Joanna's Cafe — Restaurant in Dundalk

This review might be a little long, but I have a lot to say about how great this place is.

Whenever I travel, I make it a point to visit locally owned cafes, and over time, I’ve built up a solid list of go-to spots along the East Coast. While I’ve enjoyed many of them, this one stands out far above the rest.

I was in town for a week for work and didn’t discover this place until Thursday. I immediately fell in love with it and ended up going back the last two days of my trip. I genuinely love everything about this place.

Let’s start with the atmosphere: it’s bright and open, yet still cozy—perfect for working or just relaxing with friends. It strikes a rare balance between welcoming and functional.

Next, the staff. Every time I walked in, I was greeted warmly, often by the staff and even the owner. I never waited more than a minute at the counter, and everyone was friendly and accommodating. I made some custom requests on a sandwich, and they handled it without hesitation. Even during busy periods, the service was consistently excellent—fast, attentive, and upbeat. I was especially impressed to see the owner actively working alongside the staff and chatting with customers. That kind of leadership and presence makes a big difference.

Now, the food and drinks. I ordered both in person and online. The online orders were ready when I arrived, and I noticed something really thoughtful: they didn’t add ice to my drinks until I got there, so they stayed fresh and cold. It’s such a small detail, but I’ve never seen that done before—and now I wish every coffee shop did it.

Also, this place offers a range of drink sizes, which is rare for a small café. That alone is part of why I sometimes default to big chains, but this spot has that covered too.

The food. Most places either have great coffee or great food, rarely both. But here, they nail it all. I had the bruschetta sandwich (incredible), and my friend ordered the Mark Cristo (their take on a Monte Cristo), which she loved. We were working with locals who had never been, and after trying it, even they started going regularly.

Lastly and probably the best part especially in this economy, the prices. When I first looked at the menu photos on Google, I honestly thought they had to be from three or four years ago—everything seemed way too affordable for today’s prices. But nope, they’re current. For the level of quality, care, and service this place delivers, it genuinely feels...

UPDATED: Due to my previous comments, I contacted the store and spoke with Lindsay, the owner, who was very apologetic, kind, and warm. She was not happy with the service I received and credited the money back to my account as well as had pastries delivered to my home. I forgot the driver's name, but she was also friendly and had on the cutest outfit. I am overwhelmed with the kindness shown towards me regarding my previous review. Yesssss, I would recommend Joanna's Cafe any day of the week and this will not be my last time doing business with the cafe. Oh, by the way, the chocolate croissant and rum bun were so delicate and full of rich flavor. Just what I wanted on my Friday morning. So, Lindsay, I thank you for your excellent customer service skills to ensure your customers are satisfied with the products you offer. Lindsay, also put a handwritten card in the bag thanking me for the feedback!!! Now how awesome is that!!! Thank you, Lindsay!!! I only leave the previous review in support of how you like to run your business in a very professional and caring fashion. I placed an online order for a chocolate croissant and rum bun, picked it up, tried it, and both tasted about two days old. I called the same day, but the business was closed. I called Monday the next business day, and spoke with Chris. I informed him about my food, and he said Thank you for letting me know. He did not apologize or offer any type of care or concern. This was my first and last time ordering from them ever!!! Poor...

Update to owners reply:

I didn't have a mask on, so which person did she think she was referencing? Notice how she didn't speak to the real issue at hand? Poor business model and no I won't be back, I will ride by like I usually would. Yikes.

My first time visiting was today and I just didn't feel the warmth nor have the experience that others experienced. I did an online order, I walked in and it still wasn't ready which is OK. The staff seemed to be pleasant but I just didn't get that treatment. Everyone was soft spoken but a little sharp and short with me, when my order came up it was called and dropped on the counter while I was standing there and I had to ask was it mine and the girl still didn't check and make sure. Instead, I picked up the bag and looked and took it and walked out because I was annoyed with the treatment. I get to my food and the bagel was toasted (I didn't ask for this) which caused the asiago to be burned and bagel to be darker (the photo lightens it due to camera resolution but nope). The sandwich was mostly egg w a slither of a sausage, I asked for utensils and none where put into the bag. I just won't be back, I won't say anything more than what I said but I felt like a non paying customer and NEVER again with my hard earned money. Best of luck to your business in these...