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- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2 am
Sat 11 am - 3 am
Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Alcohol:
- No
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Drive-Thru:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
127 reviews for Chicago Joe's
Review Highlights
"Anxious to try other entrees and Sunday brunch."
(in 14 reviews)
"Reasonable prices, check for the daily specials."
(in 10 reviews)
"They also have really fresh oysters, clams and shrimp."
(in 14 reviews)
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127 reviews in English
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Review from Joe K.
Chicago, IL
9/9/2011
I have been going to Chciago Joe's for years. they have a wide variety of specials throughout the week that are easily affordable including the 'cheeseborger'
In addition to the standard meals, they have a fantastic brunch on Sunday that manages to pack a lot of variety into a small space.
My favorite bit though, is desert. They have a fantatsic key lime pie.
Chicago Joe's is not perfect though. One time my girlfriend and I ate there and got the ribs. Mine were meaty and fell off the bone with no problem. Her's were essentially a slop of greasy fat.
They have a full bar, but me being a cheap bastard, I'll usually skip that and settle on the food.
My own dine in experiences have included most of the sandwhiches, burgers, chicken, and fish, as well as a ribs, chicken dinner, and the buffet. I've had a few of their soups, but have not sampled the chilli, which I hear is award winning.
In the many times I've been there, service has been top notch, even when the place is busy. Waitressess bring refills on the drinks quickly and know the menu. -
Review from Derek L.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2012
This place is terrible. If you have not gone here already, save yourself time and money and go somewhere worth it. Nothing about this place was good and a lot was terrible. The food and service being the terrible. I got the fish sandwich and it tasted like I was scooping water out of a fish tank and eating it. The fishy taste that I got on every bite was really overwhelming and screamed I'm not fresh. Straight up it just wasn't acceptable, forget about enjoyable.
The onion rings weren't onion rings they were onion crisps. So don't advertise onion rings. Small yes, but whatever I hate this place.
Now with such a bad dinner I still wouldn't usually yelp, but it was there incompetency as a business that made me want to share my horrible experience. When I ate lunch at this joint there were only a few other customers. I left my jacket in the booth like an idiot and didn't realize until later in the day. I called Chicago Joe's and spoke with a woman who found the jacket and told me she would...
"hold on to it until I come pick it up."
Great, this to me says I didn't lose my jacket. If someone called my place of business and told me about a lost item and I found it, that tells me they are aware it's gone and will be by to retrieve it. Any person with a brain would store it somewhere safe until the owner comes looking for it.
Wrong, for some reason the women or the staff or whoever decided to put my jacket up on a public coat hanger in the middle of the bar. So when I return the next day the staff fumbled around for about 10 minutes until they came to me and explain that someone stole it. "Of course someone stole you left it in the open at a bar!"
Not everyone will have to deal with what I had to, but if your looking for bad food then Chicago Joe's is definitely your place. -
Review from Catherine P.
Schaumburg, IL
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had to get on writing this while it's all fresh in my head..."fresh", that's funny I should write that being that almost nothing they served was fresh.
From the stale bread, I wouldn't even give the birds at the park to the frozen, overpriced food, this place really was a nightmare. It's a shame because, I gotta say, our server, Brian, was VERY nice. Too bad, nice doesn't go very far.
We were on our way to the Cubs game yesterday (Labor Day) and wanted to grab lunch before the game. It was pretty much the first place I saw while headed down Irving Park on our way to the park and decided to stop in. "How bad could it be, they are at the taste every year", suggested my sister. So, we gave it a shot.
Brian greeted us after a few minutes of waiting. There really wasn't that many people in the restaurant when we walked in, maybe 6 or 8 total people. He set down a basket of bread, yummmmm!! Nope. It was probably about a week old. No, I'm not kidding. How dare they even serve this cardboard. Their menu probably tasted better or the roll of paper towels on the table probably were softer. I was so irritated with the fact that they even put this on the tables. How terrible. Use the old bread for croutons, for heaven's sake!
