Very Poor Dining Experience.
DESCRIPTION: Service was atrocious,and the evening manager was helpful, but in a rude manner. As for the food, it was bland and didn't seem fresh. The kitchen staff kept dropping dishes. [Originally submitted 21 Jan 2003]
DATE: 2005-08-02
FOODRATING : 2
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 2

DESCRIPTION: Very different decor. Fast service and excellent food. Somewhat more expensive than the average restaurant in Louisville.
DATE: 2000-02-14
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Hot brown

fun and fabulous food
DESCRIPTION: Could have continued breakfast into lunch and maybe dinner with the hearty and sumptuous portions. Kid friendly atmosphere and plenty to keep one busy. It is a place that brings out the kid in all who visit there. A retro experience.
DATE: 2002-05-22
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : those fries are terrific

Drop everything, go there now!
DESCRIPTION: Feel good food with explosive flavors. Some of the most creative and wonderfully prepared food in the area. Beautiful presentation, no rush, good service... all this and reasonable prices too!
DATE: 2001-11-10
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Latke or quesadilla appys & any pasta dish!!!

DESCRIPTION: Food is great, would eat there anytime. Joel just has to have a little less attitude
DATE: 2002-04-16
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Anything

Love This Place!
DESCRIPTION: My friends and I go out to dinner about every other month and we frequently go to Joel's. We have never been disappointed. His food is wonderful and unique. His soups are unusual and delicious. And the desserts are to die for! Price are fair considering how wonderful the food is. On our most recent visit we noticed a new menu in addition to daily specials.
DATE: 2003-02-13
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Fettucini in Silly Sauce! Any soup

Why hasn't the Zagat group found this place yet?
DESCRIPTION: This place is one of the best Ridgewood has to offer. I can't understand why there aren't more reviews about this gem! Joel is masterful in the kitchen and in the dining room, too! Love it!
DATE: 2003-03-08
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry

Unreal!!!
DESCRIPTION: Outstanding food. Explosive flavors and healthy dishes. I never had a disappointing meal at Joel's. He keeps it interesting and alway's delicious.
DATE: 2003-10-02
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : All

Attitude!!?? Yeah, Right!
DESCRIPTION: Joel is one of the sweetest and most unpretentious people we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Having dined at his restaurant for more than two years, his mastery in the kitchen never fails to amaze. One night well after 11:00 having spent the day with parents who were very ill, Joel held the kitchen open and cooked an assortment of entrees for our family off the menu. On another occasion he came up with an off-the-menu Atkins chopped salad that featured steak and shrimp...to die for! Absloutely the best preparation of fish and seafood that I have ever seen locally. Grouper, sea bass, tilapia, snapper, salmon, on and on. Some attitude, huh?
DATE: 2003-11-27
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : All fish, seafood, quesadillas, any and all.

DESCRIPTION: The food here is consistently terrific, but an exceptional menu is just one important component of a great restaurant. Since this is a "service" industry, waitress service should be courteous and exceptional. The waitress on duty on our recent evening at Joel's was definitely a charm school dropout. Perhaps a few "lessons" in how to talk and "schmooze" the customers would be in order for her. therwise, our group had a delicious meal, but couldn't help noticing the "deMEANor" of our waitress.
DATE: 2003-12-28
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : anthing on the specials menu & any fish entree

Excellent food, So-so service
DESCRIPTION: My wife and I dine regularly at Joel's; we've been there twice in the last month alone with two different couples. Overall ambiance, quality of food, preparation and presentation are usually first class! Unfortunately, wait service is mediocre at best. Both waitresses and the hostess do nothing to make you feel welcome. They are not helpful when asked about specific dishes, and in no hurry to respond to small requests i.e. more water and fresh bread basket (which is terrific, by the way). They appear they would rather be somewhere else -- not a good attitude for folks in the service business.
DATE: 2003-12-31
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Hawaiian pork; scallop and shrimp dishes; fish

Great dinning experience
DESCRIPTION: My husband and I just moved to the area, and found a real gem. Joel's is innovative and fun. The food is delicious and creative. My husband enjoyed the Rigatoni Duxelle Jack. I don't know about the other reviews, but service was friendly and helpful!!!
DATE: 2004-04-01
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Rigatoni Duxelle Jack and Latka

Great Time for all
DESCRIPTION: Went to Joel's for a private party. Very nice service, Joel was an excellent host, waiter was also exceptional. The food was great.
DATE: 2004-04-24
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Check the Menu - There is something for everyone.

