Not Your Average Joe’s
Not Your Average Joes is, well, unmistakably average. Jazzy atmosphere is a pleasant improvement from most chains, but the hit or miss food and humdrum service weight it down.
Atmosphere(8)
Not Your Average Joes lives up to its name with snazzy city atmosphere. Booth seating is a reminder of its chain status, but colorful retro lights, wrought iron decorations, oversized mirrors, and a friendly bar create a warm, comfortable setting.
Menu(7)
Menu items are exotic by description only with common, globally influenced pasta, pizza, salads, and sandwiches.
Portions(9)
Porky portions keep with the comfort food theme, with mashed potatoes on nearly every entrée plate.
Appetizers(8)
Phantom started with a fresh greens salad that balanced tangy, nutty, sweet flavors by layering goat cheese buttons, raspberries, candied pecans, and raspberry vinaigrette. The incredibly meaty coconut shrimp grew tasty with a thick, crunchy tropical coating aside syrupy orange ginger dipping sauce.
Food and Drink(6)
Unsuccessful entrees included the rubbery Left Coast Pizza of leathery prosciutto, spinach, and caramelized onions drowned out by a stringent balsamic reduction. The chewy Hawaiian flank steak needed more than a spicy pineapple cilantro salsa to contrast and lift its brown sugar saturation.
Desserts(8)
For dessert, the highly satisfying Peanut Butter Thing upped the ice cream cake ante with peanut butter nuggets and chocolate chunks jammed into a cool vanilla slice, dusted with crushed Oreos and topped with chocolate and caramel sauces, plus fresh whipped cream.
Service(6)
Sub par service darkened the mood, with an uninspired waiter who never delivered water despite multiple requests.
Cleanliness(8)
Cleanliness rose above the mainstream standard with unsoiled carpets displaying the same geometric designs of the dining room.
Parking(8)
The fast casual chain leaves an ironically average mark at its 8 suburban Massachusetts locations including Watertown, Arlington, and Beverly.
Value(8)
Value makes a moderate impression with $7 appetizers and entrees ranging from $7 to $19.
