Not Your Average Joe's Makes a Good First Impression

My parents and little sister came down to help me move last weekend, and, after a day of cleaning and moving boxes, we needed a good meal - and some stiff drinks. Z joined us for dinner, and we all walked over to Not Your Average Joe's.

I had never dined at this local chain before, and was excited to finally check it out. The decor alone was funky and modern, and the atmosphere was definitely family-friendly.

Shortly after being seated, we ordered a round of drinks. I went for the Flowertini ($7.99), made with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Absolut Vodka, and house-made lemonade.

While we sipped our drinks and looked over our menus, our waitress brought over the complimentary bread and oil - which I am still salivating over as I type this. The bread itself was incredibly moist and spongy, while the dipping oil was chocked full of Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper. It was insanely addicting - I could have easily eaten the bread and oil as a meal.

Upon realizing I should nix the bread as a meal and at least try an entree, I decided to order the Baja Burger ($10.99), made with ground Angus sirloin, guacamole, pepper jack cheese, pickled red onions, lettuce and crispy, blue tortilla chip strips on a seeded brioche roll. My side choices were French fries or mixed greens, so I went for the greens (I promise there's a burger under there somewhere).

This was also no ordinary burger - the subtle, unique touches added to it made it extra special, and extra delicious. Pickling the onions and adding crispy tortilla chips added textures and flavors that were unexpected, yet warmly welcomed.

I was stuffed to no end by this point, but Z asked if I'd be willing to split some dessert with him - and I eventually obliged. We ordered the Hot Apple Cinnamon Sticks ($6.50), which are made with spiced apples in a fried pastry shell, dipped in cinnamon and sugar, and served with vanilla ice cream and hot caramel sauce. 

These were tasty, but nothing special - although my full stomach might have had something to do with my opinion of them. 

Our party included a very picky eater (my little sister), a vegetarian (Z), and many who expect good food and great service when we go out to eat. At Not Your Average Joe's, everybody left pleased - and full. As a bonus, the prices were really reasonable, too. 

Side note: Since I left you all without a Best Deal this week, check out the weekly happy hour deals at Not Your Average Joe's here.

What's your favorite local chain restaurant and why?

Best Deal This Week: Free Drinks & Half Price Happy Hour at Not Your Average Joe's

I'm moving this weekend, and haven't started packing. I am the walking definition of procrastination. I am, however, fortunate enough to have plenty of help this weekend with the moving process, including some help from my parents, who are making the trip to Boston on Saturday. My little sister is coming with them, and we are all heading to dinner with Z at some point to relax, catch up and gorge. My dear sister, however, is very picky when it comes to eating. Despite undergoing open heart surgery as a newborn, her favorite foods are limited to macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, French fries, and cheeseburgers. Knowing all of this, Z suggested taking the family to Not Your Average Joe's. The menu at Not Your Average Joe's is diverse, and it will be easy for the picky eaters, vegetarians and omnivores alike to find something to eat and enjoy.

While I was perusing the restaurant's website to check out the menu, I also came across some pretty great deals that happen throughout the week that I thought was worthy of being this week's Best Deals.

Wine and Beer Tastings: Not Your Average Joe's holds complimentary tastings at their Norwell and Medford locations, featuring Cisco Grey Lady beer and two Nantucket Vineyard wines. The upcoming tastings are August 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at both locations.

Half-Price Happy Hour: All of the appetizers and cocktail-sized pizzas are half price from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. every weekday, in the bar area at all of their Massachusetts locations. I'd kill to try their Bacon Blue pizza, made with blue cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, arugula and a balsamic reduction (normally $6.99).

Besides the discounts, Joe's offers another bonus: Summer's Best Fest. Summer's Best Fest includes monthly specials during the summer where Joe's uses locally-grown products and ingredients. For instance, August's local ingredients include watermelon from Harvest Farm, tomatoes from Ward's Farm, fresh mozzarella from Narragansett Creamery, goat cheese from Westfield Farm, plus basil and arugula from numerous local growers. A list of August's specials can be found here.