Joe Brown’s Cafe
817 Main St, Vancouver, WA, 98660
Joe Brown’s Cafe Menu
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Address :
817 Main St
Vancouver, WA, 98660 - Phone (360) 693-6375
- Website https://www.joebrownscafe.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 3:00pm
- Mon : 7:00 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Doomy C.
Went here twice, the food is amazing! The pancakes are out of this world the hash browns are crispy the eggs are exactly as you order and the service is friendly. The prices are great as well. Don't let the looks of this place fool you they are bringing back good diner food from the past to the people of the present.
(5)Theresa F.
Yelp has not failed us yet in our journey! Excellent food and service was amazing! Staff works as a great team..and the food and service shows it. Better than any "chain" restaurant for sure.
(5)Jay D.
I had been having an urge to have a good ole' greasy breakfast for the last few days. I was getting a little tired of eating healthy and exercising all the time and I felt that it was time that I splurged on some good old comfort food , so I started doing my homework from yesterday morning. I read the reviews of all old fashioned diners in the area, decided on Joe Brown's because of the many good reviews and the fact that it has been around for a long time, and I even looked at the menu on their website, and I knew exactly what I was going to order. I was a man with a mission and I had a strategy, folks!! I woke up early this morning and ran 4 miles in preparation for it!! Just before I left home, I had a cup of baked beans. Trust me folks, the beans help your body eliminate a lot of the cholesterol and fat without it getting absorbed by your body!! I knew the portions were going to be generous from all the reviews, but when my plates arrived, I was jumping for joy at the huge portions . Great breakfast items. I had the country fried steak with hash browns, country gravy and 2 eggs over easy, and a side of biscuits and gravy. The gravy is very generous on the sausage!! Did I already say that the portions were generous?? Folks, if you are on a diet or are watching your cholesterol, this is not your place, but if you are looking for good, home-style food cooked with no artsy frills, this is where you want to go. They make their biscuits and gravy from scratch.The place is always crowded which is a good sign. Some reviewers griped about the long wait, but folks, many of the things are made from scratch here and that takes time. There is a reason this place has been around for over 30 years. A big thumbs up for me!
(4)Dick D.
I have a mid-morning fly out of Portland; call me mad because I am just not fond of airport restaurants, so before I head for the airport I just happen to saw this diner not far from my hotel. I walked in did not know what to expect only to discover that I am in a time machine being transported back to the 1960s because the interior of this dinner has not changed in the last 50 years. In fact, they even use the same old cooking equipment. The second observation is that I Dick Darlington was over dressed at this establishment with my tailored sports jacket, silk pocket square, and a red carnation flower on my lapel. This diner is for the locals and the casual crowd who just wanted some old fashion breakfast. This place deliveries just that. If you want no nonsense old fashion American style breakfast you can't go wrong with Joe Brown's café. Despite looking out of place I rather enjoyed my meal and the staffs were must helpful. 4 stars from yours truly. Sincerely, Dick Darlington
(4)Autumn S.
I have mixed feelings about Joe Brown's Cafe. Pros: Hearty portions Friendly service and patrons Pretty tasty food Down-home ambiance Cons: Our food took FOREVER - I mean like just skirting an hour to arrive. I think our ticket got lost. Very small inside Not sure if I'd be back.
(3)Errich989 ..
Quick service, hot food, and timely coffee refills. The staff were very nice and the food good. Will be back!
(5)Daniel L.
The service was very very slow. Food was over all good but don't order poached eggs unless you want microwaved soft boiled eggs. The second one was even worse
(3)Adam G.
I'm going to give this place 4 stars. I think if i was going to based on my preferences i would go with a 3. my wife and i ate at here a few weeks ago. there was nothing wrong with the food, or the place, or the staff. it is exactly what you come to a place like this to eat. its hearty,and filling. nothing much to look at from the outside, but alot more once you get inside.
(4)Otha D.
Not a bad or great experience. I mean it's diner food so.... Food served its purpose (was just ok) but service was slow. To their defense there was only one waitress. She was friendlg but we kept getting odd looks from the cook and honestly weren't sure if it was a race thing or not. This spot does feel like we stepped into the 50s so I wouldn't be surprised lol. Oh and no public bathroom #fail
(3)Robert L.
It's old school diner fair in an even older-school environment. The food is decent short-order food. Not healthy, but then again you don't go here for healthy. They are popular for breakfast on the weekends especially. If you want an old-fashioned American diner breakfast or lunch and you want to sit at a counter and be nostalgic, and you don't care that the food is average then this is for you.
(3)Chanwoo C.
Hole in the wall. Crowded. Price is good. Service was friendly. However order took 30+min, very slow in making your orders..
(3)Sara M.
