I’m about to write something that makes me very sad… summer is almost over. Back-to-school flyers have invaded our mailbox. There’s now a steady stream of communication from the boys’ schools. Our family dinners outside are ending a little earlier every night. Sniff.

But I try to be the "glass-is-half-full" kind of gal and look at it this way: there are over two more weeks to celebrate the best of the season. So when I heard Joe’s American Bar and Grill has a summer menu complete with an upscale take on cookout classics, plus a killer Summer at Joe’s sweepstakes, I raised my glass of Sam Summer and shouted “Hallelujah!”

Joe’s American Bar & Grill is a classic in the New England restaurant scene. With 12 locations throughout New England, Joe’s is all about familiar American fare in a family-friendly atmosphere. I had the opportunity to sample some items from the summer menu and some of Joe’s all-time favorites with fellow Boston Parent Bloggers.

For appetizers: try Joe’s Maryland Lump Crab Cakes, Joe’s Famous Barbecued Ribs (slow cooked for fall-of-the-bone-goodness), Black Skillet Roasted Mussels (my favorite), and the Spinach & Artichoke Dip.

For Entrees: you gotta go with the Joe’s Original burger, finalist in the Boston Battle of the Burger or the Fish N Chips. The Grilled Shrimp and Watermelon Salad is a great refreshing choice too (though my shrimp was over-seasoned for my taste).

Dessert: everything. Still dreaming about the Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie and Charles River Pie…

Concept Chef Sean McDonald was sure to point out that unlike other restaurants, everything on the menu is made from scratch. You won’t find a microwave or a freezer in the kitchen (except for a small freezer for the ice cream).

And every Wednesday through Labor Day, Joe’s is running a “Celebrate America” sweepstakes.  Fans get a chance to win concert tickets, Six Flags Passes, and Joe’s gift cards to name a few. And one lucky winner will win a grand prize package with VIP passes to the Life is Good Festival, tour the Sam Adams brewery, Red Sox Tickets, an overnight at the Hotel Commonwealth, and special dinners at Joe’s and sister restaurant Abe & Louie’s. Wow. Be sure to check out Joe’s Facebook page for more details.

Joe’s summer menu is a tribute to the backyard barbecue. That’s my kind of barbecue! And the Summer at Joe’s Sweepstakes would be the ideal way to celebrate all the things you love about summer in New England. I’m hanging on to summer – even if it means wearing white after Labor Day.

Disclosure: Thanks to Joe's American Bar & Grill  for hosting the event, which I received free of charge. I have no material connection to the brands, products or services mentioned. As always, opinions are my own.