I’m a fan of cozy, homely restaurants. I’ve lived in enough big cities where meals were all about dressing up and impressing your companion. But on a lazy Sunday, nothing excites me more than a big breakfast and hot coffee served with minimal fuss.
So, I was pretty overjoyed (excuse the pun) to discover Joy Cafe, a hidden gem on Pharr Road. The decor is simple and you’re immediately greeted by everyone working there, including husband and wife chef/owner team, Joy and Jon.
I ordered two eggs sunny side up with a biscuit (known as Joy’s famous Southern biscuit), hash browns and the ginger and sage sausage ($8). As I ordered, Jon came up to us and said the philosophy behind Joy Cafe was to have everything possible made from scratch. Even their sausages are homemade!
Happy to report, not even one dish disappointed. Both preparations of the eggs were fresh and done to perfection and the biscuits were just right – tall with a buttery texture. But my favorite part of the meal were the sausages. Shaped like small discs, they were flavorful and filling. The pancake was springy and sweet, topped off with fresh blueberries, a nice sweet offering after the meal.
As first-time customers, we were also sent away with 2 complimentary chocolate cupcakes. The story goes that the recipe is over a 100 years and passed down from Joy’s great-grandmother. After some initial mix-up in quantities, she experimented to create cupcake heaven using 2 types of imported chocolate and strong coffee. Joy told me they’re the best cupcakes in Atlanta and I’m going to agree. Glad I came in with an empty stomach, as I left feeling more than full!
Here’s why I’m going back – great food at super-reasonable prices aside (our brunch bill came up to $30 with tip and we were set until dinner time) – it’s the incredible service that impressed me the most.
I have a feeling they’ll remember my name, what I ordered and how I like my coffee, the next time I’m there. And I’m all for that neighborly love on a Sunday, aren’t you?
Joy Cafe is opened seven days a week for breakfast, weekend brunch and lunch, and dinner Wednesdays -Saturdays.
316 Pharr Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30305
404-816-0306
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