The Joy Nest

50 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States

The Joy Nest
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Customer Reviews
Diner Review №1

Such a unique place! Inside is trendy & fun and the food & cocktails are delicious. Highly recommend!

Diner Review №2

We had a lovely dinner last night, upstairs, with good food, beautiful decor, and live music playing in the background. T was our server and he did not rush us, he let us take our time. Cannot wait to go back!

Diner Review №3

Diner Review №4

Diner Review №5

Great cocktails. Great food.

Diner Review №6

Diner Review №7

Service at 4pm is poor, slow. Staff lost and inattentive with customers seated and walking out. Also most traditional dishes missing from the menu. Try the restaurant across the Thai restaurant street. The food is fair.B-.

Diner Review №8

Very good, but expensive. I've eaten here multiple times and the food and drinks are great every time, but be prepared to spend a lot. Recently I arrived with a party of 4 and stood in front of the *two* hostesses while they talked and ignored us for atleast 5 minutes. Not even saying "we will be right with you". Finally, one looked over and greeted me. I asked if there was room for a party of 4 and she said "oh I don't know" and stared at me. So uncomfortable. It was a little past 4 o'clock and not busy. She really made no effort and suggested we sit at the bar. We walked out and went to another restaurant.

Diner Review №9

I have gone here on multiple occasions and the food and service has been great for dining in or take out every time. Food is always consistently great.

Diner Review №10

Diner Review №11

Absolutely delicious and beautiful !

Diner Review №12

Diner Review №13

I couldn’t love this place more! what a vibey date night location. I’ve been only for drinks but can’t wait to try the food.

Diner Review №14

Diner Review №15

Awesome ambience and staff! Great fusion menu!

Diner Review №16

Fantastic ambiance, but the hostess took quite a while to seat me… ended up grabbing a spot myself. My waiter was pleasant, but I found out there’s a sister Thai restaurant across that has better food. If you’re looking for a nice pretty place to hang out and grab a bite come here.. if you want an authentic Thai meal go across the street to their sister restaurant.

Diner Review №17

Cozy and adorable space with amazing service. The drinks were delicious. We had Bao buns, which had great flavor and the Ramen had a perfect balance of flavors. I dug right into my Ramen before remembering to take a picture. We will be back!

Diner Review №18

Diner Review №19

Diner Review №20

Cozy restaurant serving delicious food.

Diner Review №21

Diner Review №22

Favorite place in town, love the roaring 20s theme. The food is delicious.

Diner Review №23

We love this spot!

Diner Review №24

Loved everything from the decor to the delicious food and cocktails. Look forward to returning soon.

Diner Review №25

Two of us had dinner here. Parking is easy with the tannery parking lot. The staff were very nice and got our order and dinner served with good timing. The menu is Thai based but not restricted to classics which makes it fun. They have an large selection of small plates and about six main courses. We had some of each and the stir fried duck was unique and really good. Stir fry is perhaps not the best description (see photo) but the flavor and crispy exceeded expectations. The bill for two of us was less than seventy dollars so the value is excellent. During our Thursday night visit they had live music which made the evening great This restaurant sets itself apart from others and is worth visiting

Diner Review №26

I went here with my boyfriend a couple weeks ago. It was a Friday night, so I expected a wait. I was told 20 minutes at the desk and the hostess took down my name and phone number. I went for a walk down the street to the boardwalk, waiting for the call. About 35 minutes later, we went back in to check to see if there were any updates on the table. It was a different hostess this time and she seemed very concerned that we were never called, and I appreciated it and expressed to her that it’s okay I understand it’s Friday and chaotic. At this point there were no more parties waiting and she was working on getting us a table. About 10 minutes later, we got sat upstairs. Someone brought us silverware right away and then left. At this point every table wasn’t even full so we were happy at least we avoided the dinner rush (it was about 730/8) There were 2 servers and they were both bussing tables (which would’ve been fine but like I stated, there were no more parties waiting) and they hadn’t even brought us water or asked if we wanted any other drinks. We sat there with our menus closed while the 2 servers walked around not even acknowledging us at this point. We waited for 20 minutes and eventually got up and left. I’ve never ever done that in my life or have HAD to. This was my second time being back, the first time had the best service ever and the best food, so I was really excited to go back only to be disappointed.

Diner Review №27

Have you ever had a hug in a bowl? What about a cup? That's how good the food and cocktails are here, 10/10 concept, execution and delivery. We past this place and walked around and ended up coming back and it's the best thing I've ever turned around for 🤌🤌🤌

Diner Review №28

Belle petite terrasse
La soupe thom kha était beaucoup trop sucrée à mon goût.
J’ai demandé d’ajouter du poulet dedans et celui-ci était sec malheureusement.

Le pad krapow était également moyen.

