Joe Tess Place
5424 S 24th St, Omaha, NE, 68107
Joe Tess Place Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Omaha for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
5424 S 24th St
Omaha, NE, 68107 - Phone (402) 731-7278
- Website https://www.joetessplace.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
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 : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Bricelyn J.
This one is a major miss for me. I was skeptical that carp could be prepared to taste good given that it is a bottom feeding fish and I was right. I ordered the carp fried dinner and each bite tasted as though I was lapping up dirty lake water. The only flavor the food had was what I believe dirt from the bottom of a lake would taste like. My friends ordered some of the grilled fish dishes from the menu and they were equally unimpressed. Even the french fries could not save the meal as they were soggy and dripping with grease. Our waitress also had a very hard time multitasking so service was very slow. If you're in the mood for fish I would look elsewhere.
(1)Jack C.
3-out-of-5 stars on here is "A-OK", and that's exactly what Joe Tess Place is; a-ok. I honestly don't know what people on here were expecting when they go into a place that is known, almost exclusively, for FRIED CARP! It's carp, for crying out loud! They are the bottom feeders of the fish world; literally! My wife and I went here yesterday to complete our 'DDD' places in Omaha. I wouldn't say that we left the best for last, but we definitely left the most interesting for last! This place has been around since the 1930's, and as far as I'm concerned, any place that's been in business for roughly 75 years must be doing something right (even if it is carp). When you walk into the place, it looks like a dive bar. Surprise! That's because it IS a dive bar! They became a fish market/restaurant afterwards! The first thing you notice when you enter the place is the koi fountain located near the entrance. My first thought was, "Maybe I can pick-out my own koi", like you pick-out a lobster from the tank at Red Lobster; alas, my dream of eating a giant goldfish was not to be realized this day. Someday... Our waitress was very friendly, and was extremely helpful when deciding what to eat. My wife had the grilled-and-blackened catfish, and I went for the fried carp. Both were pretty good. I was pleasantly surprised by the carp. Earthy, for fish; reminded me of non-blackened catfish. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake rounded-out our meal. All-in-all, we liked Joe Tess Place. I don't know if we'll ever go there again when we're in Omaha (unless we're craving fish), but it's at least worth your while to go there once.
(3)Fly_Gu Y.
I had a taste for catfish and when asking around, the opinions of Omahans regarding Joe Tess were split down the middle. I decided to give it a try so I headed to south Omaha for some tasty vittles. First off this was my first time in South Omaha so I didn't know what to expect. The surrounding areas seemed a lil older and dare I say sketchy but like I said, this was my first time in this part of town so I didn't know what to expect. Regardless, nothing was coming between me and a fishy who met its early demise. The parking lot is huge so finding a place to park was a breeze. There was an older gentleman on his way in so I asked his opinion and he gave it a thumbs up. There are three doors: Fresh Fish Market, Dine-In, and Carry Out. I was getting a carryout so I chose door #3. Once insider there's a ordering window which separates the small waiting area from the kitchen. The menu is big with a vast assortment of fish, seafood, and rarely seen items such as fried gizzards, The two people in front of me ordered the catfish fingers which I assumed were popular but I went for the whole catfish fillet.. My side items were backed beans (the lady taking my order called them sweet beans) and macaroni and cheese. Once home I wasted no time digging into my meal. The fish was excellent and the sweet beans were surprisingly delicious. The macaroni....meh not so much unless you like Kraft right out the box. The prices are astounding for what you get and could probably be reduced by a buck or two if they cut back on all the bread. Four to five slices are too much for one piece of fish...even a big piece.
(4)Barb X.
Gross. Fried food all tasted the same-like dirt. It seems they overlooked changing the oil. Even the salad tasted bad. The dressings were horrible imitation products and the vegetables were pale and tasteless. All of that plus it was dirty and old and run down. Will not be going back.
(1)Frankie H.
Of course I can be biased I grew up on Joe Tess every time I come to Omaha I GO THERE. I hate it is no longer on the north side. Still great taste!
(5)David B.
