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Crazy Joe's keeps 'em coming for frog legs and more

By Valerie Hake, For the Southern

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 10:21 AM CDT

The sounds coming from the converted pole barn that is home to Crazy Joe's Fish House were much like the sounds coming from other local businesses on SIUC'S Homecoming weekend.

From the Television above the bar, the Saluki football game blasted through the speakers. A couple sitting at the bar looked intently up as the fourth quarter wound down.

"C'mon, C'mon, C'mon" exclaimed Marilynn Martin, as she intently gazed at the screen.

Though Crazy Joe's may have sounded like any other establishment on a Saturday afternoon, the similarities stopped there.

Covering the walls of the restaurant is an eclectic mix of items. Posters of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are hung alongside car license plates and old street signs.

The menu is handwritten and propped up next to the screened-in kitchen with items such as frog legs and crawfish proudly displayed next to more traditional choices like fried chicken and catfish.

Robert and Marilynn Martin, owners of Crazy Joe's Fish House since March 2007, find that their more unusual menu times bring in customers as often as the more traditional, well known, dishes that have kept people coming for years.

Crazy Joe's has been a staple in Ava for 12 years with people coming from all over the area to experience the beautiful drive, unique location, and tasty food.

Thankfully, the recent change in ownership has been a smooth one. The Martins, also owners of the popular Carbondale diner Mary Lou's, have been careful to keep the signature 'Joe' dishes on the menu and retain the same prices, but have expanded and added new items to the old menu, as well.

One thing that has changed, though, is the way the dishes are cooked.

"We use fresh peanut oil for all of our frying," Marilynn said.

Though the change to peanut oil has been a pricey one, the owners feel that it is worth it, as peanut oil has zero trans fat, and cooks with a fresher taste.

Another change has been the renovation of the kitchen and the addition of a second fryer. Marilynn noted that adding the extra fryer has cut wait time in half. She also explained that it has put less pressure on the kitchen staff.

The second fryer is used solely for Joe fries, a delicious side of potatoes thinly sliced, seasoned, and fried to a crisp.

Though owning Mary Lou's has given the Martin's invaluable wisdom in the food service business, Crazy Joe's is it's own unique place. Not only are the menu items different, the way that the restaurant is run differs as well.

Customers order directly from the kitchen, and then seat themselves in the dining room. And for those looking to quench their thirst brought on by the spicier dishes, Crazy Joe's also has a full bar with a wide variety of beer and mixed drinks.

In terms of changes, perhaps the biggest alteration to the restaurant is the newly expanded hours. In the past, Joe's has only been open Friday and Saturday evenings, March through November. Since purchasing Joe's, the Martins have taken pains to insulate and re-panel the dining room in order to keep it open the remaining months of the year.

They plan on adding soup and chili in the cooler months, and are looking forward to starting a steak night. Also a result of these renovations is that Crazy Joe's will now hold private parties. Marilynn and Robert look forward to welcoming groups with DJs and bands, as well.

Though change is not always good, the customers at Joe's are as pleased as ever. As Ben Cressley, a weekly visitor, said, "I think the new owners are doing a swell job."