations even when they are equally as busy. Oh and although the menu is essentially the same the prices are $2-3.00 more...I guess you have to pay more because your on Newbury Street, but we did have a window table...which was lovely.
(3)Erica N.
As a foodie and local event planner, I do not recommend this restaurant. Food is mediocre and not worth the frustration with service. Better to go to Stephanie's across the street at a little higher price and much better service, try Paramount Cafe as well or anywhere else in the area. Made a reservation here and was still told I had to wait when I arrived. Then when we were seated finally 10 minutes later not one person stopped at our table. Waited another 10 minutes and saw another table that was just seated then immediately approached by a waiter. Not sure where ours was. Probably the stupid kid who dropped all the silverware clearing the table next to us. Couldn't even get the attention of the 10 different snobby waiters and hostesses that walked by. Not even any acknowledgement so we decided to get up and leave. Told the manager when we were leaving and although he offered to ask for him when we come back I declined since I won't be going back as this is the second time this has happened here. If you can get a seat at the bar try it out because at least you are in their face there so you'll get faster service. But again food is not impressive. All in all staff is pretentious for a lowsy chain restaurant on Newbury Street. You have many other options and they should recognize that and appreciate the business you bring. I was honestly shocked that I was able to get a last minute reservation on Easter Sunday and Boston Marathon weekend so other people must share the same feeling as me....
(1)Carina R.
My hubster and I were shopping on Newbury and looking for a place to eat. We found Joe's it looked nice and was convenient for us, so we ate lunch here. We were seated right away and the hostess and waitress there were very nice. We both ordered the BLT salad. My husband got his with shrimp, which was an exception and one they seemed all too happy to make for him. The salads were really good actually. Very refreshing for the extreme heat that was outside. We got seated so we were facing the street and they had the windows open, so it was a really nice lunch with people watching and being able to enjoy the day without being overcome by heat. This place seemed like somewhere people go to lunch while working, but it worked perfect for us. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)Katie B.
I wish Yelp could do half stars, because Joe's is more of a 3.5 star place. The food and service is good and I have nothing to complain about here. The only thing is it's simply not worth the price. The bread they serve before your meal is AMAZING. My favorite part about the restaurant, haha. It's just so soft and hot and delicious. Their burgers are good, nothing special though. I wouldn't advise against this restaurant, but I wouldn't really recommend it either.
(3)Roxana F.
I've been to Joe's twice, once for brunch and once for a late lunch/early dinner. It's fun and the drinks are great, but this isn't at the top of my list as a place to grab a meal. Pros: -Pink Sangria (rather, sangria in general) is DELICIOUS. I downed this so quickly my friends got quite concerned. -Bloody Mary also seemed to be good, my friends really liked them. -The bread they bring to the table is orgasmic. Piping hot, but airy and delicioussss. I probably enjoyed the bread more than my meal! -Prime location, right on Newbury St so it's great to sit back and people watch or talk with your friends (although it does get very loud) Cons: -Gets VERY crowded on the weekends. If you want to sit upstairs/outside, expect to wait. -The bar gets really loud and obnoxious with Newbury St ladies and their huge purses and the equally loud men that come to prey on them. -My waitress was great (albeit slow, but it was really busy) but my order didn't even come out right. At least she was really nice when we asked to split our check. -Food and drinks are overpriced for what you get. I will definitely come back here for the drinks and maybe some appetizers but I thought this place was overpriced for what I got.
(3)Sanah K.
I will most likely NEVER go (come) here again. I believe the bartender who was serving me on a Sunday after 3 was an OLD guy named Hash. I came here with a friend on the usual Newbury weekend visit to have drinks. A glass of champagne or not...meaning he refused to serve me a second glass of champagne. Coming from Vegas and being like top sales of alcohol in the entertainment serving business, you would think as a bartender you serve your customers to their highest satisfaction/ expectation and high liquor sales/ volume. I'm sorry I think I was exactly fine to enjoy my second glass, who a female bartender served me my second. Who is Hash to tell me I don't need another glass, he can clearly kiss my ass. In my book you're a dull* bartender who needs to go back to bartending school. ANYWAYS- NEXT
(1)Lisa S.
I went to Joe's American Bar & Grill on July 4th to meet some friends who were visiting from out of town. We knew that it would probably be crowded, so we called ahead to make a reservation about 1.5-2 hours before. We showed up on time, and I checked in. We waited about 30 minutes for our table, and they seated all other groups waiting before us- making the call ahead absolutely pointless. When they finally did seat us, it was a corner table on the patio. It was over 90 degrees out and very sunny, and the table was so hot we were all sweating. We asked to sit somewhere else, and the hostess rudely told us other people were waiting too, and it would be 20-30 more minutes for another table. We sucked it up and sat at the table, because we were starving. We ended up sitting around 3:15-3:20, and our waitress came by and told us that they were no longer serving brunch (ends at 3). We were obviously pissed off, since our reservations were for 245, so she talked to the kitchen and said we could still order brunch. The food took probably 30 minutes to come out. The waitress got one of my friend's orders wrong, and she didn't get the correct dish for another 5-10 minutes. Two of the napkins and a plate that we were given were dirty (the napkins had stains on them). The waitress accidentally poured water into my friend's lemonade (but luckily brought her a new one). My friend's tuna was a very small serving. The food was mediocre at best, and overpriced. The only good things about our meal were the bread (yummy) and having a table where we could people-watch on Newbury. I would definitely not go back to this place.
(1)Nguyen T.
Spinach artichoke dip is pretty good.
(2)Matt G.
Phenomenal service, abundant waitstaff, open kitchen runs clean and efficient. Prime rib hash with poached eggs was a well done done satisfying brunch. Special requests always received with a smile. Along with reasonable prices. Food at our 8 top came out exactly as ordered and very timely especially given that the place was packed at the time we were there, Sunday early afternoon. Will return when back in the HUB.
(4)Alyssa J.
This place was ok. I would go back...I guess. It was pretty generic all around. The thing that really stuck out about this Sunday Brunch was that the waitress was far more hungover than anyone at my table. I am consistently annoyed when I have to ask a server what the specials are. This young woman seemed so confused by the question, she left the table for a few minutes. Probably to ask someone the definition of special...I don't know. She showed up again and read it off of a piece of paper like a 4th grader. The food was good solid breakfast food, nothing to write home about, but I rarely write home as it is. One thing I noticed was that my Eggs Benedict tasted a little sour. My friend had the breakfast pizza and thoroughly enjoyed it. Joe's is a good place to go if you like breakfast food and don't mind a waiter from the Special Olympics. Oh wow, that was really mean. But...still, fairly accurate.
(3)Selena B.
Do NOT order take out here unless you're really into surprises!!! These guys couldn't get a take-out order right if you packed it yourself!!!! With that being said, the food is reliably good and Joe's makes extra effort to have plenty of management available when you're order goes wrong - because it's bound to. I do love their prime rib but they always sell out of it really early....here's a tip for you boys...COOK MORE!!!! If you sell-out every night maybe that's a sign??? I'm sure you don't want to waste food but make a stew or something, if you don't sell out of more!!! The soups they make are sometimes a total slam dunk. GREAT bread. Service can be slow at times but hey - IT'S PACKED!!! This location is much better than the one they had at Dartmouth too. So yes, I'm a "fan", but there's room for improvement. If you can look over some major problems I'm sure you'll enjoy your food very much :) It's just frustrating when the problems are just as reliable as the quality of the food!
(4)L T.
Nothing too special about this place. It's got your regular Brunch/Food selection - nothing that unique, all pretty safe, but the atmosphere is good for groups, and service is solid. When it's a large party of us we usually sit downstairs in the private room on the left which is nice, at no extra cost.
(3)Elizabeth B.
A huge "meh." I kept wanting to like this place and came back more than once, but always left pretty disappointed. The food is very average and everything is overpriced. For example, I subbed home fries out for fruit salad (and was charged extra for doing so), and was presented with cantaloupe and some sad looking grapes. That's not even trying! Service has been very spotty on at least two occasions - bringing food before even bringing water to the table, mixing up simple substitutions & acting a bit surly about re-doing the order, neglecting to bring cream and sugar for the coffee & disappearing (we eventually took matters into our own hands and got some splenda/sugar from a nearby cabinet), etc. etc. A nice spot on the corner of Newbury and Exeter with an open air bar, but a fancy bar doesn't make up for mediocre food and a blah experience. If you do insist on going, go for brunch - their fresh squeezed juices are good, and it's hard to mess up eggs.
(2)Jon B.
I think most people have a pretty good idea of what they are getting when they enter a chain restaurant.. and this one is no exception. The food is pretty unremarkable, the service is pretty decent and the bill is pretty hefty for what you just ate.. Essentially your eating at a high end Applebee's.. The atmosphere is upscale as are the prices for standard fare.. Don't get me wrong.. the unit located on Newburry is a great spot to slip into, have a hearty burger, a cold drink and continue down the street.. Just don't expect too much and you wont be disappointed..
(3)Phil D.
Great bread! Love the upstairs bar with retractable roof; perfect for sun or snow
(4)Andrew S.
Leaving Massachusetts is hard... I love Boston/the Northeast in the late Spring, early Summer. So when we checked out of the Westin and had to catch a noon flight back to Miami, I just went for a quick drive down Newbury and happened upon this parking spot right on the corner, between Stephanies and Joes. Stephanies is old news -- everyone and their grandmother has had their Brunch. So we went to Joes and, boy, a surprise for sure. Considering that we only had 30 minutes to eat and run, I glanced over the menu and saw some delicious and eye-catching options. Everything was priced between $10 to $20, and each dish came with a drink of choice (if before 11am, only non-alcoholic fresh-squeezed orange juice and grapefruit juice) and a basket of muffins. The complementary orange juice was delicious, in 2 small glasses. That weekend, Boston had a 'Boiled Water' problem, meaning that the water wasn't good to drink, so no restaurants had coffee. The waitress brought us our orange juice and we downed it fairly quickly. The muffins were small, warm and delicious. Two varieties... first are corn muffins, and second are carrot/walnut/raisin muffins... paired with a bit of butter, and your stomach is set. I ordered the Prime Rib mash ($12.99) and my girlfriend had the french toast. The mash was awesome -- two poached eggs with hollandaise sauce ladled over the entire dish. The salty, moist baked prime rib bits with the eggs was a perfect pair, that made my hungover heart and mind sing. The french toast was meh. Through the meal, our orange juice ran out, and I requested more. 5 minutes later, 2 large glasses came (much larger than the previous glasses), and I was informed that the larger glasses were because they weren't complementary. Don't you love when a waitress neglects to mention that the additional orange juice (even considering Boston's water problem) costs an additional $4 per glass? That lost this possibly 3 star restaurant a star.
(2)Parris M.
I came here back in April for a hangover vacation brunch. was recommended by a local. I ordered eggs benedict, because I like to see how restaurants rank with each other. The portion size was small, and my egg was raw. Now, I know what a poached egg is supposed to look like. This was a raw egg. I'd try it again, but I was very underwhelmed.
(3)Allison B.
My sister and I were visiting from out of town and stopped at Joe's for lunch. It was a beautiful day so we waited for a seat at the windows. We experienced some inappropriate behavior by the hostess and she seated another couple before us. We did speak with the manager on duty that day, Ashley, and she was wonderful! She understood our complaint and seated us immediately. She was incredibly apologetic and friendly and even took care of part of our meal, which was not necessary. Despite our one bad experience with the hostess, all the staff were wonderful, the atmosphere was great and the food equally so. I would eat here again when I visit Boston and would recommend to others for lunch. P.S. Loved the loster roll!
(4)Viv C.
I give this place 5 stars for what it is. This is one of my favorite places to visit. It's great for impromptu drinks/dining. The drinks are absolutely delicious esp the sparkling berry sangria.... some of the best. They also have woodchuck cider year round which isn't the easiest to locate anymore. The food is delicious. If you like a French Dip sandwich look no further. Theres is the absolute best. Everything I've tried has been good. This place is a favorite for many reasons: - Its a nice atmosphere. Feels nice with quality decor/finishes but not so nice you worry about being underdressed if you weren't planning to go out. The walls in the upstairs are all glass which feels like being outside when they open in the summer. And a treat in the winter too when you feel sunlight deprived. -Food. The food is delicious. I read some person who compared this to Applebees due to how the food was cooked, must've been a substitute chef or he had a bad day bc it's always good. This is definitely a better quality place, with good ingredients for the price. Sadly, some people simply cannot identify the difference between crappy chain food vs mixed quality food vs high quality food. I would say this is the middle but def leaning toward higher. A person who thinks this is like applebees cannot tell the difference between pre-made sauces made with chemicals (applebees) and those made on site with more whole ingredients than chemicals (joes) the quality of beef (applebees = cheap delimeat for a roast beef / cheap pink slimy beef in the burgers)...and real food (joes = slices of juicy prime rib for their roast beef and quality beef) I'm just saying. It's not the best of the best, but if you are someone who can taste the difference in ingredient quality you will certainly will find more real food here vs other chains. Enjoy it! -service - I've had almost always excellent service (i.e. waitress/waiter is friendly and checks up but doesn't hover, does not let drinks get empty, etc) I won't knock a star off, for the occasional less attentive staff member which I admit has happened. This a great place to drop in for good drinks or good food when in the area.
(5)Russ B.
Food: 2 over priced applebees food with less flavor. We had med rare prime rib ( came over cooked gray and lacked flavor). Grilled salmon (looked good but lacked flavor) Ambiance: 4 great pattio area Service: 4 good but awkward. He may have been new. Friendly though. Price: 1 appropriate for newbery but not for the food and drinks we had. I recommend going to capital grill or Atlantic fish co over this place.
(2)d f.
Joe's has gotten worse. Poor and infrequent table service, low quality food. I ate at Joe's with a friend. The calamari were barely warm and mostly fried batter without much actual squid. The salmon was cooked well, but lacked flavor. The vegetables were undercooked. Service was really spotty -- water glasses were left without refills and had to flag down waitress often, even though it was not that busy. Avoid Joe's -- better off going to Atlantic Fish Company or Abe & Louie's (also skip Stephanie's and Met Bar -- equally bad).
(1)Emily D.
Everyone says, "Oh I come to Joe's for the Ribs or Wings" Not us, my hubby and I come here for the complimentary bread. Well, we don't just get bread and leave but if that was possible we so would. That warm bread with butter just makes me crazy.. I can't stop eating it. Besides the amazing bread, we've had some really good meals here. My favorite is the Black and Blue Burger, perfectly cooked burger with blue cheese, roasted red peppers, scallions and caramelized onions. Side of fries and garnish of onion rings. It's my go-to meal here. The Newbury Street location is great because of the patio. It's the perfect spot for summer dining and not have crazy newbury street prices like other restaurants.
(4)Courtney H.
Everytime I come here I get seduced by the awesome openness of the first floor, and then I eat the food. It's too greasy for me and way overpriced but that's to be expected in the area. I always feel regretful whenever I eat here because it just seems so unhealthy. They must use a lot of sodium. However, everything is decent here, but nothing is stand out. The service is very good and I'm never disappointed with the staff, but the food is just meh. Go some place else if you are in the neighborhood.
(2)Katie S.
I always love this restaurant at every location. This particular location is perfect we sat right where you enter and we could people watch. The pricing was great for everything that we got. Our waitor was very funny, helpful, and quick. The bar downstairs is even nicer than upstairs! The filet was great cooked to my liking. The steak tips were very chewy and very over cooked but steak tips are hard to cook anyways so I will let it slide. Will def return when in the area.
(4)Michele K.
I'm so glad we found this place! We had just flown in from LA after having not slept or eaten all night and made it for early lunch before the crowd showed up. I ordered the Crab Cake Salad (as recommended by the server) and hubby ordered a french dip sandwich. They brought us the most delicious warm bread before our entrees. That alone was worth it. The crab cake atop my salad was like no other I've ever had on the West Coast, very yummy! Service was excellent as well. Just casual enough, I'll definitely come here again.
(4)Alex B.
Our waitress was great, the location is perfect, but I feel like Joe's is a boring restaurant with food one notch up from mediocre. My omelette was good but not memorable and the bloody mary was down right bad; it tasted like watered down tomato juice and wasn't even remotely spicy like it had been advertised on their brunch menu.
(2)Ayla G.
The food was good, but what I'd like to point out is the great service. My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by Ethan, our server. He was witty, attentive and went above and beyond to make us feel like we were truly special customers. When my husband wondered where the Browns (football team) was in the league, Ethan looked it up and returned promptly with the stats. His service alone will bring us back to Joe's.
(4)Christina J.
Ok. So not my top choice of places to go to during my weekend trip to Boston. Not that I don't like the food, but I always like to try something different when I'm away from home. However, the Italy v. Spain soccer game was already halfway done so I needed to get to a bar pronto, and I knew they would for sure have the game on. Again, having a Joe's at home, I'm familiar enough with the food and know what I like and what to order, and I'm always happy with my experience there. However.... it seems this time I must have been invisible or something. I sat there for several minutes and no one even looked at me or stopped to ask how I was. THANKS. I might as well have been waving my arms around the whole time I was there because NO ONE would pay me any attention. I had to stop one of them to ask for a menu, ask for my drink, and then ask for bread. The one bartender that ended up serving me came around once to ask if I was doing ok and then when I had stopped eating he didn't even ask how everything was or if I wanted anything else, he only printed out my check without saying a single word to me. Is this the typical customer service they have here?? Thank God I don't live nearby, and thank God I get better service at my local Joe's. I DEFINITELY won't be back to the one on Newbury.
(1)Kelly K.
Had dinner here before and the food used to be real good but the chicken ziti brocolli was just ok. The service was great but not enough to make me want to go back. Too bad. :/
(3)Carolyn L.
Stopped in here when I was in Boston a couple of weeks ago and had a great (drunk) time after the Red Sox vs Cubs game. I ended up inadvertently harassing the waiter but he stayed calm and friendly with me. Great food and drinks. A little pricy but it's Newbury Street. I expected no less!
(4)Cristina P.
I've been to Joe's on Newbury twice, once for breakfast and once for dinner. Breakfast was wayy better, service and food wise. At dinner, our waiter never brought us bread, our food came out after waiting about 20 minutes. We ate and ultimately ran out of water. The waiter passed by and asked how the food was, but didn't "notice our drinks" because he never really stopped to hear our response. We finished eating, the waiter never came back. So we wait again, finally the waiter turns around from helping another table that just been seated and looks at us, thirsty, we asked for the check. If you work on Newbury St, make sure you can handle crowds of people please.
(2)Chrizzle D.
I really liked it here. My first experience was with the BF. I was craving meatballs, and was not let down by their spaghetti and meatballs! Went there a second time with a friend for her birthday. Got the same dish and was not disappointed. Waitstaff was amazing and even brought out a complimentary (yummy) chocolate cake. If I go back, I may have the spaghetti and meatballs again. YUM!
(4)Tee B.
Playing that funky music, good drinks, kind server, but the "award winning" clam chowder wasn't better than Chunky's Canned kind; however, not everything is perfect. I would recommend a visit -- open aired seating on a July evening
(4)Lindsey R.
While staying in Boston, my boyfriend and I were looking for someplace to eat on Valentine's Day and by the time we got to Newbury St. we were starving. After a review of the menus of other restaurants, which were far too pricey for our college student budgets, we settled on Joe's. I was a little wary because although I had never been, I knew Joe's was a chain (with one being found at our local mall) but I was pleasantly surprised. The interior was clean and sophisticated and a lot of other couples our age were eating there, probably because the prices are much more affordable than a lot of the other places on Newbury. We were seated quickly and the hostess was really nice, making some conversation as she sat us. Our server was great as well, very friendly and quick to assist us. I got the Rotisserie Roasted Chicken and my boyfriend got the Sirloin Steak Tips. The chicken, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce were delicious. I did however comment to my boyfriend that I was a little afraid I had gotten more than my daily sodium intake in my dish! My boyfriend loved his steak tips. We also got the nachos for an appetizer which were pretty good, although I wish there was a little more cheese. The lemonade is amazing and so is the bread! Also, a nice touch, I was given a rose at the end of our meal because it was Valentine's Day. Cute!
(4)Julia G.
I'm originally from Dallas, TX, and this place felt a lot like your standard $$ fare. I was excited because the appearance seemed more upscale than most breakfast/brunch spots I visited in Boston (you stand in line, no waiter service, you watch your food being cooked) but this place just did not satisfy my expectations. Great for your standard omelet, waffles, home fries, etc. but nothing to ride home about!
(3)Lindsay R.
I just stopped into Joe's for an appetizer and a drink with my family while Christmas shopping. Everyone was so friendly. It was my first time visiting Boston and I was pleasantly surprised. The French onion soup was delicious! However our server could have made anything sound wonderful. His name was Colin and he was a peach! He made my whole family laugh even our tired children. I can honestly say he is one of the best servers I have ever had (and we eat out a lot!). If we ever come back to that lovely city we will be sure to stop back into Joe's and hopefully be seated with Colin! Thanks everyone!
(5)AJ U.
Joe's American Bar and Grill sucks, no other way to put it. The atmosphere is good, but the food and service is downright awful. I tried the Waterfront location last year when my parents were in town (bad choice) and decided to give the Newbury Street location a try Saturday night because a few friends were in town and it was the only 8:30 last minute reservation I could find (shocker). Very disappointing, yet again. Overpriced, undercooked food. What steak comes without a vegetable for $25? The mash potatoes look like they came out of a blender. I think Applebees would have served up a better steak. My friends turkey burger looked like it came off the $1 menu at McDonalds, but with less toppings. I just don't get how a restaurant can have such good locations and atmosphere and yet completely miss on the food. Not making this mistake a third time; should have tried to make reservations sooner and gone elsewhere.
(2)Aubrie L.
Came here yesterday after walking around Boston... We were happy to find a place open (since it was thanksgiving). The hostess was quick to seat us as soon as we came in. Shortly after this out waiter (I feel terrible that I don't remember his name) and introduced himself and took our drink order. He recommended a beer to me (I usually don't drink beer) and offered to bring a sample just so I could be sure. He came back and asked me how I liked it- it was really good (again I can't remember the name) so I ordered it and we ordered our food. As we chatted our food came to us in a timely manner after a few minutes of eating the owner came over and wished us a Happy thanksgiving and asked us how we were enjoying our meal. My sister got the Cobb salad, my friend got wings and my other friend enjoyed a salad as well. I ended up sharing the wings and fries. The food was good and we had a wonderful time our waiter was attentive and pleasant. We paid and left in a happier mood than when we came! I will be coming back on my next trips to Boston!!
