Since my last review in 2008 I've continued to eat there. What used to be monthly fell to every few months, to the point where... I won't be back anytime soon. My last time in, a few weeks ago, was my last for a while. They've re-done the place and its very nice, but the quality of the meat has dropped a lot. Its just not as good. Not as much flavor, more fatty. The pasta salad also is now bland. It used to have a good flavor. I've stopped using the Au jus, its just salty and bitter. It used to be a great compliment. i'd gladly trade the upgraded restaurant for the old one, if we could have the food quality back. read more

The best just does not do it. The word has to be "unsurpassed", I think that will do it. Joe's is unsurpassed in it's hot plate food. You can't find a better place in Fairfield to get a hot sandwich. Everything that Joe's offers is hot!, wet!, messy!, and damn unsurpassed. everyone in town goes there, and I mean everyone. Joe himself makes every sandwich. Ask him whats good today and you will get the truth. You must have any sandwich as long as you get the MPs with gravy. Every St. Paddy's day starts or ends at Joe's for the corned beef cabbage. Try it, its unsurpassed! read more

This place is amazing!!! A friend told me about this place while we were out of town on a job and I am so thankful we went. The food was amazing! And the customer service was just as great. They are so friendly there! I had the roast beef sandwich with the bbq sauce which is soooooo good. I also had some macaroni and cheese which in my opinion is some of the best I've ever had. Check out Joes Buffet. You won't regret it! read more

Uncle Joe just happened to give my rug-rat an extra serving of meat. She knows a good tasty hunk of meat with her picky pallet. Thanks Joe! Clearly you're a winner of all things roast beef and as jus! Always come backing for more...why wouldn't we... read more

Joe's Buffet - Feasting on mash and gravy w/ complimentary protein! Thanks Uncle Joe! - Sandwiches Near Me - Fairfield, California

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Joe's has been my go to for the most tasty French Dip and green salad for over 20 years!

I love Joe's Buffet so let me explain why I gave it 3 stars. I hadn't been there since Covid so I needed my Joe's fix. I used to go every week when I worked downtown so I got to be a familiar face with Joe himself...which is a privilege to me. He is one of the warmest and friendliest people I ever met. Finally, my sister and I went yesterday. I ordered the roast beef sandwich with a side of bbq sauce, and two other sides...the potato salad and the garden salad. When I got home I couldn't wait to tear into this meal. I unrolled the paper on my sandwich dipped it into the bbq sauce took the biggest bite I could and I was SO disappointed! The roast beef was so bland and the pan sauce was missing. How could someone take a big beautiful roast beef and shove it into the oven without adding all that LOVE to it? There was absolutely zero seasoning...which is an INSULT to any piece of meat. The only upside was that the roast beef was very tender. Joe would be very disappointed if he knew how you guys treated one of his prized possessions. Please please get it right next time around so that I can give Joe's the 5 stars it deserves. I would like to introduce other people that I know to Joe's and I don't them to think badly of this place that is truly an ICON!!! read more

Drop by here, and get the joe's special. it's a pastrami / roast beef sandwich with French dip. You get to watch as the guy slices the meat, grabs a handful, dunks it back its in own juices before he puts it in your sandwich....*drool*. Joe's is definitely a great lunchtime stop with that perfect portion size for those that want to go back to the second half of the work day haul in a massive food coma. read more

Love this place. Best place to get sandwiches hands down in northern California. If you haven't been here you haven't lived. read more

Joe's Buffet - Roast beef, macaroni salad, dipping sauce... this is life right here. - Sandwiches Near Me - Fairfield, California

We have just recently moved to the area and looking for a local place to try and we weren't disappointed at all. From the moment we walked in we were greeted by an extremely nice and helpful lady. My husband and I shared the Joes Special it was delicious and HUGE, so thank goodness we decided to share. Would definitely recommend this place and will be back again. read more

This place is one of the best in town.. I love there roast beef and there dip is sooo yummy.. all meats for the sandwiches are made there.. nice family that owns it... Decent prices... Come and check it out read more