Bao végé et gyozas à la viande étaient bons.

Nous avions des attentes et nous avons été légèrement déçus

Diner Review №29

Really sweet place with a fun vibe and great service from the bar. I only knock it down a star because I thought the main dishes weren’t very filling, even though I got beef for my noodle soup. The apps were tasty though, and the I loved the drink options.

Diner Review №30

Diner Review №31

Hidden gem in Newburyport, don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.

Diner Review №32

Diner Review №33

The vegetarian gyoza was perfect. I made my own soup, which was a nice option. My wife’s tom kha was excellent. My daughter enjoyed the spring roles.

Diner Review №34

Was at a wedding upstairs the food and service was excellent

Diner Review №35

The cocktails and bao buns are amazing, but the tom kha soup is absolutely unforgettable! Loved the decor and whole vibe of this place.

Diner Review №36

I mean, this place was amazing. We came her for my sisters Bachelorette dinner party and it's tastfully decorated, live band, the food was amazing and not crowded on a Saturday night! I will Be back for sure!

Diner Review №37

According to the children, the most comfortable “adult” restaurant. The food is delicious and they have a good selection of drinks, including mocktails. We had a table in a cozy corner with lots of soft pillows on the sofa. Perfect for tired children after an afternoon at Plum Island. The children shared a very yummy fried rice. The seafood sampler was great and the papaya salad perfectly seasoned and refreshing after a hot day. We have never tasted such delicious lobster rangoon . We recommend highly the Joy Nest, perfectly named.

Diner Review №38

Delightful delicious food! Awesome cocktail and wonderful service at the bar. Really cute inside located in town of Newburyport!

Diner Review №39

Omg! What an awesome place. I don't know where to start, if did not have reservations and showed up 1h before kitchen close buy they found me a table and gave exceptional service. My friend and I are both Vegan and they had few amazing options, we were really impressed. The mixed drinks were delicious. The place itself is cute, cozy, clean and the highlight was the live jazz band. Loved everything about it. Can't wait to go back

Diner Review №40

Pretty decor but food is mediocre at best. If you’re looking for Thai/Asian food, would definitely recommend looking elsewhere. The 2 mains we got: one was under seasoned and the other was overly spicy. Servers also only refilled our waters once (I had to ask) even though the restaurant was nearly empty.

Diner Review №41

Amazing new (to us), and we will definitely return. Noodle bowls were fantastic, and the wait staff was very helpful with any questions we had. The atmosphere, eclectic, comfortable, and alive. Walked out and did a trail walk of the water front. Thank you, we will return soon.

Diner Review №42

Great first meal here with friends of ours. The bartender and staff were very friendly and extremely accommodating to our special requests and ingredient adjustments. The food was fantastic as well as the overall vibe of the restaurant. Definitely on the list to go back! Thank you.

Diner Review №43

Excellent culinary experience! The flavors were intricate and wonderful as were the cocktails! Definitely recommend!

Diner Review №44

I have never had a better cocktail in my life. The food was equally as good. Best lunch I’ve had in years. Don’t sleep on it!

Diner Review №45

Impeccable. We can't wait to go back.

Diner Review №46

Cute Pinterest vision board for a Christian mom type of decor. That dusty pink, the fur, the brass. Everything you can imagine. The only appetizer I liked from a few are the money bags. I also ended up getting a noodle bowl. Which I don’t know what’s the difference between that and ramen. However, they could have better base options

Diner Review №47

Diner Review №48

Very enjoyable

Diner Review №49

This a delightful restaurant. Food and drinks are delish. Atmosphere is fun yet comfy.

Diner Review №50

Diner Review №51

Wonderful food at reasonable prices. Today I had the papaya salad with shrimp, my husband loved his tacos and our friend had a beautiful mango salad. Started off with our favorite grilled Brussels sprouts.

Diner Review №52

Stopped in on the Friday afternoon of memorial weekend and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't too busy. Was quickly seated on the comfy couches. The decor in the dining room immediately catches you eye with the bright colors, wood paneling pared with the exposed brick.
Service was quick and the server was happy to jump in with recs if needed. They are known for their gin cocktails and man they don't disappoint.

Went for the tapas. The pork skewers are to die for followed by the beef strip. Both were cooked to perfection. Just the right abt of char and meat so tender and flavorful. The shrimp and pork dumplings with them were immaculate as well. Veggie rolls were not memorable.
Would definitely come back

Diner Review №53

Diner Review №54

The food is super delicious and the presentation is spot on! Service was excellent and frequently checked. The atmosphere looks modern retro but I feel the look doesn't really match or represent the food. I may be over critical on that but I like to see the atmosphere represent the food in some way.