(4)Kevin R.
Great late night bar.,,., bartenders are the best.
(4)Liz K.
Went here on a beautiful day when it was 60's and sunny out. The ceiling was open and all the windows were up, so the sun was shining in with lots of fresh air, which made for the perfect atmosphere. There is a good brunch menu and if you order brunch you get a cocktail with it, which is a nice touch. The sandwiches and salads all looked good too. The menu is very large and they have just about everything. Service was good and located right on Newbury street. Definitely recommend for a good weathered day.
(4)Only My O.
My girlfriend and I went into joes after a movie and we proceeded to the bar with josh the bartender. I asked him to surprise me with a good drink and he made me an awesome combination! Fried chicken wasn't to bad either. I'll definitely return soon
(5)Malea X.
i had 2 meals here, lunch and brunch. both were good (a gluten-free lobster roll!) and they take care to keep the food separated, plus a dedicated fryer. the food and service were good and they were happily accommodating to my allergies, but the lobster roll i had in portland was better. one thing that was quite alarming is that when i asked if they had gluten-free beer the bartender offered me a corona or Heineken, neither of which are gluten-free by any stretch of the imagination! the only way to take gluten out of a grain alcohol is by distilling it. these guys are being given bad information and passing it along. who knows how many people they've gotten sick?!
(3)Angelo V.
The service at this restaurant was top notch. Rudy was very kind and personable. He was extremely familiar with the dishes and is very customer centric. Everyone at this restaurant is also very kind. The food is excellent. I would highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion and ask for Rudy!!
(5)Mandy A.
We were aiming to have a late lunch since we knew we'd have a late dinner so I was a bit surprised that there was such a wait at 1:30pm. But it was Columbus Day and it was Newbury Street so we waited. We picked this place since a friend of husband's said they had good Boston Creme Pie here. My plans for the Pie had been thwarted the day before so I was pumped. For lunch and pie but mainly pie. Again with the weird servers... I don't know about these Boston girls. This one was talking about the wine like it was poetry or something... I just sort of tuned her out. She brought us bread and one appetizer plate. Ha. And the bread was a big chunk, not cut. So we made a mess and I went without a plate, she didn't notice any of the times she came back which made me laugh. I got the Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich on a whim. I don't normally go for stuff like that but it spoke to me. Fantastic decision, I was really proud of myself for that one. The ham and cheese melted inside the chicken which was perfectly thin and crispy... wow. So freaking good. Husband took a bite and said he wished he ordered that instead. I held off on hoovering all of the fries to save room for the pie. Weird server came back with dessert menus and went on and on about their carrot cake and again, tuned her out as she was talking about cream cheese something or other and as I'm scanning... no PIE. What the heck? So we passed on dessert. I was sad. Probably not their fault, maybe we were lied to and led astray by the coworker. I did laugh when I saw the servers new table all giving her weird looks and whispering as she walked away like what is her deal. At least it's not just me. Overall, fancy place. Not my favorite vibe. Kind of like old school steak house and no real personality. I have a thing with putting "American" in the name of your business... I don't get it.
(4)Bronwen Y.
Big fan of Joe's. With the warm weather, reservations are a MUST (but thankfully they use Open Table, which makes it super easy). Like so many places in Boston, they won't let you reserve the upstairs patio, but downstairs is gratefully air conditioned! Even if you have a reservation, you'll probably need to chill at the downstairs bar with a pager for a while, but just build that expectation into your plans and you'll be fine. Lots of beers on tap, good wine selection, and a full bar. Food is excellent - try the spicy beef salad if you want something a bit lighter. I also appreciate how all of the burgers and sandwiches come with an onion ring!
(4)Kate L.
I don't know why I only give 3 stars because the food is always super here. The steak salad with blue cheese is probably the best steak salad I have had next to Abe's. The tuna ahi app was tiny... only 4 pieces of tuna which let me fill up on the great soft, warm bread that is always a sure bet. Service is good. Sangria was sweet and good but made my me and my boyfriend tired. For the price, not bad. I would go back.
(3)Celeste A.
We just moved to Beacon Street in Boston and were walking around to find someplace to have a late dinner after a long day at work and saw Joe's which I think fancy's itself as sort of tex-mex restaurant. We went there at 8:00 pm and wrongly assumed since Joe's was open that an 8 pm was not something they were not equipped to handle--obviously we were wrong. The host was standing at his station when we arrived. He asked if we were there for drinks or dinner. When we said dinner; he turned to a woman standing near the bar where we should be seated. She looked somewhat annoyed and they exchanged a private conversation with the host for about a minute, after that he said follow me. The host walked us to the back of the restaurant where there were some nasty broken looking tables with stools (no backs). There were empty tables all over the restaurant, both high and regular tables that had chairs with backs. But no they put us at a table that was so broken that I could not even touch the table without it rocking. We ordered a drink and dinner at the same time because it was late and we were hungry. The drinks came out and were fine but the dinner took another 20 minutes to arrive. When the dinner did arrive it was more of a tapas plate size. I had read some of the other yelp reviews before we went so expected a dinner of normal size or bigger. I am certainly glad my husband and I did not share a dinner, as is our normal M.O., even if we are getting a sandwich--because we are not big eaters. I now wander if they were running out of food for the day and decided not to share this information when I ordered the special (tamale mole). The only thing large on the plate was the banana leaf. Perhaps if this was a "REAL" Tex-mex restaurant we would have been served chips and salsa which would have made this tiny portion palatable. We had to go home and grab a snack after dinner. My husband ordered the chicken tortas which was a bit larger but still not large enough to split. The flavors on both entries were bland and uneventful. To be clear, there is NOTHING is special about this place. Perhaps the person who said the portions were huge, went to Joe's before 8 pm. My final note: this place does not deserve to be in business in this town where superb food is the norm. We will certainly never spend our money at Joe's again and I urge anyone who reads this to do the same.
(1)Kiki D.
On my last trip to Boston, of course we had to walk & shop on Newbury St. We stumbled upon Joe's and decided to have lunch there. Our server was Luis, and he was very nice & friendly. He offered us a bread basket, even though our meals weren't really bread-needy. It was the best bread ever~!! Warm & toasty fresh. I almost ate it all, but had save room. I ordered the chicken parmesan sandwich, which ended up being HUGE. You definitely could not pick it up to eat it like a sandwich. The normal sized bread bun it came with was tiny compared to the chicken. Definitely a knife & fork kind of sandwich. It tasted really good with the marinara & cheese on it. On the side was a nice little green salad w/ balsamic dressing - perfect tasting. Our table also ordered the fish & chips. They were up to par. There were onion rings too. Minus one star for the dirty silverware & bread plate. All else was good.
(4)Mayra B.
This last Saturday afternoon we had just checked into a hotel in Newbury St. and were starving. We walked a couple of blocks and Joe's was literally the first restaurant we found so we stopped there. I didn't think we were going to like it that much but it was a great experience. The hostess sat us down immediately in a great table with plenty of space that fit our baby's stroller (in spite of it being quite full). Our server's name was Joey and he was very helpful and offered very quick and spot on service. He recommended a couple of different sangrias which were very tasty and refreshing and a had a great beer selection for my husband. We also ordered the ahi tuna tartare, the clam chowder and the onion soup to start and then a couple of great burgers and the blackened haddock sandwich. Everything was well cooked, very flavorful and exactly as we had asked for. Joey also recommended the banana cream pie for desert, which was to die for. This place delivers great American quality food, quick service and a very pleasant and well-trained staff. We will definitely be back.
(5)Ashley D.
Berry Sangria was to die for
(4)Drew R.
Had some great Seared Ahi Tuna here. They also have a good selection of beers.
(4)Thiago G.
Ive been to the New Location on Newberry St a couple times and i love it every time! Always a wait on Friday and Saturday Nights, Go to the bar have a drink and by the time your done a table will be ready! Or its just my luck! Waiting Staff was Great and their Fish Special was amazing! Love the New Look on Newberry St as Well.. Very Large and Modern. Im a Fan!
(4)Jason M.
While on my way to Fenway for my first Red Sox game (hey stuff it! I moved here in January), we decided to stop and grab a quick bite to eat. Desperately craving another burger, my friend suggested we stop at Joe's. The food didn't stick out as great. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best I've had. My burger was nicely medium and very juicy. They use a poppyseed bun, which you don't see too often. I had a white sharp cheddar cheese which was delicious. The fries were a bit thicker than I like, although they came with an onion ring... a happy little surprise. What made the night an adventure was our waiter. I have several theories: A. It was his first day. B. He was training to be a ninja. C. He had social anxiety. D. All of the above. As he shared the specials, he did so in a rapid-fire, skip every third word in such a weird way. His phrasing was spaced oddly, like he was afraid he'd forget something important. The next word was always on the tip of his tongue as he shoutedouteverythingsoquicklyyoudidn'tunderstandhiÂm. It didn't help he was wearing all black. This helped him sneak up on us without us noticing, loudly announce his presence and then he'd quickly blurt out something: HEY!Wouldyoulikearefillonyourdrinksoranotherbeer?Âno.greatthankyou. Sometimes we didn't get to respond as he would jet away. I'm gonna chalk it up to that it was his first day. And he was part ninja.
(3)Katie K.
Okay so I was going to give this place two stars because my very first experience here wasn't completely abysmal, but the last time I went here was so awful that I will never go back. My boyfriend and I came here for Valentine's day. I'm burger and fries kind of gal. Our waiter didn't even stop by our table to say hello or anything. He literally came up as he was passing and said "drinks?" and walked away before we were able to say anything. He didn't check up on us the entire meal. He didn't smile, he was incredibly unpleasant--honestly I was wondering if he was intoxicated. He was sloppy and rude. Come dessert, we ordered chocolate covered strawberries--a valentine's classic, right? 8 bucks for 3 strawberries, covered in that awful dusty processed chocolate. I bit into one and almost chipped a tooth--THEY WERE FROZEN. So lucky we just sent them back and ended up asking for the check. At least 8 dollars weren't wasted on THREE strawberries. He barely apologized and muttered something. When we asked for the check, he pretty much threw it at us as he walked by. I should have complained, but I'm too agreeable for that and didn't want to ruin anyone's day. We gave him a small tip, but it was still much too generous in my opinion. Ran out of there as fast as possible. Burger was alright and fries were okay too. The Maitre'D was actually very kind. I wouldn't come here unless you're indecisive and desperate.
(1)Taja R.
I've visited this restaurant on two different occasions. The first time was this past summer. I had the Au Poivre burger, which was pretty good. It was juicy, the bread was soft, the onions were sweet and caramelized as promised. It was a properly cooked medium burger. I couldn't say the same for my fiance's meal. He ordered the Rib au jus, which was overly tender (almost mushy) and wasn't a great cut of meat. We expected so much better! I expected a bit more from the service. There was little in the way of warmth. It felt very mechanical, and we rarely saw the server. The service aspect didn't stand out to us much at all. But we figured, maybe it was just that day. I figured we'd give it another try before putting the nail in the coffin. This weekend was our second time around. My fiance and I met a friend for dinner there. We were promptly greeted and seated. (Great!) However, it took a couple of minutes for our server to come over. Once he did, he too seemed to be out of steam. I got the sense that he was doing the best he could to be "up" and was ready to go home. Nice guy, but I could see it in his very soul that he was not feeling it. (I know the look! I've served long enough to know the look of a tired server!). Decent guy, but he was just through. It was as if he was simply trying to get through this last table. He came over with menus and asked if we would like to start out with drinks, but he didn't really recommend any drinks, rather, he pointed out that they have a drink menu. (Ok...thanks. Maybe one itty bitty drink recommendation? Just one? No? Ok.) We ordered a large bottled water which was served with chilled glasses and a lime, which I appreciated. We were then told of the specials, and took some time to look at the menu. After a while, we noticed that the server was nowhere to be found. We waited between 5-10 minutes (being generous) before we even saw him come back through the dining room. By this time, we ordered apps and entrees. Might I add that once we received the bread for the table, we realized that it was served as one big roll, no slices or cuts to make sharing easier, and we all had blunt butter knives, so imagine how fun that was trying to cut into! It turned into a mini blunt sword fight and evntually, we just tore pieces off.Crumbs everywhere, yay! :-D Anyway, I ordered the soup of the day (butternut squash) and the Ahi Tuna Burger. We also ordered nachos for an appetizer. The soup was okay, it was flavorful, but wasn't as sweet as expected. It tasted more like a carrot, squash soup, and was more savory and citrus flavored, with a kick of the cilantro. I was thrown off, but it was okay. I finished it. The nacho's were okay. I liked the cheese. They were youre typical nachos, nothing to write home about. They were good, but I've had better. They lacked substance. Lettuce, sour cream, some tomato tossed here and there, some salsa on the side. Yeah, nachos. *crickets* But they were good. When the tuna burger arrived (just in time to finish the cup of soup), I was happy with the portion and presentation. The bun was multigrain, but it was soft and had a slight sweetness, with baked in oats on top. The tuna was crusted in sesame seeds, which added an interesting textural element along with a slight nutty flavor. It was also topped with tomato and arugala, which were fresh and deep green. I took a couple of bites, and found it to be pretty balanced and flavorful...however...it wasn't medium as I requested. It was more rare. I figured I could overlook it after the first couple of bites. But about halfway through, I started to not really enjoy it. It was a bit cold, but I figured it was the vegetables that dropped the temperature at first (which was partly to blame), but after a while, I got the feeling that this wasn't fresh tuna. The way it started fo LEAK and FALL APART, I believe the patty had been frozen. Maybe it was fresh when it came in, but it was then ground, shaped into a patty, and frozen until ready to serve. However, this isn't the type of thing you send back to the kitchen to be cooked through, so I just went with it. It was okay, but after a while, I tapped out and couldn't finish it. My fiance ordered the Mushroom Burger. Not only was it cooked medium well, when he ordered medium, but the menu promised mushrooms, which we could tell were not fresh cut. They were definitely from a can. Mind you, he's a chef, so he can kinda definitely spot these things. A man who loves his burgers didn't finish it and didn't care to take it home. The fries, while thick cut, tasted frozen also. I was kinda upset about that. I had sweet potato frieds with my, and they were a bit mushy. *sigh* All in all, we had a good time laughing and talking, but I probably wouldn't pick that restaurant to do it in. It's a shame, because the last time I visited, the burger itself was awessome! Too many details didn't measure up.
(2)R. G.
This place is decent, but nothing stood out. I had the egg benedict, and my friend had the surf and turf with crab cakes. They were pretty decent, and came with a beverage (my friend had a bloody mary) and some fruit. Mostly importantly, however, it has a prime location for outdoor dining on a sunny day. Our waiter was also great--attentive and friendly, without being over pushy. The inside is kinda dark, with solid black furniture in a traditional style. Not bad, over all.
(3)Joanne D.
Food is nothing special but probably one of the cheaper restaurant in the back bay. The service is not the best. Their menu indicated brunch comes with bakery basket but when I asked for it, they said it is no longer available and ask if I want bread instead. Even that I had to so twice before they bring it to me. Seriously, if you no longer provide bakery basket, please update your menu.
(3)Catey W.
Had a wonderful evening at Joe's tonight. The food was perfect and we got a great seat up by the bar with a beautiful view of Newbury street with all of the Christmas lights. What made the night extra special was our wonderful waitress, Alena. She was funny, personable and gave great wine and food recommendations. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Chris C.
Good food and good service in a comfortable atmosphere.
(4)Jen C.
I came to Joe's with a few friends for dinner and drinks. The food was great and the sangria was delicious. I recommend making reservations on the weekends as it tends to get busy.
(3)H L.
Just had the first try out last week for a quick lunch. The first time, we went there but they did not serve the Brunch in the winter. I cannot remember why, But I was offended for being offered lunch before Noon time then. We went back during the July week for early lunch. They were rather displaying fancy older people to the porch, and casual dressers to the basement level, but we did not mind it as it was cooler and quieter than the upper. Then all filled with the business workers in their 40s+. The lunch was mere $15+. And, fresh with some creative touches. The food, definitely need to be improved to survive the competition across Stephanie's. 3.5 star Perhap's a bit bigger portion for American Joe's would be nice- My salad was fantastic (Beef Noodle salad) But, had to order Apple crumble for a dissert. The two-course finally filled my stomach for the rest of the afternoon. Noticeably, their strong management(2+managers on the scene in suits) keeps every staff to make sure we were well taken care of. Everyone seems to work with focus on what they were doing. All too serious! I will definitely go back and see if their dinner is as good as the lunch we had.
(4)Amy S.
I've always thought of Joe's as the type of place that you go when you can't decide on somewhere better to go. Or you get lured in b/c it's the only place on the street with outdoor(ish) seating that doesn't have a 30 min wait (which, to be fair to my impatience, is very long when you try to stick to an hour lunch break). That's not to say it's bad, quite reliably good in fact, but nothing to get excited and, say, write a Yelp review about. That all changed when I tried their grilled cheese. You laugh, but this was honestly the best grilled cheese I have EVER had (sorry mom). I'm practically drooling just writing this review. Picture this (unless you have had it, then maybe you can taste it): cheddar and fontina cheese with bacon and tomato (yum!)...and as if that isn't delightful enough...on challah bread! It's one of those sandwiches that you can't help but say, "mmm this is so good" at every bite. Really. I am serious when I say when I was eating it I was planning out when I'd be able to go back. Oh, and it comes with great sweet potato fries (which you can sub for regular fries, but the regular fries are only ehh). As far as service, our waitress was fantastic. She seemed like she was at our table every couple of minutes refilling our waters for us (warm day and one of the people I was with kept downing her water like she just ran 30 miles), which did get a bit awkward, but good service nonetheless. Not so simple grilled cheese - I can't wait until we meet again!
(5)Joeli G.
Joe's American Bar and Grill on Newbury Street = Disgusting. Flavorless food, cold fries, slow service. 4 people having sandwhiches with a side of 2 beers... $104.00...for lunch!!! That's rediculous. Chain restaurants are always a bad decision but i have to say, Joe's is the worst I've experienced. With so many wonderful places to eat in Boston and its outlying area, don't make the same mistake we made and settle for this place. Wait the 30 minutes to get into Stephanie's across the street - we should have.
(1)Candice P.
I went here on a Saturday night and we were able to get a table by the window. The weather was amazing and it was a great spot for people watching. I had some seared tuna and it was very small, but it was what I wanted at the time. I suggest you don't order it if you are starving. The sangria was really good, but became a little overwhelmingly sweet after one glass. I really like the atmosphere here. It really casual and fun. Definitely a great spot for a Friday or Saturday night. The service is pretty decent too. Nothing extraordinary though. The one thing that really hurt this rating is the fact that they put an $111 hold in my bank account. I split the bill with my boyfriend and with tip, It should have been charged $50.74 and for some reason the amount showed up as $111 in my checking account. I called and they told me that "sometimes that happens". Why $111 dollars and why didn't my boyfriend get a hold as well? It seems to me they messed something up but didn't want to admit they charged me the wrong amount. It was later fixed but still annoying. I'd go back here again, but next time I will bring cash.
(3)Joe G.
I work right down the street from joes and I've always wanted to try it. It was pretty good. The only complaint I have was that my beer tasted kind of skunked. I don't know if I got the bottom of the tap or what. But all in all pretty good
(4)Kyle D.
This place has a nice setup. The bar is right next to the street and it is covered from the elements, but the windows are open in the summer time to allow for nice air circulation. You can see everything going on in the street and it is a nice atmosphere. I would give 4.5 for ambience in the bar and grill category. I ordered the bacon cheesburger done medium with fries and a drink. It took only 10 minutes to hand me my order, which is pretty good considering the high volume of customers at 2:30 on a weekday. They get four stars for service. The food was good. The fries were not a boatload, but adequate enough. The burger was done medium as I requested. I was a little hungry in the end, but I ate my food ravenously. Three and half stars on the food quality and quantity. The prices were a little high. I know that you are paying for the atmosphere, but they charge a little too much for the atmosphere. The bacon cheeseburger, fries, and drink came to about 16 dollars and change. A little high for a bar and grill, even a good one. They get two stars for the price. That comes to 3.5 if you weight everything equally. But I value price efficiently more than ambiance and the higher than usual price brought it down to a 3. But this is a good bar and grill. It is perfect for the summer time. If you have not been there during the summer yet, I suggest you give it a try, or another try, soon.
(3)Kevin B.
I'm a pretty big fan of the location and the decor of this place. The brunch special is a great deal - comes with a free drink (mimosa, bloody mary, beer, juice, etc). The black and blue burger is delicious for lunch. Fish is also fresh and well cooked. Pretty good draft beer selection too - including whale's tail. Service is also consistently excellent. I'd say not quite as nice as Houston's in Fanuiel, but nicer than expected for a chain.
(4)Roger C.
Waited 20 minutes for my entree while everyone else in my party enjoyed their meal.
(1)Cequesta K.
Came here on a lovely summer day to enjoy the beautiful weather and a delicious meal. The place was packed, which isn't unusual for a Saturday afternoon, but the courteous hostess still managed to seat us promptly. Our waitress was really nice, and she made it a point to find out wheather or not there were Skinny Girl maritnis available (which there was!) For starters we had the spinach and artichoke dip which came with an assortment or pita and tortilla chips, as well as carrot sticks....delicious! But on the other hand, dip is a really hard thing to screw up. For an entree my friend ordered the chicken platter, which was huge! He couldn't even finish it all which says a lot for someone with his appetite. I ordered the special which was the blackened catfish topped with chopped salsa. I've never tasted anything so salty in my life. I'm usually not the type to send food back, but I literally couldn't stomach it! I instead got the catfish-minus all the extra pizazz- and it was simply delightful. The ambiance is classic American decor, casual with a touch of elegance. Very nice. All and all I would definitely come back, I'll just be sure to order something else!
(3)Allison C.
This spacious restaurant is a great place for drinks after work. Both of our entrees were great, the appetizer was ok but a little less than generous. Sometimes our cocktails were good, sometimes not. I suppose it depends on who is behind the bar. The staff is organized and professional and I liked the atmosphere. Would go again.
(4)Teddy B.
Not a bad little place. Kind of pricey, but I think that area of Boston is. The food quality was good. Tasty and staff took time to explain the meal and answer questions. The kind of place where what you see is what you get.
(3)Jennifer L.
