JOEY Southcenter, situated within the Westfield Southcenter mall in Tukwila, Washington, serves as a central hub for those seeking a "New American" dining experience. The restaurant is distinct for its ability to blend high-end culinary techniques with a casual, high-energy atmosphere. Whether you are stopping by after a day of shopping or heading out for a planned celebratory dinner, the menu offers a diverse range of globally inspired dishes ranging from Asian-infused appetizers to classic hand-cut steaks.

The menu at JOEY Southcenter is divided into several specialized categories: Smalls and Shares, Sushi, Salads and Bowls, Handhelds, Mains, Steaks, and Sweets. Below is a detailed breakdown of the current offerings, including descriptions of the flavor profiles and pricing.

Smalls and Shares to Start Your Meal

The "Smalls and Shares" section is the backbone of the JOEY dining experience. These dishes are designed for communal dining, allowing groups to sample various international flavors.

Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps

One of the most ordered items at JOEY Southcenter is the Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps, priced at approximately $26.00. This dish is a balance of textures and temperatures. It features a sweet soy ginger glaze that coats the chicken, complemented by the crunch of peanuts and crispy wontons. The spicy aioli adds a creamy heat that lingers without overpowering the freshness of the lettuce leaves. For those looking for variety, you can substitute the chicken for shrimp for an additional $4.00, or opt for tofu at no extra charge.

Korean Fried Cauliflower

A staple for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, the Korean Fried Cauliflower (around $18.50) is tossed in a sweet and spicy Korean chili glaze. The addition of pickled fresnos and watermelon radish provides a bright acidity that cuts through the fried coating, making it a surprisingly refreshing appetizer.

Japanese Gyoza and Hibachi Wings

For those who prefer classic comfort shares, the Japanese Gyoza ($17.25) offers pork dumplings served with a traditional hot mustard that provides a sharp, nostril-clearing kick. Meanwhile, the Hibachi Wings ($24.75) are spice-rubbed and served with a creamy parmesan dip, offering a savory, herb-heavy alternative to traditional buffalo-style wings.

Seafood-Forward Appetizers

If you are looking for something richer, the Spicy Crab Dip ($23.50) combines lump crab meat and prawns with pickled fresnos, served alongside grilled artisan sourdough. The warmth of the sourdough pairs exceptionally well with the chilled, creamy texture of the crab meat. Another notable mention is the Bang Bang Chicken ($20.50), which uses sake and soy-marinated chicken tossed in a Korean chili caramel, providing a deep umami flavor with a sticky, sweet finish.

The Sushi Selection: A Fusion Approach

JOEY does not treat sushi as an afterthought. Instead, they offer a refined selection of rolls and cones that lean into the fusion theme.

The Iconic Sushi Cone

The Sushi Cone is a signature single-serving item priced at $7.50 each. It consists of a crisp soy wrapper or seaweed filled with tempura shrimp, avocado, spicy mayo, and tobiko. It is designed to be eaten in a few bites, making it a perfect transition from appetizers to main courses.

Seared Salmon Sushi

For a more substantial sushi experience, the Seared Salmon Sushi ($24.25) utilizes the Osaka pressed style. The salmon is fire-torched to create a smoky exterior while maintaining a buttery, raw center. It is topped with an umami sauce and thin slices of shaved serrano peppers for a subtle, creeping heat.

Tuna and Avocado Crunch Roll

The Tuna and Avocado Crunch Roll ($24.25) features marinated ahi tuna and avocado, but the standout element is the tempura flakes and spicy emulsion. This roll is particularly popular for its textural contrast—the soft tuna against the high-crunch exterior.

Salads and Bowls for Health-Conscious Diners

For those seeking a lighter meal or a nutrient-dense lunch, the salads and bowls at JOEY Southcenter provide significant variety.

The Mediterranean Bowl

At $32.50, the Mediterranean Bowl is a comprehensive meal featuring harissa grilled chicken. It is packed with marinated chickpeas, grilled artichokes, roasted peppers, kalamata olives, and gem tomatoes. All of this sits atop a bed of jasmine rice, with generous dollops of hummus and tzatziki to provide moisture and tang.

