Joe’s Backyard Saturday Brunch Review

Joe’s Backyard is Dubai’s vibrant hotspot, uniting BBQ enthusiasts in style. Situated on the 19th floor of the Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City, it provides stunning views of the Dubai skyline and the Burj Khalifa. The venue boasts a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere ideal for any time of day or night. Joe’s Backyard elevates the dining experience with a globally inspired menu of flame-grilled flavors. The highlight is the 2.5-meter grill on the terrace, the largest braai in the region. Their specialties include braised and slow-cooked meats using locally sourced, top-quality ingredients. With engaging events, entertainment nights, and live sports, Joe’s Backyard is more than just a restaurant—it’s a dynamic destination.

Review: A Delicious Evening at Joe’s Backyard

Stepping into Joe’s Backyard, you’re immediately welcomed by its casual yet charming atmosphere. The space is adorned with lush plants and features rustic wooden floors, creating a warm and inviting environment that sets the stage for a relaxed dining experience.

Starters: A Flavorful Beginning

Our meal began with a selection of enticing starters. The freshly fried tortilla chips, served with vibrant salsa and creamy guacamole, were a perfect kickoff. Next, the crispy chicken taquitos, encased in a crunchy shell, were filled with a savory mix of chicken, white cheddar cheese, onions, and potatoes. Each bite was a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

However, the standout starter for me was the veal-stuffed mushrooms. These were far from ordinary—each mushroom was generously filled with a rich mushroom Comté cheese, buttered breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, and a hint of demi-glace. The combination was so irresistible that we ended up ordering them twice. Their umami-rich taste and hearty texture made them a highlight of the meal.

We also enjoyed the Margarita flatbread, which was akin to a well-crafted pizza. It featured a seasoned tomato sauce topped with Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, oregano, chili flakes, and fresh basil. The flatbread offered a perfect balance of flavors and was a satisfying addition to our starters.

Another crowd-pleaser was the platter of chipotle honey wings, served with a tangy ranch dipping sauce. These wings were crispy, sweet, and spicy, quickly becoming a favorite at our table.

To complement our meal, we opted for Joe’s famous lemonades in various flavors, including strawberry, passion fruit, and ginger. The refreshing drinks were a great match for the flavorsome starters. The atmosphere was lively, with a live DJ providing an energetic soundtrack, and the servers were friendly and knowledgeable, offering helpful suggestions throughout our visit.

Mains: A Meat Lover’s Paradise

For the mains, Joe’s Backyard truly shines. The grill is the star of the show, and the meat platter we enjoyed was nothing short of spectacular. It featured an array of grilled delights, including beef roast striploin seasoned with mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. The Joe’s chicken sausage, paired with a savory chicken gravy, was another standout. Other highlights included beef boerewors sausage, BBQ chicken (which we reordered twice, thanks to its delicious Joe’s BBQ sauce and spice rub), smoked peri-peri, and beef chorizo sausage. Each item was expertly cooked, catering to every meat lover’s dream.

The sides accompanying the meat platter were equally impressive. The potato salad, rich with eggs, onions, and cream, complemented the grilled meats perfectly. The corn succotash, featuring zucchini, capsicum, butter, and corn, added a sweet and savory crunch. Additionally, the anti-pasta salad, with its macaroni, mayo, cauliflower, herbs, and onions, provided a refreshing contrast to the heavier meat dishes.

Dessert: A Sweet Finale

To conclude our meal, we indulged in Joe’s brownie a la mode. The rich, fudgy brownie paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of coffee was the perfect ending to a memorable dining experience.

Conclusion

Joe’s Backyard offers more than just a meal—it provides a vibrant and satisfying culinary journey. From its casual ambiance to its flavorful dishes, each aspect of the dining experience is thoughtfully curated. Whether you’re a fan of expertly grilled meats or delectable starters and desserts, Joe’s Backyard promises a feast that will leave you eager for your next visit.