Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Brother Joe – Seattle
Brother Joe - Seattle
Photo from Brother Joe
Brother Joe at a glance
Seattle Van Asselt
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 82 of the guests
#330 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#33 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
524
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality food
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Service issues
- Tight seating
The cafe Brother Joe in Seattle’s Van Asselt neighborhood offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll find a trendy yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Known for its great coffee and extensive tea selection, this casual spot provides healthy and vegetarian options for every palate. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, brunch, or lunch, you’ll appreciate the thoughtful offerings and comfortable setting.
Overview: Introducting Brother Joe
Brother Joe offers a delightful experience with its appealing ambience and well-regarded culinary offerings. Many appreciate the creative food and the overall welcoming feel, making it a pleasant spot for a meal or a coffee break.
The distinct character of the place often leaves a positive impression on visitors. However, some experiences at Brother Joe suggest inconsistencies in how guests are looked after, with occasional remarks about the service falling short.
Additionally, the limited seating can be a practical concern for those looking to settle in comfortably.
Good
7.8
out of 10
524
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
82
negative
28
neutral
414
positive
Brother Joe generally earns a solid reputation, reflected in its overall score of 7.8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 79%. These figures are drawn from 524 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 414 positive comments outweighing the 82 negative ones.
This indicates a largely positive experience for most patrons. Diving deeper, the Food (8.2) stands out as a particular strength, frequently praised for its quality.
Value (8.1) also scores highly, suggesting guests feel they get their money’s worth. The Ambience (7.6) contributes positively to the experience, though Service (6.7) appears to be a more mixed bag, indicating areas for potential refinement.
What people like
- Delicious food
- Great value
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Limited seating
- No WiFi access
Brother Joe presents a compelling option, especially if you prioritize excellent food and good value. With a strong recommendation score of 8.1, it’s certainly worth considering for its culinary offerings and inviting atmosphere, making it a solid choice for many.
However, be mindful that service can be a bit hit-or-miss, and seating might be limited. If you’re looking for a quick, tasty bite in a pleasant setting and don’t mind potential service quirks or a cozy space, Brother Joe could be a great fit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Brother Joe
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre looking at a pretty solid experience! With a strong score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at 84.7%, its clear many folks are enjoying their meals. Out of 314 total remarks, a whopping 266 were positive, praising everything from the unique Egg Coffee and decadent food to the amazing pastrami sandwich and flavorful chilaquile bowls.
Many also loved the delicious coffee and scratch-made items. However, not every bite was perfect, with 34 negative remarks noted. Some found certain sandwiches tasteless or described food as a soggy unseasoned flavor void.
There were also mentions of frozen chicken and rice in a Buddha bowl, watered-down hot chocolate, and a lobster roll being a tad heavy on mayo and celery. It seems consistency can be an issue for a few items.
Food
314
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
34
negative
14
neutral
266
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Decadent, delicious food
- Unique flavor combinations
- Amazing sandwiches
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Tasteless items
- Frozen ingredients
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a beautiful spot with amazing food and unique drink options. The service was friendly, and the vibe was very laid back and calm, complemented by gorgeous velvet furniture.
- coffeeThey sell Herkimer coffee which ranges from $15 - $17 for 12 ounces and lots of other fun drinks and coffee gadgets. The ambiance was comfortable, service was great, and food and coffee was amazing. Will be back again soon!
- FoodFood:5
- breakfastIt was so much better than that. Absolute 🔥 for breakfast, exceeding all expectations.
- breakfast sandwicha breakfast sandwich & tip, I managed to cough up
- BLATmake a stop for the BLAT
- breakfast sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great place to eat breakfast sandwiches and an incredible place to have coffee. The coffee shop, situated in the middle of nowhere, boasts beautiful aesthetics.
- drinksI stumbled into this place when I was looking for a quiet spot to get some work done. I was extremely impressed by the nice ambience, quality customer service, and delicious drinks. I will definitely be back.
- grilled cheeseEverything I've tried here is SOOOO good. Details like Nduja aioli on the italiano, or Beechers and bechamel in the grilled cheese, take a simple sandwich over the top. The cafe is very small and there isn't much seating so, takeout is your best bet.
- Holy Mole MochaThe coffee shop, situated in the middle of nowhere, boasts beautiful aesthetics. I enjoyed a latte, the Holy Mole Mocha, and a Brojoe croissant.
Frequently criticized
- BLATthe breakfast croissant was so sloppily made
- Buddha bowlchicken and rice in my bowl were frozen, with the rice unpleasantly crunchy.