Tuna Poke Bowl

The Tuna Poke Bowl ($32.50) utilizes sashimi-grade ahi tuna poke. What differentiates this from standard poke bowls is the use of coconut jasmine rice and a carrot miso dressing. The green papaya slaw and chili crisp add layers of Southeast Asian influence that make the dish feel contemporary and vibrant.

Katsu Chicken Peanut Salad

The Katsu Chicken Peanut Salad ($28.50) is a fan favorite for those who enjoy the combination of fried chicken and fresh greens. The crispy chicken breast is sliced and served over julienne vegetables and arugula, tossed in a miso ginger dressing that leans heavily into savory and nutty notes.

Handhelds and Burgers

JOEY Southcenter maintains a strong burger program, focusing on high-quality beef and unique toppings.

JOEY Cheeseburger

The JOEY Cheeseburger ($26.75) is a classic double-patty burger. It features aged cheddar cheese, pickles, lettuce, and a roasted onion aioli that adds a savory sweetness. The patties are typically cooked to a juicy medium-well unless otherwise specified. For those with dietary restrictions, a gluten-free bun is available for an additional $3.50, or you can order it "protein-style" (wrapped in lettuce) at no extra charge.

Ahi Tuna Club

The Ahi Tuna Club ($29.75) is a more sophisticated take on the sandwich. It features rare-grilled ahi tuna, smoky bacon, and a sweet pepper relish. The inclusion of onion rings inside the sandwich provides a surprising crunch that complements the soft texture of the tuna.

Baja Fish Tacos

Priced at $24.00, the Baja Fish Tacos come as a set of two, featuring a combination of shrimp and cod. They are topped with guacamole and Valentina's hot sauce, providing a traditional West Coast flavor profile. Unlike many other handhelds, these are specifically noted for their balance of citrus and spice.

Signature Mains and Pasta

The "Mains" section of the menu showcases the kitchen's technical range, moving from Italian-inspired pastas to Indian-inspired curries.

Lobster Spaghetti

The Lobster Spaghetti ($40.50) is arguably the crown jewel of the pasta menu. It features Atlantic lobster and prawns tossed in a white wine and lobster-lemon butter sauce. The addition of cherry tomatoes and Italian parsley keeps the dish from feeling too heavy, despite the richness of the butter sauce.

Bollywood Butter Chicken

A nod to global street food, the Bollywood Butter Chicken ($35.50) is served with aromatic basmati rice, crispy papadum, and grilled naan. The sauce is creamy and mildly spiced, designed to be mopped up with the naan. For vegetarians, this dish can be made with tofu at the same price point.

Truffle Udon Carbonara

This dish ($28.00) is a fascinating East-meets-West creation. It replaces traditional spaghetti with thick, chewy udon noodles. The dashi truffle cream sauce provides a deep earthy flavor, while the bacon and egg yolk create the classic silken texture of a carbonara. You can add Katsu chicken with a teriyaki glaze for an additional $9.00 to make it a more protein-heavy meal.

Herb Crush Salmon

The Herb Crush Salmon ($44.75) is served with a truffle beurre blanc that is widely praised for its depth. It is accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and snap peas. The salmon is typically prepared with a herb crust that provides a fragrant, textured exterior while the fish remains moist inside.

Steaks and the Steakhouse Experience

JOEY Southcenter prides itself on its steak program, using high-quality cuts that are often aged for tenderness and flavor.

Prime Top Sirloin and Filet Mignon

The 7 oz Prime Top Sirloin starts the steak section at $50.00. This is not just a piece of meat; it comes with JOEY’s "famous" fully loaded crispy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. If you prefer a more tender cut, you can upgrade to a 7 oz Filet Mignon for an additional $27.00.

Icon Cuts: Prime New York Strip and Ribeye

For the serious steak enthusiast, the Icon Cuts offer larger portions and premium marbling.

