JOEY U-Village — Restaurant in Seattle

Want to preface this review by saying I’m a very easy person to please when it comes to eating out/dining experience. Also want to note that the staff and our server were nothing but professional and friendly.

That said, my date and I’s dining experience last night was one of the worst I’ve had, especially at this cost. We ordered the Baja fish tacos, a Joey classic steak and the truffle udon carbonara. 3 full meals for two people, and I left still hungry.

The $22 tacos were honestly the cheapest and ONLY decent food from our evening. That said most of the taco was fluff and the frie portion was small. The 7 ounce steak was very middle of the road in terms of taste, so much so that my date said I could have it (it was what she ordered). Also on this dish was “our famous fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes” but I never saw them, as well as the smallest portion of vegetables I’ve ever seen, $44. The worst part were the egg rolls filled with i couldn’t tell you what, that legitimately FRIED my tongue and the roof of my mouth so much so that I almost shouted when I took a bite and had to spit it out.

To be fair, my date said the udon noodles were decent. For me this is the only noodle dish I’ve ever encountered in my 31 years on this earth that I genuinely did not like.

Also ordered a mixed drink that cost $20 that tasted like a mocktail and had so much ice it was gone in 3 sips.

All this to say, I spent almost $170 for three dishes and two drinks. We left still hungry, with a burnt mouth, and a whole in my wallet.

Almost felt embarrassed that we chose Joeys for a special evening out and had such a low grade eating experience.

I didn’t mention this to the staff because there were amazing and were clearly short staffed, and they also aren’t responsible for the poor portion sizes and lack luster food taste. But hopefully this saves someone from spending nearly $200 for this type...

It's difficult not to award a perfect five when you receive exceptional customer service. Bravo for that. Let's now discuss the specifics of the pros. Cleanliness, urbanity, and attention to detail characterize the first impression, atmosphere, and overall vibe. They are aware that details count. It was a great idea to offer us a complimentary mocktail before we were seated. On a busy Saturday, we didn't have a reservation, but it wasn't a problem because they located us a seat on the patio with little wait time.

We ordered a combination of happy hour and standard dinner fare because it was still happy hour when we arrived. Everything was prepared to perfection and delicious. In particular, the steak was exceptionally tender. I wonder how they manage that. I also couldn't help but observe that the crew is made up of gorgeous young people who are really helpful.

This is perhaps not the best cuisine for the discerning. Although you have a decent selection, playing it too cautious can lead to limited possibilities if you are there for the dining experience versus mere outing. Venetians would definitely be upset to see their Bellini, which was basically slushy "masked" as Bellini. However, a large chunk of their menu is so clever that it makes use of low-quality but tasty products, resulting in a win-win situation. If you add a little bit of flair and glitter, you've undoubtedly got a winning mix.

It's no wonder that this place received so many positive reviews. And I agree that this restaurant is "one size fits all," or better like a well-tailored suit. Who cares if it's made of polyester? It...

Today was the day I was radicalized. By soda water.

Joey delivers exactly what it promises: average to decent food at high prices. The bar is great, the atmosphere’s solid. And to be fair, I knew what I was walking into. Zero illusions there.

What was surprising was the service. Or more specifically, the absence of it. From the moment we ordered to the moment I was two-thirds through my steak, no one checked in. No offer of another drink, no steak knife.

Eventually I asked for a steak knife and a refill… it was a Diet Coke instead of the regular one I ordered, I could even forgive that part until what I realized next.

My pregnant wife ordered a soda water and received it as expected. Not San Pellegrino, not a bottle…just carbonated house water straight from the gun. $5.50. When I questioned it our server seemed aggrieved at the mere question of the price. Then proceeded to walk to the hostess table and talk about how I questioned the cost of tap water with gas mixed in from the gun. At almost every other bar, restaurant or inbetween - it’s free or even $2

That’s $5.50 for tap water with the same CO2 they use to push beer through a pipe.

Somehow, that costs the same as a regular Coke, which at least involved branded syrup from Coca Cola.

I don’t care about spending $160 on a quick dinner for 2 with no alcoholic drinks. But 5.50 for unbranded, straight gassy water tipped me over the edge. Booze only next...