Joeys - Denver — Restaurant in North Carolina

Update 02/12/24: (Takeout advice. See below). According to Google reviews, I posted the last update in 2022. Unfortunately, Google does not allow multiple reviews from a User so one has to update the initial review. Why this is is a bit of a mystery as one’s views can change over time.

I’m happy to say that my opinions on Joey’s hasn’t really changed over time. They still serve the best Pizza in Denver, NC now that their main competitor, Pomodoros, closed. Pomodoros closed not because the food or service was lacking but simply because they could not staff their kitchen. What a terrible commentary on our time.

So, where are we today? This update is simply to advise customers that if ordering takeout, no matter the time you specify for pickup or if just ordering ahead, arrive at least 10 minutes before the time you are told the food will be ready.

Personally I try to get there a minimum of 15 minutes early and chill at the bar so I can get the food as it comes out of the kitchen. Trust me, if you arrive at the specified pickup time, your food has been cooling for 10 minutes, maybe more.

I am not changing my rating but post this as an FYI for those who take heed of reviews. —/////——

I’ve written about Joey’s before which would usually rate 4 stars from me. It is my family’s go-to place for pizza, specifically, Grandma’s pizza which is Detroit-style pizza, a rectangular, thick pizza with your choice of toppings, a goodly amount of cheese, and sauce. (Note, try to eat it fresh; it does not hold all that well overnight).

But this review is not about the food tonight (skip down 3 paragraphs for why I am giving 5 stars this time) except to say we had the Amberjack special, a wrap, and the usual for my son, a chicken quesadilla.

I don’t typically order fish when I go out and on the dinner menu at home, we were supposed to have salmon but Brian L talked me into trying the Amberjack. Go figure.

Amberjack is a mild fish, often cut as a thick steak. Tonight’s serving was diced into large cubes with tri-color tortellini, spinach and a creamy garlic and Grand Marnier sauce. Very good so if you go sometime and see it as a dinner special, give it a try.

But, I am burying the lead. Tonight’s 5-star rating goes to Brian. This guy is from Brooklyn, Italian, and maybe the best waiter in Denver.

Why? He’s engaging, does a great job of explaining dishes, entertainingly served up by his Brooklyn accent, and most importantly, he dutifully clears away empty dishes and the usual litter of stuff from a meal (paper straw sleeves, etc.) WITHOUT being asked.

This bears repeating and LISTEN UP every single other server in my little village of Denver, NC: Your normal duty as a server should always include taking away the empty plates and other detritus of a meal. Allowing all this stuff to just pile up and clutter the table during and after the meal is annoying to many and directly impacts my tip to you. Failing in this very traditional act of serving, you are failing as a good server.

In my experience, there are a lot of just ok servers in Denver, poorly trained and lacking anything like a professional demeanor. Sure, we have many friendly servers, but very, very few really good ones. And what separates the professional from the friendly are really taking care of your customers which always includes clearing away the table. It is a very small but crucial step, ignored by too many unless asked.

I start at 20% and either deduct or add to the tip depending on the overall experience. I am happy to report that Brian’s tip went north.

Well...

Last night, 8/5/18, hostess gave me a incredulous look when I asked if my guy and I could have a quieter table out of the in the main bar area with a ton of TV's. Sorry it was later on a Sunday evening but there were at least 6 other tables in the other room full. Also, my $9 long island tasted more like coke and sours mix with a splash of maybe vodka than anything. My guy went and asked for another b/c I probably would have been ugly. Right after our food was served, I knocked over my drink accidentally, come on everyone a full glass cup with ice and liquid hitting the table then dropping to the booth makes an audible noise. Two waitresses looked over at me, made eye contact and walked away. I had to go up and tell the hostess, and apologize of course, but had to ask for another table since no one was coming to help. Got reseated ok and another drink which was more watered down than the first one. Seriously. a long island iced tea is supposed to be almost 5 shots. if you're going to charge your customers that much for one, at least pour it like you mean it. Not good at all, will not be back, and will definitely tell anyone who will listen to not waste their time or money there. I would give the food a 2.5 stars. I got fish and chips, cole slaw was inedible, fish was ok, fries blah, he got a ceasar salad and had to ask for 2 extra croutons because you only get 4 croutons with a $14 salad? So not impressed at all with my hour...

We go to Joey's for lunch often, and I've always been super impressed. I love their daily specials, their meatloaf is really awesome, and all of the veggies that go with. I also love their salads, chock full of veggies and the croutons are garlicky perfection. Homemade dressing makes the salad. Tonight we visited and I tried the seafood pasta, and it was very bland. I won't get that again. We also had grilled wings, and they were just ok. My daughter had the buffalo shrimp and she was happy with them. She also ordered Snicker's cheesecake and it really was amazing. Service was top notch, as always and the dining area is large and pleasing. Of course, I'll be back.

**updated to add: I've found my jam! You MUST try their pizza. It is made in a special oven in an open kitchen and it is incredible. I want this pizza all of the time! I get the Capricciosa which has artichoke hearts, black olives, mushrooms and ham. It is so special! Bumping review up to 5 stars because that pizza...