Joe's is fine. It's a decent concert venue but only if you're into country music for the most part. As a bar it's about on par with others. Nothing remarkable, but not much to complain about either unless you're super into a wide draft beer selection in which case Joe's may not quite meet your standards.
The lunch crowd is very laid back. Seat yourself and order quick. A little worn down seating and tables, but it gives character more than anything.
Every time I come here for a show, something goes terribly wrong. Came for Bryson Tiller last year. Waited until 1AM just for him to walk across the stage and not perform. Went 2 weeks ago for Dave East. Stood for 6 hours and had to go home because it was 2AM and a wednesday. Found out he came on stage near 2:30AM. The only smooth performance that happens here is Carnival Dance Show. Also, drinks are super expensive.
The show we saw a few months back was packed, it was a well organized show and the music was good. However the reason for a 2 star review is in a place with a couple hundred people and 2 exits. I would have expected at least a little bit of security. This day in age where people do crazy things I try to put myself in the safest of situations, however here I did not feel safe.
food is amazing. I love the homefrys they are small red potatoes seasoned so well and also cooked perfect.
Excellent venue for music and awesome food. Best sound and lights in Chicago!
Sunday football experience:
Waited for service 15-20 min.
Asked hostess for server.
Put in order, waited ~20 min.
Let hostess know we were leaving.
While at competitor less than a mile away, realized waitress had my credit card at Joes.
Paid (was told price cut in half) due to chips/guac and a drink already prepared earlier.
Returned to competitor and had a much better experience.
Gave a star for the atmosphere, otherwise, very unfortunate time for me to be there due to poor staffing/efficiency.
Conclusion: Will be elsewhere on Sundays.
Went for Game of Thrones Trivia night, one of the most anticipated trivia nights at Joe's for the entire summer and you could tell; over 50 teams of 6 joined in on the "fun". After starting over an hour late the moderator of the night read clues out loud due to technical difficulties. The moderator admitted to the crowd she had never watched the show and was only a "last minute replacement". It would take over 20min in between rounds to calculate scores, answers to the questions were wrong and had to be corrected by the audience. Poorly run, barley planned, and horribly executed I would not recommend trivia night at Joe's to anyone. Food and atmosphere was also mediocre. 0/5 stars.
Mark was a very helpful security guard with cabs and ubers even though he had to get people of the street. This was my first time visiting Joe's bar and it was a great deal for a Tuesday, $2.00 pitchers that you can not beat anywhere else. I would gladly visit again.
This place is awesome. Trivia night here is a blast! The food is very good. Lots of great drink options. Servers and bartenders were all very friendly. Bathrooms are clean, but super dark.
Comedy shows are always a great time with house or Spanish music sure to follow each show. A great, fun and friendly crowd everytime and the bartenders work quickly.
We reserved a table for 8 on Harry potter trivia night and they messed up and thought we had 6. Our hostess was somewhat rude and sat us in the corner, despite other tables being available.
Food was good at least. Really like their $3 mystery beer special.
Good place to grab a beer after a comedy show. Sometimes is low key, sometimes it's hoppin. I can't get the schedule straight. I go there when I want to turn up and it's a chill night in the bar and they don't even have the dance floor open. I go there when I just want a beer and chat with a friend and the bar is going crazy as if its 1999 and the world is going to end but all I want to do is hear the guy next to me talk.
Awesome trivia nights. Came with my friends to play trivia and actually won first place which they rewarded us with a complimentary party for 20 people for 2 hours. Drink specials are great as well.