Cafe Joy — Restaurant in Bellevue

My friends and I stop by Share Tea for a drink. After we left my brother got curious what's next door. Which we found Blackbird. We saw that they sold drinks and desserts. We're interested in the mill crepe cakes. I got Earl Grey, my friend got Black sesame and my brother was curious about Durian. Weren't sure if we wanted to try it since what we heard about the fruit and how overpriced the dessert was for a small portion. It was $9, which is the same price for getting a meal else where. We were very reserve. I don't see a sample sign in front of the glass display or above.

We decided to give it a try. We didn't like Durian one bit, we were overwhelmed with the taste. But the Earl Grey and Black sesame were good. Tastes exactly a like french breakfast crepe that I make at home.

The durian crepe was barely touch. My brother couldn't finish it at all. He decide to ask for exchange. He came back telling him no. I decided to go to them and bring the the Durian Crepe Cake to them. I explained what happened and ask for an exchange for an overpriced and small crepe cake. The lady ask the man behind her and made a unprofessional face and saying no. They didn't suggest any refunds or half off for an alternatives. I left the whole piece of durian cake at the pick up counter, very displease with how resistance to troublshoot together. Not coming here again, I can also make crepes at home with 3rd of the price. They even threw the whole small piece durian crepe away and still kept the money. Now you know they don't think about their costumers well being.

There place is also too small to hangout. Three tables and barley enough chairs to sit. Either go there by yourself or just take your item to go. Which I still won't...

{Soft Opening this week -10% off drinks}

Early note: this place is pricey, but I think they're targeting the luxurious dessert niche.

Now to the review: They are for sure in their soft opening phase, as in, they still are working towards bringing in tables and chairs. Don't fret, there's a good amount of space for people to chill at!

I immediately went to their dessert case and found Mille Crepes and Iceboxes (Like a layered mousse and cake) {~$8.50}. Now. These Mille Crepe sizes are smaller than a Lady M cake, but the same price. So I personally decided to just try the icebox, since it sounded unique. I got the Black Sugar Chestnut Icebox and I liked it! It was a great balance between the cake and the filling and you can obviously taste the chestnut and not just pure sugar.

As for drinks, I asked the cashier and he immediately said, try our fruit teas. So hey, since they're next to sharetea, yes, i'll try your fruit tea. He recommended the Berry tea and it was like a berry smoothie made a baby with jasmine tea haha. I thought the balance between the two was good and very refreshing. I probably should've reduced the sweetness though, since I don't like too sweet.

Overall, great staff. They were kind, informative and asked for feedback. I wouldn't come here too often due to the $$ but i'd recommend people to get...

This trip was not founded on joy whatsoever. HOWEVER, by the end of it, surely it was Let me explain...

I'll be honest... I accidentally took the wrong turn in Seattle and took the 520 toll bridge LOL!!! I thought, eh, I'm already going to Bellevue, let's get some matcha. I chose Café Joy as I knew there would be plentiful public library parking. FWIW, I used to work in Bellevue so I know all of the best parking areas

Anyway, I visited on a very sunny Saturday early afternoon. The doors were open, revealing an already pretty packed establishment. Albeit, ample room for some to study or catch up with a friend. The menu was filled with many eye-catching items. I noticed they had a corn latte, so I asked the worker if it was possible to do a that with matcha instead of coffee. He suggested I order a regular matcha latte (sweetened) and then he'd add corn cold foam. Good idea! He did a really great job making the drink-- the color itself was vibrant and the taste was refreshing... most importantly, not too sweet

. BTW, if you think corn in any type of drink is weird... whateva, you're missing out!! .

I'd definitely recommend this place-- next time it won't be on the whim of taking the wrong exit LOL!!

TLDR; Helpful and accommodating staff. Tasty drinks. Parking across the street....