Bloody Mary = bloody fantastic! Seriously, one of the best I've ever had. Normally they're a tad too spicy for me (I don't want to hurt myself in the morning) but this one was just right. The service was fine, as was the outdoor seating ambiance and the Florentine omelet I ordered. Nothing too outstanding. I'd go back for the Bloody Mary, though.
(3)Dan S.
Any restaurant that has a chain outpost in the friggin' Short Hills Mall can't possible rate higher than two stars. Mediocre, overpriced american chain fare. Nothing remarkable. It's basically Applebees with better decor and slightly more high quality microwaves.
(2)Sean M.
Just ordered a salad and bread as a walk in. Took about 15 minutes to get the order. I walk four blocks back to my office only to realized that they gave me the wrong order. Allegedly there were two people with the same name. If you knew that then you may want to confirm the order. I had to go back and get my order and all they offered me was to keep the other order which I had no idea what it was...Maybe you should offer to pick up the cost of the meal when you make an error like that. Also, no butter with the bread. Guess that would be too much to ask or assume that they would add. Really bad service and follow-up...
(1)Julie R.
It's about time a restaurant moved to this former defunct space. It was an eyesore with it's paper covered windows for years. The new renovation looks fresh. Not only is there a large "patio" with a clear retractable roof, a few steps beneath, a huge sunken dining room. That patio is genius for them to not lose the dining space in winters. On a Sunday afternoon, the place was packed. There were many employees standing near the door wearing suits directing hungry traffic. The hostess took us down to the lower level to be seated, only to realize there was no space, then back up again, they sat us on the covered patio. Our server was all over the place. He seemed disappointed when we ordered lunch with no alcoholic beverages. We got a beef noodle salad and a chicken cordon bleu sandwich. About 15 minutes went by he arrives back to say he forgot our order. Ok server's should really just write things down. I'll give the same tip as if you got it mentally. I think it looks worse to have to come back and say you forgot..especially when our order was a total of 2 items! Some time went by. I knew our order then went in late and we would be waiting a while. We made a plan to speak up about the inconvenience if it didn't arrive in a few. The food arrived at the cusp of our ready-to-complain selves. All I wanted to do was dig in. The beef noodle salad was refreshing. It was served cold with a tangy mint seasoning. The beef was overcooked past med-rare though. My cordon bleu was delicious. It's a heavy sandwich, I was only able to eat half. The place is definitely overpriced with $17 salads and $13-$17 sandwiches. The rest of service was still slow as we waited for drink refills, then the check. The atmosphere seemed sort of sweatshop. The place was so packed and dysfunctional to me. It seemed more of go, go, go, turn tables and let service slide, vs being more attentive and giving a quality experience.
(2)Hubert H.
Not particularly impressed here. The nicest aspect of their offerings is that they carry gluten-free pasta for those who need that. The basic Joe's burger was overdone (on a medium well request); the fries were substandard, and accompanying the burger was only one measly slice of tomato, with one measly leaf of lettuce. The chicken angel hair pasta was bland, the chicken itself dry and chewy. The main reason to come here is that it's on Newbury Street, and is probably one of the cheaper offerings in this expensive area of town.
(2)Myrna C.
I finally had the opportunity to come to Joe's after my family went there this summer. We went on a Thursday night, so it wasn't very busy. The food was quite good. Our group of five bought several dishes to split and try. 1) New England Clam Chowder - definitely the best that I had in all of Boston. If I weren't so full from all of the other food, I would have had MUCH more. 2) Filet Mignon - perfectly cooked. It was juicy and tasty. The mashed potatoes on the side were delicious as well. 3) Sesame Ahi Tuna Burger - The tuna was absolutely spectacular. I don't even know what to say about it. I gobbled it down so fast. And the sweet potato fries it came with were SO good. Actually, I think it's the first time I'd ever had sweet potato fries not baked from a Trader Joe's bag. :D 4) Newbury Salad - Looked good. Really didn't have much of it, but my sister seemed to really enjoy it as it was gone pretty quickly as well. Overall, great food and EXCELLENT service. One thing I forgot was that we really loved their bread, so the guy gave us two to go! So cool. :) Will definitely go back the next time I'm there.
(5)Jessie K.
My friend and I went in for dinner tonight and ate ourselves silly. We split the calamari - which I liked a lot. They serve it with marinara and also throw in some battered peppers which adds a little bit of a kick. The soup of the day was a potato bacon cheddar and my oh my it was rich and delicious! My friend had the ahi tuna salad and she thought it was delicious. I had the chicken club sandwich which I enjoyed and couldn't even come close to finish because of how much other food I'd eaten. For dessert we split the crisp and let's just say that there was nothing left in the bowl when we were through. It's a little overpriced for what it is, but it's sort of expected for a Newbury street restaurant. I remember when it was a TGIFridays and they've definitely upgraded the interior since then! What really made this experience was our server, Mike. He was friendly, attentive and knew the menu inside and out.
(4)Taylor P.
This review is for BRUNCH only. Wow, I love brunch. Went to Joe's last weekend with a couple of friends and had the most delightful experience. First of all all brunch menu items come with a free beverage - and I'm not talking coffee or juice folks, I mean a real adult beverage. Second, we had an excellent waiter - made some great recommendations and was super friendly/funny. Third the food was plentiful anddd delicious, and fourth, we were all pleasantly surprised when the bill arrived. Again, this is for brunch only. I don't know that I'd come here for dinner as I typically shy away from chains but this place did work out and I would go again in the AM for sure.
(4)Kimberly H.
Went there for lunch today. Ask to be sat by the street to people watch!
(4)AnnaMinna H.
It is good. I did npt experience anything even close to the bad reviews here. Steak was cooked perfectly and the chicken fingers are superb. Staff was awesome...and our waiter is a little hottie!!!!
(5)Gabby B.
So tired of walking and everyplace seemed to be filled out so me and my friend decided to just eat lunch here. I thought the place was classy for it's price so we went outside because it's a nice day and then..It took them for like 5 mins. to give us the menu I mean duh..first things first and HOW COULD YOU not miss me? I ordered this roasted chicken with green wilds(something like that) and when the order had arrived I was like: 'There must be a mistake I've ordered roasted chicken..' 'But this is roasted chicken and green wilds' 'Really?' I mean the food looked like a freaking SALAD! I was starving that day and I'm so sure that the order wasnt in the salad section.I was expecting the chicken with salads on the side not the chicken cut into teeny tiny pieces with these God-knows type of veggies.. After he put it into the table I told him:'I don't like this' but ofcourse you cant trade that and order again so I just sucked it up and ate it cos' I noticed these two couple are looking at me and I don't wanna be embarassed....Urgh...whatevs..
(2)Joe D.
Classic 3.5 star place. I can't give 3.5, so I went with a 3. Food was good, just not outstanding. I would come back again if I don't have to wait to be seated.
(3)Angela M.
I made reservations for a bachelorette dinner for last Saturday evening (3/30/2013) for a group of 6. We were a bit late and there was a line outside, but as soon as I mentioned my reservation, we were seated immediately. The manager and the maitre d' were very attentive. We were given the corner table by the windows. What a great spot for people watching! Our server came over right away. His name was Colin. He was superb! He had comprehensive knowledge of the menu, and answered all our questions. We took a bit of time before looking at the menu, but Colin never made us feel rushed. We were trying to decide which appetizers to get, when, before we got the chance to ask, the three different appetizers showed up at our table, as compliments. What a great surprise. The spinach and artichoke dip was very tasty and surprisingly light. The shrimp cocktail was very fresh, and the fried calamari was cooked just right. I hate overcooked calamari. We were still looking at the menu, to select an entree' when Colin appeared at our table. He recommended the special for the evening, which was Crab cakes over a Caesar salad, which he described in detail. So we (all 6 of us) decided to get the get the special. We were all so happy we followed his advice. The crab cakes were divine. They were all crab meat, no fillers, no heavy spices . They were not fried. They were pan seared, which made them so delicate, you could actually taste the crab meat. The salad dressing was on the side, so we could decide how much we wanted to use. The romaine lettuce was crisp and fresh. I really do hope they make that special a permanent part of the menu. We were under a time constraint, (we ere going to a show), which I mentioned to Colin. He made sure we had the check in a timely manner, and also called cabs. I could not have asked for a better dinner with the girls. The bride to be was very pleased and I have to thank Joe'sAmerican Bar and Grille's staff for that. They made it so effortless. I highly recommend this restaurant. You will not regret it. Go ahead, make the reservation.
(5)Edi D.
Nothing to write home about but the food was pretty standard American fare in a classy setting. I enjoyed the french onion soup and my salad was just fine too. No wow factor at Joe's but everything was good enough.
(3)Charles E.
I plan to avoid Joe's at all costs in the future. I went there with a couple people on a Sunday afternoon. It was a busy day, with great weather on St. Patrick's Day weekend, and so the hour wait wasn't terribly unusual. What was atrocious were the bartender's manners. Given the fact that we were waiting outside for so long, I hoped to grab a few waters for our group. After the bartender finally took my order, I asked for three waters. He then proceeded to totally ignore my order and instead fulfill a number of others, without ever checking in with me. Granted, no bartender wants to get three waters for someone. But it seemed awfully short-sighted to anger a customer who's about to dine with a group in your restaurant, and might also follow the water order up with a bunch of drink orders. Really poor taste. Our buzzer ended up going before he ever brought the water. The food was fine, although the waitress spilled coffee on my packback, which was on the ground under the table. She also didn't write down the order, which given the complexity inherent in do-it-your-way omelettes, was a bad idea. Luckily, I had great company there. That was the only reason I had a decent meal. I definitely won't be returning anytime soon.
(1)Tsada K.
THINGS I LEARNED LIVING IN BOSTON: --the only place in your vehicle in which you can keep an open container is a locked trunk, (unless, of course, your father is a cop) --if you see Whitey Bulger standing on the corner, just wave politely and move on, then keep your damn mouth shut for chrissakes --don't park in spaces marked RESIDENT PARKING because you will have to pay a monster ticket (unless, of course, your father is a cop) --the ways in which an individual may fuck his or her mother are, in fact, endless --if someone shovels out a parking space in Southie after a snow storm, that parking space is thereby deeded to that individual until the next thaw; any person who attempts to take that space may be subject to grave personal and/or automotive bodily harm (unless, of course, said person's father is a cop) --you can never have too many bars Joe's has two bars. This is a good thing. Because anyone who's ever been to Boston knows that there's never enough room at one bar to house all the drunk, sports-obsessed, loud, fired-up twatwads, and that that is a very bad thing, and also how people end up getting pissed on or, at the very least, punched in the crochetal region. Kudos to Joe's for thinking ahead. Like almost everything in Boston, the food at Joe's takes a back seat to the liquor. If you stick with the uncomplicated stuff on the menu, however, it can be a terrific neighborhood joint for a quick bite. They make a decent grilled salmon, yummy mashed potatoes, crisp salads, and tasty desserts. It's also a great place to grab a (veggie) burger, fries, and a beer while watching the game at either of the two bars. Just stay away from the froufrou pastas and anything remotely international sounding. Like I said, it's nothing fancy, but if you stick with the basics, Joe's serves the the kind of simple, old fashioned food your mom would make. I mean, if she wasn't so busy with the blow jobs and all.
(3)Katie V.
Joe's is nothing special, but it has that friendly neighborhood everyone-knows-your-name kind of feel to it. I like the layout of the downstairs bar a lot -- you can sequester yourself but still enjoy the cozy din around you. Things I wish were better -- the menu and the wine by the glass prices. I work in a restaurant and Joe's had many of the same wines, except for a dollar or two more per glass. I felt like I should have been able to order a decent glass of white for less than $9. Menu is pretty uninspired -- but the food arrived quickly and was not bad. But it took me forever to make up my mind because everything just sounded....ok. Nothing special. Like the chefs are on auto-pilot or too lazy to spice things up. My friend and I both ordered specials because they sounded a bit more, well, special. I got turkey pot pie and mashed potatoes, and it was good, but very rich and I couldn't finish it. My friend got a pizza with clams and bacon and joked that it should be called the Anti-Semite pizza. He ate all of it, though, so I'm guessing it was tasty. I could see myself coming back and sitting at the bar, reading while nursing a glass of wine -- just one, though, because it's all I can afford!
(3)Tory S.
Food here is a joke. Think appleby's or some other strip mall quality fare. Too many great places in Boston to waste any time here.
(1)Colin B.
Within the first few minutes, I told my friends, "I'm going to Yelp the SHIT out of this place." Not the good kind. . . . 1) The plates our "server" put out had orange stains and crumbs on them. 2) The glasses were all DISGUSTING and looked like they had napkin particles all over them. 3) When we told our server, he said, "Oh, dishes dirty?" Yeah man, dishes dirty - don't care too much. 4) It takes a lot for me to NOT LIKE buffalo chicken. It's actually near impossible. Joe's accomplished it - chewy like bubble gum, yuck. I'm really struggling to find any redeeming qualities about this place. Bad food, dirty plates/glasses and a server who doesn't know where/who he is. Try Sonsie.
(1)Francisco J.
Ok, so I decided to try this place. OMG!! service was good, but the food!! I order the special for the day a Veal Chop bone in! I was sounds great!! Well when I try the mashed potato is was kind of cold so I was mmm I cut the veal chop and it was freezer cold in the center!!!! discus ting!! I will not suggest this place at all!! Who runs a place that will let a dish go to client like this!?
(1)Shawndy D.
Joe's is one of the things I miss most after moving away from the East coast. I've never had a better caesar salad in my life. Their dressing isn't too creamy, which makes it the best. When I lived in Boston, I'd eat their grilled chicken caesar salad at least once a week! Their peach mango cosmo martini is also amazing. I flew back for a quick weekend trip recently, and Joe's was the only thing on my "MUST DO" list.
(5)Michael A.
Too bad for JoeS I decided my ratings are inflated. So 3 stars is good now. Anyway. I like joes a lot mainly cuz the new location seats you outside but with glass all around. Great to sit "outside" on the sidewalk during winter!
(3)Patrick L.
It was a beautiful sunny day and sitting outside with bloody marys was just what we wanted. Our waitress Ashley was nice and took good care of us. The food was not bad but not that good either. If they fixed the food this place would be great.
(3)Alex N.
Visiting on business from California I decided to have lunch with my sales partner at Joes. It is conveniently located on Newbury St, very close to the Boston Public Library, and really great shopping (NO TAX FOR PURCHASES UNDER $150 CALIFORNIANS! Take note Arnold). I ordered the grilled salmon lunch with pureed butternut squash and rice pilaf. The salmon was a long thin piece, which did not bug me very much since it was cooked perfectly and the side dishes were excellent. What was interesting was that my thin piece of salmon bugged our waiter Mark. When I literally took my last bite, Mark was right next to me with another entire salmon lunch complete with sides. He stated he went back and complained about my piece and asked the cooks to make me another. NOW THAT IS WHAT I CALL SERVICE! I didnt even notice I had a dinky piece until he pointed it out. I was floored by his thoughtfulness and appreciated the gesture immensly. since I had finshed the whole meal, he happily wrapped it up to go. Best customer service ever experienced at a restuarant. Thanks Mark! I will definately go back when in Boston.
(4)Thuy L.
It was one of those SUPER humid and hot day during the summer, and my boyfriend and I just wanted to be in some air conditioning. We've passed by Joe's several times and thought, why not. Air Conditioning is KEY!!! We wanted a cold beer and some food. Lord knows why there was a wait to sit outside. We opted to sit inside, no wait, and were seated immediately. The leather chairs are quite comfy. I ordered ribs and my boyfriend ordered a ceasar salad. The ribs are okay, nothing majorly special, but good. He was almost done with his salad, so I took a bite before it was all gone. I chomped on something really hard, and ended up spitting it out. It was a translucent, hard, piece of something. I think it was glass. Anyhow, I notified the floor manager immediately. He took it back to the kitchen, examined it, and came back saying that it looks like glass, but he didn't know how it would get back there since they have no glassware in the kitchen. Does it matter? He ended up comping our ENTIRE meal. I was surprised, thinking that he would just comp the salad. As for the service , it was just okay. It took a while for our server to bring us bread, water, and the beers that we ordered. I can't tell you for certain which of the 5 people who came to our table was our server. All in all, I think I would only return if there were no tables open at any of the other Newbury street restaurants.
(2)Alex C.
When I decided to take my good friend and his mother out to celebrate his graduation I was surprised when he chose Joe's. He had worked there and missed the food so we obliged. It was his birthday after all! Short of the company the experience was terrible. The service was slow, they messed up our sides and both the London broil and Cuban sandwich and fries came out cold. :( definitely not what one would expect when dining on Newbury St!
(1)Katharine T.
We went here for dinner, at like 4-5pm. Though we are two college students, I would venture to say that it was quite obvious we weren't in for a bar crawl. When we walked in we were not given the option of sitting upstairs, versus sitting downstairs in the bar, and were taken down to the bar. We were ok with this, until we figure out (after our food came), that there were different menus for the bar versus upstairs. Besides that, we had 2 different waitresses, no bread plates, and our water glasses sat empty the entire meal. The food, I must admit, was pretty good. I had the cheeseburger pizza and I really liked it. On the other hand, we were so ticked off that we didn't get to try the chocolate cake that was the whole reason for trekking over here. Boo on you Joe's
(1)John F.
Food was quite good but it was the service that made me write this review. The waitress went out of her way to make our meal enjoyable and I truly appreciate it (especially with two young children!).
(4)Raul S.
Went for a nice dinner on Easter. I had a house salad, crab cakes, and Charles River pie for dessert. The salad was a bit underwhelming, in terms of the quality of the vegetables, and the fact that I had half of a grape tomato only. I did love the herb vinaigrette though. The crab cakes were really good, the crab was nice and not a ton of filler. Definitely a good choice. It came with sweet potato fries, but they were lukewarm and felt like they had been sitting around for a while. Tue Charles River pie was really great. It hit all of the things that I like (chocolate and coffee). It was probably my favorite part of the meal. We had a really nice waiter who was overall quite attentive, which was a big plus! I might give it another try, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way for it either.
(3)Daphne H.
Al fresco dining. Well .... it's a Boston thing, so I guess I can't be all that upset with Joe's but if you say you are going to have "drinks" they will not seat you at the good tables, i.e., outside. Well, here, I got a little perturbed and said "What is it with this town? I can spend more money on drinks than I can on food!" Then they seated us in the outdoor area. Once seated, things were great. Just don't take no for an answer.
(4)Iska B.
What's with places named "Joe's" that makes them so average unexceptional? This place was exactly that: decent food, decent drinks with prices that are too high for what is offered. The best quality this place has is location. Right off of Newbury with a lots of outdoor seating so you can people-watch in the summer. The service was great. Everyone was polite and the food came out much quicker then I expected on a Saturday evening (though we had to wait about 10 minutes for a table outside but this really isn't unreasonable). The food was ehhh. Pretty standard American options (burgers, salads, steak tips etc). I had a lobster roll which came with a decent amount of lobster (not a lot but not a teeny amount either), fries, some onion rings and a pickle. Was it worth $18.99? I don't think so. That seemed a bit steep for what basically amounts to a sandwich and fries. Yes it was lobster but this is New England...it ain't that special when they sell it at Market Basket for 5.99 a pound... Yeah so overall...pretty average, kinda overpriced for what is offered but a nice place to sit. Unless you are a tourist or something I probably wouldn't come here. Lots of other places to eat that cost less and offer the same kind of fare.
(3)Nicole E.
One weeknight after hanging out in Back Bay we decided to pop in for a drink and relax. We had a few cocktails and martinis between the 4 of us. While I felt our server on that particular night wasn't very good, my other experiences here have been good. The beverages were priced well, $8-10 for our cocktails. The place was not very full on that rainy night so it was nice to have a corner of the downstairs bar to ourselves. I came in another night to meet up with a friend for a bite and some beverages. The food is alright. I had salmon and my friend had steak. We certainly did spend a lot! But we had several beverages. I probably drank a bottle of wine myself! My only complaint is that the food wasn't too creative but you can't expect creativity at a chain! Still it was generally a good time. I'll probably be back, though it won't be my first choice.
(3)Jill H.
Joe's doesn't promise anything it can't deliver. It's standard American grill, so if you're looking for something else, you might want to head up the street to Kashmir or Pho Pasteur, or somewhere else that promises something a little more exotic than burgers, buffalo wings, and sandwiches. That being said, I've never been dissatisfied with my order at Joe's. It's a chain restaurant, yes, but the environment and overall food quality do not leave you feeling like you've just ordered from the $6.99 menu at Friday's. Great apps, great sandwiches. Be forewarned: you must ask to start with bread. Approach this with caution, as it is very possible to stuff your face on the bread, and then lose your appetite for dinner. The bread is warm, chewy, and fresh - and is very hard to resist. Better to go on an empty stomach. My Favs: Chicken Club w/honey mustard on the side, Nachos, Spicy Buffalo Wings. They also have a great brunch option with complimentary mimosa/bloody mary. Definitely good for wetting the hair of the dog. Four stars for service, food, decor. Less one star for the inevitable wait since it's a popular spot in a popular location. Tourist city.
(4)Margaret R.
Portions were extremely small and food was average at best. Good bar scene.
(2)Patryce S.
This place is just amazing! The food is great and the prices are pretty decent (for newbury street anyway). Nachos are probably the best I have had anywhere. I did get the salmon burger and it was OK probably wont get it again. The back bay sangria tastes like there is no alcohol in it but omg 2 of these and you are on the floor lol. Soooooo good! We actually went 3 days in a row lol. Love this place!
(5)Andrew M.
Really bummed my wife and I chose Joe's as our brunch place for our weekend in Boston. We chose it as it had some nice outdoor seating however that was where the good ended and the bad started. We had to wait ten minutes for anyone to come over to our table and acknowledge they were our server. Once we had ordered we were quickly given our coffee and hot water for tea, but no tea bag. My wife asked for one and at the same time we handed our server both of our knives as they had food caked onto them. 10 minutes later, we still did not have a teabag, knives, or the bloody Mary's we had ordered. My wife got up got two knives, helped herself to a teabag in the end. We never saw our server for 40 minutes, eventually I had enough and went to the manager. He came back 5 minutes later and said there had been a mix up, someone fell over with our order so the kitchen was having to remake our food. Eventually our server brought us the food and told us that he was sorry for the mix up, our food had been given to another table. He never offered more coffee, hot water or the wonderful bread everyone talks about. They did in the end comp our meal (which was average at best) but I wish we had of gone somewhere else in the first place. Would never give this place a second chance. Awful.