Diner Review №55

We visited The Joy Nest for mother's day. We were warmly welcomed by a friendly host who brought us right upstairs. There were two small round tables where we were seated with two padded chairs and a loveseat couch. My two kids took the couch which they loved. The chairs were very comfortable. The view was great as the walls were full glass. The menu is not too overwhelming with plenty of choices. We started with the edamame and sweet and sour chicken wings. The wings are highly recommended. They were crispy and loaded with thick delicious sauce. My kids crushed those. The edamame was also delicious and easily finished. I also ordered a vegetable hot and sour soup which was to date the best I've had. For entree I ordered Udon noodles with seafood which is +$8. It had three jumbo shrimp, three large scallops, three open shell mussels, and calamari tubes. I also got the pho tak broth which was not too spicy. My wife ordered the rice noodles with seafood in a green curry sauce. Oh my was that broth good. Think coconut milk. Delicious! My son ordered the ramen with chicken which he loved. My daughter ordered the rice bowl with crispy chicken and she substituted the rice for udon noodles. Everything was great and we had lots of leftovers as the portions are large. They send you home with nice containers for the soups also. If I had to critique one thing it would be no children's options. We were glad that our kids like souls and noodles. I should mention that there was plenty of free parking in the adjoining lot. We did not order and drinks but the ones they had sounded amazing. The Joy Nest is definitely a must try. The flavors are amazing, staff is very friendly, and atmosphere is great. Wish I took photos. Next time

Diner Review №56

Food is not bad but way overpriced. Portions are beyond tiny. Two bao buns with tofu for $20, ridiculous.

Diner Review №57

I helped host a 40 person bridal shower at The Joy Nest. The owner was a pleasure to work with. She accommodated all our requests without hesitation. Very professional. The staff and bartender were also courteous and efficient. The atmosphere on the 2nd floor (where we had our party) lends itself to any type of group function. The sofas, tables and upholstered chairs made for a comfortable, European type vibe. The food was delicious .

Diner Review №58

Just had drinks, but the apps I've had in the past were excellent. My wife and I noted how well the place is run and what a great job the staff did

Diner Review №59

食之无味弃之可惜!

Diner Review №60

Bird themed restaurant with delicious food in the Tannery.

Diner Review №61

Love the location and food! Service is great as well.

Diner Review №62

food was amazing and service was phenomenal! they have a ton of GF and vegan options. we came on easter and were able to get a same day reservation. it’s really beautiful inside as well, super nice ambiance. highly recommend the spicy lemongrass soup!

Diner Review №63

Diner Review №64

Don't usually post reviews, but for someone who appreciates ramen, I felt I should, in this case, for anyone considering going.

I chose this place for a special occasion, and to say I was disappointed was an understatement. The place looks like a very modern, over the top, bouje establishment, which was so out of place for what they were offering foodwise.
The food was ok at best but not worth the money we sadly paid.
The wait time was fine, but awaiting a check. I took asking 2 people and sat there a further 20 minutes we didn't want to be there.
The water given was clearly local tap, which had we known, would have told them not to bother.
The music was classical and did not match either with the decorations or food. The menus were basic, and the only thing I could say was good was the waiter who served us our food. Overall, I'm so disappointed, and if I could have cut the money paid for the food but gave the tip to the waiter, I would have.

Diner Review №65

Had their ramen, it was just OK, very salty and at $20 a bowl there are better places that you can go.
Worth trying but not a regular stop.
They also had a bar for some drinks

Diner Review №66

Diner Review №67

Delicious. Great cocktails too.

Diner Review №68

I never leave reviews but this food was so good I had to - had the lobster rangoon’s, thai tacos and a noodle bowl and all was amazing!

Diner Review №69

Great food and loved the atmosphere!!

Diner Review №70

Top notch Asian fusion food and cocktails! Atmosphere and services has always been excellent as well

Diner Review №71

I was so clear about our food allergies when ordering. Only clear broth with double order of rice noodles.
Second order was clear broth, rice noodles, veggie, no egg.
When we got to our destination we received 2 broths, noodles with mung bean sprouts, greens, chicken and 1 with egg.
So disappointing.
It did seem like a big bill at $52 and I should
have checked it before leaving.

Diner Review №72

Beautiful restaurant with delicious food. Cocktails were very good too.

Diner Review №73

Diner Review №74

We had girls night out today and the Joy Nest was the best place for it! As always! I was surprised by the way they cook mussels. I have never tried it with “tom yum” sauce. It is awesome! I wish it was an entry not an appetizer. My friend had to order it twice (one after another😅) because it was soooo good!
Recommended!

Diner Review №75

Wonderful menu, fresh taste, cozy atmosphere, kind staff, some vegetarian options

Diner Review №76

Diner Review №77

Delicious cocktails, small plates, soups, salads, mains. Didn't make it to dessert as a result ☺️

Diner Review №78

Diner Review №79

Diner Review №80

Dinner done right ..sweet small menu with all yummy items !

