Joel's is a small, counter service, breakfast and lunch place serving authentic tasting Mexican favorites. The food is always hot, and fresh, and very tasty. I would eat a breakfast burrito from Joel's everyday if I could, it is that good. The service is always fast and friendly, and they seem to know everyone by name. They always have my order ready and waiting for me as soon as I walk in, even when I call in from the parking lot across the street, they are that fast. I always, always get the Chorizo and potato breakfast burrito, extra spicy, with guacamole, it just might be the perfect breakfast. If I happen to call on a busy Saturday morning (afternoon to the rest of the world), after they have stopped serving breakfast, I will order the Carne Asada burrito, extra spicy, of course. This is another fine choice, very filling and delicious. I have tried several other items from the menu, and they have all been great, but I have settled on my favorites, and I am, after all, a creature of habit, but in my experience, you can't go wrong with anything that they serve-I particularly enjoy the Pork Abodabo (sp?) when they have it as a special, I have been known to order that in addition to my regular order when the munchies are afoot. All in all, if you like Mexican food, you'll love Joel's. Eat at Joel's, and don't forget the napkins! read more

How can this be the place of so much fanfare and high reviews? I was so excited to try the food for the first time yesterday... thinking- a good Mexican restaurant in North Idaho?! Can't wait! Service on the phone was friendly (although the server failed to mention that some tacos are served soft... and some crispy). When we tried the food, it was very underwhelming. The chicken tacos were flavorless (did they miss the seasoning packet when cooking the chicken??). The crispy taco shells were so oily i think they were not drained or the oil was not hot enough. The fish taco had more flavor due to the cornmeal crusting and spicy aioli... but the plastic, pre-shredded cheese didn't help the presentation. All I could think is that perhaps Joel and his wife are out of town... or folks up here have never had decent Mexican food. The tacos were inexpensive... but don't bother ordering the small soufflé of guac for $2.50... the portion size was literally 2 bites. Giving them 3 stars... primarily because of their long-standing reputation of high regard (and because the person I ate with said maybe it was an off-day). Otherwise it would have been 2 stars. read more

To RachelBtw you are very incorrect in statement. You can tip or not... they have a cash bin to put coins or actual cash in.... the options on the tablets (the things you said they turn around) are not preset by the management but the program that they and majority of businesses use.... now this is in the program to give people who want to tip but do not have cash to still tip with their already rung up charge to their card. Please do not slander a company that does their best and is trying to keep up with other businesses in a technological way.... one last tidbit for you information Joels is not a fast food they try to get their food to you fast but still not a fast food.... and if you want to being President-Elect Trump into this you have issues beyond whats being stated here.... Your political crap is unacceptable and immature.... Have a great life and do not think your required to eat Joels again as for me i will continue to eat there.... tip them.... and enjoy the employees that work their butts off... God Bless and Merry Christmas read more

This is probably my favorite place to get some amazing Mexican food in Sandpoint. They have quick service and extremely reasonable prices. They have a wonderful menu with some delicious classics and some new savory bits for the adventurous eater. I'm a huge fan of their bean burrito because it has the perfect ratio of bean and tortilla. You can get most of the burritos with optional salsa and other classic toppings. I have yet to try the fish taco, but I have heard from many credible sources that it it absolutely fabulous. It is located in downtown Sandpoint where your are just a casual stroll from the rest of town. Many of my friends who eat out for lunch make Joel's their go to place. Joel's is great way to support a local business, and a even more amazing way to satisfy that lunchtime hunger. I highly recommend Joel's to everybody who can eat, and even more to those who love to eat and truly enjoy it. :) read more

Very good food with very friendly staff! There is a reason that its so popular and always so busy. I lived in Mexico for two years, and, upon trying the Chicken Asada burrito, I was swept back to one of my favorite eateries in Mexico. This place is a must try for travelers just passing through and for anyone else looking for some delicious food at a more than reasonable price. The staff is among the friendliest I have experienced and there is definitely a sense of community with all their customers. 5 stars is an understatement. read more

I've been enjoying Joel's food for over 10 years. Don't even live in Idaho anymore but make it a top priority to eat there when I'm home for a visit. Food is delicious and fresh, prices are very reasonable, staff is friendly and professional! Sandpoint residents are familiar with the owners and have nothing but great things to say about them outside of the business as well. They are great people. I highly recommend Joel's! read more

Yum! I love this place! Everything is sooo delish. As mentioned on another review, we moved here from LA and great mexican food so to find this jewel here was a terrific surprise!Try their fish tacos... they have them grilled or battered and deep fried. My personal favorite is the salmon grilled tacos....mmmm My husband loves the Carnita asada with extra extra hot sauce!! read more

Joel's has the best burritos in Sandpoint. Everything is at a fair price and the portions are always generous. The staff are wonderful and the food is delicious. Expect long lines (but worth waiting in) at lunch especially during the height of summer. All in all I would recommend this restaurant to anyone, especially if a generous meal is what your after. read more

I used to live in the Southwest and I have to say moving to Northern Idaho was rough..that is until I discovered Joel's. Delicious. Seriously this place is a gem. Huge, HUGE burritos wrapped in foil that you can really dig into. Don't worry about going away hungry! The breakfast burritos are to die for and the fish burritos...wow. One of my favorites! read more

I love this place! They make the best Mexican food this side of the border and then some! The crew is the friendliest of all the restaurants in this area. Always willing to help you pick out a delicious burrito or mouth-watering taco. My personal favorite is the Naked Dan. Ask for it sometime and I promise you won't be dissapointed! read more

I was raised on authentic Mexican food because I grew up in California and consider myself to be a good judge of Mexican food. Joel's is authentic and there tostadas, taco's and burritos are really, really good but my favorite is the enchiladas they are mouth water good. It is a small place but excellent food and service. read more

Best taco salads we have ever had, both beef and chicken. We were a little skeptical with such low prices, but the exceptionally good food and extremely nice staff (made you feel like family) just added to the surprise. Wish we had room for the ice cream! Next time for sure! read more

Joel's is by far the best mexican food I've ever had!! The staff is wonderful and very helpful, and the food is incredible. Carne Asada burrito with a side of Jalapeno Poppers is my go to!! I now live in California and find myself wishing I had Joel's at least once a week! read more

Who knew you could true Mexican food up north but beware this place isn't a secret I'd call in the order or try to beat the rush cause the foods fantastic. If your really hungry and think you can do it get a super burrito it's a great price and no way your unsatisfied read more

My husband and I tried Joel's for the first time a few weeks ago and can't stop talking about it. It is a definite must any time you come to Sandpoint! Everyone who works here is very friendly and the food is amazing! Also, the jalapeño poppers are out of this world. read more

"Wanna go to Joel's?" The most asked question in my house;) Love it! What a great place to eat. Lines can be long due to immense popularity, but you just learn to call it in! Maybe Joel should run for office seeing as he knows how to make stuff work!!! Thanks. read more

I have never been disappointed by the food at this restaurant. It is a frequent go to for our family. We love the Gluten free options. Swai Fish Taco is the best. Just drive by at lunch time and see for your self how much people love these guys. read more

YUMMMMM! Being a Cali girl, I was shocked to find such good Mexican food in Idaho! I would drive to Sandpoint just to eat here. I loved that they had such a large menu and even had some vegan options for me. I'll be back soon for sure. read more

Authentic as always! Felix Navidad Love the jalapeño poppers. The carne asada is the bomb! Breakfast burritos to start your day is always amazing. Joel and his staff are amazing! Do yourselves a favor and try this awesome place! read more