Brunch with friends is always enjoyable. This time we met at Joy of Eating cafe. The location of the cafe is easy to miss even though it's located on the street. There is a dedicated parking lot, tight but can hold a decent amount of cars. There is street parking as well, not metered - that is where I parked. The hostess was extremely friendly and attentive, checking in on us several times after ordering to notify of the food's ETA as well as refilling drinks and seeing if we needed anything. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The dining area has approximately ten booths in total and became quite crowded around 12:30p.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our meals arrived at different times, items to eat meal arrived sparsely as well. We ordered around 11:30a, there were two other parties present. We were able to order based on our dietary needs/wants as the menu offered quite a diverse array. The crab omelette (known as The California Omelette on the menu) is 1/4 lb of fresh crab served either hot or cold enclosed in three eggs along with avocado and Monterey Jack cheese. For $26.35 the omelette left much to be desired, especially in flavor and seasoning. Nothing complimented or even enhanced the presence of the crab in any way. The remaining party at the table said they enjoy their meal - including a blueberry waffle, toast and eggs with bacon and a double cheeseburger with fries. If you are looking for an inexpensive place to gather, this cafe is certainly an option to consider. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was easy to speak and hear each other with ample privacy and not a lot of traffic - if any.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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One of our fav spots! We eat here atleast once a week. The bacon waffle is to die for

Yesterday I was reintroduced to Joy of Eating and I was very impressed and happy with my experience! The service was amazing [[HIGHLIGHT]]I like the remodel I hadn't been there since I've been remodeled and the ambience felt really like a breakfast spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I will be going there again. My food arrived. It was hot. It was as I wanted it and I just really had a great experience I will go again and so should you! read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - I forgot to take it before I started it, but this is the middle of the experience. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

So glad we stopped by here. The reviews were mixed but the fullness of the restaurant and parking lot tell the truth. The service was good. Pranati greeted us upon entering and cleaned our chosen table away from the door. Another lady was right on her heels making sure we had been helped. She took our order quickly and the food came out in a reasonable amount of time. The portion sizes are good. My vallejo omelet was very meaty. I wish the veggies were cooked a little less but they were still delicious. The hotlink was good quality. The house made bread was amazing as toast and French toast. The bacon looks thin but it was perfectly cooked and meaty. THOSE POTATOES! The balance of cooked with crispy bits - I would go back just to order them by themselves with a little cheddar cheese. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's small but appears to be adequate for the clientele and many appeared to be regulars. Its an older place but clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will definitely keep it on the vallejo brunch list. read more

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Delicious! (But service slow drastically once the rush came in - it was otherwise fine when it was slow) [[HIGHLIGHT]]it's a small cafe, no music or tv, just old school, Vallejo charm.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We enjoyed ourselves and promised each other we'd go back again. The toast. My God. So fluffy, thick, and buttery. That alone was worth the trip. (Wish I took a photo) The grilled cheese was something new, they added tomato - nice touch, it made the cheese seem more mild. House potatoes were amazing as well. read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Grilled cheese with a bite missing (I just couldn't help myself) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great breakfast spot in Vallejo.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Been coming here for YEARS and it never disappoints!! The food is bomb, their toast sublime !! You can buy their homemade bread by the loaf Prices are still good and they give you a lot. read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Their famous toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

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Vallejo staple for brunch known for their toast! Their house made toast that is so sweet, thick and so good just on its own. You can also try it with cinnamon too. Located off Springs road only open for breakfast and lunch, they close early but the homiest diner with great service. They have a parking garage and street parking. I got the garden omelette that had a ton of veggies, their house potatoes, and their toast. One of my friends got their pancakes and a side of sausage. My other friend got their country fried steak and eggs, which also came with house potatoes and toast. Each meal was around like $20 with huge portions. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have booth, table, and bar seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They also have a location in Suisun. read more

