There are many options when it comes to dining out in Boston. From high-end tasting menus to craveable comfort fare, you can find a restaurant for every palate, but there aren’t too many restaurants that have withstood the test of time.
Joe’s on Newbury has been a fixture on Newbury Street since it first opened here nearly 15 years ago. Formerly known as Joe’s American Bar & Grill under the Back Bay Restaurant Group collection, Joe’s on Newbury now owned by Tavistock Restaurants still serves up some of the best casual fare in the city.
After a day of shopping at the nearby luxury boutiques that line tony Newbury Street, stop here for one of their chef-inspired dishes or classic New England fare. What makes Joe’s stand apart is their scratch kitchen that churns out homemade favorites every night.
Friendly servers present diners with their famous “peasant loaf,” a deliciously addictive warm loaf, perfectly crusted on the outside revealing a soft inside when pulled apart. It’s almost impossible not to fill up on this, but you will want to save some room for some of their appetizers and main events.
Start off with a seasonal cocktail like the Dark & Passionate Punch or Wicked Spiced Pear or opt for one of their classics like the gin martini (shaken not stirred, please).
When it comes to appetizers, they offer a nice raw bar selection, including an enormous shellfish platter, and tuna tartare. Other offerings include crispy Brussels sprouts, cheeseburger spring rolls, crispy calamari, and Baja fish tacos. Their signature spinach and artichoke dip is made with an indulgent combination of gruyere and Parmesan cheeses and served with some more of their house-baked bread (or tortilla chips if you prefer).
Joe’s hot chicken wings are a standout and some of the best in the city.
Lightly fried and uniquely topped with pickles, the kicked-up wings are served with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
For main events, be sure to try their signature roasted prime rib. An enormous 14-ounce cut of tender and juicy beef is accompanied by a side of fresh green beans and creamy mashed potatoes.
Chicken piccata traditionally served with roasted garlic and preserved lemon in a caper-white wine sauce can be spiced up and blackened upon request.
Other entrees include a Maine lobster dinner complete with corn on the cob and fries, steak frites, a vegetarian quinoa bowl, braised short rib meatloaf, rotisserie chicken pot pie, and their famous mac and 5-cheese.
If you can save room for dessert which is nearly impossible, chocoholics can indulge in a seven-layer chocolate cake made with brownie bites or the warm skillet chocolate chip cookie topped with chocolate and caramel sauces served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Joe’s on Newbury is located at 181 Newbury Street in Boston.
