Joe Beef
RestaurantTop Pick
Joe Beef
Relaxed restaurant & bar serving steaks & seafood in a compact, old-school setting.
Opens Tuesday at 5 pm
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5 pm - 10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 pm - 10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5 pm - 10:30 pm |
| Friday | 5 pm - 10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 5 pm - 10:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed Today |
SuggestionsView All
Info & Location
Old Montreal restaurant classics in the heart of Little Burgundy. An homage to Charles "Joe-Beef" McKiernan, 19th century innkeeper and Montreal working class hero. A drunken crawl away from the Historic Atwater market. Steaks and seafood.
Amenities, services & more
Restaurants NearbyView All
Suggested Articles
on Google
Best Little Burgundy Restaurants
Events Nearby
POCHA MTL 2025 - Montreal's Korean Street Food Festival
Jul 24, 2025 to Jul 27, 2025
Festival Pizza Matta
Aug 28, 2025 to Aug 31, 2025
Reviews often mention
Display Alllobster(108) steak(73) spaghetti(71) sauce(57) wine(56) recommend(48) dessert(46) dishes(38) attentive(35)Page 1 of 2 - 36 Reviews
Omar
Excellent service with great features of appetizers & wine! We had a great timeView more
J
Service was awesome & great wine selections! Great beef but all the other apps were kind of mediocre & not quite hit the spot. Charming organic atmosphere & the space is cozy but can feel a bit cramped & you can hear all the noise from other tables. If I return again & i will only have the mains & wine! Other wise it's a bit overhyped & priced.View more
SY
We ordered a few appetisers + sides + mains. For main, we got the lobster spaghetti & off-the-menu beef dish. The beef was truly disappointing. Very dry & tough. We couldn't finish half of it. The appey+side were good. Overall, not sure if it's worth the price. We're glad we tried it once, but it's not a place we would come back when we visit Montreal again. The only thing that was good was the wine selection.
The atmosphere of the restaurant was okay. We were sat near the windows & the seats were so snug, it felt a bit too tight for two people.View more
Claudia
We celebrated my husband's birthday here & had an amazing experience.
The service was outstanding - our waiter was incredibly attentive, explaining the menu & daily specials in detail, & helping us choose the perfect wine.
We started with the croquettes, then had the rib eye with carrots as our main dish - everything was delicious. We found it funny that, for my husband's birthday, they placed a candle on a potato instead of a dessert 🤭 - such a quirky & memorable touch!
For dessert, we ordereded - apparently their house specialty. It was worth it.
Total including tip & 4 glass of wine was close to $400.
All in all, one of the best dinners we've ever had in Montreal. Highly recommended!View more
Julie
i have eaten here several times with family & friends. the staff is attentive, kind & they know the food & wines. i hope to partake again!!!View more
Lucas
Disappointed at Joe Beef - Expected Greatness, Got Mediocrity
We recently dined at Joe Beef with high expectations & an appetite to match. Our meal included several appetizers - Boston scallops (served raw), a dozen oysters, escargots, & croquettes - followed by mains of lobster pasta, guinea hen, a 26 oz ribeye steak, & two orders of fries. We shared a bottle of German Riesling & skipped dessert. The total bill came to just over $700 CAD, including an 18% tip.
Unfortunately, the experience didn't live up to the restaurant's reputation.
Appetizers:
The scallops were delicate & fresh - easily the highlight of the evening. However, the oysters were surprisingly dry & underwhelming. The snails were enjoyable but nothing memorable, & the croquettes, while decent, felt like an afterthought on the plate.
Mains:
The ribeye was generously sized but excessively fatty, which diminished the enjoyment. Both sauces - a red wine reduction & a peppercorn - were well-executed & helped elevate the dish slightly. The guinea hen was overly rich & lacked balance, leaving a heavy impression rather than a satisfying one.
As for the much-anticipated lobster pasta, it was, at best, average. For $71, we expected something outstanding - especially from a restaurant of this calibre. Instead, it was comparable to a dish from a far more casual eatery. The lobster itself was small & likely frozen, which detracted from both the texture & the flavour.
Service & Wine:
Service was professional & kind & the Riesling paired well with the seafood, but even great service couldn't compensate for the overall mediocrity of the food.
In the end, Joe Beef simply didn't deliver the calibre of cuisine or experience its price point & reputation suggest. While not a terrible meal, it was an unmemorable one - & certainly not worth the cost. I wish we took more photos, attached are what we have.
Perhaps an off night, maybe we ordered the wrong dishes, but this was our experience.View more
Tom
Wow, just wow. An amazing meal.