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For some reason, I was feeling nostalgic and decided one Sunday morning to drive up to Fairfield to pass by my grandparents' old house and reminisce. I figured I'd grab breakfast on the way up there, so I started digging around till I found the Joy of Eating Cafe in Vallejo. Perfect! It's located on a business street which has seen better days. But don't let that stop you from pulling into the parking lot and sauntering on in. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Once inside, it's like you walked into a time warp straight to the 1950s! Lots of booth seating, and since I was the first one in I got the prime table toward the front.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A couple other customers came in after me and they looked like locals because they gave me that "you're-in-my-seat" stare when they walked by. Ah well ... early bird gets the worm! :-) The waitress was absolutely fantastic! Had that great diner vibe and was efficient and friendly. I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak with over-easy eggs and she told me it was the best I'd ever have. Love that kind of confidence! While I waited, she brought me my drink and a few hot sauces. Pepper Plant sauce is a hugely-popular sauce here in the Bay Area, and she brought out TWO flavors! I had no idea they made more than one. :-O The meal came out and, man, she's right! The texture of the steak is amazing, as is the savory gravy that covered it. The eggs and hash-browns are done to perfection. Definite kudos to the chef! Also, this dish came with a side of their homemade toast. As in, they bake the bread on-premises to make the toast. HUGE thick cuts, too! Eating fresh bread like this is just like drinking fresh-squeezed orange juice: You'll know it when you taste it. This experience was SO good, I think I'm going to have to make more trips up to my grandparents' old place just to have breakfast here again. read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Restaurant View - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

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We come here to the Joy of eating mainly for breakfast. I tried the mainline Chicken fried steak with home style potatoes, country gravy , overeasy eggs, toast and a pancake. It is a big plate enough for two. . Everything came out hot and tasty. We love their bread with strawberry jam. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small diner and the weekends are pretty busy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service is good, the servers are friendly. It's one of our go to's after church read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Chicken Fried Steak. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

Solid 3.5 for food and as good as I remembered. Even tho gravy was not the traditional sausage (white), it was still flavorful. Star is the freshly prepared, real potatoes with a nice crunchy exterior and soft interior. You really can taste the difference in fresh vs. rehydrated potatoes. Chicken fried steak was good. Service was a one-woman excellent show. read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

Hubby and came here a couple weekends and [[HIGHLIGHT]]I noticed the place has been spruced up and I really like it. The outside was updated and sidewalk between parking and restaurant is much better and looks livened up too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is still good and love their toast always. The service is good too as they always check in on us and top off the coffee which I appreciate. read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Corn beef hash with eggs and potato - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

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If your favorite meal of the day is breakfast, then this is THE local place to stop by at! At Joy of Eating, you'll be OVERJOYED. Here, it's a small place but if you have to wait a bit, it's worth it. WAIT. Walking in, you'll be greeted by the staff that is always friendly and attentive. Start with a cup of coffee that is pretty strong and order the CHICKEN FRIED STEAK & EGGS! Lawd, I love this one right here! It is filling because of the portion size and just so good because of the gravy. Order it with Homestyle Potatoes that's topped with green onions and for an extra kick, request the bottle of THE PEPPER PLANT OG CA STYLE HOT LEPPER SAUCE to top it with! Next is a MUST!!!!! Order the FAMOUS TOAST! It is homemade bread and you won't regret it. If you order the above, you'll be served with 2 thick slices topped with melted butter. The best toast in the world for me! On the table, there is a variety of Smuckers Jams to choose from but I always reach for Strawberry hahaha read more

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What a nice surprise. The Joy of Eating truely was wonderful. Linda our server was on top of it. The food was served hot, delicious, and timely. I highly recommend this unique diner. read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Dining area. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

Stopped in early morning for breakfast. Was greeted by the sweetest server. She was on it! Food came out quick and was delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Not the prettiest place, but that didn't affect the food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good vibes all around.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Outside. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

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Brought my Girlfriend On a Friday Morning to start her Birthday on the right footing and as soon as we step in the Door, the waiter when we visited who's name was Linda greeted us Immediately and was such a Joy, she even Helped sing Happy Birthday to her which we are Thankful for so thank you so much Also the Breakfast was Exceptional, we had A Tuna Sandwich for me and French Toast with Eggs and Sausage for Her Nothing but Quality and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the Ambiance is so retro and Old School Booths you cant help but feel cozy and at home[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Thanks again To Linda and the Staff, hope to see you guys again soon! read more

The food here can be hit or miss, though mostly hit. You really can't go wrong with the delicious Sunrise omelet served with their famous housemade toast. The Monte Cristo is a skip. Not good at all. Recently, I tried the club sandwich and WOW! After the meh Monte, I was hesitant to order another sandwich, but when I opened the delivery container I knew it was going to be amazing. The best club I've ever had and plenty enough for two people. It comes on their own bread, which has a bit of sweetness. Just really satisfying, and I will be craving that club a lot. When we eat there we always get excellent service from all staff. A gem. read more

Great service and good. Tried my wife's chicken fried steak, if I'm ever in the area again I will be sure to order it! read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

