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| - I was really excited to experience Joe's Midnight Run. Great location and nice to have another North Central restaurant. But, unfortunately, that's where the compliments end...at least for now. I get it. We went the first Friday they were open and I'm sure they were a bit overwhelmed trying to get their groove. But, Joe's Midnight Run has a long way to go before we'd go back. The front of the house and the back of the house aren't communicating.
I think the vision for Joe's is a bit convoluted. The restaurant name suggests fast casual but the menu and the experience is anything but fast and although the decor is casual, the menu choices are a mishmash between casual and upscale. We were seated at the chefs' counter where we could watch the chefs in action. Typically this is a lot of fun, but watching them for the 2 hours we were at Joe's was disappointing. They didn't smile or talk to one another nor did they even acknowledge we (or any other customer) was in front of them watching what should have been them showing off their cooking skills. There just didn't seem to be anyone leading the kitchen or taking charge.
Upon being seated, it took 15 minutes to be brought water and be greeted by a server. We immediately placed our drink, appetizer and dinner order figuring the restaurant was going to start getting busy. After waiting 45 minutes, we hadn't received our drinks. After saying something, they came out. We finally started getting food served after an hour, but there was no semblance of order. An appetizer came out, then 1 dinner came out, then another appetizer. We certainly couldn't eat together. And remember, we're watching what's happening behind the counter and there was not a lot of activity. Sadly our water glasses remained empty most of the 2 hour meal.
Although the grilled Pulpo (octopus) was tasty, I think Executive Chef, Michael Goldsmith's attempt to bring sweet breads, grilled pulpo and bone marrow which are usually served in more upscale restaurants onto a menu with black-eyed peas, grilled wings and flatbreads leaves the customers confused. Are they going out for fine dining or fun and fast in a neighborhood customer-centric casual space.
The "Notorius B.I.G. Burger" with beef, braised pork, cheese and chicharrones was impressive, but the menu lacked just a simple burger. They had Oven Roasted Foie Gras, but serve skirt steak on the menu which is typically a cheaper cut but can be trendy. The Ahi Tuna Sandwich was just fair. Didn't taste the Ahi in all the bread. After 2 hours, we didn't have the patience to wait for dessert.
May go back in a few months after they've had a chance to work out the kinks. But for now, we'll just enjoy the many other exciting restaurants opening in the neighborhood.
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