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Categories: Seafood, Steakhouses [Edit]
Neighborhood: Near North SideGrand (Red)
Mon-Thu. 11:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
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I'm conflicted with this review. I want to give it 3 stars for the following reason, but will give it 4 since the food was delicious.
The 3-star complaint is because we weren't seated until 30-45 minutes after our reservation time, which in my perspective then becomes call ahead seating, which a reservation is NOT. The front desk guy was also quite bitchy to us about it, and for this being a very popular and somewhat upscale establishment, was not acceptable. It's really never acceptable, but with the reputation they're supposed to have, they should check their bitchatude at the door.
That said, the food was delicious, so I am rating the food, not the front desk. I ordered the sea scallops wrapped in bacon, a baked potato, and had a couple glasses of wine. The scallops were extremely fresh, soft, and not sandy at all. They were perfectly cooked, and the bacon added just the right addition of extra flavor.
For my birthday dinners, one of my traditional choices of locale is a steakhouse (or all-you-can-eat, depending on finances and size of party). I combined a gift card I'd received for Lettuce Entertain You with some birthday money I'd already received and decided that Joe's Seafood would suffice. Seeing the "Steak and Lobster" deal, I was hooked. To Joe's!
Unfortunately, the only reservation with 2 days' notice was at 4:30pm for dinner, but I didn't mind. It meant a late-wakeup could be had, then a leisurely trip downtown and some window-shopping before settling in for a nice birthday meal. Luckily, the early reservation meant there was no wait when we showed up and were shown to our booth.
I agree with the review that the monologue presented by our server was rote memorization and droning, but it provided useful information. Like what a "shell bowl" is, and letting us know of specials not on the menu and reminding us that the entrees are a-la-carte and sides are separate. So we went with the "2nd Mortgage" appetizers, each went with the Steak and Lobster Tails entree, and we got a side of fries and side of fried onions.
The server tried to warn us and nudge us down to a half-order of the onions because it's "so big", but I went with the full order. I know my fried towers of shoestring onions, and they're worth every penny.
The aptly-named "2nd Mortgage" appetizer comes with shrimp-and-scallop ceviche, a lobster tail, a stone crab claw and shrimp cocktail for each person. It was my first time eating a crab claw, and while it was interesting, I'm not sure if I'll be doing it again anytime soon. Somehow I was more enthralled by the bread basket, containing an onion roll, butter roll, pumpernickel, rye, and some other pieces.
Then they cleaned up and waitstaff came by to squeeze a lemon on our hands and gave us a hot towel. I don't know why classiness is sometimes next to creepiness for me... I know it's to get rid of the fishy smell and such, but it seemed creepy, that's all.
And then it arrived. A gigantic platter of fried shoestring onions, the platter of french fries (that my girl loved grinding fresh salt onto) and our platter with three small grilled lobster tails and a petite filet mignon. I admit that the steak was delicious and perfectly done at medium-rare as requested. The lobster was delicious, but I was skeptical at the price differential of adding them to the filet mignon versus the amount of real meat to enjoy. I know quality means a lot, price-wise, but at some point quantity needs to factor in.
That said, the food was delicious. The fries were not spectacular, but I had no complaints whatsoever about them. The onions were my personal favorite, and one of the few things I feel was worth the money. $6.95 for that much deliciousness - well worth it, and it was the only thing we wound up needing to take home (and even then, there wasn't much left).
And then came dessert. I specifically made sure to leave room because of the rave reviews I'd heard about the banana cream pie and especially the key lime pie. And as we prepared to order, the waitstaff came by with a brownie sundae and a little candle. My girlfriend was initially amazed that they linked my offhand comment while ordering the 2nd Mortgage to bringing out something for my birthday, but I reminded her that I put down it was my birthday when making the reservation. Even so, we still ordered one of each of those pies. That was what did us in. The brownie mixed with hot fudge and ice cream was nice, and just as we finished, out came our pies. She had the key lime (and I had a few bites) and I went with banana cream (and she had a few bites).
If I had to do it again, I'd have gotten the key lime as well, because it was knee-collapsingly awesome. If you've ever seen the show Dexter on Showtime, you'll know when I say that THIS is the Key Lime Pie he was likely looking for. Best I've ever had. The banana cream was good, but it needed more of that awesome Foster sauce to make it truly stand out above other better-than-decent banana cream pies I've had in the past.
In the end, I can't give them 5 stars. I'd like to, but the price tag just gets stuck in my throat and I can't do it. Aside from the sides we got, everything else was either overly-priced or underly-portioned. Before the shoveling of onions at the end of entree time and then the desserts, I was a little upset over being not-so-full. If we were to visit again, our appetizer would instead be one of their soups (that I'm told is a little more filling) or something else that cost less than our sampler and comes with more food. My entree would instead be just a steak (bigger) and still have sides and dessert to make sure I was full.
