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Original Joe's
Category: Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Canadian (Traditional) [Edit]
8404 109 StrEdmonton, AB T6G 1E2
(780) 988-5800
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Original Joe's
Review Highlights
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"...LOVE that the entrees come with two sides of your choice." In 5 reviews -
"Their food is great tasting and it is great quality." In 3 reviews -
"Original Joe's Varsity Row always has helpful, welcoming..." In 3 reviews
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Linda N.
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great place for food, drinks, a snack - anything. The place doesn't look too impressive from the outside, but it is quite spacious when you enter, yet cozy and with a great atmosphere. It can get pretty busy, especially on weekends, but the place is still not annoyingly loud. Great staff, friendly patrons.
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Review from Peggy L.
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
My boyfriend and I came here for supper one night after studying. It looked promising as the restaurant had a number of patrons on a Sunday night. I had the beef dip with grilled vegetables and my boyfriend had one of their pizzas. The pizza was pretty average, but my dinner was sub par. The beef on my sandwich was dry and tasted old, while the grilled veggies were soggy and limp.
The atmosphere and service were pretty good, and my boyfriend has a gift card, so despite the poor quality this time, we'll probably be back. -
Review from Brennan W.
Edmonton, AB
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Average:
Ordered a hot meal it was hot, not very fresh.
Service was good at the start, it got progressively stagnant.
The atmosphere has a pub/restaurant feel, background music is better than most, congested seating.
Okay value. -
Review from Bridget C.
Edmonton, AB
2/21/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Original Joe's is anything but original: it serves beer and burger and pasta, just like everywhere else. Don't get me wrong, the food is good, I just find this place pretty standard as far as restaurants go. Nothing about it really stands out, good or bad. I've been here a number of times for everything from dinner with a date to a birthday party with friends. It's proximity to the UofA campus and Whyte Avenue make it an easy-to-find spot to drop in for a quick bite before you head out to a movie or a party. I have no complaints, but I have no praises either. Just call it Average Joe's.
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Review from shawnna p.
Edmonton, AB
10/27/2011 2 photos
I really like the bartender. He knows a lot about beer!
Polite service, good looking menu. I like all the windows. I really want to try the outdoor patio, but will have to wait until Spring I guess.
I ordered the chicken quesadilla. It was put together with red flatbread. Nice. Side salad was fresh and plentiful. My g/f's halibut and chips could have fed us both. Lovely meal. Bottomless coffee. I usually hate restaurant brew coffee, but it is really good here. Thursday's special is half price bottles of wine. Unfortunately it was a little early for us, so we did not partake. I'll be back. -
Review from Carina Z.
8/8/2011
What a fantastic patio! I love the intimate feel set back from the busy street and in a neighbourhood with gorgeous greenery surrounding it.
Original Joes has become a booming success story over the last couple years and I am very proud to say it started Edmonton. You can always count on delicious food and enormous portions - with most meals coming with not one but your choice of two sides!
The interesting part about this location is the set up inside. Every area is portioned off which comes with pros and cons. It makes it feel smaller and more intimate, but is that really what you are looking for in a bar/pub? The upstairs is slightly more open so if you have a larger group that is the better place to sit.
Again, with many establishments in the area, the challenge is parking. There is a small lot at the front (that is always full), then street parking at meters. Most of the residential streets in the area do not allow parking if you are not a resident so be careful to read the signs when leaving your vehicle somewhere. -
Review from Scott C B.
Edmonton, AB
6/13/2011
This place is not fooling around with their portions!
When you order something off the menu, it's a sizable helping - and it comes with not one, but two sides of your choice.
In particular, the beef dip is almost INSULTINGLY huge. I felt my manhood had been impugned by the amount of meat stuffed in that bun, and forced myself to answer the unspoken challenge, and eat the whole thing.
Thankfully, it was delicious.
Original Joe's Varsity is not the best place to eat in Edmonton, but it's a great, reliable restaurant with decent options. I guarantee there's at least one thing on their menu that can easily become your "go-to" comfort food. In particular, I like their pulled pork sandwich, their French onion soup, and the aforementioned beef dip. They also have a great beer selection, a very friendly staff, and a comfortable atmosphere.
Also ask about when the next #yegzombeers will be taking place! It's a Sunday evening zombie-movie night hosted upstairs.Listed in: The Regular Haunts
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Review from Adam R.
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
OJ's is hard to beat in terms of service and quality. As far as chains go, OJ's is the cream of the crop. And the Varsity Row location, managed by Trevor Belsher, is the cream of the cream of the crop.
Part of my bias comes from the fact that I co-host a monthly event here - and since I started doing that the staff and management has been nothing but incredibly helpful and outstanding.
The food is great, well-made, and always quick to arrive. The portion sizes are also something to behold; if you can finish an entire entree in one sitting, you're one hungry dude or lady-dude.