I loved Joe Brown's! There are no uppity people working there, and the other patrons are just there to eat good, home style food! We came after brunch, so it was pretty slow. We got seated in one of a few available seats. It definitely is small though so you should expect to wait if you show up in the morning. The pancakes are HUGE and AMAZING. My dad made the mistake of thinking they'd be small, so he ordered two. All four of us, including my dad, had to work on the two pancakes. I honestly mean it when I say these pancakes are up there with The Hotcake House cakes. So fluffy and delicious. My food - the BLT - seems pretty basic but it was actually delicious. Lots of places burn the bacon and it's awful, but Joe Brown's cooked a good sammich! I plan on coming back pretty soon - you can't be the price or the food here. I don't think I saw anything over $10-$11 dollars.
(4)Elyse C.
My boyfriend and I came here for a late-ish breakfast and both walked away satisfied and with full stomachs. I ordered the cheese and egg omelet with pancakes (instead of the hash browns/toast) and my boyfriend ordered the JB omelet (with hash browns/toast). The reason why I chose the pancakes instead of my usual salty and hearty addition is because I was craving something sweet, but if I had known the pancakes were THAT HUGE, I would have only asked for one pancake (or a half of one, to be honest). =] Fun side note - Before we arrived, I called in around 10:00 a.m. to make sure they were still serving breakfast. The waitress working responded with a, "Breakfast? We serve that all day!"
(4)April C.
This is very much a super relaxed diner. The food is pretty basic but done well. It took us quite a while to get our food but it felt like a lazy Sunday where no one was in a big rush and we really didn't mind. Notes of possible interest: -They have a breakfast menu that is served all day, as well as a lunch menu -The omelets and scrambles are 4-egg; I think most restaurants are 3-egg so stomachs beware -They have a restroom in the back (ask the waitress on how to get back there, it's a little confusing!)
(3)JJ H.
Great place to have old school breakfast. Best biscuits and gravy I've had in years, corned beef omelet was delicious and good thick bacon.
(4)JW R.
An unusual errand sent me to the coov. I saw this place on the way back to my car2go and decided since I was already into it for an hour I may as well check the place out. So glad I did. It's a lunch counter with the griddle et al behind it. Crock pots and waffle irons on a counter. Not a whiff of hipster BS. They do breakfast all day so I got the corned beef and hash and decided to risk eggs over medium instead of scrambled. It paid off. So, so good. It's so, so good. The staff T-shirts said the place was founded in 1932 and you can kinda tell although everything's clean and well cared for. On my way out I even saw a temperature gun behind the cash register. That's taking care of business. Still. Coov. Hrm.
(4)Joan S.
Al and I had the best breakfast this morning. My pancakes were substantial and had character. The excellent waitress gave me real butter and heated syrup. Al's bacon was crispy, eggs cooked to specific orders, real hashbrowns cooked to homemade perfection. The wait person was smart, funny, professional. We will be regulars.
(5)DeAndre S.
Jamie was my server she was great food was awesome. Christy was great as well. The cooks name is joe and he can cook his ass off.
(5)Hugo N.
What a place, great food, great service, great people. Its small town feel permeates every aspect here. The food portions you get for the price is unbeatable. I ordered the Joe's Special A which included a pancake (also can get toast instead) two eggs and two meats (i got two pieces of bacon which were big and crispy). The pancake was so fluffy and had a homemade taste, also it wad the size of my face! The waitress was so friendly and really made us feel welcome. I will certainly return on my return trip.
(5)Tyson H.
We come here once a year for the last day of Kumori Con and it's good enough we wait thru a half an hour queue for a table of seven. It's a small cafe, so not necessarily good for large groups, but after today I know they'll make it work best they can. If they put up with us every year, you know they're friendly, too. The service seems a little slow, but you have to understand just how busy it is here. The restaurant is full basically at all times. The food does take a while to come out, but I think it's worth it. The food is amazing. It's simple, straight forward, like traditional American food. There's no frills other than fairly large portions. It's prepared right tho. It's solid. All in all, we'll keep coming back every year. It's definitely worth it.
(4)Thuy N.
Maybe the breakfast is good there but my lunch was disappointing to say the least. The service and getting our order made was exceptionally slow. I ordered the salmon with salad with calm chowder. The salmon was still raw in the middle and I could taste the flour in the clam chowder. My boyfriend got the bacon burger with fries and it reminded us of lunch you get from the school cafeteria. Nothing spectacular, especially for the price. We won't be wasting our money here ever again.
(1)Courtney W.
Best food I have had in a long time! Huge portions for extremely cheap! The environment is so friendly and they make everyone feel at home! Will definitely be returning!
(5)Inna N.
Don't let the exterior or the interior fool you, it's all in the food and great service. The prices here are unbeatable for the portions you get. Came here around brunch time and got Cinnamon French toast, it was so delicious! I'll definitely be back really soon!
(5)John H R.
A great little diner on Main St. Good food, good service, and great atmosphere! The waitstaff are pleasant and friendly. And the portions are generous.
(5)D H.
Excellent and friendly service, fresh food, well prepared and very good. A good choice for breakfast.
(4)Nick H.