But yes, we will likely go again. Next time I get a gift card...
People thought this was:
We decided to head for drinks after work before heading our seperate ways for dinner.
They have a bar area and it was packed.
By the sheer of luck we were able to get a table.
Servers were freindly. We had a couple martinis which were average decent. We had their famous stonecrab, delish and the dip was heavenly. If heading here for dinner, make reservations, it is packed.
I have been here once about 8 years ago and was very impressed with my experience. The dining room isnt loud, although large. Our server was on top of everything and friendly. The food was outstanding and the fish was exceptionally fresh.
I dont know which I like better, this place or Shaws.
We were here tonight for Aaron's birthday dinner, and I really really enjoyed it.
Despite the fact that the place is really kind of over the top, really expensive, and the waitstaff use pre rehearsed lines, it is still really fabulous.
The lighting is dim, and sorta romantic, the waitstaff, do not hover, but do pay attention. They are ready to answer questions, they check up on things, they clean up crumbs from the table, and explain what the silver buckets they bring out are for.
To start we ordered the 2nd mortgage which is a great name because it is that expensive. I found the offerings here delectable. It came with cervice, a crab claw, a cocktail shrimp, and a cocktail lobster. Two dipping sauces. I have never had stone crab, and i found this so dammed tasty. Plump, sweet, wow. Even with all the work involved in eating it. The shrimp and lobster were also delectable. The cervice was some of the best I ever tasted. It was all very fresh. Oh yes, that cocktail sauce had really the perfect amount of horseradish in it.
Their bread basket is even noteworthy. Onion rolls with onion on the inside! So tasty!
We were given hot towels, which felt a little odd, but I suppose a classy night out should not involve your hands smelling like crab juice, but I am no expert on this.
One thing that I think should be noted here, whenever the staff came around to clean the table, they used one of those crumb scraper do dads. Aaron and I laughed a little about that, because we recently saw an episode of "Check Please" where a reviewer was complaining about having to sit at a crumby table all night, so no crumbly tables at Joe's!
Dinner came out shortly after, we both had the "Steak and Tails" We also got fries, and onion strings as a side. My steak was perfect. Cut like butter, super juicy, smokey crust, perfectly seasoned. Mouth watering good. The tails, were also fab, I was surprised to that they were cooked grilled, and the standard which is boiled. They were super flavorful and sweet. (They also give you drawn butter mmmm butter....) The onion strings were awesome. They were even more awesome when used to soak up stake juice. The fries were fresh cut but pretty typical, they had fresh sea salt on the table for them though! I really liked that.
After dinner the waitress brought a brownie with ice cream and fudge on it, and a candle on top, to wish Aaron a happy birthday. Really nice service touch there, they noted it in his reservation that it was for his birthday. After we ordered both the key lime pie and the banana cream pie. It was really the best key lime pie i have ever tasted. I think if Dexter were real, this would have been the key lime pie he was looking for. The banana creme pie was better than average and really good, but I think it needed a little more sauce or a little something else to really make it stand out.
Would like to go back again, would have to be super special occasion though, or something like that.
People thought this was:
An expensive restaurant that did not live up to the standards it should have or feel like a reasonable value.
Things started off bad because we had to wait an additional 25 minutes for a 7PM Sunday night reservation (using http://Opentable.com). It did not help that the maître'd was gruff and did not in any way act apologetic for the delay.
Between the packed crowd waiting in front area and the overall table density and layout, the place felt claustrophobic. The saving grace was that our server was exceptional and the food quality was generally pretty good, but overpriced.
Overall I think I would skip this place in the future.
Went for Lunch with a bunch of bankers and my boss - Prefixed menu - the salad was like all the leftovers and left over pieces of veggies were combined together. radish and corn really? green beans? (my mom when she was in a hurry IN RUSSIA used to make soup like that - my sister and I called it - Garbage soup) For main course you had a choice of steak or fish. I got the ahi-seared tuna - which was way over seasoned, felt like i was licking pepper entire time. For dessert I got key lime pie. SO SWEET i thought I would turn diabetic right there - I've had better from Costco. And the entire time I had to sit and stare at this HUGE man staring back at me from the wall. WHO IS THAT? Perhaps it was because of prefixed menu, they want to get you in and out, sad to say it was not a good experience.
Another MUST EAT place in the Windy City. I first discovered this place when my native Chicago friend took me here, claiming they made the best apple martinis. She seriously was not kidding. I had the apple martini and it literally tasted like a caramel apple. DELICIOUS!!! The bartender had drizzled some caramel syrup on the inside of the glass. YUM!!! I also had the key lime pie martini which tasted just like the pie itself!
Came back September 2008 and again March 2009 with my brother and I suggested going here for dinner. We had the stone crabs which were amazing! The drinks were just as good as I remembered!
Hands down, best martinis I've ever had! The stone crabs claws are also delish too!! The servers there are AMAZING and super nice!!
