For nearly two decades, this Portsmouth breakfast and lunch gem has been the heartbeat of the Churchland neighborhood.
Husband-and-wife duo Dan and Renae McConnell transformed their 30-plus years of restaurant expertise into a cozy café they lovingly named after their children, Jo and Jack.
Since opening in 2006, JoJack’s Espresso Bar & Cafe has collected multiple Best of Hampton Roads awards and earned the Retailer of the Year title in 2011, proving that dedication to homemade quality and warm hospitality never goes out of style. ☕
How JoJack’s won Portsmouth’s hearts
JoJack’s built its reputation on a simple but powerful formula: premium ingredients, scratch-made recipes, and genuine mom-and-pop service that makes every guest feel like family. 🏡
The McConnells’ commitment to partnering with local farmers and vendors ensures the freshest possible ingredients arrive in their kitchen each day, which translates directly to the exceptional flavors that keep customers returning week after week.
Add in an extensive menu that caters to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets alongside their award-winning comfort food classics, and it’s clear why this café won over the entire community.
That combination of exceptional homemade food and attentive, genuine service transformed JoJack’s from a new neighborhood café into an irreplaceable Portsmouth institution.
Food Highlights
- JoJack’s Breakfast Monte Cristo Sandwich: A creative twist on the classic Monte Cristo that’s become a signature menu item, this sandwich combines breakfast ingredients in an indulgent format.
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Banana’s Foster French Toast: This decadent breakfast favorite features thick-cut cinnamon French toast topped with a warm banana caramel sauce, served alongside your choice of bacon or sausage. 🍌
- Salmon Eggs Benedict: An elevated variation on their classic Benedict, this version features smoked salmon, homemade hollandaise, capers, and fresh dill on a French baguette.
- Big Breakfast: For hearty appetites, this generous plate delivers two eggs, your choice of bacon or sausage, a breakfast side, plus two pancakes, French toast, or regular toast.
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Corned Beef & Apple Hash Bowl: This unique sweet-and-salty creation features lightly browned hash browns combined with made-to-order corned beef and apple hash, crowned with a sunny-side-up egg.
- Fresh Herb and Sausage Pancakes: These savory pancakes incorporate fresh herbs and sausage into fluffy buttermilk batter. 🥞
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Country Bacon Bowl: Fluffy scrambled eggs join crumbled bacon, grilled onions, roasted red peppers, and sharp cheddar cheese piled atop stone-ground grits—this Southern-inspired bowl delivers comfort in every spoonful. 🧀
Atmosphere
The café exudes a relaxed, comfortable vibe where light jazz drifts through the air and casual conversation creates a welcoming backdrop. 🎵
Guests describe the clean, intimate space as perfect for one or two people grabbing a quick bite, though the atmosphere proves captivating enough to hold visitors hostage all day.
The combination of cozy seating and that unmistakable mom-and-pop charm makes JoJack’s feel less like a café and more like a beloved neighbor’s kitchen.
Bottom Line
Visit JoJack’s Espresso Bar & Cafe for award-winning breakfast and brunch made from scratch with premium ingredients, incredibly friendly family-owned hospitality that treats you like a regular from day one, unique menu options that accommodate virtually every dietary preference, and convenient drive-through service when you’re in a rush. ✨
Address:
5700 Churchland Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23703
📞 (757) 465-5225
🕔 Open Mon-Sat, 7 AM–3 PM (closed Sun)