Pancakes at JJ’s: Photo by Mark Davis
In the three years since its inception, JJ’s Café has quietly developed into an exemplary breakfast and brunch destination. Advocate readers agree — you voted it the best in the neighborhood. Owner Jose Ramirez says his success is the result of “very hard work and attention to service” as well as vast contributions from his wife, Josefina Orozco, who works tirelessly behind the scenes. “She’s looking over everything,” Jose says. Jose is there each shift, chatting with diners, overseeing the front of the house. Based on what he sees, he says, huevos rancheros is the most popular item on his menu, followed closely by the crepes. Nutella or banana nut crepes are favorites, he notes.
Crepes at JJ’s: Photo by Mark Davis
Pancakes come in a variety of forms — Hawaiian with macadamia nuts and pineapple, pumpkin or blueberry, to name a few. JJ’s also serves lunch — sandwiches, salads, burgers and even pork chops and steak — as well as dinner on Friday nights only. Before Jose and Josefina bought the restaurant, the space housed an adequate if unexciting diner called Divine Coffee Shop. Jose changed the name, improved the menu and, bit by bit, updated the interior. Just recently he replaced all the tables and chairs with some that are newer and more comfortable, he says. JJ’s narrowly edged out neighborhood breakfast/sticky bun mecca Crossroads Diner for the Best Of win.
10233 E. Northwest Highway
214.221.4659
jjscafe.net
Runner up: Crossroads Diner
Third place: Another Broken Egg
