Joey's Diner — Restaurant in Waukesha

We aren’t from Waukesha. We lar minute went a mini golf place and looked up what there was to eat. We came across this diner and it looked too good to be true. Most of the times the pictures or reviews aren’t what it actually is, so we decided to walk there in the pouring rain, we didn’t know it was just down the block and we spotted out right away! It gave classic genuine 1950’s vibes from just across the street. We were hoping it would be the same when we walked in. And when we did 🥹 omg it felt like we entered into a time warp of the 1950’s! The decor was so intricate from Marilyn Monroe to Betty hoop but mostly Coca Cola everything! My mom loved Coca Cola everything and my goal was to take her to the corporate in Atlanta but it never happened. I love 1950’s oldies music and as soon as we walked in we saw a juke box, nothing but oldies music playing. It’s small but that’s what makes it like the simplistic times where it feels like family. Even when people would come in the owner would bring out chairs and tables so beautiful and 1950’s vibe to accommodate everyone as they come and go! It gave such family vibes! The waiters was so nice the cook was joking back and forth with the owner. The owner was going table to table greeting everyone, people were coming in asking for people and the owner saying he will let them know when they stop by and it just felt like society before technology would feel like where everyone knew everyone and it felt natural and casual and genuine! I wanted to try something different since I am a burger person and I tried the joey burger! Definitely recommend! The sauce tasted superb! The sauce of the mozzarella sticks I never tasted anything like it, it just tasted so natural. The food was great and hospitality even better! Like I said I felt I was warped back to the simpler times and my daughter and i definitely didn’t want to leave!! We even got up and started dancing and twirling each other around and we felt genuinely happy! Something we haven’t felt in a long time! I would always tell my days get how my mom would take me to this place called Goldman where they had a dinner 1950 ish that was there for decades and covid hit and sadly it shut down. She was able to experience Johnny v’s , (which also took a hit from Covid and shut down) nothing like gold and diner or this one! You won’t be disappointed with Joey’s diner! And I hope it stays for a very very long time! Please help this business stay open as I found out on my way out they just opened last August! They are all too kind! And the memorabilia inside you will be fascinated about! Btw the woman’s bathe room! You will be in awe, especially the toilet seat ;)! Definitely will come everytime we are in town (btw been looking for this kind of diner for years and the closet was southern Illinois) (my daughter loved it so much that she captured a timeless photo of the owner as...

As someone who has worked in restaurants from everyday food to fine dining, this place checks all of the boxes.

The food is simple but done flawlessly. Not everything has to be complicated to be good. If done well simple things are just as good if not better. There is still skill involved. Well balanced tasted. Textures where spot on. And the food came out fast, fresh and hot! Beware the onion rings and deep fried mushrooms have not been sitting around for any length of time.

The service. The young woman who took care of us was very excellent. Having been a server I can be really be really critical too. She was warm and friendly but not important genuine. She felt like that cousin you had not seen in a long time. That is a skill that cannot be taught. Before knowing that I was talking to the owner's daughter suggested she work at a fine dining place because she would absolutely crush a job like that.

The atmosphere of the place is great. First off the place is clean. The tables are spotless and not sticky or greasy. The table being the most important place. It's an open kitchen so you can see just how clean it is back there. There are a smaller number of tables so it was busy, but not outrageously loud. The owner came out to greet each and every table and to make sure everything was going great.

Before the meal came they brought out a few complimentary cookies for everyone. Definitely a nice and thoughtful touch.

When the food came out, initially I thought the portion size was a bit small. I had a burger and deep fried mushrooms. I will say despite the size I was definitely full by the end. It turned out to be exactly the perfect portion size. I came in really hangry too after a long day of buying a new car. So my appetite was definitely healthy.

The prices are great. You'd spend more money at Red Robin. Though RR doesn't have that same authentic atmosphere nor the outstanding service.

The negatives. Nothing outrageous but every place has things it can improve. I am always nitpick. The tables are old and do wobble a bit. And there is nothing they can do about the parking, but it is not terribly convenient. It's a downtown location so there's really nothing that can be done about that.

Food 10/10 Service 10/10 Atmosphere 9.5/10 Overall 9.8/10

One of my new favorite places. It's not often a business itself has charisma. So when it does, it really stands out and leaves an indelible impression. I'm just upset I live 2 hours away. I will come back when u have to head this way already. Easily worth an hour detour. It's not just food, it's the complete experience you...

If you are looking for a unique 50's dining experience, then this is the place. First time here and we were impressed. Got here at 11:30, and the place was already starting to fill up. There is seating inside as well as tables out front. The owner Joey was there and he is friendly, gregarious, and funny. Never missed a opportunity to say "Welcome to Joey's, take any place to sit", or "god bless you" on the way out.

As soon as we arrived, our server checked in with us for waters/drinks. Super friendly, and helpful. We ordered the onion rings and a couple of burgers. My friend got the double bacon cheeseburger. I got the Elvis Burger (Peanut Butter, Banana and Bacon). Not because I am an Elvis fan, but it sounded interesting.

The food came out quick. It was hot, flavorful, and good size portions. The Onion Rings hot, perfectly breaded and had the right amount of salt. The breading creates a course texture, that adds to the flavor. The burgers were hot and juicy. My friend loved the double bacon cheeseburger. My Elvis Burger was.... interesting. My first bite was a big one, and since there is plenty of peanut butter, my mouth almost felt like it was glued shut. After some water, I was able to get it down. After that point I learned to take small bites. It was good, but not my favorite flavor combination. The fries were also very good too.

Even though you have a table server, you need to pay at the counter. And Joey was the only one that was able to do this. We needed to wait for Joey to be available for this. Not sure why the other staff are not allowed to take care of the payment?

Overall a very good experience. The prices are reasonable and provide a good value. Definitely a place that I would...