Joe's Buffet - Yummy - Sandwiches Near Me - Fairfield, California

A word of advice to the staff at Joes...when a customer walks in to your establishment someone should greet them. Or at the very least look up to acknowledge their presence. If a customer steps up and looks at the menu ask if they can be helped or try suggesting something. If a customer asks if they can get something added to their sandwich, don't just say no to them and then blankly stare at them. Try suggesting a special sauce or something else that they might like to try on their sandwich. These are things that keep potential customers from wanting to order in your shop. So no I will not be back to order any sandwiches from Joes not that they smelled all that great to begin with. read more

A sandwich shop, not a buffet, but you leave feeling like you just gorged yourself at one.... Meat, meat and then... more meat. Check! Au jus. Check! Long lines, efficient ordering system. Check! Ridiculously friendly staff. Check! Plenty of seating. Check! Free refills at the soda fountain. Check! I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the meat options. The pastrami/corned beef combo was great! However, GET THE AU JUS and SKIP THE MUSTARD!! I usually like mustard in my sando, but it's really overpowering when going against au jus. I ended up scraping it off, but what trace amounts were left still prevented full enjoyment. All that needs to be done to reach 5-star power is ditching the bagged bread and teaming up with a local bakery for some of the fresh, fluffy kind. That would be truly magical, Joe! read more

Joe's is NOT all that it's hyped up to be. I mean, the food isn't totally gross or anything, but it's just a cafeteria-style place downtown. The only reason it is so popular is because it gives a student discount, and is right down the street from Armijo High School. People have great memories here, but if you haven't frequently ditched class to go to Joe's, then it probably won't apply to you. read more

About 8 years ago, my then-boyfriend/now-husband dragged me here, boasting that it was the best sandwich place in town. He grew up in Fairfield and apparently came here all the time throughout high school. Not sure how often he ACTUALLY ate here though, since he told me that he used to hoard his lunch money and starve himself every week so he could afford Limp Bizkit CDs. Meanwhile, in a town about 80 miles away, I was shoving Otis Spunkmeyer cookies in my face and wondering why no one liked me. Back to Joe's. First impressions? Atmosphere was cafeteria-like, but it was charming. He got us two roast beef sandwiches. I was not impressed. I don't really remember why. I think there was just too much meat and I wasn't really blown away by the flavor. Not sure what I was thinking. We continued to date and I kept avoiding his puppy dog-like begging to bring me here again. Finally, a few years ago, I gave it another chance. IT. WAS. OUTSTANDING. I got the roast beef again, but this time it was a french dip so it was nice and flavorful and soggy (YUM). I got it on the dutch crunch roll, just the bread, meat, and lettuce. So, so tasty. I didn't realize there is a large or small option, so the first few times I ordered it, they automatically gave me the large one and I would always have to pull out some of the meat because it was so huge. Now, I've found the smaller size is the way to go. I don't find any of the sides too appealing just by the looks of them (but I'm very wary of deli side dishes, I have a sensitive stomach). But my husband LOVES the beef pasta. A huge downside is their hours. I understand they get a lot of lunch business with the downtown crowd on weekdays, but I work in SF so I really wish they were open for dinner. Since they aren't open on Sundays, we can only ever make it out on Saturday afternoons. read more

Oh man! It took my boyfriend months to convince me to eat here, and now that I have..I regret not eating here sooner! The roast beef sandwich/french dip was to die for! Make sure to get it with provolone cheese! read more

First impressions go a long way, and my first impression for Joe's Buffet has led me to make a review, whereas most places I wait because it wasn't as good as I want it to be or I want to get the same experience most Yelpers get there. The sandwich is huge! For $6.50, I was able to get a decent size sandwich that would be good enough to eat the entire day. The roast beef is cut on the spot, so we know it's fresh. The sauce complements the sandwich in a very positive way, and the mayo and other stuff inside makes it worth more than paid for. I'm happy just eating this day in and day out, and wish I was living in Fairfield again so I may enjoy these sandwiches more often (and see more clouds, trees, water, San Francisco, family... other stuff that is in par with this sandwich!). It's a friendly, positive staff working there, people I wouldn't mind seeing more often. I have no gripes with service at all, and wish I stayed there to eat rather than go, because it seems like a pleasant place to hang out. I'll give it 4 stars for now only because it's only one time I've been here, but if I come more often, an easy 5 is a given. I appreciate their business, and would definitely recommend a friend trying this place out. read more

