Been passing peck rd for years and always wondered about this place. I come to find out this place has been open 80 years (1940s) with 7 generations still doing their part and also coming to eat here as well. We ordered the Mimi cornbeef with Swiss coleslaw on a wheat roll. I got one of their staple signature dip sandwiches turkey on a fresh French roll with dip (beef gravy) with French fries fresh coleslaw on the side. I must say food is delicious and it's the only place that I know of that sells grapefruit juice! In the area in a restaurant. Thank you to our server and owner for the hospitality. Overall the food is made to order and they have very unique menu entrees and sandwiches, soups, etc they also have a bar if you prefer that side of the building Clean ambiance, excellent service, Very comfortable seating, with AC and great refreshments. We will be back soon to try other unique dishes. Thanks again! read more

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Came here recently and it was a very old school vibes feeling place. For how old (I was told the restaurant turns 80) the place is and that it still appears to be the original layout, it's clean and looks well loved and cared for. Has the classic diner experience with a separate bar area. Staff seemed like they're family that have been working there their whole lives. Sweet people who put hard work and pride in their service. The food was all pretty good, kind of what you expect with a very small twist. One example is that their gravy seems like it has a little cinnamon in it which I'm not used to. I'm neutral towards it but it was definitely a new experience for me. At least that magnitude of gravy normally contains it. Prices and portions are fair. Aside from the time capsule atmosphere and setting, there isn't anything else I would call out that you wouldn't expect from a good diner. Maybe that they also have some Asian dishes but I didn't try those so I cannot comment. I'd come again to try other dishes whenever I feel like diner style dining again read more

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My friend and I came to Jolly Jug for the first time today. My friend had the turkey dip with fries and grapefruit juice. I had the Mimi sandwich with fries and a lemonade. The food is delicious tastes homemade and made with love. The staff and owner are very friendly, helpful, and answered all our questions. The dinning area feels very homey and quiet. Both dining area and restrooms are also very clean. We will be back soon. read more

Jolly Jug - The Mimi Sandwich and fries - Diners Near Me - El Monte, California

Great old diner family restaurant with a separate bar area. Transport back in time and enjoy good food and super value prices for breakfast. Great beef dip and fish & chips. Great chili size and loco moco. Breakfast specials. Nice staff full bar read more

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Open since 1947 this awesome little diner is my favorite in El Monte. I actually drove out from West LA specifically for this place because I am working through a list of all diners in LA County. I'm extremely happy that I visited because I had a great meal. It's a true retro LA diner, but with a bit of an Asian twist. I say that due to the staffing and a lot of the cool options on the menu like Loco Moko and various other things. Our server was extremely polite, very attentive, and checked in on us often. Everything that we ordered came out very fast and they have a pretty large menu filled with all sorts of classics. There's also a free parking lot attached so there is plenty of free and easy parking. Inside is pretty large and one side of the building is a 21+ bar and on the other side is the diner with tons of booth seating. It's actually larger on the inside than it looks from the outside so it can really host many different sized groups, and quite a lot of people. For my meal, I decided to order the Hamburger Steak & Eggs and thought it was great. I was so hungry that day that I honestly forgot to take a picture of it, my apologies. I will say that the coffee tasted a little bit more of a dark roast and I prefer more of a medium roast, but that's just personal preference. Overall, a great diner and someplace I would recommend to anyone looking for that nostalgic diner vibe. read more

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5/5 The food at Jolly Jug Restaurant was absolutely delicious. Every bite tasted homemade and full of flavor. The atmosphere is cozy, nostalgic, and welcoming, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a good meal. A special shoutout to Margaret, who was an amazing hostess. She was so sweet and attentive, making sure our order came out exactly as we wanted. She even took the time to chat and entertain us throughout our visit, which made the experience feel extra special. If you're looking for great food, warm service, and a comfortable, quaint atmosphere, Jolly Jug is definitely worth a visit. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I had the omelette my sister had the spicy spam noodles, my cousin had the burrito and my aunt had the pancakes! We loved our food read more

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No wait, good food and great prices for lunch. We will def go back and try breakfast. Staff were all very nice.

