I'm going to start by saying that I used to hate seafood. When I say 'hate' I mean I wouldn't even go into a place serving it because the smell repulsed me so much. After beginning a dramatic shift in my eating to be part of a much healthier lifestyle, seafood is now on the table (pun intended). Which brings me to my visit to Joe Muer Seafood. My wife wanted to go somewhere fancy for her birthday and I was happy to oblige. Turning to Yelp we found Joe Muer's and based on the reviews, decided to give it a whirl. (The Hour Detroit 2012 Restaurant of the year award helped too) To make this review a little short, I will say that if I had eaten here years ago, I would have started eating seafood a long time ago! The salmon was perfection, the crab balls as an appetizer made me wish I had an entire meal of them. Heck, even just the chopped salad was outstanding! Environment and the view of the review was perfect, attention from the waitstaff made it feel like private dining, and the live piano music set a perfect mood. There were only 2 reasons why I didn't give it 5 stars. First reason was it was loud. Not Red Robin loud, but WAY louder than I thought it should be for such a fancy place. There were quite a few times during dinner where my wife and I had to ask each other to repeat what they said or speak up. The second reason were the prices on the mix cocktails. Now, I know, it was a fancy place but $15 for the mudslide my wife ordered? Seriously, are we at the airport? Plus, call me cheap, but charging $20 valet and only validating for $10...? All in all, Joe Muer was a fantastic experience and a great place to go for an upscale dining experience!
Somehow this vegetarian keeps getting invited to Joe Muer Seafood. And yet, it's completely, 100%, not an issue here. I'm sure there seafood is great and all, but here are my observations for fellow vegetarians and other people who want to bring vegetarians here. The Good: - The bar sushi menu (which you need to ask for separately, as only a few fish-fulled rolls are on the regular menu) has at least a half dozen veggie rolls. I just had a tofu roll and an avocado roll, but both were amazing. - The sides are huge. Worried that the sushi wouldn't be enough food, I ordered the side of black truffle mac and cheese. It was delicious, and at $9, easily could have been my entire meal. Most of the sides are vegetarian. There is also a delicious asparagus tempura appetizer. - When describing the specials to our party, prices were mentioned after each option. This was appreciated as the specials went up to $85, which I believe is higher than the costliest option on the regular menu. Some people may not like it - I did. The Bad: - The butter was hard as a rock! I'll never understand why nice restaurants do this. By the time I was done attempting to spread it on the bread (which wasn't very good), it looked like they had gone to war with each other and both lost. - If you want wine, expect to pay $12-25/glass. No cheap options here. Frankly if a place doesn't offer affordable wines, it seems like they're trying to be pretentious - there are plenty of great affordable wines out there.
(4)
Abby W.
Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. I thought my halibut was a little dry but other than that everything was perfect. We really enjoyed the dynamite sushi rolls and of course the chop salad was out of this world. My husband had the clam chowder and as always, really enjoyed it. It was a great evening.
(4)
Dano R.
This was my first visit back to this classic restaurant since it closed from it's Gratiot Ave. location years ago. The quality, fresh seafood and great service are still a staple the JM's. Be prepared to pay top $ for this. Our table had a great view of the river which was fitting for our son's college graduation family celebration. My top shelf martini was $15 which is the most I've paid for a martini in a long time. Decent class of Malbec was $12. The calamari appetizer was very good but if you like oysters as much as I do then again be prepared to pay $15.00 for 1/2 dozen. Ouch! We ordered the Walleye, Perch, Grouper, and scallops. All of our meals were excellent. I'd give it a 5 star rating but paying $3.50 for a cup of coffee is a bit over-priced IMO. Great atmosphere that can't be beat in Detroit.
(4)
Ely H.
Amazing Food. Good atmosphere. Best cake I've ever had--and I don't even like cake. Try the coconut cake. And the service is exceptional--refreshingly so. Flawless. Good wine menu, too, with a friendly, knowledgeable sommelier. Why 4 stars? I expect to pay a lot for my fine seafood...but I think Joe Muer's could try a little harder to make things affordable. There's no reason why we needed to spend $80 on my $35 bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir. I was born and raised in Oregon. But still. I went there and bought the wine so I knew what I was doing. Overall I was very satisfied with my experience.
(4)
Ryan S.
Went for Valentines Day. We're put in a side room facing the parking garage. Was told at time of reservation a week prior "would not have view of the river". Waiter knew we were upset and became annoying in attempt to make evening better. Stone crab claws had bad taste. Steak was subpar. Overall horrible evening.
(1)
Adam O.
Been looking forward to trying this ever since it opened. All in all, a noteworthy experience. "Classic" would be the word of choice to describe it, for better or worse. For starters, the space is beautiful. Had a table right on the water, very atmospheric, piano player etc. One tiny complaint being the quantity of mirrors in the space. Sort of feels like you're eating in a fun house.... Foodwise, again...classic. Oysters rockefeller to start, totally acceptable. Nibbled on a friend's coriander tuna app as well, awesome. Had the perch fillets for an entree. Sort of seemed like they were sitting for a few minutes under the warmer while they finished the other entrees in our sixsome. Needed a little more salt as well. Mac and cheese with black truffles (not truffle oil) was delicious as was the creamed spinach side. Again, nothing earth shattering technique or creativity wise, just the classics executed at an above average clip. Desserts were the weakest part of the meal. I have a built in disdain for dessert carts, but my sentiments get reinforced when you just cut off a piece of cake from one thats been sitting in the dining room all night or an already plated piece of bread pudding that isnt plated, nor created "a la minute". Service was attentive and excellent all night as it should be since this is not a cheap place to eat. Overall, I'd hand out 3.5 stars if I could.
(3)
Susan R.
My second visit to Joe Muer. The service and view are outstanding. The food, not so. I invited two clients who work in the RenCen to go to lunch so it wasn't appropriate to bring it up my disappointment with my meal. I ordered the Salmon Nicoise salad. All of the salad components were nicely decorated on the plate. The accompanying wedge of lettuce looked like an iceberg on the plate. It was very awkward to eat. You would have needed a platter to make it work. Why not serve the lettuce in a bowl like most salads? If not for being with clients, i would have asked for them to take it back and chop up the lettuce to make it manageable. The salmon was dry and crusty, like it had been fried. The fingerling potatoes must not have been on the order that day. They were replaced by underdone cubes of Idaho potatoes. The green beans were buried under the massive iceberg wedge. I certainly would NOT order this entree again. So, perhaps because of my disappointment, I thought this menu item was way overpriced. $18 for a huge chunk of iceberg lettuce and some fried salmon. I expected much better.
(2)
George K.
A early Sunday evening after a performance by the DSO. We were seated by the window overlooking the river and the Windsor skyline. Great view and our server was there quickly taking our drink order. A great selection on the menu including a lot of the old favorites from the original Joe Muers on Gratiot, bean salad and stewed tomatoes. Seafood was the main focus, but a nice selection of poultry and meat. We were not super hungry so some excellent lobster bisque, a shrimp cocktail with some huge shrimp and a couple of nice sushi rolls. The service was excellent and the decor very nice. It was enough to fill us up and wet our taste buds for another trip in the future. The only reason i gave 4 stars rather than 5 stars is we did not have a main entree. Next visit and I will update the rating then BTW: Muers has their own entrance on the west side of the Ren Cen with valet.
(4)
Amanda S.
Best restaurant in Michigan hands down. The view is beautiful, the service is always perfect, and the food never disappointing. Make sure you try the filet or lobster--best ull ever have!!
(5)
Paul K.
Tried to come for dinner- sign says there open till 10, everything was closed up tight at 9. Minus one star for that. Came back the next day, had lunch from the sushi menu. Everything was very tasty and portions were good. The place is not cheap, but is worth a visit when you're staying at the Ren Cen.
(4)
Justin R.
I love what they did with the interior of this place. It's huge, and beautifully decorated. Menu is large but not overwhelming. Unfortunately, I don't find their selections anything unique, but rather the normal stuff you find at an expensive seafood restaurant. Wait staff is very knowledgeable, very well dressed, very upbeat and friendly, and very accommodating as well. Quality is great, presentation is also. I find their signature bean salad very disappointing, but I understand it is tradition to serve it, so I guess it will stay.
(4)
David R.
I used to eat at Joe Muer's but afer last night's experience I would NEVER go there again and NEVER recommend the place. I ate in Andiamos in the RenCen last night then watched a concert on the river. Upon returning to valet to pick up my car I had an Urgent need to use the restroom. I was with my ten year old daughter. Anyway, I went in to ask permission to use the restroom and explained that I didn't want to use the restrooms in the building because I didn't feel safe leaving a ten year old girl alone in the hallway at night. The owner or manager looked up at me and said "use the public restroom outside". I was shocked at his callousness. I was dressed nicely and was polite, not to mention that I've been a customer at Joe Muer's since the 70's. Anyway, I have enough money to buy the place and close it down. If to doesn't go out of business anyway I just might do that! Don't support these people.
(1)
Brian D.
Simply the finest seafood restaurant in Mi. Service was as good as the food. Save room for desert.
(5)
H S.
Positives: Appetizers: Classic White Bean Salad - only here, other can't compete. Mussels (I'm a Mussels "snob") were outstanding; small, not a "fishy" taste in a single one, served in an amazing yet light fresh tomato base. Crab balls - (I did not sample but my business associates said they were great.) Dinner: Surf (Lobster) and Turf (Filet) - Perfect on both counts; and I had the mixed Seafood dish (Mussels, shrimp and scallops on a bed of pasta mixed with spinach). I would have preferred more spinach as this was advertised as one of two "low calorie" entrees on the menu, however it was a perfect dish. Our third diner, however, had overcooked perch - - the only miss in the food department. Wine: Our waiter recommended an outstanding bottle of Malbec and I'm only sorry I didn't snap a picture of the vintage as it was outstanding. NOTE: The sommelier will present you with the cork in a small shot glass. Not all restaurants, even good ones, do this these days, so know this: it's to demonstrate proper storage. What you should do is check to be sure the cork is moist on the inside end only, and that it's intact and free from mold. Dessert: I wanted to applaud when our waitress finished describing the 20 desserts that were brought to our table. Had I not been in "calorie restriction" mode I would have had serious trouble deciding. My recommendation: This is a beautiful place with multiple bars, gorgeous views of the water from (almost) every seat, outstanding service and amazing food. Dinner if you can afford it (our bill for 3 without any dessert or coffee, and only two who had a pre-dinner drink in addition to the table wine, was $350 with a tip), or dessert as the sunsets before a night on the town - - - either way this is a great, classy place that's sure to impress family, business associates, a date - - or your mom! Valet was $10 (Four not a five due to some confusion with wait team at first and the overcooked perch was never addressed.....)
(4)
Carol T.
Muer's is another Detroit Institution recently reborn ( ironically in the Renaissance Center!) in the downtown area. My husband is a native Detroiter and remembered going to Muer's with his parents as a child so he was looking for all the things that made Muer's special in the "old" days. He was NOT disappointed! The place is in the Ren Cen tower with the Marriott Hotel. We used valet parking for $10 flat fee. The restaurant is sleeky modern with huge glass windows fronting on the Detroit River with expansive views of Windsor, Ontario. It looked like every seat had a view. Prices for an entree run the gamut from reasonable to pricey. I had Atlantic flounder with crabmeat stuffing in a wonderful butter sauce ($25) and my husband had broiled Lake Superior Whitefish ($22). My flounder was melt-in-you-mouth, flaky and perfectly cooked. Entrees come with a choice of their signature sides: creamed spinach or stewed tomatoes. They come in little silver serving dishes and it was more than we could each finish. Other sides are available for an extra price. We didn't try any of them but they sounded good (check out their online menu for specifics). Items on the table are more signature dishes: white bean salad /relish, cottage cheese and a bread basket featuring seedless pumpernickel. My husband was in nostalgia heaven! Our server was in training but shadowed by a veteran server. We had at least three people come by during our meal to check on us...including the manager. Servers are dressed in white shirts, white jackets and red bow ties. The bow ties are an homage to founder Joe Muer's impeccable dress and style. There's a large bar area and during our dinner, we had wonderful piano music in the background We had just come from a baseball game so our dress was pretty casual but we didn't feel uncomfortable. On a future visit (yes, we'll return here) we'll probably get more spiffed up. This is a nice place for a special evening. It's good to see that old Detroit has come back as new Detroit!
(5)
Leticia D.
Went there to do a show on TV and i really enjoyed the seafood, i wasn't that crazy about visiting Detroit again but i guess it was the time of year. The salmon was prepared broiled the way i like it with some rice pilaf and veggies on the side. It's a great place to eat and i do highly recommend it..
(4)
Dennis W.
We flew in to surprise my mama for her 80th birthday bash here. My mama said she didn't want anything big or special for her 80th birthday, she just couldn't wait to dine at Joe Muer again! I don't remember if mom & dad ever took us here as kids so maybe this was there get away spot... I can say it was worth the check to see the smile on my mama face!
(4)
Charles L.
I've heard many great things about Joe Muer seafood restaurant and wanted to take a look at it myself. First of all, the views of the Detroit River are fantastic. The ambiance of the restaurant definitely conveys class and style. We had a live pianist, who's upbeat and jazzy performance during our dining experience kept us entertained throughout our meal. The service is superb. The waiter was very amicable and attentive to every need we could possibly have. Our water was always refilled without asking and our libations were continually flowing. For the most part Joe Muer hits the mark as a top restaurant. However, I was sorely disappointed in the most important restaurant feature: the food. For food we first started with lobster corn dogs and lobster bisque (lobster overload!). The lobster bisque was the best part of the night. It was creamy and so full of lobster flavor. The lobster corn dogs were pretty much tempura battered lobster tails. After the appetizers the meal was rather disappointing. I had a seared rainbow trout that was far too dry and found myself sorting out bones from meat throughout my meal. The mashed potatoes my fish was served on were fantastic though. My fiance had a pan-fried halibut with seasonal vegetables. Her fish was good, but not amazing, with the crab cake it was served on tasting better than the fish itself. By the end of our meal we were no longer in the mood to try their famous coconut cake dessert. We expected so much more hearing all the recommendations from our friends and family. Perhaps we ordered the wrong dishes or caught them on a bad night. tl;dr - Great views and ambiance, with even better service. The quality of the food and drinks were merely decent for the price. If I could do it again, I would just get a beer with a couple of sides/appetizers and hang out.
(3)
Debbie F.
I don't understand why people were so excited that this restaurant reopened a few years ago. I have been to Joe Muer twice and both times were average,to below average. On 7/12/13 my husband and I went here to celebrate our anniversary. We sat on the patio which was fantastic, and the best part of the restaurant. I was really looking forward to the cold seafood tower, $25/person. What a joke! It came on a platter and consisted of; 2 shrimp(really!), a puny little lobster tale that was literally two bites, 4 mussels,two small portions of a king crab leg, and 4 small oysters. That is it for $50, I was shocked. Service was very slow, and the food we did receive was not great. The tiny little bit of ceviche was rubbery. I will never go to this restaurant again. It is ridiculous. Take my advice and go to the Detroit Seafood Company or Mitchell's Seafood.
(1)
Aaron F.
I travel to Detroit frequently and this is among the cities finest restaurants. Service and food is always amazing. Nothing crazy about the menu, just well prepared seafood and steaks. My wife loves their deserts, so we end up eating here just so she can order the same cake she swears is the best.
(5)
Kristin G.
It was a particularly special night. My husband and I were having our "Babymoon" (Like a Honeymoon but before the baby is born) so we made reservations and eagerly awaited trying the very much well renowned Joe Muer Seafood in the Ren Cen. THEN...we arrive and are told we must wait. So we go to the bar, being assured they'd come get us when our reserved table opened. Hm...not a good first impression. We waited at the bar for 45 minutes. And I stomp up to the hostess booth, furious and demand to know why we still have yet to have been seated. Funny, magically a table popped up opened just then! And to add insult to injury, there were giant clusters of tables that were empty on the way to being seated! I was fuming. Then...we sit down and the most wonderful server changed what started as a most terrible experience into a most wonderful and special one. She was very frank and honest and charming. We were comped our lobster bisque soup and shrimp cocktail apps and were given a personal apology from the manager. The lobster bisque was exquisite, as was the shrimp cocktail. The lobster bisque was creamy and full of flavor. It was luscious and velvety in consistency. Dreamy would be one word to explain this wonderful soup! The soup is poured into the bowl as it's served and then topped with fresh large lumps of lobster meat. A must try! The lobster was shelled at the table by our server. It was worth every penny! It really did a classic justice in every sense of the word. The coconut, pineapple and lemon cake is their signature and do NOT leave the place without getting it! I literally squealed with pleasure upon first bite. By then, I was so full from our amazing meal that I couldn't finish the whole enormous piece. The cake was just as good or better the next morning for breakfast. Please get this cake. Just trust me. It's heaven materialized in a fluffy slice of cake. I'd go back JUST for this cake. It is something so delicious that you will crave it later. I'm salivating just thinking about it...Again, our server was just top notch and she and the cake helped melt away any shred of anger or frustration from the reservation drama the night started out with. We both left the restaurant beaming with satisfaction and bellies full of delicious seafood and cake! I WILL be back. Thank you Joe Muer's for adding a much needed touch of class to the Detroit culinary landscape.
(5)
Sammy W.
The Fried Calamari was good, the Halibut on a bed of Crab Cakes was outstanding, the California King Rolls were excellent. For desert I recommend the New York Cheese Cake. The service is excellent, our server Jennifer was top notch and you can beat the view. I suggest you sit on the deck, to fully appreciate the view. I would recommend.
(4)
Christina S.
While the service and view saves this place from a one star rating, I must say--if you sell a steak as prime MAKE SURE IT'S PRIME!!! Jordan was a great server and was very helpful, and the view was great, but I was hawked a prime ribeye that turned out to be less than choice. As a steak lover at a seafood restaurant, I should have known better. Mea culpa. I may return (MAYBE), but I'll definitely stay away from the turf.
(2)
Eric E.
What a fantastic experience. Having dined many times at the old Joe Muer's this was a great experience. To get a 5 star from me requires exceptional service and awesome food. I was worried that my expectations would be set too high but the experience still exceeded expectations. Joe Muer himself stoppped by our table and shared some stories with us about the "old days" at the place on Gratiot. The deviled crab was as good as I remembered and the Redfish was spectacular. Our waiter was all over us with attention and paid attention to every detail, including keeping our glasses full, the correct silverware, refolding napkins when someone left the table and hot towels before and after the meal. The ambiance and huge windows offering a beautiful view of the river was an added bonus. Bring your wallet, after all 5-star service does not come cheap but it was worth the experience and a special night out. It was also worth the trip in from Chicago. Oh, and please don't come here, order fish and chips and then complain about it. That is like going to a nice wine bar, ordering White Zin and then saying the wine was no good.
(5)
Sarah F.
Continuing our Valentine's Day weekend. We went to Joe Muer's for lunch. What a score! Service was amazing and friendly; they chit-chatted on our way to our seats, complimented us, helped us take a picture of ourselves. And very attentive to our needs while dining. The view of the river was spectacular. I started with the Boston Clam Chowder--I've never enjoyed something so much. I actually tried to copy the recipe at home a couple of days later. We also had sushi, which was vey good. I could have stopped there, but I had an entree, too. I tried the lobster sandwich. I am not a seafood person, so it was overkill for me, but it was still great. We would definitely return.
(5)
Crystal S.
Definitely the place to go for a celebratory/special occasion dinner! The service, atmosphere and the food are always good, no matter the time of day! The white bean concoction that they bring to every table is good. Their steaks are always good as Is the zip sauce. As a side I have tried the mac and cheese and the cheesy potatoes, which are both great! It's been good but not great lately.
(4)
Justin L.
First the good stuff: - The view was very nice, or as nice as the view can get in early February. And the server was nice as well. In any case, she passed the "Mr. Pink Test", for those familiar with Reservoir Dogs. - The decor is very nice. Lots of wood paneling and marble tiles. Now the bad stuff: - The food was good. Not great, but good. I had the fish and chips, which was tasty but very greasy. The other person had the jumbo shrimps, which were big, but not what I'd call "jumbo". And they were rubbery and fishy tasting. - The PA was playing smooth jazz. If it were any quieter, I could have ignored it, but it was just loud enough that it seeped into your consciousness. This would probably be 3 stars if it weren't so pricey. If you're going to charge like a 5 star place, I expect better.
(2)
Phil H.
We went there on a Saturday night without a reservation and the place was packed. Luckily, we got a seat at the bar. The restaurant looked great, with a prime view of Windsor and a hip, upscale feel to it. Bathroom attendants alert! I don't mind them, but I like to be prepared to tip a few bucks just in case. Women's too. After a cocktail (the dirty martini was good, though not the best), we ordered. Our server was attentive and checked on us throughout the night. She brought us bread and their white bean side and smoked blue fish pate. Both were tasty and perfect for the bread. I started off with the lobster bisque, it was great. Nice and creamy and the lobster was fresh and perfectly cooked (not rubbery). A nice start. My wife had the chopped salad..it was heavy on the onions, but I think it was just OK. Next up was the Monkfish Osso Bucco. Wow. It was awesome! The fish was fresh and flavorful, great texture. The risotto creamy and balanced with the lobster sauce. She had the sole stuffed with crab. Also delicious and large chunks of crab. We also got a side of the blue crab mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Both were very good. And its crab with a C, not with a K. They didn't skimp out on the crab. The creamed spinach tasted like, well, spinach! Which is a good thing in my book. Just enough creaminess to compliment it, not overpower it. Overall, just a great experience and great food. We will be back!
(5)
Corin B.
My grandmother and I were excited to come here for dinner one Sunday. We remembered the original Joe Muer. We were happy with the attentive service, elegant atmosphere, and gorgeous view. The piano player was a nice element of the dining room. However, the food fell short, especially for the price. We had the ceviche as an appetizer. The texture was good, but it was almost flavorless. I would not order it again. We loved the classic white bean relish that came from the old Joe Muer, as well as the whitefish spread they serve with the crackers. My dirty martini was not very good- the bartender forgot to make it dirty the first time and when he remade it, it was way too dirty. I have had much better ones at different upscale restaurants around town, and I was disappointed. Next, we had classic wedges of iceberg lettuce. These were delicious and very filling. They are topped with bacon, cheese, boiled eggs, and lots of dressing. They were probably the best thing we ordered all night. My grandmother had the Italian Cioppino. The fish in the dish seemed overcooked, but the shellfish and the mussels were tasty. The dish was bland, and once again seemed to be missing something. She added lots of salt and pepper. I had the crab stuffed flounder, hoping that this classic dish would be a good choice. It was okay. The fish seemed to have been sitting for a few minutes too long before it was served. It was in a cream sauce that was, once again, bland. The crab stuffing was ok, but it tasted just like the flounder- the flavors were so similar that they were difficult to tell apart. The stewed tomatoes served with the fish, a recipe from the original Joe Muer, were divine, and they perked up the fish quite a bit. All in all, I probably would not go back. The price is simply too much for the mediocrity of the food. I hope this place does well, but it is simply too expensive for food that does not outshine any other upscale restaurant in Detroit.
(3)
Tracy T.
My favorite seafood restaurant in Detroit and a favorite date night spot :) Easy valet parking just outside their entrance. We were seated at a table with a beautiful view overlooking the river. We lucked out with a 4 top that allows us to sit side by side. Much easier for sharing.......... Excellent wine list, we chose a Washington Pinot Noir that was great. I am very picky where i order raw oysters from and Muers is one of those places. 6 Blue Points and 6 Kumamoto's , very fresh A couple of sushi rolls and a perfectly broiled piece of halibut. No dessert, heading to The Sugar House to drink that ! The food at Muers is very good and the ambiance even better. A piano playing softly watching the sun set over the river, a great start to romantic evening.
(5)
Sir Poop A.
So...... I went here as a kid way before it was in its current location. I do like seafood, and we had some family in town, and thought the views of Canada would be cool. It was a quiet night in the D without a tigers game, so we headed down. The service was pretty good, maybe a little better. The food was really good also. BUT, The place is freakin expensive for what you get. I love restaurants and going out, and likely have spent more than most on going out, so overall, I probably would choose another more lively place for the ambiance with friends. For my parents visiting or a 50th anniversary, this place is great. Or a corporate function, it would be nice.
We had a great experience dining at Joe Muer's last Friday night for my friend's surprise birthday party. We had a later dinner - got there around 9:00p.m. with a reservation and were seated as soon as our party had arrived. They did seat us once everyone but the birthday girl and her boyfriend had arrived, which was helpful. We ordered drinks and my Stoli and Soda was crazy strong, but hey, who turns down extra alcohol? The table ordered several appetizers and were impressed with each dish. I tried a deviled crab ball, which was good considering I'm not a huge seafood fan. Speaking of not being a huge seafood fan - I LOVE scallops. I ordered the George Bank Scallops which were amazing. They are huge scallops - 5 of them - each wrapped in bacon and topped with candied sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, butternut squash and pomegranate gastrique. It was absolutely delicious. I am a big eater, and I didn't even finish one of the scallops. I skipped on dessert because I was so full - but there was a large dessert cart with tons of options. I'd order the same thing when I went back. The ambiance is amazing and I definitely recommend getting dressed up for this occasion.
(5)
Ammi W.
This was a great night on the river walk. This was my first time here, I tried the swordfish - delicious! The wait staff was attentive but not overbearing. We were a bit early for our reservation but we still didn't have much of a wait. Tried a nice Riesling that I hadn't tried before, it was also great. The only problem was one stall in the ladies room was Nasty! I let someone know, they didn't go to it right away but I'm sure they handled it. Last but not least, apparently the waitress had great things to say about me when I stepped away from the table. :)
(4)
Philip M.
It's a little surprising that they have a dress code after a tigers game. I guess you are doing pretty well when you can turn away a customer when the restaurant is empty. It's not even that good of a steak and it's over priced.
(1)
Laurie P.
An epic dinner deserves an epic review! You cannot go wrong with any place that has the Muer name attached to it, and Joe Muer's flagship is no exception. We arrived for our dinner reservations (booked through open table) on a Thursday night, and were seated right away. I was disappointed that my request for a riverside table that I had made weeks in advance was not honored, but we were seated at a cozy booth for two. This actually worked out in our favor, because while we could still see a nice view, we were also tucked away from the bulk of the noise and crowd. And this restaurant is noisy. Not overwhelmingly so, but if you are looking for a quiet dinner, this is not the place. It's crowded and lively, with piano music in the background. I liked the atmosphere, actually. We started with drinks and appetizers. I had the Black Orchid cocktail ($15), a chilled raspberry martini with a pretty flower floating in it. I loved it, and wound up having another with dinner. My date stuck with Labatt beer ($6). For the appetizers, we ordered Oysters Rockefeller and the Volcano Roll. Both were outstanding! There were six oysters in the app, but they were HUGE. Other reviewers have mentioned sand in the oysters, and we did not experience that problem. They were perfect. The sushi roll was perfect, as well. I'm usually not a fan of cream cheese in my sushi, but it just melted like butter in my mouth. The flavor of the roll was awesome, and it was fun to toast it tableside. Oh yeah, can't forget the bread basket with the beans/pate'/butter. I LOVED those beans!!! I wanted to lick the plate! The pate' was ok, and the butter was perfectly soft and easy to spread. We then had the lobster bisque. And this is where I died and went to heaven. Seriously. Every bite was a culinary orgasm in my mouth, it was that decadent and delicious. If you get nothing else at JM's, get the lobster bisque! For entrees, I had the monkfish, and he had the swordfish Oscar. I loved my fish, the vanilla lobster sauce was amazing, and I found the potato gnocchi to be the right balance of crisp on the outside/soft on the inside. Totally on point. My date liked his fish, but found the sauce to be bland, so our server was nice enough to bring a dish of a different sauce (I don't recall which) to try. That worked. And speaking of our server, Steve, I just want to say that he was excellent! He was attentive without being annoying, answered our questions but didn't try to steer us in other directions on the menu, and his friendly but professional demeanor was most appreciated. For dessert, we decided to split a slice of JM's famous coconut cake. Steve brought it to the table with a lit candle and "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate on the plate. Very nice, and very classy. The cake was delicious, although a little rich for my taste. I enjoyed it, but wish in hindsight that I had ordered my favorite, crème brulee. Ah well.. next time! All in all, I loved our experience here. Perfect place for a special occasion. Our bill came to $200 (not including tip) for four drinks, two appetizers, two soups, two entrees, and one dessert. Worth every penny!
(5)
Garvin W.
Had a delicious dinner and wonderful service from our waitress. Recommended for special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays. The food and all did take quite some time to be served but my acquaintance and I had time so we did not mind. We shared 'Fruits of the Seas' and they had split the order into two for us which was very thoughtful. Overall, great experience.
(4)
Nassrine ..
Best restaurant in metro detroit!! Beautiful scenery, setting and amazing service! The lobster corn dogs are a must and my favorite entree is the Crab Stuffed Atlantic Flounder. Their sushi and lobster are also extremely delightful and all the ingredients are so fresh. The restaurant overlays the Detroit river and has a nice relaxing ambiance. They even have a seating area outside but it is hard to find weather not chilly enough in Detroit to enjoy it! They usually have soft live piano or jazz music at night. I witnessed a proposal inside the restaurant once and yes, it is even nice enough for a proposal. Love the overall feel of this place, I would definitely recommend!
(5)
Colleen M.
Let's start with, they have a dress code, even for lunch. I was staying at the Marriott and my room wasn't ready so I decided to try Joe's since they had sushi. I walked in and the hostess was like we can't seat you in the dining room but we can seat you in the lounge. I was irritated as I was in jeans in a shirt and was like, is there anyplace close I can eat. Another lady came up, sensing my frustration and was like, we can seat you on the patio. It was a gorgeous day so I agreed. I ordered a beer, Soft Parade ($7) and a dynamite roll ($15). In total, with tip, $28. A little pricing for lunch but the atmosphere outside was awesome, beer was great (highly recommend this local beer) and the sushi was really good. I don't like feeling like a second class citizen, especially considering I was wearing dark denim jeans, a nice top, and it was lunch time, but I guess rules are rules.
(4)
Leslie W.
We decided to come here for an early dinner last Sunday after our boat tour on the river. We did not have any reservations and had a party of seven. Most of us were dressed pretty casually; i.e., shorts and tees, and I even had a Detroit Tigers tee shirt on and Keen sandals. I didn't see any sign about dress codes, but they had us seated in a little private alcove across from the bar in less than 10 minutes! The server at first seemed a little irritated with us, but then she was ok. We ordered drinks and some appetizers first. All three types of oysters we tried were yummy. The calamari was just average. My husband had just returned from New England, and said his clam chowder was only average, too. All of our meals were good. I had the bacon wrapped scallops and it was good, but maybe not worth $38. The service was very good throughout the meal. Overall, it was great to finally try this place out after eating at the old Joe Muer's in the past. I'll be generous and rate it a 4. The overall food wasn't worth the price in my opinion, but the service kept me from giving an average rating.
(4)
X M.
Food was okay and the service was really good. I ordered 'Fruits of the Seas' and the portion was good. We also ordered two of the desserts: Chocolate cake and their famous coconut cake. I love the coconut one, but the chocolate cake was just so-so. I wish I could give a three and half for the overall service. Not sure if it's just the day we went or it's so crowded all the time, but to me, i'd enjoy a more quite place for dinner.
(3)
Michelle N.
Great service and gorgeous views of the river, but the food was awful. I ordered the bacon-wrapped scallops. Scallops were flavorless, bland, and overcooked. Sweet potato hash that it came with was okay though. I also managed to try a bit of the shrimp cocktail (huge shrimp, but just ok to me) and lobster bisque (tasted better than the scallops). Dessert (strawberry rhubarb tart with vanilla ice cream) was the best part of my entire meal. Glad I went once, but not worth a return visit.
(2)
Brittiany R.
I loved Joe Muer's so much that I went three times in one month.... Excessive much? The venue is perfectly Detroit. Not the gritty, fearless, innovative Detroit, but the upscale, refined, powerful Detroit that is both cosmopolitan and true to its roots. It reminds me of our glory days and God, I hope it stays that way. Old school glamour with a modern take on making every dish amazing. The sushi is amazing.... Possibly even New York quality. I generally don't like raw sushi but this salmon melted in my mouth. The textures of this sushi did art in my mouth. The carpaccio was to die for and came out almost deconstructed allowing me to mix my preferred amount of onion, egg, and thinly sliced beef. The lobster bisque is served in a bowl with real lobster with the bisque poured in table side. The tender, sweet lobster in the creamy bisque was one of the best I've had. My date ordered the lobster but was directed to the Tristan lobster which was prepared via broiling and made all the difference! It was light and so much sweeter than the Maine lobster. Served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, I couldn't resist sneaking more than a few bites. Everything on the menu is prepared with care and glamorous flair. The wait staff lives to serve you and the view of the Detroit river makes for an experience in dining that goes beyond great wines and perfectly executed meals.
(5)
Vanessa B.
Absolutely great food and phenomenal service. My first dinner here I had the tuna tartar, a shrimp special, and plenty of great wine. Our server was named Keisha and she was phenomenal! Very informative, attentive, and friendly. I've been back many times, and the food is never disappointing. I tend to get sushi most of the time and I have to say, I'm shocked at how good it is. I live in San Diego, I know good sushi. Ok, it's not San Diego good, but practically nowhere compares to that. It is, however, top notch. Great combinations, always fresh. I love getting the sushi nami (several pieces of nigiri and a spicy tuna roll), and the red wing roll is delicious as well! O
(5)
Steven L.
I finally got to try this fantastic restaurant for lunch. Opted for three of the four sushi rolls to split with my guest. All were delicious, not in the traditional sense of sticky rice and a beautiful piece of fish, but the more American roll with multiple layers of flavor. All of the rolls needed no BS gobs of fake Wasabi or soy sauce, just simply fire them in as is and enjoy. Service was exactly what we needed for a business lunch, attentive but not overwhelming. To top things off, they validate so parking was only $5.40 and I got to see Rasheed Wallace on the way out. Damn that dude is tall.
(4)
Layan A.
A little sad that I found out about this place 2 months before moving out of state. Came here with my husband and MIL who is from out of town. Can't say that we really needed reservations because it wasn't completely packed, but full enough. The restaurant is huge- with a front bar section and a back dining section. The view is breathtaking, we sat right by the water. The place is classy but can be casual, it was pretty loud actually. Our waiter was so sweet and very good at what he did. The bread came with this bean salad, butter, and pate, it was really good. I didn't have an appetizer. For dinner I had the barramundi with stuffed crab per our waiters recommendation and it hit the spot. It came with green beans and black garlic, and I would order it again it was so delicious. For dessert I had their specialty coconut cake which was ah-mazing. Please order it! I honestly would come here just for the dessert. I tried the chocolate lava cake which I didn't love (too bitter), and the cheesecake which I loved (because it's cheesecake!). The salads, soups and desserts are all about $10 each, the appetizers are around $20, and the main fish courses started at $35+ (average $40). So for 3 main courses, one salad, and 3 desserts, no drinks, our bill was $200 with tip. For a seafood, famous chef restaurant with an amazing view, the price was a little more than I expected, mainly because the portions were on the smaller side. You'll leave full but not stuffed (except the coconut cake is ginormous). Service was excellent. Valet is another $10 which is disappointing, most restaurants of this caliber would at least have free valet. Overall great experience.
(5)
Mark F.
The service was good but the food was not impressive. I have had better lamb and steak at half the price.
(3)
Lana M.
I love the filet mignon here. It comes with caramelized carrots on top and zip sauce. So yummy. They also have great desserts. I come here a lot for work dinners and I have to admit this is the only thing I order.
(4)
Geno T.
Took my girlfriend here for her birthday she loved it. The food, staff, water, beer everything was great. They sat us next to the piano totally music to my ears .
(5)
Susan N.
Joe Muer is always a great place to grab a bite! Fantastic view! Great sushi! I love their lobster bisque! Salads are wonderful You can have a great lunch everyday!'
(5)
Michele A.
It is sad to see this place loose 2 stars but well deserved. The service the last 2 times I have been in was awful. Our waitress disappeared for 30 min not to be seen, I was looking around and not one other server offered to help. Lunch took 50 min to get to our table after we ordered and had to take 2 of the orders to go since it took so long. The food was just ok this time not like before when it was outstanding. We had the burger which was over cooked and bland. The lake fish poorboy was tasty though. Not sure I will be here again for lunch since the last two times it was slow and service was just not on par.
(2)
Sarah C.
It took me 2 years to find out about Joe Muer Seafood. Why does everyone talk about Roast when there's Joe Muer? We made reservations for 2 for 6:15pm on a Saturday. It wasn't necessary but I guess its better to be safe. We parked in the structure and walked over the bridge. You can do valet parking at the door. The location was a bit difficult to find but with some help we were able to find the place. We were seated by the entry way which kind of sucked but besides that our meal was perfect. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and attentive. The complementary bread consisted of a white, wheat, and flat bread that came with three toppings - butter, fish patte, and a bean dish. Our favorite was the whole bean dish. We ordered Scallops alla Muer (Sea scallops gratin with cracker meal, lemon, paprika and butter, finished with sherry) - This was highly recommended by our waitress. It came with five large scallops. We were expecting two or less. Cooked to perfection. We had a difficult time deciding what to order because literally everything looked amazing. There was not one item that I didn't want to order! Roasted Atlantic Monkfish (Oven roasted and served with potato gnocchi, lobster, spinach, caramelized onions, Haricot, and a vanilla lobster sauce) - My boyfriend ordered this and I loved it! Wish it was my dish. I ate half of his fish. It was light but full of flavor. Oven Roasted Barramundi (Served with lobster and crab stuffing, Haricots Verts, honey carrots, and black garlic) - I ordered this. It was good but not as good as the Monkfish in my opinion. It was a bit heavy for me. The lobster and the fish mixed together really confused me. The service was on par. We received our food promptly and there is a wonderful view if you are lucky enough to be seated by the window. I think we'll request that next time. Yes, we are planning on returning.
(5)
Robin Z.
Yumm! Seafood and sushi. Creative and different. The presentation is beautiful. Had the dynamite roll and it was fantastic! Also shared tempura asparagus and lobster corn dogs. The lobster corn dogs were huge (2 in an order) and its thick juicy lobster in a corn dog type of coating (more like tempura actually) and served on sticks. Wow! So good!! Service was a bit off. My sushi roll came well before the two appetizers to the point that I had finished the roll before getting the asparagus and lobster dog but I was eating at the bar, not too bothered and the flavors made up it. Definitely a place I would return to if in the area.
(4)
Rick E.
Everything was perfect! Fast freindly seating. Beautiful river view table. Our waitress was 1st class but not stuffy. The food was mouth watering. We celebrated our 2nd year wedding anniversary ( which I mentioned at booking) and they had a nicely decorated desert for us mentioning the occasion. Everything comes with a price but it was worth it.
(5)
Dee T.
Beautiful Restuarant! My husband and I went during the evening and the view was awesome! I ordered a chicken dinner. It was good. Chicken is chicken right? Lol Service was good. Our waiter was really helpful and patient! We will be returning
(4)
Kasia M.
I was torn in choosing a downtown restaurant for my graduation dinner with my boyfriend and landed on Joe Muer. Let me say, it was amazing! I had reservations via OpenTable at 630pm on Saturday, I asked for a window table but was given one a row back due to other "reservations", we were seated very promptly semi-behind a mirror, but still had beautiful views. I did ask again to be moved to an open window table, but was refused. Our waitress Taylor(?) was prompt and friendly but not overbearing. Water and the yummy bread, butter and amuse bouche of salmon pate and white beans was delivered and were delicious! We both ordered beer to drink ($6-8). The wine and cocktail lists were extensive and looked delish! I ordered the lobster bisque ($9) and it was, as previously advertised, delicious! A bowl with fresh lobster meat was set in front of me with the creamy tomato bisque poured on top. Large portion, and no joke almost full now by bread and soup alone! For dinner I was between the whole roasted branzino ($44) and the monkfish($39) and on Taylor's suggestion went with the monkfish, one word, AMAZING. The fish is served on the bone, crispy outside and tender flavorful inside. Served with slightly oily but still quite yummy gnocchi and spinach/green beans medley...it was a wonderful dinner! My boyfriend ordered the flounder stuffed with crab ($36?), he loved it but I found it a bit fishy tasting. We also ordered the truffle mac n cheese (?$11) which was delicious but we were both so full most of it was saved for my lunch the next day (GREAT idea!!) For dessert I was stuffed but ordered a slice of the famous coconut cake to go, it was simple perfection. Rich but not too much so, the pineapple flavor was subtle, the cake itself moist, the buttercream filling amazing and the coconut frosting delicious. You must get this!!! Also ate most of it for lunch the next day, yum yum yum!!! Overall: 4 stars instead of 5 only because the open window table that I had asked to be switched to was open throughout our ENTIRE dinner, they easily could have given this table to me as window seats are not guaranteed at reservation, so I'm not sure why someone else had more claim to it than I did, plus it was empty our entire dinner...not cool! The hostess was kind of snotty about this as well. FOOD: Amazing, would love to try everything else and would definitely come back to do so!! Monkfish, which i'd never had before is at the head of my favorite fish list currently! SERVICE: Despite other reviews, we went early-ish on sat and everything was prompt and efficient, our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable and (I always judge service on my water glass as I drink A LOT of water during dinner), my glass was never near empty through maybe 7 glasses of water... AMBIANCE: it did get slightly noisy but could still have a conversation, piano player was very nice, beautiful views even a row back, in fact they all seemed to have a nice view! PRICE: So i was a little worried that the prices weren't online, but they are on the menu. The specials were not priced for us but I did not get the impression that asking the price would be out of line. We had 2 drinks, 1 appetizer, two entrees and 1 dessert for $150 after tip...pretty dang good! ADVICE: Do it! Great food, great service, great ambiance!
(4)
Tamara M.
We didn't have reservations and didn't feel like waiting 45 mins to be seated so we sat at the bar. The bar offers the full menu so there was no disappointment. The bar wraps around their sushi counter and raw bar. Service was quick, pleasant and knowledgeable. I ordered the Black orchid martini which was simply delicious with a wonderful presentation. For our meals we ordered the Boston clam chowder to start, followed by the Shrimp and Grits and the Roasted Chicken, everything was delicious. They have no problem wheeling out an O so tempting desert cart TOWER......which forced me to leave with a slice of key lime pie (soooooo good). On my next trip I'm trying that lobster corn dog!
(4)
Eric H.
The service, food, cleanliness are all great here. The waitress and bus staff were friendly too. I came in a Sunday for dinner so it was only moderately busy and the hostesses seated all parties with space in between each other. I started at the bar while our table was prepared and I ordered a bourbon on ice with a splash of soda. It was a good pour and came exactly as it should have. No complaints from the bar. Moving to our table, I ordered the Delmonico steak which is marbled ribeye ($50) in medium and it came perfectly cooked on a hot plate. I highly recommend the Delmonico here if you're a ribeye fan like myself. I finished with an awesome scoop of salted caramel ice cream that completed a perfect meal. The other guys had the fillet and salmon and both said their dishes tasted very good. If you're OK with spending the money, then I recommend stopping by for a good meal. I feel it's a little bit pricey for what you get (hence four stars instead of five), but good for the occasional visit which works for me because I'm only in Detroit once a year. I'll be back next year I'm sure.
(4)
Candiss W.
I'm a fan of both seafood and great ambience; Joe Muer does both very well. I've been here so many times and I can't believe it's taken me this long to review this place. Pros: The food is wonderful. I'm a big fan of sides and Joe Muer has an awesome variety. The black truffle Mac, white truffle pomme frites, and crab and cheddar potatoes are a foodie's dream. They also have some great appetizers. The deviled crab balls, calamari, shrimp, and lobster bisque are all very, very good. My favorite main courses are the barramundi and the rack of lamb. Cons: the only con is that with so many quality savory offerings, I rarely have room left for one of their awesome desserts.
(4)
Rasheed L.
Great dessert menu. Coconut cake is delicious. The patio comes with a great view of Detroit waterfront. Quite a site.
(4)
Holly S.
This place is truly five stars all the way around! The food, atmosphere, view and everything else is so top notch that there's no other seafood joint that even comes close to joe! The burimundi, fillet, monkfish, chopped salad wedge salad, lobsterdog, calamari, and truffle Mac are amazing not to mention the sushi and coconut cake! This place is such a treat! Whenever you get the opportunity to come here I highly recommend it!!
(5)
Latisha R.
Hard to review the food since I was admitted. I was told I could not be admitted because of my attire. It was in the afternoon for lunch and we showed up right before they opened. I was wearing a Tshirt and yoga pants. They told me their dress code is business casual. As I waited to speak to the manager they admitted several individuals who were not in business casual. One woman was wearing open toed sandals and khaki skirt and a Tshirt. When I pointed her out in what obviously was not business casual he said that's okay just how you are dressed is not. As we were chatting a guy walked in with Tshirt jeans and tennis shoes. He let him in and once again said just not the way you are dressed. When I pointed out he also had a Tshirt his reply was well yours has writing he doesn't. Although I clearly didn't have on a hoodie he felt the need to let me know there were no "hoodies" allowed either. I don't care how outstanding the food might be I wouldn't recommend anyone eat here.
(1)
Todd B.
I have had the privilege of dining at Joe Muer twice, and I am going to be generous and give 4 stars based on my first experience and not on the 2nd experience last week. The first time I ate in the beautiful space in the RenCen, I enjoyed a lovely dinner with a colleague. Our service and our food were exceptional. My friend loved his steak, and I enjoyed a perfect sea bass. The lobster bisque was especially memorable. I returned to Joe Muer last week for a group event of about 20 people, and for some reason the quality really suffered. Our food came out lukewarm, and none of us felt our entrees were exceptional or memorable. Perhaps it was just the challenge of serving a large group -- so I'll be generous here and hope that it was just an off night. There are so many excellent restaurants worth trying in Detroit's burgeoning restaurant scene, but Joe Muer is a classic that deserves a visit if you're in the RenCen area.
(4)
Billy C.
Good food, nice service, very inexpensive prices but totally without charm, style or sophistication. They do try hard on the food and service but miss the point of culture and style with a bogus dress code that does, not allow caps, hats on men or women. But it's good food at low prices.
(1)
Phoebe W.
We always liked the original Joe's location. This new setting is positively lovely. Easy valet parking. Gorgeous view. Incredible service. Yummy cocktails. Beautiful wine selection. The Oysters Rockefeller nearly moved us to tears. Excellent flavor on the tuna tartar. Surprised by the perfect crunch of the tempura asparagus. Shredded cole slaw possibly the best imaginable. Highly recommend the Superior White Fish and Filet. Cheesecake provided a perfect finale. Planning a return on my next trip to Motown. Highly recommend.
(5)
Despina T.
One of my most favorite restaurants. Not just gourmet seafood, but a very romantic, classy restaurant. I've been here with a group of girlfriends, Valentine's dinner with my husband, & a family dinner. Each occasion gets better than the previous experience. Professional & courteous staff, food is prepared perfectly. Joe Muer has some of the best lobster I've ever had. As a special dessert treat, they will write almost anything on your dessert plate in chocolate syrup. It's something different! The coconut white cake will definitely take you away to dessert heaven.
(5)
Tara B.
We went downtown unsure where we were going to eat and ended up here. We were sat outside on the patio within 10 minutes. What a beautiful view of the riverfront! We ordered the raw bar platter for an appetizer, which my husband loved (I'm not a huge fan of raw seafood). For dinner, we ordered the Bank Scallops, Aged Delmonico, and the Potato Skillet. Everything was delicious! I can't remember the last time we sat down somewhere and throughly enjoyed our dining experience as much as we had! The only complaint I would say is that service is a little slow, but it wasn't frustrating to us. I think they just gave us time to enjoy everything since it is such a nice restaurant. We never received cold food or food that seems to have sat in the window too long. Overall, we will be returning here!
(5)
Alana R.
This is my first yelp review in several years... And my first poor review. I almost asked to speak with the manager after my meal (would've been another first), but couldn't get any attention from the staff to do so. I travel to the RenCen a bunch, but this place is always too busy during the week. I felt lucky to get in town on a Sunday, as the reatawas fully staffed but empty. Food- (1) I'm left thinking they don't make fresh bread on the weekends, because my bread was completely stale. (2) wedge salad- wilted. (3) love roll- decent. (4) Brussel sprouts- soggy. Worst I've ever had. I ate two bites and pushed aside. I sat in front of my 1/4 eaten assortment for about 15 minutes before someone asked if I was done. Didn't seem to phase him that there was a full bowl of Brussel sprouts being cleared. Not one person asked me how my meal was. The staff was more interested in catching up with each other about what they did all weekend, and which music app was better - Pandora or Sirius. I don't mind seeing employees have fun at work, but if I'm paying $100 for 2 drinks and 2 appetizers, I don't need to hear "dooooode" yelled 20 times by the staff. I had to interrupt their conversation to ask for my check, to which the bartender replied, "yeah". Seriously disappointed with the experience. This place obviously won't suffer from this review, but I hope a manager reads this and gets the staff in check. It's not fair to the customers or companies supporting this business to receive such poor service and treatment.
(2)
Tom S.
Went here on a Sunday night for dinner. The Fish was fantastic! Extremely fresh and expertly prepared. By far the best seafood in Detroit and nobody else is close! Service was a little slow. There were a lot of people around but our particular server seemed to disappear a few times for longer periods. Didn't truin the mean, was just a bit annoying.
I once ordered a whole Maine lobster and the waiter complimented my choice without a hint of irony, as if he and I shared an understanding that it's totally acceptable if I wish to send my cholesterol to the goddamn moon. He even brought me a cigarette, no questions asked, from the kitchen once I finished my marine crustacean and sixth dirty martini with blue cheese olives. My friends and I also enjoy drinking (a lot) at the bar.
(5)
Oscar O.
Wonderful Staff! Delicious Food! Great Experience and will definitely go back! The appetizers are fresh and tasty! Again the staff is the most attentive I've ever experienced. Great spot for any special occasion ! I can't wait to go back !
(5)
Linda R.
We went there for a special occasion and had the best dining experience I can remember. Alyssa was our server and she was phenomenal. Knowledgeable about every aspect of the menu - from the cocktails, wine, and description of the main entrees, down to the different sauces which enhanced the entrees. I had the Mediterranean Branzino (fish), baked and then filleted at the table side. Just fabulous. My friends had the perch which was undoubtedly the best tasting perch I have ever had. As a finale, Alyssa had the coconut cake presented on a platter for all of us to share, with a birthday wish for me inscribed in chocolate. I will always ask for her when I dine there again.
(5)
Gregory C.
Heard they had a nice view, so came by for a late light lunch. Didn't know they had a "Business Casual" dress code as I was dressed in a tee shirt, jean shorts and walking shoes. So instead of being seated by the window with a view as I requested (there were plenty of open tables), I was seated in the rear, by the kitchen, with no view. Bummer. I guess my money isn't as green if I'm wearing a tee shirt. Had a Stella, a half dozen oysters on the half shell and a bowl of clam chowder. All a okay. Two stars for the seating arrangement
(2)
Matthew S.
The best detroit has to offer in fine dining. Close second to capital grille. I love all the innovative farm to table and small plate restaurants that are opening up in detroit but Joe Muer takes the cake as far as traditional fine dining. Excellent seafood. Excellent steaks. Exceptional service. Everything about joe Muer is great. It's expensive, but that's not a problem for some. Come enjoy a large variety of delicious and fresh foods from this place as much as you can.
(5)
Naomi U.
It was great time with my husband. Food was good. Beef carpaccio was lil bit strong taste sauce for me tho... I like more natural beef taste.ha I would recommend this place!
(4)
Anye F.
I came here for lunch with a coworker today and was pretty impressed. It's rather pricey if you're not on expense account or there for a special occasion, but you get a great meal and great service for your money. I absolutely will dine here again. We split the thai scallops appetizer, I ordered shrimp and grits, and my colleague ordered one of the daily specials which was a salmon salad. We loved the appetizer. The scallops were perfectly cooked, and came with a baby bok choi and two cooked carrots in a mild green coconut milk curry. Next time, I won't want to split this with anyone as it's only two scallops and THEY WILL BE MINE. A must-order dish if like me you love scallops. My shrimp and grits were also excellent. This is one dish that is different everywhere I order it, unlike some dishes that pretty much taste the same everywhere. Joe Muer's version is somewhere between tomato-ey and wine-y, with great flavor and a little kick from their sausage selection. The jumbo shrimp were perfectly cooked (though only three of them, one or two more would have been perfect). Their grits are cheddar grits which were very good though my personal favorite shrimp & grits used goat cheese. Still a 5 star dish though. The breadbasket was great, as was the great northern bean amuse-bouche which was probably the biggest amuse-bouche I've ever seen -- a rather large dish of them. I even had a small taste of the smoked bluefish pate, which I didn't expect to care for but wasn't bad. Our server was excellent, I forgot his name but he was classy without being pretentious. The courses were paced very well, nothing felt rushed or like it took too long. We did not eat dessert but I saw the tray and it looked like they had some great choices there. All in all a terrific lunch I hope to repeat.
(5)
Nichole S.
I go to Joe Muer quite often. Many times with groups and business dinners. Yesterday we made reservations through OpenTable to have dinner with another couple before the Tigers game. Our reservation was at 4:30pm. Early and basically in between lunch and dinner. The place was EMPTY. Upon checking in for our reservation, a manager approached us and very rudely refused to seat us and told us we could not eat there because my husband's jeans had a rip on his left knee. Seriously?! Wouldn't let us sit outside or even at the bar. Extremely rude way to turn away a very large tab and a very frequent diner who will be taking her business elsewhere. And I will make sure I share my experience with others. AVOID this place. Plenty of other places to get great seafood in Detroit and get treated with respect. Joe Muer- you do realize you are in the hospitality business, right? Perhaps you can coach your management on how to appropriately deal with these situations. We went next door to Andiamo and had zero issues.
(1)
Crystal K.
My family and I came to dine for my birthday celebration. I am so delighted that they choose Joe Muer. I have been here before but only for sushi and cocktails, which were fantastic. I was thrilled to enjoy dinner and dessert for my special day. Gavin took care of our party of 8. Everything was perfect. From the sushi to dinner and flowing cocktails I can honestly say my birthday was amazing. To top it off, a surprise customized GIGANTIC slice of cake came to our table. You all really know how to make a girl feel special :) thank you for the experience. My family and I had such a memorable dining experience.
(5)
Bradleigh M.
So this place only gets three stars from me although I come here a lot. I come by myself for lunch a lot, and the staff is always super nice. I love the customer service. Management always personally speaks to me. I sit at the bar most of the time, and I probably would not come eat lunch so much if it wasnt for Mervin, the bar tender. Now about my Stars. The best thing I have had here is the salmon and the lobster bisque. I would give it four starts if I only had that. But I guess its a seafood place, thats what they do. The chicken sandwich, over priced for the taste, the lobster roll sandwich over priced for the tates, the steak bites, over priced for the taste. Just get seafood here. There tempora shrimp is awful. waaayyyy too much tempora batter. Tried it twice with the same results. The texture is off because there is soo little shrimp in there. The cocktails are awesome! I've had the mojito and the strawberry basil lemonade. both very very good.
(3)
LaToya N.
Great service! Great drinks! Great ambiance! We will definitely return
(5)
Blaise B.
Had a fabulous time here the other night, but I had to take away a star because we were lied to over the phone. My boyfriend called and made reservations and specified that we wanted to eat outside, which whoever he talked to said was fine. They also said that there was free valet parking with a restaurant receipt. Neither of those things turned out to be true. We got there, only to be told that they don't take reservations specifically for inside or outside, and all of the outside seating was taken so we would have to eat inside. We ate inside and still had a good time. Their clam chowder is amazing. When we left, we were charged $10 for valet parking. This wasn't really a big deal, except that we had been told by the restaurant staff that it would be free! I recommend the restaurant, but do not believe anything you are told over the phone by them!
(4)
Tim K.
Great restaurant with an amazing view of the Detroit River and Canada. This is one of our most favorite restaurants in southeast Michigan. The atmosphere is 1960's retro and the service is top-notch. The sushi is our favorite item on the menu. A pianist plays at the piano bar 7 evenings a week. Parking is very easy with the parking garage directly across from the restaurant and the restaurant validates parking.
(5)
Jina L.
LOVE SALTY FOOD? then I recommend this place. However if not, then I don't think so. All my dishes were very salty on my first visit, but since I loved the atmosphere I gave it another try. Another failure... Also our waiter recommended me a dish that was not on the menu and it was very salty crabcake topped with halibut that was very bland. AND it was $47 when I got the bill. yay?!? the quality of the food does not quiet match up with the pricing. I will never be going back...
(2)
Dennis L.
Great place[-nice people,great food great service,great view-will definitely go back-nice to see a restaurant like this in the downtown area and accessible via people mover as well
(5)
Dion T.
We chose this place because it was situated in the Ren Cen and had a river view. We wanted a nice pre-concert dinner for our date night, and this place did not disappoint. The interior has a great feel and lighting. We'd asked for a riverside view table, but received a table just across from the riverside tables. We asked if we could be moved, and the staff attempted to accommodate, but we declined the offer because of timing. The attempt itself was very kind. This was the only downside of the evening. We had the Fried Calamari appetizer, the Whitefish w/sauteed spinach entree, and the Surf-n-Turf entree. All three were expertly prepared and incredible. I could go into details about the taste, but it doesn't do it justice, we have zero complaints about the food. I'm not a whitefish person, but my wife thought it was excellent, and among the best prepared she'd ever had. The beef in my dish was tender and very flavorful, and the scallops were "WTF" delicious. I literally dropped my fork, looked at my wife and said "WTF". We had their famous coconut cake, which my wife loved, and although I don't like coconut that much, I thought it was delicious. It's a pricey place, so expect $110-ish for two people if you have an app and a couple of drinks. For expensive restaurants, I feel that if you have to keep thinking about the price, then the food wasn't that great. Some might say "Why the hell are you paying that much for food?", but I'm not here to debate that, we all do whatever we want with the money we have. All of the food was expertly prepared and delicious, we almost completely forgot what we paid, and we look forward to returning.
(4)
Kay G.
Excellent. Our server was attentive but not overbearing. Bread basket and appetizers were good. We had sushi, filet, mussels, flounder and lobster. The Mac and cheese was amazing, asparagus cooked well. Their coconut cake and cheesecake are both very good.
(5)
Abe H.
This is THE BEST seafood restaurant in dowtown. You really have to try it. It s absolutely superb. Every dish is so complex yet so simple. No matter what you pick you can never go wrong. It s a very nice ambience. It is not super upscale that U can't even talk like coach insignia, it is casual nd fun nd alive. It s just a super cool place. And make sure you try some desert, the creme broule is incredible. So are the crab cakes appetizers. One of the best fishes is bacon rapped scallop, you will literally cry when U try t!!!
(5)
Suzanne K.
The view was great as we sat outside. Since it was around dusk, we were surprised by the plethora of Mosquitos and other bugs. One would figure that at such a classy establishment, the servers would be too botch.
(3)
Frank S.
I always make sure to stop in every time I'm in Detroit for business. The tuna appetizer is great and their steaks are the bomb, And the view is pretty awesome since its right by the lake. It's a great place if you want to go out to eat in a large group
(5)
Steven H.
Great service and ambiance! Perfect place for a romantic evening, or a fun time with friends. The food was great (not excellent), but some of the best I've found in Detroit. The views are great, and live music is also nice. However, it's not a quiet place.
(4)
Andy S.
Beautiful setting when facing the river. Very for a servers with excellent service. The meals we're masterfully prepared and seasoned well. This is a must visit when downtown. Take a cab as parking isn't obvious!
(5)
Chris M.
Mediocre....The clam chowder was great but the pate, table bread, lobster corn dogs, tempura asparagus and crab were pretty bad. On the plus side: great martini's, delicious coconut cake and nice view of the water on the Canadian border. Piano player was a nice touch too but all in all there's got to be a better place to drop $100+ on dinner for 2
(2)
Mohamad F.
My favorite place to eat in Metro Detroit! The service and staff are so friendly! The food is amazing! Amazing view overlooking Canada over the Detroit river. I had a filet Oscar style with shrimp and asparagus. Also the Calamari is the best calamari I've ever had! MUST TRY! Highly recommended!
(5)
kevin e.
The food is ok The service was fine The ambience nice BUT the wine list is beyond insulting - On that list they had a glass of a wine that I know damn well is easily found for $55-60 a bottle for $33 !!!! What ? Are you kidding me ? They also had a pinot that is easily found for $23 for $72 a bottle And finally yellow label NV Veuve Champagne You know they kind you see at stores always for $40 - $140 a bottle !!!! Not kidding and for that alone they get 2 stars !
(2)
Matthew K.
Great overall experience and view of the river. Food was prepared perfectly and the service was prompt. Highly recommend sitting outside if the weather is nice. Excellent place for dinner!
(5)
Benjie S.
Took my wife here for our one year anniversary. We walk in and all these dudes had to lift their jaws up off the floor. Yeah my wife's pretty hot. We take our seats and enjoy a nice view of the Detroit river. A guy comes up and fills our glasses with water. Then our waiter comes. This dudes practically in a suit! This place has some history to it but I live in the present so fuck all that shit. It's a snazzy place with sharp dressed customers. So don't come in here wearing a fucking t-shirt have some class. First we ordered their most expensive food wrapped in their least expensive food. Lobster Corn dogs. Hell yeah! They were delicious, everything from the lobster to the batter to the hollandaise sauce poured on top. We were both craving sushi for sometime so we ordered a bunch of fucking rolls. Baller! It was honestly some of the greatest, if not the best, sushi I've ever eaten. Every roll was rolled superbly. You could pick it up and not worry about it falling apart. Nothing was cold or warm. Everything was room temperature, absolutely perfect. The salmon nigiri was without a doubt the best I've ever had. Moist and like butter. To top it off we got some dessert and like the rest of the dinner it was brilliant. It surpasses places like Ruth Chris, Maestros and sits at the top with Toasted Oak. Thanks Joe, whoever you are.
(5)
Sahar Z.
Really good food! Ordered the Atlantic swordfish.. It was great and so was the ambience.
(4)
Michael W.
Went here with some coworkers after work, arrived before reservation was and tried to grab a drink at the bar and the bartender would not acknowledge us since we did not have seats at the bar. Once we were seated everything was decent, none of the food stood out as special to me, but the view is of the river is nice and it definitely is a more formal dinner.
(3)
Chelsea G.
My husband and I always have a difficult time deciding what restaurant to try next in Downtown Detroit. With all the new options popping up all over, we want to make sure we are trying everything! Although Joe Muer Seafood has been around for a few years, we had not had a chance to get there yet. Everyone had been raving about the rebirth of this place after the original closed in 1998. It also received Hour Detroit's Restaurant of the Year in 2012. So on our 1st year anniversary; we thought it would be a great choice. From start to finish, we were extremely pleased with our decision to give this place a try. When you are paying more than average for your food, you have high expectations. This place fulfilled every one of our expectations; good service, delicious appetizers, outstanding meals and sides, great wine list, and an excellent atmosphere. We left there so full that our original plan of going out for a few more drinks was put aside for our sweatpants and recuperation of a food coma. This is definitely fine dining. Any website is going to give you the $$$ rating, which I equate to around $30-$50 a person. Fresh seafood and a classy environment is what you will find at Joe Muer Seafood. We had a private and romantic table that was tucked in a corner looking over the river front and Windsor. Side note: I suggest going up to the top floor of the Ren Cen and grabbing a quick drink at Coach Insignia before you load up on the fine cuisine at Joe Muer, you can post up at Coach Insignia's bar and sip a cocktail while enjoying the beautiful view of the city.
(5)
May H.
Everything about this place is amazing! food drinks & service
(5)
Lauren S.
Great seafood! The atmosphere is unique - great views of the Detroit River and Windsor skyline. Good staff. The dynamite roll is outstanding; unique flavors that you will not find at a regular sushi bar - you must try! Every dessert is amazing, the coconut cake being my favorite. Very rich and moist! Expect large portions for dessert. Joe Muers also has seasonal Sunday brunch from May-November. I would definitely recommend an omelet or the egg scramble! Brunch also comes with a complementary assortment of pastries. Overall great experience, would definitely recommend.
(5)
T-rex M.
We had heard good things, and showed up hungry after wandering like babes in the woods through the cavernous building. Service was fantastic, food was amazing. I had my first ever lobster and it along with every other thing that wound up on our table was delightful. Service was punctilious, attentive, and charming. We ended up here by chance, simply because the SO didn't make reservations at his first choice. No regrets! When you get what you pay for, it's nice to pay well every once in a while. And can you get better seafood in michigan? I don't think so!
(5)
Patti W.
We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary at Joe Muer Seafood on Saturday night. My husband made our reservations and requested a table by the window, he was told they couldn't guarantee it... BUT when we arrived we were seated at a window table overlooking the river-- Then we ended up with the best server, Alyssa! She took excellent care of us and made our evening very special with a plate decorated in chocolate for our Anniversary-- She also treated us each to a glass a wine. She made a couple of wine recommendations and they were both excellent. As a server she was informative, accommodating and attentive! She gave each table in our section special treatment. We were very happy to have her serve us! Our dinner was also excellent! I highly recommend the Georges Bank Scallops. Delicious! My husband had the salmon special that night and he enjoyed every bite of that too. For dessert we went with the Chocolate Lava cake topped with ice cream. It was divine! We will go back again for our next celebration!
(5)
Shannon W.
I stayed at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center so I decided to check this place for dinner since it was in the hotel. We ordered the tuna tartar to start, huge pieces of raw tuna on avocado with spicy mayo, mango, and seaweed salad served with wonton chips. Yum. I was going to order the scallops for dinner, but the waiter suggested the monkfish, so I went with that. The fish was fresh and very tasty. The combination of lobster, some caramelized onions in a buttery lobster brandy cream sauce was delicious. Their wine menu is very extensive, I just had a glass of Oyster Bay Sauv Blanc, a great wine in my opinion and always pairs well with fish. The service was good, not great. I felt like they rushed us a bit which kind of annoyed me. We never ordered desert, but they brought over the desert cart and OMG are their deserts huge! I think one piece could fill 6 people. I liked the ambiance, it's trendy/casual. However in my opinion the ambiance doesn't exactly match the pricing or the fact that my waiter had on a suit like we were at a 5 star Michelin rated restaurant. Food was really good though and the views of the Detroit River and Canada were a nice touch.
Nice place on the Riverfront Area in downtown Detroit. I had the Joe Muer roll (sushi) which was excellent. The people next to me at the bar saw it and ordered it immediately as well. It was pretty big. Good for two to share. I also ordered a shrimp tempura roll (not knowing how big the Joe Muer Roll was going to be). It was very good as well but I was too full to finish. A good thing. Nice atmosphere. Good service. There was also a piano player who I can tell was amusing himself as he played. Wasn't a boring piano guy. All in all, I'd recommend you give it a try.
(4)
John K.
Absolutely excellent food, Great Detroit venue
(5)
Scott S.
Have been looking forward to this for awhile, and for the most part it was good and the rating will improve over time. The setting is great, very nice view of the City and lots of windows and mirrors. Even walking in and seeing the bar is very cool. We were seated on time but it was a Sunday night, so busy but not crazy. It did take about five minutes for someone to come over with menus and to say hi Service is very friendly and accomodating, orders were taken promptly. One of the issues I had was the timing of things. We ordered soups, two came out fine, one was ten minutes later, saying it had to be heated up. That should take two minutes and certainly should not be done so the timing is off. Same happened with food, four entrees came right out, over five minutes later the other one did, so one kid waited for soup, the other for fish. but the foodw as very good, no one complained, my daughter, 13, said the clam chowder was the best ever, the other fish soup was good, but spicy. Sides were good, but nothing special, creamed spinach was blah, tomatoes were decent but nothing special. we did not have desert. Prices were on par with high end places so if you know what you are getting, its fine. dover sole was 49, Townsend it is 46, whole fish was 44, son's stuffed flounder was 25, soup was 6-7, so really not bad, pricey, but not like you don't know what you are walking into. Once they iron out the kinks, this will be a solid 4 star.
(3)
Karen S.
The preparations are very nice. Not a lot of food. Fried calamari was just okay but the tuna tartare made up for it. The black cod was tasty but the skin was not crispy. I had the grouper on another ocassion and the sauce was nice but fish was too fishy. The food is good but for the price I expected a little more.
(3)
Julie F.
We have visited this restaurant 3 times in the last year with mixed results. One of the visits was a four star visit...2 excellent seafood dinners. The other two visits were three star....one good seafood dinner....one mediocre. The restaurant has to show more improvement before we go back on a regular basis. The atmosphere is really nice...overlooking the river...but the prices are way too high for the quality of food served. The service was always excellent, but it doesn't compensate for the food quality or high prices.
(3)
Adam S.
What a pleasant surprise! This place is really beautiful and refined, maybe a tad kitchy, albeit glam kitchy. It has the feeling of having been there for a really long time, but feels new. Lots of oxymoronic statements here, but go there--you'll see what I mean. But really--it does feel nicely not-new, right down to the soft napkins & the pleasant dull glow of the cutlery; but also feels very much not-old, with shiny polished wood & marble everywhere. Anyhoo--enough about the cool aesthetics & ambiance. Now the food. Truth be told, I didn't dive right in--thought I would go small on the first visit & then jump right on in the next time if it warranted it. So I had a few shrimp from the raw bar, the roquefort wedge and an interestingly oldfashioned coconut-y cake. It was all really really good--yes, I agree, it's hard to screw up shrimp cocktail & wedge salads one might think, but believe me (as a huge fan of both), I've had my share of misses on both. At Joe's however, both were great; even the bread was just right--warm, soft & just the right amount of chewy. The shrimp were quite extraordinary, and the salad was delightful--particularly the dressing, a very well balanced French with roquefort. Then the cake--it was good, if in a mid-1970s kind of way. I look forward to another visit soon--if they are hitting the little things out of the park, it makes me very hopeful for a great experience with some somewhat grander choices.
(4)
Krystal R.
It's a pretty place to go for the atmosphere. The decor, the view, the piano and feel are really nice. But let's get down to it, we eat with our mouth. The service was good, but not exceptional. Watch the cocktails prices, I wouldn't start the night ordering a round of patron for the table lol. The food was good-but overpriced for what you get. (Everything is ala carte btw.) We started with the Joe Muer sushi roll, about $15...Just okay, nothing special. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal but no one was over the moon about it. My husband had the special, the Red Snapper with crab cake ($44) it was good-but worth that price? Um, no. I had the Crab "stuffed" Flounder, it was good, but not spectacular. That being said, we had a nice dining experience and having good company makes this a great place to have an evening out. I wonder if the food would have been better during the week or a time where they're not so busy. However, I feel like if you're in a big city typically, that isn't a factor.
(3)
Essam A.
I love this restaurant! Food was really good. Make sure to try the Renaissance roll & fried calamari for appetizers. The fruits of the seas entree is delicious. Dessert tray is just delicious as well. On top of all that, the restaurant is beautifully designed with a killer view of the Detroit River & Windsor. Highly recommended!
(5)
Heather A.
It was a lot fancier than I'm used to, but it was excellent. I didn't really feel the fish pate, but the bean relish was yummy..and the bread choices were good..another reviewer mentioned the small portions..I absolutely did not experience this...I ordered one of the specials, broiled grouper stuffed with shrimp/lobster with a wine sauce over asparagus and butternut squash...it was HUGE...on top of that, I ordered the black truffle Mac and cheese...which was ordered as a side and could have easily fed 3-4 as a side...if a wheelbarrow or a wheelchair would have been able to take me to my room, it would have been nice...I'll be back again during my visit here..
(4)
Marybeth R.
I want to love Joe Muer's. I've celebrated and supported its new beginning. Last night, fell way short of the mark. First of all, let me qualify this...service was impeccable. Joe Louis, our primary server was excellent, anticipating our every need. The food, however, was really bad. In fact, my lobster tail had the ammonia smell and taste the seafood acquires after being re-frozen. My husband's fish, nicely de-boned at the table, was over-cooked, dry, and tasteless. Normally, I would have complained right away. However, someone else picked up the check. I mean who would complain about a lobster tail? Last night, I should have. I will go back. I'm committed to this place. I so want it to be successful. Perhaps the chef was having an off night? In any case, lets get it together here. Many would not be back following my experience. And desert, superb!
(1)
Tiffany S.
Absolutely fabulous! Wonderful food and service, elegant atmosphere and ambiance! Appetizers, salad and entrees amazing Loved whitefish and save room for coconut cake. Joe is back and as good or better than before. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Taste-LIFE D.
Great views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Canada. Unfortunately, we were in the back room and away from the vibrant crowd. However, we sat next to Detroit mayor, Dave Bing and his wife. The roasted free range chicken was so tender and juicy. The halibut, from the Chalkboard menu, was okay. Although it was cooked perfectly, it could have used more salt and less of the Keffir Thai sauce. The sauce was more like a lake portion and didn't really add anything to the dish. The fish drowned in the lake. The cheddar mashed potatoes with crab were delicious. The restaurant owners and managers stopped by our table several times to see how our evening was going. Our server was very attentive. Overall a great night. We need more places like this in Detroit.
(4)
Pebbles And Bam Bam A.
Aspects of this restaurant tear me between a 1-star and 5-star rating. The 1-star aspects: -- The wait time ended up being over twice as long as the 30-minute quote the hostess gave us. Every time we checked in, her response was that our table was "almost ready". An hour and 15 minutes later, we were seated.... We had reason to believe that there was bias in which guests without reservations were seated first. -- Given that this is an upscale seafood restaurant, it was very loud. We had to talk very loudly to hear one another. 5-star aspects: -- Excellent menu selection with both traditional and unique items. Everyone in my party agreed that their food was superb. -- Service was good (once we received it... we sat quite a while before meeting our server). Our server (and other servers who helped out to make our experience even better) had a great personality - was friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. -- We mentioned in passing that it was one of our party member's birthdays. Our server surprised him with a candle in and "happy birthday" writing on his dessert, as well as a complimentary dessert (strawberry gelato and sparkling wine - yum!). -- Beautiful large windows overlooking the river and Windsor. -- Live piano music - beautiful. So, the experience was aggravating prior to being seated/served, but once we were "in", it was great.
(3)
Frank K.
Very classy restaurant. I have never been to a Muer restaurant before but if this place is liked the others then I will definitely go. Oysters were fresh, clean and ice cold. Manhattan was made perfect. Wine was delicious. Food was awesome, started with beef carpaccio, wife had the wedge salad, both were stellar. Dinner I had the surf and turf, scallop over greens and braised short rib over mashed potato. Great combo and the short rib was fork tender. Wife had the crab stuffed flounder and stewed tomatoes. Awesome. What puts this place at five stars is the service. Our waiter, Carl, was great and timely. Go here if you want a true restaurant experience and people with class.
(5)
Jonathan N.
I had one of their specials - halibut served over a Maryland crabcake - and it was one of the best seafood dishes I have ever had. My wife's dish, seared tuna, was also excellent. Service was top notch, though at times a little slow. Atmosphere is very cool - had some great live music (not overbearing) and very well decorated. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Sally B.
Really, really good. I've been twice now for lunch. The waitstaff is great - - friendly and attentive. My husband has been talking about Joe Muer's beans as long as I've known him. He's right, they're very tasty. Last time I was there, we had a large group, so we got to try a lot of appetizers. Everything was good - - proscuitto wrapped shrimp, dynamite roll, fried asparagus with mustard sauce, crab cake balls, oysters rockefeller. I had the crab stuffed flounder and stewed tomatoes. Both were really yummy. Another reviewer noted that her fish seemed over-cooked. Mine was not and the sauce was delicious. Everyone in my group enjoyed their meal (although the guys thought the luncheon filet was too small). The coconut cake for dessert is fabulous.
(4)
Soph. M.
Just got back from our second visit at Joe Muer. Excellent doesn't even begin to describe how great the service and food was. We got there early and hung out at the bar. The bartenders were great with wonderful friendly personalities to match! When I called to make the reservation I requested we have a seat by the window to get a better view of the water. Unfortunately the last time we were there we sat near the kitchen to accommodate for the large party. This time we were seated right by the window, with a beautiful view of the Detroit river. Our server Sadat, was a delight. To begin, he was courteous and very knowledgeable about the menu. Best of all was that he was honest when we asked him questions about the menu. He told us which dishes were customer favorites and which dishes were on the lighter side for my husband who is watching his weight. Our appetizers, soup and entrees were delicious. I don't have one thing to complain about...except that I ate way too much. For dessert I ordered a tea with the New York style cheese cake (yum!) and my husband a cappuccino. Superb! Joe Muer is a great upscale restaurant with a cool atmosphere and great food.