People thought this was:
Joe's is a wonderful surf and turf restaurant with excellent service, great meat, but first and foremost wonderful stone crab. I had never tried stone crab before. It's a lot of work to extract the meat (you think regular crab shells are tough to crack?), and the meat is small (like crab always is, given the work), but it's luxurious and wonderful.
So what's the big catch? Two that I found:
1. Pricey. Not a little pricey, but exorbitant pricey. This is high for a steakhouse, without the commensurate quality.
2. Even with reservations, at peak times, you may have to wait for your table. This is something I never like.
Joe's Stone Crab is a fantastic restaurant.
The Stone Crab appetizer is fantastic. It is a must try unless you are getting the Stone Crab as your main course.
The steaks are also very good, as were the appetizers and desserts.
The ambiance was A+, fitting for a lunch or dinner business meeting, a night out with friends or date night.
While expensive, Joe's Stone Crab is a place you must visit at least once.
PERFECT. Make sure to have reservations. The place is packed all the time.
The stone crabs are a must. Steak is grilled to perfection.
People thought this was:
Joe's is the best steakhouse I have ever been to. The steaks are perfectly cooked, the sides are amazing (especially the Jenny's potatoes), and the deserts are to die for. The banana cream pie and the key lime are my favorite. Also, the service is impeccable.
There is not much to say about Joe's, which hasn't already been said. That being said, Joe's is a must.
Year after year, I've been trying to get a reservation at this place for my husband's birthday. You literally have to make it 3-4 weeks in advance. That being said, I couldn't get a reservation on his birthday, so I made one for mine (it's 3 weeks apart :P). Here's what we got.
1. Oyster Rockerfeller - DELICIOUS!!! the oyster was smothered with cheese and spinach and it was cooked perfectly. Comes with 4 pieces.
2. Bone in ribeye - first couple of bites was really good, but I guess it's dimishing returns and just OK. They give you a salt/pepper spice to put onto the steak, and revived some good flavor, but I'm used to David Burke's tenderness throughout the meal
3. Select order of Stone Crab - I've never had this before, so I thought it was more flavorful than snow crab legs.. it really was not. It was OK, but not great flavor. I prefers crab legs over the claws for sure!
4. Jennie's potatoes - ehhh.. it was good, but I need some more fontina cheese flavor
5. Green Bean Almadine - good, traditional veggie dish
Overall the food was mediocre and I really don't think I'll be back anytime soon. Just not my cup of tea. However, service is awesome!!! Charles knew we were celebrating a birthday so a free brownie ice cream dessert was sent to our table.
I came here my first Saturday night after moving to Streeterville. The host pretty much laughed at me when I said I didn't have a reservation, which turned me into a committed Joe's-hater. A couple years later, my girlfriend finally convinced me to try the place out during RW... and I was converted. The stone crab claws are seriously amazing. The best I've ever had, which I guess isn't saying much cause I don't think I've had them anywhere else. The waiter was very attentive and helpful. Solid place -- if you're itching to unload your wallet, you could do worse.
I was taken here for a lunch interview which made the experience both awesome (free food? uh... yes, please!) and a little nerve-wracking.
Never having been to Joe's before, it took be a little bit to decide what to order (everything sounded sooo good!), but ultimately, I went with the bacon wrapped scallops. Everything tastes better with bacon! Ohhh emmm geeeee..... these babies were the biggest things I've ever seen and hooooly cow. I have never had scallops like this before. The taste of the sauce, the bacon, the texture of the scallops... it still haunts me to this day. Even if you told me that ordering their steak would bring me fame, fortune, and glory... I would order their bacon-wrapped scallops every single time. We also got a side-order of corn to split.
Did I mention we got a free slice of their key lime pie? As far as key lime pie's go, this one was pretty exceptional. I wouldn't say that key lime pie's are my favorite as far as pies go (I'm all about the cheesecake), but Joe's has just the right amount of tartness mixed in with the sweet.
The waitress was very attentive and helpful with recommendations, and just a personable person.
The atmosphere actually made it such that I felt really relaxed during my interview. We all had a good time enjoying the good food (courtesy of the company), good conversation, and I am happy to report that I have a second round interview coming up in a month =P
Of the Lettuce restaurants I've been to thus far, Joe's is one of my favorites!
I'm not going to go into detail with this review (there are plenty that have already highlighted the best of the best at Joe's) but I have a few short opinions of the restaurant.
1. Absolutely fantastic service. We were nearly 30 minutes after our already-pushed-back reservation but they were still able to accommodate us, and did so pleasantly. That's a rarity in Chicago. Our waiter was extremely attentive and knowledgeable about the menu, and was affable to boot.
