12/17/07

crowded, cramped and charming

by jeremypb

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

07/22/09

Bland Sandwiches

by laddy2

Joan's on Third is by far one of the better looking area restaurants, but sandwiches I've ordered there have been underwhelming. They use $1.79 baguette bread (the exact same) that I get from a shop on Fairfax. The turkey was not 'fresh oven baked' but grayish, processed, translucent and extremely salty. They forgot the sauce on a second sandwich, which tasted like paper. If I were paying $8 per sandwich (instead of $11 and $12), my reaction would have been 'meh'. Improvement in the sandwich department is needed.

They do have an outstanding collection of packaged and preserved items, and their bakery counter is fantastic. The counter staff are really friendly and helpful.

But one time, after I dropped $40 for a takeout lunch, and after they handed me my bag of goodies, I wandered around to look at their gorgeous displays and in the process found another item I wanted. At some point I became aware that staff was dogging me to see if I was going to pay for it or put it in the takeout bag. That was the thanks I got for my patronage. Suspected shoplifter! Not fun. I felt like cr*p after leaving there, and haven't returned.

• Pros: Beautiful, Chic Setting, Nice Staff
• Cons: Prices, Mediocre Sandwich

12/27/08

Take out service and counter staff don't match the food

by hymanro

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.

11/21/08

Best place ever!

by liltamby5

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!!

10/31/08

Sandwiches Taste Like Paper

by alva311

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

07/30/08

Great place!

by tdubbs

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.

07/02/08

delicious treats, a little pricey

by wam08

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

06/21/08

Rules are Rules!!!

by gcgc11

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.

05/01/08

Good salads and sandwiches

by finedine2008

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.

04/11/08

Overpriced for mediocre food!

by hmk360

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

03/30/08

Gross food poor service

by nisa35

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