For anyone calling themselves a New Orleans local, there are just some spots you simply have to experience. Growing up and living nearly 37 years in this vibrant city, I’ve passed by countless restaurants, each with its own story and reputation. Yet, somehow, Joey K’s Restaurant on Magazine Street remained unchecked on my list, despite countless drives down this iconic New Orleans thoroughfare. Magazine Street in my younger days was practically my second home. I’ve explored almost every culinary corner and enjoyed drinks at what felt like every bar. But Joey K’s? It remained a delicious mystery – until recently.
On a sweltering September day, the kind that only New Orleans can produce, a friend and I decided it was time to finally uncover the Joey K’s allure. I had heard whispers of its popularity, enough to know that arriving right at opening was crucial to avoid the inevitable lunch rush. True to my crowd-averse nature, we made sure to be the first patrons through the door as the locks turned. We settled into the front room, immediately charmed by the colorful local art and signs adorning the walls, unmistakably the work of artist Simon. Joey K’s immediately wrapped us in that familiar, welcoming New Orleans embrace, signaling that we were in for a genuinely special experience on Magazine Street.
Knowing my deep-seated affection for onion rings, my friend wisely suggested we kick things off with an order. For my main course, in a moment of “go big or go home” bravado, I opted for the four-piece fried chicken. Perhaps it was a momentary lapse in judgment, or maybe just the irresistible call of a $13 fried chicken platter with two sides, but there I was, committed to the feast. “The fried chicken takes about 20 minutes,” our server informed us. Perfect, just enough time for a brief, perhaps slightly panicked, reflection on my life choices.
The onion rings arrived, piping hot and golden brown, and were nothing short of fantastic. A minor detail, but a crucial one for any onion ring aficionado – the batter stayed perfectly adhered to the onion. It’s a surprisingly rare feat in many restaurants, where promising-looking rings often disintegrate into greasy, batter-less sadness. But at Joey K’s, these were fried to crispy perfection. The batter was flavorful, and the structural integrity of the ring held firm even under the crucial ketchup dipping test – the gold standard for onion ring evaluation.
Perfectly crispy onion rings at Joey K’s Restaurant on Magazine Street in New Orleans
After indulging in perhaps a few too many onion rings, the main event arrived. A generous plate of fried chicken and sides was placed before me. A delightful surprise – sides, plural! I had only ordered mashed potatoes, assuming it was a single side dish situation. Apparently, a heaping portion of green beans accompanies every fried chicken order. While I adore green beans, my onion ring pre-show had already pushed my stomach’s limits. The chicken pieces were colossal – two substantial breasts and two generously sized wings. Reality dawned: my appetite had overestimated my stomach’s capacity.
I bravely ventured into a chicken breast and was immediately struck by the impeccable crust. On a scale of one to ten, the crust was a definitive ten – incredibly crunchy with each bite. The batter was thick, deeply golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Beneath that magnificent crust lay juicy, tender chicken meat that effortlessly pulled away from the bone. This was fried chicken elevated to an art form, exceeding every expectation. It was everything I craved and more. The mashed potatoes were undeniably homemade, smothered in rich gravy, and the green beans were expertly seasoned, studded with savory pieces of pork.
Juicy and crispy fried chicken, a must-try dish at Joey K’s on Magazine Street
I managed to conquer one chicken breast and a few bites of the sides before waving the white napkin of surrender. While I knew tackling all four pieces was ambitious, only finishing one breast felt like a personal defeat. However, in a moment of self-preservation, a mantra emerged, “Hey, you can take all that chicken home and enjoy it throughout the weekend.” Wise words indeed, whoever first uttered them.
My inaugural visit to Joey K’s on Magazine Street was truly magical, and a return trip is already in the works. Whispers of their legendary Eggplant Napoleon have reached my ears, making it a must-try for my next visit. Anything fried and draped in cream sauce is practically irresistible to me. Though, admittedly, resisting the allure of that phenomenal fried chicken in the same building will be a test of willpower.
Whether you’re a lifelong New Orleans resident or a visitor eager to taste authentic local flavors, Joey K’s Restaurant deserves a prominent spot on your “must-eat” list. Their extensive menu promises something to delight every palate. Make sure to experience this Magazine Street gem for yourself.
Joey K’s Restaurant
3001 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 891-0997
Hours: Monday through Saturday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
