Review: Joe’s Grill

(Darlington, SC)   A week ago today, my family and I were heading to church and considering where to go for lunch after services.  Checking my iPhone Facebook app, I saw Joe Saleeby’s post about the menu for that day.   The menu, posted daily by Joe, himself, was country steak, pork chops, mac & cheese, and lots more on that day.  Yup, we found our place for Sunday.

We wound our way to Darlington and quickly found Joe’s Grill on Russell Street.  It was our first time there, and thankfully the iPhone GPS did it’s job flawlessly.  By this time we were ready for some groceries, if you know what I mean!  The parking lot was full, save one open space.  We grabbed it then headed into the restaurant to find a virtually packed house.  Apart from a booth, the only open table that I recall was what Joe call’s the “family table.”  We sat down, got a copy of the photocopied menu from Joe and started to salivate.  Conversations in the dining room were lively and the atmosphere was casual.  We were joined by a gentleman, Mr. Earle Wilson, who was a joy to talk to.  Mr. Wilson pointed out the photos on the wall and the memorabilia – most of historic Darlington — and told us a few stories about Joe and others who are fixtures in the community.  It was like being in a family kitchen.  It was like being in a place that we’d been a thousand times before.  We were enjoying Sunday lunch at home, but really out; with family, but really with a new friend.   What could be better for a Sunday lunch?

The meal itself was something that will draw us back again and again.  I ordered the country steak, which was absolutely great.  The green beans and other sides were perfectly flavored to my taste.  Yep, I tasted others, where I could sneak them from my family’s plates.  Cornbread was there for the table as well.  My daughter got the country steak and mac & cheese.  Now let me explain about my daughter and mac & cheese; she is a connoisseur.  To date, her favorite is from Walt Disney World, a Kraft Foods version I believe, but the ones that her grandmothers make have to be very, very close seconds.  Joe’s is now fighting for the top of that list.  She loved it.  My wife got the fried pork chop, cabbage and the mac & cheese, as well.  To quote her, ”It was delicious!”  

Joe designs his menus daily, posts them on Facebook and serves them up hot and fresh.  If you don’t have a Facebook account, Joe’s menu postings might be the best reason to get one that I’ve found in a long time.  Ingredients are local, wherever possible, and always seasonal.  As the second generation operating Joe’s Grill, he takes pride in his history, the restaurant atmosphere and the enjoyment that his customers get from his cooking. 

I was so intrigued by our own experience that I contacted Joe to ask for a brief interview about his background, philosophy, recipes and the atmosphere at Joe’s Grill.  You can read the Joe Saleeby interview; it’s our first PeeDeeFoodie.com People Profile.  When you’re done reading, befriend “Joseph J. Saleeby Jr” on Facebook, read the menu, grab your car keys (and your GPS, if needed) and hit the road to Darlington. 

You’ll enjoy Joe’s Grill a great deal, I expect.   Tell Joe, PeeDeeFoodie.com sent you, and that I’ll see him soon.

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1. Review: Zapata’s Grill
2. Review: Magnolia Grill
3. Review: Locals Grill

Tags: Darlington, Joe Saleeby, Joe's Grill, South Carolina

Category: Restaurant Reviews