You can have freshwater fish here, but I'm not sure you'd want to. Their basic food is fried carp. Basically, after removing the fish's head and entrails, they cut the rest into two pieces and fry it. I found the breading OK, but otherwise I agree with the earlier poster who wrote, "Looking at the tail and rummaging through the skeleton for small pieces of fish is not my idea of a good lunch."
(2)Tutti S.
Always consistant and always freshly fried. I crave their fish!
(4)Andra B.
My mom has been bringing me to Joe Tess for as long as I can remember! I've tried the shrimp dinner, good. Tailapia dinner tasty as well. But for the last few years my mom and I literally get the same thing each time. Double fish dinners. The carp is great not too much seasoning. The jacket fries are my fav! But I am a potato person. The veggies can I presume, but good none the less. If your a fish fan. I suggest you come here. I would always recommend Joe Tess!
(5)Royal B.
Cleanliness 4 Food 4 Service Likely to return 2 OVERALL 3.25 It's been 33 years since I was in this restaurant. It was my spouses first time. We joined a friend for lunch. The order taker was pleasant. She knew the menu. I advised that I drink a lot of fluids and I like a lot of ice in both beverages. When my cups were empty before the appetizer arrived she asked if I wanted refills. I said yes keep them coming. In fact I said that two more time before she stopped asking. (A reminder to all servers if the appetizer or dinner has not been yet served please do not ask if customers would like refills on non-alcoholic beverages, refill them) When our order taker brought the food she auctioned it off instead of giving it to each of us. As our server she should've remembered what each of us ordered. The food was okay it was fresh and it was hot. It wasn't that tasty, it was fairly bland. The prices I thought were extremely high especially for the lunch menu. We spent $42 for two people and one appetizer. I must admit I remember eating the potatoes even 33 years ago they were as delicious today as they were then. I do not consider this restaurant to be in Omaha favorite or standard anymore it is just another restaurant that needs updating to service standards and food quality.
(3)Joan M.
I will never go here again. Bad food, inexperienced staff and an out of control owner with no people skills. I went here during a visit as it was a place I loved when I grew up in omaha. Under the new ownership the fish is mediocre compared to years ago. However my biggest issue was the treatment I received when I questioned the 20% gratuity after we waited 30 minutes for our food. No apologies just excuses. The place was crowded but not to capacity and we ordered carp...which is their most popular item. When I questioned the gratuity they called the owner and all hell broke lose. He brought security and began screaming at me and his staff at the top of his lungs in the middle of the restaurant. Now I understand why they have such a young sub-par staff....they are the only people that will take that crap. Last supper at this joint.
(1)Lorie M.
Walking into Joe Tess is like walking into the 70s. The decor looks as if time has stood still since then. The food reminds me of cafeteria food. Lots of fried stuff. I had the shrimp and I could have gotten the same thing from my grocers freezer. Was not impressed at all.
(1)Mary F.
I find most restaurants that have been on "Diners, Drive Ins & Dives" fairly decent, many quite good, but this one was DISGUSTING. Those who have been coming here for years must like hard, deep-friend, nasty carp. We ordered their "signature" fish: carp & catfish & the breading was thick, greasy & charcoal-briquet-like. Looking at the tail and rummaging through the skeleton for small pieces of fish is not my idea of a good lunch. The fries could have been good if they had been cooked appropriately. However, the were greasy and limp. AWFUL. We had a great waitress & the atmosphere is kind of fun. Little kids seemed to like throwing coins into the goldfish pond. Maybe those goldfish would have tasted better than what we ate. Try somewhere else, there are a lot of great-looking restaurants in the Bellevue area. Some traditions are just meant to die away! This is one of those places. Just because it's old, doesn't mean it's good.
(1)Alan T.
The food here is beyond terrible. I had the Rainbow Trout, grilled, and it was dripping with foul smelling grease. How a grilled fish dish could get so covered in oil defies the imagination. We were informed via bright red letters on the menu that pretty much every entrée requires 20 min of prep time and they used every minute of the 20 to deliver the meals. My buddy had fried chicken which was way over cooked in very old oil that tasted like fish. They were quite proud of something they call "jacket potatoes", a more apt term would be "barf potatoes". These potatoes were very thick potato slices apparently cooked in very old, under heated oil which of course, tasted like fish, and were limp and greasy. For desert we had root beer floats and to cap off our culinary disappointment the ice cream was freezer burnt. Awful.
