Review: Luke’s Joint

There are those rare moments in life when happiness, in it's most simple manifestation, appears unexpectedly and keeps you company in strange ways for however long you let it.  It's in these moments when the wretched, the remarkable, the excessive, and the average man are allowed a break; although the entrepreneurial find ways to make these moments last longer than perhaps they should, the moments are, regrettably and without a doubt, temporary.

Suffering from a hangover, wearing basketball shorts and a stained Hanes t-shirt, I found myself on the plaza this morning looking for somewhere, anywhere to eat.  As vague recollections of things that had happened the previous night tap-danced through my head, I half heartedly surveyed the available options.  On the west side of the square I saw the sign for Luke's Joint, a restaurant that had been opened a mere four weeks ago.  Recalling that I had heard positive things about the eatery, I made the executive decision that this would be where my girlfriend and I would be having breakfast this morning.

After perusing the menu posted outside we made our way out of the harassing sunlight and into the reassuring embrace of the restaurant.  Immediately I was greeted by a warm, welcoming Midwest aesthetic.  Paintings of coyotes and rosters lined the wall and chandeliers, or at least I suppose we could call them chandeliers, that looked like bird nests or tumble weeds hung from the ceiling.  There was a long counter on north wall and mix matched tables and mix matched chairs scattered about the dining area.  A larger version of the menu posted outside hung from the wall behind the counter where you placed your order.

Almost immediately after my girlfriend and I entered we were addressed by the staff, who promptly and politely asked if we knew what we would like to order.  We both ordered the chocolate chip pancakes; I had mine topped with maple syrup and vanilla infused whip cream while Elin had hers topped with the same vanilla infused whip cream and a white chocolate raspberry sauce.

We paid and sat ourselves.   Shortly after we sat down my girlfriend went to go pick up a friend who decided he would join us.  This left me there, alone, in Luke's Joint with nothing to do but look around and think to myself.

I was comfortable, comfortable to such an extent that I was impressed with feeling itself.  Luke's Joint delightfully lacked any sort of pretentiousness.  While waiting for my girlfriend and my friend to return I saw the chef come out to the dining area, kneel next to a nine year old, and apologizing for making her order incorrectly, and promise that he would return with the dish she had asked for it.  It was humble, it was reassuring, and it was sincere.  Displays like that resonate extremely well in me.

Elin and Alan arrived just as our food was ready.  The food was plated well and was as delicious as it looked.  All of our pancakes were decorated with fruit and the portions were appropriate for the price we paid.  The meal was just what the doctor ordered and I gave any of the staff that would take the time to listen my utmost praise.

Luke's Joint is extremely approachable but carries it's head high with pride.  Whether you want a relatively simple breakfast or an open-faced sandwich made from local, organic meat, Luke's Joint has you covered.  If I didn't live so far away from the plaza I'd find myself having a meal at Luke's Joint three or four times a week.

As it is, however, I have to give Luke's Joint a 9/10 rating.  They get nine points for their fantastic meals and a fantastic atmosphere, for being appearing to me unexpectedly and making my day better.  They fall just shy of the perfect ten because I can't live there and because their meals aren't free.  Reasonable if I say so myself.

I whole heartedly recommend you give Luke's Joint your business.