Joe's Beerhouse — Restaurant in Khomas

My customers and myself will only eat in Joes ever again when management starts caring about customer satisfaction….

Last year 19. January 2023, 3 of 8 people from our table had food poisoning because of rotten mash potato that was served - we got an apology and a refund voucher. It does not make sense to give a refund voucher to tourists who are not able to use it in future. And to be clear a voucher is not a refund!

As managers of a guest and hunting farm we did not visit Joes with customers for a few months but went back on the 16th September 2024 for lunch. Sharing my negative experience in a review only now a few weeks later is the result of manager S not being able to communicate with unsatisfied customers…

We ordered 3 meals. My lunch was ok but the problem we had with the other meals was the following:

Our customer was super excited to order the Bushman Sosatie eating crocodile and 3 other game species for the first time. He ordered his meat to be served as medium rare but it was served completely dry, well well done. Looking at the so called crocodile meat my partner asked the waitress if she again can confirm if this is crocodile as ordered…it turned out to be apparently giraffe. Can Joes please stop trying to take tourists for a ride selling them meat sounding more exotic than it is…it does not take much for a waitress to inform the customer when bringing the menu to the table, what is out of stock or replaced by an alternative… After one bite our guest send his plate back to the kitchen and refused to order a new meal.

My partner ordered steak with chips and his veggies to be served on a side plate. I wanted to eat his veggies after my meal and till today I cannot understand why beans that have mold on and worm holes in land on a plate. Do the people washing the food, cooking the food and plating the food not know what rotten food looks like or do they simply not care… I got up from the table and asked the waitress to bring me to the manager. As it turned out she did not point out the manager but the front of house or food and beverage manager. I asked the lady to please bring the bill to my customer but ensure the 2 failed meals are taken down from our bill….

A few moments later I see that my customer had to pay for the meal contains rotten beans. Seriously enough is enough! I stormed into the kitchen area, requested again the manager and this time finally got to speak to Joes manager S. Mr. S. had the nerve asking me if I saw a worm in the beans….and was unwilling to refund saying the meat was eaten already so therefore he cannot refund us…I asked the waitress to bring me my plate back from the dishwashing area so I can take a video of the plate served and post it online.

Then I walked into the back office of Joes and left my name and number so the management can contact me and have another talk after emotions calmed down. Management did not contact me and I hope the new owners of Joes will employ a manager who actually cares about customer satisfaction and someone who refunds rotten food! Or are we at the point in Namibia where we as customers should pay a few hundred dollars for the quality visible in the photo/video attached.

Bon...

Joe’s Beerhouse – Windhoek, Namibia Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2 out of 5 stars)

Joe’s Beerhouse came highly recommended by a friend and I was genuinely excited to experience this iconic Windhoek restaurant for myself. Unfortunately, what followed was a mix of good vibes and disappointing service that left me underwhelmed — especially considering the reputation and cost.

🔻 Disappointments: • Poor Service for Solo Diners: As a single guest, I immediately felt like a second-class citizen. I waited over 15 minutes for a menu (which I eventually fetched myself), and another 10 minutes before any service arrived. I was seated at a large table (due to no smaller ones being available), and even when two more guests joined, we were largely ignored. • Lack of Attention: Orders had to be chased, drinks were delivered without a word, and staff disappeared after each interaction. No check-ins during the meal, and no proactive service. Asking for condiments, cutlery, or even the bill became a chore. • Questionable Food Execution: • The Double Trouble Burger (the priciest burger on the menu) was dry and overcooked. Toppings were more decorative than delicious — bacon was dry, cheddar nearly invisible, and tomato/lettuce forgettable. • Game Carpaccio (Gemsbok) was nicely plated but lacked the finesse or flavour one might expect from such a speciality. • General Neglect: Used cutlery was reused between courses for both myself and my tablemates. Even clearing the bill required hunting down a staff member. Not what you expect from a supposedly premium establishment. • Gratuity Added Automatically: A 5% service charge was added despite the minimal service — gratuity should reflect experience, not be a standard tax.

✅ Highlights: • Atmosphere: The vibe at Joe’s is fantastic — rustic decor, central bonfire, and an inviting outdoor setting make it a one-of-a-kind venue in Windhoek. • Beer Selection: The Namib Dunes Weiss and Iris Red (both from Swakopmund) were excellent and easily the stars of the night. • Sociable Setting: Despite the service, I made some new friends at the communal table, which somewhat saved the evening. • Efficient Takeaway: My leftover meal was boxed up quickly while I took a short break, which was a rare moment of efficiency.

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💬 Final Thoughts:

Joe’s Beerhouse is clearly a great hangout if you’re in a group and just after good beers and vibes. But for solo diners or those expecting attentive service and a refined food experience, it misses the mark badly. What could’ve been a memorable visit became a frustrating one — especially considering the N$534 bill.

🧭 Recommendation for Travellers:

Visit Joe’s Beerhouse for the beer, the atmosphere, and a group night out — not for top-tier food or service. If you’re dining alone or in a small group, temper your expectations. And if service is important to you, you might be better off exploring some of the great restaurants in Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, where recent personal experiences were notably better.

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📝 Suggested Star Rating: 2/5 Great venue. Good drinks. But poor service, inattentive staff, and lacklustre food don’t justify the...

A Hidden Gem: Joe's Beer House

Joe's Beer House is a hidden gem that defies expectations. Despite initial reservations based on online photos, my personal experience at this establishment left me pleasantly surprised and thoroughly impressed.

Contrary to the photos, Joe's Beer House is a spacious and fabulous place that offers a warm and inviting ambiance. The friendly and attentive staff members added to the overall positive experience, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and comfortable.

The menu at Joe's Beer House boasts a delightful variety of food and drink options. From tantalizing dishes to a wide selection of beverages, there is something to satisfy every palate. The culinary offerings showcase quality and creativity, elevating the dining experience to new heights.

While the experience at Joe's Beer House is undoubtedly enjoyable, it is worth noting that the prices may be slightly higher compared to other establishments. However, the exceptional atmosphere, attentive service, and delectable food make it well worth the investment.

It is important to mention that the online photos do not do justice to the true charm and character of Joe's Beer House. I encourage prospective visitors to disregard any hesitations arising from the photos and embrace the opportunity to experience this lovely place with their loved ones firsthand.

Rating: Ambiance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Food Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Drink Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Price: ⭐⭐⭐

In summary, Joe's Beer House is a hidden gem that surpasses initial expectations. Its spacious and fabulous ambiance, friendly staff, impressive food and drink variety, and the ability to create wonderful memories make it a must-visit destination. Disregard the online photos and embrace the opportunity to enjoy this lovely place with your loved ones. Best...