My only problem with this place is that people have finally 'discovered' it. Welcome to Joe Brown's, AKA Hurry up and Wait- North Branch. Looking at the pictures gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect. Breakfast of the Gods. Hangover Therapy 101. Mass Quantities of the Most Important Meal of the Day. From their hubcap-sized pancakes to their forearm-sized omlettes, they whip out the kind of meals that leave you incapable of anything except becoming glued to a couch, watching football for the remainder of your day. You should probably show up before you are actually hungry. Like I said, this place has gotten popular. Be prepared to wait 30 to 45 mins after placing your order. Also, be prepared to get your orders in increments. There's just room for 1 cook and he has a working surface that's about the size of a double-LP cover (Google it, Millenials). If you are willing to be patient and tolerate the manner in which they have to operate, you can get a pretty fine breakfast here.
(4)Danny W.
The place is pretty dated and not in a charming way, it just comes off as dingy and disorganized. The prices are fair and the food was pretty decent. The waitresses were very friendly and attentitive.
(3)Jennifer C.
Awesome food Awesome service. We'll be regulars. Breakfast and lunch - both so yummy. I've been here 3 times this week because I'm addicted to the Farmers Skillet. But my pants are getting tight as I type this :/
(5)Kevin K.
Went to Joe's today for a late lunch. Asked the waitress what she recommended and her reply was everything is great but I don't eat here because I don't eat meat. Always a bad sign when they say everything is good-should have walked out then but went against my vibe. Ordered the chili burger and my wife the patty melt. My chili burger was way below par. Meat had an off taste (old meat?) My wife's patty melt was OK but still below a good cafe. We went here because of the positive yelp reviews but most of those were for breakfast. I would not recommend this place for lunch
(1)Toro P.
I love, love, love this place. It is a SERIOUSLY old school joint that hasn't been invaded by the hipster crowd. The food is fantastic and the staff is sassy and attentive. The menu prices seem moderate, but the amount of food you get is ridiculous. I can never clean my plate. My grandmama would be mad. I have had just about everything on the menu. So far, I haven't met a dish there that I didn't like. They make their own hash, which is fantastic. Biscuits and gravy are homemade (and really inexpensive). Waffles are huge and thick. Pancakes take up the entire real estate of the plate. HUGE sausages. Thick bacon. Fresh eggs. The café is tiny. There are about five booths, each seat four uncomfortably. I think they were made for people from the 1940s; not for 21st century-sized people. There is also an extremely narrow corridor of about four two-top tables. Then, there is plenty of counter seating. On a weekend, this place is packed to the gills. Oh! They're only open until 3 p.m., so no dinner. They also play the phat 70s tunes all day, which is great! Reminds me of my days as a wee lad. I don't want to call this place a dive, because it's not. It is, however, a classic diner. Think of Flo screaming, "Kiss my grits!" It's that kind of place. I love it!
(5)Jenny T.
We went on a Saturday morning which seemed pretty busy. They have very limited seating in here with about 5 booths and 4 tables for 2 people and the rest a bar area, so keep that in mind. I figured we'd give it a try since it was close and I wanted to support a local business. Upon entering, we noticed just how tiny the place was, there were a couple tables open, but we seen a booth being cleaned off so we chose that for more comfort. The waitresses who were referring to Joe (the one cleaning the tables) which i assume is the owner seemed a little sour faced. If he smiled or greeted people at the door, I think it would have been a little more welcoming for us. He just looked at us like we were a nuisance. Again, not sure if he's the actual owner or just a busser with the same name. The waitresses were very friendly and nice though. I ended up ordering the half order of biscuits and gravy, which came with eggs, hashbrowns and bacon. The half order is huge and I couldn't imagine eating a full. I've been to other restaurants where they make the biscuits and gravy from scratch and it ends up being a miss. The gravy here is very good and is sausagy in flavor. For the price, breakfast was great! But, it ended up taking about 45min+ to get to us, which is understandable since their kitchen area is tiny and there's only one cook. So don't go here super hungry on a busy day, you will be waiting a while. Even though it took a while, I'd come here again for sure.
(4)Stephanie E.
Food is awesome but damnnnn that shit takes forever! We probably waited around 40 minutes to get our food. The place is really small too... But I give it 4 cause the food was fucking deelish. Got me a veggie burger cause I'm a fucking vegetarian (long story) anyways shit was great. Will I come back? I don't know, it depends if I feel like waiting for Jesus to resurrect just to get my food.
(4)Tom R.
Joe Brown's is THE authentic local cafe. Same local since 1932. If you want the real deal counter cafe experience you'll want to "Eat at Joe's". Ham, hash browns, two eggs and toast will do it. Lunch best in my opinion, is the monster club with three meats and Swiss. Prices are fair and the staff are real local folk. It's a down to earth place and great fun. You might even catch up on local gossip.
(5)Scott L.
