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    Joy

    4.5 (2.1k reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated a few days ago

    Order Joy Takeout or Delivery

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    Recommended Reviews - Joy

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    Hot & Sour Soup
    Tina K.

    The dan dan noodles and braised pork rice were both excellent and tasted very authentic. The hot and sour soup had a really strong pepper flavor--I can't handle spicy food very well, so I could only manage a few sips! My stomach wasn't big enough today, so I'll have to come back and try more dishes next time. I arrived around 3 PM, and there were still seats available, but people kept coming in nonstop. Business was incredibly good! I can only imagine that during normal meal hours, finding a seat would be nearly impossible.

    Menu 6-2026
    Truman W.

    Highland Park is a gentrified L.A. neighborhood, you can tell from its narrow streets and tiny cramped lots, not to mention horrendous parking, that attract young people of the tik-tock social media type like in Silverlake and Echo Park. I would never live in such places but only go there to eat. "Joy" is a great find in a sea of gentrified chaos. Given its location, the food at "Joy" is surprisingly good and authentic, even by the standards of the predominantly-Chinese SGV. The minced pork rice is as good as "Golden Leaf" in San Gabriel, and the traditoinal shaved ice is better, bigger and cheaper than "Meet Fresh", a SGV favorite. The Taiwanese-themed decor also adds to its exotic appeal. Chill, happy staff.

    Dan dan noodles
    Melchor D.

    Met up with my sister and her brother here for lunch. The wife found this place from a tiktok video and we decided to try it since we didn't get to try a lot of Taiwanese food on our trip to Taipei. When you come in, there is a sign that tells you to order before being seated. My sister and her bf had yet to arrive so I placed a sizeable order for the 4 of us. Luckily, they were there (waiting in the car) so I told them to walk over so we can be seated. I ordered 2 orders of chiayi chicken (1with white rice and 1 with brown rice), 2 orders of thousand layer pancake (1 with egg and 1 with egg and cheese), shrimp wonton, dance dan noodles, wonton noodle soup, hakka mochi and forbidden rice pudding. For drinks we had a few of the shaken iced green teas and 1 taro milk tea (my sister said it didnt taste like taro) Everything was great. I was surprised my sister's bf liked the food. The chiayi chicken was good with a bit of the chili sauce (sambal). The thousand layer pancake was good if you dip it in the black vinegar (mixed with chili oil and a little soy sauce). The shrimp wonton were surprisingly light and tasty. The dan dan noodles was balanced my medium thin sliced cucumber. Everything was portioned very small so you can try everything.we didnt get additional sides because were getting full. The desserts was what I was looking forward to and it did not disappoint. The hakka mochi reminded me of the soy pudding stalls in singapore that had mochi balls filled with a black sesame paste and peanut paste inside. This is what the hakka mochi was but in dry soft chewy form with black sesame and peanut grains to top it off. For my sister, it reminded her of the filipino dessert pichi pichi. The forbidden rice pudding reminded me of a soupy version of the filipino dessert biko. It had chunks of sweet potatoes and tapioca. Also very good but my bias is the hakka mochi. The ambiance was bright, bustling and inviting. Very small tables perfect for a quick bite. Highly recommend if you want a tapas style lunch that doesn't break the bank.

    Window seats
    Nelinda H.

    Joy has given us so much... JOY! This place is super cute to begin with. We had such a great experience, and being our first time, we ordered items that were highly recommended by their staff and enjoyed every single item. From the Dan Dan noodles to the pancake with eggs & cheese, pork belly bun and rice pudding for dessert, everything was delicious! Their food is also reasonably priced so you can pretty much try everything without breaking the bank. We will definitely be back for more! Quick tip: there's street parking and a public parking lot about a block away. Happy eating!

    pork bun
    Kristin M.

    I LOVE SOUP!!! so this place can get very crowded very fast . luckily the employees have a good system of getting people in and out smoothly. go in and order at the counter and get your number, they will call your number once a table has opened up. i ordered the pork bun and wonton noodle soup and they were both sooooo good. bun nice and chewy and pork had a good flavor. the soup was delicious and the wontons are enormous lol. fyi all the wontons here are shrimp so be careful if u are allergic. i had the milk tea to drink too and it was good, not too sweet. overall very happy!!! i definitely want to come again ‍‍‍

    Slack season noodles
    Mark D.

