Sour Jo’s Sourdough Bakery — Restaurant in Whitewater Region

Is it a small venue? Yes. During busy moments, does it get packed in and people have to maneuver around the shop? Yes. Does any of that really matter? Heck no. The sign out front says "gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches" and it's not an exaggeration at all. Listen, we go there for sandwiches so often that the owner's husband calls us "The Grilled Cheese Banditos".

I've seen some 1 star reviews without elaboration, and the only thing I can begin to guess is that perhaps some people are too impatient. I think some people may need to adjust their expectations, like, I don't know if maybe fast food has warped things, but to me there is nothing irregular about wait times. Things will take the time they take. And when the sandwiches are freshly made to order for you, obviously it's not instant. Are there times where you may wait because multiple people have ordered grilled cheese sandwiches? Yes. Is it a problem? No, and certainly not worthy of 1 star reviews.

During winter there isn't really anywhere to sit; there is a small table indoors but chances are it's full because this place does get very busy, which is a good thing! For spring, summer, fall, it's cozy to sit on the cute benches out front or the picnic tables out to the side.

Things we love to order: Chocolate chip cookies, lemon squares, cheesecakes, parfaits, pizza, soups, cinnamon buns, monkey bread, and of course.... Grilled cheese sandwiches!! Occasionally they have specials like Sloppy Jo's (the sign said Sloppy Joes but I'm calling it Jo's because...duh lol) or crispy fried chicken sandwiches, and those are also delicious. Oh, their cupcakes are good too. Oh my god, I can't believe I almost forgot: the sourdough loaves!! Love the loaves. Have tried the classic, the rosemary, and one with honey. Amazing. The owner's husband is very easygoing, in my opinion. I've seen him give things to people for free, ourselves included. He'll just randomly be like, take it! Sometimes it's because it's near the end of their day, but other times it literally seems like he just wants to make someone happy. Pretty cool dude.

We haven't seen butter tarts in a while, but maybe they're just sold out by the time we go lol. Understandable, because the butter tarts are so good, and I'm not even someone who thinks of butter tarts often. Anyway, it's a good spot for takeaway to bring home, takeaway for gifting treats to loved ones, and for having a nice break from the rest of the world at a picnic table in a quiet...

Genuinely, I would not believe the 1 star reviews. Especially the one that said "bread was burnt". Hahaha. I laughed at this.

Jo has held this place to the highest of her standards and when something has been even remotely not to her own liking as rare as it's been, even if people didn't want their money back, she has been proactive and brought it up on Facebook offering refunds. Before anyone even said anything. It's a level of pride rarely seen in businesses.

Sadly, there's likely a certain disgruntled semi illiterate ex employee who should have kept themselves to some minimum standards.

The bread itself is wonderful and beyond being a local staple of the community, bringing bread from sour jos has become a form of gift giving when I travel. I've never had better pizza than sourdough pizza. The scones I'm in love with, but I actually prefer them without the icing.

I mentioned that the owner treated the place with a sense of pride, well, so do the employees and the community. They just celebrated on Facebook two of the employees in the store who have been there since almost the beginning. I brag about having Sour Jos here and my newfound love of sourdough bread.

If there's any complaints, its that they run out of bread sometimes and you can't get any later in the day! Imagine being so popular that you upset people by running out? I try to give them a pass on this one and go early haha.

Do yourself a favour if youre in the area. Check this place out. Also look at them on Facebook, they're really active on social media and the way they communicate within the community. Their presence is really strong, and it goes above and beyond to show how much they care.

(Actions speak louder than jaded unexplainable 1 star lone wolf reviews from new...

I went into the bakery for the second time on Labour Day long weekend to get a couple loaves of sourdough for a recipe I was planning. Their sourdough bread is fantastic! I have nothing negative to say about anything I have purchased there, however, my experience was less than outstanding, and in fact, humiliating. When I arrived, there was one gentleman who was standing at the counter, placing an order, and another who was at the back of the store looking at jam. Another couple followed in behind me, so I stepped behind the man who was placing his order. Meanwhile the gentleman with the jam came behind me and the couple behind him. When I got to the front of the line, I tried to place my order for the bread, and the owner told me no there was three people ahead of me. I was very confused and then try to explain the situation. He wouldn’t even listen to me, and in fact, very abruptly told me that I cut in front and to get to the back of the line. I felt embarrassed and humiliated, and would have left, but I did mean Deborah. The couple to me what I believe to be true, that I was indeed the next person that should’ve been served. As much as I love the food in the bakery, I’m not comfortable going back to a place where the owner is comfortable talking to...