XL Food & Drink: On the Side

Jo's Hot Coffee and Good Food

People-watching with great fare

Is it the location or the food?

Ha Lam
FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

(enlarge photo)

For people-watching or one of the best burgers in town, it's hard to beat Jo's on Second Street.

Ha Lam
FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

(enlarge photo)

Jo's Hot Coffee and Good Food

• 242 W. Second St.
• 469-9003
• Rating: Forks up
• Price: Cheap

Both could be reasons for the popularity of Jo's Hot Coffee and Good Food in the main block of Austin's new Second Street shopping and entertainment district.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, nearly every seat in Jo's outdoor section was occupied for a late lunch — a perfect time for people-watching on a busy thoroughfare. Or, I suppose, an equally great time to be seen by those passing by.

But would you really want to spend a lot of time lingering at the second location of the Congress Avenue coffeehouse if the food weren't good?

Fortunately, that's a question with an answer: Jo's fare is great.

In a menu that's significantly expanded from the original site, Jo's on Second serves a burger ($7) that is one of the best in town, made with a half-pound beef patty, lettuce, tomato and red onion on a slightly sweet bun.

The barbecue pulled pork sandwich ($7.50), another of the hot offerings, offers tender, shredded pork very lightly dipped in barbecue sauce with coleslaw and red onions on a bun.

Either of those sandwiches can be augmented by crisp, nongreasy, heavily salted fries or homemade potato chips for a dollar extra.

If you're looking for a leaner option, try the fabulous Greek salad ($7) with its combination of Romaine lettuce, field greens, cherry tomatoes, quarter-moon slices of cucumber, basil, a host of Kalamata olives, chick peas, red onions and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a red wine-herb vinaigrette dressing.

Plus, Jo's serves a top-notch cup of coffee if that's all you want.

It's a combination that makes Jo's one of the premier casual dining spots downtown.