Drink menu too is a lovely change from boring cocktails .. I'm not a person who drinks alcohol so I had a beautiful bitters and soda! So refreshing and again ...a change from the boring normal or Newburyport's same old food.

Diner Review №81

Diner Review №82

We had to try this restaurant because our neighbors posted on facebook. Being Thai myself, I usually go to Lowell for my Thai food. We had reservations for 5pm. It was small and nice decor. We orderd cocktails and they were wonderful. Appetizer, I had to try the crying tiger with spicy sauce (authentic street food) Online, sticky rice came with it but sticky rice was taken off the for that Appetizer (very disappointed and if the restaurant wants customer to experience street food, sticky rice should have come with it but removed from menu instead) honestly, it would've been better if the price went up instead than taken off the menu with the appetizer. As non asians who never experienced sticky rice wouldn't order it because they don't know it goes with that appetizer. Entrees, We ordered the green curry seafood noodles and chicken red curry. Noodle soup was ok, noodles had thickened up with broth. Chicken curry was average. They started to get busy after 6pm and it was hard to get the waitress' attention. We had to ask for everything all at once. There might be only 1 waitress upstairs. Glad that we came early because service could've been worst if after 6pm. I wouldn't go there again but def go and try if it's your first time.

Diner Review №83

Diner Review №84

Nestled in the heart of downtown Newburyport, this restaurant boasts a superb location that effortlessly blends urban charm with accessibility. The extensive menu is a culinary haven, catering to diverse dietary preferences with a delightful array of gluten-free and vegetarian options, showcasing the chef’s commitment to inclusivity.

The establishment’s bar is nothing short of fantastic, providing a haven for connoisseurs and casual patrons alike. The skilled and knowledgeable staff elevate the dining experience, guiding guests through the menu with expertise and enthusiasm.

What sets this gem apart is the convenience it offers—ample free parking in a nearby parking lot and adjacent streets, ensuring a stress-free arrival for patrons. This thoughtful touch adds a layer of convenience to an already enticing dining experience.

Furthermore, the restaurant effortlessly balances its appeal, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu to cater to different tastes. Simultaneously, its intimate ambiance makes it a standout choice for those seeking a memorable and romantic dining experience—a versatile spot that seamlessly transitions from family-friendly to a great dating locale. In essence, this establishment is a culinary haven that not only satisfies diverse palates but also caters to a spectrum of occasions, making it a must-visit in the vibrant tapestry of Newburyport’s dining scene.

Diner Review №85

Love seeing how busy it is! We have enjoyed both dine in and take out and Joy Nest never disappoints! Cocktails are fantastic too. My takeout was delayed slightly because the restaurant was so busy - and the hostesses were so lovely - super diligent checking on my order every few minutes.

Diner Review №86

Fun comfortable location with amazing food. Sitting upstairs was cozy and intimate. Service was great. One of the group was vegan and the menu was easy to maneuver and find options.

Diner Review №87

Diner Review №88

Very good! The bartenders know how to make a good drink, not sickeningly sweet.

My curry noodles, unfortunately, were kind of sickeningly sweet. I do not understand why restaurants feel the need to put sugar in curry. It's already a flavor-explosion on its own.

Nice ambience and waitstaff.

Diner Review №89

Ate at the bar. Friendly service. A little slow, but it was busy so it was understandable. Food was good.

Diner Review №90

Cute Thai food restaurant with a beautiful view of the water!

Diner Review №91

Diner Review №92

Delicious assortment of expertly prepared dishes. Each one exceptionally tasty. We shared everything so we all got to taste a variety of dishes. We all lived every dish.

Diner Review №93

Nice atmosphere but very overpriced. Wraps were nothing like the online pics...a major disappointment. Understaffed.

Diner Review №94

Diner Review №95

Great lunch....seafood all cooked perfectly and mango salad was delicious!
Live jazz was also wonderful...

Diner Review №96

The drinks were excellent and the food was fresh and really, really good! Lots of Tapa options Will def go back!

Diner Review №97

We had a great dinner here! There is a large parking lot next door that is easy to navigate and free. We made reservations and were immediately seated once we walked in. The menu was a good size and we ordered 2 appetizers to share and an entry for each of us. The food was amazing and the portions were large! So delicious and flavorful. The Spicy Ramen was especially good. Additionally, they have great gin cocktails. Love going here and would highly recommend!

Diner Review №98

Just popped in for drinks before dinner, but the atmosphere and service were top shelf.

