Big Joe's

I was craving for some breakfast and wanted to try out a new place for options. I searched and found this place which made it perfect since I was nearby. Upon arrival, I did not have to wait, even though if I did it does not bother me since I have high patience. I was greeted by their friendly staff and seated immediately. Their menu coconuts of breakfast in the front page and lunch on the back page. Many delicious options to choose from, and everything is made to order just the way I like it. The atmosphere here is sporty with many local team pictures/posters posted throughout the place and old school music in the background. They offer counter seating, booth or just a table which are up to your preference. They have a open kitchen and while the chef was making my order I could smell all the aroma weaving by me which made my appetite even bigger. Also this place is well maintained and clean for a classic joint. I highly recommend this place for all breakfast lovers, anyone who wants to try something new or if you just so happen to be in the area. I definitely will be back to try out the other delicious options they have to offer.

Nice small dinner on Monterrey Blvd. I visited on a Saturday morning, my son enjoyed the Bacon and Cheese with egg sandwich, you can order home potatoes or side of salad. I ordered the Meat Lovers burrito with a side of salad, my burrito was good, there is a staff of two cooks whipping fresh breakfast goods, the food seasoned has the home made feeling and the service was friendly and the place is family oriented, good place to enjoy your meal with your family.

Food was great. The omelet could have used more eggs. It was so thin it was translucent. Cheese was also on the outside and not inside. Potatoes were good, all the ingredients in the omelet were perfectly cooked. Service definitely has room for improvement and didn't understand coffee in 3-4oz double shot espresso cups. But by far the worst part was the wait. We were the second table of two and not busy at all. Took 10min to order (of which we needed 3min to decide) and after ordering it took 30min to get our food. I usually recommend people trying places to judge for themselves. I'll say try this place if you have time to wait. Three recommendations to the restaurant. First, speed. Food needs to be out within 10-15min. Even a steak and eggs takes 15min. Second, fluffy eggs for the omelet. Third, standard coffee cups. I'm more inclined to be more patient if I'm consuming coffee like an appetizer for breakfast.

Classic diner food that was good. It’s a very relaxed environment. Coffee was good. Not too much of a wait. Glad to get English muffin and a decent salad.

Food was outstanding and fresh! Service was also top notch with some laid back vibes/atmosphere. I bet this place has lots of regulars. If I lived in SF, I’d come back for sure….

They were so accommodating to our group of 10. Service was amazing, so friendly, our waiter made us feel like we were family. The food was absolutely delicious, hands down the BEST French toast I've ever had, as well as the yogurt parfait. We will definitely be returning when we visit!

A real diner experience where the owners do everything to make you feel right at home. The og San Franciscans, the owners do it right. Buttermilk Pancakes, eggs, veg options and even new offerings like home made empanadas for the venezuelan folks in the neighborhood. Be sure to say "Hi" as they love to talk about the city they love. Be sure to mention Michael, Melissa and Victor from Jersey.

Big Joe’s is the kind of place that proves simplicity and authenticity will always beat pretension. It doesn’t need a flashy image or endless marketing to matter. People come because the food is good, the atmosphere is welcoming, and there’s a straightforward honesty in the experience. What you see is what you get, and what you get is worth it. It’s a reminder that genuine value is obvious and needs no over-explaining — quality speaks for itself, and community forms naturally around it. UC Davis, by contrast, is the exact opposite. For all its institutional reputation, the return on investment is shockingly low. Too often it churns out graduates who are more “credentialed” than educated — people who leave with a diploma but little substance, “brain empty” yet convinced they’ve mastered something profound. Worse still, there’s a pervasive culture of mistaking stubborn contrarianism for resistance or independence, when in reality it’s just ego dressed up as principle. That attitude often comes at the cost of others — a willingness to undermine other people’s interests for no real reason except to posture or preserve status. The contrast couldn’t be sharper. Big Joe’s, a humble restaurant, embodies value, community, and authenticity far better than a massive university that pretends to stand for excellence but too often rewards hollow gestures, empty rhetoric, and shallow achievement. Where Big Joe’s delivers what it promises, UC Davis risks becoming little more than a machine for appearances — high costs, low ROI, and a culture that leaves students thinking they’ve gained much while in truth they’ve gained very little.

This place is great. The owners are friendly and the food is delicious. We try to eat here often. They serve breakfast and lunch and have a nice menu. The menu is typical American food- pancakes, omelets, French toast, scrambles, Benedicts, and breakfast burritos. Once you eat here a few times they remember whether you always have orange juice (fresh squeezed) or coffee. I've tried many of their menu items and I've been pleased with each meal. The location is cozy. Bring a sweater, as the door offers a cool breeze on cold days as people enter and leave.

