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    The Joy Bus Diner

    4.7 (454 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Services - The Joy Bus Diner

    Community Service/Non-Profit

    The Joy Bus Diner Photos

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    THE JOY BUS DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - The Joy Bus Diner

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    Jennifer Caraway's published cookbook
    Natasha A.

    We are big fans and will be returning! We feel lucky that this is in our neighborhood. We had the Chicken & Waffle, Mimosa with freshly squeezed oranges, side of Rosemary Potatoes, and the Cheese burger with fries. We loved that all proceeds go to the non-profit. Amazing place and organization.

    Jamie K.

    Super glad that we stumbled upon 'The Joy Bus Diner'!!! Founded and operated by 'Chopped' champion Chef Jennifer Caraway, this place lives up to her esteemed reputation! Since 2016, this non-profit diner has been directly supporting homebound cancer patients through sponsored meals. The menu is deep, and the food is incredible! And honestly, I feel confident with all of their options. The place was packed and everyone looked satisfied. I ordered the chilaquiles which were a delightful offering of crispy tortilla chips covered in earthy red chili, topped with a velvety poached egg, on a bed of hearty pinto beans that had a hint of cumin, all which was drizzled with a rich crema and crumbled queso fresco. My dad had the Rueben and he said it was in his top-three he's ever had! Even during the Saturday brunch rush we were seated promptly, the kitchen was swift and our waitress was kindly attentive to our needs. We will definitely be adding this fine establishment to our short list, and can see why this is a community staple.

    The Camper.
    John F.

    A few years ago, we heard about The Joy Bus Diner and the amazing cause behind it. As my wife is a cancer survivor, the idea of a charitable organization that provides food to cancer patients and their caregivers was of great interest to us. We finally decided to try the diner, and oh my goodness--this is no substandard food kitchen. This is top-notch food at reasonable prices and for a great cause. You can't go wrong! We arrived on a Sunday at their new location, which is super nice, VW bus and all. :) While relatively small, it is many times larger than their old location around the corner. You can sit inside at a table, at the bar, or at one of the few patio tables on a nice day. We sat inside for this first visit, and a friendly server took our order. We chose to order from the breakfast menu, and I ordered The Camper: Crispy double-dipped fried chicken thigh smothered in savory gravy and topped with cheese, three slices of Nueske's peppered bacon, and an over-easy egg, served on a housemade butter biscuit. My wife ordered the CSA Scramble: Farm-fresh veggies from Crooked Sky Farms CSA basket scrambled with three eggs, served with fruit, sliced tomato, and 9-grain toast. Needless to say, we were both impressed. The Camper was absolutely perfect. I would not change a thing. The gravy was just special, and there was so much food, I took some home. My wife's dish was fresh and perfect for what she was looking for. Do consider donating to this worthy cause. We chose to, and you can even donate right on your bill so that it goes right on your credit card if you so choose. But even if you just pay for your meal, you are helping out, which is so great about eating at this place. Do yourself a favor and stop in to see the friendly people at The Joy Bus Diner!

    Lacy K.

    Chef Jennifer Caraway created the Joy Bus Diner after losing her friend Joy to cancer. Run mainly by volunteers, the diner has been feeding the community not only in the diner but through home delivered meals for 15 years. Thursday thru Sunday from 7-2, you can grab breakfast or lunch at the diner on 32nd and Shea. You can donate a meal for $15 when you pay for your own meal or check out their website for more donation and volunteer opportunities. Volunteers cook, serve you, and deliver meals to cancer patients in their own homes. We enjoyed a breakfast of fresh squeezed orange juice, eggs benedict, and a quinoa power bowl. The food was fresh, and it felt good knowing that all profits go to such a great cause. Also, in the diner, you'll find @wildthingsbotanicals and can purchase a beautiful plant after your meal. Owner Cherry has been a part of the diner for 7 years and delivers bouquets to home bound cancer patients along with their meals. While in the bathroom, you'll overhear old tv sitcoms. And be sure to checkout articles hanging on the hallway walls that show the amazing impact that Jennifer and her Joy Bus Diner have made over 15 years.

    Andrew W.

    What an awesome concept and business! We love supporting local businesses and this one especially so because of its cause! Our waitress and all the staff were so incredibly friendly and nice! Our food portions were massive and it's a great value! Would 100% recommend and hope to come back!

    Bathrooms
    Joy T.

    A restaurant that not only serves really good food but also gives back to the community, by providing meals to cancer patients. This space of a diner is beautifully decorated, with inside dining as well as patio seating. You can buy merchandise as well as beautiful potted plants. Our server was sweet, helpful and complimentary. The food came out pretty quickly. The presentation of all that we ordered was attractive as it was delicious. If you haven't tried this place you must put it on your list. Your stomach will be happily satisfied as well as knowing that you've helped this diner help our community of those suffering with cancer.

    Wild things botanicals plant setup - profits go to delivering flowers to the cancer patient's homes
    Robyn V.