(5)
Nicole K.
Our new favorite restaurant! My husband brought me here for date night and it was fantastic! Everything from the service to the food was perfect. We ate more than I would like to admit, but it was totally worth it. - Joe Muer sushi roll - really fresh! did not even need soy sauce. - Fried Calamari - enough for 2 people to split. the fried artichokes and capers were a nice touch. - Wedge salad - one of the best wedge salads we've ever had! the dressing was different...not your typical blue cheese dressing. - Soups a la Muer 1-1-1 - they give you 3 types of soups to sample (manhattan chower, boston clam chowder, lobster bisque). It gives you a variety but I would recommend just getting a bowl of one kind. The lobster bisque was tasty! - Seafood Paella - So delicious! Full of fresh seafood, and the whole dish was full of flavor. Also the portion was huge! - Bacon wrapped scallops - Yum...the scallops were cooked perfectly. - BLACK TRUFFLE MACARONI AND CHEESE - YOU MUST GET THIS! By far the best we've ever had. You can smell the truffle when it comes to the table. It's creamy, rich and topped with toasted breadcrumbs, which adds a nice texture. The portion size could feed 4 people easily. I would eat this as a main dish! - Red velvet cake - red velvet well done! great choice for a big piece of cake to share.
(5)
Bob L.
We had an outstanding meal! Henry was our waiter and not only was he knowledgeable but his personality and style made our time there all the more enjoyable! Try the Sole and ask for Henry!
(5)
Amy M.
My husband and I had a surprisingly terrible experience ! We had a great table beside a really drunk table!! It went bad from there. They continued to serve the drunk table and waited to serve our table. We ended up with a long wait and cold food. We complained and they did nothing!!!! The next time, I will film it and post it for all to see. A very expensive, terrible evening, with no help from management!! Shame on you
(1)
denise m.
Ok, so listen...It is very rare that a place is on with both service and food. I have been here a few times, first couple of times I did not want to return because the service was so bad, but kept coming back because the food is awesome. The next time the service was just mediocre. Last night the food and service was top notch! We always sit at the bar, mostly because we just have drinks and apps and never want to take up tables, plus its cozy. Although we spend a good amount on what we have. Anyway on to the food...Tuna tataki was perfectly rare with a sharp bite of spice, the salmon sushi is like butter, the mussels were garlicky and yummy. I noticed the raw bar guy had stone crab, which could be my last meal! I know they are hard to find this year, but Joes had them! So I order 2, which are $15 a piece, not a bad price. They were so sweet and tender. The raw bar guy heard me get excited about them and he gave me 2 more giant ones! OMG I almost fell off the stool..The bartenders were great, very attentive and friendly! Awesome experience!
(5)
Jordan M.
A great and needed addition to the detroit restaurant community. Actually good seafood in detroit, by the river, and with great balconies. Recommended for lunch especially if just for your first time in, due to lower prices and the availability of sandwiches priced from 13 to 18 dollars including fries. Entrees range from 15 to 40. No specials till dinner though, which was also great, however our server was lacking, and the sommelier neglected to come back to help us in the purchase of a chateau margot wine. We figured it out any way. For five people with two very nice bottles of wine it was 450, the sides were big, the fish and steaks good and all left full. Everytime i eat here there is personal attention from the managers whether i am eating a sandwich by myself or dining with a large group. I can tell that this spot is quickly getting its act together and as soon as a few pieces fall into place (service) it'l be great. i recommend the mussels, the best!
(4)
Michele E.
The food was all that I remembered and some. Great menu variety with classic dishes as well as contemporary dishes. Would have received 5-stars had the woman that was supposed to serve us not ignored us. Had Calvin M. as our server and he was excellent!!!
(4)
Alvin B.
The drinks are GOOD. Haven't had an entree but the appetizers are just ok. The ambiance is nice along with a spectacular view, over looking the Detroit River.
(3)
Paul H.
i went for lunch on a Friday afternoon around 11:30am. There weren't too many people in the place. The ambiance and the view is incredible. The server was really cool and laughed and joked with me throughout lunch. I told him we were there for sushi only and he got the chef to make us something off the menu which we enjoyed. OUr server was knowledgable about the entire menu, wine list and even our choices of saki. The prices are higher then I anticipated though. Lunch for two with 3 bottles of saki, an appetizer and 3 rolls was right at $100.
(4)
Angela J.
I love seafood. But Joe Muer also has some of the best lamb I've even had. Their side dishes are large enough for two people, or leftovers for lunch the next day. They have THE best customer service! I wanted to take my grandmother there for brunch on Easter Sunday this year. I failed to make a reservation in advance (oops, website didn't indicate a reservation was required and I didn't call to confirm). Upon arrival, they seated us anyway. The mamosas were delicious (peach) and I left happy as I do everytime I go.
(5)
Adriano M.
Very nice seafood Restarant in the renaissance center downtown Detroit. Great atmosphere, views of the river and the outdoor dining experience was amazing. The seafood was fresh and first class service. The tuna tartar was great, the raw bar and sauces were tasty. Definetly one of the best seafood restaranuts in greater Detroit.
This place should have stayed closed. I wonder how sanitary it is to roll around a cart full of dessert with everyone breathing their germs on the cart. Also, I believe waitress was drunk since she almost fell down on numerous occasions. I would stick with Big Fish in Dearborn, MI which is a way better restaurant.
(1)
Chad C.
Swanky joint where both the ambiance and the food are impressive, but the former more so than the latter. Great cocktails are to be had if you have deep pockets. Service was professionally cordial.
(4)
Brian C.
Crab was expensive and not nearly as thick as I would have expected at a place like this. The crab I buy from CostCo was better in both size, quality, and taste. No kidding.
(1)
Maryanne S.
The only reason why this place did not receive one star from me is because of the atmosphere - and I am a terminally optimistic person! After being raised in the Detroit area and loving the Muer restaurants and traditions, I was very disappointed by the cocktails, timing, service and food at Joe Muer Seafood. Do not get the cucumber martini or the watered-down Crabby Mary. The dirty gin martini with bleu cheese-stuffed olives is delicious but takes 10+ minutes to get to the table on a not-busy Friday afternoon lunch. The Raw Bar Platter is mediocre at best. The dressing on the Roquefort salad is nothing you can't find at TGIFridays. The Lobster Roll was served incorrectly -loaded with shrimp. The fries were on par though. I sat outside with a beautiful view of the Detroit River and the Ambassador Bridge. Maybe I will give this restaurant another chance in 3-6 months after having some time to mature...
(1)
J B.
Melt in your mouth good food (definitly get the blue crab cheddar potatoes as a side!) excellent customer service, amazing views (Just make a reservation to ensure you have a table by the water)...hats off to the staff that make this place amazing...great work it doesn't go unnoticed! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Tracey M.
Service was good. Large, bright, airy restaurant with great views and a menu that offered both traditional and modern selections. Had the seafood chowder but it was a bit spicy. Very good sushi but I didn't like the manner in which they served the soy sauce. It came pre-poured and I didn't want as much as they poured. Also the dish in which they served the soy sauce was awkward. But other than that SMALL thing I'd give it 4 stars.
(4)
Alyson Y.
The food here was very good, and servers were extremely friendly. Went here for lunch today (Tuesday), and while the restaurant wasn't busy by any means, service was extremely slow. When our server greeted us, she asked if we had any time constraints, and we said we only had an hour for lunch. 1 hr 45 min later, we were out of there. Needless to say, if you have plenty of time, I would recommend this restaurant, but if you're in a pinch, try somewhere with speedier service.
(3)
Dean C.
I've been several times now and this has got to be the best all around place in Metro Detroit. You can sneak in casual and get outstanding service and food at the bar or you can go with a group and sit near the best view of the water available. The atmosphere and view of the water are top notch. It is amazing how large this place is and how many people it sits; it really makes for an impressive experience. The food was very good and Heather the Sommelier was a very nice, pleasant and helpful touch.
(5)
Jenai H.
Went here last night for my birthday and it was wonderful. Our waiter Sean was wonderful and everything (even the sushi) was fantastic. It was definitely worth the money and I can't wait to go again.
(5)
Jiehan A.
I have now been there 2x in one month & have nothing but great reviews! The food is high quality & flavorful - generous portions and a range of items to choose from. Well worth the price - which may seem high compared to other restaurants around the area - but again, well worth it. The atmosphere is elegant and classy, overlooking the water and Canadian skyline. A sunset dinner there would be VERY romantic. One of the evenings we were fortunate enough to have a piano player which only added more elegance to our evening. They are accomidating to the various venus around town - just let your waiter know what your show time is and they will prioritize your meal so that you can make curtian.
(5)
Bri l.
I enjoyed my food and only had to refill my drink a couple times myself, but when my Aunt cracked off a piece of her tooth from a shell in her lobster bisque, and the manager apologized, saying he wasn't a dentist, I could not believe he could not have taken her $8 soup, not a dent in our $500 bill, off the list. Taco Bell has given me better quality of service. They also forgot her soup in the first place, as well as bring in other dishes late. A couple nice things were they made a special preparation of their pistachio ribs for my grandma who was allergic to the original recipe, as well as give her gluten- free cake for her birthday before we departed. My dynamite roll was excellent, which, all-in-all, made this experience bittersweet. I probably won't be going back by my own will though.
(2)
Gigi B.
don't get me wrong....I LOVE Joe Muirs, I was going to the original one as a little girl! But I went for my Birthday, and I think I saw those same old foggies as I saw sitting in the old Joe Muirs as a kid!!!! LOL! Maybe I was paranoid or something...butteRUM, I was SURROUNDED by staunchy Republicans! Ok sorry I got carried away! Just would have like to see a more hipper crowd... Service impeccable! Food was fantastic! Dessert....bread pudding/ cinnamon ice cream,.Fabulous! Drinks Great! ALL PRICEY!
(4)
Gary L.
The legacy name suggests excellence in service and quality, and, in particular, outstanding seafood. My recent visit on a Saturday evening, to celebrate a birthday, left me unfavorably impressed in many ways. The menu lacks a fresh fish listing, e.g., three or four choices that can be grilled, broiled, prepared simply. There a a number of sauced choices that are covered with very sweet or very rich sauces which mask the fish. Second, the menu prices vary from reasonable to exhorbitant and their practice of announcing specials without tellng the price is tricky. For example: if the entrees on the printed menu are $24 to $49, the waiter should openly alert the diners that the special she or he just described is $85. Similarly, appetizers--stone crab claws--were $25 each as an appetizer. We opted for five, thinking these would be the best we've ever eaten...and they were hugely disappointing. For $125 for 5 claws, the presentation should be amazing...e.g., silver bowl, crushed ice, lemons, etc. this was a dinner plate with a napkin folded on it, ice sprinkled on the napkin, and claws placed on it -that's all. The claws were tasty, but not meaty, and very disappointing. The clam chowder was shy on clams, and the Nueske's bacon wrapped scallops were good, except that the bacon was very thin (not how you usually get Milwaukee's finest Nueske's bacon) and simpla lying on top of the scallops and not truly wrapped. Also, an annoying waitstaff comment: when a guest orders a $24 entree, asking them if they've tried the fish that is $49 is inappropriate. They are ordering what they wanted, and that should be respected. Lastly, if they ask if you're celebrating something when you make the reservation, that should be communicated to the waiter and the maitre d'. Each asked us the same question, and...they did not acknowledge the occasion with anything. How about a crab-shaped brownie with a sparkler for kids, or something simple...very odd, thiink...why ask? What was good: the shrimp appetizer (baked in butter), the potatoes dauphinoise and truffled macaoni and cheese were tasty, creamy, cheesy, buttery classics. The complaint here is not the price...it's that the price does not match quality of food and service, and at over $100 per person, it needs to achieve both. Graciousness is missing. Regarding ambience, the restaurant offers a few rooms...some brighter than others with views of the Detroit River, some near the bars (sushi, piano and liquor bar), some in a room that is reminiscent of the old Joe Muer's with darker wood, lower light, and some private glass bird-cage type rooms adjacent to the glass-walled kitchen--all nice and interesting choices...but the food and service doesn't match what the decor and ambience suggests. This is my second visit to Joe Muer's -- first time got a "pass and see," but this visit, can't give it a "pass."
(2)
Laura B.
Food was excellent; best lobster roll I've ever had. All the Joe Muers favorites tasted as good as they did at the original restaurant, i.e., bluefish pate, bean relish, lobster bisque etc... Three of us had lunch there today; the appetizers and the soup came out very quickly. After the soup the rest of the meal took an exeptionally longtime to arrive. My recommendation would be, tell your server if you have time constraints.
(4)
large e.
Lots of great staff. Knowledgeble and friendly. Great looking dining room and views beyond that. I had whitefish that was excellent, and my companions all complimented their entrees from lamb to chicken and other seafood. I would probably give this place a 5 but do not feel knowledgeable enough about other seafood restaurants (as other poster mentioned Tom's Oyster bar or Detroit Seafood Market) to make comparison. I actually went here to make comparison to old Joe Muers but there really is not much carry over. White Bean salad was not great like old days. They serve a fish pate instead of the old great cottage cheese. The menu was much smaller than old Joe Muers. No list of "fresh catchs of the day". I guess "chalkboard " section is supposed to replace that, but was not that extensive. I would return here based on it's own merits not because of any Joe Muer memories.
(4)
Pauline K.
I'm a foodie and this was one of the best restaurants that I have visited in Detroit. Lobster bisque, Vineyard Salad and Whitefish were all prepared perfectly! Our service was top-notch. Looking forward to returning soon!
(5)
Robert J.
My wife and I stayed at the Ren Cen for a festival last weekend and made a special point to dining at Joe Muer's. We had lived in Detroit about 30 years ago and had heard a great deal about this place. Having enjoyed eating at Chuck Muer's (who I believe was related) we anticipated having a great meal. I can not say how very disappointed we were! While the Lobster Tail, my wife had, was very good, the Filet was so so. The Margarita (made with grapefruit) was excellent. Now for my meal, "Jumbo" Shrimp... they were anything but Jumbo. So very small the ought to be ashamed to serve them! And to top it off they were the driest, toughest shrimp I have ever eaten. I must say that our waiter was very, very good. I hate to rate such an iconic restaurant so low, but I must be honest and perhaps they will see this post and remedy the obvious problem with their "Jumbo Shrimp" (I saw another post about this issue)
(2)
Adam H.
This place was delicious. I took my g/f for her 30th birthday and they didn't dissapoint. We had a table for two right on the glass over looking the river. The crab ball app was very good and both our entrees were great. This place will cost you however. Bill for the two of us including a few glasses of wine each was $200 which was fine for a 30th birthday celebration, but it's not a place I would be able to dine at ofter. Service was great as well. There were many different people who stopped by to check on us. and in no way were we rushed.
(5)
Lorraine C.
Finally found a great dining experience. Having dined at the 'old' location, I was very apprehensive to dine here. Most of the time when restaurants try to open again, there is something lacking when they reopen. Not so here. Joe's came back with a vengeance. The atmosphere is wonderful. Located in the GM building on the second floor, the ambience is wonderful. Most tables have a great view is the Detroit River and if you are seated with your back to the view, there are mirror strategically placed throughout to reflect what you can't readily see. Now to the food...and the waitstaff. We were very enthusiastically greeted by a staff of three. Head waiter, second waiter all in white coats and bowties, and a third assistant. We were never lacking service. The bread basket is actually 2 baskets, one with pumpernickel, made in house daily and the other with sourdough. They also include a wafer-cracker type, which is sweet. Also, with the baskets and butter you receive a pate of smoked fish. yum! They have sushi and for an appetizer we got the volcano. And yes it did have a flaming bowl in the middle. 8 pieces and they were large! Boston clam chowder, full of flavor, clams, potatoes, and leeks. Served individually from teapots to keep the soup warm. Get the croutons, just to see the presentation. Salad...is a salad, but a generous portion loaded with veggies. Now the main course. Flounder stuffed with crab, red fish and even a steak came to our table. It would take too much space to describe, but the sauces and the favors were spot on. The fish was flaky and the crab stuffing was perfection. The filet was done to exact doneness(?). It was medium rare and had crisp sweet potato straws as a garnish. We were too stuffed for dessert and we had a birthday cake at home. So the waiter gave the birthday boy a scoop of raspberry sorbet with Sambusco. Very impressive. Also, the drinks were not at all watered down, and the waiters asked every time what type of liquor you wanted. Vodka? Did you want Stoli? They also have 2 private dining rooms which were glass enclosed and looked very impressive. Joe, you did good. Love it.
(5)
Scorpio L.
Loved it! Review based on a Friday happy hour. Sat at the bar, enjoyed the stunning views/sunset and great company I was with. Got there at 4pm so few people were there but when we left at 7pm there was a good crowd. We lingered at the bar for 3 hours and sampled a bunch of appetizers and sushi, all delicious. Tried a few different specialty drinks and they were great, I particularly loved the jalapeno cocktail. Specialty drinks are $8 during happy hour so for $16 that's steep regular price. But the drinks were strong. Had really good service from the bartender and server. We even ordered a whole lobster and it was fun to dive in and indulge. The bartender cracked and separated it in front of us and offered us bibs! Overall great experience and I would go back for HHour or a special night out. You can also sit at the sushi bar and they have small, more private areas set up throughout the restaurant for small or large parties.
(4)
Bruce W.
First time visitor a few weeks ago for a business lunch. Only one comment - EXCELLENT! i think that everyone in the group would agree with me and that goes for the food, the service and the atmosphere. I will visit again soon.
(5)
Richard D.
The view from the restaurant of the Detroit River is one thing that sets it apart from a fancy basement restaurant. Jon Patrus was our waiter who has to be the best "fine dinning waiter" in Southeast Michigan. Not only did the waiter recommend exactly the right dishes but he also was able to pick a wine that fit perfectly with our food. It was our 52nd. wedding anniversary and like all great waiters I hardly noticed when he delivered food or picked up the empty dishes. My hat is off to the manager of the restaurant this was better than the other high end restaurants in the Detroit area. My only suggestion is to comp the parking so if we decide to linger over desert or a after dinner drink our parking is covered. The mussels, scallops, white fish were all over the top in quality & flavor. Don't forget the Sushi it was fresh & as good as it gets. This was not our first visit to Joe Muer Seafood but it was our BEST.
(5)
Suzanne S.
food was good - NOT GREAT. tried just about everything - stewed tomatoes, bean salad, soup, perch and salmon. Too full for dessert. the only problem and it has been said before IT IS TOO DARN LOUD. You find yourself yelling at your dinner companion. Seems the bar area is quieter but aren't you there for the view? BTW a small dish of stewed tomatoes $6 or so,
(4)
Neal S.
First Rate! I didn't have the opportunity to visit the original Joe Muer Seafood - but this one is FANTASTIC. Outstanding service. Highly recommend the Volcano Sushi! A menu that makes selecting nearly impossible - I recommend a group of friends and lot's of entrees to share. KILLER desserts! Classy place with acceptable prices, a nice wine list and plenty of variety. If you don't go, you are missing something special.
(5)
Mike B.
I went here recently and forgot I lived in MI. This place was just awesome. We were overlooking the Detroit river on a beautiful day and ate Florida grouper. I felt like I was living in FL again and had to do a double take of where I was at. Grouper overall was good with ginger glaze that was delicious. Can be a bit overpowering but if you order it on the side that helps. Got deviled crab cake as an app and cooked to perfection. stuffed w/ lots of crab and best crab cake I have had since living on east coast. Tempura asparagus was delicious as was their hazelnut dessert. I was so caught up with the views and grouper that I reality didn't sit in until I was walking in the GM building. Great service and atmosphere.
(5)
W S.
Disgusting! As my girlfriend and I were being walked to our seat by the host, we were led past the kitchen and heard the most vulgar, disgusting and, sexually explicit comment that would make anyone run to the door. The staff handled the complaint well, but after what we heard, I wouldn't eat there if it was the last place on earth.
(1)
Kathleen Lowe M.
We went to Joe Muer's after the Detroit Tigers baseball game. What a great dinner and a great dining experience. The food was excellent, the service perfect for our 6 person reservation ranging from age 28 to 88. The new location is beautiful, the views of the river and Canada are spectacular. Very good wine list.
(4)
Frequent D.
This restaurant is the perfect example of what happens when you have the capital to open a restaurant, but no true culinary education to allow you to build a decent menu and price it appropriately. We've now seen this group open up everything from steak and seafood restaurants, to Italian (sorry to those Italians who know how to cook), to Mexican (again, my apologies to the Mexican people). I'm not saying diversification is a bad thing. To the contrary, Darden Restaurants is the largest full-service restaurant group in the world, but I don't think anyone who argue that the Olive Garden is not Italian and that Red Lobster isn't the world's idea of great seafood. Two words: Fountain Soda. In a Parisian cafe, a tiny bottle of nostalgia is whimsical. In Detroit, it doesn't come close to quenching my thirst as a result of eating an over-salted $45 piece of meat. Stop with the overkill. Not every restaurant needs to bring a little piece of the "big city" to Detroit. My advice to the Vicari family: take a page from Jeffrey Chodorow and hire a team who knows that your talent (chef and servers) are far more important to the success of your venture than sporadic design trends sprinkled throughout your establishment. We all appreciate your investment in the City of Detroit, but if we have any hope of keeping this revival alive, we need quality, not just quantity. The food: -far too much reliance on sauces and not enough on finding cuts with natural flavors The service: -knowledge is power...i expect my server to be nice whether I'm at Ruby Tuesday's or Per Se. Have your servers brush up on their menu knowledge. Final Observation: I think this restaurant has taken advantage of the fact that our city has been lacking in enough true culinary experiences and made fools out of all of us knowing we were used to it, watching us chomp at the bit to overpay for a meal at the first sign of what should've been a fine establishment.
(1)
Bonnie B.
We had the pleasure of dining at Joe Muer's back in the 80's and had decided to take our father in law to the new restaurant for his 90th birthday in February of this year. I would say the service as just okay. The food for 3 of us was fabulous. No issues. My husband however, who ordered a sushi dish, was not so lucky and became extremely ill with vomiting and diarrhea in the early hours the next morning. I wrote to one of the owners only to let them know this happened so that they could look into it and hopefully avoid this happening to someone else. I expected a warmer response but it just wasn't there. Take caution when eating raw fish or meat. And don't expect an apology if you do get sick.
(3)
Kasey E.
Service was thorough and friendly, a little on the pricey side (our total bill with tip was $400 for three people, but my mom ordered the surf and turf which was AH-MAZING). Oftentimes fish restaurants mess up on the turf but not Joe Muer's -- the steak was every bit as tasty as the lobster -- a perfect medium rare. The view of Windsor at night on the water added a really nice touch to the ambiance. Would definitely return!
(4)
Ellen K.
We had the best time at Joe Muer's. I took my boyfriend here for dinner for his birthday, and it didn't disappoint. I was worried after reading a few negative yelp comments: ignore them. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is fancy and fun, and the waitstaff is helpful and knowledgeable. Don't skip the lobster bisque, it's absolutely delicious.
(4)
Holly M.
I would definitely recommend Joe Muer for group events. Several weeks ago I hosted a work dinner for 30+ people from various places around the country. We talked about a few different locations for the dinner but ended up with Joe Muer Seafood. I'm so glad we did! When I first called to inquire about availability, right from the start their event coordinator Melissa was friendly, engaging and helpful. This wasn't the reception I had from a few other places I called so this definitely helped sway my opinion. Joe Muer is not cheap - I knew that we would be spending a fair amount for our dinner and with that I expect a certain level of service and quality. Joe Muer delivered without a hitch! We had several different food allergies and dietary needs to contend with and Melissa and the chef helped us come up with a set menu that took those things into consideration. All along the way I felt like the staff wanted to make sure our needs were being met versus telling us what we could and couldn't do with regard to the menu, setup, payment, etc. As for the actual event it was great. We were in the 'Ship Room' which is a private seating area that is really lovely. Besides the room itself, all of the tables were made up nicely and it felt like we were having a special dinner. The three main course items, appetizers and desserts were all excellent. We were assigned three servers which was so nice. They got drinks, took everyone's orders, answered questions, brought bread, meals, refills, etc so smoothly and efficiently. As we were ordering I realized that we had forgotten a starch for the tables and asked if we could add that last minute which wasn't a problem. Also, the wait staff noticed that we had asked for the dressing on the side of the salads but they had inadvertently made them with the dressing. They asked if we wanted them remade. I was impressed that they actually let us know the situation and asked if we would like it corrected before we had to say anything. Unfortunately I've had experiences at restaurants where that wouldn't be the case. I should also add that Melissa was actually there in person and was very attentive. I've had the experience where the event coordinator ends up only being a voice on the other end of the phone. She discreetly introduced herself and whenever necessary helped make sure that we had a great evening. Everyone remarked on both the food and service. The dinner was a definite success! I host several of these types of dinners every year in various places around the country and can definitely say this was one of the best! I felt like we received every penny that we spent. The only disappointing thing was that I was flying out the next day otherwise I would happily have come back to the restaurant to explore the regular menu and sit in the main dining room which also looked very nice.
(5)
Yi-Jie W.
Delicious food- we had the raw oysters, crab legs, lobster bisque, clam chowder, shrimp diablo, tile fish, cheesecake, and coconut cake- all good! Excellent service as well and great view.
The food was of course great. It was a large group taking up 2 booths, 10-12 people, we ordered a lot of food and drank a lot. The service was outstanding, we were a rough crowd but the waiters could not have been better. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Sherill M.
Oh so good. I had a martini with their signature infused vodka and a glass of Moscato. The martini was wicked but the moscato was just average. Love the ambiance. Outdoor seating over the water was just perfect. Filled up on the lobster corn dogs which were DelICious! Waiter was so sweet. Can't wait to try the sushi, crab balls, and lamb.
(4)
John P.
Honestly, with the possible exception of Roast, I can't think of a better dinner in Detroit. The servers are extremely well-trained and attentive. The food is always very well-prepared. The wine list is extensive. The cocktails are delicious. The space is beautiful (though, admittedly, can get a bit noisy). I'd recommend the barramundi, which is a firm-fleshed white fish served with a very rich crab and truffle stuffing. It's phenomenal. Their oysters are fresh and they usually have a good selection available. For dessert, don't miss the coconut cake. The sushi is fresh, though somewhat unremarkable (it's no Noble Fish in terms of taste or breadth of offerings, but if you're looking for a roll to kick things off, it's definitely serviceable).
(5)
MT L.
My coworker & I have dinner here on last night of our conference. The dishes at this place are pricey but it has good Detroit river view. Our dinner with two entrees no appetizer & it is about $120, not including tips.
(5)
Lauren B.
Over memorial weekend the in-laws plus hubby and I went down to Joe Muer's on a beautiful Saturday evening. We had reservations at 7pm but opted for the first come first serve patio area overlooking the river. Ambiance in here is just phenomenal. It definitely starts with the service from the hostesses to waitstaff to manager to bus boy. Everyone here cares, which is just something you don't get all of the time, even at the classier joints. Onto the food, we started with sushi which was great. Mom in law and I both ordered soups and for some reason there was a big lag time for this to be served and is where I dock a star. We stated that the sushi and soups were appetizers so we really expected them to come out at once instead of a 30 minute gap between the two. Also note, their complimentary bread basket, smoked fish dip, and bean sauce are a great and yummy touch! Continuing to dinner, I had the monk fish, which was perfectly cooked and a very nice size. The men both had the scallop and walleye combination and were happy and the mom in law had the Tuna with chimmichurri, which we eyed with jealousy. The Ren Cen location makes it easy to park and then take a stroll afterwards. Since I don't live in the area I can't comment on this versus other seafood places in the area but feel this one has to be somewhere close to the top!
(4)
Valerie A.
One of my top favorite restaurants. I know it's seafood but I actually go for the filet and that's the only entree I've tried so far. BEST FILET OF MY LIFE. Just wow. So juicy and flavorful. Also loved the chopped salad but they took it off the menu last time I went there. And the coconut cake is amazing too. Yum.
(5)
Dawn M.
Great view, great customer service, great ambiance. Food? Over priced, under seasoned. The food is super bland. Dessert are delightfully excellent!!! Drinks are awesome as well. For the price I wish the food had more seasoning. :(
(3)
Kulsum H.
Classic Detroit at its best. This place is such a throwback, from the giant piano to the white jackets and bow ties the service staff wear. The waiters are knowledgable about the menu and very helpful. The whole experience has an upscale and yet somehow informal/intimate feel. The food was great, the appetizers are really good. The oysters were probably some of the best I have had in the area, and their seasonal specials are really excellent. The dessert cart is fun too.
(4)
Teresa ..
We made reservations a week prior to come in for dinner. The hostesses were very nice and offered to take our coats, and then we were seated right away. The younger hostess was very kind and made conversation with us while leading us to our table. We had requested a table with a view, which was nice, and made the restaurant more romantic. We were told our waitress was Alyssa and she would be with us shortly. While perusing through the menu, a busboy promptly came over to fill up our glasses with water, and a male server came by to drop off a basket of bread, bean dish, pate, and butter. He explained everything that he was setting down, which was nice. He also offered to go over some dishes on the menu and take our drink orders. After receiving our cocktails and looking over the menu for what seemed like a long time, we still had not been greeted by Alyssa. She walked back and forth to check up on the tables around us (even though two of the three tables were pretty much just sitting and enjoying their glasses of wine), and serving the table in front of us salads, without even bothering to say "i'll be right with you." we weren't greeted by her until 30 minutes after. she asked us if we wanted to get any appetizers, and we said we wanted the calamari appetizer. she then offered to tell us her favorite appetizers, such as the crab balls and calamari combo appetizer, sushi roll, etc. we still wanted to go with the calamari, and then she says, "are you sure??" and we say "yeah." then she decided to ask us "do you like shrimp?" which my bf does, so he said "yeah." and she then told us about a half shrimp appetizer half calamari appetizer combination. because of her persistence, my bf decided to just go with that, despite how "sure" we were of just wanting the calamari appetizer. we each received a plate of calamari, a dipping sauce, and two shrimps. after we finished our appetizer, i looked at the menu to see which shrimp appetizer we had tried, and noticed it said it was cooked in toasted almond butter. my bf is allergic to any type of nuts, and she had not mentioned the almonds, nor had she asked us if we had any food allergies (especially since nut allergies are quite common these days). luckily he isn't as severely allergic to nuts due to getting allergy shots, but i believe that it is worth informing us that it was toasted in almond butter, or for any future patrons that decide to dine there. my bf enjoyed the appetizer, but it didn't blow me away. i've tasted better calamari at other restaurants. for our entrees, my bf went with the fruits of the sea and decided to substitute with a cream-based sauce, and i ordered the surf and turf (braised beef with scallops). i found my entree to be way too salty, so i didn't eat much of it. most of it was whipped potatoes, braised beef, spinach, with two scallops. for the price, it definitely wasn't worth it. alyssa didn't bother coming by after to ask us how the food was, but she did try to make conversation by asking us if we were celebrating anything. she seemed to pay more attention to the surrounding tables more than us. the place was pretty noisy for being later on in the night (probably because of the noisy table in front of us), but we didn't bother asking to be moved since we were already eating. by the time we were ready for dessert, they were about to close. we asked to see the dessert cart, but supposedly they had taken it down already, so we had to rely on her explaining all the desserts. we went with a chocolate souffle without nuts, and she was nice enough to add another scoop of ice cream, and raspberries and blackberries on top. she also comped the dessert from our bill, which was a nice gesture after the lack of personable service earlier on. overall, i wouldn't come back here again. we were willing to spend money here but the lack of service just proved it wasn't worth it. i've been to other fine dining and even restaurants that are not of the same quality as fine dining, but received way better service. i have to give it to the bus boys for constantly keeping our glasses full and making sure we had clean silverware/plates, and for the workers who were giving us our entrees/appetizers. i wouldn't recommend this restaurant and was deeply disappointed. highly overrated - spend your money elsewhere.
(2)
Mary S.
Amazing restaurant and food, the truffle fries are the best and I would go back anytime just for them. The only drawback is the noise level, unless you are in a booth you cannot hear anything, even in the booth it is hard we requested to be moved from the middle of the floor but options were limited because the place was so packed.
(4)
Laura G.
So. I'm giving this place only 3 stars - the calamari was terrible. I also had the chopped salad, not good. The service and drink choices were wonderful. I had the filet and that was delicious. I just feel that starting off with terrible calamari and bad salad killed the rest of the meal.
(3)
Paul K.
Great location for a birthday dinner. My best friend took me here for dinner on Sunday and everything was perfect. The waitress was very professional and helpful, the ambiance was perfect with a nice live pianist, and of course the food was perfect. As someone who is picky when it comes to seafood, everything from the calamari to my main dish was delicious and perfectly prepared. Also, the coconut cake was a nice finishing touch to the night. It's a great place for a dinner, especially since you have a clear view of the Detroit River. Granted, it can be expensive, but it is well worth it.
(5)
Ashley C.
A quick stop for a pre-concert cocktail and appetizer. Joe Muer hit the spot! With a wonderful view of the river, and awesome service at the bar by Tammy, we had a great time with our group of girls. I ordered the oysters and told Tammy to go with whatever she thought I'd like, and it hit the mark! Eight East coast oysters later, I had just begun. I ordered the Joe Muer role next and it was amazing! Aside from being a bit expensive, I guess you get what you pay for! Over all we had an awesome experience and will definitely be back, possibly for a date night. Or any other time we are downtown.
(5)
Maya A.
The only reason they are not getting 5 stars is because the host AND waiter hit on my man, right in front of me. I mean, we are in a classy restaurant, please act like it. Moving on-- This place is great! Not only do they have great food, the location is perfection! Being on the second floor of the Renaissance Building here in Detroit, you get a magnificant view of the Detroit River + Canada. The fried calamari appetizier was spot on. The shrimp, mussells, and scallops all taste very fresh. I can do without their lobster bisque. Very classy place to take your significant other on a special date. :)
(4)
Chanell S.
I had a lovely time here with my valentine, no thanks to our seemingly annoyed server. We liked our food quite a bit but the service here felt disorganized and mostly void of the kind, personable touch that one expects from a fine dining experience. First, we were sat at this awful little table near the busy prep area of the bar. It was loud and very busy in that corner, so my mate later asked the host to reseat us. Just before then, our server came by and placed a bowl of beans and some kind of spread on our table, with no greeting or description of the items. A minute later, a friendly bus person greeted us and offered flat or sparkling water. Before he could come back with our requested sparkling, our waiter came back and poured flat water in our glasses. This is not a big deal to me, but in hindsight was a foreshadowing of the lack of care to come from our server for the rest of dinner! When the server came back next my mate was checking with the host about moving. He seemed annoyed that I didn't know what he was having to drink and that I would only have water. I think I chuckled out loud at his little attitude, and then told him about the seat change. We didn't move far, so our server came with us. Still, no explanation about the beans or spread, so I asked. In an abundantly condescending tone he said it was a bean relish and spread for the bread that was (obviously) on its way. It had been like ten minutes, and no bread was ever mentioned, so it was not a dumb thing to ask. I felt I had to defend my question. About food. To my server. Wait, where am I? And are we not about to spend over $100 on dinner? Answer my awesome questions with a smile darn it! Anyway, this mild douchery continued in its subtle way, but never got to us. Nor didn't it impact my awesome monkfish entree. The flavors were bold and everything was cooked well. Great portion size, too. We were thankful for the hardworking, pleasant bus person. I wish we would have solely tipped him instead!
(3)
Oz S.
Went for dinner last week and Wayne was our server. Let me tell you...he knows everything about everything! Wayne was great all around and made the experience very memorable, the food was good too :) We will be back. Keep up the good work everyone!
(5)
Bbb Y.
I found the food delicious and the ambiance "safe." Clearly it is a restaurant that caters to corporate guests.
(3)
Caleb Y.
Enjoyed this fine establishment again last night! One thing to say...go for dinner, but never leave without the coconut cake! The waitstaff continued to shine last night. I can not rave enough. This is hands down my favorite restaurant in MI. Although - I think the standard specials - in the middle of the menu - need to be updated.
(5)
Corene F.
I had heard great things about this restaurant and chose it for my birthday dinner. I was not impressed. With prices like this, I expect a lot. It was nearly $300 for four of us for dinner and only two of us ordered drinks. The salad greens did not taste fresh. The fish was good, but nothing to flip over. The service was unbearably slow. It took 45 minutes for us to receive coffee and dessert after we finished our entrees. Also, although the dress code specifies business casual, it was not enforced. So why bother? You can get the same meal at Bone Fish Grill or Mitchell's for half the price. I wanted to like this place, but will not return.
(2)
Crystal R.
My friend and I decided to have dinner and drinks here before the Justin Timberlake + Jay Z concert. One thing that could be improved upon right on the bat is signage- the RenCen has signs that direct to different areas (Coach Insignia, towards Starbucks, etc) but Joe Muer Seafood is not listed on any of the signs. I ended up asking someone at a desk who told me to go up an escalator to a "lobster covered wall". The inside of the restaurant is gorgeous- nice views, nice tables, etc. There was a man playing piano as well. Our server was very attentive, helpful, and gave us the specials for the evening. The menus are a bit overwhelming- just because they have so much to choose from. We ended up splitting a few different items. We had a sushi roll, the lobster bisque, as well as the surf and turf for dinner. My friend had a wedge salad and some french press coffee with our coconut cake dessert. Everything was good, I felt like the lobster didn't have a ton of flavor, but the steak was fine. Our bill was a bit of sticker shock- but I guess that's what you can expect when going to a place like this. If I planned another trip out and am comfortable spending that much money, I'd probably go to Coach Insignia so I could feel like I really got my monies worth eating at the RenCen (a lot of CI's meals and desserts are cheaper than JoeMuer)
(4)
Elli T.
I work at the rencen and go to this restaurant about once a month. I really like it and their service has been great lately. I did get sick ones after their fish last summer (i should not have eaten it as I could tell something wasn't right...), but I still go there. It is very clean, nice view of the water, good food and service. I am not a big fan of their sushi though as I love sushi and eat it frequently, but their rolls always fall apart and just not that good compared to places specializing in sushi :)
(4)
yunyan h.
Food there are surprisedly great. I tried tuna tartar , one of the best in Detroit ; surf and turf is also super yummy. What's more, the restaurant itself looks fancy and has a nice river view, so i could see Canada from my seat. I will go back when I'm in town again!
(4)
Mark P.
While I normally don't associate nice locations and views with good food, this place is an exception. In addition to having a great view of the river and an attractive festive environment, the food simply taste food. Had the clam chowder and Trout. Either one was good enough to have two nights in a row despite the extensive menu.
(5)
Jill B.
Just outstanding beginning to end. The white bean pepper relish served with the bread was delicious. Our salads and entrees were fresh and flavorful. Save room for dessert.
(5)
Gregg D.
Our family tried Joe Muer on Christmas Eve for dinner. Reservation went without a hitch and the greeting at the front door was warm and friendly. Promptly seated at a table by the piano (awesome) and a beautiful view of the river. Cocktails were a hit on all accounts. Tasty and unique. So off to a good start. We tried their oysters on the half shell and calamari for appetizers. Oysters were fine, nothing great, but perfectly tasty. The calamari was decent. Again, not fantastic but good. For main course we all tried different things. Our son got the spicy tuna, the wife got the scallops special and I got the swordfish. Son really liked his tuna and gave it high marks. Had a nice spicy coating and was seared rare. My wife's scallops dish was too sweet. It has some sort of sweet potato gnocchi which hid the scallops. The swordfish was cooked too much and dry -- it was blazing hot in temp and the asparagus under it was limp. So overall while the food was good, it certainly wasn't great and not $35 worth of great. We aren't dessert eaters, but had to try the key lime pie and carrot cake. Both were very good. I would say the highlight of the night. Tasty, unique, huge portions. Service was very sporadic and they missed on the basics. Water not getting refilled promptly, long time to come back with the check, waitress leaning on the chairs when running down the menu, etc. It wasn't poor service, just not up to standard for the price they are charging for a dinner. I probably won't go back unless for a business trip. I can't point to anything particularly wrong, but for the price it all felt sort of underwhelming.
(3)
Rola S.
The view and the food is why I love coming here. Although the waitstaff is hit or miss at times. But, if you have the right drinks (sheer lavender) with an unobstructed view and nice quiet people around you, the food can take its time being delivered. The shrimp Ilene, was just baked to perfection. I am Lebanese, and could have more garlic in it for my tastes. The dynamite roll was unlike any other sushi I've had before. The portions are great, order a few different rolls and share with your friends. Just try not to read into the ingredients as much, and be surprised. Next time, I'll try to be brave and have the oysters.
One of my favorite places in the city. This place is top notch and never disappoints. It's very expensive and its pry gonna be a 2-3 hour dinner. But if you have the time and money it's worth it. From steaks and seafood to the raw bar and sushi this place is an experience to have.
(5)
Eric D.
Went here with my girlfriend on June 25th. We never ate here before, and my girlfriend is not a huge seafood fan. Went to the hostess stand and asked the girl if I may see a menu. ..I wanted to make sure my gf could find something. The girl said yes. .. and proceeded doing what she was doing. Stood there for about a minute and another girl finally handed me a menu. Calamari and clam chowder. ..my girl was good. We didn't have a reservation, as we just stopped by on a whim. Therefore, we were not dressed up either. The girl took us to our seat. We like to sit next to each other, and not across from each other. We sat side by side, and another very nice server came over and raised the sides of the table so we could sit at a round table. .. very nice. He also suggested we turn around so we could see the water. Again, very nice. Too bad he wasn't our server. Sat for 10 minutes...still no server. Finally, Gavin M. came to the table. He was horrible. He took our drink order and we got a bottle of wine. We were also ready to order, since we were waiting for a while. We ordered the clam chowder, calamari, and pan seared tuna. 10 more minutes...still no water or wine. He did bring the bread and some white bean relish. These were good...still no drinks. Another guy finally brought water and yet another brought the wine. Gavin brought our calamari. After that, he was nonexistant. He NEVER refilled our wine. He NEVER took away a plate. He NEVER wiped the cloth (I saw other servers doing this). He didn't bring the meal, and he never stopped back to see how it was. He walked by our table many times, without saying anything. He literally blew us off. He came over and asked about dessert...not tonight for us. He brought the bill and didn't say a word...just put it down and walked away. I paid and then left. Overall, the food was good...actually...very good. The bread was very hard and so was the butter..but everything else was good. However, Gavin seriously ruined the entire experience.
(2)
BRIAN T.
good view from the patio. drinks are decent the 12oz lobster tail is the best i've ever had. that's all i got
(4)
Conroy J.
Breathtaking view of the Detroit river and Canada. The service was the best I've ever received from ANY restaurant. I wish I was able to remember our server's name. He had extensive knowledge of the menu and the history of the restaurant itself. I was very impressed and so was my date. The Food was incredible. Swordfish was prepared and presented "perfectly". My date's Salmon was among if not thee best we've ever had... but nothing compares to their in-house made Coconut Cake. A tradition their's for years and now we both know why. Joe Muer's has been one of the most pleasant restaurant experience that I've ever had. Thank you. I thought the portions could have been a bit larger but then again I am a big eater.
(5)
Thomas H.
Incredibly slow disinterested service. Food above average, but way overpriced. Valet parking slooooooow. Why have a dress code when people can dress like slobs and get seated at the best tables? You've lost a dedicated customer, joe muer. Two far to drive for over priced food and bored slow service
(1)
Ameerah G.
Ambiance - Great view over Detroit skyline. Dark lighting. Romantic and fancy smancy. Great place for a reception dinner or anniversary outing. Service - The descriptions of the food are out of a fantasy book. There's one guy, with a bit of an accent who weens you over to the priciest item on the menu by description alone. He has a ton of character, knows his fish and he's funny as hell. Food - Delicious. Absolutely delicious. I'm a sucker for their seafood and anything in the lobster/crab family is a must have on their menu. P.S - DO NOT leave that building without getting a slice of the coconut cake. I know coconut is one of those weird either you like it or not flavors - however - I'm not a fan of coconut at all and let me tell you. I tried a piece and ordered a whole slice to myself. Get it now. And get another one to go. Other - pricey, but it's a place of luxury and love. Come dressed to impress.
(4)
Patti H.
We've heard about this place for years. We made a reservation, and visited for the first time last Saturday PM for supper. We did have to wait about 15 minutes past our reservation time in the bar, which was not a big deal, however, there seemed to be a lot of tables with no diners, which was a little off-putting. The bar is kind of in the middle of the dining area, there is a huge baby grand piano off to the side, and the massive wall of windows with a view of the Detroit river and the Canadian "Riverwalk" lit up at night are spectacular. We were shown to our table, right next to the windows, which was a nice surprise since we hadn't asked for it. We ordered another cocktail, as well as Seafood Ceviche (sp?) and a dozen PEI oysters on the half shell. They were both excellent and the oysters were the plumpest, juiciest oysters I've ever had. We shared bacon wrapped scallops, roasted Monkfish, and a side of black truffle mac and cheese. Everything was amazing. we were so full, we skipped dessert, which is usually a given. If you want a very classy, romantic dinner with your honey, it's worth the drive. They have valet service available too.
(4)
Violet S.
Love, love, love this place! I'm a fan of seafood in general. This place is beautiful and elegant. The food is amazing! I've been here about 4 times now. I've had oysters, calamari, salmon, sea bass, martinis, wine, shrimp as an app/main course, amongst so much more. Never had any bad dishes. It's romantic, fun, lively, and classy. Wait staff is prompt and catering. You're also near the water so you can take a walk in the summer. You also have MGM, lounges, bars, and Greektown surrounding you in the Detroit area for something to do afterward. It's perfect for a date or special occasion.
(5)
Thomas C.
Growing up a New Englander, it's always hard for me to order seafood, let alone go to a seafood restaurant, in places like Detroit where, let's face it, there's no ocean anywhere close. So checking this place out was a huge reach for me. Ordered the mussels and they were ... as they should be, nicely steamed open, in a tasty pool of broth, didn't need the diced tomatoes and there were too many, but the mussels were nice and plump and flavorful. Others at the table ordered the Lake Whitefish (obviously Lake, not Sea food) which was very good, and the Denver Sole. Very nice ambiance, extensive drink menu and our server was very patient, knowledgable and attentive without being intrusive. Will definitely revisit on a future trip to "The D."
(4)
K K.
Underwhelmed. Acted like they were doing our group of 8 a favor by seating us at a table by the kitchen (with no view of the river), when the rest of the place was not what one might call crowded. No matter. On to the meal. Service was initially good, but a salad specifically ordered without nuts (due to a severe dietary restriction) came with the offending nuts, and then the servers disappeared. Eventually, I just had to hunt one down, which surprisingly took so much time that the rest of our party had finished their meals (to which they also gave mediocre reviews) so when the waiter got to us I pointed out the error and asked him to take the salad back and just take it off the bill, as it was by that time pretty late in the evening. Minutes later a fresh salad appeared. Bill was adjusted though. Oh, and I had the chance ceviche from the "Raw Bar" menu, which was basically just edible fish. Fail again. I don't think any of us will return to this formerly-iconic Detroit restaurant. Too bad, when so much is going right with Detroit these days.
(2)
Rachel C.
Went to Joe Muer's on Thursday night before seeing a show downtown. We came in just for drink and appetizers but once we were seated at an amazing table out side on a beautiful day we just kept ordering and ordering. The walleye, sushi and oysters were amazing. The service could not have been better. From our server to the bus boys to John the manager, everything was perfect. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Chris M.
My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary on 9-27-14 at Joe Muers and it was an excellent choice. From the moment we arrived we knew it was going to be a special night. Miguel our Maitre D' was so polite and welcoming and our waitress was Andrea was friendly and very attentive. The whole meal was delicious from appetizer (smoked salmon) to the dessert (Chocolate Mousse) I HIGHLY recommend Joe Muers.
(5)
Aaron S.
Was hoping for better. Good but not great. The sushi smelled too fishy to be very fresh. However, they did wow me on monkfish. Just not worth the media praise, but alright.
(3)
tony a.
Someday I will have the Coconut Cake! But not yet.... Have been here several times and the experience has been great each time from start to finish. During lunch time the Lobster Roll is just yummy yummy. Makes me think of trips to Maine. For dinner start with some appetizers, the Calamari and Oysters Rockefeller are always great. Then go for just about any of the entrees. I finally tried the Dover Sole that they fillet at the table and it was fantastic. Drinks are done well and you are asked for your choice of whiskey with a Manhattan which is always nice. Go and have a great time.
(4)
Melissa C.
Best restaurant in Detroit, immediately takes me back to fine dunno get with my grandfather as I was going up. Outstanding food and service and no one should ever leave without having a piece of the coconut cake.
(5)
Adrian E.
Stopped by for lunch on a recent visit to Detroit. This restaurant is located in the Downtown Renaissance Center which was connected to my hotel. I sat at the bar, but it wasn't too crowded for a Friday lunch had I requested a table. For starters, the bartender brought me a bread basket accompanied by blue crab butter. The blue crab butter was delicious! It was more of a creamy crab spread than butter. You could see and taste the crab. I finished this up without hesitation. Looking back now, I should have asked for more. For lunch, the bartender recommended the Lobster Roll. His exact words were "you only order Lobster Rolls in Maine or here in Detroit at Joe Muer's". Well, I've never heard of Detroit being mentioned in the same sentence as Lobster Rolls, but I was willing to trust him. You know what...it wasn't bad. It was a tasty sandwich filled with lobster meat & mayo. The fries were good too, crispy and not oily. Overall, a nice lunch and worth a visit.
(3)
Ernie M.
Yes, a five star----rare for me. Everything was top notch here! The location is superb - -- - a great view of the river, parking is convenient and safe (it does cost $10), and the food and service is exceptional. This was our first visit to the new Joe Muer's since the old location closed 15 years or so ago, and it was memorable. The menu has some of the old Muer items and some new stuff. I went with the old menu and started with the lobster bisque. When they serve this they start by putting a bunch of lobster pieces in the bottom of the bowl and then pouring on the bisque- - - - lots of lobster is excellent. My wife got the heirloom salad (a variety of tomatoes) for starters and said it was some of the best tomatoes ever (hard to understand for a tomatophobe). I then was served the fried shrimp and they were great- - - the cocktail sauce is special. Usually the sides are not worth mentioning, but this is an exception. I got the asparagus substituted for fries and the creamed spinach as a side. Great sides!!! My wife got the Halibut special and it was great. We ended the meal with a crème brulee which was perfect. Carl C,our waiter was just right, low key, but very informative and attentive. WE WILL GO BACK ASAP.
(5)
ReNita W.
Was very disappointed made reservations nothing was "available" sat at the bar until something become open for 45 mins. My boyfriend & I were joking about a corner table that was open the ENTIRE time we were at the bar that we wouldn't dare sit in & guess what! The hostess came around and told us our table was ready "the table that had been ready the ENTIRE time" in the corner!!! Terrible service!
(1)
Molly G.
I have been going to Joe Muer's for over 40 years. Nothing can compare to the original on Gratiot, but they have kept some of the old classics on the menu. The iceberg salad with the red Roquefort dressing is pretty darn good. The flounder with crab was superb. Still great for a bug night out.
This was my first time at this restaurant and it was excellent! Great location and the food was impeccable!
(5)
Cynthia G.
Attended a birthday celebration last night at Joe Muer's Restaurant at the Renaissance Center. How often do you go to a restaurant where everything is good! Every appetizer, every entree, every soup, salad and dessert! We had fun, and the service was outstanding! Great job Joe Muer! We'll be back!
(5)
Tracy P.
My husband and I stopped in for a drink and a light dinner after spending the day at the Grand Prix! Sat on outside patio overlooking the water which was very pretty and cocktails were delish! I ordered a salad and my husband ordered a shrimp appetizer with 3 shrimp.... We walked in at 615 pm and left at 815. 2 hrs for an app, a salad and 2 drinks? Food was good but our waitress created the oddest dining experience my husband and I have ever experienced in our decade of dating! After I ate my salad she asked me how I felt?... Weirdest question of all time! When she brought the check she asked if we would be back. I could go on and on but essentially I think she was trying far too hard and the service was slow and horrible. We won't be back...
(1)
Brooke J.
Amazing food and service. If you are a fan of seafood, this place should be on your bucket list! Lobster bisque is to die for, creamy and a good portion of lobster. Blue crab balls, very similar to a crab cake are just perfect and are served with a mustard sauce. I had the surf and turf, scallops and braised beef short rib. So delicious, the beef was so tender and scallops perfectly cooked. My husband had the seared tuna, he loved it. Now, this place is not cheap...about a $30-35 average for an entree. But you get what you pay for...and the food here is excellent. Can't wait to go here again.
(5)
Colleen B.
The service is the best you can ask for. Great wine and fresh seafood! What more can you ask for?!?
(5)
Nancy Z.
My sisters and I had dinner here a couple nights ago & I'm still craving the Halibut I had! My sisters had the salmon & the roasted chicken & while the salmon was average, the chicken was Amazingggg! I had the wedge salad which was great and they had the lobster bisque which they do recommend. However, do not leave there without trying the dynamite roll. The price is not as outrageous as people expect it to be, so go try it for yourself.
Absolutely loved this restaraunt! Piano bar was nice and we sat facing the waterfront , so beautiful! Great staff! Renaissance roll was great and so is the bread served with chick peas! We had a steak and lobster well flavored and cooked to perfection!
(5)
Lisa S.
The appetizer of bread was delicious. They expertly chopped my salad.... eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, carrot stands, cucumbers. Got the raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I like light dressing but this is one time I could've had more. Service was a bit slow even for lunch. But there was a hair in my friend's fish and chips. Carrot cake with the cream cheese dressing was delicious. Easily feeds 2 or 3 people.
(3)
Michael M.
The place was busy on a weekday without a Tigers or Red Wings game to help out.Our server was a little too over eager to serve.Food was excellent and the view of the Detroit River and Windsor added to the experience.
(5)
Ingrid S.
Hmmmm steamed mussels or sushi ? Wonderful restaurant. Food was terrific and so were the cocktails. Just be careful that your cocktail cost more than your entree. My only regret is that I didnt' have enough time to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Elizabeth N.
What a wonderful relaxing lunch on the Detroit skyline! Amazing soup! Waiter was fabulous. Salad wash fresh and had so much flavor.
(5)
Roger P.
Great location & view of Detroit River across to Canada spectacular. Excellent service, but food only ok and not worth the price. Pretentious for sure! We're likely not to return.
(2)
Brandon P.
Horrible service for the third time in a row. Food is very mediocre. I won't go back.
(1)
Jen D.
Not worth the money what so ever. I had called 3 weeks before to see if they could do something special for my husbands birthday and then asked again when we arrived and they assured they would...at the end of dinner they did nothing but give us the Bill. We the told the useless manager this and he responded with "well would you like desert?" No we wouldn't because you have already completely ruined any sort of surprise that could have been. Regarding the food...Outback Steakhouse cooks a better steak that isn't $51.00. Don't waste your money thinking you're going out for a worthwhile dinner
(1)
Maria G.
Everything is soooo good. Excellent service. Nice view, so nice to see Detroit coming around....hopefully. Best shrimp Diablo I ever had. A little spicey but very nicely paired with the duck and potatoes. The whole presentation is outstanding. Just need to make more $$$$ to afford it more often.
(5)
Rachel M.
What a wonderful night! My date and I had intended on dining at a different place close by but they were booked for the evening... JM was available and we were easily able to make reservations online. When arriving at the Ren Cen, I suggest parking in the garage near the Marriott entrance. Take the cross-walk from the 5th floor and you can take the stairs or elevator down to the entrance. From there, a hostess greeted us warmly and went to check for a table. She returned seating us in a booth with a beautiful view of the Detroit river. The dining room is loud, so don't expect a quiet conversation, but the noise is the sound of laughter, conversation, and music... I enjoyed it all. The decor is stylish and the sights from the window combined made this almost magical. Next, we met our server, Alyssa (who was everything anyone could ever ask for in a server and more - I highly recommend). She helped me select a cocktail and we placed our orders for the appetizers. We chose to sample the deviled crab balls and the shrimp Ilene. My S/O is a "shrimp" man and he raved about that dish. I, on the other hand, fell in love with the deviled crab balls - probably the best crab appetizer, #2 at worst - I have ever tasted. Just perfection. Alyssa explained to us some specials going on that evening in great detail. I stuck with the menu's surf/turf dish of scallops and short ribs paired with a martha's vineyard.salad. My S/O chose a special surf & turf of filet with a colossal lobster tail. and blue crab potatoes. At this point, Alyssa did something I greatly appreciated. She let us know the cost of the surf.turf that was not on the menu (it was admittedly a higher priced item). I know she was probably debating if that was rude to do so, but she did so tastefully and to be honest I am GLAD she did... so I don't know if everyone else will like that, but boo to you, I did... because even though I can afford to splurge for dinner, I would have been a little shocked. My salad was tasty and the dressing was just right. But when our entrees arrived, I was in heaven. My scallops were LARGE and tasty. The lobster my S/O had was flown in earlier that day and had to be the freshest lobster I have tasted... (remember that high price issue I mentioned earlier, it was worth every penny - total fireworks). The steak was juicy and my short ribs were fork tender. I was not overly thrilled with the potatoes... not bad, just not as over-the-top fabulous as everything else that had touched my palate that evening. Also, Alyssa was able to help us find just the right wine for our meal even taking a few extra steps for us when one bottle did not, at first, appear to be available (she made it happen flawlessly). I recall reading somewhere that JM slacked a bit in portion size, maybe I read that wrong but I strongly disagree. You get what you pay for here - from the food to the service to the view. Also, while people-watching we noticed how much time goes into the table settings here. It took at least THREE people to inspect and hold up to the light the glasses and utensils on EACH and EVERY table. Made me go home and double-check all my wine glasses (I would have failed the Joe Muer test miserably). We were stuffed with leftovers to go. However, we remembered this dessert tray we'd passed on the way in. Alyssa suggested the coconut cake. My date isn't a coconut man, but he knows it's my world, he's just in it so I chose it anyways. One bite and he was sold. If I had not been so stuffed I would have ordered a second slice... in fact, we have been waiting for an excuse to go back and get an appetizer and a slice of that cake. I even took some home and it was just as delicious in the morning. My mouth is watering thinking of it now - do not skip dessert here. All in all, one of the best dining experiences in my life. We paid a pretty penny but it's well worth it. And, honestly, you do not HAVE to go all out here if that's not your "thing" and you still can have an amazing experience. I found the prices to be very reasonable (and actually lower than expected) here - especially now that I know what you get. Joe Muer, I hope you stick around Detroit for many years to come... I believe you and I will be seeing more of each other for a long time.
(5)
Elizabeth K.
4 or 5 star food, but only 2 or 3 star service. Had the tuna tartare and the salmon, and both were delicious. Our waiter was friendly, but the table set up was awkward, which resulted in our group continually cleaning up our own table. The waitstaff would ask us for random plates, utensils, glasses repeatedly throughout our entire meal.
(3)
Tiffanie S.
I have never been disappointed with any trip ever taken to Joe Muer. The food is always impeccable and the service is prompt and professional. This is definitely one of the top restaurants in Detroit!
(5)
Leslie H.
It's a great seafood restaurant. Our server was great and the manager stopped by our table to check on us. Minus one star for the hostess. She was very rude and did not even say goodbye or thanked us when we were walking out.
(4)
Dario C.
Came here with a group for a friend's b-day dinner. It's rather pricey so be prepared to spend some cash. The service was good (not great). It was a bit annoying that we all ordered our own sides and were never told a side dish had 3-4 servings. Needless to say, we had a ton of sides leftover after dinner. However, the food was nicely presented and tasted very good. The wine list is extensive and the drinks were made strong. All in all, it was a good experience. Some tips: - The sides are really big, coordinate and share! - The mac and cheese was really, really good! - Drinks are well made.
(4)
Karie M.
This restaurant is fantastic. It's a really nice place to go for a special night out. It would be a nice place to go for any night out, but it's a little pricey (drinks $12 -$15), so I'd personally reserve it for a special night. My husband and I went for my birthday. You will need reservations. We requested a table window side so we could look at the view of the Detroit River (which is very beautiful). We were seated a table row back from window side which was a slight bummer but the restaurant was packed and we made reservations kind of late in the week. Our view was still nice as there are really large windows. The food and service was top notch. Our waiter's name was Bob and he was excellent. We ordered the volcano roll sushi and the scallop appetizer. The volcano roll was awesome. They light the soy sauce on fire and you kind of "toast" the roll to caramelize it - so good. The scallops are breaded not seared in the appetizer (they did have seared for an entree) - they were good, a little heavy for my taste in scallops but good and we ate them all so it couldn't have been that heavy. I had the chopped salad with the thousand island dressing. It was awesome. I worried that the thousand island dressing would be thick and I don't like that. But it was really light and good. My husband had the clam chowder and said it was great. I asked Bob for a wine recommendation and he suggested a light and delicious white wine for me. For an entree, I had the special - the halibut. It was phenomenal - if it's on the menu, get it. It was so thick and juicy. It reminded me of a dinner roll in thickness and fluffiness. But it was the most excellent fish I have ever had. My husband had the Hawaiian ono which was also a special. It was really good and prepared Asian inspired. But the halibut was better. I was going between the dover sole on the menu and the halibut. Bob said the halibut hands down, and I'm glad he did. We didn't have room for desert with all the food mentioned above. But they looked great, so next time.
(5)
Mars N.
I was hoping it would be as good as noble fish.
(2)
Tony T.
I came here after a full day of meetings with a few co-workers. This place was good but I can't say anything was exceptional. I had the halibut (which I no longer see on the menu) with a white caper sauce. I also had a side of spinach and corn. If you're staying in the Renaissance center, the place is very convenient to you. It's has a waterfront view and the ambiance is quite nice (like an upscale seafood steakhouse). I would definitely go back if I was staying at the Renaissance center but a piece of that is mostly because there aren't a huge amount of options in that neck of the woods.
(3)
Sol C.
My last dining experience at Joe Muers on Thursday December 6, 2013 was absolutely terrible. We arrived in a party of four at 7:15 PM and valeted the car through the restaurant's car service at 400 Renaissance Center #1404. We had a decent table overlooking the street and the water. However, our server must have been new as she did not know any of the specials nor the oysters being offered for the night. She had to return to the kitchen twice and check. For the costs of the food, I found this to be very unprofessional. The server clearly needed additional training days. She also forgot to bring out the pre-meal crackers, bean dip, and pate that precede every meal until we asked for it. Again, for the cost of the entrees here, I find this completely unacceptable. The real kicker to this nightmare experience was that at 9:00 PM, in the middle of our meal, the valet service notified us that our car had been into accident. Initially, they tried to blame the accident on us claiming we left the car in neutral. They also claimed to have made an accident report without us, stating that the accident happened at 7:20PM. This story quickly changed after I realized that the security cameras outside caught everything on video. The valet service offered to pay everything out of pocket and a security guard, claiming to be affiliated with Detroit police, made a report. In the end, we were never offered one item to be comped on our bill that exceeded $400 nor were we able to finish the entrees we ordered. I found the Muer's management and staff to be completely unprofessional, everyone we interacted with that night - including one the owners, tried to pass blame on others for the accident and who was at fault. In the end, no cared about what happened to us and the police report was completely fake. After not hearing back from Renaissance Security (which I tried to contact a 100 plus times), I went down to the Detroit police station on Beaubien Street and made a report. Oh, my car insurance ended up covering the $6,000 worth of damage the accident caused to my brand new Cadillac CTS. Thank you Joe Muer. Have a very merry Christmas and I will never eat you over priced food again!
(1)
Sarah H.
Went here last night and I will not be back. The service was some of the worst I have experienced at a pricey restaurant and the food was so so. Our group was on the large side and the waiter clearly could not handle it. My flounder was definitely floundering and tasteless. I had to pour salt on it to make it worthwhile. I will say my sushi roll appetizer was quite tasty, but that was the only positive thing I have to say about my time here. We should have gotten some kind of discount for everything that went wrong, but that did not happen. Save your money because I sure will be.
(1)
Ashley M.
YAY!! The first to review!! Let me start off by saying that I love the Ren-Cen!!! It's jazzy from top to bottom!! Joe Muer's restaurant is a bit pricey, but the food is great!! Service is great, and I definitely recommend this place!! Four star's because there is nothing that sets this place apart. I could get the same entrees from Andiamo, or Detroit Seafood Market, or Tom's Oyster Bar :(. I am really disappointed by this, but would go again if I am in the area. :)
(4)
Annette J.
GREAT happy hour. Enjoyed a lovely early evening here sipping on some delicious beverages (drink specials include half off signature cocktails!), eating some tasty sushi, and enjoying some fantastic company at the the bar. The restaurant is new and it left a great impression on me. It's nice. Like, REALLY nice. Very fancy and beautiful inside. I really like the decor and I love the huge windows overlooking the river, it was a particularly lovely sunset the night I was there so the sky looked incredible. I'd come just for the view alone! Even scoped out the Detroit mayor enjoying a meal by the window too. He know's what's up! Luckily everything else lined up pretty well with the view. The half off cocktails were great. I got a sparkling wine concoction and it was delicious and went straight to my head. Perfect! The happy hour menu isn't huge but it's got a nice variety. From oyster po'boys, short rib sliders, and sushi (both veggie and with fish) there's a bit of something for everyone if you're only feeling peckish. I went with two rolls--the spicy tuna and the Detroit roll (king crab, avocado, pineapple, cream cheese, shrimp and spicy sauce). The spicy tuna was nice because it wasn't bogged down with a lot of mayo and had great flavor. The Detroit roll was a bit Americanized but what can I say? I love pineapple! I was very happy with both although disappointed that there wasn't a happy hour special price! The service was fantastic. Our bartender was helpful without hovering. Towards the end we just wanted to chat and not eat or drink anymore and I didn't feel rushed out the door. Nice. I looked briefly at the dinner menu and look forward to returning to try that sometime. But in the meantime, I'm happy to enjoy a happy hour here to take in the sights over some tasty treats!
(4)
Lisa O.
Our party of three ate here for lunch recently. Two of us had the Martha's Vineyard salads and my boyfriend had the Fruits of the Sea. Everything was good and the server was attentive -- it was hard to hear him, though, because it was really quite loud even at lunchtime. We sat at a nice booth overlooking the river and it was a nice change from the ordinary.
(4)
Jill P.
Everything about our dining experience at Muer Seafood was flawless. The food, the ambiance, the wine, the service. And, while pricey, it was definitely worth it. I don't remember what I got because I drank too much wine. But, I remember it was excellent!
(5)
Dorva D.
I had the opportunity to dine at Joe Muer recently for Brunch. The staff was very professional and courteous and the food was delicious.
(5)
Tom K.
Great food, better views and really warm and atmosphere. I've eaten here several times and consistently enjoyed it. I prefer the sushi menu over the full menu but full dinner menu. Their specialty rolls are all great. I usually just ask for a selection of specialty rolls selected by the sushi chef. He always includes a "dynamite roll" - crab and shrimp with a spicy kick. The atmosphere is also great. There is often live music and you can watch the River and beautiful people quotient is also higher than you will find at other restaurants in the area. This is not the place to eat if you are in a hurry. The sushi bar tends to get backed up and it is hard for them to make big order quickly...but it's worth the wait.
(5)
Jimmy P.
I heard great things about this place - both word of mouth and yelp - which I thought was relatively reliable. I had dinner last night and unfortunately it didn't turn out as good as I hap hoped. Atmosphere is great for a group get together. The kind you go with your boys (or girls) and talk about what boat you want to buy as you look out at the river. But probably not an environment for a romantic date. It is pretty loud with a lot of people - no sense of intimacy or privacy. I went with my wife and it was okay for a date night. We had a good view of the river. Not bad, but not ideal. Food: we got the scallop appetizer and a lobster bisque. Scallops did not seem fresh to me. Had a frozen texture. It was good as it soaked in butter and oil. But almost anything is good in butter and oil. We didn't finish the lobster bisque bc it was soo salty. Talk about ocean freshness!! I was literally just eating salt! We sent it back. Wife had the soft shell crab with risotto and I had the surf turf (scallops and braised short ribs). Both were good but both salty as well. Short ribs were tender and flavorful but it was really masked with salt! The soft shell crab was nicely crispy and pretty good. But risotto was a bit salty as well. I think I drank 4 glasses of water during dinner. Overall the experience wasn't terrible. Nothing to write home about. Food was decent, could be better if the chef had been a easier in the salt. Just disappointed I didn't experience what everyone I heard and read experience. Oh well. Move on to the next meal and new experience!! ::Keep eating
(2)
Shelly A.
We had dinner at Joe Muer on May 11, it was our 3rd visit in the past 12 months and each time we've dined the overall experience seems to decline. We had reservations for a 49th birthday celebration and while we arrived ~ 10 minutes before our reservation, we stood waiting for 20+ minutes until a member of the Hostess staff approached us and asked us our name, for the second time (mind you in the 20 minutes we waited for our reservation there were 3-5 hostesses at any one time standing at or around the Hostess stand). When I made the reservation I had requested a table near the windows with a view and when we asked the hostess if they would be able to accommodate, we were handed off to a server to be seated (with no response). The service we had on this visit didn't even compare to the service we had on our two previous visits. When asked for a suggestion on wine, he suggested the two most expensive bottles in the variety we asked about, was unsure if he'd be able to substitute a starch with an entree (asked to substitute a lump crab cake with mashed potatoes) and during our 2+ hour dining experience, showed no effort to make our dining experience a positive one (or memorable), which is unfortunate when we spent nearly $300 on dinner for two. We won't be in a rush to return to Joe Muer. While the food is good, we weren't as impressed as we had been on past visits and the level of service much left to be desired.
(2)
Jeanette L.
When the weather's nice, it's great to sit outside, have a drink and enjoy waterfront view. The interior is lovely, too--elegant and refined. And there's often a pianist providing tunes. The food? Another story.
(3)
Neal P.
This restaurant is a "must visit" if you are ever in Detroit. (Probably the best meals I've enjoyed while stuck there on business.) Appointed well and very comfortable in both the lounge and restaurant, the main dining room includes live piano music and the only view in America where you can look south into Canada. Beginning with the delightfully professional Candace at the hostess stand all the way through the meal with Walter attending to needs we had (and didn't know we had) the service was second to none. The menu surprised me from the first to third course. Beginning with a fine single malt and a wonderful bread basket with butter and a trout pate, I was ushered into a very fresh and surprisingly wonderful tasting Volcano Sushi Roll as an appetizer comprised of Tuna, Salmon, Crab, Avocado, Campyo, Spicy Mayo, Masago and Cream Cheese. Other excellent appetizers are the Joe Muer roll and the lobster bisque. For the main course I've tried the Dover Sole and a Salmon special. However, this time I had the simply elegant Broiled Lake Superior Whitefishbroiled and served in a fresh lemon sauce. Please order the Black Truffle Macaroni & Cheese or mashed potatoes au graten (yes that is real lobster in there...and it's so oooooo rich) as your side dishes. Top off your evening with an after dinner drink and the coconut cake and creme brule for desert. When in Detroit,go to this restaurant! You'll hate them for the weight gain. But, you'll love them for the experience.
(4)
Matthew S.
The restaurant it one of just a few places in Detroit that remind me of a real fine dining restaurant in a major city. Decor, view, and service(for the most part) are terrific! Now that being said we started with calamari and it was not hot but the plate was too hot to touch. Lobster bisque was a highlight and really something I'd go back for. Stuffed flounder was just flavorless and has always been a signature dish so I thought there must be something special about it. We finished with the famous coconut cake and that too was underwhelming. All in all I guess I'll go every year or so....
(3)
Andrey T.
First visit last weeks would have given them 6 stars. Spectacular meal with top service. Truly memorable dining experience and I could not wait to come back. 2nd visit not so memorable. Mostly due to poor wait staff. Been back few times since. Food consistently good, but service is just ok.
(4)
Chelsea A.
Restaurant of the year for a reason, Joe Muer is one of the best restaurants in Michigan. I dont mess around when here, I order a Dynamite roll, a lobster tail and a full pound of crab legs. All their menu options are yummy. I can't say enough about the asparagus, the sauce is AHHHMAZING. It contais blood orange juice, need I say more? The service is top notch, the view of the river is great, and the ambiance is classy but not stuffy. If you are trying to really impress someone, this is a good option.
(5)
Cristina B.
I come here often. One of my favs in the city. The sushi is super fresh. The crab potatoes are to die for. and the chairmans reserve is amazing. And dont forget coconut cake, oh how i miss the pineapple sauce.
(5)
Gary L.
The legacy name suggests excellence in service and quality, and, in particular, outstanding seafood. My recent visit on a Saturday evening, to celebrate a birthday, left me unfavorably impressed in many ways. The menu lacks a fresh fish listing, e.g., three or four choices that can be grilled, broiled, prepared simply. There a a number of sauced choices that are covered with very sweet or very rich sauces which mask the fish. Second, the menu prices vary from reasonable to exhorbitant and their practice of announcing specials without tellng the price is tricky. For example: if the entrees on the printed menu are $24 to $49, the waiter should openly alert the diners that the special she or he just described is $85. Similarly, appetizers--stone crab claws--were $25 each as an appetizer. We opted for five, thinking these would be the best we've ever eaten...and they were hugely disappointing. For $125 for 5 claws, the presentation should be amazing...e.g., silver bowl, crushed ice, lemons, etc. this was a dinner plate with a napkin folded on it, ice sprinkled on the napkin, and claws placed on it -that's all. The claws were tasty, but not meaty, and very disappointing. The clam chowder was shy on clams, and the Nueske's bacon wrapped scallops were good, except that the bacon was very thin (not how you usually get Milwaukee's finest Nueske's bacon) and simpla lying on top of the scallops and not truly wrapped. Also, an annoying waitstaff comment: when a guest orders a $24 entree, asking them if they've tried the fish that is $49 is inappropriate. They are ordering what they wanted, and that should be respected. Lastly, if they ask if you're celebrating something when you make the reservation, that should be communicated to the waiter and the maitre d'. Each asked us the same question, and...they did not acknowledge the occasion with anything. How about a crab-shaped brownie with a sparkler for kids, or something simple...very odd, thiink...why ask? What was good: the shrimp appetizer (baked in butter), the potatoes dauphinoise and truffled macaoni and cheese were tasty, creamy, cheesy, buttery classics. The complaint here is not the price...it's that the price does not match quality of food and service, and at over $100 per person, it needs to achieve both. Graciousness is missing. Regarding ambience, the restaurant offers a few rooms...some brighter than others with views of the Detroit River, some near the bars (sushi, piano and liquor bar), some in a room that is reminiscent of the old Joe Muer's with darker wood, lower light, and some private glass bird-cage type rooms adjacent to the glass-walled kitchen--all nice and interesting choices...but the food and service doesn't match what the decor and ambience suggests. This is my second visit to Joe Muer's -- first time got a "pass and see," but this visit, can't give it a "pass."
(2)
Laura B.
Food was excellent; best lobster roll I've ever had. All the Joe Muers favorites tasted as good as they did at the original restaurant, i.e., bluefish pate, bean relish, lobster bisque etc... Three of us had lunch there today; the appetizers and the soup came out very quickly. After the soup the rest of the meal took an exeptionally longtime to arrive. My recommendation would be, tell your server if you have time constraints.
(4)
large e.
Lots of great staff. Knowledgeble and friendly. Great looking dining room and views beyond that. I had whitefish that was excellent, and my companions all complimented their entrees from lamb to chicken and other seafood. I would probably give this place a 5 but do not feel knowledgeable enough about other seafood restaurants (as other poster mentioned Tom's Oyster bar or Detroit Seafood Market) to make comparison. I actually went here to make comparison to old Joe Muers but there really is not much carry over. White Bean salad was not great like old days. They serve a fish pate instead of the old great cottage cheese. The menu was much smaller than old Joe Muers. No list of "fresh catchs of the day". I guess "chalkboard " section is supposed to replace that, but was not that extensive. I would return here based on it's own merits not because of any Joe Muer memories.
(4)
Pauline K.
I'm a foodie and this was one of the best restaurants that I have visited in Detroit. Lobster bisque, Vineyard Salad and Whitefish were all prepared perfectly! Our service was top-notch. Looking forward to returning soon!
(5)
Robert J.
