Joe & The Juice

It's not hard to find a Joe and The Juice outlet in the city. Stopped here after a good run at the Embarcadero and loved the selection of juices and shakes. Their menu has an assorted selection to choose from. Shakes are super filling and named as 're-build', 'energy booster' etc. Tried the super yummy banana and strawberry one, it's a little pricey for $8 a glass though. Also tried the avocado sandwich, the bread is super crispy and they use fresh ingredients. This is not very filling by itself though but more like a snack. I love the ambiance of the outlet at Howard street in Financial district. Nicely done interiors and lighting with plenty of seating if you just like to laze or chill with friends.

There’s too many tables for the seating, and most of the seating/tables is configured for coffee/lounge making it impossible to eat anything without looking like a freak or wearing the meal. I ordered the “Club Sandwich” which is actually a faux, previously-toasted panini flatbread/cracker thing. The insides completely lacked seasoning and the chicken most definitely had to have been previously cooked, then frozen and barely defrosted before it was put on the sandwich. As a result, the chicken looks and feels gelatinous/under cooked and has zero flavor. The service is that of a skate shop. When I approached the counter to order and was right in front of the bro at the register he didn’t acknowledge me, instead looked right past me and was hollering at his broworker to return a pen. Finally, the music is too loud for the space/size. Seems like management forgot about this location and as a result it left a seriously piss-poor first impression.

Joe & the Juice is an international chain that serves fast-casual shakes and flatbread sandwiches. Although slightly overpriced (~$10 for a 16oz shake) the juices are made with quality ingredients and the end result is enjoyable. Flatbreads are made healthy and minimal. At this particular location, however, service is poor. They are often understaffed (typical to find only one employee working during dinner hours), and need service improvements such as labeling their sandwiches in during larger orders.

Juices are great. However, it takes FOREVER to get a juice here. Multiple times there's only one dude working and he can only take orders and make drinks, neither at the same time. Edit: turns out they only brew their coffee once a day. And they let it sit in the pit all day long. Not quality coffee.

I'm never happy to give any location one star, but this one is warranted. The barista spent about ten minutes cleaning various equipment and actively avoided making eye contact with me. Ultimately the line grew longer and we were all waiting for a simple "I'll be right with you", but instead we just stood there confused as he continued to do his thing. A number of customers (including myself) ended up leaving because we just couldn't get his attention. This was unfortunate because I'm a big fan of the chain otherwise. 7/29/19 EDIT: Updated to 3 stars given the owner's proactive responsiveness on the issue

I tried iced latte and it was great. Better than starbucks. I was there for lunch and there was only one person taking orders on a paper in batch and then preparing them before taking new orders. This was surprising...how one person managing whole restaurant. Their avacado sandwitch taste good however it is wafer thin and may not be enough for lunch :).