2. The food is great, but some options are better than others. Seriously, it is. I loved the fried green tomatoes, the crab cake, and the sweet corn. Neither I nor my companion were as impressed with our entrees however. He ordered the stone crab, the raison d'etre for this restaurant, and was simply not impressed with his portion nor flavor. I ordered the fillet mignon, and while it was certainly alright, it was most definitely not the best fillet mignon I've have in Chicago.
3. It's pricey. No, I mean, REALLY pricey. I came in here expecting to eat about $40-50 a head, but walked out with a $76 a head bill. The cause? Stone crab. $40+ for just a few small crab legs. Really quite disappointing. Don't skimp on the sides or appetizers, however- they were the highlight of the meal (as I mentioned earlier). While I'm not disappointed, I will have to think twice about coming here again on a truly empty stomach (or at least when I'm picking up the tab).
Never disappoints. Their drinks are perfectly chilled and and the service is really fantastic. The waiters know their product very well and are always so friendly --- you'd never know it if they got slammed. The wedge salad is great especially with their version of french dressing and blue cheese. WOW.
The Alaskan King crab is so amazing, I want it everyday of the week. I prefer mine warm, but my husband likes his cold. Dipped in a pool of butter...what could be better? And they crack the shells for you! I would recommend the King crab over the stone crab. Gotta work too hard de-shelling the stone crab! The steaks are also great, sides - can't go wrong. Even their bread basket is fresh and fantastic. An out-of-towners dream and an in-towners favorite. OH, can't forget their peppermint ice cream and hot fudge for dessert. UH-mazing. 1 thing that does bug me about this place...why must you bribe the maître d' with a $20+ in order to get you a reservation??? Even on a Tuesday at 6pm for a reservation 3 months in advance? C'mon now.
My first time at Joe's, and I walked away very impressed. I started off the 2nd mortgage seafood appetizer selection, which was insanely fresh.
My main course was their standard 12oz filet, which was cooked to perfection. The outside of the steak was crisp, but not charred, while inside was like butter. The sides were amazing as well, but my peanut butter pie desert was the most memorable item.
The service was outstanding, and I really enjoyed the ambiance. The place was upscale without being pretentious or stuffy. The pricing was also reasonable considering the quality of the fare.
Stone crab is not as delicious as dungeness crab, I am sorry to say. However, it is still tasty and it was interesting prying out the meats from the claws. (That's all you get- claws with the pinchers, not the other legs.) I tried the lunch special (?) that came with 5 medium claws, cole slaw (a little too soupy for me), really good hash browns, and a slice of banana cream pie for like $22 which I thought was a really good deal.
Service is very friendly. They let me substitute the dessert of banana cream pie instead of key lime pie even though they said that they do not normally do that. And they also let my friend substitute her coleslaw for some other type of veggie.
I did notice that they do tend to say the same message over and over again though, so I am sure it is just memorized. "Hi. welcome to Joe's blah blah blah, have you ever dined with us? Well, let me tell you about the blah blah blah."
I wish I could come on a business trip so I can get to try all the other items. Most of the clientele seem to be business people.
People thought this was:
I loved my experience at Joe's. Our waitress was great with wine recommendations and her suggestion of the bacon wrapped scallops did not disappoint. My husband and I had a nice, romantic dinner with great service. I would recommend this for a romantic dinner or a place to eat for business functions.
As previously stated, the scallops were the biggest and best I have had, but we also had the crab cake and mussels for an appetizer. Both were fabulous and the mussels were cooked perfectly. The Key Lime Pie was a great finish to our wonderful dinner. If I could afford it, I would eat there once a week. SOOOO Good!
I'm a total sucker for the side dishes at this place.
I once had a delicious parmesan crusted halibut on special that absolutely KILLED me...but, I digress..SIDES:
Aside from your main dish, make sure you make room for these...
Fried Green Tomatoes (sliced, breaded, and deep-fried to perfection -- yum!!)
Jennie's Potatoes (Mashed taters covered in cheese and bread crumbs)
On the healthier side, the Asparagus is delish! Get this side grilled!
If you not totally stuffed (hell, even if you are), get the Key Lime Pie for dessert.
The food was tasty and plentiful, but too pricey for me, If I hadn't been on the boss' tab.
Hands down, the best part of the meal was the dessert. I had the tres leches cake, which was amazingly creamy and sweet. My friend's fudge cake was also delicious, and not too chocolatey. Disappointingly though, the key lime pie that got such raves on yelp cam in incredibly tiny portions compared to the other desserts. Even if it was delicious, it was such a letdown when it came, no wow factor at all.
Wheelchair accessibility review: The restaurant is easily accessible through the front door. While I give points for not requiring some back alley entrance, this restaurant fell victim to the problem of having the accessible (non-revolving) door locked when I arrived. Not really a big deal for me, because I arrived with friends, but I always dislike the idea of needing to ask help from strangers (had I arrived alone) just to get into a restaurant that knew I was coming (we mentioned the chair at reservation placement.) Additionally, I'm unsure if there was another women's restroom that I missed, but the one I was directed to was incredibly small and unable to fit my chair in. Unless you can easily transfer, you're probably just going to have to hold it.
