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(49 posts)

RANT - Endolyne Joe's

Started 2 years ago by Jasperblu
Latest reply from Kimberley

Jasperblu
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Ok, I KNOW they're the only game in town at this end of the peninsula (other than the g-d awful Mexican restaurant across the street), but dammit I've had just about enough of being nickled and dimed to death for food that is most often hit or miss, not to mention at a much higher price point than it SHOULD be for what it actually is...

But you know, this is where we live, and sometimes convenience wins over substance/quality. And the service HAS at least gotten a little better than it's been in the past, which is saying something b/c service hasn't been Joe's forte ever IMO.

Anyway, the last 2 times I've been into Joe's (which were in the last week and 1/2) I've been charged $1 each for two sides of salad dressing (one which I used on my hamburger and the other on my french fries), as well as $7.00 for a Kettle One vodka and cranberry drink (at LUNCH!), which they then also charged me $0.50 for as a separate line item. Really? Kettle One is not that premium a vodka people. And as a lunch time beverage, that's a pretty obscene price for the lunch hour. Just sayin'.

Anyway, they've got the market cornered for places to eat down here on the south end of WS, and they know it... but I've noticed that they aren't as packed as they used to be. Which is why I'm sure they've FINALLY added a Happy Hour to their repertoire, but if they don't get it together, there will be fewer of us making Joe's a regular stop. I already know MANY people that just refuse to go there altogether. I'm not quite ready to give them up, mostly b/c my kid LOVES their Mac & Cheese, but I sure wish they'd show a little more love for their customers. Especially in this crappy economy.

Besides, there are FAR better places to eat in West Seattle that are kid friendly, with great happy hour pricing, much better food, and equal or better service.

The end.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jasperblu
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P.S. That Kettle and Cran btw? It was in a SHORT glass. So that's $7.50 for a 2 oz pour of Kettle, and maybe 4 oz of cranberry juice. Next time, I'm bringing my own mixer!

Posted 2 years ago #
velo_nut
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Hey, I love the Mexican place across from Joe's

Posted 2 years ago #
j
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We love the Mexican place too! Can't stand Joe's.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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haven't been into the mexican place
and twice was enough for joes...
but the bakery :)))

Posted 2 years ago #
MrJT
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I have been to the church up the street

Posted 2 years ago #
flowerpetal
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Agreed on the bakery! I have never been a fan of E. Joes and have said so here. I accompanied some friends there last fall... same disappointing kind of fare. I'm always surprised that this place survives.
There's got to be other places to get Mac n Cheese. Or make it at home. Mine is hands down better; I'm sure.

Posted 2 years ago #
WesCAddle
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Lesson learned...never eat south of Holly St. ;)

Posted 2 years ago #
Jasperblu
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Per West Seattle Blog rules, I do want to state for the record that I HAVE spoken to numerous staff at Endolyne Joe's over the past year, and in particular during the visits mentioned above, of my concerns regarding pricing, quality of food for price, and service. I've ALWAYS been treated w/ respect & felt my complaints were heard. I *DO* intend to write a letter to the manager of Joe's to follow up w/ my last two experiences.

Also, many are probably wondering why I still go into Joe's at all if my experiences have been, at best hit or miss. In the nearly 2 yrs I've been going there (I've owned a house at this end of the peninsula since fall 2008), there have been enough GOOD food moments to keep me going back. When Joe's gets it right, they are really worth a visit. And there are MANY items on their menu (seasonal menu items included) that have literally blown me & my taste buds away. Really, that's why I keep going back. I am ETERNALLY HOPEFUL that I'll have a good experience again.

This wasn't meant to be a "You Suck Endolyne Joe's" post. I can easily do that on Yelp, my blog, Urbanspoon, Twitter, etc. This was more of a "I'm really frustrated w/ a business that doesn't seem to be paying attention to the CONSISTENCY of what they produce" kind of rant. And in a place where I know locals, i.e. people who live/work/play in West Seattle would see it, and either validate my experience, or refute it.

That's what I love about the WSB.

And for those who lambasted me on Twitter for my comments HERE, you're doing it wrong.

