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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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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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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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

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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The food is the best tasting food I have had in a restaurant in Sacramento in a long time. The wait staff is amazing, and even when it's busy they are on top of it. 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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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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

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

Excellent old school vibes, well decorated and clean, food is very good with friendly staff, best chicken fried steak around 5 stars for today's visit read more

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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Just as remembered as a kid! T Bone steak & eggs! +75 yrs and still good as ever! Great memories! Thanks Dad! read more

The food is delicious. The service is amazing way better than any other breakfast place around.

How can you not?! Cute neighborhood diner with all the items and everything is delicious. Order the Bacon Pecan French Toast. It's legitimately one of the best things I've ever had. Generally seems to be just one or two servers for the whole restaurant but they do an amazing job. read more

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I've always LOVED going to these small diners for breakfast, just how you see on the movies and stuff like that! Reminds me of the place that Vito went to during his "vacation" on the Sopranos! Anywho, I went here because I just wanted a simple breakfast. They def deliver, I didn't even look at the menu much. I just saw a plate that was being served and told the server I wanted that and I got it! Sausage, eggs, hashbrowns and bread. Couldn't have asked for more. The staff is great, the servers were on point and the food is great and it's a great place to grab breakfast. read more

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

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Lil Joe's is one of those old school diners that serve up breakfast and lunch basics at an affordable price, where one can easily become a neighborhood regular. The owner, cook, and servers seemed to know most of the customers by name, or know that it wasn't their first time. Service was pleasant and the vibe was welcoming. My husband ordered the t-bone special, since their steak & eggs is one of their signature dishes. I was craving sweet so I got another popular item, the bacon pecan French toast. The French toast came with fresh bananas and blueberries and canned sliced peaches. It was a nicely presented plate, a good portion, and very tasty. The steak and eggs were cooked how he asked and with our coffees, we both had an enjoyable and satisfying breakfast. If you want to venture out to one of Sac's older neighborhoods and sit down at a real diner, try Lil Joe's and support small, local, and minority-owned! read more

Lil Joe’s - T-bone steak and eggs special $16 - Diners Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Recently my wife and I tried to have breakfast at Lil Joe's. We had been there once before, and the service and meal was good. This time, it was like we were invisible. Specifically, we drove there from an event we were at, passing by several other options along the way, believing that we would have as good an experience as the first time. We came in, and weren't greeted, standing for a while looking around. Finally, we seated ourselves. We sat, with the servers passing us on both sides, delivering meals, even knife/fork/spoons to other patrons with no indication that we were even there. Finally, my wife, who had NEVER done this before, said, "well, wanna go to Cracker Barrell?" We waited a couple more minutes, and then left and had a GREAT breakfast at CB, with 100% solid service. The sad thing is, that we often get to the Sac area, and Lil Joe's lost a couple of customers. The good thing is, we found a Cracker Barrell! read more

Great breakfast spot open at 6am which is a rarity today. Wear your lil joes hat or shirt and get a coffee on the house. Nice menu with excellent variety at reasonable prices. Staff is nice and friendly. Feels like I've been a regular for years. Haven't tried lunch yet but will will. I think it's worth a try! Enjoy! read more

It's cold little spot with good service, but nothing special when it comes to my breakfast