It's a small place but the staff is extremely friendly and the food is pretty good. I got 2 eggs with bacon, potatoes and a side of the french toast. The kid got an order of buttermilk pancake and hot chocolate. Decorations are sports memorabilia but it's not in your face. Just a homey diner.

Anytime I'm in the area, this place is the best for breakfast ! Thanks for a great breakfast Peter!!

Great vibe, great food, great service too. great to see an old school Diner doing well.

This spot is a hidden right in the open gem that you have probably driven by countless times. It's everything you want in a neighborhood diner, clean, comfortable, good food, super cute, good music and a tv to watch the game. There is an added bonus of an adorable baby that belongs to I believe the owner. Doesn't get more neighborhood than this place.

Awesome. First week of February, we were visiting SF from NY for a conference, staying in an AirBNB in Daly City. Before a long day at Moscone, we needed some real breakfast. We found Big Joe's online, and it turned out to be a great place. We had no problem parking. Walking down the block, the 7UP sign outside told us that these were our folks. When we came in, we felt at home right away. Pete and his family are very friendly, and man, can he cook breakfast. My omelette was cooked like a crepe, with the meat, cheese, and vegetables inside, but still had a delicate texture. I have no idea how he did that, but it was memorable. When I'm in SF next, I'll be eating at Big Joe's.

Fantastic breakfast experience! There should be a line down the block. Pete's a personable host, and the space has character and is comfortable. The food! It was fantastic! The French toast was the best I've ever had. Definitely check this place out!

Big Joe's is the best option for breakfast or lunch in Sunnyside! Pete (the owner) is super friendly and a gem for the neighborhood. I love the sandwiches and scrambles - big fan of the smoked salmon scramble in particular. I typically don't eat pancakes, but my wife got the banana pancakes and we both enjoyed them too. Definitely pay them a visit, it's a great local diner.

Amazing pancakes...that strawberry butter - YUM!!! Good savory veggie hash, perfectly poached eggs. Love this as our neighborhood breakfast spot!

My husband and I live in the neighborhood and usually go eat breakfast at home but we decided to eat out after transporting my brother to the hospital. The food was delicious and perfectly prepared. I had a veggie hash and two eggs, easy over and sourdough toast my husband had the veggie omelet. It was so good. I forgot to take pictures before we ate it all. We liked the oldies but goodies music playing. Service was good and the owner is a friendly local neighbor as well. The restaurant is very clean and a treat to have in the Sunnyside/Miraloma Park neighborhood. It's important to help keep these small businesses keep our communities vibrant.

$52 for two simple breakfasts( egg plate each and one pancake each) plus, one coffee, one tea.little pricey as we're used to Dennys " grand Slam" BUT everything was perfect; great neighborhood diner vibe, cook yelling at regulars" Hey Fred! You want potatoes on that??" Breakfast potatoes were off the hook, eggs were perfect, great pancakes were over $6 each(!!) bacon was perfect. Staff was cool . We'll be back

So cute place! First time visiting & their breakfast looked so good! So I had egg Benedict with home potatoes plus free coffee once you check in on their Yelp page! It was so good & yet fresh meal! The staffs are very welcoming and their music gave good beats to boost your mood!

The owner and his wife is such a lovely couple. They own the business together and pour their heart and soul into the foods. God bless them up some more - yelp squad you already know they make great food! Recommend with the utmost regard, respectfully so!

Took my boyfriend for breakfast here on a whim and was a great success. Super welcoming staff off the bat, great ambiance (music, friendly banter, clean establishment). I got the ground beef scramble, boyfriend got Big Joe's burrito and by the time we were done we couldn't decide which we liked more. Orange juice was crazy good. Service was on point, seemed like they had a lot of regulars & it made you want to be apart of it. Will definitely be coming back here.

A small version of a Mel's diner with booths, tables, and counter seating. Had eggs Benedict with ham, and it was a huge amount of ham and also delicious home fries! The hollandaise sauce was nice lemoney & tart! It's a relaxed and casual atmosphere, was good food!

This diner is great. I love the French toast and Monterey burger. The staff is super friendly. This is an absolute favorite of the neighborhood locals. Don't be surprised if you don't see customers dining in. A lot of us do pickup or delivery. By the way, their salad dressing is amazing.

Very good little neighborhood place. Great little breakfast place that was surprisingly quiet on a Sunday morning. We tried the Benedict, the Pastrami Fondue sandwich, and a Beef Empanada on special. Sorry, no photos, we ate it all up! The hollandaise was bright and lemony. The pastrami sandwich was messy, gooey, and savory all in the right ways you would expect. Even the specialty Mocha was nice strong, not too sweet but well made. The standout though was the Empanadas. They were freshly made, the dough was light and ever so crisp. The accompanying sauces were a great addition. We would honestly just come back for the empanadas, but everything is worth a try! Perhaps a photo next time... Lol!

