Joy's Kitchen — Restaurant in Empire

Day of visit: Saturday at 12:30 pm, not busy Number in party: 5 adults 3 older kids 1 young kid

Overall Experience: Looking at the reviews got me excited to come and dine at this new place in Empire. I liked that it was a scratch kitchen and everything was fresh. When we got there, the menu was a little different than what we saw online. Overall not a great place to take your kids. If you order a sandwich you can get beans or pasta salad, kids would have preferred chips. The music was so loud we had to yell across the table. When I asked for it to be turned down a little bit I was told no because that's the atmosphere they liked. I could see if it was 10 pm on a weekend at a bar, but not a breakfast and lunch place. Service was okay, pretty slow but nothing great.

Food review: Biscuits and gravy: being from the Midwest, I've had my fair share of biscuits and gravy. The flavor was good; however, if you don't like spice this dish isn't for you. The spice grew more intense throughout the meal that I couldn't finish it and I do like some spice in my food. I had an over-medium egg, which was cooked perfectly. The biscuit was pretty tough. Good portion size.

Beef Sandwich: my brother in law had it and it said it was fantastic, but that the bread was so hard it nearly ripped the roof of his mouth off.

Meatball Sandwich: My mother-in-law and husband had this. They didn't care for the beans and thought it was a pretty small sandwich for the price. The marinara lacked flavor. The bread was hard, much like a crouton.

Pancake: was pretty chewy and just okay. Good portion size.

Grilled cheese: The kids didn't approve. The bread was over toasted and the cheese was rubber-hard from being toasted too long. The pasta salad was dry and lacking flavor. It may have needed re-stirred prior to dishing because my brother-in-law's pasta salad was not this way.

Overall: we were pretty disappointed. We will not...

Joy's Kitchen in Empire, Colorado, is a charming, old-style diner that feels like a delightful step back in time—a rare gem these days. For those leaving Denver early and heading to the ski resorts, this spot is the perfect place to escape the traffic and fuel up for the day ahead.

We stopped in for breakfast, and everything exceeded expectations. I had the Classic Breakfast, which came with two eggs, toast, hash browns, and my choice of meat. Everything was cooked perfectly, with the eggs just the way I like them and the hash browns crisp and golden. My wife opted for the Joy’s Cake Cakes, featuring two fluffy pancakes served with eggs, seasonal fruit, and 100% maple syrup. She loved the hearty portion and the authentic maple flavor.

What makes Joy’s Kitchen stand out even more is that everything is made on location, from scratch—even the bread! You can taste the difference in the freshness and quality of every bite.

The food arrived hot and fast, and the service was exactly what you'd hope for—warm and welcoming, with a down-home feel. The prices were just right, offering excellent value for the quality and portion sizes.

Joy’s Kitchen is open Thursday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., making it an ideal breakfast or brunch stop on your way to the mountains. The menu offers plenty of options, from breakfast burritos to French toast with seasonal fruit, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Highly recommend this diner for a tasty and memorable start...

Joy's Kitchen in Empire is a true gem! From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. What truly elevates the experience is Kim, who expertly manages both the bar and the tables with incredible efficiency and a genuinely friendly smile. She's attentive, makes great recommendations, and adds such a positive vibe to the whole place. Beyond the fantastic service, the kitchen at Joy's is knocking it out of the park. Every dish we've tried has been absolutely delicious, clearly made with care and quality ingredients. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal after a day exploring the mountains or a satisfying bite in a cozy setting, Joy's Kitchen delivers. We highly recommend a visit to Joy's Kitchen. You'll enjoy not only fantastic food but also the exceptional service provided by Kim. It's a...