Peace and hair grease.

Cheryl ~

Posted 2 years ago #
biankat
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Just last week my husband and I gave Joes another try after a couple years absence. I only wanted a salad, and husband got the burger. Salad was fine. Burger had to be sent back for being over-done the first time. When we told the waitress about it her response was 'do you want another?' Umm, yeah we do. Was fine when it came out again. Big props for the bun, however. Not sure if we'll go back. Inconsistency seems to be the name of the game with them.

Posted 2 years ago #
CMP
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I went there for brunch yesterday and was pretty happy with my meal and service, although that's not the norm for me when I do dine there. I'll agree that they're overpriced, especially the drinks! My friends were having bloody marys that cost over $7. That might be normal, but seemed steep to frugal me. Happy hour seems decent so I'll have to remember that's a new option next time I go out.

Posted 2 years ago #
Kimberley
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West 5 has excellent bloody marys CMP and I don't recall them being expensive.

Posted 2 years ago #
SarahScoot
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The JaK's bloody mary is... $4, I believe (?) during their delicious weekend brunch.

Posted 2 years ago #
biankat
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JaK's BM is $3.50 @ brunch. Tasty too.

Posted 2 years ago #
francis57
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When my husband and I moved here last year, Joes is one of the places we kept hearing good things about. We went there for dinner within the first two weeks, and were impressed by the food and the service because we didn't have anything like this over in Spokane.

We've been back at least once a month since then and have had a good experience every time.

I'm surprised to read so many negative comments about this wonderful little gem and had no idea there was this kind of attitude here in such a beautiful upbeat place.

Posted 2 years ago #
kellym
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JAK's brunch is the best in West Seattle IMO.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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francis57

there are so many really good options for dining out in the West Seattle area that we have really high expectations for the places we rave about.

Endolyne Joes used to get far more thumbs up than thumbs down... lately, that just isn't the case.

Posted 2 years ago #
SarahScoot
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I don't think criticism of a restaurant means we have a "negative attitude." I know very little about dining in Spokane, but it seems entirely possible that your bar for "good" food is a lot lower than that of others, francis57 (and probably higher than others; I've known people who think Chili's and The Olive Garden are great, so maybe they'd think Endolyne Joe's is top-notch). Anyway, I've never been to EJ's, so I've sidestepped this discussion, mostly, but I think it's unfair to label those who don't think the food and service are good enough to justify the prices as people with "negative attitudes." Discerning =/= negative.
(As an aside, I've actually never eaten at any of the Chow Foods restaurants, as I've never heard any rave reviews from people with tastebuds I trust. My dad's worked as a chef in the industry for years and does remember when their restaurants, most notably Coastal Kitchen, were good, but he's said the last time he truly enjoyed one of their meals was in the mid-'90s.)

Posted 2 years ago #
flowerpetal
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Couldn't Francis57's "bar for good food" just be different rather than lower? I don't like EJ's but I don't think of their fans as having a lower bar than myself.
It reminds me of the large hoopla on the food network about competing chefs. So silly to dwell on which restaurant is on top. I eat what's good to me.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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flowerpetal...

very good point...

i ate at an unnamed Seattle restaurant that got raves for it's cutting edge food and has been lauded by one of our local foodies.

I was really glad i wasn't picking up the bill... not just because i am cheap... but because i didn't think the food was compelling enough to want to eat there again at any price.

and i have some pretty educated taste buds :)))

we all have different expectations when we eat out... i doubt that 5 foodies could agree on the "best" restaurant in West Seattle.
I know 5 foodies didn't agree on the best Pizza:)

as for Spokane...
i suspect SarahScoot would be surprised at the quality of food available there.
I certainly was.

Posted 2 years ago #
francis57
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Wow, call me kooky but I feel a bit insulted by that "lowered the bar" comment. I would like to think I know good food and service when I experience it, even if I'm from Spokane.

Posted 2 years ago #
rudy
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Shout out to Spokane - making my mouth water for some pizza at Catacombs Pub! I have yet to eat anywhere in Seattle quite like that place.

