The food amazing, the owner John splendid, the outside seating is superb, gives you the old school diner experience, with fast past servers, I recommend coming here!! read more

Lil Joe’s - Monte Carlo - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

What a GEM! We've been wanting to try Lil Joe's forever & we finally had the chance! We ordered the ribeye breakfast & let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious! While we were there, we learned more about the restaurant's history. The original owner, Joe, passed away & his son took over before eventually passing away as well. From what I understand, other relatives took over & the restaurant was eventually about to be sold. That's when John stepped in & purchased it, preserving a piece of local history for everyone to continue enjoying. What a wonderful person John is! You can tell he genuinely cares about keeping this place alive. His granddaughter, Bella, provided such great customer service, along with one of the waiters who took care of us. Honestly, everyone there was so friendly & welcoming. The food was delicious & this will definitely be our new go-to breakfast spot when we're feeling too lazy to cook at home. I truly admire John for purchasing this little piece of history & preserving it for customers to enjoy for many, many years to come. He is such a humble person & it's wonderful to see someone care so much about keeping a local gem alive. I highly recommend Lil Joe's to anyone looking for a great breakfast, friendly service & a place with history & heart. You will not be disappointed! read more

Lil Joe’s - Ribeye steak breakfast - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Delicious! Got the monte cristo and southern smother, both great portions and very tasty. Service was quick and everyone was super friendly. I love diners and this really was the perfect diner experience :) read more

We took a little bit of a drive over to the renovated Del Paso Boulevard north of Arden. It's a nice area now. I was a tiny bit hesitant because they did not have a Benedict on their menu and that's always my go to for a first visit. So I was happy to see that they have Benedict on the weekend! We both ordered the cowboy Benedict, a fork-tender chuck steak on a brioche with plenty of hollandaise. I thought it was ribeye. Very delicious. Not wanting more potatoes we got the sweet potato crisp,s which were exceptional. That was a three dollar upgrade. I also got one pancake for five bucks which I liked. The waitress asked if it was OK if it took longer to make scratch hollandaise. Heck yes! The owner john came by a few times and asked us how we liked it and offered a taste of their gravy. Not a huge fan of southern pork gravy, but this was smoky tasting and delicious. He is obviously proud of their meals. We chatted with a young couple, the guy all tattooed. They went there on a first date a couple years ago, (For breakfast, lol.) and he said they haven't missed a day since! read more

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Very cozy and family friendly diner. Service was amazing very friendly and attentive. Food was pretty good. Our favorite dish was definitely the chilaquiles! They were packed with flavor and held the crunch. read more

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They make the best steak salad! All the food and staff are amazing. There are so many different vegetables in the salad, and all the fruit is fresh. read more

Lil Joe’s - Fruit bowl - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

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A long time institution in Sacramento on Del Passo Blvd.Retro coffee shop with an old fashioned counter & booths. F Attentive waitress.. Owner was wry friendly. He came up to our table, introduced himself. & chatted awhile. Breakfast/lunch spot. Huge portions. We all had something different. Not overly wild about the meatloaf dish.Other dishes were better. read more

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Open for breakfast and lunch, this is a classic old school coffee shop/diner serving delicious comfort food. Waitress was friendly and efficient. John the owner cruises the room chatting up customers making all feel welcome. Lots of regular customers. The Philly cheesesteak was piping hot, tender and delicious. Fries done perfectly. Also had the meatloaf...which was good, but I think hit its prime about an hour earlier. Mashed potatoes were tasty. Spanish medallions topped with chorizo and egg with hash browns was the special today. Unique and delicious. Hash browns were traditional and perfect. Lil Joes is an institution in Old North Sac...it deserves its great reputation with delicious, simple food and fast friendly service. read more

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I was taking a quick walk and headed to another place to grab something to eat and out of the corner of my eye saw Lil Joes so happy I went in. I'll be back read more

Lil Joe’s - My Brunch! I love breakfast Sausage Pattie, eggs French toast & great potatoes - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Lil Joes is a local dive-diner that has been a Sacramento staple since 1953. It's in an area of town that has been "revitalizing" for 20 years and still isn't there quite yet. But don't let that stop you. We were there for Saturday breakfast on a day when house made hollandaise was the thing. THE PROS: Joes did a good job with the hollandaise. Creamy, lemony, smooth and not broken. They had old-school R&B on in the background, and an atmosphere which is quite neighborly - and that's a lot of Joes appeal. It's the kind of place where the owner, John, walks through the diner showing off the nectarine waffle he just made. If something is not right he personally fixes it. The service was excellent, and the coffee is good. THE CONS: I wouldn't call Lil Joes a place for foodies- so if you want upscale this is not the place. And if neighborhood "characters" aren't for you, than you will be out of luck here. BOTTOM LINE: Go on down and enjoy the dive-y ness. You won't leave hungry. You won't get sticker shock and you probably end up chatting with some nice folks. It's not a fancy place, it's the kind of place every home-town needs. Rating: 7/10 read more

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Never been to a diner with a bouncer. Guess because of the area. Drama was already starting when we sat. It's 8:30 am lol. Worst coffee. Service was fast. 1 coffee top off. Terrible coffee. But there is a great coffee shop next door. Kinda smell bad but the gallon of fabulouso helped. Just like a group home. The cook did that shit tho!!! Food was great. Very old school. Like the type that would say "whites only on the door" . 5 star for the food. 1 star for the smell. read more

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This place was awesome and completely unexpected. We went in for a classic diner breakfast but got so much more. I ordered the breakfast slam, the pancakes were delicious and a good portion size. The sausage was great and their sourdough is thick and yummy. I think the ingredients they use are better than your average diner which is why everything was yummier than expected. Pricing was great for the quality of food you're getting. The wait was a little long but that was expected on a sunday morning. A staff member came around and gave us slices of watermelon while we waited which was sweet. They have more seating outside the back. Truly wonderful. I plan on returning and trying some lunch/dinner options. read more

The ribeye was very juicy tender and seasoned well. We stopped by in the morning and it was not busy at all. They served us very quickly. The toast was butter and very delicious. I would definitely come back again. It was giving diner vibes. It was very filling and they also gave hash browns or potatoes. Only thing was the steak knife was dull. Would recommend bringing your own read more

Lil Joe’s - Brunch menu - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

WHY WE WENT HERE: - brunch THE LOOK (FROM THE OUTSIDE): - located on the corner of Del Paso Blvd in between Calvados Ave and Oxford St THE LOOK (FROM THE INSIDE): - hole in the wall small diner vibes BREAKFAST + LUNCH MENUS WHAT WE ORDERED: - pancake with pecans and whipped cream - chili cheese fries with onions - bacon pecan French toast - steak fajita omelet with home fries (country potatoes) - garden omelet with hash browns - coffee - orange juice - hot chocolate THE TASTE: - the presentation of all the food was good, but unfortunately the taste didn't match (VERY plain and unseasoned) - the chili cheese fries had what we believe to be canned chili poured on top of fries with raw onions; anything fried is always good but this wasn't the best nor the worst we've ever had - bacon pecan French toast was very sweet and savory! a little bit too much bacon for my taste, but good overall! - hot chocolate I asked for no whipped cream, so I was given the Swiss Miss in a cup halfway filled up - initial server told my SO that they have fresh orange juice but it was giving carton/packaged juice - the coffee did its job for my mom but it was just OK CUSTOMER SERVICE: - a little slow to get menus and to order, but once we got attention from our 2nd server who took over for the initial one, she was very warm, welcoming, and attentive read more

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Cute little place with a great vibe. Was craving chilaquiles so popped in. They were decent but the steak was over done and a bit chewy (I kinda expected it and should've gone with chorizo or bacon on the side). I got red sauce which could use a bit more flavor or spice; and the chip to topping ratio was a bit off (way more saucy chips then toppings) but a generous portion. I enjoy the simplicity and local vibe. Service was good and quick. I love supporting local and I'll definitely be back to try something else. read more