The four of us ordered the following: a corned beef sandwich, their buffalo shrimp salad which was one of the specials and two of their Monday specials, which was sliders with onion strings. First, it took almost an hour to get the food. The corned beef was lean and was on rye bread with some seasoned fries. This was just fine for my fiance, he is very easy to please. The Monday burger special looked pretty decent, it's a shame, because looks can be deceiving. The cheese they put on the burgers is crappy processed american singles, but the generic icky kind and oh my, the meat, was tough and chewy and obviously had been frozen at some point, not to mention it had a terrible aftertaste. (hey chef, are you reading this?? I know food well enough to know that you should not have served this meat). Oh my, I had such high expectations for the ten dollar buffalo shrimp salad. I was very disappointed. It was frozen processed shrimp tossed in a little buffalo sauce on a bed of iceberg and romaine lettuce with un-ripe tomatoes and cucumbers with some hard boiled eggs and ranch dressing. Ranch is funny, it is so easy to just buy the crappy generic kind and call it a day, but you can put good ranch on just about anything and improve the overall taste of the food. Sadly, this was not available at this restaurant. They had crappy ranch dressing that made the frozen buffalo shrimp salad I had so been looking forward to, so much worse. Damn it!!
Now, when the boys got up and left, mid meal, and I asked for the check, Brian, the kind guy that he was, said I know the food took a while, the chef would like to offer you a slice of cheesecake. Well, finally, something to get that funny taste out of my mouth. Nope!! The cheesecake even was icky. The put some strawberry stuff on it, that tasted so bad.
Seriously, if it wasn't for sweet Brian, I would have had a talk with the manager, but we were now late for the game and just needed to get the hell outta there.
What a shame too because we drove and walked past a number of places that looked a lot better just down the road. -
Review from Tippi P.
Chicago, IL
1/8/2012
Ate here last night with a few friends. We loved it. Brian, our server, and the other girls at the bar were fantastic. The Oysters were huge, and my friends loved them (I don't like oysters). My burger was delicious. Food aside, the service and staff were the gems here. We really felt appreciated and welcome from first stepping foot inside till we left.
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Review from Jerry P.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2011
My wife and I used to go with some regularity. I thought that the garden burgers were decent. My wife loved the chicken wings that were a special. Once the special was dropped, there was nothing else that my wife wanted to eat. For myself, the mustard jars always scared me; never sure what might have been stuck in there. Though I filled out several reviews, the bread basket never improved, nor did my wife's soda (often flat). The service was spotty; sometimes good; sometimes bad. We finally had enough. Though we live about a block away, we have agreed never to return.
I can only recommend this to people who are happy with mediocrity. -
Review from Brian C.
Chicago, IL
8/9/2011
A friend recommended we grab dinner here after a movie on Sunday. I was happy to go because my previous experience had been pretty good.
I don't know what happened. Flat sodas served to us. an AWFUL vegetable soup, dry chicken, bad vegetables, and ice cream scooped mash potatoes that were awful.
Just a really bad experience... here's hoping they can get there act together and start cooking some good food. -
Review from Brian N.
Chicago, IL
7/29/2011
I regret that out-of-towners, on their way out after a Cubs game, lured to "Chicago Joes" by it's similarity to an Applebee's, will actually think that this is what a neighborhood restaurant in Chicago is like.
Blechh... just blech. -
Review from Drew L.
Chicago, IL
6/29/2011
Having read some reviews, I wasn't expecting too much - "better than meh," average, etc - but I was pleasantly surprised...the place was really good!
My boyfriend and I were craving oysters and burgers, so this seemed to be the place to check out. The martinis were big and dirty, the oysters were fresh and reasonably priced, and the burgers were delicious and a perfectly cooked medium. The service was excellent, too.
I'll definitely go back. -
Review from Katherine R.
Chicago, IL
7/4/2011 2 photos
It was a hot day when my manager and I got some lunch here. We wanted to get some sun so we sat outside and ordered .99 cent oysters and fried jumbo shrimp. The price for four breaded jumbo shrimp which were not that big was around 9.00. I could understand if they were not breaded that the price would be that high but to me this was unreasonable and disappointing. The oysters were a hearty size and very fresh.
The garden burger saved the day with the fresh fruit and mozzarella cheese though. Just simply delicious! The hostess was a thoughtful and sweet woman who was very patient while my manager is the pickiest eater I've ever ate with. I'll be back for a garden burger in this very colorful seafood environment with a happy staff. -
Review from John R.
Chicago, IL
5/15/2011
Good burger, inedible meatloaf. It was gross breadloaf with indescribably horrid jello-like tan gravy. Blech. I predict serious barfing for anyone who actually eats this mess.