Relatively quiet not busy at all for a Sunday afternoon lunch. There's music on overhead. I had the salmon broccoli and steamed rice. Yummy

This restaurant has everything that you would expect from a vintage diner--from the shiny, slightly squeaky, tan leather seats to the dim, warm-toned overhead lighting to the curvature of the tables and chairs to the collection of pictures and wall decor to the smell of old, worn, yet well-loved air. The vibes are casual and almost mundane, but in a comforting way. I came in around early noon on a Friday to satiate some intense cravings for American breakfast, and there was no wait whatsoever. The owner highly recommended the beef dip sandwich, which we ordered, and I got a breakfast special of French toast with a side of hash potatoes. The price per item was around $15. The food was decent: the highlight of the beef sandwich dish was surprisingly the coleslaw and for the breakfast special plate, I really enjoyed the hash browns which were beautifully crisp as well as the sausages which were savory and juicy. They also served their beef sandwich dish with fresh pickles. This restaurant is sectioned off into two parts. When you enter, on the left is the bar area where you can casually catch a sports game and drink a draft beer. On the right is where the dining area is. The owners were welcoming and attentive and friendly, and I witnessed a couple regulars come in during the time I was dining so it seems like they've got a good community going on. read more

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Amazing real retro dinner. Step in this place and you'll be transported to the 1950s dinning experience. Traditional American menu. Easy pricing and friendly staff. There is a bar. read more

Jolly Jug - Jolly Jugs, El Monte, Beefeater sandwich - Diners Near Me - El Monte, California

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Came here for some brunch and got the steak and eggs. And of course some drinks to get rams division round started. Steak was delicious and seasoned really well. Simon our bartender was freaking awesome. They even got a juke box on so we can put on some tunes to hype up game day. Only thing I washed though, was mimosas but they don't carry champagne. But all good. Got some shots and food and beer. Will definitely come back again. read more

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Surprisingly, there isn't many Diner opens open around 4pm on a Sunday. But luckily, we found the Jolly Jug. The owners and hosts were so accommodating they made it feel like home, a homestyle throwback. I had the Beef Dip, LA weekly top choice, and the gravy is made from the homemade Au jus. Everything is actually home made here. My son had The Mark and he smashed that. We had to end it sharing an ice cream Sunday which actually was stupendous in its simplicity. read more

Jolly Jug - Banana Split - Diners Near Me - El Monte, California

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The pastrami dip is really good. It's kinda funny that you can play lotto there tho lol read more

I absolutely love this place. Such an old school diner that it felt like I was a kid again. I had the burger and fries and it tasted great. Service was amazing and there's a bar on the other side of the regular family room. I would definitely come here again for brunch. read more

The beef sandwich here was fine, but I didn't find it especially delicious or memorable! The best part about this place is probably the price -- quite reasonable. The decor is interesting & there's a hodgepodge of collectibles and fun things to see. read more

Jolly Jug - Diners Near Me - El Monte, California

We visited here with our two kids and had a really great dinner. On a week night for dinner, there was no wait for us to get a table. The restaurant is family owned and has been a staple in the community for a very long time. We ordered the beef dip, tuna melt, cheeseburger, and chicken tenders kids meal. Everything came out fresh and we enjoyed our meal. They also had a full bar and a nice looking area to grab drinks with friends. We would definitely return in the future. read more

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Had some business in El Monte and heard this place has been open for 77 years! So, I had to check it out. I ordered the Reuben, and my mom had the Tuna sandwich with soup. I'm a Reuben snob, and this one was A+, not the best I've had, but great nonetheless. It was served with potato salad, which was solid as well. My mom loved the tuna sandwich but said the chicken noodle soup was just okay. The owner was super nice and spoke to us a bit. She took over ownership 29 years ago, and the chef has been there for 40+ years. She was proud of her establishment adn food and made sure I checked out the adjoining bar. Glad I went. I would recommend and return. read more

