SLS Part 9: Joe's American Bar & Grill

The second Summer Lunch post this week - that must mean I'm catching up! I spent last Friday afternoon lunching and bridesmaid dress shopping on Newbury Street. The bride-to-be is one of my best friends from college, and we were joined by her Mom and younger sister who were in town from New Jersey, as well as her sister-in-law to be. Dress shopping was an instant success at L'Elite Bridal Boutique, as the five of us narrowed down potential styles and colors to unanimously decide on the dresses. I have dress shopped and had alterations done at L'Elite before, they are definitely becoming a trusted source for all things bridesmaid. The bride-to-be celebrates another task checked of the wedding to-do list with a giant goblet of Sangria from Joe's American Bar and Grill. We were starved as we strolled down Newbury Street, bypassing longer waits for outdoor seating at The Met and Stephanie's, before deciding on Joe's at its new Back Bay location on the corner of Dartmouth Street. We scored a table in the coveted patio dining area, adjacent to the upper bar. (Picture borrowed from the website.)The sunken sidewalk patio is cozy and features a retractable roof. It's perfect if you're not looking to bask in the sun, but still want to enjoy an outdoor ambiance. Joe's boasts an extensive drink menu, I decided on a Dark N Stormy ($8), with Goslings Rum and Ginger Beer, always a dependable choice. To begin the table shared a Maryland Lump Crab Cake ($10.99) - they do it up right with quality crab meat and barely enough breading to hold it together, and serve it with lightly dressed cole slaw and zesty tartar sauce. Lunch options delighted the group as a whole, everyone cleaned their plates. I was impressed with my Ahi Tuna Salad ($16.99), the inherent freshness and overall execution was spot on. The sashimi tuna graced by a sesame seed crust achieved a perfect sear and was drizzled with just enough spicy aioli. Fresh salad greens were lightly dressed in an herb vinaigrette, topped with ripe avocado and red onions. Joe's American Bar and Grill is a local chain with nine locations in the greater Boston area. Serving straightforward comfort food in an upbeat all-American atmosphere, the Newbury Street location is likely a safe bet for lunch if you're in the area.