We love that this place is in our neighborhood. We WILL be returning often. It's so good se want to keep it a secret. But it's so good we must share with everyone. SF Firefighter approved for deliciousness.

We had an hour to wait for our car rental, so stopped in here at the car owner's recommendation. What a find! Just a super sweet, very family-ish feeling "mom and pop joint". Even their menu with it's "Cheese Burger" made me feel like I was in another country (which I love feeling). The woman who served us was attentive and warm without being overbearing. The man who I believe made our pancakes had kind, gentle energy. I like that the front door was open, air and energy circulating (clearly, I am focused on energy in this review ...!) Top notch place. Thank you for starting our visit off right.

Party of 6, arriving just after opening on a Sunday morning, a quick rearrangement of tables and we weee good. Service as well as breakfast was outstanding.

Service is great. Very friendly. Menu is not very good and prices are high. $5.50 to substitute fruit for potatoes. Insane. Not a lot of "healthier options" but if you like meat lovers you are covered. Kind of an old school finer with high prices and little good food options. And the portions were super small. My family will not return. Ever.

Amazing food, best bacon I have had in the week and a half I've been here, greatly staff that always seems upbeat and happy, was surprised how fast the food came out and I would recommend the eggs, just made to perfection

Ordered for pick up on the phone for chicken burger with friends and the gentleman said the order will be ready in 20mins. I arrive in around 25 minutes and the food was not ready. I paid for the food at the cashier with a lady. After she charged me, she told me to wait 10mins for food to be prepped. She then started prepping my chicken burger herself. Seems like miscommunication or mishap. Otherwise decent fried chicken and okay fries

Kid friendly good vibes. Nice food Small but I appreciate the love a place to come back too

Came here after another local place was closed for renovations. Small diner feel / cozy space. Fresh OJ was nice. Their French toast brioche is AMAZING with a side of scrambled eggs. I was pleasantly surprised. The meatlover Friendly staff, be patient cause it's a bit slow. Only eye brow raiser was the server didn't ask about change as they took the check with cash in it and never came back. Keep the change ( it was generous too actually)!

Small diner, but very satisfied with the food here. Must order the brioche French toast!! And freshly squeezed orange juice. Friendly and very inviting. Would highly recommend if you're in the area!!

It has fresh orange juice. It is squeezed after you order it. I have never found a restaurant that says it has fresh orange juice that is actually fresh. The choices are great for breakfast. The service is excellent. The food is delicious.

Easy to grab a seat, quaint local historic vibe. Not my favorite pancakes, good real old fashioned oatmeal

We've been coming to big Joe's for the last 5 years. It's a fantastic breakfast place! We live near glen park and this is without doubt the best place within miles! The place has a charming atmosphere and the owner is super interesting and engaged. The food is an upscale version of classic breakfast diner fare with San Francisco twists - try the breakfast burrito. They offer takeout, delivery via the usual places and the staff take covid seriously. Just come already.

Traveling on business in San Francisco area and decided to stop by Big Joe's for a late breakfast before doing some sightseeing in the city. I was greeted like I was part of the family and enjoyed a delicious cup of coffee and a tremendous omelette. It was the Turkey Spinach Omelette with a side salad. We talked baseball and how COVID had really slowed down his business and he's now trying to get back up to speed. The place is small with maybe 3 tables setup and about 5 diner bar stools but is a must visit.

My family and I walked here from SF city college while my daughter was in between basketball games. We were seated right away and our server gave us water and coffee pretty fast. The food was AMAZING! I had the eggs Benedict and the lemon hollandaise sauce was excellent. My daughter had a bacon and eggs sandwich which she loved and my dad had the breakfast burrito, which he also loved especially the salsa. Overall our meal was delicious, we were greeted with hospitality and we will be back when we are in the area. They had their regulars which lets me know they are a staple in the community.

They make great food from scratch the way you just can't find anymore. For instance, pancakes are made from flour & eggs, not some mix, and cooked on the grill in real butter, not butter flavored soy gloop. Accept no substitute! Great staff, chill vibes.

Whole in the wall? Sure. A few tables and a counter? Check. Open door to the kitchen in the back? Of course. Great food with fresh ingredients? You bet! Just looking for a place in West Portal for a mid-morning breakfast before heading out and this was perfect. I consider anyplace I can make eye contact with the cook a bonus, and this met the bar. We had a some eggs, an Americano Scramble, and the eggs benedict. All were delicious (though they do include tomatoes on the benedict, so if you don't like those, ask for without. The service was a little slow, but the food was fast and oh so good. Overall, a great neighborhood find, and a fun place to drive to with available street parking.

