Complaint Review: Joyce's Ocean Grill - Houston Texas

Let's see, you went to NEW restaurant --which means they were still trying to find out what works best with the customers at that location, including probably learning the limitations of their equipmentin the kitchen --learning what they can do best --what works, and what doesn't work! And this was on VALENTINE'S DAY, traditionally one of the restaurant industry's busiest days, in Texas, anyway! And you all are from out of town! But apparently, the restaurant you went to gave you great service and the food to go with it! I think the restaurant opened too soon without knowing their kitchen equipment and before the staff had the chance to get learn to work with each other! THERE IS AN ART TO A GOOD RESTAURANT--A LOT OF ART AND LUCK AND CHANCE! This is why that I go to the restaurants that I KNOW that I have had only GOOD experiences in the past! $140 for TWO! THAT is the REAL rip-off! You all came all the way from Oklahoma to be RIPPED-OFF like this by price gougers! I would have written to the owners and expressed my disappointment in the meal -- and referred them to the Rip-Off report. They should have knocked at least 3/4 off your bill for the crap service and semi-inedible food. I don't think I would have ordered a steak in a seafood place, though. That was taking a chance and most of the time when you take chances ordering something else on the menu besides what the restaurant allegedly specializes in.e.g., like ordering a checken-fried steak in a Mexican restaurant or a steak in a seafood restaurant unless it is a surf ( lobster, usually) and turf ( prime rib or an extravagantly expensive cut of beef) item on the menu. A lot of restaurants these days expect you to pour your OWN wine. It is too easy to be accused of slipping something in there like a "roofie" or something like that. I would INSIST on pouring my own if I were you, the way things are today! The name of the place should have warned you! It just doesn't have the cachet to charge that kind of money. $140 for ONE meal for TWO people! You could have got a gourmet meal at one of the finest hotels in Houston for MUCH less! Joyce's Ocean Grill conjures imagry of some gal named Joyce with anchor tattoos and "Mom" tattoos on the biceps, cigarette jammed in mouth ( when not slaving over the deep-fry machine), turning out orders of catfish and fries or fish and chips or Long John Silver's type of fare and NOT in ANY way $140! And beer served in the cans and bottles, ice cold. You are so right, it WAS a rip-off. But the restaurant money people should have realized that it takes a restaurant about two months for a highly professional crew trained in haute cuisine and culinary arts to come together. A bar is for DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT FOR SERVING HAUTE CUISINE, The bartender is there to serve alcoholic drinks and hustle tips from THEM. At least that is how it was explained to me. At least I know a place to AVOID at all costs and, thanks to your report, SO DO IT!

Every Valentines Day, everyone and their cousin Joe wants a nice dinner out. Because of the occasion, they want a perfect meal with perfect service. Problem is, EVERYONE wants the same thing. Personally, I have a nice, quiet meal in with a good movie and a bottle of wine. Dinner out? Maybe the next night when things are more peaceful.

Going to dinner anyplace on Valentine's day evening is the worst day of the year. Went to an Italian place a couple doors down from me last night. Walk in at 6pm to ask about seatting. The guy says we ONLY have room for TWO more couples. I say my wife will be here in a couple of minutes. Then he asks would I like to "look" at a menu? I say no, I get the same thing every time I come here. He says we're only serving beef or red snapper at $50+ a plate. I said I guess you'll have room for TWO more couples. Now it's the owner place and he can serve and charge what he wants to. But I ain't gonna eat it.