Joanie's Cafe — Restaurant in Palo Alto

Joanie’s is a staple on California Ave, having been around for more than two decades. After many years, I decided to revisit the place recently.

Some things have changed but the place has mostly stayed the same as I remember it. With good service, decent food options, and lovely atmosphere, Joanie’s is a solid choice.

In the past, service has been a mixed bag. When we went recently it was mostly solid. There were quite a few instances where it took a lot of effort on our part to get a hold of a waiter but when we did, they were friendly, efficient, and got the job done.

The atmosphere, just like most of California Avenue, is more laid back, quiet, and communal. The lovely dining options outside, coupled with the beautiful weather, made the meal more pleasant.

The food itself is solid but nothing exceptional or mind blowing. While many restaurants have evolved over the years, it seems like Joanie’s in many ways is stuck in the past. While their French toast was yummy, their potato options (both the hash brown and potatoes) were just ok and a bit flavorless. The eggs were cooked exactly as requested but the beef hash left a bit to be desired. It seems like while others are innovating, here time has stopped.

Overall, Joanie’s is a classic that’s sticking to their roots while many places are evolving to better serve their customers. What may have been ok 20 years ago doesn’t necessarily make it good enough in today’s competitive landscape. The most I can rate Joanie’s...

I recently tried the Nicoise salad and unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed. It seems like they’ve cut corners on all vegetable ingredients. I would recommend sticking to the traditional American brunch items like omelettes and pancakes, which are usually excellent here. Here are my thoughts on the salad's ingredients:

Lettuce: The lettuce was similar to the inexpensive iceberg variety from grocery store packs, with red and brown tinted edges. They really should use fresher, higher-quality lettuce to enhance the dish.

Tuna: The tuna wasn't the best quality, but I appreciated that it wasn't canned. However, I requested medium well and received medium rare instead.

Potatoes: The potatoes were undercooked to the point where I had to use force to poke my fork into them, and they had a light crunch. Properly boiling the potatoes could improve this.

Green Beans: I found only a few green bean halves, and they were undercooked and chewy.

Corn: The salad included what seemed like thawed frozen corn kernels, which felt unnecessary.

Olives and Capers: There were too many olives and capers, which overpowered the salad.

Dressing: The dressing tasted predominantly of vinegar and mustard, making it too sour, especially with the already tangy olives and capers. Adding some herbs and high-quality olive oil could balance the flavors better.

Overall, the Nicoise salad has potential, but a few adjustments would make it much...

Joanie’s Café in Palo Alto has become my go-to breakfast spot, and for good reason. This cozy, family-owned café delivers the perfect balance of comfort, quality, and consistency, making it an essential part of my morning routine. Whether I’m looking for a quiet moment to start the day or a place to meet with friends or colleagues, Joanie’s never disappoints.

Atmosphere & Service

The atmosphere at Joanie’s is warm and welcoming, with a classic French café vibe mixed with the charm of a neighborhood diner. The space is cozy yet lively, and even when it’s packed (which it often is), the energy remains friendly and inviting. The staff is exceptional—always greeting me with a smile, remembering my usual order, and making sure everything is just right. They manage to strike that perfect balance between being attentive and giving you space to enjoy your meal.

Despite its popularity, service is impressively efficient. Even on the busiest mornings, I rarely have to wait long for a table or my food. They have a great system in place to keep things moving, and I appreciate how smoothly they handle the morning rush.

The Food – Quality & Variety

Joanie’s breakfast menu is extensive, featuring both American and French-inspired dishes, all made with high-quality ingredients. I’ve worked my way through most of the menu, and I can confidently say that everything is consistently fresh...