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Joe's Grill
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch
1031 Davie StreetVancouver, BC V6E 1M5
Neighbourhood: West End
(604) 682-3683
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Joe's Grill
Review Highlights
"...and I shared the corned beef hash and the avocado tomato..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Avocado and Tomato Benny was very good."
(in 3 reviews)
"The poached eggs are always done well, the avocado (if..."
(in 4 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Genre S.
Calgary, AB
11/30/2011
"Simple Yet Well Prepared Breakfast, Served By Someone With An Attitude? I'll Buy That For A Dollar!"
Excellent choice for a mid-day breakfast on the way to Yaletown Canada line. No affectation in terms of decor, a lot of natural light, and a large print of some guys ass in short-shorts on the north east wall. So far so good. Then the server. By the time she finished explaining how drinking pineapple juice makes humans taste good, I was ready and willing to order. Very simple two-egg affair. When queried as to any preferences I may have (IE how the eggs are to be cooked, what meat, what bread), I responded with 'Dealer's Choice'. This tells your server that you are relaxed and submissive, and it tells your kitchen staff that you understand how busy they may be, yet completely trust their abilities and decision-making skills. Some get it, some have to ask. Tiffany totally got it. What did the exchange lead to?
A big glass of pineapple juice, two basted eggs (jiggly, yo), a single portion of each of the three meats, and two slices of whole wheat gently toasted, buttered and chaperoned by peanut butter and strawberry jam. Well done, cats!
In Calgary speak, Joe's Grill lies in proximity to Diner Deluxe, Galaxy Diner, and Wake. Joe's Diner owns a three piece suit (but isn't wearing it), appreciates heavy Canadian breakfasts (but not Crisco), and smokes the right amount of weed.
If they keep this up, the review will probably jump into the Land of the Five Stars. Awesome.
Trust me -- good times in a very open space will be had if you go to there. -
Review from Megan S.
Vancouver, BC
12/2/2011
I come here for breakfast with co-workers every couple months; it's a solid diner with decent food, if you order the right thing (in other words, don't be a fancy pants!).
I don't recommend the Bennys (the hollandaise leaves much to be desired) and the veggie hash is always woefully undercooked (basically fried potatoes with warm raw veggies) but if you're looking for a classic eggs/sausage(or bacon or ham)/hashbrowns/toast breakfast, this is the place for you. I also recommend the corned-beef hash, which is huge enough to serve as both breakfast and lunch, and tastes especially yummy heated up a few hours later.
They're pretty light on the seasoning here, which is actually fine by me when it comes to breakfast as I like to S&P my own eggs.
Big props to the man on the grill - man, that guy can cook eggs! He's like some kind of egg-whisperer...I mostly ask for over-easy, but will switch it up to soft-poached or sunny-side up if I'm in the mood, and he NAILS it every time. Especially the over-easy eggs, which all too often turn into over-medium eggs at the hands of a crappy cook, but he consistently delivers perfect eggs that are lightly cooked on top but are runny and ooey-gooey inside...YUM! -
Review from Cody S.
9/7/2011
I really enjoyed coming here for breakfast on Saturday morning. We arrived at 9am, well ahead of the breakfast/brunch traffic...good thing. It was overflowing with customers by the time we were finished...pretty quick for an hour or so!
My french toast was fantastic. I liked the bacon and sausage on the side, but it wasn't anything special.
The service is pretty lacking. We were seated right in the middle of the place, must have been a black hole. There is nothing worse than trying to pay and having no luck! I'll get over it.
Overall, this is a great place to come in the morning. We will be back! -
Review from Valerie P.
12/10/2011
My husband and I ate here 2 of our 3 days in Vancouver. Service so fast you are suspiciuous, but quickly grateful. Such friendly and good-natured people work there. They know all the regulars and are quick to make jokes. Who doesn't love a great sense of humor along with a delicious and reasonable price wise breakfast? They gave us directions, suggestions, and probably the freshest breakfast potatoes (not hashbrowns, not homefries, but more closely resembling a mash) I have ever put in my gullet. Go there right now and tell me I am wrong.
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Review from Matthew B.
