"Original Joe’s roomy, maroon booths have seen a lot. They’ve hosted the butts of multiple generations for birthdays, date nights, and even a music video shoot. Sure, the food at this old-school Italian spot that’s been open since 1937 is solid, but you’re here for the room that's loud enough to squash any need for music and the black tie waiters dropping off plates of spicy vodka rigatoni and platters of chicken parmigiana that are more cheese than poultry. As a historical bonus, Original Joe’s (and its sister restaurant Little Original Joe’s) is the only place in SF where you can still get the beloved Zanze’s cheesecake." - julia chen 1, patrick wong, lani conway