(1)Joanna L.
Food here is dependably alright, and the menu is dependably alright as well. Most of the fun comes from the crowd and the people-watching. Best meal is probably brunch, because it's the best combo of value, ambience, and grub. For a little more twist on similar food, I usually go to the Met down the street, but Joe's is always a good place to run into people.
(3)Siobhan C.
Went here for lunch this past weekend. I've been to the Joe's in Braintree and in Dedham, and always found the chain to be pretty good. Nothing special, but certainly decent food and service, and I opted for it when convenient. However, my visit to the Joe's on Newbury was a disaster. Not only were the two of us seated in a high traffic / awkward area, but it took a very long time for our very rude waiter to greet us. We ordered, and eventually our waiter returned with our drinks, albeit without the straws (which were never received). My boyfriend ordered brunch and I ordered pasta. His $10 dish was a pathetic looking display of three plain, soggy, medium sized pancakes plopped onto a dull white plate with a small cup of syrup on the side; it looked like something you'd get in a school cafeteria. My $15 dish looked a bit more appetizing, but the portion was considerably smaller than any I've had at the Dedham or Braintree Joe's. Overall, it was a big waste of time and money, as the atmosphere was terrible and we were both very hungry again about 45 minutes after leaving. I won't be going back to this Joe's again.
(1)Nicola P.
MEEEEEEHHH.. to say the least, but I was impressed with the new location and decor. Went on Wednesday for a bit, the terrace bar was packed so we waited for a seat at the inside bar. The bartenders were great and were really really good with name usage, which is so impressive with a packed bar. however, he food was beyond acceptable. We ordered the onion rings and shrimp tempura to start. The onion rings were like battered rubber bands and not crispy at all. The Shrimp was hardly tempura and borderline shrimp. My boyfriend got the burger med-rare and when it came out it looked like it was steamed and gray on the inside. The french fry portion was minimal to say the least. I would have expected a huge mound of fries to come out but only about 10 appeared on the plate. I had the Ahi Tuna entree and it was hardly an entree. There was about 6 pieces that were 1 inch by 1 inch the most and the "rice cake" was completely blown out. To top it all off, the plate had a HUGE, I mean HUGE garnish of the rice noodles, which are barely edible to say the least. Just utterly disgusting food... you would think with as many restaurants as they have they could at least get one location right...
(2)Dennis F.
Noisy dinner. Avoid the over priced mac and cheese.
(2)Ben P.
Really liked this place. Great atmosphere, great service, good food. I like places that can take something basic and make it a little bit unique and well presented and that is what Joes is. Classic American/Continental fare but done well and cleanly. Things like an AWESOME chili bread bowl. Awesome. I also had a Cuban sandwich and we had a ahi tuna salad. Very good service, perfectly sized portions. Cool looking bar area too. Can't wait to hit this place again when we are back in boston.
(5)Sam T.
This is another can't miss spot for me. My second night in Boston I stumbled upon this place and I go here every Tuesday night after work and every Saturday for the brunch. First, the service is top notch, I always sit at the bar and the bartenders (Eric and Stephanie) are fantastic. They prepare a variety of Gin drinks (Bombay Sapphire) that are heavenly. I love the fact that they use real grapefruit juice when making my Gin with tonic and a splash of grapefruit juice. Secondly, I have had the Bacon Cheeseburger, Sliced London Broil au jus and the Fresh Atlantic Salmon for dinner. The London Broil is delicious. I love how they prepare it, sliced and sitting in its own au jus. Wow! The bacon cheeseburger is one of the best items on the menu. I recommended the burger to a first-timer at the bar a couple weeks ago and after taking his first bite he said, "Man this is one good burger." The salmon is a hit or miss depending on the night. Now me being from the South, I love bacon and eggs. Joe's Three Egg Style Brunch did not disappoint. The eggs weren't over-cooked or too runny and the bacon was crispy. I loved the fact that the Blood Mary was included with my meal but much like the salmon, it's hit or miss as well. They aren't spicy enough for me.
(4)Jessica H.
Meh. I've been to Joe's three times - once for lunch, twice for dinner - and each time it's been just okay. Not horrible, not great. Service was okay. Atmosphere was okay. Food was okay. I did like the clam chowder, but the lobster roll was unimpressive and the mahi mahi with shrimp salsa was kind of gross. I don't like the bar because the people that tend to congregate there when it's busy seem kind of douchey. When I'm at Joe's, I just wish I were somewhere else.
(2)Kristi S.
Best eggs benedict I've had! They also make a great burger. Sometimes the service is slow, but they offer great outdoor seating when it's warm enough. Con: their beer selection is limited and sometimes tastes like the taps need to be cleaned.
(4)Ellen E.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! This place for breakfast/brunch. I sat at the bar and the bartender was completely awesome. He was super friendly and really made my time here fun. For less than $20 you can get a big delicious breakfast, a drink from the bar, and a side of muffins for your party. Everything was really yummy and the service was excellent, especially for eating at the bar. I highly recommend this as your brunch stop. I got the Eggs Benedict which came with a side of potatoes, and it was some of the best eggs Benedicts I have ever had.
(5)Matthew M.
Was at the downstairs bar a couple weeks ago eating with a friend and the bartender made is move upstairs because they had an audit going on!!! Sorry not my problem I'm a paying guest... Ive been a regular at Joes on newbury for a while.. Will never return :-(
(1)Keith M.
I and four of my friend three who had never been to this Joe's before went in around 7p and were told it was going to be about 15 min, i thought that was a short wait considering it was a Saturday night, we were seated in a couple of minutes and honestly i would have waited the full 15 min if i new the service was going to be so bad. We were seated in a small room that had a table with a family who let there kids run around and just do what ever they wanted and a full table of women and one son who were celebrating a birthday of one of the other women and i can only assume they were drinking since we could barley hear our selves over the cackling and laughing from the table, this was not a good start. So the server finally comes over after kissing up to the birthday table, asks us if we would like drinks we place the drink order and he comes back with the drinks but to napkins to place the drinks on and no straws so we had to wait for him to come back with bread to ask for the straws. We then went ahead and ordered first was the spinach dip that when it arrived it had a burnt looking cheese crust on top and then when we mixed that in the whole thing tasted burnt and didn't like but since the server was concerned about the birthday girls he never asked how it was. Once our orders showed up two of my friends wanted some BBQ sauce and had to wait for the server to take pictures of the birthday girls before he went to get the sauce and no cheese was offered to my other friend who had the only pasta dinner. Speaking of the pasta dinner the pasta was hard and didn't taste that good. So after flagging down the server, a cake was being served to the b-day table, and we asked for the pasta to be replaced with spaghetti instead of the spiral pasta. It was then brought out sometime later after we had all finished our meals by the manager i think he said something but could not understand his mumbling and again no cheese was offered for the pasta along with no real apology. This time around the pasta was cooked fine but it was very salty and instead of waiting another 15 min they didn't finish it. In most places the plate would have been take off or we would have been offered a desert or something for us having to wait for the meal to come back out and for the person to eat it when everyone else was finished but neither of these things were done. We paid the bill and left, normally i don't blame the server usually its the kitchens fault but this server cared more about the birthday party then us i don't know if he knew them or if he wanted the big tip but i hope they made up for the lack of tip we left him.
(1)Julie K.
Yummy! New location had just opened and we got to try it on the first BEAUTIFUL Saturday of Spring. Everyone and their mother was out to eat on the terrace anywhere. The wait at lunch was 45 min to get inside and 2 hrs. plus for the terrace. We chose inside and didn't regret it. The atmosphere is cozy but open. Masculine feel and classy. The lemonade is wonderful, the french dip is lacking in something- but it wasn't bad. Just not great either. However, salads were awesome, clam chowder described by my friend as "sex in a bread bowl". They serve you hot fresh bread that literally will make you groan it is so good! The staff was friendly if a little ill-prepared for the busy crowd. Times for meals were a little long, but considering the fact that by the time we got seated the wait for a table had increased to 75 min for inside and almost 3 hours for terrace, we were content. The food was steaming hot or nice and ice-y-cold (the way a salad should be on a hot day!) Joe's was recommended by the cashiers at Filine's Basement and we are SOOOO glad we chatted them up!
(5)Andi P.
Brunch here is pretty good, but be forewarned that my range of options is limited to the omelettes or steak and eggs, so I can't speak for the pancakes and french toast or anything else involving gluten (or butter for that matter). I do have "normal" friends, however, and they don't seem to mind the pancakes. I've also come here for lunch a number of times and ordered salmon or chicken salads (slightly modified so they don't involve gluten and various other ingredients), with oil and vinegar for dressing. The salads are always decent, and what's even better is how great Joe's is about allergies. One time when I was here a man at the neighboring table said he had an anaphylactic shellfish allergy. After visiting my table to assure me Joe's wouldn't kill me, the manager stopped at said man's table to give him the rundown on what they'd be doing in the kitchen to ensure they wouldn't kill him either, and lo and behold I witnessed him walking out of the place alive an hour and a half later. I've never been glutenated at Joe's, the wait staff has always known what's up with what I've had to avoid, and service has always been right-on. This combination of factors has helped turn the restaurant into a casual stand-by, especially when it's 10 degrees out AND I get so hungry that I don't want to hike more than a block or two from my apartment for a trustworthy bite to eat. Oh, and they've even got gluten-free pasta and pizza, and can do up a special batch of fries for you if you need them gluten-free.
(3)James N.
Food ranging from good to great. However, there's a lot in terms of service quality to be desired. Like the rest of the reviewers, I've always had to wait a long time to get service after the initial welcome by the hostess. The only thing that gets me to come back is the reasonably good food and brunch specials (and also the fact that I live on the same block as Joe's). The waitstaff this time though was particularly clueless. They forget to give us forks, steak knives when we ordered steak, forgot to bring the bread, forgot to ask us if we wanted more tea when it was very obviously finished, did not give the lady the menu first or ask her first what she wished to order, took forever with the check, and changed waitstaff on us without alerting us. I give it 1 star for the food, which although, good, does not rival the quality of some of the better American/ New American restaurants in the immediate Back Bay vicinity.
(1)Ned S.
Nice newbury street location, large sidewalk dining area (though its set 4' below street level, which loses some of the charm and harmless voyeurism of sidewalk dining), handsome ivy league looking interior, good reasonably priced menu (think bistro) Part of small local boston chain--Back Bay Restaurant Group. Good looking staff (Manny Ramerez met his wife while she was a hostess here) Inconsistent service, decent kitchen. Dining here is like rolling the dice. Some details: Three levels, two bars (upstairs is smaller, more quiet, better for dining; downstairs big, sometimes loud bar--lends itself to meeting people). Citrus drinks (i.e. screwdriver, grapefruit) are made with fresh squeezed produce. Weekend Brunch is a la carte from $10-$20 for a big breakfast dish that includes a free cocktail (i.e. bloody, mimosa, draft, or screw). Brunch also includes a basket of nice breads, but toast, that costs extra...go figure.
(3)Jenna G.
Booked a table for 4 people 20 minutes ahead of time. We got there and they seated us immediately. The waiter got our orders wrong but the food was amazing. The bread they served is fresh out of the oven and it was sooooo delicious. I highly recommend their calamari and nacho grande for appetizers. The squid was fresh and tender! The nachos had the perfect amount of guac, chili, cheese and sour cream and it was perfectly crispy. My friends and I devoured it! The mixed drinks are so delicious too! Stay away from their pizza. The bread tasted doughy and such a let down. Their fish and salads were good though. Mac and cheese is creamy and awesome. If I'm coming back here, I'll just stay with the appetizers and drinks. Maybe try mac and cheese with lobster.
(4)tman s.
Just the retractable deck alone is worth the money i couldn't believe how nice this place is.... The menu remains the same consistent quality that we are used to if you frequent Joe's! I will return every-week as this is near my house and they always give us great deals on high quality food... Good luck Joe's to the new grill on STEROIDS!
(5)Margot J.
Whenever I'm in Boston on a Sunday, I love to have brunch at Joe's. The eggs benedict are so delicious - served with hash browns, fresh fruit and a Mimosa (if you're so inclined). I have never had an unfriendly server or a poor meal here, so I would recommend stopping by if you're in town.
(4)Reb M.
The only reason this isn't four stars is because I haven't had the food yet. I stopped in for a drink, however, and my experience with the service at the bar was so positive I wanted to write a review. Chad and Jose--fantastic bartenders! I ordered a sidecar (a classic) and for whatever reason, this drink seems to mystify several bartenders in Back Bay...I don't know why. But instead of making the wrong drink, Chad asked me what it was and we discussed it (which resulted in me pulling it up on my smartphone). It was great. While I was there, a potentially unruly customer was managed with finesse and courtesy, and the people at the bar were generally friendly and fun to talk to. I'll definitely be back.
(3)Albert H.
Brunch here is reasonably priced because it includes a morning alcoholic beverage (mimosa, bloody mary, screwdriver). Pancakes were the winner at my table, followed by the French toast and probably the omelette coming in last. It was bar food with slightly better tableware and slightly dressed up servers. There was no charge for the entertaining obnoxious drunks in the bar cheering at the TV, however it was priceless to see their reaction as my sister loaded some chick music into the jukebox.
(2)E. F.
I had dinner here with two colleagues and it was a sub-par experience. It was ridiculously hot, so we ate inside near the open kitchen. Our food was OK. We ordered buffalo wings and the nachos as our appetizers and both were fine. For entrees, I had the crab cakes and they were excellent, one colleague had the prime rib and he thought it was not bad, and my other colleague had the salmon which was also very good. Here are my two main complaints which dropped my rating from a 4 to a 3/borderline 2 - our server was terrible. She barely spoke English, so the main skill you want from a server - communication - was compromised right off the bat. She did not understand what gluten-free meant, it was very difficult to understand what she was saying, and she didn't quite understand what we were saying. She was very nice, but it was puzzling how this establishment would have her tending to customers during a busy dinner hour. Additionally, she brought our salads with our entrees, which was not the end of the world, but we had expected them prior, so I'm sure that was attributed to the language barrier. I had higher expectations for a restaurant on Newbury Street, as she clearly needed significant training. Food was eh.
(3)Mary P.
When I think Boston, I don't think chain restaurants, but I do have to say that this place isn't so bad. The ambience isn't so typical. A little more upscale looking than other chains. Brunch was outrageously inexpensive. You have your choice of juices, champagne, mimosa or Bloody Mary with an order of any egg or signature dish...what a deal! Disappointed that we waited so long for our food to come, and therefore, my french toast was cold, but still good. I don't typically order Bloody Mary's but was quite impressed with this one. I believe this one had horseradish rather than black pepper, which made it tastier. There is a plenty of covered outdoor seating for people watching right on Newbury Street.
(4)Jonathan C.
Probably the best style American food around. Nothing crazy, greeat place to take a group. Decently priced, fuck driving there. You'll spend have your day looking for parking. The t is much better to take, if you have the option. I love that side of Joes is open soo your not sitting 100% outside. Makes it comfortable. Pretty good place to pre game, drinks are good!
(4)Mark W.
The new Joe's on Newbury St is great! The wait staff and bartenders are excellent. The food was fresh and flavorful. Perfect Newbury St location. The restrooms even have an automatic door opener for the germ freak folks like myself. Just wave your hand over the sensor and wa-la the door opens automatically. All public restrooms should have this cool trick!
(5)D M.
Of all the places, why Joe's American Bar & Grill, you ask? It's diagonally across the street from work. And they have Hendrick's Gin, which is always a good reason to go places. I've only been here once with co-workers for a post-work drink, and while the service was a little mechanical, the drinks were good. I went with a gin martini, which came with a cucumber to bring out that good flavor, and shared grande nachos. Both were good and solid for a long work week, and reasonably priced. I'd definitely go back if I didn't want to venture somewhere too far from work.
(3)Emily F.
I am really, really sad to give one of my favorite chains a low grade. I had, however, one of the worst nights at a restaurant I have had. ***6:00 pm - Arrive at Joe's, LOVE the new look, fabulous! Get around the bar (party of 5), and are awaiting a table. ***6:50 pm - We sit. The waiter, Mike, was very attentive and friendly, and we quickly got new drink orders in and then our meal order. Ordered by 7:00pm. 4 salads and a pasta-primavera. Uncomplicated, or so I thought. My brother asked for some salad which comes with a choice of "blackened" or "grilled" chicken on it. We discussed with Mike what the difference was, laughed about it, and ordered the "blackened" (its seasoned differently, by the way). ***7:40pm. In all fairness, we had a seat to see all the problems. First another waiter came by and dropped a BILL on my table. I hadn't eaten yet! "My apologies Ma'am. And how long have you been waiting for food?" ***7:45pm and I watch the salads and pasta come up from the kitchen stairs. The two last salads didn't make it; they were dropped on the floor. In front of our hungry eyes! I almost cried. ***7:50 pm Manager Tiffany comes over to apologize; we are still civil at this point. I was very irritated though, when she admitted the food was launched at the floor, that she didn't offer any discount or free appetizers or a round of beers! ***7:55 pm - We ask Mike to bring the salads that were not on the floor. They do, and then the 4th pasta dish comes. Where is the blackened chicken? ***8:00 pm - They put a plate of mystery pasta-chicken dish in front of my brother. The waitress began to walk away until we yelled enough for her to re-think. "Oh, you're right, this is not what you ordered at all". ***8:10 pm - Tiffany brings our last plate. "Anything else I can get you? My apologies again." I thought, "No, but you're going to get a stellar YELP review". In a long but respectful request, I said it was inappropriate and disappointing to wait this long at a restaurant I love so much, and have so many mistakes, and have NO ONE offer to give us anything. I said I would like to not pay for the dinner. She agreed, but I don't understand why I had to ask! Very bizarre. *The meals were disappointing after all of that. Go to one of the other ones OUT of the city, they do so much better. I left Mike a $25 tip b/c I'm sure having a 5-top not pay is detrimental to the whole night. "
(2)Patrick K.
One of the best that the back bay restaurant group has to offer. The brunch is awesome, with drinks that make the experience even better. The dinner was really good and the service was pretty impeccable. A strong place that is a pretty good bet for a meal of any type. Side bar: Joe's gets a bad rap I think because the one in the North End is probably the worst place I've been in a long time. Polar opposite from this one.
(4)Nim H.
I went there for brunch with my family, and I would not recommend it. The atmosphere reminds of eating at a Holiday Inn, and you get the feeling that it's way overstaffed. We were sat near the kitchen, and all I heard were footsteps and stomps back and forth from the kitchen to the floor. As for the food, the french toast was mediocre, and the ham was supremely greasy. The bread, even though it came only seconds before we got our meals, was pretty good as others have noted. Overall, there are much better places out there. Don't waste your money on this faux-Newbury locale.
(1)Chung T.
I think 3 guys, looking for food, shouldn't go to Newberry Street. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize most of the money on the entree would be going toward renting the damn place, not to the world famous chef in the back. Joe's American Bar and Grill is your run-of-the-mill slightly upscale restaurant with good service, and slightly above average pricing. It has good decor, good looking servers, and a basket of "free" bread to go with your meal. It's far from a suit-required sit down restaurant, but it's better than TGIF or Chili's where the servers don't really care about you. Since the prices weren't all that great, and I didn't want to spend a bundle, I just ordered the day's special - special pork chops with... special veggie. The special pork chop wasn't all that special ~ I think what comes out of my brother's grill taste better than this "special" pork chop. Thus, 18.99 was highway robbery. Now, the focus of the entree, wasn't the pork chops, but a the special veggie that came with the pork chop... they are called, "parsnips." I can't quite describe what the hell the veggie taste like... but it's quite unique and damn nasty after 10 bites. In any case, Joe's Ameircan Bar and Grill may be the cheapest restaurant on Newberry, and if you're stuck on the street and your friends are famished, might as well go to Joe's for some "cheap" food with good service =)
(3)David D.
"I've made a huge mistake." I should have known better. The same tables outside, the same chairs... and that FUCKING bread! This place is a bigger Charley's Eating and Drinking Saloon with a different name! Some of the menu items are the same, but they try to trick you with faster and friendlier staff, and one of those internet juke boxes where you have to pay $15 to hear Joy Division. + The manager comes to your table to make sure everything is swell. If the manager at Charley's ever came to my table, I would have asked for silverware, a glass of water, a waitress, etc. My only complaints at Joe's: my medium-well cheeseburger was blackened and dryer than a rice cake, and some annoying guy in a Maserati kept doing laps around the block, and he was TOTAL Euro Trash. I don't know... this place is OK. It's totally cooler than Uno's. I would never bring a date here, or anything ... that would suck. I remember my boss brought us here with the company AMEX ... that was OK. Whatevz.
(3)Kristen F.
Good service, good food, good location, a tad pricey. The whole experience won't blow you away but also won't leave you disappointed. That's really all I have to say about that.
(4)Tyler b.
meh. nothing special. standard burger and salad menu. overpriced. extra marks for having an outdoor patio, but those are about the only marks they get. waiter service was non existent at times.
(2)D S.
I give the food 3.5 stars. Good enough, but nothing to write home about. Service gets 3.75 stars... again, good enough. The .25 more is only because I have a mild crush on a waiter there. But here is the part of this review you need to be paying attention to: I give the Bloody Mary's 5.5 stars. Soooo good. It is really nice to sit outside and enjoy them, but I am afraid of the dive bombing birds, so I think that inside might have to do for me. Those birds are out for blood. update: service is HORRIBLE outside when they are even a little bit busy, because they know they are going to make money either way with all of the demand for outdoor seating on Newbury... I am dropping them to 3 stars based on that and the fact that the bloody mary's were sub-par last time, and the food is just blah. The back-bay sangria is delicious though! Stay away from the Pink Sangria though, WAY too sweet... there is watermelon pucker's in it....ew. peaceout.
(3)Sassy G.
I had dinner wednesday night, not to busy ... no need to be waiting for our waitress for about 20 mins, apps, drinks, entrees, and bill!!! seriously and you got 20 percent to not see us returned!!! you suck!!!!
(2)R F.
I was going to give this a 4 but our waitress ruined it for us. 3.5 more towards 3... Our waitress didn't even come to ask us how our meal was during the entire night... not once. It wasn't even busy. Then it took like 25 minutes for her to realize we were done and wanted our check... kind of ridiculous. I really wanted to like this place, too. It has a nice atmosphere that pretends it's a fancy restaurant upstairs, and a loud bar atmosphere downstairs. The food is pretty good, but really nothing more than a Cheescake Factory with a less fancy menu and more simple dishes... that don't take much creativity or originality. The prices are quite up there, too. I'm not sure $20 for 4 steak tips is reasonable, but then you look over to Chicken Picatta (which was amazingly sweet and comes with rice instead of pasta... weird?) and it's 3 chicken pieces and a plate of rice and a vegetable for $17 or 18... I don't know. This place could be really good, but it's just average and overpriced...