    The food was delicious, which was ordered via UberEats. The Minced pork on rice was delicious, though I wouldn't quite recommend the slack season noodles. I liked the pork used in it(Same as on the first dish), but the noodles and the ramen were pretty bland. All the food was luke warm too. I may have had a better experienced if I had dined in and if I had used some of the available sauces to make this dish more spicy. If in the area, I would probably have the Minced pork or one of their other non-broth dishes again. Upon checking reviews, a lot of reviews stated that parking was a challenge, which is why we had initially decided to have the food delivered to our hotel.

    Pork Belly Bun
    Leon C.

    Big fan of Taiwanese food growing up, and this place did not disappoint. From the merch to the wooden Chinese menu, the atmosphere feels intentional and distinct. We went early on a Friday evening and it was already filling up. The line moved quickly, and so did the food. A friendly cashier and kind staff made the whole experience seamless. We got the Pork Belly Bun to start. Great mix of flavors: sweet and savory pork, with herbs and pickled greens adding a refreshing contrast. The Slack Season Noodles had a rich broth. This would be the pick for savory and hearty broth lovers. If you love peanut flavors then look no further from the Dan Dan Noodles, a nutty, sweet, and thick sauce with herbs and cucumbers to cut through the richness. The Passion Fruit Tea was nice, a little sweet for my taste but that is probably the right way to drink it. I'd love to see a slightly broader menu, but what they do, they do well. Prices feel fair, especially in this economy, and while portions aren't huge, they don't feel skimpy either. A solid spot for a quick, comforting bite.

    Hot and sour soup
    Jasmine D.

    Joy is one of those neighborhood gems of LA servicing such delicious Taiwanese comfort food. We came on a Sunday evening and the restaurant was pretty busy - the line to order moved quickly, but we ended up waiting outside for a little before a table opened up for us. The space itself is casual and cozy yet trendy. We loved all the dishes we got - everything tasted so yummy, comforting, and clean. - Woodear mushroom appetizer - perfectly seasoned and paired really well with the warm dishes - Hot and sour soup - so hearty and reminded me of my childhood! - Chiayi chicken rice - a comforting chicken over rice dish - Slack season noodles - a simple yet delicious and nostalgic noodle dish with minced pork, garlic, and shrimp - Scallion bread sandwich - their scallion bread is so yummy and fresh! The pork belly was so flavorful too Street parking only. They also have a walk up window on the side of the building for to-go orders.

    Wonton Noodle Soup Milk Tea
    Ally C.

    When I'm in need of comfort food, Joy is my go to. My favorites are their wonton noodle soup, beef noodle soup, beef roll, and mapo tofu. Their milk teas and fruit tea are also very very good. Parking can be tough in this neighborhood, and it can also get crowded. But it's worth it. It's lively and vibrant inside, and I've never had issues with service. Their sister restaurant Pine & Crane in DTLA is amazing as well.

    Sanny C.

    Never thought I would actually try this restaurant. I remember my first attempt to try this restaurant (years ago), I got frustrated trying to find a parking. The restaurant itself was also super busy back in the days. I left and never returned. Recently, couldnt decide on where to eat. A suggestion for this place came up. It was on a weekday and the line didnt seem so bad. We were able to find a meter parking close to the restaurant. Ordering process was simple. We ordered the layered pancakes with cheese & eggs, DanDan noodles, hot & sour soup (sm), and a shaken green tea. We then waited for tables to be cleared. The staff guided us to a table. Wait wasn't that long. The egg & cheese layered pancake was yummy. It had some chilies and greens (basils) inside. Looked very simple, but was packed with flavors. I also added a little vinegar to enhance the taste. The DanDan noodles were ok. I think the noodles were a bit too soft. The flavors were good. The amount of sauces were good. A good ratio of everything. It wasnt super creamy like most places. So that was a plus. The hot & sour soup was way too salty. It would have been very good if it wasn't so salty. The shaken tea was surprisingly not bad for the price. RR avail Meter parking Service was alright.

    Dan Dan Noodles and Minced Pork on Rice
    Lea K.