My wife and I stayed at the Ren Cen for a festival last weekend and made a special point to dining at Joe Muer's. We had lived in Detroit about 30 years ago and had heard a great deal about this place. Having enjoyed eating at Chuck Muer's (who I believe was related) we anticipated having a great meal. I can not say how very disappointed we were! While the Lobster Tail, my wife had, was very good, the Filet was so so. The Margarita (made with grapefruit) was excellent. Now for my meal, "Jumbo" Shrimp... they were anything but Jumbo. So very small the ought to be ashamed to serve them! And to top it off they were the driest, toughest shrimp I have ever eaten. I must say that our waiter was very, very good. I hate to rate such an iconic restaurant so low, but I must be honest and perhaps they will see this post and remedy the obvious problem with their "Jumbo Shrimp" (I saw another post about this issue)
(2)
Adam H.
This place was delicious. I took my g/f for her 30th birthday and they didn't dissapoint. We had a table for two right on the glass over looking the river. The crab ball app was very good and both our entrees were great. This place will cost you however. Bill for the two of us including a few glasses of wine each was $200 which was fine for a 30th birthday celebration, but it's not a place I would be able to dine at ofter. Service was great as well. There were many different people who stopped by to check on us. and in no way were we rushed.
(5)
Sarah H.
Went here last night and I will not be back. The service was some of the worst I have experienced at a pricey restaurant and the food was so so. Our group was on the large side and the waiter clearly could not handle it. My flounder was definitely floundering and tasteless. I had to pour salt on it to make it worthwhile. I will say my sushi roll appetizer was quite tasty, but that was the only positive thing I have to say about my time here. We should have gotten some kind of discount for everything that went wrong, but that did not happen. Save your money because I sure will be.
(1)
Lorraine C.
Finally found a great dining experience. Having dined at the 'old' location, I was very apprehensive to dine here. Most of the time when restaurants try to open again, there is something lacking when they reopen. Not so here. Joe's came back with a vengeance. The atmosphere is wonderful. Located in the GM building on the second floor, the ambience is wonderful. Most tables have a great view is the Detroit River and if you are seated with your back to the view, there are mirror strategically placed throughout to reflect what you can't readily see. Now to the food...and the waitstaff. We were very enthusiastically greeted by a staff of three. Head waiter, second waiter all in white coats and bowties, and a third assistant. We were never lacking service. The bread basket is actually 2 baskets, one with pumpernickel, made in house daily and the other with sourdough. They also include a wafer-cracker type, which is sweet. Also, with the baskets and butter you receive a pate of smoked fish. yum! They have sushi and for an appetizer we got the volcano. And yes it did have a flaming bowl in the middle. 8 pieces and they were large! Boston clam chowder, full of flavor, clams, potatoes, and leeks. Served individually from teapots to keep the soup warm. Get the croutons, just to see the presentation. Salad...is a salad, but a generous portion loaded with veggies. Now the main course. Flounder stuffed with crab, red fish and even a steak came to our table. It would take too much space to describe, but the sauces and the favors were spot on. The fish was flaky and the crab stuffing was perfection. The filet was done to exact doneness(?). It was medium rare and had crisp sweet potato straws as a garnish. We were too stuffed for dessert and we had a birthday cake at home. So the waiter gave the birthday boy a scoop of raspberry sorbet with Sambusco. Very impressive. Also, the drinks were not at all watered down, and the waiters asked every time what type of liquor you wanted. Vodka? Did you want Stoli? They also have 2 private dining rooms which were glass enclosed and looked very impressive. Joe, you did good. Love it.
(5)
Scorpio L.
Loved it! Review based on a Friday happy hour. Sat at the bar, enjoyed the stunning views/sunset and great company I was with. Got there at 4pm so few people were there but when we left at 7pm there was a good crowd. We lingered at the bar for 3 hours and sampled a bunch of appetizers and sushi, all delicious. Tried a few different specialty drinks and they were great, I particularly loved the jalapeno cocktail. Specialty drinks are $8 during happy hour so for $16 that's steep regular price. But the drinks were strong. Had really good service from the bartender and server. We even ordered a whole lobster and it was fun to dive in and indulge. The bartender cracked and separated it in front of us and offered us bibs! Overall great experience and I would go back for HHour or a special night out. You can also sit at the sushi bar and they have small, more private areas set up throughout the restaurant for small or large parties.
(4)
Bruce W.
First time visitor a few weeks ago for a business lunch. Only one comment - EXCELLENT! i think that everyone in the group would agree with me and that goes for the food, the service and the atmosphere. I will visit again soon.
(5)
Richard D.
The view from the restaurant of the Detroit River is one thing that sets it apart from a fancy basement restaurant. Jon Patrus was our waiter who has to be the best "fine dinning waiter" in Southeast Michigan. Not only did the waiter recommend exactly the right dishes but he also was able to pick a wine that fit perfectly with our food. It was our 52nd. wedding anniversary and like all great waiters I hardly noticed when he delivered food or picked up the empty dishes. My hat is off to the manager of the restaurant this was better than the other high end restaurants in the Detroit area. My only suggestion is to comp the parking so if we decide to linger over desert or a after dinner drink our parking is covered. The mussels, scallops, white fish were all over the top in quality & flavor. Don't forget the Sushi it was fresh & as good as it gets. This was not our first visit to Joe Muer Seafood but it was our BEST.
(5)
Suzanne S.
food was good - NOT GREAT. tried just about everything - stewed tomatoes, bean salad, soup, perch and salmon. Too full for dessert. the only problem and it has been said before IT IS TOO DARN LOUD. You find yourself yelling at your dinner companion. Seems the bar area is quieter but aren't you there for the view? BTW a small dish of stewed tomatoes $6 or so,
(4)
Neal S.
First Rate! I didn't have the opportunity to visit the original Joe Muer Seafood - but this one is FANTASTIC. Outstanding service. Highly recommend the Volcano Sushi! A menu that makes selecting nearly impossible - I recommend a group of friends and lot's of entrees to share. KILLER desserts! Classy place with acceptable prices, a nice wine list and plenty of variety. If you don't go, you are missing something special.
(5)
Mike B.
I went here recently and forgot I lived in MI. This place was just awesome. We were overlooking the Detroit river on a beautiful day and ate Florida grouper. I felt like I was living in FL again and had to do a double take of where I was at. Grouper overall was good with ginger glaze that was delicious. Can be a bit overpowering but if you order it on the side that helps. Got deviled crab cake as an app and cooked to perfection. stuffed w/ lots of crab and best crab cake I have had since living on east coast. Tempura asparagus was delicious as was their hazelnut dessert. I was so caught up with the views and grouper that I reality didn't sit in until I was walking in the GM building. Great service and atmosphere.
(5)
W S.
Disgusting! As my girlfriend and I were being walked to our seat by the host, we were led past the kitchen and heard the most vulgar, disgusting and, sexually explicit comment that would make anyone run to the door. The staff handled the complaint well, but after what we heard, I wouldn't eat there if it was the last place on earth.
(1)
Kathleen Lowe M.
We went to Joe Muer's after the Detroit Tigers baseball game. What a great dinner and a great dining experience. The food was excellent, the service perfect for our 6 person reservation ranging from age 28 to 88. The new location is beautiful, the views of the river and Canada are spectacular. Very good wine list.
(4)
Frequent D.
This restaurant is the perfect example of what happens when you have the capital to open a restaurant, but no true culinary education to allow you to build a decent menu and price it appropriately. We've now seen this group open up everything from steak and seafood restaurants, to Italian (sorry to those Italians who know how to cook), to Mexican (again, my apologies to the Mexican people). I'm not saying diversification is a bad thing. To the contrary, Darden Restaurants is the largest full-service restaurant group in the world, but I don't think anyone who argue that the Olive Garden is not Italian and that Red Lobster isn't the world's idea of great seafood. Two words: Fountain Soda. In a Parisian cafe, a tiny bottle of nostalgia is whimsical. In Detroit, it doesn't come close to quenching my thirst as a result of eating an over-salted $45 piece of meat. Stop with the overkill. Not every restaurant needs to bring a little piece of the "big city" to Detroit. My advice to the Vicari family: take a page from Jeffrey Chodorow and hire a team who knows that your talent (chef and servers) are far more important to the success of your venture than sporadic design trends sprinkled throughout your establishment. We all appreciate your investment in the City of Detroit, but if we have any hope of keeping this revival alive, we need quality, not just quantity. The food: -far too much reliance on sauces and not enough on finding cuts with natural flavors The service: -knowledge is power...i expect my server to be nice whether I'm at Ruby Tuesday's or Per Se. Have your servers brush up on their menu knowledge. Final Observation: I think this restaurant has taken advantage of the fact that our city has been lacking in enough true culinary experiences and made fools out of all of us knowing we were used to it, watching us chomp at the bit to overpay for a meal at the first sign of what should've been a fine establishment.
(1)
Bonnie B.
We had the pleasure of dining at Joe Muer's back in the 80's and had decided to take our father in law to the new restaurant for his 90th birthday in February of this year. I would say the service as just okay. The food for 3 of us was fabulous. No issues. My husband however, who ordered a sushi dish, was not so lucky and became extremely ill with vomiting and diarrhea in the early hours the next morning. I wrote to one of the owners only to let them know this happened so that they could look into it and hopefully avoid this happening to someone else. I expected a warmer response but it just wasn't there. Take caution when eating raw fish or meat. And don't expect an apology if you do get sick.
(3)
Ashley M.
YAY!! The first to review!! Let me start off by saying that I love the Ren-Cen!!! It's jazzy from top to bottom!! Joe Muer's restaurant is a bit pricey, but the food is great!! Service is great, and I definitely recommend this place!! Four star's because there is nothing that sets this place apart. I could get the same entrees from Andiamo, or Detroit Seafood Market, or Tom's Oyster Bar :(. I am really disappointed by this, but would go again if I am in the area. :)
(4)
Holly M.
I would definitely recommend Joe Muer for group events. Several weeks ago I hosted a work dinner for 30+ people from various places around the country. We talked about a few different locations for the dinner but ended up with Joe Muer Seafood. I'm so glad we did! When I first called to inquire about availability, right from the start their event coordinator Melissa was friendly, engaging and helpful. This wasn't the reception I had from a few other places I called so this definitely helped sway my opinion. Joe Muer is not cheap - I knew that we would be spending a fair amount for our dinner and with that I expect a certain level of service and quality. Joe Muer delivered without a hitch! We had several different food allergies and dietary needs to contend with and Melissa and the chef helped us come up with a set menu that took those things into consideration. All along the way I felt like the staff wanted to make sure our needs were being met versus telling us what we could and couldn't do with regard to the menu, setup, payment, etc. As for the actual event it was great. We were in the 'Ship Room' which is a private seating area that is really lovely. Besides the room itself, all of the tables were made up nicely and it felt like we were having a special dinner. The three main course items, appetizers and desserts were all excellent. We were assigned three servers which was so nice. They got drinks, took everyone's orders, answered questions, brought bread, meals, refills, etc so smoothly and efficiently. As we were ordering I realized that we had forgotten a starch for the tables and asked if we could add that last minute which wasn't a problem. Also, the wait staff noticed that we had asked for the dressing on the side of the salads but they had inadvertently made them with the dressing. They asked if we wanted them remade. I was impressed that they actually let us know the situation and asked if we would like it corrected before we had to say anything. Unfortunately I've had experiences at restaurants where that wouldn't be the case. I should also add that Melissa was actually there in person and was very attentive. I've had the experience where the event coordinator ends up only being a voice on the other end of the phone. She discreetly introduced herself and whenever necessary helped make sure that we had a great evening. Everyone remarked on both the food and service. The dinner was a definite success! I host several of these types of dinners every year in various places around the country and can definitely say this was one of the best! I felt like we received every penny that we spent. The only disappointing thing was that I was flying out the next day otherwise I would happily have come back to the restaurant to explore the regular menu and sit in the main dining room which also looked very nice.
(5)
Jeanette L.
When the weather's nice, it's great to sit outside, have a drink and enjoy waterfront view. The interior is lovely, too--elegant and refined. And there's often a pianist providing tunes. The food? Another story.
(3)
Neal P.
This restaurant is a "must visit" if you are ever in Detroit. (Probably the best meals I've enjoyed while stuck there on business.) Appointed well and very comfortable in both the lounge and restaurant, the main dining room includes live piano music and the only view in America where you can look south into Canada. Beginning with the delightfully professional Candace at the hostess stand all the way through the meal with Walter attending to needs we had (and didn't know we had) the service was second to none. The menu surprised me from the first to third course. Beginning with a fine single malt and a wonderful bread basket with butter and a trout pate, I was ushered into a very fresh and surprisingly wonderful tasting Volcano Sushi Roll as an appetizer comprised of Tuna, Salmon, Crab, Avocado, Campyo, Spicy Mayo, Masago and Cream Cheese. Other excellent appetizers are the Joe Muer roll and the lobster bisque. For the main course I've tried the Dover Sole and a Salmon special. However, this time I had the simply elegant Broiled Lake Superior Whitefishbroiled and served in a fresh lemon sauce. Please order the Black Truffle Macaroni & Cheese or mashed potatoes au graten (yes that is real lobster in there...and it's so oooooo rich) as your side dishes. Top off your evening with an after dinner drink and the coconut cake and creme brule for desert. When in Detroit,go to this restaurant! You'll hate them for the weight gain. But, you'll love them for the experience.
(4)
Matthew S.
The restaurant it one of just a few places in Detroit that remind me of a real fine dining restaurant in a major city. Decor, view, and service(for the most part) are terrific! Now that being said we started with calamari and it was not hot but the plate was too hot to touch. Lobster bisque was a highlight and really something I'd go back for. Stuffed flounder was just flavorless and has always been a signature dish so I thought there must be something special about it. We finished with the famous coconut cake and that too was underwhelming. All in all I guess I'll go every year or so....
(3)
Andrey T.
First visit last weeks would have given them 6 stars. Spectacular meal with top service. Truly memorable dining experience and I could not wait to come back. 2nd visit not so memorable. Mostly due to poor wait staff. Been back few times since. Food consistently good, but service is just ok.
(4)
Brad L.
I'm going to start by saying that I used to hate seafood. When I say 'hate' I mean I wouldn't even go into a place serving it because the smell repulsed me so much. After beginning a dramatic shift in my eating to be part of a much healthier lifestyle, seafood is now on the table (pun intended). Which brings me to my visit to Joe Muer Seafood. My wife wanted to go somewhere fancy for her birthday and I was happy to oblige. Turning to Yelp we found Joe Muer's and based on the reviews, decided to give it a whirl. (The Hour Detroit 2012 Restaurant of the year award helped too) To make this review a little short, I will say that if I had eaten here years ago, I would have started eating seafood a long time ago! The salmon was perfection, the crab balls as an appetizer made me wish I had an entire meal of them. Heck, even just the chopped salad was outstanding! Environment and the view of the review was perfect, attention from the waitstaff made it feel like private dining, and the live piano music set a perfect mood. There were only 2 reasons why I didn't give it 5 stars. First reason was it was loud. Not Red Robin loud, but WAY louder than I thought it should be for such a fancy place. There were quite a few times during dinner where my wife and I had to ask each other to repeat what they said or speak up. The second reason were the prices on the mix cocktails. Now, I know, it was a fancy place but $15 for the mudslide my wife ordered? Seriously, are we at the airport? Plus, call me cheap, but charging $20 valet and only validating for $10...? All in all, Joe Muer was a fantastic experience and a great place to go for an upscale dining experience!
Somehow this vegetarian keeps getting invited to Joe Muer Seafood. And yet, it's completely, 100%, not an issue here. I'm sure there seafood is great and all, but here are my observations for fellow vegetarians and other people who want to bring vegetarians here. The Good: - The bar sushi menu (which you need to ask for separately, as only a few fish-fulled rolls are on the regular menu) has at least a half dozen veggie rolls. I just had a tofu roll and an avocado roll, but both were amazing. - The sides are huge. Worried that the sushi wouldn't be enough food, I ordered the side of black truffle mac and cheese. It was delicious, and at $9, easily could have been my entire meal. Most of the sides are vegetarian. There is also a delicious asparagus tempura appetizer. - When describing the specials to our party, prices were mentioned after each option. This was appreciated as the specials went up to $85, which I believe is higher than the costliest option on the regular menu. Some people may not like it - I did. The Bad: - The butter was hard as a rock! I'll never understand why nice restaurants do this. By the time I was done attempting to spread it on the bread (which wasn't very good), it looked like they had gone to war with each other and both lost. - If you want wine, expect to pay $12-25/glass. No cheap options here. Frankly if a place doesn't offer affordable wines, it seems like they're trying to be pretentious - there are plenty of great affordable wines out there.
(4)
Abby W.
Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. I thought my halibut was a little dry but other than that everything was perfect. We really enjoyed the dynamite sushi rolls and of course the chop salad was out of this world. My husband had the clam chowder and as always, really enjoyed it. It was a great evening.
(4)
Dano R.
This was my first visit back to this classic restaurant since it closed from it's Gratiot Ave. location years ago. The quality, fresh seafood and great service are still a staple the JM's. Be prepared to pay top $ for this. Our table had a great view of the river which was fitting for our son's college graduation family celebration. My top shelf martini was $15 which is the most I've paid for a martini in a long time. Decent class of Malbec was $12. The calamari appetizer was very good but if you like oysters as much as I do then again be prepared to pay $15.00 for 1/2 dozen. Ouch! We ordered the Walleye, Perch, Grouper, and scallops. All of our meals were excellent. I'd give it a 5 star rating but paying $3.50 for a cup of coffee is a bit over-priced IMO. Great atmosphere that can't be beat in Detroit.
(4)
Ely H.
Amazing Food. Good atmosphere. Best cake I've ever had--and I don't even like cake. Try the coconut cake. And the service is exceptional--refreshingly so. Flawless. Good wine menu, too, with a friendly, knowledgeable sommelier. Why 4 stars? I expect to pay a lot for my fine seafood...but I think Joe Muer's could try a little harder to make things affordable. There's no reason why we needed to spend $80 on my $35 bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir. I was born and raised in Oregon. But still. I went there and bought the wine so I knew what I was doing. Overall I was very satisfied with my experience.
(4)
Ryan S.
Went for Valentines Day. We're put in a side room facing the parking garage. Was told at time of reservation a week prior "would not have view of the river". Waiter knew we were upset and became annoying in attempt to make evening better. Stone crab claws had bad taste. Steak was subpar. Overall horrible evening.
(1)
Adam O.
Been looking forward to trying this ever since it opened. All in all, a noteworthy experience. "Classic" would be the word of choice to describe it, for better or worse. For starters, the space is beautiful. Had a table right on the water, very atmospheric, piano player etc. One tiny complaint being the quantity of mirrors in the space. Sort of feels like you're eating in a fun house.... Foodwise, again...classic. Oysters rockefeller to start, totally acceptable. Nibbled on a friend's coriander tuna app as well, awesome. Had the perch fillets for an entree. Sort of seemed like they were sitting for a few minutes under the warmer while they finished the other entrees in our sixsome. Needed a little more salt as well. Mac and cheese with black truffles (not truffle oil) was delicious as was the creamed spinach side. Again, nothing earth shattering technique or creativity wise, just the classics executed at an above average clip. Desserts were the weakest part of the meal. I have a built in disdain for dessert carts, but my sentiments get reinforced when you just cut off a piece of cake from one thats been sitting in the dining room all night or an already plated piece of bread pudding that isnt plated, nor created "a la minute". Service was attentive and excellent all night as it should be since this is not a cheap place to eat. Overall, I'd hand out 3.5 stars if I could.
(3)
Susan R.
My second visit to Joe Muer. The service and view are outstanding. The food, not so. I invited two clients who work in the RenCen to go to lunch so it wasn't appropriate to bring it up my disappointment with my meal. I ordered the Salmon Nicoise salad. All of the salad components were nicely decorated on the plate. The accompanying wedge of lettuce looked like an iceberg on the plate. It was very awkward to eat. You would have needed a platter to make it work. Why not serve the lettuce in a bowl like most salads? If not for being with clients, i would have asked for them to take it back and chop up the lettuce to make it manageable. The salmon was dry and crusty, like it had been fried. The fingerling potatoes must not have been on the order that day. They were replaced by underdone cubes of Idaho potatoes. The green beans were buried under the massive iceberg wedge. I certainly would NOT order this entree again. So, perhaps because of my disappointment, I thought this menu item was way overpriced. $18 for a huge chunk of iceberg lettuce and some fried salmon. I expected much better.
(2)
George K.
A early Sunday evening after a performance by the DSO. We were seated by the window overlooking the river and the Windsor skyline. Great view and our server was there quickly taking our drink order. A great selection on the menu including a lot of the old favorites from the original Joe Muers on Gratiot, bean salad and stewed tomatoes. Seafood was the main focus, but a nice selection of poultry and meat. We were not super hungry so some excellent lobster bisque, a shrimp cocktail with some huge shrimp and a couple of nice sushi rolls. The service was excellent and the decor very nice. It was enough to fill us up and wet our taste buds for another trip in the future. The only reason i gave 4 stars rather than 5 stars is we did not have a main entree. Next visit and I will update the rating then BTW: Muers has their own entrance on the west side of the Ren Cen with valet.
(4)
Amanda S.
Best restaurant in Michigan hands down. The view is beautiful, the service is always perfect, and the food never disappointing. Make sure you try the filet or lobster--best ull ever have!!
(5)
Paul K.
Tried to come for dinner- sign says there open till 10, everything was closed up tight at 9. Minus one star for that. Came back the next day, had lunch from the sushi menu. Everything was very tasty and portions were good. The place is not cheap, but is worth a visit when you're staying at the Ren Cen.
(4)
Justin R.
I love what they did with the interior of this place. It's huge, and beautifully decorated. Menu is large but not overwhelming. Unfortunately, I don't find their selections anything unique, but rather the normal stuff you find at an expensive seafood restaurant. Wait staff is very knowledgeable, very well dressed, very upbeat and friendly, and very accommodating as well. Quality is great, presentation is also. I find their signature bean salad very disappointing, but I understand it is tradition to serve it, so I guess it will stay.
(4)
H S.
Positives: Appetizers: Classic White Bean Salad - only here, other can't compete. Mussels (I'm a Mussels "snob") were outstanding; small, not a "fishy" taste in a single one, served in an amazing yet light fresh tomato base. Crab balls - (I did not sample but my business associates said they were great.) Dinner: Surf (Lobster) and Turf (Filet) - Perfect on both counts; and I had the mixed Seafood dish (Mussels, shrimp and scallops on a bed of pasta mixed with spinach). I would have preferred more spinach as this was advertised as one of two "low calorie" entrees on the menu, however it was a perfect dish. Our third diner, however, had overcooked perch - - the only miss in the food department. Wine: Our waiter recommended an outstanding bottle of Malbec and I'm only sorry I didn't snap a picture of the vintage as it was outstanding. NOTE: The sommelier will present you with the cork in a small shot glass. Not all restaurants, even good ones, do this these days, so know this: it's to demonstrate proper storage. What you should do is check to be sure the cork is moist on the inside end only, and that it's intact and free from mold. Dessert: I wanted to applaud when our waitress finished describing the 20 desserts that were brought to our table. Had I not been in "calorie restriction" mode I would have had serious trouble deciding. My recommendation: This is a beautiful place with multiple bars, gorgeous views of the water from (almost) every seat, outstanding service and amazing food. Dinner if you can afford it (our bill for 3 without any dessert or coffee, and only two who had a pre-dinner drink in addition to the table wine, was $350 with a tip), or dessert as the sunsets before a night on the town - - - either way this is a great, classy place that's sure to impress family, business associates, a date - - or your mom! Valet was $10 (Four not a five due to some confusion with wait team at first and the overcooked perch was never addressed.....)
(4)
Dario C.
Came here with a group for a friend's b-day dinner. It's rather pricey so be prepared to spend some cash. The service was good (not great). It was a bit annoying that we all ordered our own sides and were never told a side dish had 3-4 servings. Needless to say, we had a ton of sides leftover after dinner. However, the food was nicely presented and tasted very good. The wine list is extensive and the drinks were made strong. All in all, it was a good experience. Some tips: - The sides are really big, coordinate and share! - The mac and cheese was really, really good! - Drinks are well made.
(4)
Chelsea A.
Restaurant of the year for a reason, Joe Muer is one of the best restaurants in Michigan. I dont mess around when here, I order a Dynamite roll, a lobster tail and a full pound of crab legs. All their menu options are yummy. I can't say enough about the asparagus, the sauce is AHHHMAZING. It contais blood orange juice, need I say more? The service is top notch, the view of the river is great, and the ambiance is classy but not stuffy. If you are trying to really impress someone, this is a good option.
(5)
Cristina B.
I come here often. One of my favs in the city. The sushi is super fresh. The crab potatoes are to die for. and the chairmans reserve is amazing. And dont forget coconut cake, oh how i miss the pineapple sauce.
(5)
Carol T.
Muer's is another Detroit Institution recently reborn ( ironically in the Renaissance Center!) in the downtown area. My husband is a native Detroiter and remembered going to Muer's with his parents as a child so he was looking for all the things that made Muer's special in the "old" days. He was NOT disappointed! The place is in the Ren Cen tower with the Marriott Hotel. We used valet parking for $10 flat fee. The restaurant is sleeky modern with huge glass windows fronting on the Detroit River with expansive views of Windsor, Ontario. It looked like every seat had a view. Prices for an entree run the gamut from reasonable to pricey. I had Atlantic flounder with crabmeat stuffing in a wonderful butter sauce ($25) and my husband had broiled Lake Superior Whitefish ($22). My flounder was melt-in-you-mouth, flaky and perfectly cooked. Entrees come with a choice of their signature sides: creamed spinach or stewed tomatoes. They come in little silver serving dishes and it was more than we could each finish. Other sides are available for an extra price. We didn't try any of them but they sounded good (check out their online menu for specifics). Items on the table are more signature dishes: white bean salad /relish, cottage cheese and a bread basket featuring seedless pumpernickel. My husband was in nostalgia heaven! Our server was in training but shadowed by a veteran server. We had at least three people come by during our meal to check on us...including the manager. Servers are dressed in white shirts, white jackets and red bow ties. The bow ties are an homage to founder Joe Muer's impeccable dress and style. There's a large bar area and during our dinner, we had wonderful piano music in the background We had just come from a baseball game so our dress was pretty casual but we didn't feel uncomfortable. On a future visit (yes, we'll return here) we'll probably get more spiffed up. This is a nice place for a special evening. It's good to see that old Detroit has come back as new Detroit!
(5)
Leticia D.
Went there to do a show on TV and i really enjoyed the seafood, i wasn't that crazy about visiting Detroit again but i guess it was the time of year. The salmon was prepared broiled the way i like it with some rice pilaf and veggies on the side. It's a great place to eat and i do highly recommend it..
(4)
Dennis W.
We flew in to surprise my mama for her 80th birthday bash here. My mama said she didn't want anything big or special for her 80th birthday, she just couldn't wait to dine at Joe Muer again! I don't remember if mom & dad ever took us here as kids so maybe this was there get away spot... I can say it was worth the check to see the smile on my mama face!
(4)
Charles L.
I've heard many great things about Joe Muer seafood restaurant and wanted to take a look at it myself. First of all, the views of the Detroit River are fantastic. The ambiance of the restaurant definitely conveys class and style. We had a live pianist, who's upbeat and jazzy performance during our dining experience kept us entertained throughout our meal. The service is superb. The waiter was very amicable and attentive to every need we could possibly have. Our water was always refilled without asking and our libations were continually flowing. For the most part Joe Muer hits the mark as a top restaurant. However, I was sorely disappointed in the most important restaurant feature: the food. For food we first started with lobster corn dogs and lobster bisque (lobster overload!). The lobster bisque was the best part of the night. It was creamy and so full of lobster flavor. The lobster corn dogs were pretty much tempura battered lobster tails. After the appetizers the meal was rather disappointing. I had a seared rainbow trout that was far too dry and found myself sorting out bones from meat throughout my meal. The mashed potatoes my fish was served on were fantastic though. My fiance had a pan-fried halibut with seasonal vegetables. Her fish was good, but not amazing, with the crab cake it was served on tasting better than the fish itself. By the end of our meal we were no longer in the mood to try their famous coconut cake dessert. We expected so much more hearing all the recommendations from our friends and family. Perhaps we ordered the wrong dishes or caught them on a bad night. tl;dr - Great views and ambiance, with even better service. The quality of the food and drinks were merely decent for the price. If I could do it again, I would just get a beer with a couple of sides/appetizers and hang out.
(3)
Debbie F.
I don't understand why people were so excited that this restaurant reopened a few years ago. I have been to Joe Muer twice and both times were average,to below average. On 7/12/13 my husband and I went here to celebrate our anniversary. We sat on the patio which was fantastic, and the best part of the restaurant. I was really looking forward to the cold seafood tower, $25/person. What a joke! It came on a platter and consisted of; 2 shrimp(really!), a puny little lobster tale that was literally two bites, 4 mussels,two small portions of a king crab leg, and 4 small oysters. That is it for $50, I was shocked. Service was very slow, and the food we did receive was not great. The tiny little bit of ceviche was rubbery. I will never go to this restaurant again. It is ridiculous. Take my advice and go to the Detroit Seafood Company or Mitchell's Seafood.
(1)
Aaron F.
I travel to Detroit frequently and this is among the cities finest restaurants. Service and food is always amazing. Nothing crazy about the menu, just well prepared seafood and steaks. My wife loves their deserts, so we end up eating here just so she can order the same cake she swears is the best.
(5)
Kristin G.
It was a particularly special night. My husband and I were having our "Babymoon" (Like a Honeymoon but before the baby is born) so we made reservations and eagerly awaited trying the very much well renowned Joe Muer Seafood in the Ren Cen. THEN...we arrive and are told we must wait. So we go to the bar, being assured they'd come get us when our reserved table opened. Hm...not a good first impression. We waited at the bar for 45 minutes. And I stomp up to the hostess booth, furious and demand to know why we still have yet to have been seated. Funny, magically a table popped up opened just then! And to add insult to injury, there were giant clusters of tables that were empty on the way to being seated! I was fuming. Then...we sit down and the most wonderful server changed what started as a most terrible experience into a most wonderful and special one. She was very frank and honest and charming. We were comped our lobster bisque soup and shrimp cocktail apps and were given a personal apology from the manager. The lobster bisque was exquisite, as was the shrimp cocktail. The lobster bisque was creamy and full of flavor. It was luscious and velvety in consistency. Dreamy would be one word to explain this wonderful soup! The soup is poured into the bowl as it's served and then topped with fresh large lumps of lobster meat. A must try! The lobster was shelled at the table by our server. It was worth every penny! It really did a classic justice in every sense of the word. The coconut, pineapple and lemon cake is their signature and do NOT leave the place without getting it! I literally squealed with pleasure upon first bite. By then, I was so full from our amazing meal that I couldn't finish the whole enormous piece. The cake was just as good or better the next morning for breakfast. Please get this cake. Just trust me. It's heaven materialized in a fluffy slice of cake. I'd go back JUST for this cake. It is something so delicious that you will crave it later. I'm salivating just thinking about it...Again, our server was just top notch and she and the cake helped melt away any shred of anger or frustration from the reservation drama the night started out with. We both left the restaurant beaming with satisfaction and bellies full of delicious seafood and cake! I WILL be back. Thank you Joe Muer's for adding a much needed touch of class to the Detroit culinary landscape.
(5)
Sammy W.
The Fried Calamari was good, the Halibut on a bed of Crab Cakes was outstanding, the California King Rolls were excellent. For desert I recommend the New York Cheese Cake. The service is excellent, our server Jennifer was top notch and you can beat the view. I suggest you sit on the deck, to fully appreciate the view. I would recommend.
(4)
Christina S.
While the service and view saves this place from a one star rating, I must say--if you sell a steak as prime MAKE SURE IT'S PRIME!!! Jordan was a great server and was very helpful, and the view was great, but I was hawked a prime ribeye that turned out to be less than choice. As a steak lover at a seafood restaurant, I should have known better. Mea culpa. I may return (MAYBE), but I'll definitely stay away from the turf.
(2)
Eric E.
What a fantastic experience. Having dined many times at the old Joe Muer's this was a great experience. To get a 5 star from me requires exceptional service and awesome food. I was worried that my expectations would be set too high but the experience still exceeded expectations. Joe Muer himself stoppped by our table and shared some stories with us about the "old days" at the place on Gratiot. The deviled crab was as good as I remembered and the Redfish was spectacular. Our waiter was all over us with attention and paid attention to every detail, including keeping our glasses full, the correct silverware, refolding napkins when someone left the table and hot towels before and after the meal. The ambiance and huge windows offering a beautiful view of the river was an added bonus. Bring your wallet, after all 5-star service does not come cheap but it was worth the experience and a special night out. It was also worth the trip in from Chicago. Oh, and please don't come here, order fish and chips and then complain about it. That is like going to a nice wine bar, ordering White Zin and then saying the wine was no good.
(5)
Sarah F.
Continuing our Valentine's Day weekend. We went to Joe Muer's for lunch. What a score! Service was amazing and friendly; they chit-chatted on our way to our seats, complimented us, helped us take a picture of ourselves. And very attentive to our needs while dining. The view of the river was spectacular. I started with the Boston Clam Chowder--I've never enjoyed something so much. I actually tried to copy the recipe at home a couple of days later. We also had sushi, which was vey good. I could have stopped there, but I had an entree, too. I tried the lobster sandwich. I am not a seafood person, so it was overkill for me, but it was still great. We would definitely return.
(5)
Crystal S.
Definitely the place to go for a celebratory/special occasion dinner! The service, atmosphere and the food are always good, no matter the time of day! The white bean concoction that they bring to every table is good. Their steaks are always good as Is the zip sauce. As a side I have tried the mac and cheese and the cheesy potatoes, which are both great! It's been good but not great lately.
(4)
Justin L.
First the good stuff: - The view was very nice, or as nice as the view can get in early February. And the server was nice as well. In any case, she passed the "Mr. Pink Test", for those familiar with Reservoir Dogs. - The decor is very nice. Lots of wood paneling and marble tiles. Now the bad stuff: - The food was good. Not great, but good. I had the fish and chips, which was tasty but very greasy. The other person had the jumbo shrimps, which were big, but not what I'd call "jumbo". And they were rubbery and fishy tasting. - The PA was playing smooth jazz. If it were any quieter, I could have ignored it, but it was just loud enough that it seeped into your consciousness. This would probably be 3 stars if it weren't so pricey. If you're going to charge like a 5 star place, I expect better.
(2)
Phil H.
We went there on a Saturday night without a reservation and the place was packed. Luckily, we got a seat at the bar. The restaurant looked great, with a prime view of Windsor and a hip, upscale feel to it. Bathroom attendants alert! I don't mind them, but I like to be prepared to tip a few bucks just in case. Women's too. After a cocktail (the dirty martini was good, though not the best), we ordered. Our server was attentive and checked on us throughout the night. She brought us bread and their white bean side and smoked blue fish pate. Both were tasty and perfect for the bread. I started off with the lobster bisque, it was great. Nice and creamy and the lobster was fresh and perfectly cooked (not rubbery). A nice start. My wife had the chopped salad..it was heavy on the onions, but I think it was just OK. Next up was the Monkfish Osso Bucco. Wow. It was awesome! The fish was fresh and flavorful, great texture. The risotto creamy and balanced with the lobster sauce. She had the sole stuffed with crab. Also delicious and large chunks of crab. We also got a side of the blue crab mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Both were very good. And its crab with a C, not with a K. They didn't skimp out on the crab. The creamed spinach tasted like, well, spinach! Which is a good thing in my book. Just enough creaminess to compliment it, not overpower it. Overall, just a great experience and great food. We will be back!
(5)
Corin B.
My grandmother and I were excited to come here for dinner one Sunday. We remembered the original Joe Muer. We were happy with the attentive service, elegant atmosphere, and gorgeous view. The piano player was a nice element of the dining room. However, the food fell short, especially for the price. We had the ceviche as an appetizer. The texture was good, but it was almost flavorless. I would not order it again. We loved the classic white bean relish that came from the old Joe Muer, as well as the whitefish spread they serve with the crackers. My dirty martini was not very good- the bartender forgot to make it dirty the first time and when he remade it, it was way too dirty. I have had much better ones at different upscale restaurants around town, and I was disappointed. Next, we had classic wedges of iceberg lettuce. These were delicious and very filling. They are topped with bacon, cheese, boiled eggs, and lots of dressing. They were probably the best thing we ordered all night. My grandmother had the Italian Cioppino. The fish in the dish seemed overcooked, but the shellfish and the mussels were tasty. The dish was bland, and once again seemed to be missing something. She added lots of salt and pepper. I had the crab stuffed flounder, hoping that this classic dish would be a good choice. It was okay. The fish seemed to have been sitting for a few minutes too long before it was served. It was in a cream sauce that was, once again, bland. The crab stuffing was ok, but it tasted just like the flounder- the flavors were so similar that they were difficult to tell apart. The stewed tomatoes served with the fish, a recipe from the original Joe Muer, were divine, and they perked up the fish quite a bit. All in all, I probably would not go back. The price is simply too much for the mediocrity of the food. I hope this place does well, but it is simply too expensive for food that does not outshine any other upscale restaurant in Detroit.
(3)
kevin e.
The food is ok The service was fine The ambience nice BUT the wine list is beyond insulting - On that list they had a glass of a wine that I know damn well is easily found for $55-60 a bottle for $33 !!!! What ? Are you kidding me ? They also had a pinot that is easily found for $23 for $72 a bottle And finally yellow label NV Veuve Champagne You know they kind you see at stores always for $40 - $140 a bottle !!!! Not kidding and for that alone they get 2 stars !
(2)
Matthew K.
Great overall experience and view of the river. Food was prepared perfectly and the service was prompt. Highly recommend sitting outside if the weather is nice. Excellent place for dinner!
(5)
Benjie S.
Took my wife here for our one year anniversary. We walk in and all these dudes had to lift their jaws up off the floor. Yeah my wife's pretty hot. We take our seats and enjoy a nice view of the Detroit river. A guy comes up and fills our glasses with water. Then our waiter comes. This dudes practically in a suit! This place has some history to it but I live in the present so fuck all that shit. It's a snazzy place with sharp dressed customers. So don't come in here wearing a fucking t-shirt have some class. First we ordered their most expensive food wrapped in their least expensive food. Lobster Corn dogs. Hell yeah! They were delicious, everything from the lobster to the batter to the hollandaise sauce poured on top. We were both craving sushi for sometime so we ordered a bunch of fucking rolls. Baller! It was honestly some of the greatest, if not the best, sushi I've ever eaten. Every roll was rolled superbly. You could pick it up and not worry about it falling apart. Nothing was cold or warm. Everything was room temperature, absolutely perfect. The salmon nigiri was without a doubt the best I've ever had. Moist and like butter. To top it off we got some dessert and like the rest of the dinner it was brilliant. It surpasses places like Ruth Chris, Maestros and sits at the top with Toasted Oak. Thanks Joe, whoever you are.
(5)
Sahar Z.
Really good food! Ordered the Atlantic swordfish.. It was great and so was the ambience.
(4)
Michael W.
Went here with some coworkers after work, arrived before reservation was and tried to grab a drink at the bar and the bartender would not acknowledge us since we did not have seats at the bar. Once we were seated everything was decent, none of the food stood out as special to me, but the view is of the river is nice and it definitely is a more formal dinner.
(3)
Stephen B.
Nice place on the Riverfront Area in downtown Detroit. I had the Joe Muer roll (sushi) which was excellent. The people next to me at the bar saw it and ordered it immediately as well. It was pretty big. Good for two to share. I also ordered a shrimp tempura roll (not knowing how big the Joe Muer Roll was going to be). It was very good as well but I was too full to finish. A good thing. Nice atmosphere. Good service. There was also a piano player who I can tell was amusing himself as he played. Wasn't a boring piano guy. All in all, I'd recommend you give it a try.
(4)
Chelsea G.
My husband and I always have a difficult time deciding what restaurant to try next in Downtown Detroit. With all the new options popping up all over, we want to make sure we are trying everything! Although Joe Muer Seafood has been around for a few years, we had not had a chance to get there yet. Everyone had been raving about the rebirth of this place after the original closed in 1998. It also received Hour Detroit's Restaurant of the Year in 2012. So on our 1st year anniversary; we thought it would be a great choice. From start to finish, we were extremely pleased with our decision to give this place a try. When you are paying more than average for your food, you have high expectations. This place fulfilled every one of our expectations; good service, delicious appetizers, outstanding meals and sides, great wine list, and an excellent atmosphere. We left there so full that our original plan of going out for a few more drinks was put aside for our sweatpants and recuperation of a food coma. This is definitely fine dining. Any website is going to give you the $$$ rating, which I equate to around $30-$50 a person. Fresh seafood and a classy environment is what you will find at Joe Muer Seafood. We had a private and romantic table that was tucked in a corner looking over the river front and Windsor. Side note: I suggest going up to the top floor of the Ren Cen and grabbing a quick drink at Coach Insignia before you load up on the fine cuisine at Joe Muer, you can post up at Coach Insignia's bar and sip a cocktail while enjoying the beautiful view of the city.
(5)
May H.
Everything about this place is amazing! food drinks & service
(5)
Lauren S.
Great seafood! The atmosphere is unique - great views of the Detroit River and Windsor skyline. Good staff. The dynamite roll is outstanding; unique flavors that you will not find at a regular sushi bar - you must try! Every dessert is amazing, the coconut cake being my favorite. Very rich and moist! Expect large portions for dessert. Joe Muers also has seasonal Sunday brunch from May-November. I would definitely recommend an omelet or the egg scramble! Brunch also comes with a complementary assortment of pastries. Overall great experience, would definitely recommend.
(5)
T-rex M.
We had heard good things, and showed up hungry after wandering like babes in the woods through the cavernous building. Service was fantastic, food was amazing. I had my first ever lobster and it along with every other thing that wound up on our table was delightful. Service was punctilious, attentive, and charming. We ended up here by chance, simply because the SO didn't make reservations at his first choice. No regrets! When you get what you pay for, it's nice to pay well every once in a while. And can you get better seafood in michigan? I don't think so!
(5)
Patti W.
We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary at Joe Muer Seafood on Saturday night. My husband made our reservations and requested a table by the window, he was told they couldn't guarantee it... BUT when we arrived we were seated at a window table overlooking the river-- Then we ended up with the best server, Alyssa! She took excellent care of us and made our evening very special with a plate decorated in chocolate for our Anniversary-- She also treated us each to a glass a wine. She made a couple of wine recommendations and they were both excellent. As a server she was informative, accommodating and attentive! She gave each table in our section special treatment. We were very happy to have her serve us! Our dinner was also excellent! I highly recommend the Georges Bank Scallops. Delicious! My husband had the salmon special that night and he enjoyed every bite of that too. For dessert we went with the Chocolate Lava cake topped with ice cream. It was divine! We will go back again for our next celebration!
(5)
Shannon W.
I stayed at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center so I decided to check this place for dinner since it was in the hotel. We ordered the tuna tartar to start, huge pieces of raw tuna on avocado with spicy mayo, mango, and seaweed salad served with wonton chips. Yum. I was going to order the scallops for dinner, but the waiter suggested the monkfish, so I went with that. The fish was fresh and very tasty. The combination of lobster, some caramelized onions in a buttery lobster brandy cream sauce was delicious. Their wine menu is very extensive, I just had a glass of Oyster Bay Sauv Blanc, a great wine in my opinion and always pairs well with fish. The service was good, not great. I felt like they rushed us a bit which kind of annoyed me. We never ordered desert, but they brought over the desert cart and OMG are their deserts huge! I think one piece could fill 6 people. I liked the ambiance, it's trendy/casual. However in my opinion the ambiance doesn't exactly match the pricing or the fact that my waiter had on a suit like we were at a 5 star Michelin rated restaurant. Food was really good though and the views of the Detroit River and Canada were a nice touch.
Delicious food- we had the raw oysters, crab legs, lobster bisque, clam chowder, shrimp diablo, tile fish, cheesecake, and coconut cake- all good! Excellent service as well and great view.
The food was of course great. It was a large group taking up 2 booths, 10-12 people, we ordered a lot of food and drank a lot. The service was outstanding, we were a rough crowd but the waiters could not have been better. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Kasey E.
Service was thorough and friendly, a little on the pricey side (our total bill with tip was $400 for three people, but my mom ordered the surf and turf which was AH-MAZING). Oftentimes fish restaurants mess up on the turf but not Joe Muer's -- the steak was every bit as tasty as the lobster -- a perfect medium rare. The view of Windsor at night on the water added a really nice touch to the ambiance. Would definitely return!
(4)
Ellen K.
We had the best time at Joe Muer's. I took my boyfriend here for dinner for his birthday, and it didn't disappoint. I was worried after reading a few negative yelp comments: ignore them. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is fancy and fun, and the waitstaff is helpful and knowledgeable. Don't skip the lobster bisque, it's absolutely delicious.
(4)
Sherill M.
Oh so good. I had a martini with their signature infused vodka and a glass of Moscato. The martini was wicked but the moscato was just average. Love the ambiance. Outdoor seating over the water was just perfect. Filled up on the lobster corn dogs which were DelICious! Waiter was so sweet. Can't wait to try the sushi, crab balls, and lamb.
(4)
John P.
Honestly, with the possible exception of Roast, I can't think of a better dinner in Detroit. The servers are extremely well-trained and attentive. The food is always very well-prepared. The wine list is extensive. The cocktails are delicious. The space is beautiful (though, admittedly, can get a bit noisy). I'd recommend the barramundi, which is a firm-fleshed white fish served with a very rich crab and truffle stuffing. It's phenomenal. Their oysters are fresh and they usually have a good selection available. For dessert, don't miss the coconut cake. The sushi is fresh, though somewhat unremarkable (it's no Noble Fish in terms of taste or breadth of offerings, but if you're looking for a roll to kick things off, it's definitely serviceable).
(5)
MT L.
My coworker & I have dinner here on last night of our conference. The dishes at this place are pricey but it has good Detroit river view. Our dinner with two entrees no appetizer & it is about $120, not including tips.
(5)
Paul K.
Great location for a birthday dinner. My best friend took me here for dinner on Sunday and everything was perfect. The waitress was very professional and helpful, the ambiance was perfect with a nice live pianist, and of course the food was perfect. As someone who is picky when it comes to seafood, everything from the calamari to my main dish was delicious and perfectly prepared. Also, the coconut cake was a nice finishing touch to the night. It's a great place for a dinner, especially since you have a clear view of the Detroit River. Granted, it can be expensive, but it is well worth it.
(5)
Lauren B.
Over memorial weekend the in-laws plus hubby and I went down to Joe Muer's on a beautiful Saturday evening. We had reservations at 7pm but opted for the first come first serve patio area overlooking the river. Ambiance in here is just phenomenal. It definitely starts with the service from the hostesses to waitstaff to manager to bus boy. Everyone here cares, which is just something you don't get all of the time, even at the classier joints. Onto the food, we started with sushi which was great. Mom in law and I both ordered soups and for some reason there was a big lag time for this to be served and is where I dock a star. We stated that the sushi and soups were appetizers so we really expected them to come out at once instead of a 30 minute gap between the two. Also note, their complimentary bread basket, smoked fish dip, and bean sauce are a great and yummy touch! Continuing to dinner, I had the monk fish, which was perfectly cooked and a very nice size. The men both had the scallop and walleye combination and were happy and the mom in law had the Tuna with chimmichurri, which we eyed with jealousy. The Ren Cen location makes it easy to park and then take a stroll afterwards. Since I don't live in the area I can't comment on this versus other seafood places in the area but feel this one has to be somewhere close to the top!
(4)
Valerie A.
One of my top favorite restaurants. I know it's seafood but I actually go for the filet and that's the only entree I've tried so far. BEST FILET OF MY LIFE. Just wow. So juicy and flavorful. Also loved the chopped salad but they took it off the menu last time I went there. And the coconut cake is amazing too. Yum.
(5)
Dawn M.
Great view, great customer service, great ambiance. Food? Over priced, under seasoned. The food is super bland. Dessert are delightfully excellent!!! Drinks are awesome as well. For the price I wish the food had more seasoning. :(
(3)
Kulsum H.
Classic Detroit at its best. This place is such a throwback, from the giant piano to the white jackets and bow ties the service staff wear. The waiters are knowledgable about the menu and very helpful. The whole experience has an upscale and yet somehow informal/intimate feel. The food was great, the appetizers are really good. The oysters were probably some of the best I have had in the area, and their seasonal specials are really excellent. The dessert cart is fun too.
(4)
Teresa ..
We made reservations a week prior to come in for dinner. The hostesses were very nice and offered to take our coats, and then we were seated right away. The younger hostess was very kind and made conversation with us while leading us to our table. We had requested a table with a view, which was nice, and made the restaurant more romantic. We were told our waitress was Alyssa and she would be with us shortly. While perusing through the menu, a busboy promptly came over to fill up our glasses with water, and a male server came by to drop off a basket of bread, bean dish, pate, and butter. He explained everything that he was setting down, which was nice. He also offered to go over some dishes on the menu and take our drink orders. After receiving our cocktails and looking over the menu for what seemed like a long time, we still had not been greeted by Alyssa. She walked back and forth to check up on the tables around us (even though two of the three tables were pretty much just sitting and enjoying their glasses of wine), and serving the table in front of us salads, without even bothering to say "i'll be right with you." we weren't greeted by her until 30 minutes after. she asked us if we wanted to get any appetizers, and we said we wanted the calamari appetizer. she then offered to tell us her favorite appetizers, such as the crab balls and calamari combo appetizer, sushi roll, etc. we still wanted to go with the calamari, and then she says, "are you sure??" and we say "yeah." then she decided to ask us "do you like shrimp?" which my bf does, so he said "yeah." and she then told us about a half shrimp appetizer half calamari appetizer combination. because of her persistence, my bf decided to just go with that, despite how "sure" we were of just wanting the calamari appetizer. we each received a plate of calamari, a dipping sauce, and two shrimps. after we finished our appetizer, i looked at the menu to see which shrimp appetizer we had tried, and noticed it said it was cooked in toasted almond butter. my bf is allergic to any type of nuts, and she had not mentioned the almonds, nor had she asked us if we had any food allergies (especially since nut allergies are quite common these days). luckily he isn't as severely allergic to nuts due to getting allergy shots, but i believe that it is worth informing us that it was toasted in almond butter, or for any future patrons that decide to dine there. my bf enjoyed the appetizer, but it didn't blow me away. i've tasted better calamari at other restaurants. for our entrees, my bf went with the fruits of the sea and decided to substitute with a cream-based sauce, and i ordered the surf and turf (braised beef with scallops). i found my entree to be way too salty, so i didn't eat much of it. most of it was whipped potatoes, braised beef, spinach, with two scallops. for the price, it definitely wasn't worth it. alyssa didn't bother coming by after to ask us how the food was, but she did try to make conversation by asking us if we were celebrating anything. she seemed to pay more attention to the surrounding tables more than us. the place was pretty noisy for being later on in the night (probably because of the noisy table in front of us), but we didn't bother asking to be moved since we were already eating. by the time we were ready for dessert, they were about to close. we asked to see the dessert cart, but supposedly they had taken it down already, so we had to rely on her explaining all the desserts. we went with a chocolate souffle without nuts, and she was nice enough to add another scoop of ice cream, and raspberries and blackberries on top. she also comped the dessert from our bill, which was a nice gesture after the lack of personable service earlier on. overall, i wouldn't come back here again. we were willing to spend money here but the lack of service just proved it wasn't worth it. i've been to other fine dining and even restaurants that are not of the same quality as fine dining, but received way better service. i have to give it to the bus boys for constantly keeping our glasses full and making sure we had clean silverware/plates, and for the workers who were giving us our entrees/appetizers. i wouldn't recommend this restaurant and was deeply disappointed. highly overrated - spend your money elsewhere.
(2)
Mary S.
Amazing restaurant and food, the truffle fries are the best and I would go back anytime just for them. The only drawback is the noise level, unless you are in a booth you cannot hear anything, even in the booth it is hard we requested to be moved from the middle of the floor but options were limited because the place was so packed.
(4)
Laura G.
So. I'm giving this place only 3 stars - the calamari was terrible. I also had the chopped salad, not good. The service and drink choices were wonderful. I had the filet and that was delicious. I just feel that starting off with terrible calamari and bad salad killed the rest of the meal.
(3)
Ashley C.
A quick stop for a pre-concert cocktail and appetizer. Joe Muer hit the spot! With a wonderful view of the river, and awesome service at the bar by Tammy, we had a great time with our group of girls. I ordered the oysters and told Tammy to go with whatever she thought I'd like, and it hit the mark! Eight East coast oysters later, I had just begun. I ordered the Joe Muer role next and it was amazing! Aside from being a bit expensive, I guess you get what you pay for! Over all we had an awesome experience and will definitely be back, possibly for a date night. Or any other time we are downtown.
(5)
Chanell S.
I had a lovely time here with my valentine, no thanks to our seemingly annoyed server. We liked our food quite a bit but the service here felt disorganized and mostly void of the kind, personable touch that one expects from a fine dining experience. First, we were sat at this awful little table near the busy prep area of the bar. It was loud and very busy in that corner, so my mate later asked the host to reseat us. Just before then, our server came by and placed a bowl of beans and some kind of spread on our table, with no greeting or description of the items. A minute later, a friendly bus person greeted us and offered flat or sparkling water. Before he could come back with our requested sparkling, our waiter came back and poured flat water in our glasses. This is not a big deal to me, but in hindsight was a foreshadowing of the lack of care to come from our server for the rest of dinner! When the server came back next my mate was checking with the host about moving. He seemed annoyed that I didn't know what he was having to drink and that I would only have water. I think I chuckled out loud at his little attitude, and then told him about the seat change. We didn't move far, so our server came with us. Still, no explanation about the beans or spread, so I asked. In an abundantly condescending tone he said it was a bean relish and spread for the bread that was (obviously) on its way. It had been like ten minutes, and no bread was ever mentioned, so it was not a dumb thing to ask. I felt I had to defend my question. About food. To my server. Wait, where am I? And are we not about to spend over $100 on dinner? Answer my awesome questions with a smile darn it! Anyway, this mild douchery continued in its subtle way, but never got to us. Nor didn't it impact my awesome monkfish entree. The flavors were bold and everything was cooked well. Great portion size, too. We were thankful for the hardworking, pleasant bus person. I wish we would have solely tipped him instead!
(3)
Oz S.
Went for dinner last week and Wayne was our server. Let me tell you...he knows everything about everything! Wayne was great all around and made the experience very memorable, the food was good too :) We will be back. Keep up the good work everyone!
(5)
Bbb Y.
I found the food delicious and the ambiance "safe." Clearly it is a restaurant that caters to corporate guests.
(3)
Crystal R.
My friend and I decided to have dinner and drinks here before the Justin Timberlake + Jay Z concert. One thing that could be improved upon right on the bat is signage- the RenCen has signs that direct to different areas (Coach Insignia, towards Starbucks, etc) but Joe Muer Seafood is not listed on any of the signs. I ended up asking someone at a desk who told me to go up an escalator to a "lobster covered wall". The inside of the restaurant is gorgeous- nice views, nice tables, etc. There was a man playing piano as well. Our server was very attentive, helpful, and gave us the specials for the evening. The menus are a bit overwhelming- just because they have so much to choose from. We ended up splitting a few different items. We had a sushi roll, the lobster bisque, as well as the surf and turf for dinner. My friend had a wedge salad and some french press coffee with our coconut cake dessert. Everything was good, I felt like the lobster didn't have a ton of flavor, but the steak was fine. Our bill was a bit of sticker shock- but I guess that's what you can expect when going to a place like this. If I planned another trip out and am comfortable spending that much money, I'd probably go to Coach Insignia so I could feel like I really got my monies worth eating at the RenCen (a lot of CI's meals and desserts are cheaper than JoeMuer)
(4)
Elli T.
I work at the rencen and go to this restaurant about once a month. I really like it and their service has been great lately. I did get sick ones after their fish last summer (i should not have eaten it as I could tell something wasn't right...), but I still go there. It is very clean, nice view of the water, good food and service. I am not a big fan of their sushi though as I love sushi and eat it frequently, but their rolls always fall apart and just not that good compared to places specializing in sushi :)
(4)
yunyan h.
Food there are surprisedly great. I tried tuna tartar , one of the best in Detroit ; surf and turf is also super yummy. What's more, the restaurant itself looks fancy and has a nice river view, so i could see Canada from my seat. I will go back when I'm in town again!
(4)
Mark P.
While I normally don't associate nice locations and views with good food, this place is an exception. In addition to having a great view of the river and an attractive festive environment, the food simply taste food. Had the clam chowder and Trout. Either one was good enough to have two nights in a row despite the extensive menu.
(5)
Jill B.
Just outstanding beginning to end. The white bean pepper relish served with the bread was delicious. Our salads and entrees were fresh and flavorful. Save room for dessert.
(5)
Gregg D.
Our family tried Joe Muer on Christmas Eve for dinner. Reservation went without a hitch and the greeting at the front door was warm and friendly. Promptly seated at a table by the piano (awesome) and a beautiful view of the river. Cocktails were a hit on all accounts. Tasty and unique. So off to a good start. We tried their oysters on the half shell and calamari for appetizers. Oysters were fine, nothing great, but perfectly tasty. The calamari was decent. Again, not fantastic but good. For main course we all tried different things. Our son got the spicy tuna, the wife got the scallops special and I got the swordfish. Son really liked his tuna and gave it high marks. Had a nice spicy coating and was seared rare. My wife's scallops dish was too sweet. It has some sort of sweet potato gnocchi which hid the scallops. The swordfish was cooked too much and dry -- it was blazing hot in temp and the asparagus under it was limp. So overall while the food was good, it certainly wasn't great and not $35 worth of great. We aren't dessert eaters, but had to try the key lime pie and carrot cake. Both were very good. I would say the highlight of the night. Tasty, unique, huge portions. Service was very sporadic and they missed on the basics. Water not getting refilled promptly, long time to come back with the check, waitress leaning on the chairs when running down the menu, etc. It wasn't poor service, just not up to standard for the price they are charging for a dinner. I probably won't go back unless for a business trip. I can't point to anything particularly wrong, but for the price it all felt sort of underwhelming.
(3)
Rola S.
The view and the food is why I love coming here. Although the waitstaff is hit or miss at times. But, if you have the right drinks (sheer lavender) with an unobstructed view and nice quiet people around you, the food can take its time being delivered. The shrimp Ilene, was just baked to perfection. I am Lebanese, and could have more garlic in it for my tastes. The dynamite roll was unlike any other sushi I've had before. The portions are great, order a few different rolls and share with your friends. Just try not to read into the ingredients as much, and be surprised. Next time, I'll try to be brave and have the oysters.
One of my favorite places in the city. This place is top notch and never disappoints. It's very expensive and its pry gonna be a 2-3 hour dinner. But if you have the time and money it's worth it. From steaks and seafood to the raw bar and sushi this place is an experience to have.
(5)
Caleb Y.
Enjoyed this fine establishment again last night! One thing to say...go for dinner, but never leave without the coconut cake! The waitstaff continued to shine last night. I can not rave enough. This is hands down my favorite restaurant in MI. Although - I think the standard specials - in the middle of the menu - need to be updated.
(5)
Eric D.
Went here with my girlfriend on June 25th. We never ate here before, and my girlfriend is not a huge seafood fan. Went to the hostess stand and asked the girl if I may see a menu. ..I wanted to make sure my gf could find something. The girl said yes. .. and proceeded doing what she was doing. Stood there for about a minute and another girl finally handed me a menu. Calamari and clam chowder. ..my girl was good. We didn't have a reservation, as we just stopped by on a whim. Therefore, we were not dressed up either. The girl took us to our seat. We like to sit next to each other, and not across from each other. We sat side by side, and another very nice server came over and raised the sides of the table so we could sit at a round table. .. very nice. He also suggested we turn around so we could see the water. Again, very nice. Too bad he wasn't our server. Sat for 10 minutes...still no server. Finally, Gavin M. came to the table. He was horrible. He took our drink order and we got a bottle of wine. We were also ready to order, since we were waiting for a while. We ordered the clam chowder, calamari, and pan seared tuna. 10 more minutes...still no water or wine. He did bring the bread and some white bean relish. These were good...still no drinks. Another guy finally brought water and yet another brought the wine. Gavin brought our calamari. After that, he was nonexistant. He NEVER refilled our wine. He NEVER took away a plate. He NEVER wiped the cloth (I saw other servers doing this). He didn't bring the meal, and he never stopped back to see how it was. He walked by our table many times, without saying anything. He literally blew us off. He came over and asked about dessert...not tonight for us. He brought the bill and didn't say a word...just put it down and walked away. I paid and then left. Overall, the food was good...actually...very good. The bread was very hard and so was the butter..but everything else was good. However, Gavin seriously ruined the entire experience.
(2)
BRIAN T.
good view from the patio. drinks are decent the 12oz lobster tail is the best i've ever had. that's all i got
(4)
Conroy J.
Breathtaking view of the Detroit river and Canada. The service was the best I've ever received from ANY restaurant. I wish I was able to remember our server's name. He had extensive knowledge of the menu and the history of the restaurant itself. I was very impressed and so was my date. The Food was incredible. Swordfish was prepared and presented "perfectly". My date's Salmon was among if not thee best we've ever had... but nothing compares to their in-house made Coconut Cake. A tradition their's for years and now we both know why. Joe Muer's has been one of the most pleasant restaurant experience that I've ever had. Thank you. I thought the portions could have been a bit larger but then again I am a big eater.
(5)
Thomas H.
Incredibly slow disinterested service. Food above average, but way overpriced. Valet parking slooooooow. Why have a dress code when people can dress like slobs and get seated at the best tables? You've lost a dedicated customer, joe muer. Two far to drive for over priced food and bored slow service
(1)
Corene F.
I had heard great things about this restaurant and chose it for my birthday dinner. I was not impressed. With prices like this, I expect a lot. It was nearly $300 for four of us for dinner and only two of us ordered drinks. The salad greens did not taste fresh. The fish was good, but nothing to flip over. The service was unbearably slow. It took 45 minutes for us to receive coffee and dessert after we finished our entrees. Also, although the dress code specifies business casual, it was not enforced. So why bother? You can get the same meal at Bone Fish Grill or Mitchell's for half the price. I wanted to like this place, but will not return.
(2)
Maya A.
The only reason they are not getting 5 stars is because the host AND waiter hit on my man, right in front of me. I mean, we are in a classy restaurant, please act like it. Moving on-- This place is great! Not only do they have great food, the location is perfection! Being on the second floor of the Renaissance Building here in Detroit, you get a magnificant view of the Detroit River + Canada. The fried calamari appetizier was spot on. The shrimp, mussells, and scallops all taste very fresh. I can do without their lobster bisque. Very classy place to take your significant other on a special date. :)
(4)
Ameerah G.
Ambiance - Great view over Detroit skyline. Dark lighting. Romantic and fancy smancy. Great place for a reception dinner or anniversary outing. Service - The descriptions of the food are out of a fantasy book. There's one guy, with a bit of an accent who weens you over to the priciest item on the menu by description alone. He has a ton of character, knows his fish and he's funny as hell. Food - Delicious. Absolutely delicious. I'm a sucker for their seafood and anything in the lobster/crab family is a must have on their menu. P.S - DO NOT leave that building without getting a slice of the coconut cake. I know coconut is one of those weird either you like it or not flavors - however - I'm not a fan of coconut at all and let me tell you. I tried a piece and ordered a whole slice to myself. Get it now. And get another one to go. Other - pricey, but it's a place of luxury and love. Come dressed to impress.
(4)
Molly G.
I have been going to Joe Muer's for over 40 years. Nothing can compare to the original on Gratiot, but they have kept some of the old classics on the menu. The iceberg salad with the red Roquefort dressing is pretty darn good. The flounder with crab was superb. Still great for a bug night out.
(5)
Patti H.
We've heard about this place for years. We made a reservation, and visited for the first time last Saturday PM for supper. We did have to wait about 15 minutes past our reservation time in the bar, which was not a big deal, however, there seemed to be a lot of tables with no diners, which was a little off-putting. The bar is kind of in the middle of the dining area, there is a huge baby grand piano off to the side, and the massive wall of windows with a view of the Detroit river and the Canadian "Riverwalk" lit up at night are spectacular. We were shown to our table, right next to the windows, which was a nice surprise since we hadn't asked for it. We ordered another cocktail, as well as Seafood Ceviche (sp?) and a dozen PEI oysters on the half shell. They were both excellent and the oysters were the plumpest, juiciest oysters I've ever had. We shared bacon wrapped scallops, roasted Monkfish, and a side of black truffle mac and cheese. Everything was amazing. we were so full, we skipped dessert, which is usually a given. If you want a very classy, romantic dinner with your honey, it's worth the drive. They have valet service available too.
(4)
Violet S.
Love, love, love this place! I'm a fan of seafood in general. This place is beautiful and elegant. The food is amazing! I've been here about 4 times now. I've had oysters, calamari, salmon, sea bass, martinis, wine, shrimp as an app/main course, amongst so much more. Never had any bad dishes. It's romantic, fun, lively, and classy. Wait staff is prompt and catering. You're also near the water so you can take a walk in the summer. You also have MGM, lounges, bars, and Greektown surrounding you in the Detroit area for something to do afterward. It's perfect for a date or special occasion.
(5)
Thomas C.
Growing up a New Englander, it's always hard for me to order seafood, let alone go to a seafood restaurant, in places like Detroit where, let's face it, there's no ocean anywhere close. So checking this place out was a huge reach for me. Ordered the mussels and they were ... as they should be, nicely steamed open, in a tasty pool of broth, didn't need the diced tomatoes and there were too many, but the mussels were nice and plump and flavorful. Others at the table ordered the Lake Whitefish (obviously Lake, not Sea food) which was very good, and the Denver Sole. Very nice ambiance, extensive drink menu and our server was very patient, knowledgable and attentive without being intrusive. Will definitely revisit on a future trip to "The D."
(4)
Nancy Z.
My sisters and I had dinner here a couple nights ago & I'm still craving the Halibut I had! My sisters had the salmon & the roasted chicken & while the salmon was average, the chicken was Amazingggg! I had the wedge salad which was great and they had the lobster bisque which they do recommend. However, do not leave there without trying the dynamite roll. The price is not as outrageous as people expect it to be, so go try it for yourself.
Underwhelmed. Acted like they were doing our group of 8 a favor by seating us at a table by the kitchen (with no view of the river), when the rest of the place was not what one might call crowded. No matter. On to the meal. Service was initially good, but a salad specifically ordered without nuts (due to a severe dietary restriction) came with the offending nuts, and then the servers disappeared. Eventually, I just had to hunt one down, which surprisingly took so much time that the rest of our party had finished their meals (to which they also gave mediocre reviews) so when the waiter got to us I pointed out the error and asked him to take the salad back and just take it off the bill, as it was by that time pretty late in the evening. Minutes later a fresh salad appeared. Bill was adjusted though. Oh, and I had the chance ceviche from the "Raw Bar" menu, which was basically just edible fish. Fail again. I don't think any of us will return to this formerly-iconic Detroit restaurant. Too bad, when so much is going right with Detroit these days.
(2)
Rachel C.
Went to Joe Muer's on Thursday night before seeing a show downtown. We came in just for drink and appetizers but once we were seated at an amazing table out side on a beautiful day we just kept ordering and ordering. The walleye, sushi and oysters were amazing. The service could not have been better. From our server to the bus boys to John the manager, everything was perfect. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Chris M.
My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary on 9-27-14 at Joe Muers and it was an excellent choice. From the moment we arrived we knew it was going to be a special night. Miguel our Maitre D' was so polite and welcoming and our waitress was Andrea was friendly and very attentive. The whole meal was delicious from appetizer (smoked salmon) to the dessert (Chocolate Mousse) I HIGHLY recommend Joe Muers.
(5)
Aaron S.
Was hoping for better. Good but not great. The sushi smelled too fishy to be very fresh. However, they did wow me on monkfish. Just not worth the media praise, but alright.
(3)
tony a.
Someday I will have the Coconut Cake! But not yet.... Have been here several times and the experience has been great each time from start to finish. During lunch time the Lobster Roll is just yummy yummy. Makes me think of trips to Maine. For dinner start with some appetizers, the Calamari and Oysters Rockefeller are always great. Then go for just about any of the entrees. I finally tried the Dover Sole that they fillet at the table and it was fantastic. Drinks are done well and you are asked for your choice of whiskey with a Manhattan which is always nice. Go and have a great time.
(4)
Melissa C.
Best restaurant in Detroit, immediately takes me back to fine dunno get with my grandfather as I was going up. Outstanding food and service and no one should ever leave without having a piece of the coconut cake.
(5)
Adrian E.
Stopped by for lunch on a recent visit to Detroit. This restaurant is located in the Downtown Renaissance Center which was connected to my hotel. I sat at the bar, but it wasn't too crowded for a Friday lunch had I requested a table. For starters, the bartender brought me a bread basket accompanied by blue crab butter. The blue crab butter was delicious! It was more of a creamy crab spread than butter. You could see and taste the crab. I finished this up without hesitation. Looking back now, I should have asked for more. For lunch, the bartender recommended the Lobster Roll. His exact words were "you only order Lobster Rolls in Maine or here in Detroit at Joe Muer's". Well, I've never heard of Detroit being mentioned in the same sentence as Lobster Rolls, but I was willing to trust him. You know what...it wasn't bad. It was a tasty sandwich filled with lobster meat & mayo. The fries were good too, crispy and not oily. Overall, a nice lunch and worth a visit.
(3)
Ernie M.
Yes, a five star----rare for me. Everything was top notch here! The location is superb - -- - a great view of the river, parking is convenient and safe (it does cost $10), and the food and service is exceptional. This was our first visit to the new Joe Muer's since the old location closed 15 years or so ago, and it was memorable. The menu has some of the old Muer items and some new stuff. I went with the old menu and started with the lobster bisque. When they serve this they start by putting a bunch of lobster pieces in the bottom of the bowl and then pouring on the bisque- - - - lots of lobster is excellent. My wife got the heirloom salad (a variety of tomatoes) for starters and said it was some of the best tomatoes ever (hard to understand for a tomatophobe). I then was served the fried shrimp and they were great- - - the cocktail sauce is special. Usually the sides are not worth mentioning, but this is an exception. I got the asparagus substituted for fries and the creamed spinach as a side. Great sides!!! My wife got the Halibut special and it was great. We ended the meal with a crème brulee which was perfect. Carl C,our waiter was just right, low key, but very informative and attentive. WE WILL GO BACK ASAP.
(5)
ReNita W.
Was very disappointed made reservations nothing was "available" sat at the bar until something become open for 45 mins. My boyfriend & I were joking about a corner table that was open the ENTIRE time we were at the bar that we wouldn't dare sit in & guess what! The hostess came around and told us our table was ready "the table that had been ready the ENTIRE time" in the corner!!! Terrible service!
(1)
Brooke J.
Amazing food and service. If you are a fan of seafood, this place should be on your bucket list! Lobster bisque is to die for, creamy and a good portion of lobster. Blue crab balls, very similar to a crab cake are just perfect and are served with a mustard sauce. I had the surf and turf, scallops and braised beef short rib. So delicious, the beef was so tender and scallops perfectly cooked. My husband had the seared tuna, he loved it. Now, this place is not cheap...about a $30-35 average for an entree. But you get what you pay for...and the food here is excellent. Can't wait to go here again.
(5)
Colleen B.
The service is the best you can ask for. Great wine and fresh seafood! What more can you ask for?!?
This was my first time at this restaurant and it was excellent! Great location and the food was impeccable!
(5)
Cynthia G.
Attended a birthday celebration last night at Joe Muer's Restaurant at the Renaissance Center. How often do you go to a restaurant where everything is good! Every appetizer, every entree, every soup, salad and dessert! We had fun, and the service was outstanding! Great job Joe Muer! We'll be back!
(5)
Tracy P.
My husband and I stopped in for a drink and a light dinner after spending the day at the Grand Prix! Sat on outside patio overlooking the water which was very pretty and cocktails were delish! I ordered a salad and my husband ordered a shrimp appetizer with 3 shrimp.... We walked in at 615 pm and left at 815. 2 hrs for an app, a salad and 2 drinks? Food was good but our waitress created the oddest dining experience my husband and I have ever experienced in our decade of dating! After I ate my salad she asked me how I felt?... Weirdest question of all time! When she brought the check she asked if we would be back. I could go on and on but essentially I think she was trying far too hard and the service was slow and horrible. We won't be back...
(1)
Stephanie N.
Absolutely loved this restaraunt! Piano bar was nice and we sat facing the waterfront , so beautiful! Great staff! Renaissance roll was great and so is the bread served with chick peas! We had a steak and lobster well flavored and cooked to perfection!
(5)
Lisa S.
The appetizer of bread was delicious. They expertly chopped my salad.... eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, carrot stands, cucumbers. Got the raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I like light dressing but this is one time I could've had more. Service was a bit slow even for lunch. But there was a hair in my friend's fish and chips. Carrot cake with the cream cheese dressing was delicious. Easily feeds 2 or 3 people.
(3)
Michael M.
The place was busy on a weekday without a Tigers or Red Wings game to help out.Our server was a little too over eager to serve.Food was excellent and the view of the Detroit River and Windsor added to the experience.
(5)
Ingrid S.
Hmmmm steamed mussels or sushi ? Wonderful restaurant. Food was terrific and so were the cocktails. Just be careful that your cocktail cost more than your entree. My only regret is that I didnt' have enough time to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Elizabeth N.
What a wonderful relaxing lunch on the Detroit skyline! Amazing soup! Waiter was fabulous. Salad wash fresh and had so much flavor.
(5)
Roger P.
Great location & view of Detroit River across to Canada spectacular. Excellent service, but food only ok and not worth the price. Pretentious for sure! We're likely not to return.
(2)
Brandon P.
Horrible service for the third time in a row. Food is very mediocre. I won't go back.
(1)
Jen D.
Not worth the money what so ever. I had called 3 weeks before to see if they could do something special for my husbands birthday and then asked again when we arrived and they assured they would...at the end of dinner they did nothing but give us the Bill. We the told the useless manager this and he responded with "well would you like desert?" No we wouldn't because you have already completely ruined any sort of surprise that could have been. Regarding the food...Outback Steakhouse cooks a better steak that isn't $51.00. Don't waste your money thinking you're going out for a worthwhile dinner
(1)
Maria G.
Everything is soooo good. Excellent service. Nice view, so nice to see Detroit coming around....hopefully. Best shrimp Diablo I ever had. A little spicey but very nicely paired with the duck and potatoes. The whole presentation is outstanding. Just need to make more $$$$ to afford it more often.
(5)
Rachel M.
What a wonderful night! My date and I had intended on dining at a different place close by but they were booked for the evening... JM was available and we were easily able to make reservations online. When arriving at the Ren Cen, I suggest parking in the garage near the Marriott entrance. Take the cross-walk from the 5th floor and you can take the stairs or elevator down to the entrance. From there, a hostess greeted us warmly and went to check for a table. She returned seating us in a booth with a beautiful view of the Detroit river. The dining room is loud, so don't expect a quiet conversation, but the noise is the sound of laughter, conversation, and music... I enjoyed it all. The decor is stylish and the sights from the window combined made this almost magical. Next, we met our server, Alyssa (who was everything anyone could ever ask for in a server and more - I highly recommend). She helped me select a cocktail and we placed our orders for the appetizers. We chose to sample the deviled crab balls and the shrimp Ilene. My S/O is a "shrimp" man and he raved about that dish. I, on the other hand, fell in love with the deviled crab balls - probably the best crab appetizer, #2 at worst - I have ever tasted. Just perfection. Alyssa explained to us some specials going on that evening in great detail. I stuck with the menu's surf/turf dish of scallops and short ribs paired with a martha's vineyard.salad. My S/O chose a special surf & turf of filet with a colossal lobster tail. and blue crab potatoes. At this point, Alyssa did something I greatly appreciated. She let us know the cost of the surf.turf that was not on the menu (it was admittedly a higher priced item). I know she was probably debating if that was rude to do so, but she did so tastefully and to be honest I am GLAD she did... so I don't know if everyone else will like that, but boo to you, I did... because even though I can afford to splurge for dinner, I would have been a little shocked. My salad was tasty and the dressing was just right. But when our entrees arrived, I was in heaven. My scallops were LARGE and tasty. The lobster my S/O had was flown in earlier that day and had to be the freshest lobster I have tasted... (remember that high price issue I mentioned earlier, it was worth every penny - total fireworks). The steak was juicy and my short ribs were fork tender. I was not overly thrilled with the potatoes... not bad, just not as over-the-top fabulous as everything else that had touched my palate that evening. Also, Alyssa was able to help us find just the right wine for our meal even taking a few extra steps for us when one bottle did not, at first, appear to be available (she made it happen flawlessly). I recall reading somewhere that JM slacked a bit in portion size, maybe I read that wrong but I strongly disagree. You get what you pay for here - from the food to the service to the view. Also, while people-watching we noticed how much time goes into the table settings here. It took at least THREE people to inspect and hold up to the light the glasses and utensils on EACH and EVERY table. Made me go home and double-check all my wine glasses (I would have failed the Joe Muer test miserably). We were stuffed with leftovers to go. However, we remembered this dessert tray we'd passed on the way in. Alyssa suggested the coconut cake. My date isn't a coconut man, but he knows it's my world, he's just in it so I chose it anyways. One bite and he was sold. If I had not been so stuffed I would have ordered a second slice... in fact, we have been waiting for an excuse to go back and get an appetizer and a slice of that cake. I even took some home and it was just as delicious in the morning. My mouth is watering thinking of it now - do not skip dessert here. All in all, one of the best dining experiences in my life. We paid a pretty penny but it's well worth it. And, honestly, you do not HAVE to go all out here if that's not your "thing" and you still can have an amazing experience. I found the prices to be very reasonable (and actually lower than expected) here - especially now that I know what you get. Joe Muer, I hope you stick around Detroit for many years to come... I believe you and I will be seeing more of each other for a long time.