Jolly Jug - Tuna & Reuben sandwiches - Diners Near Me - El Monte, California

I've past this place many times, not feeling any urgency to try it. First impressions is that it looks like an old diner and bar, that time forgot. Then I read a story about this place online, it had a lot of historical history about the restaurant and it's old and new owners. It was enough for me to put this place on my must try list. So my Son and I showed up to give it a try. Entering through the back and through the bar, continuing around to the front, greeted by a very lovely, friendly female, that turns out to be the owner. The dining area, a little smaller than what I expected, older booths and decor, has character. Area was clean. Order two sandwich plates, one beef dip, one pastrami sandwich, both coming with fries, coleslaw, and a small bowl of dipping gravy. The gravy tasted and had the consistency of beef gravy, which pair perfectly with the beef dip sandwich, the pastrami sandwich would of been better with more of a clear, light au jus. (beef broth) The fries were perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, perfectly seasoned, coleslaw was nicely chilled, flavored nicely. The owner was super nice, very attentive and helpful. Interacted with us, enough to make us feel welcomed, but not so much as to keep us from eating. Can't wait to come with the whole family, to try other items on the menu. 4 stars from me. read more

Hi , I have passed it maybe twice, years ago , but never went. But the last week, drove by about 3 times , so decided to stop by today. I love diners , so wanted to try it. Its cozy inside , and the owner and/or waiter is nice. But i just wish my grilled beef eater sandwich came with more fries and coleslaw. They do not give alot. Unless , it was just today. But will go again to try something else , tho i love grilled sandwiches. So i may order the same thing !!! :) read more

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Old time restaurant, owner Margaret will wait on you, food is good, Jewish deli style food, been there since the 50's, old time charm, has a bar, plenty of free parking. read more

The atmosphere here is always casual and fun ! Service is on point food is brought to you in a kindly prompt and polite efficient manner. Food is hot and fresh pickles here are the bomb and it's good diner food fresh fun hot and ready you can catch a game have an adult conversation and fun in the bistro area or sit casually and dine with family in the restaurant section. Restrooms have handicap access and there's an outdoor space to have a moment . Clean and really good American Diner food thick fries with house dressing is the go to! Margret runs this place and it's always fun with a wonderful friendly neighborhood atmosphere. read more

I went as party of seven on Saturday early afternoon to have lunch and we were seated right away almost empty. Took drink and entree orders; I had the NY Steak special for before 2:00pm, he let me have fries substitute from broccoli and added Garlic bread as a side for charge. Steak cooked very well medium and fries well asked for. Food came out in timely manner and server was attentive with more napkins, condiments and refills. I hope to come again to try other items. read more

Y'all crazy if your rating this place a good food. It literally tastes like bland prison food. I tried their so called famous "beef dip" based on their recommendation of "that's what everyone comes here for".....and first bite I almost threw up in my mouth. The dry meat tasted spoiled and rotten, and the Au Jus dipping was literally just thick brown gravy. I didn't eat it ....and just paid my tab and left in a hurry, never to return. read more

Eaten here for over 50 years. When my husband & I walk in Margaret knows our order by Mimi extra coleslaw & Deanna so delicious worth the drive from Fontana read more

I love diner food and breakfast and this place is pretty good! Try the spam and cheese omelette spam well done.,, and the chef from Jalisco makes a really good not too spicy salsa! Don't know why it's dead but it shouldn't be I always come here or Flo's down the street when I'm around Rl Monte read more

Jolly Jug - Spam and cheese omelette country home potatoes - Diners Near Me - El Monte, California

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Passed by this place many times and finally had the chance to actually walk in. This place is old and has been open for over 70 years. The nice thing is that it's a brunch place that isn't too crowded. I ordered a few things off the special menu. The steak and eggs was pretty solid for its price. The steak itself is definitely a cheaper cut and a little bit more chewy but it had nice char marks and overall flavor. Not bad for $13.99. The pastrami sandwich was something that was recommended as a top item so we tried it. The gravy that it comes with is delicious and the sandwich itself was very flavorful, I would recommend this. Only bummer of this dish was the picture has cold slaw but the item itself had none, not sure if they were out that day or it was an outdated picture. Overall I'd be back since it's local and it's a brunch place that's not too crowded. read more

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This is for the bar,inside the,'Jug" part of Jolly jug...It's a cheery welcoming place,great atmosphere,happy friendly people,really good hidden jem, I recommend you stop by for a drink or two...In N.El Monte on the corner,Peck rd....it has a food section too,breakfast,lunch and dinner...from pancakes,to beef and pastrami dips,to steak dinners...onion rings,fries,coleslaw...it all sounds good in the vast selection, I'll let you know when I try the food. .lol read more