    What a fantastic find and wonderful visit to this darling little diner. We went on a Sunday, it was busy as to be expected, sat outside on the shaded patio and had great service, fabulous food, the best biscuits I've ever had in my life with a pimento cheese spread I added on. We also ordered the avocado toast, Belgian waffle with yummy fruit topping, a side of their breakfast rosemary potatoes, and Shakshouka / Shashouka which is so very rarely on a menu. That was the highlight for me, and I plan to go get more of it when I visit later today! -- The story behind this place and that they use their profits to hand deliver meals to 240+ cancer patients that are housebound, and visit with them is just incredible. And also the plant set up by Cherry, owner of Wild things botanicals is also delightful as can be, and I left with a darling cactus family.

    Plants inside
    Jaquay R.

    What I appreciate most about this place is that this is a non-profit business. When you dine here it is for a good cause. 100% of the revenue goes back into the charity of delivering chef-inspired meals and visitation to cancer patients in the Valley. I dined here for the first time with my sister and had invited a friend. I honestly was more impressed by the story, history, and volunteer opportunities than I was the food. The food was good, but learning about the overall mission was even greater. I ordered The Joy Bus Burger with bacon and fries. It was visually appealing and tasted good too. The inside has a fun vibe with a pac-man arcade game, the dine-in Joy bus, and many photos on the wall. The volunteer staff is amazing and our waitress took time to share details on the volunteer program when I asked. I definitely want to join in on the awesome way they are serving the community in need.

    Belgium waffle
    Lisa O.

    The food is great, the service is fantastic, and the cause just makes it even more worthwhile. I hate to rave about this gem, would like to keep it all to myself but then again, they deserve high praise for a job well done. Five stars cuz I wouldn't change a thing!!!

    Joan P.

    Had lunch at the fabulous Joy Bus Diner earlier this week, and the word that best describes my experience is "delightful". Everything was delightful from the moment I walked in! That includes the bright dining room filled with enthusiastic staff and volunteers, the Power Bowl salad I had along with a WOW beer, my lovely server Alena, and the happy view from my seat of the adorable Joy Bus filled with beautiful plants! It is ALWAYS delightful to dine at The Joy Bus Diner! What an incredible organization, with a noble mission, delicious food and a superb leader, Jennifer.

    Great advice from the loo.
    sandy b.

    Service was attentive. Super clean place and adorable. I liked that there was local food stuff to purchase. I found the shakshuka a bit spicy and then a volunteer said almost every dish had a kick.

    The "Traditional" Eggs Benedict"
    Gracie F.

    Such a cute place. Loved the decor and the vibe. Staff was very nice and inviting. It was a Sunday and they had a DJ. I thought it would be too loud like those other breakfast joints (Hash Kitchen), but it was surprisingly perfect. Was loud enough to enjoy, and yet soft enough to have conversations with your party without shouting. However the music in the ladies restroom was obnoxiously loud. I had a coffee and the Traditional Eggs Benedict. The coffee was good, but I wish they had flavored creamer or flavor pumps (I know that's a personal preference, but it's letting coffee drinkers know it's half n' half only). I added the salmon (+$2) to the meal and the salmon was a bit fishy, so might not have been as fresh as I'd hoped it would be. The "smoked ham" was a sausage patty, which was odd. Now the star of the show, the eggs, were perfectly cooked (I can't stand over cooked poached eggs). That alone was the best part! The hollandaise sauce could have used just a bit more lemon, but was still delicious. Velvety, smooth and creamy. I didn't think I'd miss the English muffin, but I stand corrected. The toast was good, but got soggy as I ate. I missed that English toast chew. Regardless, I'd go back again. More than likely try something else. It wasn't bad, but it also wasn't as good as it could be. I'll give them another shot, mainly because of the ambiance and the staff!

    Classic Eggs Benedict with rich, light hollandaise, rosemary potatoes, & orange slices
    Amanda S.

    Loved this place so much! The food is AMAZING & it is all for a great cause- to help provide meals to home bound cancer patients. Although it has a beautiful sign, it is set back in a shopping center off 32nd St just south of Shea. I drove by for years without really noticing it. Plus, there's a few other great spots competing in the neighborhood. The space is cozy, staff & volunteers are great, there's a cute bus with a dining table and...did I mention the amazing food? Everything coming out of the kitchen had our mouths watering. We picked the Shakshuka and Eggs Benedict. Both great choices. I hear their smash burger is also fantastic as a lunch pick. Worth the stop, even if you have to drive a bit out of the way!

    Chilaquiles

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    2 years ago

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    Joanna M.

    Thank you so much for dining with us and supporting our mission!

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    2 years ago

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    Joanna M.

    Thank you so much for supporting our mission!

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    8 years ago

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    Lisa C.

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    8 years ago

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    Lisa C.

    Thank you for the great review! We hope to see you back in soon!!

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    2 years ago

    Literally the best, what they stand for, the service, the food, it's all great! Everyone go

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    4 years ago

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    Joanna M.

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    2 years ago

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    Joanna M.

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    Lisa C.

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    2 years ago

    Amazing people, amazing purpose and delicious food! Definitely recommend this place.

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    Joanna M.

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    Joanna M.

    Thank you so much for your support! We greatly appreciate you.

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    3 years ago

    Always so much fun! The food is fabulous and the staff are amazing! Definitely give this one a try; you will be happy you did!