People thought this was:
Flying into town I had to try out this institution, I came here with a co-worker for a late-lunch. It was pretty empty by the time we got there and we were seated immediately, our server was super nice. They have a lunch special with 5 medium stone-crab legs with two sides and a slice of pie all of a reasonable price. The bread basket had a really good selection of different breads, not just your usual. The food was freaking awesome, the crab legs were good, the hash browns and the cole slaw was great. I had the key lime pie, and quite possibly it was one of the best key lime pies I have ever had.
They were willing to substitute any of the sides I had for something else as well as the type of pie for dessert. Overall the food was great, almost a value. The only reason I didn't give this place 5-stars was because our water glasses got pretty empty on more than one occasion, and I was getting pretty thirsty.
Tips: Eat here for lunch if you are want to save a few bucks, fewer people, same food better prices. If you are driving here just do valet parking, it is just cheaper than parking nearby.
Amazing!! Crabcakes, deep fried lobster, crab and key lime pie are hands down the best in the city! Service is always amazing. We try to get mark when we go. Had my birthday party here 2 years ago and they did such an amazing job.
People thought this was:
Insanely luxurious and pleasurable dining experience.
Filet mignon (cooked perfectly with amazing meaty flavor), bone-in rib eye (also cooked perfectly with just the right amount of delicious, soft and crisp fat to show off the meat), Alaskan king crab legs (amazingly tender and juicy with a lovely briny flavor, served with hot melted butter), stone crab claws (YUM), mashed potatoes with cheesy toasted breadcrumbs on top (omg), green beans with almonds (perfectly cooked with a bit of crunch, and the almonds were delicious on their own), and then for dessert? Banana cream pie with a cinnamon crumble crust, peanut butter pie with a chocolate crumbly crust and hot fudge, key lime pie, banana cream pie, and delicious hot coffees.... OH MY. Everything was cooked TO PERFECTION. The chefs could probably make all the food blindfolded; it was incredible. Plus, the service staff are so wonderful (professional and personable) - all throughout the evening I felt like a queen! I felt spoiled; it was a heavenly evening and I left, very happy and thankful.
Thank you, Joe's!
People thought this was:
We went here for dinner last night and had a great time. King crab is in season now, and they bring it out and cut it open for you table side, terrific! After the crab, we'd both had enough seafood and went with steaks for dinner, the bone in fillet was, I think, the best I've ever had. All that said it is a little pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for.
I've eaten here three times. The first time was outstanding, but the second and third times were meh...less than desirable.
This place is unique in that you can order stone crab. I think for Chicagoans and most Bob Chinn-followers, stone crab is new and exciting. I think that's how I felt the first time I had them. They were succulent, and sweet. The mustard sauce is tasty, spicy and a great compliment to the stone crabs. LIke I said above, the first time it was a novelty but the 2nd/3rd time it was meh. Not sure what happened but it just wasn't as tasty as the first time.
We ordered the steaks too but I prefer Gibson's.
I wouldn't go back to this one again.
YUM!! Heard about the "stimulus" lunch specials when I was researching for a nice place to eat on a recent trip to Chicago and was very pleased with the lunch I had here.
With the "stimulus" lunch special you get a choice of either of the two below all for $21.95.
Joe's Classic - Stone Crab
5 Medium Stone Crab Claws, Hashed Brown, Joe's Cole Slaw & Key Lime Pie
OR
Joe's Classic - filet mignon
6 oz. Filet Mignon, Jennie's Potato, Joe's Grilled Tomato
& Banana Cream Pie
When you are seated you are served an assortment of bread, all pretty good but nothing amazing. In terms of the meal itself, I ordered the stone crab claws option since I've never had that before and really enjoyed it. Their homemade coleslaw was delicious and the hash brows perfectly crispy. I also had a taste of Joe's grilled tomato and that too was another side I'd be willing to try again.
Though I have to say the desserts at Joe's were to die for. The banana cream pie was fluffy and delicious goodness, if I could have flown a piece back for the BF I totally would have, he loved bananas. The key lime pie was also very smooth and tasty.
I think what makes the stimulus lunch package such a good deal is that you get a main entree AND 2 sides AND a dessert all for one low price. Whereas if you order each of those items separately since everything is served a la carte it can get pretty pricey.
Service was also very on point at this restaurant which is to be expected since it is a very nice place. Server was always there making sure everything was perfect, plates switched out, crumbs swept, etc.
The location is also pretty convenient for it is walking distance from all the major hotels in downtown Chicago.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and would go back again next time I'm in the windy city!
