Take The Trip by Brian

If you’ve been following Take The Trip by Brian, you know I’m always out exploring interesting places, hidden gems, and local favorites worth sharing. But if you didn’t know, I also do food reviews from a different perspective.

As a former chef, I love breaking down food, flavors, and overall experiences on my food review YouTube channel Brian’s Big Bite. It’s where I visit local spots and give my honest take on the food, the atmosphere, and whether it’s really worth the stop.

And that brings me to Pick Em Up Joe’s.

First Impressions

Pick Em Up Joe’s isn’t a big flashy place — it’s a local coffee shop and bakery, and honestly that’s part of what makes it special. The moment you walk in, you get that warm bakery aroma in the air that instantly tells you something good is coming out of the kitchen.

It has that cozy, welcoming vibe that you expect from a neighborhood coffee shop — a place where people stop in to grab coffee, chat for a bit, and of course pick up something sweet.

The Star of the Show – The Cinnamon Rolls

Now let’s talk about the reason people keep coming back: the cinnamon rolls.

Pick Em Up Joe’s has built a reputation for having some of the best cinnamon rolls in the Midwest, and after trying one, it’s easy to see why.

These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls. They’re big, soft, perfectly baked, and loaded with cinnamon flavor, topped with that rich, creamy icing that melts right into the warm dough.

From a former chef’s perspective, what makes them stand out is the balance. The dough is soft and fluffy, the cinnamon filling is generous without being overwhelming, and the icing brings everything together with just the right sweetness.

Every bite is exactly what you want a cinnamon roll to be.

Coffee and Bakery Vibes

Of course, a great cinnamon roll deserves a great cup of coffee. Pick Em Up Joe’s has that classic coffee shop atmosphere, making it the perfect place to sit down, relax, and enjoy a slow morning.

Whether you’re grabbing something quick or hanging out for a bit, it’s one of those places that just feels comfortable.

And honestly, spots like this are what I love featuring both on Take The Trip by Brian and on Brian’s Big Bite — local businesses doing something really well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re anywhere near Pick Em Up Joe’s and you love cinnamon rolls, this is absolutely a place you need to try.

Great coffee, incredible baked goods, and a welcoming small-town vibe make this a stop that’s definitely worth it.

And if you want to see my full reaction and food breakdown, make sure to check out the video over on Brian’s Big Bite, where I give my honest review from a former chef’s perspective.

Brian’s Tip

If you’re heading to Pick Em Up Joe’s, get there early. When a place is known for having some of the best cinnamon rolls around, they tend to sell out fast.

Trust me… you don’t want to miss out on these.