(3)Christine K.
This review is totally based on the outdoor seating. There is nothing better than sitting outside at Joe's in the summer with some spinach dip and their amazing mud slides. I think their spinach dip is one of the best that i have had in boston and I am a huge fan of mud slides so I always feel the need to order one when I come here. The bread is delicious as well! I usually order a caesar salad with steak tips and shrimp, it is a special so it is not on the menu but I ask for it every time I go and they have no problem making it. There fish is really good too, they have salmon and cod both on the menu... I do agree that the inside tables aren't great but outside in the nice weather can not be beat!
(4)Alexander H.
I've been to Joe's many times since moving to Boston, and it's a fairly consistent experience. First off, they are best known for their signature meat dishes and that is no light distinction. Their meatloaf, prime rib challenge, and steaks are all delicious and still reasonably price (~$30). Second, their service is usually very good. If you come in a part of more than 6 or 7 with reservations, the manager will always introduce himself and make sure you have everything you need. The only downside is that Joe's is very popular so there have been instances when overall service has been very slow. Still, none of the servers there have ever been rude or particularly bad at their jobs. Third, it's a good atmosphere. Joe's is usually pleasantly crowded and there's just an overall good, lively feeling to eating there. Overall, I would highly recommend Joe's. It's not the BEST meat in Boston, but for the price it's damn good.
(4)Joanne R.
Went for drinks with friends from work. Since it was such a lovely night we opted to sit on the patio. Remarkably we snagged the last outdoor table, so others felt the same way for drinking "al fresco"! They had a pretty good martini menu and I opted for the Pomegranate Martini...I was delish and went down very smooth. We got a few apps for the table, nothing outstanding to note but edible. After a couple more PM's decided I fulfilled my nutritional and antioxidant quota and called it a night!
(3)George R.
Atmosphere was good and so was the service. I really loved my clam chowder bread bowl. The steak salad was great and the burgers looked delicious, everything was great though I will say that didn't like the pizza.
(4)Ash T.
Solid food that satisfies every time. Very decent prices. Friendly wait staff and laid back atmosphere in the middle of Newbury Street. What's not to like?
(4)Izzy B.
Don't see what the big deal was. Great PRIME RIB HASH for brunch, but order the sauce on the side. (Beacause otherwise it's COATED in the sauce and you don't get to taste the delicious chopped up bits of Prime Rib)
(3)Julie A.
This place is SO good! My husband LOVES their burgers, I mean LOVEs them! I get a different thing each time and it's also good. For brunch I always get the same thing, Salmon Benedict. It's freakin' amazing! So are the Bloody Mary's! The servers are really nice, quick, helpful, and are some of the best I have ever encountered. Eat out on a date, bring the kids, or come as a big group, the atmosphere works for everyone! The classy decor works well for casual or fancy, and the bathrooms are even nice! I have never had a bad experience!
(4)Mihir P.
Update: Went here for watch the Jags - Pats game and boy it was messed up. Like I wrote before, Joe's needs some renovation. I wonder why the staff is required to wear ties for this upscale dump. We went to watch the game downstairs where they had a bunch of smaller flatscreens. They were all of different quality and out of synch. So we were watching one TV and heard the crowd cheer and we were clueless as to why. We found out that the TV we were watching had a five second delay and was not wired for sound. F-ed up. Being annoyed as hell, my buddy took charge and moved our table and positioned it so we could see the real-time screen. I guess it worked out sort of well. To watch a replay we just turned our heads to the out of synch TV. _________________________ Classic American fare at this sort of landmark restaurant. OK, perhaps a landmark in the 80's. This is an overpriced restaurant that is in serious need of modernization or at least a gutting. If seated downstairs you may be unlucky enough to get a whiff of sewage, rotting food and an overall deterioration of the building that has been superficially covered up. The polite service can't really make up for that or the unimaginative food. But, if you must go to Joe's go to the Waterfront location during the summer months to enjoy the breeze and a better maintained building.
(2)Katherine L.
I've decided this is the most crowded restaurant in Boston. The only place I like to sit is on the patio place because you get the illusion that you are not trapped in by people. It is a great place to go to meet people or get a drink after work. Love love the Back Bay Sangria
(3)Michael N.
i have mixed feelings about this place. we went here twice while in boston and it was almost like two different restaurants based on our experiences. the first time we went there, we had a pretty good waiter. ordered the clam chowder, meatloaf sandwich, lobster salad and lobster roll. all entrees were pretty good with the lobster salad probably being the best. the chowder in the breadbowl was awesome as well. price reasonable. we had time to grab lunch before heading out on our last day and thought let's go back to joe's since all our food was good and it was nearby. this time were seated downstairs and our waitress sucked. she didn't come by often and messed up on our bill a few times, never got a salad we ordered (still tried to charge us for it), finally got our bread after the meal?! after asking for it. the food wasn't great, i think we ordered the cod, prime rib hash (brunch) and an omelet . it also took us awhile to get seated. the host directed us downstairs and said they'd get us in. we got a few drinks, waited and waited. finally i asked if we they knew we were there and they said oh, yeah were you waiting on a table? then seated us by the bar. i'd give it 3.5 stars on our first visit and a 1.5 on the second visit.
(2)Kim N.
We tried this place out for brunch on one of Boston's wetter days, so the restaurant was fairly empty. Even then, the service was so-so. My friend asked for tea, and usually they bring out the box of tea bags and hold it open for you to pick one, but instead they left it in front of my friend to awkwardly trifle through... not a big deal in itself, of course. The rest of brunch was okay, but overall a bit lackluster which means we won't be adding Joe's onto our brunch circulation.
(2)Cloie H.
"This is a peasant loaf, it is meant to be broken by hand" If you have ever gone to Joe's I am sure that you have heard this at lease once. That being said, the peasant loaf is pretty damn good. I go here on a fairly regular basis only because it is one and a half blocks exactly, from my work and they have clam chowder in a bread bowl. I always go downstairs. I have a feeling that this place is like the old (I think BBC) show that they used to air on PBS "Upstairs, Downstairs". Meaning that the cultured upper class are upstairs, and the unrefined lower class are downstairs. I am not talking the clientele here, I am talking wait staff. I can sense it too... the all together twitchy new waiter/ess will eye you as you walk down the stairs and you can see the "little train that could" mantra rushing through their head. They let you get settled while they drop off the menu and tentatively ask for your drink order, you give it and they rush away hoping that they don't forget the lime. On the return (with the lime, aren't you proud) they put down the drinks, only spilling a few drops on the table, and ask your order. While furiously taking your order and double checking that it is correct, they forget to give you a straw; and forget about asking for one after you order and before they leave the table, because if you thought that they hustled off to get your drinks fast, it is nothing compared to how fast they go to place your order. When they come back about 10 minutes later, you ask for a straw and they apologize profusely for forgetting and hand them right over. 15 minutes later your food shows up and about 5 minutes after that they come back to ask you how everything is, mid-bite, which I think is mandatory for all establishments like this. When finished they kindly give you your check and then you are on your merry way, of course wait time for your check varies from day to day, I have had it delivered with out even asking for it, and I have waited 15 minutes for it after asking. Three stars, not great, not horrible. Right in the middle, but again, this is for the downstairs. I have ONCE, and only once eaten dinner upstairs and felt like a country bumpkin for asking for a glass of red wine to accompany my pepper encrusted tuna. How dare I. Anyway, I am standing by my three star rating, there could be worse restaurants to have one an a half blocks exactly, from my work; but there could be better ones too.
(3)Andrew B.
Went for the first time the other day, and after Stephanie's left a poor taste in my mouth from their poor service and high prices at brunch, Joe's friendly setting, good prices and *really* good food totally turned me on to this place. My friend ordered a burger, and he described it as "perfect" to our waitress. This is a guy that dines a Radius so much, that they have a drink named after him there. That's a pretty legit endorsement. I ordered the calamari appetizer as a snack, but it ended up being a good size portion. It had this mild spicy kick to it that made it awesome. Our server was also very nice and cool. Great dinner. Five stars if its the same experience when I return next, which will be very soon.
(4)Jenn B.
We ended up here during a trip to Boston because we were ravenous and it was the first place we saw after realizing the restaurant we had originally chosen was closed for lunch. We ordered the Pan-Fried Mozzarella which was served with prosciutto, herb crumbs, tomato basil sauce and parmesan cheese. It was a bit on the bland side, the basil sauce could've used a bit more oomph. We also had the Crispy Calamari Milano which looked amazing but fell short. It's served with breaded red peppers which makes the plate look larger than it actually is. I had the Newbury Salad as my entrée. The salad includes spinach, romaine hearts, cashews, almonds, walnuts, raisins, bacon, apples, chopped eggs, onions, tomatoes, croutons, and rotisserie chicken with a creamy yogurt mustard dressing. The salad was pretty amazing and had a bit of sweetness to it but I wasn't a fan of rotisserie chicken in a salad. I don't think the texture really works. I'd still order it again though, maybe without the chicken.
(3)Byron B.
Joe's is the average "cookie cutter" corporate restaraunt. The food was good, but not great. My chicken sandwich was on the dry side, but tasty. French onion soup was very good. The best part of the place was the atmosphere. We sat outside since it was such a nice day. They really do have a great location. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. 3 stars because the food was average.
(3)Jacqueline L.
I went here for dinner on a thursday night, it was busy but maybe because there was a Yankee/Red Sox game on. The menu was a little limited and pricy. They have great bread though, and Harpoon on tap so a couple points for that! The ahi tuna appetizer was good, but the cilantro rice cake was too chewy to eat. Gazpacho was very tasty. Atmosphere was mediocre, it was just a restaurant. I would probably go back for the bar, but not for the food. my company was the best part about it...
(3)Vance A.
I have been to Joe's a ton of times, usually in the summer when the patio is open, and though I do enjoy coming here, its always a hit or miss when it comes to the food. I was just here for dinner with a friend and grabbed a burger and beer, and it the burger was mediocre. I've had better...at the same place. Not a bad place, and convenient when you want something cheap around the Newbury/Copley area.
(3)Heather R.
this was my bf's and my 2nd time to Joe's - first was for lunch, 2nd time brunch. of course it was crazy busy again since it was the weekend, but we decided to sit inside to avoid *as much* of a wait. our meal: the mini muffins and fresh OJ were delish. bf's '2 eggs any way' came out just fine. I ordered the prime rib hash.. and I've never been so turned off by a meal out before. literally at LEAST half of the 'meat' in my hash were pieces of pure fat and gristle. I picked through my plate to see if I was making things up, but no, I kept running into cooked fat chunks mixed in with the actual prime rib, eggs and sauce. it was disgusting. I ate the fruit off my plate and finished off the muffins. we won't be back to this restaurant. at this point, the pluses are outweighed by the negatives and there are far better restaurants in the area.
(2)Johnny C.
Arrived from San Francisco late in to the evening, exhausted, head cold setting in, hotel problems and in need of food fast... NOT FAST FOOD. Asked the concierge whether there was any place nearby that had good food. He checked his watch, "Hmmm it's kinda late to be eatin'." I gave him the out of towner's stupefied, shoulda known better look, to his up and down assessment. Then he looked around the landscape (he sees this every day right?) like a cowboy in search of steer that had roamed out of the pack.... and finally arrived at a solution, "Well Joe's is puddy good." He pointed in the general direction of Joes, "It's ova theya, just crawss the street and keep wakin' down Daatmath." This man saved my life that night. Joe's is located in Boston's Back Bay. Back in the day it was the high end Josephs...but that was way back, before "Baby Got Back" back. Now it's a solid steaks and chops kinda place. There are two levels. I ate at the bar upstairs, while downstairs a party raged (at least it sounded like it). The upstairs seems like the perfect meeting place for friends or a date. The staff were friendly, efficient and conversant - the charms of Boston! I had angelhair primavera and a glass of wine. Everything was fab! A second glass of wine killed off whatever I was catching. 4 duckets for killing my cold. Minus a ducket for the hootin' and hollerin' down stairs.
(4)Diane D.
Joe's is good if you go there for the right thing I think...the outdoor patio. I cannot see any reason to bother dining at Joe's indoors, although the interior is roomy and also has a large bar area downstairs. The patio is large, sunny yet partially shaded, and a great afternoon stop if you're hanging out in Back Bay and need to take a break for some food and drinks. The food is average, but given the location the prices are quite reasonable - especially for lunch. I had the honey mustard chicken salad and it was very large/filling. Overall Joe's provided a great outdoor venue to catch-up with some friends and enjoy a really nice Memorial Day afternoon... 4 stars!
(4)Kris H.
Joes is my go to place for a drink after work. Great staff and amazing food. downstairs bar is the place to go!
(5)J T.
I was not a big fan of Joe's - my brother and I came one Sunday for brunch and we were taken downstairs to the basement. The place gets packed at around brunch time, and so the tables are placed really close together in order to allow for more customers. Not a good idea. They were so awkwardly close together that we could hear everyone's conversation and I'm sure they must have heard mine. Thank goodness there were no screaming babies. My brother ordered pancakes and I ordered an omelette - they were both okay. I've had better brunches. When the bill came out I vowed never to go back for brunch again - it was way too expensive for what they served. Until I find a better brunch place, I'm going to stick with my beloved Brookline Lunch.
(2)F. B.
This place is awesome!!! Awesome steaks, awesome beer, awesome atmosphere and clean tap lines. Fast service for a reasonable price. With High Society upstairs, and Low Society down, you can take your pick depending on the occasion. The only drawback is parking, which can be a problem.
(4)John G.
I have never had the urge to write a review on here... until now... Let me tell you about my experience at Joe's: A friend and I went for lunch during the week. Their patio is in the sun, so they were busy, but not packed. The hostess was clueless about a wait time, so we waited until a manager told us it would be a 5-10 min wait... no problem; they gave us a buzzer. 2 more couples walked in after us, each got a buzzer. We waited 10 min and one of the other couples' buzzer goes off before ours... ok odd. 5 minutes later, the second couple's buzzer goes off, so were realize ours clearly isn't working and we talk to the host. She acts confused and the manager steps in and apologizes. Ok, fine, glitches happen. Well, then we were asked to walk downstairs where we'd be seated on the patio. We walk downstairs to wait yet again, and hosts, servers, and others all breeze past us with no acknowledgment what-so-ever... so we try to get someone's attention, but the wait staff is visibly stressed-out and distracted. Finally a hostess notices us (after passing us 3 times before) and brings us to a table on the patio. 10 minutes later, after 1, then 2 then 3 then 4 different servers walk by our table with ZERO acknowledgment, its clear we aren't going to be served, and at this point I'm sick of having to grab someone myself to make this meal happen. We walk out the door, and the first hostess says "Thanks for coming, have a nice day!".....HA! what?? clueless... It's pretty clear that because they're on touristy newbury st, they will always have customers, no matter how disorganized, stressed-out or completely clueless their staff is. my advice: Charley's, down the street, has the exact same menu and prices
(1)Michael G.
I used Yelp all the time, but never registered, until I was inspired today to save others.... This is my first review. Im trying to think of what frustrated me the most; I sat and watched several tables who arrived well after us get their food first.. In fact, one table who arrived 15 minutes after us, actually got their bill before we even received our food! Our waiter was in another world. Obviously completely unorganized. Between the 15 delay in greeting us, waiting at least another 15 minutes to serve the bread, and another how long to get our meals.. he was definately not on top of things... He was friendly and polite, just oblivious... It was only after we asked for the manager to follow up on our food did we eventualy get it. The food.... the English Muffin was soo stiff, my knife was useless. I needed one of those crocodile cutters like on the infomercial. The 'hash browns'.. more like mash browns. They must collect the potatoes in a plastic bag and take turns throwing it against the wall before serving them. Don't get me started on the coffee. The glass of water was great, no complaints there. There was a table in front of me, there was so much food debris and mess on the floor that was not cleaned up before seating the next group. I watched a woman sit at the table, look down and check that food did not get stuck under her boot. Another nice touch was fact that right under my seat, the floor was steeply slanted. I keep sliding to the right during the meal until the wall would stop me and I would recenter myself again, over and over. I dont know why they ask 'how was everything?' The response was a very loud silence after I described my meal to the waiter. The manager never followed up after I complained how long it took to get my food. There was no concession on my bill either... paid full price and was sure to include a tip of 0.00. My poor wife... She must have thought, what did I do so wrong for him to bring me here for brunch?
(1)Bryan M.
I'm aware of the fact that, at different times of day .you can go to the same restaurant and go to an entirely different restaurant. That being said I went to this place at 10pm on a Sunday night. expecting a decent burger and some fries with some friends. We sat out on the patio and were literally attacked by 2 mice. We all jumped up startled and were then placed inside where it smelled like, I kid you not, feet. Not just any feet, but DIRTY feet. It took 10 minutes to get out bread and water and 25 minutes for our food. 2 burgers cooked medium and 2 salads. The waiter checked on us when our plates were empty and I had to get up and refill my own water. My burger was passable, but nothing great about it. They gave me roughly 10 french fries and 2 onion rings, both of which were cold and our waiter came to check on us only when we were nearly done and didn't need anything else. My experience here was TERRIBLE.
(1)susu c.
Not that I am expecting gourmet dining at a chain, but I was not pleased with my chicken tenders. They were horribly bland and tasteless. Plus, why do four chicken tenders that taste like the ones my crappy corner pizza shop has cost 16.99?. The fries sucked too. My Harpoon IPA was good though.
(1)Nicole B.
i cant really comment on the service because it has been such a long time since i've dined in that i can't recall service, etc. however, i used to get takeout all the time as i worked down the street. i usually got their french onion soup and it always came with the bread. the bread: Amazing! words cannot describe my love for that bread. i think the real reason i'd go there was for the bread and the soup was just an excuse. the french onion soup: good. better than some, worse than some. a bit salty. but on a cold day, it really hits the spot. makes a good, inexpensive lunch. as far as newbury goes, pretty average. you can do better, but you can do much worse::coughcoughstephanie'scoughcough::
(3)Lin X.
Decent food if you want traditional, no frills American cuisine. I use to go here with co-workers if we wanted a burger or a salad during the work week. The outdoor seating, next to the lower level is great if the weather is nice.
(3)Pamela P.
Waaaay overpriced for basically TGIF's, Bennigans, Chiles, Outback, etc...fare. It's all the same, and I couldn't believe the $$$ they wanted for supremely mediocre food. Maybe go if you want a Coke and to sit outside or what not at one of their spots...but if you're expecting a good meal...I really wouldn't bother.
(2)Laura B.
I went in there alone and told them, "I have 45 minutes to eat. I need fast service." The waiter said, "Okay, whatever you want, we can do!" The service is wonderful - they came and checked on me five times before my meal even got to my table. The wine list looked great, but I didn't have time to enjoy my meal, so I didn't order alcohol. There was an old guy sitting near me, probably oogling all the babes prancing out of the fashion design school across the street. He ordered chocolate cake. It was gigantic. I couldn't stop oogling that! He had a bourbon with dessert. It looked so incredibly good. There is never enough time. Next time I am over there, chocolate and sweet wine for me!
(4)Bruno A.
I worked here years ago and though I'd like to tell about gross things done to rude customers' food in the kitchen or other more interesting things, I never saw an incident. In fact the staff is very competent and good to those that came in, as is the management. How the management treats the staff is something else entirely. That's the cause of the high turnover rate at that place. I always wondered why they charged so much. It's a chain restaurant, much like TGI Friday's, Applebee's or other crap places except the prices are higher. The food is better and slightly classier than the above restaurants and the cooks are excellent though there isn't much of a selection. I've been told the clam chowder is excellent but I hate clam chowder of all forms so I can't vouch for it. The bar is good though I always thought the bartenders acted much busier than they actually were. If you don't want any surprises and are showing your family the city I would recommend Joe's. It's nothing fancy, but not bad food either. Two stars for the atrocious management.
(2)Sam D.
American Joe's is a kind of confusing and disappointing place to eat dinner. The decor and price imply a much fancier restaurant than the food, service, and menu deliver. The selection of food is very limited--a few fish selections and a few steak selections (and then a few assorted items). All of it is pretty good, but none of it is too great. With the fancy look in an old-fashioned tavern environment, the Uno's-quality food (fine, but nothing to write home about) is unexpected. On the plus side, the bread is really good. The service is a little slow, even when the dining room is essentially empty. All in all, with all the other places to eat on Newbury St., I hope you don't end up at Joe's.
(2)Matt L.
There are several Joe's American Bar and Grill's to try around the area and some are really nice inside and some are really not. One thing that is the same is the mediocre food and chain like atmosphere. This is part of a restaurant group that are all pretty much chains around the area. This particular location is in a busy spot on the Newberry St in the midst of luxury retail stores. The bad news is that the place is so compact and tight and again service is so bad here and so disorganized, who cares if you get a seat, because once you do the place doesnt do much for the pallet. The menu boasts a nice array of sandwiches and dinners, prime rib and burgers and some pasta dishes. I have had a few dinners here and the steak is always either too rare or over done. The sandwiches are just okay and the burgers are large and not that elaborate. In the end this is more of an upscale Applebees, with mahogany walls and a nice bar. Don't let the average food decieve you, the prices are not cheap and your final bill may surprise you!
(3)Robyn L.
This happened to be the first place we stumbled across, almost literally, after taking a wine tasting class down the street at the BCAE. (I don't recommend taking such a class without eating a heavy meal beforehand.) We decided to share some calamari and a steak tips caesar salad, and bread of course, and we actually had leftovers. The waitress was also happy to split up the food for us before bringing it out. The salad would have been huge on its own plate... and it was just so good. Great spot if you're looking for good food with decent prices -- at least according to Newbury Street standards.
(4)Brian C.
The place looks classier than you would expect from the prices. However, the food was really average, and I say that in the worst way possible. I ordered some sort of seared tuna dish (medium rare), and received approximately 6 silver-dollar sized (diameter AND thickness) pieces of completely cooked tuna, with little to no flavor. There was a thick, artificial-ly tasting sauce all around them, but that didn't help much. My girlfriend got a vegetarian pasta dish, and it was, well, nothing special. I feel like I could've gone to Stop 'n' Shop and bought it in the frozen food section for $4. Otherwise, bread was good, salad was ok, and I have absolutely no desire to ever return.