Come on, Joe! Meatloaf? How did you screw that up? Its like getting the lyrics to Happy Birthday wrong. Just plain dumb!
PS I saw Pat Tomassulo here, so I guess its not a total loss. He's seriously short, btw. -
Review from marianna c.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2011
We stopped by on our way home from the lake. It is not very pretty looking from the outside but it turned out to be a very pleasant experience.
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Review from Malana W.
Oak Forest, IL
6/4/2011
What was I thinking!? There are many places one could choose to eat at in the city and Chicago Joe's, like many restaurants has $5 specials every day of the week. So, thinking that there would be something good on the menu the day I went I was dismayed to find that the $5 special choice was spaghetti (who makes spaghetti a special?). So, we started out with the fried calamari because not many places can ruin calamari, right? That wasn't a disappointment but when we finally did get our orders we were extremely disappointed.
I opted for a corn beef sandwich and my date opted for a fish sandwich (with intentions on splitting our sandwich's when they arrived). We figured that since it's Chicago Joe's the corn beef would be heaping but not so much--the corned beef was dry, the bread soggy, and overall maybe I ordered the wrong thing. The fish sandwich wasn't half bad but it's stench lingered all the way home (we both needed to shower to removed the odor--yuck!).
The server was nice enough so I wouldn't complain there, but overall the experiences was a total rip. So, if you made it to this point in my review lets figure it out how this ended up being so steep price-wise because
we spent $35 on the items listed above and our beverages--and I drank WATER!!!!
I can think of many other places to go on the North-side and Chicago Joe's I'm sorry, but you are no longer one of them. -
Review from Winifred b.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2011
Okay, coming from school registration with my daughter all day, we were hungry. So, I find a "Now Groupon' for Chicago Joe's should have trusted the 3 stars given by Yelp.
Brought 2 groupons which only one was honored, that's fine my expectation was too high because many businesses that advertise with Groupon, usually honor more than 1 groupon at a time and will take it beyond the expiration date (my bad)
So I agree to use only 1 groupon,
okay from here it goes down hill..the waitress gave me a piece of paper and told me to write down my authorization number for the Groupon alone with my name, I was irritated with this request, because usually the merchant is the that looks at the purchased groupon from your phone or a printed version. However, I complied
I choose the sampler appetizer, which was a long wait; others that came in after us was served before we were..
We were finally served and then ignored the entire time as i watched the waitress check on her other customers all the time smiling and being polite (note to self don't come back here)
So finally, she comes to the table and ask me to write down my address on the piece of paper......SMH!!! Am, not giving you my address???? for what reason, why? 'That's what my manager said "I don't know'...humping her shoulders. Well, let me speak to your manager..needless to say I never saw the manager. So the waitress return and say can i see your Groupon so I can mark it as Used...Am thinking couldn't u have done that before...
Now for the sampler that consisted of chicken, chicken tenders (bland), onion ring strips, mozzarella sticks, the sampler was okay..BUT the sauces :( watered down marinara, blu cheese , ranch dressing....I don't know what to say but YUCK
Oh yeah they're prices are kinda high, 10.00 for a hamburger, 9.00 for a breakfast sandwich REALLY!!! -
Review from Allen B.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2011
Want great service?
Want great tasting food?
Want a comfortable atmosphere to dine?
Then don't come here because it SUCKS. I really want to like this place, but I can't. It hurts me deep inside that I don't even have it in me to give Chicago Joe's the benefit of the doubt. My food was literally cold when it got to the table, not luke warm, not warm, but cold. The price you pay is not what shows up on your plate, let's put it that way.
Chicago Joe's I'm sorry man, but even giving you "1 star" is pushing it.
SUCK list, make some room because someone is joining you in about a minute.Listed in: Places that SUCK, w/a Capital…
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Review from Natalie S.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a solid "better than meh" kinda place... but I couldn't bring myself to give it 4 stars.
Maybe next time.
We were in because my friend Erik A. had a crazy craving for oysters and determined that Chicago Joe's was the closest place to get them. I've driven by this restaurant no less than 17 zillion times yet have never been so we decided to give it a whirl.
The oysters were awesome. The waitress brought out a big blob of horseradish and I was a happy girl.