Their beer selection is also first-rate - not just what's on top, either, which includes many beers brewed especially for OJ's; no, they also have a ton of bottled selections.
Whether you're sitting upstairs your downstairs at OJ's Varsity, you'll have a great experience with an excellent staff and terrific kitchen. If you haven't been, get down there now. You won't be sorry. -
Review from Aditya R.
Yummmmm ... as I write this review I'm imagining the "Sgt. Pepper Burger" sizzling with spice as I take a juicy bite of bread, meat, cheese, peppers and tangy sauce while allowing the flood gates to open. By my side is my faithful companion of cole slaw with the extra side of fries!
Original Joe's - you're good! You're really good! The Sgt. Pepper is spicy and a must try for the daring at heart! Of course, what's better than two sides?? It's really a pretty filling meal, no matter what entreé you order.
Certainly enjoyed my time here a week or so ago. They've got a decent selection of beers and if I'm not mistaken they even had the locally brewed Alley Kat which is kinda cool, considering that OJ's is a chain!
The bar tender was friendly in preparing our drinks while we waited to be seated. The only downside with this place is that they sometimes attract too many young people LOL ..... it wasn't that noisy but I got the feeling that it was at the other end of the restaurant.
This location (probably a theme with all OJs) is very casual and certainly isn't supposed to inspire an experience of fine dining. A great hang out of the Garneau area and I feel sad that it took me so long to try it out! A must!!Listed in: Garnishing Garneau, Beyge places
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Review from Jason L.
Edmonton, AB
3/3/2011 10 Check-ins Here
Okay, on the downside, it's a chain and therefore it's a food program and not a menu. Like all chain food programs, there are burgers (beef and chicken), nachos and all the expected finger foods, the fish option, the "pasta" option and salads that won't help your diet. Recognising that, the food's pretty good here: big juicy burgers and crisp fries.
What makes it four stars for me is that they tend to really know their booze at OJ's. A good selection of beers on tap and in the bottle, yes, but also trained bar staff that knows how to actually mix a cocktail (a really lost art). I once ordered a Pimms and Ginger at an OJ's and not only did they know what I was talking about, they knew it should come with a slice of cucumber and not some ridiculous fruit spear or slice of lime. That alone makes me a fan. -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
11/18/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Whether you are heading out for a casual dinner or late-night drinks, this location of Original Joe's consistently serves yummy food for a reasonable price, without music blasting right in your ear at full volume. I also love love LOVE that the entrees come with two sides of your choice! Where else can you find that?!
Staff here are very friendly, even when the place is hoppin' on the weekend. Specials on drinks most nights, and staff are really accommodating with larger-than-average groups.
My most recent meal at OJ's was the Bruschetta Pasta, a penne dish filled with all sorts of bruschetta-and-cream-sauce goodness. Highly recommended as a huge meal (I have leftovers!) for a good price!Listed in: Five Star Favourites, Lunch Break, Student Eats, Chains, Garneau Greats
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Review from Kristin K.
Edmonton, AB
6/3/2011
My husband and I were recently introduced to Original Joe's when a friend had a homecoming party there after being on the road for a year! It's not a place we would have stopped into on our own - we are not typical bar people and I was 7 months pregnant at the time.
However, we were blown away with the quality of food and great atmosphere!
The Red Tractor Nachos were phenomenal and big enough for two to be stuffed... The fish tacos were great.... and everyone at our table of 20 was raving about what they had to eat too... curries, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, sweet potato fries, artichoke dip, wings, dirt pie.. the list went on and on!
This location is quite large with both a patio and upstairs! When we were there the upstairs was rented out for a party - good to know!
18+ only
One last thing - I must mention that their "Dirt Pie" is to die for! An ice cream mocha pie that is HUMUNGOUS with caramel and chocolate sauce and best cookie crumb crust you have ever had! Seriously worth the trip - even if only for a late night dessert! -
Review from Brittney L.
Edmonton, AB
10/24/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Original Joe's Varsity Row always has helpful, welcoming staff. If you have a group coming or want to plan an event, they are always willing to accommodate. OJ's Varsity also supports local bands, and opens up the top floor to shows.
The food is tasty, the location is great, and parking is usually easy to find. -
Review from Jerry A.
Edmonton, AB
10/21/2010
A great palce for tweetups. They are very accomodating, and even let us play Rock Band and bring in live musicians on different occasions. Pretty good location for most people, underground parking for free, and generally awesome.
-Jerry -
Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
10/10/2010
Grabbed a bite at Joe's last night on the way down to Whyte. This was my first time to their newest location. I like the layout of the place, with plenty of booths and smaller nooks for privacy, with classy winding staircase in the middle.
The vibe was chill and Saturday night. Fast service and $5 import beer sweetened the deal. I like the consistency at Joe's. You know what you're gonna get and the food is always solid.