(2)Katie G.
I wasn't totally sold on this restaurant. It seemed really packed and not very well laid out. I went with a few of my roomates friends to celebrate his birthday, and got there early, so I sat at the bar to wait. I was one of 2 people sitting at the bar and the bartender took well over 5 minutes to even acknowledge me. The gin and tonic I ordered was pretty weak. Once everyone showed up we were seated at a tiny table that seemed comfortable for 2, but not for the 4 seated there. The burger I ordered was delicious and cooked perfectly, but the meal was kind of marred by the service. There was a clan of maybe 5 waiters who grouped together to chat and laugh in the center of the dining room pretty much ignoring the patrons. The waitress we had no patience whatsoever, and would just shove more and more plates onto our table without clearing others to make room. We ended up putting empty drink glasses on the floor because she came around so infrequently. Overall, I probably wouldn't come back here even though the burger was delicious. There are just too many good decent burger joints in Boston for me to feel the need to come back.
(2)Jonathan W.
good bloody mary - great bread - horrible brunch. i had higher hopes but was quickly let down. i should have known what i would get with the boston equivalent of the new york power guido (aka. joey badda-bing) greeted us at the door. the staff was disorganized and had ill-fitting clothes. come on guys - low riding trousers work as jeans (if thats your thing) never as a suit - sloppy guido gangsta mess. fire the staff - fire the people in the kitchen. heck - start from scratch. good bloodymary though.
(2)A B.
Came here after work for drinks and dinner. The outdoor bar and dining area is really nice, particularly if the weather is cooperating. The bartender was great. Sat down at a nice table overlooking Newbury. That's when things went down hill. Our waiter was earnest but clueless. It took forever to get our simple orders which were a sandwich and a pizza. When my pizza finally came, it was completely disappointing. It was seriously a frozen microwave pizza. It was the size of frozen microwave pizza (about 12" in diameter) and it had that same taste (you know that all frozen microwave pizzas have). To make it worse, it came lukewarm to mildly cold. It was quite possibly the worst food I've ever been served at a restaurant. My friend's sandwich was also mildly cold (it was supposed to be a hot sandwich). To top it off, the waiter screwed up our checks which was annoying. I can understand an honest mistake, but that was the straw that broke the camel's back.
(1)Shikha B.
Great location, especially on a warm day, but this Americana cuisine restaurant is just kind of blah otherwise. First of all, we had requested outside seating, which was a 40 minute wait (understandable) - they gave us a buzzer, which started ringing after about 15 minutes. We ran back to the restaurant only to find that they didn't have any outdoor seating available. Apologizing for their mistake (which is always good), they proceeded to sit us down. The food was OK. I ordered filet mignon benedict, but the muffins were burnt (kind of gross), and the "spicy" bloody mary was watered down and not very good (or spicy) at all. They also didn't give us bread (b/c they had run out... at 1pm) and apparently, they ran out of lemons too! The service was also okay, until the waitress said that despite the fact that we had ordered full meals, dessert, and various beverages, we couldn't sit there just with drinks (even though other tables were doing so directly around us) - needless to say, that affected how much tip we gave her. So, would I go there again? Only if I can get that table right on Newbury Street where I can people watch, and enjoy the rare Boston warmth. But, I'm definitely not heading back for the food or service.
(3)Jesse N.
I find Joe's to be very unique blend of a higher-end restaurant with a sports bar setting. Clearly, some parts of this restaurant are reserved for sports watching and beer chugging while other parts are for some pleasant wining and dining. I'll cut to the chase. There is one thing that makes Joe's extra special to me. They have the best filet mignon I've ever tasted. The best part is, the cut they give you is a lot bigger than most other places would (i.e. some really fancy french restaurant). I believe it only costs only in the 20s. Great restaurant if you want to have a chill time eating with your friends before going out somewhere else!
(5)Kristen G.
Upstairs is a little more fancy for people who want a nice, quiet meal. Downstairs is a different story. It's a louder, more active crowd in a sports bar setting. The food throughout the entire place is great. It's great for families, dates or post work beers and dinner with friends. All American, all around quality restaurant.
(4)Merri L.
chain restaurant, the best thing about it is how friendly the waiters were. we had just left another restaurant cuz they were rude, and it was such a pleasure to be greeted by 2 people at the door and welcomed. the food was regular boring american food, though my friend loves the clam chowder there.
(3)Kathleen T.
In a city that is not always so child friendly, my family found this to be a grea tplace to grab a bit when our whole family, with people of all ages, was in town. Not only does the atmosphere accomodate everyone, but the prices and variety of food do as well.
(4)Terance L.
While shopping in the area, we started getting hungry and was looking for a hearty meal that didn't cost a lot. Asked the cashier at Nike Town what she would reccommend and she said Joe's. Decided to give it a try so we went. Once we walked in, we were greeted by the hostess then she walked us to our table by the window. Shortly after, our waitress came by and greeted us then proceded to tell us the specials. Once she was done, she took our drink order and brout out some bread which was delicious. When she came back with our drinks, we were ready to order. I decided to get a bowl of clam chowder since we were in the area known for their choiwder. I also decided to get the lobster ravioli with shrimp which came out nicely done and delicious. My wife ordered a caeser salad and the meatloaf which was made with chicken and beef instead if the traditional way. Though a bit dry and they skimped on the mushroom gravy, the dish tasted good. Our waitress Steph was great. She always checked up on us making sure everything was alright and brought out another drink when ours got low. Now why can't I get service like that back home in california? Wait, I just answered my own question. Anyways, if your in Boston and looking for american grill, give Joe's a try.
(4)Ashley M.
reliable chain restaurant... though with all of the other good places to go in boston i can't imagine why you'd choose joe's unless you were looking for something central/easy to find. also joe's on the waterfront by the north end is just much prettier.
(3)Christine Y.
one of my fave brunch places in boston. i can make a meal out of their fresh-baked sourdough loaf
(4)Meghan L.
ahh, joe's. it's main attraction is the location- a stone's throw from my apartment, making it the perfect locale on wintry nights. i have to say, i love the downstairs bar... it's my own personal cheers. my fiance and i are well taken care of by the awesome and friendly bartenders. the food is mostly decent but the burgers are awesome!!! definitely order a burger from the bar downstairs- the upstairs restaurant will charge you twice as much for it- would never go to the restaurant. overall it's a really expensive place for what it is, but it's on newbury street so you can't expect anything less. it's a great place to watch a game, and it is my default spot to go... always an interesting mix of people and fun times. can't say enough about the bartenders... they are great!
(4)Danielle W.
Went here with some friends and had a lot of fun on the patio! Great atmosphere and pretty good food. Our server was friendly and joked with us. We shared a plate of their nachos and calamari. I love me some good nachos, and theirs were great! I had the signature burger which was good and no one in my party had any complaints about their dishes. My only complaint, is that the hostesses were not particularly welcoming or friendly. Definitely would recommend this place, especially to dedicated people watchers.
(4)Steph S.
The food was so yummy! We got the calamari, jambalaya, spinach and artichoke dip, and steak sandwich with French dip. The bread basket is literally straight out of the oven and so chewy and soft. Minus three stars for the terrible service though... We were never greeted when we walked into the restaurant. The three hostesses just stood there having personal conversations with each other and failed to acknowledge the arrival of new customers. When we were seated, the waitress, a short Hispanic lady, never introduced herself. She stopped by our table three times during the entire dinner: once to take our order and give us water, another to refill the water, and then to give us our check. She never checked up on us to see how the meal was going for the entire duration of the dinner. When we were done eating and walking out, those same three hostesses literally just WATCHED US WALK BY without even saying bye. sigh The chefs deserve better than to have their delicious meals ruined by rude servers and hostesses.
(3)Chloé R.
Great atmosphere. Huge windows that look out onto newbury street. Large menu with gluten free options. Gluten free Mac and cheese is huge and delicious. Kale and quinoa salad is excellent. Good iced teas. Salsa trio sampler good also. Friendly staff. Nice bar. Consistently good food.
(4)Danielle E.
Great bread, chowda and ambience. The open patio is great for people watching during nice weather.
(4)Elizabeth S.
Was pleasantly surprised by this place! Had an excellent salad with blackened Salmon. Came here with a colleague who has a gluten allergy, which they really cater to (had a great gluten free bread as a starter that I even liked!)
(4)Kelly F.
Pretty popular restaurant on Newbury, a pretty novelty American-style restaurant. Food was awesome, drinks were good, our waiter was super accommodating and attentive. I got the tuna burger without the bun and had a house salad on the side instead of fries. The tuna was awesome and the salad was surprisingly great for a house salad. Wasn't expecting much from it and was pleasantly surprised. My boyfriend got the grilled fish sandwich and that was also delicious. Not the most unique restaurant in Boston, but has a lot of room, a cool ambiance, great food & drinks. No complaints, will definitely be back.
(4)Carol Ann G.
Their sangria is AMAZING, we frequent it when I'm in Boston on business and sometimes during my leisurely time as well. this last time stood out because we had the sweetest waiter: he was attentive and genuine and we had a blast. Our company included a very picky eater on a very strict diet and he absolutely took care of all of her wants and needs! The kitchen forgot to bring out her chicken and apologized profusely and brought it out in such a timely manner afterwards we have never seen such quick service. I cannot say enough good things. I got the steak and my friend got the burger and he too agreed that it was wonderful. The rolls they bring out are also warm and buttery and amazing and I will definitely definitely be back again!
(5)Sam T.
Joe's is a pretty fun place to hang out and enjoy a great lunch/dinner. They are usually packed on the weekends so be prepared for a wait. But, also, this restaurant is HUGE so they can almost always find space for you. Whatever you do, do not leave this place without tasting the Mac & Cheese. My wife and I both wanted a sandwich/burger type of deal so we went that route but we read so many great reviews about the Mac & Cheese that we tried a side of it, and we pretty much scrapped the dish clean. They have a burger that they recommend with arugula and pork belly bacon strips on it...I honestly was not that impressed; it was lacking flavor and cohesion amongst the ingredients. I think the bread took away from the burger, and the burger itself was not very flavorful plus the pork belly only tasted good when I took it out of the burger. I would come back for the fries and for the mac & cheese, but not the burgers
(4)Living T.
The setting is perfect: a busy corner in the high end shopping district, downtown Boston! You can sit and people watch, have a deck at the bar or a full meal. The lobster roll is delicious, when if it contains a lot of bread. The sweet potato fries are highly recommended. Although the menu has some seafood options, it's not exclusively so. The menu options are mostly American; nothing terribly risky or out of the ordinary for an American diet.
(4)Craig S.
I was really surprised by this place. So much so I went twice in one week. I had never been because I'd always assumed this was on par with Applebee's or chilli's, while a chain it is far better. The French dip Sammy with horseradish creme was amazing. Staff was really exceptional (thaks Chris Rock haha). I def reccomend it if you can get a table.
(4)Gerard H.
Could be a 4.5. Great place for a meal. Thought it looked like a chain restaurant but was pleasantly surprised. Food was delicious. Nice presentation - better taste. I had sliced pork sandwich. Delicious. One of my kids had fish tacos and they were great too. Good selection of beers. Comfortable inside. Great service.
(4)Stephanie T.
I've only been to Joe's for brunch, but I've always enjoyed my meals here. The clam chowder bread bowl is awesome, some of the best chowder I have had in boston by far. The salads are huge and super filling. Try and get a table out by the street in the indoor patio area, makes for great people watching!
(4)Sandra M.
I enjoyed my experience here! Nice bar tender, blue moons and a heaping plate of nachos. These are the kind of nachos you hope for when you go out: sour cream, guac, tonnnns of cheese.
(4)Megan C.
I wish I could have experienced Joe's to its fullest, but due to rude and incompetent front-of-house staff, it simply wasn't possible. A co-worker and I were in search of an after-dinner drink (or several), and Joe's looked to fit the bill. There appeared to be a nice partial outdoors patio with a well-heeled clientele having a good time. There was no shortage of bar and patio tables available, so we were told upon entering the restaurant that bar space and tables were on a first-come, first-serve basis. We scored a sweet table at the bar, which ended up to be too good to be true before we could even order a drink. I stepped away to venture to the restroom (a long walk and down stairs from the main bar), only to return to an empty table and my co-worker back at the host stand. Somehow, this "first-come, first-serve" table had become a "reserved" table, and we were asked to leave the table. We weren't offered an alternative, and - with 10 pounds too much of haughty, aloof attitude - were told that we wouldn't be seated in the dining room if all we were planning on ordering were drinks. The other two host members stood there just as inconsiderately and unhelpfully as we made the right choice, which was to walk ourselves right out of Joe's and move on to Met Bar, where we had a MUCH better experience.
(1)Mona B.
I personally dont like chain and never liked Joe's at all until every location I went too sucked at making burgers until I tried this location on a desperate rainy day! They have absolutely AMAZING service along amazing chefs because the food is really good. I've now been here several times and it's never been disappointing .
(5)Danae K.
Great location, quick food, nice ambiance. But the food isn't special... I got a chicken club sandwich and the quality wasn't great... I suggest coming for drinks only.
(2)Nandanie S.
I was impressed with the food, but not with the service. I found our waitress's attitude very ill tempered and we felt really rushed by her. Granted the timing of the food was good and our entrees were tasty, but service wasn't very inviting, which was a bit of a sour note. I know it's Newbury Street. I know it's a busy beautiful, Saturday morning, but please treat your guests better. I've been to other Joe's in the Boston area, and I've never encountered anything like the above. Not to say that I won't return...maybe just not anytime soon.
(3)Tyler S.
Joe's is a solid american staple in the area. They have something on the menu for everyone, consistently good service and good beer/ cocktail options. Really great salad options like the kale & quinoa, the seared ahi and the honey chicken. Good place to stop for lunch if you're in the area, also a good place for groups which is sometimes hard to come by.
(4)K E.
I have to say, I live in the neighborhood and starting off not liking this place because of the bad Joe's in North End. But this place has completely changed my mind. Service is fantastic, especially Anna. If you can, sit in her section! I've always had great meals, but even when my friend had an issue with her eggs, they replaced them (twice) with no questions asked. I will continue to go back!
(4)Marina G.
The location is great, fantastic modern cocktails, and a beautiful dining room. The ceiling that can open up for open air seating is absolutely fantastic!! And the sweet potato fries are to die for!!! I could live off them. Unfortunately this would have been a glorious 5 star rating if the waiter hadn't inaudible mumbled straight nonstop drivel to my friends and I who just wanted to enjoy quality time together and catch up on each other's lives. He completely ruined our experience and tried to talk to us so many times about NOTHING that we were unable to enjoy a single part of our conversation without getting interrupted by him standing over us and mumbling. Also the waiter's recommendations for getting my fish blackened turned out to be flavorless. I would go back but never want to have the same waiter standing over our shoulders, waiting to interrupt our conversations to ask us 5x if we like the drinks and food, trying to sell us porterhouse steaks (25 year old women don't go for that!) then to make Boston small talk. Rude. Go away. Go harass some other girls night out group at Dick's Last Resort or something.
(2)Lisa G.
Stopped in at Joe's for lunch and loved it. The wait was about 8 minutes, but we managed to get a table on the patio. It was warm outside, but that was the sacrifice for one of the best seats in the house, I suppose. Made for great people watching and socializing, but they should have some ceiling fans installed. I got the ahi tuna salad, which was done perfectly. Maybe a bit small. I could've eaten more, but it was still delicious. My friend got the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and cole slaw. This is definitely some of the best fried chicken I've ever tasted. And the mashed potatoes were nice and garlicky! A bit too heavy for me on the hot day, so the taste was all I needed. Great service, too. I can't believe how quickly the food came out. With a smile. Perfect location on swanky Newbury.
(5)Pam C.
We dropped by after some shopping on Newbury street. The interior is pretty dark, and actually quite large since they also have an extensive downstairs seating section. It was raining pretty hard when we came, but I imagine it would be very nice to sit on the glassy, greenhouse area on a nicer day. The staff was very nice but quite inattentive - when we walked in there was a good deal of confusion about who was going to get seated. They either didn't have a hostess at all, or had too many hostesses, because we were approached by three different confused staffpeople at the door before we finally got seated. They have a rather unremarkable menu - the food is pretty typical of an American sports bar/diner. A lot of hamburgers, a lot of steak. Although people recommended the mac and cheese, all of us ended up getting the signature burger, which was quite good. The pork belly is a little too thick and tough, and the bottom bun was a little too thin - the burger ended up getting very greasy and hard to eat after a while. Additionally, it comes with an overwhelming mound of arugula - we ended up taking most of it out. All in all, though, their signature burger is pretty good and worth a try. The regular fries are very fat and meaty, but their sweet potato fries are crispy and thin and quite delicious. The prices are all very reasonable, with most dishes between 10 and 30 dollars. Service was very attentive and knowledgeable.
(3)Steven R.
I took a group of 10 to breakfast this morning at Joe's on the recommendation of a concierge. I was slightly skeptical due to the 3-star average on Yelp. We in fact had a SUPREMELY good experience thanks in large part to our server, Colin D. He was the epitome of perfect, with every utterance feeling like a pleasant conversation rather than a script. He was spot on with every single interaction and the food and drinks were delicious. He managed our table and experience flawlessly. The food was delicious as well: we were all very pleased with the meal. But Colin brought it together. We had a really diverse group of diners of all ages and from all parts of the country: we were pretty unanimous in the awesomeness of the venue and especially of the server. Thanks Joe's and Colin!
(5)Kathie R.
A bunch of us went to Joes after work. We met Joey G there, he was our server. He was wonderful- extremely attentive, enthusiastic, and very kind. We never once went without needed or asking, he was very down to earth, & made us feel appreciated. Our experience was very pleasant due to his superior service he provided! Food was delicious and came out perfect! Coming from a business/service environment, I feel I have a keen eye for great service and compliment lightly; however, Joey G at Joes on Newbury deserves a review:) thanks for the great dinner and thanks for the "not so common" excellent customer service :) see you again!
(5)Doug E.
I was recommended this place by a gf friend, and to their credit, they are very solicitous of gf issues. They fried my French fries in their own oil, and they had a gf hamburger bun. I also liked my waiter a lot; he was very friendly. I think I ordered wrong. They do have some interesting things on the menu, but I got mesmerized by all the old fashioned American food. I wish I'd gotten their kale and quinoa salad. My real issue with the place was the atmosphere: it's very Chili's esque. Yes, there were a lot of families, but, I don't know, I just felt the need to get out of there as soon as possible. I think I'd need to try it again, and order differently.
(3)Kristina C.
Soooo.. I feel like people just love to hate on chain restaurants, but I actually really liked it here. We came for my friend's birthday because she has a severe gluten allergy and she noticed they have a good amount of gluten-free choices. They were super accommodating about it, and even gave her a separate bread basket (even though it was just toasted gluten-free sandwich rolls) (it's the thought that counts). The regular bread that came out for the rest of us was literally just that though- a big loaf of unsliced bread that we had to pass around the table like we were Jesus's disciples or something. Can restaurants not do this? Sliced bread, please. On a side note, the bread was super soft and delicious. Also, when I asked our server for her opinion on the reuben vs. the french dip sandwich, she didn't try to upsell the french dip and told me the reuben was her favorite. No regrets there. I actually still think about how good that reuben was sometimes before I fall asleep... is that weird?
(4)Mike R.
Average food, Average service, High Price, Great Location. Went for brunch today. I ordered scrambled eggs, with and english muffin, pork belly and a screwdriver. The eggs were over cooked. The english muffin seemed day old; it was hard on both sides, even though it was only grilled on one... the screwdriver was very light on liquor. The dish also came with home fries. Essentially the home fries were small cut up pieces of potatoes that were sautéed. The home fries had very little taste even though they seemed greasy. The Pork Belly tasted more like a pork chop than pork belly. Normally Port Belly tastes like enhanced bacon... this was not that... it was cooked well, it just didn't have any flavor. The service was okay. They didn't bring my wife ketchup for her fries and they didn't give me any butter or jelly for my muffin. Also, most other tables received complementary bread but we never got any. My waitress never asked me if I wanted another drink or a glass of water. The prices are high for what your receive. Just a couple of years ago, you could get scrambled eggs, toast and a drink for $12 or $13. Now the same dish wold cost $22 or $23 and it wasn't as good. The location was the one saving grace. It wasn't a busy day so we got patio seating and I will admit that it is a great location. It was defiantly not worth the money. There are better options.
(2)Gus L.
I rarely make reviews on this internet web site, but this experience pushed me off the theoretical edge of the boat that I wish I owned. My infant wife, crippled son and I were enjoying a plate of well toasted Swedish-style nachos with Gueda cheese on them. Heavily devoted to the complexity of the texture and flavor of the pig skin, we didn't notice the man on the bicycle steal a handful of our nachos right from our table! Now I'm not too familiar with regulations regarding the thievery of nachos within "American" establishments such as this eatery, but I'm nearly positive that my 2016 presidency will change these rare happenings. I spoke of my cause in Kansas, Hawaii, Montana, and other middle eastern territories our troops are so bravely fighting to withhold. Now I may not be a smart man, but I do know what love is. This nation was built off the roots of animosity and amber waves of grain so I believe we need to return to that state of mind. Remember to vote on September 15, 2015 at your local dispensary. Thank you for you time and God Bless America.
(4)Hanzhou P.
The restaurant looks very nice from outside,and I wish I could get a chance to try the food here someday with my friends:-)
(4)Chris M.
Stopped in with a group of co-workers. I had the clam chowder to start which I felt was a bit too thick, almost like corn starch was added so it got kinda gluey. Tasted good though. I then had a caesar salad which was fine and what I liked most was the Jambalaya. Shrimp were large and cooked well, lots of sausage and a very good flavor all around. Beers were kinda pricey and your basic Sam Adams variety. All in all decent but nothing to write home about (oh wait im writing home about it right now).
(4)Amanda L.
