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Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront Reviews List
Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Joe's American Bar & Grill is the neighborhood favorite for Classic American cuisine. At Joe's, we focus on using the freshest quality ingredients for all our dishes as well as providing a comfortable and fun atmosphere for all our guests.
Located just steps away from Faneuil Hall, our waterfront location offers picturesque views of everything historic Boston has to offer. Our floor to ceiling windows overlook the Boston harbor and the neighboring North End with the dramatic downtown skyline just behind. Our full size bar with large flat screen televisions, dining room of early 1900's decor and deep mahogany detailing as well as an upstairs private event room on the second level makes Joe's on the waterfront a perfect location for any special event. Whether it be a cozy dinner for two on our magnificent outdoor patio, or a casual lunch or dinner with friends after work, Joe's on the waterfront is the perfect setting.
See more Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront details
64 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Rating Breakdown 64 reviews
5 stars
(12)
4 stars
(29)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(8)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- scenic view(26)
- good for groups(22)
- great for outdoor dining(22)
- kid-friendly(15)
- great for brunch(11)
- great for lunch(10)
Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront Reviews List
Review 1 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Don't waste time making reservation
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We made a reservation specifically so that we could secure outside dining. When we arrived were told that outside tables were first come first serve even with a reservation. Wait for outside was 30 minutes. We chose to sit inside. Inside had a funny smell and very loud as there were lots of small children. Food was ok nothing special. The desserts were the best part."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The location and the view are fantastic. The place has a nice atmosphere. But..... the food is a so-so rendition of standard pub/bar food. Uninspired. Also the place is very noisy. And most of the customers seemed to be tourists..."
Dined on 5/27/2013
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Review 3 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
When in Boston.....
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great for younger and older people as wellas children. Nice drinks, good service, sort of reasonable prices. On the scenic waterfront. Food is good, but not too adventurous. One thing: this place is friendly, happy, BUT, beware, it's very loud. Teen-Agee loud."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, scenic view, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 4 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"we had dinner at Joe's and had a very good experience. our server, Lauren, was very friendly and professional. The food was very good and the beer and wine selection was excellent. The location was great. We were taking a Ghost and Graveyards tour and the restaurant was right around the corner from the pick up."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My family and I have been to this Joe's numerous times. I realize it is not a five star restaurant for food, but the food has always been pretty decent. We visited on Mother's Day and the service was great but the food was poor."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Joe's has an excellent brunch menu and it won't break the bank. Water views are a bonus. It can be noisy, but that's part of the ambience. Service is very good. Friendly wait staff."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view
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Review 7 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It was noisy. One of the seats on the booth where we sat had been taped. Food was okay. Definitely would not go there again."
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 8 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Terrible service ... we waited 20 minutes, and when we asked for bread, she forgot ... so we waited another 15 minutes before we asked a nice bus boy to bring us some bread and butter. I ordered a steak and practically had to beg for a steak knife, was I supposed to cut with my butter knife? Service was awful, but have been before and service was fine other times. That waitress needs to get re-trained."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 9 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
SENT FOOD BACK-TWICE
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Visited with 2 out of town friends. Ordered steaks (one may have been a filet) "medium" and they arrived beyond "well done". Server took them back. When they came back, a manager visited to see if the problem had been resolved. This time, the steaks weren't done enough to qualify as "rare". The manager explained that the chef was probably afraid to overcook them. She agreed that they were undercooked. Third time, they arrived properly done. Without asking, manager removed the charges. It wasn't a pleasant experience, even though we appreciated the manager's gesture."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 10 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I ordered my steak "medium
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I ordered my steak "medium rare" but the waiter understood "medium well." Only after a while I asked about it and got it replace without any problem. The replacement was very good.
My wife ordered her steak raw and it was fantastic.
Saturday night 8pm: rather loud, but ok."
My wife ordered her steak raw and it was fantastic.
Saturday night 8pm: rather loud, but ok."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2008
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Review 11 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food is pretty good, but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food is pretty good, but they are clearly trying to rush you out so they can seat as many people as possible. It is VERY cramped! But the view is beautiful and on a nice day you can sit outside and enjoy. More for drinks and apps or lunch...not romantic at all!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 12 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I do not understand the point
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I do not understand the point of doing reservations. Had to wait 30 minutes."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
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Review 13 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
It took the hostess 45 minutes
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It took the hostess 45 minutes to seat is even though we had a reservation. We had a terrible waiter and he end up over charging my card by 40$"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 14 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Go for the view, not the food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is only so so and the service is completely inept, but the views are great!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2004
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 15 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The only problem is the wait
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The only problem is the wait we still had with two small, hungry toddlers, in spite of the reservation"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, scenic view
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Review 16 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Not just a tourist place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Whenever we are in Boston, Joe is one of our staples. I don't think we ever go to Boston (which is about 4 times a year) and not eat at Joe's. Love to food and the atmosphere. Been going to Joe's since the late 80's and will continue to do so! Keep up the good work!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The bartender saved this experience...he was a gem! Wish I could remember his name."
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Review 18 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
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Review 19 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dinner & Celtics Game
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Upon entering the restaurant, the hostesses greeted us with welcoming smiles. As I waited for my husband, a waiter walked over to the hostess area and was so friendly. We received the same friendly, courteous and attentive service from our waitress, Lexis. The food was delicious and definitely be dining at your establishment in the future."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing experience and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing experience and the service was fantastic!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
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Review 21 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We arrived 1/2 hour earlier
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We arrived 1/2 hour earlier than expected, so we sat at the bar until out table was ready. The bartenders were more engaged in chatting amongst themselves than checking in on their customers. When we were sat, our server was surprised we had drinks already. Because of this, he never offered us water. During our ordering, one of us wasn't asked how we wanted the meat cooked, he had to come back to find out. Instead of just bringing us bread, he had to return to our table to ask if we wanted bread.
Food was typical for Joe's although I would have enjoyed my prime rib more blackened. Service definitely was well below an average standard."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 22 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Staff were friendly, meals
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Staff were friendly, meals were adequate, had a good experience overall."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, late-night find, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My son and I had a great experience eating at this Joe's! We were seated right when our reservation time was, the food was great and the waitperson was very nice and friendly. We would definately eat here again."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Joe's American Bar and Grill - Waterfront
Based on the average of (41) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
20 out of 21 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic