Not Your Average Joe’s

I normally like this location. They have decent food and drinks, and the patio is nice. Today though, I went for lunch and it was incredibly sub-​par. It took 20 minutes for them to take our order, and when we finally got our all three of the burgers were burnt. One of my friends asked for Swiss instead of blue cheese on his burger but it came with blue cheese. They took it back, flipped the burger over and put Swiss on it. They didn’t even try to get the blue cheese off. The whole experience took almost two hours and was incredibly disappointing.

First time at any NYAJ location.
Brand new location, so the place is pretty great looking both inside and outside. Bocce court outside, a fire pit and plenty of seating. Plenty of seating inside as well, even at the large bar which I believe has 20 taps.
We went for lunch and had great service throughout the whole meal. Not really any complaints at all.
— Bread, Olive Oil dip — amazing home-​made bread with a great olive oil, cheese and crushed red pepper dip.
— Pineapple Painkiller — was a very good cocktail.
— Ahi wonton — great size portion and overall great taste.
— Pot stickers — surprised how great these were as it is not an Asian restaurant.
— Deviled eggs — a little disappointing, under-​seasoned/​not too much flavor, but still decent
— Goat cheese salad w/​salmon — great portion, the salad was great, the candied walnuts were delicious, however the salmon was just okay.
— Espresso — great.
— Key Lime Pie — delicious/​great portion.
The best part is that it isn’t very expensive, I definitely will be returning. Overall very happy with my experience.

Generally not a fan of any chains but I’ve always liked this one. I grew up going to the Watertown location fairly regularly. They went downhill and after one particular experience I just can’t go back. Needless to say I was excited for this location to open and I’ve been twice since.
Both times we went off hours so it wasn’t too busy but still had a good amount of people. It’s probably the nicest NYAJ I’ve been to. Nice décor inside and out. The service just like with any chain is meh. Nothing horrible happened just nothing extraordinary. Our server last night told us she was new (although it was pretty obvious). She was very nice just clearly inexperienced.
Anyhoo food and drinks were good. The Watermelon-​Cucumber Margarita was outta this world — especially for $ 7.99! I had the Grilled Chicken Caprese which is new to the menu and pretty good, not great. Could have used a few more tomatoes but otherwise it was fresh and flavorful.
The bread has changed over the years. It’s not as fresh and rustic, no caramelized onions but given I work at Fiorella’s I refuse to complain about free bread. I’m sure I’ll visit NYAJ again soon. Their birthday coupons always get me in.

Been twice in the last three weeks. Once for drinks /​food after work and once for a business lunch.
Both times it was nice, at the bar or at a table. Staff knew what they were doing, food was good.

Not sure if it applies to all chains but the Waltham one is great. Incredibly impressed with NYAJ’s customer service. Upon reading my review they promptly replied and offered me a gift card since I wasn’t completely satisfied with my first visit. Anyway, boyfriend and I frequented NYAJ and it’s one of the places we will miss greatly since we’ve left Waltham.

Went here with a group of friends that loves to mess with people. Helen was our waitress, she rolled with it even when we started asking her about her customers’ survival rate. Great time and good food.

My roommate suggested NYAJ’s one night, and I was pretty shocked by how close it was to campus. My first visit wasn’t as great as my other visits, but it got better my second and third visit. I blamed the fact that we came an hour before closing, and they were getting ready to close. It’s sort of pricey for a college student, but you want quality not quantity sometimes!
My first visit, my roommate was raving about the bread. I had high hopes for this bread, but it was mediocre this time around. We ordered the thai chicken lettuce wrap as an appetizer while we looked over the menu. A lot of the entrees here have an asian twist which I’m not complaining, I just thought it was interesting. My friend recommended ordering the chicken enchiIladas, so I ordered the chicken enchilladas, they weren’t my favorite. I was like man, this place wasn’t as amazing as she said it would be…
My second visit, I went with one of my friends who was home for spring break! This time around it was WAAAAAY better. The bread was warm and toasty and amazing. I ordered the not your average meatloaf. I’ve never had meatloaf before so I wasn’t sure what to expect… but it was delicious. Our waitress was so nice, and I wished I could remember her name. My friend got a burger, and I got to say they are very generous with their fries on the side. During this visit, our waitress offered us to sign up for the NYAJ email list which included a 15% off your total meal on your next visit.
I came back multiple times after this pleasant visit, this may be one of my favorite restaurants to go to when I’m on campus!

Good bar food for the prices. We had limited time to sit and they got us in and out quickly. Nothing special, but if you need a good lunch option in the area it will fufill the need.

NYAJ that’s exactly what this place is — AVERAGE. Got a goat cheese salad recently picked it up for take out. Instead of «toasted» goat cheese I got burnt goat cheese. Not appetizing. I haven’t been to a NYAJ in a long time, thought I’d give it another try — now I remember why I don’t ever go here.

I’m glad I waited till my second visit to review this Average Joes. Usually I wait for the second visit or pretty forgiving in the first review.
As expected this place is busy and usually will be always on the weekend. Waltham deserves an area with a few restaurants and ample parking and along with the restaurant across the lot (Jake and Joes) they must have spoke to each other and coordinate outdoor décor because it’s spot on!
There are outdoor pits or hear to eat outside, modernized, and very pretty or romantic whether on a date or watching the game.
Inside is also very modern, good seating area for that long wait! The first time we went the hostessing situation was a little confusing, but the second time it was quick and efficient and we were greeted properly.
Both times we went the staff and food was spot on as we expected from Not Your Average Joes.
What shined above the rest was our waiter the second time there. Mario! He was so charming, always had a smile, and the most important thing was his natural connection with the heart which not everyone has.
I was there with two other friends and we had connected for the first time in weeks after our house burned down. We had lost everything, and was meeting for dinner to see how we were coping and rebuilding, and just supporting one another. Throughout dinner Marion came to check on us and ask how things were along with some witty comments and great humor. I had been talking a lot and was very slow in finishing my meal which prompted him to ask if it was «guy trouble» lol… We shared why we were there and while most folks would not know the exact words to say, it’s expected not to, but Mario was as empathic, funny, and sweet as he consistently was throughout the dinner. He told us he was treating us to dessert on him and we were surprised and thought it was the most touching thing ever.
At the end of the meal he had come by to check on our dessert and at the end told us he took care of our check. While it’s been hard with the experience we’ve been through… we’ve all internalized and dealt with the incident in our own way tonight we came together and shed tears. It’s been amazing the level of support and heart connections we’ve been given and Mario is one of those special angels that the world should be greatful to have still providing faith and proof that love exists in all ways.
Thank you Mario, and NYAJ for this experience. Don’t lose this guy! You have a gem and an asset.
We will be back soon!

I love this location! It’s so classy and modern. The food is delicious, and the staff is attentive and friendly. Five stars in my book!

We had a wonderful night here on February 13. First I must comment on the service, I unfortunately forgot his name, but our server was an incredible professional. Such that we took to joking that he could read minds since every time we thought to request something he would be halfway done putting it on our table or bringing it out. He took excellent care of us and we would return for the service alone.
Thankfully, NYAJ delivered on the food as well. We were thoroughly satisfied by all the food that we ordered. My order was a standard burger and fries, but they managed to elevate it to so much more, scrumptious and cooked exactly to order, my fries were perfect too!
Everyone else at my table enjoyed their entrees as well! We were having such a good time we even order coffee and dessert (which we seldom do). By the way, I want to know what is in their coffee, it was SO GOOD! It was the most outstanding coffee I’ve had at a restaurant of the same caliber.
Looking forward to coming back! :)

More like extremely average joes… there I said it. Now that that’s over with I’ll start off by saying in general I have never been a huge fan of nyaj, however, I take it for what it is and I only critique it on what it is («upscale American from scratch chain»). Hey breads good if not great, worthy of one star on its own but as far as edibles go it’s really the only thing that’s above par. Food isn’t bad but man is it lacking flavor and seasoning. Always get a really nice and well thought out plating only to be let down by it not living up to how nice it looks. I’m a culinary professional and am aware the whole eat with your eyes cliché but if that was all of it we would just look at a picture and save some money. That being said its not cheap! $ 20 average price per entrée is a lot for average tasting food and the menu is pretty small.
^^^^^EVERYTHING ABOVE IS A RANT^^^^^
If nothing else listen to this please. The worst part of my time in the waltham location are the chairs!!! Holy funk these are the worst and most uncomfortable sorry excuse of a chair I have ever sat in! If you go request a booth. You have been warned. Bars. Tables. Don’t even. I wanted to scream in discomfort the whole time!
Again I’m aware this isn’t a high end restaurant and is what it is, but, as far as food in the same from scratch upscale American food concepts in the price range it fails all around (besides bread). Go to Burtons grill or Tavern in the Square or even, dare I say it, Cheesecake Factory… just be warned about the metal awkward torture chairs.

This place is so much better than I remember it being from years ago. It’s been many years since I’ve been. They’ve done a great job classing it up and moving out of the Chili’s/Applebees class.
I got a burger with BBQ sauce and onion strings on which was cooked perfectly. The onion strings were just okay. The clam chowder was very good. I also got a homemade lemonade which was delicious.
The service was just okay and didn’t come by too often to ask for refills on our bottomless drinks but overall it was very good.

I have tried both lunch and dinner at this relatively new locations. I was happy with food and overall experience both times.
Lunch on one of the weekdays was great — service was fast and attentive, and food was tasty. The restaurant offers to typical American fare (burgers, wraps and pizza), which is perfectly suited for quick business meal. Getting a table was easy — no wait — although the place did not appear empty.
For dinner, there was a small wait without reservation for two people. The service was fast and friendly once again. Food selection is great for dinner as well, with specials providing seasonal variety. Buffalo chicken with caribbean flavors are a great appetizer. For main dish, pork shank was just ok (our waitress told us it is a popular dish) — slow-​cooked shank was too firm for my taste, perhaps a failure of executing, although the rest of the dish (polenta and tart relish) was tasty. Despite this small imperfection, the overall dining experience was really pleasant.
This restaurant is a solid and affordable option for business lunch or dinner.

I really enjoy eating at NYAJ. I am a huge fan of the complementary bread and cheese/​olive oil dip that is served as an appetizer-​the crushed red pepper adds a great burst of flavor.
I really enjoy their seasonal menu. The harvest sangria was delicious! We ordered a few glasses before deciding that a pitcher was probably a much better value.
Also, the scallops and the mustard crusted chicken were delightful. The food has a lot of flavor, and since they make everything from scratch, you can remove any item that you like.
The staff is consistently friendly and accommodating.

The food here is always top quality. And even the most common dishes are uniquely presented or prepared. There’s not a boring thing on the menu. I believe this restaurant was just recently built, and it shows. The dining room is open and bright, and the restaurant is impeccably clean. I liked how the waitstaff took orders on what looked to be an iPad. The order was sent immediately to the kitchen or bar right from the table, which increases service speed. Overall it was an enjoyable experience and we’ll be back.

This branch may be the best of the NYAJ chain. I have eaten at many of them, including the nearby branches in Acton, Arlington, Burlington, Lexington (now closed) and Watertown. And, the menus are consistently good. I really appreciate that everything was from scratch. As a gluten free person, I really like how they adjust and take care of you.
I want to give a shout out to our waitress Sarah L., who went out of her way to be friendly, caring and helpful. Based on the other reviews, it seems that this branch does a great job finding excellent people.

This Not Your Average Joes OPENED TODAY! August 25,2015
Extremely amazing new restaurant at 1265Main in Waltham! The storefront is super cool and different than the other NYAJ locations nearby, including Needham and Watertown. The food is great and the bread is great (as always!). Joe Pizza is also a great choice. Our waitress, Helen, was also extremely friendly and helpful. Also, Allie the host was very friendly and efficient moving along everyone as their was a small wait time. Great experience and overall, great restaurant. Great spot for lunch (and dinner too!). Hopefully, the new location in Westwood will be just like this NYAJ. Located on Route 117 (close to Route 20, exit 26 off Rt. 128. Off exit 26, keep right for Waltham /​Watertown, and turn left onto Stow Street, follow straight to Route 117), in a new shopping center with Market Basket, Marshalls and some other restaurants. Definitely a place to check out. 5 stars.

We had the opportunity to dine at NYAJ Waltham tonight during their training sessions, and we are happy to report that as usual, the food is on point.
The first dinner seating was at 5:30pm, so we decided to get in at opening time and watch the excitement unfold. In comparison with the Acton location, this building blew us away. Whereas Acton is in a strip mall, this location is stand alone. Every part of the building is eye catching: from the glowing lights hanging over the high top tables in the bar area to the aqua colored cloth high backed booths in the middle of the restaurant, it’s beautifully decorated and thoroughly modern. (Hopefully a makeover is due for Acton?)
Our waitress Alexa could not have been friendlier or more attentive. From the moment we sat down there were multiple waitstaff attending to our every need, including the servers filling water glasses and the various servers delivering food to the tables. Because it was training night, you could tell that everyone was on high alert, and it was nice to know that good service was something everyone was striving for.
We began with steak egg rolls for an appetizer and ordered a couple of beverages. The draft beer was cold and fresh, and the sangria had plenty of fruit. While waiting for our appetizer, the highlight of our evening arrived… THE FOCCACCIA! I literally starved myself today so I could enjoy the bread and olive oil with garlic, grated cheese and pepper flakes. It never disappoints. When the steak rolls arrived they were hot and delicious. Knowing there would be more deliciousness coming with our entrees, we saved half our app and took the rest home.
We ordered Vietnamese salmon and Korean bbq pork tenderloin for our entrees. I ordered the pork as the chef recommended, medium rare (much to my husband’s dismay, as he needs to cook pork until it’s gray and shoe leatherish.) When the entrees arrived, in a timely fashion I might add, the smell of the fresh dill on the salmon was overwhelming, and we took half of the dill off. Otherwise, delicious and cooked perfectly. The pork came with kimchi cucumbers which were amazing, and a vinegary watermelon garnish which was too strong. Aside from that, the pork and noodles underneath were to die for.
After wrapping our leftovers, we were told a strawberry shortcake was on its way. Here lies the only hiccup in the night because we waited about 15 minutes for it to arrive. In retrospect, the delay actually gave our bellies a much-​needed rest between courses. And, like everything else, dessert was beyond delicious.
We are excited to have another local choice for NYAJ and we look forward to dining here again once they officially open.