After reading the review in the Idaho Press Tribune, I wonder if the food critic went to the same place as I did. I checked the location and it was indeed the same Joe's Crab Shack at the former Chart House location. While I agree that the wait staff was friendly and there was a general atmosphere of fun in the restaurant, I go to a restaurant for good food. My wife ordered a bowl of clam chowder that could generously be described as awfull, and in keeping with the irreverent atmosphere of Joe's I will descibe it as chunky bilge water. The chowder was thin and tasteless. I've tasted better clam chowder out of a can from the discount store. As a matter of fact, I've never tasted worse. I ordered the fish and chips. The fries were good, but the fish was undercooked in spots where it had obviously been resting against other pieces of fish in the frier. The small amount of tartar sauce was another problem.

If you want fish try the McGrath's next to the Edwards Spectrum 21 Theatre, Cole Rd. I've eaten at the one in Boise numerous times as well as at the other locations in Eugene and Medford, Oregon. Fair to excellent main courses, good chowder, and great desserts. The location is easy to get to and the interior is pleasant with a good wait staff.