Eat at Joe's — Restaurant in South Euclid

It’s my first day back in Cleveland after 40 years and I chose “Eat At Joe’s” for breakfast. The ambience is energetic; service, efficient, cheerful, and delightful; and the food was terrific—not to be believed. I’ll be back. Maybe tomorrow morning.

IT’S TOMORROW. And I’m back! Service here is so pleasant, so happy, it starts your day right. Select any table you wish or sit at the “bar.” A chipper waitperson will appear before you within moments—wearing a smile. Beverage first, mine is coffee (after all, it’s the breakfast hour.) and, I ordered a western omelette.

“Toast?”

“Yup, whole wheat.”

“Want that buttered?”

“Absolutely!”

I’ve lived and traveled a lot of places over my career and have had my breakfasts many times in those cities. But this is the first time I recall being offered the opportunity to have my toast pre-buttered. I’ve generally had to ask, and sometimes have had to plead the kitchen butter my toast. It’s better that way! I know that sounds trite but it’s a small convenience that adds something special to the breakfast experience. The joy with which your order is taken and, ultimately, delivered, adds another point of enjoyment. (The staff’s secret chant must be “no problem.“)

Yesterday’s pancakes and this morning’s omelette with hashbrowns and PRE-BUTTERED toast were excellent!

And, both days, the service was delivered with such exuberance that it set the tone for my day. (My days generally start out at 33 1/3 and then elevate to a maximum of 45. Today, I’m sure my 33 1/3 will escalate to a full 78.)

That exuberance is my armor shielding me from the day’s bummers. (Look out, day. Here I come!)

BTW: before starting this review, I noticed the warning “no credit cards.” Not true! This buzzing establishment does accept credit cards as well as Apple Pay, which I happily learned to use properly two weeks ago!

I’d like to meet the owner and learn how to get a fast paced restaurant to operate so efficiently without his or her presence or that of a manager.

Enough kvelling. Yesterday‘s breakfast was an audition. Today’s, an “opening night” (Well, OK. “Opening morning.”)

If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast served with glee, this is your spot. But please. Leave one table open for me.

Did I...

Left hungry and unhappy.

The waitress was very hurried despite only having 4 tables and 3 waitresses. At least she seemed rushed because she asked for our orders without a menu then threw my napkins on top of my drink.

The burger had totally soaked through the bottom bun with all the grease and the toppings kept falling off, just way too much grease to try to eat it without it totally coming apart after each bite including the bottom but just falling apart into greasy pieces on the plate. And no flavor to the burger but for grease. AFTER we finally caught someone and my companion had completely finished his meal they asked if I wanted something different. IF they had checked it we had been able to catch one of them earlier then maybe. But we've wasted enough time. Next time check your customers, especially the ones not eating at all. Training would be good for those without the natural sense to do this.

It's cheap but it's still not worth it.

Was a gross, soggy mess with no flavor and very...

I’ve visited this establishment a handful of times and was always told to just have a seat at an open table and someone will be with me. At least four different times, this is how it went. No matter how busy they were. This morning, there was a line - just like last time - and I assumed these were to go or DoorDash orders or something. I spotted and sat at a small table (I was alone) and was greeted by a waitress who asked what I wanted to drink. The woman at the counter told her I just got here and I was told there was a line. Not asked to get up, just given a cue. I got up and laughed it off, telling the waitress I usually just sit down and she very curtly responded “Ok, yeah but there’s a line.” At which point I walked to the door and left. I didn’t appreciate being spoken to that way. I did not appreciate the rules changing despite the circumstances being the same as last time. All of this while six months pregnant just craving...