I've been to Joe's plenty of times and I have to say... it's okay. It's certainly one of the more affordable options if you're on Newbury Street. Every table gets a basket of the most amazing bread before their meal. Think about how many times restaurants have dropped off mediocre bread at your table. It's a waste of space in your stomach, empty calories and 9x out of 10... is usually 'just okay' or 'eh' and we regret eating it. Like, seriously. This bread is amazing. It's crispy on the outside and hot and soft on the inside. This is one of the only restaurants where I'll allow myself some bread before the main event - you should do the same. The Ahi Tuna Tartare and Crispy Calamari are two relatively tasty appetizer options. I've tried the Ahi Tuna Salad for lunch once and found it to be missing... something. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it certainly wasn't memorable. In the winter they had Butternut Squash Ravioli. Although the ravioli was okay - they piled roasted butternut squash in the middle of the plate and that was excellent. On two separate visits here my companions each got a burger. My boss said it was one of the best burgers he's ever had (the Joe's Signature Burger) and my boyfriend mentioned his 'make your own' burger was the perfect solution for a starving stomach. Last night I tried the Chicken & Broccoli Ziti and found that it fell flat. The broccoli captured all of the flavor in the dish, which I love, but left the rest of the plate crying for attention. The chicken was bland and the pasta was too. Although I will give props to the kitchen for making the choice to not have this dish swim in cream sauce. I know it's a risk I'm willing to make when ordering this type of dish, but hey, life's all about taking risks. Will I return? I'm sure. With living in the South End and working in the Back Bay it's a super convenient and affordable option for weeknight dining. I've heard their brunch is pretty good too although I have yet to experience it. Grab a pal and head to Joe's for a satisfying dinner and hey... let me know if you find that signature plate that just knocks your socks off. And don't forget... EAT THE BREAD!
(3)Gabi M.
We came here to celebrate a family birthday over the weekend. We were tucked in a private dining room with two other tables, and the ambient noise was deafening. It was impossible to not shout at one another. The food was disappointing considering the price point-- one dish had to go back-- but I suppose that's to be expected on Newbury. Our service was quite good, however, and she was very sweet to bring our birthday girl an unprompted slice of chocolate cake. The cake, to be honest was the best. The kale salad was also exceptional, and the crab cakes and fish tacos were great. Avoid the tuna burger.
(2)Scott G.
Consistent reliably good food in a pleasant atmosphere. Good cocktails. Brought the kids here. Appropriate for adults with or without kids. They do have a kids menu if you have them with you. Solid upscale place.
(4)Alan H.
Unlike met bar this place almost always over cooks food. Service is nice but just once I wish they would get an order correct. They have the worst cooking staff in the back bay besides grill 23. Avoid both of them at all cost.
(1)Heather N.
Had lunch there on a Saturday afternoon. They were fairly busy and the wait was about 10 minutes. Once we had a table, we waited longer than is acceptable for a server to greet us. Finally she came (her name was Maritza), and we ordered our food & drinks all at once. After taking our order, it was another 5 minutes before we got our drinks. This pissed me off for two reasons: 1) we ordered waters. 2) she walked by us twice before bringing our drinks. We were starving, and ordered an appetizer. Maybe that's why she didn't offer us bread. I don't know, but it irked me seeing every other table with a bread basket on their table. Another server brought us our appetizer, and even though she walked by multiple times, she never asked if everything was okay. The same thing happened when we got our food, which really was delicious by the way. I had the chicken pot pie. It was rich, creamy and had a puff pastry top. My husband had the French dip. Half of it was perfect, the other half needed more horseradish. The food here was excellent, but our disinterested server ruined any shot of me dining here again.
(2)Patrick G.
We came back to Joe's American and ate here twice on 12/5 and 12/7. The place did not disappoint. The first visit I had the NY strip steak which was cooked to perfection. Being from Texas there are very few places outside Texas that can cook good steaks. We also tried the salmon which was very fresh and flaked very easily with a touch of the fork. The second visit we stayed to watch some of the Pat's game and took burgers to go. The burgers were well worth the money and still tasted great when we got back to the hotel. We will be coming back again next year as we have yet to be disappointed!
(4)Christine J.
Good food, lovely bread!! Love their big chunk of bread when you sit down :D good food and drinks, esp for large groups. Been here for after hour drinks with coworkers, as well as a girls night out dinner. Happy with everything so far.
(4)Hanna U.
There food was delicious. I got the blackened chicken fuscilli and it was wonderful. The staff was friendly and attentive. I would recommend this restaurant.
(4)Michael S.
Service ..our server Eric was super friendly.. Ordered tuna tartare, and talk about disappointment.. They need to check the recipe on that. Also the mojitos were not on point ..overall it was an alright place.. Our turkey burgers were great though :)
(3)Carolyn B.
Great time, even on a Sunday night! Music good, food (calamari) was excellent. Hash the bartender was also very good and helpful. The star of the night was Travis the manager who took very good care of this tourist from Chicago! Thank you.
(5)Kara M.
Wonderful service ! The manager IS so nice and attentive. A+. We had an amazing dinner...the food is phenomenal. I . Would definitely recommend going if you're in the area.
(5)Jamie B.
I've been a client of Joe's American Bar & Grill since it's inception, really, ten years ago. This used to be a charming place with good food. My, how it has gone downhill since those days. I'm dismayed to write this, but the service was horrendous. I went to watch the France vs. Germany World Cup match today, and instead they were showing tennis, which no one was watching. I asked the bartender to change the soccer, but she said she'd do it in a minute. Two minutes passed and she didn't do it, the match was going on, and someone could have scored. So I asked her again, at which she once again said, "one minute". Unbelievable! How hard is it to change a TV station? Well, another minute passed, and she still didn't change it, so I asked the man who was working at the bar to change it, but then the bartender told him to wait! What sort of power trip is that? So I asked the guy again to change it, let's just say I ran out of patience with the malicious bartender. But by this time things had begun to blow up since I was visibly upset to be so disrespected by this bitchy bartender! It looks like I won't be going back to Joe's anytime soon, I had already been there countless times, I could never imagine that anyone there would disrespect me like that. Here's a lesson - next time a World Cup fan asks you to change the channel, do it, instead of going on a perverted little power trip where you are maliciously refusing to change the channel.
(1)Tom B.
Food was average and a bit pricey for what you get. Good atmosphere. Nice view of harbor.
(3)Shelby S.
It's our first time in Boston and we stopped here on out first night for dinner and drinks. It was DELICIOUS! we had great service and the music was awesome. If you go, ask for JAMES! He was so personable and really went above and beyond for us. I highly recommend stopping by!
(5)Hammy E.
When I am craving a turkey burger I go to Joe's. The turkey burger here is really yummy. I order it with the house salad instead of the fries and the salad is really tasty. The only other thing I ordered from here was the chicken quesadilla which was good. Def a good spot to go if you are craving quality bar good.
(4)Elaine T.
came here with a group of friends and let me tell you, it was pretty great. We made reservations here for a table of 6 and although two of our friends couldn't make it, the staff where fine with it and seated us within 2 minutes. Our waitress was incredibly helpful in suggesting what types of meals/drinks are popular at the restruant (since it was our first time there). I ordered the back bay sangria (which was amazing) and had the blackened chicken fusilli (it wasnt too bad could have been slightly better). The interior of the restaurant added a nice touch to the atmosphere of the whole place. Overall experience was pretty good. The drinks were great. Food, could have been a little better. But very nice place were you can enjoy a drink with friends.
(5)Nino R.
Best place to sit is on the patio. It's the best place to people watch all year round. I love the design of the place and the menu has tons of great options to choose from. What I like most is that they cater to those with food allergies. They seem to take great care in accommodating special requests. They have a private room for special events which looks like it could hold about 30 people. They also boast a second full-sized bar downstairs. But again, all the action is up top. Not sure what to order? Try the Lobster Roll, Jambalaya, Blackened Chicken Pasta, Kale & Quinoa Salad, or the Steak Frites. They're all fantastic. But my favorite is the Tuna Tartare. It's so fresh and the chips really go great with it. It's a must try. Now if you can only find parking...
(4)Bea B.
I would give it 11 if I could. The food was amazing. fucking AMAZING. I cried. Real tears of joy. The bread was heaven; straight out of the oven and still hot. Oh, and you can get some bread to go, too. And our server, Anna, was just as good as the food. She stopped to talk to us and served us within 10 minutes of sitting us-- keep in mind it was also pretty busy. 100/10 recommend going here. I could not stop eating. I regret nothing.
(5)Shannon W.
I went here for brunch on a Saturday afternoon. It was busy but we only had to wait 15 minutes, which we killed at the bar drinking Bloody Mary's. Once we got seated and ordered food, it came fairly quick. We ordered the grilled fish sandwich and Ruben sandwich. The grilled fish was decent but the Ruben just wasn't good. I really wouldn't recommend it.
(2)Mac D.
The waitress asked me if I wanted alcohol in my tomato juice...maybe I would have been better off ordering a virgin Bloody Mary without any added sauce? My bemusement continued when she asked me if I wanted milk after I ordered "a coffee with milk". Lastly, on top of the low food quality (even the bread?!?), I wasn't served what I ordered and there was no sign of the waitress again until she asked me if I was ready for the check.
(2)Landon C.
Joe's is fine for a general dinner with friends. It's not exactly a place I'd take out-of-tenets in their visit into Boston. For the price and quality, I think there are quite a few more places that do better. However, if you're looking for a place with consistency and pretty decent food, it's a place to keep in mind. *Update - this doesn't change my review, but helps a bit. Their crab cakes are actually fantastic. Lots of meat, not just filling.
(3)Rob C.
Meeeeeeh. Pros: Nice location and reasonable prices, plus they had some gluten free options which was important for our group Cons: Food quality slightly below Applebee's (bland burger, soggy fries, etc.) Service was friendly but several items never appeared while other random dishes did get left at the table. Not a bad experience, but probably wouldn't recommend.
(2)Diane H.
We returned two nights later and we were not disappointed. Their wait staff is first class; in crisp white shirts and sharp wit and wisdom. We enjoyed the assistance of Connor tonight who was utterly delightful! The food . . . beginning with the best bread I can remember having at a restaurant, then a delicious clam chowder, kale and quinoa salad with the yummiest house dressing; best french fries ever and a delicious grilled chicken sandwich with the most unusual pickles! Wish there was a Joe's in Pittsburgh! Hey, there's an idea!
(5)Megan S.
Food was good American classic. New England Clam Chowder was awesome. Service was amazing and good views of Newbury Street.
(4)Kelly S.
Joe's is okay for what it is. Decent but overpriced standard American food. Their salads are really tasty and a nice option nearby in my neighborhood. Great service with a great location, but to me it's just a bit boring when you have so many other great restaurants on Newbury. While the food is definitely above typical bar food, it's not worth the Newbury street prices. Stephanie's is across the street serving similar but more creative dishes.
(3)Alexandria L.
Visiting from California so I am already used to a "fresh veggie" kind of dinner as well as way to many vegetarian options. Since I am on vacation, who really needs these things, but I did find it odd that they only have a few options for vegetarians. People watching is certainly the best charm of this corner restaurant. In the bar/ patio area the windows open up and you can watch the walkers, runners, dogs, etc. The wait staff is lackluster. They had a new waitress/ hostess who was clearly afraid of her position at the front as a greeter. Each time someone came to check on her wellness, she would cower back into the fold and shy away from the staff and welcoming guests. She was eventually pushed and forced to make her way into the crowd. The pasta with chicken & broccoli looked amazing as well as the lobster plate that was ordered by the neighboring table. Serving staff was slow and could not be found when needed, but the food was great. Nightlife & bar scene seem to make this place irresistible to the locals & youthful travelers.
(3)Blake M.
I love this place. I live close by so I try to stop in when it's not crowded. This time heather and Eric were working the bar. Nice people. The burger I had was a little over cooked. Side salad is awesome. I would give 5 but it was so hot outside. They have a retractable roof and don't turn on AC or have a way I keeping inside cool. Hard to sit down and enjoy a meal when your sweating. Probably won't go back to the bar over the summer. It's just too hot!
(4)C. D.
A long in Boston 2 days after the 2013 marathon ended at Joe's American Bar & Grill. For the two days prior, this restaurant had been serving up burgers by the hundreds, gratis, to those working long, hard shifts just one block away at the sites of the marathon bombings. Community and kindness were served along with Caesar Salad, Prime Rib, NY Sirloin, dessert, and coffee. Thank you Joe's. If you find yourself in the neighborhood this week, stop in!
(5)Ali H.
I like Joes because they make the best grilled buffalo wings I've ever had. Their special prime rib steak is so good with either mashed potato or sweet potato fries. Quite place, nice people and very clean.
(4)Anthony P.
I visit Joe's several times a year. They have great Baby Back Ribs, that fall off the bone. They also serve great warm Bread, that is so tasty & they serve it with Butter and not that oil nonsense that so many other establishments are doing these days. I sat at the front bar and the bartenders Wendy & Frankie were awesome. They really go out of their way to give good service and this is a touristy Joe's which makes it all the more special that they recognize a regular.
(5)Chris G.
Best lobster mac & cheese I've ever had. Even the balsamic dressing on the salad was amazing. Very accommodating to my gluten-allergic girlfriend with a good selection of gluten-free breads, buns, and pastas. Ask for Bianca, she's a great hostess!
(5)Dan C.
Love the location, atmosphere and food. Basic American menu. Burgers and steaks and salads and sandwiches. great people watching.
(5)Jacob S.
The chicken and broccoli Ziti was okay but the sauce was lacking flavor and was a little too watery for me
(2)Laura K.
So, Joe's is just alright for me. I once went here and got the Roast Chicken and Wild Greens Salad and the rotisserized chicken was warm and the Balsamic on the side was the best I ever had. Since then, I have been back 15+ times and ordered the same thing in hope of a repeat of that one five-star meal. Sometimes I get terrible service, or the wrong dressing; and, sadly, the chicken has never since been warm. I keep coming back because it's convenient to my apartment, I know more-or-less what I'm going to get, I never get sick, it's rarely busy and the bread they give you is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Plus, maybe the 27th time I go in, I'll get a five-star, warm-chicken salad. Wait, what's the definition of insanity again?
(3)Mike G.
had no idea this was a chain! hungry after running errands. this looked like fun and thought i'd get a decent meal. in sum: fried calamari was over battered & chewy. grilled honey chicken and seared ahi tuna on - drenched - salads were served cold & looked pre-cooked. though waiter said all dishes cooked to order. yeah. cool to sit in the terrace looking out to newbury street for entertainment. so stars for that and service. Only.
(2)Heath S.
Great place, great waiter, great food, great location, and awesome sangria. We had a great time at Joe's. We sat in the far corner of the porch and had a nice breeze and I couldn't think of a better way to spend the lunch hour during our visit.
(4)Valerie B.
- Food is great - Great staff - Nice Location I wish their menu wasn't so limited and they didn't only have ONE pasta in their whole menu. I'm a pasta lover so that, DISSAPOINTMENT! If you're a burger lover this is the place for you, they have good fries
(3)Stacia P.
One time I was floored at how accomodating and gracious our waiter was. We requested oysters and he went all the way to Atlantic Fish to bring them over.. Incredible waiter. We come back a few days later and are told by a different waitress (who was only reiterating what the manager said) that they would be unable to do this again. I was disappointed in the lack of consistency. Overall this location seems better than waterfront.
(3)David B.
Stopped by for the first time this past Sunday for a drink. Great renovation! A perfect example of a updated space within a old building. Super outdoor eating area with great street views. Do not expect a quiet meal in this place that for sure. It's very busy and the added street noise makes it very loud. I did not try the food though I've eaten at other Joes locations before it looks like the same menu. The open kitchen in back is a plus as well. The only thing I can give negative marks on right now is the small bathrooms that were in need of cleaning especially when it's busy.
(3)Jill G.
Joe's on Newbury has not only great food, but is in an awesome location. They have open window seating that is great for people watching and the service s awesome. Even though it's a chain restaurant, the Joe's on Newbury still gives you that Boston vibe because of the setup and location. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. i recommend their salads- they are huge and delicious I am definitely a fan and would recommend eating at Joe's!
(4)christine c.
Incredible new location with a wonderful redesign. Bread, shrimp cocktail, salads, pastas, all pretty good. Drinks are the same as a lot of the other Back Bay Restaurant Group spots (Charley's, Paparazzi, etc.) which is a little disappointing especially if you frequent the area. Still, for a bit more money I'd rather go on over to Abe's or Atlantic Fish (both owned by the same people)... For whatever reason I'd rather dine at Joe's in the South Shore Plaza than on Newbury. Maybe it's just lacking that "wow" factor.
(3)Brian S.
Great all American place to go with family & friends.
(4)Lyndsay C.
Living in Back Bay, Joe's used to be our go to spot for late night take out or lazy Saturday afternoon lunches. It was my jam. We usually did take out to avoid the tourist and the millions of kids that tend to migrate there. But recently I have been so disappointed. The menu changed and they got rid of many of my favorite meals and appetizers. I was sad. Then, the quality of the food changed. Twice I've gotten the fish sandwich (once fried and once blackened). It was so bland and had no flavor. Then the other night we ordered the chicken sandwich. We ended up calling the restaurant because the chicken was tough and pretty gross. They made us up a new one and it wasn't any better...I ate French fries for dinner that night. My orders have been messed up more than once and my once yummy food has now been replaced with low quality not so yummy food. Not sure what's going on but I need my Joe's back! In particular, the fried chicken platter.
(2)Michelle L.
It was hot under the summer sun, but with a cool breeze we were determined to eat outside. In Back Bay that means a small cafe on the sidewalk or, well, Joe's. (Every tourist in the Boston will be at Stephanie's across the street and this local ain't waitin' 45 minutes for lunch!) So we ate a Joe's. They were able to seat us at a very sunny table immediately upon our arrival. One star! Our waiter, Carlos, was prompt and we ordered right away.Two stars! Remember how I said it was hot outside? Well while waiting for our orders we asked to move tables. The manager apparently had other ideas because he vetoed our approved request and sat a couple who'd just walked in. He then began to talk "behind" his menu to the hostess while I shot my signature OMGYouDidNotJustGiveThemMyTableInTheShade look. (We could see you btw Mr. Manager.) This kind of killed the experience. But the atmosphere was nice-- even in the sun that required I hand two men my girlie sunglasses. We ordered the seared tuna appetizer, ribs, and French dip sandwich, which were (as Yelp describes) meh. The food was average. There's really nothing more to say. I already forgot I ate there. In short, I felt that Joe's outdoor atmosphere is great for after-work drinks, but it's just okay for food.
(2)Kimberly M.
Ive been here a few times in Boston now. I just cant get past a two star on the place. I like the patio. But on a lunch menu in Boston, why not offer fish and chips.. IF you ask, they will provide.. at a price, of course. Its one of those annoyances to me.. ITS Boston!! Have fish and chips out there..The bread bowl with clam chowder.. pretty bland.. not alot for the cost.. be ready to eat up on the bread .. Waitress.. well, I guess she knows her neighborhood, she doesnt have to be friendly.. hmm.. and I dont have to give much tip! See how this works miss rude waitress pants.. ?? So go for the patio.. and a decent wine list.. save your appetite for something more deserving elsewhere.
(2)Michael C.
The lower reviews for this place surprise me. Joe's has some of the best bar food around even though it is a chain. What really sets this loaction apart for me is their retractable roof bar, which is perfect for people watching. I had the cheeseburger it was cooked to perfection. Walked by here in the morning to see that they were serving what looked like a good brunch as well.
(4)Russ Y.
Solid 3 star. Food is so-so. Definitely not high end or innovative, but predictable and large portions. Atmosphere is fun and lively, and staff is friendly and attentive. Good choice if you're weighting atmosphere over food quality.
(3)Food Fan A.
After a long day, we were looking for a place to eat with easonable prices and lots of choices. We decided to make a stop at Joe's to sit at the bar, but it was packed for a Monday evening. We sat at table when we were greeted by Luie G. He offered us drinks and I asked to sample a draft beer. He came back with the sample in an ice cold glass...kudos to the bar tender. I started with the black bean soup with andouille sausage. It was very thick, so we shared it as a dip; it was very good with a nice hint of the little pieces of the andouille sausage. We both got sandwiches that were very good, but one order of the fries were on the cold side, but otherwise everything was very good. Our server Luie was very attentive and pleasant.
(4)Julie N.
I can't even count how many times I've been here in the past 10 years. Joe's has been the family go-to in Boston and it seems like everytime my parents come in to town, we end up here (or Steve's Greek). The bread will always be the highlight of the restaurant and last time we went I splurged and got the clam chowder in the bread bowl and destroyed the meal. That meal took up my weeks worth of calories, but was more than worth it. Other go to's are the steak tips, the honey mustard chicken salad, and the burgers. I wouldn't be afraid of trying anything on the menu but I know that some things are just better than others. You might get a miss but the next time you go, you'll order something different and like it. It's a solid place in a good location with a decent amount of consistency. Oh, and sit upstairs, downstairs has subpar service and it's way too loud.
(3)Era F.
It's a bar & grill. Not a brasserie, not a gastropub, there's nothing swank about it, but it is the sort of Americana chic I kind of like. I don't know why all the hate - it's definitely better than its North End counterpart. It's huge, so you don't have to wait if you're willing to eat inside, or eat at one of the two bars. The outdoor-yet-covered area is nice. Food - lots of options. Typical salads, sandwiches, pizza, and mains. The pizza is gluten free for the celiacs out there (I'm not one myself, but I hear gluten free pizza is a big deal). It's all fresh and fairly portioned. They even have sweet potato fries! Drinks - are yummy and strong. As they all should be. The blueberry lemonade is out of this world. Would I make a trip to come here from a far away land? No. But when I'm craving something 'American' and quick, it's a good standby.
(4)Jocelyn G.
We got seated immediately and our waiter was very attentive. Add that to the fact that the food was tasty (although they seemed to have switched my dish for my boyfriend's (they were the same, just cooked at different levels)). We also had a lovely view of two of the tv's, which was helpful. Tasty food, it is a bit expensive, but since I didn't pay, I didn't notice.
(4)Ed Y.
One of my favorite places to eat prime rib. They use to serve it 7 days a week but now only on Fridays and Saturdays. Still its one of the best prime ribs in Mass. I always get the challenge which i can never finish but makes a great second dinner the next day. Price is a little steep but its prime rib, what do you expect. $28 for the Joes challenge. Service is great, very attentive. By the way i usually go to the Joes in Dedham to avoid parking hassles downtown.
(4)David H.
Great new location on Newbury Street (former Friday's). Much nicer decor than Dartmouth location. Much nicer bars and comfortable dining room. Open kitchen. Nice new restrooms. All the food I had was good. The wine list is a lot better than before. Although it doesn't have quite a outdoor cafe; the retractable roof is pretty amazing. I predict the "new Joe's" will be a hit with the Newbury Street crowd. Parking hasn't changed on Newbury Street; difficult - valet parking of course available. Please note my review is based on (1) visit.
