Little Joe's Express

Little Joe's Express is a Chinese restaurant located at 1410 Encinal Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, USA. Situated within the Chinese Restaurant category, this establishment has garnered significant praise from local patrons for its authentic Cantonese cuisine, generous portions, and focus on fresh ingredients. For inquiries or to place an order, they can be contacted at (510) 217-8687 or their mobile number +1 510-217-8687.

One enthusiastic reviewer declares Little Joe's Express as their "hands down my favorite Chinese spot in Alameda." They commend the friendly demeanor of the owner and employees, highlighting the positive and welcoming service. The reviewer also praises the delicious entrees, noting their quick preparation and the consistently fresh and plentiful vegetables used in the dishes. A significant point of appreciation is the generous portion sizes, which are deemed to offer great value for the price, making it an ideal option for feeding multiple people or for enjoying substantial leftovers. This customer's continued patronage underscores the consistent quality and satisfaction they find at Little Joe's Express.

Another reviewer describes Little Joe's Express as a "sleeper neighborhood restaurant," suggesting that its unassuming exterior belies the exceptional Cantonese cuisine it offers. They contrast its appearance with what might be expected of a typical "greasy Chinese spoon establishment," emphasizing the pleasant surprise of discovering its fantastic food. This highlights that while the restaurant might not boast a fancy facade, the quality of its culinary offerings is noteworthy and exceeds initial impressions.

Further insights into the quality of Little Joe's Express's food come from a detailed review that assesses the restaurant based on standard Chinese fare. The reviewer notes that these standard dishes are "executed well here," indicating a proficiency in preparing familiar favorites to a high standard. Specific dishes are then examined to illustrate the restaurant's strengths.

The "house special fried rice" is lauded for its diverse ingredients, including diced BBQ pork, sections of chicken thigh meat, slices of beef, and a generous inclusion of 3 or 4 large prawns. The preparation of this fried rice is particularly commended for not being overly greasy and for not tasting of stale cooking oil, nor leaving an oily residue on the plate. This suggests a skilled chef utilizing high heat and efficient cooking techniques to produce a flavorful and well-textured dish.

The reviewer also evaluated the "cashew nut chicken" and "broccoli beef" as their "yardstick dishes." The cashew chicken is praised for its satisfyingly fresh ingredients, including evenly cooked vibrant zucchini, celery, and button mushroom halves. The absence of old or subpar vegetables, along with a "very generous scattering of cashews," further attests to the restaurant's commitment to quality and portion sizes. Similarly, the broccoli beef is noted for its "tons of fresh, crisp broccoli" and "slices of tender beef" that have not undergone the common Cantonese practice of using baking soda to artificially puff up the meat. The reviewer explicitly states their preference for unadulterated beef and chicken, awarding Little Joe's Express points for this approach.

Regarding the environment, the reviewer describes the establishment as "small and very bare-bones." The dining area is characterized by fluorescent lighting and a television showing a sports game, indicating a functional but not particularly atmospheric setting. The reviewer explicitly states that "the gemütlichkeit, or ambiance was not supreme," but they also note that they "knew what to expect." This suggests that while the dine-in experience might lack a refined ambiance, the focus is clearly on the quality of the food. The reviewer concludes that "take-out seems to be the preferred way of enjoying their food," but advises not to be dissuaded by the "sparse dining room" if one chooses to eat in.

From these reviews, the key features of Little Joe's Express can be summarized as:

• Fantastic Cantonese Cuisine: Exceeding expectations for a neighborhood restaurant.
• Fresh and Plentiful Vegetables: Consistently highlighted as a strong point.
• Generous Portion Sizes: Offering excellent value for the price.
• Delicious Entrees Made Quickly: Efficient service without compromising taste.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Evidenced by the fresh vegetables and well-prepared meats.
• Expert Cooking Techniques: Resulting in dishes that are not greasy and full of flavor.
• Authentic Preparation: Avoiding the artificial puffing of beef and chicken.
• Friendly Owner and Employees: Contributing to a positive customer experience.
• Popular for Takeout: Suggesting efficiency and quality for off-premise dining.

The reviews primarily focus on the food quality and service, with one reviewer offering a description of the simple dining environment. There is no specific promotional information mentioned in the provided feedback. Local users interested in any special offers, discounts, or the full menu of Little Joe's Express are encouraged to contact the restaurant directly using the phone numbers provided.

For local users in Alameda, CA, Little Joe's Express appears to be a hidden gem offering exceptional Cantonese cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients, generous portions, and friendly service. Despite its unassuming ambiance, the quality of the food consistently receives high praise, making it a favorite among locals. Whether opting for takeout or dining in their simple space, customers can expect delicious and well-prepared dishes that offer great value. The positive feedback on specific dishes like the house special fried rice, cashew nut chicken, and broccoli beef provides further indication of the restaurant's culinary strengths.

To explore the full menu and potentially inquire about any daily specials or promotions, local residents are encouraged to call Little Joe's Express at (510) 217-8687. The overwhelmingly positive reviews regarding the food quality and value make it a strong recommendation for anyone seeking authentic and satisfying Cantonese cuisine in Alameda.