Original Joe's Italian Restaurant

This paragraph from an S.F Chronicle article by Kim Severson (now with the N.Y. Times)sums it up perfectly: "Forget artisan cheese and baby greens and Dungeness crab, and the lovely cafes in which they are served. This counter is the city's ... more

This paragraph from an S.F Chronicle article by Kim Severson (now with the N.Y. Times)sums it up perfectly: "Forget artisan cheese and baby greens and Dungeness crab, and the lovely cafes in which they are served. This counter is the city's culinary ground zero, baby - a place where cooks slam halibut into blackened saute pans and tuxedoed waiters whip up zabaglione with cheap Chablis. It's the original Original Joe's, the grandpappy of Northern California's style of eating." You'll get loads of food; even a half-order of spaghetti with a jumbo meatball is more than I can finish. As others say, the Italian food is very good, but my favorite is the superb filet of sole. If possible, by all means sit at the counter. Watching the saute chef is good entertainment. less

If this wasn't "original" it could well be retro! Booth seating with food counter. Sit at the counter and marvel at the chefs preparing the dishes. Great sourdough bread starts things off (duh!) Admirable Italian food but the steaks are a surprise ... more

If this wasn't "original" it could well be retro! Booth seating with food counter. Sit at the counter and marvel at the chefs preparing the dishes. Great sourdough bread starts things off (duh!) Admirable Italian food but the steaks are a surprise! Excellent beef and grilled to perfection. Some of the best clam chowder in the country. Caesar salad can be counted on for crisp cold greens and pungent dressing. The Joe's hamburger is not to be believed! Fork up the extra $1.25 to have it charbroiled. Only fault, it's in a BAD area of town. Take a cab! less

The place we always stop first when we are in the City. The waiters are excellent and know just what we want. The lamb is out of sight and the Italian food mama mia! Dave is our favorite waiter and we always enjoy seeing him again. Thank you O ... more

The place we always stop first when we are in the City. The waiters are excellent and know just what we want. The lamb is out of sight and the Italian food mama mia! Dave is our favorite waiter and we always enjoy seeing him again. Thank you Original Joes you help make our visits so nice. less

I used to eat there in the 60s when I used to travel with my parents to San Fran. Everytime the name is brought up our family it's always with a smile. The food is good and the service is impeccable. It's one of our family's favorites... I'l ... more

I used to eat there in the 60s when I used to travel with my parents to San Fran. Everytime the name is brought up our family it's always with a smile. The food is good and the service is impeccable. It's one of our family's favorites... I'll be in San Francisco in July and it will be a stop for me. The antipasto is the best......... less

I was introduced to Joe's in 1958 and during the 1970's we were steady customers. We have been in Idaho the past 25 years and one of the things we have missed most was going to dine at Joe's. We are planning a trip to San Francisco in May and are anx ... more

I was introduced to Joe's in 1958 and during the 1970's we were steady customers. We have been in Idaho the past 25 years and one of the things we have missed most was going to dine at Joe's. We are planning a trip to San Francisco in May and are anxious to revisit. Great food and service. I also remember Mary who was the cashier for so many years. less

Great place, bad neighborhood. Don't miss the broiled chuck burgers, the only drawback is for that = no cheese. The fries are as big as a thumb. Garlic bread tastes like it has 2 full heads slathered on it. If it's a cold day, sit at the counter i ... more

Great place, bad neighborhood. Don't miss the broiled chuck burgers, the only drawback is for that = no cheese. The fries are as big as a thumb. Garlic bread tastes like it has 2 full heads slathered on it. If it's a cold day, sit at the counter in front of the broiler, it will melt away the chill in no time! less

I was first introduced to Original Joe's when I ate at the one that used to be on Van Ness (?) close to the piers. That was an incredible place to eat - awesome atmosphere and wonderful food! The Original Joe's on Taylor has that same great food, wi ... more

I was first introduced to Original Joe's when I ate at the one that used to be on Van Ness (?) close to the piers. That was an incredible place to eat - awesome atmosphere and wonderful food! The Original Joe's on Taylor has that same great food, with a casual atmosphere and reasonable prices. Also be sure to check out their restaurant in San Jose - same deal! less

Original Joe's IS THE BEST..we have been going there since we found it by accident over 20 years ago. The neighborhood is awful but the moment you are inside the restaurant you feel comfortable and safe..the food is great..service terrific..wait ... more

Original Joe's IS THE BEST..we have been going there since we found it by accident over 20 years ago. The neighborhood is awful but the moment you are inside the restaurant you feel comfortable and safe..the food is great..service terrific..waiters there for years and we have become friends with many of fthem..I don't eat red meat very often but if I want to ORIGINAL JOE'S IS THE PLACE. -also one can order and take the best food home.Ask for Angelo or Larry..and the Mgr Emilio is OK and if you want to order to take home PLEASE HAVE DAVID-HE WORKS THE COUNTER do it. He NEVER NEVER MAKES A MISTAKE . less