(5)
Elizabeth K.
4 or 5 star food, but only 2 or 3 star service. Had the tuna tartare and the salmon, and both were delicious. Our waiter was friendly, but the table set up was awkward, which resulted in our group continually cleaning up our own table. The waitstaff would ask us for random plates, utensils, glasses repeatedly throughout our entire meal.
(3)
Tiffanie S.
I have never been disappointed with any trip ever taken to Joe Muer. The food is always impeccable and the service is prompt and professional. This is definitely one of the top restaurants in Detroit!
(5)
Karie M.
This restaurant is fantastic. It's a really nice place to go for a special night out. It would be a nice place to go for any night out, but it's a little pricey (drinks $12 -$15), so I'd personally reserve it for a special night. My husband and I went for my birthday. You will need reservations. We requested a table window side so we could look at the view of the Detroit River (which is very beautiful). We were seated a table row back from window side which was a slight bummer but the restaurant was packed and we made reservations kind of late in the week. Our view was still nice as there are really large windows. The food and service was top notch. Our waiter's name was Bob and he was excellent. We ordered the volcano roll sushi and the scallop appetizer. The volcano roll was awesome. They light the soy sauce on fire and you kind of "toast" the roll to caramelize it - so good. The scallops are breaded not seared in the appetizer (they did have seared for an entree) - they were good, a little heavy for my taste in scallops but good and we ate them all so it couldn't have been that heavy. I had the chopped salad with the thousand island dressing. It was awesome. I worried that the thousand island dressing would be thick and I don't like that. But it was really light and good. My husband had the clam chowder and said it was great. I asked Bob for a wine recommendation and he suggested a light and delicious white wine for me. For an entree, I had the special - the halibut. It was phenomenal - if it's on the menu, get it. It was so thick and juicy. It reminded me of a dinner roll in thickness and fluffiness. But it was the most excellent fish I have ever had. My husband had the Hawaiian ono which was also a special. It was really good and prepared Asian inspired. But the halibut was better. I was going between the dover sole on the menu and the halibut. Bob said the halibut hands down, and I'm glad he did. We didn't have room for desert with all the food mentioned above. But they looked great, so next time.
(5)
Mars N.
I was hoping it would be as good as noble fish.
(2)
Tony T.
I came here after a full day of meetings with a few co-workers. This place was good but I can't say anything was exceptional. I had the halibut (which I no longer see on the menu) with a white caper sauce. I also had a side of spinach and corn. If you're staying in the Renaissance center, the place is very convenient to you. It's has a waterfront view and the ambiance is quite nice (like an upscale seafood steakhouse). I would definitely go back if I was staying at the Renaissance center but a piece of that is mostly because there aren't a huge amount of options in that neck of the woods.
(3)
Sol C.
My last dining experience at Joe Muers on Thursday December 6, 2013 was absolutely terrible. We arrived in a party of four at 7:15 PM and valeted the car through the restaurant's car service at 400 Renaissance Center #1404. We had a decent table overlooking the street and the water. However, our server must have been new as she did not know any of the specials nor the oysters being offered for the night. She had to return to the kitchen twice and check. For the costs of the food, I found this to be very unprofessional. The server clearly needed additional training days. She also forgot to bring out the pre-meal crackers, bean dip, and pate that precede every meal until we asked for it. Again, for the cost of the entrees here, I find this completely unacceptable. The real kicker to this nightmare experience was that at 9:00 PM, in the middle of our meal, the valet service notified us that our car had been into accident. Initially, they tried to blame the accident on us claiming we left the car in neutral. They also claimed to have made an accident report without us, stating that the accident happened at 7:20PM. This story quickly changed after I realized that the security cameras outside caught everything on video. The valet service offered to pay everything out of pocket and a security guard, claiming to be affiliated with Detroit police, made a report. In the end, we were never offered one item to be comped on our bill that exceeded $400 nor were we able to finish the entrees we ordered. I found the Muer's management and staff to be completely unprofessional, everyone we interacted with that night - including one the owners, tried to pass blame on others for the accident and who was at fault. In the end, no cared about what happened to us and the police report was completely fake. After not hearing back from Renaissance Security (which I tried to contact a 100 plus times), I went down to the Detroit police station on Beaubien Street and made a report. Oh, my car insurance ended up covering the $6,000 worth of damage the accident caused to my brand new Cadillac CTS. Thank you Joe Muer. Have a very merry Christmas and I will never eat you over priced food again!
(1)
Angela J.
I love seafood. But Joe Muer also has some of the best lamb I've even had. Their side dishes are large enough for two people, or leftovers for lunch the next day. They have THE best customer service! I wanted to take my grandmother there for brunch on Easter Sunday this year. I failed to make a reservation in advance (oops, website didn't indicate a reservation was required and I didn't call to confirm). Upon arrival, they seated us anyway. The mamosas were delicious (peach) and I left happy as I do everytime I go.
(5)
Adriano M.
Very nice seafood Restarant in the renaissance center downtown Detroit. Great atmosphere, views of the river and the outdoor dining experience was amazing. The seafood was fresh and first class service. The tuna tartar was great, the raw bar and sauces were tasty. Definetly one of the best seafood restaranuts in greater Detroit.
(4)
Annette J.
GREAT happy hour. Enjoyed a lovely early evening here sipping on some delicious beverages (drink specials include half off signature cocktails!), eating some tasty sushi, and enjoying some fantastic company at the the bar. The restaurant is new and it left a great impression on me. It's nice. Like, REALLY nice. Very fancy and beautiful inside. I really like the decor and I love the huge windows overlooking the river, it was a particularly lovely sunset the night I was there so the sky looked incredible. I'd come just for the view alone! Even scoped out the Detroit mayor enjoying a meal by the window too. He know's what's up! Luckily everything else lined up pretty well with the view. The half off cocktails were great. I got a sparkling wine concoction and it was delicious and went straight to my head. Perfect! The happy hour menu isn't huge but it's got a nice variety. From oyster po'boys, short rib sliders, and sushi (both veggie and with fish) there's a bit of something for everyone if you're only feeling peckish. I went with two rolls--the spicy tuna and the Detroit roll (king crab, avocado, pineapple, cream cheese, shrimp and spicy sauce). The spicy tuna was nice because it wasn't bogged down with a lot of mayo and had great flavor. The Detroit roll was a bit Americanized but what can I say? I love pineapple! I was very happy with both although disappointed that there wasn't a happy hour special price! The service was fantastic. Our bartender was helpful without hovering. Towards the end we just wanted to chat and not eat or drink anymore and I didn't feel rushed out the door. Nice. I looked briefly at the dinner menu and look forward to returning to try that sometime. But in the meantime, I'm happy to enjoy a happy hour here to take in the sights over some tasty treats!
(4)
Lisa O.
Our party of three ate here for lunch recently. Two of us had the Martha's Vineyard salads and my boyfriend had the Fruits of the Sea. Everything was good and the server was attentive -- it was hard to hear him, though, because it was really quite loud even at lunchtime. We sat at a nice booth overlooking the river and it was a nice change from the ordinary.
(4)
Jill P.
Everything about our dining experience at Muer Seafood was flawless. The food, the ambiance, the wine, the service. And, while pricey, it was definitely worth it. I don't remember what I got because I drank too much wine. But, I remember it was excellent!
(5)
Dorva D.
I had the opportunity to dine at Joe Muer recently for Brunch. The staff was very professional and courteous and the food was delicious.
(5)
Tom K.
Great food, better views and really warm and atmosphere. I've eaten here several times and consistently enjoyed it. I prefer the sushi menu over the full menu but full dinner menu. Their specialty rolls are all great. I usually just ask for a selection of specialty rolls selected by the sushi chef. He always includes a "dynamite roll" - crab and shrimp with a spicy kick. The atmosphere is also great. There is often live music and you can watch the River and beautiful people quotient is also higher than you will find at other restaurants in the area. This is not the place to eat if you are in a hurry. The sushi bar tends to get backed up and it is hard for them to make big order quickly...but it's worth the wait.
(5)
Jimmy P.
I heard great things about this place - both word of mouth and yelp - which I thought was relatively reliable. I had dinner last night and unfortunately it didn't turn out as good as I hap hoped. Atmosphere is great for a group get together. The kind you go with your boys (or girls) and talk about what boat you want to buy as you look out at the river. But probably not an environment for a romantic date. It is pretty loud with a lot of people - no sense of intimacy or privacy. I went with my wife and it was okay for a date night. We had a good view of the river. Not bad, but not ideal. Food: we got the scallop appetizer and a lobster bisque. Scallops did not seem fresh to me. Had a frozen texture. It was good as it soaked in butter and oil. But almost anything is good in butter and oil. We didn't finish the lobster bisque bc it was soo salty. Talk about ocean freshness!! I was literally just eating salt! We sent it back. Wife had the soft shell crab with risotto and I had the surf turf (scallops and braised short ribs). Both were good but both salty as well. Short ribs were tender and flavorful but it was really masked with salt! The soft shell crab was nicely crispy and pretty good. But risotto was a bit salty as well. I think I drank 4 glasses of water during dinner. Overall the experience wasn't terrible. Nothing to write home about. Food was decent, could be better if the chef had been a easier in the salt. Just disappointed I didn't experience what everyone I heard and read experience. Oh well. Move on to the next meal and new experience!! ::Keep eating
(2)
Shelly A.
We had dinner at Joe Muer on May 11, it was our 3rd visit in the past 12 months and each time we've dined the overall experience seems to decline. We had reservations for a 49th birthday celebration and while we arrived ~ 10 minutes before our reservation, we stood waiting for 20+ minutes until a member of the Hostess staff approached us and asked us our name, for the second time (mind you in the 20 minutes we waited for our reservation there were 3-5 hostesses at any one time standing at or around the Hostess stand). When I made the reservation I had requested a table near the windows with a view and when we asked the hostess if they would be able to accommodate, we were handed off to a server to be seated (with no response). The service we had on this visit didn't even compare to the service we had on our two previous visits. When asked for a suggestion on wine, he suggested the two most expensive bottles in the variety we asked about, was unsure if he'd be able to substitute a starch with an entree (asked to substitute a lump crab cake with mashed potatoes) and during our 2+ hour dining experience, showed no effort to make our dining experience a positive one (or memorable), which is unfortunate when we spent nearly $300 on dinner for two. We won't be in a rush to return to Joe Muer. While the food is good, we weren't as impressed as we had been on past visits and the level of service much left to be desired.
(2)
John K.
Absolutely excellent food, Great Detroit venue
(5)
Scott S.
Have been looking forward to this for awhile, and for the most part it was good and the rating will improve over time. The setting is great, very nice view of the City and lots of windows and mirrors. Even walking in and seeing the bar is very cool. We were seated on time but it was a Sunday night, so busy but not crazy. It did take about five minutes for someone to come over with menus and to say hi Service is very friendly and accomodating, orders were taken promptly. One of the issues I had was the timing of things. We ordered soups, two came out fine, one was ten minutes later, saying it had to be heated up. That should take two minutes and certainly should not be done so the timing is off. Same happened with food, four entrees came right out, over five minutes later the other one did, so one kid waited for soup, the other for fish. but the foodw as very good, no one complained, my daughter, 13, said the clam chowder was the best ever, the other fish soup was good, but spicy. Sides were good, but nothing special, creamed spinach was blah, tomatoes were decent but nothing special. we did not have desert. Prices were on par with high end places so if you know what you are getting, its fine. dover sole was 49, Townsend it is 46, whole fish was 44, son's stuffed flounder was 25, soup was 6-7, so really not bad, pricey, but not like you don't know what you are walking into. Once they iron out the kinks, this will be a solid 4 star.
(3)
Karen S.
The preparations are very nice. Not a lot of food. Fried calamari was just okay but the tuna tartare made up for it. The black cod was tasty but the skin was not crispy. I had the grouper on another ocassion and the sauce was nice but fish was too fishy. The food is good but for the price I expected a little more.
(3)
Adam S.
What a pleasant surprise! This place is really beautiful and refined, maybe a tad kitchy, albeit glam kitchy. It has the feeling of having been there for a really long time, but feels new. Lots of oxymoronic statements here, but go there--you'll see what I mean. But really--it does feel nicely not-new, right down to the soft napkins & the pleasant dull glow of the cutlery; but also feels very much not-old, with shiny polished wood & marble everywhere. Anyhoo--enough about the cool aesthetics & ambiance. Now the food. Truth be told, I didn't dive right in--thought I would go small on the first visit & then jump right on in the next time if it warranted it. So I had a few shrimp from the raw bar, the roquefort wedge and an interestingly oldfashioned coconut-y cake. It was all really really good--yes, I agree, it's hard to screw up shrimp cocktail & wedge salads one might think, but believe me (as a huge fan of both), I've had my share of misses on both. At Joe's however, both were great; even the bread was just right--warm, soft & just the right amount of chewy. The shrimp were quite extraordinary, and the salad was delightful--particularly the dressing, a very well balanced French with roquefort. Then the cake--it was good, if in a mid-1970s kind of way. I look forward to another visit soon--if they are hitting the little things out of the park, it makes me very hopeful for a great experience with some somewhat grander choices.
(4)
Krystal R.
It's a pretty place to go for the atmosphere. The decor, the view, the piano and feel are really nice. But let's get down to it, we eat with our mouth. The service was good, but not exceptional. Watch the cocktails prices, I wouldn't start the night ordering a round of patron for the table lol. The food was good-but overpriced for what you get. (Everything is ala carte btw.) We started with the Joe Muer sushi roll, about $15...Just okay, nothing special. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal but no one was over the moon about it. My husband had the special, the Red Snapper with crab cake ($44) it was good-but worth that price? Um, no. I had the Crab "stuffed" Flounder, it was good, but not spectacular. That being said, we had a nice dining experience and having good company makes this a great place to have an evening out. I wonder if the food would have been better during the week or a time where they're not so busy. However, I feel like if you're in a big city typically, that isn't a factor.
(3)
Essam A.
I love this restaurant! Food was really good. Make sure to try the Renaissance roll & fried calamari for appetizers. The fruits of the seas entree is delicious. Dessert tray is just delicious as well. On top of all that, the restaurant is beautifully designed with a killer view of the Detroit River & Windsor. Highly recommended!
(5)
Marybeth R.
I want to love Joe Muer's. I've celebrated and supported its new beginning. Last night, fell way short of the mark. First of all, let me qualify this...service was impeccable. Joe Louis, our primary server was excellent, anticipating our every need. The food, however, was really bad. In fact, my lobster tail had the ammonia smell and taste the seafood acquires after being re-frozen. My husband's fish, nicely de-boned at the table, was over-cooked, dry, and tasteless. Normally, I would have complained right away. However, someone else picked up the check. I mean who would complain about a lobster tail? Last night, I should have. I will go back. I'm committed to this place. I so want it to be successful. Perhaps the chef was having an off night? In any case, lets get it together here. Many would not be back following my experience. And desert, superb!
(1)
Tiffany S.
Absolutely fabulous! Wonderful food and service, elegant atmosphere and ambiance! Appetizers, salad and entrees amazing Loved whitefish and save room for coconut cake. Joe is back and as good or better than before. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Taste-LIFE D.
Great views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Canada. Unfortunately, we were in the back room and away from the vibrant crowd. However, we sat next to Detroit mayor, Dave Bing and his wife. The roasted free range chicken was so tender and juicy. The halibut, from the Chalkboard menu, was okay. Although it was cooked perfectly, it could have used more salt and less of the Keffir Thai sauce. The sauce was more like a lake portion and didn't really add anything to the dish. The fish drowned in the lake. The cheddar mashed potatoes with crab were delicious. The restaurant owners and managers stopped by our table several times to see how our evening was going. Our server was very attentive. Overall a great night. We need more places like this in Detroit.
(4)
Pebbles And Bam Bam A.
Aspects of this restaurant tear me between a 1-star and 5-star rating. The 1-star aspects: -- The wait time ended up being over twice as long as the 30-minute quote the hostess gave us. Every time we checked in, her response was that our table was "almost ready". An hour and 15 minutes later, we were seated.... We had reason to believe that there was bias in which guests without reservations were seated first. -- Given that this is an upscale seafood restaurant, it was very loud. We had to talk very loudly to hear one another. 5-star aspects: -- Excellent menu selection with both traditional and unique items. Everyone in my party agreed that their food was superb. -- Service was good (once we received it... we sat quite a while before meeting our server). Our server (and other servers who helped out to make our experience even better) had a great personality - was friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. -- We mentioned in passing that it was one of our party member's birthdays. Our server surprised him with a candle in and "happy birthday" writing on his dessert, as well as a complimentary dessert (strawberry gelato and sparkling wine - yum!). -- Beautiful large windows overlooking the river and Windsor. -- Live piano music - beautiful. So, the experience was aggravating prior to being seated/served, but once we were "in", it was great.
(3)
Frank K.
Very classy restaurant. I have never been to a Muer restaurant before but if this place is liked the others then I will definitely go. Oysters were fresh, clean and ice cold. Manhattan was made perfect. Wine was delicious. Food was awesome, started with beef carpaccio, wife had the wedge salad, both were stellar. Dinner I had the surf and turf, scallop over greens and braised short rib over mashed potato. Great combo and the short rib was fork tender. Wife had the crab stuffed flounder and stewed tomatoes. Awesome. What puts this place at five stars is the service. Our waiter, Carl, was great and timely. Go here if you want a true restaurant experience and people with class.
(5)
Jonathan N.
I had one of their specials - halibut served over a Maryland crabcake - and it was one of the best seafood dishes I have ever had. My wife's dish, seared tuna, was also excellent. Service was top notch, though at times a little slow. Atmosphere is very cool - had some great live music (not overbearing) and very well decorated. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Sally B.
Really, really good. I've been twice now for lunch. The waitstaff is great - - friendly and attentive. My husband has been talking about Joe Muer's beans as long as I've known him. He's right, they're very tasty. Last time I was there, we had a large group, so we got to try a lot of appetizers. Everything was good - - proscuitto wrapped shrimp, dynamite roll, fried asparagus with mustard sauce, crab cake balls, oysters rockefeller. I had the crab stuffed flounder and stewed tomatoes. Both were really yummy. Another reviewer noted that her fish seemed over-cooked. Mine was not and the sauce was delicious. Everyone in my group enjoyed their meal (although the guys thought the luncheon filet was too small). The coconut cake for dessert is fabulous.
(4)
Soph. M.
Just got back from our second visit at Joe Muer. Excellent doesn't even begin to describe how great the service and food was. We got there early and hung out at the bar. The bartenders were great with wonderful friendly personalities to match! When I called to make the reservation I requested we have a seat by the window to get a better view of the water. Unfortunately the last time we were there we sat near the kitchen to accommodate for the large party. This time we were seated right by the window, with a beautiful view of the Detroit river. Our server Sadat, was a delight. To begin, he was courteous and very knowledgeable about the menu. Best of all was that he was honest when we asked him questions about the menu. He told us which dishes were customer favorites and which dishes were on the lighter side for my husband who is watching his weight. Our appetizers, soup and entrees were delicious. I don't have one thing to complain about...except that I ate way too much. For dessert I ordered a tea with the New York style cheese cake (yum!) and my husband a cappuccino. Superb! Joe Muer is a great upscale restaurant with a cool atmosphere and great food.
(5)
Nicole K.
Our new favorite restaurant! My husband brought me here for date night and it was fantastic! Everything from the service to the food was perfect. We ate more than I would like to admit, but it was totally worth it. - Joe Muer sushi roll - really fresh! did not even need soy sauce. - Fried Calamari - enough for 2 people to split. the fried artichokes and capers were a nice touch. - Wedge salad - one of the best wedge salads we've ever had! the dressing was different...not your typical blue cheese dressing. - Soups a la Muer 1-1-1 - they give you 3 types of soups to sample (manhattan chower, boston clam chowder, lobster bisque). It gives you a variety but I would recommend just getting a bowl of one kind. The lobster bisque was tasty! - Seafood Paella - So delicious! Full of fresh seafood, and the whole dish was full of flavor. Also the portion was huge! - Bacon wrapped scallops - Yum...the scallops were cooked perfectly. - BLACK TRUFFLE MACARONI AND CHEESE - YOU MUST GET THIS! By far the best we've ever had. You can smell the truffle when it comes to the table. It's creamy, rich and topped with toasted breadcrumbs, which adds a nice texture. The portion size could feed 4 people easily. I would eat this as a main dish! - Red velvet cake - red velvet well done! great choice for a big piece of cake to share.
(5)
Bob L.
We had an outstanding meal! Henry was our waiter and not only was he knowledgeable but his personality and style made our time there all the more enjoyable! Try the Sole and ask for Henry!
(5)
Amy M.
My husband and I had a surprisingly terrible experience ! We had a great table beside a really drunk table!! It went bad from there. They continued to serve the drunk table and waited to serve our table. We ended up with a long wait and cold food. We complained and they did nothing!!!! The next time, I will film it and post it for all to see. A very expensive, terrible evening, with no help from management!! Shame on you
(1)
denise m.
Ok, so listen...It is very rare that a place is on with both service and food. I have been here a few times, first couple of times I did not want to return because the service was so bad, but kept coming back because the food is awesome. The next time the service was just mediocre. Last night the food and service was top notch! We always sit at the bar, mostly because we just have drinks and apps and never want to take up tables, plus its cozy. Although we spend a good amount on what we have. Anyway on to the food...Tuna tataki was perfectly rare with a sharp bite of spice, the salmon sushi is like butter, the mussels were garlicky and yummy. I noticed the raw bar guy had stone crab, which could be my last meal! I know they are hard to find this year, but Joes had them! So I order 2, which are $15 a piece, not a bad price. They were so sweet and tender. The raw bar guy heard me get excited about them and he gave me 2 more giant ones! OMG I almost fell off the stool..The bartenders were great, very attentive and friendly! Awesome experience!
(5)
Jordan M.
A great and needed addition to the detroit restaurant community. Actually good seafood in detroit, by the river, and with great balconies. Recommended for lunch especially if just for your first time in, due to lower prices and the availability of sandwiches priced from 13 to 18 dollars including fries. Entrees range from 15 to 40. No specials till dinner though, which was also great, however our server was lacking, and the sommelier neglected to come back to help us in the purchase of a chateau margot wine. We figured it out any way. For five people with two very nice bottles of wine it was 450, the sides were big, the fish and steaks good and all left full. Everytime i eat here there is personal attention from the managers whether i am eating a sandwich by myself or dining with a large group. I can tell that this spot is quickly getting its act together and as soon as a few pieces fall into place (service) it'l be great. i recommend the mussels, the best!
(4)
Michele E.
The food was all that I remembered and some. Great menu variety with classic dishes as well as contemporary dishes. Would have received 5-stars had the woman that was supposed to serve us not ignored us. Had Calvin M. as our server and he was excellent!!!
(4)
Alvin B.
The drinks are GOOD. Haven't had an entree but the appetizers are just ok. The ambiance is nice along with a spectacular view, over looking the Detroit River.
(3)
Paul H.
i went for lunch on a Friday afternoon around 11:30am. There weren't too many people in the place. The ambiance and the view is incredible. The server was really cool and laughed and joked with me throughout lunch. I told him we were there for sushi only and he got the chef to make us something off the menu which we enjoyed. OUr server was knowledgable about the entire menu, wine list and even our choices of saki. The prices are higher then I anticipated though. Lunch for two with 3 bottles of saki, an appetizer and 3 rolls was right at $100.
(4)
Julie F.
We have visited this restaurant 3 times in the last year with mixed results. One of the visits was a four star visit...2 excellent seafood dinners. The other two visits were three star....one good seafood dinner....one mediocre. The restaurant has to show more improvement before we go back on a regular basis. The atmosphere is really nice...overlooking the river...but the prices are way too high for the quality of food served. The service was always excellent, but it doesn't compensate for the food quality or high prices.
This place should have stayed closed. I wonder how sanitary it is to roll around a cart full of dessert with everyone breathing their germs on the cart. Also, I believe waitress was drunk since she almost fell down on numerous occasions. I would stick with Big Fish in Dearborn, MI which is a way better restaurant.
(1)
Chad C.
Swanky joint where both the ambiance and the food are impressive, but the former more so than the latter. Great cocktails are to be had if you have deep pockets. Service was professionally cordial.
(4)
Brian C.
Crab was expensive and not nearly as thick as I would have expected at a place like this. The crab I buy from CostCo was better in both size, quality, and taste. No kidding.
(1)
Maryanne S.
The only reason why this place did not receive one star from me is because of the atmosphere - and I am a terminally optimistic person! After being raised in the Detroit area and loving the Muer restaurants and traditions, I was very disappointed by the cocktails, timing, service and food at Joe Muer Seafood. Do not get the cucumber martini or the watered-down Crabby Mary. The dirty gin martini with bleu cheese-stuffed olives is delicious but takes 10+ minutes to get to the table on a not-busy Friday afternoon lunch. The Raw Bar Platter is mediocre at best. The dressing on the Roquefort salad is nothing you can't find at TGIFridays. The Lobster Roll was served incorrectly -loaded with shrimp. The fries were on par though. I sat outside with a beautiful view of the Detroit River and the Ambassador Bridge. Maybe I will give this restaurant another chance in 3-6 months after having some time to mature...
(1)
J B.
Melt in your mouth good food (definitly get the blue crab cheddar potatoes as a side!) excellent customer service, amazing views (Just make a reservation to ensure you have a table by the water)...hats off to the staff that make this place amazing...great work it doesn't go unnoticed! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Heather A.
It was a lot fancier than I'm used to, but it was excellent. I didn't really feel the fish pate, but the bean relish was yummy..and the bread choices were good..another reviewer mentioned the small portions..I absolutely did not experience this...I ordered one of the specials, broiled grouper stuffed with shrimp/lobster with a wine sauce over asparagus and butternut squash...it was HUGE...on top of that, I ordered the black truffle Mac and cheese...which was ordered as a side and could have easily fed 3-4 as a side...if a wheelbarrow or a wheelchair would have been able to take me to my room, it would have been nice...I'll be back again during my visit here..
(4)
Tracey M.
Service was good. Large, bright, airy restaurant with great views and a menu that offered both traditional and modern selections. Had the seafood chowder but it was a bit spicy. Very good sushi but I didn't like the manner in which they served the soy sauce. It came pre-poured and I didn't want as much as they poured. Also the dish in which they served the soy sauce was awkward. But other than that SMALL thing I'd give it 4 stars.
(4)
Alyson Y.
The food here was very good, and servers were extremely friendly. Went here for lunch today (Tuesday), and while the restaurant wasn't busy by any means, service was extremely slow. When our server greeted us, she asked if we had any time constraints, and we said we only had an hour for lunch. 1 hr 45 min later, we were out of there. Needless to say, if you have plenty of time, I would recommend this restaurant, but if you're in a pinch, try somewhere with speedier service.
(3)
Dean C.
I've been several times now and this has got to be the best all around place in Metro Detroit. You can sneak in casual and get outstanding service and food at the bar or you can go with a group and sit near the best view of the water available. The atmosphere and view of the water are top notch. It is amazing how large this place is and how many people it sits; it really makes for an impressive experience. The food was very good and Heather the Sommelier was a very nice, pleasant and helpful touch.
(5)
Jenai H.
Went here last night for my birthday and it was wonderful. Our waiter Sean was wonderful and everything (even the sushi) was fantastic. It was definitely worth the money and I can't wait to go again.
(5)
Jiehan A.
I have now been there 2x in one month & have nothing but great reviews! The food is high quality & flavorful - generous portions and a range of items to choose from. Well worth the price - which may seem high compared to other restaurants around the area - but again, well worth it. The atmosphere is elegant and classy, overlooking the water and Canadian skyline. A sunset dinner there would be VERY romantic. One of the evenings we were fortunate enough to have a piano player which only added more elegance to our evening. They are accomidating to the various venus around town - just let your waiter know what your show time is and they will prioritize your meal so that you can make curtian.
(5)
Bri l.
I enjoyed my food and only had to refill my drink a couple times myself, but when my Aunt cracked off a piece of her tooth from a shell in her lobster bisque, and the manager apologized, saying he wasn't a dentist, I could not believe he could not have taken her $8 soup, not a dent in our $500 bill, off the list. Taco Bell has given me better quality of service. They also forgot her soup in the first place, as well as bring in other dishes late. A couple nice things were they made a special preparation of their pistachio ribs for my grandma who was allergic to the original recipe, as well as give her gluten- free cake for her birthday before we departed. My dynamite roll was excellent, which, all-in-all, made this experience bittersweet. I probably won't be going back by my own will though.
(2)
Gigi B.
don't get me wrong....I LOVE Joe Muirs, I was going to the original one as a little girl! But I went for my Birthday, and I think I saw those same old foggies as I saw sitting in the old Joe Muirs as a kid!!!! LOL! Maybe I was paranoid or something...butteRUM, I was SURROUNDED by staunchy Republicans! Ok sorry I got carried away! Just would have like to see a more hipper crowd... Service impeccable! Food was fantastic! Dessert....bread pudding/ cinnamon ice cream,.Fabulous! Drinks Great! ALL PRICEY!
(4)
Leslie H.
It's a great seafood restaurant. Our server was great and the manager stopped by our table to check on us. Minus one star for the hostess. She was very rude and did not even say goodbye or thanked us when we were walking out.
(4)
David R.
I used to eat at Joe Muer's but afer last night's experience I would NEVER go there again and NEVER recommend the place. I ate in Andiamos in the RenCen last night then watched a concert on the river. Upon returning to valet to pick up my car I had an Urgent need to use the restroom. I was with my ten year old daughter. Anyway, I went in to ask permission to use the restroom and explained that I didn't want to use the restrooms in the building because I didn't feel safe leaving a ten year old girl alone in the hallway at night. The owner or manager looked up at me and said "use the public restroom outside". I was shocked at his callousness. I was dressed nicely and was polite, not to mention that I've been a customer at Joe Muer's since the 70's. Anyway, I have enough money to buy the place and close it down. If to doesn't go out of business anyway I just might do that! Don't support these people.
(1)
Brian D.
Simply the finest seafood restaurant in Mi. Service was as good as the food. Save room for desert.
(5)
Sir Poop A.
So...... I went here as a kid way before it was in its current location. I do like seafood, and we had some family in town, and thought the views of Canada would be cool. It was a quiet night in the D without a tigers game, so we headed down. The service was pretty good, maybe a little better. The food was really good also. BUT, The place is freakin expensive for what you get. I love restaurants and going out, and likely have spent more than most on going out, so overall, I probably would choose another more lively place for the ambiance with friends. For my parents visiting or a 50th anniversary, this place is great. Or a corporate function, it would be nice.
My favorite seafood restaurant in Detroit and a favorite date night spot :) Easy valet parking just outside their entrance. We were seated at a table with a beautiful view overlooking the river. We lucked out with a 4 top that allows us to sit side by side. Much easier for sharing.......... Excellent wine list, we chose a Washington Pinot Noir that was great. I am very picky where i order raw oysters from and Muers is one of those places. 6 Blue Points and 6 Kumamoto's , very fresh A couple of sushi rolls and a perfectly broiled piece of halibut. No dessert, heading to The Sugar House to drink that ! The food at Muers is very good and the ambiance even better. A piano playing softly watching the sun set over the river, a great start to romantic evening.
(5)
Laurie P.
An epic dinner deserves an epic review! You cannot go wrong with any place that has the Muer name attached to it, and Joe Muer's flagship is no exception. We arrived for our dinner reservations (booked through open table) on a Thursday night, and were seated right away. I was disappointed that my request for a riverside table that I had made weeks in advance was not honored, but we were seated at a cozy booth for two. This actually worked out in our favor, because while we could still see a nice view, we were also tucked away from the bulk of the noise and crowd. And this restaurant is noisy. Not overwhelmingly so, but if you are looking for a quiet dinner, this is not the place. It's crowded and lively, with piano music in the background. I liked the atmosphere, actually. We started with drinks and appetizers. I had the Black Orchid cocktail ($15), a chilled raspberry martini with a pretty flower floating in it. I loved it, and wound up having another with dinner. My date stuck with Labatt beer ($6). For the appetizers, we ordered Oysters Rockefeller and the Volcano Roll. Both were outstanding! There were six oysters in the app, but they were HUGE. Other reviewers have mentioned sand in the oysters, and we did not experience that problem. They were perfect. The sushi roll was perfect, as well. I'm usually not a fan of cream cheese in my sushi, but it just melted like butter in my mouth. The flavor of the roll was awesome, and it was fun to toast it tableside. Oh yeah, can't forget the bread basket with the beans/pate'/butter. I LOVED those beans!!! I wanted to lick the plate! The pate' was ok, and the butter was perfectly soft and easy to spread. We then had the lobster bisque. And this is where I died and went to heaven. Seriously. Every bite was a culinary orgasm in my mouth, it was that decadent and delicious. If you get nothing else at JM's, get the lobster bisque! For entrees, I had the monkfish, and he had the swordfish Oscar. I loved my fish, the vanilla lobster sauce was amazing, and I found the potato gnocchi to be the right balance of crisp on the outside/soft on the inside. Totally on point. My date liked his fish, but found the sauce to be bland, so our server was nice enough to bring a dish of a different sauce (I don't recall which) to try. That worked. And speaking of our server, Steve, I just want to say that he was excellent! He was attentive without being annoying, answered our questions but didn't try to steer us in other directions on the menu, and his friendly but professional demeanor was most appreciated. For dessert, we decided to split a slice of JM's famous coconut cake. Steve brought it to the table with a lit candle and "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate on the plate. Very nice, and very classy. The cake was delicious, although a little rich for my taste. I enjoyed it, but wish in hindsight that I had ordered my favorite, crème brulee. Ah well.. next time! All in all, I loved our experience here. Perfect place for a special occasion. Our bill came to $200 (not including tip) for four drinks, two appetizers, two soups, two entrees, and one dessert. Worth every penny!
(5)
Garvin W.
Had a delicious dinner and wonderful service from our waitress. Recommended for special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays. The food and all did take quite some time to be served but my acquaintance and I had time so we did not mind. We shared 'Fruits of the Seas' and they had split the order into two for us which was very thoughtful. Overall, great experience.
(4)
Brittany L.
We had a great experience dining at Joe Muer's last Friday night for my friend's surprise birthday party. We had a later dinner - got there around 9:00p.m. with a reservation and were seated as soon as our party had arrived. They did seat us once everyone but the birthday girl and her boyfriend had arrived, which was helpful. We ordered drinks and my Stoli and Soda was crazy strong, but hey, who turns down extra alcohol? The table ordered several appetizers and were impressed with each dish. I tried a deviled crab ball, which was good considering I'm not a huge seafood fan. Speaking of not being a huge seafood fan - I LOVE scallops. I ordered the George Bank Scallops which were amazing. They are huge scallops - 5 of them - each wrapped in bacon and topped with candied sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, butternut squash and pomegranate gastrique. It was absolutely delicious. I am a big eater, and I didn't even finish one of the scallops. I skipped on dessert because I was so full - but there was a large dessert cart with tons of options. I'd order the same thing when I went back. The ambiance is amazing and I definitely recommend getting dressed up for this occasion.
(5)
Ammi W.
This was a great night on the river walk. This was my first time here, I tried the swordfish - delicious! The wait staff was attentive but not overbearing. We were a bit early for our reservation but we still didn't have much of a wait. Tried a nice Riesling that I hadn't tried before, it was also great. The only problem was one stall in the ladies room was Nasty! I let someone know, they didn't go to it right away but I'm sure they handled it. Last but not least, apparently the waitress had great things to say about me when I stepped away from the table. :)
(4)
Philip M.
It's a little surprising that they have a dress code after a tigers game. I guess you are doing pretty well when you can turn away a customer when the restaurant is empty. It's not even that good of a steak and it's over priced.
(1)
Nassrine ..
Best restaurant in metro detroit!! Beautiful scenery, setting and amazing service! The lobster corn dogs are a must and my favorite entree is the Crab Stuffed Atlantic Flounder. Their sushi and lobster are also extremely delightful and all the ingredients are so fresh. The restaurant overlays the Detroit river and has a nice relaxing ambiance. They even have a seating area outside but it is hard to find weather not chilly enough in Detroit to enjoy it! They usually have soft live piano or jazz music at night. I witnessed a proposal inside the restaurant once and yes, it is even nice enough for a proposal. Love the overall feel of this place, I would definitely recommend!
(5)
Michele A.
It is sad to see this place loose 2 stars but well deserved. The service the last 2 times I have been in was awful. Our waitress disappeared for 30 min not to be seen, I was looking around and not one other server offered to help. Lunch took 50 min to get to our table after we ordered and had to take 2 of the orders to go since it took so long. The food was just ok this time not like before when it was outstanding. We had the burger which was over cooked and bland. The lake fish poorboy was tasty though. Not sure I will be here again for lunch since the last two times it was slow and service was just not on par.
(2)
Colleen M.
Let's start with, they have a dress code, even for lunch. I was staying at the Marriott and my room wasn't ready so I decided to try Joe's since they had sushi. I walked in and the hostess was like we can't seat you in the dining room but we can seat you in the lounge. I was irritated as I was in jeans in a shirt and was like, is there anyplace close I can eat. Another lady came up, sensing my frustration and was like, we can seat you on the patio. It was a gorgeous day so I agreed. I ordered a beer, Soft Parade ($7) and a dynamite roll ($15). In total, with tip, $28. A little pricing for lunch but the atmosphere outside was awesome, beer was great (highly recommend this local beer) and the sushi was really good. I don't like feeling like a second class citizen, especially considering I was wearing dark denim jeans, a nice top, and it was lunch time, but I guess rules are rules.
(4)
Leslie W.
We decided to come here for an early dinner last Sunday after our boat tour on the river. We did not have any reservations and had a party of seven. Most of us were dressed pretty casually; i.e., shorts and tees, and I even had a Detroit Tigers tee shirt on and Keen sandals. I didn't see any sign about dress codes, but they had us seated in a little private alcove across from the bar in less than 10 minutes! The server at first seemed a little irritated with us, but then she was ok. We ordered drinks and some appetizers first. All three types of oysters we tried were yummy. The calamari was just average. My husband had just returned from New England, and said his clam chowder was only average, too. All of our meals were good. I had the bacon wrapped scallops and it was good, but maybe not worth $38. The service was very good throughout the meal. Overall, it was great to finally try this place out after eating at the old Joe Muer's in the past. I'll be generous and rate it a 4. The overall food wasn't worth the price in my opinion, but the service kept me from giving an average rating.
(4)
X M.
Food was okay and the service was really good. I ordered 'Fruits of the Seas' and the portion was good. We also ordered two of the desserts: Chocolate cake and their famous coconut cake. I love the coconut one, but the chocolate cake was just so-so. I wish I could give a three and half for the overall service. Not sure if it's just the day we went or it's so crowded all the time, but to me, i'd enjoy a more quite place for dinner.
(3)
Michelle N.
Great service and gorgeous views of the river, but the food was awful. I ordered the bacon-wrapped scallops. Scallops were flavorless, bland, and overcooked. Sweet potato hash that it came with was okay though. I also managed to try a bit of the shrimp cocktail (huge shrimp, but just ok to me) and lobster bisque (tasted better than the scallops). Dessert (strawberry rhubarb tart with vanilla ice cream) was the best part of my entire meal. Glad I went once, but not worth a return visit.
(2)
Brittiany R.
I loved Joe Muer's so much that I went three times in one month.... Excessive much? The venue is perfectly Detroit. Not the gritty, fearless, innovative Detroit, but the upscale, refined, powerful Detroit that is both cosmopolitan and true to its roots. It reminds me of our glory days and God, I hope it stays that way. Old school glamour with a modern take on making every dish amazing. The sushi is amazing.... Possibly even New York quality. I generally don't like raw sushi but this salmon melted in my mouth. The textures of this sushi did art in my mouth. The carpaccio was to die for and came out almost deconstructed allowing me to mix my preferred amount of onion, egg, and thinly sliced beef. The lobster bisque is served in a bowl with real lobster with the bisque poured in table side. The tender, sweet lobster in the creamy bisque was one of the best I've had. My date ordered the lobster but was directed to the Tristan lobster which was prepared via broiling and made all the difference! It was light and so much sweeter than the Maine lobster. Served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, I couldn't resist sneaking more than a few bites. Everything on the menu is prepared with care and glamorous flair. The wait staff lives to serve you and the view of the Detroit river makes for an experience in dining that goes beyond great wines and perfectly executed meals.
(5)
Vanessa B.
Absolutely great food and phenomenal service. My first dinner here I had the tuna tartar, a shrimp special, and plenty of great wine. Our server was named Keisha and she was phenomenal! Very informative, attentive, and friendly. I've been back many times, and the food is never disappointing. I tend to get sushi most of the time and I have to say, I'm shocked at how good it is. I live in San Diego, I know good sushi. Ok, it's not San Diego good, but practically nowhere compares to that. It is, however, top notch. Great combinations, always fresh. I love getting the sushi nami (several pieces of nigiri and a spicy tuna roll), and the red wing roll is delicious as well! O
(5)
Kyle Martin D.
I once ordered a whole Maine lobster and the waiter complimented my choice without a hint of irony, as if he and I shared an understanding that it's totally acceptable if I wish to send my cholesterol to the goddamn moon. He even brought me a cigarette, no questions asked, from the kitchen once I finished my marine crustacean and sixth dirty martini with blue cheese olives. My friends and I also enjoy drinking (a lot) at the bar.
(5)
Oscar O.
Wonderful Staff! Delicious Food! Great Experience and will definitely go back! The appetizers are fresh and tasty! Again the staff is the most attentive I've ever experienced. Great spot for any special occasion ! I can't wait to go back !
(5)
Layan A.
A little sad that I found out about this place 2 months before moving out of state. Came here with my husband and MIL who is from out of town. Can't say that we really needed reservations because it wasn't completely packed, but full enough. The restaurant is huge- with a front bar section and a back dining section. The view is breathtaking, we sat right by the water. The place is classy but can be casual, it was pretty loud actually. Our waiter was so sweet and very good at what he did. The bread came with this bean salad, butter, and pate, it was really good. I didn't have an appetizer. For dinner I had the barramundi with stuffed crab per our waiters recommendation and it hit the spot. It came with green beans and black garlic, and I would order it again it was so delicious. For dessert I had their specialty coconut cake which was ah-mazing. Please order it! I honestly would come here just for the dessert. I tried the chocolate lava cake which I didn't love (too bitter), and the cheesecake which I loved (because it's cheesecake!). The salads, soups and desserts are all about $10 each, the appetizers are around $20, and the main fish courses started at $35+ (average $40). So for 3 main courses, one salad, and 3 desserts, no drinks, our bill was $200 with tip. For a seafood, famous chef restaurant with an amazing view, the price was a little more than I expected, mainly because the portions were on the smaller side. You'll leave full but not stuffed (except the coconut cake is ginormous). Service was excellent. Valet is another $10 which is disappointing, most restaurants of this caliber would at least have free valet. Overall great experience.
(5)
Mark F.
The service was good but the food was not impressive. I have had better lamb and steak at half the price.
(3)
Lana M.
I love the filet mignon here. It comes with caramelized carrots on top and zip sauce. So yummy. They also have great desserts. I come here a lot for work dinners and I have to admit this is the only thing I order.
(4)
Geno T.
Took my girlfriend here for her birthday she loved it. The food, staff, water, beer everything was great. They sat us next to the piano totally music to my ears .
(5)
Susan N.
Joe Muer is always a great place to grab a bite! Fantastic view! Great sushi! I love their lobster bisque! Salads are wonderful You can have a great lunch everyday!'
(5)
Steven L.
I finally got to try this fantastic restaurant for lunch. Opted for three of the four sushi rolls to split with my guest. All were delicious, not in the traditional sense of sticky rice and a beautiful piece of fish, but the more American roll with multiple layers of flavor. All of the rolls needed no BS gobs of fake Wasabi or soy sauce, just simply fire them in as is and enjoy. Service was exactly what we needed for a business lunch, attentive but not overwhelming. To top things off, they validate so parking was only $5.40 and I got to see Rasheed Wallace on the way out. Damn that dude is tall.
(4)
Sarah C.
It took me 2 years to find out about Joe Muer Seafood. Why does everyone talk about Roast when there's Joe Muer? We made reservations for 2 for 6:15pm on a Saturday. It wasn't necessary but I guess its better to be safe. We parked in the structure and walked over the bridge. You can do valet parking at the door. The location was a bit difficult to find but with some help we were able to find the place. We were seated by the entry way which kind of sucked but besides that our meal was perfect. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and attentive. The complementary bread consisted of a white, wheat, and flat bread that came with three toppings - butter, fish patte, and a bean dish. Our favorite was the whole bean dish. We ordered Scallops alla Muer (Sea scallops gratin with cracker meal, lemon, paprika and butter, finished with sherry) - This was highly recommended by our waitress. It came with five large scallops. We were expecting two or less. Cooked to perfection. We had a difficult time deciding what to order because literally everything looked amazing. There was not one item that I didn't want to order! Roasted Atlantic Monkfish (Oven roasted and served with potato gnocchi, lobster, spinach, caramelized onions, Haricot, and a vanilla lobster sauce) - My boyfriend ordered this and I loved it! Wish it was my dish. I ate half of his fish. It was light but full of flavor. Oven Roasted Barramundi (Served with lobster and crab stuffing, Haricots Verts, honey carrots, and black garlic) - I ordered this. It was good but not as good as the Monkfish in my opinion. It was a bit heavy for me. The lobster and the fish mixed together really confused me. The service was on par. We received our food promptly and there is a wonderful view if you are lucky enough to be seated by the window. I think we'll request that next time. Yes, we are planning on returning.
(5)
Robin Z.
Yumm! Seafood and sushi. Creative and different. The presentation is beautiful. Had the dynamite roll and it was fantastic! Also shared tempura asparagus and lobster corn dogs. The lobster corn dogs were huge (2 in an order) and its thick juicy lobster in a corn dog type of coating (more like tempura actually) and served on sticks. Wow! So good!! Service was a bit off. My sushi roll came well before the two appetizers to the point that I had finished the roll before getting the asparagus and lobster dog but I was eating at the bar, not too bothered and the flavors made up it. Definitely a place I would return to if in the area.
(4)
Rick E.
Everything was perfect! Fast freindly seating. Beautiful river view table. Our waitress was 1st class but not stuffy. The food was mouth watering. We celebrated our 2nd year wedding anniversary ( which I mentioned at booking) and they had a nicely decorated desert for us mentioning the occasion. Everything comes with a price but it was worth it.
(5)
Dee T.
Beautiful Restuarant! My husband and I went during the evening and the view was awesome! I ordered a chicken dinner. It was good. Chicken is chicken right? Lol Service was good. Our waiter was really helpful and patient! We will be returning
(4)
LaToya N.
Great service! Great drinks! Great ambiance! We will definitely return
(5)
Kasia M.
I was torn in choosing a downtown restaurant for my graduation dinner with my boyfriend and landed on Joe Muer. Let me say, it was amazing! I had reservations via OpenTable at 630pm on Saturday, I asked for a window table but was given one a row back due to other "reservations", we were seated very promptly semi-behind a mirror, but still had beautiful views. I did ask again to be moved to an open window table, but was refused. Our waitress Taylor(?) was prompt and friendly but not overbearing. Water and the yummy bread, butter and amuse bouche of salmon pate and white beans was delivered and were delicious! We both ordered beer to drink ($6-8). The wine and cocktail lists were extensive and looked delish! I ordered the lobster bisque ($9) and it was, as previously advertised, delicious! A bowl with fresh lobster meat was set in front of me with the creamy tomato bisque poured on top. Large portion, and no joke almost full now by bread and soup alone! For dinner I was between the whole roasted branzino ($44) and the monkfish($39) and on Taylor's suggestion went with the monkfish, one word, AMAZING. The fish is served on the bone, crispy outside and tender flavorful inside. Served with slightly oily but still quite yummy gnocchi and spinach/green beans medley...it was a wonderful dinner! My boyfriend ordered the flounder stuffed with crab ($36?), he loved it but I found it a bit fishy tasting. We also ordered the truffle mac n cheese (?$11) which was delicious but we were both so full most of it was saved for my lunch the next day (GREAT idea!!) For dessert I was stuffed but ordered a slice of the famous coconut cake to go, it was simple perfection. Rich but not too much so, the pineapple flavor was subtle, the cake itself moist, the buttercream filling amazing and the coconut frosting delicious. You must get this!!! Also ate most of it for lunch the next day, yum yum yum!!! Overall: 4 stars instead of 5 only because the open window table that I had asked to be switched to was open throughout our ENTIRE dinner, they easily could have given this table to me as window seats are not guaranteed at reservation, so I'm not sure why someone else had more claim to it than I did, plus it was empty our entire dinner...not cool! The hostess was kind of snotty about this as well. FOOD: Amazing, would love to try everything else and would definitely come back to do so!! Monkfish, which i'd never had before is at the head of my favorite fish list currently! SERVICE: Despite other reviews, we went early-ish on sat and everything was prompt and efficient, our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable and (I always judge service on my water glass as I drink A LOT of water during dinner), my glass was never near empty through maybe 7 glasses of water... AMBIANCE: it did get slightly noisy but could still have a conversation, piano player was very nice, beautiful views even a row back, in fact they all seemed to have a nice view! PRICE: So i was a little worried that the prices weren't online, but they are on the menu. The specials were not priced for us but I did not get the impression that asking the price would be out of line. We had 2 drinks, 1 appetizer, two entrees and 1 dessert for $150 after tip...pretty dang good! ADVICE: Do it! Great food, great service, great ambiance!
(4)
Tamara M.
We didn't have reservations and didn't feel like waiting 45 mins to be seated so we sat at the bar. The bar offers the full menu so there was no disappointment. The bar wraps around their sushi counter and raw bar. Service was quick, pleasant and knowledgeable. I ordered the Black orchid martini which was simply delicious with a wonderful presentation. For our meals we ordered the Boston clam chowder to start, followed by the Shrimp and Grits and the Roasted Chicken, everything was delicious. They have no problem wheeling out an O so tempting desert cart TOWER......which forced me to leave with a slice of key lime pie (soooooo good). On my next trip I'm trying that lobster corn dog!
(4)
Eric H.
The service, food, cleanliness are all great here. The waitress and bus staff were friendly too. I came in a Sunday for dinner so it was only moderately busy and the hostesses seated all parties with space in between each other. I started at the bar while our table was prepared and I ordered a bourbon on ice with a splash of soda. It was a good pour and came exactly as it should have. No complaints from the bar. Moving to our table, I ordered the Delmonico steak which is marbled ribeye ($50) in medium and it came perfectly cooked on a hot plate. I highly recommend the Delmonico here if you're a ribeye fan like myself. I finished with an awesome scoop of salted caramel ice cream that completed a perfect meal. The other guys had the fillet and salmon and both said their dishes tasted very good. If you're OK with spending the money, then I recommend stopping by for a good meal. I feel it's a little bit pricey for what you get (hence four stars instead of five), but good for the occasional visit which works for me because I'm only in Detroit once a year. I'll be back next year I'm sure.
(4)
Candiss W.
I'm a fan of both seafood and great ambience; Joe Muer does both very well. I've been here so many times and I can't believe it's taken me this long to review this place. Pros: The food is wonderful. I'm a big fan of sides and Joe Muer has an awesome variety. The black truffle Mac, white truffle pomme frites, and crab and cheddar potatoes are a foodie's dream. They also have some great appetizers. The deviled crab balls, calamari, shrimp, and lobster bisque are all very, very good. My favorite main courses are the barramundi and the rack of lamb. Cons: the only con is that with so many quality savory offerings, I rarely have room left for one of their awesome desserts.
(4)
Rasheed L.
Great dessert menu. Coconut cake is delicious. The patio comes with a great view of Detroit waterfront. Quite a site.
(4)
Holly S.
This place is truly five stars all the way around! The food, atmosphere, view and everything else is so top notch that there's no other seafood joint that even comes close to joe! The burimundi, fillet, monkfish, chopped salad wedge salad, lobsterdog, calamari, and truffle Mac are amazing not to mention the sushi and coconut cake! This place is such a treat! Whenever you get the opportunity to come here I highly recommend it!!
(5)
Latisha R.
Hard to review the food since I was admitted. I was told I could not be admitted because of my attire. It was in the afternoon for lunch and we showed up right before they opened. I was wearing a Tshirt and yoga pants. They told me their dress code is business casual. As I waited to speak to the manager they admitted several individuals who were not in business casual. One woman was wearing open toed sandals and khaki skirt and a Tshirt. When I pointed her out in what obviously was not business casual he said that's okay just how you are dressed is not. As we were chatting a guy walked in with Tshirt jeans and tennis shoes. He let him in and once again said just not the way you are dressed. When I pointed out he also had a Tshirt his reply was well yours has writing he doesn't. Although I clearly didn't have on a hoodie he felt the need to let me know there were no "hoodies" allowed either. I don't care how outstanding the food might be I wouldn't recommend anyone eat here.
(1)
Todd B.
I have had the privilege of dining at Joe Muer twice, and I am going to be generous and give 4 stars based on my first experience and not on the 2nd experience last week. The first time I ate in the beautiful space in the RenCen, I enjoyed a lovely dinner with a colleague. Our service and our food were exceptional. My friend loved his steak, and I enjoyed a perfect sea bass. The lobster bisque was especially memorable. I returned to Joe Muer last week for a group event of about 20 people, and for some reason the quality really suffered. Our food came out lukewarm, and none of us felt our entrees were exceptional or memorable. Perhaps it was just the challenge of serving a large group -- so I'll be generous here and hope that it was just an off night. There are so many excellent restaurants worth trying in Detroit's burgeoning restaurant scene, but Joe Muer is a classic that deserves a visit if you're in the RenCen area.
(4)
Billy C.
Good food, nice service, very inexpensive prices but totally without charm, style or sophistication. They do try hard on the food and service but miss the point of culture and style with a bogus dress code that does, not allow caps, hats on men or women. But it's good food at low prices.
(1)
Phoebe W.
We always liked the original Joe's location. This new setting is positively lovely. Easy valet parking. Gorgeous view. Incredible service. Yummy cocktails. Beautiful wine selection. The Oysters Rockefeller nearly moved us to tears. Excellent flavor on the tuna tartar. Surprised by the perfect crunch of the tempura asparagus. Shredded cole slaw possibly the best imaginable. Highly recommend the Superior White Fish and Filet. Cheesecake provided a perfect finale. Planning a return on my next trip to Motown. Highly recommend.
(5)
Despina T.
One of my most favorite restaurants. Not just gourmet seafood, but a very romantic, classy restaurant. I've been here with a group of girlfriends, Valentine's dinner with my husband, & a family dinner. Each occasion gets better than the previous experience. Professional & courteous staff, food is prepared perfectly. Joe Muer has some of the best lobster I've ever had. As a special dessert treat, they will write almost anything on your dessert plate in chocolate syrup. It's something different! The coconut white cake will definitely take you away to dessert heaven.
(5)
Tara B.
We went downtown unsure where we were going to eat and ended up here. We were sat outside on the patio within 10 minutes. What a beautiful view of the riverfront! We ordered the raw bar platter for an appetizer, which my husband loved (I'm not a huge fan of raw seafood). For dinner, we ordered the Bank Scallops, Aged Delmonico, and the Potato Skillet. Everything was delicious! I can't remember the last time we sat down somewhere and throughly enjoyed our dining experience as much as we had! The only complaint I would say is that service is a little slow, but it wasn't frustrating to us. I think they just gave us time to enjoy everything since it is such a nice restaurant. We never received cold food or food that seems to have sat in the window too long. Overall, we will be returning here!
(5)
Alana R.
This is my first yelp review in several years... And my first poor review. I almost asked to speak with the manager after my meal (would've been another first), but couldn't get any attention from the staff to do so. I travel to the RenCen a bunch, but this place is always too busy during the week. I felt lucky to get in town on a Sunday, as the reatawas fully staffed but empty. Food- (1) I'm left thinking they don't make fresh bread on the weekends, because my bread was completely stale. (2) wedge salad- wilted. (3) love roll- decent. (4) Brussel sprouts- soggy. Worst I've ever had. I ate two bites and pushed aside. I sat in front of my 1/4 eaten assortment for about 15 minutes before someone asked if I was done. Didn't seem to phase him that there was a full bowl of Brussel sprouts being cleared. Not one person asked me how my meal was. The staff was more interested in catching up with each other about what they did all weekend, and which music app was better - Pandora or Sirius. I don't mind seeing employees have fun at work, but if I'm paying $100 for 2 drinks and 2 appetizers, I don't need to hear "dooooode" yelled 20 times by the staff. I had to interrupt their conversation to ask for my check, to which the bartender replied, "yeah". Seriously disappointed with the experience. This place obviously won't suffer from this review, but I hope a manager reads this and gets the staff in check. It's not fair to the customers or companies supporting this business to receive such poor service and treatment.
(2)
Tom S.
Went here on a Sunday night for dinner. The Fish was fantastic! Extremely fresh and expertly prepared. By far the best seafood in Detroit and nobody else is close! Service was a little slow. There were a lot of people around but our particular server seemed to disappear a few times for longer periods. Didn't truin the mean, was just a bit annoying.
We went there for a special occasion and had the best dining experience I can remember. Alyssa was our server and she was phenomenal. Knowledgeable about every aspect of the menu - from the cocktails, wine, and description of the main entrees, down to the different sauces which enhanced the entrees. I had the Mediterranean Branzino (fish), baked and then filleted at the table side. Just fabulous. My friends had the perch which was undoubtedly the best tasting perch I have ever had. As a finale, Alyssa had the coconut cake presented on a platter for all of us to share, with a birthday wish for me inscribed in chocolate. I will always ask for her when I dine there again.
(5)
Gregory C.
Heard they had a nice view, so came by for a late light lunch. Didn't know they had a "Business Casual" dress code as I was dressed in a tee shirt, jean shorts and walking shoes. So instead of being seated by the window with a view as I requested (there were plenty of open tables), I was seated in the rear, by the kitchen, with no view. Bummer. I guess my money isn't as green if I'm wearing a tee shirt. Had a Stella, a half dozen oysters on the half shell and a bowl of clam chowder. All a okay. Two stars for the seating arrangement
(2)
Anye F.
I came here for lunch with a coworker today and was pretty impressed. It's rather pricey if you're not on expense account or there for a special occasion, but you get a great meal and great service for your money. I absolutely will dine here again. We split the thai scallops appetizer, I ordered shrimp and grits, and my colleague ordered one of the daily specials which was a salmon salad. We loved the appetizer. The scallops were perfectly cooked, and came with a baby bok choi and two cooked carrots in a mild green coconut milk curry. Next time, I won't want to split this with anyone as it's only two scallops and THEY WILL BE MINE. A must-order dish if like me you love scallops. My shrimp and grits were also excellent. This is one dish that is different everywhere I order it, unlike some dishes that pretty much taste the same everywhere. Joe Muer's version is somewhere between tomato-ey and wine-y, with great flavor and a little kick from their sausage selection. The jumbo shrimp were perfectly cooked (though only three of them, one or two more would have been perfect). Their grits are cheddar grits which were very good though my personal favorite shrimp & grits used goat cheese. Still a 5 star dish though. The breadbasket was great, as was the great northern bean amuse-bouche which was probably the biggest amuse-bouche I've ever seen -- a rather large dish of them. I even had a small taste of the smoked bluefish pate, which I didn't expect to care for but wasn't bad. Our server was excellent, I forgot his name but he was classy without being pretentious. The courses were paced very well, nothing felt rushed or like it took too long. We did not eat dessert but I saw the tray and it looked like they had some great choices there. All in all a terrific lunch I hope to repeat.
(5)
Nichole S.
I go to Joe Muer quite often. Many times with groups and business dinners. Yesterday we made reservations through OpenTable to have dinner with another couple before the Tigers game. Our reservation was at 4:30pm. Early and basically in between lunch and dinner. The place was EMPTY. Upon checking in for our reservation, a manager approached us and very rudely refused to seat us and told us we could not eat there because my husband's jeans had a rip on his left knee. Seriously?! Wouldn't let us sit outside or even at the bar. Extremely rude way to turn away a very large tab and a very frequent diner who will be taking her business elsewhere. And I will make sure I share my experience with others. AVOID this place. Plenty of other places to get great seafood in Detroit and get treated with respect. Joe Muer- you do realize you are in the hospitality business, right? Perhaps you can coach your management on how to appropriately deal with these situations. We went next door to Andiamo and had zero issues.
(1)
Crystal K.
My family and I came to dine for my birthday celebration. I am so delighted that they choose Joe Muer. I have been here before but only for sushi and cocktails, which were fantastic. I was thrilled to enjoy dinner and dessert for my special day. Gavin took care of our party of 8. Everything was perfect. From the sushi to dinner and flowing cocktails I can honestly say my birthday was amazing. To top it off, a surprise customized GIGANTIC slice of cake came to our table. You all really know how to make a girl feel special :) thank you for the experience. My family and I had such a memorable dining experience.
(5)
Matthew S.
The best detroit has to offer in fine dining. Close second to capital grille. I love all the innovative farm to table and small plate restaurants that are opening up in detroit but Joe Muer takes the cake as far as traditional fine dining. Excellent seafood. Excellent steaks. Exceptional service. Everything about joe Muer is great. It's expensive, but that's not a problem for some. Come enjoy a large variety of delicious and fresh foods from this place as much as you can.
(5)
Naomi U.
It was great time with my husband. Food was good. Beef carpaccio was lil bit strong taste sauce for me tho... I like more natural beef taste.ha I would recommend this place!
(4)
Bradleigh M.
So this place only gets three stars from me although I come here a lot. I come by myself for lunch a lot, and the staff is always super nice. I love the customer service. Management always personally speaks to me. I sit at the bar most of the time, and I probably would not come eat lunch so much if it wasnt for Mervin, the bar tender. Now about my Stars. The best thing I have had here is the salmon and the lobster bisque. I would give it four starts if I only had that. But I guess its a seafood place, thats what they do. The chicken sandwich, over priced for the taste, the lobster roll sandwich over priced for the tates, the steak bites, over priced for the taste. Just get seafood here. There tempora shrimp is awful. waaayyyy too much tempora batter. Tried it twice with the same results. The texture is off because there is soo little shrimp in there. The cocktails are awesome! I've had the mojito and the strawberry basil lemonade. both very very good.
(3)
Blaise B.
Had a fabulous time here the other night, but I had to take away a star because we were lied to over the phone. My boyfriend called and made reservations and specified that we wanted to eat outside, which whoever he talked to said was fine. They also said that there was free valet parking with a restaurant receipt. Neither of those things turned out to be true. We got there, only to be told that they don't take reservations specifically for inside or outside, and all of the outside seating was taken so we would have to eat inside. We ate inside and still had a good time. Their clam chowder is amazing. When we left, we were charged $10 for valet parking. This wasn't really a big deal, except that we had been told by the restaurant staff that it would be free! I recommend the restaurant, but do not believe anything you are told over the phone by them!
(4)
Tim K.
Great restaurant with an amazing view of the Detroit River and Canada. This is one of our most favorite restaurants in southeast Michigan. The atmosphere is 1960's retro and the service is top-notch. The sushi is our favorite item on the menu. A pianist plays at the piano bar 7 evenings a week. Parking is very easy with the parking garage directly across from the restaurant and the restaurant validates parking.
(5)
Dion T.
We chose this place because it was situated in the Ren Cen and had a river view. We wanted a nice pre-concert dinner for our date night, and this place did not disappoint. The interior has a great feel and lighting. We'd asked for a riverside view table, but received a table just across from the riverside tables. We asked if we could be moved, and the staff attempted to accommodate, but we declined the offer because of timing. The attempt itself was very kind. This was the only downside of the evening. We had the Fried Calamari appetizer, the Whitefish w/sauteed spinach entree, and the Surf-n-Turf entree. All three were expertly prepared and incredible. I could go into details about the taste, but it doesn't do it justice, we have zero complaints about the food. I'm not a whitefish person, but my wife thought it was excellent, and among the best prepared she'd ever had. The beef in my dish was tender and very flavorful, and the scallops were "WTF" delicious. I literally dropped my fork, looked at my wife and said "WTF". We had their famous coconut cake, which my wife loved, and although I don't like coconut that much, I thought it was delicious. It's a pricey place, so expect $110-ish for two people if you have an app and a couple of drinks. For expensive restaurants, I feel that if you have to keep thinking about the price, then the food wasn't that great. Some might say "Why the hell are you paying that much for food?", but I'm not here to debate that, we all do whatever we want with the money we have. All of the food was expertly prepared and delicious, we almost completely forgot what we paid, and we look forward to returning.
(4)
Kay G.
Excellent. Our server was attentive but not overbearing. Bread basket and appetizers were good. We had sushi, filet, mussels, flounder and lobster. The Mac and cheese was amazing, asparagus cooked well. Their coconut cake and cheesecake are both very good.
(5)
Abe H.
This is THE BEST seafood restaurant in dowtown. You really have to try it. It s absolutely superb. Every dish is so complex yet so simple. No matter what you pick you can never go wrong. It s a very nice ambience. It is not super upscale that U can't even talk like coach insignia, it is casual nd fun nd alive. It s just a super cool place. And make sure you try some desert, the creme broule is incredible. So are the crab cakes appetizers. One of the best fishes is bacon rapped scallop, you will literally cry when U try t!!!
(5)
Suzanne K.
The view was great as we sat outside. Since it was around dusk, we were surprised by the plethora of Mosquitos and other bugs. One would figure that at such a classy establishment, the servers would be too botch.
(3)
Frank S.
I always make sure to stop in every time I'm in Detroit for business. The tuna appetizer is great and their steaks are the bomb, And the view is pretty awesome since its right by the lake. It's a great place if you want to go out to eat in a large group
(5)
Jina L.
LOVE SALTY FOOD? then I recommend this place. However if not, then I don't think so. All my dishes were very salty on my first visit, but since I loved the atmosphere I gave it another try. Another failure... Also our waiter recommended me a dish that was not on the menu and it was very salty crabcake topped with halibut that was very bland. AND it was $47 when I got the bill. yay?!? the quality of the food does not quiet match up with the pricing. I will never be going back...
(2)
Dennis L.
Great place[-nice people,great food great service,great view-will definitely go back-nice to see a restaurant like this in the downtown area and accessible via people mover as well
(5)
Steven H.
Great service and ambiance! Perfect place for a romantic evening, or a fun time with friends. The food was great (not excellent), but some of the best I've found in Detroit. The views are great, and live music is also nice. However, it's not a quiet place.
(4)
Andy S.
Beautiful setting when facing the river. Very for a servers with excellent service. The meals we're masterfully prepared and seasoned well. This is a must visit when downtown. Take a cab as parking isn't obvious!
(5)
Chris M.
Mediocre....The clam chowder was great but the pate, table bread, lobster corn dogs, tempura asparagus and crab were pretty bad. On the plus side: great martini's, delicious coconut cake and nice view of the water on the Canadian border. Piano player was a nice touch too but all in all there's got to be a better place to drop $100+ on dinner for 2
(2)
Mohamad F.
My favorite place to eat in Metro Detroit! The service and staff are so friendly! The food is amazing! Amazing view overlooking Canada over the Detroit river. I had a filet Oscar style with shrimp and asparagus. Also the Calamari is the best calamari I've ever had! MUST TRY! Highly recommended!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Garage Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Brad L.
I'm going to start by saying that I used to hate seafood. When I say 'hate' I mean I wouldn't even go into a place serving it because the smell repulsed me so much. After beginning a dramatic shift in my eating to be part of a much healthier lifestyle, seafood is now on the table (pun intended). Which brings me to my visit to Joe Muer Seafood. My wife wanted to go somewhere fancy for her birthday and I was happy to oblige. Turning to Yelp we found Joe Muer's and based on the reviews, decided to give it a whirl. (The Hour Detroit 2012 Restaurant of the year award helped too) To make this review a little short, I will say that if I had eaten here years ago, I would have started eating seafood a long time ago! The salmon was perfection, the crab balls as an appetizer made me wish I had an entire meal of them. Heck, even just the chopped salad was outstanding! Environment and the view of the review was perfect, attention from the waitstaff made it feel like private dining, and the live piano music set a perfect mood. There were only 2 reasons why I didn't give it 5 stars. First reason was it was loud. Not Red Robin loud, but WAY louder than I thought it should be for such a fancy place. There were quite a few times during dinner where my wife and I had to ask each other to repeat what they said or speak up. The second reason were the prices on the mix cocktails. Now, I know, it was a fancy place but $15 for the mudslide my wife ordered? Seriously, are we at the airport? Plus, call me cheap, but charging $20 valet and only validating for $10...? All in all, Joe Muer was a fantastic experience and a great place to go for an upscale dining experience!
(4)Renée D.
Somehow this vegetarian keeps getting invited to Joe Muer Seafood. And yet, it's completely, 100%, not an issue here. I'm sure there seafood is great and all, but here are my observations for fellow vegetarians and other people who want to bring vegetarians here. The Good: - The bar sushi menu (which you need to ask for separately, as only a few fish-fulled rolls are on the regular menu) has at least a half dozen veggie rolls. I just had a tofu roll and an avocado roll, but both were amazing. - The sides are huge. Worried that the sushi wouldn't be enough food, I ordered the side of black truffle mac and cheese. It was delicious, and at $9, easily could have been my entire meal. Most of the sides are vegetarian. There is also a delicious asparagus tempura appetizer. - When describing the specials to our party, prices were mentioned after each option. This was appreciated as the specials went up to $85, which I believe is higher than the costliest option on the regular menu. Some people may not like it - I did. The Bad: - The butter was hard as a rock! I'll never understand why nice restaurants do this. By the time I was done attempting to spread it on the bread (which wasn't very good), it looked like they had gone to war with each other and both lost. - If you want wine, expect to pay $12-25/glass. No cheap options here. Frankly if a place doesn't offer affordable wines, it seems like they're trying to be pretentious - there are plenty of great affordable wines out there.
(4)Abby W.
Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. I thought my halibut was a little dry but other than that everything was perfect. We really enjoyed the dynamite sushi rolls and of course the chop salad was out of this world. My husband had the clam chowder and as always, really enjoyed it. It was a great evening.
(4)Dano R.
This was my first visit back to this classic restaurant since it closed from it's Gratiot Ave. location years ago. The quality, fresh seafood and great service are still a staple the JM's. Be prepared to pay top $ for this. Our table had a great view of the river which was fitting for our son's college graduation family celebration. My top shelf martini was $15 which is the most I've paid for a martini in a long time. Decent class of Malbec was $12. The calamari appetizer was very good but if you like oysters as much as I do then again be prepared to pay $15.00 for 1/2 dozen. Ouch! We ordered the Walleye, Perch, Grouper, and scallops. All of our meals were excellent. I'd give it a 5 star rating but paying $3.50 for a cup of coffee is a bit over-priced IMO. Great atmosphere that can't be beat in Detroit.
(4)Ely H.
Amazing Food. Good atmosphere. Best cake I've ever had--and I don't even like cake. Try the coconut cake. And the service is exceptional--refreshingly so. Flawless. Good wine menu, too, with a friendly, knowledgeable sommelier. Why 4 stars? I expect to pay a lot for my fine seafood...but I think Joe Muer's could try a little harder to make things affordable. There's no reason why we needed to spend $80 on my $35 bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir. I was born and raised in Oregon. But still. I went there and bought the wine so I knew what I was doing. Overall I was very satisfied with my experience.
(4)Ryan S.
Went for Valentines Day. We're put in a side room facing the parking garage. Was told at time of reservation a week prior "would not have view of the river". Waiter knew we were upset and became annoying in attempt to make evening better. Stone crab claws had bad taste. Steak was subpar. Overall horrible evening.
(1)Adam O.
Been looking forward to trying this ever since it opened. All in all, a noteworthy experience. "Classic" would be the word of choice to describe it, for better or worse. For starters, the space is beautiful. Had a table right on the water, very atmospheric, piano player etc. One tiny complaint being the quantity of mirrors in the space. Sort of feels like you're eating in a fun house.... Foodwise, again...classic. Oysters rockefeller to start, totally acceptable. Nibbled on a friend's coriander tuna app as well, awesome. Had the perch fillets for an entree. Sort of seemed like they were sitting for a few minutes under the warmer while they finished the other entrees in our sixsome. Needed a little more salt as well. Mac and cheese with black truffles (not truffle oil) was delicious as was the creamed spinach side. Again, nothing earth shattering technique or creativity wise, just the classics executed at an above average clip. Desserts were the weakest part of the meal. I have a built in disdain for dessert carts, but my sentiments get reinforced when you just cut off a piece of cake from one thats been sitting in the dining room all night or an already plated piece of bread pudding that isnt plated, nor created "a la minute". Service was attentive and excellent all night as it should be since this is not a cheap place to eat. Overall, I'd hand out 3.5 stars if I could.
(3)Susan R.
My second visit to Joe Muer. The service and view are outstanding. The food, not so. I invited two clients who work in the RenCen to go to lunch so it wasn't appropriate to bring it up my disappointment with my meal. I ordered the Salmon Nicoise salad. All of the salad components were nicely decorated on the plate. The accompanying wedge of lettuce looked like an iceberg on the plate. It was very awkward to eat. You would have needed a platter to make it work. Why not serve the lettuce in a bowl like most salads? If not for being with clients, i would have asked for them to take it back and chop up the lettuce to make it manageable. The salmon was dry and crusty, like it had been fried. The fingerling potatoes must not have been on the order that day. They were replaced by underdone cubes of Idaho potatoes. The green beans were buried under the massive iceberg wedge. I certainly would NOT order this entree again. So, perhaps because of my disappointment, I thought this menu item was way overpriced. $18 for a huge chunk of iceberg lettuce and some fried salmon. I expected much better.
(2)George K.
A early Sunday evening after a performance by the DSO. We were seated by the window overlooking the river and the Windsor skyline. Great view and our server was there quickly taking our drink order. A great selection on the menu including a lot of the old favorites from the original Joe Muers on Gratiot, bean salad and stewed tomatoes. Seafood was the main focus, but a nice selection of poultry and meat. We were not super hungry so some excellent lobster bisque, a shrimp cocktail with some huge shrimp and a couple of nice sushi rolls. The service was excellent and the decor very nice. It was enough to fill us up and wet our taste buds for another trip in the future. The only reason i gave 4 stars rather than 5 stars is we did not have a main entree. Next visit and I will update the rating then BTW: Muers has their own entrance on the west side of the Ren Cen with valet.
(4)Amanda S.
Best restaurant in Michigan hands down. The view is beautiful, the service is always perfect, and the food never disappointing. Make sure you try the filet or lobster--best ull ever have!!
(5)Paul K.
Tried to come for dinner- sign says there open till 10, everything was closed up tight at 9. Minus one star for that. Came back the next day, had lunch from the sushi menu. Everything was very tasty and portions were good. The place is not cheap, but is worth a visit when you're staying at the Ren Cen.
(4)Justin R.
