It's Simple as the name suggests. Nothing fancy or elaborate about this place. It's a small restaurant with a small open kitchen and a small dining room where you stand in line to place your order, get a number to put on your table, and servers bring the food to your table when it's ready. So, if you're looking for a large upscale, elegant restaurant with elaborate food presentations, this is not the place for you. But if you're looking for a simple, quick and delicious meal, Simple Joe Café is for you. The menu consists of a wide variety of breakfast favorites, but the menu is not intimidating and easy to read and order from. Simple enough. When my family and I arrived, the small dining room was packed with a few open tables and about six other customers in line waiting to place their order. On Saturday and Sunday, you cannot sit at the open tables or hold the tables until you have placed your order and given a tent number. At that point, the servers will help you find a table to accommodate your party. The employees do a very good job of clearing and turning over the tables to make sure everyone is seated and able to enjoy their meal in a timely manner. I am not a fan of breakfast food and normally don't eat breakfast, so I only had coffee while my family enjoyed their meal, so the food quality part of this review is based on what they described as they were eating. They each ordered Joe's Number One Breakfast Combos which came with two eggs, choice of meat and pancakes and they shared an order of hashbrown and a side of grits. The food came out quickly. They stated everything was fresh, prepared and cooked as requested, the food tasted very good and enjoyed every bite. Of course, the coffee was hot, and fresh and the service was fast and friendly. The relaxed ambience and decor add to the unique character of the restaurant. Date of Visit: Saturday 05-16-26 Simple Joe Café | 3057 Government St, Baton Rouge, LA read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

See all

This place is awesome. I ended up here the other day not because I planned ahead. Instead, I was trying to meet a friend for lunch and he was so late that we couldn't get in where were trying to go. I saw the sign and off we went to Simple Joe Cafe. Simple, it is. Awesome food, it also is. This place is not fancy nor is it meant to be. This is a solidly Americana type menu and ordering at the counter, serving your own coffee, and picking your own table kind of place. AKA - the kind of place I love. I have been here a few times now and only had breakfast. Hint: they serve it all day. The two meat omelet is a great choice and has been my go-to. The other day some friends got burgers and a club sandwich and those looked great too. This will definitely be in the rotation for lunch. read more

Simple Joe Cafe - 1 Meat Omelet - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The shrimp and grits is so good that I came back two days in a row to get some more. The staff is so kind and the food is just amazing. This is the best breakfast you can find in Baton Rouge, hands down. read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Shrimp Grits - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

See all

Okay this is where a business strategy makes this a win tips it over from 4 to 5 for me. People the place is called Simple Joe. And they smashed that ethos and that promise out of the ball park. My dining companion raved about this place and then shamed me for having not visited since I live relatively nearby. So we met on a Saturday for a late "breaky". I had one of the combos (pancakes, eggs, bacon and something else) and he had shrimp and grits. Eggs were perfect, meat perfect, pancakes were decent though I have definitely had better, and well I can't even recall the other item so you can guess. I was thrilled to learn I got to pick my own coffee mug and that there were seemingly unlimited refills. It reminded me of eating breakfast at my grandma's on a Saturday morning. Folks would pass through to check in on her and each time she had a pot of grits or oatmeal waiting which she would reheat. Some buttered toast and bacon. And then would make their eggs to order and keep the Folgers on repeat. Simple. But lovely. Full of care. Last two things. Companion normally orders omelettes but got shrimp and grits. They were absolutely chomping down and slowed to a hault half way through and said they thought there were red peppers in there. I couldn't see them. But yeah. Also I did at one point ask where the bathroom was at and they directed me to it. But I stopped myself before I ever got there because I felt like I walked into the kitchen!?!?! So who knows where that bathroom is. Lol I lied. Other random things. Loved the art work on the wall. Love the pace and diversity of other patrons partaking. Enjoyed every worker I interacted with. Parking wasn't horrible. Prices were decent in this era of everything is more expensive than it was 10 years ago. Will go again. read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Oh grits was the other item. Lol see my review. - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

I don't know what happened but I recently updated my review of this place and now it is gone. This was once a place I loved until I recommended it to my kids and they were like we will never go there again. I asked why and my daughter replied that the line was long so my other daughter who is an amputee sat at a table but was asked to get up. They were treated unfairly and with a bad attitude. I asked why didn't they ask for the owner, she said it was the owner. I understand rules but there should be accommodations for people with disabilities let alone obvious disabilities. Since my review was removed, I will contact the ADA. Now he'll have to make accommodations for those with disabilities and modifications to his establishment to be more accommodating. read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Shrimp and Grits - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