- aioliIt was drenched with aioli and basically inedible
- avocado spotsthe avocado had spots on it
- bacon jamThe cheese, the bread, even the bacon jam, it was just completely flavorless
- baked goodsmediocre baked goods
- breadThe cheese, the bread, even the bacon jam, it was just completely flavorless
- brojoe croissantbrojoe croissant and it was drenched in oil
- cheeseThe cheese, the bread, even the bacon jam, it was just completely flavorless
- chicken and ricechicken and rice in my bowl were frozen
If youre looking for a spot with generally good food and unique coffee options, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few items might miss the mark, the overall positive feedback suggests youll likely find something delicious to enjoy.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests have had some truly lovely experiences! With 56 positive remarks out of 92 total, terms like friendly staff, great service, and bubbly staff frequently pop up. The overall score for service sits at a respectable 6.7, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons.
However, its not all sunshine, as 28 negative remarks point to some areas needing attention. While customer satisfaction is a mixed 60.9%, some have encountered rude service, poor service, or issues with wait time and certain employees. ' It seems consistency can be a challenge here.
Service
92
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
28
negative
8
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, bubbly staff
- Great customer service
- Attentive employees
What people don't like
- Rude service encountered
- Poor customer service
- Long wait times
Often praised
- serviceI honestly couldn't find one reason to go less than 5 stars! The host was friendly and the service was prompt, even for walking in the door at opening time. This BLAT is on point; you can taste the fresh ingredients with every bite!
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a cozy place with great staff. The menu is extensive and features delicious food and tasty coffee.
- ServiceI highly recommend this shop AND the Caesar Chicken Wrap (although I don't think you can go wrong with anything). Service was also great!
- baristabarista was supppperrr chill and friendly making everyone feel at home
- customer serviceI stumbled into this place when I was looking for a quiet spot to get some work done. I was extremely impressed by the nice ambience, quality customer service, and delicious drinks. I will definitely be back.
- ChelseaChelsea who is constantly inundated and still manages to keep things together
- baristasThe baristas really know their stuff.
- bartenderThe bartender was charismatic and clearly passionate
- bubbly staffgreeted by bubbly staff
- employeesthe employees are so patient and sweet!
Frequently criticized
- servicecool kids at the front should worry a little more about service
- baristaImmediately upon entering, the barista informed me that half the menu was unavailable. The tables were dirty while the barista just sat and surfed her phone. There was also no WiFi.
- Google updateno update on Google
- TOGO boxesinsistence on using TOGO boxes for everything is a massive turn-off
- customer serviceThe customer service is poor
- delivery orderMy experience was negative due to the poor service. If there’s an issue with a delivery order, the owner gives you the run-around and refuses to answer the phone, even when they are open. I would not recommend giving them your business.
- employeeThe employee ignored the fact that I cane in... no greeting
- employeesemployees working the front were very rude
- family tripDragged my family from Fall City
- food ready before drinksfood was also ready long before my drinks
If youre looking for a place with potentially great service and friendly faces, its worth a try, but be prepared that experiences can vary. While many enjoy the staff, there's a chance you might encounter some inconsistencies, especially during busy times.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.6 and leaving customers feeling good with a 78.4% satisfaction rate. Based on 111 total opinions, with 87 positive remarks, guests frequently rave about the unique atmosphere and vibe. Many appreciate the cozy place and the charm of the integrated cute gifts or little shop, making it feel like a hidden gem with beautiful interiors and a relaxed setting.
However, not everyone is entirely smitten, with 20 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some found the seating to be limited, with concerns about tables being dirty or too few. The lack of reliable WiFi was a drawback for some, and a few felt that too much retail space impacted the overall dining comfort.
Ambience
111
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
20
negative
4
neutral
87
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique, cozy atmosphere
- Integrated gift shop
- Relaxed, welcoming vibe
What people don't like
- Limited seating options
- No reliable WiFi
- Retail space impact
Often praised
- atmosphereWhat a cool spot for breakfast in Georgetown! It’s like an eclectic knickknack shop mated with an exceptional coffee house and had a beautiful restaurant as a child. The chile verde burrito was absolutely fantastic—actually one of the best burritos I’ve had outside of California.
- vibeThe vibe was relaxed and welcoming
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- placeThe place is clean and comfortable
- storeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the beautiful store and the great collection of goods. The food is delicious, and I found myself coming back as soon as I was in the neighborhood again.
- ambianceI absolutely loved the ambiance
- giftsthey have a wide array of gifts available
- musicmusic was great (90s/00s hiphop)
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- shopI also enjoyed the delicious food. It's a true gem, and I highly recommend stopping in to check out this perfect little shop. 😍
Frequently criticized
- seatingDetails like Nduja aioli on the italiano, or Beechers and bechamel in the grilled cheese, take a simple sandwich over the top. The cafe is very small and there isn't much seating so, takeout is your best bet. Order for pick up, then go have a picnic.
- WiFithere was also no WiFi
- parkingI found it to be great value for the money. While parking was a bit tight, it was a minor inconvenience. I was so eager to eat that I finished everything before I could take pictures, but thankfully, others are posting them.
- atmosphereThey didn't offer any chowder, and I left without ordering. I later spoke with friends from the Georgetown neighborhood, and two of them shared similar experiences of rude service and an unwelcoming atmosphere.
