Boy has this place has gone downhill. After going back and forth on the hat shortcoming to type about, I came to the conclusion that it was absence of management and oversight that is the core of this place's woes. A health issue that must be noted though: the pizza chef guy was unmasked for about 20 minutes) because he was eating) while cooking at his food station. Come on man! *Joe Biden voice* read more

No service at all. And your drinks come at the same time as your food - just before one passes out from hunger

Came in, sat at the bar. Service was reasonably quick. Ordered a beer (loose cannon). Received full and cold, Got the lobster roll. Honestly, I wanted to love it, and it was fine. Tasted good (not great, as one might expect) but was maybe 3/4 full at best. It was also surprisingly expensive ($33). Best (by comparison) part of the food was the old bay fries and the coleslaw. Asked for my bill and was delivered another beer. A good problem to have, I guess. But still have to pay for it. Then it took another hour to get the attention of bartender to cash out. Not worth it. read more

I've been to the Not Your Average Joe's in Silver Spring Downtown, so I was excited to try the restaurant at another location. The service was great and the food was good! I got the super crunch salad. It came with grilled chicken, quinoa, apples, and other toppings. The dressing was sweet and tangy. I really liked it. It was super nutritious and the serving size was perfect for me. Our waitress made sure all of our needs were met and she was constantly checking up on us. I would recommend this place! It is cozy and a nice place to eat. read more

An establishment near where I work, I've come here several times over the past couple years for work happy hours and lunches. It's definitely a fine spot for such - they have a wide ranging menu and a lot of physical space in their Bethesda location. Everything I tasted was generally fine, especially the appetizers, burgers, and even some of the pasta dishes I have had. I had a Chicken Caprese Sandwich the other day that left me quite disappointed though - likely should have stuck to fried chicken or beef. Overall a solid experience for large groups looking for a wide-range of standard options. But in the DMV, where there are so many great options from around the world, the food here is truly an average joe. read more

The first time I visited NYA Joe's I ordered the Nacho Average Nachos. Side note: I'm a huge nacho fan. What they brought to me was something that looked like it belongs in a French restaurant near the Eiffel Tower. It was maybe 8-9 chips stacked on top of each other with toppings balanced around. 10/10 for presentation if I was shooting a food commercial but I wanted a big and greasy plate of nachos. While the food was quite tasty, I could've easily ate three orders. Leaving hungry is a big no-no for me. My second visit I ordered the buffalo chicken pizza and the buffalo Caribbean chicken tenders. The sauce they use on on the chicken will literally make you drool. It was an explosion of flavor and I felt like I hit the food jackpot. The tenders are served with a mango infused sauce which is subtle yet lip-smacking. The pizza is essentially the same flavors but in pizza form. Treat this place like Cheesecake Factory, it's a huge menu and it may take one or two goes before you find something you really like. read more

I have come here a few times and I must say ... I like it. The food is good with a variety of options to choose from. I have often selected a salad and they are always large and tasty! One of their best offerings is their home made bread (with gluten free options as well). It arrives warm ... with the option to dip in olive oil ... and/or with a grated cheese concoction that blends in some herbs and spices. Yum! In fact, if you are not careful, you will focus only the bread and ruin your meal. Be careful (in a good way)! read more

Came in sat at the bar area with my parents for a get together over a drink. I came out from VA to come see them. i was extremely disappointed. service from the bartender was slow, had to wait 10 mins for water and had to ask him 2 times for some. got the cheesecake egg rolls they were ok. i ordered a chicken caesar wrap, took 20 minutes before we said something and just canceled the ordered since our drinks had been empty and no sign of him coming to give us more service. read more

This place has really good bread. The service was okay but it took forever to get our drinks (non alcoholic) even though the entire place was empty! read more

Not Your Average Joe's - Bethesda - Sirloin Tips - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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Went by this lo action two weeks ago. Had the chicken piccata with sautée spinach and it was delicious. Still... Longingly waiting for the return of NYAJ's chicken wings and Happy Hour! read more

My family and I had a wonderful time celebrating my birthday dinner, which was our first visit. The staff here (host and wait staff) were very friendly. I had calamari as an appetizer and scallops risotto for my entree. They were both tasty and had large portions. Our waitress Kimberly was attentive and checked on us frequently. She was so sweet to sing happy birthday when she brought out my dessert. Thanks for such a memorable evening. read more