Diner Review №99

Diner Review №100

Enjoyed a nice shared plates dinner with friends

Diner Review №101

Diner Review №102

We had my daughters bridal shower at the Joy Nest on a Sunday afternoon. Caroline and her staff were so accommodating, starting with the tasting to decide on the menu to the day of event. We had a wide range of ages present, and there were many delicious options for all guests. The atmosphere and the vibe you can’t find anywhere, it is truly unique. You know it’s a good sign when everyone gets up for a second helping and the food was plentiful and delicious! Thank you again for such a memorable time.

Diner Review №103

OUR FAVE FOOD OF THE TRIP TO NEWBURYPORT. That's the best description for this place. It was a little bit crowded when we went there and had to sit at the bar but that's okay. The food made it worth it.

Diner Review №104

Love the atmosphere! Food was amazing too! I got the duck and I haven't had better. The bartender made us some amazing drinks that also had amazing presentation. Definitely check this place out If you're in Newburyport!

Diner Review №105

The atmosphere is unbeatable! The food came out very fast and was yummy and the cocktails are beautiful. Perfect date spot upstairs with an ocean view. One of the best restaurants I have been to in NBPT.

Diner Review №106

Chanced upon this restaurant as we (my husband and I) were trying to escape from the rain and cold. We were pleasantly surprised by our find. Having lived in Southeast Asia since birth, we can vouch that the flavors used in this restaurant are authentic. We had the basil chicken sticky rice and chicken green curry noodles. Both were fantastic. Will return if we visit Newburyport again!

Diner Review №107

Diner Review №108

Fantastic experience here - we came twice on our 3 day visit! Delicious and innovative cocktails and modern Thai food in a super attractive, well curated space. The lobster rangoon were probably one of the best things we sampled on our trip, just so simple and perfectly executed. Noodle, hot basil and fried rice portions were definitely quite large but good. I wish they had half portions so I could sample more things! Delicious fresh rolls and pork skewers were also a hit. Thank you for two great dinners!

Diner Review №109

Always good!

Diner Review №110

Enjoyed a wonderful bday dinner here!! Service was great, food was spectacular, drinks delicious and the jazz set was the cherry on top!

Diner Review №111

Overall rating and service are 5 stars because the servers are amazing. Very attentive and helpful.

Food and drink was top notch. Had the duck and noodle soup. Started with the fried mushroom egg rolls and they were savory and amazing. Ramen was good (my wife ordered it).

Atmosphere was weird. Not bad, just different. Very eclectic place. I liked it, but might not be for everyone.

Diner Review №112

I actually don’t know how they can have anything but 5 stars… we went as a big group and got almost one of every tapa. I still can’t decide what my favorite plate was.

Diner Review №113

First time at The Joy Nest and we will definitely be coming back! Truly excellent dining experience! Joy Nest has great food, great service, and great vibes. The decor is adorable and makes you feel so cozy. The cocktails were all delicious and well balanced. And the food was superb - very flavorful and great portions for the price. We got the Golden Bags and pork skewer tapas appetizers which both hit the spot. Then our party got the beef and broccoli, minced chicken, crispy Basil duck, and spicy ramen entrees. Everyone loved their meals. There was jazz music upstairs, we didn’t get the chance to see it but we could hear it and it sounded it lovely!

Diner Review №114

I stumbled across this place by accident and boy what a find it has turned out to be! The Spicy Ramen is SO good and not so hot (spice-wise) that you can’t enjoy the incredible complexity of flavors that the dish offers. The atmosphere is well groomed, trendy and stands out in a good way. It is my joy to recommend folks to The Joy Nest when visiting Newburyport!

Diner Review №115

Diner Review №116

Excellent Thai food. Nice atmosphere. Great service.p

Diner Review №117

Absolutely delicious. Fantastic, funky atmosphere. The cocktails were fabulous. The fresh, veggie options were crisp, vibrant, and delicious.

Diner Review №118

Diner Review №119

Lovely, aesthetically pleasing restaurant with delicious Thai food! Highly recommend the crispy duck and the golden bags

Diner Review №120

Diner Review №121

Really cute atmosphere, and a great spot for a drink & app!

Diner Review №122

My husband and I enjoyed a fabulous meal and wonderful drinks for valentines day. Beef noodle bowl, bao buns, and crispy duck were to die for.

Diner Review №123

Beautiful, eccentric restaurant with interesting and visually appealing dishes. Not your average thai dishes but nice for a change! The one across the street (same owner) is more typical fare.

Diner Review №124

Diner Review №125

Excellent bartender. And the best Bao in the area

Diner Review №126

Diner Review №127

This place is adorable. Worth stopping by for a drink just to enjoy the vibe. Stopped in for a quick lunch. Average plate was around 20.

Diner Review №128

We had our annual Holiday party upstairs and I was delighted by the service, food, atmosphere, the bar. What a great night. I highly recommend for a private function!

