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Joan's on Third
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Joan's on Third
8.0
Vibes:
Pet Friendly Paradise
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Joan’s on Third is a bustling marketplace-cafe where the sidewalk patio is just as busy with dogs as it is with people. Sandwiches, salads, and a long pastry case make it a go-to for casual lunches and daytime hangs with your pup in the heart of Beverly Grove.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chinese chicken salad, Short rib sandwich, Grilled cheese with tomato soup
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A lively market-style cafe where the sidewalk tables are reliably packed with locals and their dogs.
Who should go: Daytime diners craving classic salads and sandwiches with patio seating
When to visit: Late mornings and early afternoons before the patio is packed
What to order: Chinese chicken salad, short rib sandwich, grilled cheese with tomato soup
Insider tip: Order at the counter first, then grab a street-facing patio table to keep your dog comfortably at your side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 3rd Street and surrounding residential blocks; meters turn over quickly but can be competitive during peak brunch/lunch hours. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and daytime-friendly—athleisure, jeans, and light layers are all common.
Noise level: Moderate—busy counter service and sidewalk traffic create a steady buzz, but you can still hold a conversation outdoors.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—Joan’s closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes for ordering during peak hours; patio seating may require a brief wait depending on turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Many options, including salads, egg dishes, and several sandwiches that can be customized.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—some salads and sides can be modified; check ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Several salads and a few proteins work well; sandwiches can sometimes be adapted by removing bread, but there is no dedicated gluten-free baking area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It's better for casual daytime meets than romantic first dates—think coffee, pastries, or a quick lunch with relaxed patio vibes but not much privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's fully walk-in. Order first at the counter, then circle the patio for an open street-facing table; turnover is fairly quick even at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for daytime meals—families stop by often for sandwiches and baked goods. Seating is tight, so strollers fit best at outdoor tables.
Best For
Better for: Fast, casual lunches with quality salads and sandwiches where you can keep your dog beside you; perfect for quick daytime meetups.
Skip if: You want a lingering, quiet meal or full-service dining—this is a busy, counter-service cafe with constant foot traffic.
Joan's on Third
8.3
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Part café, part gourmet marketplace, Joan’s has been a Third Street staple since the mid-1990s, known for big salads, sandwiches, and an ever-tempting bakery counter. Constant crowds prove its staying power as an all-day stop for locals and shoppers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chinese Chicken Salad, Short Rib Sandwich, Chocolate Coconut Cupcake
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A family-run café and marketplace that helped define Beverly Grove’s casual daytime dining scene with its salads, sandwiches, and pastry cases.
Who should go: Daytime diners, shoppers, and families needing casual, reliable food.
When to visit: Late weekday mornings to dodge peak lunch lines.
What to order: Chinese chicken salad, short rib sandwich, a cupcake.
Insider tip: Order at the counter, grab a sidewalk table, and people-watch—locals treat it as their unofficial neighborhood living room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Third Street and nearby residential blocks is the main option; expect it to be tight during peak brunch and lunch hours. Metered spots turn over regularly but require patience. No valet on-site.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—athleisure, jeans, and daytime wear are all standard. It’s a café-market hybrid, so no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate. Indoors can get lively during lunch rush, but you can still carry on a conversation. Sidewalk seating is slightly quieter.
Weekend wait: They close early and aren’t a dinner destination, so no real wait—just arrive before the kitchen shuts.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes to order during peak hours; seating may require hovering but usually turns over quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—plenty of salads, veggie sandwiches, sides, and pastries that fit a vegetarian diet.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—simple salads and a few market items work, though most signature dishes contain dairy or chicken.
Gluten-free options: Decent choices—many salads are naturally gluten-free, and staff are familiar with substitutions, but cross-contamination is possible in the bakery-heavy environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual daytime date. It’s bright, bustling, and low-pressure—ideal if you want something friendly rather than intimate. Not great if you’re seeking quiet ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—everything is counter service, and seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive slightly before peak meal times if you want your pick of tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Families frequent it for its generous seating, casual setup, and bakery treats. Best for kids 3+ who can handle a bustling environment; no formal kids’ menu, but plenty of simple options.
Best For
Better for: Casual brunch, take-away sandwiches, and people-watching in Beverly Grove—few spots match its combination of marketplace browsing and reliable daytime food.
Skip if: You want a quiet, reservation-driven meal, extensive vegan options, or a sit-down dinner service—look elsewhere for those needs.