Less than a mile from my hotel in Franklin, Massachusetts, I took note of a simple building with a blue and red neon sign calling out to me like a beacon in the night: Joe’s American Bar and Grill. The place seemed busy, as any good establishment is on a Friday night. The restaurant had its own parking lot which was ample, well lit and the outside landscaping was nicely groomed.
A staff member opened the door as we arrived. I expected to be standing in a mob of people working my way up to the hostess station but was pleasantly surprised that the waiting area had nine benches. The seating was uncomfortable but it kept a path to the early American antique colonial dresser being used as a hostess station free. There were three ladies working hard to get us seated. They were all business as they checked diner status and prepared menus and tables. I had spent 15 minutes looking at the nostalgic American pictures, flavored with many from the Boston area, when I was told that my booth was available.
The aroma in the dining area was overwhelming. I smelled a mixture of food that instantly made my mouth water and I was eager to examine the menu. I walked by a well rounded combination of families, couples, elderly, and young adults with various meals involving chicken, steak, sizzling grilled dishes, fish, soup, fries, vegetables, and a multitude of other items that were intriguing.
The only tables were by the front windows and were teaming with large groups of party goers. The remainder of the restaurant had booths with cloth napkins and fresh cut flowers. The booths were extremely roomy, but not very comfortable.
The interior décor was well done. The dark green paint, the dark stained wood, and the brick overlay gave it an American Colonial touch but the open floor plan, high ceilings and the large windows added a modern non-claustrophobic feel. There were American flags and eagle sculptures peppered throughout the restaurant and track lighting highlighted the antique looking pictures of historic buildings and past presidents.
I decided on an appetizer and at that moment, as if reading my mind, my waitress appeared and introduced herself. She was professional looking in her black pants and white button down shirt but there was no name tag. It wasn’t needed though because I never had to ask for her. She provided great service from beginning to end.
I was slightly disappointed that they did not have Shock Top, but I was amazed that they carried Kaliber for my dining companion. The bar was packed on this Friday evening so I expected our drinks to take a while but not at all. The beers and appetizer were out before I was done perusing the extensive menu. The nachos were delivered as ordered, without guacamole, and I was not disappointed. The kitchen staff started with chips that could have stood alone with flavor. The cheese and sour cream proportion was just right, although it was light on the pico de gallo and salsa. I’d like to note that the salsa was fabulous. It was flavorful and extremely spicy, but not hot.
We were brought half a loaf of fresh, soft, warm sour dough bread with butter. We took our time with the appetizer, enjoying the conversation and atmosphere, and as soon as the empty plate was whisked away our meals arrived. I never felt rushed, but I did feel catered to, as if the food server was in the back waiting to see when I was done. Our waitress, Kasey I later learned, came over to actually serve our meals. Although the whole belly clam special was tempting, I had ordered the prime rib special, only served on Friday and Saturday nights after 4 p.m. It was slightly overcooked from the very rare with a cool raw center that I ordered (perhaps the food server was waiting with my meal under the hot lights) but the taste, spices and au jour sauce more than made up for it. It was 12 ounces of quality beef bursting with flavor and the horseradish was not overpowering, but had plenty of bite. There was no salad served. The side dish was a cooked potato thrown on the plate. It wasn’t even cut open and the butter and sour cream was on the side.
The meal was amazing, and Kasey attentive. With the last bite she whisked our plates away and as we were winding down she produced a dessert menu and coffee options. Upon declining, she efficiently left our check. We were wished a good night by every staff member we passed on the way out and all in all it was an awesome dining experience.
I later learned that this restaurant is owned by the Back Bay Restaurant Group and is currently expanding out of Massachusetts. I hope it comes to my neck of the woods because it could quickly become one of my favorites.
