Fast, efficient and attentive.
On the Twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me~ An unforgettable experience at Jo-eys!
Been here over three times since they opened, so faced with a spare moment I penned this review to accommodate the opening.
Never once had to wait long to get a table, having had to "wait" less than a minute each and every time.
With fish being their trademark, the Snack Shack would be expected to serve wholesome and delicious seafood, and indeed, Joey' has no issue meeting expectations.
For price-to-taste ratio, I'd rank their Classic Famous Fish as the greatest buy. Having tried their Cod fish, I'm unable to recommend it over their classic fish. While the taste may succeed its predecessor, the texture threw me off, along with being a third more expensive.
As for the highest class of fish (that they serve), the rare and exclusive Halibut, while certainly delicious and deserving of its acclaim, is far from cheap (nearly three times as expensive at the classic variant). Of course, if price isn't an issue or you’re celebrating, then I'd recommend their halibut over all others. Otherwise, it’d suggest the classic Famous Fish. However, if you have a companion traveling with yourself, it’s a great dish to split.
As usual, you can a side with your fish. Having tried a few of them, I'd sticking to the tried-and-true classic: Fries. Not to say the others aren't much trying, Caesar Salad's pretty good, but the fries are a great accompaniment to some delicious fish. Paired with ketchup, gravy or even vinegar, they're great no matter how they're served.
As for some... Cons... I'll list a few.
If you enjoy coleslaw, you may be disappointed to know that they charge for it ($2). Granted, it’s a decent portion, and it comes in a cute miniature cast-iron pan, but it feels expensive when it could be free of charge (with your fish).
Personally, aren't a fan of the aesthetics. The booths are constructed what looks to be wooden planks and looks too "Ol' Timey" for me. While I'm sure its intentional, this particular style is lost on me. However, the booths are lined with fabric that has padding in it, so comfort isn't an issue.
The table and chairs being strung out in the middle of the restaurant feels off to me, little privacy and feels like everyone can see you, but for now, this is a non-issue with the seating restrictions. Perhaps they'll change it up a later date.
Though I'm actually mixed about it, as opposed to previously, they don't serve the food on plates, but on metal trays. While before I did think plates looked better and found it unnecessary to swap them out for something else, they've grown on me since. They're actually bigger than the standard plates, and it grants a sense of uniqueness, so not so bad in hindsight.
On to service. They've always been polite and friendly and attentive. Some of the fastest at bringing orders to the table, and never slow to top off a drink. Doesn't take long to get a bill and, so far, have been able to pay at the table each time as opposed to the counter (getting to stay off your feet for as long as possible is always nice). They even you give the rare and exclusive luxury, apparently referred to as a “straw,” when you order a drink! And, get this, its biodegradable! So, not only do they retain their form and stay together and not fill your drink with paper flecks, they actually help you feel like a stand-up person as the straw can be recycled, and thus not end up negatively effecting aquatic life in the Pacific. For such a great cause, you should order yourself a plate of shrimp or perhaps even a halibut, and devour it in the straw’s honor!
Overall, if you’re a fan of seafood, I highly recommend...
Read moreLast night, I had the unexpected pleasure of dining at Joey’s Fish Shack, an experience that, to my surprise, could easily rival the carefully choreographed elegance of any Michelin-starred restaurant. From the moment I walked through the doors, there was a sense of warmth and authenticity that is often missing in fine dining establishments and yet, this unassuming restaurant carried itself with a grace that made every bite and every moment feel elevated.
The atmosphere was approachable yet refined, carrying the aroma of perfectly fried fish and golden, hand-cut fries mingled with a gentle hum of conversation. The décor may be simple, but therein lies the genius: it creates a stage where the true stars. the food and the service shine without distraction.
Now, let us talk about Nathaniel, our server for the evening. To simply call him attentive would be doing him a disservice. Nathaniel carried himself with the poise of a maître d’ at a three-star Parisian dining room. He had a way of anticipating needs before they were voiced, gliding to the table at just the right moment with water refills, suggestions, and that rare gift of genuine hospitality. His knowledge of the menu was encyclopedic, but never delivered in a rehearsed or mechanical way. Instead, every recommendation felt thoughtful, tailored, and filled with enthusiasm, as though he had personally curated the meal just for us.
When we debated between the classic fish and chips and the more adventurous Cajun-spiced catch of the day, Nathaniel’s guidance was both artful and reassuring. He painted a picture of the dishes, describing textures, flavors, and even the sourcing of ingredients with a passion that elevated the anticipation to an almost ceremonial level. And when the food arrived, his timing was impeccable: piping hot, crisp on the outside, tender within, each plate presented with pride.
The fish itself was nothing short of sublime, the batter so delicate it shattered with the gentlest touch of a fork, revealing fish that was moist, flaky, and kissed with the briny freshness of the sea. The fries, far from a simple side, had a perfect balance of crisp exterior and pillowy softness within, seasoned to perfection. Every element spoke of care, precision, and a quiet mastery that made the humble fish and chips feel like a revelation.
Yet as remarkable as the food was, Nathaniel was the true conductor of this dining symphony. He navigated the room with ease, seamlessly balancing attentiveness with respect for the diners’ space. Every interaction was infused with warmth, humor, and a level of professionalism that could easily be mistaken for the service teams of the world’s most celebrated restaurants. He transformed what could have been a simple meal into an unforgettable dining experience.
By the end of the evening, I left Joey’s Fish Shack with the sense that I had just encountered something extraordinary, not just in the food, but in the people who make it what it is. Nathaniel turned dinner into an event, a memory that lingers like the aftertaste of a perfectly paired glass of wine. If Michelin were to ever cast its gaze upon Joey’s Fish Shack, I have no doubt it would find something rare and beautiful: a restaurant that doesn’t just serve food, but serves joy, authenticity, and artistry, all delivered with the impeccable grace of a server like Nathaniel.
In a world of over-engineered dining experiences, Joey’s reminds us that excellence does not need pretension, it only needs heart, passion, and someone like Nathaniel to bring it all together. Thank you for chasing down our car and making sure my daughter got...
Read moreIt had been a while since I have been to Joey's and I was craving fish and chips. As I was waiting to be Seated I notice the all you can eat fish and chips and shrimp. I thought fish and shrimp all you can eat that's an easy choice. Turned out to be a great choice! It wasn't even just like pop corn shrimp but quite a few different choices. I ended up going with a few different ones Scampi, Garlic, Lemon and one of my favorites Coconut. My server Afton Was AMAZING. Even though I wasn't her only table she made me feel like she was my own server. Any time my drink was near empty she had another one ready. Same with the fish and shrimp always making sure as I finished my current portion I didn't have to wait more than 2mins or less for the next round! AMAZING SERVICE I would love to have her as a part...
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