I love what they did with the interior of this place. It's huge, and beautifully decorated. Menu is large but not overwhelming. Unfortunately, I don't find their selections anything unique, but rather the normal stuff you find at an expensive seafood restaurant. Wait staff is very knowledgeable, very well dressed, very upbeat and friendly, and very accommodating as well. Quality is great, presentation is also. I find their signature bean salad very disappointing, but I understand it is tradition to serve it, so I guess it will stay.
(4)David R.
I used to eat at Joe Muer's but afer last night's experience I would NEVER go there again and NEVER recommend the place. I ate in Andiamos in the RenCen last night then watched a concert on the river. Upon returning to valet to pick up my car I had an Urgent need to use the restroom. I was with my ten year old daughter. Anyway, I went in to ask permission to use the restroom and explained that I didn't want to use the restrooms in the building because I didn't feel safe leaving a ten year old girl alone in the hallway at night. The owner or manager looked up at me and said "use the public restroom outside". I was shocked at his callousness. I was dressed nicely and was polite, not to mention that I've been a customer at Joe Muer's since the 70's. Anyway, I have enough money to buy the place and close it down. If to doesn't go out of business anyway I just might do that! Don't support these people.
(1)Brian D.
Simply the finest seafood restaurant in Mi. Service was as good as the food. Save room for desert.
(5)H S.
Positives: Appetizers: Classic White Bean Salad - only here, other can't compete. Mussels (I'm a Mussels "snob") were outstanding; small, not a "fishy" taste in a single one, served in an amazing yet light fresh tomato base. Crab balls - (I did not sample but my business associates said they were great.) Dinner: Surf (Lobster) and Turf (Filet) - Perfect on both counts; and I had the mixed Seafood dish (Mussels, shrimp and scallops on a bed of pasta mixed with spinach). I would have preferred more spinach as this was advertised as one of two "low calorie" entrees on the menu, however it was a perfect dish. Our third diner, however, had overcooked perch - - the only miss in the food department. Wine: Our waiter recommended an outstanding bottle of Malbec and I'm only sorry I didn't snap a picture of the vintage as it was outstanding. NOTE: The sommelier will present you with the cork in a small shot glass. Not all restaurants, even good ones, do this these days, so know this: it's to demonstrate proper storage. What you should do is check to be sure the cork is moist on the inside end only, and that it's intact and free from mold. Dessert: I wanted to applaud when our waitress finished describing the 20 desserts that were brought to our table. Had I not been in "calorie restriction" mode I would have had serious trouble deciding. My recommendation: This is a beautiful place with multiple bars, gorgeous views of the water from (almost) every seat, outstanding service and amazing food. Dinner if you can afford it (our bill for 3 without any dessert or coffee, and only two who had a pre-dinner drink in addition to the table wine, was $350 with a tip), or dessert as the sunsets before a night on the town - - - either way this is a great, classy place that's sure to impress family, business associates, a date - - or your mom! Valet was $10 (Four not a five due to some confusion with wait team at first and the overcooked perch was never addressed.....)
(4)Carol T.
Muer's is another Detroit Institution recently reborn ( ironically in the Renaissance Center!) in the downtown area. My husband is a native Detroiter and remembered going to Muer's with his parents as a child so he was looking for all the things that made Muer's special in the "old" days. He was NOT disappointed! The place is in the Ren Cen tower with the Marriott Hotel. We used valet parking for $10 flat fee. The restaurant is sleeky modern with huge glass windows fronting on the Detroit River with expansive views of Windsor, Ontario. It looked like every seat had a view. Prices for an entree run the gamut from reasonable to pricey. I had Atlantic flounder with crabmeat stuffing in a wonderful butter sauce ($25) and my husband had broiled Lake Superior Whitefish ($22). My flounder was melt-in-you-mouth, flaky and perfectly cooked. Entrees come with a choice of their signature sides: creamed spinach or stewed tomatoes. They come in little silver serving dishes and it was more than we could each finish. Other sides are available for an extra price. We didn't try any of them but they sounded good (check out their online menu for specifics). Items on the table are more signature dishes: white bean salad /relish, cottage cheese and a bread basket featuring seedless pumpernickel. My husband was in nostalgia heaven! Our server was in training but shadowed by a veteran server. We had at least three people come by during our meal to check on us...including the manager. Servers are dressed in white shirts, white jackets and red bow ties. The bow ties are an homage to founder Joe Muer's impeccable dress and style. There's a large bar area and during our dinner, we had wonderful piano music in the background We had just come from a baseball game so our dress was pretty casual but we didn't feel uncomfortable. On a future visit (yes, we'll return here) we'll probably get more spiffed up. This is a nice place for a special evening. It's good to see that old Detroit has come back as new Detroit!
(5)Leticia D.
Went there to do a show on TV and i really enjoyed the seafood, i wasn't that crazy about visiting Detroit again but i guess it was the time of year. The salmon was prepared broiled the way i like it with some rice pilaf and veggies on the side. It's a great place to eat and i do highly recommend it..
(4)Dennis W.
We flew in to surprise my mama for her 80th birthday bash here. My mama said she didn't want anything big or special for her 80th birthday, she just couldn't wait to dine at Joe Muer again! I don't remember if mom & dad ever took us here as kids so maybe this was there get away spot... I can say it was worth the check to see the smile on my mama face!
(4)Charles L.
I've heard many great things about Joe Muer seafood restaurant and wanted to take a look at it myself. First of all, the views of the Detroit River are fantastic. The ambiance of the restaurant definitely conveys class and style. We had a live pianist, who's upbeat and jazzy performance during our dining experience kept us entertained throughout our meal. The service is superb. The waiter was very amicable and attentive to every need we could possibly have. Our water was always refilled without asking and our libations were continually flowing. For the most part Joe Muer hits the mark as a top restaurant. However, I was sorely disappointed in the most important restaurant feature: the food. For food we first started with lobster corn dogs and lobster bisque (lobster overload!). The lobster bisque was the best part of the night. It was creamy and so full of lobster flavor. The lobster corn dogs were pretty much tempura battered lobster tails. After the appetizers the meal was rather disappointing. I had a seared rainbow trout that was far too dry and found myself sorting out bones from meat throughout my meal. The mashed potatoes my fish was served on were fantastic though. My fiance had a pan-fried halibut with seasonal vegetables. Her fish was good, but not amazing, with the crab cake it was served on tasting better than the fish itself. By the end of our meal we were no longer in the mood to try their famous coconut cake dessert. We expected so much more hearing all the recommendations from our friends and family. Perhaps we ordered the wrong dishes or caught them on a bad night. tl;dr - Great views and ambiance, with even better service. The quality of the food and drinks were merely decent for the price. If I could do it again, I would just get a beer with a couple of sides/appetizers and hang out.
(3)Debbie F.
I don't understand why people were so excited that this restaurant reopened a few years ago. I have been to Joe Muer twice and both times were average,to below average. On 7/12/13 my husband and I went here to celebrate our anniversary. We sat on the patio which was fantastic, and the best part of the restaurant. I was really looking forward to the cold seafood tower, $25/person. What a joke! It came on a platter and consisted of; 2 shrimp(really!), a puny little lobster tale that was literally two bites, 4 mussels,two small portions of a king crab leg, and 4 small oysters. That is it for $50, I was shocked. Service was very slow, and the food we did receive was not great. The tiny little bit of ceviche was rubbery. I will never go to this restaurant again. It is ridiculous. Take my advice and go to the Detroit Seafood Company or Mitchell's Seafood.
(1)Aaron F.
I travel to Detroit frequently and this is among the cities finest restaurants. Service and food is always amazing. Nothing crazy about the menu, just well prepared seafood and steaks. My wife loves their deserts, so we end up eating here just so she can order the same cake she swears is the best.
(5)Kristin G.
It was a particularly special night. My husband and I were having our "Babymoon" (Like a Honeymoon but before the baby is born) so we made reservations and eagerly awaited trying the very much well renowned Joe Muer Seafood in the Ren Cen. THEN...we arrive and are told we must wait. So we go to the bar, being assured they'd come get us when our reserved table opened. Hm...not a good first impression. We waited at the bar for 45 minutes. And I stomp up to the hostess booth, furious and demand to know why we still have yet to have been seated. Funny, magically a table popped up opened just then! And to add insult to injury, there were giant clusters of tables that were empty on the way to being seated! I was fuming. Then...we sit down and the most wonderful server changed what started as a most terrible experience into a most wonderful and special one. She was very frank and honest and charming. We were comped our lobster bisque soup and shrimp cocktail apps and were given a personal apology from the manager. The lobster bisque was exquisite, as was the shrimp cocktail. The lobster bisque was creamy and full of flavor. It was luscious and velvety in consistency. Dreamy would be one word to explain this wonderful soup! The soup is poured into the bowl as it's served and then topped with fresh large lumps of lobster meat. A must try! The lobster was shelled at the table by our server. It was worth every penny! It really did a classic justice in every sense of the word. The coconut, pineapple and lemon cake is their signature and do NOT leave the place without getting it! I literally squealed with pleasure upon first bite. By then, I was so full from our amazing meal that I couldn't finish the whole enormous piece. The cake was just as good or better the next morning for breakfast. Please get this cake. Just trust me. It's heaven materialized in a fluffy slice of cake. I'd go back JUST for this cake. It is something so delicious that you will crave it later. I'm salivating just thinking about it...Again, our server was just top notch and she and the cake helped melt away any shred of anger or frustration from the reservation drama the night started out with. We both left the restaurant beaming with satisfaction and bellies full of delicious seafood and cake! I WILL be back. Thank you Joe Muer's for adding a much needed touch of class to the Detroit culinary landscape.
(5)Sammy W.
The Fried Calamari was good, the Halibut on a bed of Crab Cakes was outstanding, the California King Rolls were excellent. For desert I recommend the New York Cheese Cake. The service is excellent, our server Jennifer was top notch and you can beat the view. I suggest you sit on the deck, to fully appreciate the view. I would recommend.
(4)Christina S.
While the service and view saves this place from a one star rating, I must say--if you sell a steak as prime MAKE SURE IT'S PRIME!!! Jordan was a great server and was very helpful, and the view was great, but I was hawked a prime ribeye that turned out to be less than choice. As a steak lover at a seafood restaurant, I should have known better. Mea culpa. I may return (MAYBE), but I'll definitely stay away from the turf.
(2)Eric E.
What a fantastic experience. Having dined many times at the old Joe Muer's this was a great experience. To get a 5 star from me requires exceptional service and awesome food. I was worried that my expectations would be set too high but the experience still exceeded expectations. Joe Muer himself stoppped by our table and shared some stories with us about the "old days" at the place on Gratiot. The deviled crab was as good as I remembered and the Redfish was spectacular. Our waiter was all over us with attention and paid attention to every detail, including keeping our glasses full, the correct silverware, refolding napkins when someone left the table and hot towels before and after the meal. The ambiance and huge windows offering a beautiful view of the river was an added bonus. Bring your wallet, after all 5-star service does not come cheap but it was worth the experience and a special night out. It was also worth the trip in from Chicago. Oh, and please don't come here, order fish and chips and then complain about it. That is like going to a nice wine bar, ordering White Zin and then saying the wine was no good.
(5)Sarah F.
Continuing our Valentine's Day weekend. We went to Joe Muer's for lunch. What a score! Service was amazing and friendly; they chit-chatted on our way to our seats, complimented us, helped us take a picture of ourselves. And very attentive to our needs while dining. The view of the river was spectacular. I started with the Boston Clam Chowder--I've never enjoyed something so much. I actually tried to copy the recipe at home a couple of days later. We also had sushi, which was vey good. I could have stopped there, but I had an entree, too. I tried the lobster sandwich. I am not a seafood person, so it was overkill for me, but it was still great. We would definitely return.
(5)Crystal S.
Definitely the place to go for a celebratory/special occasion dinner! The service, atmosphere and the food are always good, no matter the time of day! The white bean concoction that they bring to every table is good. Their steaks are always good as Is the zip sauce. As a side I have tried the mac and cheese and the cheesy potatoes, which are both great! It's been good but not great lately.
(4)Justin L.
First the good stuff: - The view was very nice, or as nice as the view can get in early February. And the server was nice as well. In any case, she passed the "Mr. Pink Test", for those familiar with Reservoir Dogs. - The decor is very nice. Lots of wood paneling and marble tiles. Now the bad stuff: - The food was good. Not great, but good. I had the fish and chips, which was tasty but very greasy. The other person had the jumbo shrimps, which were big, but not what I'd call "jumbo". And they were rubbery and fishy tasting. - The PA was playing smooth jazz. If it were any quieter, I could have ignored it, but it was just loud enough that it seeped into your consciousness. This would probably be 3 stars if it weren't so pricey. If you're going to charge like a 5 star place, I expect better.
(2)Phil H.
We went there on a Saturday night without a reservation and the place was packed. Luckily, we got a seat at the bar. The restaurant looked great, with a prime view of Windsor and a hip, upscale feel to it. Bathroom attendants alert! I don't mind them, but I like to be prepared to tip a few bucks just in case. Women's too. After a cocktail (the dirty martini was good, though not the best), we ordered. Our server was attentive and checked on us throughout the night. She brought us bread and their white bean side and smoked blue fish pate. Both were tasty and perfect for the bread. I started off with the lobster bisque, it was great. Nice and creamy and the lobster was fresh and perfectly cooked (not rubbery). A nice start. My wife had the chopped salad..it was heavy on the onions, but I think it was just OK. Next up was the Monkfish Osso Bucco. Wow. It was awesome! The fish was fresh and flavorful, great texture. The risotto creamy and balanced with the lobster sauce. She had the sole stuffed with crab. Also delicious and large chunks of crab. We also got a side of the blue crab mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Both were very good. And its crab with a C, not with a K. They didn't skimp out on the crab. The creamed spinach tasted like, well, spinach! Which is a good thing in my book. Just enough creaminess to compliment it, not overpower it. Overall, just a great experience and great food. We will be back!
(5)Corin B.
My grandmother and I were excited to come here for dinner one Sunday. We remembered the original Joe Muer. We were happy with the attentive service, elegant atmosphere, and gorgeous view. The piano player was a nice element of the dining room. However, the food fell short, especially for the price. We had the ceviche as an appetizer. The texture was good, but it was almost flavorless. I would not order it again. We loved the classic white bean relish that came from the old Joe Muer, as well as the whitefish spread they serve with the crackers. My dirty martini was not very good- the bartender forgot to make it dirty the first time and when he remade it, it was way too dirty. I have had much better ones at different upscale restaurants around town, and I was disappointed. Next, we had classic wedges of iceberg lettuce. These were delicious and very filling. They are topped with bacon, cheese, boiled eggs, and lots of dressing. They were probably the best thing we ordered all night. My grandmother had the Italian Cioppino. The fish in the dish seemed overcooked, but the shellfish and the mussels were tasty. The dish was bland, and once again seemed to be missing something. She added lots of salt and pepper. I had the crab stuffed flounder, hoping that this classic dish would be a good choice. It was okay. The fish seemed to have been sitting for a few minutes too long before it was served. It was in a cream sauce that was, once again, bland. The crab stuffing was ok, but it tasted just like the flounder- the flavors were so similar that they were difficult to tell apart. The stewed tomatoes served with the fish, a recipe from the original Joe Muer, were divine, and they perked up the fish quite a bit. All in all, I probably would not go back. The price is simply too much for the mediocrity of the food. I hope this place does well, but it is simply too expensive for food that does not outshine any other upscale restaurant in Detroit.
(3)Tracy T.
My favorite seafood restaurant in Detroit and a favorite date night spot :) Easy valet parking just outside their entrance. We were seated at a table with a beautiful view overlooking the river. We lucked out with a 4 top that allows us to sit side by side. Much easier for sharing.......... Excellent wine list, we chose a Washington Pinot Noir that was great. I am very picky where i order raw oysters from and Muers is one of those places. 6 Blue Points and 6 Kumamoto's , very fresh A couple of sushi rolls and a perfectly broiled piece of halibut. No dessert, heading to The Sugar House to drink that ! The food at Muers is very good and the ambiance even better. A piano playing softly watching the sun set over the river, a great start to romantic evening.
(5)Sir Poop A.
So...... I went here as a kid way before it was in its current location. I do like seafood, and we had some family in town, and thought the views of Canada would be cool. It was a quiet night in the D without a tigers game, so we headed down. The service was pretty good, maybe a little better. The food was really good also. BUT, The place is freakin expensive for what you get. I love restaurants and going out, and likely have spent more than most on going out, so overall, I probably would choose another more lively place for the ambiance with friends. For my parents visiting or a 50th anniversary, this place is great. Or a corporate function, it would be nice.
(4)Marie B.
...my first experience was a disappointment in that my Lobster Roll had far too much onion and far too little Lobster ...but the view and ambiance are nice ...and I was in the city for 5 days, so I returned. Glad I did!! One word: Scallops!! Huge Bacon Wrapped ... With a yummy juxtaposition of Flavors with grapefruit!!! Soooooo good. I had the house specialty fries with ....divine. The Coconut Cake was good but the Chocolate Soufflé was beyond yummy ... Truly a place I'd return time and again.
(5)Brittany L.
We had a great experience dining at Joe Muer's last Friday night for my friend's surprise birthday party. We had a later dinner - got there around 9:00p.m. with a reservation and were seated as soon as our party had arrived. They did seat us once everyone but the birthday girl and her boyfriend had arrived, which was helpful. We ordered drinks and my Stoli and Soda was crazy strong, but hey, who turns down extra alcohol? The table ordered several appetizers and were impressed with each dish. I tried a deviled crab ball, which was good considering I'm not a huge seafood fan. Speaking of not being a huge seafood fan - I LOVE scallops. I ordered the George Bank Scallops which were amazing. They are huge scallops - 5 of them - each wrapped in bacon and topped with candied sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, butternut squash and pomegranate gastrique. It was absolutely delicious. I am a big eater, and I didn't even finish one of the scallops. I skipped on dessert because I was so full - but there was a large dessert cart with tons of options. I'd order the same thing when I went back. The ambiance is amazing and I definitely recommend getting dressed up for this occasion.
(5)Ammi W.
This was a great night on the river walk. This was my first time here, I tried the swordfish - delicious! The wait staff was attentive but not overbearing. We were a bit early for our reservation but we still didn't have much of a wait. Tried a nice Riesling that I hadn't tried before, it was also great. The only problem was one stall in the ladies room was Nasty! I let someone know, they didn't go to it right away but I'm sure they handled it. Last but not least, apparently the waitress had great things to say about me when I stepped away from the table. :)
(4)Philip M.
It's a little surprising that they have a dress code after a tigers game. I guess you are doing pretty well when you can turn away a customer when the restaurant is empty. It's not even that good of a steak and it's over priced.
(1)Laurie P.
An epic dinner deserves an epic review! You cannot go wrong with any place that has the Muer name attached to it, and Joe Muer's flagship is no exception. We arrived for our dinner reservations (booked through open table) on a Thursday night, and were seated right away. I was disappointed that my request for a riverside table that I had made weeks in advance was not honored, but we were seated at a cozy booth for two. This actually worked out in our favor, because while we could still see a nice view, we were also tucked away from the bulk of the noise and crowd. And this restaurant is noisy. Not overwhelmingly so, but if you are looking for a quiet dinner, this is not the place. It's crowded and lively, with piano music in the background. I liked the atmosphere, actually. We started with drinks and appetizers. I had the Black Orchid cocktail ($15), a chilled raspberry martini with a pretty flower floating in it. I loved it, and wound up having another with dinner. My date stuck with Labatt beer ($6). For the appetizers, we ordered Oysters Rockefeller and the Volcano Roll. Both were outstanding! There were six oysters in the app, but they were HUGE. Other reviewers have mentioned sand in the oysters, and we did not experience that problem. They were perfect. The sushi roll was perfect, as well. I'm usually not a fan of cream cheese in my sushi, but it just melted like butter in my mouth. The flavor of the roll was awesome, and it was fun to toast it tableside. Oh yeah, can't forget the bread basket with the beans/pate'/butter. I LOVED those beans!!! I wanted to lick the plate! The pate' was ok, and the butter was perfectly soft and easy to spread. We then had the lobster bisque. And this is where I died and went to heaven. Seriously. Every bite was a culinary orgasm in my mouth, it was that decadent and delicious. If you get nothing else at JM's, get the lobster bisque! For entrees, I had the monkfish, and he had the swordfish Oscar. I loved my fish, the vanilla lobster sauce was amazing, and I found the potato gnocchi to be the right balance of crisp on the outside/soft on the inside. Totally on point. My date liked his fish, but found the sauce to be bland, so our server was nice enough to bring a dish of a different sauce (I don't recall which) to try. That worked. And speaking of our server, Steve, I just want to say that he was excellent! He was attentive without being annoying, answered our questions but didn't try to steer us in other directions on the menu, and his friendly but professional demeanor was most appreciated. For dessert, we decided to split a slice of JM's famous coconut cake. Steve brought it to the table with a lit candle and "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate on the plate. Very nice, and very classy. The cake was delicious, although a little rich for my taste. I enjoyed it, but wish in hindsight that I had ordered my favorite, crème brulee. Ah well.. next time! All in all, I loved our experience here. Perfect place for a special occasion. Our bill came to $200 (not including tip) for four drinks, two appetizers, two soups, two entrees, and one dessert. Worth every penny!
(5)Garvin W.
Had a delicious dinner and wonderful service from our waitress. Recommended for special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays. The food and all did take quite some time to be served but my acquaintance and I had time so we did not mind. We shared 'Fruits of the Seas' and they had split the order into two for us which was very thoughtful. Overall, great experience.
(4)Nassrine ..
Best restaurant in metro detroit!! Beautiful scenery, setting and amazing service! The lobster corn dogs are a must and my favorite entree is the Crab Stuffed Atlantic Flounder. Their sushi and lobster are also extremely delightful and all the ingredients are so fresh. The restaurant overlays the Detroit river and has a nice relaxing ambiance. They even have a seating area outside but it is hard to find weather not chilly enough in Detroit to enjoy it! They usually have soft live piano or jazz music at night. I witnessed a proposal inside the restaurant once and yes, it is even nice enough for a proposal. Love the overall feel of this place, I would definitely recommend!
(5)Colleen M.
Let's start with, they have a dress code, even for lunch. I was staying at the Marriott and my room wasn't ready so I decided to try Joe's since they had sushi. I walked in and the hostess was like we can't seat you in the dining room but we can seat you in the lounge. I was irritated as I was in jeans in a shirt and was like, is there anyplace close I can eat. Another lady came up, sensing my frustration and was like, we can seat you on the patio. It was a gorgeous day so I agreed. I ordered a beer, Soft Parade ($7) and a dynamite roll ($15). In total, with tip, $28. A little pricing for lunch but the atmosphere outside was awesome, beer was great (highly recommend this local beer) and the sushi was really good. I don't like feeling like a second class citizen, especially considering I was wearing dark denim jeans, a nice top, and it was lunch time, but I guess rules are rules.
(4)Leslie W.
We decided to come here for an early dinner last Sunday after our boat tour on the river. We did not have any reservations and had a party of seven. Most of us were dressed pretty casually; i.e., shorts and tees, and I even had a Detroit Tigers tee shirt on and Keen sandals. I didn't see any sign about dress codes, but they had us seated in a little private alcove across from the bar in less than 10 minutes! The server at first seemed a little irritated with us, but then she was ok. We ordered drinks and some appetizers first. All three types of oysters we tried were yummy. The calamari was just average. My husband had just returned from New England, and said his clam chowder was only average, too. All of our meals were good. I had the bacon wrapped scallops and it was good, but maybe not worth $38. The service was very good throughout the meal. Overall, it was great to finally try this place out after eating at the old Joe Muer's in the past. I'll be generous and rate it a 4. The overall food wasn't worth the price in my opinion, but the service kept me from giving an average rating.
(4)X M.
Food was okay and the service was really good. I ordered 'Fruits of the Seas' and the portion was good. We also ordered two of the desserts: Chocolate cake and their famous coconut cake. I love the coconut one, but the chocolate cake was just so-so. I wish I could give a three and half for the overall service. Not sure if it's just the day we went or it's so crowded all the time, but to me, i'd enjoy a more quite place for dinner.
(3)Michelle N.
Great service and gorgeous views of the river, but the food was awful. I ordered the bacon-wrapped scallops. Scallops were flavorless, bland, and overcooked. Sweet potato hash that it came with was okay though. I also managed to try a bit of the shrimp cocktail (huge shrimp, but just ok to me) and lobster bisque (tasted better than the scallops). Dessert (strawberry rhubarb tart with vanilla ice cream) was the best part of my entire meal. Glad I went once, but not worth a return visit.
(2)Brittiany R.
I loved Joe Muer's so much that I went three times in one month.... Excessive much? The venue is perfectly Detroit. Not the gritty, fearless, innovative Detroit, but the upscale, refined, powerful Detroit that is both cosmopolitan and true to its roots. It reminds me of our glory days and God, I hope it stays that way. Old school glamour with a modern take on making every dish amazing. The sushi is amazing.... Possibly even New York quality. I generally don't like raw sushi but this salmon melted in my mouth. The textures of this sushi did art in my mouth. The carpaccio was to die for and came out almost deconstructed allowing me to mix my preferred amount of onion, egg, and thinly sliced beef. The lobster bisque is served in a bowl with real lobster with the bisque poured in table side. The tender, sweet lobster in the creamy bisque was one of the best I've had. My date ordered the lobster but was directed to the Tristan lobster which was prepared via broiling and made all the difference! It was light and so much sweeter than the Maine lobster. Served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, I couldn't resist sneaking more than a few bites. Everything on the menu is prepared with care and glamorous flair. The wait staff lives to serve you and the view of the Detroit river makes for an experience in dining that goes beyond great wines and perfectly executed meals.
(5)Vanessa B.
Absolutely great food and phenomenal service. My first dinner here I had the tuna tartar, a shrimp special, and plenty of great wine. Our server was named Keisha and she was phenomenal! Very informative, attentive, and friendly. I've been back many times, and the food is never disappointing. I tend to get sushi most of the time and I have to say, I'm shocked at how good it is. I live in San Diego, I know good sushi. Ok, it's not San Diego good, but practically nowhere compares to that. It is, however, top notch. Great combinations, always fresh. I love getting the sushi nami (several pieces of nigiri and a spicy tuna roll), and the red wing roll is delicious as well! O
(5)Steven L.
I finally got to try this fantastic restaurant for lunch. Opted for three of the four sushi rolls to split with my guest. All were delicious, not in the traditional sense of sticky rice and a beautiful piece of fish, but the more American roll with multiple layers of flavor. All of the rolls needed no BS gobs of fake Wasabi or soy sauce, just simply fire them in as is and enjoy. Service was exactly what we needed for a business lunch, attentive but not overwhelming. To top things off, they validate so parking was only $5.40 and I got to see Rasheed Wallace on the way out. Damn that dude is tall.
(4)Layan A.
A little sad that I found out about this place 2 months before moving out of state. Came here with my husband and MIL who is from out of town. Can't say that we really needed reservations because it wasn't completely packed, but full enough. The restaurant is huge- with a front bar section and a back dining section. The view is breathtaking, we sat right by the water. The place is classy but can be casual, it was pretty loud actually. Our waiter was so sweet and very good at what he did. The bread came with this bean salad, butter, and pate, it was really good. I didn't have an appetizer. For dinner I had the barramundi with stuffed crab per our waiters recommendation and it hit the spot. It came with green beans and black garlic, and I would order it again it was so delicious. For dessert I had their specialty coconut cake which was ah-mazing. Please order it! I honestly would come here just for the dessert. I tried the chocolate lava cake which I didn't love (too bitter), and the cheesecake which I loved (because it's cheesecake!). The salads, soups and desserts are all about $10 each, the appetizers are around $20, and the main fish courses started at $35+ (average $40). So for 3 main courses, one salad, and 3 desserts, no drinks, our bill was $200 with tip. For a seafood, famous chef restaurant with an amazing view, the price was a little more than I expected, mainly because the portions were on the smaller side. You'll leave full but not stuffed (except the coconut cake is ginormous). Service was excellent. Valet is another $10 which is disappointing, most restaurants of this caliber would at least have free valet. Overall great experience.
(5)Mark F.
The service was good but the food was not impressive. I have had better lamb and steak at half the price.
(3)Lana M.
I love the filet mignon here. It comes with caramelized carrots on top and zip sauce. So yummy. They also have great desserts. I come here a lot for work dinners and I have to admit this is the only thing I order.
(4)Geno T.
Took my girlfriend here for her birthday she loved it. The food, staff, water, beer everything was great. They sat us next to the piano totally music to my ears .
(5)Susan N.
Joe Muer is always a great place to grab a bite! Fantastic view! Great sushi! I love their lobster bisque! Salads are wonderful You can have a great lunch everyday!'
(5)Michele A.
It is sad to see this place loose 2 stars but well deserved. The service the last 2 times I have been in was awful. Our waitress disappeared for 30 min not to be seen, I was looking around and not one other server offered to help. Lunch took 50 min to get to our table after we ordered and had to take 2 of the orders to go since it took so long. The food was just ok this time not like before when it was outstanding. We had the burger which was over cooked and bland. The lake fish poorboy was tasty though. Not sure I will be here again for lunch since the last two times it was slow and service was just not on par.
(2)Sarah C.
It took me 2 years to find out about Joe Muer Seafood. Why does everyone talk about Roast when there's Joe Muer? We made reservations for 2 for 6:15pm on a Saturday. It wasn't necessary but I guess its better to be safe. We parked in the structure and walked over the bridge. You can do valet parking at the door. The location was a bit difficult to find but with some help we were able to find the place. We were seated by the entry way which kind of sucked but besides that our meal was perfect. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and attentive. The complementary bread consisted of a white, wheat, and flat bread that came with three toppings - butter, fish patte, and a bean dish. Our favorite was the whole bean dish. We ordered Scallops alla Muer (Sea scallops gratin with cracker meal, lemon, paprika and butter, finished with sherry) - This was highly recommended by our waitress. It came with five large scallops. We were expecting two or less. Cooked to perfection. We had a difficult time deciding what to order because literally everything looked amazing. There was not one item that I didn't want to order! Roasted Atlantic Monkfish (Oven roasted and served with potato gnocchi, lobster, spinach, caramelized onions, Haricot, and a vanilla lobster sauce) - My boyfriend ordered this and I loved it! Wish it was my dish. I ate half of his fish. It was light but full of flavor. Oven Roasted Barramundi (Served with lobster and crab stuffing, Haricots Verts, honey carrots, and black garlic) - I ordered this. It was good but not as good as the Monkfish in my opinion. It was a bit heavy for me. The lobster and the fish mixed together really confused me. The service was on par. We received our food promptly and there is a wonderful view if you are lucky enough to be seated by the window. I think we'll request that next time. Yes, we are planning on returning.
(5)Robin Z.
Yumm! Seafood and sushi. Creative and different. The presentation is beautiful. Had the dynamite roll and it was fantastic! Also shared tempura asparagus and lobster corn dogs. The lobster corn dogs were huge (2 in an order) and its thick juicy lobster in a corn dog type of coating (more like tempura actually) and served on sticks. Wow! So good!! Service was a bit off. My sushi roll came well before the two appetizers to the point that I had finished the roll before getting the asparagus and lobster dog but I was eating at the bar, not too bothered and the flavors made up it. Definitely a place I would return to if in the area.
(4)Rick E.
Everything was perfect! Fast freindly seating. Beautiful river view table. Our waitress was 1st class but not stuffy. The food was mouth watering. We celebrated our 2nd year wedding anniversary ( which I mentioned at booking) and they had a nicely decorated desert for us mentioning the occasion. Everything comes with a price but it was worth it.
(5)Dee T.
Beautiful Restuarant! My husband and I went during the evening and the view was awesome! I ordered a chicken dinner. It was good. Chicken is chicken right? Lol Service was good. Our waiter was really helpful and patient! We will be returning
(4)Kasia M.
I was torn in choosing a downtown restaurant for my graduation dinner with my boyfriend and landed on Joe Muer. Let me say, it was amazing! I had reservations via OpenTable at 630pm on Saturday, I asked for a window table but was given one a row back due to other "reservations", we were seated very promptly semi-behind a mirror, but still had beautiful views. I did ask again to be moved to an open window table, but was refused. Our waitress Taylor(?) was prompt and friendly but not overbearing. Water and the yummy bread, butter and amuse bouche of salmon pate and white beans was delivered and were delicious! We both ordered beer to drink ($6-8). The wine and cocktail lists were extensive and looked delish! I ordered the lobster bisque ($9) and it was, as previously advertised, delicious! A bowl with fresh lobster meat was set in front of me with the creamy tomato bisque poured on top. Large portion, and no joke almost full now by bread and soup alone! For dinner I was between the whole roasted branzino ($44) and the monkfish($39) and on Taylor's suggestion went with the monkfish, one word, AMAZING. The fish is served on the bone, crispy outside and tender flavorful inside. Served with slightly oily but still quite yummy gnocchi and spinach/green beans medley...it was a wonderful dinner! My boyfriend ordered the flounder stuffed with crab ($36?), he loved it but I found it a bit fishy tasting. We also ordered the truffle mac n cheese (?$11) which was delicious but we were both so full most of it was saved for my lunch the next day (GREAT idea!!) For dessert I was stuffed but ordered a slice of the famous coconut cake to go, it was simple perfection. Rich but not too much so, the pineapple flavor was subtle, the cake itself moist, the buttercream filling amazing and the coconut frosting delicious. You must get this!!! Also ate most of it for lunch the next day, yum yum yum!!! Overall: 4 stars instead of 5 only because the open window table that I had asked to be switched to was open throughout our ENTIRE dinner, they easily could have given this table to me as window seats are not guaranteed at reservation, so I'm not sure why someone else had more claim to it than I did, plus it was empty our entire dinner...not cool! The hostess was kind of snotty about this as well. FOOD: Amazing, would love to try everything else and would definitely come back to do so!! Monkfish, which i'd never had before is at the head of my favorite fish list currently! SERVICE: Despite other reviews, we went early-ish on sat and everything was prompt and efficient, our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable and (I always judge service on my water glass as I drink A LOT of water during dinner), my glass was never near empty through maybe 7 glasses of water... AMBIANCE: it did get slightly noisy but could still have a conversation, piano player was very nice, beautiful views even a row back, in fact they all seemed to have a nice view! PRICE: So i was a little worried that the prices weren't online, but they are on the menu. The specials were not priced for us but I did not get the impression that asking the price would be out of line. We had 2 drinks, 1 appetizer, two entrees and 1 dessert for $150 after tip...pretty dang good! ADVICE: Do it! Great food, great service, great ambiance!
(4)Tamara M.
We didn't have reservations and didn't feel like waiting 45 mins to be seated so we sat at the bar. The bar offers the full menu so there was no disappointment. The bar wraps around their sushi counter and raw bar. Service was quick, pleasant and knowledgeable. I ordered the Black orchid martini which was simply delicious with a wonderful presentation. For our meals we ordered the Boston clam chowder to start, followed by the Shrimp and Grits and the Roasted Chicken, everything was delicious. They have no problem wheeling out an O so tempting desert cart TOWER......which forced me to leave with a slice of key lime pie (soooooo good). On my next trip I'm trying that lobster corn dog!
(4)Eric H.
The service, food, cleanliness are all great here. The waitress and bus staff were friendly too. I came in a Sunday for dinner so it was only moderately busy and the hostesses seated all parties with space in between each other. I started at the bar while our table was prepared and I ordered a bourbon on ice with a splash of soda. It was a good pour and came exactly as it should have. No complaints from the bar. Moving to our table, I ordered the Delmonico steak which is marbled ribeye ($50) in medium and it came perfectly cooked on a hot plate. I highly recommend the Delmonico here if you're a ribeye fan like myself. I finished with an awesome scoop of salted caramel ice cream that completed a perfect meal. The other guys had the fillet and salmon and both said their dishes tasted very good. If you're OK with spending the money, then I recommend stopping by for a good meal. I feel it's a little bit pricey for what you get (hence four stars instead of five), but good for the occasional visit which works for me because I'm only in Detroit once a year. I'll be back next year I'm sure.
(4)Candiss W.
I'm a fan of both seafood and great ambience; Joe Muer does both very well. I've been here so many times and I can't believe it's taken me this long to review this place. Pros: The food is wonderful. I'm a big fan of sides and Joe Muer has an awesome variety. The black truffle Mac, white truffle pomme frites, and crab and cheddar potatoes are a foodie's dream. They also have some great appetizers. The deviled crab balls, calamari, shrimp, and lobster bisque are all very, very good. My favorite main courses are the barramundi and the rack of lamb. Cons: the only con is that with so many quality savory offerings, I rarely have room left for one of their awesome desserts.
(4)Rasheed L.
Great dessert menu. Coconut cake is delicious. The patio comes with a great view of Detroit waterfront. Quite a site.
(4)Holly S.
This place is truly five stars all the way around! The food, atmosphere, view and everything else is so top notch that there's no other seafood joint that even comes close to joe! The burimundi, fillet, monkfish, chopped salad wedge salad, lobsterdog, calamari, and truffle Mac are amazing not to mention the sushi and coconut cake! This place is such a treat! Whenever you get the opportunity to come here I highly recommend it!!
(5)Latisha R.
Hard to review the food since I was admitted. I was told I could not be admitted because of my attire. It was in the afternoon for lunch and we showed up right before they opened. I was wearing a Tshirt and yoga pants. They told me their dress code is business casual. As I waited to speak to the manager they admitted several individuals who were not in business casual. One woman was wearing open toed sandals and khaki skirt and a Tshirt. When I pointed her out in what obviously was not business casual he said that's okay just how you are dressed is not. As we were chatting a guy walked in with Tshirt jeans and tennis shoes. He let him in and once again said just not the way you are dressed. When I pointed out he also had a Tshirt his reply was well yours has writing he doesn't. Although I clearly didn't have on a hoodie he felt the need to let me know there were no "hoodies" allowed either. I don't care how outstanding the food might be I wouldn't recommend anyone eat here.
(1)Todd B.
I have had the privilege of dining at Joe Muer twice, and I am going to be generous and give 4 stars based on my first experience and not on the 2nd experience last week. The first time I ate in the beautiful space in the RenCen, I enjoyed a lovely dinner with a colleague. Our service and our food were exceptional. My friend loved his steak, and I enjoyed a perfect sea bass. The lobster bisque was especially memorable. I returned to Joe Muer last week for a group event of about 20 people, and for some reason the quality really suffered. Our food came out lukewarm, and none of us felt our entrees were exceptional or memorable. Perhaps it was just the challenge of serving a large group -- so I'll be generous here and hope that it was just an off night. There are so many excellent restaurants worth trying in Detroit's burgeoning restaurant scene, but Joe Muer is a classic that deserves a visit if you're in the RenCen area.
(4)Billy C.
Good food, nice service, very inexpensive prices but totally without charm, style or sophistication. They do try hard on the food and service but miss the point of culture and style with a bogus dress code that does, not allow caps, hats on men or women. But it's good food at low prices.
(1)Phoebe W.
We always liked the original Joe's location. This new setting is positively lovely. Easy valet parking. Gorgeous view. Incredible service. Yummy cocktails. Beautiful wine selection. The Oysters Rockefeller nearly moved us to tears. Excellent flavor on the tuna tartar. Surprised by the perfect crunch of the tempura asparagus. Shredded cole slaw possibly the best imaginable. Highly recommend the Superior White Fish and Filet. Cheesecake provided a perfect finale. Planning a return on my next trip to Motown. Highly recommend.
(5)Despina T.
One of my most favorite restaurants. Not just gourmet seafood, but a very romantic, classy restaurant. I've been here with a group of girlfriends, Valentine's dinner with my husband, & a family dinner. Each occasion gets better than the previous experience. Professional & courteous staff, food is prepared perfectly. Joe Muer has some of the best lobster I've ever had. As a special dessert treat, they will write almost anything on your dessert plate in chocolate syrup. It's something different! The coconut white cake will definitely take you away to dessert heaven.
(5)Tara B.
We went downtown unsure where we were going to eat and ended up here. We were sat outside on the patio within 10 minutes. What a beautiful view of the riverfront! We ordered the raw bar platter for an appetizer, which my husband loved (I'm not a huge fan of raw seafood). For dinner, we ordered the Bank Scallops, Aged Delmonico, and the Potato Skillet. Everything was delicious! I can't remember the last time we sat down somewhere and throughly enjoyed our dining experience as much as we had! The only complaint I would say is that service is a little slow, but it wasn't frustrating to us. I think they just gave us time to enjoy everything since it is such a nice restaurant. We never received cold food or food that seems to have sat in the window too long. Overall, we will be returning here!
(5)Alana R.
This is my first yelp review in several years... And my first poor review. I almost asked to speak with the manager after my meal (would've been another first), but couldn't get any attention from the staff to do so. I travel to the RenCen a bunch, but this place is always too busy during the week. I felt lucky to get in town on a Sunday, as the reatawas fully staffed but empty. Food- (1) I'm left thinking they don't make fresh bread on the weekends, because my bread was completely stale. (2) wedge salad- wilted. (3) love roll- decent. (4) Brussel sprouts- soggy. Worst I've ever had. I ate two bites and pushed aside. I sat in front of my 1/4 eaten assortment for about 15 minutes before someone asked if I was done. Didn't seem to phase him that there was a full bowl of Brussel sprouts being cleared. Not one person asked me how my meal was. The staff was more interested in catching up with each other about what they did all weekend, and which music app was better - Pandora or Sirius. I don't mind seeing employees have fun at work, but if I'm paying $100 for 2 drinks and 2 appetizers, I don't need to hear "dooooode" yelled 20 times by the staff. I had to interrupt their conversation to ask for my check, to which the bartender replied, "yeah". Seriously disappointed with the experience. This place obviously won't suffer from this review, but I hope a manager reads this and gets the staff in check. It's not fair to the customers or companies supporting this business to receive such poor service and treatment.
(2)Tom S.
Went here on a Sunday night for dinner. The Fish was fantastic! Extremely fresh and expertly prepared. By far the best seafood in Detroit and nobody else is close! Service was a little slow. There were a lot of people around but our particular server seemed to disappear a few times for longer periods. Didn't truin the mean, was just a bit annoying.
(5)Zeid S.
Came on a Friday night with a party of 3. Made reservations on opentable beforehand. Promptly seated, fantastic view of the river from our table which was right by the windows. Service was excellent and timely. Fresh hot bread and pâté were delicious. We ordered the Martha's Vineyard salad as an appetizer, it was sweet, tasty and crisp. We had the halibut, swordfish and the barramundi. All 3 were amazing, but the barramundi stood out as the winner. Portion sizes are good. For dessert we had the coconut cake, chocolate lava cake and the cheesecake. The coconut cake is to die for. All in all, great experience, might be about 10% overpriced though. Valet is not free.
(5)Kyle Martin D.
I once ordered a whole Maine lobster and the waiter complimented my choice without a hint of irony, as if he and I shared an understanding that it's totally acceptable if I wish to send my cholesterol to the goddamn moon. He even brought me a cigarette, no questions asked, from the kitchen once I finished my marine crustacean and sixth dirty martini with blue cheese olives. My friends and I also enjoy drinking (a lot) at the bar.
(5)Oscar O.
Wonderful Staff! Delicious Food! Great Experience and will definitely go back! The appetizers are fresh and tasty! Again the staff is the most attentive I've ever experienced. Great spot for any special occasion ! I can't wait to go back !
(5)Linda R.
We went there for a special occasion and had the best dining experience I can remember. Alyssa was our server and she was phenomenal. Knowledgeable about every aspect of the menu - from the cocktails, wine, and description of the main entrees, down to the different sauces which enhanced the entrees. I had the Mediterranean Branzino (fish), baked and then filleted at the table side. Just fabulous. My friends had the perch which was undoubtedly the best tasting perch I have ever had. As a finale, Alyssa had the coconut cake presented on a platter for all of us to share, with a birthday wish for me inscribed in chocolate. I will always ask for her when I dine there again.
(5)Gregory C.
Heard they had a nice view, so came by for a late light lunch. Didn't know they had a "Business Casual" dress code as I was dressed in a tee shirt, jean shorts and walking shoes. So instead of being seated by the window with a view as I requested (there were plenty of open tables), I was seated in the rear, by the kitchen, with no view. Bummer. I guess my money isn't as green if I'm wearing a tee shirt. Had a Stella, a half dozen oysters on the half shell and a bowl of clam chowder. All a okay. Two stars for the seating arrangement
(2)Matthew S.
The best detroit has to offer in fine dining. Close second to capital grille. I love all the innovative farm to table and small plate restaurants that are opening up in detroit but Joe Muer takes the cake as far as traditional fine dining. Excellent seafood. Excellent steaks. Exceptional service. Everything about joe Muer is great. It's expensive, but that's not a problem for some. Come enjoy a large variety of delicious and fresh foods from this place as much as you can.
(5)Naomi U.
It was great time with my husband. Food was good. Beef carpaccio was lil bit strong taste sauce for me tho... I like more natural beef taste.ha I would recommend this place!
(4)Anye F.
I came here for lunch with a coworker today and was pretty impressed. It's rather pricey if you're not on expense account or there for a special occasion, but you get a great meal and great service for your money. I absolutely will dine here again. We split the thai scallops appetizer, I ordered shrimp and grits, and my colleague ordered one of the daily specials which was a salmon salad. We loved the appetizer. The scallops were perfectly cooked, and came with a baby bok choi and two cooked carrots in a mild green coconut milk curry. Next time, I won't want to split this with anyone as it's only two scallops and THEY WILL BE MINE. A must-order dish if like me you love scallops. My shrimp and grits were also excellent. This is one dish that is different everywhere I order it, unlike some dishes that pretty much taste the same everywhere. Joe Muer's version is somewhere between tomato-ey and wine-y, with great flavor and a little kick from their sausage selection. The jumbo shrimp were perfectly cooked (though only three of them, one or two more would have been perfect). Their grits are cheddar grits which were very good though my personal favorite shrimp & grits used goat cheese. Still a 5 star dish though. The breadbasket was great, as was the great northern bean amuse-bouche which was probably the biggest amuse-bouche I've ever seen -- a rather large dish of them. I even had a small taste of the smoked bluefish pate, which I didn't expect to care for but wasn't bad. Our server was excellent, I forgot his name but he was classy without being pretentious. The courses were paced very well, nothing felt rushed or like it took too long. We did not eat dessert but I saw the tray and it looked like they had some great choices there. All in all a terrific lunch I hope to repeat.
(5)Nichole S.
I go to Joe Muer quite often. Many times with groups and business dinners. Yesterday we made reservations through OpenTable to have dinner with another couple before the Tigers game. Our reservation was at 4:30pm. Early and basically in between lunch and dinner. The place was EMPTY. Upon checking in for our reservation, a manager approached us and very rudely refused to seat us and told us we could not eat there because my husband's jeans had a rip on his left knee. Seriously?! Wouldn't let us sit outside or even at the bar. Extremely rude way to turn away a very large tab and a very frequent diner who will be taking her business elsewhere. And I will make sure I share my experience with others. AVOID this place. Plenty of other places to get great seafood in Detroit and get treated with respect. Joe Muer- you do realize you are in the hospitality business, right? Perhaps you can coach your management on how to appropriately deal with these situations. We went next door to Andiamo and had zero issues.
(1)Crystal K.
My family and I came to dine for my birthday celebration. I am so delighted that they choose Joe Muer. I have been here before but only for sushi and cocktails, which were fantastic. I was thrilled to enjoy dinner and dessert for my special day. Gavin took care of our party of 8. Everything was perfect. From the sushi to dinner and flowing cocktails I can honestly say my birthday was amazing. To top it off, a surprise customized GIGANTIC slice of cake came to our table. You all really know how to make a girl feel special :) thank you for the experience. My family and I had such a memorable dining experience.
(5)Bradleigh M.
So this place only gets three stars from me although I come here a lot. I come by myself for lunch a lot, and the staff is always super nice. I love the customer service. Management always personally speaks to me. I sit at the bar most of the time, and I probably would not come eat lunch so much if it wasnt for Mervin, the bar tender. Now about my Stars. The best thing I have had here is the salmon and the lobster bisque. I would give it four starts if I only had that. But I guess its a seafood place, thats what they do. The chicken sandwich, over priced for the taste, the lobster roll sandwich over priced for the tates, the steak bites, over priced for the taste. Just get seafood here. There tempora shrimp is awful. waaayyyy too much tempora batter. Tried it twice with the same results. The texture is off because there is soo little shrimp in there. The cocktails are awesome! I've had the mojito and the strawberry basil lemonade. both very very good.
(3)LaToya N.
Great service! Great drinks! Great ambiance! We will definitely return
(5)Blaise B.
Had a fabulous time here the other night, but I had to take away a star because we were lied to over the phone. My boyfriend called and made reservations and specified that we wanted to eat outside, which whoever he talked to said was fine. They also said that there was free valet parking with a restaurant receipt. Neither of those things turned out to be true. We got there, only to be told that they don't take reservations specifically for inside or outside, and all of the outside seating was taken so we would have to eat inside. We ate inside and still had a good time. Their clam chowder is amazing. When we left, we were charged $10 for valet parking. This wasn't really a big deal, except that we had been told by the restaurant staff that it would be free! I recommend the restaurant, but do not believe anything you are told over the phone by them!
(4)Tim K.
Great restaurant with an amazing view of the Detroit River and Canada. This is one of our most favorite restaurants in southeast Michigan. The atmosphere is 1960's retro and the service is top-notch. The sushi is our favorite item on the menu. A pianist plays at the piano bar 7 evenings a week. Parking is very easy with the parking garage directly across from the restaurant and the restaurant validates parking.
(5)Jina L.
LOVE SALTY FOOD? then I recommend this place. However if not, then I don't think so. All my dishes were very salty on my first visit, but since I loved the atmosphere I gave it another try. Another failure... Also our waiter recommended me a dish that was not on the menu and it was very salty crabcake topped with halibut that was very bland. AND it was $47 when I got the bill. yay?!? the quality of the food does not quiet match up with the pricing. I will never be going back...
(2)Dennis L.
Great place[-nice people,great food great service,great view-will definitely go back-nice to see a restaurant like this in the downtown area and accessible via people mover as well
(5)Dion T.
We chose this place because it was situated in the Ren Cen and had a river view. We wanted a nice pre-concert dinner for our date night, and this place did not disappoint. The interior has a great feel and lighting. We'd asked for a riverside view table, but received a table just across from the riverside tables. We asked if we could be moved, and the staff attempted to accommodate, but we declined the offer because of timing. The attempt itself was very kind. This was the only downside of the evening. We had the Fried Calamari appetizer, the Whitefish w/sauteed spinach entree, and the Surf-n-Turf entree. All three were expertly prepared and incredible. I could go into details about the taste, but it doesn't do it justice, we have zero complaints about the food. I'm not a whitefish person, but my wife thought it was excellent, and among the best prepared she'd ever had. The beef in my dish was tender and very flavorful, and the scallops were "WTF" delicious. I literally dropped my fork, looked at my wife and said "WTF". We had their famous coconut cake, which my wife loved, and although I don't like coconut that much, I thought it was delicious. It's a pricey place, so expect $110-ish for two people if you have an app and a couple of drinks. For expensive restaurants, I feel that if you have to keep thinking about the price, then the food wasn't that great. Some might say "Why the hell are you paying that much for food?", but I'm not here to debate that, we all do whatever we want with the money we have. All of the food was expertly prepared and delicious, we almost completely forgot what we paid, and we look forward to returning.
(4)Kay G.
Excellent. Our server was attentive but not overbearing. Bread basket and appetizers were good. We had sushi, filet, mussels, flounder and lobster. The Mac and cheese was amazing, asparagus cooked well. Their coconut cake and cheesecake are both very good.
(5)Abe H.
This is THE BEST seafood restaurant in dowtown. You really have to try it. It s absolutely superb. Every dish is so complex yet so simple. No matter what you pick you can never go wrong. It s a very nice ambience. It is not super upscale that U can't even talk like coach insignia, it is casual nd fun nd alive. It s just a super cool place. And make sure you try some desert, the creme broule is incredible. So are the crab cakes appetizers. One of the best fishes is bacon rapped scallop, you will literally cry when U try t!!!
(5)Suzanne K.
The view was great as we sat outside. Since it was around dusk, we were surprised by the plethora of Mosquitos and other bugs. One would figure that at such a classy establishment, the servers would be too botch.
(3)Frank S.
I always make sure to stop in every time I'm in Detroit for business. The tuna appetizer is great and their steaks are the bomb, And the view is pretty awesome since its right by the lake. It's a great place if you want to go out to eat in a large group
(5)Steven H.
Great service and ambiance! Perfect place for a romantic evening, or a fun time with friends. The food was great (not excellent), but some of the best I've found in Detroit. The views are great, and live music is also nice. However, it's not a quiet place.
(4)Andy S.
Beautiful setting when facing the river. Very for a servers with excellent service. The meals we're masterfully prepared and seasoned well. This is a must visit when downtown. Take a cab as parking isn't obvious!
(5)Chris M.
Mediocre....The clam chowder was great but the pate, table bread, lobster corn dogs, tempura asparagus and crab were pretty bad. On the plus side: great martini's, delicious coconut cake and nice view of the water on the Canadian border. Piano player was a nice touch too but all in all there's got to be a better place to drop $100+ on dinner for 2
(2)Mohamad F.
My favorite place to eat in Metro Detroit! The service and staff are so friendly! The food is amazing! Amazing view overlooking Canada over the Detroit river. I had a filet Oscar style with shrimp and asparagus. Also the Calamari is the best calamari I've ever had! MUST TRY! Highly recommended!
(5)kevin e.
The food is ok The service was fine The ambience nice BUT the wine list is beyond insulting - On that list they had a glass of a wine that I know damn well is easily found for $55-60 a bottle for $33 !!!! What ? Are you kidding me ? They also had a pinot that is easily found for $23 for $72 a bottle And finally yellow label NV Veuve Champagne You know they kind you see at stores always for $40 - $140 a bottle !!!! Not kidding and for that alone they get 2 stars !
(2)Matthew K.
Great overall experience and view of the river. Food was prepared perfectly and the service was prompt. Highly recommend sitting outside if the weather is nice. Excellent place for dinner!
(5)Benjie S.
Took my wife here for our one year anniversary. We walk in and all these dudes had to lift their jaws up off the floor. Yeah my wife's pretty hot. We take our seats and enjoy a nice view of the Detroit river. A guy comes up and fills our glasses with water. Then our waiter comes. This dudes practically in a suit! This place has some history to it but I live in the present so fuck all that shit. It's a snazzy place with sharp dressed customers. So don't come in here wearing a fucking t-shirt have some class. First we ordered their most expensive food wrapped in their least expensive food. Lobster Corn dogs. Hell yeah! They were delicious, everything from the lobster to the batter to the hollandaise sauce poured on top. We were both craving sushi for sometime so we ordered a bunch of fucking rolls. Baller! It was honestly some of the greatest, if not the best, sushi I've ever eaten. Every roll was rolled superbly. You could pick it up and not worry about it falling apart. Nothing was cold or warm. Everything was room temperature, absolutely perfect. The salmon nigiri was without a doubt the best I've ever had. Moist and like butter. To top it off we got some dessert and like the rest of the dinner it was brilliant. It surpasses places like Ruth Chris, Maestros and sits at the top with Toasted Oak. Thanks Joe, whoever you are.
(5)Sahar Z.
Really good food! Ordered the Atlantic swordfish.. It was great and so was the ambience.
(4)Michael W.
Went here with some coworkers after work, arrived before reservation was and tried to grab a drink at the bar and the bartender would not acknowledge us since we did not have seats at the bar. Once we were seated everything was decent, none of the food stood out as special to me, but the view is of the river is nice and it definitely is a more formal dinner.
(3)Chelsea G.
My husband and I always have a difficult time deciding what restaurant to try next in Downtown Detroit. With all the new options popping up all over, we want to make sure we are trying everything! Although Joe Muer Seafood has been around for a few years, we had not had a chance to get there yet. Everyone had been raving about the rebirth of this place after the original closed in 1998. It also received Hour Detroit's Restaurant of the Year in 2012. So on our 1st year anniversary; we thought it would be a great choice. From start to finish, we were extremely pleased with our decision to give this place a try. When you are paying more than average for your food, you have high expectations. This place fulfilled every one of our expectations; good service, delicious appetizers, outstanding meals and sides, great wine list, and an excellent atmosphere. We left there so full that our original plan of going out for a few more drinks was put aside for our sweatpants and recuperation of a food coma. This is definitely fine dining. Any website is going to give you the $$$ rating, which I equate to around $30-$50 a person. Fresh seafood and a classy environment is what you will find at Joe Muer Seafood. We had a private and romantic table that was tucked in a corner looking over the river front and Windsor. Side note: I suggest going up to the top floor of the Ren Cen and grabbing a quick drink at Coach Insignia before you load up on the fine cuisine at Joe Muer, you can post up at Coach Insignia's bar and sip a cocktail while enjoying the beautiful view of the city.
(5)May H.
Everything about this place is amazing! food drinks & service
(5)Lauren S.
Great seafood! The atmosphere is unique - great views of the Detroit River and Windsor skyline. Good staff. The dynamite roll is outstanding; unique flavors that you will not find at a regular sushi bar - you must try! Every dessert is amazing, the coconut cake being my favorite. Very rich and moist! Expect large portions for dessert. Joe Muers also has seasonal Sunday brunch from May-November. I would definitely recommend an omelet or the egg scramble! Brunch also comes with a complementary assortment of pastries. Overall great experience, would definitely recommend.
(5)T-rex M.
We had heard good things, and showed up hungry after wandering like babes in the woods through the cavernous building. Service was fantastic, food was amazing. I had my first ever lobster and it along with every other thing that wound up on our table was delightful. Service was punctilious, attentive, and charming. We ended up here by chance, simply because the SO didn't make reservations at his first choice. No regrets! When you get what you pay for, it's nice to pay well every once in a while. And can you get better seafood in michigan? I don't think so!
(5)Patti W.
We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary at Joe Muer Seafood on Saturday night. My husband made our reservations and requested a table by the window, he was told they couldn't guarantee it... BUT when we arrived we were seated at a window table overlooking the river-- Then we ended up with the best server, Alyssa! She took excellent care of us and made our evening very special with a plate decorated in chocolate for our Anniversary-- She also treated us each to a glass a wine. She made a couple of wine recommendations and they were both excellent. As a server she was informative, accommodating and attentive! She gave each table in our section special treatment. We were very happy to have her serve us! Our dinner was also excellent! I highly recommend the Georges Bank Scallops. Delicious! My husband had the salmon special that night and he enjoyed every bite of that too. For dessert we went with the Chocolate Lava cake topped with ice cream. It was divine! We will go back again for our next celebration!
(5)Shannon W.
I stayed at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center so I decided to check this place for dinner since it was in the hotel. We ordered the tuna tartar to start, huge pieces of raw tuna on avocado with spicy mayo, mango, and seaweed salad served with wonton chips. Yum. I was going to order the scallops for dinner, but the waiter suggested the monkfish, so I went with that. The fish was fresh and very tasty. The combination of lobster, some caramelized onions in a buttery lobster brandy cream sauce was delicious. Their wine menu is very extensive, I just had a glass of Oyster Bay Sauv Blanc, a great wine in my opinion and always pairs well with fish. The service was good, not great. I felt like they rushed us a bit which kind of annoyed me. We never ordered desert, but they brought over the desert cart and OMG are their deserts huge! I think one piece could fill 6 people. I liked the ambiance, it's trendy/casual. However in my opinion the ambiance doesn't exactly match the pricing or the fact that my waiter had on a suit like we were at a 5 star Michelin rated restaurant. Food was really good though and the views of the Detroit River and Canada were a nice touch.
(4)Keujah E.
just a touch... a little pricy...
(4)Kristopher A.
Food - 5 stars. I had the salmon and it was perfectly cooked and wasn't too much food. The greens it was put on were not too soggy and added to the flavor of each bite. I ordered the Brussels sprouts as a side as I don't care for potatoes. They were a bit too buttery, but I was enjoying my fish so much, I didn't care. Service - 5 stars. Our server was attentive, but not overly so. He was dressed in a tux, which was a nice touch when you're spending $30 on an entrée and $12 on a drink. Drinks were prompt and when dinner arrived, my plate wasn't hot. That's a big pet peeve of mine. When my food is ready, especially at a pricier place like this, it needs to not sit under a heat lamp. Atmosphere - 3 stars. This place caters to a lot of large groups that stay in the adjacent hotel. It was very loud when we arrived and my dinner associate and I had trouble hearing each other across the table. It quieted down a bit later in the evening. All in all, not a place to go if you want to have a conversation during peak dinner hours.
(4)Stephen B.
Nice place on the Riverfront Area in downtown Detroit. I had the Joe Muer roll (sushi) which was excellent. The people next to me at the bar saw it and ordered it immediately as well. It was pretty big. Good for two to share. I also ordered a shrimp tempura roll (not knowing how big the Joe Muer Roll was going to be). It was very good as well but I was too full to finish. A good thing. Nice atmosphere. Good service. There was also a piano player who I can tell was amusing himself as he played. Wasn't a boring piano guy. All in all, I'd recommend you give it a try.
(4)John K.
Absolutely excellent food, Great Detroit venue
(5)Scott S.
Have been looking forward to this for awhile, and for the most part it was good and the rating will improve over time. The setting is great, very nice view of the City and lots of windows and mirrors. Even walking in and seeing the bar is very cool. We were seated on time but it was a Sunday night, so busy but not crazy. It did take about five minutes for someone to come over with menus and to say hi Service is very friendly and accomodating, orders were taken promptly. One of the issues I had was the timing of things. We ordered soups, two came out fine, one was ten minutes later, saying it had to be heated up. That should take two minutes and certainly should not be done so the timing is off. Same happened with food, four entrees came right out, over five minutes later the other one did, so one kid waited for soup, the other for fish. but the foodw as very good, no one complained, my daughter, 13, said the clam chowder was the best ever, the other fish soup was good, but spicy. Sides were good, but nothing special, creamed spinach was blah, tomatoes were decent but nothing special. we did not have desert. Prices were on par with high end places so if you know what you are getting, its fine. dover sole was 49, Townsend it is 46, whole fish was 44, son's stuffed flounder was 25, soup was 6-7, so really not bad, pricey, but not like you don't know what you are walking into. Once they iron out the kinks, this will be a solid 4 star.
(3)Karen S.
The preparations are very nice. Not a lot of food. Fried calamari was just okay but the tuna tartare made up for it. The black cod was tasty but the skin was not crispy. I had the grouper on another ocassion and the sauce was nice but fish was too fishy. The food is good but for the price I expected a little more.
(3)Julie F.
We have visited this restaurant 3 times in the last year with mixed results. One of the visits was a four star visit...2 excellent seafood dinners. The other two visits were three star....one good seafood dinner....one mediocre. The restaurant has to show more improvement before we go back on a regular basis. The atmosphere is really nice...overlooking the river...but the prices are way too high for the quality of food served. The service was always excellent, but it doesn't compensate for the food quality or high prices.
(3)Adam S.
What a pleasant surprise! This place is really beautiful and refined, maybe a tad kitchy, albeit glam kitchy. It has the feeling of having been there for a really long time, but feels new. Lots of oxymoronic statements here, but go there--you'll see what I mean. But really--it does feel nicely not-new, right down to the soft napkins & the pleasant dull glow of the cutlery; but also feels very much not-old, with shiny polished wood & marble everywhere. Anyhoo--enough about the cool aesthetics & ambiance. Now the food. Truth be told, I didn't dive right in--thought I would go small on the first visit & then jump right on in the next time if it warranted it. So I had a few shrimp from the raw bar, the roquefort wedge and an interestingly oldfashioned coconut-y cake. It was all really really good--yes, I agree, it's hard to screw up shrimp cocktail & wedge salads one might think, but believe me (as a huge fan of both), I've had my share of misses on both. At Joe's however, both were great; even the bread was just right--warm, soft & just the right amount of chewy. The shrimp were quite extraordinary, and the salad was delightful--particularly the dressing, a very well balanced French with roquefort. Then the cake--it was good, if in a mid-1970s kind of way. I look forward to another visit soon--if they are hitting the little things out of the park, it makes me very hopeful for a great experience with some somewhat grander choices.
(4)Krystal R.
It's a pretty place to go for the atmosphere. The decor, the view, the piano and feel are really nice. But let's get down to it, we eat with our mouth. The service was good, but not exceptional. Watch the cocktails prices, I wouldn't start the night ordering a round of patron for the table lol. The food was good-but overpriced for what you get. (Everything is ala carte btw.) We started with the Joe Muer sushi roll, about $15...Just okay, nothing special. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal but no one was over the moon about it. My husband had the special, the Red Snapper with crab cake ($44) it was good-but worth that price? Um, no. I had the Crab "stuffed" Flounder, it was good, but not spectacular. That being said, we had a nice dining experience and having good company makes this a great place to have an evening out. I wonder if the food would have been better during the week or a time where they're not so busy. However, I feel like if you're in a big city typically, that isn't a factor.
(3)Essam A.
I love this restaurant! Food was really good. Make sure to try the Renaissance roll & fried calamari for appetizers. The fruits of the seas entree is delicious. Dessert tray is just delicious as well. On top of all that, the restaurant is beautifully designed with a killer view of the Detroit River & Windsor. Highly recommended!
(5)Heather A.
It was a lot fancier than I'm used to, but it was excellent. I didn't really feel the fish pate, but the bean relish was yummy..and the bread choices were good..another reviewer mentioned the small portions..I absolutely did not experience this...I ordered one of the specials, broiled grouper stuffed with shrimp/lobster with a wine sauce over asparagus and butternut squash...it was HUGE...on top of that, I ordered the black truffle Mac and cheese...which was ordered as a side and could have easily fed 3-4 as a side...if a wheelbarrow or a wheelchair would have been able to take me to my room, it would have been nice...I'll be back again during my visit here..
(4)Marybeth R.
I want to love Joe Muer's. I've celebrated and supported its new beginning. Last night, fell way short of the mark. First of all, let me qualify this...service was impeccable. Joe Louis, our primary server was excellent, anticipating our every need. The food, however, was really bad. In fact, my lobster tail had the ammonia smell and taste the seafood acquires after being re-frozen. My husband's fish, nicely de-boned at the table, was over-cooked, dry, and tasteless. Normally, I would have complained right away. However, someone else picked up the check. I mean who would complain about a lobster tail? Last night, I should have. I will go back. I'm committed to this place. I so want it to be successful. Perhaps the chef was having an off night? In any case, lets get it together here. Many would not be back following my experience. And desert, superb!
(1)Tiffany S.
Absolutely fabulous! Wonderful food and service, elegant atmosphere and ambiance! Appetizers, salad and entrees amazing Loved whitefish and save room for coconut cake. Joe is back and as good or better than before. Can't wait to return!
(5)Taste-LIFE D.
Great views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Canada. Unfortunately, we were in the back room and away from the vibrant crowd. However, we sat next to Detroit mayor, Dave Bing and his wife. The roasted free range chicken was so tender and juicy. The halibut, from the Chalkboard menu, was okay. Although it was cooked perfectly, it could have used more salt and less of the Keffir Thai sauce. The sauce was more like a lake portion and didn't really add anything to the dish. The fish drowned in the lake. The cheddar mashed potatoes with crab were delicious. The restaurant owners and managers stopped by our table several times to see how our evening was going. Our server was very attentive. Overall a great night. We need more places like this in Detroit.
(4)Pebbles And Bam Bam A.
Aspects of this restaurant tear me between a 1-star and 5-star rating. The 1-star aspects: -- The wait time ended up being over twice as long as the 30-minute quote the hostess gave us. Every time we checked in, her response was that our table was "almost ready". An hour and 15 minutes later, we were seated.... We had reason to believe that there was bias in which guests without reservations were seated first. -- Given that this is an upscale seafood restaurant, it was very loud. We had to talk very loudly to hear one another. 5-star aspects: -- Excellent menu selection with both traditional and unique items. Everyone in my party agreed that their food was superb. -- Service was good (once we received it... we sat quite a while before meeting our server). Our server (and other servers who helped out to make our experience even better) had a great personality - was friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. -- We mentioned in passing that it was one of our party member's birthdays. Our server surprised him with a candle in and "happy birthday" writing on his dessert, as well as a complimentary dessert (strawberry gelato and sparkling wine - yum!). -- Beautiful large windows overlooking the river and Windsor. -- Live piano music - beautiful. So, the experience was aggravating prior to being seated/served, but once we were "in", it was great.
(3)Frank K.
Very classy restaurant. I have never been to a Muer restaurant before but if this place is liked the others then I will definitely go. Oysters were fresh, clean and ice cold. Manhattan was made perfect. Wine was delicious. Food was awesome, started with beef carpaccio, wife had the wedge salad, both were stellar. Dinner I had the surf and turf, scallop over greens and braised short rib over mashed potato. Great combo and the short rib was fork tender. Wife had the crab stuffed flounder and stewed tomatoes. Awesome. What puts this place at five stars is the service. Our waiter, Carl, was great and timely. Go here if you want a true restaurant experience and people with class.
(5)Jonathan N.
I had one of their specials - halibut served over a Maryland crabcake - and it was one of the best seafood dishes I have ever had. My wife's dish, seared tuna, was also excellent. Service was top notch, though at times a little slow. Atmosphere is very cool - had some great live music (not overbearing) and very well decorated. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Sally B.
Really, really good. I've been twice now for lunch. The waitstaff is great - - friendly and attentive. My husband has been talking about Joe Muer's beans as long as I've known him. He's right, they're very tasty. Last time I was there, we had a large group, so we got to try a lot of appetizers. Everything was good - - proscuitto wrapped shrimp, dynamite roll, fried asparagus with mustard sauce, crab cake balls, oysters rockefeller. I had the crab stuffed flounder and stewed tomatoes. Both were really yummy. Another reviewer noted that her fish seemed over-cooked. Mine was not and the sauce was delicious. Everyone in my group enjoyed their meal (although the guys thought the luncheon filet was too small). The coconut cake for dessert is fabulous.
(4)Soph. M.
Just got back from our second visit at Joe Muer. Excellent doesn't even begin to describe how great the service and food was. We got there early and hung out at the bar. The bartenders were great with wonderful friendly personalities to match! When I called to make the reservation I requested we have a seat by the window to get a better view of the water. Unfortunately the last time we were there we sat near the kitchen to accommodate for the large party. This time we were seated right by the window, with a beautiful view of the Detroit river. Our server Sadat, was a delight. To begin, he was courteous and very knowledgeable about the menu. Best of all was that he was honest when we asked him questions about the menu. He told us which dishes were customer favorites and which dishes were on the lighter side for my husband who is watching his weight. Our appetizers, soup and entrees were delicious. I don't have one thing to complain about...except that I ate way too much. For dessert I ordered a tea with the New York style cheese cake (yum!) and my husband a cappuccino. Superb! Joe Muer is a great upscale restaurant with a cool atmosphere and great food.
(5)Nicole K.
Our new favorite restaurant! My husband brought me here for date night and it was fantastic! Everything from the service to the food was perfect. We ate more than I would like to admit, but it was totally worth it. - Joe Muer sushi roll - really fresh! did not even need soy sauce. - Fried Calamari - enough for 2 people to split. the fried artichokes and capers were a nice touch. - Wedge salad - one of the best wedge salads we've ever had! the dressing was different...not your typical blue cheese dressing. - Soups a la Muer 1-1-1 - they give you 3 types of soups to sample (manhattan chower, boston clam chowder, lobster bisque). It gives you a variety but I would recommend just getting a bowl of one kind. The lobster bisque was tasty! - Seafood Paella - So delicious! Full of fresh seafood, and the whole dish was full of flavor. Also the portion was huge! - Bacon wrapped scallops - Yum...the scallops were cooked perfectly. - BLACK TRUFFLE MACARONI AND CHEESE - YOU MUST GET THIS! By far the best we've ever had. You can smell the truffle when it comes to the table. It's creamy, rich and topped with toasted breadcrumbs, which adds a nice texture. The portion size could feed 4 people easily. I would eat this as a main dish! - Red velvet cake - red velvet well done! great choice for a big piece of cake to share.
(5)Bob L.
We had an outstanding meal! Henry was our waiter and not only was he knowledgeable but his personality and style made our time there all the more enjoyable! Try the Sole and ask for Henry!
(5)Amy M.
My husband and I had a surprisingly terrible experience ! We had a great table beside a really drunk table!! It went bad from there. They continued to serve the drunk table and waited to serve our table. We ended up with a long wait and cold food. We complained and they did nothing!!!! The next time, I will film it and post it for all to see. A very expensive, terrible evening, with no help from management!! Shame on you
(1)denise m.
Ok, so listen...It is very rare that a place is on with both service and food. I have been here a few times, first couple of times I did not want to return because the service was so bad, but kept coming back because the food is awesome. The next time the service was just mediocre. Last night the food and service was top notch! We always sit at the bar, mostly because we just have drinks and apps and never want to take up tables, plus its cozy. Although we spend a good amount on what we have. Anyway on to the food...Tuna tataki was perfectly rare with a sharp bite of spice, the salmon sushi is like butter, the mussels were garlicky and yummy. I noticed the raw bar guy had stone crab, which could be my last meal! I know they are hard to find this year, but Joes had them! So I order 2, which are $15 a piece, not a bad price. They were so sweet and tender. The raw bar guy heard me get excited about them and he gave me 2 more giant ones! OMG I almost fell off the stool..The bartenders were great, very attentive and friendly! Awesome experience!
(5)Jordan M.
A great and needed addition to the detroit restaurant community. Actually good seafood in detroit, by the river, and with great balconies. Recommended for lunch especially if just for your first time in, due to lower prices and the availability of sandwiches priced from 13 to 18 dollars including fries. Entrees range from 15 to 40. No specials till dinner though, which was also great, however our server was lacking, and the sommelier neglected to come back to help us in the purchase of a chateau margot wine. We figured it out any way. For five people with two very nice bottles of wine it was 450, the sides were big, the fish and steaks good and all left full. Everytime i eat here there is personal attention from the managers whether i am eating a sandwich by myself or dining with a large group. I can tell that this spot is quickly getting its act together and as soon as a few pieces fall into place (service) it'l be great. i recommend the mussels, the best!
(4)Michele E.
The food was all that I remembered and some. Great menu variety with classic dishes as well as contemporary dishes. Would have received 5-stars had the woman that was supposed to serve us not ignored us. Had Calvin M. as our server and he was excellent!!!
(4)Alvin B.
The drinks are GOOD. Haven't had an entree but the appetizers are just ok. The ambiance is nice along with a spectacular view, over looking the Detroit River.
(3)Paul H.
i went for lunch on a Friday afternoon around 11:30am. There weren't too many people in the place. The ambiance and the view is incredible. The server was really cool and laughed and joked with me throughout lunch. I told him we were there for sushi only and he got the chef to make us something off the menu which we enjoyed. OUr server was knowledgable about the entire menu, wine list and even our choices of saki. The prices are higher then I anticipated though. Lunch for two with 3 bottles of saki, an appetizer and 3 rolls was right at $100.
(4)Angela J.
I love seafood. But Joe Muer also has some of the best lamb I've even had. Their side dishes are large enough for two people, or leftovers for lunch the next day. They have THE best customer service! I wanted to take my grandmother there for brunch on Easter Sunday this year. I failed to make a reservation in advance (oops, website didn't indicate a reservation was required and I didn't call to confirm). Upon arrival, they seated us anyway. The mamosas were delicious (peach) and I left happy as I do everytime I go.
(5)Adriano M.
Very nice seafood Restarant in the renaissance center downtown Detroit. Great atmosphere, views of the river and the outdoor dining experience was amazing. The seafood was fresh and first class service. The tuna tartar was great, the raw bar and sauces were tasty. Definetly one of the best seafood restaranuts in greater Detroit.
(4)Tam N.
Went here today for our anniversary. My fiancé had made reservations about a month ago. We showed up 5 minutes late and they made us wait for another 15 minutes. They proceeded to sit us in the 'casual' seating area. If you want a good view of Canada be prepared to come dressed like you are out to a black and white ball. Otherwise you will be seated on the side. Been here multiple times with friends and for work functions but have never felt so much ageism. I had the Hawaiian Ono. The finish was overlook and difficult to swallow because it was so dry. My fiancé has sushi and it was decent. The wine was good and so was the coconut cake. Because we sat in the side part the server forgot the bread until I had asked for it and does not clean the bread crumbs odd the table when done. Just some minor details. Loved this place until this evening.
(2)Moody A.
