Joan's Bakery and Deli

Greetings Yelpers! Listen and learn from this Mensch Ex-Deli Man! - I've been so excited about visiting Joan's Bakery & Deli since migrating here to Charlotte in December 2024. "Oy Vey Iz Mir!"Why don't I get started? - I really wanted to give this place 5 Stars - for many selfish reasons; - But I was truly disappointed from the lack of response I received from management. The Yelp reviews advised avoiding the Matzah Ball Soup - so I took heed to these words from fellow Yelpers. Kinehora - B"H - Thank G-d, I was able to find this place. I believe it's facing some sort of Park. The location is wonderful - But wonderful, so long as the weather is cooperating. What is the long term plan for this place? Who own this? Is this some sort of experiment or trial? - The marking on the lovely bag that I was handed my order in - are puzzling to me. I can't help it - I'm naturally inquisitive. From what I can deduce, this place is owned by the folks who own Dressler's.Seating is strictly outsides! Again - Praise G-d! - It was unseasonably mild and lovely last Saturday Morning - I really should have been in Shul. This ordeal would teach me a lesson for being a naughty boy on Shabbos. Let's lay the cards on the table:Let's all stop referring to this place as a Jewish Deli; - There is nothing Kosher about this place.This is a "Hipster Spin" on "The Jewish Deli" - Why would you "Spin" things the way you have? "We" have been doing the Kosher Deli right for centuries. My G-d! Come on! I ordered the Pastrami Sandwich; - The Meat was pretty good; - Dry, despite requesting it "Juicy" - I got a blank stare from the friendly chap that took my order. This is more like "Montreal Smoked Meat" - The meat is cut thick and so, it has its own character. But, it is dry and chewy; - It just doesn't melt in your mouth the way it should.The so called "Potato Knish" was an abomination! Better to describe the entire episode as a "Shanda" - I'm sure those who are reading this understand! - Why / Who would fill a Potato Knish with Cheese? - Why did you do this? This made me sad the entire weekend! - This was the final blow!Our tragedy continues with a feeble attempt at Rye Bread - which was nothing more than White Bread with Rye Seeds; It was not good. Russian dressing was nice; Again - I had some blank looks on my face - when I requested it. Biggest disappointment was the "Hipster Mustard" - What planet did that come from? - Best to stick with the standard "Deli Mustard" - we've been doing it with this for centuries - Come on guys! Did you do any research?Because of our traditions, we've kept our balance for many, many years. Even here in Charlotte we have traditions for everything, how to eat, how to sleep, even, how to wear clothes.I was amazed at the diverse crowd of patrons that came with their own unique neurosis and mishegoss. Fortunately, for your sake they were an unsophisticated lot.Overall - an OK experience that was shattered by a "Hipster - Cheese/Potato - Cake" - Come on guys? Get some Kasha and take a ride up to Yonah Schimmel's. I was truly so saddened, that I didn't even want to try the delicious looking Babka, for fear of being let done. It did look nice!Tradition!Thank G-d for Lee @ Katz Deli in Charlotte who's knows a bit about tradition. I get it, a true Kosher Deli would not work in Charlotte! Too many obstacles! Not enough demand and way to expensive.To those reading this, I urge you to give this place a try. I just can't tell a lie!Tradition!Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as . . . as a fiddler on the roof!Constructive criticism, I truly hope you will make some changes. I truly hope you will allow me to return!

Loved this new Jewish deli and bakery in the Metropolitan area of Charlotte! I got the pastrami sandwich and it was really good. The pastrami was leaner than I would have liked but still flavorful. The mustard was super strong, so I don't recommend adding any more than the little bit they put on the sandwich. The potato onion knish was amazing! I got mine heated up. It was super creamy and very flavorful. I also got the half dozen rugelach. I did half chocolate and half apricot. Both were very good. I liked the apricot a little more though.Overall, everything was really good! I would definitely come back and try the other pastries and cakes that they offer

The food was absolutely fantastic. However it is insanely priced. I paid close to $30 for a sandwich, a soup and a knish.

Never got the chance to experience Meshugganah before, so today was the day. Ordered the Pastrami on Rye with mustard, potato and onion knish, Matzoh ball soup. Pastrami was rich and tender and they gave good cuts, not much fat at all. Not stacked as high as what I was used to seeing up north for $18 to $27, but very tasty. Knish was one of the best I've had. Soft, warm, very hearty. 4/5 stars only because the soup wasn't up to par. I make my own, so I know the care that goes into it, but there was no seasoning (very much lacked salt) and the carrots and Celery were crunchy, meaning they were added at the end and not part of the stock.We Didn't have the chopped liver or the cakes or bobka but they looked real good.Advice: Hidden gem, emphasis on the hidden. Go to Dresslers, walk to the right of it toward the trails and around the back to the right. There are just a few tables outside, so plan for it to go unless the weather is nice.

Extremely expensive $30 for a poorly made RubenVery little merchandise!I was nuts going thereFull name includes Yidish word for nuts. Fair warning don't waste your money eating there.

The pastrami was the perfect thick slices, the bread was so fresh and the mustard was the perfect balance. I love a half sour, these were fresh giant pickles. I also had some matzo ball soup and it was fresh and seasoned. The matzo balls were tender and delicious.

This place was a bit tricky to find as it was hidden. Walk pass Dressler's restaurant and turn right. You'll find Joan's Bakery. Let me tell you, hands down the best cheesecake EVER! I had the dessert at Fin & Fino and ever since then, I'm hooked. I would say I go there for the about once per week or every other week. I've tried all their desserts (carrot cake, coconut cake, chocolate brioche bread and sandwiches) and pastries, it's all good. The cheesecake is my favorite.

I'm confused this is a Jewish deli open on the Sabbath and closed on the first day of the week?

Upon walking in I received blank stares from the chef posted on IG. Strike 1. I order from an older guy I ask for a large hot pastrami. The sizes stated are large and extra large, he repeats my order then he charges me $28. Which is the extra large price. Strike 2. I receive my sandwich and it's literally pepper, spices and hardly any pastrami. So many spices I cannot even eat the $28 sandwich. Also the sticker on the bag states I ordered an extra large "zaftig". Which I did not. I send the IG page a picture of the sandwich which doesn't even look like it has meat on it under all the bottom of the barrel spices. They ask for my email address and still have not attempted to rectify the situation. Strike 3. I've grown up in Oak Park, Michigan where we have Jewish Delis and have enjoyed Jewish delicacies since a kid. The sad part is a friend of the family recommended I stop here. I have NEVER ate or been served anything like this or even felt an unwanted vibe like I did when I walked into Joan's. Do not recommend and they will take advantage of you if they think you don't belong in their Jewish establishment which is insane in 2024. Wish I could give zero stars.

So good! The pastrami on rye and the reuben are delicious! The meat is cooked perfectly.