Joe Brown's is about as "Vancouver" as you can get. It's on Main Street and sitting in proximity to buildings and businesses that have been there for decades. But few as long as Joe Brown's has resided where it began in the 1940's. Back when the Kaiser Shipyards were turning out a "liberty ship" per day, Lucky Lager was churning out ale's, the Interstate Bridge was a single span over the Columbia and card rooms were laying waste to the paychecks of locals: Joe Brown's has been serving us 'Couvrats' with big, greasy breakfast food and hamburgers. I started my Saturday Morning with a 4-egg, taco omelette, hash brown's, toast and a side of bacon. The potatoes were crispy on top and the eggs were cheesy and slightly overcooked. The bacon was thick, crispy and heavenly. It would be the best item on the menu. It's only outdone by the diner's cheeseburger and fries. Incredible. The place named for the same man who started the legendary Joe Brown's Karmelcorn at Lloyd Center is perfectly American for local Vancouverites and perfectly alright for North Portlander's to make the trek across the big, green "beast".
(4)Ted G.
Dining is a game of expectations. I went in expecting a decent, low-budget breakfast spot. What I got was a grand-slam breakfast from a hoppin' joint that oozes classic, American style! Top to bottom, everything was fantastic. The service is endearingly witty with just the right amount of Pacific Northwest salt. The walls are dripping with plenty of Americana to feast your eyes on. Bottom line: I wish I could eat here at least once a week!
(5)Brian S.
Old school and awesome. Great food, great service, good prices - you can't go wrong here. Hashbrowns, eggs, toast, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, and O'Brien potatoes, were all cooked perfectly and served hot. We each ordered the side pancake because we are hungry, but didn't realize it would be the size of a full plate. So be careful when ordering that extra pancake as your eyes might be bigger than your stomach.
(5)Theresa P.
This is my favorite spot for omelets! The waitstaff is awesome. You cannot find a better breakfast in Downtown Vancouver. The Joe Brown omelet, is out of the world and I seriously never rave about food. The surroundings are, quaint. I would guess it is all original from when the place opened. A lot of times you will see a dinner that tries to mimic this style, but can't quite replicate it. Only thing I might change, is the bathroom. Hard to get to and not designed with the customer in mind. That said, it's crazy to think that back in the 80's someone gave BIRTH in there. So, with that in mind, keep it - for history's sake.
(5)David C.
Fantastic. Service was great simple great home cooking. atmosphere was great. Service was quick. In and out. Very friendly folks hope to get to return
(5)Dan H.
The Yelping community has really missed the boat on this one. Only 25 reviews? How could that be? This place has been around since 1932. Now I know Yelp has not been around for quite that long, but come on people. Joe Brown's Cafe would be next to a definition of "greasy spoon" in a dictionary if a definition of greasy spoon existed. Sadly it doesn't, but I'm sure it will someday. I mean that in the best possible way. It is one of those places that time has forgotten. I'm sure nothing inside has changed in years. This is not a fancy establishment nor does it want to be one. The food is pretty basic. What your parents ate for breakfast when they were kids. What their parents ate when they were kids. After a half marathon I was looking for something simple and inexpensive to eat. Sue and I had been to Vancouver a few times and walking down Main Street and seeing Joe Brown's, I knew one day I would eat here. That day finally came last weekend. Sue suggested it and I had no problem with it. Thankfully we got a seat right at the counter upon walking in. I wouldn't have been happy with a wait and neither would Sue. The place was rocking on a late Sunday morning. It took about 10 minutes or so before anyone came over to take our order. We weren't in a rush and it was fun watching all of the action. Joe Brown's is a good place to people watch. Young and old eat here. Blue and white collar. Doesn't matter. Again, this is the place that time forgot and that is a good thing. For breakfast I had the "Special" ($6.99). Two pancakes, waffle or french toast with two eggs and two links or two bacon. I had the waffle and the links with my eggs over easy. The perfect meal after a half marathon. I sucked it down like it was going out of style. It tasted really good to me in this situation. Sue quite enjoyed her meal too. We've been to a couple of places similar to Joe Brown's since we've been together and I think we both agreed that this was the best of the lot.
(4)Mag S.
Made a trip across the bridge while vacationing in Portland. What a pleasant change, a down to earth greasy spoon with 80 year history. Away from the faux hipsterism of Portland we enjoyed a real cafe. Service and food were fine, kind of awesome to realize the business had been there since 1932.
(4)Linda Kaye H.
Best breakfast in Vancouver. I had a 4 egg omelette (JB's omelette) it was Huge it was only $9.99. It is a throw back to the 50's great service wait staff we happy and laughing and efficient!
(5)Thomas G.
This is one of those places that take you back to the 50's. The gravy is just simply good, lots of sausage in it, with good flavor. A must have. Had the chicken fried steak.
(4)Jeff C.
Great diner spot in downtown Vancouver close to I-5. Breskfast and Burgers all day long! Established in 1932, Joe's was the place to go in the 50s & 60s.
(4)J Jacob M.
Good food, great service. If you're looking for greasy diner food, you'll find it, but there's plenty on the menu for everyone. The coffee is pretty bitter, but that's just part of the ambiance.
(5)Alice H.
It's a nice little greasy spoon with fairly good food. If you are in s hurry, go somewhere else, but if you have time to wait and love a real diner, you won't be disappointed.
(3)Don N.
If you are looking for an east coast diner with good portions and great prices in Vancouver (or anywhere in the PDX area), this is the place to have breakfast or lunch. An added bonus is there is a bar next door and they will carry your food over to you so you enjoy a bloody Mary or whatever you like with your meal. The omelets are four eggs and giant!