Posted 2 years ago #
odroku
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Complain all you want, but if you continue to patronize them, the message to the bottom line is clear.

Also, the Mexican place across the street didn't deserve that shot. I enjoy their food and the people who own and run it are especially pleasant.

Posted 2 years ago #
datamuse
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I had one of the best steaks I've ever eaten in my life in Spokane. Smaller town doesn't necessarily mean lower bar (though, in my experience, it usually does mean less variety).

Posted 2 years ago #
bluebird
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Love the Mexican place too. Always treated exceptionally well there. Decent food, great drinks and the staff are very nice. Thought calling them god awful was pretty rude.

Posted 2 years ago #
flowerpetal
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I agree about the Mexican restaurant. Its what I've come to expect for Mexican food. I don't know if its authentic; I know it is not "designer food;" and the staff have been friendly every time I have been in there.
Isn't "god awful" a funny phrase?

Posted 2 years ago #
HelperMonkey
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I like the Mexican place, and especially like being able to sit outside in the sun while drinking a lovely margarita. there's not enough outdoor dining in West Seattle, IMO.

Posted 2 years ago #
johnnyblegs
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It's all about what you like. Everyone's opinion of good food is different. Just because I am a chef by profession doesn't automatically mean that I don't enjoy a trashy burger from Dick's (which I do on occasion). Assuming that a native Spokanian doesn't know what good food tastes like is the same as a New Yorker say they have the best food on the planet. That's just plain ignorance. I personally don't enjoy EJ's because of the lack of consistency in the food and lack of customer service. Being in the food industry I expect a certain level of quality when I go out to eat. Consistency is HUGE. Bakery Nouveau consistently produces a great baguette. That keeps me going back for more. Some others prefer the Safeway baguette. Doesn't mean they don't know good food, it's just what they prefer...but they get the same consistent baguette every time. I gave EJ's multiple chances and I found there were more misses than hits with them. I'm not a negative nancy. I just like food (and money) too much. can't waste my time where it doesn't satisfy me.

West 5 makes a pretty darn good mac n' cheese BTW.

Posted 2 years ago #
francis57
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Thank you Johnnyblegs, that was a very thoughtful and well worded reply. We're going to give this West 5 macaroni and cheese a try within the week.

Also, we are going to try out the little Mexican food restaurant after all the great follow up comments. You can't really go wrong with Mexican food and the boutique places are not really our style. Give us beans, rice, salsa, a good enchilada, a decent non-pretentious atmosphere and we're happy.

Off to nibble on my safeway baguette now.

Posted 2 years ago #
KBear
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I'll agree on the West 5 mac & cheese and the Guadalajara restaurant. Both good.

Posted 2 years ago #
HelperMonkey
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Shadowland also has amazing mac-n-cheese

Posted 2 years ago #
Jasperblu
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I'll stand corrected on my "god awful" comment regarding the Mexican restaurant across from EJ's. It's not THAT bad... but it ain't exactly great either. And I'm sorry, their Margaritas? They are indeed quite bad.

I'm a SoCal girl. Also lived in Tucson AZ for 11 yrs. Cut my baby teeth on authentic Mexican food. The food is edible at this place. It's served hot. The service was okay (semi-friendly, but just barely).

To be fair btw, I've found VERY few places that make a good margarita (of any kind) in Seattle. EJ's makes terrible margaritas too. I learned long ago never to order one from their bar. They do much better w/ the vodka martini's.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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Jasperblu..
the 11 yrs in Tucson explains it...
i am married to a Tucson guy and mexican food isn't authentic unless it is prepared the Tucson way...
never mind that there are many regions in Mexico
with many different styles of food:)
we have had this discussion more than once :->

go south.. there is good authentic mexican food to be had in both White Center and Burien... Tucson style:)

Maybe not with decent margaritas... but you can't always get everything you want:)

There is a Mexican butcher in White Center and a tortilla machine on Aumbuam at about 128th... add a stop by the liquor store and you can come mightly close :)))

if i didn't already have Ravioli and pesto planned .....