Rating: I'd give this place a 4.5 star but since they refused to change the dessert for one of my friends even though she was allergic to key lime, I have to round down to 4 stars
People thought this was:
Joe's never disappoints. We were here for my bf's birthday and our server took the best care of us even though our party of 2 clearly wouldn't be tipping as well as the large groups he was also managing. The food and service is always top notch and no one walks in the door thinking they'll be enjoying a bargain meal so you get what you paid for. Everything was great but I was especially excited for the fried green tomatoes. Those are hard to find in Chicago!
My only complaint was that we made reservations but still had to wait 30 minutes for our table. The place was HOPPING so it wasn't super shocking, but the attention we received from our server made up for the annoying wait.
Thank you Joe for giving me the opportunity to award you a well-deserved 5 stars. I've been wanting to give out such a rating for quite a while now, but restaurants have just been disappointing me. Not you though.
I was worried that being a fine dining establishment, Joe's might give me a fuss about coming in shorts even though it was lunch. That was not the case. From the second I came in, everyone, from the host to the various servers, treated my party with great respect.
After being seated, our server, Mark, asked us if we have ever been to Joe's before. We admitted that we had not and he kindly took the time to explain to us the history and reputation of the establishment. We ordered the Medium Stone Crab Appetizer (4 pieces). The stone crab claws are handpicked and it shows. They were amazing. What made it even more outstanding was the addictive Joe's mustard sauce. This is a must try.
The Stone Crab Bisque was very flavorful, but I wish it had actual chunks of stone crab.
For the entree, I ordered the Joe's Classic Filet Mignon lunch special. The 6 oz filet that came was excellent. Definitely one of the better steaks that I have had the pleasure of eating. The Jennie's potatoes were pretty good as well. It was not too rich and I like the fact that the bread crumbs on the top were extra crispy. The grilled tomato was ok. It was covered in spinach and then a layer of cheese. Not on par with everything else I felt. The banana cream pie for dessert was good. When they say a sliver, its not really a sliver. It is a decent size dessert.
What makes this place great in my book is the fact that their service is so awesome. The servers are dressed in full tuxedos with bow ties and all. They are attentive without being overbearing. After eating our stone crab claws, our server came over with lemon and hot towels. He squeezed the lemon on to our hands as we lathered the juice over a bucket. We were then provided with hot towels. It was nice to be catered to like that. Awesome awesome place. Highly recommended.
People thought this was:
It is by little coincidence that a venture to Joe's Seafood & Steak was partaken during my Chicago Steak Adventures. Having been disappointed on two prior occasions at different establishments, the third attempt would be the final accolade in this expedition. Having been recommended to attend Joe's by a long time steak affectionate, that resided in Chicago since his existence. A venture to this highly acclaimed establishment is not to be missed.
The Ambiance: Despite the over-the-top decadence that sets as the decor of Joe's, the timely romantic yet quaint charm of the establishment produces both a welcoming and sophisticated feel. At first entry into the main dining room, patrons will be embraced by the upscale setup of the decor. Luscious velvet white table clothe sets the tone to the tranquil and sophisticated feel of the dining room. The white table clothe is further enhanced by the dark mahogany wood panels of the wall decor. To further aid in the romantic ambiance, the sublet tungsten fluorescent lighting that's accompanied by the lowly lit table candles provides the upscale yet modest feel of a more modern high end steakhouse.
The Service: Our server (Shirley) should receive an abundance of praise for her dedication in providing both attention and service during the dining experience. Everything ranging from the wine recommendation, notable offerings, and portion sizes were commented on with incredibly resolve and accuracy. Furthermore, Shirley's ability to communicate with us provided the insight that allowed for us to further appreciate the experience.
The Food...
Appetizer 1 - Crab Cake w/ Spicy Aioli: The application is a simple Jumbo Lump Crab Cake that's deep fried and served with a side of Spicy Aioli. At first bite, the meatiness derived from the Jumbo Lump Crab Meat is the main staple of this consumable. Luscious and generous offerings of the crab meat were evident in each bite. Patrons will also find that the mildly seasoned crunchy exterior of the application provided the subtle flavor contrast to enhancing the buttery flavor of the crab meat.
Appetizer 2 - Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail: A basic application of a Shrimp Cocktail served with a side of Cocktail Sauce. There was nothing memorable about this application other than the simplistic but welcoming contrast between the sweetness of the Shrimp and the mild acidity from the cocktail sauce. An overall enjoyable appetizer
Entree - 22oz Bone-In NY Aged NY Strip: Cooked to a perfect medium rare temperature, the NY Strip Steak contained a perfect contrast from the charred exterior and the juicy flavors within the meat. At first bite, patrons will find that the rawhide meatiness of the application is the most notable detection. The perfect abundance of marbling from the aged steak provided the additional flavoring. What's most important in this application is the cooking temperature. At a perfect medium rare, the meat contained a perfect textural contrast stemming from the charred exterior that provided the welcoming tenderness of the pink interior. No steak sauce is required for consumption; the mild salt seasoning combined from the juices stemming from the steak's abundance of marbling distribution is the foundation for the steak's invigorating flavors.