Diner Review №129

Food was excellent. Great atmosphere and super nice staff

Diner Review №130

Diner Review №131

Diner Review №132

We visited The Joy Nest for a Tuesday night dinner, having made a reservation in advance for our party of 5. Highly recommend reserving because it was packed. I had the Bird of Paradise cocktail which was delicious and the Crispy Basil Duck cooked perfectly with Jasmine Rice. The service was very attentive. The decor is so fun, unique and well done. Be sure to put this to the top of your list for places to check out in the Newburyport and Northshore area. Highly recommend!

Diner Review №133

My first time going and it was great. I have a zero tolerance for spice and accidentally ordered something with a little kick to it. It was definitely great food, but I wish I was more careful ordering. I would absolutely go again!

Diner Review №134

It was a birthday party and we had the best time.

Diner Review №135

My husband and I went here after a suggestion from a coworker and we could not have been more pleased! It took a moment to get accustomed of the "speakeasy meets Thai" fusion feel- but believe me, just lean into it. We were warmly meet by the hostess and promptly sat. The gold-plated dining ware and eclectic plates perfectly match the decor.
My husband and I both ordered an adult beverage and we agreed they were quite delicious.

From the tapas menu we ordered the "golden handbags" and we're stunned and the beautiful presentation and crispiness of them.

We both ordered the green curry soup with beef and were again pleased by the proportions and playing.

The soup was delicious. Creamy, spicy, perfectly cooked noodles with crispy noodles on top. Fresh veggies too. The plays in texture knocked the meal out of the park.

Our server was professional, prompt and friendly. Overall we can't wait to come back here for me.

Diner Review №136

Excellent food and drinks, nice interior. Tables are a little crowded.

Diner Review №137

This was hands down one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in a long time. From the friendly wait staff, to the delicious mock tails made special for us and the incredible food, we will be back again and again. We rarely leave reviews, but with the array of restaurants out there serving mediocre fare at top dollar, we needed to highlight this true gem. Plan this restaurant for your next meal, and make a reservation because we have a feeling that it’s going to be hard to get into soon.

Diner Review №138

Best meal we have had all year… wow. Incredible, bravo!

Diner Review №139

Fried rice is great but fish on green curry is superb, do not miss it

Diner Review №140

Diner Review №141

Great service and really cool ambiance. Decent drink and food options. Some unusual Asian food options with vegetarian friendly offerings.
Enjoyed the tofu bao. Some of the veggies in the veggie Thai taco tasted frozen.

Overall would go back.

Diner Review №142

This is my go to place when in Newburyport, great drinks, delicious food, amazing vibe. Can't recommend it enough.

Diner Review №143

Love that piece if Newburyport but man, the Joy Nest was exceptional. We ordered tapas n entrees. Everything was insane good. The cocktails, the service, the good and the ambiance. Just awesome!!

Diner Review №144

The mood and ambiance shifts quickly in here depending on the crowd. At first it can be intimidating as we showed up on the night a Jazz band was playing and it was packed!

The theme is very cool with a mixture of glamor and industrial (exposed Beams, Edison bulbs, copper, etc.) a lot of the cocktails are gin based which really made it feel English and modern. The cocktails are to die for and I loved the music. My only advice is to dress up a little for the occasion and I wish it was open past 10 pm!

Diner Review №145

Loved the ambiance, the live music and the hearty portions. The drinks were well balanced. Will be back!

Diner Review №146

A really fun place. Great meal, good cocktails and wonderful staff!

Diner Review №147

Awesome food great cocktails cool atmosphere.

Diner Review №148

Looks new,.. eye-catching aesthetics. Food is delicious and service is good too. Went for early dinner, so no waiting. Plenty of parking.

Diner Review №149

Love the decor and overall vibe of this place. Food is good, cocktails are fantastic.

Diner Review №150

The Pla Goong was amazing! Excellent service and enjoyed the atmosphere very much.

Diner Review №151

Friendly, attentive service, great food. I got Thai street tacos and my friend got something yummy as well, Pork bun and dumplings with spicy sauce on the side. See the pictures! We loved the presentation and loved our meals.

Diner Review №152

Very good restaurant with great music and staff.

Diner Review №153

I could eat 100 of the golden bags, so delicious. We had a private bridal shower upstairs and the staff was very attentive and helpful! I really loved all the funky furniture, super nice touch. I did not love the bao bun tapa, it was very dry and didn’t taste fresh. Overall very good experience!

Diner Review №154

Excellent! Amazing food.

Diner Review №155

Amazing service! And the BEST ramen I’ve had hands down. Not too spicy but a good kick! Huge portions.

