Joe Allen

4 stars
Joe Allen Cuisines:

Joe Allen
13 Exeter Street
London
WC2E 7DT 		Nearest tubes:

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Description of Joe Allen
Joe Allen restaurant, down a London side street in the heart of the Theatre District, is a London institution that, like the London Eye, remains lively and fascinating. It used to be that you had to work to find the dark door and tiny plaque by the entrance, now a proper awning marks the spot. Descend into theatrical nirvana, an exposed-brick dark-wood New York-style complex plastered with show posters, photos, and programmes. The long bar, seasonally-changing North American menu, and seriously A-list regulars are all crowd-pleasers. Jimmy the resident pianist has been playing six nights a week since the doors opened thirty years ago. He knows absolutely everyone. Casual, reliable, and open from lunch til late, Joe Allen is one of the West End's biggest hits.

Additional information for Joe Allen
Groups already gather at Joe Allen, from big work lunch gangs to pre or post theatre warm-ups and critiques to birthdays and family events. So you know it will be completely right to schedule your event in the main dining room of this ever-popular spot. The lack of private room means that your group up to 25 won't miss a moment of the buzz around you. The Manhattan ambience combines with the artistic crowd to give Joe Allen a feel all its own.
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Joe Allen Reviews

anon reviewed Joe Allen on 14/12/2008

Hadn't been to Joe Allen's for years. Nothing has changed, still great. Brunch was superb, great value.

DD reviewed Joe Allen on 11/12/2008

The mains were great, the wine was lovely but the dessert definitely let them down. Dry and even stale tasting and left you thinking you could have done a much better job yourself. Never a good thing. But the atmosphere, the mains and the feeling that you weren't being rushed will definitely mean a return trip.

Liana Brower reviewed Joe Allen on 09/12/2008

My boyfriend and I went to Joe Allen because a co-worker recommended it to me. My only complaint is that my dish, which was the vegetarian option, wasn't very good or interesting at all. It seemed that they just didn't care to put much effort into it. Besides this we did enjoy our other food and drinks and had a good time.

CS reviewed Joe Allen on 20/12/2008

Joe Allen's is one of the hidden gems near Covent Garden. Brilliant atmosphere, food and service. Not cheap but worth every penny for the quality and service you get.

anon reviewed Joe Allen on 21/12/2008

Joe Allan was a cosey venue with fantastic round tables, good for a large group. Staff were very friendly.

MW reviewed Joe Allen on 20/12/2008

Have been to Joe Allen's many times over the years and Saturday lunchtime before Christmas didn't disappoint. all 4 of us opted for menu of the day which included free glass of champagne. Thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to future visits.

Tony Hagger reviewed Joe Allen on 24/11/2008

Joe Allen's is a delight. Great food in a cosy, informal atmosphere. There is also a pianist who has been playing there for donkey's years.

James Snelgrove reviewed Joe Allen on 31/12/2008

Menu could be a little more extensive, given the location and the clientel plus the popularity of the restaurant. Waiters very friendly and attentive

AM reviewed Joe Allen on 20/12/2008

Had a fantastic afternoon at Joe Allen's. Food was top notch, so was the service and atmosphere. Will def go back again.

RE reviewed Joe Allen on 15/12/2008

Great food, and wonderful atmosphere. Unfortunately our waitress was rude and barely spoke, let alone acknowledging that the bill and service charge had been paid.
I would still return with friends though.

CB reviewed Joe Allen on 03/12/2008

Not haute cuisine, but always good value for money. IF you like live piano rather canned music and a range of options from a snack at the bar or a 3 course meal, then this is the place.
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