Not Your Average Joe's - Bethesda - Scallops Risotto - 6 large scallops - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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There really isn't a location near Alexandria, although there should be, so when they sent me my annual birthday coupon, which is $15 off and awesome by the way, I tried out their Bethesda location. I do like NYAJ's. They have an extensive menu and everything is super yum. This is the third location I've been to and this one felt considerably brighter and more open than other locations I've been to. This visit I had the salmon salad and sweet potato fries. No lie - these were probably the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. They brought me a bowl and I ended up eating all of them. The salmon was covered in a delicious hoisin sauce. Everything I've had at NYAJ's has been good and I'm glad there is a location in Bethesda (so I don't have to go to Woodbridge anymore...) read more

MUSTARD-CRUSTED CHICKEN Meal -- Not Your Average Joe's . Delicious, crispy, juicy and well-seasoned chicken . Southern Style Mashed Potatoes were tasty and the green beans had the right amount of snap to them. . . . Service: Very attentive. Best of all, it was lightning fast. We highly recommend eating here, it was an excellent experience. My husband, having spent years in the food industry, really enjoys when the service is on point. . read more

It makes me sad to write this review because we used to love NYAJ and we live really close! But, I don't recommend it and we haven't had a positive experience since pre-pandemic. We reluctantly went for what will likely be our final time, last week. The food was fine, not great and not 100% accurate, but again it was ok. Service is mediocre, the dining room was open when we arrived yet they sat the next table who walked in right next to us. It could've been worse I guess, but for the high price point compared to competitors, we won't be returning. I'd much rather drive to The Cheesecake Factory at the mall and have much better food and service!! read more

My husband and I go to lunch here every so often and today I ordered a Southwest Chicken salad. It has strips of fried chicken and the 3 pieces on my salad were all burned (very dark). I was starving so I ate 2 but couldn't eat that last one. I showed it to the waitress and she offered to replace it in a to-go box for me. You guessed it, the to go box had a burned piece even darker than the one in my salad. I showed it to her and she says, "oh let me get you another piece". We had already waited long enough for the first one, we just left telling her we won't be coming back. Maybe she was new but she wasn't very attentive either, only came once to check on us. slow service and food is Average or if you get the dish I got, it's horrible. read more

The waitress we had was nice, however the service was super slow, took forever just to get bread and drinks and food over priced and flavoring over whelming and not in a good way read more

Food was good. Staff was not too happy about a group of 30. They were getting paid either way. Asked for directions to the restroom and she very upsettingly gave me them. The second waitress said we "were" supposed to get off at 9 it was 915. Our party was a party of 30 and it took them time to serve us all. Food was tasty and drinks were good but staff was mediocre at best. read more

Not Your Average Joe's - Bethesda - Dumplings - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Stopped in for a late lunch today and was surprised at the pleasant appearance of this place. Very tasteful build out I might add. Unfortunately there are only about 6 other people in the restaurant. Not sure if the restaurant industry will ever come back to pre pandemic volume. Six people dining and 20 working doesn't seem to be profitable? I ordered a Cobb salad that was good. I will be back and hope to see it more crowded next time. read more

Not Your Average Joe's - Bethesda - Empty restaurant - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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I think I've been here enough times to be able to review this place. If you ask my coworkers how they would rate this place, I would probably guess that they will give it a 5 star. My coworkers are obsessed with their bread and bread dip that is why they love this place and for some reason, we always go here which is kinda annoying considering the plethora of restaurants in Bethesda lol Every time I come here, I opt in for the Mexican food because I just don't feel like eating pasta for lunch then having to go back to work after. The last time we visited (which is probably not the last), I ordered fried shrimp tacos which were delicious. It also game with a side of plantains which was my favorite part. I think that this restaurant is average but is a good place for work lunches, etc because it can cater to many people due to various choices in the menu. The bread is definitely good and the dip - I actually recreated the dip at home for dinner parties that I host so I give them credit for that. The price is good for the amount and quality of food you get. Service is good as well. We made a reservation for 15 people and it was seamless, no crowds or anything. Parking was a breeze because there was a parking lot for this place. read more

Our waiter was very nice, service was beyond slow, silverware was filthy! We had to request for another set, menu was shorter than expected and made it very hard to decide what to order, The food was mediocre at best. Fair prices but I'm not sure if it is worth a second visit, this is one of the rare places I came to despite the bad reviews read more

Went yesterday at lunchtime to Bethesda location of nyaj after a long time. Good food, but that's where the positive stuff ends. Was charged for two salads when we had split one. Service was really sloppy. Our entree arrived before the salad, although both were ordered at the same time. I Asked for parmesan cheese for my salad, which never arrived. It was my husband's birthday and the waitress told us they do a small dessert celebration, but then she forgot about it and brought the check. I had to go ask about the dessert. They don't do a lunchtime menu, which is a huge miss. Who wants to eat -and pay for- a dinner sized portion at lunchtime? Tacky, pricey and overall left an unpleasant taste. We might not return. read more