Side Dish 1 - Macaroni & Cheese: Perhaps the excessive use of a certain bitter cheese was one fault in the execution of this dish. Of course, there was also the excessive cheese sauce that rested as the foundation. Nevertheless, the breadcrumb toppings provided a nice seasoning and textural contrast to the soft al dente body of the macaroni. The semi-bitter cheese sauce provided a stark boldness to the application. Although the extra reduction of the sauce would further enhance the richness of the application, the slightly watery sauce tainted what could be an abundance of bold and invigorating bites.
Side Dish 2 - Steamed Broccoli w/ a Garlic Butter Sauce: As simple as it sounds, the Broccoli was steamed to perfection. The Garlic Butter Sauce provided a rich flavor that didn't hinder the earthiness of the Broccoli. Such an accompaniment allowed for a perfect balance of the rich steak, with an earthy alternative.
Dessert - Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie: To end en evening of gluttonous consumption by an overwhelming dessert is one that's offered only at Steakhouses. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie was a decadence of flavors. From first consumption, the mild sweetness derived from the Graham Cracker Crust mellows in introduction of the semisweet mild chocolate sauce in this application. The rich and velvety flavors of the peanut butter work to engulf all other elements by providing a decadent exertion of succulent nuttiness.
Notes on Joe's:
- $100 Per Person (after tax & tip)
- Order "half" portions of side dishes. The full size is unfathomable
- Dress Code: Casual (but avoid shorts at all cost)
- Reservations Recommended
People thought this was:
i've been here numerous times and joe's never disappoints. the food is amazing and the service is always outstanding. i would even venture to say it's better than shaw's (shh!)
everything i've tried from the menu is delicious, but i almost always get the crab bisque and stone crab plus a few sides. you'll also do yourself a disservice if you don't save room for key lime pie! my mouth is watering just thinking about it. go!
If I could fill a bathtub with the Crab and Artichoke Gratin I would. I would gladly weigh 800 pounds to be bathed in its splendor.
You have no idea.
I need a raise. Or a generous man in my life so that I can eat here all the time. Their salmon is so good I kind of want to cry. And the Havana Dream Pie... seriously, do you have a tissue? a handkerchief? i am weeping, people. WEEPING.
So...yeah... Maybe I should forward this review to my boss? Or look for that generous wealthy man that won't mind that I will gain about a million pounds from eating here all the time.
Oh, and FYI... PEAR-CITRUS MARTINI
Refreshing Blend of Grey Goose La Poire, Sparkling
Apple Cider, Fresh Orange, Grapefruit and Lime
Yeah. Just Yeah.
And really, what is with the servers here? They are all so amazing. Get here. Get Charles. Get happy.
People thought this was:
I have never been so physically uncomfortable after eating. Ever.
This is not a bad thing.…
Read more »
The plain burger here is very good value. Thank you for putting me on to Joe's for burgers, Chicago Magazine!
Three points for improvement, though:
(1) Always remember that diners should be offered bread service. The last time I was here, the waitress serving me neglected to do so.
(2) Instruct your waitstaff to refrain from touching customers whom they don't know, even if such touching is done in a friendly and playful manner. It's unprofessional and quite likely unwelcome.
(3) If a server messes up and this is brought to their attention, then that server should do something to take ownership of the issue and acknowledge their mistake. In my case, when the bread service was forgotten, something as simple as knocking a dollar or two off the bill or offering to comp a dessert would have done the trick. I wasn't annoyed, but I also wasn't impressed.
The bread service issue might appear to be trivial, but when places like Outback and Red Lobster can get it right, you expect that a fancier place like Joe's would be able to do likewise. Professionalism and all that, you know.
I was skeptical of JSC at first. Located in the heart of tourista-ville, my thinking was, how could this be a good spot?
Well, it actually is in a well coiffed river north sort of way.
The space is gussied up to look like an old skewl steak house (think Morton's), so strike one for the decor. If you can get beyond that, you'll have a solid meal.
It was client's that choose this, so I had set the bar pretty low. I ordered a manhattan- they don't have rye- but redeemed themselves by mixing a solid cocktail. Our waiter, Chris I believe was his name, was very amiable and knowledgeable. We started with the second mortgage, and each had our own entree. The scallops- one of the specialities of the house are of unsurpassed quality.
I also recalled on this visit, that I had been here previously and they delivered well. So the lesson to take = just because it's river north doesn't mean the place is going to suck. Perhaps not the most innovative but it sure was good.
We went to Joe's last night with a group of 11 people. Everything was fantastic. The black cod was the star of the dinner. It was melt-in-your-mouth tender with cinnamon and ginger sauce, more like a dessert than an entree. My wife and I split the bone-in filet mignon, medium-rare, and it was tender and flavorful, with just a slight crunch on the top. Jennie's potatoes are also a great pick, with garlic and cheese, but the fried green tomatoes are still my favorite side dish. I would highly recommend any of these.