My wife and I have been coming for year but recently something has changed. My wife ordered French Toast and has a hair in the batter. I ordered a BAT with cup of fruit and the honey dew and cantaloupe was not ripe and grapes had black spots on them. We first ordered our food and I received wrong order. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Others must by noticing since location was empty, we usually have to wait to get in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] New ownership, cutting too many corners, not coming back. read more

Changed ownership this month so you'll see some new faces but most of the waitresses are still there as efficient and friendly as ever. A great little dive diner for breakfast or lunch, their homemade bread is delicious and their omelettes as tasty as before. The best breakfast in Vallejo, well worth a visit. read more

Mayra has poor customer service she's pretty confused and all over the place. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Store is filthy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I specifically ordered a side of hashbrowns and I received homestyle potatoes with green onions on top. The portion of eggs and bacon is ridiculous. I could've spent my money somewhere else and took my tip somewhere else. read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - The ridiculous portion of eggs and bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

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What?? How has this place been here for so long and I never came?? Now listen, I'm a single issue voter when it comes to breakfast places. The pancakes. One bad pancake and I'll never return. Well Joy of Eating totally delivered with the Berry Berry pancakes. So delicious, with dollops of fresh whipped cream and loads of real butter and syrup. The icing on the cake was the fresh brewed decaf and the delightfully engaged waitress who kept our cups full to the top for the whole meal and beyond. I've honestly grown to expect to either not get refills at all or have to chase them down but not at J of E. We will definitely be back!! Thank you again! read more

There is a gun store next door that I like to browse at during lunch so have seen this spot a few times and also as I drive to and from work. The outside and inside are older so you are not coming here for the vibe or ambiance. Service was excellent, a little slow but they were busy with a bunch of locals. Not sure what the train theme is about but lots of pictures of locomotives and other train related decor. The first item on menu said two small pancakes so I figured I could handle that even though it came with 3 eggs. Waitress asked if I wanted "home" bread and I said sure not knowing what she meant. So the pancakes were huge and to make matters worse the first thing they brought. They were delicious so I was in trouble when the rest of the food came. Decisions.......needed to be made so figured I would pig out and have this meal, hit a good work out and a light dinner tonight. The potatoes where pretty good, eggs cooked as I asked, (over medium), the bacon was delicious and 4 large pieces. The home bread was actually baked in house and the slices were like an inch thick, buttery and tasty. I gave it my best but left half the "small" pancakes and a little bit of everything except for the bacon and home bread of course. Will definitely come back and will be trying the Monte Cristo sandwich which apparently they make with that home bread so can't wait for that. Food was a solid 4, service 5, but the place desperately needs a renovation so that is a 2.5, they can't control the area so that's just Vallejo for you. read more

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Good neighborhood cafe - good for breakfast or lunch. This place has been around for decades. And though I grew up in East Vallejo, this is my first visit to this location. I remember there always being a long line out the door, but I don't think this is the case. If it is, then I rarely see lines. The food is predictable diner food. It was decent, but nothing really sticks out for me. For example, the corned beef hash is straight out of a can. I kind of expected more from a small diner. Breakfast for three: $80. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Small place could use some updating, but the service and the food was great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We walked in on a Tuesday morning. There was only one other patron in the place. We were greeted by a friendly waitress. She told us we could sit wherever we wanted so we did. She came got her drink orders gave us menus, it's a standard breakfast menu. We ordered the berry pancakes and the chicken fried steak and was told that their toast was made from in-house made bread. The food came out quickly. It was hot. It was a reasonable portion. The pancakes were full, and I mean full of berries. They were tender and fluffy, and not overly sweet. The chicken fried steak was tender. My eggs were perfectly over easy, and the potatoes were fresh. The star of my meal was the in-house sourdough toast, holy moly! It was the best toast I've ever had. Within 15 minutes of sitting there, there were at least six more tables full of people, and still only the one very kind waitress. People just kept coming in. But the waitress never lost her cool, she went table the table helping as many people as possible. At one point the Cook came out of the back room, looked around and shook his head and went right back to the grill. It was our first time there, but it won't be our last read more

Joy of Eating is a Vallejo staple and a nostalgic spot for my family. We've been coming here for at least 20 years, and it still has that old-school diner feel. It can get very busy, sometimes with a line out the door, which says a lot about how long it's been loved. I usually get the corned beef hash with their potatoes, and this place actually introduced me to challah bread, which they make themselves and let you choose as an option. My family loves the crab omelette and orders it regularly. It's a reliable breakfast spot that we keep coming back to. read more

