Joe Willy's Seafood House

The fish is sooo good. Its better than Jakes in Newburgh

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good seafood

Food: 5

⭐ Honest Review of Our Experience at Joe Willie’s
I rarely leave reviews, and I’m not someone who complains at restaurants. But I left our dinner last night feeling unsettled, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Maybe there was a miscommunication, but the way things unfolded felt unnecessarily uncomfortable.
I went to dinner with my best friend and my boyfriend because I was craving a lobster roll, and there aren’t many places around here that make one properly.
I ordered the lobster roll, she ordered the surf & turf, and he ordered chicken. We each got our own appetizers — all were good, no issues.
When dinner arrived, things changed. My lobster roll tasted…off. Mildly fishy in a way lobster shouldn’t. The portion was small, and the mashed potatoes were clearly instant, which surprised me. I wasn’t planning to say anything — I’m really not that person. But then my friend tasted her lobster and said, “Something isn’t right.” Her steak was fine, and my boyfriend enjoyed his meal.
When the waitress came by near the end of the meal, my friend quietly mentioned the lobster issue — not asking for anything, just wanting them to be aware in case something was wrong with the product that night. We had an event to get to, so we weren’t trying to linger.
This is where it shifted.
The waitress said she would get her mom. While waiting, the busgirl cleared our plates, even taking my friend’s lobster, and handed her a to-go container for her steak.
When the mom came over, the conversation took an unpleasant tone. She questioned why we didn’t say something sooner and even asked, “What did you put in the food that was wrapped up?” It felt accusatory and dismissive. I also mentioned my lobster roll had the same issue, and she brushed it off with, “Oh, that’s different,” as if it didn’t matter.
My friend reiterated she didn’t want anything taken off the bill — she simply wanted them to know something seemed off with the lobster that night. But the energy was annoyed and uncomfortable. The original waitress never came back to the table.
Eventually, the mom returned, said the chef was “too busy to come out,” and after about 15 minutes handed us the check. She removed the lobster from my friend’s bill and our soft drinks. We tipped well anyway, because the point wasn’t the money — it was the experience.
My friend, by the way, is a kind, highly educated Black woman. I’m mentioning this because the entire interaction felt directed solely at her, even though I had the same complaint. The dynamic did not sit right with me.
We left feeling embarrassed, unwelcome, and confused, especially given the positive reviews we had read. The night started out great. But we will not be going back, and we won’t be recommending the restaurant to anyone.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 1

Been trying to go for years! Last night I had the king crab with two sides. Delicious !!!The wait staff and Linsey where fantastic and all the people made my experience fantastic and I will be back! *****************

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Variety of seafood!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Place had a nice ambiance. Food was good. I'd go again and maybe try something a little different. I had the fried scallops and I found them to be a bit watery when I bit into them. The waiter was attentive and our food came out fairly quick.

Great service, I really enjoyed this place. Everything was delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food Good service Good people

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was great and the waitress was very friendly and attentive

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was incredible. The fried calamari was the best I’ve ever had, and the New England clam chowder was equally delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Weeknight dinner. Super slow, a few tables.

Feels like this place can't figure out what it wants to be. Upscae or mid range? Some decor is nautical, then there's some twisted wire decorations and a big red flower. The huge fish bone wall sculpture is interesting. Furniture and bathroom fixtures show signs of wear.

Tablecloths and cloth napkins are nice touches, a step above from the most places nearby.

Main server was nice but not attentive to beverages. Asking if a party has everything is different than noticing a party may need something. Their helper kept trying to remove items we weren't done with. This person leaned toward surly. It seemed like we were an annoyance. A third server waited on our table once during our meal. They were friendly and seemed like they were experienced waitstaff.

Prices are over the top for the quality. Just too much for the quality. Crab cake was deep fried which isn't something we're used to seeing. Fresh fish could've been fresh but we suspect it was frozen. It was over cooked and tasted like paprika. Have to choose sides- kind of odd when in a higher tier place. Menu does a poor j9b at describing the sides. Oysters and clams were fresh and clean tasting, very good. Soups were just ok, clam chowder was thick like porridge and clams were chewy.

Cocktails were nice. Our server seemed to be the bartender. No mocktails on menu but they made one off the cuff that was pleasant. They serve real half and half for coffee, which is good. Specialty coffee serving was huge and very boozy.

No desserts made in house but what they offer isn't bad. Would prefer in house or from local place.

Overall, it was expensive for meh food and adequate level service in a setting that not only needs updating but also struggles between being mid tier kitchy and modern upper mid range nautical.

Wish I could give it a better review bc it's locally owned and operated.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

1st Time at Joe Willys but defineitly not the last! Started with raw clams and Oysters. FANTASTIC! Blue Point Oysters were spectacular. But so impressed with chef on how they were all shucked! Fell Clean off the shell! Thats not typical for seafood restaurants. Special steamed Lobster was cracked for me and melted in my mouth. Waiter was professional and pleasant. It was a quiet night at the restaurant. But going back!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is excellent here! I had the Swordfish with Capers Special and it was amazing. The sauce was so flavorful and the fish was cooked to perfection. Stop by one day and give Joe Willy's a try.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

....the freshest, most delicious seafood in dutchess county! Love it!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best seafood..love it there

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5