This is such a unique place. I come here once in a while because I can walk from my house. It feels very welcoming. For me, the food is only OK. I think the owner just has different taste than I do. I wouldn't say it's low-quality, just not my thing. But I do keep coming back because it's close and the whole experience is positive. Neighborhoods ought to have places like this. In the past I've experienced some very neglectful service, which I think has more to do with being under-staffed than anything else. It probably depends on what time you're there and who's working. Nobody in this restaurant wears masks. I've never seen it even once. Personally it doesn't bother me because in such a small space masks seem pointless, especially when guests eat with masks off, but it might be a concern for some people. I just hope the staff is vaccinated.

Big Joe's is a typical diner serving up breakfast foods but the food was kinda bland. The prices have also gone up from last time I came here. It's a small and quaint diner that serves up pancakes, omelettes, sandwiches, and the like. Their chicken pesto omelette leaves much to be desired, they made an omelette then dabbed some pesto sauce on top. I wish I could say I enjoyed the food but it really tasted bland. Service and coffee are good though! Parking is limited to street parking as per usual.

SF family small business!! It is small but comfy and has counter seating as wel. Great food and owners are so friendly and warm. Homemade items and we are hooked on those pancakes! My niece opened up her salon next door so I definitely will be at Big Joe's after hair appt!! And so will her other clients.

Enjoyed my breakfast. Team here is super friendly. Loved finding a small cozy place with good food Also love how they treat drivers. I highly recommend this place

This is one of the best places to get breakfast food! I ordered Eggs Benedict with avocado and omg it was amazing from the hollandaise sauce to the ripe avocado slices. If I had any idea how much I would love the sauce I would have asked for more! The caramel mocha with whipped cream was so yummy. I ordered fresh squeezed orange juice and it was amazing... Delivery was fast and everything was packaged nicely. This is definitely the new spot to order from!!

Amazing and ample selection of delish food, served up with love, care and a family feel!

Live in the neighborhood and ate here awhile ago and liked it. Ordered eggs Benedict this morning for delivery and was surprised that it was mostly just eggs and muffin. The ham was sliced so thin you could see through it. I felt robbed! Where's the meat?

LOVED this place! Great food plus warm and friendly service. Highly recommend. My first visit - I'll be back soon. Regulars are greeted like Norm on Cheers

Great service , delicious food and good coffee ! Will definitely be back , specially for them French toast. Definitely recommend everyone to stop by!

Food is incredible - neighborhood cafe - with incredible music and happy people to wait on you. Friendly - clean and most of all delicious

Very good food. I loved the egg sandwich that they made for me. The service was very good too. They were always asking if we liked it or if we wanted more coffee. Big Joe's is a great place to go to.

Best eggs benny in the city. Superior service every time. You want to support local hard working people. Go here, you won't be let down.

I wanted to love this place because it's in our neighborhood and we love trying local, but the food was so meh that I'll stick to the other cafe that's closer to our house. I came here on a Saturday morning and it wasn't busy at all. We were seated right away. We ordered coffee and water and the waitress that was helping us was very sweet. We ordered the Eggs Benedict and Big Joe's breakfast burrito. The food came out pretty fast and hot. The eggs Benedict was forgettable and I don't really recommend. The ham slices were thin and for some reason they added a slice of tomato to it that we picked out. I'm also not sure if it's because they poach their eggs in water with vinegar but the slices of ham had a sour taste to them. The Big Joe's breakfast burrito was alright. It was more of a lunch dish than breakfast. Most of the filling was the seasonal veggies (which I think it was mostly zucchini and a little mushroom) and egg. I wished they used a little more turkey or bacon. The green salsa it came with was also very spicy. As we were paying, a party of 16 tried to find a table. That's almost the entire restaurant. The place is very small and if you're bigger than a party of 5 or 6, I'd say pass or try calling ahead first to see if they can accommodate.

Friendly neighborhood brunch spot! The French toast was scrumptious. I don't like pears but the way the sautéed and glazed the pears were Devine. The ham was very thin, and the home style potatoes could have used a bit more seasoning. Just down the street from me and I will be returning to try the lunch menu! Cant wait!

One of my all time favorite spots for brunch in SF! A small little café-ish diner with a good selection of typical brunch/breakfast food and a friendly staff

My bf, his family and I visited this place to grab some breakfast before finishing moving in, and me oh MY it's delicious! I'm far from home but our waiter made me feel welcome and homey. The food none the less.... AMAZING. i got the french toast and I actually finished it which I normally don't do. Very sweet environment and you can tell it's a family owned. Definitely visit this place :)

Love this place! Owners are SO kind and fun and make it such a pleasant experience to grab a byte! Pretty much everything is yummy.