If you blink driving by the new Joey Thai, you’ll miss it altogether. Qualifying as a “hole in the wall” restaurant only because of its diminutive size, it’s a pleasant enough, clean, make-your-own-atmosphere kind of place. Excited at the idea of new Thai on Bloomfield Avenue, we ran over to check the menu and meet Joey – a charming restaurateur – and a high rent refugee from NYC. Joey, psyched about his new two-week old Montclair eatery, tells us “I’ll cook whatever you want…you want a special fish dish, stuffed angel wings (not on the menu)? Just call me a day ahead and I’ll make it.”
Our first taste of Joey Thai was a special order giant-size portion of take-out chicken pad thai. This was a winner – moist, flavorful, packed with chunks of chicken – voraciously devoured at our picnic.
A few nights later our party of seven decided to really put the menu to the test. Our expectations were high for Joey, who promised “authentic” from his kitchen. But that night there was a different chef in the kitchen. After a slowly-served sampling – we ordered seven of the nine appetizers – we were still on the fence: tastes were mild, even with the ubiquitous sweet chili sauce. Tod Mun (fish cakes) Por Pia Tod (fried spring rolls) Koong Tod (lightly battered shrimp) won our approval; the tiny Thai spare ribs were interesting, but next time we’ll pass on the Hoi Ob (steamed New Zealand mussels), the steamed dumplings which came out frozen in the center (but happily replaced), and crab “dumplings” resembling deep fried fish balls.
But Joey Thai won us back with the entrees: the pad thai shrimp and chicken were flawless, the boneless garlic/pepper crispy duck (below) delicious (if not crispy). And here, spice is nice: getting top reviews were the coconut green curry and chicken sauteed with chili, basil, and onion (above).
You’re going to like the prices here: seafood dishes top out at $13.95, while most plates hover much lower. We didn’t hold back, but still the bill for seven only came to seventy-something bucks before tip. Dining here is no-frills thrills if you choose wisely. The ample menu included Thai salads, whole fish, noodle and rice dishes. At lunch, Joey Thai serves specials and noodle soups for $6 and $7. Open for lunch and dinner daily, take out and delivery. 338 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair. 973-509-7700.
This sounds great…..what cross street is it near??
Looks like Bloomfield Ave at Willow.
thanks
I am excited about this new restaurant. I just got back from So Cal. and enjoyed some excellent Thai food there. I would love to see if Joey can duplicate some of those dishes. Plus it’s right in my neighborhood.
Good homestyle cooking.
Pretty decent service.
Only thing I would say is that their “spicy” is not really all that spicy. That could be good or bad, depending on your taste. And naturally, additional spice can be added on the side.
Also they don’t take credit cards, but they expect to shortly.
Enjoyed a dish consisting of minced chicken and shrimp, with onions and basil.
Good Pad see ew as well.
Sub par service. Great Pad Thai, good soup. Mussels weren’t fresh, they were the packaged New Zealand mussels on the half-shell. Got a crispy duck dish that I thought was supposed to have some sauce. Instead it was just extremely well done strips of deep fried duck breast. Greasy and unappetizing
But the price was right.
If anyone’s interested in another great Thai restaurant, River Kwai on Riverview Drive in Totowa (near Home Depot, Dunkin Donuts, and Applebees) has amazing authentic Thai cuisine.
Do yourself a favor and order the Ped Gaprow (Roasted duck with crispy Thai basil). It’s a religious experience. The duck is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the sauce is just right and doesn’t drown out the flavor of the duck and basil.
And their ‘spicy’ is VERY spicy.
Finally found the place, after walking by it a few times. Needs a sign outside, methinks.
Tried some takeout last night. A bit of tweaking is necessary. The Pad Thai was good, but not spicy as requested. Crispy duck was just a serving of duck, little or nothing else. Ordered Pad See-ew, and somehow got curried duck. Fried tofu was tasteless and dry. Went back to exchange the curried duck for Pad See-ew. Chef came out to fight with me, but owners of the restaurant arrived and
were very upset that I had to trek back. Ended up with a credit for my next order (if that ever happens), another
try at the crispy duck, and a complimentary redone tofu.
Let’s see how this place pans out in the future. I love Thai food, but it has to be more genuine. They don’t have to be afraid to use spices. That’s what makes the dishes taste great.
Our son, who has eaten there twice before, took us to Joey Thai tonight. It was wonderful!
To start, we had the pork larb, which was deeply complex, and a wonderfully spicy tiger tears salad The pad thai was one of the best we have tasted in Montclair, New York, or Bangkok. The crispy duck with basil was very tasty and the green curry was delicious – the bamboo shoots did not have their usual tinny taste.
Everyone was very nice and the service was excellent.
We highly recommend Joey Thai. Just tell them how spicy you want the food to be and mean it. It isn’t fair to ask for very spicy and then complain that it is too spicy.
Had dinner at Joey Thai last night with friends from out of state. A homerun! Both my appetizer and my entree were mild enough for me, but the bfs take-out basil beef got an approving, “this is really spicy!” Food was fresh, delicious, and felt great in my belly 🙂 Saw the baristanet review in the window, after reading through the comments, I think they listened! Would definitely go again, and I can even afford to!
Exceptional.
I have been to Joey’s Thai twice..I as well as my friends and family think its great. The food is very fresh..and we agree it is a cut above other local thai places. The duck salad was excellent as well as seafood dishes. Add the great price…and Joey’s friendliness and its a terrific dinner.
My husband and I are big fans of Joey Thai, (we’re having lunch there today:) The flavors are nicely balanced, and when we bring friends there they love the food and Joey’s presence. Always a good experience for us. This place is a gem.