Diner Review №156

The Joy Nest is absolutely fabulous! I immediately with every bite and course was transported back to the time I spent in Thailand where the Thai street food, establishments and food made by my Thai and also Burmese friends and colleagues I Never forget the taste, and smell; the unique, beautiful flavors and fresh, fresh ingredients cooked, prepared and presented all part of the Thai culture. I did not think or imagine I would taste it again and be so close to the culture: the food, the colors, food and warmth of The Thai people; besides going back to Thailand. And it exists in Newburyport, Massachusetts! Enjoy.

Diner Review №157

The ambience is creatively artistic, VERY comfortable and hip/exotic. The Asian Thai food is to die for! Staff is so gracious. The music this night, in the 2nd floor dining room,, was by Sweet Soul Sound. The guests were up and dancing all night. What fun! Joy Nest has a quiet downstairs dining room as well. It is equally sumptuous.

Diner Review №158

Diner Review №159

3 stars because although the service and decor were wonderful and super well thought out, the ramen is not authentic or flavorful. It tastes more like a instant ramen with fresher toppings

Diner Review №160

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Diner Review №162

The drinks and atmosphere were wonderful. The seafood did not taste very fresh.

Diner Review №163

Food was delicious with authentic flavors. We were really pleased to find this lovely restaurant. Decor is nice and modern. Service was pleasent.
The only criticism I have is the bathroom door does not stay locked which can cause some uncomfortable moments 🙈

Diner Review №164

The food was good... But it's all about the live jazz! We went on a Wednesday night and the jazz trio was exceptional!

Diner Review №165

Great service. Strong and creative cocktails. Cute outdoor seating right inside the tannery, walkable and easy parking outside of peak hours. Green curry fried rice was awesome.

Diner Review №166

Delicious food and drinks, parking available off street or in the plaza.

Diner Review №167

Great location, eclectic decor, best room in nbpt for imaginative drinks and very tasty apps set to live background music for a small group. So says this 22 year port resident 😎👍🙌🪺

Diner Review №168

Awesome!
The people....the food.....the music....the place.....wow! We have a lot of fun with mom.
10 stars 🌟 if possible.
Highly recommend.
Back soon.

Diner Review №169

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Diner Review №171

EDIT: we went back and it was awful. I have no idea what happened between now and the previous visit but the staff was terrible. We waited 20+ minutes to be served even a drink. My fiancés food came 26 minutes after mine arrived - he got the Crying Tiger and it was RAW - looked nothing like the picture online. We complained to the manager after the fact and she just stared at us with a blank stare. This was SUCH a disappointment. We will never go back and we will tell all our friends to steer clear of this disaster.

Diner Review №172

Very pleasant, good food

Diner Review №173

Diner Review №174

Banger south asian food.

Diner Review №175

Diner Review №176

Great food, however menu was a bit limited

Diner Review №177

The Joy Nest was a treat all around. Everything from the details in the decor, inspiring cocktails, and a swoon worthy menu make this place an experience. We got appetizers, entrees, and dessert and everything was interesting and delicious. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Diner Review №178

Diner Review №179

What a fantastic spot. The restaurant is a gem; I love the decor, libation, and outstanding food and service.
My husband and I really enjoyed the couple of times we have been. We are definitely coming back on our next date night.

Diner Review №180

Katie is the best. It was a little crowded but great service

Diner Review №181

Excellent food, drinks, and atmosphere. Kim the bartender was really great and suggested a new bourbon cocktail that was out if this world!! This place is awesome!!

Diner Review №182

Great vibe. Very hip. Just opened.

Diner Review №183

Diner Review №184

stopped in for a late lunch after visiting plum island - so glad we did! the ambiance of this restaurant is colorful and bright while still maintaining that cozy feeling. our waitress was very attentive and gave us some good cocktail suggestions (which were delicious btw). the food was also great - we tried the grilled mushroom appetizer, the miso udon soup, the basil chicken, and mango sticky rice for dessert. 5 stars - would recommend this place in a heartbeat! hope we get to visit again :)

Diner Review №185

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Diner Review №189

We arrived at or before 8pm. Ordered apps and cocktails. Several item on menu were not available. When our server finally came back to take our order she informed us that the kitchen was closed and wouldn't serve us dinner. This was at 8:30 (they close at 9pm). After seeing our discontent she said she would go see if the kitchen would make take one more order. 10 minutes later the manager comes to our table and tells us that there was a problem with the gas stove and they couldn't cook for safety reasons..... HUGE LIE as pots were steaming and chefs were cooking as we left the place. Furthermore if there was a dangerous issue with the gas stove, shouldn't the place have been evacuated! To top it off they handed us a 90 dollar bill for the drinks and a few apps! Didn't comp a thing!! We will never return! If your thinking about dining here STOP! Do yourself a favor and walk across the street to Brown Sugar by the Sea for excellent Thai Food

Diner Review №190

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Diner Review №192

Cool atmosphere and great dinner menu. So hard to choose from all those awesome options!

