By Michaella Lesieur, Staff Writer
Tired of the same three day old pizza sitting in your dorm room? It might be time to hit the road and explore an old fan favorite restaurant that is right next door!
Not Your Average Joe’s, in Dartmouth is the original restaurant out of the 24 locations nationwide.
Created and founded by Stephen Silverstein 23 years ago the restaurant has grown considerably since first opening.
Not Your Average Joe’s Dartmouth manager Julia Perkins is going on 10 years with the company come May and feels that there is nothing more rewarding than inviting someone for some fine cuisine. “Being a part of the NYAJ’s restaurant family allows me to be a part of orchestrating and planning for a large-scale family dinner -with a TON of help- on a daily basis…”
From the minute you walk in the front door you are opened into a world of comfortable dining fit for any taste and palate.
“I feel a real sense of pride when talking about our scratch menu and beverage menu,” said Perkins.
“I love seeing the look on guests’ faces when I tell them that the only thing they’ll find in our freezer is ice cream. We have one of the hardest working kitchen and service teams on the planet and the passion for what they do is apparent in every dish and meal served.”
Some of this writer’s favorite menu items include: the name to fame pizza, forno-baked chicken quesadilla, seafood and vegetable tempura, waldorf salad, sirloin tips, smokehouse jambalaya, frutti di mare: featuring a unique blend of clams, mussels and shrimp over spaghetti.
There is also a “simply grilled menu,” for those looking for a healthier meal.
Through October 9, during their Oktoberfest celebration, you can try appetizers and entrees such as the hearty pumpkin apple bisque and the rich sauerbraten, a german flare pot roast and other favorites such as the Bavarian pretzel and pork schnitzel.
When looking at the menu guests will notice that each month comes with an abundance of different fan favorites and flavors. However, there is a steady menu of year round dishes to enjoy, “We have several ‘staple’ menu items such as our famous mustard crusted chicken and almond-crusted goat cheese salad that keeps guests coming back year after year,” Perkins remarked.
What makes Not Your Average Joe’s unique is they support local causes. The restaurant will host multiple cause nights to help fundraise in their community.
“[We are] committed to supporting our community as they have supported us for 23 years. Each month, we select a different non-profit group within the South Coast region to participate in our NYACause program, and we give back 15% of all proceeds brought in by supporters of that non-profit throughout their given month,” Perkins elaborated.
If you are looking to try one of their dishes you might want to consider making a reservation or at least calling ahead to hold your table as the restaurant is bustling with diners on Fridays and Saturdays.
One bonus the establishment offers is an email club. As college students, I’m sure we could all appreciate a good discount. You can find details for the club at http://www.notyouraveragejoes.com.
Perkins remembers her years in college and knows the need for a good homemade meal, “We have a wide selection of made-from-scratch, budget-friendly meals to choose from.
We all know college kids love pizza though, so come on in and try one of our fantastic wood-fired pizzas with hand-stretched dough made in house daily with fresh, inventive toppings.”
Not Your Average Joe’s is also good for larger events “In-house, we host pairing dinners throughout the year and are proud to be a go-to spot for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and other important family milestones,” said Perkins.
Want to save $5.00 on your next order? Perkins said you can get a free appetizer just by placing your first online takeout order or, if you are dining in as a first time customer, you can receive a $5.00 coupon.
In the words of the manager herself, “Joe’s is for everyone,” said Perkins. “Please ask for me when you come in- I love to meet new guests, and I want to make sure you are happy with your meal and service every time you come in.”