(1)Jeffon N.
I have been going to Joe Tess for many many years and although I live on the east coast now when I visit I always make it a point to eat at Joe Tess. It seems as though Joe Tess has stood still while time has moved on especially when you look at the interior decor. On another note I have asked my family members and friends and they all respond the same, the feeling is that Joe Tess has mellowed the seasoning to cater itself to the older generation. If you will take these suggestions. .... get rid of the over whelming brown colored decor as it reduces the light. Get rid of the antique and eclectic motif as the younger clients would not relate to this. Replace the ceiling tile it is old and sagging. Finally change the seating to allow for multi -level seating giving customers their choice for their level of dining intimacy. And lastly but not least my wife enjoyed her meal and I enjoyed mine perhaps offering a more spicy breading as an option might please some. My personal opinion is that it was good, keep it fresh, keep it hot, make it right. By all means promote the fact that you have been on the Food Channel people watch this.
(3)Joseph G.
Two things I love, but would never want it in my own home. The smell of fried food and tacky crap everywhere. Makes for a fun atmosphere. They have fish and bread & pickles. I added in their chicken wings. I thought "unique". Worth at least one visit. OWL approved.
(3)Don M.
Another of several South Omaha legends. Yeah it is greasy. It's the same food that it has always been. Delicious and unhealthy just the way it is supposed to be. A must stop!
(5)Matt S.
This place may be a bit divey, but this place packs in the business (especially during lent) so you know it has to have great food. The joe tess's fish is a personal favorite, but steer clear of it if you hate finding bones in your fish (regardless though I assure you that it is amazing). It's right off the Kennedy freeway so you can't miss it. Oh and they have have a drive thru for your convenience.
(4)Eric F.
service was good. staff was very friendly. their house Bloody Mary with smoked salmon flavored vodka was really tasty but a bit weak. the Margarita was also a bit weak. the fish itself was fresh. ordered the Carp (since that is what they are"famous" for) and the catfish (recommended by the staff). both were pretty plain. they both tasted like they were fried in old grease. everything probably would have been much better had their fryers been cleaned and the oil changed.
(3)Tomas D.
I have been eating at Joe Tess for awhile, so much so that I've narrowed the menu down to one single, favorite dish: the catfish fingers. Some say the breading is bland, but I actually really like it. Add a small sprinkle of salt, and it's easily one of my favorite fish batters (they sell the mix too!). The jaket fries are also very good too, admittedly a tad greasy sometimes but mostly good. In regards to the building, I can't say I agree with the people claiming the place looks "run down". It definately isn't a modern establishment, and that is portrayed in it's decor---- pictures of family out on fishing expeditions, etc. I mean, the bar is made from a boat! In summery: they have pretty good fish, and the place looks alright. It might not be five star quality but it's a good dinner for around 10-15 bucks a person.
(3)Amanda R.
Diarrhea and Cramping. I could end the review here, and you'd get the idea. But let me elaborate on our trip to Joe Tess. My husband and I were visiting family in Omaha and decided to kill two birds with one stone, check one more Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives establishment off our bucket list and enjoy dinner with the family. The only reason this place gets more than one star is, the food was decent going in. (Mine was anyway - Catfish fingers). Everything else screamed "Get out of here before the health department raids". Dishes, floor, glasses, tables, you name it, it was dirty. This could be overlooked in an old school neighborhood place like this IF the food was good and we emerged without food poisoning. Some of our group of seven had dishes that tasted so fish-like that I swear they were served the goldfish from the tank at the front door. My meal tasted pretty good, catfish fingers, and I devoured the whole meal and paid for it the next two days with every gastrointestinal symptom you can think of. While celebrating New Years a few days later, in conversation, I learned Four of the Seven present developed some form of belly upset and most didn't even enjoy their food to begin with. Service, if you even care at this point, was just okay. Not memorable in either direction. Breaks my heart to review a local "landmark" so poorly, but really...what was I thinking getting fish in Omaha anyway?
(2)Ramon B.
