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. read more

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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! read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Great concept of helping the community and having a delicious meal! The staff was super friendly and the decor had a great vibe!

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. read more

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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! read more

The Joy Bus Diner - Classic Eggs Benedict with rich, light hollandaise, rosemary potatoes, & orange slices - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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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! read more

The Joy Bus Diner - The "Traditional" Eggs Benedict" - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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!!! read more

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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. read more

The Joy Bus Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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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. read more

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Reviews did not disappoint. Had a great breakfast served by very nice folks (very courteous) and the money is going to a great cause. I had an Eggs Benedict that was eggsactly what I expect from an Eggs Benny. The bread was high-quality and the eggs were poached to perfection. The rosemary on the potatoes must have been freshly picked. Amazing. Highly recommend. Pictured are the Chilaquiles we also ordered. read more

The Joy Bus Diner - Chilaquiles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This place have been on my list to try for a while. Today was the day! It's a tiny place, but I hear they're moving into a larger location. Very nice and quaint with good service. I guess this place is a nonprofit and they provide help for cancer patients. The food was very good and probably the most reasonably priced meal I've had in a long time. They have a suggested price and you can pay more if you would like to contribute. It's a little out of my way, but I definitely would come back here or to their larger location when they open. read more

The Joy Bus Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great food and servers are volunteers and very friendly! Go and support the cause.. bring meals to shutting-ins with cancer!

We went for our first time on a Saturday mid morning. It was busy but we were fortunate enough to be seated right away. Our server was fantastic! Cheerful, quick, efficient. We shared the chorizo and eggs that came with a huge tortilla, potatoes and green salsa. We also ordered a side of one biscuit and gravy to share. It was plenty for 2 people. The food was outstanding- so delicious! I love the concept of the restaurant. You can add a meal or several onto your check for cancer patients - which we did. We will definitely be back. You should go too! 10 out of 10! read more

It is not often that I am impressed by chilaquiles at a restaurant, but The Joy Bus Diner accomplished that. The portion was big enough for 2 meals, the tortillas were crispy, evenly covered with delicious red sauce, and the brisket add on was tender and flavorful. Overall a outstanding meal. read more

The Joy Bus Diner - Amazing chilaquiles with smoked brisket - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

For starters, you can reserve the mini van as a table to eat in! I thought that was so cool, the seats feel very comfortable, and there is a table in it! If you're 6', you may not like it lol. We met a friend here for brunch, I ordered a water with lemon, fresh squeezed OJ and chilaquiles with brisket. The OJ was phenomenal! Best OJ I've ever had, definitely freshly squeezed! The chilaquiles was heavy, never had it before and it tasted really good. Could have used some more drizzle, but definitely quite tasty! It's about average in loudness, and people were definitely enjoying themselves. The 2 others I was with, really enjoyed their meals, and I thought the pricing was extremely fair! I'd definitely come back and try out that van table! read more

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Feeling content & grateful after a visit to Joy Bus--a super yummy spot that supports a good cause! This is a non profit that supports cancer patients & their families by delivering fresh healthy meals when in need. The avocado toast was delicious & decadent. Service was super friendly, too! Price: fair (& supports a great cause!) Food: classic breakfast and lunch Drinks: lemonade, coffee, soft drinks Service: super friendly staff Ambiance: homey, eclectic, happy, hopeful read more

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Amazing food and amazing staff! I am a biscuit snob and find it very hard to find a good biscuit in town and this place has the best biscuits that I drive an hr just to get, worth every minute of traffic. They get what they can locally and donate the food to those in need. Incredible people. read more

11/10 The food, ambiance, and cause of this restaurant make it a must-try! This was the first time I've been here, and their service was a bit slow. However, the hostess and server made sure to explain to us why--their kitchen was shortstaffed and needed some time to catch up on their current tickets. We said no problem, and were able to be seated and order coffee while we waited for them to be able to take our order. Since they communicated everything, it was not an issue at all and was WELL worth the wait! The coffee was great, too! I didn't get a picture of my boyfriend's meal because we were pretty hungry, but mine needed a bit to cool off so I snapped a pic (lol). The shakshuka and the bread were out of this world amazing! He got the chilaquiles with the brisket added and it was the ABSOLUTE BEST chilaquiles both of us have EVER had--the combo/ratio of crunchy to saucy was perfect. We'll definitely be coming back! read more

The Joy Bus Diner - Shakshuka - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Well good gravy! This place is amazing. Not only does it donate meals to cancer patients and relies on volunteers from the community, the food is delicious! I got the Camper which is a fried chicken thigh smothered in gravy, topped with cheese, a fried egg, and bacon, and served between a biscuit. It was phenomenal. My mom got the special of the day which was Corned Beef Hash and loved hers as well. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. The space is small and does provide some outdoor patio seating, but as all brunch joints, expect a wait. It's nice to know though that all of this business coming in is for a great cause. I'll wait any day for great food, but especially one that also serves our community! read more

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Place was great!!! Friendly staff the coffee was incredible!! I ordered the Chilaquiles a little different because they use like mole sauce. Only recommendation is it didn't come with eggs so don't forget to ask. Needed more sour cream and cheese and another eggs. Because it's just a bunch of chips with sauce..But definitely worth a try. Definitely coming back to try those biscuits and gravy. read more

The Joy Bus Diner - Chilaquiles with brisket add egg over easy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Hot take out from this cute place. Great volunteer mission to provide meals for cancer patients. All ingredients are dominated and food is prepared by volunteers. Please support this place. Food is great by the way!! read more

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Unique food from master chef recipes. Excellent service. Proceeds help deliver healthy food to home bound cancer patients.