Lil Joe’s - Red chilaquiles with everything - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Food was amazing, service was great. I had the turkey patty breakfast. Nice Cozy restaurant. Ambiance is good read more

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This place is a gem and we should support local. Best toast, softest yummiest bread ever and that says a LOT. Their grits is perfect and customer service feels like home. Ambiance feels traditional diner and you will see nostalgia and photos from when it opened and I can always imagine the pride of the owner when it first opened. Parking can get hard, so come early. Love the free watermelon earlier. Let's protect this Sactown gem at all cost! read more

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Literally chose this place by the flip of a coin the staff is extremely friendly and very hopeful and the food was absolutely delicious will definitely eat here again 10/10 read more

Chicken fried steak, terrible chewy not cooked. Hashbrowns looked undercooked nothing like a raw potato.

Cute place. Came for breakfast on a Sunday and sat at the counter. With an up close view you can tell how well everyone works together. It was pretty busy but service was not slow. I had chilaquiles which were great. My husband had bacon, eggs, and potatoes. Our coffee cup was always full and we enjoyed the 70s music playing. Will definitely be back. read more

Lil Joe’s - Chilaquiles with green sauce and an egg. - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

The breakfast burger at Lil Joes is NOT to be trifled with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will die on this hill. read more

Lil Joe’s - Breakfast burger with bacon, hashbrowns, cheese, fries egg. The picture doesn't do it justice but the patty isn't insignificant - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

I ordered the chicken fried steak and it was really good and you can tell they make it themselves. It's a nice diner with good service. Looks old school inside and outside but in a good way. I'll be back to try more menu items in the future but I would also order the chicken fried steak again. read more

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The place is such a cute little diner. It's nothing fancy but brings back the simplicity of what a classic diner used to be. The food was great, although my chicken steak was quite tough, but it had good flavor. Hopefully, they can improve the recipe because chicken steak is an iconic breakfast item, and it's unfortunate it wasn't that good. The waiter and staff were nice and friendly. At one point, someone--possibly the owner--talked to us while we were reminiscing about the old days of Lil Joe. They even have a picture of him hanging up in the diner. He seemed like a very nice guy. Our hospitality team loved it, and we appreciated the prices. Just because it's in the Heights, don't let that stop you from giving this place a try! read more

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A Great Diner...go back in time and enjoy real stick to your ribs food. Real coffee that will bring back memories. Biscuits and gravy and the gravy is hot. They also are very nice and to seniors and their ailments. read more

Lil Joe’s - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Ever since I went to Shift for coffee and grilled cheese, I've been planning to go to Lil Joe's next door. If you love an old time-y diner that's a hole in the wall but makes an excellent breakfast, this is it. Our waitress was so friendly and attentive. The food came out fast and hot. The coffee was freshly brewed. There are so many options for a basic breakfast, including spam! I definitely recommend the chilaquiles, breakfast burrito and biscuits with gravy. They were all amazing! Right before we left we were offered a bite to try of a dessert waffle that was egg nog and nutmeg and just a bit of heaven. I really give this 4.75. There were a couple of repairs needed in our booth but who cares when the food is that good? Also parking is easy and Lil Joe's is easy to find. read more

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This is a hidden gem in Sacramento. It is a very quaint little place. We sat by the window looking in at their outside patio. I can't wait to eat there when the weather is nice and we can enjoy the outdoors. We didn't order lunch, but their breakfast is excellent. Their biscuits and gravy are a must try. read more

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So disappointed with the food quality. The rib eye steak is probably a frozen and pan grilled and tuff even if it was cooked medium and for $21.99 is not worth it. Got the chicken froed steak and the meat was tuff and nor really fried and no batter but almost a cheey burger steak. So disappointed for the proce of the food you get. Don't hike up your price if it doesn't taste good. I hope they can at least make the food better to match their pricing. Even a higher restaurant's have better tasting food and almost cost the same price. Will definitely not go back. read more

Such great service, everyone was very attentive! The food was goood and came out quick. We'll definitely be back.