Well...what say? The place is an institution, its been down the street from me for ever and I have always driven past many a times. I've heard my tales of its greatness and its faults. Today I finally got to experience Joe Tess' and saw both its greatness and its faults. First off the place looks like I'd expect it to...warm, homey with a fish decor. Great, grand,wonderful...on to the food. Call me crazy but I believe most servers should probably start off by letting your patrons know what you do and don't have on the menu. As it would happen, everything my special lady friend and I wanted...were not availible. No calamari, no King carp. I was half tempted to ask if they even had water...you know since it was a fish place that was missing some of its frigging fish! Couple the servers inability to mention this and also her inability to multi-task, leaving gaps in our service and i was almost about to give the place one star on service alone. Luckily the food came to the rescue. With what they did have in stock we still got some carp pieces and boy were they nice and easy to pull apart and tear into. The breading was...ok. I was glad it was thin but it was not the best flavor I've every had. I'll take shucks over this place. All in all the place was saved by its more than decent food and ok prices but the service kept this place from getting a better review from this guy...Eat up Minions!
(3)Rebecca S.
We went here because it was on the Travel Channel. Awful food. The fish batter didn't have any flavour to it. The potatoes were soggy and undercooked. I ordered the medium catfish because it was the most popular item. It was very "fishy" tasting and I only had two bites. I will say the staff was very nice and did not charge me for the fish. I would not recommend going here though.
(1)Michael V.
Ok. I came here with better expectations because of DDD but was very disappointed. I ordered the Famous Carp. When my order came it smelled like an old uncleaned aquarium. It was fried... and I like fried food but it just tasted like I was eating old oil. The Carp... I can't say I will ever eat it again. I am Filipino and I will pretty much eat anything. This one was just a miss for me. My stomach just felt wrong after eating here...
(1)blanket j.
Went for dinner tonight. Had the jumbo shrimp. The reviews didn't paint too pretty of a picture. But, I had to try it myself, as many reviews I've read about local diners and restaurants are too critical, in my opinion. Prices are fair. Nothing overwhelming. Sides ordered were jacket fries and baked beans. The beans, because I'm not a fan of slaw. There was an option for vegetables. The fries were not crisp but I don't think they're supposed to be. The name implies they are to be wrapped around things. With that in mind, I'll say they serve their purpose. And, they're tasty. The shrimp were not really jumbo, just butterflied. I think they were pre frozen. But, they were good. This isn't Legal Seafood or Bonefish Grill and it doesn't boast to be. It's good old fashioned averagely priced food. My guest had the carp. I tried it. It's boney but very moist and tasty. Not much texture though. The place was busy both inside and through the drive through. Times and restaurants are changing. This, however, is nostalgic. Great service. Clean environment. Dated yes, but properly maintained.
(4)Elisa V.
My husband and kids came here because of the show Diners, drive-ins, and dives expecting a good tasting meal. Instead we left feeling ill and grossed out and hungry. My 7 year old enjoyed her catfish fingers and fries, and my 11 year old enjoyed her catfish taco. I had the tacos as well, but they were nowhere near as good as the fish tacos i have had anywhere else. My husband and son ordered the carp sandwich because of DDD, and I tasted a little bit of it as well. It tasted disgusting. From the little bite I took i felt sick to my stomach. I already felt a little gross from my taco, but the carp just sent me over. It had a horrible aftertaste as well. It looked and tasted like it had been over-fried in bad or old oil. We also ordered the gizzards for an appetizer. I have never eaten gizzard before so I don't know what to compare it to, but these were chewy (which may or may not be normal), and they tasted like they had been over-cooked as well in gross oil. Our whole family left dissatisfied and hungry. My husband and I especially could not eat our fill because we were so disgusted and grossed out from the food. We ended up heading over to the mall and had some delicious Teavana to calm our stomachs and all had our own pretzels to help fill us up. We will never ever eat here again. My husband and I still feel ill as we are writing our reviews of Joe Tess Place.
(1)Jamie S.
Great fish dive. Nice people. Great lunch prices.
(4)Janet R.
Joe Tess was delicious!!!!! I had the catfish and it was real good! A bit pricey tho and the place is kind of run down...and a bit grimey =/..... but food was still good..so 4 stars =).