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    Joanna M.

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    3 years ago

    Amazing food, service and cause 100% satisfied. Everything tasted homemade and fresh.

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    Joanna M.

    Thank you so much for supporting our mission!

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    9 years ago

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    Lisa C.

    Thank you so much for the kind words and positive review!!! :)

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Lisa C.

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Joanna M.

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Very friendly staff and accommodating to our party of 8 with young kids! Food was delicious.

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    Joanna M.

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    10 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Lisa C.

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    3 years ago

    Cute place with great service! The sandwiches and fried chicken are unmatched! So delicious!

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Wonderful unique food and service is always good. Will be nice to have another excuse to return there

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    Joanna M.

    Thank you so much for supporting our mission!

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    10 years ago

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    Lisa C.

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    Joanna M.

    Thank you so much for supporting our mission.

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    4 years ago

    Delish guacamole toast w eggs... sweet service and amazingly no wait on a Sunday! We'll be back!

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Joanna M.

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    Page 4 of 12

    Ask the Community - The Joy Bus Diner

    Are there gluten free options?

    Good morning. We do not have specific gluten free menu choices but we can definitely try to accommodate any allergies.

    Do they have soufflé pancakes here? I've seen someone post about them but haven't seen any on their website/menu.

    No,they do not

    Do they take reservations?

    No, just show up and if you do have to wait it's worth it.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The Joy Bus Diner

    This is a non profit that supports cancer patients & their families by delivering fresh healthy meals when in need.

    Mentioned in 89 reviews

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    Amazing neighborhood spot for drinks and bites with a beautiful patio. Solid vegan options,…read morewholesome brunch vibes and very kind staff who bring the nostalgia to life.

    Good food, spoiled by bad service. We have been curious…read moreabout this place ever since we stopped and talked to the person seating people while we were waiting for our reservation across the street. He mentioned a pickle martini, which I ordered at lunch and was very good. My wife ordered the welcome burger and enjoyed it except for them getting the toppings wrong. Our granddaughter really liked her mac and cheese and there was a generous serving of sliced fruit. And my Jose Burger had just enough spice and was very tasty. That what's the good. So we stopped here for lunch on a Friday about 12:30 with our 3-year-old granddaughter. Our initial server barely said two words to us and we felt like we were an imposition. When we ordered my wife asked did they have Pepsi or Coke products he said we have bottles and cans of everything, so she ordered a Coke. It was Mexican Coke which is fine, but $5, and it wasn't until we noticed other people had cans of regular Coke and realized he did not give us a choice. When we ordered our burgers, again he barely said two words and did not ask us how we wanted them cooked even though the menu says cook to order. When we got them they were very rare, see the picture, which we're okay with although we would have ordered them a little more done. My wife said no onions on hers, and of course there was onions on her berger. Later we were served by a waitress who was much more friendly and we realize was probably just not there yet when we sat down, so the initial waiter didn't really care what we thought since we weren't going to be his customers at the end. So sadly what could have been a very pleasant lunch was spoiled by the initial waiter, even though the food was good we may not be back.

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    Everything about this place is great--the design is really cool and the staff were very friendly…read more I ordered the ribeye steak and eggs. When it came out, the steak was smaller than I expected and pretty chewy. It also seemed much leaner than what I usually expect from a ribeye, with very little marbling. Because of that, it didn't have the tenderness or flavor I normally associate with that cut. I'd still recommend this place overall since my friends enjoyed their food and everything else was good. I'd just personally skip the steak next time and try something else.

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    $$

    Instant nostalgia walking in as this location used to be a 5 & Diner that I'd been frequenting…read moresince the 1990s with my Nanny (British for Grandma). I'd been meaning to try this location after seeing a few of my fellow Yelper friends review this place. Just like they said, this place did not disappoint! Serving up quality diner food with friendly service, classic hits, and blast from the past decor. What We Ordered: - Steak & Eggs: Under $20?! Count me in! Seasoned well and cooked perfectly to order for both the over easy eggs and medium rare steak. Breakfast perfection! - Patty Melt: My boyfriend said it was delicious, and the small bite I tried was great. You can tell they season their burger patties. Honestly, we both left very impressed as all the food was seasoned well and cooked beautifully. Who says diner food can't be done well?! Nana Dee's has set the standard for diner food!

    Thanks Nana Dee's and our wonderful waitress, Valerie - that's 3 gentlemen extremely well-fed and…read moretaken care of. Delicious and plentiful food, recommended by Valerie - difficult to get out of our seats to close out and get back on the road, truth be told. I had the burrito special (ginormous and the salsa on the side with hash browns was excellent); my two colleagues had Ultimate Lumberjacks that did not disappoint. Lovely, well-kept and bright American Diner experience with vibrant decor to keep your eyes busy while you have a short wait for your food. Valerie was there every step of the way to ensure our needs were met and our questions were answered. First Class experience - thank you

    Photos
    Nana Dee's Diner
    Patty Melt
    Patty Melt
    Menu - April 2026

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    Menu - April 2026

    The Joy Bus Diner - breakfast_brunch - Updated July 2026

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