Started with PEI oysters & crab legs. Delicious. Then had an appetizer which was an'eclair' stuffed with anchovies, olives, & carmelized onions. Awesome.
We had gin martinis with the appetizers, perfect.
For main course I had a beef tenderloin with mushrooms & gravy. Cooked to perfection. My wife had halibut. She thought the sauce was a bit overpowering but still enjoyed it.
The waiter recommended two wonderful wines, a white with the fish & a red with the beef. We enjoyed both.
We had desserts: a layer cake & a'bagel' with yummy filling. Marvelous. We topped them off with cordials.
Overall a wonderful experience. Quite expensive but not more than we expected & definitely worth it.View more
Jen
Truly one of the most memorable meals I've had, with incredible hospitality that is core to the DNA of Montreal & can't be found anywhere else. Seafood platter was insanely good. Wine was fantastic. The cooked dishes were good but really outshined by the seafood platter. It's worth trying to get the reservation.View more
Louie
Dining at Joe Beef was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The moment we walked in, we were greeted by a warm, lively atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. The service was exceptional-attentive, knowledgeable, & friendly, making us feel right at home despite it being a busy night.
The menu is a perfect blend of creativity & classic comfort, with every dish bursting with bold flavors. We started with a selection of appetizers, & each one was a standout. The foie gras was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, & the oysters were fresh & briny-an excellent start to what would be an amazing meal.
For the main course, I had the steak frites, which was cooked to perfection-tender, juicy, & full of flavor. The sides were equally impressive, with the roasted vegetables being a particular highlight. Everything was beautifully presented, & the portions were generous, making each bite more enjoyable than the last.
The wine list is extensive, & the sommelier's recommendation perfectly paired with our meal, elevating the whole experience.
Joe Beef is more than just a meal; it's an experience. The vibrant atmosphere, exceptional service, & unforgettable dishes make it a must-visit for anyone in Montreal. It's clear that the chefs & staff take immense pride in what they do, & that care translates into every dish served. Highly recommend!View more
Jake
I've been wanting to go to Joe Beef for 15+ years, since I first saw it on the travel channel or food network. That's the only reason I've given it a 4/5... because it couldn't possibly live up to the anticipation.
But it was great, & I definitely recommend checking it out. It's a true Montreal legend. The atmosphere & staff were superb. The food was good. Not the out of this world extravaganza I was expecting but absolutely delicious. We had the tuna tartare & the strip with potatoes & bone marrow. At $130 for the steak alone... it's a pricey meal. & worth it. The wine was excellent & the service was fantastic.View more
Jack
Dining at this highly acclaimed establishment was exceptional. The unpretentious decor & the smell of cooking triggered a nostalgic feeling, reminding me of my grandma's kitchen. The waitstaff exhibited flawless hôtelier etiquette & were knowledgeable about the menu & wine list. The waitress suggested a few dishes to share, thoughtfully separated into three courses. The dishes were straightforwardly presented without any fancy-pancy plating style, this simplicity allowed the quality & flavors of the dishes to shine through. The waitress also suggested a bottle of red with soft tannins & a smooth finish, not overpowering the delicate flavors of the food. For my wife's special occasion, she was treated to two complimentary desserts & a large fresh potato. Thanks to Maurane, we had a wonderful evening.View more
Daniel
Wow. Lives up to the hype.
The foie gras with wine gummies & sweet bread... Wow...... 🤤View more
D
The team at Joe Beef is, as a whole, completely unmatched. They are a non pretentious, group of fast, efficient, & knowledgeable professionals. Our waitress, is a master of her craft. She was patient, funny, & so deeply accommodating, it made my 18yo son's first fine dining experience one that neither he nor I will ever forget. He was not pressured or intimidated at any point as the Joe Beef team warmly walked him through their amazing menu. We were treated to a "Choose Your Own Adventure" selection of menu offerings made once again by our lovely waitress. I know, I know everyone wants to know about the food. Words don't do it justice. Every item that touched our table was quickly devoured &/or shared with the lovely couple next to us. We enjoyed a selection of Scallops, 3 types of North Atlantic Oysters, as a starter. Our 2nd course consisted of Beef Bone Marrow, Escargot, Foie Gras & a simple but delicious homemade Ham with Brie & pickled plums. We ordered the shared 40oz Porterhouse, with potatoes au gratin, & a Waldorf salad. Each course was paired with our Waitress's suggested wine pour, & they elevated each dish accordingly. I wanted to give a special shout to the Expo staff at Joe Beef. She made sure EVERY single dish was perfectly plated, properly timed, delivered to each table without missing ANYTHING the entire night. It's always a pleasure to observe a true professional in their element. (Bonus - the restaurant was FILLED with an amazing groups which only added to the intoxicating atmosphere). If you're ever lucky enough to have an opportunity to dine at Joe Beef, make it a top priority. Returning with my wife & daughter are at the top of my list!View more
Robin
joe beef is THE restaurant! a must-visit in montreal. porterhouse cooked to perfection, smoothest dirty martini you'll ever drink, insane cocktail sauce on the shrimp, lovely wine list… i could go on & on. we had so much fun, will definitely return on my next trip!View more
David
We usually go to Liverpool House as we love the menu, & it's easier to get a last-minute seat when you're just out of work & feel like having an impromptu date with your partner. However, we thought we'd go to its beloved sister establishment this time. We were not disappointed. It had a mix of locals, tourists & people on dates, all looking to have a good time, & I think this is where Joe Beef shines. It caters to many customers & creates an ambiance that works for most. We shared a bunch of plates & let our server recommend wines that would pair well with our selection. It felt like the whole experience was designed for us to enjoy food any way we wanted & without fearing weird looks from other people if we were a little too loud & having too much fun. It felt like everyone was having a good time, including the staff, which is a decreasingly common sight in the increasingly sterile Montreal food scene that sometimes takes itself a little too seriously. Thanks for the food, drinks & the good vibes :)View more
Joe
Amazing food & excellent service. Our party of four thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The filet mignon special was outstanding & the lobster spaghetti was equally good. Our waiter Gab made the night incredible, he was friendly, attentive & helpful. His recommendations for appetizers, meals, wine & desserts were spot on! Not an easy place to get a reservation but we will definitely be back!View more
Uma
Service was excellent 👌 Place is rustic style, however music was way too loud. Overall, It was fun enough but it was not that fun fun. It was kind of mix ambience that I'm not so sure how to describe. Food Maindish : - Filet Mignon was 95$ my boyfriend said he had better & less pricey than that. I found it was very moist & good. - Tuna steak was 70$ it was interesting, the pepper sauce was a bit killing the taste of tuna. It was good but not great. Entrée : - Pétoncle I.D.M was 17$ it was interesting to try .. it was intense taste. - Jambon blanc cuit au foin was really really good 21$. I highly recommend to try the entree ones My boyfriend had a glass of red wine which was very good with the steak. Well ! At least we try.View more
Glenn
Service: 10/10. Everyone in the restaurant was friendly & outgoing. Our server was fantastic, with an amazing knowledge of the menu & the wine list. The "bar back" aka the woman assisting all of the servers was an absolute delight. Food: the seafood was so fresh & perfectly seasoned/accompanied. The beef tartare was classic & done to perfection. The steak special was unique & delicious. The lobster spaghetti needs to remain on the menu forever. The dessert was dense but light & oh so flavorful. Not too sweet. Almond flour based with layers of jam. Pro tip from one of the bartenders - spread the Chantilly cream on the cake like a frosting. Cocktails: the "John Bill" & ode to the late seafood master was a rum based cocktail. Crushable & delicious. The dirty martini named "Perfect Martini" was exactly that. With olives frozen in vermouth. Mock tail for the pregnant wife was a spin on the cosmopolitan. Delicious & balanced.View more
Diana
The service was excellent, staff were very friendly, but that's not what I went for. The prices are very expensive for what you get. The wine was the worst white Sav Blanc I have ever had. It was from New Zealand, which are known for their Sav Blanc but this wine was terrible for $95 a bottle. I wouldn't go back.View more
Amanda
What a great restaurant. The service was impeccable without being stuffy. The food is amazing - honesty one of the best meals I've had at this price point. The table side beef tartare was a standout, & the lobster spaghetti is something I hope I get to eat again. Our waiter provided a perfect wine recommendation that paired nicely with both. Glad that the hype is deserved.View more
Rachel
