Joe's Crab Shack - Location Isn't Everything

For some reason I've been putting off a visit to Joe's Crab Shack. I drive by it every day on my way to work, I've never had a particularly bad experience there, but I just haven't felt like going in there yet. Didn't really feel like it tonight either, but I gave Christine three choices and this one won out. So across the river we went.

I swear I took a facade picture. My phone thinks otherwise...

Driving into the lot, I think it's really been the location that's been putting me off. Awkwardly nestled next to Fairview in a weird corner by the river. Tricky to get in and out of, weird shaped parking lot, and the exterior looks a little dingy. Luckily that fades away pretty fast once you walk in, it's nice and clean inside with a pretty solid view of the river.

Presentation - The service was great, regrettably I forgot our servers name, but she never let a drink go empty and was very prompt with anything we needed. The layout is nice and open, cozy yet spread out, which made the two times the staff sang happy birthday to a customer not particularly irritating. The taco spread was good, no real complaints. 4/5

Aroma - The avocado lime dressing smelled great, as did the seasoning of the fish. Christine's crab was a bit pungent, otherwise a great smelling meal. 4/5

Value - $12 for three tacos, chips, and queso. Normally an average deal, but these tacos were seriously big. Finishing the plate left me pretty darn full. 7/10

Fish - Blackened mahi with a good dose of seasoning. Honestly just a tad light on the fish, could have used one more chunk per taco, but not enough that I felt ripped off. Solid flavor, a bit light for the amount of seasoning on them, but good. 6/10

Not Fish - First up the side, queso. Unique so far in this challenge and appreciated, if a bit cold. Single flour tortillas, which worked but would have been better if they were corn. One slice of lime per taco and about the perfect proportions of cabbage, pico, and sauce. Not bad at all. 7/10

Overall Taste - Just a tad on the spicy side, but pretty darn good. These are grilled fish tacos I'd happily eat again. They come together well and leave you festively plump. 7/10

Bonus Points - Kids meals can be a tough one. I often feel ripped off paying $5-6 for a tiny portion of simple, mediocre food. This menu was good in that it offered non-standard choices and wasn't overpriced. The real shock came when Addie's plate arrived, pictured below. It was massive. I swear she got more food than I did for a bit over $5. Pretty solid value there if you have a little one to feed. +1

Overall Overall - 36/50

After the trainwreck that was Black Bear Diner I didn't have much hope for the remaining chains. Joe's Crab Shack dispelled that worry, these were a nice surprise. 21 to go...