- cleanlinessit was a bit grimy
- comfy couchesThere were no comfy couches to sit in.
- disposablesPoints docked for disposables
- floor space2/3 of the floor space has been converted to retail space.
- radio stations2 radio stations playing at the same volume
- retail spacetepid effort on retail space
If youre looking for a spot with a unique, cozy vibe and dont mind potentially limited seating or a lack of WiFi, this place is definitely worth checking out. It's perfect for a casual visit where the atmosphere and integrated shop are part of the charm.
Value (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 6% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this place really shines! With a solid score of 8.1, guests are finding great value. A fantastic 71.4% of customers are satisfied, often raving about the prices being all very reasonably priced and worth the 20$ price, especially for locally fresh prices.
Out of 7 comments, 5 highlighted positive aspects of prices and value. Interestingly, despite 7 overall comments, there isnt a single negative mention or opinion regarding the value here. This suggests that customers consistently feel they are getting a fair deal, with no one expressing concerns about the cost or feeling that the prices were too high.
Value
7
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the price
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceall very reasonably priced
- locally fresh pricespaying those locally fresh prices
- pricesthe prices
- value for moneyGreat value for the money
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a spot where your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds, this is definitely worth checking out. Customers consistently praise the reasonable prices and excellent value, so you can expect a satisfying experience without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at Brother Joe?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 82 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
The good news is, most folks find themselves right in this $11–$20 range, showing a clear sweet spot for what people usually spend.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 82 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering it’s a Cafe, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair. It offers a good balance for a casual meal or coffee break.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Brother Joe
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Perfect Breakfast Sandwich Experience
I stopped by late Saturday morning and had one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve had in a while. The combination of avocado, egg, and salmon came together perfectly, tasting fresh, balanced, and really well executed. Nothing felt heavy; it was all about clean flavors done right.
The vibe was relaxed and welcoming, exactly what you want for a weekend morning. The service was friendly and easygoing, which made the whole experience even better. It's a great spot to slow down, enjoy good food, and start the day right.
I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.
- avocado, egg, and salmon10
- breakfast sandwiches9
- clean flavors9
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Impressive Ambiance, Service, and Drinks!
I stumbled into this place when I was looking for a quiet spot to get some work done. I was extremely impressed by the nice ambience, quality customer service, and delicious drinks. I will definitely be back.
- ambience9
- customer service9
- drinks9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Warm Hug in a Meal!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I tried the grilled cheese & soup and the chilaquile bowl, and both were absolutely amazing. The food was incredibly savory and impressively stayed hot throughout our meal.
We left feeling like we had received a warm hug! Yum!
- grilled cheese & soup10
- chilaquile bowl10
- food9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Coffee, Needs a Clean
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere was nice, and the coffee was great. However, the cleanliness was an issue; the place felt a bit grimy.
I ordered the holy mole mocha and avocado tartine with lox. While the coffee was excellent, the tartine was just alright, with some parts cold and others warm, and the avocado had spots. I would expect better quality for the price.
After the owner's response, I've increased my rating to 4/5. I appreciate the understanding that it's an old building and dust is hard to manage, but I'd suggest wiping down tables and chairs between customers or every few hours. It seemed like there were enough employees working to manage this.
Thank you for your response; I would definitely come back to support the business.
- atmosphere8
- coffee9
- holy mole mocha9
- cleanliness3
- tartine temperature3
- avocado spots4
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Vibe, Must Visit!
This place is amazing. The vibe cannot be explained; you just have to come inside. The reviewer rated the service, atmosphere, and food a perfect 5 out of 5.
The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- vibe10
- service10
- atmosphere10
What Brother Joe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Trendy
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trending
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at Brother Joe?
At Brother Joe, you’ll discover a trendy, cozy, and casual atmosphere perfect for any time of day. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, or lunch with table service and comfortable seating, or opt for a quick bite. They also offer catering services for your events.
Does Brother Joe cater to specific dietary needs and offer convenient services?
Yes, Brother Joe provides healthy and vegetarian options to suit various preferences. For your convenience, they offer delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in services, along with free street parking. Dogs are also allowed outside.
How does Brother Joe rate overall, and what are its key strengths?
Brother Joe holds a solid overall score of 7.8. Its strongest points are consistently praised Food (8.2) and excellent Value (8.1), followed by a pleasant Ambience (7.6). Service (6.7) is an area with room for improvement.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Brother Joe?
Customers often describe Brother Joe as having a cool, relaxed, and welcoming vibe. It’s noted for being clean and comfortable, with a unique aesthetic that includes a collection of goods and gifts, and often features great music.
Are there any common issues or drawbacks at Brother Joe?
Some patrons have experienced inconsistent service, with occasional reports of staff being less attentive. Additionally, seating can be quite limited, and the absence of WiFi has been mentioned as a minor inconvenience for some.