Often when a place has this many reviews, I don't bother to add my 2 cents. In this case, however, I need to make an exception.

My boyfriend and I took his parents and younger brother to Joe's over Labor Day weekend. My boyfriend's brother had just completed his first tour of duty as a Marine in Afghanistan, and we were celebrating his safe return. After making reservations at Joe's (several weeks in advance) my boyfriend emailed them to ask if they could do anything for his brother - he specified that we weren't looking for freebies, we just wanted a special night. The manager suggested that there wasn't much they could do besides give us their best server, which was an offer we happily accepted.

Best server indeed. Our server was fantastic - attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, accommodating, and funny. We had a lovely evening, and he made several key recommendations. (He also allowed me to get a plate of mixed scallops when I couldn't decide between their two kinds.)

At the end of the night, we decided to order a couple desserts to share. Our server got a twinkle in his eye and said he knew just the thing. We were a little confused, seeing as we had just told him which desserts we wanted, but the rest of the night had been great so we weren't too concerned. A few minutes later, he carted out a tray of desserts, which we figured were for us and the table behind us. No. Every single dessert on that tray was for us (8 or 9 total) and they were all free. My boyfriend's brother was embarrassed, but his mother and I both got tears in our eyes (and I'm getting them again now) as our

server and the manager came over to thank him for his service.

Again, the whole evening was a wonderful dining experience, but that put it over the top. Things like that are what make a place stand out above the rest.

And if you think I'm just talking about getting something for free, then you've missed the point entirely.