This place should have stayed closed. I wonder how sanitary it is to roll around a cart full of dessert with everyone breathing their germs on the cart. Also, I believe waitress was drunk since she almost fell down on numerous occasions. I would stick with Big Fish in Dearborn, MI which is a way better restaurant.
(1)Chad C.
Swanky joint where both the ambiance and the food are impressive, but the former more so than the latter. Great cocktails are to be had if you have deep pockets. Service was professionally cordial.
(4)Brian C.
Crab was expensive and not nearly as thick as I would have expected at a place like this. The crab I buy from CostCo was better in both size, quality, and taste. No kidding.
(1)Maryanne S.
The only reason why this place did not receive one star from me is because of the atmosphere - and I am a terminally optimistic person! After being raised in the Detroit area and loving the Muer restaurants and traditions, I was very disappointed by the cocktails, timing, service and food at Joe Muer Seafood. Do not get the cucumber martini or the watered-down Crabby Mary. The dirty gin martini with bleu cheese-stuffed olives is delicious but takes 10+ minutes to get to the table on a not-busy Friday afternoon lunch. The Raw Bar Platter is mediocre at best. The dressing on the Roquefort salad is nothing you can't find at TGIFridays. The Lobster Roll was served incorrectly -loaded with shrimp. The fries were on par though. I sat outside with a beautiful view of the Detroit River and the Ambassador Bridge. Maybe I will give this restaurant another chance in 3-6 months after having some time to mature...
(1)J B.
Melt in your mouth good food (definitly get the blue crab cheddar potatoes as a side!) excellent customer service, amazing views (Just make a reservation to ensure you have a table by the water)...hats off to the staff that make this place amazing...great work it doesn't go unnoticed! We will definitely be back!
(5)Tracey M.
Service was good. Large, bright, airy restaurant with great views and a menu that offered both traditional and modern selections. Had the seafood chowder but it was a bit spicy. Very good sushi but I didn't like the manner in which they served the soy sauce. It came pre-poured and I didn't want as much as they poured. Also the dish in which they served the soy sauce was awkward. But other than that SMALL thing I'd give it 4 stars.
(4)Alyson Y.
The food here was very good, and servers were extremely friendly. Went here for lunch today (Tuesday), and while the restaurant wasn't busy by any means, service was extremely slow. When our server greeted us, she asked if we had any time constraints, and we said we only had an hour for lunch. 1 hr 45 min later, we were out of there. Needless to say, if you have plenty of time, I would recommend this restaurant, but if you're in a pinch, try somewhere with speedier service.
(3)Dean C.
I've been several times now and this has got to be the best all around place in Metro Detroit. You can sneak in casual and get outstanding service and food at the bar or you can go with a group and sit near the best view of the water available. The atmosphere and view of the water are top notch. It is amazing how large this place is and how many people it sits; it really makes for an impressive experience. The food was very good and Heather the Sommelier was a very nice, pleasant and helpful touch.
(5)Jenai H.
Went here last night for my birthday and it was wonderful. Our waiter Sean was wonderful and everything (even the sushi) was fantastic. It was definitely worth the money and I can't wait to go again.
(5)Jiehan A.
I have now been there 2x in one month & have nothing but great reviews! The food is high quality & flavorful - generous portions and a range of items to choose from. Well worth the price - which may seem high compared to other restaurants around the area - but again, well worth it. The atmosphere is elegant and classy, overlooking the water and Canadian skyline. A sunset dinner there would be VERY romantic. One of the evenings we were fortunate enough to have a piano player which only added more elegance to our evening. They are accomidating to the various venus around town - just let your waiter know what your show time is and they will prioritize your meal so that you can make curtian.
(5)Bri l.
I enjoyed my food and only had to refill my drink a couple times myself, but when my Aunt cracked off a piece of her tooth from a shell in her lobster bisque, and the manager apologized, saying he wasn't a dentist, I could not believe he could not have taken her $8 soup, not a dent in our $500 bill, off the list. Taco Bell has given me better quality of service. They also forgot her soup in the first place, as well as bring in other dishes late. A couple nice things were they made a special preparation of their pistachio ribs for my grandma who was allergic to the original recipe, as well as give her gluten- free cake for her birthday before we departed. My dynamite roll was excellent, which, all-in-all, made this experience bittersweet. I probably won't be going back by my own will though.
(2)Gigi B.
don't get me wrong....I LOVE Joe Muirs, I was going to the original one as a little girl! But I went for my Birthday, and I think I saw those same old foggies as I saw sitting in the old Joe Muirs as a kid!!!! LOL! Maybe I was paranoid or something...butteRUM, I was SURROUNDED by staunchy Republicans! Ok sorry I got carried away! Just would have like to see a more hipper crowd... Service impeccable! Food was fantastic! Dessert....bread pudding/ cinnamon ice cream,.Fabulous! Drinks Great! ALL PRICEY!
(4)Gary L.
The legacy name suggests excellence in service and quality, and, in particular, outstanding seafood. My recent visit on a Saturday evening, to celebrate a birthday, left me unfavorably impressed in many ways. The menu lacks a fresh fish listing, e.g., three or four choices that can be grilled, broiled, prepared simply. There a a number of sauced choices that are covered with very sweet or very rich sauces which mask the fish. Second, the menu prices vary from reasonable to exhorbitant and their practice of announcing specials without tellng the price is tricky. For example: if the entrees on the printed menu are $24 to $49, the waiter should openly alert the diners that the special she or he just described is $85. Similarly, appetizers--stone crab claws--were $25 each as an appetizer. We opted for five, thinking these would be the best we've ever eaten...and they were hugely disappointing. For $125 for 5 claws, the presentation should be amazing...e.g., silver bowl, crushed ice, lemons, etc. this was a dinner plate with a napkin folded on it, ice sprinkled on the napkin, and claws placed on it -that's all. The claws were tasty, but not meaty, and very disappointing. The clam chowder was shy on clams, and the Nueske's bacon wrapped scallops were good, except that the bacon was very thin (not how you usually get Milwaukee's finest Nueske's bacon) and simpla lying on top of the scallops and not truly wrapped. Also, an annoying waitstaff comment: when a guest orders a $24 entree, asking them if they've tried the fish that is $49 is inappropriate. They are ordering what they wanted, and that should be respected. Lastly, if they ask if you're celebrating something when you make the reservation, that should be communicated to the waiter and the maitre d'. Each asked us the same question, and...they did not acknowledge the occasion with anything. How about a crab-shaped brownie with a sparkler for kids, or something simple...very odd, thiink...why ask? What was good: the shrimp appetizer (baked in butter), the potatoes dauphinoise and truffled macaoni and cheese were tasty, creamy, cheesy, buttery classics. The complaint here is not the price...it's that the price does not match quality of food and service, and at over $100 per person, it needs to achieve both. Graciousness is missing. Regarding ambience, the restaurant offers a few rooms...some brighter than others with views of the Detroit River, some near the bars (sushi, piano and liquor bar), some in a room that is reminiscent of the old Joe Muer's with darker wood, lower light, and some private glass bird-cage type rooms adjacent to the glass-walled kitchen--all nice and interesting choices...but the food and service doesn't match what the decor and ambience suggests. This is my second visit to Joe Muer's -- first time got a "pass and see," but this visit, can't give it a "pass."
(2)Laura B.
Food was excellent; best lobster roll I've ever had. All the Joe Muers favorites tasted as good as they did at the original restaurant, i.e., bluefish pate, bean relish, lobster bisque etc... Three of us had lunch there today; the appetizers and the soup came out very quickly. After the soup the rest of the meal took an exeptionally longtime to arrive. My recommendation would be, tell your server if you have time constraints.
(4)large e.
Lots of great staff. Knowledgeble and friendly. Great looking dining room and views beyond that. I had whitefish that was excellent, and my companions all complimented their entrees from lamb to chicken and other seafood. I would probably give this place a 5 but do not feel knowledgeable enough about other seafood restaurants (as other poster mentioned Tom's Oyster bar or Detroit Seafood Market) to make comparison. I actually went here to make comparison to old Joe Muers but there really is not much carry over. White Bean salad was not great like old days. They serve a fish pate instead of the old great cottage cheese. The menu was much smaller than old Joe Muers. No list of "fresh catchs of the day". I guess "chalkboard " section is supposed to replace that, but was not that extensive. I would return here based on it's own merits not because of any Joe Muer memories.
(4)Pauline K.
I'm a foodie and this was one of the best restaurants that I have visited in Detroit. Lobster bisque, Vineyard Salad and Whitefish were all prepared perfectly! Our service was top-notch. Looking forward to returning soon!
(5)Robert J.
My wife and I stayed at the Ren Cen for a festival last weekend and made a special point to dining at Joe Muer's. We had lived in Detroit about 30 years ago and had heard a great deal about this place. Having enjoyed eating at Chuck Muer's (who I believe was related) we anticipated having a great meal. I can not say how very disappointed we were! While the Lobster Tail, my wife had, was very good, the Filet was so so. The Margarita (made with grapefruit) was excellent. Now for my meal, "Jumbo" Shrimp... they were anything but Jumbo. So very small the ought to be ashamed to serve them! And to top it off they were the driest, toughest shrimp I have ever eaten. I must say that our waiter was very, very good. I hate to rate such an iconic restaurant so low, but I must be honest and perhaps they will see this post and remedy the obvious problem with their "Jumbo Shrimp" (I saw another post about this issue)
(2)Adam H.
This place was delicious. I took my g/f for her 30th birthday and they didn't dissapoint. We had a table for two right on the glass over looking the river. The crab ball app was very good and both our entrees were great. This place will cost you however. Bill for the two of us including a few glasses of wine each was $200 which was fine for a 30th birthday celebration, but it's not a place I would be able to dine at ofter. Service was great as well. There were many different people who stopped by to check on us. and in no way were we rushed.
(5)Lorraine C.
Finally found a great dining experience. Having dined at the 'old' location, I was very apprehensive to dine here. Most of the time when restaurants try to open again, there is something lacking when they reopen. Not so here. Joe's came back with a vengeance. The atmosphere is wonderful. Located in the GM building on the second floor, the ambience is wonderful. Most tables have a great view is the Detroit River and if you are seated with your back to the view, there are mirror strategically placed throughout to reflect what you can't readily see. Now to the food...and the waitstaff. We were very enthusiastically greeted by a staff of three. Head waiter, second waiter all in white coats and bowties, and a third assistant. We were never lacking service. The bread basket is actually 2 baskets, one with pumpernickel, made in house daily and the other with sourdough. They also include a wafer-cracker type, which is sweet. Also, with the baskets and butter you receive a pate of smoked fish. yum! They have sushi and for an appetizer we got the volcano. And yes it did have a flaming bowl in the middle. 8 pieces and they were large! Boston clam chowder, full of flavor, clams, potatoes, and leeks. Served individually from teapots to keep the soup warm. Get the croutons, just to see the presentation. Salad...is a salad, but a generous portion loaded with veggies. Now the main course. Flounder stuffed with crab, red fish and even a steak came to our table. It would take too much space to describe, but the sauces and the favors were spot on. The fish was flaky and the crab stuffing was perfection. The filet was done to exact doneness(?). It was medium rare and had crisp sweet potato straws as a garnish. We were too stuffed for dessert and we had a birthday cake at home. So the waiter gave the birthday boy a scoop of raspberry sorbet with Sambusco. Very impressive. Also, the drinks were not at all watered down, and the waiters asked every time what type of liquor you wanted. Vodka? Did you want Stoli? They also have 2 private dining rooms which were glass enclosed and looked very impressive. Joe, you did good. Love it.
(5)Scorpio L.
Loved it! Review based on a Friday happy hour. Sat at the bar, enjoyed the stunning views/sunset and great company I was with. Got there at 4pm so few people were there but when we left at 7pm there was a good crowd. We lingered at the bar for 3 hours and sampled a bunch of appetizers and sushi, all delicious. Tried a few different specialty drinks and they were great, I particularly loved the jalapeno cocktail. Specialty drinks are $8 during happy hour so for $16 that's steep regular price. But the drinks were strong. Had really good service from the bartender and server. We even ordered a whole lobster and it was fun to dive in and indulge. The bartender cracked and separated it in front of us and offered us bibs! Overall great experience and I would go back for HHour or a special night out. You can also sit at the sushi bar and they have small, more private areas set up throughout the restaurant for small or large parties.
(4)Bruce W.
First time visitor a few weeks ago for a business lunch. Only one comment - EXCELLENT! i think that everyone in the group would agree with me and that goes for the food, the service and the atmosphere. I will visit again soon.
(5)Richard D.
The view from the restaurant of the Detroit River is one thing that sets it apart from a fancy basement restaurant. Jon Patrus was our waiter who has to be the best "fine dinning waiter" in Southeast Michigan. Not only did the waiter recommend exactly the right dishes but he also was able to pick a wine that fit perfectly with our food. It was our 52nd. wedding anniversary and like all great waiters I hardly noticed when he delivered food or picked up the empty dishes. My hat is off to the manager of the restaurant this was better than the other high end restaurants in the Detroit area. My only suggestion is to comp the parking so if we decide to linger over desert or a after dinner drink our parking is covered. The mussels, scallops, white fish were all over the top in quality & flavor. Don't forget the Sushi it was fresh & as good as it gets. This was not our first visit to Joe Muer Seafood but it was our BEST.
(5)Suzanne S.
food was good - NOT GREAT. tried just about everything - stewed tomatoes, bean salad, soup, perch and salmon. Too full for dessert. the only problem and it has been said before IT IS TOO DARN LOUD. You find yourself yelling at your dinner companion. Seems the bar area is quieter but aren't you there for the view? BTW a small dish of stewed tomatoes $6 or so,
(4)Neal S.
First Rate! I didn't have the opportunity to visit the original Joe Muer Seafood - but this one is FANTASTIC. Outstanding service. Highly recommend the Volcano Sushi! A menu that makes selecting nearly impossible - I recommend a group of friends and lot's of entrees to share. KILLER desserts! Classy place with acceptable prices, a nice wine list and plenty of variety. If you don't go, you are missing something special.
(5)Mike B.
I went here recently and forgot I lived in MI. This place was just awesome. We were overlooking the Detroit river on a beautiful day and ate Florida grouper. I felt like I was living in FL again and had to do a double take of where I was at. Grouper overall was good with ginger glaze that was delicious. Can be a bit overpowering but if you order it on the side that helps. Got deviled crab cake as an app and cooked to perfection. stuffed w/ lots of crab and best crab cake I have had since living on east coast. Tempura asparagus was delicious as was their hazelnut dessert. I was so caught up with the views and grouper that I reality didn't sit in until I was walking in the GM building. Great service and atmosphere.
(5)W S.
Disgusting! As my girlfriend and I were being walked to our seat by the host, we were led past the kitchen and heard the most vulgar, disgusting and, sexually explicit comment that would make anyone run to the door. The staff handled the complaint well, but after what we heard, I wouldn't eat there if it was the last place on earth.
(1)Kathleen Lowe M.
We went to Joe Muer's after the Detroit Tigers baseball game. What a great dinner and a great dining experience. The food was excellent, the service perfect for our 6 person reservation ranging from age 28 to 88. The new location is beautiful, the views of the river and Canada are spectacular. Very good wine list.
(4)Frequent D.
This restaurant is the perfect example of what happens when you have the capital to open a restaurant, but no true culinary education to allow you to build a decent menu and price it appropriately. We've now seen this group open up everything from steak and seafood restaurants, to Italian (sorry to those Italians who know how to cook), to Mexican (again, my apologies to the Mexican people). I'm not saying diversification is a bad thing. To the contrary, Darden Restaurants is the largest full-service restaurant group in the world, but I don't think anyone who argue that the Olive Garden is not Italian and that Red Lobster isn't the world's idea of great seafood. Two words: Fountain Soda. In a Parisian cafe, a tiny bottle of nostalgia is whimsical. In Detroit, it doesn't come close to quenching my thirst as a result of eating an over-salted $45 piece of meat. Stop with the overkill. Not every restaurant needs to bring a little piece of the "big city" to Detroit. My advice to the Vicari family: take a page from Jeffrey Chodorow and hire a team who knows that your talent (chef and servers) are far more important to the success of your venture than sporadic design trends sprinkled throughout your establishment. We all appreciate your investment in the City of Detroit, but if we have any hope of keeping this revival alive, we need quality, not just quantity. The food: -far too much reliance on sauces and not enough on finding cuts with natural flavors The service: -knowledge is power...i expect my server to be nice whether I'm at Ruby Tuesday's or Per Se. Have your servers brush up on their menu knowledge. Final Observation: I think this restaurant has taken advantage of the fact that our city has been lacking in enough true culinary experiences and made fools out of all of us knowing we were used to it, watching us chomp at the bit to overpay for a meal at the first sign of what should've been a fine establishment.
(1)Bonnie B.
We had the pleasure of dining at Joe Muer's back in the 80's and had decided to take our father in law to the new restaurant for his 90th birthday in February of this year. I would say the service as just okay. The food for 3 of us was fabulous. No issues. My husband however, who ordered a sushi dish, was not so lucky and became extremely ill with vomiting and diarrhea in the early hours the next morning. I wrote to one of the owners only to let them know this happened so that they could look into it and hopefully avoid this happening to someone else. I expected a warmer response but it just wasn't there. Take caution when eating raw fish or meat. And don't expect an apology if you do get sick.
(3)Kasey E.
Service was thorough and friendly, a little on the pricey side (our total bill with tip was $400 for three people, but my mom ordered the surf and turf which was AH-MAZING). Oftentimes fish restaurants mess up on the turf but not Joe Muer's -- the steak was every bit as tasty as the lobster -- a perfect medium rare. The view of Windsor at night on the water added a really nice touch to the ambiance. Would definitely return!
(4)Ellen K.
We had the best time at Joe Muer's. I took my boyfriend here for dinner for his birthday, and it didn't disappoint. I was worried after reading a few negative yelp comments: ignore them. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is fancy and fun, and the waitstaff is helpful and knowledgeable. Don't skip the lobster bisque, it's absolutely delicious.
(4)Holly M.
I would definitely recommend Joe Muer for group events. Several weeks ago I hosted a work dinner for 30+ people from various places around the country. We talked about a few different locations for the dinner but ended up with Joe Muer Seafood. I'm so glad we did! When I first called to inquire about availability, right from the start their event coordinator Melissa was friendly, engaging and helpful. This wasn't the reception I had from a few other places I called so this definitely helped sway my opinion. Joe Muer is not cheap - I knew that we would be spending a fair amount for our dinner and with that I expect a certain level of service and quality. Joe Muer delivered without a hitch! We had several different food allergies and dietary needs to contend with and Melissa and the chef helped us come up with a set menu that took those things into consideration. All along the way I felt like the staff wanted to make sure our needs were being met versus telling us what we could and couldn't do with regard to the menu, setup, payment, etc. As for the actual event it was great. We were in the 'Ship Room' which is a private seating area that is really lovely. Besides the room itself, all of the tables were made up nicely and it felt like we were having a special dinner. The three main course items, appetizers and desserts were all excellent. We were assigned three servers which was so nice. They got drinks, took everyone's orders, answered questions, brought bread, meals, refills, etc so smoothly and efficiently. As we were ordering I realized that we had forgotten a starch for the tables and asked if we could add that last minute which wasn't a problem. Also, the wait staff noticed that we had asked for the dressing on the side of the salads but they had inadvertently made them with the dressing. They asked if we wanted them remade. I was impressed that they actually let us know the situation and asked if we would like it corrected before we had to say anything. Unfortunately I've had experiences at restaurants where that wouldn't be the case. I should also add that Melissa was actually there in person and was very attentive. I've had the experience where the event coordinator ends up only being a voice on the other end of the phone. She discreetly introduced herself and whenever necessary helped make sure that we had a great evening. Everyone remarked on both the food and service. The dinner was a definite success! I host several of these types of dinners every year in various places around the country and can definitely say this was one of the best! I felt like we received every penny that we spent. The only disappointing thing was that I was flying out the next day otherwise I would happily have come back to the restaurant to explore the regular menu and sit in the main dining room which also looked very nice.
(5)Yi-Jie W.
Delicious food- we had the raw oysters, crab legs, lobster bisque, clam chowder, shrimp diablo, tile fish, cheesecake, and coconut cake- all good! Excellent service as well and great view.
(5)Carol K.
The last time I was at Joe Muer's had to be about 25 years ago when they were located back at Vernor and Gratiot and it was THE place for seafood in Detroit. Well fast forward all those years and I am here to tell you that Joe Muer's is back and better than ever!! Now located in the Ren Cen, overlooking the river and the skyline of Windsor- this new Joe Muer's has all of the things you loved about the original- amazing food, impeccable service, all served up in an atmosphere that is sure to make any event a special occasion! I took my mom here for her birthday a few Saturdays ago and I really haven't stopped talking about it since. The décor is lovely. Upscale and fancy in the dining area and more relaxed in the large bar area. They even have a sushi bar that you can sit at and watch the sushi chefs perform their craft. We were greeted warmly at the hostess stand, our coats were whisked away and we were shown to our requested window table (while they can't guarantee a window seat- you should ask at the time of your reservation as these are clearly the best seats in the house with both large booths and tables for 2 or 4) Immediately our server, Tamika, came over to the table, wished my mom a happy birthday (I had given the restaurant a heads up in my reservation) and if I had a wish- it would be that every server was as knowledgeable and delightful as she was! She made our entire experience go from terrific to amazing and I wanted to hug her at the end of our dinner as I haven't seen my mom that happy in years! Thanks Tamika . . .you were great! We ordered our drinks (a perfectly poured martini for me and decaf for mom) and then began to look over the menu. There were so many things to choose from- I just knew I had to sample a bit of this and that AND save room for that amazing coconut cake that they have so we relied on Tamika to steer us in the right direction. After a first course of a wedge salad, freshly shucked oysters and spicy tuna roll, which were all amazingly good, we moved on to the main course. Mom had her filet grilled just the way she liked it with some dauphinoise potatoes and I had a pound of the crab legs which they de shelled for me table side (always a lovely touch when I don't have to wrestle with my food!) Delicious as I knew it would be! And then, as if we even had any room for dessert- they brought out the dessert cart. And while the key lime pie, or chocolate torte beckoned, we only had eyes for the ginormous coconut cake that set above it all. The cake came out on a plate that had "Happy Birthday Mom" written on in in chocolate (let the restaurant know in advance) and boy was my mom impressed! It was the perfect birthday cake! Know if you go this is not a cheap date- dinner for two with a couple of drinks and dessert will run you about $230. Also- if you drive- they have valet or you can park in the garage located just east of the restaurant and they will validate your ticket so parking is only $5.40! A deal for sure (just remember to take your ticket in with you!) What an amazing night! And it's all due to a server named Tamika, and Joe Muer's a Detroit classic, with amazing food, ambiance and views. You made my mom happy and that is worth any price to me!
(5)Lynne S.
The food was of course great. It was a large group taking up 2 booths, 10-12 people, we ordered a lot of food and drank a lot. The service was outstanding, we were a rough crowd but the waiters could not have been better. Can't wait to return.
(5)Sherill M.
Oh so good. I had a martini with their signature infused vodka and a glass of Moscato. The martini was wicked but the moscato was just average. Love the ambiance. Outdoor seating over the water was just perfect. Filled up on the lobster corn dogs which were DelICious! Waiter was so sweet. Can't wait to try the sushi, crab balls, and lamb.
(4)John P.
Honestly, with the possible exception of Roast, I can't think of a better dinner in Detroit. The servers are extremely well-trained and attentive. The food is always very well-prepared. The wine list is extensive. The cocktails are delicious. The space is beautiful (though, admittedly, can get a bit noisy). I'd recommend the barramundi, which is a firm-fleshed white fish served with a very rich crab and truffle stuffing. It's phenomenal. Their oysters are fresh and they usually have a good selection available. For dessert, don't miss the coconut cake. The sushi is fresh, though somewhat unremarkable (it's no Noble Fish in terms of taste or breadth of offerings, but if you're looking for a roll to kick things off, it's definitely serviceable).
(5)MT L.
My coworker & I have dinner here on last night of our conference. The dishes at this place are pricey but it has good Detroit river view. Our dinner with two entrees no appetizer & it is about $120, not including tips.
(5)Lauren B.
Over memorial weekend the in-laws plus hubby and I went down to Joe Muer's on a beautiful Saturday evening. We had reservations at 7pm but opted for the first come first serve patio area overlooking the river. Ambiance in here is just phenomenal. It definitely starts with the service from the hostesses to waitstaff to manager to bus boy. Everyone here cares, which is just something you don't get all of the time, even at the classier joints. Onto the food, we started with sushi which was great. Mom in law and I both ordered soups and for some reason there was a big lag time for this to be served and is where I dock a star. We stated that the sushi and soups were appetizers so we really expected them to come out at once instead of a 30 minute gap between the two. Also note, their complimentary bread basket, smoked fish dip, and bean sauce are a great and yummy touch! Continuing to dinner, I had the monk fish, which was perfectly cooked and a very nice size. The men both had the scallop and walleye combination and were happy and the mom in law had the Tuna with chimmichurri, which we eyed with jealousy. The Ren Cen location makes it easy to park and then take a stroll afterwards. Since I don't live in the area I can't comment on this versus other seafood places in the area but feel this one has to be somewhere close to the top!
(4)Valerie A.
One of my top favorite restaurants. I know it's seafood but I actually go for the filet and that's the only entree I've tried so far. BEST FILET OF MY LIFE. Just wow. So juicy and flavorful. Also loved the chopped salad but they took it off the menu last time I went there. And the coconut cake is amazing too. Yum.
(5)Dawn M.
Great view, great customer service, great ambiance. Food? Over priced, under seasoned. The food is super bland. Dessert are delightfully excellent!!! Drinks are awesome as well. For the price I wish the food had more seasoning. :(
(3)Kulsum H.
Classic Detroit at its best. This place is such a throwback, from the giant piano to the white jackets and bow ties the service staff wear. The waiters are knowledgable about the menu and very helpful. The whole experience has an upscale and yet somehow informal/intimate feel. The food was great, the appetizers are really good. The oysters were probably some of the best I have had in the area, and their seasonal specials are really excellent. The dessert cart is fun too.
(4)Teresa ..
We made reservations a week prior to come in for dinner. The hostesses were very nice and offered to take our coats, and then we were seated right away. The younger hostess was very kind and made conversation with us while leading us to our table. We had requested a table with a view, which was nice, and made the restaurant more romantic. We were told our waitress was Alyssa and she would be with us shortly. While perusing through the menu, a busboy promptly came over to fill up our glasses with water, and a male server came by to drop off a basket of bread, bean dish, pate, and butter. He explained everything that he was setting down, which was nice. He also offered to go over some dishes on the menu and take our drink orders. After receiving our cocktails and looking over the menu for what seemed like a long time, we still had not been greeted by Alyssa. She walked back and forth to check up on the tables around us (even though two of the three tables were pretty much just sitting and enjoying their glasses of wine), and serving the table in front of us salads, without even bothering to say "i'll be right with you." we weren't greeted by her until 30 minutes after. she asked us if we wanted to get any appetizers, and we said we wanted the calamari appetizer. she then offered to tell us her favorite appetizers, such as the crab balls and calamari combo appetizer, sushi roll, etc. we still wanted to go with the calamari, and then she says, "are you sure??" and we say "yeah." then she decided to ask us "do you like shrimp?" which my bf does, so he said "yeah." and she then told us about a half shrimp appetizer half calamari appetizer combination. because of her persistence, my bf decided to just go with that, despite how "sure" we were of just wanting the calamari appetizer. we each received a plate of calamari, a dipping sauce, and two shrimps. after we finished our appetizer, i looked at the menu to see which shrimp appetizer we had tried, and noticed it said it was cooked in toasted almond butter. my bf is allergic to any type of nuts, and she had not mentioned the almonds, nor had she asked us if we had any food allergies (especially since nut allergies are quite common these days). luckily he isn't as severely allergic to nuts due to getting allergy shots, but i believe that it is worth informing us that it was toasted in almond butter, or for any future patrons that decide to dine there. my bf enjoyed the appetizer, but it didn't blow me away. i've tasted better calamari at other restaurants. for our entrees, my bf went with the fruits of the sea and decided to substitute with a cream-based sauce, and i ordered the surf and turf (braised beef with scallops). i found my entree to be way too salty, so i didn't eat much of it. most of it was whipped potatoes, braised beef, spinach, with two scallops. for the price, it definitely wasn't worth it. alyssa didn't bother coming by after to ask us how the food was, but she did try to make conversation by asking us if we were celebrating anything. she seemed to pay more attention to the surrounding tables more than us. the place was pretty noisy for being later on in the night (probably because of the noisy table in front of us), but we didn't bother asking to be moved since we were already eating. by the time we were ready for dessert, they were about to close. we asked to see the dessert cart, but supposedly they had taken it down already, so we had to rely on her explaining all the desserts. we went with a chocolate souffle without nuts, and she was nice enough to add another scoop of ice cream, and raspberries and blackberries on top. she also comped the dessert from our bill, which was a nice gesture after the lack of personable service earlier on. overall, i wouldn't come back here again. we were willing to spend money here but the lack of service just proved it wasn't worth it. i've been to other fine dining and even restaurants that are not of the same quality as fine dining, but received way better service. i have to give it to the bus boys for constantly keeping our glasses full and making sure we had clean silverware/plates, and for the workers who were giving us our entrees/appetizers. i wouldn't recommend this restaurant and was deeply disappointed. highly overrated - spend your money elsewhere.
(2)Mary S.
Amazing restaurant and food, the truffle fries are the best and I would go back anytime just for them. The only drawback is the noise level, unless you are in a booth you cannot hear anything, even in the booth it is hard we requested to be moved from the middle of the floor but options were limited because the place was so packed.
(4)Laura G.
So. I'm giving this place only 3 stars - the calamari was terrible. I also had the chopped salad, not good. The service and drink choices were wonderful. I had the filet and that was delicious. I just feel that starting off with terrible calamari and bad salad killed the rest of the meal.
(3)Paul K.
Great location for a birthday dinner. My best friend took me here for dinner on Sunday and everything was perfect. The waitress was very professional and helpful, the ambiance was perfect with a nice live pianist, and of course the food was perfect. As someone who is picky when it comes to seafood, everything from the calamari to my main dish was delicious and perfectly prepared. Also, the coconut cake was a nice finishing touch to the night. It's a great place for a dinner, especially since you have a clear view of the Detroit River. Granted, it can be expensive, but it is well worth it.
(5)Ashley C.
A quick stop for a pre-concert cocktail and appetizer. Joe Muer hit the spot! With a wonderful view of the river, and awesome service at the bar by Tammy, we had a great time with our group of girls. I ordered the oysters and told Tammy to go with whatever she thought I'd like, and it hit the mark! Eight East coast oysters later, I had just begun. I ordered the Joe Muer role next and it was amazing! Aside from being a bit expensive, I guess you get what you pay for! Over all we had an awesome experience and will definitely be back, possibly for a date night. Or any other time we are downtown.
(5)Maya A.
The only reason they are not getting 5 stars is because the host AND waiter hit on my man, right in front of me. I mean, we are in a classy restaurant, please act like it. Moving on-- This place is great! Not only do they have great food, the location is perfection! Being on the second floor of the Renaissance Building here in Detroit, you get a magnificant view of the Detroit River + Canada. The fried calamari appetizier was spot on. The shrimp, mussells, and scallops all taste very fresh. I can do without their lobster bisque. Very classy place to take your significant other on a special date. :)
(4)Chanell S.
I had a lovely time here with my valentine, no thanks to our seemingly annoyed server. We liked our food quite a bit but the service here felt disorganized and mostly void of the kind, personable touch that one expects from a fine dining experience. First, we were sat at this awful little table near the busy prep area of the bar. It was loud and very busy in that corner, so my mate later asked the host to reseat us. Just before then, our server came by and placed a bowl of beans and some kind of spread on our table, with no greeting or description of the items. A minute later, a friendly bus person greeted us and offered flat or sparkling water. Before he could come back with our requested sparkling, our waiter came back and poured flat water in our glasses. This is not a big deal to me, but in hindsight was a foreshadowing of the lack of care to come from our server for the rest of dinner! When the server came back next my mate was checking with the host about moving. He seemed annoyed that I didn't know what he was having to drink and that I would only have water. I think I chuckled out loud at his little attitude, and then told him about the seat change. We didn't move far, so our server came with us. Still, no explanation about the beans or spread, so I asked. In an abundantly condescending tone he said it was a bean relish and spread for the bread that was (obviously) on its way. It had been like ten minutes, and no bread was ever mentioned, so it was not a dumb thing to ask. I felt I had to defend my question. About food. To my server. Wait, where am I? And are we not about to spend over $100 on dinner? Answer my awesome questions with a smile darn it! Anyway, this mild douchery continued in its subtle way, but never got to us. Nor didn't it impact my awesome monkfish entree. The flavors were bold and everything was cooked well. Great portion size, too. We were thankful for the hardworking, pleasant bus person. I wish we would have solely tipped him instead!
(3)Oz S.
Went for dinner last week and Wayne was our server. Let me tell you...he knows everything about everything! Wayne was great all around and made the experience very memorable, the food was good too :) We will be back. Keep up the good work everyone!
(5)Bbb Y.
I found the food delicious and the ambiance "safe." Clearly it is a restaurant that caters to corporate guests.
(3)Caleb Y.
Enjoyed this fine establishment again last night! One thing to say...go for dinner, but never leave without the coconut cake! The waitstaff continued to shine last night. I can not rave enough. This is hands down my favorite restaurant in MI. Although - I think the standard specials - in the middle of the menu - need to be updated.
(5)Corene F.
I had heard great things about this restaurant and chose it for my birthday dinner. I was not impressed. With prices like this, I expect a lot. It was nearly $300 for four of us for dinner and only two of us ordered drinks. The salad greens did not taste fresh. The fish was good, but nothing to flip over. The service was unbearably slow. It took 45 minutes for us to receive coffee and dessert after we finished our entrees. Also, although the dress code specifies business casual, it was not enforced. So why bother? You can get the same meal at Bone Fish Grill or Mitchell's for half the price. I wanted to like this place, but will not return.
(2)Crystal R.
My friend and I decided to have dinner and drinks here before the Justin Timberlake + Jay Z concert. One thing that could be improved upon right on the bat is signage- the RenCen has signs that direct to different areas (Coach Insignia, towards Starbucks, etc) but Joe Muer Seafood is not listed on any of the signs. I ended up asking someone at a desk who told me to go up an escalator to a "lobster covered wall". The inside of the restaurant is gorgeous- nice views, nice tables, etc. There was a man playing piano as well. Our server was very attentive, helpful, and gave us the specials for the evening. The menus are a bit overwhelming- just because they have so much to choose from. We ended up splitting a few different items. We had a sushi roll, the lobster bisque, as well as the surf and turf for dinner. My friend had a wedge salad and some french press coffee with our coconut cake dessert. Everything was good, I felt like the lobster didn't have a ton of flavor, but the steak was fine. Our bill was a bit of sticker shock- but I guess that's what you can expect when going to a place like this. If I planned another trip out and am comfortable spending that much money, I'd probably go to Coach Insignia so I could feel like I really got my monies worth eating at the RenCen (a lot of CI's meals and desserts are cheaper than JoeMuer)
(4)Elli T.
I work at the rencen and go to this restaurant about once a month. I really like it and their service has been great lately. I did get sick ones after their fish last summer (i should not have eaten it as I could tell something wasn't right...), but I still go there. It is very clean, nice view of the water, good food and service. I am not a big fan of their sushi though as I love sushi and eat it frequently, but their rolls always fall apart and just not that good compared to places specializing in sushi :)
(4)yunyan h.
Food there are surprisedly great. I tried tuna tartar , one of the best in Detroit ; surf and turf is also super yummy. What's more, the restaurant itself looks fancy and has a nice river view, so i could see Canada from my seat. I will go back when I'm in town again!
(4)Mark P.
While I normally don't associate nice locations and views with good food, this place is an exception. In addition to having a great view of the river and an attractive festive environment, the food simply taste food. Had the clam chowder and Trout. Either one was good enough to have two nights in a row despite the extensive menu.
(5)Jill B.
Just outstanding beginning to end. The white bean pepper relish served with the bread was delicious. Our salads and entrees were fresh and flavorful. Save room for dessert.
(5)Gregg D.
Our family tried Joe Muer on Christmas Eve for dinner. Reservation went without a hitch and the greeting at the front door was warm and friendly. Promptly seated at a table by the piano (awesome) and a beautiful view of the river. Cocktails were a hit on all accounts. Tasty and unique. So off to a good start. We tried their oysters on the half shell and calamari for appetizers. Oysters were fine, nothing great, but perfectly tasty. The calamari was decent. Again, not fantastic but good. For main course we all tried different things. Our son got the spicy tuna, the wife got the scallops special and I got the swordfish. Son really liked his tuna and gave it high marks. Had a nice spicy coating and was seared rare. My wife's scallops dish was too sweet. It has some sort of sweet potato gnocchi which hid the scallops. The swordfish was cooked too much and dry -- it was blazing hot in temp and the asparagus under it was limp. So overall while the food was good, it certainly wasn't great and not $35 worth of great. We aren't dessert eaters, but had to try the key lime pie and carrot cake. Both were very good. I would say the highlight of the night. Tasty, unique, huge portions. Service was very sporadic and they missed on the basics. Water not getting refilled promptly, long time to come back with the check, waitress leaning on the chairs when running down the menu, etc. It wasn't poor service, just not up to standard for the price they are charging for a dinner. I probably won't go back unless for a business trip. I can't point to anything particularly wrong, but for the price it all felt sort of underwhelming.
(3)Rola S.
The view and the food is why I love coming here. Although the waitstaff is hit or miss at times. But, if you have the right drinks (sheer lavender) with an unobstructed view and nice quiet people around you, the food can take its time being delivered. The shrimp Ilene, was just baked to perfection. I am Lebanese, and could have more garlic in it for my tastes. The dynamite roll was unlike any other sushi I've had before. The portions are great, order a few different rolls and share with your friends. Just try not to read into the ingredients as much, and be surprised. Next time, I'll try to be brave and have the oysters.
(5)Gina S.
What a beautiful place with great food and even better service!!! Love how it is overlooks the river! I have been hearing great things about this place for quite some time, so I decided to check it out. From the moment I walked in I was excited for what was in store. Calvin (CJ) was my server and I couldn't have been happier! He was very attentive and professional. I didn't need to ask for anything as he was very on top of his game. Since I hadn't been there before, I asked him for an entrée suggestion. He suggested Shrimp Diablo. OMG!! It was so delicious! Needless to say I love this place and I will definitely be back. Calvin has gained a regular! Thanks!
(5)Sean E.
One of my favorite places in the city. This place is top notch and never disappoints. It's very expensive and its pry gonna be a 2-3 hour dinner. But if you have the time and money it's worth it. From steaks and seafood to the raw bar and sushi this place is an experience to have.
(5)Eric D.
Went here with my girlfriend on June 25th. We never ate here before, and my girlfriend is not a huge seafood fan. Went to the hostess stand and asked the girl if I may see a menu. ..I wanted to make sure my gf could find something. The girl said yes. .. and proceeded doing what she was doing. Stood there for about a minute and another girl finally handed me a menu. Calamari and clam chowder. ..my girl was good. We didn't have a reservation, as we just stopped by on a whim. Therefore, we were not dressed up either. The girl took us to our seat. We like to sit next to each other, and not across from each other. We sat side by side, and another very nice server came over and raised the sides of the table so we could sit at a round table. .. very nice. He also suggested we turn around so we could see the water. Again, very nice. Too bad he wasn't our server. Sat for 10 minutes...still no server. Finally, Gavin M. came to the table. He was horrible. He took our drink order and we got a bottle of wine. We were also ready to order, since we were waiting for a while. We ordered the clam chowder, calamari, and pan seared tuna. 10 more minutes...still no water or wine. He did bring the bread and some white bean relish. These were good...still no drinks. Another guy finally brought water and yet another brought the wine. Gavin brought our calamari. After that, he was nonexistant. He NEVER refilled our wine. He NEVER took away a plate. He NEVER wiped the cloth (I saw other servers doing this). He didn't bring the meal, and he never stopped back to see how it was. He walked by our table many times, without saying anything. He literally blew us off. He came over and asked about dessert...not tonight for us. He brought the bill and didn't say a word...just put it down and walked away. I paid and then left. Overall, the food was good...actually...very good. The bread was very hard and so was the butter..but everything else was good. However, Gavin seriously ruined the entire experience.
(2)BRIAN T.
good view from the patio. drinks are decent the 12oz lobster tail is the best i've ever had. that's all i got
(4)Conroy J.
Breathtaking view of the Detroit river and Canada. The service was the best I've ever received from ANY restaurant. I wish I was able to remember our server's name. He had extensive knowledge of the menu and the history of the restaurant itself. I was very impressed and so was my date. The Food was incredible. Swordfish was prepared and presented "perfectly". My date's Salmon was among if not thee best we've ever had... but nothing compares to their in-house made Coconut Cake. A tradition their's for years and now we both know why. Joe Muer's has been one of the most pleasant restaurant experience that I've ever had. Thank you. I thought the portions could have been a bit larger but then again I am a big eater.
(5)Thomas H.
Incredibly slow disinterested service. Food above average, but way overpriced. Valet parking slooooooow. Why have a dress code when people can dress like slobs and get seated at the best tables? You've lost a dedicated customer, joe muer. Two far to drive for over priced food and bored slow service
(1)Ameerah G.
Ambiance - Great view over Detroit skyline. Dark lighting. Romantic and fancy smancy. Great place for a reception dinner or anniversary outing. Service - The descriptions of the food are out of a fantasy book. There's one guy, with a bit of an accent who weens you over to the priciest item on the menu by description alone. He has a ton of character, knows his fish and he's funny as hell. Food - Delicious. Absolutely delicious. I'm a sucker for their seafood and anything in the lobster/crab family is a must have on their menu. P.S - DO NOT leave that building without getting a slice of the coconut cake. I know coconut is one of those weird either you like it or not flavors - however - I'm not a fan of coconut at all and let me tell you. I tried a piece and ordered a whole slice to myself. Get it now. And get another one to go. Other - pricey, but it's a place of luxury and love. Come dressed to impress.
(4)Patti H.
We've heard about this place for years. We made a reservation, and visited for the first time last Saturday PM for supper. We did have to wait about 15 minutes past our reservation time in the bar, which was not a big deal, however, there seemed to be a lot of tables with no diners, which was a little off-putting. The bar is kind of in the middle of the dining area, there is a huge baby grand piano off to the side, and the massive wall of windows with a view of the Detroit river and the Canadian "Riverwalk" lit up at night are spectacular. We were shown to our table, right next to the windows, which was a nice surprise since we hadn't asked for it. We ordered another cocktail, as well as Seafood Ceviche (sp?) and a dozen PEI oysters on the half shell. They were both excellent and the oysters were the plumpest, juiciest oysters I've ever had. We shared bacon wrapped scallops, roasted Monkfish, and a side of black truffle mac and cheese. Everything was amazing. we were so full, we skipped dessert, which is usually a given. If you want a very classy, romantic dinner with your honey, it's worth the drive. They have valet service available too.
(4)Violet S.
Love, love, love this place! I'm a fan of seafood in general. This place is beautiful and elegant. The food is amazing! I've been here about 4 times now. I've had oysters, calamari, salmon, sea bass, martinis, wine, shrimp as an app/main course, amongst so much more. Never had any bad dishes. It's romantic, fun, lively, and classy. Wait staff is prompt and catering. You're also near the water so you can take a walk in the summer. You also have MGM, lounges, bars, and Greektown surrounding you in the Detroit area for something to do afterward. It's perfect for a date or special occasion.
(5)Thomas C.
Growing up a New Englander, it's always hard for me to order seafood, let alone go to a seafood restaurant, in places like Detroit where, let's face it, there's no ocean anywhere close. So checking this place out was a huge reach for me. Ordered the mussels and they were ... as they should be, nicely steamed open, in a tasty pool of broth, didn't need the diced tomatoes and there were too many, but the mussels were nice and plump and flavorful. Others at the table ordered the Lake Whitefish (obviously Lake, not Sea food) which was very good, and the Denver Sole. Very nice ambiance, extensive drink menu and our server was very patient, knowledgable and attentive without being intrusive. Will definitely revisit on a future trip to "The D."
(4)K K.
Underwhelmed. Acted like they were doing our group of 8 a favor by seating us at a table by the kitchen (with no view of the river), when the rest of the place was not what one might call crowded. No matter. On to the meal. Service was initially good, but a salad specifically ordered without nuts (due to a severe dietary restriction) came with the offending nuts, and then the servers disappeared. Eventually, I just had to hunt one down, which surprisingly took so much time that the rest of our party had finished their meals (to which they also gave mediocre reviews) so when the waiter got to us I pointed out the error and asked him to take the salad back and just take it off the bill, as it was by that time pretty late in the evening. Minutes later a fresh salad appeared. Bill was adjusted though. Oh, and I had the chance ceviche from the "Raw Bar" menu, which was basically just edible fish. Fail again. I don't think any of us will return to this formerly-iconic Detroit restaurant. Too bad, when so much is going right with Detroit these days.
(2)Rachel C.
Went to Joe Muer's on Thursday night before seeing a show downtown. We came in just for drink and appetizers but once we were seated at an amazing table out side on a beautiful day we just kept ordering and ordering. The walleye, sushi and oysters were amazing. The service could not have been better. From our server to the bus boys to John the manager, everything was perfect. We will definitely be back!
(5)Chris M.
My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary on 9-27-14 at Joe Muers and it was an excellent choice. From the moment we arrived we knew it was going to be a special night. Miguel our Maitre D' was so polite and welcoming and our waitress was Andrea was friendly and very attentive. The whole meal was delicious from appetizer (smoked salmon) to the dessert (Chocolate Mousse) I HIGHLY recommend Joe Muers.
(5)Aaron S.
Was hoping for better. Good but not great. The sushi smelled too fishy to be very fresh. However, they did wow me on monkfish. Just not worth the media praise, but alright.
(3)tony a.
Someday I will have the Coconut Cake! But not yet.... Have been here several times and the experience has been great each time from start to finish. During lunch time the Lobster Roll is just yummy yummy. Makes me think of trips to Maine. For dinner start with some appetizers, the Calamari and Oysters Rockefeller are always great. Then go for just about any of the entrees. I finally tried the Dover Sole that they fillet at the table and it was fantastic. Drinks are done well and you are asked for your choice of whiskey with a Manhattan which is always nice. Go and have a great time.
(4)Melissa C.
Best restaurant in Detroit, immediately takes me back to fine dunno get with my grandfather as I was going up. Outstanding food and service and no one should ever leave without having a piece of the coconut cake.
(5)Adrian E.
Stopped by for lunch on a recent visit to Detroit. This restaurant is located in the Downtown Renaissance Center which was connected to my hotel. I sat at the bar, but it wasn't too crowded for a Friday lunch had I requested a table. For starters, the bartender brought me a bread basket accompanied by blue crab butter. The blue crab butter was delicious! It was more of a creamy crab spread than butter. You could see and taste the crab. I finished this up without hesitation. Looking back now, I should have asked for more. For lunch, the bartender recommended the Lobster Roll. His exact words were "you only order Lobster Rolls in Maine or here in Detroit at Joe Muer's". Well, I've never heard of Detroit being mentioned in the same sentence as Lobster Rolls, but I was willing to trust him. You know what...it wasn't bad. It was a tasty sandwich filled with lobster meat & mayo. The fries were good too, crispy and not oily. Overall, a nice lunch and worth a visit.
(3)Ernie M.
Yes, a five star----rare for me. Everything was top notch here! The location is superb - -- - a great view of the river, parking is convenient and safe (it does cost $10), and the food and service is exceptional. This was our first visit to the new Joe Muer's since the old location closed 15 years or so ago, and it was memorable. The menu has some of the old Muer items and some new stuff. I went with the old menu and started with the lobster bisque. When they serve this they start by putting a bunch of lobster pieces in the bottom of the bowl and then pouring on the bisque- - - - lots of lobster is excellent. My wife got the heirloom salad (a variety of tomatoes) for starters and said it was some of the best tomatoes ever (hard to understand for a tomatophobe). I then was served the fried shrimp and they were great- - - the cocktail sauce is special. Usually the sides are not worth mentioning, but this is an exception. I got the asparagus substituted for fries and the creamed spinach as a side. Great sides!!! My wife got the Halibut special and it was great. We ended the meal with a crème brulee which was perfect. Carl C,our waiter was just right, low key, but very informative and attentive. WE WILL GO BACK ASAP.
(5)ReNita W.
Was very disappointed made reservations nothing was "available" sat at the bar until something become open for 45 mins. My boyfriend & I were joking about a corner table that was open the ENTIRE time we were at the bar that we wouldn't dare sit in & guess what! The hostess came around and told us our table was ready "the table that had been ready the ENTIRE time" in the corner!!! Terrible service!
(1)Molly G.
I have been going to Joe Muer's for over 40 years. Nothing can compare to the original on Gratiot, but they have kept some of the old classics on the menu. The iceberg salad with the red Roquefort dressing is pretty darn good. The flounder with crab was superb. Still great for a bug night out.
(5)Mary S.
What a great night! Came here Friday night with my fiancé and parents when we were visiting Detroit. We were seated at a beautiful booth facing the water looking onto Windsor Ontario. I requested this in our reservation as I had read about how great the views are from here. We had a great server who was so accommodating and was ready to help us at all times. They served us a basket of yummy assorted bread and these tasty beans (their classic app)! I started off with the Vegetarian Sushi roll called Happy Garden Roll (Avocado, Cucumber, Lettuce, Carrot, Pickled Radish, Gampyo, Asparagus). It was really tasty! They have a few rolls listed on their main menu but they also have a vast sushi menu which our server grabbed for us from the bar. We also ordered the Roquefort Wedge Crisp iceberg lettuce blanketed with house made French-Roquefort dressing and garnished with tomatoes, bacon and hard cooked egg and 3 soups, 2 orders of the Lobster Bisque Rich broth with butter poached lobster infused with sherry and crème and 1 of the Boston Clam Chowder Hearty crème broth with potatoes, root vegetables, bacon and fresh Quahog clams. For our mains, the server actually didn't recommend the lobster which was funny but honest, which we appreciated! I had the Martha's Vineyard Salad Crisp greens, crumbled Roquefort, sun-dried cherries, candied walnuts, red onions, raspberry vinaigrette. The server said they could make it a double salad since it was my main. It was a great size and super yummy. My fiance had the Surf & Turf - Sea scallops, braised short ribs of beef, balsamic jus, whipped potatoes, sautéed greens. Mom had the Seafood Paella Selected fresh fish and shellfish, sofrito, saffron-seafood broth, house bacon and carnaroli rice. For the life of me I can't remember what my father had lol but I know he liked it! We ordered two sides, Black Truffle Macaroni & Cheese and Roasted Button Mushrooms with Zip Sauce (super GOOD!). The server came and offered to take pictures of us outside to get the view of the water facing Windsor, Ontario. Such a sweet gesture! Overall, we all REALLY enjoyed our time at this restaurant and would definitely return. Must do when in Detroit!
(5)Theresa M.
This was my first time at this restaurant and it was excellent! Great location and the food was impeccable!
(5)Cynthia G.
Attended a birthday celebration last night at Joe Muer's Restaurant at the Renaissance Center. How often do you go to a restaurant where everything is good! Every appetizer, every entree, every soup, salad and dessert! We had fun, and the service was outstanding! Great job Joe Muer! We'll be back!
(5)Tracy P.
My husband and I stopped in for a drink and a light dinner after spending the day at the Grand Prix! Sat on outside patio overlooking the water which was very pretty and cocktails were delish! I ordered a salad and my husband ordered a shrimp appetizer with 3 shrimp.... We walked in at 615 pm and left at 815. 2 hrs for an app, a salad and 2 drinks? Food was good but our waitress created the oddest dining experience my husband and I have ever experienced in our decade of dating! After I ate my salad she asked me how I felt?... Weirdest question of all time! When she brought the check she asked if we would be back. I could go on and on but essentially I think she was trying far too hard and the service was slow and horrible. We won't be back...
(1)Brooke J.
Amazing food and service. If you are a fan of seafood, this place should be on your bucket list! Lobster bisque is to die for, creamy and a good portion of lobster. Blue crab balls, very similar to a crab cake are just perfect and are served with a mustard sauce. I had the surf and turf, scallops and braised beef short rib. So delicious, the beef was so tender and scallops perfectly cooked. My husband had the seared tuna, he loved it. Now, this place is not cheap...about a $30-35 average for an entree. But you get what you pay for...and the food here is excellent. Can't wait to go here again.
(5)Colleen B.
The service is the best you can ask for. Great wine and fresh seafood! What more can you ask for?!?
(5)Nancy Z.
My sisters and I had dinner here a couple nights ago & I'm still craving the Halibut I had! My sisters had the salmon & the roasted chicken & while the salmon was average, the chicken was Amazingggg! I had the wedge salad which was great and they had the lobster bisque which they do recommend. However, do not leave there without trying the dynamite roll. The price is not as outrageous as people expect it to be, so go try it for yourself.
(5)Mike F.
Location is great. Food was ok. Part of the entrée was cold. Took almost 10 minutes to get it back. Service we had was also marginal. They didnt seem ti care. At these prices it should be excellent. Would try some place else.
(3)Stephanie N.
Absolutely loved this restaraunt! Piano bar was nice and we sat facing the waterfront , so beautiful! Great staff! Renaissance roll was great and so is the bread served with chick peas! We had a steak and lobster well flavored and cooked to perfection!
(5)Lisa S.
The appetizer of bread was delicious. They expertly chopped my salad.... eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, carrot stands, cucumbers. Got the raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I like light dressing but this is one time I could've had more. Service was a bit slow even for lunch. But there was a hair in my friend's fish and chips. Carrot cake with the cream cheese dressing was delicious. Easily feeds 2 or 3 people.
(3)Michael M.
The place was busy on a weekday without a Tigers or Red Wings game to help out.Our server was a little too over eager to serve.Food was excellent and the view of the Detroit River and Windsor added to the experience.
(5)Ingrid S.
Hmmmm steamed mussels or sushi ? Wonderful restaurant. Food was terrific and so were the cocktails. Just be careful that your cocktail cost more than your entree. My only regret is that I didnt' have enough time to try the rest of the menu.
(5)Elizabeth N.
What a wonderful relaxing lunch on the Detroit skyline! Amazing soup! Waiter was fabulous. Salad wash fresh and had so much flavor.
(5)Roger P.
Great location & view of Detroit River across to Canada spectacular. Excellent service, but food only ok and not worth the price. Pretentious for sure! We're likely not to return.
(2)Brandon P.
Horrible service for the third time in a row. Food is very mediocre. I won't go back.
(1)Jen D.
Not worth the money what so ever. I had called 3 weeks before to see if they could do something special for my husbands birthday and then asked again when we arrived and they assured they would...at the end of dinner they did nothing but give us the Bill. We the told the useless manager this and he responded with "well would you like desert?" No we wouldn't because you have already completely ruined any sort of surprise that could have been. Regarding the food...Outback Steakhouse cooks a better steak that isn't $51.00. Don't waste your money thinking you're going out for a worthwhile dinner
(1)Maria G.
Everything is soooo good. Excellent service. Nice view, so nice to see Detroit coming around....hopefully. Best shrimp Diablo I ever had. A little spicey but very nicely paired with the duck and potatoes. The whole presentation is outstanding. Just need to make more $$$$ to afford it more often.
(5)Rachel M.
What a wonderful night! My date and I had intended on dining at a different place close by but they were booked for the evening... JM was available and we were easily able to make reservations online. When arriving at the Ren Cen, I suggest parking in the garage near the Marriott entrance. Take the cross-walk from the 5th floor and you can take the stairs or elevator down to the entrance. From there, a hostess greeted us warmly and went to check for a table. She returned seating us in a booth with a beautiful view of the Detroit river. The dining room is loud, so don't expect a quiet conversation, but the noise is the sound of laughter, conversation, and music... I enjoyed it all. The decor is stylish and the sights from the window combined made this almost magical. Next, we met our server, Alyssa (who was everything anyone could ever ask for in a server and more - I highly recommend). She helped me select a cocktail and we placed our orders for the appetizers. We chose to sample the deviled crab balls and the shrimp Ilene. My S/O is a "shrimp" man and he raved about that dish. I, on the other hand, fell in love with the deviled crab balls - probably the best crab appetizer, #2 at worst - I have ever tasted. Just perfection. Alyssa explained to us some specials going on that evening in great detail. I stuck with the menu's surf/turf dish of scallops and short ribs paired with a martha's vineyard.salad. My S/O chose a special surf & turf of filet with a colossal lobster tail. and blue crab potatoes. At this point, Alyssa did something I greatly appreciated. She let us know the cost of the surf.turf that was not on the menu (it was admittedly a higher priced item). I know she was probably debating if that was rude to do so, but she did so tastefully and to be honest I am GLAD she did... so I don't know if everyone else will like that, but boo to you, I did... because even though I can afford to splurge for dinner, I would have been a little shocked. My salad was tasty and the dressing was just right. But when our entrees arrived, I was in heaven. My scallops were LARGE and tasty. The lobster my S/O had was flown in earlier that day and had to be the freshest lobster I have tasted... (remember that high price issue I mentioned earlier, it was worth every penny - total fireworks). The steak was juicy and my short ribs were fork tender. I was not overly thrilled with the potatoes... not bad, just not as over-the-top fabulous as everything else that had touched my palate that evening. Also, Alyssa was able to help us find just the right wine for our meal even taking a few extra steps for us when one bottle did not, at first, appear to be available (she made it happen flawlessly). I recall reading somewhere that JM slacked a bit in portion size, maybe I read that wrong but I strongly disagree. You get what you pay for here - from the food to the service to the view. Also, while people-watching we noticed how much time goes into the table settings here. It took at least THREE people to inspect and hold up to the light the glasses and utensils on EACH and EVERY table. Made me go home and double-check all my wine glasses (I would have failed the Joe Muer test miserably). We were stuffed with leftovers to go. However, we remembered this dessert tray we'd passed on the way in. Alyssa suggested the coconut cake. My date isn't a coconut man, but he knows it's my world, he's just in it so I chose it anyways. One bite and he was sold. If I had not been so stuffed I would have ordered a second slice... in fact, we have been waiting for an excuse to go back and get an appetizer and a slice of that cake. I even took some home and it was just as delicious in the morning. My mouth is watering thinking of it now - do not skip dessert here. All in all, one of the best dining experiences in my life. We paid a pretty penny but it's well worth it. And, honestly, you do not HAVE to go all out here if that's not your "thing" and you still can have an amazing experience. I found the prices to be very reasonable (and actually lower than expected) here - especially now that I know what you get. Joe Muer, I hope you stick around Detroit for many years to come... I believe you and I will be seeing more of each other for a long time.
(5)Elizabeth K.
4 or 5 star food, but only 2 or 3 star service. Had the tuna tartare and the salmon, and both were delicious. Our waiter was friendly, but the table set up was awkward, which resulted in our group continually cleaning up our own table. The waitstaff would ask us for random plates, utensils, glasses repeatedly throughout our entire meal.
(3)Tiffanie S.
I have never been disappointed with any trip ever taken to Joe Muer. The food is always impeccable and the service is prompt and professional. This is definitely one of the top restaurants in Detroit!
(5)Leslie H.
It's a great seafood restaurant. Our server was great and the manager stopped by our table to check on us. Minus one star for the hostess. She was very rude and did not even say goodbye or thanked us when we were walking out.
(4)Dario C.
Came here with a group for a friend's b-day dinner. It's rather pricey so be prepared to spend some cash. The service was good (not great). It was a bit annoying that we all ordered our own sides and were never told a side dish had 3-4 servings. Needless to say, we had a ton of sides leftover after dinner. However, the food was nicely presented and tasted very good. The wine list is extensive and the drinks were made strong. All in all, it was a good experience. Some tips: - The sides are really big, coordinate and share! - The mac and cheese was really, really good! - Drinks are well made.
(4)Karie M.
This restaurant is fantastic. It's a really nice place to go for a special night out. It would be a nice place to go for any night out, but it's a little pricey (drinks $12 -$15), so I'd personally reserve it for a special night. My husband and I went for my birthday. You will need reservations. We requested a table window side so we could look at the view of the Detroit River (which is very beautiful). We were seated a table row back from window side which was a slight bummer but the restaurant was packed and we made reservations kind of late in the week. Our view was still nice as there are really large windows. The food and service was top notch. Our waiter's name was Bob and he was excellent. We ordered the volcano roll sushi and the scallop appetizer. The volcano roll was awesome. They light the soy sauce on fire and you kind of "toast" the roll to caramelize it - so good. The scallops are breaded not seared in the appetizer (they did have seared for an entree) - they were good, a little heavy for my taste in scallops but good and we ate them all so it couldn't have been that heavy. I had the chopped salad with the thousand island dressing. It was awesome. I worried that the thousand island dressing would be thick and I don't like that. But it was really light and good. My husband had the clam chowder and said it was great. I asked Bob for a wine recommendation and he suggested a light and delicious white wine for me. For an entree, I had the special - the halibut. It was phenomenal - if it's on the menu, get it. It was so thick and juicy. It reminded me of a dinner roll in thickness and fluffiness. But it was the most excellent fish I have ever had. My husband had the Hawaiian ono which was also a special. It was really good and prepared Asian inspired. But the halibut was better. I was going between the dover sole on the menu and the halibut. Bob said the halibut hands down, and I'm glad he did. We didn't have room for desert with all the food mentioned above. But they looked great, so next time.
(5)Mars N.
I was hoping it would be as good as noble fish.
(2)Tony T.
I came here after a full day of meetings with a few co-workers. This place was good but I can't say anything was exceptional. I had the halibut (which I no longer see on the menu) with a white caper sauce. I also had a side of spinach and corn. If you're staying in the Renaissance center, the place is very convenient to you. It's has a waterfront view and the ambiance is quite nice (like an upscale seafood steakhouse). I would definitely go back if I was staying at the Renaissance center but a piece of that is mostly because there aren't a huge amount of options in that neck of the woods.
(3)Sol C.
My last dining experience at Joe Muers on Thursday December 6, 2013 was absolutely terrible. We arrived in a party of four at 7:15 PM and valeted the car through the restaurant's car service at 400 Renaissance Center #1404. We had a decent table overlooking the street and the water. However, our server must have been new as she did not know any of the specials nor the oysters being offered for the night. She had to return to the kitchen twice and check. For the costs of the food, I found this to be very unprofessional. The server clearly needed additional training days. She also forgot to bring out the pre-meal crackers, bean dip, and pate that precede every meal until we asked for it. Again, for the cost of the entrees here, I find this completely unacceptable. The real kicker to this nightmare experience was that at 9:00 PM, in the middle of our meal, the valet service notified us that our car had been into accident. Initially, they tried to blame the accident on us claiming we left the car in neutral. They also claimed to have made an accident report without us, stating that the accident happened at 7:20PM. This story quickly changed after I realized that the security cameras outside caught everything on video. The valet service offered to pay everything out of pocket and a security guard, claiming to be affiliated with Detroit police, made a report. In the end, we were never offered one item to be comped on our bill that exceeded $400 nor were we able to finish the entrees we ordered. I found the Muer's management and staff to be completely unprofessional, everyone we interacted with that night - including one the owners, tried to pass blame on others for the accident and who was at fault. In the end, no cared about what happened to us and the police report was completely fake. After not hearing back from Renaissance Security (which I tried to contact a 100 plus times), I went down to the Detroit police station on Beaubien Street and made a report. Oh, my car insurance ended up covering the $6,000 worth of damage the accident caused to my brand new Cadillac CTS. Thank you Joe Muer. Have a very merry Christmas and I will never eat you over priced food again!
(1)Sarah H.
Went here last night and I will not be back. The service was some of the worst I have experienced at a pricey restaurant and the food was so so. Our group was on the large side and the waiter clearly could not handle it. My flounder was definitely floundering and tasteless. I had to pour salt on it to make it worthwhile. I will say my sushi roll appetizer was quite tasty, but that was the only positive thing I have to say about my time here. We should have gotten some kind of discount for everything that went wrong, but that did not happen. Save your money because I sure will be.
(1)Ashley M.
YAY!! The first to review!! Let me start off by saying that I love the Ren-Cen!!! It's jazzy from top to bottom!! Joe Muer's restaurant is a bit pricey, but the food is great!! Service is great, and I definitely recommend this place!! Four star's because there is nothing that sets this place apart. I could get the same entrees from Andiamo, or Detroit Seafood Market, or Tom's Oyster Bar :(. I am really disappointed by this, but would go again if I am in the area. :)
(4)Annette J.
GREAT happy hour. Enjoyed a lovely early evening here sipping on some delicious beverages (drink specials include half off signature cocktails!), eating some tasty sushi, and enjoying some fantastic company at the the bar. The restaurant is new and it left a great impression on me. It's nice. Like, REALLY nice. Very fancy and beautiful inside. I really like the decor and I love the huge windows overlooking the river, it was a particularly lovely sunset the night I was there so the sky looked incredible. I'd come just for the view alone! Even scoped out the Detroit mayor enjoying a meal by the window too. He know's what's up! Luckily everything else lined up pretty well with the view. The half off cocktails were great. I got a sparkling wine concoction and it was delicious and went straight to my head. Perfect! The happy hour menu isn't huge but it's got a nice variety. From oyster po'boys, short rib sliders, and sushi (both veggie and with fish) there's a bit of something for everyone if you're only feeling peckish. I went with two rolls--the spicy tuna and the Detroit roll (king crab, avocado, pineapple, cream cheese, shrimp and spicy sauce). The spicy tuna was nice because it wasn't bogged down with a lot of mayo and had great flavor. The Detroit roll was a bit Americanized but what can I say? I love pineapple! I was very happy with both although disappointed that there wasn't a happy hour special price! The service was fantastic. Our bartender was helpful without hovering. Towards the end we just wanted to chat and not eat or drink anymore and I didn't feel rushed out the door. Nice. I looked briefly at the dinner menu and look forward to returning to try that sometime. But in the meantime, I'm happy to enjoy a happy hour here to take in the sights over some tasty treats!
(4)Lisa O.
Our party of three ate here for lunch recently. Two of us had the Martha's Vineyard salads and my boyfriend had the Fruits of the Sea. Everything was good and the server was attentive -- it was hard to hear him, though, because it was really quite loud even at lunchtime. We sat at a nice booth overlooking the river and it was a nice change from the ordinary.
(4)Jill P.
Everything about our dining experience at Muer Seafood was flawless. The food, the ambiance, the wine, the service. And, while pricey, it was definitely worth it. I don't remember what I got because I drank too much wine. But, I remember it was excellent!
(5)Dorva D.
I had the opportunity to dine at Joe Muer recently for Brunch. The staff was very professional and courteous and the food was delicious.
(5)Tom K.
Great food, better views and really warm and atmosphere. I've eaten here several times and consistently enjoyed it. I prefer the sushi menu over the full menu but full dinner menu. Their specialty rolls are all great. I usually just ask for a selection of specialty rolls selected by the sushi chef. He always includes a "dynamite roll" - crab and shrimp with a spicy kick. The atmosphere is also great. There is often live music and you can watch the River and beautiful people quotient is also higher than you will find at other restaurants in the area. This is not the place to eat if you are in a hurry. The sushi bar tends to get backed up and it is hard for them to make big order quickly...but it's worth the wait.
(5)Jimmy P.
I heard great things about this place - both word of mouth and yelp - which I thought was relatively reliable. I had dinner last night and unfortunately it didn't turn out as good as I hap hoped. Atmosphere is great for a group get together. The kind you go with your boys (or girls) and talk about what boat you want to buy as you look out at the river. But probably not an environment for a romantic date. It is pretty loud with a lot of people - no sense of intimacy or privacy. I went with my wife and it was okay for a date night. We had a good view of the river. Not bad, but not ideal. Food: we got the scallop appetizer and a lobster bisque. Scallops did not seem fresh to me. Had a frozen texture. It was good as it soaked in butter and oil. But almost anything is good in butter and oil. We didn't finish the lobster bisque bc it was soo salty. Talk about ocean freshness!! I was literally just eating salt! We sent it back. Wife had the soft shell crab with risotto and I had the surf turf (scallops and braised short ribs). Both were good but both salty as well. Short ribs were tender and flavorful but it was really masked with salt! The soft shell crab was nicely crispy and pretty good. But risotto was a bit salty as well. I think I drank 4 glasses of water during dinner. Overall the experience wasn't terrible. Nothing to write home about. Food was decent, could be better if the chef had been a easier in the salt. Just disappointed I didn't experience what everyone I heard and read experience. Oh well. Move on to the next meal and new experience!! ::Keep eating
(2)Shelly A.
We had dinner at Joe Muer on May 11, it was our 3rd visit in the past 12 months and each time we've dined the overall experience seems to decline. We had reservations for a 49th birthday celebration and while we arrived ~ 10 minutes before our reservation, we stood waiting for 20+ minutes until a member of the Hostess staff approached us and asked us our name, for the second time (mind you in the 20 minutes we waited for our reservation there were 3-5 hostesses at any one time standing at or around the Hostess stand). When I made the reservation I had requested a table near the windows with a view and when we asked the hostess if they would be able to accommodate, we were handed off to a server to be seated (with no response). The service we had on this visit didn't even compare to the service we had on our two previous visits. When asked for a suggestion on wine, he suggested the two most expensive bottles in the variety we asked about, was unsure if he'd be able to substitute a starch with an entree (asked to substitute a lump crab cake with mashed potatoes) and during our 2+ hour dining experience, showed no effort to make our dining experience a positive one (or memorable), which is unfortunate when we spent nearly $300 on dinner for two. We won't be in a rush to return to Joe Muer. While the food is good, we weren't as impressed as we had been on past visits and the level of service much left to be desired.
(2)Jeanette L.
When the weather's nice, it's great to sit outside, have a drink and enjoy waterfront view. The interior is lovely, too--elegant and refined. And there's often a pianist providing tunes. The food? Another story.
(3)Neal P.
This restaurant is a "must visit" if you are ever in Detroit. (Probably the best meals I've enjoyed while stuck there on business.) Appointed well and very comfortable in both the lounge and restaurant, the main dining room includes live piano music and the only view in America where you can look south into Canada. Beginning with the delightfully professional Candace at the hostess stand all the way through the meal with Walter attending to needs we had (and didn't know we had) the service was second to none. The menu surprised me from the first to third course. Beginning with a fine single malt and a wonderful bread basket with butter and a trout pate, I was ushered into a very fresh and surprisingly wonderful tasting Volcano Sushi Roll as an appetizer comprised of Tuna, Salmon, Crab, Avocado, Campyo, Spicy Mayo, Masago and Cream Cheese. Other excellent appetizers are the Joe Muer roll and the lobster bisque. For the main course I've tried the Dover Sole and a Salmon special. However, this time I had the simply elegant Broiled Lake Superior Whitefishbroiled and served in a fresh lemon sauce. Please order the Black Truffle Macaroni & Cheese or mashed potatoes au graten (yes that is real lobster in there...and it's so oooooo rich) as your side dishes. Top off your evening with an after dinner drink and the coconut cake and creme brule for desert. When in Detroit,go to this restaurant! You'll hate them for the weight gain. But, you'll love them for the experience.
(4)Matthew S.
The restaurant it one of just a few places in Detroit that remind me of a real fine dining restaurant in a major city. Decor, view, and service(for the most part) are terrific! Now that being said we started with calamari and it was not hot but the plate was too hot to touch. Lobster bisque was a highlight and really something I'd go back for. Stuffed flounder was just flavorless and has always been a signature dish so I thought there must be something special about it. We finished with the famous coconut cake and that too was underwhelming. All in all I guess I'll go every year or so....
(3)Andrey T.
First visit last weeks would have given them 6 stars. Spectacular meal with top service. Truly memorable dining experience and I could not wait to come back. 2nd visit not so memorable. Mostly due to poor wait staff. Been back few times since. Food consistently good, but service is just ok.
(4)Chelsea A.
Restaurant of the year for a reason, Joe Muer is one of the best restaurants in Michigan. I dont mess around when here, I order a Dynamite roll, a lobster tail and a full pound of crab legs. All their menu options are yummy. I can't say enough about the asparagus, the sauce is AHHHMAZING. It contais blood orange juice, need I say more? The service is top notch, the view of the river is great, and the ambiance is classy but not stuffy. If you are trying to really impress someone, this is a good option.
(5)Cristina B.
I come here often. One of my favs in the city. The sushi is super fresh. The crab potatoes are to die for. and the chairmans reserve is amazing. And dont forget coconut cake, oh how i miss the pineapple sauce.
(5)Gary L.
The legacy name suggests excellence in service and quality, and, in particular, outstanding seafood. My recent visit on a Saturday evening, to celebrate a birthday, left me unfavorably impressed in many ways. The menu lacks a fresh fish listing, e.g., three or four choices that can be grilled, broiled, prepared simply. There a a number of sauced choices that are covered with very sweet or very rich sauces which mask the fish. Second, the menu prices vary from reasonable to exhorbitant and their practice of announcing specials without tellng the price is tricky. For example: if the entrees on the printed menu are $24 to $49, the waiter should openly alert the diners that the special she or he just described is $85. Similarly, appetizers--stone crab claws--were $25 each as an appetizer. We opted for five, thinking these would be the best we've ever eaten...and they were hugely disappointing. For $125 for 5 claws, the presentation should be amazing...e.g., silver bowl, crushed ice, lemons, etc. this was a dinner plate with a napkin folded on it, ice sprinkled on the napkin, and claws placed on it -that's all. The claws were tasty, but not meaty, and very disappointing. The clam chowder was shy on clams, and the Nueske's bacon wrapped scallops were good, except that the bacon was very thin (not how you usually get Milwaukee's finest Nueske's bacon) and simpla lying on top of the scallops and not truly wrapped. Also, an annoying waitstaff comment: when a guest orders a $24 entree, asking them if they've tried the fish that is $49 is inappropriate. They are ordering what they wanted, and that should be respected. Lastly, if they ask if you're celebrating something when you make the reservation, that should be communicated to the waiter and the maitre d'. Each asked us the same question, and...they did not acknowledge the occasion with anything. How about a crab-shaped brownie with a sparkler for kids, or something simple...very odd, thiink...why ask? What was good: the shrimp appetizer (baked in butter), the potatoes dauphinoise and truffled macaoni and cheese were tasty, creamy, cheesy, buttery classics. The complaint here is not the price...it's that the price does not match quality of food and service, and at over $100 per person, it needs to achieve both. Graciousness is missing. Regarding ambience, the restaurant offers a few rooms...some brighter than others with views of the Detroit River, some near the bars (sushi, piano and liquor bar), some in a room that is reminiscent of the old Joe Muer's with darker wood, lower light, and some private glass bird-cage type rooms adjacent to the glass-walled kitchen--all nice and interesting choices...but the food and service doesn't match what the decor and ambience suggests. This is my second visit to Joe Muer's -- first time got a "pass and see," but this visit, can't give it a "pass."
(2)Laura B.
Food was excellent; best lobster roll I've ever had. All the Joe Muers favorites tasted as good as they did at the original restaurant, i.e., bluefish pate, bean relish, lobster bisque etc... Three of us had lunch there today; the appetizers and the soup came out very quickly. After the soup the rest of the meal took an exeptionally longtime to arrive. My recommendation would be, tell your server if you have time constraints.
(4)large e.
Lots of great staff. Knowledgeble and friendly. Great looking dining room and views beyond that. I had whitefish that was excellent, and my companions all complimented their entrees from lamb to chicken and other seafood. I would probably give this place a 5 but do not feel knowledgeable enough about other seafood restaurants (as other poster mentioned Tom's Oyster bar or Detroit Seafood Market) to make comparison. I actually went here to make comparison to old Joe Muers but there really is not much carry over. White Bean salad was not great like old days. They serve a fish pate instead of the old great cottage cheese. The menu was much smaller than old Joe Muers. No list of "fresh catchs of the day". I guess "chalkboard " section is supposed to replace that, but was not that extensive. I would return here based on it's own merits not because of any Joe Muer memories.
(4)Pauline K.
I'm a foodie and this was one of the best restaurants that I have visited in Detroit. Lobster bisque, Vineyard Salad and Whitefish were all prepared perfectly! Our service was top-notch. Looking forward to returning soon!
(5)Robert J.