    Great spot to try. Food was delicious and the workers were nice. Inside has swaying but gets full quick!

    Vegan Mapo Tofu Dan Dan Noodles Hot & sour soup Scallion bread
    Sari S.

    This place is such a vibe. Great for lunch or dinner. Can be quick, can be long. There's no parking so give yourself time to find a street spot (easier to find in the day) they have a walk up window off the sidewalk for Togo orders, or they have a counter that you can walk in and order from - and take a seat at a table inside. You will not be waited on per se - it is a counter ordering situation. The menu is great, everything is more or less shareable! You can even find some hard to find drinks in their beverage fridge (shout out Aloha drinks from Hawaii!) We got a medium hot and sour soup - good for sharing, so so so delicious Dan Dan noodles 20/10 but could use more spicy (just add chili oil at the table) The scallion bread is like focaccia with scallions. Not a scallion pancake. Cold items - wood ear mushrooms are fiiiiiiire The tables are okay - most are stools so if you have a bad back, opt for a table near a wall. Would definitely return! They also have a great combo special for like $17

    Hot and sour soup, wonton noodle soup, chilled, shredded tofu salad, passion fruit iced tea.
    HP S.

    Really good, legitimately Asian food restaurant. Nice interior atmosphere, upbeat, good food choices and their passion fruit tea is incredible. We had three different main dishes, all were excellent: wonton noodle soup, hot and sour soup, and Dan Dan noodles. The street parking can be a little challenging, but definitely worth the short walk. Their manager, Will, is a very friendly and upbeat young man with whom we enjoyed chatting about the restaurant and food. Sitting at the corner of York Boulevard and Avenue 51, this is definitely a restaurant whose food you want to try.

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    Joy Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Joy

    Where can park our car?

    Street parking is relatively easy. There are also a couple of city lots in the area.

    Is this place ESA/Dog friendly? I know outdoor seating is not available

    There are no animals allowed inside except for registered service animals.

    Is there outside seating?

    There is no outside table seating or service. A little bench/planter, but no real tables. if you want to sit outside, get your food to go - it's more comfortable walking a block to York Park (Avenue 50)

    Are kids allow here?

    Yes

    Is the rice pudding supposed to taste like bacon (smoky)?

    Is it open for dine in?

    yes.

    Is the dining room open or is it only take out?

    Dining room is open

    There was an item missing from our order and we tried to call and can't get a hold of anyone, how do I get this aside from going all the way back?

    So sorry to hear! Please email us at joymanagement@pineandcrane.com or call us at (323)999-7642.

    Do you use MSG? Have an allergy and feeling a little dizzy (have migraines + msg allergy) but the food was delicious so no complaints here, just wondering what, if anything, should be avoided next time while ordering. Thanks

    Most if not all Chinese restaurants use MSG

    Are there completely organic menu options?

    I don't believe so

    Do the shrimp wontons have pork in them?

    The wonton soup=yes, the spicy shimp wontons=no.

    Where could you park?

    You can probably park at the post office parking lot after they close for the day

    What are the Christmas and Christmas Eve hours?

    Closed Christmas Eve 12/24 and Christmas Day 12/25; and New Year's Eve.

    Are there vegan options?

    Yes! Loads of them

    Does Joy use MSG? (I read one Yelp Review mentioning that they noticed MSG, and I was wondering if anyone else could comment on whether it's used here.) Thanks!

    I don't know. I don't think so. MSG IS AWESOME

    Is this place dog friendly?

    I didn't see any dogs there and there is no outdoor eating area, so I'm gonna say no to dog friendly.

    How well would someone gluten free do here?

    My Mom is gluten free and she totally enjoyed all the many gluten free dishes. The menu is online check it out for yourself. Enjoy your meal if you end up going!!

    Good Morning! Any specials for someone's birthday?

    I don't think so. Since it's such an informal/casual dining experience I don't think they would do anything special. But, it doesn't hurt to ask; maybe they'll give you some of those amazing polvorones.

    Does Joy have brown rice as an option?

    Yes Joy gives you a choice of white or brown rice

    Are any of the vegetarian options not spicy?

    Braised bean curd & mushroom sandwich!

