Crain's Chicago Business - March 11th, 2009

Crain's Chicago Business says...

Equal parts entertainment and good cooking, Joe's serves up a classic seafood and steak experience, complete with masculine décor, large portions and delightfully cheeky but consummate waiters. A lively bar area gives way to a spacious yet cozy dining room, with plenty of banquettes and round tables for the ample number of large parties that come here. The chain's Florida heritage comes into play on a menu stocked with regional seafood such as delicious, simply grilled grouper ($18) and the justly famous stone crabs, in all sizes (market price). Steak is expert. For a bit more decadence, try crab-stuffed sole in lobster sauce, delicate and full of flavor ($22). "Jennie's" potatoes will do the trick, too: mashed with taleggio and asiago cheeses and covered in breadcrumbs ($4). Pie lovers are in for a treat. Dessert features a full lineup of old-fashioned varieties, including Key lime, peanut butter, butterscotch chiffon, banana cream and Boston cream. Try a few, if you like; they're available in half-slices ($3-$4).