My wife and I stayed at the Ren Cen for a festival last weekend and made a special point to dining at Joe Muer's. We had lived in Detroit about 30 years ago and had heard a great deal about this place. Having enjoyed eating at Chuck Muer's (who I believe was related) we anticipated having a great meal. I can not say how very disappointed we were! While the Lobster Tail, my wife had, was very good, the Filet was so so. The Margarita (made with grapefruit) was excellent. Now for my meal, "Jumbo" Shrimp... they were anything but Jumbo. So very small the ought to be ashamed to serve them! And to top it off they were the driest, toughest shrimp I have ever eaten. I must say that our waiter was very, very good. I hate to rate such an iconic restaurant so low, but I must be honest and perhaps they will see this post and remedy the obvious problem with their "Jumbo Shrimp" (I saw another post about this issue)
(2)Adam H.
This place was delicious. I took my g/f for her 30th birthday and they didn't dissapoint. We had a table for two right on the glass over looking the river. The crab ball app was very good and both our entrees were great. This place will cost you however. Bill for the two of us including a few glasses of wine each was $200 which was fine for a 30th birthday celebration, but it's not a place I would be able to dine at ofter. Service was great as well. There were many different people who stopped by to check on us. and in no way were we rushed.
(5)Sarah H.
Went here last night and I will not be back. The service was some of the worst I have experienced at a pricey restaurant and the food was so so. Our group was on the large side and the waiter clearly could not handle it. My flounder was definitely floundering and tasteless. I had to pour salt on it to make it worthwhile. I will say my sushi roll appetizer was quite tasty, but that was the only positive thing I have to say about my time here. We should have gotten some kind of discount for everything that went wrong, but that did not happen. Save your money because I sure will be.
(1)Lorraine C.
Finally found a great dining experience. Having dined at the 'old' location, I was very apprehensive to dine here. Most of the time when restaurants try to open again, there is something lacking when they reopen. Not so here. Joe's came back with a vengeance. The atmosphere is wonderful. Located in the GM building on the second floor, the ambience is wonderful. Most tables have a great view is the Detroit River and if you are seated with your back to the view, there are mirror strategically placed throughout to reflect what you can't readily see. Now to the food...and the waitstaff. We were very enthusiastically greeted by a staff of three. Head waiter, second waiter all in white coats and bowties, and a third assistant. We were never lacking service. The bread basket is actually 2 baskets, one with pumpernickel, made in house daily and the other with sourdough. They also include a wafer-cracker type, which is sweet. Also, with the baskets and butter you receive a pate of smoked fish. yum! They have sushi and for an appetizer we got the volcano. And yes it did have a flaming bowl in the middle. 8 pieces and they were large! Boston clam chowder, full of flavor, clams, potatoes, and leeks. Served individually from teapots to keep the soup warm. Get the croutons, just to see the presentation. Salad...is a salad, but a generous portion loaded with veggies. Now the main course. Flounder stuffed with crab, red fish and even a steak came to our table. It would take too much space to describe, but the sauces and the favors were spot on. The fish was flaky and the crab stuffing was perfection. The filet was done to exact doneness(?). It was medium rare and had crisp sweet potato straws as a garnish. We were too stuffed for dessert and we had a birthday cake at home. So the waiter gave the birthday boy a scoop of raspberry sorbet with Sambusco. Very impressive. Also, the drinks were not at all watered down, and the waiters asked every time what type of liquor you wanted. Vodka? Did you want Stoli? They also have 2 private dining rooms which were glass enclosed and looked very impressive. Joe, you did good. Love it.
(5)Scorpio L.
Loved it! Review based on a Friday happy hour. Sat at the bar, enjoyed the stunning views/sunset and great company I was with. Got there at 4pm so few people were there but when we left at 7pm there was a good crowd. We lingered at the bar for 3 hours and sampled a bunch of appetizers and sushi, all delicious. Tried a few different specialty drinks and they were great, I particularly loved the jalapeno cocktail. Specialty drinks are $8 during happy hour so for $16 that's steep regular price. But the drinks were strong. Had really good service from the bartender and server. We even ordered a whole lobster and it was fun to dive in and indulge. The bartender cracked and separated it in front of us and offered us bibs! Overall great experience and I would go back for HHour or a special night out. You can also sit at the sushi bar and they have small, more private areas set up throughout the restaurant for small or large parties.
(4)Bruce W.
First time visitor a few weeks ago for a business lunch. Only one comment - EXCELLENT! i think that everyone in the group would agree with me and that goes for the food, the service and the atmosphere. I will visit again soon.
(5)Richard D.
The view from the restaurant of the Detroit River is one thing that sets it apart from a fancy basement restaurant. Jon Patrus was our waiter who has to be the best "fine dinning waiter" in Southeast Michigan. Not only did the waiter recommend exactly the right dishes but he also was able to pick a wine that fit perfectly with our food. It was our 52nd. wedding anniversary and like all great waiters I hardly noticed when he delivered food or picked up the empty dishes. My hat is off to the manager of the restaurant this was better than the other high end restaurants in the Detroit area. My only suggestion is to comp the parking so if we decide to linger over desert or a after dinner drink our parking is covered. The mussels, scallops, white fish were all over the top in quality & flavor. Don't forget the Sushi it was fresh & as good as it gets. This was not our first visit to Joe Muer Seafood but it was our BEST.
(5)Suzanne S.
food was good - NOT GREAT. tried just about everything - stewed tomatoes, bean salad, soup, perch and salmon. Too full for dessert. the only problem and it has been said before IT IS TOO DARN LOUD. You find yourself yelling at your dinner companion. Seems the bar area is quieter but aren't you there for the view? BTW a small dish of stewed tomatoes $6 or so,
(4)Neal S.
First Rate! I didn't have the opportunity to visit the original Joe Muer Seafood - but this one is FANTASTIC. Outstanding service. Highly recommend the Volcano Sushi! A menu that makes selecting nearly impossible - I recommend a group of friends and lot's of entrees to share. KILLER desserts! Classy place with acceptable prices, a nice wine list and plenty of variety. If you don't go, you are missing something special.
(5)Mike B.
I went here recently and forgot I lived in MI. This place was just awesome. We were overlooking the Detroit river on a beautiful day and ate Florida grouper. I felt like I was living in FL again and had to do a double take of where I was at. Grouper overall was good with ginger glaze that was delicious. Can be a bit overpowering but if you order it on the side that helps. Got deviled crab cake as an app and cooked to perfection. stuffed w/ lots of crab and best crab cake I have had since living on east coast. Tempura asparagus was delicious as was their hazelnut dessert. I was so caught up with the views and grouper that I reality didn't sit in until I was walking in the GM building. Great service and atmosphere.
(5)W S.
Disgusting! As my girlfriend and I were being walked to our seat by the host, we were led past the kitchen and heard the most vulgar, disgusting and, sexually explicit comment that would make anyone run to the door. The staff handled the complaint well, but after what we heard, I wouldn't eat there if it was the last place on earth.
(1)Kathleen Lowe M.
We went to Joe Muer's after the Detroit Tigers baseball game. What a great dinner and a great dining experience. The food was excellent, the service perfect for our 6 person reservation ranging from age 28 to 88. The new location is beautiful, the views of the river and Canada are spectacular. Very good wine list.
(4)Frequent D.
This restaurant is the perfect example of what happens when you have the capital to open a restaurant, but no true culinary education to allow you to build a decent menu and price it appropriately. We've now seen this group open up everything from steak and seafood restaurants, to Italian (sorry to those Italians who know how to cook), to Mexican (again, my apologies to the Mexican people). I'm not saying diversification is a bad thing. To the contrary, Darden Restaurants is the largest full-service restaurant group in the world, but I don't think anyone who argue that the Olive Garden is not Italian and that Red Lobster isn't the world's idea of great seafood. Two words: Fountain Soda. In a Parisian cafe, a tiny bottle of nostalgia is whimsical. In Detroit, it doesn't come close to quenching my thirst as a result of eating an over-salted $45 piece of meat. Stop with the overkill. Not every restaurant needs to bring a little piece of the "big city" to Detroit. My advice to the Vicari family: take a page from Jeffrey Chodorow and hire a team who knows that your talent (chef and servers) are far more important to the success of your venture than sporadic design trends sprinkled throughout your establishment. We all appreciate your investment in the City of Detroit, but if we have any hope of keeping this revival alive, we need quality, not just quantity. The food: -far too much reliance on sauces and not enough on finding cuts with natural flavors The service: -knowledge is power...i expect my server to be nice whether I'm at Ruby Tuesday's or Per Se. Have your servers brush up on their menu knowledge. Final Observation: I think this restaurant has taken advantage of the fact that our city has been lacking in enough true culinary experiences and made fools out of all of us knowing we were used to it, watching us chomp at the bit to overpay for a meal at the first sign of what should've been a fine establishment.
(1)Bonnie B.
We had the pleasure of dining at Joe Muer's back in the 80's and had decided to take our father in law to the new restaurant for his 90th birthday in February of this year. I would say the service as just okay. The food for 3 of us was fabulous. No issues. My husband however, who ordered a sushi dish, was not so lucky and became extremely ill with vomiting and diarrhea in the early hours the next morning. I wrote to one of the owners only to let them know this happened so that they could look into it and hopefully avoid this happening to someone else. I expected a warmer response but it just wasn't there. Take caution when eating raw fish or meat. And don't expect an apology if you do get sick.
(3)Ashley M.
YAY!! The first to review!! Let me start off by saying that I love the Ren-Cen!!! It's jazzy from top to bottom!! Joe Muer's restaurant is a bit pricey, but the food is great!! Service is great, and I definitely recommend this place!! Four star's because there is nothing that sets this place apart. I could get the same entrees from Andiamo, or Detroit Seafood Market, or Tom's Oyster Bar :(. I am really disappointed by this, but would go again if I am in the area. :)
(4)Holly M.
I would definitely recommend Joe Muer for group events. Several weeks ago I hosted a work dinner for 30+ people from various places around the country. We talked about a few different locations for the dinner but ended up with Joe Muer Seafood. I'm so glad we did! When I first called to inquire about availability, right from the start their event coordinator Melissa was friendly, engaging and helpful. This wasn't the reception I had from a few other places I called so this definitely helped sway my opinion. Joe Muer is not cheap - I knew that we would be spending a fair amount for our dinner and with that I expect a certain level of service and quality. Joe Muer delivered without a hitch! We had several different food allergies and dietary needs to contend with and Melissa and the chef helped us come up with a set menu that took those things into consideration. All along the way I felt like the staff wanted to make sure our needs were being met versus telling us what we could and couldn't do with regard to the menu, setup, payment, etc. As for the actual event it was great. We were in the 'Ship Room' which is a private seating area that is really lovely. Besides the room itself, all of the tables were made up nicely and it felt like we were having a special dinner. The three main course items, appetizers and desserts were all excellent. We were assigned three servers which was so nice. They got drinks, took everyone's orders, answered questions, brought bread, meals, refills, etc so smoothly and efficiently. As we were ordering I realized that we had forgotten a starch for the tables and asked if we could add that last minute which wasn't a problem. Also, the wait staff noticed that we had asked for the dressing on the side of the salads but they had inadvertently made them with the dressing. They asked if we wanted them remade. I was impressed that they actually let us know the situation and asked if we would like it corrected before we had to say anything. Unfortunately I've had experiences at restaurants where that wouldn't be the case. I should also add that Melissa was actually there in person and was very attentive. I've had the experience where the event coordinator ends up only being a voice on the other end of the phone. She discreetly introduced herself and whenever necessary helped make sure that we had a great evening. Everyone remarked on both the food and service. The dinner was a definite success! I host several of these types of dinners every year in various places around the country and can definitely say this was one of the best! I felt like we received every penny that we spent. The only disappointing thing was that I was flying out the next day otherwise I would happily have come back to the restaurant to explore the regular menu and sit in the main dining room which also looked very nice.
(5)Jeanette L.
When the weather's nice, it's great to sit outside, have a drink and enjoy waterfront view. The interior is lovely, too--elegant and refined. And there's often a pianist providing tunes. The food? Another story.
(3)Neal P.
This restaurant is a "must visit" if you are ever in Detroit. (Probably the best meals I've enjoyed while stuck there on business.) Appointed well and very comfortable in both the lounge and restaurant, the main dining room includes live piano music and the only view in America where you can look south into Canada. Beginning with the delightfully professional Candace at the hostess stand all the way through the meal with Walter attending to needs we had (and didn't know we had) the service was second to none. The menu surprised me from the first to third course. Beginning with a fine single malt and a wonderful bread basket with butter and a trout pate, I was ushered into a very fresh and surprisingly wonderful tasting Volcano Sushi Roll as an appetizer comprised of Tuna, Salmon, Crab, Avocado, Campyo, Spicy Mayo, Masago and Cream Cheese. Other excellent appetizers are the Joe Muer roll and the lobster bisque. For the main course I've tried the Dover Sole and a Salmon special. However, this time I had the simply elegant Broiled Lake Superior Whitefishbroiled and served in a fresh lemon sauce. Please order the Black Truffle Macaroni & Cheese or mashed potatoes au graten (yes that is real lobster in there...and it's so oooooo rich) as your side dishes. Top off your evening with an after dinner drink and the coconut cake and creme brule for desert. When in Detroit,go to this restaurant! You'll hate them for the weight gain. But, you'll love them for the experience.
(4)Matthew S.
The restaurant it one of just a few places in Detroit that remind me of a real fine dining restaurant in a major city. Decor, view, and service(for the most part) are terrific! Now that being said we started with calamari and it was not hot but the plate was too hot to touch. Lobster bisque was a highlight and really something I'd go back for. Stuffed flounder was just flavorless and has always been a signature dish so I thought there must be something special about it. We finished with the famous coconut cake and that too was underwhelming. All in all I guess I'll go every year or so....
(3)Andrey T.
First visit last weeks would have given them 6 stars. Spectacular meal with top service. Truly memorable dining experience and I could not wait to come back. 2nd visit not so memorable. Mostly due to poor wait staff. Been back few times since. Food consistently good, but service is just ok.
(4)Brad L.
I'm going to start by saying that I used to hate seafood. When I say 'hate' I mean I wouldn't even go into a place serving it because the smell repulsed me so much. After beginning a dramatic shift in my eating to be part of a much healthier lifestyle, seafood is now on the table (pun intended). Which brings me to my visit to Joe Muer Seafood. My wife wanted to go somewhere fancy for her birthday and I was happy to oblige. Turning to Yelp we found Joe Muer's and based on the reviews, decided to give it a whirl. (The Hour Detroit 2012 Restaurant of the year award helped too) To make this review a little short, I will say that if I had eaten here years ago, I would have started eating seafood a long time ago! The salmon was perfection, the crab balls as an appetizer made me wish I had an entire meal of them. Heck, even just the chopped salad was outstanding! Environment and the view of the review was perfect, attention from the waitstaff made it feel like private dining, and the live piano music set a perfect mood. There were only 2 reasons why I didn't give it 5 stars. First reason was it was loud. Not Red Robin loud, but WAY louder than I thought it should be for such a fancy place. There were quite a few times during dinner where my wife and I had to ask each other to repeat what they said or speak up. The second reason were the prices on the mix cocktails. Now, I know, it was a fancy place but $15 for the mudslide my wife ordered? Seriously, are we at the airport? Plus, call me cheap, but charging $20 valet and only validating for $10...? All in all, Joe Muer was a fantastic experience and a great place to go for an upscale dining experience!
(4)Renée D.
Somehow this vegetarian keeps getting invited to Joe Muer Seafood. And yet, it's completely, 100%, not an issue here. I'm sure there seafood is great and all, but here are my observations for fellow vegetarians and other people who want to bring vegetarians here. The Good: - The bar sushi menu (which you need to ask for separately, as only a few fish-fulled rolls are on the regular menu) has at least a half dozen veggie rolls. I just had a tofu roll and an avocado roll, but both were amazing. - The sides are huge. Worried that the sushi wouldn't be enough food, I ordered the side of black truffle mac and cheese. It was delicious, and at $9, easily could have been my entire meal. Most of the sides are vegetarian. There is also a delicious asparagus tempura appetizer. - When describing the specials to our party, prices were mentioned after each option. This was appreciated as the specials went up to $85, which I believe is higher than the costliest option on the regular menu. Some people may not like it - I did. The Bad: - The butter was hard as a rock! I'll never understand why nice restaurants do this. By the time I was done attempting to spread it on the bread (which wasn't very good), it looked like they had gone to war with each other and both lost. - If you want wine, expect to pay $12-25/glass. No cheap options here. Frankly if a place doesn't offer affordable wines, it seems like they're trying to be pretentious - there are plenty of great affordable wines out there.
(4)Abby W.
Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. I thought my halibut was a little dry but other than that everything was perfect. We really enjoyed the dynamite sushi rolls and of course the chop salad was out of this world. My husband had the clam chowder and as always, really enjoyed it. It was a great evening.
(4)Dano R.
This was my first visit back to this classic restaurant since it closed from it's Gratiot Ave. location years ago. The quality, fresh seafood and great service are still a staple the JM's. Be prepared to pay top $ for this. Our table had a great view of the river which was fitting for our son's college graduation family celebration. My top shelf martini was $15 which is the most I've paid for a martini in a long time. Decent class of Malbec was $12. The calamari appetizer was very good but if you like oysters as much as I do then again be prepared to pay $15.00 for 1/2 dozen. Ouch! We ordered the Walleye, Perch, Grouper, and scallops. All of our meals were excellent. I'd give it a 5 star rating but paying $3.50 for a cup of coffee is a bit over-priced IMO. Great atmosphere that can't be beat in Detroit.
(4)Ely H.
Amazing Food. Good atmosphere. Best cake I've ever had--and I don't even like cake. Try the coconut cake. And the service is exceptional--refreshingly so. Flawless. Good wine menu, too, with a friendly, knowledgeable sommelier. Why 4 stars? I expect to pay a lot for my fine seafood...but I think Joe Muer's could try a little harder to make things affordable. There's no reason why we needed to spend $80 on my $35 bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir. I was born and raised in Oregon. But still. I went there and bought the wine so I knew what I was doing. Overall I was very satisfied with my experience.
(4)Ryan S.
Went for Valentines Day. We're put in a side room facing the parking garage. Was told at time of reservation a week prior "would not have view of the river". Waiter knew we were upset and became annoying in attempt to make evening better. Stone crab claws had bad taste. Steak was subpar. Overall horrible evening.
(1)Adam O.
Been looking forward to trying this ever since it opened. All in all, a noteworthy experience. "Classic" would be the word of choice to describe it, for better or worse. For starters, the space is beautiful. Had a table right on the water, very atmospheric, piano player etc. One tiny complaint being the quantity of mirrors in the space. Sort of feels like you're eating in a fun house.... Foodwise, again...classic. Oysters rockefeller to start, totally acceptable. Nibbled on a friend's coriander tuna app as well, awesome. Had the perch fillets for an entree. Sort of seemed like they were sitting for a few minutes under the warmer while they finished the other entrees in our sixsome. Needed a little more salt as well. Mac and cheese with black truffles (not truffle oil) was delicious as was the creamed spinach side. Again, nothing earth shattering technique or creativity wise, just the classics executed at an above average clip. Desserts were the weakest part of the meal. I have a built in disdain for dessert carts, but my sentiments get reinforced when you just cut off a piece of cake from one thats been sitting in the dining room all night or an already plated piece of bread pudding that isnt plated, nor created "a la minute". Service was attentive and excellent all night as it should be since this is not a cheap place to eat. Overall, I'd hand out 3.5 stars if I could.
(3)Susan R.
My second visit to Joe Muer. The service and view are outstanding. The food, not so. I invited two clients who work in the RenCen to go to lunch so it wasn't appropriate to bring it up my disappointment with my meal. I ordered the Salmon Nicoise salad. All of the salad components were nicely decorated on the plate. The accompanying wedge of lettuce looked like an iceberg on the plate. It was very awkward to eat. You would have needed a platter to make it work. Why not serve the lettuce in a bowl like most salads? If not for being with clients, i would have asked for them to take it back and chop up the lettuce to make it manageable. The salmon was dry and crusty, like it had been fried. The fingerling potatoes must not have been on the order that day. They were replaced by underdone cubes of Idaho potatoes. The green beans were buried under the massive iceberg wedge. I certainly would NOT order this entree again. So, perhaps because of my disappointment, I thought this menu item was way overpriced. $18 for a huge chunk of iceberg lettuce and some fried salmon. I expected much better.
(2)George K.
A early Sunday evening after a performance by the DSO. We were seated by the window overlooking the river and the Windsor skyline. Great view and our server was there quickly taking our drink order. A great selection on the menu including a lot of the old favorites from the original Joe Muers on Gratiot, bean salad and stewed tomatoes. Seafood was the main focus, but a nice selection of poultry and meat. We were not super hungry so some excellent lobster bisque, a shrimp cocktail with some huge shrimp and a couple of nice sushi rolls. The service was excellent and the decor very nice. It was enough to fill us up and wet our taste buds for another trip in the future. The only reason i gave 4 stars rather than 5 stars is we did not have a main entree. Next visit and I will update the rating then BTW: Muers has their own entrance on the west side of the Ren Cen with valet.
(4)Amanda S.
Best restaurant in Michigan hands down. The view is beautiful, the service is always perfect, and the food never disappointing. Make sure you try the filet or lobster--best ull ever have!!
(5)Paul K.
Tried to come for dinner- sign says there open till 10, everything was closed up tight at 9. Minus one star for that. Came back the next day, had lunch from the sushi menu. Everything was very tasty and portions were good. The place is not cheap, but is worth a visit when you're staying at the Ren Cen.
(4)Justin R.
I love what they did with the interior of this place. It's huge, and beautifully decorated. Menu is large but not overwhelming. Unfortunately, I don't find their selections anything unique, but rather the normal stuff you find at an expensive seafood restaurant. Wait staff is very knowledgeable, very well dressed, very upbeat and friendly, and very accommodating as well. Quality is great, presentation is also. I find their signature bean salad very disappointing, but I understand it is tradition to serve it, so I guess it will stay.
(4)H S.
Positives: Appetizers: Classic White Bean Salad - only here, other can't compete. Mussels (I'm a Mussels "snob") were outstanding; small, not a "fishy" taste in a single one, served in an amazing yet light fresh tomato base. Crab balls - (I did not sample but my business associates said they were great.) Dinner: Surf (Lobster) and Turf (Filet) - Perfect on both counts; and I had the mixed Seafood dish (Mussels, shrimp and scallops on a bed of pasta mixed with spinach). I would have preferred more spinach as this was advertised as one of two "low calorie" entrees on the menu, however it was a perfect dish. Our third diner, however, had overcooked perch - - the only miss in the food department. Wine: Our waiter recommended an outstanding bottle of Malbec and I'm only sorry I didn't snap a picture of the vintage as it was outstanding. NOTE: The sommelier will present you with the cork in a small shot glass. Not all restaurants, even good ones, do this these days, so know this: it's to demonstrate proper storage. What you should do is check to be sure the cork is moist on the inside end only, and that it's intact and free from mold. Dessert: I wanted to applaud when our waitress finished describing the 20 desserts that were brought to our table. Had I not been in "calorie restriction" mode I would have had serious trouble deciding. My recommendation: This is a beautiful place with multiple bars, gorgeous views of the water from (almost) every seat, outstanding service and amazing food. Dinner if you can afford it (our bill for 3 without any dessert or coffee, and only two who had a pre-dinner drink in addition to the table wine, was $350 with a tip), or dessert as the sunsets before a night on the town - - - either way this is a great, classy place that's sure to impress family, business associates, a date - - or your mom! Valet was $10 (Four not a five due to some confusion with wait team at first and the overcooked perch was never addressed.....)
(4)Dario C.
Came here with a group for a friend's b-day dinner. It's rather pricey so be prepared to spend some cash. The service was good (not great). It was a bit annoying that we all ordered our own sides and were never told a side dish had 3-4 servings. Needless to say, we had a ton of sides leftover after dinner. However, the food was nicely presented and tasted very good. The wine list is extensive and the drinks were made strong. All in all, it was a good experience. Some tips: - The sides are really big, coordinate and share! - The mac and cheese was really, really good! - Drinks are well made.
(4)Chelsea A.
Restaurant of the year for a reason, Joe Muer is one of the best restaurants in Michigan. I dont mess around when here, I order a Dynamite roll, a lobster tail and a full pound of crab legs. All their menu options are yummy. I can't say enough about the asparagus, the sauce is AHHHMAZING. It contais blood orange juice, need I say more? The service is top notch, the view of the river is great, and the ambiance is classy but not stuffy. If you are trying to really impress someone, this is a good option.
(5)Cristina B.
I come here often. One of my favs in the city. The sushi is super fresh. The crab potatoes are to die for. and the chairmans reserve is amazing. And dont forget coconut cake, oh how i miss the pineapple sauce.
(5)Carol T.
Muer's is another Detroit Institution recently reborn ( ironically in the Renaissance Center!) in the downtown area. My husband is a native Detroiter and remembered going to Muer's with his parents as a child so he was looking for all the things that made Muer's special in the "old" days. He was NOT disappointed! The place is in the Ren Cen tower with the Marriott Hotel. We used valet parking for $10 flat fee. The restaurant is sleeky modern with huge glass windows fronting on the Detroit River with expansive views of Windsor, Ontario. It looked like every seat had a view. Prices for an entree run the gamut from reasonable to pricey. I had Atlantic flounder with crabmeat stuffing in a wonderful butter sauce ($25) and my husband had broiled Lake Superior Whitefish ($22). My flounder was melt-in-you-mouth, flaky and perfectly cooked. Entrees come with a choice of their signature sides: creamed spinach or stewed tomatoes. They come in little silver serving dishes and it was more than we could each finish. Other sides are available for an extra price. We didn't try any of them but they sounded good (check out their online menu for specifics). Items on the table are more signature dishes: white bean salad /relish, cottage cheese and a bread basket featuring seedless pumpernickel. My husband was in nostalgia heaven! Our server was in training but shadowed by a veteran server. We had at least three people come by during our meal to check on us...including the manager. Servers are dressed in white shirts, white jackets and red bow ties. The bow ties are an homage to founder Joe Muer's impeccable dress and style. There's a large bar area and during our dinner, we had wonderful piano music in the background We had just come from a baseball game so our dress was pretty casual but we didn't feel uncomfortable. On a future visit (yes, we'll return here) we'll probably get more spiffed up. This is a nice place for a special evening. It's good to see that old Detroit has come back as new Detroit!
(5)Leticia D.
Went there to do a show on TV and i really enjoyed the seafood, i wasn't that crazy about visiting Detroit again but i guess it was the time of year. The salmon was prepared broiled the way i like it with some rice pilaf and veggies on the side. It's a great place to eat and i do highly recommend it..
(4)Dennis W.
We flew in to surprise my mama for her 80th birthday bash here. My mama said she didn't want anything big or special for her 80th birthday, she just couldn't wait to dine at Joe Muer again! I don't remember if mom & dad ever took us here as kids so maybe this was there get away spot... I can say it was worth the check to see the smile on my mama face!
(4)Charles L.
I've heard many great things about Joe Muer seafood restaurant and wanted to take a look at it myself. First of all, the views of the Detroit River are fantastic. The ambiance of the restaurant definitely conveys class and style. We had a live pianist, who's upbeat and jazzy performance during our dining experience kept us entertained throughout our meal. The service is superb. The waiter was very amicable and attentive to every need we could possibly have. Our water was always refilled without asking and our libations were continually flowing. For the most part Joe Muer hits the mark as a top restaurant. However, I was sorely disappointed in the most important restaurant feature: the food. For food we first started with lobster corn dogs and lobster bisque (lobster overload!). The lobster bisque was the best part of the night. It was creamy and so full of lobster flavor. The lobster corn dogs were pretty much tempura battered lobster tails. After the appetizers the meal was rather disappointing. I had a seared rainbow trout that was far too dry and found myself sorting out bones from meat throughout my meal. The mashed potatoes my fish was served on were fantastic though. My fiance had a pan-fried halibut with seasonal vegetables. Her fish was good, but not amazing, with the crab cake it was served on tasting better than the fish itself. By the end of our meal we were no longer in the mood to try their famous coconut cake dessert. We expected so much more hearing all the recommendations from our friends and family. Perhaps we ordered the wrong dishes or caught them on a bad night. tl;dr - Great views and ambiance, with even better service. The quality of the food and drinks were merely decent for the price. If I could do it again, I would just get a beer with a couple of sides/appetizers and hang out.
(3)Debbie F.
I don't understand why people were so excited that this restaurant reopened a few years ago. I have been to Joe Muer twice and both times were average,to below average. On 7/12/13 my husband and I went here to celebrate our anniversary. We sat on the patio which was fantastic, and the best part of the restaurant. I was really looking forward to the cold seafood tower, $25/person. What a joke! It came on a platter and consisted of; 2 shrimp(really!), a puny little lobster tale that was literally two bites, 4 mussels,two small portions of a king crab leg, and 4 small oysters. That is it for $50, I was shocked. Service was very slow, and the food we did receive was not great. The tiny little bit of ceviche was rubbery. I will never go to this restaurant again. It is ridiculous. Take my advice and go to the Detroit Seafood Company or Mitchell's Seafood.
(1)Aaron F.
I travel to Detroit frequently and this is among the cities finest restaurants. Service and food is always amazing. Nothing crazy about the menu, just well prepared seafood and steaks. My wife loves their deserts, so we end up eating here just so she can order the same cake she swears is the best.
(5)Kristin G.
It was a particularly special night. My husband and I were having our "Babymoon" (Like a Honeymoon but before the baby is born) so we made reservations and eagerly awaited trying the very much well renowned Joe Muer Seafood in the Ren Cen. THEN...we arrive and are told we must wait. So we go to the bar, being assured they'd come get us when our reserved table opened. Hm...not a good first impression. We waited at the bar for 45 minutes. And I stomp up to the hostess booth, furious and demand to know why we still have yet to have been seated. Funny, magically a table popped up opened just then! And to add insult to injury, there were giant clusters of tables that were empty on the way to being seated! I was fuming. Then...we sit down and the most wonderful server changed what started as a most terrible experience into a most wonderful and special one. She was very frank and honest and charming. We were comped our lobster bisque soup and shrimp cocktail apps and were given a personal apology from the manager. The lobster bisque was exquisite, as was the shrimp cocktail. The lobster bisque was creamy and full of flavor. It was luscious and velvety in consistency. Dreamy would be one word to explain this wonderful soup! The soup is poured into the bowl as it's served and then topped with fresh large lumps of lobster meat. A must try! The lobster was shelled at the table by our server. It was worth every penny! It really did a classic justice in every sense of the word. The coconut, pineapple and lemon cake is their signature and do NOT leave the place without getting it! I literally squealed with pleasure upon first bite. By then, I was so full from our amazing meal that I couldn't finish the whole enormous piece. The cake was just as good or better the next morning for breakfast. Please get this cake. Just trust me. It's heaven materialized in a fluffy slice of cake. I'd go back JUST for this cake. It is something so delicious that you will crave it later. I'm salivating just thinking about it...Again, our server was just top notch and she and the cake helped melt away any shred of anger or frustration from the reservation drama the night started out with. We both left the restaurant beaming with satisfaction and bellies full of delicious seafood and cake! I WILL be back. Thank you Joe Muer's for adding a much needed touch of class to the Detroit culinary landscape.
(5)Sammy W.
The Fried Calamari was good, the Halibut on a bed of Crab Cakes was outstanding, the California King Rolls were excellent. For desert I recommend the New York Cheese Cake. The service is excellent, our server Jennifer was top notch and you can beat the view. I suggest you sit on the deck, to fully appreciate the view. I would recommend.
(4)Christina S.
While the service and view saves this place from a one star rating, I must say--if you sell a steak as prime MAKE SURE IT'S PRIME!!! Jordan was a great server and was very helpful, and the view was great, but I was hawked a prime ribeye that turned out to be less than choice. As a steak lover at a seafood restaurant, I should have known better. Mea culpa. I may return (MAYBE), but I'll definitely stay away from the turf.
(2)Eric E.
What a fantastic experience. Having dined many times at the old Joe Muer's this was a great experience. To get a 5 star from me requires exceptional service and awesome food. I was worried that my expectations would be set too high but the experience still exceeded expectations. Joe Muer himself stoppped by our table and shared some stories with us about the "old days" at the place on Gratiot. The deviled crab was as good as I remembered and the Redfish was spectacular. Our waiter was all over us with attention and paid attention to every detail, including keeping our glasses full, the correct silverware, refolding napkins when someone left the table and hot towels before and after the meal. The ambiance and huge windows offering a beautiful view of the river was an added bonus. Bring your wallet, after all 5-star service does not come cheap but it was worth the experience and a special night out. It was also worth the trip in from Chicago. Oh, and please don't come here, order fish and chips and then complain about it. That is like going to a nice wine bar, ordering White Zin and then saying the wine was no good.
(5)Sarah F.
Continuing our Valentine's Day weekend. We went to Joe Muer's for lunch. What a score! Service was amazing and friendly; they chit-chatted on our way to our seats, complimented us, helped us take a picture of ourselves. And very attentive to our needs while dining. The view of the river was spectacular. I started with the Boston Clam Chowder--I've never enjoyed something so much. I actually tried to copy the recipe at home a couple of days later. We also had sushi, which was vey good. I could have stopped there, but I had an entree, too. I tried the lobster sandwich. I am not a seafood person, so it was overkill for me, but it was still great. We would definitely return.
(5)Crystal S.
Definitely the place to go for a celebratory/special occasion dinner! The service, atmosphere and the food are always good, no matter the time of day! The white bean concoction that they bring to every table is good. Their steaks are always good as Is the zip sauce. As a side I have tried the mac and cheese and the cheesy potatoes, which are both great! It's been good but not great lately.
(4)Justin L.
First the good stuff: - The view was very nice, or as nice as the view can get in early February. And the server was nice as well. In any case, she passed the "Mr. Pink Test", for those familiar with Reservoir Dogs. - The decor is very nice. Lots of wood paneling and marble tiles. Now the bad stuff: - The food was good. Not great, but good. I had the fish and chips, which was tasty but very greasy. The other person had the jumbo shrimps, which were big, but not what I'd call "jumbo". And they were rubbery and fishy tasting. - The PA was playing smooth jazz. If it were any quieter, I could have ignored it, but it was just loud enough that it seeped into your consciousness. This would probably be 3 stars if it weren't so pricey. If you're going to charge like a 5 star place, I expect better.
(2)Phil H.
We went there on a Saturday night without a reservation and the place was packed. Luckily, we got a seat at the bar. The restaurant looked great, with a prime view of Windsor and a hip, upscale feel to it. Bathroom attendants alert! I don't mind them, but I like to be prepared to tip a few bucks just in case. Women's too. After a cocktail (the dirty martini was good, though not the best), we ordered. Our server was attentive and checked on us throughout the night. She brought us bread and their white bean side and smoked blue fish pate. Both were tasty and perfect for the bread. I started off with the lobster bisque, it was great. Nice and creamy and the lobster was fresh and perfectly cooked (not rubbery). A nice start. My wife had the chopped salad..it was heavy on the onions, but I think it was just OK. Next up was the Monkfish Osso Bucco. Wow. It was awesome! The fish was fresh and flavorful, great texture. The risotto creamy and balanced with the lobster sauce. She had the sole stuffed with crab. Also delicious and large chunks of crab. We also got a side of the blue crab mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Both were very good. And its crab with a C, not with a K. They didn't skimp out on the crab. The creamed spinach tasted like, well, spinach! Which is a good thing in my book. Just enough creaminess to compliment it, not overpower it. Overall, just a great experience and great food. We will be back!
(5)Corin B.
My grandmother and I were excited to come here for dinner one Sunday. We remembered the original Joe Muer. We were happy with the attentive service, elegant atmosphere, and gorgeous view. The piano player was a nice element of the dining room. However, the food fell short, especially for the price. We had the ceviche as an appetizer. The texture was good, but it was almost flavorless. I would not order it again. We loved the classic white bean relish that came from the old Joe Muer, as well as the whitefish spread they serve with the crackers. My dirty martini was not very good- the bartender forgot to make it dirty the first time and when he remade it, it was way too dirty. I have had much better ones at different upscale restaurants around town, and I was disappointed. Next, we had classic wedges of iceberg lettuce. These were delicious and very filling. They are topped with bacon, cheese, boiled eggs, and lots of dressing. They were probably the best thing we ordered all night. My grandmother had the Italian Cioppino. The fish in the dish seemed overcooked, but the shellfish and the mussels were tasty. The dish was bland, and once again seemed to be missing something. She added lots of salt and pepper. I had the crab stuffed flounder, hoping that this classic dish would be a good choice. It was okay. The fish seemed to have been sitting for a few minutes too long before it was served. It was in a cream sauce that was, once again, bland. The crab stuffing was ok, but it tasted just like the flounder- the flavors were so similar that they were difficult to tell apart. The stewed tomatoes served with the fish, a recipe from the original Joe Muer, were divine, and they perked up the fish quite a bit. All in all, I probably would not go back. The price is simply too much for the mediocrity of the food. I hope this place does well, but it is simply too expensive for food that does not outshine any other upscale restaurant in Detroit.
(3)kevin e.
The food is ok The service was fine The ambience nice BUT the wine list is beyond insulting - On that list they had a glass of a wine that I know damn well is easily found for $55-60 a bottle for $33 !!!! What ? Are you kidding me ? They also had a pinot that is easily found for $23 for $72 a bottle And finally yellow label NV Veuve Champagne You know they kind you see at stores always for $40 - $140 a bottle !!!! Not kidding and for that alone they get 2 stars !
(2)Matthew K.
Great overall experience and view of the river. Food was prepared perfectly and the service was prompt. Highly recommend sitting outside if the weather is nice. Excellent place for dinner!
(5)Benjie S.
Took my wife here for our one year anniversary. We walk in and all these dudes had to lift their jaws up off the floor. Yeah my wife's pretty hot. We take our seats and enjoy a nice view of the Detroit river. A guy comes up and fills our glasses with water. Then our waiter comes. This dudes practically in a suit! This place has some history to it but I live in the present so fuck all that shit. It's a snazzy place with sharp dressed customers. So don't come in here wearing a fucking t-shirt have some class. First we ordered their most expensive food wrapped in their least expensive food. Lobster Corn dogs. Hell yeah! They were delicious, everything from the lobster to the batter to the hollandaise sauce poured on top. We were both craving sushi for sometime so we ordered a bunch of fucking rolls. Baller! It was honestly some of the greatest, if not the best, sushi I've ever eaten. Every roll was rolled superbly. You could pick it up and not worry about it falling apart. Nothing was cold or warm. Everything was room temperature, absolutely perfect. The salmon nigiri was without a doubt the best I've ever had. Moist and like butter. To top it off we got some dessert and like the rest of the dinner it was brilliant. It surpasses places like Ruth Chris, Maestros and sits at the top with Toasted Oak. Thanks Joe, whoever you are.
(5)Sahar Z.
Really good food! Ordered the Atlantic swordfish.. It was great and so was the ambience.
(4)Michael W.
Went here with some coworkers after work, arrived before reservation was and tried to grab a drink at the bar and the bartender would not acknowledge us since we did not have seats at the bar. Once we were seated everything was decent, none of the food stood out as special to me, but the view is of the river is nice and it definitely is a more formal dinner.
(3)Stephen B.
Nice place on the Riverfront Area in downtown Detroit. I had the Joe Muer roll (sushi) which was excellent. The people next to me at the bar saw it and ordered it immediately as well. It was pretty big. Good for two to share. I also ordered a shrimp tempura roll (not knowing how big the Joe Muer Roll was going to be). It was very good as well but I was too full to finish. A good thing. Nice atmosphere. Good service. There was also a piano player who I can tell was amusing himself as he played. Wasn't a boring piano guy. All in all, I'd recommend you give it a try.
(4)Chelsea G.
My husband and I always have a difficult time deciding what restaurant to try next in Downtown Detroit. With all the new options popping up all over, we want to make sure we are trying everything! Although Joe Muer Seafood has been around for a few years, we had not had a chance to get there yet. Everyone had been raving about the rebirth of this place after the original closed in 1998. It also received Hour Detroit's Restaurant of the Year in 2012. So on our 1st year anniversary; we thought it would be a great choice. From start to finish, we were extremely pleased with our decision to give this place a try. When you are paying more than average for your food, you have high expectations. This place fulfilled every one of our expectations; good service, delicious appetizers, outstanding meals and sides, great wine list, and an excellent atmosphere. We left there so full that our original plan of going out for a few more drinks was put aside for our sweatpants and recuperation of a food coma. This is definitely fine dining. Any website is going to give you the $$$ rating, which I equate to around $30-$50 a person. Fresh seafood and a classy environment is what you will find at Joe Muer Seafood. We had a private and romantic table that was tucked in a corner looking over the river front and Windsor. Side note: I suggest going up to the top floor of the Ren Cen and grabbing a quick drink at Coach Insignia before you load up on the fine cuisine at Joe Muer, you can post up at Coach Insignia's bar and sip a cocktail while enjoying the beautiful view of the city.
(5)May H.
Everything about this place is amazing! food drinks & service
(5)Lauren S.
Great seafood! The atmosphere is unique - great views of the Detroit River and Windsor skyline. Good staff. The dynamite roll is outstanding; unique flavors that you will not find at a regular sushi bar - you must try! Every dessert is amazing, the coconut cake being my favorite. Very rich and moist! Expect large portions for dessert. Joe Muers also has seasonal Sunday brunch from May-November. I would definitely recommend an omelet or the egg scramble! Brunch also comes with a complementary assortment of pastries. Overall great experience, would definitely recommend.
(5)T-rex M.
We had heard good things, and showed up hungry after wandering like babes in the woods through the cavernous building. Service was fantastic, food was amazing. I had my first ever lobster and it along with every other thing that wound up on our table was delightful. Service was punctilious, attentive, and charming. We ended up here by chance, simply because the SO didn't make reservations at his first choice. No regrets! When you get what you pay for, it's nice to pay well every once in a while. And can you get better seafood in michigan? I don't think so!
(5)Patti W.
We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary at Joe Muer Seafood on Saturday night. My husband made our reservations and requested a table by the window, he was told they couldn't guarantee it... BUT when we arrived we were seated at a window table overlooking the river-- Then we ended up with the best server, Alyssa! She took excellent care of us and made our evening very special with a plate decorated in chocolate for our Anniversary-- She also treated us each to a glass a wine. She made a couple of wine recommendations and they were both excellent. As a server she was informative, accommodating and attentive! She gave each table in our section special treatment. We were very happy to have her serve us! Our dinner was also excellent! I highly recommend the Georges Bank Scallops. Delicious! My husband had the salmon special that night and he enjoyed every bite of that too. For dessert we went with the Chocolate Lava cake topped with ice cream. It was divine! We will go back again for our next celebration!
(5)Shannon W.
I stayed at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center so I decided to check this place for dinner since it was in the hotel. We ordered the tuna tartar to start, huge pieces of raw tuna on avocado with spicy mayo, mango, and seaweed salad served with wonton chips. Yum. I was going to order the scallops for dinner, but the waiter suggested the monkfish, so I went with that. The fish was fresh and very tasty. The combination of lobster, some caramelized onions in a buttery lobster brandy cream sauce was delicious. Their wine menu is very extensive, I just had a glass of Oyster Bay Sauv Blanc, a great wine in my opinion and always pairs well with fish. The service was good, not great. I felt like they rushed us a bit which kind of annoyed me. We never ordered desert, but they brought over the desert cart and OMG are their deserts huge! I think one piece could fill 6 people. I liked the ambiance, it's trendy/casual. However in my opinion the ambiance doesn't exactly match the pricing or the fact that my waiter had on a suit like we were at a 5 star Michelin rated restaurant. Food was really good though and the views of the Detroit River and Canada were a nice touch.
(4)Keujah E.
just a touch... a little pricy...
(4)Kristopher A.
Food - 5 stars. I had the salmon and it was perfectly cooked and wasn't too much food. The greens it was put on were not too soggy and added to the flavor of each bite. I ordered the Brussels sprouts as a side as I don't care for potatoes. They were a bit too buttery, but I was enjoying my fish so much, I didn't care. Service - 5 stars. Our server was attentive, but not overly so. He was dressed in a tux, which was a nice touch when you're spending $30 on an entrée and $12 on a drink. Drinks were prompt and when dinner arrived, my plate wasn't hot. That's a big pet peeve of mine. When my food is ready, especially at a pricier place like this, it needs to not sit under a heat lamp. Atmosphere - 3 stars. This place caters to a lot of large groups that stay in the adjacent hotel. It was very loud when we arrived and my dinner associate and I had trouble hearing each other across the table. It quieted down a bit later in the evening. All in all, not a place to go if you want to have a conversation during peak dinner hours.
(4)Yi-Jie W.
Delicious food- we had the raw oysters, crab legs, lobster bisque, clam chowder, shrimp diablo, tile fish, cheesecake, and coconut cake- all good! Excellent service as well and great view.
(5)Carol K.
The last time I was at Joe Muer's had to be about 25 years ago when they were located back at Vernor and Gratiot and it was THE place for seafood in Detroit. Well fast forward all those years and I am here to tell you that Joe Muer's is back and better than ever!! Now located in the Ren Cen, overlooking the river and the skyline of Windsor- this new Joe Muer's has all of the things you loved about the original- amazing food, impeccable service, all served up in an atmosphere that is sure to make any event a special occasion! I took my mom here for her birthday a few Saturdays ago and I really haven't stopped talking about it since. The décor is lovely. Upscale and fancy in the dining area and more relaxed in the large bar area. They even have a sushi bar that you can sit at and watch the sushi chefs perform their craft. We were greeted warmly at the hostess stand, our coats were whisked away and we were shown to our requested window table (while they can't guarantee a window seat- you should ask at the time of your reservation as these are clearly the best seats in the house with both large booths and tables for 2 or 4) Immediately our server, Tamika, came over to the table, wished my mom a happy birthday (I had given the restaurant a heads up in my reservation) and if I had a wish- it would be that every server was as knowledgeable and delightful as she was! She made our entire experience go from terrific to amazing and I wanted to hug her at the end of our dinner as I haven't seen my mom that happy in years! Thanks Tamika . . .you were great! We ordered our drinks (a perfectly poured martini for me and decaf for mom) and then began to look over the menu. There were so many things to choose from- I just knew I had to sample a bit of this and that AND save room for that amazing coconut cake that they have so we relied on Tamika to steer us in the right direction. After a first course of a wedge salad, freshly shucked oysters and spicy tuna roll, which were all amazingly good, we moved on to the main course. Mom had her filet grilled just the way she liked it with some dauphinoise potatoes and I had a pound of the crab legs which they de shelled for me table side (always a lovely touch when I don't have to wrestle with my food!) Delicious as I knew it would be! And then, as if we even had any room for dessert- they brought out the dessert cart. And while the key lime pie, or chocolate torte beckoned, we only had eyes for the ginormous coconut cake that set above it all. The cake came out on a plate that had "Happy Birthday Mom" written on in in chocolate (let the restaurant know in advance) and boy was my mom impressed! It was the perfect birthday cake! Know if you go this is not a cheap date- dinner for two with a couple of drinks and dessert will run you about $230. Also- if you drive- they have valet or you can park in the garage located just east of the restaurant and they will validate your ticket so parking is only $5.40! A deal for sure (just remember to take your ticket in with you!) What an amazing night! And it's all due to a server named Tamika, and Joe Muer's a Detroit classic, with amazing food, ambiance and views. You made my mom happy and that is worth any price to me!
(5)Lynne S.
The food was of course great. It was a large group taking up 2 booths, 10-12 people, we ordered a lot of food and drank a lot. The service was outstanding, we were a rough crowd but the waiters could not have been better. Can't wait to return.
(5)Kasey E.
Service was thorough and friendly, a little on the pricey side (our total bill with tip was $400 for three people, but my mom ordered the surf and turf which was AH-MAZING). Oftentimes fish restaurants mess up on the turf but not Joe Muer's -- the steak was every bit as tasty as the lobster -- a perfect medium rare. The view of Windsor at night on the water added a really nice touch to the ambiance. Would definitely return!
(4)Ellen K.
We had the best time at Joe Muer's. I took my boyfriend here for dinner for his birthday, and it didn't disappoint. I was worried after reading a few negative yelp comments: ignore them. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is fancy and fun, and the waitstaff is helpful and knowledgeable. Don't skip the lobster bisque, it's absolutely delicious.
(4)Sherill M.
Oh so good. I had a martini with their signature infused vodka and a glass of Moscato. The martini was wicked but the moscato was just average. Love the ambiance. Outdoor seating over the water was just perfect. Filled up on the lobster corn dogs which were DelICious! Waiter was so sweet. Can't wait to try the sushi, crab balls, and lamb.
(4)John P.
Honestly, with the possible exception of Roast, I can't think of a better dinner in Detroit. The servers are extremely well-trained and attentive. The food is always very well-prepared. The wine list is extensive. The cocktails are delicious. The space is beautiful (though, admittedly, can get a bit noisy). I'd recommend the barramundi, which is a firm-fleshed white fish served with a very rich crab and truffle stuffing. It's phenomenal. Their oysters are fresh and they usually have a good selection available. For dessert, don't miss the coconut cake. The sushi is fresh, though somewhat unremarkable (it's no Noble Fish in terms of taste or breadth of offerings, but if you're looking for a roll to kick things off, it's definitely serviceable).
(5)MT L.
My coworker & I have dinner here on last night of our conference. The dishes at this place are pricey but it has good Detroit river view. Our dinner with two entrees no appetizer & it is about $120, not including tips.
(5)Paul K.
Great location for a birthday dinner. My best friend took me here for dinner on Sunday and everything was perfect. The waitress was very professional and helpful, the ambiance was perfect with a nice live pianist, and of course the food was perfect. As someone who is picky when it comes to seafood, everything from the calamari to my main dish was delicious and perfectly prepared. Also, the coconut cake was a nice finishing touch to the night. It's a great place for a dinner, especially since you have a clear view of the Detroit River. Granted, it can be expensive, but it is well worth it.
(5)Lauren B.
Over memorial weekend the in-laws plus hubby and I went down to Joe Muer's on a beautiful Saturday evening. We had reservations at 7pm but opted for the first come first serve patio area overlooking the river. Ambiance in here is just phenomenal. It definitely starts with the service from the hostesses to waitstaff to manager to bus boy. Everyone here cares, which is just something you don't get all of the time, even at the classier joints. Onto the food, we started with sushi which was great. Mom in law and I both ordered soups and for some reason there was a big lag time for this to be served and is where I dock a star. We stated that the sushi and soups were appetizers so we really expected them to come out at once instead of a 30 minute gap between the two. Also note, their complimentary bread basket, smoked fish dip, and bean sauce are a great and yummy touch! Continuing to dinner, I had the monk fish, which was perfectly cooked and a very nice size. The men both had the scallop and walleye combination and were happy and the mom in law had the Tuna with chimmichurri, which we eyed with jealousy. The Ren Cen location makes it easy to park and then take a stroll afterwards. Since I don't live in the area I can't comment on this versus other seafood places in the area but feel this one has to be somewhere close to the top!
(4)Valerie A.
One of my top favorite restaurants. I know it's seafood but I actually go for the filet and that's the only entree I've tried so far. BEST FILET OF MY LIFE. Just wow. So juicy and flavorful. Also loved the chopped salad but they took it off the menu last time I went there. And the coconut cake is amazing too. Yum.
(5)Dawn M.
Great view, great customer service, great ambiance. Food? Over priced, under seasoned. The food is super bland. Dessert are delightfully excellent!!! Drinks are awesome as well. For the price I wish the food had more seasoning. :(
(3)Kulsum H.
Classic Detroit at its best. This place is such a throwback, from the giant piano to the white jackets and bow ties the service staff wear. The waiters are knowledgable about the menu and very helpful. The whole experience has an upscale and yet somehow informal/intimate feel. The food was great, the appetizers are really good. The oysters were probably some of the best I have had in the area, and their seasonal specials are really excellent. The dessert cart is fun too.
(4)Teresa ..
We made reservations a week prior to come in for dinner. The hostesses were very nice and offered to take our coats, and then we were seated right away. The younger hostess was very kind and made conversation with us while leading us to our table. We had requested a table with a view, which was nice, and made the restaurant more romantic. We were told our waitress was Alyssa and she would be with us shortly. While perusing through the menu, a busboy promptly came over to fill up our glasses with water, and a male server came by to drop off a basket of bread, bean dish, pate, and butter. He explained everything that he was setting down, which was nice. He also offered to go over some dishes on the menu and take our drink orders. After receiving our cocktails and looking over the menu for what seemed like a long time, we still had not been greeted by Alyssa. She walked back and forth to check up on the tables around us (even though two of the three tables were pretty much just sitting and enjoying their glasses of wine), and serving the table in front of us salads, without even bothering to say "i'll be right with you." we weren't greeted by her until 30 minutes after. she asked us if we wanted to get any appetizers, and we said we wanted the calamari appetizer. she then offered to tell us her favorite appetizers, such as the crab balls and calamari combo appetizer, sushi roll, etc. we still wanted to go with the calamari, and then she says, "are you sure??" and we say "yeah." then she decided to ask us "do you like shrimp?" which my bf does, so he said "yeah." and she then told us about a half shrimp appetizer half calamari appetizer combination. because of her persistence, my bf decided to just go with that, despite how "sure" we were of just wanting the calamari appetizer. we each received a plate of calamari, a dipping sauce, and two shrimps. after we finished our appetizer, i looked at the menu to see which shrimp appetizer we had tried, and noticed it said it was cooked in toasted almond butter. my bf is allergic to any type of nuts, and she had not mentioned the almonds, nor had she asked us if we had any food allergies (especially since nut allergies are quite common these days). luckily he isn't as severely allergic to nuts due to getting allergy shots, but i believe that it is worth informing us that it was toasted in almond butter, or for any future patrons that decide to dine there. my bf enjoyed the appetizer, but it didn't blow me away. i've tasted better calamari at other restaurants. for our entrees, my bf went with the fruits of the sea and decided to substitute with a cream-based sauce, and i ordered the surf and turf (braised beef with scallops). i found my entree to be way too salty, so i didn't eat much of it. most of it was whipped potatoes, braised beef, spinach, with two scallops. for the price, it definitely wasn't worth it. alyssa didn't bother coming by after to ask us how the food was, but she did try to make conversation by asking us if we were celebrating anything. she seemed to pay more attention to the surrounding tables more than us. the place was pretty noisy for being later on in the night (probably because of the noisy table in front of us), but we didn't bother asking to be moved since we were already eating. by the time we were ready for dessert, they were about to close. we asked to see the dessert cart, but supposedly they had taken it down already, so we had to rely on her explaining all the desserts. we went with a chocolate souffle without nuts, and she was nice enough to add another scoop of ice cream, and raspberries and blackberries on top. she also comped the dessert from our bill, which was a nice gesture after the lack of personable service earlier on. overall, i wouldn't come back here again. we were willing to spend money here but the lack of service just proved it wasn't worth it. i've been to other fine dining and even restaurants that are not of the same quality as fine dining, but received way better service. i have to give it to the bus boys for constantly keeping our glasses full and making sure we had clean silverware/plates, and for the workers who were giving us our entrees/appetizers. i wouldn't recommend this restaurant and was deeply disappointed. highly overrated - spend your money elsewhere.
(2)Mary S.
Amazing restaurant and food, the truffle fries are the best and I would go back anytime just for them. The only drawback is the noise level, unless you are in a booth you cannot hear anything, even in the booth it is hard we requested to be moved from the middle of the floor but options were limited because the place was so packed.
(4)Laura G.
So. I'm giving this place only 3 stars - the calamari was terrible. I also had the chopped salad, not good. The service and drink choices were wonderful. I had the filet and that was delicious. I just feel that starting off with terrible calamari and bad salad killed the rest of the meal.
(3)Ashley C.
A quick stop for a pre-concert cocktail and appetizer. Joe Muer hit the spot! With a wonderful view of the river, and awesome service at the bar by Tammy, we had a great time with our group of girls. I ordered the oysters and told Tammy to go with whatever she thought I'd like, and it hit the mark! Eight East coast oysters later, I had just begun. I ordered the Joe Muer role next and it was amazing! Aside from being a bit expensive, I guess you get what you pay for! Over all we had an awesome experience and will definitely be back, possibly for a date night. Or any other time we are downtown.
(5)Chanell S.
I had a lovely time here with my valentine, no thanks to our seemingly annoyed server. We liked our food quite a bit but the service here felt disorganized and mostly void of the kind, personable touch that one expects from a fine dining experience. First, we were sat at this awful little table near the busy prep area of the bar. It was loud and very busy in that corner, so my mate later asked the host to reseat us. Just before then, our server came by and placed a bowl of beans and some kind of spread on our table, with no greeting or description of the items. A minute later, a friendly bus person greeted us and offered flat or sparkling water. Before he could come back with our requested sparkling, our waiter came back and poured flat water in our glasses. This is not a big deal to me, but in hindsight was a foreshadowing of the lack of care to come from our server for the rest of dinner! When the server came back next my mate was checking with the host about moving. He seemed annoyed that I didn't know what he was having to drink and that I would only have water. I think I chuckled out loud at his little attitude, and then told him about the seat change. We didn't move far, so our server came with us. Still, no explanation about the beans or spread, so I asked. In an abundantly condescending tone he said it was a bean relish and spread for the bread that was (obviously) on its way. It had been like ten minutes, and no bread was ever mentioned, so it was not a dumb thing to ask. I felt I had to defend my question. About food. To my server. Wait, where am I? And are we not about to spend over $100 on dinner? Answer my awesome questions with a smile darn it! Anyway, this mild douchery continued in its subtle way, but never got to us. Nor didn't it impact my awesome monkfish entree. The flavors were bold and everything was cooked well. Great portion size, too. We were thankful for the hardworking, pleasant bus person. I wish we would have solely tipped him instead!
(3)Oz S.
Went for dinner last week and Wayne was our server. Let me tell you...he knows everything about everything! Wayne was great all around and made the experience very memorable, the food was good too :) We will be back. Keep up the good work everyone!
(5)Bbb Y.
I found the food delicious and the ambiance "safe." Clearly it is a restaurant that caters to corporate guests.
(3)Crystal R.
My friend and I decided to have dinner and drinks here before the Justin Timberlake + Jay Z concert. One thing that could be improved upon right on the bat is signage- the RenCen has signs that direct to different areas (Coach Insignia, towards Starbucks, etc) but Joe Muer Seafood is not listed on any of the signs. I ended up asking someone at a desk who told me to go up an escalator to a "lobster covered wall". The inside of the restaurant is gorgeous- nice views, nice tables, etc. There was a man playing piano as well. Our server was very attentive, helpful, and gave us the specials for the evening. The menus are a bit overwhelming- just because they have so much to choose from. We ended up splitting a few different items. We had a sushi roll, the lobster bisque, as well as the surf and turf for dinner. My friend had a wedge salad and some french press coffee with our coconut cake dessert. Everything was good, I felt like the lobster didn't have a ton of flavor, but the steak was fine. Our bill was a bit of sticker shock- but I guess that's what you can expect when going to a place like this. If I planned another trip out and am comfortable spending that much money, I'd probably go to Coach Insignia so I could feel like I really got my monies worth eating at the RenCen (a lot of CI's meals and desserts are cheaper than JoeMuer)
(4)Elli T.
I work at the rencen and go to this restaurant about once a month. I really like it and their service has been great lately. I did get sick ones after their fish last summer (i should not have eaten it as I could tell something wasn't right...), but I still go there. It is very clean, nice view of the water, good food and service. I am not a big fan of their sushi though as I love sushi and eat it frequently, but their rolls always fall apart and just not that good compared to places specializing in sushi :)
(4)yunyan h.
Food there are surprisedly great. I tried tuna tartar , one of the best in Detroit ; surf and turf is also super yummy. What's more, the restaurant itself looks fancy and has a nice river view, so i could see Canada from my seat. I will go back when I'm in town again!
(4)Mark P.
While I normally don't associate nice locations and views with good food, this place is an exception. In addition to having a great view of the river and an attractive festive environment, the food simply taste food. Had the clam chowder and Trout. Either one was good enough to have two nights in a row despite the extensive menu.
(5)Jill B.
Just outstanding beginning to end. The white bean pepper relish served with the bread was delicious. Our salads and entrees were fresh and flavorful. Save room for dessert.
(5)Gregg D.
Our family tried Joe Muer on Christmas Eve for dinner. Reservation went without a hitch and the greeting at the front door was warm and friendly. Promptly seated at a table by the piano (awesome) and a beautiful view of the river. Cocktails were a hit on all accounts. Tasty and unique. So off to a good start. We tried their oysters on the half shell and calamari for appetizers. Oysters were fine, nothing great, but perfectly tasty. The calamari was decent. Again, not fantastic but good. For main course we all tried different things. Our son got the spicy tuna, the wife got the scallops special and I got the swordfish. Son really liked his tuna and gave it high marks. Had a nice spicy coating and was seared rare. My wife's scallops dish was too sweet. It has some sort of sweet potato gnocchi which hid the scallops. The swordfish was cooked too much and dry -- it was blazing hot in temp and the asparagus under it was limp. So overall while the food was good, it certainly wasn't great and not $35 worth of great. We aren't dessert eaters, but had to try the key lime pie and carrot cake. Both were very good. I would say the highlight of the night. Tasty, unique, huge portions. Service was very sporadic and they missed on the basics. Water not getting refilled promptly, long time to come back with the check, waitress leaning on the chairs when running down the menu, etc. It wasn't poor service, just not up to standard for the price they are charging for a dinner. I probably won't go back unless for a business trip. I can't point to anything particularly wrong, but for the price it all felt sort of underwhelming.
(3)Rola S.
The view and the food is why I love coming here. Although the waitstaff is hit or miss at times. But, if you have the right drinks (sheer lavender) with an unobstructed view and nice quiet people around you, the food can take its time being delivered. The shrimp Ilene, was just baked to perfection. I am Lebanese, and could have more garlic in it for my tastes. The dynamite roll was unlike any other sushi I've had before. The portions are great, order a few different rolls and share with your friends. Just try not to read into the ingredients as much, and be surprised. Next time, I'll try to be brave and have the oysters.
(5)Gina S.
What a beautiful place with great food and even better service!!! Love how it is overlooks the river! I have been hearing great things about this place for quite some time, so I decided to check it out. From the moment I walked in I was excited for what was in store. Calvin (CJ) was my server and I couldn't have been happier! He was very attentive and professional. I didn't need to ask for anything as he was very on top of his game. Since I hadn't been there before, I asked him for an entrée suggestion. He suggested Shrimp Diablo. OMG!! It was so delicious! Needless to say I love this place and I will definitely be back. Calvin has gained a regular! Thanks!
(5)Sean E.
One of my favorite places in the city. This place is top notch and never disappoints. It's very expensive and its pry gonna be a 2-3 hour dinner. But if you have the time and money it's worth it. From steaks and seafood to the raw bar and sushi this place is an experience to have.
(5)Caleb Y.
Enjoyed this fine establishment again last night! One thing to say...go for dinner, but never leave without the coconut cake! The waitstaff continued to shine last night. I can not rave enough. This is hands down my favorite restaurant in MI. Although - I think the standard specials - in the middle of the menu - need to be updated.
(5)Eric D.
Went here with my girlfriend on June 25th. We never ate here before, and my girlfriend is not a huge seafood fan. Went to the hostess stand and asked the girl if I may see a menu. ..I wanted to make sure my gf could find something. The girl said yes. .. and proceeded doing what she was doing. Stood there for about a minute and another girl finally handed me a menu. Calamari and clam chowder. ..my girl was good. We didn't have a reservation, as we just stopped by on a whim. Therefore, we were not dressed up either. The girl took us to our seat. We like to sit next to each other, and not across from each other. We sat side by side, and another very nice server came over and raised the sides of the table so we could sit at a round table. .. very nice. He also suggested we turn around so we could see the water. Again, very nice. Too bad he wasn't our server. Sat for 10 minutes...still no server. Finally, Gavin M. came to the table. He was horrible. He took our drink order and we got a bottle of wine. We were also ready to order, since we were waiting for a while. We ordered the clam chowder, calamari, and pan seared tuna. 10 more minutes...still no water or wine. He did bring the bread and some white bean relish. These were good...still no drinks. Another guy finally brought water and yet another brought the wine. Gavin brought our calamari. After that, he was nonexistant. He NEVER refilled our wine. He NEVER took away a plate. He NEVER wiped the cloth (I saw other servers doing this). He didn't bring the meal, and he never stopped back to see how it was. He walked by our table many times, without saying anything. He literally blew us off. He came over and asked about dessert...not tonight for us. He brought the bill and didn't say a word...just put it down and walked away. I paid and then left. Overall, the food was good...actually...very good. The bread was very hard and so was the butter..but everything else was good. However, Gavin seriously ruined the entire experience.
(2)BRIAN T.
good view from the patio. drinks are decent the 12oz lobster tail is the best i've ever had. that's all i got
(4)Conroy J.
Breathtaking view of the Detroit river and Canada. The service was the best I've ever received from ANY restaurant. I wish I was able to remember our server's name. He had extensive knowledge of the menu and the history of the restaurant itself. I was very impressed and so was my date. The Food was incredible. Swordfish was prepared and presented "perfectly". My date's Salmon was among if not thee best we've ever had... but nothing compares to their in-house made Coconut Cake. A tradition their's for years and now we both know why. Joe Muer's has been one of the most pleasant restaurant experience that I've ever had. Thank you. I thought the portions could have been a bit larger but then again I am a big eater.
(5)Thomas H.
Incredibly slow disinterested service. Food above average, but way overpriced. Valet parking slooooooow. Why have a dress code when people can dress like slobs and get seated at the best tables? You've lost a dedicated customer, joe muer. Two far to drive for over priced food and bored slow service
(1)Corene F.
I had heard great things about this restaurant and chose it for my birthday dinner. I was not impressed. With prices like this, I expect a lot. It was nearly $300 for four of us for dinner and only two of us ordered drinks. The salad greens did not taste fresh. The fish was good, but nothing to flip over. The service was unbearably slow. It took 45 minutes for us to receive coffee and dessert after we finished our entrees. Also, although the dress code specifies business casual, it was not enforced. So why bother? You can get the same meal at Bone Fish Grill or Mitchell's for half the price. I wanted to like this place, but will not return.
(2)Maya A.
The only reason they are not getting 5 stars is because the host AND waiter hit on my man, right in front of me. I mean, we are in a classy restaurant, please act like it. Moving on-- This place is great! Not only do they have great food, the location is perfection! Being on the second floor of the Renaissance Building here in Detroit, you get a magnificant view of the Detroit River + Canada. The fried calamari appetizier was spot on. The shrimp, mussells, and scallops all taste very fresh. I can do without their lobster bisque. Very classy place to take your significant other on a special date. :)
(4)Ameerah G.
Ambiance - Great view over Detroit skyline. Dark lighting. Romantic and fancy smancy. Great place for a reception dinner or anniversary outing. Service - The descriptions of the food are out of a fantasy book. There's one guy, with a bit of an accent who weens you over to the priciest item on the menu by description alone. He has a ton of character, knows his fish and he's funny as hell. Food - Delicious. Absolutely delicious. I'm a sucker for their seafood and anything in the lobster/crab family is a must have on their menu. P.S - DO NOT leave that building without getting a slice of the coconut cake. I know coconut is one of those weird either you like it or not flavors - however - I'm not a fan of coconut at all and let me tell you. I tried a piece and ordered a whole slice to myself. Get it now. And get another one to go. Other - pricey, but it's a place of luxury and love. Come dressed to impress.
(4)Molly G.
I have been going to Joe Muer's for over 40 years. Nothing can compare to the original on Gratiot, but they have kept some of the old classics on the menu. The iceberg salad with the red Roquefort dressing is pretty darn good. The flounder with crab was superb. Still great for a bug night out.
(5)Patti H.
We've heard about this place for years. We made a reservation, and visited for the first time last Saturday PM for supper. We did have to wait about 15 minutes past our reservation time in the bar, which was not a big deal, however, there seemed to be a lot of tables with no diners, which was a little off-putting. The bar is kind of in the middle of the dining area, there is a huge baby grand piano off to the side, and the massive wall of windows with a view of the Detroit river and the Canadian "Riverwalk" lit up at night are spectacular. We were shown to our table, right next to the windows, which was a nice surprise since we hadn't asked for it. We ordered another cocktail, as well as Seafood Ceviche (sp?) and a dozen PEI oysters on the half shell. They were both excellent and the oysters were the plumpest, juiciest oysters I've ever had. We shared bacon wrapped scallops, roasted Monkfish, and a side of black truffle mac and cheese. Everything was amazing. we were so full, we skipped dessert, which is usually a given. If you want a very classy, romantic dinner with your honey, it's worth the drive. They have valet service available too.
(4)Violet S.
Love, love, love this place! I'm a fan of seafood in general. This place is beautiful and elegant. The food is amazing! I've been here about 4 times now. I've had oysters, calamari, salmon, sea bass, martinis, wine, shrimp as an app/main course, amongst so much more. Never had any bad dishes. It's romantic, fun, lively, and classy. Wait staff is prompt and catering. You're also near the water so you can take a walk in the summer. You also have MGM, lounges, bars, and Greektown surrounding you in the Detroit area for something to do afterward. It's perfect for a date or special occasion.
(5)Thomas C.
Growing up a New Englander, it's always hard for me to order seafood, let alone go to a seafood restaurant, in places like Detroit where, let's face it, there's no ocean anywhere close. So checking this place out was a huge reach for me. Ordered the mussels and they were ... as they should be, nicely steamed open, in a tasty pool of broth, didn't need the diced tomatoes and there were too many, but the mussels were nice and plump and flavorful. Others at the table ordered the Lake Whitefish (obviously Lake, not Sea food) which was very good, and the Denver Sole. Very nice ambiance, extensive drink menu and our server was very patient, knowledgable and attentive without being intrusive. Will definitely revisit on a future trip to "The D."
(4)Nancy Z.
My sisters and I had dinner here a couple nights ago & I'm still craving the Halibut I had! My sisters had the salmon & the roasted chicken & while the salmon was average, the chicken was Amazingggg! I had the wedge salad which was great and they had the lobster bisque which they do recommend. However, do not leave there without trying the dynamite roll. The price is not as outrageous as people expect it to be, so go try it for yourself.
(5)Mike F.
Location is great. Food was ok. Part of the entrée was cold. Took almost 10 minutes to get it back. Service we had was also marginal. They didnt seem ti care. At these prices it should be excellent. Would try some place else.
(3)K K.
Underwhelmed. Acted like they were doing our group of 8 a favor by seating us at a table by the kitchen (with no view of the river), when the rest of the place was not what one might call crowded. No matter. On to the meal. Service was initially good, but a salad specifically ordered without nuts (due to a severe dietary restriction) came with the offending nuts, and then the servers disappeared. Eventually, I just had to hunt one down, which surprisingly took so much time that the rest of our party had finished their meals (to which they also gave mediocre reviews) so when the waiter got to us I pointed out the error and asked him to take the salad back and just take it off the bill, as it was by that time pretty late in the evening. Minutes later a fresh salad appeared. Bill was adjusted though. Oh, and I had the chance ceviche from the "Raw Bar" menu, which was basically just edible fish. Fail again. I don't think any of us will return to this formerly-iconic Detroit restaurant. Too bad, when so much is going right with Detroit these days.
(2)Rachel C.
Went to Joe Muer's on Thursday night before seeing a show downtown. We came in just for drink and appetizers but once we were seated at an amazing table out side on a beautiful day we just kept ordering and ordering. The walleye, sushi and oysters were amazing. The service could not have been better. From our server to the bus boys to John the manager, everything was perfect. We will definitely be back!
(5)Chris M.
My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary on 9-27-14 at Joe Muers and it was an excellent choice. From the moment we arrived we knew it was going to be a special night. Miguel our Maitre D' was so polite and welcoming and our waitress was Andrea was friendly and very attentive. The whole meal was delicious from appetizer (smoked salmon) to the dessert (Chocolate Mousse) I HIGHLY recommend Joe Muers.
(5)Aaron S.
Was hoping for better. Good but not great. The sushi smelled too fishy to be very fresh. However, they did wow me on monkfish. Just not worth the media praise, but alright.
(3)tony a.
Someday I will have the Coconut Cake! But not yet.... Have been here several times and the experience has been great each time from start to finish. During lunch time the Lobster Roll is just yummy yummy. Makes me think of trips to Maine. For dinner start with some appetizers, the Calamari and Oysters Rockefeller are always great. Then go for just about any of the entrees. I finally tried the Dover Sole that they fillet at the table and it was fantastic. Drinks are done well and you are asked for your choice of whiskey with a Manhattan which is always nice. Go and have a great time.
(4)Melissa C.
Best restaurant in Detroit, immediately takes me back to fine dunno get with my grandfather as I was going up. Outstanding food and service and no one should ever leave without having a piece of the coconut cake.
(5)Adrian E.
Stopped by for lunch on a recent visit to Detroit. This restaurant is located in the Downtown Renaissance Center which was connected to my hotel. I sat at the bar, but it wasn't too crowded for a Friday lunch had I requested a table. For starters, the bartender brought me a bread basket accompanied by blue crab butter. The blue crab butter was delicious! It was more of a creamy crab spread than butter. You could see and taste the crab. I finished this up without hesitation. Looking back now, I should have asked for more. For lunch, the bartender recommended the Lobster Roll. His exact words were "you only order Lobster Rolls in Maine or here in Detroit at Joe Muer's". Well, I've never heard of Detroit being mentioned in the same sentence as Lobster Rolls, but I was willing to trust him. You know what...it wasn't bad. It was a tasty sandwich filled with lobster meat & mayo. The fries were good too, crispy and not oily. Overall, a nice lunch and worth a visit.
(3)Ernie M.
Yes, a five star----rare for me. Everything was top notch here! The location is superb - -- - a great view of the river, parking is convenient and safe (it does cost $10), and the food and service is exceptional. This was our first visit to the new Joe Muer's since the old location closed 15 years or so ago, and it was memorable. The menu has some of the old Muer items and some new stuff. I went with the old menu and started with the lobster bisque. When they serve this they start by putting a bunch of lobster pieces in the bottom of the bowl and then pouring on the bisque- - - - lots of lobster is excellent. My wife got the heirloom salad (a variety of tomatoes) for starters and said it was some of the best tomatoes ever (hard to understand for a tomatophobe). I then was served the fried shrimp and they were great- - - the cocktail sauce is special. Usually the sides are not worth mentioning, but this is an exception. I got the asparagus substituted for fries and the creamed spinach as a side. Great sides!!! My wife got the Halibut special and it was great. We ended the meal with a crème brulee which was perfect. Carl C,our waiter was just right, low key, but very informative and attentive. WE WILL GO BACK ASAP.
(5)ReNita W.
Was very disappointed made reservations nothing was "available" sat at the bar until something become open for 45 mins. My boyfriend & I were joking about a corner table that was open the ENTIRE time we were at the bar that we wouldn't dare sit in & guess what! The hostess came around and told us our table was ready "the table that had been ready the ENTIRE time" in the corner!!! Terrible service!
(1)Brooke J.
Amazing food and service. If you are a fan of seafood, this place should be on your bucket list! Lobster bisque is to die for, creamy and a good portion of lobster. Blue crab balls, very similar to a crab cake are just perfect and are served with a mustard sauce. I had the surf and turf, scallops and braised beef short rib. So delicious, the beef was so tender and scallops perfectly cooked. My husband had the seared tuna, he loved it. Now, this place is not cheap...about a $30-35 average for an entree. But you get what you pay for...and the food here is excellent. Can't wait to go here again.
(5)Colleen B.
The service is the best you can ask for. Great wine and fresh seafood! What more can you ask for?!?
(5)Mary S.