Jolly Jug - Jolly-ness in the bar section! - Diners Near Me - El Monte, California

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Paloma salmon cheeseburger the chilli was a little off for me but that's okay. Eating here was okay. Very peaceful vibe and family oriented read more

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Simply said just good food. I had the beef dip sandwich m. The bread was nicely toasted and the beef was tender and complemented well with au hous, cole slaw and pickles. The au jus was deep in flavor and provided the sauce to tie the bread and the meat together. I also upgraded to chili cheese fried . Flavor was good and just the right amount. The owner/ lady was very engaging and offered some dishes to eat because it was my first time but I think she just looking at me...knows I can eat. I will return for the pastrami and corned beef. read more

Overpriced, burger and fires were like school cafeteria food no seasoning little to no ice in drinks. Ranch had a weird taste. Very disappointed read more

Service was great ! Unfortunately, the breakfast (steak & eggs) had no flavor and had to season everything . I liked the ambiance and had that classic style but I'm not gonna lie I wouldn't come here again for the food. Maybe stick with the pub and call it a day but the food was below mid. Nice people and vintage place but the food needs an upgrade. read more

I am ashamed to have not left a review here sooner. The Jolly Jug is a gem of the San Gabriel Valley and one of the very few places left to get a great beef dip sandwich. Margaret is amazing and keeps her historic 1946 restaurant just as it should be. Don't hesitate, stop in to the Jug for a beef dip with gravy and some of their amazing house coleslaw! read more

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Food was great. We ordered the pastrami and corned beef - kosher style. The bread was a bit soggy at the bottom but it was delicious! Did not have mustard in the sandwiches but they brought some to the table. Coleslaw was fabulous. Also ordered the Mimi and Deana's with chili on the side. Everyone was happy with their food. Asked for extra pickles. Service: was very attentive and friendly. Will definitely come back soon. read more

I'm sad to leave this place a 1-star review, but my recent visit was incredibly disappointing. They charge an extra $2 to pay with a card, whether it's debit or credit, which feels unreasonable. The beer is overpriced, and the quality of the food has gone downhill. The beef dip, which used to be a favorite of mine, is now dry, likely due to cheaper ingredients. While the staff, including Simon--my favorite bartender--are friendly, it's not enough to compensate for the poor experience. I'll be taking my business next door to El Marisquero, where the food is better, cheaper, and the beer is reasonably priced. Not to mention, their server Nancy provides fantastic service and is incredibly kind. Hope this feedback reaches Alissa. By Margaret read more

Awesome ,,,, I had the club sandwich and it was good,,, really good!!! I got it mixed meats style, It's like if you go and have combination fried rice but this is a club sandwich so it's a combination club sandwich with a little bit of all types of meat ,, "man it was so good" This place has been there for over 70 years and I work in that area so whenever I get a chance I'll go and grab something. Some of my coworkers have said to me that their steaks are just amazing which I plan on having next. So if you're in the area , go and try their food you will definitely not be disappointed. Five stars without question... read more

Loco Moco with a side order of potato salad and green onions to had on top of the loco Moco is grinds. read more

Jolly Jug - Loco Moco with a side of potato salad. So good and filling!! - Diners Near Me - El Monte, California

Margaret, Lisa, and the entire staff do a great job. Lovely place full of welcoming people read more

Jolly Jug - Bar - Diners Near Me - El Monte, California

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When we walked in, we were greeted by a sweet lovely old lady who asked us if it was our first time here (and it was). She recommended us to try their sandwiches since that's what they're famous for, so I decided to go with the pastrami sandwich she recommended and it did not disappoint! I loved the concept of dipping the sandwich, because i actually always prefer sauce on the side than on things. I tried a bit of my bf's steak and eggs and the steaks was a little too chewy for me like more well done than the medium rare he requested. However he said some parts does taste like that, so he might've just gave me a bad cut. Anyways everything was still good and i love supporting family restaurants like mom and pop shops like this for breakfast/brunch/lunch! read more

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Salt of the earth people at the bar. Great customer service. The "Cheers" of El Monte. When you got a good buzz going the beef dip sandwich with gravy (au jus on request) will suffice. Ambiance of a fine dive bar. read more

I came here at 750 pm and it was closed already the time said 10pm I drove pretty far to get here ..........