The solution to our quandary? Joe’s Bar and Grill. Joe’s is the brainchild of Louie’s 106 co-owner Joe Elmiger. Joe set out to create a traditional sports bar with upper-class comfort food and a casual, inviting atmosphere. There’s the requisite large oak bar; flat-screen TVs on every wall; shuffleboard and pool tables providing free (yes, free) games. But Joe’s offers so much more. The wine list reads more like that of a fine dining establishment. The patio is surrounded by large shady trees and boasts a 120-inch high definition TV. Daily specials include 2-for-1 mini burgers and “Hump Day” Mojitos.

The menu at Joe’s is deceiving. At first glance, it appears to be your typical pub grub: chicken wings, chips and queso, burgers. But Joe’s is no typical bar. Head chef Riah Kuenzi is a veteran of Louie’s 106 and Mirabelle, and his sophisticated taste and training are apparent in every aspect of Joe’s menu. Macaroni and cheese is a combination of a classic béchamel sauce blended with five cheeses, suffused with gourmet franks, and topped with Italian breadcrumbs. French fries are tossed with raw garlic, parsley, kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Stuffed mushrooms overflow with a rich, delicious shrimp stuffing. Gourmands will be delighted by the offerings of parmesan-crusted chicken, NY strip, or a bone-in pork chop with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and veal demi-glace. Dessert choices range from key lime pie to traditional crème brulee. Who knew a bar could double as a food lover’s paradise?

My first visit to Joe’s was a double date with my husband and our best friends. We were intrigued by the Thursday night Bocce ball lessons paired with half price Bocce Pinot Grigio and Zinfandel but, feeling more subdued, we settled for a couple of mixed drinks and kicked back to watch NC State upset the Florida State Seminoles. When it was time for dinner, my husband and I decided to split the mini burgers and the jalapeño-wrapped shrimp. Chef Riah’s top-selling mini burgers are well-seasoned, juicy, and topped with smoked Gouda cheese. The shrimp are wrapped in jalapeños, grilled, and served on top of crusty, garlicky bread to soak up the juices. Our friends chose a Monte Cristo served on Texas Toast and fried in a light jalapeño batter, and a Fried Egg Sandwich with crispy bacon and ripe, sliced tomatoes. We left full and happy, not to mention a little tipsy.

The next time I hit Joe’s was on a Friday afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, in addition to the regular menu, Joe’s offers a weekday lunch buffet from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. The offerings vary daily, but you’ll always find at least two hot items, two sides, and several salads. The day I was there, I indulged in ravioli with a creamy tomato sauce, chicken fried chicken, and green bean casserole. It’s a dream come true for the downtown lunch crowd looking for a hearty meal including tax, tip, and beverage for under $10. (That is, if you don’t decide to throw caution to the wind and have a beer… which I did.) Stop by on Saturday or Sunday and you’ll find a brunch menu described by the chef as “rockin’” and sure to chase away the “morning-after” blues.

Joe’s staff has created an environment which they hope will encourage repeat customers. Walk in and you immediately feel like an old friend. An artist near the front door offers caricatures which can be hung on the wall so you can always find a little bit of yourself at Joe’s. Managers Alex Elmiger and John “Fontaine” Adams are happy to accommodate special requests. Whether you want a special movie shown on the back patio or you’d like to reserve the 12-foot Bevo table made especially for Joe’s, just give Alex or Fontaine a call and they’ll get you hooked up. That is, of course, only if you can beat me and my friends to it.

QUICK INFO - JOE’S BAR & GRILL
Location: 506 West Avenue
Phone: 512.473.0885
Type: Upscale Pub Grub
Parking: Street / Valet for $3 on weekends
Kid Friendly: Yes
Suggested Order: Mini Burgers