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Joy
Master Critic Review
Joy
8.6
From chef-owner Vivian Ku, Joy channels Taiwanese comfort food into a compact corner space with constant foot traffic. Noodle bowls, rice plates, and flaky pancakes travel well but are even better eaten at the counter with a cold beer or tea.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thousand-layer pancake with egg and cheddar, Dan dan noodles, Minced pork on rice with soy-braised egg
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Taiwanese street-food classics executed with sharp flavors and careful sourcing.
Who should go: Noodle fans and Eastside diners chasing bold, comforting bowls.
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to dodge the biggest queue.
What to order: Thousand-layer pancake, dan dan noodles, minced pork rice bowl.
Insider tip: Order an extra pancake to reheat at home—it holds up surprisingly well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; metered spots on York can be tight during peak hours, but residential side streets usually open up within a 5–10 minute walk.
Dress code: Totally casual—tees, shorts, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate; there’s a steady hum from foot traffic but you can comfortably hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes depending on weather and neighborhood foot traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal; 5–10 minutes at most.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—several noodle and pancake options can be made vegetarian or already are.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted, but many sauces are not vegan by default.
Gluten-free options: Some options (like rice bowls) work, but many noodles and pancakes contain gluten; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re going for casual and fun rather than formal. The cozy counter setup and flavorful Taiwanese comfort food make it a relaxed, low-pressure spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Joy operates counter-style with no reservations. Expect a line during peak times, but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy noodles and rice bowls. Space is tight, so strollers can be tricky and there aren’t high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Quick, flavorful Taiwanese comfort food with a neighborhood feel—great for solo diners or casual hangouts.
Skip if: You want a long, sit-down meal with lots of space or need extensive vegan/gluten-free options.