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    Absolutely love Creature's Plants and Coffee concept and environment. This place was walking…read moredistance from a couple friends' place, and it's been their regular to-go coffee shop out of all the coffee shops around this area. Very cute flower logo, and the space is rather large with a store for plant-related goods, a great assortment of plants, outdoor and indoor seating, ordering area, pick up area, etc. Friendly people that work here as well! We tried some espresso tonics, cappuccino, non-caffeinated drinks, and matcha. No complaints from us with what we ordered. They also do some seasonal drinks. One that stood out was an iced matcha with strawberry rhubarb. I'd try that one if I were in a matcha mood, but I needed those espresso shots in the morning. Great environment to hang out, get some plants, enjoy some drinks, and even to study!

    I was recently in the Eagle Rock area and went straight to yelp for an iced latte recommendation…read more Found great reviews for Creatures Plants and Coffee and looked interesting, so I visited and I'm glad I did. I found parking on the street, it wasn't too bad at all. It looks like they have a couple of spots behind the café, if you're lucky. I love this set up, there are so many places to sit and sip, gather, work, study. The plants make this unique café shop, gorgeous! It's like everywhere you turn, there is more seating and more plants. Inside the café, you can find merch and a small menu. The barista and cashier were really friendly and helpful. I went with the wildflower iced latte. The cashier said it was a good choice and I also asked someone in line. I thought it was delicious. It could have had more flavoring, but I definitely can tell that the ingredients were of quality. I also walked around and looked at the plants. Pricing was a bit high, but they were very gorgeous and the employee in that shop was friendly and helpful. I highly recommend you stop by!

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    Turmeric Latte. Furry "creature" in the background, crawling up the tree.
    Turmeric Latte. Furry "creature" in the background, crawling up the tree.
    Welcome to Creature's Plants and Coffee.
    Welcome to Creature's Plants and Coffee.
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    Lola Cafe

    Lola Cafe

    4.6
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    We found street parking about a block away, and when we arrived the place was already busy with…read moreguests constantly coming in. The café itself is super cute, very clean, and has such a welcoming atmosphere. The service was friendly and attentive. There were so many menu options that I honestly wish I had more time and more of an appetite to fully indulge and try more dishes. We were in a bit of a hurry. I tried the chilaquiles, which were quit filling. They were a different style than the traditional version. They used crispy tortilla chips similar to the kind you get in tortilla soup, which actually gave the dish a really good twist. Every bite was flavorful and satisfying. The food overall was really good, and I especially enjoyed the latte because it wasn't overly sweet like a lot of places tend to make them. Overall, such a great little breakfast and coffee spot in Eagle Rock. I'll definitely be back when I have more time to explore more of the menu.

    10/10 experience , this is going to be my new go to weekend spot! First time here, greeted by such…read morea competent and friendly staff. I am emphasizing competency because that is rare skill nowadays. Extreme attention to detail in customer experience, You can tell they care. So many food options and you can see the attention to cleanliness. it was hard to choose from food as there are lots of options. The outside seating is so nice and comfortable. Food came out with incredible presentation. I highly recommend getting the chips and guac for a little appetizer it is a must try! Super crispy and guac was probably some of the freshest I've had. I also recommend getting house made sauces ! Just Incredible

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    Sitting area
    Sitting area
    The chilaquiles was sooo delicious. The best!! Homemade salsa
    The chilaquiles was sooo delicious. The best!! Homemade salsa
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    Fondry

    Fondry

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    Came early on a weekday morning and the wait/line wasn't too bad! :)…read more Ham & Gruyère: Classic and delicious. It really hit the spot as we had Fondry for a light breakfast. The ham is rolled up and in the center of the croissant, so make sure you bite into it lengthwise to get the ham and cheese all together. Fantastically savory!!! Elderflower Rhubarb: Not as sweet as it appears to be!! Delicious--the elderflower notes come through as you chew, and the ratio of jam to bread is generous. Chocolate Hazelnut Pain au Suisse: Tasty, chocolatey, and hazelnut flavors throughout. Feels like a refined Ferrier Rocher wrapped in bread. Definitely needed water alongside this one because it's quite rich! This was a fun spot to try, and the vibes are beautiful, cozy, and quiet on a weekend morning! All three croissants had an insanely layered bite and excellent crunch/crisp. A bit pricey, but a fun place to try if you're in the mood for nice bread!

