Joe'z Bayside Market and Cafe — Review by J. Kenji López-Alt
Seattle, United States — American Breakfast and Casual
Kenji and Zoey visit Joe'z Bayside for a breakfast sandwich crawl, trying the egg sandwich on a poppy seed roll and a chorizo breakfast burrito. Both items impressed with quality ingredients and excellent execution, particularly the crispy potatoes and flavorful chorizo in the burrito.
What was great: The breakfast burrito with crispy hash brown potatoes, chorizo with kick, and nice textures; the poppy seed roll breakfast sandwich with melty cheese and thick bacon; the overall quality and execution of both items
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The duo ordered two items to compare: an egg sandwich on a homemade poppy seed roll and a breakfast burrito. The egg sandwich featured a thick slice of bacon, melty cheese, what appeared to be spicy mayo, and scallions on a brioche-style bun with poppy seeds. Kenji appreciated the bun choice, noting he prefers egg sandwiches on rolls rather than other bread types. The homemade poppy seed roll proved superior to typical Kaiser rolls.
The breakfast burrito was the standout of the visit. Upon opening, what initially appeared to be rice was actually crispy hash brown potato, creating excellent texture contrasts throughout. The filling included eggs, chorizo with a nice kick, and the potatoes were particularly praised for their crispiness. Zoey, not typically a burrito person, found this one compelling enough that she preferred it to the sandwich. The chorizo added a flavorful element that elevated the entire dish, making it feel like a well-composed meal rather than just components wrapped together.
The Experience
The atmosphere was casual and welcoming, with owner Christian coming out to greet the reviewers and chat about the impact of Kenji's previous video featuring the chicken Caesar wrap. The service was friendly and accommodating, with the team prepared for the video shoot. The location on Portage Bay added to the local character of the establishment.
Value and Pricing
Pricing details were not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, though the food quality suggested reasonable value for the Seattle market.
Notable Moments
Kenji mentioned having sampled approximately 15 chicken Caesar wraps around Seattle before confidently declaring Joe'z version the best in town.
Owner Christian mentioned that business for the chicken Caesar wrap had been booming since Kenji's previous review.
The reviewers discussed the interesting dynamic of how recommendations from influential food critics like Kenji can significantly impact restaurant business, both as a positive introduction to new customers and as a logistical challenge for staff preparation.
The Verdict
Joe'z Bayside is worth the visit for breakfast sandwich enthusiasts seeking quality execution and fresh, flavorful components. The breakfast burrito particularly stands out as a must-try item, even for those who typically prefer sandwiches. This restaurant deserves its place on what Kenji and Zoey described as a Seattle sandwich bingo card, alongside other local favorites like Paseo Pizza and Volunteer Park Cafe.