I ordered a 1/2 slab of ribs with fries and the clam chowder. The clam chowder was easily one of the WORST chowders I've ever had. Since when is there big chunks of green peppers in New England clam chowder? Yuck. The ribs were good but not outstanding. I'm a fan of spicy BBQ sauce over sweet and this sauce was just a little too sweet for my liking. That being said, I ate the whole thing.
My Dude said that his burger was really good and perfectly cooked so next time maybe I'll go for that?
I'll probably be back for oysters and hopefully Chicago Joe's Part Deux will be a 4 star situation. -
Review from Rob K.
Chicago, IL
2/26/2011
Meh. I've experienced better... couldn't sum it up better.
Chicago Joes has increased prices and decreased service and food quality.
For 50 bucks we had 2 greazy cheeseburgers, 1 beer, a diet coke, and some healthy cheese sticks. Healthy, I know.
This place used to be great... hopefully, they improve.
It's one redeeming quality is ample parking. -
Review from Yesy D.
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went here on a super hot day and although the front area was free and super air conditioned, they put us in the humid back area. There were fans but all they did was blow hot air. The bussers were awesome friendly and considerate. The waiter not so much. He was spacey and kinda rude and would take a lifetime just to bring us the stuff we asked for. We asked for things that were within reason, another fork, extra dressing, but he made it into a project. I gave it 3 stars because the food was good. I would go back but only for take out.
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Review from Mike P.
1/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Of the food. I want to say Meh. But a good Meh, because I'm not a big rib guy, and I guess that's their specialty. The meal I had was good. Nothing special, but a solid offering. I had Greek chicken, serviceable, but I had vision of Greek town Greek chicken dancing in my head when I ate it, and that's a tall order to expect Chicago Joe's to fill.
I'd go back, as Chicago Joe's has a good vibe. It's comforting in its mediocrity. Although I fear that term is too harsh and I am not smart enough to think of a better term. To put it another way, while Joe's didn't blow me away or exceed expectations, it didn't disappoint either. It punches its weight. It offers up good, stick-to-your-ribs, homemade offerings in a friendly environment. Which is another thing to note. My wife and I were there on December 31st prior to their NYE party and even though they were in the midst of preparing for that, they were extremely friendly and we received great service. They catered to Jackson and seemed glad to have a baby in the house.
I'd go back. Good food, friendly people. -
Review from Christine M.
Chicago, IL
8/16/2010
Chef Ramsay would have a field day here!
Service was mediocre at best, food was borderline terrible. A friend had a http://restaurant.com gift certificate, otherwise I'm not sure I would have ever stopped in for dinner.
There is hardly as much seafood on the menu as the graffiti all over the building indicates. The seafood that is served is definitely not fresh. My gumbo tasted like vegetable soup with some crummy seafood chunks thrown in. Clam chowder tasted like chicken soup. 'Worst italian beef sandwich ever' I believe 1 of the 4 at our table said after one bite (the last bite) of her dinner. Beer battered fish tasted watery and bland to me. I bit into something that was not supposed to be in my salad.
Believe it or not, the only thing that ironically tasted fresh was the salsa they served with chips.
The place is so dated that we felt like we were stuck in a time warp. It's too bad, because the ambience could really make for a neat dining experience if combined with good (and fresh) food and better service. -
Review from Jaime G.
12/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
Nice section of food and beer. Nothing special but have really reasonable daily specials. We came on a Tuesday and have $4 sloppy joes w/fries and 40 cent wings. The place is a little dark (so not all that good for kids) but it is fun and the service is good.
if you're around the area, you should try. -
Review from Angelique R.
Chicago, IL
1/4/2011
My RJ Grunts certificates were not valid on Saturdays, so we stopped here impromptu style. We had a little trouble squeezing into the back booth - and aren't very large people.
Our original server was cool, but left us halfway during service. We made a comment about the door blowing off and taking off someone's finger, only to notice he was missing a few digits. Turns out the door did blow completely off the front of the building... but our foot in our mouth comment may have caused him to pass on our table to another server.
The food was alright, but to pay 50 dollars for 3 burgers, fries (1 fruit substitution) and a drink (with tip) just hurt a little bit.
Our new server was very friendly and I signed up for the points card - figuring my 50 dollars might amount to something. I don't think I will be back though. -
Review from Patty S.
8/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Cool place to have a gathering. I've been to Chicago Joe's for two family parties (30 - 40 ppl) and for regular sit-down dining experiences.
