Joe Mama's Wood Fired Kitchen — Restaurant in Port Saint Joe

Going into this establishment, I didn't even realize that it was predominantly an Italian restaurant. When I think wood-fired kitchen, I think possibly the grill is wood-fired and cooks burgers or something. There is no indication coming from the back door that it is an Italian restaurant. I had their Italian BLT which was pretty good. I enjoy anything with arugula. Their fries have some sort of seasoning that I found tasteful and not overbearing. They have some pretty unique seating options. Bar, standard table, and outside tables. What I was most displeased with was the customer service. I've never been seated and not had a napkin. Especially at the bar. Under normal circumstances, I would just ask for a napkin like any other normal person. However, the bartender was constantly gone. I kind of feel like the bartender was probably also the manager as he had at certain points in time, 3 to 4 people surrounding him asking questions. The fries that I liked so much, portion size was less than a handful, probably from a child's hand. Come on, guys. We all know how much potatoes cost and at $17 for the meal a full adult handful wouldn't hurt. Just all around a very slow experience. Even after being seated. I would say I was seated at the bar for ten minutes before I even got an order. There was no hostess, so I also just sat myself. They were not at capacity, and there were only two families in the entire place, with two people sitting at the bar. I would not say that this place would be somewhere. I wouldn't say avoid, but this restaurant has some staffing issues whether it has to do with training or whatnot.

Response to Owner:

1. One of your employees was having an issue with a Mobile POS system asking your bartender for help. I know it was not a network issue but an issue with UI. Another employee came over for an unknown reason and put her head in her hands like she was tired. A third came, a male younger, and was asking the location of keys. All 4 were there for a long enough time for me to profile them down to shoe brand. I can easily ascertain that there is some training issues.
2. 13 + 3 + tax = 17+ total
3. since you obviously spun a video you probably seen me looking around for napkins. Why does a pizza place of all places not have napkins dispensers? Hand foods and napkins kind of go hand and hand. Why was I not given them when I was seated or at least when I was served? Small moot point yes. After being served I managed to eat almost my entire meal before the bartender refilled the guy to my right who also had a Coke.
4. I will blatantly say that the bartender was majorly not at post. Neither was a host or I would have asked if I could be seated. I did walk in from the back and walked completely to the front visually. No hostess. Did not see any signs for hostess coming from the back. But I could tell you that the gentleman to me right was married. Spin back your video and note his wedding ring if you feel so inclined. Also note I never spoke to him.
5. As a younger man, I did work in food service in front of the house. In some cases some very nice places. As a waiter and bartender. I know what to expect. Nowadays I'm just in the top 10% worldwide in Google restaurant reviews, and also Parks, "Indoor Hotels", and Beaches. I rarely give 5 stars. 4 stars mean I liked your food but had something of equal or greater quality and presentation. 5 stars mean truly unique something someone would never forget. Service I gave 2 stars here, meaning it...

Great little pizzeria! Definitely delish and a wonderful place to keep coming back to year after year. Cozy aesthetically. Carry out is easy from the back patio bar. Back patio small but very nice and even more large octagonal picnic outdoor seating next to the patio. Staff are the tops curious and friendly and seem to really like working there together. Get the great family restaurant vibe for visiting families and the staff seem to be a family too ;)

I personally do not abide by the relaxing of CoVid restrictions too early (Apr 4th-10th 2021) which is causing a forth surge in cases esp in FL so I would not have chosen to dine inside the small restaurant space crammed in with so many patrons not wearing masks even when not eating! All of Florida seems to be in CoVid denial from my experience Not even taking the basic precautions (masks, distancing, no large gatherings) BUT I certainly sympathize with the need to stay in business! Take out was easy like I mentioned ;)

All pizzas are one size. 12". Their toppings are slightly limited but they certainly were generous. The pepperoni was HUGE and covered the whole pizza - the italian sausage was ground up and all OVER the pizza which was personally too much for all of us, but if you love lotsa meat that your all set. If my kids weren't so picky I'd have gotten veggies! Saw a patron while waiting that had a delicious pizza with fresh spinach!! They have a nice variety on the menu and I bet it's all as yummy as it looks!

Although their deserts are more unique you might want to plan on getting some of the fresh ice cream from their neighbor ;)

Ps. My monoker is JoMama (since my name is jo and I am a mama) so I especially like...

6:15 PM JANUARY 5 SUNDAY

Bartender: MICHAELA

This place is located one street from the main highway and offers parking on both sides of the street.

First thing I noticed as I was walking to the front door was how heavenly the smell coming from this restaurant. It permeated the whole street.

*Wine list: I soooo appreciate a place that serves wine and has a description of that wine. Far too many good restaurants fail to do this making the selection difficult if you've never tried a particular brand. I chose their Italian wine that only came by the bottle what was reasonably priced at $40. It had black cherry and plum and no spice which is perfect for me. I would definitely order that again.

*Clam Chowder - is served in this cute practical soup bowl. The clam chowder was thick n hearty❤️. Just the right temperature and delicious.

*Wings They say a picture is worth a thousand words...just look at those wings.❤️ Baked in a conventional oven follow by a wood fired oven make these wings the most unique wings I have ever had. Served with homemade ranch giving it a perfect balance.

Custom PIzza I ordered Basil oil, extra spinach, extra cheese and pepperoni( I wanted ground beef but they don't have) This pizza is delicious. I usually get olive oil instead of red sauce. Michaela suggested I try this basil oil. It was fantastic. The crust was delicious as well as all the other ingredients

If you find yourself in this area be sure to stop by and ask for Michaela. She was one of the best bartenders or servers I have ever had.

P.S. the person who left a review on here that's said the clam chowder was not that good must have been smoking Hunter...