Papa Joe's Basel — Restaurant in Basel

I'm an American, born and raised, from California, where we have the best food in the world. I say I'm from California so you you'll realize that I am not just any American, I am more reasonable and know good food.

Do not Come to Papa Joes. It's not American food and even if you don't care if it's authentic, reading my story my save you some headaches. But it will surely be a good laugh as you wait for service..which is slow around these parts.

I was on business in Basel, searching for something spicy, maybe tangy, something that had kick. Sorry to say, the food in CH is boring.

Anyway, I walked into Papa Joes and thought I was walking into a saloon in the Wild West, only thing is, you can't carry a gun in CH, but the host, a short, angry, drug dealing looking type, "welcomed me" in typical Un-American fashion, "Hey! You one?"

I was deeply disturbed. This is customer service? I just walked up your staircase to be yelled at? Maybe he's deaf? No, it's Europe and this is par for the course. "I am sorry, am I one? You mean am I eating alone?"

"You go bar."

I went bar.

"Sir, do you have an English menu? Or one that I can use my google translate app on?" I'm from Silicon Valley.

"Hey! You go bar."

Wow, the margins on drinks must be huge that this guy can't have me off to the side studying a menu, so I can decide if I want to eat here.

I studied the menu and the McDonalds like pictures and began studying the food folks were eating. It seemed mass produced, but that was an easy assessment walking up to the exterior.

A pregnant woman and her husband walked up. They were Swiss, I believe. Some back and forth chatter and boom, our friend the host, was yelling at this couple. The woman was grabbing her stomach and her eyes were wide open. They left.

He wandered over to me, all 4 feet of him. He demanded I go to the bar. I was not in anyone's way, just in a corner studying the menu, literally 5 min after he had handed to me. At this stage he ripped the menu from my hand and walked to a table at the bar area, threw it there, next to half eaten fries. It was some else's leftovers, clearly they picked at the gourmet basket of fries. Sarcasm intended with the word "gourmet."

So I cooperated, noticing a large bandage or wrap on his hand, near his fists. Ah, this temper got his knuckles in a rough patch. Maybe he picked on an old woman or bothered a pregnant wife.

Classy. Papa Joes.

I had questions about the menu. Obviously. I am an American.

He had wandered over to the patio to smoke and stare at other eaters. Everyone seemed scared of this bully.

He walked back in, took the menu from me and put it away. I walked up and yanked it back and towered over the jack ass.

"I know you can get away with this service here. This terrible looking food but in America, someone would have punched your jaw so hard you would be on the ground, this business would be over because people expect much better service and do something about it."

Some generalities in my statement, but 90% true.

He wanted to fight.

There must be a meth epidemic in Basel.

I asked him to join me outside for a dance. "Want to see why America is Great again?" He didn't want to see, why.

I didn't vote for Trump, but enjoyed saying that line.

Outside the husband and pregnant wife were there. They caught the tail end of my justice stand. I apologized to them...they went to Burger King. Ugh! So American of them!

Day 15, another pasta italiano dinner. Got to love the diversity of good cuisine here. Sarcasm Intended.

Welcome to Basel.

Next up..read my review...

Papa Joe's Basel: A Slice of American Comfort in the Heart of Switzerland

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Basel, Papa Joe's offers a refreshing change of pace from the city's traditional culinary scene. This American-style restaurant delivers a warm embrace of comfort food favorites, with a dash of Swiss charm thrown in for good measure.

The moment you step inside, you're transported to a classic diner atmosphere. Bright red booths, checkered floors, and a buzzing energy create a welcoming ambiance. While the decor is decidedly American, the service is distinctly Swiss - friendly, efficient, and attentive.

The menu is a classic American diner experience: juicy burgers, crispy fries, hearty pasta dishes, and sweet, decadent desserts. The star of the show is undoubtedly their 'Papa Joe's Special' burger, a towering masterpiece of beef, cheese, bacon, and all the fixings. The juicy patties are perfectly cooked, the fries are golden and crispy, and the creamy milkshake is the perfect accompaniment.

However, it's not just the food that makes Papa Joe's stand out. The restaurant also boasts a well-curated selection of American craft beers on tap, providing the perfect complement to your meal. For those looking for something a bit stronger, they also offer a selection of American whiskeys and bourbons.

Papa Joe's Basel is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination. It's a place to unwind, enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family, and escape the hustle and bustle of city life. While the prices might be a bit higher than your typical American diner, the quality of the food, the service, and the overall experience justify the cost.

Overall:

Food: Delicious and authentic American comfort food. Atmosphere: Classic American diner with a touch of Swiss charm. Service: Friendly, efficient, and attentive. Drinks: Excellent selection of American craft beers, whiskeys, and bourbons. Value: A bit pricey, but worth it for the quality and experience.

Verdict: If you're looking for a taste of America in Basel, Papa Joe's is a must-visit. Whether you're craving a juicy burger, a refreshing beer, or simply a friendly atmosphere, this restaurant delivers...

Came to Basel for a holiday, we already knew it was quite an expensive location which we were fine with. We chose to eat at Papa Joes as we liked the look of the menu. We arrived on time and was greeted by a rude male waiter who sat us in an extremely cramped area (we had booked way in advance) we decided to order 4 items

Garlic Bread - 10.90 Chicken Nuggets with Tortilla Chips - 13.90 Corn on the cob - 8.90 Farmer Fries - 8.90

Garlic Bread - came on a plate, was basic bread with a handful of dried garlic. 4/10

Chicken/tortilla chips - 6 nuggets and 10 tortilla chips (I counted) chicken was dry and tortillas were soft. Not crunchy. Absolutely appalling portion size for 13.90 1/10

Corn on the cob - corn was actually nice, but again portion size was absolutely tiny. 4/10

Farmer Fries - tasted nice but tiny portion about 20 chips if that. 2/10

After eating the meal both me and my partner agreed that it was below standard for the price. When the rude male waiter came over to give us the bill I explained that i wasn’t happy with the portion sizes and that lt was false advertising as stated on the website “Papa Joes gives Xtra Large Portions”

He then decided to get aggressive repeatedly saying “show me that” until I got my phone out and showed him that’s what it says on the website. He then changed what he was saying to “no show me your food” which I obviously havnt taken photos of my food. I’m not an Instagram influencer. I don’t take pictures of my food.

Manager then came over, and was equally rude and aggressive even touching my arm twice saying “it’s just Switzerland prices” and saying “we are chill here you should of just asked for more food” which in all my 25 years I’ve never done that.

The manager was basically arguing with us at this point and after she touched me for the second time both me and my partner decided enough was enough and we wanted to leave.

We felt as if they knew that we wouldn’t return as we are tourists that they didn’t have to offer any form of apology or gratitude to the fact we was unhappy with the service.

Awful Service, Awful Food,...