Posted 2 years ago #
rockhills
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We're a long ways from Mexico! If any of you have found a good Mexican restaurant in the area I would love to hear about it--I'm in withdrawal. I have found a couple of taco trucks I like, but I'm not always in the mood to stand in the rain for my meal. For me the draw of both Guadalajara and EJ's is the location and outdoor seating (in the Summer.)

Since moving to Seattle, I've done the rounds with discerning friends who won't step foot in a national chain restaurant except under extreme duress. With one notable exception, none of their choices have really blown me away with regard to food quality or taste. Most of it is pretty good, some of it just 'OK', and I frequent a lot of WS restaurants because of atmosphere and proximity. I also like to support local business. But I really have to work to stop the eye roll when I hear snarky comments about the national chains. Many of them fall in the 'pretty good' to 'OK' categories as well.

Posted 2 years ago #
datamuse
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rockhills, I like El Paisano in White Center (affiliated with the aforementioned carniceria). Muy Macho in South Park is also not bad. El Paisano has beer, no liquor if memory serves. Muy Macho didn't have a liquor license last time I was there, but maybe they've got one now.

Posted 2 years ago #
rockhills
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Thanks, Datamuse, I'll check those out!

Posted 2 years ago #
bluebird
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Many mex restaurants around here are mexican comfort food, IMO. Not authentic, not exceptional, but sometimes hits the spot just the same. I like the taco truck by Home depot better than the one most people favor in white center. It is a preference thing.

Mission is my all around favorite by far, but not as conveniently located when you're hungry right NOW.

Posted 2 years ago #
dufus
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I love EJ's b-fast. I would agree their dinner fare is hit or miss and the service too. Good margaritas have yet to be found in Seattle -- I moved from Texas about 16 years ago and continue to be amazed at how poorly Mexican food and margaritas can be made at so many establishments. And I do apologize, but people born and raised in Seattle usually don't know good Mexican food from bad... that is why some of these Mexican food restaurants stay in business...because people here don't know what good Mexican food is supposed to taste like! But probably people in Spokane know better than people in Seattle. Good margaritas, where are you!????!!!

Posted 2 years ago #
dhg
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Good Mexican Food: El Camion, the taco truck on 1st ave s next to rejuvenation (awesome mole, tasty cochinita pibil); Senior Moose, Ballard, run by a woman inspired by her travels in Mexico, produces very very tasty food. Great breakfasts, too.

Posted 2 years ago #
SarahScoot
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La Carta de Oaxaca in Ballard also does tasty Mexican food. For "Mexican" food (not super-authentic), I love Circo Circo in Des Moines.

Posted 2 years ago #
dhg
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I'll try them out, Sarah!
Oh, and back to the subject. I had brunch at EJ's last Sunday, the hashbrowns were the worst ever. Cooked until crisp (or burnt)throughout, then served cold. I was with a group so I didn't want to make a fuss. Had I been on my own, I woulda.

Posted 2 years ago #
dawsonct
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dufus, when was the last time you actually met someone who was born and raised in Seattle? I've lived here since '68 and can probably count the true natives I know on one hand. Ironically, the one with the very worst taste in Mexican food is Mexican/Irish. Must have gotten it from his Mother's side.
I don't believe Tex/Mex was invented in Seattle, nor do I believe Seattleites are the sole reason it continues to thrive across this country, but Americans have had a long tradition of "Americanizing" ethnic cuisine that we are only recently beginning to break away from. Give it time; go eat Korean, Ethiopian, Vietnamese, they haven't yet been co-opted by the forces of bland.
--
Seattle has a lot of taco trucks that serve very good and authentic food, and you don't have to "stand in the rain" at any I know of. I like Tacos Maestro on Pac. Hwy. S., they have chivo, cabeza, e lengua EVERY DAY, not just occasionally and accidentally. I have never eaten there with more than one gringo in the crowd, which is a good sign for me. I will give El Camion another chance some time, but their prices were a bit steeper than most, the torta de lengua I had was okay, but easily repeatable by any number of taco trucks. Also seemed strange to me that the THREE employees that were in the kitchen at the time I was there (with no other customers present), couldn't get my torta to me in less than ten minutes. Makes me think lunch rush is a good time to avoid this place.
Guadalupe Market is a fantastic source of Mexican and C. American foods and ingredients. Their dried chili selection is unparalleled in this region. A large number of small, family-run Mexican and C. American businesses and restaurants are popping up all over S. Seattle and Burien. Be adventurous.
--
La Carta IS good, but it's popularity sometimes makes it difficult to settle in for a feast. Another possibility in Ballard/Crown Hill is Cocina Esperanza, which I have found consistently excellent, with the caveat that it is a chef-driven menu, so the familiar dishes may have some unfamiliar ingredients and presentation. The specials are were the chef really shines, I mean, c'mon, it's listed as the PORK special of the day. Need I say more?