Lunch outing with my lovely neighbor. She said Chipotle yet we ended up here & this was my 1st visit to the NYAJ chain. We as another neighbor unexpectedly joined us...the more the merrier & sat in the spacious bar area offering mini booths with foot rails & pub tables. All surrounding the enormous horseshoe bar. The shelving showcases an immense selection of libations giving off a sleek industrial decor. For the man of the hour or 2 or 3, Andrew our Server took exceptional care of us from start to finish. He provided us with both the regular & Gluten Free menus that we gazed over while devouring the complimentary basket of Focaccia Bread - Vegan & Gluten free. The accompanied "signature" dipping oil consists of Grated Romano & Parmesan Cheeses, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Chopped Garlic. & to avoid being left out, Andrew had the Chef make me one personally for me without the cheese...both me & my tastebuds were overly appreciative. I highly recommend the Lemon-Harissa Hummus Appetizer we shared that came out with a light spice & chili present severed with fresh seasonal veggies. & I even dipped my Focaccia Bread a few times over, what a tasty combination. Our Lunch as follows: Me: Sesame Hoisin Salmon Salad, grilled, well done with a sweet glaze. It was placed over a light amount of spinach, snap peas, mango, napa cabbage, pickled ginger & shaved carrots with an orange-sesame dressing. My Neighbor: Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese with cheddar & mozzarella, a tart apple relish, maple mustard aioli on Sourdough & hand cut Fries. Other Neighbor: Backyard Burger, served on a toasted brioche roll with an organic greens...we all were very satisfied with our meals. In the Know: Happy Hour; M-F 4pm-7pm at the bar only, $3-$5 drinks. The Sangrias (Red & White) are made with Brandy...that seems to be the new norm. Some of NYAJ's community efforts include supporting Empowered Women International & Hope Connection for Cancer. They take pride on offering the nutritional & allergens information. There's an email club to receive special perks & other goodies. 1st timers get a 15% discount off their next check. I really enjoy being a late bloomer to some places, especially when the customer service & food is very good. read more

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Really yummy food, with great gluten-free options! Ordered Mac & cheese, salmon with vegetables & quinoa, and the jambalaya. The jambalaya was my favorite - rich in favor and not too spicy. Also liked the tender salmon; and the quinoa (which is usually bland to me) was seasoned and fluffy to taste. The Mac and cheese was a little non-traditional - more with cheese on top rather than fully mixed in - but my kids liked it! I also really enjoyed the gluten-free warm, chewy bread with a Parmesan dip. read more

This place is going downhill fast. Restaurant is practically dead on a Friday evening. Service is meh, waiter took our order and forgot it. Came back and had us repeat it. Food is meh. Nothing special. Used to love this place. read more

I've been to NYAJ in the Kentlands many times and their new location is just as good as the Kentlands location, albeit a little smaller. My parents said place looks so cold and not inviting from the outside but got them to try this place and were pleasantly surprised how bright it was inside, compared to Hamburger Hamlet, the former restaurant. Like they have 4 tv's at the bar vs 3 tv's at Kentlands location. The complimentary bread and cheese/garlic dipping is so similar to Mamma Lucia, you don't need to order an appetizer. Food portions are quite large and we were pleased with our selections of meatloaf and backyard burger. Will have to check out their happy hour here next time. This area in Bethesda really needed a place like this. So glad it opened and will be coming here more often. read more

When to this location for the first time, placed my order for a mustard crust chicken sandwich, I got the chicken dinner instead, was disappointed but did not want to wait for them to redo my meal since everyone else got their meals. The waitress should have made an adjustment to the bill since she submitted the incorrect order. It was her first day so did not want to make a big deal about it they should be someone shadowing her on her first day. She should have explained the situation to her manager, but o am sure she did not want to look bad on her first day. Better training is needed. read more

Too often, it can be difficult to find a place to entertain not only your palate and mood for the day, but with other dining partners but this place was is perfect! It seemed they were still in their opening stages but service was still impeccable! Phil Song was our server and he was so enthusiastic, knowledgable, and so on point, it really added to the dining experience. I usually try to save my stomach for my apps & meal HOWEVER the fresh baked focaccia and oil/cheese/spice dip...im drooling right now. Can i just get bread & oil to go? Can we make that happen? I don't often recommend dishes but get the nachos! So perfect to share, it makes you feel good with each bite bc you know you're getting a piece of chicken/cheese/veggies in every single bite. This comes from a lukewarm nacho eater so take that how you want. Edamame wontons were good but wish I had a bigger spoon to soup up the light broth with it :) Had some other stuff but...just go! I love the open-ness of the place but don't really like all the bright lights- why! Let the beautiful & huge sash windows allow in the natural light! :) read more

