restaurant of the month - september 2010

Like being at the shore in Brookfield!

JOEY’S SEAFOOD & GRILL

WALK THROUGH the door at Joey’s Seafood & Grill and it feels like you’ve been suddenly transported to a casual, wharf-side restaurant where wonderful seafood specialties abound.

Joey’s is conveniently located in a sleek strip mall at 12455 W. Capitol Dr. in Brookfield, just west of the I-45 and Capitol Drive exit – an easy stop for travelers as well as locals. And if you’re attending the Hidden River Art Festival (see the KeyMilwaukee.com Cover Feature), Joey’s is a must-visit.

Once part of a small chain, Joey’s is now one of a kind. And owners Jim and Laurie Knop are active in the Milwaukee restaurant scene, frequently taking their seafood show on the road to area festivals and the state fair.

The restaurant conveys coastal ambience through a décor that includes antique buoys and lobster traps, painted seascapes and vintage black and white photos of fishermen and their catches. Jimmy Buffett and steel drum band music plays softly as you ease into a cozy booth or table. Even the Buoys Room and Gulls Room have a nautical theme!

It’s hard to pass up the appetizer list, with items that put an intriguing twist on the usual choices. Scallop Poppers are hand-battered with Joey’s signature recipe that is crisp, light and delicious. Quesadillas are filled with your choice of crab, shrimp, jerk chicken or smoked salmon.

In September, warm weather can have you craving a salad like the Malibu Coconut version or a sudden cold spell can give chicken and sausage gumbo appeal.

On the sandwich board, Joey’s version of a lobster and seafood roll will take you to Maine and the Po-Boys boast homemade remoulade sauce for a taste of N’Awlins. (In fact, all of the 14 sauces, batters and butters are freshly prepared from signature recipes.)

There’s not one, but four versions of Tacos de Pescado and Fish ‘n’ Chips are served everyday, not just on Friday as is customary in Milwaukee. Shrimp comes crab stuffed or you choose the style – battered, Malibu Coconut, Asian sesame, blackened, sautéed Cajun, sautéed garlic, sautéed lemon, poached, charbroiled or bourbon.

Landlubbers in your group can choose from steak, chicken or pasta specialties. But fish and shellfish entrees are where Joey’s shines. Citrus Mahi Mahi, Asian sesame salmon and Louisian’ tilapia and shrimp are among the options. Seafood combos also are available. Sides get full attention here and include bacon cheddar mashed potatoes, coleslaw, red beans and rice, jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables, seasoned French fires and hush puppies. Make sure that you leave room for Joey’s authentic, homemade Key Lime Pie.

A kids’ menu is available for those 12 and under at this family-friendly restaurant. (If there are youngsters in your group they’ll love the large fish tank.)

Joey’s offers full bar service with a range of beers, wines and signature cocktails. An example is the Landshark, an ice-cold beer from Jimmy Buffett’s brewery fortified with a shot of Bacardi Limon and served in the bottle.

Joey’s is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. For more information, phone 262-790-9500 or www.joeysbrookfield.com.