Been around 4ever... The love that the food is made with, is unmistakable I had biscuits and gravy and the biscuits with fat and plump and the gravy with thick and plenty read more

Lil Joe's sure does pack in some big dishes and little dishes too. The vibe walking in was fun and inviting. Workers and customers having conversations from the food to daily stuff. Sweet old diner and some good eats. I was debating on some to choose from as they had a fee i was eyeing. The customer behind us heard me talking about the monte Cristo and recommended it. It was spot on. Big, delicious and definitely a good recommendation. They got crinkle cut fries with the sandwiches and home fries for the breakfast dishes. Also have some outdoor dining areas as well as inside. If you love some steak they have T-Bone special. read more

Great Blt sandwich and burgers! staff are super friendly And helpfu! the place is very nice and clean! read more

From the mouth of babes " They make good food for people ". Great food, great experience, kind and caring staff. Great environment and family oriented! Will come back again and again!! read more

Lil Joe’s - From the mouth of babes " they make good food for people". - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Someone needs to pay attention to detail. We went in as a family. Tables were not ready or cleaned up so we had to sit in the back patio which we were fine with. The back patio looked like a workshop on one side and looked decent on one side. But it was a complete eye sore with a bunch of tools, materials, extension cord tripping hazards. Definitely nobody is paying attention to details. They should have had the outdoor patio closed off. The entire place needs a deep clean and touch up on paint. When it comes to the food, well it was probably the worst food I've ever had in all of Sacramento. None of us finished our food because how bad it was, the sandwich bread tasted old and expired. The pancakes had zero flavor. The chilaquiles; forget about it, those aren't chilaquiles! Also they didn't make our order the way we ordered it and forgot the condiments. Asked us if we want a box for take home, we politely declined. I wouldn't go back to this spot; not even for free food. read more

service was excellent our waitress Genius was very friendly and smiled the whole time with everyone! i got the biscuits and gravy with a side of hash browns, very good my husband got the basic breakfast also good, prices were very reasonable, lots of parking, would definitely go back and recommend! read more

Such an amazing place. The energy made my mom and I feel warm and fuzzy. It felt like home. The food was great and the service was excellent. Marcy was our server; so warm and friendly. We had the chicken fried steak, clam chowder and pancakes. We learned from John that Lil Joe's has been around for 70 years. I highly recommend dining here. We'll be coming here often. Thanks again for a wonderful experience Marcy and John. See you both soon. read more

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Great omelette this morning ! Great neighborhood diner and vibe with lots of regulars. Daily specials and always reliable breakfast and lunch options you can count on. Reasonable prices. read more

Lil Joe’s - Lil' Joe's lives on due to the love and dedication of John Fiero - great lunch spot in #NorthSac - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

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The service was excellent; they were quick :) I went with simple eggs and coffee; it was what you can expect a breakfast spot to be. I really enjoyed it! They also gave us a waffle sample; it was one of the best waffles I have ever tasted! The guy I. The kitchen made it taste so unique! Idk how to explain it but it was delicious! Thank you ! The workers here have such a chill vibe:) read more

Lil Joe’s - Waffle & coffee :) - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

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This was so bomb! Fresh fruit, crispy bacon bits & the sauce was all amazing. Service was superb and very welcoming. read more

Lil Joe’s - Bacon pecan French toast - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

10/10 recommend! My dad and I have eaten at Lil Joe's over the years since I was a little girl. Staff is consistently friendly. Food always tastes homemade and delicious. A business I will always support! read more

Lil Joe’s - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

Terrible service don't waste your time going here. I was so disappointed by the lack of acknowledgement from the staff. How do you run a business with no personality. Will not be going back here read more