What a great night! Came here Friday night with my fiancé and parents when we were visiting Detroit. We were seated at a beautiful booth facing the water looking onto Windsor Ontario. I requested this in our reservation as I had read about how great the views are from here. We had a great server who was so accommodating and was ready to help us at all times. They served us a basket of yummy assorted bread and these tasty beans (their classic app)! I started off with the Vegetarian Sushi roll called Happy Garden Roll (Avocado, Cucumber, Lettuce, Carrot, Pickled Radish, Gampyo, Asparagus). It was really tasty! They have a few rolls listed on their main menu but they also have a vast sushi menu which our server grabbed for us from the bar. We also ordered the Roquefort Wedge Crisp iceberg lettuce blanketed with house made French-Roquefort dressing and garnished with tomatoes, bacon and hard cooked egg and 3 soups, 2 orders of the Lobster Bisque Rich broth with butter poached lobster infused with sherry and crème and 1 of the Boston Clam Chowder Hearty crème broth with potatoes, root vegetables, bacon and fresh Quahog clams. For our mains, the server actually didn't recommend the lobster which was funny but honest, which we appreciated! I had the Martha's Vineyard Salad Crisp greens, crumbled Roquefort, sun-dried cherries, candied walnuts, red onions, raspberry vinaigrette. The server said they could make it a double salad since it was my main. It was a great size and super yummy. My fiance had the Surf & Turf - Sea scallops, braised short ribs of beef, balsamic jus, whipped potatoes, sautéed greens. Mom had the Seafood Paella Selected fresh fish and shellfish, sofrito, saffron-seafood broth, house bacon and carnaroli rice. For the life of me I can't remember what my father had lol but I know he liked it! We ordered two sides, Black Truffle Macaroni & Cheese and Roasted Button Mushrooms with Zip Sauce (super GOOD!). The server came and offered to take pictures of us outside to get the view of the water facing Windsor, Ontario. Such a sweet gesture! Overall, we all REALLY enjoyed our time at this restaurant and would definitely return. Must do when in Detroit!
(5)Theresa M.
This was my first time at this restaurant and it was excellent! Great location and the food was impeccable!
(5)Cynthia G.
Attended a birthday celebration last night at Joe Muer's Restaurant at the Renaissance Center. How often do you go to a restaurant where everything is good! Every appetizer, every entree, every soup, salad and dessert! We had fun, and the service was outstanding! Great job Joe Muer! We'll be back!
(5)Tracy P.
My husband and I stopped in for a drink and a light dinner after spending the day at the Grand Prix! Sat on outside patio overlooking the water which was very pretty and cocktails were delish! I ordered a salad and my husband ordered a shrimp appetizer with 3 shrimp.... We walked in at 615 pm and left at 815. 2 hrs for an app, a salad and 2 drinks? Food was good but our waitress created the oddest dining experience my husband and I have ever experienced in our decade of dating! After I ate my salad she asked me how I felt?... Weirdest question of all time! When she brought the check she asked if we would be back. I could go on and on but essentially I think she was trying far too hard and the service was slow and horrible. We won't be back...
(1)Stephanie N.
Absolutely loved this restaraunt! Piano bar was nice and we sat facing the waterfront , so beautiful! Great staff! Renaissance roll was great and so is the bread served with chick peas! We had a steak and lobster well flavored and cooked to perfection!
(5)Lisa S.
The appetizer of bread was delicious. They expertly chopped my salad.... eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, carrot stands, cucumbers. Got the raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I like light dressing but this is one time I could've had more. Service was a bit slow even for lunch. But there was a hair in my friend's fish and chips. Carrot cake with the cream cheese dressing was delicious. Easily feeds 2 or 3 people.
(3)Michael M.
The place was busy on a weekday without a Tigers or Red Wings game to help out.Our server was a little too over eager to serve.Food was excellent and the view of the Detroit River and Windsor added to the experience.
(5)Ingrid S.
Hmmmm steamed mussels or sushi ? Wonderful restaurant. Food was terrific and so were the cocktails. Just be careful that your cocktail cost more than your entree. My only regret is that I didnt' have enough time to try the rest of the menu.
(5)Elizabeth N.
What a wonderful relaxing lunch on the Detroit skyline! Amazing soup! Waiter was fabulous. Salad wash fresh and had so much flavor.
(5)Roger P.
Great location & view of Detroit River across to Canada spectacular. Excellent service, but food only ok and not worth the price. Pretentious for sure! We're likely not to return.
(2)Brandon P.
Horrible service for the third time in a row. Food is very mediocre. I won't go back.
(1)Jen D.
Not worth the money what so ever. I had called 3 weeks before to see if they could do something special for my husbands birthday and then asked again when we arrived and they assured they would...at the end of dinner they did nothing but give us the Bill. We the told the useless manager this and he responded with "well would you like desert?" No we wouldn't because you have already completely ruined any sort of surprise that could have been. Regarding the food...Outback Steakhouse cooks a better steak that isn't $51.00. Don't waste your money thinking you're going out for a worthwhile dinner
(1)Maria G.
Everything is soooo good. Excellent service. Nice view, so nice to see Detroit coming around....hopefully. Best shrimp Diablo I ever had. A little spicey but very nicely paired with the duck and potatoes. The whole presentation is outstanding. Just need to make more $$$$ to afford it more often.
(5)Rachel M.
What a wonderful night! My date and I had intended on dining at a different place close by but they were booked for the evening... JM was available and we were easily able to make reservations online. When arriving at the Ren Cen, I suggest parking in the garage near the Marriott entrance. Take the cross-walk from the 5th floor and you can take the stairs or elevator down to the entrance. From there, a hostess greeted us warmly and went to check for a table. She returned seating us in a booth with a beautiful view of the Detroit river. The dining room is loud, so don't expect a quiet conversation, but the noise is the sound of laughter, conversation, and music... I enjoyed it all. The decor is stylish and the sights from the window combined made this almost magical. Next, we met our server, Alyssa (who was everything anyone could ever ask for in a server and more - I highly recommend). She helped me select a cocktail and we placed our orders for the appetizers. We chose to sample the deviled crab balls and the shrimp Ilene. My S/O is a "shrimp" man and he raved about that dish. I, on the other hand, fell in love with the deviled crab balls - probably the best crab appetizer, #2 at worst - I have ever tasted. Just perfection. Alyssa explained to us some specials going on that evening in great detail. I stuck with the menu's surf/turf dish of scallops and short ribs paired with a martha's vineyard.salad. My S/O chose a special surf & turf of filet with a colossal lobster tail. and blue crab potatoes. At this point, Alyssa did something I greatly appreciated. She let us know the cost of the surf.turf that was not on the menu (it was admittedly a higher priced item). I know she was probably debating if that was rude to do so, but she did so tastefully and to be honest I am GLAD she did... so I don't know if everyone else will like that, but boo to you, I did... because even though I can afford to splurge for dinner, I would have been a little shocked. My salad was tasty and the dressing was just right. But when our entrees arrived, I was in heaven. My scallops were LARGE and tasty. The lobster my S/O had was flown in earlier that day and had to be the freshest lobster I have tasted... (remember that high price issue I mentioned earlier, it was worth every penny - total fireworks). The steak was juicy and my short ribs were fork tender. I was not overly thrilled with the potatoes... not bad, just not as over-the-top fabulous as everything else that had touched my palate that evening. Also, Alyssa was able to help us find just the right wine for our meal even taking a few extra steps for us when one bottle did not, at first, appear to be available (she made it happen flawlessly). I recall reading somewhere that JM slacked a bit in portion size, maybe I read that wrong but I strongly disagree. You get what you pay for here - from the food to the service to the view. Also, while people-watching we noticed how much time goes into the table settings here. It took at least THREE people to inspect and hold up to the light the glasses and utensils on EACH and EVERY table. Made me go home and double-check all my wine glasses (I would have failed the Joe Muer test miserably). We were stuffed with leftovers to go. However, we remembered this dessert tray we'd passed on the way in. Alyssa suggested the coconut cake. My date isn't a coconut man, but he knows it's my world, he's just in it so I chose it anyways. One bite and he was sold. If I had not been so stuffed I would have ordered a second slice... in fact, we have been waiting for an excuse to go back and get an appetizer and a slice of that cake. I even took some home and it was just as delicious in the morning. My mouth is watering thinking of it now - do not skip dessert here. All in all, one of the best dining experiences in my life. We paid a pretty penny but it's well worth it. And, honestly, you do not HAVE to go all out here if that's not your "thing" and you still can have an amazing experience. I found the prices to be very reasonable (and actually lower than expected) here - especially now that I know what you get. Joe Muer, I hope you stick around Detroit for many years to come... I believe you and I will be seeing more of each other for a long time.
(5)Elizabeth K.
4 or 5 star food, but only 2 or 3 star service. Had the tuna tartare and the salmon, and both were delicious. Our waiter was friendly, but the table set up was awkward, which resulted in our group continually cleaning up our own table. The waitstaff would ask us for random plates, utensils, glasses repeatedly throughout our entire meal.
(3)Tiffanie S.
I have never been disappointed with any trip ever taken to Joe Muer. The food is always impeccable and the service is prompt and professional. This is definitely one of the top restaurants in Detroit!
(5)Karie M.
This restaurant is fantastic. It's a really nice place to go for a special night out. It would be a nice place to go for any night out, but it's a little pricey (drinks $12 -$15), so I'd personally reserve it for a special night. My husband and I went for my birthday. You will need reservations. We requested a table window side so we could look at the view of the Detroit River (which is very beautiful). We were seated a table row back from window side which was a slight bummer but the restaurant was packed and we made reservations kind of late in the week. Our view was still nice as there are really large windows. The food and service was top notch. Our waiter's name was Bob and he was excellent. We ordered the volcano roll sushi and the scallop appetizer. The volcano roll was awesome. They light the soy sauce on fire and you kind of "toast" the roll to caramelize it - so good. The scallops are breaded not seared in the appetizer (they did have seared for an entree) - they were good, a little heavy for my taste in scallops but good and we ate them all so it couldn't have been that heavy. I had the chopped salad with the thousand island dressing. It was awesome. I worried that the thousand island dressing would be thick and I don't like that. But it was really light and good. My husband had the clam chowder and said it was great. I asked Bob for a wine recommendation and he suggested a light and delicious white wine for me. For an entree, I had the special - the halibut. It was phenomenal - if it's on the menu, get it. It was so thick and juicy. It reminded me of a dinner roll in thickness and fluffiness. But it was the most excellent fish I have ever had. My husband had the Hawaiian ono which was also a special. It was really good and prepared Asian inspired. But the halibut was better. I was going between the dover sole on the menu and the halibut. Bob said the halibut hands down, and I'm glad he did. We didn't have room for desert with all the food mentioned above. But they looked great, so next time.
(5)Mars N.
I was hoping it would be as good as noble fish.
(2)Tony T.
I came here after a full day of meetings with a few co-workers. This place was good but I can't say anything was exceptional. I had the halibut (which I no longer see on the menu) with a white caper sauce. I also had a side of spinach and corn. If you're staying in the Renaissance center, the place is very convenient to you. It's has a waterfront view and the ambiance is quite nice (like an upscale seafood steakhouse). I would definitely go back if I was staying at the Renaissance center but a piece of that is mostly because there aren't a huge amount of options in that neck of the woods.
(3)Sol C.
My last dining experience at Joe Muers on Thursday December 6, 2013 was absolutely terrible. We arrived in a party of four at 7:15 PM and valeted the car through the restaurant's car service at 400 Renaissance Center #1404. We had a decent table overlooking the street and the water. However, our server must have been new as she did not know any of the specials nor the oysters being offered for the night. She had to return to the kitchen twice and check. For the costs of the food, I found this to be very unprofessional. The server clearly needed additional training days. She also forgot to bring out the pre-meal crackers, bean dip, and pate that precede every meal until we asked for it. Again, for the cost of the entrees here, I find this completely unacceptable. The real kicker to this nightmare experience was that at 9:00 PM, in the middle of our meal, the valet service notified us that our car had been into accident. Initially, they tried to blame the accident on us claiming we left the car in neutral. They also claimed to have made an accident report without us, stating that the accident happened at 7:20PM. This story quickly changed after I realized that the security cameras outside caught everything on video. The valet service offered to pay everything out of pocket and a security guard, claiming to be affiliated with Detroit police, made a report. In the end, we were never offered one item to be comped on our bill that exceeded $400 nor were we able to finish the entrees we ordered. I found the Muer's management and staff to be completely unprofessional, everyone we interacted with that night - including one the owners, tried to pass blame on others for the accident and who was at fault. In the end, no cared about what happened to us and the police report was completely fake. After not hearing back from Renaissance Security (which I tried to contact a 100 plus times), I went down to the Detroit police station on Beaubien Street and made a report. Oh, my car insurance ended up covering the $6,000 worth of damage the accident caused to my brand new Cadillac CTS. Thank you Joe Muer. Have a very merry Christmas and I will never eat you over priced food again!
(1)Angela J.
I love seafood. But Joe Muer also has some of the best lamb I've even had. Their side dishes are large enough for two people, or leftovers for lunch the next day. They have THE best customer service! I wanted to take my grandmother there for brunch on Easter Sunday this year. I failed to make a reservation in advance (oops, website didn't indicate a reservation was required and I didn't call to confirm). Upon arrival, they seated us anyway. The mamosas were delicious (peach) and I left happy as I do everytime I go.
(5)Adriano M.
Very nice seafood Restarant in the renaissance center downtown Detroit. Great atmosphere, views of the river and the outdoor dining experience was amazing. The seafood was fresh and first class service. The tuna tartar was great, the raw bar and sauces were tasty. Definetly one of the best seafood restaranuts in greater Detroit.
(4)Annette J.
GREAT happy hour. Enjoyed a lovely early evening here sipping on some delicious beverages (drink specials include half off signature cocktails!), eating some tasty sushi, and enjoying some fantastic company at the the bar. The restaurant is new and it left a great impression on me. It's nice. Like, REALLY nice. Very fancy and beautiful inside. I really like the decor and I love the huge windows overlooking the river, it was a particularly lovely sunset the night I was there so the sky looked incredible. I'd come just for the view alone! Even scoped out the Detroit mayor enjoying a meal by the window too. He know's what's up! Luckily everything else lined up pretty well with the view. The half off cocktails were great. I got a sparkling wine concoction and it was delicious and went straight to my head. Perfect! The happy hour menu isn't huge but it's got a nice variety. From oyster po'boys, short rib sliders, and sushi (both veggie and with fish) there's a bit of something for everyone if you're only feeling peckish. I went with two rolls--the spicy tuna and the Detroit roll (king crab, avocado, pineapple, cream cheese, shrimp and spicy sauce). The spicy tuna was nice because it wasn't bogged down with a lot of mayo and had great flavor. The Detroit roll was a bit Americanized but what can I say? I love pineapple! I was very happy with both although disappointed that there wasn't a happy hour special price! The service was fantastic. Our bartender was helpful without hovering. Towards the end we just wanted to chat and not eat or drink anymore and I didn't feel rushed out the door. Nice. I looked briefly at the dinner menu and look forward to returning to try that sometime. But in the meantime, I'm happy to enjoy a happy hour here to take in the sights over some tasty treats!
(4)Lisa O.
Our party of three ate here for lunch recently. Two of us had the Martha's Vineyard salads and my boyfriend had the Fruits of the Sea. Everything was good and the server was attentive -- it was hard to hear him, though, because it was really quite loud even at lunchtime. We sat at a nice booth overlooking the river and it was a nice change from the ordinary.
(4)Jill P.
Everything about our dining experience at Muer Seafood was flawless. The food, the ambiance, the wine, the service. And, while pricey, it was definitely worth it. I don't remember what I got because I drank too much wine. But, I remember it was excellent!
(5)Dorva D.
I had the opportunity to dine at Joe Muer recently for Brunch. The staff was very professional and courteous and the food was delicious.
(5)Tom K.
Great food, better views and really warm and atmosphere. I've eaten here several times and consistently enjoyed it. I prefer the sushi menu over the full menu but full dinner menu. Their specialty rolls are all great. I usually just ask for a selection of specialty rolls selected by the sushi chef. He always includes a "dynamite roll" - crab and shrimp with a spicy kick. The atmosphere is also great. There is often live music and you can watch the River and beautiful people quotient is also higher than you will find at other restaurants in the area. This is not the place to eat if you are in a hurry. The sushi bar tends to get backed up and it is hard for them to make big order quickly...but it's worth the wait.
(5)Jimmy P.
I heard great things about this place - both word of mouth and yelp - which I thought was relatively reliable. I had dinner last night and unfortunately it didn't turn out as good as I hap hoped. Atmosphere is great for a group get together. The kind you go with your boys (or girls) and talk about what boat you want to buy as you look out at the river. But probably not an environment for a romantic date. It is pretty loud with a lot of people - no sense of intimacy or privacy. I went with my wife and it was okay for a date night. We had a good view of the river. Not bad, but not ideal. Food: we got the scallop appetizer and a lobster bisque. Scallops did not seem fresh to me. Had a frozen texture. It was good as it soaked in butter and oil. But almost anything is good in butter and oil. We didn't finish the lobster bisque bc it was soo salty. Talk about ocean freshness!! I was literally just eating salt! We sent it back. Wife had the soft shell crab with risotto and I had the surf turf (scallops and braised short ribs). Both were good but both salty as well. Short ribs were tender and flavorful but it was really masked with salt! The soft shell crab was nicely crispy and pretty good. But risotto was a bit salty as well. I think I drank 4 glasses of water during dinner. Overall the experience wasn't terrible. Nothing to write home about. Food was decent, could be better if the chef had been a easier in the salt. Just disappointed I didn't experience what everyone I heard and read experience. Oh well. Move on to the next meal and new experience!! ::Keep eating
(2)Shelly A.
We had dinner at Joe Muer on May 11, it was our 3rd visit in the past 12 months and each time we've dined the overall experience seems to decline. We had reservations for a 49th birthday celebration and while we arrived ~ 10 minutes before our reservation, we stood waiting for 20+ minutes until a member of the Hostess staff approached us and asked us our name, for the second time (mind you in the 20 minutes we waited for our reservation there were 3-5 hostesses at any one time standing at or around the Hostess stand). When I made the reservation I had requested a table near the windows with a view and when we asked the hostess if they would be able to accommodate, we were handed off to a server to be seated (with no response). The service we had on this visit didn't even compare to the service we had on our two previous visits. When asked for a suggestion on wine, he suggested the two most expensive bottles in the variety we asked about, was unsure if he'd be able to substitute a starch with an entree (asked to substitute a lump crab cake with mashed potatoes) and during our 2+ hour dining experience, showed no effort to make our dining experience a positive one (or memorable), which is unfortunate when we spent nearly $300 on dinner for two. We won't be in a rush to return to Joe Muer. While the food is good, we weren't as impressed as we had been on past visits and the level of service much left to be desired.
(2)John K.
Absolutely excellent food, Great Detroit venue
(5)Scott S.
Have been looking forward to this for awhile, and for the most part it was good and the rating will improve over time. The setting is great, very nice view of the City and lots of windows and mirrors. Even walking in and seeing the bar is very cool. We were seated on time but it was a Sunday night, so busy but not crazy. It did take about five minutes for someone to come over with menus and to say hi Service is very friendly and accomodating, orders were taken promptly. One of the issues I had was the timing of things. We ordered soups, two came out fine, one was ten minutes later, saying it had to be heated up. That should take two minutes and certainly should not be done so the timing is off. Same happened with food, four entrees came right out, over five minutes later the other one did, so one kid waited for soup, the other for fish. but the foodw as very good, no one complained, my daughter, 13, said the clam chowder was the best ever, the other fish soup was good, but spicy. Sides were good, but nothing special, creamed spinach was blah, tomatoes were decent but nothing special. we did not have desert. Prices were on par with high end places so if you know what you are getting, its fine. dover sole was 49, Townsend it is 46, whole fish was 44, son's stuffed flounder was 25, soup was 6-7, so really not bad, pricey, but not like you don't know what you are walking into. Once they iron out the kinks, this will be a solid 4 star.
(3)Karen S.
The preparations are very nice. Not a lot of food. Fried calamari was just okay but the tuna tartare made up for it. The black cod was tasty but the skin was not crispy. I had the grouper on another ocassion and the sauce was nice but fish was too fishy. The food is good but for the price I expected a little more.
(3)Adam S.
What a pleasant surprise! This place is really beautiful and refined, maybe a tad kitchy, albeit glam kitchy. It has the feeling of having been there for a really long time, but feels new. Lots of oxymoronic statements here, but go there--you'll see what I mean. But really--it does feel nicely not-new, right down to the soft napkins & the pleasant dull glow of the cutlery; but also feels very much not-old, with shiny polished wood & marble everywhere. Anyhoo--enough about the cool aesthetics & ambiance. Now the food. Truth be told, I didn't dive right in--thought I would go small on the first visit & then jump right on in the next time if it warranted it. So I had a few shrimp from the raw bar, the roquefort wedge and an interestingly oldfashioned coconut-y cake. It was all really really good--yes, I agree, it's hard to screw up shrimp cocktail & wedge salads one might think, but believe me (as a huge fan of both), I've had my share of misses on both. At Joe's however, both were great; even the bread was just right--warm, soft & just the right amount of chewy. The shrimp were quite extraordinary, and the salad was delightful--particularly the dressing, a very well balanced French with roquefort. Then the cake--it was good, if in a mid-1970s kind of way. I look forward to another visit soon--if they are hitting the little things out of the park, it makes me very hopeful for a great experience with some somewhat grander choices.
(4)Krystal R.
It's a pretty place to go for the atmosphere. The decor, the view, the piano and feel are really nice. But let's get down to it, we eat with our mouth. The service was good, but not exceptional. Watch the cocktails prices, I wouldn't start the night ordering a round of patron for the table lol. The food was good-but overpriced for what you get. (Everything is ala carte btw.) We started with the Joe Muer sushi roll, about $15...Just okay, nothing special. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal but no one was over the moon about it. My husband had the special, the Red Snapper with crab cake ($44) it was good-but worth that price? Um, no. I had the Crab "stuffed" Flounder, it was good, but not spectacular. That being said, we had a nice dining experience and having good company makes this a great place to have an evening out. I wonder if the food would have been better during the week or a time where they're not so busy. However, I feel like if you're in a big city typically, that isn't a factor.
(3)Essam A.
I love this restaurant! Food was really good. Make sure to try the Renaissance roll & fried calamari for appetizers. The fruits of the seas entree is delicious. Dessert tray is just delicious as well. On top of all that, the restaurant is beautifully designed with a killer view of the Detroit River & Windsor. Highly recommended!
(5)Marybeth R.
I want to love Joe Muer's. I've celebrated and supported its new beginning. Last night, fell way short of the mark. First of all, let me qualify this...service was impeccable. Joe Louis, our primary server was excellent, anticipating our every need. The food, however, was really bad. In fact, my lobster tail had the ammonia smell and taste the seafood acquires after being re-frozen. My husband's fish, nicely de-boned at the table, was over-cooked, dry, and tasteless. Normally, I would have complained right away. However, someone else picked up the check. I mean who would complain about a lobster tail? Last night, I should have. I will go back. I'm committed to this place. I so want it to be successful. Perhaps the chef was having an off night? In any case, lets get it together here. Many would not be back following my experience. And desert, superb!
(1)Tiffany S.
Absolutely fabulous! Wonderful food and service, elegant atmosphere and ambiance! Appetizers, salad and entrees amazing Loved whitefish and save room for coconut cake. Joe is back and as good or better than before. Can't wait to return!
(5)Taste-LIFE D.
Great views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Canada. Unfortunately, we were in the back room and away from the vibrant crowd. However, we sat next to Detroit mayor, Dave Bing and his wife. The roasted free range chicken was so tender and juicy. The halibut, from the Chalkboard menu, was okay. Although it was cooked perfectly, it could have used more salt and less of the Keffir Thai sauce. The sauce was more like a lake portion and didn't really add anything to the dish. The fish drowned in the lake. The cheddar mashed potatoes with crab were delicious. The restaurant owners and managers stopped by our table several times to see how our evening was going. Our server was very attentive. Overall a great night. We need more places like this in Detroit.
(4)Pebbles And Bam Bam A.
Aspects of this restaurant tear me between a 1-star and 5-star rating. The 1-star aspects: -- The wait time ended up being over twice as long as the 30-minute quote the hostess gave us. Every time we checked in, her response was that our table was "almost ready". An hour and 15 minutes later, we were seated.... We had reason to believe that there was bias in which guests without reservations were seated first. -- Given that this is an upscale seafood restaurant, it was very loud. We had to talk very loudly to hear one another. 5-star aspects: -- Excellent menu selection with both traditional and unique items. Everyone in my party agreed that their food was superb. -- Service was good (once we received it... we sat quite a while before meeting our server). Our server (and other servers who helped out to make our experience even better) had a great personality - was friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. -- We mentioned in passing that it was one of our party member's birthdays. Our server surprised him with a candle in and "happy birthday" writing on his dessert, as well as a complimentary dessert (strawberry gelato and sparkling wine - yum!). -- Beautiful large windows overlooking the river and Windsor. -- Live piano music - beautiful. So, the experience was aggravating prior to being seated/served, but once we were "in", it was great.
(3)Frank K.
Very classy restaurant. I have never been to a Muer restaurant before but if this place is liked the others then I will definitely go. Oysters were fresh, clean and ice cold. Manhattan was made perfect. Wine was delicious. Food was awesome, started with beef carpaccio, wife had the wedge salad, both were stellar. Dinner I had the surf and turf, scallop over greens and braised short rib over mashed potato. Great combo and the short rib was fork tender. Wife had the crab stuffed flounder and stewed tomatoes. Awesome. What puts this place at five stars is the service. Our waiter, Carl, was great and timely. Go here if you want a true restaurant experience and people with class.
(5)Jonathan N.
I had one of their specials - halibut served over a Maryland crabcake - and it was one of the best seafood dishes I have ever had. My wife's dish, seared tuna, was also excellent. Service was top notch, though at times a little slow. Atmosphere is very cool - had some great live music (not overbearing) and very well decorated. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Sally B.
Really, really good. I've been twice now for lunch. The waitstaff is great - - friendly and attentive. My husband has been talking about Joe Muer's beans as long as I've known him. He's right, they're very tasty. Last time I was there, we had a large group, so we got to try a lot of appetizers. Everything was good - - proscuitto wrapped shrimp, dynamite roll, fried asparagus with mustard sauce, crab cake balls, oysters rockefeller. I had the crab stuffed flounder and stewed tomatoes. Both were really yummy. Another reviewer noted that her fish seemed over-cooked. Mine was not and the sauce was delicious. Everyone in my group enjoyed their meal (although the guys thought the luncheon filet was too small). The coconut cake for dessert is fabulous.
(4)Soph. M.
Just got back from our second visit at Joe Muer. Excellent doesn't even begin to describe how great the service and food was. We got there early and hung out at the bar. The bartenders were great with wonderful friendly personalities to match! When I called to make the reservation I requested we have a seat by the window to get a better view of the water. Unfortunately the last time we were there we sat near the kitchen to accommodate for the large party. This time we were seated right by the window, with a beautiful view of the Detroit river. Our server Sadat, was a delight. To begin, he was courteous and very knowledgeable about the menu. Best of all was that he was honest when we asked him questions about the menu. He told us which dishes were customer favorites and which dishes were on the lighter side for my husband who is watching his weight. Our appetizers, soup and entrees were delicious. I don't have one thing to complain about...except that I ate way too much. For dessert I ordered a tea with the New York style cheese cake (yum!) and my husband a cappuccino. Superb! Joe Muer is a great upscale restaurant with a cool atmosphere and great food.
(5)Nicole K.
Our new favorite restaurant! My husband brought me here for date night and it was fantastic! Everything from the service to the food was perfect. We ate more than I would like to admit, but it was totally worth it. - Joe Muer sushi roll - really fresh! did not even need soy sauce. - Fried Calamari - enough for 2 people to split. the fried artichokes and capers were a nice touch. - Wedge salad - one of the best wedge salads we've ever had! the dressing was different...not your typical blue cheese dressing. - Soups a la Muer 1-1-1 - they give you 3 types of soups to sample (manhattan chower, boston clam chowder, lobster bisque). It gives you a variety but I would recommend just getting a bowl of one kind. The lobster bisque was tasty! - Seafood Paella - So delicious! Full of fresh seafood, and the whole dish was full of flavor. Also the portion was huge! - Bacon wrapped scallops - Yum...the scallops were cooked perfectly. - BLACK TRUFFLE MACARONI AND CHEESE - YOU MUST GET THIS! By far the best we've ever had. You can smell the truffle when it comes to the table. It's creamy, rich and topped with toasted breadcrumbs, which adds a nice texture. The portion size could feed 4 people easily. I would eat this as a main dish! - Red velvet cake - red velvet well done! great choice for a big piece of cake to share.
(5)Bob L.
We had an outstanding meal! Henry was our waiter and not only was he knowledgeable but his personality and style made our time there all the more enjoyable! Try the Sole and ask for Henry!
(5)Amy M.
My husband and I had a surprisingly terrible experience ! We had a great table beside a really drunk table!! It went bad from there. They continued to serve the drunk table and waited to serve our table. We ended up with a long wait and cold food. We complained and they did nothing!!!! The next time, I will film it and post it for all to see. A very expensive, terrible evening, with no help from management!! Shame on you
(1)denise m.
Ok, so listen...It is very rare that a place is on with both service and food. I have been here a few times, first couple of times I did not want to return because the service was so bad, but kept coming back because the food is awesome. The next time the service was just mediocre. Last night the food and service was top notch! We always sit at the bar, mostly because we just have drinks and apps and never want to take up tables, plus its cozy. Although we spend a good amount on what we have. Anyway on to the food...Tuna tataki was perfectly rare with a sharp bite of spice, the salmon sushi is like butter, the mussels were garlicky and yummy. I noticed the raw bar guy had stone crab, which could be my last meal! I know they are hard to find this year, but Joes had them! So I order 2, which are $15 a piece, not a bad price. They were so sweet and tender. The raw bar guy heard me get excited about them and he gave me 2 more giant ones! OMG I almost fell off the stool..The bartenders were great, very attentive and friendly! Awesome experience!
(5)Jordan M.
A great and needed addition to the detroit restaurant community. Actually good seafood in detroit, by the river, and with great balconies. Recommended for lunch especially if just for your first time in, due to lower prices and the availability of sandwiches priced from 13 to 18 dollars including fries. Entrees range from 15 to 40. No specials till dinner though, which was also great, however our server was lacking, and the sommelier neglected to come back to help us in the purchase of a chateau margot wine. We figured it out any way. For five people with two very nice bottles of wine it was 450, the sides were big, the fish and steaks good and all left full. Everytime i eat here there is personal attention from the managers whether i am eating a sandwich by myself or dining with a large group. I can tell that this spot is quickly getting its act together and as soon as a few pieces fall into place (service) it'l be great. i recommend the mussels, the best!
(4)Michele E.
The food was all that I remembered and some. Great menu variety with classic dishes as well as contemporary dishes. Would have received 5-stars had the woman that was supposed to serve us not ignored us. Had Calvin M. as our server and he was excellent!!!
(4)Alvin B.
The drinks are GOOD. Haven't had an entree but the appetizers are just ok. The ambiance is nice along with a spectacular view, over looking the Detroit River.
(3)Paul H.
i went for lunch on a Friday afternoon around 11:30am. There weren't too many people in the place. The ambiance and the view is incredible. The server was really cool and laughed and joked with me throughout lunch. I told him we were there for sushi only and he got the chef to make us something off the menu which we enjoyed. OUr server was knowledgable about the entire menu, wine list and even our choices of saki. The prices are higher then I anticipated though. Lunch for two with 3 bottles of saki, an appetizer and 3 rolls was right at $100.
(4)Julie F.
We have visited this restaurant 3 times in the last year with mixed results. One of the visits was a four star visit...2 excellent seafood dinners. The other two visits were three star....one good seafood dinner....one mediocre. The restaurant has to show more improvement before we go back on a regular basis. The atmosphere is really nice...overlooking the river...but the prices are way too high for the quality of food served. The service was always excellent, but it doesn't compensate for the food quality or high prices.
(3)Tam N.
Went here today for our anniversary. My fiancé had made reservations about a month ago. We showed up 5 minutes late and they made us wait for another 15 minutes. They proceeded to sit us in the 'casual' seating area. If you want a good view of Canada be prepared to come dressed like you are out to a black and white ball. Otherwise you will be seated on the side. Been here multiple times with friends and for work functions but have never felt so much ageism. I had the Hawaiian Ono. The finish was overlook and difficult to swallow because it was so dry. My fiancé has sushi and it was decent. The wine was good and so was the coconut cake. Because we sat in the side part the server forgot the bread until I had asked for it and does not clean the bread crumbs odd the table when done. Just some minor details. Loved this place until this evening.
(2)Moody A.
This place should have stayed closed. I wonder how sanitary it is to roll around a cart full of dessert with everyone breathing their germs on the cart. Also, I believe waitress was drunk since she almost fell down on numerous occasions. I would stick with Big Fish in Dearborn, MI which is a way better restaurant.
(1)Chad C.
Swanky joint where both the ambiance and the food are impressive, but the former more so than the latter. Great cocktails are to be had if you have deep pockets. Service was professionally cordial.
(4)Brian C.
Crab was expensive and not nearly as thick as I would have expected at a place like this. The crab I buy from CostCo was better in both size, quality, and taste. No kidding.
(1)Maryanne S.
The only reason why this place did not receive one star from me is because of the atmosphere - and I am a terminally optimistic person! After being raised in the Detroit area and loving the Muer restaurants and traditions, I was very disappointed by the cocktails, timing, service and food at Joe Muer Seafood. Do not get the cucumber martini or the watered-down Crabby Mary. The dirty gin martini with bleu cheese-stuffed olives is delicious but takes 10+ minutes to get to the table on a not-busy Friday afternoon lunch. The Raw Bar Platter is mediocre at best. The dressing on the Roquefort salad is nothing you can't find at TGIFridays. The Lobster Roll was served incorrectly -loaded with shrimp. The fries were on par though. I sat outside with a beautiful view of the Detroit River and the Ambassador Bridge. Maybe I will give this restaurant another chance in 3-6 months after having some time to mature...
(1)J B.
Melt in your mouth good food (definitly get the blue crab cheddar potatoes as a side!) excellent customer service, amazing views (Just make a reservation to ensure you have a table by the water)...hats off to the staff that make this place amazing...great work it doesn't go unnoticed! We will definitely be back!
(5)Heather A.
It was a lot fancier than I'm used to, but it was excellent. I didn't really feel the fish pate, but the bean relish was yummy..and the bread choices were good..another reviewer mentioned the small portions..I absolutely did not experience this...I ordered one of the specials, broiled grouper stuffed with shrimp/lobster with a wine sauce over asparagus and butternut squash...it was HUGE...on top of that, I ordered the black truffle Mac and cheese...which was ordered as a side and could have easily fed 3-4 as a side...if a wheelbarrow or a wheelchair would have been able to take me to my room, it would have been nice...I'll be back again during my visit here..
(4)Tracey M.
Service was good. Large, bright, airy restaurant with great views and a menu that offered both traditional and modern selections. Had the seafood chowder but it was a bit spicy. Very good sushi but I didn't like the manner in which they served the soy sauce. It came pre-poured and I didn't want as much as they poured. Also the dish in which they served the soy sauce was awkward. But other than that SMALL thing I'd give it 4 stars.
(4)Alyson Y.
The food here was very good, and servers were extremely friendly. Went here for lunch today (Tuesday), and while the restaurant wasn't busy by any means, service was extremely slow. When our server greeted us, she asked if we had any time constraints, and we said we only had an hour for lunch. 1 hr 45 min later, we were out of there. Needless to say, if you have plenty of time, I would recommend this restaurant, but if you're in a pinch, try somewhere with speedier service.
(3)Dean C.
I've been several times now and this has got to be the best all around place in Metro Detroit. You can sneak in casual and get outstanding service and food at the bar or you can go with a group and sit near the best view of the water available. The atmosphere and view of the water are top notch. It is amazing how large this place is and how many people it sits; it really makes for an impressive experience. The food was very good and Heather the Sommelier was a very nice, pleasant and helpful touch.
(5)Jenai H.
Went here last night for my birthday and it was wonderful. Our waiter Sean was wonderful and everything (even the sushi) was fantastic. It was definitely worth the money and I can't wait to go again.
(5)Jiehan A.
I have now been there 2x in one month & have nothing but great reviews! The food is high quality & flavorful - generous portions and a range of items to choose from. Well worth the price - which may seem high compared to other restaurants around the area - but again, well worth it. The atmosphere is elegant and classy, overlooking the water and Canadian skyline. A sunset dinner there would be VERY romantic. One of the evenings we were fortunate enough to have a piano player which only added more elegance to our evening. They are accomidating to the various venus around town - just let your waiter know what your show time is and they will prioritize your meal so that you can make curtian.
(5)Bri l.
I enjoyed my food and only had to refill my drink a couple times myself, but when my Aunt cracked off a piece of her tooth from a shell in her lobster bisque, and the manager apologized, saying he wasn't a dentist, I could not believe he could not have taken her $8 soup, not a dent in our $500 bill, off the list. Taco Bell has given me better quality of service. They also forgot her soup in the first place, as well as bring in other dishes late. A couple nice things were they made a special preparation of their pistachio ribs for my grandma who was allergic to the original recipe, as well as give her gluten- free cake for her birthday before we departed. My dynamite roll was excellent, which, all-in-all, made this experience bittersweet. I probably won't be going back by my own will though.
(2)Gigi B.
don't get me wrong....I LOVE Joe Muirs, I was going to the original one as a little girl! But I went for my Birthday, and I think I saw those same old foggies as I saw sitting in the old Joe Muirs as a kid!!!! LOL! Maybe I was paranoid or something...butteRUM, I was SURROUNDED by staunchy Republicans! Ok sorry I got carried away! Just would have like to see a more hipper crowd... Service impeccable! Food was fantastic! Dessert....bread pudding/ cinnamon ice cream,.Fabulous! Drinks Great! ALL PRICEY!
(4)Leslie H.
It's a great seafood restaurant. Our server was great and the manager stopped by our table to check on us. Minus one star for the hostess. She was very rude and did not even say goodbye or thanked us when we were walking out.
(4)David R.
I used to eat at Joe Muer's but afer last night's experience I would NEVER go there again and NEVER recommend the place. I ate in Andiamos in the RenCen last night then watched a concert on the river. Upon returning to valet to pick up my car I had an Urgent need to use the restroom. I was with my ten year old daughter. Anyway, I went in to ask permission to use the restroom and explained that I didn't want to use the restrooms in the building because I didn't feel safe leaving a ten year old girl alone in the hallway at night. The owner or manager looked up at me and said "use the public restroom outside". I was shocked at his callousness. I was dressed nicely and was polite, not to mention that I've been a customer at Joe Muer's since the 70's. Anyway, I have enough money to buy the place and close it down. If to doesn't go out of business anyway I just might do that! Don't support these people.
(1)Brian D.
Simply the finest seafood restaurant in Mi. Service was as good as the food. Save room for desert.
(5)Sir Poop A.
So...... I went here as a kid way before it was in its current location. I do like seafood, and we had some family in town, and thought the views of Canada would be cool. It was a quiet night in the D without a tigers game, so we headed down. The service was pretty good, maybe a little better. The food was really good also. BUT, The place is freakin expensive for what you get. I love restaurants and going out, and likely have spent more than most on going out, so overall, I probably would choose another more lively place for the ambiance with friends. For my parents visiting or a 50th anniversary, this place is great. Or a corporate function, it would be nice.
(4)Marie B.
...my first experience was a disappointment in that my Lobster Roll had far too much onion and far too little Lobster ...but the view and ambiance are nice ...and I was in the city for 5 days, so I returned. Glad I did!! One word: Scallops!! Huge Bacon Wrapped ... With a yummy juxtaposition of Flavors with grapefruit!!! Soooooo good. I had the house specialty fries with ....divine. The Coconut Cake was good but the Chocolate Soufflé was beyond yummy ... Truly a place I'd return time and again.
(5)Tracy T.
My favorite seafood restaurant in Detroit and a favorite date night spot :) Easy valet parking just outside their entrance. We were seated at a table with a beautiful view overlooking the river. We lucked out with a 4 top that allows us to sit side by side. Much easier for sharing.......... Excellent wine list, we chose a Washington Pinot Noir that was great. I am very picky where i order raw oysters from and Muers is one of those places. 6 Blue Points and 6 Kumamoto's , very fresh A couple of sushi rolls and a perfectly broiled piece of halibut. No dessert, heading to The Sugar House to drink that ! The food at Muers is very good and the ambiance even better. A piano playing softly watching the sun set over the river, a great start to romantic evening.
(5)Laurie P.
An epic dinner deserves an epic review! You cannot go wrong with any place that has the Muer name attached to it, and Joe Muer's flagship is no exception. We arrived for our dinner reservations (booked through open table) on a Thursday night, and were seated right away. I was disappointed that my request for a riverside table that I had made weeks in advance was not honored, but we were seated at a cozy booth for two. This actually worked out in our favor, because while we could still see a nice view, we were also tucked away from the bulk of the noise and crowd. And this restaurant is noisy. Not overwhelmingly so, but if you are looking for a quiet dinner, this is not the place. It's crowded and lively, with piano music in the background. I liked the atmosphere, actually. We started with drinks and appetizers. I had the Black Orchid cocktail ($15), a chilled raspberry martini with a pretty flower floating in it. I loved it, and wound up having another with dinner. My date stuck with Labatt beer ($6). For the appetizers, we ordered Oysters Rockefeller and the Volcano Roll. Both were outstanding! There were six oysters in the app, but they were HUGE. Other reviewers have mentioned sand in the oysters, and we did not experience that problem. They were perfect. The sushi roll was perfect, as well. I'm usually not a fan of cream cheese in my sushi, but it just melted like butter in my mouth. The flavor of the roll was awesome, and it was fun to toast it tableside. Oh yeah, can't forget the bread basket with the beans/pate'/butter. I LOVED those beans!!! I wanted to lick the plate! The pate' was ok, and the butter was perfectly soft and easy to spread. We then had the lobster bisque. And this is where I died and went to heaven. Seriously. Every bite was a culinary orgasm in my mouth, it was that decadent and delicious. If you get nothing else at JM's, get the lobster bisque! For entrees, I had the monkfish, and he had the swordfish Oscar. I loved my fish, the vanilla lobster sauce was amazing, and I found the potato gnocchi to be the right balance of crisp on the outside/soft on the inside. Totally on point. My date liked his fish, but found the sauce to be bland, so our server was nice enough to bring a dish of a different sauce (I don't recall which) to try. That worked. And speaking of our server, Steve, I just want to say that he was excellent! He was attentive without being annoying, answered our questions but didn't try to steer us in other directions on the menu, and his friendly but professional demeanor was most appreciated. For dessert, we decided to split a slice of JM's famous coconut cake. Steve brought it to the table with a lit candle and "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate on the plate. Very nice, and very classy. The cake was delicious, although a little rich for my taste. I enjoyed it, but wish in hindsight that I had ordered my favorite, crème brulee. Ah well.. next time! All in all, I loved our experience here. Perfect place for a special occasion. Our bill came to $200 (not including tip) for four drinks, two appetizers, two soups, two entrees, and one dessert. Worth every penny!
(5)Garvin W.
Had a delicious dinner and wonderful service from our waitress. Recommended for special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays. The food and all did take quite some time to be served but my acquaintance and I had time so we did not mind. We shared 'Fruits of the Seas' and they had split the order into two for us which was very thoughtful. Overall, great experience.
(4)Brittany L.
We had a great experience dining at Joe Muer's last Friday night for my friend's surprise birthday party. We had a later dinner - got there around 9:00p.m. with a reservation and were seated as soon as our party had arrived. They did seat us once everyone but the birthday girl and her boyfriend had arrived, which was helpful. We ordered drinks and my Stoli and Soda was crazy strong, but hey, who turns down extra alcohol? The table ordered several appetizers and were impressed with each dish. I tried a deviled crab ball, which was good considering I'm not a huge seafood fan. Speaking of not being a huge seafood fan - I LOVE scallops. I ordered the George Bank Scallops which were amazing. They are huge scallops - 5 of them - each wrapped in bacon and topped with candied sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, butternut squash and pomegranate gastrique. It was absolutely delicious. I am a big eater, and I didn't even finish one of the scallops. I skipped on dessert because I was so full - but there was a large dessert cart with tons of options. I'd order the same thing when I went back. The ambiance is amazing and I definitely recommend getting dressed up for this occasion.
(5)Ammi W.
This was a great night on the river walk. This was my first time here, I tried the swordfish - delicious! The wait staff was attentive but not overbearing. We were a bit early for our reservation but we still didn't have much of a wait. Tried a nice Riesling that I hadn't tried before, it was also great. The only problem was one stall in the ladies room was Nasty! I let someone know, they didn't go to it right away but I'm sure they handled it. Last but not least, apparently the waitress had great things to say about me when I stepped away from the table. :)
(4)Philip M.
It's a little surprising that they have a dress code after a tigers game. I guess you are doing pretty well when you can turn away a customer when the restaurant is empty. It's not even that good of a steak and it's over priced.
(1)Nassrine ..
Best restaurant in metro detroit!! Beautiful scenery, setting and amazing service! The lobster corn dogs are a must and my favorite entree is the Crab Stuffed Atlantic Flounder. Their sushi and lobster are also extremely delightful and all the ingredients are so fresh. The restaurant overlays the Detroit river and has a nice relaxing ambiance. They even have a seating area outside but it is hard to find weather not chilly enough in Detroit to enjoy it! They usually have soft live piano or jazz music at night. I witnessed a proposal inside the restaurant once and yes, it is even nice enough for a proposal. Love the overall feel of this place, I would definitely recommend!
(5)Michele A.
It is sad to see this place loose 2 stars but well deserved. The service the last 2 times I have been in was awful. Our waitress disappeared for 30 min not to be seen, I was looking around and not one other server offered to help. Lunch took 50 min to get to our table after we ordered and had to take 2 of the orders to go since it took so long. The food was just ok this time not like before when it was outstanding. We had the burger which was over cooked and bland. The lake fish poorboy was tasty though. Not sure I will be here again for lunch since the last two times it was slow and service was just not on par.
(2)Colleen M.
Let's start with, they have a dress code, even for lunch. I was staying at the Marriott and my room wasn't ready so I decided to try Joe's since they had sushi. I walked in and the hostess was like we can't seat you in the dining room but we can seat you in the lounge. I was irritated as I was in jeans in a shirt and was like, is there anyplace close I can eat. Another lady came up, sensing my frustration and was like, we can seat you on the patio. It was a gorgeous day so I agreed. I ordered a beer, Soft Parade ($7) and a dynamite roll ($15). In total, with tip, $28. A little pricing for lunch but the atmosphere outside was awesome, beer was great (highly recommend this local beer) and the sushi was really good. I don't like feeling like a second class citizen, especially considering I was wearing dark denim jeans, a nice top, and it was lunch time, but I guess rules are rules.
(4)Leslie W.
We decided to come here for an early dinner last Sunday after our boat tour on the river. We did not have any reservations and had a party of seven. Most of us were dressed pretty casually; i.e., shorts and tees, and I even had a Detroit Tigers tee shirt on and Keen sandals. I didn't see any sign about dress codes, but they had us seated in a little private alcove across from the bar in less than 10 minutes! The server at first seemed a little irritated with us, but then she was ok. We ordered drinks and some appetizers first. All three types of oysters we tried were yummy. The calamari was just average. My husband had just returned from New England, and said his clam chowder was only average, too. All of our meals were good. I had the bacon wrapped scallops and it was good, but maybe not worth $38. The service was very good throughout the meal. Overall, it was great to finally try this place out after eating at the old Joe Muer's in the past. I'll be generous and rate it a 4. The overall food wasn't worth the price in my opinion, but the service kept me from giving an average rating.
(4)X M.
Food was okay and the service was really good. I ordered 'Fruits of the Seas' and the portion was good. We also ordered two of the desserts: Chocolate cake and their famous coconut cake. I love the coconut one, but the chocolate cake was just so-so. I wish I could give a three and half for the overall service. Not sure if it's just the day we went or it's so crowded all the time, but to me, i'd enjoy a more quite place for dinner.
(3)Michelle N.
Great service and gorgeous views of the river, but the food was awful. I ordered the bacon-wrapped scallops. Scallops were flavorless, bland, and overcooked. Sweet potato hash that it came with was okay though. I also managed to try a bit of the shrimp cocktail (huge shrimp, but just ok to me) and lobster bisque (tasted better than the scallops). Dessert (strawberry rhubarb tart with vanilla ice cream) was the best part of my entire meal. Glad I went once, but not worth a return visit.
(2)Brittiany R.
I loved Joe Muer's so much that I went three times in one month.... Excessive much? The venue is perfectly Detroit. Not the gritty, fearless, innovative Detroit, but the upscale, refined, powerful Detroit that is both cosmopolitan and true to its roots. It reminds me of our glory days and God, I hope it stays that way. Old school glamour with a modern take on making every dish amazing. The sushi is amazing.... Possibly even New York quality. I generally don't like raw sushi but this salmon melted in my mouth. The textures of this sushi did art in my mouth. The carpaccio was to die for and came out almost deconstructed allowing me to mix my preferred amount of onion, egg, and thinly sliced beef. The lobster bisque is served in a bowl with real lobster with the bisque poured in table side. The tender, sweet lobster in the creamy bisque was one of the best I've had. My date ordered the lobster but was directed to the Tristan lobster which was prepared via broiling and made all the difference! It was light and so much sweeter than the Maine lobster. Served alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, I couldn't resist sneaking more than a few bites. Everything on the menu is prepared with care and glamorous flair. The wait staff lives to serve you and the view of the Detroit river makes for an experience in dining that goes beyond great wines and perfectly executed meals.
(5)Vanessa B.
Absolutely great food and phenomenal service. My first dinner here I had the tuna tartar, a shrimp special, and plenty of great wine. Our server was named Keisha and she was phenomenal! Very informative, attentive, and friendly. I've been back many times, and the food is never disappointing. I tend to get sushi most of the time and I have to say, I'm shocked at how good it is. I live in San Diego, I know good sushi. Ok, it's not San Diego good, but practically nowhere compares to that. It is, however, top notch. Great combinations, always fresh. I love getting the sushi nami (several pieces of nigiri and a spicy tuna roll), and the red wing roll is delicious as well! O
(5)Kyle Martin D.
I once ordered a whole Maine lobster and the waiter complimented my choice without a hint of irony, as if he and I shared an understanding that it's totally acceptable if I wish to send my cholesterol to the goddamn moon. He even brought me a cigarette, no questions asked, from the kitchen once I finished my marine crustacean and sixth dirty martini with blue cheese olives. My friends and I also enjoy drinking (a lot) at the bar.
(5)Oscar O.
Wonderful Staff! Delicious Food! Great Experience and will definitely go back! The appetizers are fresh and tasty! Again the staff is the most attentive I've ever experienced. Great spot for any special occasion ! I can't wait to go back !
(5)Layan A.
A little sad that I found out about this place 2 months before moving out of state. Came here with my husband and MIL who is from out of town. Can't say that we really needed reservations because it wasn't completely packed, but full enough. The restaurant is huge- with a front bar section and a back dining section. The view is breathtaking, we sat right by the water. The place is classy but can be casual, it was pretty loud actually. Our waiter was so sweet and very good at what he did. The bread came with this bean salad, butter, and pate, it was really good. I didn't have an appetizer. For dinner I had the barramundi with stuffed crab per our waiters recommendation and it hit the spot. It came with green beans and black garlic, and I would order it again it was so delicious. For dessert I had their specialty coconut cake which was ah-mazing. Please order it! I honestly would come here just for the dessert. I tried the chocolate lava cake which I didn't love (too bitter), and the cheesecake which I loved (because it's cheesecake!). The salads, soups and desserts are all about $10 each, the appetizers are around $20, and the main fish courses started at $35+ (average $40). So for 3 main courses, one salad, and 3 desserts, no drinks, our bill was $200 with tip. For a seafood, famous chef restaurant with an amazing view, the price was a little more than I expected, mainly because the portions were on the smaller side. You'll leave full but not stuffed (except the coconut cake is ginormous). Service was excellent. Valet is another $10 which is disappointing, most restaurants of this caliber would at least have free valet. Overall great experience.
(5)Mark F.
The service was good but the food was not impressive. I have had better lamb and steak at half the price.
(3)Lana M.
I love the filet mignon here. It comes with caramelized carrots on top and zip sauce. So yummy. They also have great desserts. I come here a lot for work dinners and I have to admit this is the only thing I order.
(4)Geno T.
Took my girlfriend here for her birthday she loved it. The food, staff, water, beer everything was great. They sat us next to the piano totally music to my ears .
(5)Susan N.
Joe Muer is always a great place to grab a bite! Fantastic view! Great sushi! I love their lobster bisque! Salads are wonderful You can have a great lunch everyday!'
(5)Steven L.
I finally got to try this fantastic restaurant for lunch. Opted for three of the four sushi rolls to split with my guest. All were delicious, not in the traditional sense of sticky rice and a beautiful piece of fish, but the more American roll with multiple layers of flavor. All of the rolls needed no BS gobs of fake Wasabi or soy sauce, just simply fire them in as is and enjoy. Service was exactly what we needed for a business lunch, attentive but not overwhelming. To top things off, they validate so parking was only $5.40 and I got to see Rasheed Wallace on the way out. Damn that dude is tall.
(4)Sarah C.
It took me 2 years to find out about Joe Muer Seafood. Why does everyone talk about Roast when there's Joe Muer? We made reservations for 2 for 6:15pm on a Saturday. It wasn't necessary but I guess its better to be safe. We parked in the structure and walked over the bridge. You can do valet parking at the door. The location was a bit difficult to find but with some help we were able to find the place. We were seated by the entry way which kind of sucked but besides that our meal was perfect. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and attentive. The complementary bread consisted of a white, wheat, and flat bread that came with three toppings - butter, fish patte, and a bean dish. Our favorite was the whole bean dish. We ordered Scallops alla Muer (Sea scallops gratin with cracker meal, lemon, paprika and butter, finished with sherry) - This was highly recommended by our waitress. It came with five large scallops. We were expecting two or less. Cooked to perfection. We had a difficult time deciding what to order because literally everything looked amazing. There was not one item that I didn't want to order! Roasted Atlantic Monkfish (Oven roasted and served with potato gnocchi, lobster, spinach, caramelized onions, Haricot, and a vanilla lobster sauce) - My boyfriend ordered this and I loved it! Wish it was my dish. I ate half of his fish. It was light but full of flavor. Oven Roasted Barramundi (Served with lobster and crab stuffing, Haricots Verts, honey carrots, and black garlic) - I ordered this. It was good but not as good as the Monkfish in my opinion. It was a bit heavy for me. The lobster and the fish mixed together really confused me. The service was on par. We received our food promptly and there is a wonderful view if you are lucky enough to be seated by the window. I think we'll request that next time. Yes, we are planning on returning.
(5)Robin Z.
Yumm! Seafood and sushi. Creative and different. The presentation is beautiful. Had the dynamite roll and it was fantastic! Also shared tempura asparagus and lobster corn dogs. The lobster corn dogs were huge (2 in an order) and its thick juicy lobster in a corn dog type of coating (more like tempura actually) and served on sticks. Wow! So good!! Service was a bit off. My sushi roll came well before the two appetizers to the point that I had finished the roll before getting the asparagus and lobster dog but I was eating at the bar, not too bothered and the flavors made up it. Definitely a place I would return to if in the area.
(4)Rick E.
Everything was perfect! Fast freindly seating. Beautiful river view table. Our waitress was 1st class but not stuffy. The food was mouth watering. We celebrated our 2nd year wedding anniversary ( which I mentioned at booking) and they had a nicely decorated desert for us mentioning the occasion. Everything comes with a price but it was worth it.
(5)Dee T.
Beautiful Restuarant! My husband and I went during the evening and the view was awesome! I ordered a chicken dinner. It was good. Chicken is chicken right? Lol Service was good. Our waiter was really helpful and patient! We will be returning
(4)LaToya N.
Great service! Great drinks! Great ambiance! We will definitely return
(5)Kasia M.
I was torn in choosing a downtown restaurant for my graduation dinner with my boyfriend and landed on Joe Muer. Let me say, it was amazing! I had reservations via OpenTable at 630pm on Saturday, I asked for a window table but was given one a row back due to other "reservations", we were seated very promptly semi-behind a mirror, but still had beautiful views. I did ask again to be moved to an open window table, but was refused. Our waitress Taylor(?) was prompt and friendly but not overbearing. Water and the yummy bread, butter and amuse bouche of salmon pate and white beans was delivered and were delicious! We both ordered beer to drink ($6-8). The wine and cocktail lists were extensive and looked delish! I ordered the lobster bisque ($9) and it was, as previously advertised, delicious! A bowl with fresh lobster meat was set in front of me with the creamy tomato bisque poured on top. Large portion, and no joke almost full now by bread and soup alone! For dinner I was between the whole roasted branzino ($44) and the monkfish($39) and on Taylor's suggestion went with the monkfish, one word, AMAZING. The fish is served on the bone, crispy outside and tender flavorful inside. Served with slightly oily but still quite yummy gnocchi and spinach/green beans medley...it was a wonderful dinner! My boyfriend ordered the flounder stuffed with crab ($36?), he loved it but I found it a bit fishy tasting. We also ordered the truffle mac n cheese (?$11) which was delicious but we were both so full most of it was saved for my lunch the next day (GREAT idea!!) For dessert I was stuffed but ordered a slice of the famous coconut cake to go, it was simple perfection. Rich but not too much so, the pineapple flavor was subtle, the cake itself moist, the buttercream filling amazing and the coconut frosting delicious. You must get this!!! Also ate most of it for lunch the next day, yum yum yum!!! Overall: 4 stars instead of 5 only because the open window table that I had asked to be switched to was open throughout our ENTIRE dinner, they easily could have given this table to me as window seats are not guaranteed at reservation, so I'm not sure why someone else had more claim to it than I did, plus it was empty our entire dinner...not cool! The hostess was kind of snotty about this as well. FOOD: Amazing, would love to try everything else and would definitely come back to do so!! Monkfish, which i'd never had before is at the head of my favorite fish list currently! SERVICE: Despite other reviews, we went early-ish on sat and everything was prompt and efficient, our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable and (I always judge service on my water glass as I drink A LOT of water during dinner), my glass was never near empty through maybe 7 glasses of water... AMBIANCE: it did get slightly noisy but could still have a conversation, piano player was very nice, beautiful views even a row back, in fact they all seemed to have a nice view! PRICE: So i was a little worried that the prices weren't online, but they are on the menu. The specials were not priced for us but I did not get the impression that asking the price would be out of line. We had 2 drinks, 1 appetizer, two entrees and 1 dessert for $150 after tip...pretty dang good! ADVICE: Do it! Great food, great service, great ambiance!
(4)Tamara M.
We didn't have reservations and didn't feel like waiting 45 mins to be seated so we sat at the bar. The bar offers the full menu so there was no disappointment. The bar wraps around their sushi counter and raw bar. Service was quick, pleasant and knowledgeable. I ordered the Black orchid martini which was simply delicious with a wonderful presentation. For our meals we ordered the Boston clam chowder to start, followed by the Shrimp and Grits and the Roasted Chicken, everything was delicious. They have no problem wheeling out an O so tempting desert cart TOWER......which forced me to leave with a slice of key lime pie (soooooo good). On my next trip I'm trying that lobster corn dog!
(4)Eric H.
The service, food, cleanliness are all great here. The waitress and bus staff were friendly too. I came in a Sunday for dinner so it was only moderately busy and the hostesses seated all parties with space in between each other. I started at the bar while our table was prepared and I ordered a bourbon on ice with a splash of soda. It was a good pour and came exactly as it should have. No complaints from the bar. Moving to our table, I ordered the Delmonico steak which is marbled ribeye ($50) in medium and it came perfectly cooked on a hot plate. I highly recommend the Delmonico here if you're a ribeye fan like myself. I finished with an awesome scoop of salted caramel ice cream that completed a perfect meal. The other guys had the fillet and salmon and both said their dishes tasted very good. If you're OK with spending the money, then I recommend stopping by for a good meal. I feel it's a little bit pricey for what you get (hence four stars instead of five), but good for the occasional visit which works for me because I'm only in Detroit once a year. I'll be back next year I'm sure.
(4)Candiss W.
I'm a fan of both seafood and great ambience; Joe Muer does both very well. I've been here so many times and I can't believe it's taken me this long to review this place. Pros: The food is wonderful. I'm a big fan of sides and Joe Muer has an awesome variety. The black truffle Mac, white truffle pomme frites, and crab and cheddar potatoes are a foodie's dream. They also have some great appetizers. The deviled crab balls, calamari, shrimp, and lobster bisque are all very, very good. My favorite main courses are the barramundi and the rack of lamb. Cons: the only con is that with so many quality savory offerings, I rarely have room left for one of their awesome desserts.
(4)Rasheed L.
Great dessert menu. Coconut cake is delicious. The patio comes with a great view of Detroit waterfront. Quite a site.
(4)Holly S.
This place is truly five stars all the way around! The food, atmosphere, view and everything else is so top notch that there's no other seafood joint that even comes close to joe! The burimundi, fillet, monkfish, chopped salad wedge salad, lobsterdog, calamari, and truffle Mac are amazing not to mention the sushi and coconut cake! This place is such a treat! Whenever you get the opportunity to come here I highly recommend it!!
(5)Latisha R.
Hard to review the food since I was admitted. I was told I could not be admitted because of my attire. It was in the afternoon for lunch and we showed up right before they opened. I was wearing a Tshirt and yoga pants. They told me their dress code is business casual. As I waited to speak to the manager they admitted several individuals who were not in business casual. One woman was wearing open toed sandals and khaki skirt and a Tshirt. When I pointed her out in what obviously was not business casual he said that's okay just how you are dressed is not. As we were chatting a guy walked in with Tshirt jeans and tennis shoes. He let him in and once again said just not the way you are dressed. When I pointed out he also had a Tshirt his reply was well yours has writing he doesn't. Although I clearly didn't have on a hoodie he felt the need to let me know there were no "hoodies" allowed either. I don't care how outstanding the food might be I wouldn't recommend anyone eat here.
(1)Todd B.
I have had the privilege of dining at Joe Muer twice, and I am going to be generous and give 4 stars based on my first experience and not on the 2nd experience last week. The first time I ate in the beautiful space in the RenCen, I enjoyed a lovely dinner with a colleague. Our service and our food were exceptional. My friend loved his steak, and I enjoyed a perfect sea bass. The lobster bisque was especially memorable. I returned to Joe Muer last week for a group event of about 20 people, and for some reason the quality really suffered. Our food came out lukewarm, and none of us felt our entrees were exceptional or memorable. Perhaps it was just the challenge of serving a large group -- so I'll be generous here and hope that it was just an off night. There are so many excellent restaurants worth trying in Detroit's burgeoning restaurant scene, but Joe Muer is a classic that deserves a visit if you're in the RenCen area.
(4)Billy C.
Good food, nice service, very inexpensive prices but totally without charm, style or sophistication. They do try hard on the food and service but miss the point of culture and style with a bogus dress code that does, not allow caps, hats on men or women. But it's good food at low prices.
(1)Phoebe W.
We always liked the original Joe's location. This new setting is positively lovely. Easy valet parking. Gorgeous view. Incredible service. Yummy cocktails. Beautiful wine selection. The Oysters Rockefeller nearly moved us to tears. Excellent flavor on the tuna tartar. Surprised by the perfect crunch of the tempura asparagus. Shredded cole slaw possibly the best imaginable. Highly recommend the Superior White Fish and Filet. Cheesecake provided a perfect finale. Planning a return on my next trip to Motown. Highly recommend.
(5)Despina T.
One of my most favorite restaurants. Not just gourmet seafood, but a very romantic, classy restaurant. I've been here with a group of girlfriends, Valentine's dinner with my husband, & a family dinner. Each occasion gets better than the previous experience. Professional & courteous staff, food is prepared perfectly. Joe Muer has some of the best lobster I've ever had. As a special dessert treat, they will write almost anything on your dessert plate in chocolate syrup. It's something different! The coconut white cake will definitely take you away to dessert heaven.
(5)Tara B.
We went downtown unsure where we were going to eat and ended up here. We were sat outside on the patio within 10 minutes. What a beautiful view of the riverfront! We ordered the raw bar platter for an appetizer, which my husband loved (I'm not a huge fan of raw seafood). For dinner, we ordered the Bank Scallops, Aged Delmonico, and the Potato Skillet. Everything was delicious! I can't remember the last time we sat down somewhere and throughly enjoyed our dining experience as much as we had! The only complaint I would say is that service is a little slow, but it wasn't frustrating to us. I think they just gave us time to enjoy everything since it is such a nice restaurant. We never received cold food or food that seems to have sat in the window too long. Overall, we will be returning here!
(5)Alana R.
This is my first yelp review in several years... And my first poor review. I almost asked to speak with the manager after my meal (would've been another first), but couldn't get any attention from the staff to do so. I travel to the RenCen a bunch, but this place is always too busy during the week. I felt lucky to get in town on a Sunday, as the reatawas fully staffed but empty. Food- (1) I'm left thinking they don't make fresh bread on the weekends, because my bread was completely stale. (2) wedge salad- wilted. (3) love roll- decent. (4) Brussel sprouts- soggy. Worst I've ever had. I ate two bites and pushed aside. I sat in front of my 1/4 eaten assortment for about 15 minutes before someone asked if I was done. Didn't seem to phase him that there was a full bowl of Brussel sprouts being cleared. Not one person asked me how my meal was. The staff was more interested in catching up with each other about what they did all weekend, and which music app was better - Pandora or Sirius. I don't mind seeing employees have fun at work, but if I'm paying $100 for 2 drinks and 2 appetizers, I don't need to hear "dooooode" yelled 20 times by the staff. I had to interrupt their conversation to ask for my check, to which the bartender replied, "yeah". Seriously disappointed with the experience. This place obviously won't suffer from this review, but I hope a manager reads this and gets the staff in check. It's not fair to the customers or companies supporting this business to receive such poor service and treatment.
(2)Tom S.
Went here on a Sunday night for dinner. The Fish was fantastic! Extremely fresh and expertly prepared. By far the best seafood in Detroit and nobody else is close! Service was a little slow. There were a lot of people around but our particular server seemed to disappear a few times for longer periods. Didn't truin the mean, was just a bit annoying.
(5)Zeid S.
Came on a Friday night with a party of 3. Made reservations on opentable beforehand. Promptly seated, fantastic view of the river from our table which was right by the windows. Service was excellent and timely. Fresh hot bread and pâté were delicious. We ordered the Martha's Vineyard salad as an appetizer, it was sweet, tasty and crisp. We had the halibut, swordfish and the barramundi. All 3 were amazing, but the barramundi stood out as the winner. Portion sizes are good. For dessert we had the coconut cake, chocolate lava cake and the cheesecake. The coconut cake is to die for. All in all, great experience, might be about 10% overpriced though. Valet is not free.
(5)Linda R.
We went there for a special occasion and had the best dining experience I can remember. Alyssa was our server and she was phenomenal. Knowledgeable about every aspect of the menu - from the cocktails, wine, and description of the main entrees, down to the different sauces which enhanced the entrees. I had the Mediterranean Branzino (fish), baked and then filleted at the table side. Just fabulous. My friends had the perch which was undoubtedly the best tasting perch I have ever had. As a finale, Alyssa had the coconut cake presented on a platter for all of us to share, with a birthday wish for me inscribed in chocolate. I will always ask for her when I dine there again.
(5)Gregory C.
Heard they had a nice view, so came by for a late light lunch. Didn't know they had a "Business Casual" dress code as I was dressed in a tee shirt, jean shorts and walking shoes. So instead of being seated by the window with a view as I requested (there were plenty of open tables), I was seated in the rear, by the kitchen, with no view. Bummer. I guess my money isn't as green if I'm wearing a tee shirt. Had a Stella, a half dozen oysters on the half shell and a bowl of clam chowder. All a okay. Two stars for the seating arrangement
(2)Anye F.
I came here for lunch with a coworker today and was pretty impressed. It's rather pricey if you're not on expense account or there for a special occasion, but you get a great meal and great service for your money. I absolutely will dine here again. We split the thai scallops appetizer, I ordered shrimp and grits, and my colleague ordered one of the daily specials which was a salmon salad. We loved the appetizer. The scallops were perfectly cooked, and came with a baby bok choi and two cooked carrots in a mild green coconut milk curry. Next time, I won't want to split this with anyone as it's only two scallops and THEY WILL BE MINE. A must-order dish if like me you love scallops. My shrimp and grits were also excellent. This is one dish that is different everywhere I order it, unlike some dishes that pretty much taste the same everywhere. Joe Muer's version is somewhere between tomato-ey and wine-y, with great flavor and a little kick from their sausage selection. The jumbo shrimp were perfectly cooked (though only three of them, one or two more would have been perfect). Their grits are cheddar grits which were very good though my personal favorite shrimp & grits used goat cheese. Still a 5 star dish though. The breadbasket was great, as was the great northern bean amuse-bouche which was probably the biggest amuse-bouche I've ever seen -- a rather large dish of them. I even had a small taste of the smoked bluefish pate, which I didn't expect to care for but wasn't bad. Our server was excellent, I forgot his name but he was classy without being pretentious. The courses were paced very well, nothing felt rushed or like it took too long. We did not eat dessert but I saw the tray and it looked like they had some great choices there. All in all a terrific lunch I hope to repeat.
(5)Nichole S.
I go to Joe Muer quite often. Many times with groups and business dinners. Yesterday we made reservations through OpenTable to have dinner with another couple before the Tigers game. Our reservation was at 4:30pm. Early and basically in between lunch and dinner. The place was EMPTY. Upon checking in for our reservation, a manager approached us and very rudely refused to seat us and told us we could not eat there because my husband's jeans had a rip on his left knee. Seriously?! Wouldn't let us sit outside or even at the bar. Extremely rude way to turn away a very large tab and a very frequent diner who will be taking her business elsewhere. And I will make sure I share my experience with others. AVOID this place. Plenty of other places to get great seafood in Detroit and get treated with respect. Joe Muer- you do realize you are in the hospitality business, right? Perhaps you can coach your management on how to appropriately deal with these situations. We went next door to Andiamo and had zero issues.
(1)Crystal K.
My family and I came to dine for my birthday celebration. I am so delighted that they choose Joe Muer. I have been here before but only for sushi and cocktails, which were fantastic. I was thrilled to enjoy dinner and dessert for my special day. Gavin took care of our party of 8. Everything was perfect. From the sushi to dinner and flowing cocktails I can honestly say my birthday was amazing. To top it off, a surprise customized GIGANTIC slice of cake came to our table. You all really know how to make a girl feel special :) thank you for the experience. My family and I had such a memorable dining experience.
(5)Matthew S.
The best detroit has to offer in fine dining. Close second to capital grille. I love all the innovative farm to table and small plate restaurants that are opening up in detroit but Joe Muer takes the cake as far as traditional fine dining. Excellent seafood. Excellent steaks. Exceptional service. Everything about joe Muer is great. It's expensive, but that's not a problem for some. Come enjoy a large variety of delicious and fresh foods from this place as much as you can.
(5)Naomi U.
It was great time with my husband. Food was good. Beef carpaccio was lil bit strong taste sauce for me tho... I like more natural beef taste.ha I would recommend this place!
(4)Bradleigh M.
So this place only gets three stars from me although I come here a lot. I come by myself for lunch a lot, and the staff is always super nice. I love the customer service. Management always personally speaks to me. I sit at the bar most of the time, and I probably would not come eat lunch so much if it wasnt for Mervin, the bar tender. Now about my Stars. The best thing I have had here is the salmon and the lobster bisque. I would give it four starts if I only had that. But I guess its a seafood place, thats what they do. The chicken sandwich, over priced for the taste, the lobster roll sandwich over priced for the tates, the steak bites, over priced for the taste. Just get seafood here. There tempora shrimp is awful. waaayyyy too much tempora batter. Tried it twice with the same results. The texture is off because there is soo little shrimp in there. The cocktails are awesome! I've had the mojito and the strawberry basil lemonade. both very very good.
(3)Blaise B.
Had a fabulous time here the other night, but I had to take away a star because we were lied to over the phone. My boyfriend called and made reservations and specified that we wanted to eat outside, which whoever he talked to said was fine. They also said that there was free valet parking with a restaurant receipt. Neither of those things turned out to be true. We got there, only to be told that they don't take reservations specifically for inside or outside, and all of the outside seating was taken so we would have to eat inside. We ate inside and still had a good time. Their clam chowder is amazing. When we left, we were charged $10 for valet parking. This wasn't really a big deal, except that we had been told by the restaurant staff that it would be free! I recommend the restaurant, but do not believe anything you are told over the phone by them!
(4)Tim K.
Great restaurant with an amazing view of the Detroit River and Canada. This is one of our most favorite restaurants in southeast Michigan. The atmosphere is 1960's retro and the service is top-notch. The sushi is our favorite item on the menu. A pianist plays at the piano bar 7 evenings a week. Parking is very easy with the parking garage directly across from the restaurant and the restaurant validates parking.
(5)Dion T.
We chose this place because it was situated in the Ren Cen and had a river view. We wanted a nice pre-concert dinner for our date night, and this place did not disappoint. The interior has a great feel and lighting. We'd asked for a riverside view table, but received a table just across from the riverside tables. We asked if we could be moved, and the staff attempted to accommodate, but we declined the offer because of timing. The attempt itself was very kind. This was the only downside of the evening. We had the Fried Calamari appetizer, the Whitefish w/sauteed spinach entree, and the Surf-n-Turf entree. All three were expertly prepared and incredible. I could go into details about the taste, but it doesn't do it justice, we have zero complaints about the food. I'm not a whitefish person, but my wife thought it was excellent, and among the best prepared she'd ever had. The beef in my dish was tender and very flavorful, and the scallops were "WTF" delicious. I literally dropped my fork, looked at my wife and said "WTF". We had their famous coconut cake, which my wife loved, and although I don't like coconut that much, I thought it was delicious. It's a pricey place, so expect $110-ish for two people if you have an app and a couple of drinks. For expensive restaurants, I feel that if you have to keep thinking about the price, then the food wasn't that great. Some might say "Why the hell are you paying that much for food?", but I'm not here to debate that, we all do whatever we want with the money we have. All of the food was expertly prepared and delicious, we almost completely forgot what we paid, and we look forward to returning.
(4)Kay G.
Excellent. Our server was attentive but not overbearing. Bread basket and appetizers were good. We had sushi, filet, mussels, flounder and lobster. The Mac and cheese was amazing, asparagus cooked well. Their coconut cake and cheesecake are both very good.
(5)Abe H.
This is THE BEST seafood restaurant in dowtown. You really have to try it. It s absolutely superb. Every dish is so complex yet so simple. No matter what you pick you can never go wrong. It s a very nice ambience. It is not super upscale that U can't even talk like coach insignia, it is casual nd fun nd alive. It s just a super cool place. And make sure you try some desert, the creme broule is incredible. So are the crab cakes appetizers. One of the best fishes is bacon rapped scallop, you will literally cry when U try t!!!
(5)Suzanne K.
The view was great as we sat outside. Since it was around dusk, we were surprised by the plethora of Mosquitos and other bugs. One would figure that at such a classy establishment, the servers would be too botch.
(3)Frank S.
I always make sure to stop in every time I'm in Detroit for business. The tuna appetizer is great and their steaks are the bomb, And the view is pretty awesome since its right by the lake. It's a great place if you want to go out to eat in a large group
(5)Jina L.
LOVE SALTY FOOD? then I recommend this place. However if not, then I don't think so. All my dishes were very salty on my first visit, but since I loved the atmosphere I gave it another try. Another failure... Also our waiter recommended me a dish that was not on the menu and it was very salty crabcake topped with halibut that was very bland. AND it was $47 when I got the bill. yay?!? the quality of the food does not quiet match up with the pricing. I will never be going back...
(2)Dennis L.
Great place[-nice people,great food great service,great view-will definitely go back-nice to see a restaurant like this in the downtown area and accessible via people mover as well
(5)Steven H.
Great service and ambiance! Perfect place for a romantic evening, or a fun time with friends. The food was great (not excellent), but some of the best I've found in Detroit. The views are great, and live music is also nice. However, it's not a quiet place.
(4)Andy S.
Beautiful setting when facing the river. Very for a servers with excellent service. The meals we're masterfully prepared and seasoned well. This is a must visit when downtown. Take a cab as parking isn't obvious!
(5)Chris M.
Mediocre....The clam chowder was great but the pate, table bread, lobster corn dogs, tempura asparagus and crab were pretty bad. On the plus side: great martini's, delicious coconut cake and nice view of the water on the Canadian border. Piano player was a nice touch too but all in all there's got to be a better place to drop $100+ on dinner for 2
(2)Mohamad F.
My favorite place to eat in Metro Detroit! The service and staff are so friendly! The food is amazing! Amazing view overlooking Canada over the Detroit river. I had a filet Oscar style with shrimp and asparagus. Also the Calamari is the best calamari I've ever had! MUST TRY! Highly recommended!
(5)