Joe's Bread — Restaurant in Chesterton

I've been lucky enough to come here twice. How many times have I been to Chesterton? Twice. How many times to Joe's Bread? Twice. I would not repeat a place unless I thought it was exceptional. This place has a lot going for it. The location, the ambience, the offerings, the staff and the quality of the food and drinks. I got a loaf of rye bread this last time. It's so good - I LOVE rye. We ate it for and with several meals and I still have a bit left that I'm trying to not devour too quickly. While there this last time we had the french onion soup which I was so happy to see was "real". Good bread and cheese melted on top of some very decadent broth and tons of onions. We also had the goat cheese and portobello breakfast sandwich and it was decadent with the goat cheese just oozing out. The only thing we didn't care for, which is a personal preference, was the hummus. It was quite boring and we didn't eat it. Not sure why we ordered that as we agreed it's not our favorite. However, I love a place that makes their own food and makes you feel you are eating healthily as well as indulging at the same time. If we end up back in this area again, I will be...

The people here are kind and lovely, and always have something nice to say. They do their best, and it really shines through.

However.

A lot of the time, coffee or tea you order can drastically differ between baristas, not only in appearance, but flavor and apparent ingredients. I love the sunrise chai, but every time ive recently gotten it, its tasted vaugely like soap. It hasnt always tasted like this.

The food is good-- but it depends on when you get it, and whos cooking. Ive had friends get food thats half hot and half cold. What my biggest grievance is the soup that essentially replaced the meatballs and gnnochi on their menu-- the soup in question being 90% a piece if bread, slathered in what can only be described as cheese soaked in a bacon flavor, potentially from bacon grease. Which is great-- it it didnt taste so much like bacon grease i cant taste anything else.

As nice as the atmosphere and people are, the only thing i can remotely reccomend getting here are the top notch pastries. Especially the...

What a great unique place. You feel comfortable the second you walk in. The barista greets you with a great smile. She made my americano perfectly. The breads are artisanal and delicious! I particularly like the pretzel Stix which are crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Today I just had the greatest cream puff ever. The cream was light but full and the pastry was light yet with flakey structure. I’ve never had one that good. The perfect size, not too small. Definitely a place to come every time you are near. The croissants are also great. The chocolate one is great because the it’s fluffy and the filling...