6/22/2011
Had breakfast here twice during a recent stay based on Yelp comments. Three-cheeser + chorizo omelette was superb. The Mrs had a bacon & cheddar benny and blueberry pancakes and loved every bite.
I love little dives like this; nothing fancy just good food (and lots of it) -
Review from Andy C.
New Westminster, BC
6/17/2011
This place is not bad but its not great. You get what u pay for. They have a basic breakfast that is reasonably priced bacon is nothing special. Burgers are good but don't expect anything fancy.
I go here because it is consistent, its clean, staff are cool and the patio is not bad, covered and heated and my dog can sit on the other side of the rail.... -
Review from Maggie L.
Vancouver, BC
4/8/2011
Joe's has gone a bit downhill since my days here. Service is still attentive and speedy but my once beloved bennys just aren't the same.
I don't know what it is but I think the hollandaise sauce is just lacking a little something that I can't out my finger on. Whether it's the lime juice or paprika..I don't know! I always come back here though wishing it'll be a bit different..but no difference at all. However, their banana pancakes is still super yummy and my love is always a fan of the breakfast egg burrito.
Price is good and ambience..well I really wish they would remove those tubs of potatoes off of the ground. .....Ugh. But I do appreciate the cleanliness of the tables, carpet, cutlery etc considering it's always packed! -
Review from Linzi M.
2/13/2011
My advice: take a pass on Joe's. I had high hopes for this place, with their saucy advertising of cinnamon, blueberry french toast on the board outside. But those hopes were dashed almost immediately.
$1 a refill for bad coffee. No thanks.
Bad, bad hollandaise sauce on my Cheese Benny. In fact, that whole thing was a hot mess. The second I saw the congealed hollandaise, the sad little slice of American cheese and the overcooked poached eggs, I knew. FAIL. It was bad. So bad it gave me a tummy ache.
I get that it isn't a high end place and it wasn't expensive. But if you are making eggs benedict every day, you learn to get it right. Am I wrong? -
Review from Evilyn T.
2/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
The most memorable part of my breakfast was the water, probably because I was so hungover from the night before all I was craving was hydration. The service was good, and the place was hustling, but I'm not really sure why?
The food was bland and boring. I highly doubt I will be back anytime soon for that cafeteria slop. I had the tomato and avocado benny, and the BF had a cheese omelet complete with eggshells in it. I guess they just thought he was a delicate rose that needed some calcium? He sure didn't smell like one this morning, let me tell you. Beer morning breath, not so hot.
I ate my bennys, and picked the crispy pieces out from the heap of hash on my plate, but it felt more like filler than the delicious breakfast I was hoping for. My search for West End breakfast staples continues, any and all recommendations will be appreciated.Listed in: Drinkin' that Hate-orade, Beers, Steers and Queers
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Review from Brandi P.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2011
It's your basic breakfast/diner spot, the best one in the area I say. I usually stick with the same order every time I go, 2 poached eggs, bacon, dry rye toast and sliced tomatoes. Pretty hard to screw that up I guess.....
Service is fast, coffee and water refills are prompt. No complaints really. I should probably try something different next time I go. Maybe a grilled cheese? -
Review from Steven M.
Vancouver, BC
9/1/2010
If you're looking for a breakfast spot on Davie, Joe's is it. Of course, that's not saying much considering the only other comparable option is Denny's.
Joe's has become my default weekend morning after breakfast place. The staff are very friendly, the patio is heated, and the food is (for lack of a better word) comforting.
The perfect place to spend the morning. It's the West End's version of Sophie's. -
Review from Steve L.
Victoria, BC
7/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Joe's has to be one of the best greasy spoon diners in the West End. If you're looking for a good hung-over brunch spot for cheap and where you can get a decent cup of non-stop coffee, then Joe's is definitely the place to go.
The food is straight up diner fare, so don't be expecting a poached quail's egg sitting on a bed of arugula with duck foie gras on the side. You can't go wrong with their bennys, omelets, and even the corn beef hash.
The vibe is relaxed and the staff are great, and the music usually is pretty decent also. I believe this morning they were playing a mix that consisted of the Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, and Joel Plaskett to mention a few.