Joe's steaks are as good as any other steakhouse I've been to in Chicago. Paired with a set of excellent seafood dishes, Joe's has clearly earned its reputation as one of the best restaurants in Chicago.
People thought this was:
Incredible service, excellent food. We had the parmesan-crusted flounder, a filet, and the sole… Read more »
i've always had a special place in my heart for joe's stone crab. which is funny because i don't even eat crab. nonetheless, i love the classy atmosphere and the good service (sometimes you get a waiter who is a tad bit annoying in that outgoing, in your face sort of way, but that is what joe's encourages i believe).
everything here is good. i've literally never had anything that didn't make me extremely happy here. the bone in rib-eye is incredible, as are the onion strings, the mashed potatoes, the fish, etc etc etc.
now let me talk a little about the pie situation here. when you are at joe's you must get pie. i think the smart thing to do is order a few half slices. i recommend the banana cream pie, the boston cream pie, and if you are in the mood for something quite filling, the peanut butter pie. so don't go here if you are 'on a diet' or 'aren't really a dessert person.' those reasons are nonsense. YOU EAT THE PIE AND YOU EAT IT!
ok that's all.
People thought this was:
I'm not a big fan of Stone Crab so my opinion is probably biased. I started off with the 2nd mortgage (funny name and fitting as it was expensive) and I was impressed with the quality of the seafood. Saying that, I was unimpressed with the small lobster tails and the clams weren't that appetizing (think we left most of them on the platter)
I was surprised to hear that the bone-in filet mignon was their signature dish but I ordered it based on my waiters recommendation. It was cooked well but under seasoned for my taste. After a pinch of salt, I was pleased with the juiciness and quality of the beef.
The side dishes (hash browns and asparagus) were mediocre.
Overall, I enjoyed my meal but I've had better seafood (hugo's frog bar) and better steaks (wild fire/tango sur) for the price.
People thought this was:
My wife and I first went here a few years back and it is still on our top 5 or 10 list of places to dine. It is expensive but because of the atmosphere, the service and of course the great food it is definetly worth it. You know there is a funny story here as well when we first went here my wife had the stone crab and she didn't know it was cold...LOL. If you like stone crab definetly try these but remember again they are cold and most people like their crab at least a little warm. I also recommend the the prime steak even though i don't eat red meat...LOL and definetly for dessert the Key Lime pie.
Please, Please, Please make reservations because if you don't i can guarantee you will be extremely dissappointed when you won't be able to get in seat unless your willing to wait an hour or more. Street parking...LOL forget about it take public transportation or if you are staying downtown just walk over. Dress casual because while they won't make to big a deal about it you will look foolish if you come in there with blue jeans and a t-shirt with flip flops on like they try to do at the Joe's down in Miami.
People thought this was:
My husband and I had tried Joe's during our honeymoon in Las Vegas. We absolutely loved it. For our first wedding anniversary, we decided to try Joe's in Chicago.
I think it was midweek on a cold December day.. and the place was PACKED!! We had made reservations but they told us we'd have to wait about an hour for a 'private' booth or we could sit at an available table. We chose quick table and were seated against a wall.. so I had booth seating to share with strangers and my husband had a chair on the aisle. It turned out to be okay as a Bulls player sat next to us during the meal.
While the food was good, I felt it was a whole lot better in Vegas. I didn't like the bread at all. The calamari was okay, I've had better. I don't think I'd ever order it again. I order steak well-done and the waiter suggested they cut it 'butterfly' something or other, they just cut it in half and left a base so it'd still be one piece. Even so, it came to the table slightly charred. Vegas didn't char it.. I digress. I enjoyed what was edible, left what was burnt. Their little cup of seasoning is much appreciated. The sides were pretty good too.
We were going to order dessert when, out of nowhere, our waiter comes with a complimentary slice of key lime pie. He had been telling us about his marriage during the whole meal, he was so sweet. Anyway, my husband and I do not like key lime pie but we were not about to tell the waiter that. Afterall, it was free.. the least we could do was eat it and pretend to enjoy it. It wasn't that bad, I'm sure it tastes a whole lot better to people who actually like key lime pie!
I want to go back and try a dessert I actually want to eat.. and maybe order a filet that is slightly under their version of well-done. But for now, I have more steakhouses to meet as this experience made me miss Vegas.
Note: Just like Las Vegas, there are no windows here except in the front. The bar area looked cool but there were no empty seats around 8pm on a weekday.
3-course meal for $39.95
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Live Music Every Saturday…
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Seafood
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Steakhouses
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Seafood
Neighborhood: Streeterville
Category: Steakhouses
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Category: Steakhouses
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