Bad Service.
DESCRIPTION: The food wasn't the problem with my visit. It was the service. I have never been treated so badly in a restaurant in my life. I get better service at the Waffle House than I did here. The waitresses/hostess/water refillers were rude and had an attitude. First off, my friend and I were not offered anything to drink or asked if we would like appetizers at all... no big deal I figured. Well, it took about 10 minutes with an empty water glass to get a refill of water while our original waitress twisted her hair and leaned on the counter in the back ignoring any of our gestures to get her attention. My dish came out minutes before the person's whom I was with without any sort of apology or explanation. The server just dumped it off and scooted on to resume her bored, unhappy routine behind the counter. Finally, after we both received our meals, we were not asked if everything was OK until we had been sitting there with the plates away from in front of us. Neither of us enjoyed the overpriced, overrated meals. When finally asked, we said that we were unhappy with the service. So the woman leaves and goes to the others who are standing around and gripes complete with gestures in my plain view as I watch her. Our original server comes back and gives us attitude explaing that because we thought that she "sucked" she won't charge us. When my friend explained that she had been there before without incident the woman threw an ever bigger fit. I find it difficult to separate my opinion of the food from the service but I think it's overrated as well. The shrimp in "light" clam broth was like salty sea soup with some noodles and shrimp and my friend's mushroom pasta tasted like condensed soup over pasta. Whoop-de-doo. If the possibility of being treated like dirt entices you, then by all means, stop by Joel's.
DATE: 2004-12-21
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 2
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 2

If you think Joel's is bad, then you shouldn't be going out.
DESCRIPTION: If you have a problem with Joel's then perhaps you should only eat at Applebee's or Bennigans, because its obvious you dont appreciate good food, service, or anything of that sorts. I've dined at Joel's since its inception in the mid nineties. He always offers a creative menu, warm upbeat and quirky environment, and the service has been nothing but wonderful. (I can only remember most of the same staff since Ive been dining there, two mid-thirties girls who are usually there and very on top of it and a thin overly animated boyish guy who is also great and will talk your ear off). Sounds hardly like what you portrayed the staff to be like. Point is, they're always great to us - so maybe the problem is in the diner. Plus, if they were so bad at service then Joel wouldn't keep them there that long. And, as for the food... the list of explosive flavors and wonderful meals we've experienced there is endless. The Sweet & Sour Chicken, Mahi Mahi. etc. are all great. Joel's is one of my favorite neighborhood restuarants and I personally get offended when people give faulty opinions.
DATE: 2005-02-04
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Latka, Mahi Mahi with Pecans, Godzilla's Chicken

Creative food, funky atmosphere
DESCRIPTION: Great place to eat. The food is unique, perfectly prepared and delicious. Skip dessert, but splurge on the appetizers and fresh, beautiful salads. Like a funky little places you'd discover in NYC, with the eclectic decor, cramped tables and wonderful, creative food. I've always found the service very friendly, warm and helpful, though they can get harried when the restaurant is full at peak times. No reservations, so if you have a big group, go early to avoid a long wait. But definitely go!
DATE: 2005-04-20
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Everything is great, but don't miss the latke app.

Joel's is a great place to eat!
DESCRIPTION: The food is to die for, and the employees are the best. We go at least once a month, if not more, since the day he opened. We bring everyone we know there and would tell anyone to go there. Keep up the great work!
DATE: 2006-03-09
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Everything and anything Joel cooks is excellent

My favorite restaurant in town
DESCRIPTION: Food: Outstanding. My wife and I have never had a bad meal here. When family comes to town, we take them here knowing we will get a great meal! We love the calamari appetizer with basil pesto sauce. The filet mignon is outstanding. I have never had anything overcooked here. I often order the fish and it is always a good piece and cooked to perfection. My wife and I go about 2-3 times a year and the waiter usually recognizes us and remembers what wine we like. Outdoor dining in good weather is fantastic.
DATE: 2004-12-05
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Filet Mignon, Salmon, Chocolate Meltdown.