If it's the weekend, and it's around the brunching hour be prepared to wait as there is usually a line up consisting of fellow hung-over patrons.Listed in: Brunch anyone?
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Review from BB H.
Burnaby, BC
7/24/2010
Best place for breakfast in the city. The food is perfect comfort food (I highly recommend the blueberry pancakes or the various eggs benedict--try the avocado and tomato one!). The service is beyond superb done by a staff that looks alterna edgy but is really the friendliest and most aware (they notice when you want refills and never seem to have to ask). Best of all the prices are very reasonable esp. given the volume of what you get and the taste.
Plus you can always get them to make any meal any way you like it. Never a complaint that you're "insulting" the chef. -
Review from Kara v.
Sidney, BC
11/8/2011
We went there this morning for breakfast. It's great if you have kids nothing fancy no stress. Quaint comfy breakfast place. The food was cheap service was good and quick. Good sized quantity, non greasy and good. Coffee good food good would go there again.
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Review from Tee D.
9/2/2009
First sign of doom: one of the servers accidentally spills maple syrup on my pants as we are sitting down.
His response: This is my worst nightmare coming true.
Me thinks: Seriously? Wow, you really haven't lived.
Second sign of doom: both the guy and I have specialized our orders.
He orders a grilled ham and cheese, add lettuce and tomato.
I order a veggie burger, no mayo, no cheese.
The guy and I look at each other: our server did not write down our order. This usually means someone is not getting their order right.
A-ha! Of course, the first thing she does when she goes back inside is NOT put in our order. Instead, she lolls around, grabs a french fry to eat, and then eventually, rolls up to place our order.
Our orders arrive.
ME: Oh, excuse me, I ordered no mayo on my burger.
HER: Oh, sorry. *Takes plate away*
The guy examines his sandwich and then shows it to me.
HIM: Do you think there's any ham in this sandwich?
I take a closer look.
ME: Doesn't look like it.
HIM: Damnit!
Server comes back with my food.
HIM: Excuse me, I ordered a grilled ham and cheese.
HER: Oh, sorry. *Takes plate away*
I examine my veggie burger.
ME: WTF!! *I start laughing so hard, tears are coming out of my eyes*
HIM: WHAT???
ME: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!! OMG!!!
HIM: WHAT?!??
ME: (after chilling out the LOLs) My buns are two bottoms!
The guy looks at the burger and starts laughing. Our sides start aching.
We take photos of the two-bottomed burger, which is a tell-tell sign that whoever fixed the order paid no attention to which bun-part was already on the plate.
The guy gets his ham and cheese. It's obvious that they pried open the existing sandwich and slapped a piece of ham in the middle.
Needless to say, Joe's was not the best dining experience we've had, but at least they left a lasting impression. -
Review from Samantha M.
Vancouver, BC
9/5/2010
I live really close to Joe's and had never been and it's always busy so I thought they must be doing something right and gave it a shot.
The service was prompt and the music was great but the food was SOOOOO bland. like really really bland.
My boyfriend and I shared the corned beef hash and the avocado tomato benny. The hash seriously had no flavour, and I wasn't expecting anything mind blowing, but better than what we got. The poached eggs weren't drained properly so there was water around the edges of the plate and the potatoes were swimming in them. I'm 99% sure the hollandaise sauce was just melted unsalted butter.
My boyfriend ate it all, but he'd eat cardboard if there was ketchup on it.
It wasn't the worst but I won't go back, especially since there are so many other great breakfast places nearby. -
Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
1/1/2009
If you are hankering for some decent greasy spoon brunch after a boozy Saturday night..but your pocket book is hurting due to your drunken "this round is on me" decision the night before...then Joe's is the place for you...
Conveniently located in the heart of the West end, Joe's has been a savior to many a hangover in my day...I alternate meals on each trip between the Banana pancakes OR the breakfast special which come with 3 eggs any way you like, bacon or sausage, pan fried potatoes and toast...and it's only like $6..the pancakes I think are $7.50...either one topped off with a coffee IV and some water will defiantly get your day started and the night befores headache will be gone in no time!
Most of the servers have been there forever and are fast and efficient...I wouldn't say there are the most chipper crew but it's usually pretty busy so they are just getting through... -
Review from Mary A. W.