Not Your Average Joe's - Bethesda - The house made focaccia and oil/romano cheese dip...so delish! - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Haven't been here for a while, so we were looking forward to it. We were with a large party and we had reserved way in advance. Our reservation was at 630pm. We did not get our food until after 8pm! Our server was trying her best but it seems the problem was in the kitchen. Food was good once we got it. Certainly did not expect such slow service. Hoping it was just an off night. read more

This was my first time back since a previous rough experience. The manager had sent me a gift card for my trouble, so I was happy to come back the next time I was in town. This visit was much more in keeping with my previous experiences at this chain. The service was pleasant, the food was hot and fresh tasting, and the atmosphere was fun but professional for a business lunch. I ordered the chicken enchiladas, my personal favorite dish here, and they were fantastic as per usual. I love the pulled chicken inside and the creamy green sauce on top - definitely a splurge dish. I'm so pleased to have had another good experience here, and plan to return the next time I'm in Rockville. read more

Not Your Average Joe's - Bethesda - Chicken enchiladas - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Food and service where fantastic. Must go back and try there happy hour looks great.

Seated and served promptly. Ample servings. I was looking forward to skirt steak which is no longer on the menu. Instead had chicken piccata. Two pieces of chicken and a small serving of pasta. It would have been nice to see a vegetable on the plate. Good but not a "wow" meal. Most at our table cleaned their plates though. read more

Not Your Average Joe's used to be one of my favorite places. Unfortunately things seem to have gone downhill. My friend and I had dinner here recently on a non-crowded night. Upon entering, the entire place smelled weird, kind of like cleaning chemicals. I sat down to join my friend who was already seated, and had to wait a long time for the server to come take my drink order. All of the servers seemed to be wandering around with no sense of urgency or attentiveness. Our server seemed bored out of her mind and completely uninterested in her job. We asked for bread and she said they had to bake more so it would take 10 minutes...meanwhile I was seated facing the kitchen and watched other servers fill bread baskets and take them to tables. About 10 minutes later she brought us our bread. It was cold/stale/dense and definitely not fresh out of the oven! I remember when the bread used to be hot, fresh, and fluffy many years ago. We then waited a while for our server to re-appear and we ordered our entrées. We both had salmon which was underwhelming and lacking in seasoning. At the end of our meal while I was getting ready to leave, I watched two servers start eating fries off a plate that the kitchen had prepared, and then they took it to a customer!!! If they are doing that type of stuff in plain view of customers, I don't even want to know what they are doing when customers can't see. read more

This restaurant is great especially for people with food allergies. I wanted to give a special shout out to Chef Jason, who has been fantastic with going above and beyond to address my sons concerns. My son has severe food allergies and has always been skeptical about eating in restaurants. Chef Jason took these concerns seriously and came out from the kitchen to speak with him personally. He provided tailored recommendations so my son could have a safe and enjoyable meal with the family. I am glad to have found a place where the environment is welcoming and the food is satisfying for everyone. read more

I went here for a Friday lunch with co-workers. This was my first Not Your Average Joe's experience and like a true Yelper when I learned where we were venturing I checked their menu and Yelp reviews. As I perused the menu I found myself thinking of the BJ's Restaurant as well as hearing Chef Ramsey on Kitchen Nightmares asking what they specialized in with such an extensive menu. It was lunch in an office district so the primary restaurant personality surfacing was the work lunch concentration but I could not help noticing the extensive large screen TVs near the bar area, the children's menu, and the numerous mixed drinks perhaps waiting for women's night out adventures (one of my co-workers had the Pomegranate Passion Martini which did look good ;-). We ordered Buffalo Caribbean chicken tenders for a starter. These were pretty good, good texture, coating, and flavor that actually had a little kick. There were a couple of items on the menu I thought about trying including the jambalaya but I was concerned it was an after thought menu addition with the pizzas, sandwiches, salads, grill, Italian, Asian, and Tex-Mex fusion etc being the heavy concentration (at least on the lunch menu). So to keep it safe I ordered the sweet blue burger (I was debating this and the veggie burger which I may try if I find myself here again). Despite being called the sweet blue burger there was very little blue cheese, it was mostly about the bacon, which is not a bad thing. My medium burger was not at all pink (although a co-worker who likes everything well done said she would want to cooked more...). It was better once I was able to acquire some BBQ sauce which took awhile because I think our server was related to The Flash, seriously, we saw her, turned to talk and she was gone, no where to be seen. This happened three times before any of us were able to get her attention. On a positive, since she was likely The Flash's cousin once I was able to ask for the BBQ sauce it did arrive very quickly. A foodie hot spot this is not, but all things considered it is an A-OK place to go for lunch with co-workers if your office in along the Democracy Blvd strip. read more

Not Your Average Joe's - Bethesda - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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You pretty much have to beg these people to seat you and beg them to serve you. The people here are rude.

