Joyce & Family Restaurant

We drove all the way from Durham to see what the hype was about. When we got there during off-peak hours, the first batch of fried chicken was on the dry side but still tasted great, but soon when the new batch came out - oh my! It was the best I've ever tasted! The skin was crispy and flavorful, the meat tender and juicy. Not greasy at all! It was the holy grail of fried chicken. Other bests were mashed potato (very rich and creamy!), yam and collard greens. We finished our meal with a slice of dark, moist chocolate cake with the richest fudge frosting! I can't wait to go back. The service was tremendous. Miss Joyce was the sweetest lady. We've even decided to have her cater our wedding!

Posted 10/11/09 | Report Abuse

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I thought that I was at Grandma's house eating some good ole soul food. I loved the flavor of all of the food and I also enjoyed meeting Mrs. Joyce - she is so wonderful. If you are ever in the Fuquay Varina NC area and are looking for somewhere good to eat please give Joyce & Family Restaurant a visit - you will be pleased!

Posted 07/21/09 | Report Abuse

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When you see a pan of hot fried chicken coming out, you better get up then to get yourself a piece! There is usually a good selection of sides--greens, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, cabbage, butter beans, corn. Meat selection is also good. You can call ahead to see what's on the buffet for the day. Skip the hushpuppies, they are not all that flavorful. But by the time you have finished eating the other stuff, you will not have missed them!

Posted 06/08/09 | Report Abuse

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Took my mom and 3 yr. old twins in for lunch today for the first time and we all found something we really liked. The service was friendly and the food on the buffet was fresh and delicious. Best fried chicken I've had in ages. We'll definitely go back.

As a previous reviewer mentioned, it's not exactly upscale: plastic plates and forks, styrofoam cups and kitschy religious decor ... but it was clean and comfortable.

Posted 05/23/09 | Report Abuse

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The food is so wonderful, I eat there at least 2 times a week. Everyone from Terri to Daniella to Ms. Joyce is so friendly. This is hands down the best sould food in the triangle. The atmosphere is friendly and down home. Ms. Joyce is like family, so sweet!

Posted 11/17/08 | Report Abuse

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This is my husband's favorite place to eat! Home cooked food at a good price. They have a menu, but the small buffet is it's claim to fame among locals. Things like fried chicken, pork chops, chicken and pastry, green beans and cabbage. They also have a tiny salad and dessert bar, but I always finish off my meal with their baked apples, the best I've ever tasted. Don't come here for the atmosphere. There is none. It's plain and old, a bit shabby, but clean. Kind of like eating at Grandma's. And you know, nobody can cook like Grandma!

Posted 09/11/08 | Report Abuse

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I have lived in NC my entire life and this home cooking is absolutely delicious! It is not greasy at all. The buffet always has a wide variety of entrees, sides and desserts. I would eat here every day if I could. The staff is okay, but I can deal with that because the food is so wonderful. Ms. Joyce knows her southern food and I highly recommend you trying this wonderful restaurant! They also have a take-out system that is easy and fast. Enjoy!

Posted 07/03/08 | Report Abuse

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My wife and I just ate at Joyce's again for the LAST time this evening. There was very few choices on the buffet and what was there was dried out and you could tell it had been there for a long while . The past 5-6 times we have eaten there it has been the same thing ! Others were getting irritated also at the lack of food. The "front/cashier" had the personality of a burnout meter reader and acted as if she could care less about you. Joyce's has been a good place to eat but we will NEVER eat there again !! Joyce sure has the potential to cook great food ,but someone needs to run the restaurant for her and let her cook. So sad to see potential like that slip away . I have other friends that have quit long ago,but I wanted to give it one last try. Good Bye

Posted 10/12/07 | Report Abuse

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Excellent food for an excellent price. Ms. Joyce food is so good that it will remind you of your Grandmothers cooking. I'm happy I was introduced to her establishment which I will continue to eat at on a regular basis. I wish her business continued success.

Posted 10/05/07 | Report Abuse

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This restaurant has the best food. Truly home cooked food. It taste just like granma's cooking. I have not found any one that can match their fried chicken, macaroni and cheese or turnip greens. The best porkchops fried or smothered. Joyce and Family make the best sweet potato yams I have ever eaten in my life.

Posted 01/23/07 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Very good home cooked food. Paper products are used. Seating limited. Parking is limited. Buffet is priced well. Take out is slow at times but getting better.

Posted 05/17/05 | Report Abuse

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