I can't believe I haven't tried this place until today. The staff was very friendly and she knew it was first time and she let me sample anything I wanted. I got the roast beef with French bread and instead having 1 small sides I asked if I could split the small sides in 2 so I can get cole slaw and macaroni salad. And it was very good and a great deal. Everything tasted great. And it got me full, but I was satisfied AF. GREAT PLACE, MUST GO! read more

Joe's Buffet - Roast beef sandwich and 2 half sides instead 1 small side - Sandwiches Near Me - Fairfield, California

I came here with my cousins for lunch after a morning at the Jelly Belly factory. My went here after a recommendation from my brother about the French Dip Sandwich. So I ordered the French Dip with the potato salad. The place looks a little rundown with greasy floors, dirty, and very low lit, but it's always about the food first. I thought the French Dip was good but messy and the pepper jack cheese didn't complement very well which is my fault. The potato salad was decent but it felt like store bought potato salad that had been whipped up to give a more mashed potato texture. The service was good because you can see all the food being prepared and they were quick with the preparation and transaction. The value is great because you get a lot of food with good quality for little money. It's definitely a place I'll come back for if I'm in the area. Scoring Breakdown: Ambiance - 10%, Food - 50%, Service - 20%, Value - 20% My score is as follows: Ambiance: 3.25 stars Food: 3.5 stars Service: 4.0 stars Value: 4.25 stars Overall: 3.73 stars = 4 stars read more

Joe's Buffet is that great hole in the wall find. Great portions, decent prices and always consistent great taste. I've been going here since the high school days at Armijo (when we had off-campus lunch). It's always a favorite and recommend it to all my friends. I always get the french dip with roast beef. The husband like roast beef and pastrami. Potato salad and green beans is a must. The only challenge you might find is parking on the street. Check in the back. I can usually find a spot right behind Joe's and walk in through the back. read more

French Dip. Get the "Magic Dust" Mashed potatoes. Vegetable soup. You'll be back. It's fantastic. You'll be wondering how they could possibly make it unique and stand apart; you'll be awed that it does. Feeling adventurous? Try any other side that looks good. It probably will be. 'Most everything is homemade - including the desserts. Simply love the place. Only 4 stars because the place is kinda run down and could use some fresh paint or something. I guess that's my thing. Of course, that's part of the charm. read more

Joe's Buffet has been around for decades. My boyfriend was the one to introduce me to this awesome sandwich place. We ordered the french dip with macaroni salad. Everything tasted amazing. Lots of food for an affordable price. The sandwich is flavorful and very filling. The macaroni is very light, not too much mayo which is great. Yes the french dip is messy but well worth it. The service is always right on. They are friendly and very helpful. From ordering our sandwiches to paying, it took only a couple of minutes. We always come back and I plan to introduce family/friends to this place if they haven't been here already. read more

Best Sandwiches and cold cuts in the whole Solano area, tried everything from Ruben to Pastrami, corned beef, they make all their cold cuts in house and the owner himself serves and cuts the meat read more

LOVE IT. My husband has been going there for years and turned me onto and I love it. The french dip is my favorite. It gets really busy at lunch time so its best to go early. Don't get overwhelmed with the choices. Its a deli so ordering is at the counter. My favorite is the greenbeans. I have tried some different sides and some I loved and some not so much. I would say if you have never tried Joe's Buffet, you have to give it a try and see for yourself how yummy it really can be. read more

So the service is ridiculous. The owner (I'm assuming) is awesome. Talks to the kids, gives them some cheese, wants you to taste the meats if you're unsure about what you want. The french dip was delicious. The mac n cheese was a little bit odd- kind of a curry taste to it, but I didn't mind it. I will definitely be going back. Sandwiches are $6 or $7 and if you want the lunch special with a side and a drink, it's $10 something. read more

I lived in Fairfield for 55 years move to Idaho 13 years ago every time I come to Fairfield. First place I go. It's Joe's Buffet before I see any of my relatives. Roast beef is the very best I've ever had. Love it. read more