(4)Beth H.
I came to Joe Brown's for brunch on Saturday morning with my boyfriend, and we were seated immediately. I ordered the biscuits and gravy, and my boyfriend ordered a two-egg breakfast. The biscuits were alright and my boyfriend's breakfast was pretty good too. The meal wasn't amazing, but it wasn't bad either. I might return here if I am in the area again.
(3)Jenn F.
Amazing. Country breakfast was to die for! Gravy and crispy hashbrowns. Big portions but so good!
(5)Blair C.
I loved this place! I came to visit Portland and since I've never been to Washington my boyfriend and I decided to have breakfast in Vancouver. We couldn't have picked a better place! It's one of those diners where you get the feeling that the man next to you has been going there every day for breakfast for 40 years. The pictures are a little crooked, and the door is a little creaky but the kitchen is clean, the people are friendly and the food is amazing (you HAVE to try the hash browns). The poor waitresses were running around like chickens with their heads cut off, but still managed to make sure our coffee was never less than half full. Basically, this restaurant is the definition of "a diamond in the rough."
(5)Donald Y.
I so love this little hole in the wall greasy spoon joint. And so does my son! Great food and atmosphere.
(5)Mark C.
I was visiting in town and did not want breakfast from a chain restaurant. My wife and I went and had a traditional breakfast, with good service and everyone seem to know each other. It is refreshing to have a normal breakfast at a normal price. We both ate for under $15.00, before the tip. If I am in the area, I would stop in again.
(4)Josh H.
Great cafe! We just had a lovely brunch here today. The selections were classic cafe meals with a lil more to offer, for instance she got the Denver omelet (a hearty serving size) and I got a nice cut of salmon and fries (the salmon was 7.99 pretty good deal for the portion and it was perfectly cooked too!) the staff there are pleasant and approachable . The cafe has an older feel to it but super comfy. I think the only thing that's kinda a bummer is mainly just the size of the place but I really didn't notice till we were done eating because it was that comfy welcome feeling you get there. We will be back ! Loved it ! Perfect for a brunch before the farmers market there.
(5)Alan D.
This is the slowest restaurant on the planet . One small grill and one guy cooking. Only come here if you have lots of time to waste!
(1)Jen V.
Super cute diner, great food, great prices, great service. Highly recommend it!! We had Joes special 2 & 3, tons of food for such a cheap price.
(5)Matt W.
Delicious, cheap, and quick. Perfect after a day of sampling the myriad breweries around.
(5)Keith B.
Good, simple food delivered fast in a place that reminds me of the 60's. It's everything that a soulless chain is not.
(3)Clay G.
Packed late on a weekday morning and exactly what I was looking for. Breakfast all day baby. Classic. :)
(5)Teresa H.
I have ordered here twice. The first time, I ordered a cheese burger and fries. The French fries tasted freezer burnt, like something out of a bag from the grocery store. the second time...I didn't even get to place my order, the waitress who picked up the phone to take my order today said "hold please" and I sat there listening to the hustle and bustle of the restaurant for over 10 mins before I hung up and attempted to call back...only to receive a busy signal for over an hour. The employee must have left the phone on the counter off the hook. Horrible customer service.
(1)J T.
Sunday morning breakfast. We ordered 45 minutes ago and are still sitting and waiting on our food. There is one cook on a small cooktop. The place is full of people waiting on food and wishing they had gone to Denny's. In the end our food arrived 50 minutes after we ordered it. People were walking out left and right. The food itself was disappointing. It was, at BEST, average breakfast fare on par with a Denny's and well below a Waffle House. Not sure what prior reviewers were raving about.
(1)Adam S.
A great little greasy spoon. Had the county breakfast which was eggs, sausage, hash browns and half an order of biscuits and gravy. If you leave hungry it's your own fault. Definitely will be back.
(4)Garret M.
This place is simply excellent. I've been eating Sunday breakfast and Saturday lunch here since 2007 and I still hasn't lost it's luster.
(5)Stanley J.
Quaint little hole in the wall diner, excellent food most everything was made fresh. great flavor I didn't touch the salt and pepper shaker, I didnt need the hot sauce. I had the farmers skillet excellent, little heavy on the potatoes but very very good. The house made sausage gravy rocked best in town, and my wife even liked it. My wife had the Denver omelette it was large enough for two people, great flavor and she was very happy to see that they had el Tapitia hot sauce. The staff were very busy it's a small operation so everybody pulls their weight does the dishes does prep all of that stuff, it is very cool to see the camaraderie. We sat at the bar which is opposite the "kitchen" and i think the motto should be "come for the floor show stay for the food" all in all, five thumbs up. As Gen. MacArthur said " I shall return".
(5)Alexander K.
First time here. Came for breakfast with a friend. First thing noticed: entry area smelled like sour milk / throw up. Second thing: they do pretty good business for breakfast. Coffee was weak and bitter, kind of authentic for a depression-era theme. I had the hash and cheddar omelet with a Belgian waffle on the side. Adequate. Suffers from lack of fresh, local and homemade ingredients. 3 stars if price is the major factor. 2 if quality.