(4)Dan W.
Good food for a good value. Our salads were fantastic and we enjoyed our steaks. I would go elsewhere for desert and don't order the coffee, it was terrible. Nice to be able to sit out on Newbury Street and take in the street life while dining, but expect to wait a little longer to get this prime seating.
(3)Taryn C.
After a busy day of Christmas shopping we stopped into Joe's for a burger and a grilled cheese. While there was a 30 min wait (saturday before Christmas on Newbury Street) we went over to the bar and got some drinks. The bartender and our waitress were both very friendly and never made us feel rushed. Food was really good - burger cooked perfectly and the bacon on my grilled cheese was extra crispy (yum!). Great spot if you don't mind the wait.
(4)Meredith V.
As a visitor to Boston, I must say I was very impressed with Joes. We went to the Atlantic Ave location and the Newbury St. location as well, and both times the energy here was authentic and lively. Excellent martini and wine selections, down to earth bartenders, and great views. It was great for lunch as well as late night. This is upscale without the pretension.
(4)Amanda A.
This place is consistently good. Okay, so I have only been a few times, but its definitely a place that I would go back to when meeting friends for dinner - rather than trying out other restaurants that may not be as nice. The first time I went was for lunch and I ordered the crab cakes which were very good. More recently I was there for dinner and had their Buffalo Chicken Pizza which was a generous size for 1 person. For a place called "Joes American Bar & Grill", this place definitely impresses. Inside it is nicely decorated the lighting is cozy. Prices are all very reasonable for the food, service and environment.
(5)stephanie c.
Love the new renovated Joes. Great patio and outdoor bar. It's a perfect balance between casual comfort and upscale atmosphere. Good crowd as well. One of the wonderful outdoor spots when Boston weather is sunny and nice. In terms of food, I only came here for lunch so far. Great spinach dip and tasty salads. Portions are decent and the quality of food is good. I'd definitely come back and enjoy the dining experience with nice weather.
(4)Larry J.
I only got to eat here once and loved it. Had a burger during lunchtime, with sweet potato fries. Couldn't have been better. Was very pleased to learn there was one in Wellington, FL. Been there. Loved it all-over again.
(4)Jeremy K.
Nothing exceptional about this establishment... the fare is typical American burgers and other fried stuff... Might want to avoid if your counting your calories, let's just leave it at that. The decoration is pretty nice and the place isn't too bad. The service is quick and efficient, a well-oiled machine. Aside from that they do have really good meatloaf, I'll give them that and their onion soup is very tasty. Worth a try occasionally but definitely not a place I'd wait in line for.
(4)Jerry C.
Been here twice for Brunch and twice I left happy... Joe's walks the fine line of being a nice place to grab a bite while not coming off as stuffy or uptight in any way. Prices are reasonable and the service is friendly and attentive. The farmer's omelet and pancakes are tasty and the orange juice is fresh and sweet with pulp the way I like it. Ill def be back.
(4)Tricia W.
I wouldn't recommend this place for brunch. I paid $11 for 3 small pancakes that weren't anything special-and they didn't come with any sides. The food was good, but it wasn't great, and it definitely wasn't worth the price. My "fresh-squeezed" orange juice was lukewarm and had seeds in the bottom of the glass. unappetizing! I would consider trying the burgers another time, but I don't think that it will be worth the second visit.
(2)Niki V.
Went here my first ever time in Boston & the outdoor seating looked nice so we went in to get seated. Wouldn't let us sit outside (not sure why) & sat us inside which was very fancy looking which felt weird as we were in shorts and tank tops and flip flops. I guess it is a casual place but I felt really uncomfortable the whole time I was there, our waiter was really snobby & we just felt like we didn't belong there. Food was way overpriced for what we got (I just remember it not tasting very good, but the presentation being nice) The whole restaurant seemed like all they cared about was the way things looked & not how the food tasted or friendly service. Wouldn't go here again.
(2)Lydia B.
Okay the cool part of this place is sitting outside with all the windows open. I'd come back just for that. especially on a day like today when the weather was so beautiful. The food was okay. though someone in our party got the beef and noodle salad which was pretty good and I'd probably order again. Also a few onion rings came with my meal and those were amazing. Service was good, but not amazing. I also recommend getting there right when they open because the tables filled up fast.
(3)J M.
In the past I've never been a fan of Joe's but this past weekend I tried the new location on Newbury Street and was very pleased. I love the bar/patio type atmosphere when you first enter, it was perfect for a summer night. We were told there would be a 25 min. wait but I barely got my drink at the bar before our table was ready. The waiter was cute and helpful with suggestions and specials to try. I went for the "not your average grilled cheese" and am still thinking about it 4 days later. We also got free cupcakes and cappuccino which ...I think could have gotten the waiter in trouble but was truly a nice gesture.
(4)Bret C.
Bread. Bread. And more bread...please! That's how every meal of mine starts at Joe's. Sure, it's a little awkward that someone has to break the loaf and people are worried about who has washed their hands, etc....but it's just outstanding. Seems like they bake these all day long. You can order most everything on the menu and it's very good. Chowdah is a great starter. Hint: some of the meals that are no longer on the menu can still be ordered. I do that once and awhile... Get the Charles River Pie for a great towering dessert. And do you know how to finish? With a loaf of bread to go.
(5)Thomas R.
I went here for the first time with my wife and it was fantastic. They have outdoor seating with airconditing so you get the best of both world. We went there around 6 and there was no wait. We had mussels for appetizer and the portion was generous. I ordered the special filled with crab meat, lobster and fish and the wife ordered shrimp pasta. Overall the food was cooked right and tasted fantastic.
(5)Rachel W.
Came here for lunch today, short wait, great food, terrific and friendly service. Can't complain. Love the renovations!
(4)Molly B.
What a fabulous restaurant the food is amazing great flavor. Tiffany the manager made sure we were well taken care of making our trip to Boston very memorable.
(5)Joe C.
Great All-American Restaurant on the streets of Boston. I love Boston - it's such a great town. And one of my favorite things to do is eat outside. Their outdoor PATIO is great for this. The food is a classic american standard; burgers, fries, etc. But they do it right. Give it a try for a casual stop on the streets of Boston.
(4)Rebecca Z.
While visiting Boston I had the pleasure to try this place. LOVE their Sangria and Prime Rib. Great atmosphere. Definitely recommend to anyone! Even out-of-towners! YUM!
(5)Nick M.
We visited the Joe's American Bar and Grill on Newbury Street this past Friday night. I made a reservation on OpenTable and we were seated within 15 minutes of arrival at a table outside. Before we sat down, we visited the bar, which was setup very nice. There were attentive bar staff, who were quick with making sure everyone had what they needed. We ended up being able to score a seat at the bar while we waited for our table, which was a huge plus Once we were seated, we had Chad as our server, who was definitely a pleasure to have. He immediately brought over waters as he noticed we had drinks in our hand (this is a huge plus in my book -- I will order drinks all night long as long as I know I can get water to go along with it). He went over the specials in detail, then let us peruse over the menu while he brought back some delicious warm bread fresh from the oven We ordered our meals - my wife went for the swordfish and I went for the salmon. We substituted the sides for something else as I'm not a fan of cooked vegetables; this was not a problem at all During our meal, Chad came back to check on us, making sure we had everything we needed. He was a fantastic server: visibily around so you could get their attention if needed, but not around too much that you felt like they were part of your meal. We ordered a few more drinks and desert and then paid our bill and were on our way The actual restaurant is quite excellent. There's an outside and an inside bar. The outside bar has several seats facing the bar, with a roof that opens above them, exposing the bar and the tables to the sunlight. The sides are open as well. If there's inclement weather, the roof panels can retract, covering up the tables and the bar from rain, etc The inside bar has several TV's, plenty of seating and was pretty hopping when we left. We'll definitely be back in the near future to check this out again
(5)Jessie C.
Ok - service was WICKED slow. Had honey-mustard chicken salad it was good. but the service was very very slow.
(3)Michael G.
1 star for just the BREAD....MMMMM... Yes the bread is the same as from Charlie's down the road because they are all owned by the Back Bay Restaurant Group. But it is DELICIOUS. 2 stars for having outdoor seating on newbury st. 3 stars for having food. it is definitely mediocre, but hey.... i'm sorry you can dine here without going broke. the menu is not innovative, but its JOE's AMERICAN GRILL! Not Joe's Innovation Grill.
(3)Marcus C.
During a long day of apartment-hunting, we stopped into Joe's for some grub. Even though it was nearly 2pm, there was a long wait for a table, so we slipped downstairs and seated ourselves in a little corner and waited. And waited. Finally, we were able to flag down our waiter, who was efficient, but not very attentive. I opted for the honey mustard chicken salad, which was better than I expected. Still, the highlight for me was the warm bread. I love warm bread! Maybe this is why I am fat.
(3)Andrle W.
I can't seem to find a reason to give this place more than 2 stars. I've been here twice since it opened in this location, and both times I've left feeling rather dispassionate about it. The restaurant itself is visually very pretty. Nice dark wood, clean surfaces. But HELLO - what were they thinking when they designed an outdoor patio that's not cut off from the "indoor" space? Walk by the restaurant on any given (warm/hot) day, and you can just feel the AC pouring out of the building. I'm not usually a crazy person about these things, but it just seems so excessive to air condition an inside space that is wide open to the outdoor patio. If they wanted the spaces to flow, they could have used glass at least to section it off. It's so wasteful, I'm torn between wanting to boycott it for their irresponsibility, and wanting to get a good look at their electric bill. (it can't be cheap!) ;) The other problem is that the group of hosts/hostesses on my second visit were not at all on top of their game. We specifically requested an inside table, were handed a buzzer, waited ten minutes, then were called up. They must have recognized their error because the first thing they said to us was "oh, did you want an inside table?" - Uhm, yes. So they asked us to wait, said "you'll get the first table we have!" and then I proceeded to wait in the heat for about 10 more minutes before they finally gave me a new buzzer (I had to ask twice). About 25 minutes and we finally were seated inside. Now the important part: the food. It was... OK? The first time I was here, a few months ago, I got a burger. The second time, steak. It would be going too far to say the food is bad or "off" - but it's just not at all impressive. For the price you pay for an entree here, I'd expect much better taste and flavor. The service is poor-to-forgettable, the food is dull and pricey, and the entire experience is not something I'll go out of my way to have again. With all the other options on Newbury (and nearby), save yourself the time and go somewhere else.
(2)Francisca W.
(review dated 2/09): busy sat lunch time, average, typical american food, meh service. whatev. w/all the better and nicer and newer restaurants in the area, tell me one reason to return? :)
(2)Barbara S.
I had a good time here, but I thought the food was a little overpriced. I had a pasta primavera, which was delicious. I ordered decaf coffee and it was a little cold. Other than that, the ambiance was good. It reminded me of Applebees, but with better food.
(3)Katelyn M.
An unexpected Sunday stroll led us to Joe's for brunch. Brunch is one of my favorite meals, if done right. It's always challenging to decide what to order, though -- do I go sweet? or savory? Joe's totally surpassed my expectations. After a 15 minute wait, we were seated upstairs with a great view. The brunch menu specials come with a morning cocktail (I ordered a bellini, of course). My choice: an omelet version of eggs benedict. The eggs were cooked PERFECTLY and the asparagus was cut into nice tiny pieces. The sauce was divine. I would HIGHLY recommend Joe's for brunch. Make sure you bring your wallet, though. This is no broke college kid's brunch place.
(4)Jacqueline Z.
Went here last night (Wednesday) for a friend's bday. Had called ahead to get a reservation and was surprised that they didn't reserve the terrace/patio tables. I was happy though when I arrived and they promptly seated us at a table on the terrace - prime people-watching spot. To concur with others - this is a great open air spot for when it's nice weather. Tons of people to gawk at and lively scene. Food - decent. Crab-cake order was tiny and not very good. Nachos were 3-star, spinach-artichoke dip was really amazing but not enough pita chips---no worry though, the bread they serve at the table covered us. That bread, by the way, is incredible, to second others' comments. Drinks - lots on the menu. I just got some of the Adessa Pinot Grigio @$7/glass. Hit the spot. Boys got margaritas but said they weren't that great. Service - very good. Zach was our server and was very attentive. Zach and Lance and Matthew (hosts) were very accommodating as we ended up having 8 people sitting at our 4-person table. I would definitely go back to try some other stuff on the menu and to people watch. Recommend that you make a reservation in advance though - at least then you have a shot of not waiting too long -- esp for the terrace spots.
(3)John A.
Reliable. That's the one word that comes to mind when I think of this version of Joe's American Bar and Grill. My dad and I sometimes meet here for lunch during the week and the food is always served fast. We usually sit at the bar and the bartenders are always good for a conversation and can hold their own in anything from local sports to progressive politics. Joe's is part of a chain but if any of their other restaurants are like this one then I wouldn't hesistate to visit. Joe's on Dartmouth has a nice semi-classy atmosphere and a reasonably priced menu. The menu also offers plenty of choices from burgers and steaks to salad and pasta. They're a little lacking in the vegetarian friendly category but still manage to cater to a wide audience. Definitely a reliable eatery for a quick weekday lunch!
(4)Keith O.
Joes is an old staple in the back bay. The new location is beautiful but they have some serious problems with service. Five of us decided to stop in Sunday for lunch. We ordered a chicken salad, a burger, a reuben, a turkey burger, and chicken fingers for my daughter. After waiting about 45 minutes for the food the Reuben was cold the fries were soggy and the turkey burger never even showed up until I asked about when the waitor stopped by 10 minutes later. By the time the turkey burger showed up everyone was done eating thier cold food. We had them pack it - I am not sure why because I could have had them just throw it away for me. Until they figure out thier service issues this place is off my list of "go to" places in the back bay.
(1)Thomas A.
Had plenty of time before a concert to pick and chose somewhere to dine on Newbury Street. We chose Joe's and are glad we did. We realize it's a 'chain' restaurant but wow, they sure didn't act like a chain! The main dining room although quite busy was quiet enough to have a conversation over diner. The service was perfect - friendly, informed, and timely. And the food? Nothing fancy, we both had the house salad and split a pizza but it was delicious! A well done for Joe's, we even sent a complimentary email to their website. We will certainly return.
(4)Jamie S.
Brunch this Sunday here was kind of a Joe-ke! HEYO! watch out. I've been here a few times, it's a dependable spot, but this past Sunday brizunch left a lot to be desired. One of the strengths of this chain is that it's a step up food-wise from say a Friday's or Applebee's, and they really welcome you at the front of the house with friendly hosts/hostesses greeting you. That's where the good service ended this visit. We got seated outside by our pleasant hostess, and then waited a good 15 minutes to be acknowledged. Kind of strange, seeing as how we were sitting right in the thick of the patio area, with no less than 3 or 4 servers circulating in our general area. Finally my ladyfriend decided to turn up the bitch-o-meter (her words, not mine!) and demand some service. The waiter was kind of mousey, didn't have much affect, and seemed really thrown off by our demand for some service. That's kind of how this is supposed to work budzo....we sit down, you take our order and subsequently bring us the stuff that we ask for, and then we pay and might even throw you a nice tip. He comp'd us some fresh squeezed OJ. Yippee. Fine. Nice gesture I guess, but it was too little too late after checking his blackberry as we were ordering (double you tee eff??!?!?!!) and proceeded to be extremely soft-spoken and awkward during every subsequent interaction. The long wait would have been a lot easier to forgive had every other step of the way hadn't been extremely delayed as well. Ok, order is in, food didn't take too long. Then after he cleared our plates, it was another 15 MINS to come back with the check. I seriously considered chewin and screwin, walking off without paying, as I doubt anyone would have noticed and I really wouldn't have felt that bad about it. Then it took EASILY another 10 minutes to swipe the old Capital One. $1 tip NOT EARNED!!! ZERO stars for this visit, I'll give it one because zero is not allowed and on other days it's easily a 3 star joint. BAH!
(1)Cam S.
Went here a few years ago and didn't like it but revisited and I'm now a big fan. Great chicken tenders.
(4)Penelope J.
I've visited another Joe's location and never had a bad meal but this Joe's was mediocre, at best. I was with a fairly large party and the table had everything from salad, to steak, to meatloaf, to salmon--I had the special of the night: cajun catfish which was incredibly fatty...even for catfish. Everyone else said their meals were just "blah". All the sides were really boring: rice or potato or mixed veggies, that's it. The service was also crazy slow and out waitress was forgetful. There is outside seating--so that's a draw, I guess but I'd look elsewhere.
(2)Nik B.
Chill, but smells kinda funky. Was kinda boring too. I felt like I was at a lonely hotel bar. The furniture is nice. Otherwise it's pretty standard. Wouldn't go out of my way to come back. I only sat at the bar, didn't try any food.
(3)Bernie R.
Ok, where do I begin... My boyfriend and I decided we wanted to try some place new last Friday night. I remembered hearing that Joe's was a good bet, so we headed there around 8 pm. When we arrived we scanned the menu at the door to see if the place would be appropriate for my boyfriend, who has been a life long vegetarian. The dinner menu has some good pasta and fish options, so we decided to go on in. Upon arriving at the host stand we were immediately wisked away downstairs into the lower level. At first, I thought "yes, prompt service!" However, I soon saw that they were seating us in the bar that was already full with a drunken college crowd. I understand it's a Friday night and this is a "Bar & Grill," but I really would have appreciated being seated in the dining room as opposed to being serenaded by Journey in a dimly lit basement. Once we're seated I notice that the menus we were handed were not the menus we glanced through outside. It was the bar menu, that had typical meaty bar far (burgers, chicken, etc). Not wanting to ask for special treatment, my boyfriend decided he could probably find something off of this menu, so we let it go. Ok, now for the best part. I'm pretty sure our waitress was either: a. out of her mind, b. on amphetamines, or c. princess rainbow of magical fairyland kingdom. Not only didn't she card for drinks (I'm 21, but this is the first place I wasn't carded at), she exclaimed "oooo, YUMMY YUMMY!" when I ordered a Sangria. Yeahh....ok.... My boyfriend asked if the clam chowder had meat in it, she said "nope!" So our order has been place. Awesome. We get the bread, it's pretty damn good. Waitress comes out with the clam chowder and says "sooo, i guess the chowder has bacon in it....can you not eat that?" My boyfriend has to then explain that no, he cannot eat bacon, thats why he asked if there was meat in the soup. Her response is "ooo no! Ok, well could you do grilled chicken?" Uh noooooo.... "Pork and lentil" Wtf....no! So she puts on her best frowny sady-wady face and brings it back to the kitchen, leaving my dissapointed boyfriend to munch on his bread. Our food arrives. I have a burger and fries, bf has the salmon. Everything is just....ok. Salmon is rather dry, burger is meh, fries are typical. A highlight was watching our waitress sing and dance along with the other drunken co-eds. We finally (she disappeared for a while) paid for our meal and left, disgusted and throughly disappointed. On the way home I got sick and spent the greater portion of my evening throwing up the mediocre burger. Awesome. I ONLY give Joe's 1 star because their Sangria was tasty. However, thats not enough to bring me back again. It's way overpriced, the food is medicore, and the service is ridiculous. Save your money and eat someplace else.
(1)Kap N.
This place was DE-LICIOUS! We decided to take a pitstop to get some food and beers while viewing some of the World Cup. The ambiance of this restaurant is amazing. The downstairs bar is lit perfectly. The waitress was really informative and cordial. Fantastic service. The food - the salad selection was brilliant. We ended up ordering one salad with steak, lo mien, and a host of other ingredients, and the turkey burger, with sweet potato fries. Of course we ordered plenty of beers as well. The food was great all around!
(4)Sara E.
Only been here twice - once for after work drinks at about 5ish, and another time for lunch. During the first occasion (drinks), the place was packed! It was a beautiful evening, so I suppose people were crowding to their semi-outdoor patio, but I could barely move/breathe... it wasn't exactly "comfortable". The drafts were reasonably priced ($5)- and they had some neat local/craft selections. On my second Joe's excursion, I sat at a table and had lunch with a friend. Our waiter was great and super accommodating. My friend and I split Calamari and a Cobb salad. Both dishes were aesthetically beautiful and pretty delicious. However, nothing seemed particularly original or unique about the place - guess that's what you get with a chain restaurant. I'd return, but it wouldn't be my #1 choice.
(3)Joshua H.
Went here with a part of four. The new location is awesome, cleanest bathrooms I've ever been in at a restaurant. We started with the clam chowder, which was great, but not the best I've had in Boston. The bread was so fresh and soft, maybe the best white bread I've ever been served at a restaurant. Our main courses were crab cakes (awesome) with sweet potato fries and coleslaw, ahi tuna (pretty good, but skip the crispy noodles, they're bland) with a rice cilantro cake and a very potent soy sauce, and salmon with asparagus. All of us were really pleased with everything. The service was awesome and for where we where in Boston and how much we ate, the prices were reasonable. I would definitely return if I'm in Boston again.
(5)Cecilia H.
I just came back from Joe's and we had an amazing night! My sister just turned 21 and our table was bombarded with free goodies from the bar. We felt very special and had a great time. The manager (?), Jake, even came by the table once or twice to check up on us. Our waiter was also excellent. This is the second time my sis and I have had a meal at Joe's and both times we've had a great overall experience. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a good spot in the pricey Back Bay area. We'll be back soon Joe! -C-
(4)Lorraine F.
I liked this place. The food and service was representative of the cost in my opinion. The seating arrangement was a little strange. One long bench, individual tables, and then executive like over-sized chairs (which are not very comfortable I was told) on the other side. We were at the edge, so we had to move the table a bit so that my friend was centered properly on the table. =/ I had the Chicken Picatta. I normally don't like capers, but the dish was well done and the chicken was very tender. The server didn't ask me what sides I wanted and just served me brussel sprouts and pilaf. The brussel sprouts were pretty tasty, but the pilar tasted a bit over done. I would have given this place 3 stars, but they were nice enough to precut my chicken (I have wrist injuries and thus it's difficult to use a knife). The server genuinely looked like he was trying his best, although he kept making silly mistakes (like not asking my side preference, although he did offer to change it after realizing it). I'm guessing he was new or having an off day. I was overall pleased with this place
(4)Edward S.
Unquestionably the worst lobster roll I have ever had. The lobster had no taste and was very watery and unusually red which makes me think it was frozen lobster meat. I have had seafood salad from the Stop & Shop deli counter which although fake tasted better, The service was great but the meal less than stellar. Joe's should be ashamed serving this.
(1)