The Scene
Each Joe's location handles a steady flow of hungry families and casual couples tired of national chains' bland cuisine and soulless atmospheres. While most nights bring standing-room crowds, waiting for a table can be avoided by sitting at the bar (the better to sample from a surprisingly varied, yet affordable, wine list). Servers, while kept in constant motion by the hungry masses, manage to keep baskets of spongy focaccia filled.
The Food
While most diners come for the eclectic, stone hearth oven-baked pizzas (shrimp and artichoke, spicy "voodoo" chicken), it's a mistake to ignore the rest of the varied menu. Start with a freshly-made cobb salad; full of grilled chicken, applewood-smoked bacon, and avocado, the heaping plate is large enough for three diners. Entrees consist of casual (savory Black Angus meatloaf) and contemporary (Mediterranean salmon with balsamic tomato-caper relish) options. Mammoth desserts include kid-approved favorites like strawberry shortcake.