(3)Mike M.
So.....it's within a week of me being a part of Yelp for one year....AND this is my 100th review (cue party horn noises, balloons and streamers from the ceiling!!!). I have passed by the outside of Joe Brown's Cafe a zillion times on Main St. and honestly never even considered going in. Just doesn't look appealing from the street. Decided to take a chance today and went for breakfast with friends. First surprise? I walk in to see Johnny at the grill. Johnny used to be a cook and one of the reasons to eat at the Halftime Bar & Grill (a place I used to frequent, but won't again.....semi long story about the owner). Any concerns I had about Joe Brown's immediately subsided. From a food standpoint, it's your typical breakfast & lunch diner. We were all pretty boring with my friends splitting an omelette and I had a half Denver omelette....both had hash browns and toast, not opting for the pancake. But it was good and trustworthy food. Omelettes were in the $8 range, $1 off for the half order. Their menu includes all the traditional breakfast favorites and next time I will venture off the boring path and give something else a whirl. Joe Brown's is pretty small with 5 or 6 booths, a few tables and counter seating. The decor is 50's or 60's...actually, the vinyl on the booths may be original.... Another treat?? If you eat at a semi-normal breakfast time, there is no one downtown yet and you can street park right in front of Joe Brown's. Now, if we could just get Dublin Down to open at 9a......... :)
(4)Kassidy Q.
If your in the mood for breakfast this is the place to go. They also serve lunch but we just went for breakfast. My father and I went for the first time.It was very tiny. Only a couple booths and two tables in the middle and a bar. Almost like we were at home though. We were greeted by both women in the Restaurant as we walked in. We sat down in an empty booth and looked at the menu. I decided on French toast and strawberries and whipped cream on top and two eggs over easy, two pieces of bacon, and hash brown crispy. I loved everything but the hash brown could have been more crispy but they were still delicious. My father got a chili and cheese omelet and he said it was the best one he has ever had and he gets them every where we go. Their portions were huge and we definitely filled up. I loved it as my first experience and will be back!
(5)Anne B.
This place is amazing. Great food which is totally worth the wait, the waitresses service is amazing, most of the clientel are known by name by the staff (locals approved!) and it looks like a diner straight out'a the old days
(5)Sam G.
The food was good except the hasbrowns, which were undercooked. Service was marginal. I had to ask for a coffee refill - an unforgivable sin for a diner. My coffee cup should never run dry. Then again, the coffee wasn't that good so it wasn't much of a loss. Also, the place is really dumpy. It needs paint and a good cleaning.
(3)Zachary E.
I have been going to Joe Brown's for the better part of a year. Decided it was time to leave a review. I have yet to be disappointed in anything that I've ordered and the coffee in my cup stays hot. Today I had the Country Fried Steak & Eggs w/ the diced potatoes instead of regular hash browns. As always it was excellent. I watched my friend eat an enormous blueberry pancake w/out stopping to breath. I will be having those next time.
(4)Christopher M.
This place takes me back to my child hood. Traditional small town diner. Generous helpings of good food. The only thing is that the place could use a good scrub kinda dingy. The food hits the spot though.
(3)Ursula M.
Joe Brown's had some pretty good reviews.. For me, I was disappointed. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing. DON'T go if you have a headache! The cook behind the counter makes a whole lot of clanging of cooking tools and plates. A regular cressendo of noise! It's definitely a hole-in-the-wall. It's at the bottom of Main Street, and if you blink, you'll miss it. I had the potatoes grilled with onions and bell peppers, with scrambled eggs and a sausage patty, The patty was very good. The rest? Ehhhh. My husband had the waffle and said the ones I make are better. The servers don't walk--they RUN! Very friendly, but the food won't take us back.
(2)Michelle L.
This place was pretty good. Homemade sausage patties and home fries. DO Not Order the poached eggs. They microwave them.
(3)Barb W.
Like going back it time and eating at an old school diner, this place is an experience. Eat at the counter and watch a busy pro do his work. Had great blueberry pancakes and my husband had eggs, hashbrowns and biscuits and gravy. Gravy was perfectly peppered and tasty. Friendly staff, worth the wait.
(4)Josh O.
Very good! Great selection of breakfast and atmosphere. I had the country breakfast. Good value as well. Breakfast all day.
(5)Trumary S.
I haven't been here for a while and it doesn't matter. The food is always the same - simple, tasty, affordable and American. Joe Brown's is what it is - a small cafe 'greasy spoon'. They are not organic, but the food is fresh and cooked to order. Small place, a few booths, tables, and counter space. TV is constantly on, sometimes there's music, but they've kept the same staff for over a decade. You can't go wrong with burgers, breakfast or sandwiches. Their milkshakes are amazing as are the fries. The only drawback is that the place does tend to smell like grease and/ or sour dish towels. The interior hasn't changed since the 1960's. Great service, great food. Really affordable. Sometimes the wait can be long, but not usually. Kind folks, good local place. To get 5 stars, get an air purifier so your customers don't smell like your restaurant and make the interior a bit neater. I'm not saying remodel completely, but hide the 'supplies' in back, not at the end of the counter.