A True Hidden Gem for Breakfast Lovers! Joy of Eating in Vallejo is hands down one of the best breakfast spots I've ever visited. [[HIGHLIGHT]]From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warm, friendly service and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is absolutely fantastic--everything tastes homemade and full of flavor. I had the [insert your favorite dish here, e.g., "Country Benedict with crispy hash browns"], and it was cooked to perfection. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the coffee keeps flowing. You can tell this place is loved by locals, and for good reason. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or just a classic eggs-and-toast combo, Joy of Eating delivers every time. I'll definitely be coming back--and bringing friends! read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - club sandwich with fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

First time ordering takeout at Joy of Eating, and even though the menu was impressive our order fell pretty short. I imagine a place like this is pretty busy on Sunday but to be fair, the hiccups seem like simple ones that would have easily changed my rating. I was excited to see the Monte Cristo on their menu, but was disappointed to just get a bag of lays potato chips as a side. You would think that for $16 they wouldn't skip on the fries. Also the Berry Berry shortstack lacked whip cream on top. Overall, the first impression was not great but I will try again. read more

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Great breakfast spot that's been in Vallejo for years. Tons of breakfast options as well as lunch menu items to choose from. Even just the basic breakfast is a great choice. Service is always friendly and can get busy during peak hours. read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

Seriously the best bread/toast we have EVER tasted. We bought two loaves to go. The breakfast potatoes are a combo of like country potatoes and hashbrowns. Also delicious! The waitress was very attentive and very nice. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Excellent service and food, great background music, must visit again![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Next time it will be the waffles, they look yummy.... read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - Strawberry Waffle #3 Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

Food was great! Love the bread. Old School Vallejo. Love it . Try the French toast! Wife's breakfast was great too

This is a hidden jewel in Vallejo. The prices are very reasonable and the service staff are excellent. I ordered the short stack pancakes with blueberries inside and strawberries on top with whip cream. A side of crispy bacon. The real STAR is the French Toast with Blueberries and Strawberries. Absolutely delectable. The Cafe is clean and reminds me of an old fashioned diner. read more

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The food was decent at a decent price but just took forever to get service and had to keep getting up and going to the back every time we needed something because we weren't checked on. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Goes to show the food and prices are good though because they were pretty busy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Great food and excellent service! There's a reason this place is a local favorite! Wonderful ambience! read more

They Joy of Eating is quite delicious. The bread is to die for. The portions are huge. Service is always friendly but can be hit or miss because they are always so busy. Therefore the tables are never really clean. And if you are in seated in one of the booths, don't look at the walls. They really need to spend a day, keep the doors closed and deep clean. There was a bullet hole through the front glass last time we came, it's since been fixed. It's not located in the best part of Vallejo but it's fine when the suns up. This trip we arrived for brunch, party of four. Two of us got breakfast (French Toast and the Denver Omelette) and two of us lunch, (Monte Cristo and Club Sandwich) all of us satisfied. The Denver Omelette had a rogue mushroom in it and the kid almost freaked out but after discovering the one off she was ok. The Monte Cristo was a little bit soggy but pretty good. No complaints about the Club or French Toast. We are moving out of state soon so this was most likely our last visit. This is one place I will miss. read more

Joy of Eating Cafe - The Denver Omelette - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Vallejo, California

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Yummy Food, Big Portions, and competitive pricing. Walk in, grab a booth, coffee on the table, your order is on the way. The waitress and cook are synched up to run a smooth operation. My coffee was topped off multiple times, never had to ask. You wanna big breakfast in Vallejo, this is the place to go. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Not clean at all. Everything looks old and could use a good cleaning.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'm not a fan of the food. Service was ok. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place just looks old a dirty[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

The Joy of Eating is amazing! Their chicken fried steak is absolutely delicious and that home made bread is to die for! My husband loves their French toast. The service you get there makes you feel like you're getting a homemade meal. I highly recommend this place for breakfast! read more

Definitely a must go. Great food and service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute small dinner with homemade bread and fresh breakfast potatoes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We will return to this gem. read more

Same great service. Damn near same staff for years. But food seems different. Just doesn't taste the same anymore. Bread appears the same but doesn't have that hint of sweetness it used to. Portions seem a little smaller than before but almost expected in light of inflation. Everything seems a little less flavorful? We typically will take a couple of loaves of bread to go with this time we didn't even want to. I grew up eating here, and so did my mother. My whole family was kind of confused after eating and noticed that the food didn't taste the same. I did some reading after my meal and found that they changed ownership in 2022, wondering if the changes are related to new owners. This could also be a one-off day. I'll return soon and update. read more

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