10/19/09

AWUL service great seafood

by adwoa14

This was an awful dining experience. The only good thing about it was they have the most tasty scallops and spinach! Valet was rude, Our waiter took 20 mins to come to the table to even take drink orders, some of the food came over burnt, the waiter was unwilling to accomodate our meal requests, etc an all around awful dining experience. We spoke to the manager, and he only offered free dessert, which we didn't want, and he took off one of the burnt dishes, and AWFUL mac & cheese from the bill. After the mgr wasn't apologetic for the awful service we'd had (it took 45 mins to even get our order in) we were left with having to dock the tip with a note as to why. We will NEVER be back here.

• Pros: the scallops are to die for!
• Cons: the service is AWFUL

07/06/09

Great service, great food

by addictedtocolor

My boyfriend and I ate here over the holiday weekend and even though the prices were a little high, the food was amazing!! The waiter we had doted on us all night long and even though it was pretty crowded we didn't feel like we got lost in the crowd, as you do with some other restaurants.

This is a great place to go eat when you want to splurge on a meal but it is expensive for 2 when you have drinks and a full meal.

It is a MUST to try while in Chicago.

• Cons: price

05/18/09

food was just ok, overpriced

by jeffeatworld

The food at Joe's was just ok, and definitely not worth the steep price tag. I went with my friend and we started with the shrimp and scallop ceviche. It was decent, although the fish didn't seem super fresh.

For entree, I had a 12 oz fillet, my friend had the stone crab. The steak was cooked well, but not well seasoned, and overall pretty boring. It arrive by itself on the plate, looking very lonely with only a piece of curly leaf parsley to keep it company. The stone crab did not taste fresh. The potatoes weren't bad.

The best part of meal was dessert, we shared banana cream pie, which was actually pretty good. But overall, this meal was not worth the $100 price tag.

• Pros: service
• Cons: food

02/27/09

Totally disappointed

by Keithmart

Despite all the good reviews and the poasitive feedback. And although its a cute atmosphere... the food just didn't cut it. My dish was just okay.. and it left me still starving for food. Weird, right? Anyway, not going back. I shouldn't be hungry when leaving a restaurant

01/03/09

Quite possibly the worst dining experience I've ever had

by d82r21

I've heard all the raves about Joe's, and decided to try it out when my parents came into town. First off, we were seated 45 minutes after our reservation time. It only went downhill from there. The waiter was extremely condescending, and kept touching us - it was really awkward. We ordered the 'famous' stone crab appetizer - and it was beyond disappointing. I've had my fair share of stone crab, and it is not supposed to turn into a frayed mess when you open the claw.

Then the entrees came. My Dad decided to treat himself with a $50 filet, which one would expect to be fantastic. He ordered it med-rare, and it came out med-well or maybe even well done. The waiter even cringed when he saw it, but decided to not say anything. The fisherman's platter did not even contain all the pieces it was supposed to. There was no cod (I did not realize this until after we left unfortunately).

There were several other VERY serious problems, but I will not devulge details in fears this post may be removed (I cannot prove the 'issues', although I am certain they are true).

I felt terrible that my Dad paid $250+ for this horrendous meal, so I contacted Management in hopes they would be sympathetic to my situation. I will simply say they were rude, and in my opinion handled everything extremely poorly.

Given Joe's reputation, I would assume my experience was an exception, but I would implore you to seriously consider dining somewhere else if you are looking to treat yourself to a high priced meal.

