Joe Allen Reviews Summary

Atmosphere & Decor

Pros:

• "It feels like you're in a celeb fave hidden gem spot just steps from Broadway."
• "They've kept all the best features - like the showbiz pictures - and added lights that brighten the atmosphere (and mean you can now read the menus!)."
• "The charming atmosphere, live piano music, and made to order cocktails make this place the ultimate hidden gem."
• "It still has a great atmosphere: underground, with 'New York loft' decor and theatre posters, red gingham tablecloths, old furniture, slick waiters, etc."
• "Walk down it's dimly lit staircase, you'll discover the refined and relaxed atmosphere, complete with ambient lighting, hum of conversation and soothing piano playing that ooze class."
• "Great atmosphere, service and food, it strangely conjures up the best of the West End and Broadway at the same time."
• "The ambience here is perfect for the theatre 'Lovey' crowd."

Cons:

• "The venue itself looks wonderful, dark, cozy and stylish however the food leaves room for improvement."
• "the rooms are half the size, and the atmosphere is more oppressive therefore, with the faux-period decor sadly reminiscent of a well-known pub chain"
• "It is honestly the worst restaurant I’ve ever been to. The atmosphere is horrible and is very cramped."
• "It did feel like they wanted to serve you and get rid of you as there was no warmth or ambience to the evening."
• "Our experience didn't start well. Firstly we were seated as my daughter observed 'in the wall' whilst there were a lot of empty tables around us and we were well away from the atmosphere created by the piano or other diners."

Service

Pros:

• "The staff were very attentive but not over the top."
• "Outstanding service and the amazing food!"
• "All the staff were friendly and helpful, drinks and food were very good."
• "The staff were very friendly and helpful would definitely recommend going there."
• "Honestly it was the best service I have had!"
• "The service was brilliant and also very quick, yet it didn’t take away from the quality, especially the food."
• "The servers are all really professional and really attentive."

Cons:

• "However the service was just meh, very average."
• "Poor service - staff were very nice but kept forgetting our drinks orders or bringing us drinks we didn't order."
• "Staff were a bit aloof but efficient."
• "Service was sporadic and at times non-existent."
• "We've never had such poor service before."
• "Rude staff, poor service."
• "also clueless waitressing."

Food Quality

Pros:

• "The food was beautifully cooked, the wine was delicious and the service was attentive, which meant we had a wonderful time there."
• "This restaurant really is value for money; especially the side dishes they always come in such generous portion sizes!"
• "The food was amazing, full of flavour, great portion sizes and good presentation."
• "Ribeye steak was cooked to perfection and melted in the mouth."
• "The food is great and not bad value either."
• "The food tasted amazing and was excellently cooked and presented."
• "The food is delicious, decor is really warming and interesting."

Cons:

• "The salad was tired and over shredded had been hanging around too long, the Back Ribs were overcooked and the encrusted sauce chewy and bitter."
• "Mediocre bland food & overpriced."
• "Small steak overpriced fat chips 4 potato sticks seriously if you want fries you need to order sides."
• "DO NOT GO HERE FOR A BURGER OR TASTE OF NEW YORK!!! Especially if you want a burger with any sign of life in it... very overpriced."
• "The rest and the most important - the food - was inedible. Definitely do *not* recommend."
• "Food was okay, but hugely overpriced for what it was."
• "The cuisine has become bland and bizarre."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "The lunchtime set menu is brilliant value."
• "If you're looking for a really fun and great value for money experience then I'd highly recommend Joe Allen."
• "And the wines are pretty well chosen, and decently priced."
• "Dishes like fluffy Ricotta pancakes and maple syrup with poached strawberries and mascarpone; classic American Waffles topped with blackberry compote and crab bisque provide tasty food that is reasonably priced."

Cons:

• "What was good value is now wildly overpriced."
• "Since Covid it just seems slightly overpriced."
• "The drinks are another story, the cocktails being tiny and highly priced (£7.50 for a glass about two inches tall)."
• "My only gripe was that the food, although very good, was certainly overpriced."
• "Oh and dont expect a cheap night out, if you do make it past the surly maître d', then make sure you are sitting down when the bill arrives; £10 for mushrooms on toast."