My sweetie and I split a club - fresh turkey (no processed slices), soft, fresh bread and, of course, Joe's signature two sides. We opted for the mashed potatoes and gravy with crispy onions on top and crispy raw veggies with dip. The food came in under 10 minutes.
Other restaurants have failed in this location, but I think Joe's reputation will help it thrive here. With lots of unique restaurants in the area and only Boston Pizza around the corner, there isn't a lot of chain/franchise competition in the area. Not everyone is daring or experimental when they eat out - but everyone loves a good, old reliable Joe in the neighbourhood. -
Review from Garnett S.
Edmonton, AB
3/3/2011
I generally have a disdain for soulless chain restaurants, but I actually enjoy OJs. Decent selection of dishes and all at reasonable prices.
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Review from Francesca K.
Edmonton, AB
Updated - 4/30/2010
I previously gave this place a pretty bad review because of the service, but I just have to change that after my last visit.
My mom, boyfriend and I came in here on a Friday afternoon for some beers and food. Our server came up and casually introduced himself with boyish charm and grabbed us some beers.
I ordered something new! The brushetta. Yum yum yum! I was so impressed with this tiny little dish. It came out and it was quite smaller than I expected, but that was fine because I wasn't all that hungry.
For 3 of us to each have 2 beers (thank you happy hour!) and a meal, it only cost $50.00! I was so surprised!
So, I take back my bad review, because the service here was not only charming, amusing, quick and attentive, but it made the meal, and that is what dining out is all about!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/22/2010
I went here with 2 girlfriends for lunch one day. We sat in our booth for almost 5 minutes without… Read more »
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Review from Nicole B.
Edmonton, AB
12/23/2009 3 photos
This is one of the newest Original Joe's in the city.
I've seen quite a few places come and go from this location - it seems that nothing has that staying power here - but I think that if anyone can do it, it's Original Joe's. In fact, if you put an Original Joe's in the middle of a field it would still do well!
They have the same menu and quality of food as every Original Joe's I've been to. It's good food and they have good prices.
I think I would call Original Joe's an upscale pub. It's got a great pub-like atmosphere but without the dirtiness that often comes with pubs. And the food is similar to stuff you would find on a pub menu but it is done a million times better. Their food is great tasting and it is great quality.
The servers were friendly and they seemed to be having a good time, along with all of the patrons. It was a fun time. -
Review from Guy G.
Edmonton, AB
4/16/2011
I run with a group from the Running Room across the way and the folks at OJ's have been very accommodating to our bunch. We sometimes have a large group, we dress funny and we smell a little funky, but the service has always been fast, friendly and accurate. The real soul of the restaurant is with the girls who serve us. They remember us, treat us well and give an old friends "Cheers" kind of feel. The beer is good, they always have a beer special, and the food is good with large portions. It's not gourmet, but they had the best sliders I've ever had. Please put them back on the menu?
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Review from Tess G.
Edmonton, AB
10/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Trevor was the best waiter evah! The food was typical pub fare a little salty for me but again it makes you drink more...right. And as mentioned a great place for tweetups and the like would prefer to go on a non-sport night just because I'm not a fan.
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Review from Alan L.
6/25/2010
I was visiting the area to attend a conference and just wandered down the street, and was glad I skipped the first two spots I found. It was a lovely night sitting outside, and I enjoyed the suggested beer (SOB). I did not eat a huge meal, but the noodle bowl was delicious.
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Review from Ali N.
Edmonton, AB
4/14/2010
this place its bad!!!
the food its ok, but nothing impressive, their burgers are over frozen n kinda like a cardboard burger iuk, they have a few combinations and they are not creative at all.
their pizzar are made with pita bread (bad old pita bread) not very tasteful bad in general, again lack of creativity .
they have a few ok salads liek their thai salad, wich totally could have more chicken than it does and the chicken would be great if htey didn burn it that much....
the service its weid while we had a nice waitress she was takin a long time flirting with what appear to be the manager (a middle aged men, bald and with a belly) but all the servers were kinda flirting with him, maybe cz he makes them to cz honestly he's ugly and kidna weird... but whatever
they have a nice variety of beer and that's good, the bartender was a very nice guy i think his name was steve anywya suepr nice guy with a great conversation dont know why he works at that place...
anyway i wouldnt go back there their food its lack of creativity and from what i saw the management its poor and lack of professionalism
ohh i forgot what appeared to be the "chef" was this very young guy that appeared to be stoned (i notice he was eh chef cz he went out of hte kitchen and wnt joking with the nasty manager and start giving luscious looks at some girls sitting at a booth) i tough that was gross -
Review from Chris W.
Edmonton, AB
4/24/2010
I had to review to raise the ratings, because people are too down on this place. For what it is, it is good. I live near here and come here regularly. The food is good, though by no means high end, the drinks are good, I have found the staff unfailingly friendly, and I appreciate their use of local neighborhood photography as decoration. I usually have the steak sandwich or the Greek salad, both of which keep me coming back for more.