• Pros: Good reputation
• Cons: Food was beyond disappointing, service carried an 'attitude'

12/27/08

Joe's Is Possibly The Best Restaurant In The City! [con'd]

by thekingandhisqueen

We ordered the stone crab appetizers (4 medium claws) and a caesar salad for sharing. Stone crabs have a amazing fresh and sweet taste that is wonderful, yet somewhat different than King or Snow crabs. We also, upon recommendation, ordered a wonderful glass of white wine to compliment our meals.After devouring the snow crabs, out came our entrees. Ooops, what about the caesar salad? Frankie promptly apologized and since our entrees had already arrived we were informed that dessert was on the house. Professional, seamless service. My wife raved about her teriyaki chicken. The chicken was moist, perfectly roasted chicken with just the right amount of from-scratch teriyaki sauce drizzled on the chicken at your table. I did try a bite and it was quite tasty. Fall off the bone tender, so moist and so good. The Alaskan King Crab Legs were massive and presented at the table (cracked for your convenience) before being served. Frankie had recommended that I request chilled rather than warm and he was correct. Chilled is the only way to go from now on. This Alaskan King Crab AMAZING. Large, succulent pieces of sweet chilled king crab meat served with a half lemon, drawn butter and house mustard on the side. But again, these bad boys need nothing as it would take away a piece of heaven from your tastebuds. These have to be the best crab legs in the city! The complimentary desserts were delicious. I would bet you will not find a piece of Key Lime Pie better than what is served at Joe's. The graham crust was perfect, the fresh keylime filling was heavenly. Sweet, with just a hint of tang, and so light and creamy. An explosion of flavor. My wife had a delicious chocolate brownie a la mode with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Although very good, we both are hooked and now swear by Joe's Key Lime Pie. Joe's - Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Oh, and ask for Frankie as your personal guide through the experience called Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crabs.

• Pros: Atmosphere, Service, Food...Everything! You will not be disappointed!
• Cons: None

09/02/08

Crab bisque was very good but overall I did not feel this restaurant was a five as othes have.

by cookingjul

We just had the "2nd mortgage" cold seafood appetizer and the crab bisque. The soup was very good. The appetizer was ok but I did not think it was that great. I'd heard a lot about the mustard sauce and it was ok but not spectacular. I would definitely recommend reservations as there was a minimum hour wait.

The staff was very nice but three seafood apps, one bowl of bisque and drink each was just not worth what we paid.

07/25/08

Best Overall

by mashni

My wife and I visited Joe's recently. I had stone crab bisque, large stone crab and the banana dessert. My wife had select stone crab, coffee and key lime pie.

Stone Crab Bisque: OUT OF THIS WORLD!

I have had countless different bisques from many great places but this was the best by far.

Large/Select stone crab: Great

banana dessert : AWESOME!

Key Lime Pie: Quote from wife: "Oh my god the crust, The flavor of fresh key lime, it was so smooth. It was the best".

Coffee: You wouldn't think it but this coffee also made an impression. What ever kind that coffee was, it was F@#k!&g great.

Great food, great service.

You will go back, I promise you.

• Pros: everything
• Cons: maybe wait with no reservations

04/28/08

THE BEST FRIED LOBSTER

by MIASHA

I went to Joes while in Chicago for a concert. I had the fried lobster and asparagus it was so great I want to fly back just to get some more I've had it other places but theirs was so great its worth a try I dont remeber what my friends had but it was good we all give it 5 stars the bill was around 140 for 3 people and only 1 alcohol drink and the others were pops so if you plan on drinking the price goes up but its worth a try if you love seafood. And the staff was so pleasing the waiter even helped me cut my food . I will probaly go to the one in Miami next.

• Cons: None

03/20/08

Great all-around experience

by kcharbs47

I made a reservation for a Monday night. I showed up about 40 minutes early to have drinks in the bar (the front room/bar was extremely crowed). When I checked in, I was told that they didn't have my reservation. But the host assured me he would take care of me. So we had drinks in the bar (very good ones) and were seated at exactly our reservation time!! The waiter was wonderful, the shrimp appetizer was yummy. I got the tuna with a side of broccoli. The tuna was delicious!! The broccoli had a cheese topping which wasn't very cheesy tasting (too bad) but still good. The key lime pie was tasty. We love this place and keep coming back!!

• Pros: Friendly waitstaff and seated on time
• Cons: bar area gets crowded as people wait for their tables