(3)Stephanie S.
Everything was awesome! Only complaint was the coffee, very weak. We have been searching for a breakfast spot in Vancouver for a couple years and have finally found it. Fantastic Belgium waffles, almosts as good as our favorite spot in North Augusta, SC; omelets were huge and stuffed with goodies. Pancakes were buttery and fluffy; one was big enough to feed a person. My hubby and my daughter liked the polish sausage; I thought it was too salty. The ambiance was great, totally took me back to the 50s when diners and downtowns were hopping. Definitely will be back.
(5)Paul P.
Good food though not the best but good. Coffee cup never got low and breakfast was good.
(3)C. F.
Thanks to yelp we pretty much knew what we were in for here. I entered with expectations of thin bacon and overly greasy breakfast fare. I was surprised that the bacon was thick and perfectly cooked (not too crispy) and my over easy eggs were a delight. On top of the wonderful food, the waitress was hoot! She was filled with smiles, jokes, and kindness. Definitely a breakfast spot worth trying out. We will be returning often.
(4)Michelle N.
Amazing pancakes!
(5)kelly k.
Joe's is without a doubt my favorite breakfast place in Vancouver. But it is what it IS. And what it is... is a greasy diner. They don't even have decaf coffee or herbal tea. They don't order fresh fruit or do spinach feta omelets. What they do they do well. And what they do is eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, ham, biscuits and gravy, pancakes etc.. The coffee is old school diner but it's strong. The staff have all been here for ten years or so and consists of two servers and one cook on a weekend and one server and one cook on a weekday. If they aren't real busy you'll get your food very fast. I go in at off hours and can be out in less than thirty minutes. But if they are busy they have one tiny grill and teh orders are coooked almost like being in someone's home. So expect to wait awhile. this isn't a special order place or a diet plate or a starbucks. It's 1965 grumpy cook friendly waitress eggs and hashbrowns. And I LOVE IT.
(4)Bea O.
Small but worth the food.
(3)jade s.
I try and visit locally owned and operated businesses, as much as possible. Sometimes its a hit and sometimes its a miss, but the food misses are usually made up with fun-loving people that are genuinely nice and happy. It makes all the difference in the world laughing and smiling at brekky!!! :)
(4)Katy H.
This place is older but clean and very charming. My breakfast was good but nothing that stood out. I will need to try some other things on the menu. I will be back! I enjoyed my experience here and had great service that is hard to find like I did here.
(4)Sharon Q.
Terrible place! Never go! The old waitress is a major bitch! Food is nasty! Stay away!!!!!!
(1)Henry C.
I stopped into Joe Brown's because I had about 45 mins to kill before meeting someone down the street. They were busy when I walked in but I found an open table right away to sit at. The server, who was very nice, came and took my order. I ordered the Potato and onions/peppers with eggs and toast. Well, almost 40 minutes went by and I asked if I could get the food togo, and for my check. The cook had just started cooking it right as I asked the server told me. The place was busy, but it's not that big of a place so I wouldn't expect my food to take that long. And I was by myself, just one entree. Anyway, after about 50 mins I finally got my food, paid my bill and was on my way. The food quality is about what you'd expect to find at your local dive bar. Not the best, but if you're hungry it will suffice. All in all, the servers were nice, but the time it took to cook the food + the quality will not bring me back.
(2)Windy S.
Solid Greasy Spoon Breakfast spot in Vancouver. Lots of options and friendly service!
(4)Michael E.
First time here - breakfast on Monday at 10:00 AM with a friend. Place is a small, hole-in-the-wall diner - LOVE IT. One guy coking and one gal serving the entire place. About 7 booths and a counter, place was semi-busy (all booths full and a few at counter). Coffee was good and server was nice and kept me topped off - bravo! Portions are huge, come hungry. Loved the Polish & Cheddar Omelet with hashbrowns and toast. Yummy. Fun, out of the way place, much more entertaining experience than the IHOPs of the world (and they are just fine, not bashing).
(4)Amanda S.
Definition of hangover food. Excellent staff who gets to know its clientele by name. A little sketchy, but I don't ask questions with food this good. Just know that when you leave you will still smell like Joe's.
(4)Barry S.
My girlfriend and I went to this place at the suggestion of the staff at the Hilton, where we were staying. It apparently has a good reputation. When we got there, the place was packed, which is what I expected for a Sunday morning, one of the main reasons I rarely go to breakfast, especially on the weekends. The place is real small and has a 1930's vibe, it's been open since that time frame. When we got there, 90% of the patrons were not eating, which was my first hint that it would be a long wait for food. The wait staff is clearly fairly attentive; as they brought us coffee on numerous occasions, but getting our meals was a whole different story. After waiting nearly 90 minutes, we told the waitress that we had to leave to check out of our hotel room. I was very disappointed, since I had heard allot of good things about this place. My suggestion, since this place is so small, which includes an incredibly small cooking area, DO NOT go on a weekend unless you plan on waiting 2-3 hours for food. Horribly disappointed!!