(4)Liz W.
Maybe it's because I'm not a local, but Joe Tess's may be at the very bottom of my food list (along w/Golden Corral!) Everything seemed to be cooked in the original fryer oil when the place was first opened. and the "FAMOUS FISH" is fried carp ribs!! need I say more. I'm sorry local Omahans, but this is not good fish.
(1)Erica J.
Don't expect anything fancy here - just fried fish and a sort of run-down restaurant. However, the service was great, and whatever batter they fried the fish in was pretty addictive. Unless you order one of their "lighter" entrees, you'll leave here feeling kind of weighed down, but don't say I didn't warn you! Prices are a little steep for what you get, in my opinion. I like to get fish from their market right next door to the restaurant. The tiger shrimp are really good!
(3)Jen H.
Great food! The fish is awesome. The prices are nothing to argue with, you get great portions. Always had great service, and the pick-up is very friendly as well. Be weary - eating yourself stuffed at this place may leave you feeling like you just gained 10lbs of lard - don't be afraid to take it home for the next day and avoid the discomfort. :)
(3)Allen W.
The food is okay. I only tried their fried fish. No spice in the batter, nor flavor so its just like eating dough. The atmosphere is very grandma like, open areas abound.
(3)Noky C.
One of my favorite places to eat when I'm in town. Best known for their fried fish (whole catfish and carp) and chips. Mostly local customers (no annoying tourists who take pictures of everything), great service, great food, and reasonably priced. How very Midwestern. I usually order the famous fish (Carp ribs) and a dozen oysters on a half-shell.
(5)Cindy C.
Joe Tess' is an old establishment. Don't expect a large menu with exotic dishes. It's the same menu, fish done the same way it's been done for 30 years. we like to go there on occasion. The wait staff is pretty good, we are rarely ignored. The fish is simple, american fries and coleslaw. Great if you want consistency, we crave it about every 6 months and have to go.
(3)D H.
I have tried this place a couple of times and always leave wishing I had eaten somewhere/anywhere else. It is an institution in south O, but I am just not a fan of deep fried Carp in a bland/soggy batter, their signature dish. If like me you have seen them on triple D and want to try it, go for it. I will go to the GI Forum across the way :)
(2)Fresh M.
I have to agree with Liz on this one, 20 years ago or so this place rocked fish like no other in Omaha, now it is run down, dirty, smells, has a waitstaff that is past their prime and semi rude with small orders. Sticky menus that really could be replaced for sanitary reasons. Rib bones on a slice of bread for 10 bucks and I still have to tip plus buy a beverage? Ouch.
(1)Pukar R.
I've only done carry out but these guys has a very nice selection of fish. I've had the Tilapia, catfish, and some others and all are really tasty. I try not to eat here too much just because I order the fried stuff. If you like fish, you'll like this place.
(4)Melissa W.
I have to admit that I was super skeptical about this place but my husband and I decided we needed to go to every place Diners, Drive-ins and Dives hit up while we still live in the Omaha area. I have to admit that I was pleasantly suprised by this palce... I ordered the fish tacos and they were the best fish tacos I've ever had! Yes, this place is rundown and yes, it kind of seems like it'd be dirty (I never saw any though) but overall we really enjoyed Joe Tess' so much that we will keep going back.
(4)John H.
This place is just nasty! I live just blocks away and yet I will ride my bike to the other side of town for a good meal. The fish always tastes burnt and is very greasy. The fries are OK, but better can be had. It is also too dark inside for my liking. I honestly wonder how it has lasted as long as it has.
(1)J C.
If your coming from out of town probably not the place to visit.. If you want to go to a place thats famous for seving carp then visit. Great prices, super friendly service and not at all run down. Its a step back in time but its a super cool scene. Of course no one from omaha truley believes carp is a great fish for eatin its just kinda cool so quit being dicks about it.
(4)David C.
Put simply, not worth a visit. Although walking into the space is a journey back in time and the staff was friendly, the fish was greasy, over-battered and filled with tiny bones. There are better options in Omaha and it sounds like this spot is past its prime.
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