This is a great place for good service and a fun atmosphere. There are always specials of the day and they serve a good Sunday brunch.
Their catering is a step-above your typical catering menu. They have chili (fantastic, btw), Italian sausage, stuffed pasta shells, ribs, different styles of chicken, and even a deli tray.
Their pasta is cooked perfectly; not overdone like most catering places. And they even offer appetizer options for catering!
Check their website for deals and promotions periodically. -
Review from Kevin L.
Chicago, IL
5/26/2010
How come no one is talking about RIOT Comedy, the hilarious stand up show that happens in the back of Chicago Joe's every Thursday at 9:30? That is weird because that show fucking rules!
Okay, see you in hell, Yelpers! -
Review from Heather M.
Chicago, IL
6/4/2011
Their prices are grossly inflated for sub-par diner food.
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Review from Chris D.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2011
I can't complain about the food because I love bar food. However, it was pretty pricey for what it was. My beer was flat too.
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Review from Lisa C.
8/16/2010
A friend and I went for a night of cheap food and BOGO RIOT comedy. Honestly, I probably would not have gone out of my way for either separately, but together it made for a nice night out. My friend and I decided to eat outside because it was a really beautiful night to dine on the patio. I was a little disappointed because the $4 cheeseburger and fries Thursday special only applied to those eating in the back room where the stand-up was being held, so I ended up going with the $8 half slab of ribs and shoestring onion rings. They were nothing special and I think the shoestring onion rings would have seriously been aided by some sort of dipping sauce. I also had an old-fashioned milkshake that I would put in the same category as the meal.
Now, on to the comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed the back room in which the comedy was being held. It was an eclectic mix of large plastic fish, Chicago sports teams, and other miscellaneous riff raff. Because I went with a friend, we got a BOGO special ($4 a person) to get in. Some were funnier than others, but I left with my face hurting from smiling, indicating that this was an overall enjoyable experience. One of the comedians did a bit about being an only child (something I can relate to) that had me laughing so hard I was nearly in tears. I discovered just now that this comedian, Erin Jackson, was a semifinalist on The Last Comic Standing a few years back!
All in all, I think we spent $20 for a Thursday night of comedy, drinks, and ribs. There is also a free parking lot. Not a bad girls night out! -
Review from Alice S.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2009
I've been to Chicago Joe's a few times. The first time was a brunch buffet; it was just...okay. I'm not a fan of buffets, but as they go I'd give that experience 3 stars. The second time was an office holiday lunch. That was fine, just not anything great. 3 stars again. Other times, the food was adequate and the service fair.
The last time -- and it will be the last time -- was a weekday lunch. My guy, my mother and I stopped there because I knew they had a variety of dishes from which to choose. It was virtually empty; there were just two other tables being served at the time. We placed our orders and waited. And waited. And waited. My mother is not a patient person; at age 80, she hasn't the time to be patient. I am very patient; however, after 15 minutes even I started to wonder. We asked our server (not the one who took our order, as there had been a shift change), who assured us that lunch was on the way.
We waited for nearly half an hour for our food. I am not exaggerating. Half an hour for salad, plus crab cakes, a burger, and a fried fish sandwich. What could have taken half an hour to prepare those items? I have a feeling that our original server either forgot to put the order in before she left, or that there was also a shift change in the kitchen and there was a disconnect there.
Our server was very apologetic. I have a feeling she was the least culpable of anyone there. I did not want to discuss the problem with the manager, because my mother just wanted to get out of there. In any case, I will not go back to this place, for any reason. It is not worth the aggravation. -
Review from Carolynne M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 10/3/2008
Oh. My. God. Never order the mini bacon cheeseburgers from here. Terrible, awful, tasteless, disgusting. How can you screw something up with bacon on it is anyones guess, but they did it.
This should be a 1 star review but I have always had good service and other OK meals from here in the past so I cant be too harsh.
But gawd - I will never get another burger from here again! ick.Listed in: MMMM...Meat!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/22/2007
One step up from diner food. Portions are gigantic, items are somewhat flavourless, but the menu… Read more »
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Review from Emily H.
Chicago, IL
9/12/2010
I've been going to Chicago Joes for a few years and I have never been disappointed.
The burgers are great, and the Bloody Marys are tasty!
