Jo's Diner

Elevated spin on classic diner fare in Mission Hills. The spinach and artichoke Benedict is divine with the brightness of the artichoke balancing the decadent creaminess of the hollandaise. The short rib French dip is hearty and delicious, featuring fork tender marinated beef on a soft bun with crisped edges and creamy gruyere cheese. Sliced green apples gave the cole slaw a nice, unique kick. For a fresh approach to classic dishes, this place is a must try. Service is upbeat and enthusiastic. There is metered parking on the street and a small lot behind the restaurant.

My husband and I stumbled across this spot after wanting to have breakfast for dinner but being a little too lazy to do it ourselves. We were so pleasantly surprised by this place! We came in within an hour of closing time, but the staff were so kind and gracious. We both loved our meals and look forward to coming back to try more delicious items off the menu! The pancakes were so delicious and it’s wonderful that they have an option where you can try all of them in 1 plate!

My daughter had her wisdom teeth removed a few days ago and we were looking for somewhere that simply served mashed potatoes. When we were looking at places online, this seemed like a cozy little option in Mission Hills. We arrived around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. While we parked across the street at a meter that was not in service, we later noticed that there appears to be a parking lot behind the cafe. There were only a few other diners at the time. Three of us ordered breakfast dishes and one ordered a burger. All of the food was very good. We also ordered lumpia which was a nice surprise and their spinach artichoke dip which was amazing. My daughter and brother each had an ice cream shake; one chocolate and one chocolate malt. The server kept our glasses full and checked in periodically. She was very nice and patient, especially considering she appeared to be the only one on duty. We did not have to wait long for any of our food for beverages. I think the only sins that the toilet paper was flipped around backwards 🤣. This reminded me of a cafe that we used to have around the corner from our house. I will definitely be coming back. And just for the record, no one actually ordered the mashed potatoes.

I felt dinery (I know it’s not a word, but it’s how I felt). So I looked up diners near me (Eastlake area of Chula Vista). I stumbled on a 4.6 rating & checked out the menu. Unbeknownst to me, Jo’s diner was affiliated with Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives. While fasting I love to watch his show (while not fasting as well). I watched the snippets of the episode where Guy Fieri tasted the Short Rib French Dip Sandwich & the Jo’s Meatloaf dishes. They both looked & sounded satisfying. My husband & I decided to go. We arrived within 30 min. & parked right in front for free given that it was the Juneteenth holiday. Entering the quaint restaurant we sat on a cushioned & pillowed banquette that looked nice. I’d definitely love for the pillows to be cleaned often. That didn’t deter me though. There was a nice & interesting piece of art on the wall of Olive Oil which brought back childhood memories. To the left of that artwork was Guy Fieri’s stamp of approval which I’d never seen in person because this was a first time eating at one of his picks. I couldn’t wait to order the Short Rib French Dip Sandwich. Then I ordered the Stuffed French Toast. My husband ordered the Fish & Chips. He then ordered the Banana Fosters French Toast a la mode for dessert. My goodness! Everything exceeded our expectations. The only issue we had was that the Fish & Chips portion size was very small & the price was very high. We would not order that again for those 2 reasons even though it was good. The Short Rib French Dip Sandwich was sensational. The Stuffed French Toast was delectable & lastly the Banana Fosters French Toast a la mode dessert was hittin’ everything. It was dreamy.