For the Best Brisket in Town and Much More


Tucked away on the south side of Federal Highway near 5th Street, Jo Jo’s Café brings a much-needed option to Deerfield Beach. Opened since February, this is an eatery where you can order breakfast from early morning up to the closing bell at 10 pm, seven days a week. Although not everyone may share my predilection for brunch or a late evening snack, I find it refreshing to have an alternative to the corporate breakfast chains whose prices have skyrocketed.

The center of activity is an open, immaculately maintained kitchen, which dominates a petite structure fronting an open patio.

The staff takes great pride in all that they prepare and the service is totally friendly. The chefs are masters of their craft and the menu is prepared under the guidance of a nutritionist.

Although recently opened, all the he essential services are in place. There will be some additional enhancements soon, according to proprietor Sherief Abu-Moustafa. What will remain constant is the emphasis on the finest ingredients and reasonable prices, a formula that will appeal even to those with modest budgets.

Jo Jo’s Special ($4.69), for example, can satisfy the hungriest appetite with it’s muffin or toast egg sandwiches partnered with hash browns, sausage or bacon, and coffee. The Fiesta Burrito ($4.29) adds a southof-the border touch with a flour tortilla packed with eggs, green peppers, onions and seasoned beef accompanied by hash browns and salsa. Other appealing combos include their Western Omelette ($5.29) and Waffles ($3.69) topped with cinnamon apples.

I was prepared to order my breakfast/brunch, when I caught sight of one of the chefs carving brisket ($6.49) by hand. It was truly an inspiring sight. I haven’t seen deli meat carved to order– freshly made brisket, at that – since I dined at the long-gone Wolfie’s formerly located in the Deerfield shopping center near Hillsboro and Military Trail. What a joy to bite into the deliciously savory slices and actually taste the grain of the beef as opposed to plastic texture of most briskets served around town. If you like soup, then you will love the Seafood Gumbo ($3.99/5,29), overflowing with a blend of fish, vegetables and rice in a tangy tomato-based broth. There are a variety of saladswe ordered the Chef’s Salad ($6.29) with its delectable orchestration of fresh turkey, ham, egg and crisp veggies. For a sweet ending, try the Apple Pie a la Mode ($2.75) with its just-baked aura and juicy apples. Pair the desserts with one of the many specialty coffees – the Iced Carmel Macchiata ($3.55), for example, is brewed to order and delivers a rich, exhilarating array of flavors.

Look for daily specials and a variety of dinners under $10. WiFi is available for your laptop as are many other patron amenities. How Jo Jo’s Café manages to offer so much for so little is a mystery albeit a delightful one.

• 505 S. Federal Highway. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 • 954-725-6110 • Opened daily 7am-10 pm

Print | Back