The Sunday brunch is a great deal and always serves up plenty of fruits and veggies along with more classic brunch fare. There are ribs, fish, tostadas, baked goods, french toast, guacamole, a pasta dish or two, at least three different salads and always cheesecake. The 5 cent mimosa that comes with the brunch is a delicious cherry on top of everything else.
Plus Chicago Joes has a great Rewards program that earns free meals quickly. On top of that they send out gift certificates and coupons all the time.
Chicago Joes really is a classic Chicago restaurant. -
Review from T S.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2009
I spent a delightful few hours on the patio at Chicago Joe's this past Friday, soaking up the sun and enjoying some vodka & (pink!) lemonades. The patio was empty, the weather was perfect, and the plastic palm trees surrounding us created just the type of cheesy ambiance I needed.
My friend and I both ordered burgers, and while they were overcooked and just decent, they were edible. Their french fries were definitely the highlight of the meal. I had the 'Irving Park Road Trip' burger that had cheddar jack cheese and guacamole on it. Had it been served on a more robust bun and not so overcooked, it probably would have been great!
So what went wrong, you ask? The service. I understand that, when sitting outside, you may be forgotten from time to time, simply because you aren't visible. However, it was our server's attitude that really ruined the experience for us. Rebecca was highly annoyed to be serving us. She approached us with no greeting, smile, or introduction--just simply "What can I get you guys to drink?" Granted, we were having a lazy afternoon and took our time in ordering drinks and food. But that was no reason to be an indifferent, unfriendly brat to us. My favorite moment was when my friend put down her Discover card and Rebecca came by to get the check and said "We don't take Discover!" like it made her so happy to be able to reject us. Perhaps something more along the lines of "Oh I'm sorry, we don't take Discover" would have been more appropriate.
Too bad, because any establishment that has pink lemonade is, in my mind, automatically worthy of five stars. -
Review from John B.
5/19/2007
I ate here for the first time today, since I friend and I were yardsaling in the area. It's a pretty solid "C." There a plaque at the bar with the name of the firm that did the interior design, which made me laugh. They hired someone to do this? What did they say, "Make it look like a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, circa 1975"? Maybe the design firm did the actual space design, building a restaurant on the first floor of what was a home. That I could understand.
The service was friendly, but the food took forever to come out. And we're talking sloppy joe and reuben. At 2 in the afternoon. Still, I guess they were busy. The reuben was okay, though skimpy on the Russian dressing and no noticeable sauerkraut. But the meat was lean and tender, and the sandwich was grilled, which was interesting. The fires looked like they would be spicier than they were. One pickle slice, which was disappointing.
Okay, writing this review has convinced me to lower my rating by a star. This place is okay, but I obviously didn't like it as much as I thought I did. Stupid hindsight. -
Review from Karen A.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2007
Average.
Average menu, average food, average service, average drinks average clientele. Nothing outstanding unique, exciting, outrageous, or tittilating here.
Middle of the road, trying to be a better than burger-rib joint-but-ain't I cute all you Chicago sports fans who won't know the difference.
The food isn't repulsive, and its not wonderful. I guess its a good place to hang out with carnivorous local sports spectators, just like any pub grub establishment. Maybe I didn't drink enough to taste the sublime qualities of the food, but doubt that would have changed this review. Meh.Listed in: Chicago Old School Joints, Average at Best
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Review from Amy H.
5/17/2007
I ate here a couple of years ago and the food has so horrible that I would never go back. So, this review is based on my memory of dining at Chicago Joe's.
I had a margarita at the bar and it was teeeny and weak. I ordered the chicken fingers for dinner. Now when you think of chicken fingers, what do you think of? I think of the breaded and deep fried variety of chicken fingers. In fact, that was the only type that I had ever seen before. At Joe's the chicken fingers are not breaded or deep fried. They were naked. Naked chicken fingers floating in a bowl of some type of "sauce", which was a cross between melted butter and oil with some spices thrown in. They were so greasy and inedible...I thought that I was going to vomit.
I gave Chicago Joe's an extra star because a friend of mine started working there and she claims that the food is actually pretty good now. I wouldn't know. I'm too scared to go back. -
Review from Matt R.
Chicago, IL
4/18/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Once twice three times a lady. Really? Worst music ever. Otherwise a decent scene.
