The lone waitress at Joe Café reminds me of the “Soup Nazi” from Seinfeld… If you happen to say the wrong thing or look at her the wrong way, you’re screwed. I’ve seen her make customers wait the entire time I ate my breakfast just to get coffee. No joke.
Regardless, the service is always slow as molasses going downhill in January and the décor is what I can only describe as “rundown hippy”, but it still tops the list of Mat and mine’s favourite breakfast spots. We love it! Sunday mornings at Joe are the best. Each plate is prepared with care, the breakfast potatoes can’t be beat and the coffee – when you finally get it – is delicious. Plus, the prices are very fair.
The décor at Joe Café like a local diner's - a little shabby and very comfy.
I also think there is something about waiting for our food that makes the Joe Café experience special for Mat and me. It forces us to slow down and chill out. How often does that happen? Almost never in my case. It seems like there is always something I am late in doing… It’s nice to just sit and enjoy each other’s company. And the fact that we had to get to know the waitress and her quirks makes us feel like Joe is our spot. Once you figure that out, you’re golden. It’s your ticket to the best bacon-egg bagel sandwich, fluffy raisin bread french toast and extra-shot lattes.
My favourite: bacon and egg bagel sandwich with their can't-be-beat breakfast potatoes.
French toast made with raisin bread. Excuse the sub par phone photos... There was no way I was going to pull out my camera in front of the breakfast Nazi!
Cheers to more slow and quirky mornings at our local joints!
After 10 years of writing corporate speak as a communications specialist for large companies in Montreal, I’ve finally given into my self-indulgent desire to write my way and share my love for food. Writing and cooking are my creative outlets. When I do them right, they help me relax and comfort me...
I spent many of my teenage years at Cafe Joe’s after school and on week-ends as they did have really good cheap coffee and food. It is funny to see that the decor hasn’t changed after all this time as it was outdated even back then! I believe Cafe Joe’s owners have changed since (it was a family run business) but they also had a lot of attitude. It was not uncommon for them to simply not serve new customer’s or be surly so maybe it is part of the whole Cafe Joe experience! Happy to see that a tiny little neighborhood gem is still around!
Hi Shona,
What a coincidence! I had no idea the place had been open for so long. It really is a little gem and it’s nice to know it has a bit of history in the neighbouhood. As for the attitude, well it’s all part of the charm. Plus, I’m convinced the waitress doesn’t mean to be unpleasant, it’s just the way her mood swings. And I know mood swings
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Thanks for reading my blog and keep in touch.
Jess
I’ve been living in the neighbourhood for quite some time (i think about 7 years) and have become somewhat of a regular over the years. The slow service and slight attitude have been there since the beginning and its what makes Joe Café… well… Joe Café. The 1001 plants, old piano and great music give it a laid back atmosphere that makes go back again and again. Sit back, dont stress, and enjoy the great food that feels likes its been prepared at home. I agree thos potatoes are unbeatable!