Posted 2 years ago #
SarahScoot
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dawson, I'm a native Seattleite, so your count can now increase! :-) But among my friends and coworkers, even my husband, most are from other states. So yes, let's blame the bland Mexican food on transplants!
That said, my aunt from San Diego has a border rule about Mexican food: she won't eat it if she's more than 100 miles from the Mexican border. Not saying it's right, but it works for her. (However, there are some *bad* Mexican restaurants in SoCal, for sure!)

Posted 2 years ago #
johnnyblegs
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How this topic changed from the OP of high priced cocktails at EJ's to the overall lack of mexican food in Seattle is strange, but I thought I'd put my two cents in. Oh, and both my wife and I are natives so count us in as well :)

Not all mexican joints in Seattle are bad, there are however a great number that are. If you stick to the chain places (Las Margaritas, Azteca, Guadalajara) they are the most non authentic IMO.

However, the tacos at Tacos Guymas are pretty dang close to the ones I've gotten off the streets in Mexico. I wouldn't order anything else if you're looking for authentic. Taqueria La Fondita #2 in White Center is steller (and there's a covered place to eat and wait out of the rain) I've been to El Camion and was not impressed at all. They seemed a little put off by me. I wasn't sure if it was my order or something I did but they were very rude.

The Ballard joints are overpriced. Been to Carta a few times. Good but spendy. Have heard good things about Senor Mousse (from my Mexican City Friend) but haven't been yet.

Posted 2 years ago #
Pibal
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Warning: More thread creep...

So Jasperblu and JoB: What are your favorite/best Tucson Mexican restaurants? Would they include Casa Molina, El Charro, Mi Nidito, Nico's, La Parilla Suiza, Papagayo, El Minuto?

Miss that place...

Posted 2 years ago #
JimmyG
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It's KETEL One, not Kettle.

As an unrepentant boozer I couldn't let that one go without notice.

Posted 2 years ago #
c@lbob
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Well, I ventured into Endolyne Joe's earlier in the month, after a long hiatus -- the service and food had been underpar one toooo many times.

This time, all was well. I went with my son, at his request. We both stayed with pretty safe choices, Aaron had bacon and eggs, I had a burger, but both dishes were served quickly, and tasted good.

We could have gone to Zippy's and gotten better for less, but then I would have missed my glass of wine :^D

Overall, the meal raised my ardor for Joe's to lukewarm.

Posted 1 year ago #
mav0414
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another here, the foodservice industry is my business/career.
We have given up on E.Joes, just due to inconsistency/quality preparation of the food itself. Service varies each of the 5 times we have visited, ranging from poor to just good never great.
At least we have the Junction, Alki or downtown close to home.

Posted 1 year ago #
Kimberley
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I was there last night with friends from Montana, and although they were out of the chicken fried steak two people wanted, everyone agreed that the food was good. We had one of the new Cuban apps (some slider things) that were tasty, one person had the fish and chips and said it was awesome, I had the burger with a side of onion rings (that I couldn't finish), another had the domino chops which I was told were fantastic and someone had the cuban pete chicken that was mediocre (he said he's had better from there). I think they also had dessert. Other than the drinks being a tad overpriced, we've not often had complaints about the food there. We've always received brilliant service from any of the waiters.

Posted 1 year ago #