Went for dinner last night & had the best ever table outside in back & beautiful weather. Our server was so attentive & fun! He was so knowledgeable in everything we asked as well as gave us some seriously amazing suggestions! He was a pleasure to be around :) We had the prime steak which was for 3 of us. It was unreal & perfectly cooked. We were super happy with the portion size & definitely were not left hungry. The 2 sauces that accompanied the steak were so savory & went perfectly with the meat. We also had the lamb which was so tender & flavorful & would highly recommend. As for the wine. Worth every penny. Our server made some suggestions which were spot on. He suggested a wine in between our courses so as not to waste the decadent red that we would have with our mains & it was perfect. Oh & if they have the savory éclair for an appetizer...do it! As well as the ham & cheese starter !! The beef tartare is prepared at the table & hands down best I've had & I have had many! There was a slight hiccup in our wine service for the mains, which did not bother us at all, as we are patient people & they gave us the most delicious assortment of desserts to make up for it which was so kind. I've heard people comment on the price of a dinner here but I can guarantee you that if you want high quality food cooked to perfection with the most flavorful combinations then you won't regret it. You pay for what you receive & that is superior service, unbeatable food quality taste & wine.View more
Aaron
Met some very high expectations. The mutton chop was even better than the hanger steak. Best hunk of meat in ages. Both demi glace sauces were amazing but the sage in the mutton sauce was just wow. Server made great wine suggestions. Great experience.View more
Betty
Unbelievable. Spectacular experience. Anthony Bourdain was right. Gorgeous atmosphere. Exciting cocktails & wines. Exceptional, highly knowledgeable & attentive service, & amazing amd expertly prepared food. Also we felt it was an excellent value. Started with a round of fantastic champagne cocktails presented tableside, steal tartare also prepared tableside, 2 bottles of exceptional wine, 3 entrees & 2 sides for all in about 150 US per person.View more
Irenae
The entire staff at Joe beef clearly love to work there & with each other. This comes out in the food & service. It reminds me of a Danny Meyer restaurant. Their food was exceptional & our server made excellent wine recommendations. We had the beef tartare prepared table side with endives & crostini. The meal could have ended there I would've been happy but we followed it up with a gem salad, the duck meal to share & fries. Not your traditional steak house meal given the other options but would have that meal on repeat. we finished it with a chocolate meringue dessert that our server previously called the "kids dessert" she was not wrong. 10/10 would recommendView more
Tony
A wonderful evening. Food was top notch & well worth the reputation; excellent technique & ingredients. Service was great given the type of restaurant. Wine recommendations top notch. Would recommend.View more
James
Let me start off by saying that Joe Beef is the best restaurant I've ever been to, including places like Le Bernadin & Le Cirque. It is the perfect mixture. On one hand it is unpretentious, like a good neighborhood spot. But when it comes to technique, they are second to none. We come to Montreal every year, sometimes twice, & always dine at Joe Beef. Skipping the menu, we opt for the Joe Beef Experience. This has resulted in the best meals of our lives. This time, April 2, 2024, was no exception. Laura, once again, proved herself a genius by constructing a flawless series of courses for us each paired beautifully with an appropriate wine. She, & Kalina who stopped by to raise a glass with us, always make us feel like friends, not just clients. Years ago I had a recurring dream of the perfect restaurant. Never did I think I'd find it, but we did.View more
Mitchell
A must experience when in Montreal on my bucket list. World class food, wine & service. Joe Beef exceeded my high expectations, everything was on point. Thank you again for the wonderful experience.View more
Raina
We ordered beef tartare to start & the shareable steak as our main. The red wine sauce was excellent & really elevated the dish. The sides of marrow bone & bitter greens complimented the steak well. Be prepared to wait up to an hour before food arrives during busy dinner times.View more
Eduardo
It's definitely an antagonistic restaurant. They started very well. Service was great & we got a nice wine option. Although overpriced for the quality, I give points to the waitress for capturing our desire. Appetizers were really good. That had set up the bar. We got a quiche & a rice on bacon with egg on top. Really good options. Present flavours & well served. The main dish we got to share ny strips. Honestly, a bummer. The meat was ok & the sauce felt like a meat brouillon diluted in water. Some potatoes were even burnt. Dessert was really good. Their signature, well done. Another point loss was the forceful 18% tipping. Service was good, but 15% standard was more than enough. Staff was very receptive & great. One of the waitresses slipped wine a few times on the table. Overall it was a 9 out of 10. Honestly, it was an ok restaurant. Not a should go back one.View more
Benjamin
We had a lovely experience at Joe Beef for a party of 4. We were recommended to order 4 appetizers, 4 mains & 1-2 side dishes, which might have been a bit overkill, but we enjoyed every bit. One less main would have been the perfect amount. We had the snails, paté en croute, Époisses tart & the daily special (their twist on ham & cheese sandwich). The snails & paté en croute were delicious. The daily special was on the smaller side & the cheese overpowered most of the dish. For mains, we had the daily fish, which was good but not at the same level as other dishes. The chicken, sweetbreads & lobster pasta were all amazing - I understand why the lobster spaghetti has been on their menu for the past 19 years! The wine was great too!View more