Joyce's — Restaurant in Houston

Joyce's Seafood & Steaks is a real hidden gem. Quaint from the outside and classic on the inside it would not be hard to assume that Joyce's is just another restaurant, but, you would be very wrong.

Joyce's is a warm, delicious and friendly place that is so much more than a run of the mill experience. The menu is outstanding, for both those who like seafood and those who don't. They even have a well thought out kids menu and outstanding desserts. Prices are fair and the quality and freshness of products far exceeds expectations. Things at Joyce's are made with love and dedication and that is evident when you try their exquisite menu.

Service is stellar and quite diverse. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu, personable and generally friendly. Some of the staff is exceptionally friendly like Karla and Oscar who you could easily get lost talking to and joking with. They remember your name and care about who you are, something few places and people actually do.

The owners are amazing people and incredibly generous, understanding and pleasant. They can be found personally attending at Joyce's regularly and their management staff is equally as stellar (Adan - that's you!).

If you want ordinary food, thoughtless service and a mediocre experience then Joyce's is not the place for you. If you want to go somewhere that you will be proud to spend your money at, leave with a smile and feel satisfied because you paid a reasonable price for an amazing lunch or dinner then Joyce's should make your shortlist.

They are open for Lunch and Dinner Mon-Sat, parking is not a hassle and it's well...

This place rocks. It's clean, it's nice and the food is outstanding.

The bar area is convenient and has been tended well every time I've been there. TVs behind the bar made it a good spot for me to go watch a game one night. Full bar and a great wine list.

Being seated has been an equally solid experience for me. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere for the family or a date, but it isn't too serious as to go with friends and enjoy a lively meal.

The staff is great. The hostess was welcoming and efficient in getting us in and seated (on a busy night.) Waiters/waitresses are all polite and helpful. Good with the specials and the wines. Crowded every time I've been but you're not packed in or lacking in privacy at your table. Manager came by during the meal to make sure everything was up to expectation.

But man.... the food. Oysters are the best I've had in Houston on the half shell. The crab bisque I had was amazing. Last time I was there, I had one of the specials which was a lightly crusted rainbow trout with cream sauce, risotto and spinach - I was telling friends about this meal afterwards. Outstanding. Everything I've seen come out of the kitchen looks and smells unbelievable.

Also, save room for dessert - the bread pudding is the best I've had, on an impressive...

Overall best to come here for light seafood and the desert. Service is a little lackadaisical.

The restaurant is nice inside and quaint with and open and friendly ambiance. The waitstaff are friendly, but rather slow paced. Had to ask for them to fill our water. Asked for extra napkins that never arrived. Note to manager- the appetizer arrived and we noticed that the order paper was on the plate- gross to see and not sanitary. Told the waitress, but they did nothing about it.

The calamari was good with a nice breading. Note to chef- it was about a minute overdone so a little chewy.

Do NOT order the sirloin. The preparation was good, but the quality was not good at all, so the meat was very tough. The twice baked potato is one of the better ones I have tasted. The shrimp were good and tasty. The red fish was also good, but (note to chef) needed a little of flavor. Put the garlic butter on it and it was good - maybe either garlic, lemon, or some seasoning- needed something. The asparagus was done very well, nice and tender.

Amazing key lime pie. Absolutely fantastic. The cappuccino was also well done.

With a few tweaks, this place could be a 4+ star, right now just...