Critique of the week – Joe’s Café

It’s official. I’ve found my new favorite restaurant, though I don’t feel it’s fair for me to call Joe’s Café a mere restaurant; this place is something all its own.

Joe’s is a spot you recommend to friends and family visiting from out of town, a place destined to become one of those local legends found in every college town that makes the college experience complete. That legend will exist in part because of Joe and in part because of his food.

Joe – When I walked in I was greeted heartily by the cook and owner himself, Joe, who gave me the feeling that I was simply visiting and hanging out in the kitchen of an uncle I never knew I had. Joe will talk with you, share a laugh, and even take a picture with you when you’re done with your meal.

The Food – Joe’s heart and personality are only rivaled in size by his amazing food. Having heard of Joe’s grits but also eyeing his “Ultimate Burger,” I informed the cashier that I wasn’t quite sure which to choose. Hearing this, Joe took me back by the grill, scooped me up a bowl of grits and said “you tell me what you think.” Having lived in the south for a few years, I’ve had my share of grits, some great, some not so great, and Joe easily makes the best grits I’ve ever had. Whether you like grits, hate them, or if you’ve never had them, you will love these.

Satisfied for having tried the grits, I went with “Joe’s Ultimate Burger.” Grilled mushrooms, grilled onions, thick and plentiful bacon, two cheeses, jalapenos, and a thick juicy patty along with some special “Slap Ya Mama” seasoning shipped from Texas, easily make this the best hamburger I’ve ever had. As far as size goes, Joe could teach Burger King a thing or two about using the term “Whopper” correctly when naming food.

Joe’s Café offers plenty of other hefty portions of southern-style breakfast and lunch options, and I can’t wait to return and discover another best “something else” I’ve ever had. All in all, I can’t say enough good things about Joe’s café. Do yourself a favor and visit Joe’s, located at 1126 S State St in Orem. Come early because Joe’s closes at 4 p.m. See Y’all there!