New Restaurant in BitterRoot Valley
DESCRIPTION: I tried several dishes from lunch and dinner; always good flavor, beautiful presentation, fresh large portions and cooked as ordered. Menus and more information on web page. Very clean, 2 room (with fireplaces), restaurant with nice jazz playing in the background, an attractive old Victorian home turned into a comfortable "new California-Mediterranean" style restaurant.
DATE: 2001-05-24
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8

DESCRIPTION: A great independent, community-based restaurant; a subsidiary of Bloomingfoods Co-op (http://www.bloomingfoods.org/). I usually just go there for a bowl of soup and bread. The french bread is the best I've ever had, and the soups are usually great, original, creative, and healthy. Their deli is extensive, but I don't really eat sandwiches at all. Their main entrees are usually ok, not as good as their soups (I think). Everything tends to be pretty inexpensive, but their desserts and sometimes entrees can be a little more pricey. A lot of their dishes are cultural or original. You can also ask to sample some things, like the soups. The atmosphere is great. There are four-person booths for privacy and elevated open seating areas with tables neat the windows. Musicians often come in to play for both lunch and dinner. The staff is friendly. They also have a bar and a small imported foods product area.
DATE: 2004-03-23
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Soup and Bread (good and cheap, under $3)

Mellow atmosphere and great desserts
DESCRIPTION: Overall, I like the easy-going ambience that the Encore Cafe has. The sunday-brunch is great, the desserts are excellent, I've never had dinner here though...it just hasn't happened yet. The service is pretty good, and there is a bottomless cup of coffee for like $1.40. Great place to study too.
DATE: 2004-05-14
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Any dessert

Atmosphere Atmosphere
DESCRIPTION: Atmosphere is the first thing that one takes notice of at Encore Cafe because it is just so warm and inviting. I love to eat and study here because it is so laidback and carefree kind of like myself. My friends and I could spend all day there just socializing and relaxing.I was drawn to this place because I am not a big meat lover and Encore offers a variety of veggie dishes to fill my appeitite. But hey if you are a meat eater they have great sandwiches to fill your cravings. Everything you eat here is so fresh and healthy that it really works wonders for a college student who has a busy life but wants to eat right. If you want a change from greasy pizza and fried chicken and want to enter the world of healthy eating with great tasting food Encore is your place. And on top of all that the prices fit my college budget just great!
DATE: 2005-02-24
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Veggie Sandwich and Soup

love it love it love it
DESCRIPTION: Encore is the perfect spot for any graduate student in Bloomington. The food is tasty, the ambiance is mellow, and the staff is great. (I really don't work there!) It is a great place to study-- lots of places to plug in your computer, free wireless connection, and an endless cup of tea/coffee. A great find in Bloomington.
DATE: 2005-03-24
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Chocolate Chip Cookies

great option for vegetarian or mixed group
DESCRIPTION: lots of great vegetarian choices, and non-vegs also seem happy there. Good soups, sandwhiches, and baked goods as well as other hot foods and a salad bar, all cafetaria-style. Pleasant non-cafetaria-like atmosphere otherwise. Free wireless is a big plus. I agree with earlier reviewer, perfect for grad students.
DATE: 2005-12-08
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : most of their soups

Simply Wonderful
DESCRIPTION: I tried this restaurant this morning. I had the DIRTY DOCTOR and the BLT ROLLER. These are not your ordinary sandwiches. The roller was wrapped in a tomato and basil tortilla with lots of crisp lettuce and some tomato. The DIRTY DOCTOR, which I ordered on french bread, had baked turkey, roast beef, chedder cheese, avocado, horseradish cream and some BBQ sauce. The sandwiches are pressed with a panini grill making them super yummy. I also had a chance to sample six different side dishes, and I particularly liked the potato salad,macaroni salad, and the pickled veggies.
DATE: 2005-08-09
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : The DIRTY DOCTOR and the POTATO SALAD

Highly Recommended!
DESCRIPTION: Excellent cuisine, outstanding service, beautiful presentation, and a delightful combination of flavors. Everything sampled has been extremely fresh and served in quantities to satisfy any midwesterner. Ambiance is at it's best within the main dining room, as you move toward the mall the seating becomes less inviting.
DATE: 2003-02-27
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8

Excellent
DESCRIPTION: EVERYTHING was great.
DATE: 2003-08-27
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : everything

Great Meal
DESCRIPTION: We just got back from a great meal. The server was very friendly and helpful. Our overall experience was very enjoyable.
DATE: 2003-12-02
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Pasta Maria

Surprise.
DESCRIPTION: Recently attended a baby shower there and was impressed with the casual, but excellent food. Three types of pizza were served along with antipasto, and delicious cookies that one can't stop thinking about if you like sweets. This made me want to try a regular evening meal there which I did a couple weeks later. I had a salad special with goat cheese and walnuts and pears and my guest had pizza and salad. Both were really good!
DATE: 2004-11-04
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Red Pepper Pizza