    Chorizo Quiche: Delicious!! Fluffy and flavorful. Had good proportions of chorizo, potato and…read morecheese so that it wasn't too heavy but just filling enough. Ham and Gruyere Croissant: Fluffy, crispy, airy croissant. Kind of a basic ham and cheese but the croissant makes it a worthy breakfast choice. Iced Honey Latte: Regular iced coffee, nothing special. Would not get a drink again and focus on the yummy pastries which are more worth the price imo. Parking/ ambiance: there is a small shared lot and street parking. There is outdoor seating area which is very cute but quite small. The inside itself is also small with no seating, so plan accordingly when considering to dine there vs take to go. Service: Polite/typical. Was fast for how busy it was. Overall a good breakfast choice, especially considering the variety of pastry options!

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    Inside
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    Bakers bench
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    Kumquat Coffee

    Kumquat Coffee

    4.3
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    Ever since I moved to LA 5 years ago, I've loved Kumquat. I live about 25/30 minutes away, and on…read moremy days off I will swing by to grab a coffee or a matcha from this beautiful little place. Kumquat lives off of York Blvd - a street with many families, creatives, and small businesses live. The environment is always wholesome. Their staff are always friendly, and as an experienced barista myself, I can see that their team are also very talented, well trained and very good at quality control. Their espresso is so balanced and sits perfectly center on your palette. Their matcha and hojicha is rich and velvety and seemingly a higher grade product. They work with many roasters, and sell a lot of their beans on their shelves. They also sell a lot of coffee and tea tools. I love everything about coming to Kumquat. Don't skip on their other locations (Loquat and newfound Quat). I'll forever stan this business

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    Matcha tonic and New England latte
    Matcha tonic and New England latte
    Matcha tonic and New England latte
    Matcha tonic and New England latte
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    Cafe 86

    Cafe 86

    4.6
    (165 reviews)
    1.2 mi
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    I love me some Cafe 86, and this location is no exception. From their ube treats to drinks, it's…read moreeverything I could want when I'm craving a sweet treat. This time around I got a matcha drink and my husband got a calamansi juice. The calamansi juice was so refreshing on a hot day and the matcha was a great pick me up. There's plenty of parking at the plaza as well, so it won't be an issue.

    Stopped by after lunch in Glendale after eagerly anticipating the chance to finally try their Halo…read moreHalo. Unfortunately, it ended up being a huge disappointment. We ordered both the regular Halo Halo and the "Upside Down" Halo Halo. The regular version tasted like it had coffee ice cream, which completely threw me off. I kept wondering if I had been given the wrong order because it definitely wasn't the classic flavor I expected. The "Upside Down" Halo Halo was even more confusing, it looked exactly like a regular Halo Halo. For those unfamiliar with this Filipino dessert, the traditional Halo Halo has all the mix-ins at the bottom. So if you're going to call something "upside down," wouldn't it make sense for those ingredients to be on top? Just saying. There were other issues as well. Instead of traditional pinipig (toasted/puffed rice flakes), they used Frosted Flakes (the cereal!). The boba were scarce and hard, there were only a few strands of jackfruit, a sliver of flan, and coconut jellies. Most notably, it lacked classic ingredients like sweetened beans and macapuno that give authentic Halo Halo its signature flavor and texture. If you're looking for a traditional Halo Halo, this isn't it. I have to disagree with the claims that Cafe 86 serves the best Halo Halo, in my opinion, it's one of the worst I've had (with Manila Inasal's coconut milk version still being my least favorite). At $11.50 each, the portion size and quality simply don't justify the price. The Frosted Flakes didn't work for me, and what tasted like coffee ice cream completely changed the dessert's flavor profile. The problem with many modern dessert shops is that they try to reinvent traditional favorites for the mainstream but end up losing the essence of what made them special in the first place. Authentic Halo Halo is all about the balance of classic ingredients and textures, and this version missed the mark. Would I come back? Never. Would I recommend it? Absolutely not. If you're craving a more traditional Halo Halo, I'd recommend heading to Max's in Glendale instead.

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    Joy - taiwanese - Updated July 2026

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