A staple of downtown Fairfield since the beginning of time! You'll never find a sandwich stuffed with so much meat! I always get the aus jus roast beef dip sandwich with all the veggies n peppers. The Dutch crunch goes good for the dipping juices. Super friendly people and Joe is the sweetest! read more

I'm not a Fairfield native. I'm an east coaster and I have had a hankering for a good hot sandwich, and I don't mean some bland thing toasted at a chain. So I looked on Yelp and to my surprise squeezed into the miniature downtown of Fairfield was a little gem that apparently everyone but myself already knew about. So I asked a friend to be sure and got this dumbstruck look and was asked what rock I had been living under. I said Ohio. After living here for three years all I can say is I've been missing out. I've been back three times since my first visit last week and every time the sandwiches have been delicious. What can I say, I'm hooked. They are what they should be, hearty and comforting. Nice thin, but not too thin slices of roast beef and pastrami were real winners. And for the love of god, get it dipped, you won't regret it. The love doesnt stop there though. They don't treat the sides any worse. I grew up in the south and they have some of the best damn potato salad I have ever tasted, tangy, thick, and not at all over cooked. Macaroni salad and mashed potatoes were also great and just what you're looking for, though none of this is for the dieter. The service has also been the kind of warm, friendly, and above all genuine stuff you wish you could get everywhere. Just remember, bring cash or a debit card or you will be running over to an atm. Also don't let the line scare you. The orders start almost right at the door but the service is quick so you won't wait long, and any wait would be worth biting into what is easily one of the most satisfying sandwiches I've ever had the pleasure to eat. read more

I've been coming to Joe's Buffet for about 20 years now, and their sandwiches are just about the best ones in Fairfield. They do NOT skimp on the meat! I just had another wonderful lunch at Joe's, featuring a barbecued beef sandwich and potato salad. Their potato salad is so smooth and creamy - it's the best potato salad I've ever had! Highly recommended! Food is always fresh and tasty, and the service is warm and personable. Everyone is very friendly here. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Go to Joe's Buffet - you won't be sorry! read more

Greatest deli in solano county. The most tastiest, slice by order, roast beef french dip ever. And I'm not exaggerating. Make sure to ask for seasoning. This sandwich is very messy, but with whats going on in your mouth who cares. Been coming here since high school when they used to offer the student special(no longer). Family ran so the staff has been the same for years. If you are ever in downtown Fairfield and are hungry then this is a must!!! Just got out of solano traffic court and are down in spirits? Swing by (right down the street). Will definitely lighten your mood while filling that gut. *Quick Tip* If there is no street parking then there is a lot in the back. read more

I love the food but the service is always soso Today I asked for a gift card if $3 to be cashed out since it's California law and it was $3... The woman looked at me like I was stupid and said no. I didn't argue but it would've been nice. That being said my meal was exceptional as always and I left content read more

Amazing people and service. Went in with a last minute request for a music video release party plater and they took care of me with no issues. Employees even helped bring the boxes of food to my car which was parked a block away. Love this place and highly recommend them!!! read more

I remember skipping class and going to Joe's with my friends. OMG they have the best sandwiches, and salads. If you're a student get the student special which is half a sandwich, and it comes with a side and drink. It is simply amazing!! Now that i don't live in Fairfield, whenever I go back to visit I have to go to Joe's at least twice haha. Sooo goood, I miss joe's! Also Joe himself is really cool and nice, always has a smile on his face and treats you right. read more

Joe's buffet has been around for years and the food is still so delicious. My favorite there is the roast beef sandwich that you dip into the broth like sauce. Parking isn't easy at times but the food is worth it! read more

