Medicine Hat Media

Original Joe’s Restaurant Review

In the past week I have been to Original Joe’s twice. Each time was with a different group of people, but even if it was not, the food and service is so good that it would warrant going twice in a week anyway.

A couple months ago, Original Joe’s moved into the building where the East Side Mario’s restaurant had previously been. Since then it has been completely revamped. The walls have been torn down and everything is now wide open. Seating is comfortable and the lighting is dim, creating a more comfortable and personal atmosphere. The service is probably the best I have ever had in town, and the food is wonderful. It looks although Original Joe’s will prosper far better than East Side Mario’s did.

Each time I have been there, the servers were coming by regularly to see how things were and check up on drink levels. A couple times they even brought drink refills to our party before they were completely empty, which showed good attentiveness to their customers.

The food each time has been fantastic, and the best thing is you get 2 sides with most of the meal choices without having to pay extra (in comparison to other restaurants that only offer 1). Even while dining there during an Olympic hockey game that Canada was playing in, the food was prepared and served quicker than I thought it would have been.

When you are finished your meal, instead of lining up at the cash register to pay for your food, the server will bring a debit machine to your table. This allows your server to see you through your entire dining experience instead of leaving you to lining up and waiting for someone else to proceed with the meal payment.

The only possible quarrel I have is that since everything is entirely wide open, it can be very loud, especially if it is hockey night or a band is playing. Another downside is that you must be 18 years or older to enter, so minors unfortunately cannot experience the awesome food.

Original Joe’s definitely gets two thumbs up.

http://www.originaljoes.ca/

User Comments

8 Responses to “Original Joe’s Restaurant Review”

  1. February 24th, 2010 at 12:44 PM


    Vaughn says:

    I can say that their burgers are really good as well. The first time I went I got their original burger which was really tasty (but I suggest adding cheese for more flavour). The last time I went, I got the Sicilian (the biggest burger which includes a split sausage on the burger!) and it seemed a bit too much… like too much meat together. Next time, I am going to try something more in the middle of the two… I think there’s around five signature burgers (and 3 chicken burgers).

    Also, another great point is that they have Guinness on tap! Not to mention tons of other beers, combination of beers, and even their own set of house beers (haven’t tried them yet).

  2. February 24th, 2010 at 1:53 PM


    Brian says:

    Guinness on tap! Excellent, I’m there. The one in Kensington in Calgary was really good so I’ll definitely be checking this place out some time soon. Good review

  3. February 24th, 2010 at 10:24 PM


    Mike says:

    Their selection of Draught is as good or better than even Captain’s Cabin. I can’t think of any place in the ‘Hat’ that can compete with Original joe’s taps. Dublin’s?

  4. February 24th, 2010 at 10:39 PM


    mhatRD says:

    Well I am glad someone has had good service there. I have been 3 times and each time the service was terrible. At first the place was packed so we realize the server was busy, but then the place cleared out and I think she went with them! We didn’t see her again for a long time. The table not too far from us actually had to go and find her to give their order (after waiting nearly 20 mins with the menus).
    Food was alright, but very generic and much the same as the other chain restaurants in the Hat — Earls, Moxie’s, Kelsey’s, Montana’s… I think I even ordered the same thing I get at Moxie’s.
    But, I do like the atmosphere, it’s laid back and comfortable. I just hope service is better next time 🙂

  5. February 25th, 2010 at 5:55 PM


    Justin says:

    I thought it was over priced for a lunch option. I was told the double dog was heavenly so I ordered that and wasn’t impressed at all. Maybe my expectations were too high. Service was comparable to the other restaurants in town. Not bad, not great. Average. I will say the atmosphere was nice, a little busy and loud but comfortable.

    I’ll probably eat there again but I have no desire to make it a point of going.

  6. February 26th, 2010 at 3:15 PM


    Dusty says:

    I ordered a wrap which made me want to vomit because of the combination of ingredients, but I’m certain that I would love other things on the menu. The two sides is great, I love the variety, and they each seem like full sides to themselves.

    I was kind of uncomfortable with the atmosphere because it was so open and maybe the seating is closer together. I’m certain anything I say to the person across from me would be easily heard by strangers left or right. Just a personal preference I like booths and privacy.

  7. March 6th, 2010 at 7:48 PM


    Julie says:

    I liked the atmosphere. The burger was good but not great. 5 Guy’s burger is 5 times better.

  8. March 22nd, 2011 at 11:23 AM


    kathy says:

    ive been there 2x and on both occasions, the service was terrible,on the first visit we have to wait 10 minutes before a server had come to our table and ask us for adrink, and after 5 minutes she came back asking me what was in my drink coz their bartender have no idea how to mix bahama mama.after getting the drink she took the order, i ordered an appetizer first, and of course food came out with our appetizer after 30 minutes of waiting, and did i tell you no cutlery, i have to stand and ask the bartender for it. The second visit for another chance was worst coz its not like the area was busy, they only had 3 tables when we walk in, of course we waited @ the table 10 minutes before the bartender came up and ask us if we have been helped and i said no, he took our drink order and after getting a drink, nobody came to our table, our drink hit the bottom, no food, we decided to leave, we didnt even get our bill, i just left enough money in the table to cover the drinks, that was terrible.I will never go back to that place again, food and service none.

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