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Joyce Soul & Sea
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Joyce Soul & Sea
8.4
A polished Southern-coastal room on South Grand that stays under the radar compared with louder neighbors. The cooking blends seafood and comfort—fried and grilled plates that feel indulgent but clean—while cocktails keep the pace relaxed. A strong choice when you want a full sit-down dinner without downtown theatrics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp & grits, Fried catfish, House cornbread
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Southern-coastal comfort with a calmer downtown feel.
Who should go: Couples or friends wanting a low-key dinner.
When to visit: Early evening before nearby events.
What to order: Cornbread, shrimp & grits, fried catfish.
Insider tip: Request the patio when weather’s mild for a quieter vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Grand can be hit-or-miss after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Olive and Grand typically run $8–$15 for evening dining.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a button-down or a simple dress fit the room’s polished-but-relaxed tone.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a full conversation, with the dining room staying calmer than most South Park spots.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, slightly longer pre-event.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; the room stays steady but not packed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate — salads, sides, and a few mains work, though the menu leans seafood and Southern comfort.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 customizable plates; best to ask the server for off-menu adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Good — several seafood and grilled items can be prepared gluten-free, but cross-contact precautions are limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the calmer room, strong cocktails, and polished Southern-coastal dishes create an easy, warm setting without downtown flashiness.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — walk-ins are workable on weeknights; on weekends, aim before 7pm or after peak event traffic for best luck.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids are fine, but the room skews adult with cocktails and a fuller dinner pace; no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: A quieter, more polished Southern-coastal meal than many DTLA comfort spots, with a calmer pace and stronger execution on grilled seafood.
Skip if: You want high-energy dining, large-party seating, or a menu heavily geared toward vegan/vegetarian diners.
Joyce Soul & Sea
8.4
A polished Southern-coastal dining room with a covered patio that stays comfortable even when downtown weather swings. The kitchen leans into soulful, seafood-forward comfort, while the bar keeps the night lively without turning the patio into a scene. Strong for a relaxed dinner where your dog can hang nearby while you eat well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttery cornbread, Shrimp & grits, Fried catfish
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Southern-coastal cooking on a downtown patio that welcomes dogs.
Who should go: Patio diners with pups and a seafood-comfort craving.
When to visit: Early evening or weekend brunch on the covered patio.
What to order: Cornbread, shrimp & grits, fried catfish.
Insider tip: Ask for the patio heaters on cooler nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking at nearby structures along Grand and Olive; limited metered spots on surrounding blocks. Evenings fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual with a relaxed edge; comfortable for patio dining but polished enough for a date night.
Noise level: Moderate; patio conversations stay clear even during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seats.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; patio often has open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several sides and Southern-inspired plates can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many seafood plates are naturally gluten-free; ask for modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—covered patio seating has a comfortable, warm glow at night, and the menu is approachable without feeling basic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—weeknights are easy, but for weekend dinners, arrive early if you want a patio table, especially with a dog.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy hearty comfort dishes; no dedicated kids menu, but the environment is relaxed enough for families.
Best For
Better for: A more polished Southern-coastal feel with one of the more comfortable pet-friendly patios in the district.
Skip if: You want a fully vegan or vegetarian dinner—options are limited compared to dedicated plant-forward spots.
Joyce Soul & Sea
8.4
Modern Southern-coastal cooking in a polished DTLA room with a covered, heated patio that makes outdoor dining a year-round move. The kitchen nails comfort-forward plates with seafood lift, while cocktails and music keep the vibe lively without tipping chaotic. A strong choice for lingering al fresco dinners that still feel city-sharp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Edisto Island Cornbread, Shrimp & Grits, Nashville Hot Fried Catfish
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Southern comfort meets coastal seafood on a heated DTLA patio.
Who should go: Date nights and small celebration crews.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weeknight patio dinner.
What to order: Cornbread, shrimp & grits, fried catfish.
Insider tip: Book the covered patio early—those seats fill first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking at nearby DTLA structures is the safest bet; limited metered street parking on Grand after 6pm. Valet occasionally available during peak dinner service.
Dress code: Smart casual. Polished jeans, nicer tops, and light layers for the patio are all appropriate. Most guests lean slightly dressy at night.
Noise level: Moderate. Patio heaters and background music create energy but conversation remains easy, especially at two-tops.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; small groups are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including salads, vegetable-forward starters, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—1–2 items can be adapted with staff guidance.
Gluten-free options: Good selection; many dishes can be made gluten-free on request, especially seafood and grill plates.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The heated, covered patio provides a relaxed but polished setting where you can talk without shouting, and the Southern-coastal menu feels adventurous yet approachable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but patio seats go fast. Walk-ins are easiest on weeknights; for Friday/Saturday dinner, arrive early or expect a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally adult-leaning. Older kids and teens are fine, but the atmosphere and cocktails-forward crowd make it less ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor dining that feels elevated rather than casual—strong cocktails, polished service, and Southern-coastal comfort dishes that still feel DTLA-modern.
Skip if: You want a completely quiet meal, a strictly vegan menu, or ultra-fast in-and-out dining. The experience is geared toward lingering.