Vancouver, BC
1/14/2010
Joes. it's a hit or miss kind of place. the no-nonsense, brisk, but friendly service makes it a place i like to go for Sunday mornings and weekday breakfast dates. they know i like the basic (2 eggs, toast, potatoes, and bacon, sausage, or ham) and they make sure i have hot sauce as soon as i sit down as they know I'm a fan.
I say it's hit or miss because it really depends on who's in the kitchen. they've experienced staff turnover in the last few months and the quality has varied here and there. it seems to be settling out in a good way though.
I am a particular potato eater. potatoes must be real slices/wedges, and they must also be very crispy. if you ask for them 'roadkill' style, 90% of the time they'll come just the way i like em.
there's also burgers and sandwiches on the menu, but breakfast is really their thing. what do you expect a salad to look like from a breakfast joint?
service is good, coffee refills are free, and if you head there more than once in a blue moon they're pretty darned awesome to ya. slide in and feel right at home.Listed in: Cheap n Cheerful eats
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Review from Tuan L.
5/15/2011 2 photos
Came here for brunch on a weekday. Not having read any of the reviews or know anything about this place, i didn't have any expectations. I ordered the 3 eggs and shopped ham with hash browns and toast. The eggs were cooked just right, nice and fluffy. The has browns were amazing. They had this nice crispy texture on the outside and soft in the inside, and were full of flavor. I could have ordered a whole helping of the hash browns and would have been a happy guy. The service was great. I would definitely come back.
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Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
6/13/2009
I think this is my first eggs and sausage brunch I've had since I moved to Vancouver last June.... but with many fancier options like Medina's... I always jump for that option :).
I was actually on my way to another breakfast joint but was told by my roomate that Joe's was pretty good and their potatoes were pan fried and well seasoned - I think potatoes are super important because many places under cook them, leaving them raw and boring.
I had the basic breakfast with 2 eggs, toast, and the option of bacon, sausage,or ham..... The sausages were juicy and meaty, and the potatoes were crispy on the outside but still had lots of potatos on the inside. My eggs were more runny than I had requested, but I'm not going to complain. For the most part, service was good and it satisfied by eggs craving :) The patio was nice and I was surprised that at 11am, the wait was only about 5 minutes.
**oh on a side note - I noticed there was apple pie on their menu at a great price** -
Review from Erin P.
Vancouver, BC
2/13/2011
A great spot for breakfast. The pan fried potatoes are perfect. We have not had a bad meal here. They serve basic diner style breakfast food that really hits the spot. Nothing fancy and the price is right.
The service is always friendly and fast and they are great at keeping the coffee cup full. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
3/1/2009
When a pregnant friend texts you on a Saturday morning and says she's craving a tomato and avocado eggs benny from Joe's Grill --you go with her!
Knowing it would be busy inside on a weekend, we bundled up and prepared to sit on the patio. Which is great because you get seated right away on a cold morning and there are heat lamps that warm you up rather quick.
Having been to Joe's a few times, I've decided that the benny's are the way to go. The poached eggs are always done well, the avocado (if you're into that!) is always the perfect amount of ripeness and the hash browns are nicely browned up! The only part that needs some flavor-saving is the hollandaise. (And I love my hollandaise).
Service can be slow or forgetful, but for the most part it's decent. Coffee keeps coming pretty regularly. Oh, and if you're sitting outside, prepare to eat quickly or it will get cold :) -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
1/2/2009
Oh Joe's. You are a black hole. Not that there's anything wrong with a Black Hole. Joe's adequacy when it comes to producing brunch and serving with a smile is a black hole simply because it's comforting pull seems to always have us going here instead of actually thinking and choosing another place to try brunch.
I'm not a huge fan of Joe's food but it's not bad. it's competently produced, pretty delicious versions of the usual fare at a reasonable price and served speedily enough.
I guess it's being overly demanding, but is it too much to ask for a place to have a little something extra? Joe's does everything nicely and expected but never has something on the menu making me question the same old choices and I don't think I could come up with an interesting anecdote about the servers or guests here if my life depended on it.
