Joan's on Third
(323) 655-2285
8350 W Third St
Los Angeles,
CA
90048
34.0727
-118.3717
Neighborhoods: Central LA, Beverly Center
Reviews & Ratings for Joan's on Third
45 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 45 reviews
crowded, cramped and charming
by jeremypb
December 17, 2007
by Amy Ephron from one for the table
Artisan cheese in the display case, turkey meatloaf you wish you could make at home, fresh lemonade that?s just the right amount of sweet and sour, strawberry jam for sale on the shelf, Nicky (and Paris) Hilton at the back table but nobody cares because the Chinese chicken salad is perfect and everyone else has too much to do. Did I mention the cupcakes?! It?s the perfect place to stop when you?re busy, when you barely have time for lunch, but it?s also, the perfect place to hang out.
Joan McNamara originally opened on this same spot as a catering shop but people kept coming in hungry -- and because she?s Joan, she?d drop everything and make them something to eat -- so, she finally caved and opened it as a restaurant. They?ve been open for lunch for years, but since a good thing is hard to keep down, she?s rented the storefront next door and as of last week, they?re, also, happily open for breakfast.
The original space is crowded and cramped and works like a New York charm, right dead in the heart of West Hollywood. The new breakfast space is a little more open, as if you?re in somebody?s great kitchen in a millhouse in France. The omelettes are perfect, a little bit soft, the pancakes are light and fluffy. Order and pay at the counter and your food will be brought unceremoniously to your table. The service is hardly cloying but you always feel, if you really want something, you just have to ask for it. The gleaming counter, the white tile floor, the hustle and bustle are all reminiscent of Joan?s New York roots and that funny feeling you can?t shake, that smart people eat here. -ae
Take out service and counter staff don't match the food
by hymanro
December 27, 2008
Today proved the second of two take out order fiascoes. Last year at this time we arrived at the stipulated pick-up time to find a closed sign on the door. Persistent banging on the door produced no result and only after retreating to the back door did a staff member appear. The lasagna was there as ordered, but they could not produce the bread.
Went to to pick up an order today and only after more than 30 minutes of various staff searching for the order and coming up with clearly manufactured excuses , and doing so with plenty of attitude, did someone admit they did not have the lasagna as ordered. Further discussion, again with attitude on the part of the staff ensued and finally a fellow named Victor appeared and said they would make and deliver the proper order.
Called after the first incident asking to speak to the owner or manager, but never got a return call. The mistake was ordering again. Good lasagna, but unreliable take out service and a staff lacking courtesy.
Best place ever!
by liltamby5
November 21, 2008
The most amazing little cafe joint in LA I have found. Everything on their menu is delicious!! I recommend this restaurant to anyone and everyone!!
Sandwiches Taste Like Paper
by alva311
October 31, 2008
I've had the food at this place a number of times, and if it weren't for the company paying for it that number would be 1. The sandwiches taste like paper. Not that I know what paper tastes like, I am just trying to imagine what would taste as bland. Instead of paying way too much money for a sandwich here, just drink a bunch of water to get full and imagine yourself eating a sandwich while chomping your jaw. It should have the same effect.
The only reason I give it 2 stars instead of 1 is that their cupcakes are pretty tasty.
- Pros: Cupcakes
- Cons: Everything Else
Great place!
by tdubbs
July 30, 2008
I was just in this past Saturday visiting from out of town. Although it was crowded we were very pleased with the service, especially the manager Kenny. He was able to recommend some great dishes, I loved the chicken Milanese. He also was able to find us a table when it looked like we were out of luck. Had a great experience, loved the food, loved the service can't wait to come back again the next time I am in town.
delicious treats, a little pricey
by wam08
July 02, 2008
NEVER try to eat in on the weekends, there is limited seating and it is packed, youare guaranteed to wait and may not get to sit with in large groups. The food is good, great side dishes to take home, clean kind atmosphere. a little pricey for simple sandwiches, etc
- Pros: Good selection, nice sides
- Cons: too packed to eat in
Rules are Rules!!!
by gcgc11
June 21, 2008
Limited menu, overpriced and never willing to bend their rigid rules. God forbid you're a vegetarian and would like fruit with your eggs instead of bacon - of course they won't charge you less if you refuse the bacon AND of course you have to pay more for the fruit. An egg-white omelet? -- can't be done. You'd think with all the baking they do they'd be happy to have a few extra egg yolks around, but I guess not.
Good salads and sandwiches
by finedine2008
May 01, 2008
I went on a weekday and it was super packed.
Food is great, love the sandwiches and the salads. The cheese selection is also amazing.
Overpriced for mediocre food!
by hmk360
April 11, 2008
I've been to Joan's a few times. Each time thinking that the food is just so-so. The third time I went back with my wife, we both thought the food was awful and we both hade stomach aches the entire night. Besides the food being on the lower end of average, it's extremely overpriced. I could see other LA people loving this place if this is all they know...like if they were from Kansas! Anyway, I think we'll skip Joan's for the rest of our lives.
- Pros: not many
- Cons: Below average food, parking
Gross food poor service
by nisa35
March 30, 2008
I've heard so much about this place that finally I decided to visit it. We went for breakfast that along with eggs, mushrooms and herbs contained HAIR as well. When my friend brought the fact that some of the ingredients are simply unacceptable manager in an extremely rude manner replied " this is not HAIR, THOSE ARE EYELASHES" to her and took away the plate with her tastless mixture they call "omlet" in that place.
My own experience was not any better; the New York egg sandwich ( I asked them to replace bacon with turkey bacon or avocados,which they refused to do and refused to adjust the price as well) consists of two pieces of bread completely soaked in pure grease, generic mixture of egg and melted cheese of suspiciously rubbery structure. Despite the fact we were all starving, we left that place hungry, frustrated and disappointed. On top of that I had bad heartburn.
So if you like to pay money for gross food with special ingredients including pubes (I call it Borat special) then Joan's on Third is definitely for you!
- Pros: Hair in the food
- Cons: Poor customer service
I'm not sure why I love this place but I do!
by MoxieTheCat
March 20, 2008
When you think about it, it's deli-style, pre-made, refrigerated food! How good can it be?!? Not only that, it is quite pricey for what it is. Joan's is also a relatively high-end caterer - I think that's how they started - so that should give you some idea about their food and prices. It costs the same to eat at Joan's as a relatively nice sit-down meal that's made-to-order but I find myself craving Joan's and going back time and time again, especially picking up food for holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's. Their offerings vary so that can be a bummer (mmm... vermont maple syrup yams... when will it make another appearance?!?). Anyways, Joan's is a great place to get food for a party, or on a sunny, lazy afternoon, to get a snack and catch some rays at one of their tables out front.
The cheese plate is fabulous and a pretty good deal relative to everything else. They will recommend and let you sample different cheeses from around the world - if you like cheese, get some to go for yourself or your next party! The desserts (e.g. cakes, cupcakes) are pretty good too - not the best but we always walk away with something sweet! It's hard to name my favorites. The sandwiches are good but I wouldn't go out of my way just to get a sandwich there. Try getting a 3-selection plate and sample things like the pasta salads, couscous, etc. For certain foods (e.g. korean bbq short rib - I know, it's odd), they will reheat it for you so that could make all the difference.
Joan's is often quite busy so this is not the place to go if you are in a hurry or have limited time. Parking can be a challenge but that's 3rd street for you. We've heard people complain about the service but we've generally received excellent service. Sometimes saying "hi" and being polite will get you want you want. :)
- Pros: great food to pickup for parties, variety of things to try
- Cons: parking, prices