(1)PAUL A.
I have been eating out for 2 months straight (traveling for work) at IHOP & Denny's for breakfast. It was so nice to come to a real mom and pop place and support the local business. The portions are huge and everything was cooked perfectly. I felt bad I couldnt finish everything. My coworker had the biscuits and gravy and he said it was really good. I will definately go back!
(5)Megan G.
My husband, son and I love big breakfasts on Sundays. Most of the time I cook them but once in a while we go you. I'm tired of the same chain restaraunts and today I searched Yelp for a new place to eat. Wow, this place was good. Friendly staff and customers, good coffee and tons of food. My husband and I both had the country fried steak only my husband had a half order of biscuits and grave and I had toast with mine. It's one of the best country fried steaks I have ever had and their gravy is good too. We have found our new local place.
(5)Rosetta S.
Rude, slow staff. Food took forever, and wasn't good. Hash browns were soggy, and tasted like a dirty grill. Could make better at home. It may have old school diner charm, but it doesn't make up for the lack of quality.
(1)Charles H.
Great place to eat. Friendly staff and good food. The pancakes and coffee were my favorite.
(5)Yianni B.
If you haven't been you should go. The food is what you'd expect, grease covered food from a greasy grill. Coffee is great, staff is awesome. The place hasn't changed, I'm guessing, in 40 years.
(4)David H.
Joe Brown's isn't fancy, but its a local institution and greasy spoon. We go there often for breakfast and are never disappointed. Of course I always order the blueberry pancakes so I cant speak to much of the rest of the menu. I would highly recommend if you are looking for a casual place for some good eats. Service is quick and friendly.
(4)Dave S.
A bit of a dive but, I'd crawl over hot coals and walk through broken glass to eat the Chicken Fried Steak here! Definitely a death row meal if it doesn't kill ya first. Lunches here are good as well as anything on the breakfast menu. The staff is always friendly and they keep the coffee coming!
(4)Michael B.
Classic, quintessential diner. I had the JB Omelet which was a 4 egg omelet with peppers, ham, bacon, onions, and mushrooms. It was good, not mind blowing, but good none the less. Plus, it came with a Belgium waffle which was another entire meal in itself. I would eat there again.
(3)Dolly E.
Joe Browns Cafe has been my favorite greasy spoon downtown for years now. Its very small, only a handful of tables but the food is yummy. If your nursing a hangover, or just jonesing for some hash browns, this is a good spot. Not so much if your counting points on Weight Watchers.
(4)Ashley B.
For me there is nothing better than to start your Sunday off with a delicious breakfast! This place is amazing fast and super delicious! I will be coming back on a regular basis!!
(5)Tom C.
Very good greasy spoon!! Love the timeless atmosphere.
(4)Arvonn T.
Great Greasy Spoon Breakfast place for Downtown Vancouver! It might look a bit sketchy, but definitely a good place to grab a breakfast, when they are open. Might not be the best place ever, but it is reliable (same cooks, same waitresses) and you will always get the tasty food. Traditional "Greasy Spoon" food - get yerself and omlette, or french toast, or pancakes. Nothing too fancy. The servings are generous, the prices are fair (when you consider how much food it is) I don't go out to breakfast very often, but this beats chain stores (Shari's, Perkin's, Pig'nPancake, etc.. ) Much better than nearby Dulins (I call it "don'tlins) in uptown village. The staff is much nicer here.
(4)B B.
Nice, hearty home cooking. A bit on the greasy side, but sometimes that is what you want. Great service. I had hash browns, sausage patty (fresh, not frozen - nice!), scrambled eggs and toast. YUM.
(3)Melissa W.
Best (and cheapest) Vancouver 'diner' breakfast. HOURS: 7 days a week, M-Sat, 7am - 3pm; Sun - 8am 3pm
(5)marni v.
The absolute best burger I have ever tasted! Fantastic customer service. Don't let the exterior and let's face it, the interior that hasn't changed (including the silk flowers in the booths) fool you. You haven't had a burger this good in a long long time. The pepper jack bacon burger with the crinkle fries is perfection. The crispy ranch chicken sandwich is about three hours on the treadmill but worth every step. Get past the faded decor and go a couple of times and you feel like a regular. We walk in, grab a booth, no waiting to be seated, and the waitress comes up with a big smile and our drink order memorized and in her hands without us asking. This is exactly the type of business that should move those who seek to "shop local". It's a great place to eat when you work downtown. It's quick, inexpensive and absolutely does not disappoint. I almost feel selfish writing this review. What if I actually have to wait to be seated .....
(5)Marc M.
As you step through the door at Joe Brown's you are thrust into the atmosphere of a Smalltown, USA diner. While not a trendy or chic breakfast location, the comfortable feeling of sitting in a booth amongst pictures of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean will make you feel like you're amongst friends. If you are looking for a quick, affordable and delicious breakfast then I highly recommend the Special (eggs, meat, and waffle or pancake) with bacon.
(4)