My good friend has been raving about this place for years. I've finally had my chance at trying their roast beef sandwich with their homemade au jus. Now that i've sampled it, I can see why it is the best. Once you first walk in through the doors, the first thing that sticks out are the fresh meats in the display along with the big meat slicer beside it. This place means business when it comes to stacking the beef into that sandwich. Most places will cut you maybe a few ounces of thinly sliced meat. Here at Joe's, they load up the fresh cut roast beef onto the bun...literally by the pound. They you can order your choice of sides to accompany. I had a sample of their coleslaw and mashed potatoes. I believe they were out of potato salad at the time so we went with the mashed. Lets start with the roast beef. It's huge. The beef is very juicy and tender and the accompanying cup of au jus gives it the perfect flavor. The au jus is definitely not soupy, it's a little on the thick side which helps accompany the sandwich rather than soaking up the bread to make it soggy. The beef...is well, what you expect of a great roast beef sandwich. It has great flavor and is very tender. No roast beef jerky meats here. The coleslaw is definitely a hit in my books. Call me weird, but KFC cole slaw is my benchmark for cole slaw period. Joe's serves in my opinion, outstanding coleslaw. It's not large chunks of cabbage mixed with red cabbage, carrots and etc. The cabbage is chopped up just right, just like how they do it at KFC. The mashed potatoes were good but it almost tasted like instant. Nothing wrong with instant because the au jus dashed on top made it taste great. This restaurant is located on Historic U.S. 40 in the heart of old town Fairfield, just across the street from Pepperbelly's. You must park on the street. From what I was told, this place can get really packed during lunch on a work week. Plan a head because it's street parking only. The dining area is very clean and large. It's almost reminiscent of a community center hall with fold out tables and chairs. It's different but adds to the charm. Come here for the food! read more

Wow. Sad! I was really underwhelmed. All the amazing reviews are making me feel like I must have ordered the wrong thing (Roast Beef dip and mashers), or come on the wrong day (Saturday afternoon)...but the eating area smelled like stale cigarettes, the sandwich didn't look ANYTHING like the ones in the pictures (not nearly as stacked) and the "sides" girl had a "I wish I was anywhere but here" attitude. Sorry guys. Not sure I'll be a regular :-( read more

My husband is from FF and he's been talking about Joes for as long as I can remember! Finally got to try it on our visit up this wknd and maaaaaan it did not disappoint! Got the classic roast beef French dip with the bread dipped and damn it was fantastic. Paid extra to add cheese but it legit didn't even need the cheese. Love that they serve their French dips with extra sauce on the side. Sauce is thick and so flavorful. Cucumber/tomato salad is bomb also. Customer service was amazing. Love that they make it a point to have conversation with you. read more

This place is great! I remember going here for lunch when I was in high school. I went again yesterday and the food remains excellent. Some people on Yelp complain about the seating and atmosphere but is old school and that is what adds to the charm. The seating is cafeteria style and you can sit alone or with a group of people. The staff was very friendly and helpful. One reviewer was disappointed it was not a true buffet, and it is not. But all the sides, and their are a lot of them, are displayed behind glass for you to order and it looks like a buffet. So it is not an all you can eat buffet but the portion sizes are very large I never left hungry. read more

Pros: I always enter the deli with a smile from the staff and leave with a delicious fresh sandwich and some side macaroni (which i never plan on initially ordering, but order anyway because it looks so tasty from the buffet line). My favorite sandwich to get is turkey on wheat. My favorite side is the macaroni with beef. These sides are very filling. I ordered a large macaroni and cheese side, and it took me at least 2 days to savor and finish. I also appreciate the option of a drink, side and sandwich combination meal. The most important comment I will make is that the meats for the sandwiches, whether tuna or turkey are fresh tasting. Cons: There's a certain time period on weekdays when everyone in downtown Fairfield is on lunch break, and the line can be a bit long, especially if I am just ordering a side. Bottom Line: The friendly staff, fresh ingredients and tasty sides have made Joe's my go to place for lunch break when I know I want a filling meal for the entire afternoon. read more

I've been going to Joe's since highschool! It's always a treat to come back home and get the Roast Bf sandwich w/ au jus :) LOVE THIS PLACE! read more

Delicious sandwiches!!!! I always get the roast beef! FULL of meat I always have to say light meat lol. Joe the owner is so nice & always greets you when coming in. I asked if the pastrami was good he said you want a sample I said yes. He gave me more than a sample ! I recommend this place to anyone . His potatoe salad and macaroni salad are a must try!!!!! I have been coming here for the past 2 years and will continue to! Thank you joe :) read more

Joe's Buffet - Sandwiches Near Me - Fairfield, California