Joe Willy's Seafood House — Restaurant in Town of Poughkeepsie

I’m going to change my review … I’ll start from the beginning. As this was my 1st time, I was quite anxious to dine here because of the reviews. As I walked in and was seated, I could feel a difference. Continuous stares were received but when you’re the only person of color in a room of no other people of color, that’s expected. A server who first approached me had asked if I had been helped after waiting a little while (which I brushed off) and by her genuine shake of the head and “I’m so sorry” I could feel the warmth in her demeanor but also a sense of “that shouldn’t happen to you”. This is my perception, of course.

She was then told by the person who was assigned to my tabletop that this wasn’t hers and she was to tend to another table. I perceived a sense of coldness in the exchange but moving on. Everything was fine. My assigned server then informed me about the specials and I inquired on a certain meal and asked if something could be added/substituted. She assured me that it could be and she then proceeded to write something on her notepad which I assumed was her taking the order because I stated that’s what I wanted. I also ordered appetizers and drinks.

We (my son and I) receive our drinks and appetizers. I ordered the lobster bisque which was edible but nothing to rave about, and my son - mozzarella sticks which were tasty. He also ordered pasta which he did not like and when our server came over to ask if everything was ok, we mentioned him not liking the pasta and she kindly changed the order to the requested chicken tenders (which I hate doing bc that’s annoying), which were well seasoned and cooked just right. My little one then asked me where my food was and I stated that’s maybe because my meal included steak, that it would take a little longer.

After analyzing my first review as it may have been too harsh (my experience here had me upset and I posted in haste as soon as I left the restaurant so my apologies), I did notice that she may have had duties to tend to in the back and I saw more of the first server who approached me in the beginning out on the floor more often. I then had to ask that same server for my server to come out. When my assigned server came to my table, I asked if she had put in my order and she told me that she did not because she thought that I was just inquiring. Also, that she would’ve asked me about my sides and what kind of salad I wanted. This was my first time in attendance and bc she didn’t ask about sides, I assumed they were standard (I’m not picky and eat pretty much everything) and I was placing my order based on her rundown of the specials. She proceeded to ask if I wanted her to put in the order and I told her no. At that point I was quite disappointed. As one who has been a server and provided customer service to patrons of all levels, if someone inquires about something but they don’t mention it, I would say a simple “How about that…?” Also, ss a server, if you see someone inquiring about an entree but in turn gets no entree at all, wouldn’t you ask if someone or a table wanted an entree?

Again, this is my perception. I did not feel any warmth from my assigned server. Maybe she had a bad day, which is why I decided to edit my review and remove her name. I already felt out of place by the other patrons with the constant stares and to have a cold feeling from my server and her not give much attention to my dining experience, truly made me feel as if I was unwelcomed. Again, my perception.

My experience may not be anyone else’s experience but I wanted to take the time to properly articulate my experience. Forget how other patrons make you feel, customer service, along with attention to detail, is a HUGE part of any person’s dining experience.

In summation to my exceedingly long and most likely unconcernedly received 10-page essay review 😂, as a person of color, I felt unwelcomed and out of place. Again friends, just...

Weeknight dinner. Super slow, a few tables.

Feels like this place can't figure out what it wants to be. Upscae or mid range? Some decor is nautical, then there's some twisted wire decorations and a big red flower. The huge fish bone wall sculpture is interesting. Furniture and bathroom fixtures show signs of wear.

Tablecloths and cloth napkins are nice touches, a step above from the most places nearby.

Main server was nice but not attentive to beverages. Asking if a party has everything is different than noticing a party may need something. Their helper kept trying to remove items we weren't done with. This person leaned toward surly. It seemed like we were an annoyance. A third server waited on our table once during our meal. They were friendly and seemed like they were experienced waitstaff.

Prices are over the top for the quality. Just too much for the quality. Crab cake was deep fried which isn't something we're used to seeing. Fresh fish could've been fresh but we suspect it was frozen. It was over cooked and tasted like paprika. Have to choose sides- kind of odd when in a higher tier place. Menu does a poor j9b at describing the sides. Oysters and clams were fresh and clean tasting, very good. Soups were just ok, clam chowder was thick like porridge and clams were chewy.

Cocktails were nice. Our server seemed to be the bartender. No mocktails on menu but they made one off the cuff that was pleasant. They serve real half and half for coffee, which is good. Specialty coffee serving was huge and very boozy.

No desserts made in house but what they offer isn't bad. Would prefer in house or from local place.

Overall, it was expensive for meh food and adequate level service in a setting that not only needs updating but also struggles between being mid tier kitchy and modern upper mid range nautical.

Wish I could give it a better review bc it's locally owned...

My wife and I go here at least 2 to 3 times a month .We went here 12/7/16 was great as usual! They moved to new location across the street from kohls . The new place is beautiful and has a very nice bar area to enjoy a drink before dinner . We enjoyed a nice martini at the bar before dinner . We than sat for dinner and started with shrimp cocktail and clams orgenato . Both we're excellent and the shrimp are always the best we have ever eaten anywhere! For salad I had the house Italian with Gorgonzola my wife had the Cesar they were great also . For dinner I got broiled flounder with lobster tail and broccoli. So fresh and one of the best tasting seafood meals I have ever had. My wife had scallops and shrimp franchase over penne . She loved it and always gets that dinner every time we go there . She also thinks it's always the best tasting seafood that we have eaten anywhere ! Our waitress usually is Stefanie who is always so nice and helpful to us (we really enjoy seeing her). My wife and I always look forward to going there on our date night and enjoying a awesome dinner and there service . The owners Joe and Deanna are extremely nice and make you feel so welcomed to be at there restaurant . Can't say enough about this place , we been eating there for every month for at least 6 years because we Love the service here and the quality...