This place has been on my list for a while. I'm happy I was able to finally stop and try it. I had the French toast and sausage and my little has the sausage, egg and cheese biscuit. The food was fresh and hot. The customer service was good and the wait wasn't long at all. It was busy but it wasn't too loud and you didn't feel rushed. I'll definitely come back to try some different breakfast items. read more

Simple Joe Cafe - French toast - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

See all

Definitely will be back. I enjoyed the food as I dined alone for brunch and watched my favorite show. Service was good, can't ask for too much. It's a simple set up. Ambiance and inside decor was really cozy. Very cute. read more

See all

One of my favorite breakfast places in BR! Shrimp omelette with grits and bacon. My go to when I'm hungry. read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Shrimp veggie omelets with grits and bacon! Yum! - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The food was simple and good prices. We got a bacon and egg biscuit and a stack of pancakes. The service is quick, you order at the counter then they bring the food to your table fresh. A bit busy for a Sunday lunch rush but we were able to sit and enjoy our food. The owner was walking around which was nice he was busing tables, passing out menus and just chatting it up with the line. There is art on the walls by local artists for sale and the overall vibe is very casual and local gem. read more

Ate there this morning by far some of the best grits I've ever had and the eggs was really good sausage was on point well portioned

Glad we found this place! It's very open and welcoming. You walk up and grab a menu then order at the counter. Plenty of seating area. I had the #6 and my husband had the Salmon Bagel. Service was great, the food was done in a timely manner. I love that you can serve yourself water and coffee. Definitely recommend this place when in Baton Rouge! read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Salmon Bagel - Breakfast Menu - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

See all

Amazing breakfast. Quirky little eatery. Everything cooked from scratch. Service was excellent.. this is truly a hidden. Gem

Simple Joe is a perfect name. So simple yet yummy. Everything feels freshly made, the grits were my favorite. Service was fast considering they were busy. Nice ambiance, very upbeat. read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Biscuit Sandwich, grits - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A smallish locally owned restaurant in mid city BR. This local gem was recommended by a friend. It's a sit down restaurant where you order at the counter and find a place (indoor or outdoor) to sit. Though not a real "sit down service" place, service was still pretty good. Workers were helpful and friendly. Food was very tasty and we received it relatively quickly. Overall a good place with a funky and somewhat eclectic vibe. I think it has the potential to earn a spot in my rotation. read more

See all

We waited for awhile but we would wait anywhere after a LSU game and its worth it. Get the grits!! so yummy! Very friendly staff.

We love a weekend breakfast date at Simple Joe. The welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere along with the great service and delicious food make it a 'must do,' if you are new to or are visiting Baton Rouge. I never miss the chance for a grits bowl and a steaming hot cup of coffee. read more

Food was delicious. Location is very convenient to the River Center. Everyone is very nice,

Loved it. Joe is great... nice concept great food. There are rules for seating that make it work. Grits were just like you make at home. Good and creamy. Eggs cooked perfect. Sweet tea was spot on. Thanks Joe read more

What a cool spot!!! Food is delicious, the service was spot on, and the local art displays the culture packed into this space. We make it over whenever in BR. read more

Excellent Coffee! We had the big Joe Breakfast Sandwich and French Toast. Both were perfect. Comfortable Old Style Coffee House atmosphere with advertisements on the table and art on the walls. We will be back. read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Inside. - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

See all

As we were walking in, a handsome man greeted us as he sat outside eating. Already, I liked the place. *enter all the heart eye emojis* Turns out the handsome breakfast eater is the owner! He was all over the place... cleaning, looked to be balancing the books, pushed tables together for us... making conversations w all the patrons. All the food was made to order and yummy- glad we stopped by on our way thru town! He said he initially wanted the business to be gourmet chocolates... that didn't work, so he said he said let's do breakfast! Not a bad idea!!! read more

See all

Amazing food and service This is hidden gem in Baton Rouge The gentleman who owns this place is a very nice person. He walks around with a huge smile and welcoming all his customers. read more

The food was delicious homemade taste! Service was great friendly people! The ambiance was family friendly.

Went to Simple Joe today for a late breakfast. My friend had the veggie omelette, and I had the blackened shrimp poboy. She said her omelette was good, but I didn't really care for the blackened shrimp. It was really salty and it wasn't blackened. I'm from New Orleans, so my idea of "blackened" and "Poboy" may be different from a Simple Joe's. The place was pretty cool. I liked looking at all of the artwork for sale on the wall, and the people were all really friendly and helpful. I'll be back Joe, but I'm gonna get that veggie omelette next time. read more

I had the biscuits and gravy and the experience was amazing. I don't eat pork, so I just skirted around the pieces of sausage and still really enjoyed it. The biscuits were soft and delicious, and the gravy was rich and comforting. A turkey sausage version would absolutely put it over the top! Simple Joe Café has a great vibe, and I'd definitely come back. read more