I just sent this email to G Singh, the General Manager: I have never written to a restaurant manager before. I have enjoyed going to your restaurant in Bethesda in the past.  My husband, my daughter and I were in the area last night, I ran some errands and when my husband said that we were nearby I looked forward to going. We enjoy sharing the Steak tips. We had the worst service, followed by being insulted by your Restaurant manager, Mason Murray. The restaurant was not full and we got a table right away. A young waiter came to take the drink order. I told him that my daughter is allergic to tree nuts to ask about the bread and tree nuts. Then we got no service after that, not even an answer about the tree nuts. He told my husband that it would take 15 minutes to bake more bread. We ordered the small Caesar salad to use as an appetizer while we waited for the steak tips. The food did not come. I went to the Hostess who told the Restaurant manager. He came over, looking very sloppy and told us that they are having waitstaff shortages, that one waitress got into a car accident. He did bring over the small salad.  We told him that since we were waiting such a long time, we would expect  a price reduction on our bill. My husband noticed other tables getting bread that we were waiting for. The waiter finally brought over the bread. Finally, after a long wait the waiter brought the food. No apologies. Then the waiter tried to hustle us out. I am a slow eater and enjoy socializing with my family over dinner, so I ignored him. We got the check and saw that the price was not reduced, nor did the waiter or manager offer something like a dessert to go, something to make up for the lousy service. We called the restaurant manager over and he rudely told us that we had been monopolizing the waiters. We were shocked. Never have we been treated so rudely. I told him that I received weekly emails to come to the restaurant and to take me off the list. He appeared happy to write down my email address. I asked for his and your business cards. He was strangely happy to oblige. He offered us no apology, When i said that he was in no way in the position to turn away business, he acted like he simply does not care. We had always had an enjoyable time in your restaurant. When you fire Mason Murray I will return. Until then I will post a very negative review in Yelp. Covid has been devastating for the restaurant business. We love eating out and having a nice time with my family and am happy to patronize restaurants that value me. Mason Murray does not value me as a customer. Please confirm and advise. Please let me know when you fire him and I will return to your restaurant read more

This was a very clean and nice place to hang out with friends. i had the mustard chicken and my friend had the chicken dumplings and bacon/pepperoni pizza. the servers and manager were great with conversation and smiles. cant wait to come back when i am in town again read more

Not Your Average Joe's - Bethesda - Mustard - Crusted Chicken - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

Nice place for lunch. A little smelly around the bar; it could have used a good scrub

Came for brunch a few weeks ago. The food was pretty mediocre. A lot of fried food and salt in the brunch buffet. I would've preferred some basic staples instead there was fried chicken, ham, roast beef, thai noodle salad etc. The only eggs were huevos rancheros/deviled eggs/eggs benedict. We had to go to special order plain scrambled eggs. For two people and a toddler at brunch buffet, it was almost $70 before tip and there was barely anything I would expect at brunch. I know they wanted to do a special take on it, but did not suit us at all. read more

Quite dissatisfied with my visit today. First, I had to wait about 7 minutes to be seated for no other reason than the hostess too busy on the phone. Not sure what was so important but there were four parties waiting and she could not put down the phone to even ask us to wait or some gesture. It was 30 degrees outside so I decided to wait instead of walking out in the cold. The worst though was that my burger looked like it had been bitten. I really like this place so I kept looking at it and I could see nothing but a bite mark. I took some pictures and indeed it did look like a bite mark. I notified our server and he assured me no one had bitten it and I wanted to believe but I just couldn't refute what I had seen. The server promptly took it back and I got another burger. Never did a supervisor approach us about the wait time or the bitten burger. No apology or anything. Even though the server was nice, there was no apology and the assurance that no one had bitten it without an apology or another comment came across as dismissive of my claim. Here are the pictures and you tell me if it looks like a bitten burger or not. read more

Not Your Average Joe's - Bethesda - I opened my burger to add mustard and this is what I saw. Did someone bite it? - New American Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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