I tried to eat here a few weeks ago on a monday. Pal Joey's is closed on mondays. I try to keep this in mind as I juggle my schedule to travel to Batavia to continue working on a dresser I have stripped, and am trying to refinish. Usually I have to focus on how much work can I accomplish in the time I have to give to working on this project, versus the Pace bus schedule, versus getting to work on time. Today I hit it right. After a good amount of time devoted to the dresser I decide to walk across the river to Pal Joey's, just in time to enjoy the last 20 minutes of the pizza, pasta, salad buffet. Affordable at just $10.00. Pal Joey's is on the East side of the Fox River in down town Batavia on River Street across from the parking garage. The bike path crosses the River along Pal Joey's North building boundary. I don't know why this place is not busier in the lunch afternoon. The food is good. The prices are incomparably affordable. The atmosphere is scenic. Depending on the clientele, it's basically quiet. I remember Pal Joey's from the 1970's out in West Chicago off of Route 38. It was the place to go for pizza and large party entertaining. Work often had their seasonal parties for it's departments and retirement parties there. In West Chicago they had the VFW, The American Legion, and Pal Joey's. Somewhere in the 90's they built a new location West of the Lorlyn strip mall location, and branched out into Batavia. It was good timing. Construction and development was just begining to expand and improve in both of those communities. Everything about Pal Joey's improved. The food was always good but with the river location, outside seating became a enjoyable option. At some point Pal Joey's moved their down town location out to Randall Road. Before COVID, they returned to their downtown Batavia location. Today I enjoyed the pizza, pasta, salad buffet. I added a side of meatballs to enjoy with my mostaccioli. I ate way too much, then ordered a tiramisu. Which I promptly ate while paying my bill. Scrumptious, moist, lite, delightfully tasty. Splendid even. On this beautiful autumn day, I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery in walking across the river to Pal Joey's and using the bike path bridge to get back to the shop. The menu is appealing, appetizing, enticing, affordable. I couldn't get over the prices. Everything here is right. Just don't show up on mondays.
Overview
Pal Joey's Restaurant & Bar, located at 31 N River St, Batavia, IL 60510, is a hidden gem in the heart of Batavia. Known for its inviting atmosphere and delicious menu, it quickly becomes a local favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back meal or a festive night out with friends, this cozy restaurant delivers with charm, quality, and a well-curated selection of dishes.
From the moment you step inside, Pal Joey's sets a welcoming tone with its warm decor and friendly service. The ambiance is perfect for enjoying a meal with loved ones or unwinding after a long day. It's the kind of place where you can kick back and feel at home, yet still experience the thrill of a memorable dining experience.
The menu at Pal Joey's Restaurant & Bar is diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're craving a hearty steak, a fresh salad, or an innovative seafood dish, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Their specialty cocktails are a hit too, perfectly complementing the flavorful food. The bar offers a selection of wines, beers, and handcrafted drinks that make it a great spot to grab a drink and relax, whether it's a casual weekday or a weekend celebration.
What stands out about Pal Joey's is their commitment to quality. The food is consistently fresh, and the kitchen takes pride in creating dishes that not only look great but also deliver on flavor. One of the restaurant's best-loved offerings is their classic pasta dishes. From rich and creamy Alfredo to tangy marinara, the pasta here is consistently praised by diners for being perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.
For those looking for a lighter option, Pal Joey's offers a variety of salads that are just as satisfying. The fresh greens are paired with flavorful toppings and dressings, making each bite feel like a fresh escape from the typical heavy fare. The portions are generous, ensuring you leave satisfied no matter what you order.
Pal Joey's isn't just about food; it’s also about experience. Guests often rave about the service, with staff members being described as attentive, friendly, and genuinely interested in providing a great dining experience. Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, the service at Pal Joey's always feels personal and welcoming.
The location, right by the river, adds a scenic element to the dining experience. Many diners enjoy sitting near the windows or on the patio, especially during the warmer months, where they can take in the views while savoring their meal. The proximity to downtown Batavia means Pal Joey's is a great spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy a meal after exploring the area.
Customer reviews consistently highlight Pal Joey’s as a place where you can expect great food, excellent service, and a comfortable environment. Regulars rave about the consistency of the dishes, always knowing they’ll get a great meal no matter what they order. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the relaxed vibe, making it a go-to spot for a casual meal or even a night out with friends.
Overall, Pal Joey’s Restaurant & Bar has earned its reputation as a standout in Batavia’s dining scene. With its excellent menu, great service, and inviting atmosphere, it's no wonder that it continues to attract loyal customers from near and far. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious dinner, a drink with friends, or just a cozy place to unwind, Pal Joey’s provides an experience that’s hard to beat.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Private dining room ✓ Quick bite ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Good for kids birthday ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
We definitely had a great time at this lace. We sat at the patio in the back by the river, and it was so great. It wasn't that hot, so we decided to order a MARGARETA PIZZA, and we ended drinking a couple of bottles of wine. The pizza was fabulous, cooked perfect, and tasted delicious. The only thing about the service, it's that we had to chase the server, and wait for a bit for our pizza. Besides that everything was great. We will definitely be coming back next summer.
Pal Joey's is a fantastic restaurant with a casual atmosphere and delicious Italian food. We usually order the Spinach & Artichoke Dip for an appetizer and my personal favorite is a thin crust small pizza with sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms, although I mix it up sometimes. The service is always friendly and excellent. It may take a little longer to get your order in if there is a large group or party happening, but that is totally understandable. I do not frequent their bar, but they do have one for an even more caausal experience. Definitely recommend giving them a try if you are in the area.
We are regular customers. It is what it is with the layout in an old building. The midweek buffet is very nice. Most servers are new or part timers, so that can be a challenge. Some are great and helpful. Pizza is good, and I agree with another poster that some dishes are a bit dry, or greasy, or seasoned "wrong". But, outdoors in summertime, right on the river, is so peaceful. hus the 4 stars for Atmosphere. They do accept larger groups, so we often do that on the weekend. All in all, a good place.
My husband and I have been going here for the lunch buffet on Thursday's after we visit family in Batavia. The pizza is amazing! In fact every thing on the buffet is amazing! In nice weather you can walk by the river before lunch! Austin is usually are server. He does such a great job! Very friendly! We asked him some questions about the building and he gave us the complete history! I would call this establishment one of Batavia's hidden jems!
The new location is nicely remodeled inside. This was our first visit to Pal Joey’s and we will for sure be back. The fresh made mozzarella sticks were so good. The pan pizza was fantastic. My husband had the combo sausage and Italian beef and said it was really good. Give them a try!