  • 14 oz Prime New York Strip ($85.00): Known for its robust flavor and firm texture.
  • 22 oz Bone-In Prime Ribeye ($120.00): This is the largest steak on the menu, served with peppercorn sauce and the signature loaded crispy mashed potatoes.

Steak & Sushi or Steak & Ravioli

One of the unique aspects of JOEY’s menu is the ability to pair a steak with other signature items. The Steak & Sushi combo ($43.25) features a tataki-style steak paired with your choice of Seared Salmon Sushi or the Tuna & Avocado Crunch Roll. The Steak & Ravioli Bianco ($45.75) features grilled sirloin served alongside shrimp and ravioli in a truffle beurre blanc sauce.

Sweets: The Final Act

No visit to JOEY Southcenter is complete without sampling the dessert menu, which focuses on classic flavors executed with high-quality ingredients.

Molten Chocolate Cake

The Molten Chocolate Cake ($16.00) is a gluten-friendly option that features a warm, liquid chocolate center. It is served with fresh raspberries and Tahitian vanilla ice cream, providing a classic contrast of hot and cold, sweet and tart.

Butter Cake

The Butter Cake ($15.50) is often cited by regulars as the best dessert on the menu. It is a dense, moist cake served with a raspberry coulis and Tahitian vanilla ice cream. The simplicity of the cake allows the high-quality butter flavor to shine through.

Individually Baked Apple Pie

The Individually Baked Apple Pie ($16.25) features hand-folded pastry and toasted almonds. It takes a bit longer to prepare because it is baked to order, ensuring that the pastry is flaky and the apples are tender when it reaches the table.

Happy Hour and Atmosphere at JOEY Southcenter

JOEY Southcenter is well-known for its vibrant Happy Hour, which typically runs in the mid-afternoon and late evening. During these times, diners can find significant discounts on "Smalls" like the Truffle Parmesan Fries and the Sushi Cones, as well as discounted well drinks, wine, and beer.

The atmosphere at the Southcenter location is designed to be "upscale casual." The interior features modern industrial elements with warm lighting, while the outdoor patio is heated and covered, making it a viable option for Washington’s often unpredictable weather. It is a popular spot for business lunches during the week and transforms into a lively social destination on Friday and Saturday nights.

Frequently Asked Questions about JOEY Southcenter

What is the most popular dish at JOEY Southcenter?

The Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps and the Lobster Spaghetti are consistently the top-selling items. Among desserts, the Butter Cake is the most highly recommended.

Does JOEY Southcenter offer vegetarian or gluten-free options?

Yes, the menu is very accommodating. Most items can be modified, and there are dedicated vegetarian options like the Crispy Tofu Bowl and the Spaghetti Pomodoro. Many steaks and the Molten Chocolate Cake are naturally or easily made gluten-friendly.

Can I make a reservation at JOEY Southcenter?

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner on weekends or during peak shopping seasons. However, the lounge and bar areas usually accommodate walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.

What are the signature side dishes?

The most famous side is the "Fully Loaded Crispy Mashed Potato." It is a signature mashed potato wrapped in a crispy wonton shell and topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Is there a dress code for JOEY Southcenter?

While there is no formal dress code, most guests lean toward "smart casual." It is common to see people in everything from nice jeans and a sweater to business attire.

Summary of the JOEY Southcenter Dining Experience

JOEY Southcenter offers a comprehensive menu that manages to feel both curated and expansive. By pulling influences from global cuisines—specifically Japanese, Indian, and Italian—and grounding them in an American steakhouse framework, the restaurant provides something for almost every palate.

The pricing reflects its position as a premium casual dining destination. While you can enjoy a relatively affordable meal focusing on "Smalls" and "Handhelds," the "Icon Cuts" and "Mains" offer a high-end experience that justifies the higher price point through quality ingredients like Prime-grade beef and Atlantic lobster. Whether you are there for the happy hour deals or a full three-course dinner, JOEY Southcenter remains a flagship dining destination in the Tukwila area.