Diner Review №193

So disappointed. Was really excited for a night out but felt a pretentious vibe as soon as I stepped in. Bartender and staff were a bit uptight. Waited at bar for a table and never were returned to check on by hostess. Drinks were ok. Food was like swallowing a cup of salt and soy sauce. Maybe an off night, but was really hoping for a better experience.

Diner Review №194

The downstairs is comfy cozy with whimsical decor. The food was delicate and delicious. The service was attentive. They had perfect jazz for dining.

The upstairs is a cozy meeting place.

Check the schedule. On certain nights they have live music!

They aim to please. We ordered a special non-alcoholic cocktail. And it was really delicious!

This place is a real find. If you haven't already been there, try it! They will not disappoint.

We will be back.

Diner Review №195

Went here for a night out with friends. Seating was so uncomfortable. The food was terrible nothing even close to Japanese Miso Udon. The mussels smelled so bad and our noodles were tasteless. It’s such a pretty place but sadly was not worth the try.

Diner Review №196

Great cocktails

Diner Review №197

The food was 3.5*. Not terrible. Not wonderful. It came quickly which was it's biggest merit. The server was rude and offhand. The reason the place gets 1* is because after we saw the check and gave our credit card the server returned the check with a 20 percent tip prefilled out in her own handwriting in pen. It was so rude and off-putting.

Diner Review №198

The ramen and drinks were delicious and the ambience clearly had a lot of thought put into it. Overall a great experience with friendly service.

Diner Review №199

The two stars come from a commitment to ambiance, they chose an esthetic and stuck with it and it works. Not my style, but that really doesn't matter, very tasteful. Unfortunately, the food lacks the same taste. Based solely on food, it would be one star. Went with the ramen (love ramen), but nothing about the experience was enjoyable. The broth was thin and tasted like chicken bouillon, there was an (overcooked) hard-boiled egg, a handful of mung bean sprouts and a slab of grilled chicken. The chicken had a Burger King-like char broiled flavor that wasn't ideal. The noodles were not fresh, at all, while eating them I picked up a "raft" of noodles that had retained their shape from the dried state. The serving was small and served in a shallow bowl without proper eating utensils. I've had low quality ramen that is satisfying, but I have never before paid so much for such mediocre noodles in such limited quantity. I also tried the midnight tea cocktail which promises matcha, gin and mint. The cocktail is very clear and green, which, along with the taste, leads me to believe there was no matcha, just green tea. Actual matcha would have added an earthy depth of flavor the cocktail desperately needed.

Diner Review №200

The place is pretty, it was homie and I liked the feel of it. I had the Raman, it wasn't the best. It came in a very shallow bowl and was the instant noodles every college kid knows. It had pork in it and the broth tasted like the chicken favoring. Overall, I would say come and try the food, but don't get the Raman. The other choices seemed much better.

Details
  • 9 photos
  • 200 reviews
  • 4.6 Health Rating
  • Contact: +1 978-572-1615
  • Website: https://thejoynestrestaurant.com/
  • Location: 50 Water St, Newburyport, MA 01950, United States
  • Map: 42.810803299999996, -70.8658652
Menu Highlights
  • Restaurant
  • Cocktail bar
  • Jazz club
  • Takeout restaurant
  • Tapas bar
  • Tapas restaurant
  • Thai restaurant
Opening Hours
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 12–3 PM–4:30–10 PM
  • Wednesday: 12–3 PM–4:30–10 PM
  • Thursday: 12–3 PM–4:30–10 PM
  • Friday: 12–3 PM–4:30–11 PM
  • Saturday: 12–11 PM
  • Sunday: 12–9 PM
Service options
  • Outdoor seating: Available
  • Takeaway: Available
  • Dine-in: Available
  • Delivery: Available
Highlights
  • Fast service: Available
  • Fireplace: Available
  • Great cocktails: Available
  • Live music: Available
Popular for
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
Offerings
  • Alcohol: Available
  • Beer: Available
  • Cocktails: Available
  • Coffee: Available
  • Comfort food: Available
  • Healthy options: Available
  • Small plates: Available
  • Spirits: Available
  • Vegetarian options: Available
  • Wine: Available
Dining options
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Catering: Available
  • Dessert: Available
  • Seating: Available
Amenities
  • Bar on site: Available
  • Toilet: Available
Atmosphere
  • Casual: Available
  • Cosy: Available
  • Trendy: Available
  • Upmarket: Available
Crowd
  • Groups: Available
  • Tourists: Available
Planning
  • Accepts reservations: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • NFC mobile payments: Available
Children
  • High chairs: Available
Parking
  • Free parking lot: Available
  • Parking: Available
Pets
  • Dogs allowed outside: Available