Phoenix/ Food & Drinks
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Published on October 16, 2019
Phoenix's 5 top diners (that won't break the bank)Diner 50 | Photo: Amy M./Yelp

Wondering where the finest diners are near you, but don't want to spend a fortune?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the most excellent affordable diners in Phoenix, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best places to venture next time you're on the hunt.

1. The Joy Bus Diner

Photo: Merichelle V./Yelp

Topping the list is The Joy Bus Diner. Located at 3375 E. Shea Blvd., C1 in Paradise Valley, the breakfast and brunch eatery is the highest-rated inexpensive diner in Phoenix, boasting 4.5 stars out of 233 reviews on Yelp.

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According to the business' Yelp profile, "Welcome to The Joy Bus Diner, the 100% nonprofit restaurant helping to make our Valley a happier place, one meal at a time."

Founded in 2011 with a mission to improve the lives of homebound cancer patients, The Joy Bus Diner serves made-to-order breakfasts and lunches in its restaurant, and uses the proceeds to provide quality meals to those in need.

2. Diner 50

Photo: Ale A./Yelp

Central City's Diner 50, located at 1002 S. 19th Ave., is another prime choice, with Yelpers giving the budget-friendly breakfast and brunch diner 4.5 stars out of 158 reviews.

Regarding what the business is known for, "Fresh food, excellent customer service and [a] cool retro ambiance," it writes on Yelp in the section about specialties.

Popular dishes to try here include the chicken fried steak, oatmeal, French toast, Cuban pork sandwich and Mexi burger, which comes topped with grilled onions, poblano peppers, Swiss cheese and bacon.

3. Genie G's

Photo: Jeannette M./Yelp

Genie G's, a New American breakfast and brunch diner in Maryvale, is another economical go-to, with four stars out of 93 Yelp reviews. Head over to 7349 W. Indian School Road to give it a try for yourself. 

This greasy spoon offers a wide selection of classic plates for breakfast, lunch and dinner, ranging from various omelets, sandwiches, soups and salads to entrees like oven-baked meatloaf, pork chops and a breaded veal cutlet.

4. Arts All American Cafe

Photo: Paul J./Yelp

Next, check out Arts All American Cafe over in Central City, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 30 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the New American diner by heading over to 1724 W. Van Buren.

Arts All American Cafe features an assortment of breakfast specials and combo platters, which include two eggs, home fries or hash browns, buttered toast and a choice of meat, as well as different lunch deals for each day of the week.

5. El Mesquite Cocina Mexicana

Photo: Mark S./Yelp

Last but not least, there's El Mesquite Cocina Mexicana, a South Mountain favorite with four stars out of 71 reviews. Stop by 26 E. Baseline Road, Suite 120 to hit up the Mexican breakfast and brunch diner next time you're in the mood for cheap eats.

Known for its affordable prices, El Mesquite Cocina Mexicana specializes in authentic Mexican fare, including tacos, enchiladas, several burrito options, seafood items and traditional sides like beans, rice and guacamole.


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.