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Review from Bella E.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 6/28/2008
They do get another star for the 50 cent oysters on Saturdays. I went in there today to watch the SOX kick around the CUBS and had a dozen of some of the best oysters I've had since I lived in Florida. YUM YUM!!
Other than the oysters, I still hate this place though.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/15/2008
I've given this place several chances. They always send me coupons for BOGO free meals, so I keep… Read more »
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Review from Beth G.
10/1/2008
**THIS REVIEW IS FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH ONLY**
Even as a relocated suburbanite, I make the trek into the city as often as I can for brunch here. The price is very reasonable, and you get your eggs cooked to order, including eggs Benedict.
The selection is great. Since I arrive pretty close to when it's first opened in the morning, I'm really not in the mood for chicken or ribs or any lunch-to-dinner type food. But I lose my mind somewhat when the the flautas are concerned. Seriously, flautas at an American food brunch? With fresh pico de gallo and decent (not perfect, but decent) guacamole? Bless you, Chicago Joe's! -
Review from mcquake j.
Chicago, IL
2/14/2010
I have this crazy idea about creating an art installation using photos of all Chicago businesses that incorporate the name "Joe"... subsequently, I've had my eye on Chicago Joe's for a long time.
Finally pulled the trigger one night when I wanted a hamburger. Turned up, got seated quickly, waitress was attentive, even gave us a Blue Moon for the "domestic" beer special. The burger was tasty, and the price was about right (ok, the burgers are a bit too pricey, but considering how well everything else went, I figured what the hell).
I've been trying to get back to that first impression ever since.
Let's just say that I should have read some reviews before I went back. Aww, who am I kidding--I would have just dismissed them as too picky or entitled, or overly critical. I mean, I ate there once and had a GREAT experience! Each visit since then... not so much.
There's one waitress there, the only one that doesn't look like it's her first job (or else it looks like her first job, and she's kept it for 30 years), maybe you know who I'm talking about. I'm positive that she considers herself an excellent employee, and from the standpoint of saving the owner money on every conceivable level, I guess she is. The problem is that she's a terrible server. I cannae be arsed to detail her symphony of lacking, but suffice it to say that I've made my last trip to Chicago Joe's.
And besides the ridiculously poor service, the food barely rises above mediocre. You can do better. -
Review from Linda P.
Chicago, IL
6/12/2008
Exterior - As Seen On "Wayne's World".
Interior - Looks like an antique store threw up some kitsch in there. Bonus points for the lighted wall menus that change colors every 30 seconds which kept me hypnotized throught the meal ;).
Chicago Joe's is your basic pub and grill type restaurant with various types of burgers, ribs and chicken dishes. Greg had the turkey burger and it was pretty good! Instead of lettuce,they put avocado on it, an interesting change of pace but still yum. I wasn't too hungry so I just had the soup of the day, which was cream of mushroom and it was very tasty. Big slices of mushrooms in a savory creamy base, not that gross ground mushroom crap like they serve at some upscale restaurants. Since we had a coupon for a free dessert, we had the Joe's Banana Split which was pretty good, but kinda small for $5.
Customer service was very pleasant and the food came out rather quickly It was not very crowded, as it was a Monday afternoon, but I could imagine it getting nuts on a weekend night.
And a final note, the prices are VERY sky-high. I mean come ON now, chicken parmigiana for $14.95? You've GOT to be kidding!!! -
Review from Michael F.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2008
The brunch at Chicago Joe's is very odd: nothing seems to match. RIght next to the tamales is the breakfast sausage and a little further down is a whole salmon that is about four feet long. Nothing in this selection was better than average except the cheesecake which was good.
The decor and menu makes you feel like you are in the suburbs. The place is kitschy without trying to be and they have advertisements everywhere that they have free parking for 50. Great, maybe they should have the auto show there next year. -
Review from Todd M.
Chicago, IL
9/15/2010
Visited Joe's on a Tuesday night. We sat on the patio where there were only two other occupied tables. Though it felt like the indoor dinning room must have been filled to capacity (though I am sure that was not the case), because service was painfully slow.
It took a while to get our order in, at which point we ordered some simple meals and waited nearly 45 minutes for our food. Our waitress went MIA shortly after that.
The food was just mediocre (Chicken and Pasta for the wife and an Italian Beef sandwich for myself). The only item that stood out were the fries which were enjoyable.
I don't think we will be back to Chicago Joes.