Don't walk....RUN HERE!! There's often a line as the place gets busy. The grits are amazing...put the salt and pepper down because you won't need it as the grits are PERFECT as is. The pancakes are also great as is the French toast which I've had before. I've never had food that wasn't good here. The best part is it's a local spot with great customer service. It's nothing fancy inside but it makes it more special. The walls are also covered in local art which you can purchase! This place is a gem. read more

See all

We were in town for an LSU indoor meet and lucked up on this place. Such a warm cozy atmosphere with friendly staff and delicious breakfast food. We came two days in a row and it felt good to be recognized. The veggie egg white only was delicious. Loved sipping coffee out of unique vintage coffee mugs and those creamy grits were delicious. We will definitely stop by again next trip. (I forgot to capture our food, we were starving) read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Coffee - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

See all

Simple Joe's has become one of our favorite breakfast places! The experiences we have had since our first visit have won me over. I have tried the eggs several ways, love the tacos and the hashbrowns are a treat. The service is fast - order at the counter and the food comes out quickly. It's fun to look at the new art work they have on display. read more

Hands down this has to be one of the best places for breakfast in Baton Rouge! Thanks to Yelp we found this gem. I love the casualness of this place. You place your order, get a number and find a seat. We came early so tables were available but this place gets busy quickly. PROS: Everything! Atmosphere, music, food and staff! Don't skip the grits!!! They have to be the best I've ever had. Creamy and salted perfectly. I love the fact they offer smoked sausage as a meat option. It was tasty! Seriously this was a very satisfying meal. We left stuffed and happy. Lol! CONS: None with the exception you may have to wait for a table but everything moves quickly. Make sure to check out the local art that's for sale on the walls. I'm eyeing a few pieces for myself. I can't wait to return. read more

See all

The service is friendly & prompt. The food is made fresh as ordered without a long wait. The egg white omelet was delicious! The coffee was hot with free refills! Very casual laid back place. The art on the walls could use refreshing and maybe replace the old flooring with updated laminate! Overall a great experience! Yes, I do recommend this place! read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Veggie Omelet - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

I'm clearly on the late bus for Simple Joe because they were PACKED when I can Sunday morning! I called in an order to go and walked into a line to the door! Because I had already ordered, I was able to go upfront and my food was already ready. My group had hash browns, French toast, sausage, grits, eggs(scrambled & over easy), and the Joe Breakfast Sandwhich. The food was so good and I like that you can customize orders. I only eat egg whites, so breakfast can be tricky, but Simple Joe did the job! It is super noisy because it's packed but I imagine during the week it's not as bad. The noise gives a diner feel to the place, so I didn't hate jt. I'll definitely be back! read more

We've never had anything besides breakfast because their grits are THE BEST. Great diner-style breakfast with endless self-serve coffee.

Food was great, especially the grits. Crowded on Sunday morning, but the wait wasn't long.

Pros: 1) amazing food 2) amazing service Cons: 1) it's so good that you have to get there early and also line up for a bit 2) rarely there may be no seats Rating: 10/5 Honestly, I have NEVER been disappointed going here. The BEST food and the BEST service all day everyday. I go here almost every time I'm in town. I always leave happy. The grits: bomb. The biscuit and gravy: bomb. The omelets: bomb. The service: bomb. Everything about this place is 10/5 best ever. I also wrote this review a few weeks out and am still really really happy about all my experiences here. Definitely a must try in BR! read more

See all

Food was great. Cooked to order. Staff were really accommodating. Only issue was the heat. Not sure if the A/C was out. Hopefully next time we go back, it's a little cooler. read more

Food, service, ambiance was alright...not bad, not great...just alright. Don't know that I'll be back.

Fast trip to Baton Rouge found this Jewel of a place. French Toast was amazing. Breakfast Tacos and biscuits and gravy. Yummy! read more

Shrimp and grits- best I've ever eaten! Today is my daughter's first day in Baton Rouge. We picked a great place to start- it will be a regular place for her. Everyone was incredibly friendly and she made a friend already! read more

Simple Joe is hands down one of my favorite breakfast spots in Baton Rouge. The omelettes they serve are absolutely delicious, and a personal favorite of mine! My only gripe the wait times can be quite long. To avoid the wait, I highly recommend ordering ahead if you're short on time. Overall, Simple Joe is a must-visit for anyone looking for scrumptious breakfast. read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Amazing food, atmosphere and service! Shrimp and grits were phenomenal. Shrimp were seasoned perfectly and the grits were so buttery and smooth. Would highly recommend. read more

Simple Joe Cafe - Breakfast combo with shrimp and grits. - Cafes Near Me - Baton Rouge, Louisiana