So yes, alarming in its adequacy, disarming in its same-old same-old homeliness. Give it a try, you won't regret it. Just don't get sucked in like we did. -
Review from Maria G.
8/7/2011
Avocado and Tomato Benny was very good...I prefer a more flavorful Hollandaise but it did not detract from the overall taste. Very good coffee! My husband had a very tasty Farmer's Sausage special. Left very satisfied!
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Review from Amanda M.
Victoria, BC
5/31/2010
Joe's is a great little place for a quick and friendly breakfast. I have been several times and each time am greeted and served within a reasonable time. The portions are above average and are cheap for the service. The food always arrives hot and I have not experienced a meal I could not eat and enjoy. I cannot speak for the lunch or supper menu.
The only downfall is that the place is quite small. There may be a wait to be seated and tables above 4 people are hard to do. The outdoor space is also quite small and unless several tables beside each other are open, seating for 2 is the best it gets. Saying all that, if you are willing to wait they will accommodate your party. -
Review from Lyn M.
Elderbank, NS
10/2/2010
New to West End and too long since we've been to Vancouver so were looking online for a good breakfast place and read the reviews on Joe's Grill. Just back and I have to say the reviews were pretty much bang on. The place is busy but not crazy. The staff is excellent!!! The food was good. Husband had corned beef hash meal and I was surprised to find it had real corned beef in it in strips and not the can crapo. I had the beef patty breakast and it was pure hamburger not loaded with fillers. The burger was done more than I like for sure but still was good. The potatoes were not what I expected being slices not chip type; but good. The prices are not cheap $27 with tip but again it was good and the service made it excellent.
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Review from jane d.
Vancouver, BC
3/29/2011
An OK place for breakfast. Nothing I would go out of my way for, would only eat there if it's close by. Service is pretty bad, and it gets pretty busy. If you're looking for a good brunch place - look elsewhere. The prices arn't even cheap - so it's not worth it. THE WAFFLES ARE TERRIBLE. DO NOT BUY THEM - They are expensive and hard and small and don't taste good at all. Eat here if it's your last resort. I'd rather go to Cafe Medina for breakfast.
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Review from Jennifer S.
Vancouver, BC
6/6/2010
Our favorite brunch place hands down. We have been going at least once a week for years and I can always count on Joe's to have quick service, strong coffee and good greasy food. By no means is it fancy but that is okay with me. And for this price why would you complain? The potatoes are real potatoes not frozen crap. They make their own hot sauce. The staff are also awesome and there is usually good music on. I would love for them to start offering free range eggs but hey, we can't have everything now can we?
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Review from Liz E.
7/26/2009
Yum! The eggs were perfect, sausage was greasy and bacon well cooked. And the waffles were great too (almost forgot them, cause the bacon was so tasty). Coffee is really good for a diner, and I have no idea how our server managed to be one of two on a packed Sunday morning and still smiling the entire time. We'll be back!
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Review from Megan H.
9/3/2008
I wondered in here seeking some warm blueberry pancakes and endless coffee. The coffee was not endless and was 1$/refill which is super expensive for just 8oz of black house brew. And the pancakes were super oily, almost fried like Latke. Both the pancakes and coffee tasted okay, but I've had better and gotten a lot more for my money. Still , it was a decent diner breakfast better than Denny's.
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Review from Wei P.
Vancouver, BC
8/3/2009
This is my first time to visit this place after hearing all this good reviews. The coffee is not better than other diners; it was just coffee.
The place is packed and there were only 3 servers working; however, I have to give the service a 5-star; it was busy as hell, servers were all running around with stuff on their hands constantly and admirably, they all maintained a smile all the time. Wow.
The set up is just like any other dinners, nothing fancy.
The food was a little disappointing. I ordered the "mixed grill" (the most expensive menu item) and my wife ordered the basics. Well, none of our food comes seasoned, even the eggs. Everything from her plate tasted really plain. My plate was a disaster; the "NY" steak (it's actually not New York cut) was horrible, full of sinew and rubbery. The chicken breast was paper thin, dry and tasteless. Sausage and bacon, well, are sausage and bacon.
Price was good, service was great, but food this time.... not so much.
I think I will have to return it again to try other stuff from the menu.