What an incredible restaurant with an even more incredible mission! We tried the Power Bowl and two-egg breakfast, and both were absolutely fantastic. Every single penny spent here goes directly to supporting homebound cancer patients with nutritious meals. Founded by Chef Jennifer Caraway in honor of her friend Joy who battled cancer, the diner provides more than just delicious food - it offers hope and human connection. The volunteers are compassionate, often delivering not just meals but also friendship to patients who might otherwise feel isolated during treatment. Pro tip: Dine here knowing you're making a real difference in someone's life. Every bite helps a cancer patient receive a nutritious, chef-prepared meal. read more

The Joy Bus Diner - Bar - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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A truly good spot to enjoy a low key breakfast or lunch. The staff is always so friendly, accommodating with a smile on their face. A great spot after church on Sunday, never too long of a wait. Maybe 5-20 maximum minutes. Very well worth the visit. Cute decor too! read more

An amazing experience. The food was fresh and delicious and i love the cause of this buisness.

Excellent food and very friendly staff! Plus, it's a non profit establishment that aids people with and recovering from cancer. read more

"BEST SHAKSHUKA I HAVE EVER HAD!" If you visit this place for the love of everything that is good in this world You have to TRY THE SHAKSHUKA! I'm not exaggerating when I say that this dish is creamy, spicy, tangy, sweet, savory, crunchy! It's everything you will ever want! I will continue to come back to this place just for that dish! Customer service is Super NICE! Salsas are good! The bread that comes with the dish couldn't be more perfect! The tzatziki is cooling and creamy and with the feta cheese it's a perfect combination! Can't wait to be back! read more

The Joy Bus Diner - Shakshuka and pan cakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This place was cute and the food was delicious! I love the non-profit purpose behind the restaurant and will absolutely be back again!! read more

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Loved eating here, I love what they stand for and everything they do. Food is amazing!

Don't order the Biscuits and Gravy! The biscuits are great, but the gravy is just pretty much Cream of Chicken soup with some kind of saug. Got me out of $15, as I got it to go and didn't taste it till I got home, or I would have asked for my money back. This should be listed on their menu as "Biscuits and Cream of Chicken soup". They seemed to be nice people and the place looks nice. read more

We love the Joy Bus and eat breakfast there often. Great food, great service, fun atmosphere and wonderful cause. It would be a 5 + rather than a 4 rating but for the coffee. Coffee is bland, weak with no coffee flavor! Maybe offer a bold coffee choice for us coffee lovers? read more

My husband and I have been going to Joybus Diner for about three years now. We love the local food dishes - so flavorful and healthy. You can't go wrong on any of the choices. We were anxious about their move to the new location, but after the usual growing pains I'm happy to report that they are running efficiently and have the best quality food. And all for a good cause. Keep up the good work!!!!! Keep us the good work! read more

Everything here is awesome. The staff, the food, their mission. Often there is a wait, but it's normally shorter than they estimate and always worth it. read more

That was the best breakfast hash I've ever had! Side of sausage gravy... so good. Lots of pepper and perfect in every way. Really really good coffee it's hot and they top it off frequently. Biscuits and gravy is a meal in itself. You'll take home leftovers. Really friendly service super cute environment. So much on the menu we have to come back and try it again. read more

Great breakfast spot and the staff was awesome. We have been here twice now and will continue to come back.

This place is good for what it is. I do love the fact that they are a non-profit and giving back to cancer patients. That's wonderful. I did like the food. I ordered Thursday's special which was a spicy chicken sandwich. I had been there quite some time ago and ordered a breakfast dish. I think it was a chorizo and eggs dish. That was also quite good, as I recall. Service was attentive. I did not like that one cannot make substitutions. For example, I wanted to sub out my fries for something healthier, but that was not an option. They told me this is because all of their food is donated so I guess that is understandable. It just makes eating healthy a little bit more difficult. Also, there was no diet soda available. They told me they only had regular Coke and Regular Sprite. Again, I was looking for a soda without sugar so this was disappointing, but if they need to rely on what's donated, I cannot fault them for it. Whilst I was dining there, a "regular" of theirs came in and sat at the bar next to me. It was delightful to watch as staff greeted him. They even knew he was likely there to order their Ruben and that he would want tea to drink. I found this pretty impressive. Will definitely be back. Thanks for the good work you are doing. read more

The Joy Bus Diner - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona