Original Joe's

"Original Joe’s feels like a place that got frozen in time and never unstuck. There are old framed photos covering every square inch of the walls. Menus are heavy enough to hold open a door. And the ramekins of butter even arrive with a decorative image of a mustachioed man that we can only assume is Joe himself. Get the spicy rigatoni, a chicken caesar, and a martini, and sip it while people-watching the East Coast tourists and 10-person birthday parties from your shiny maroon booth." - julia chen 1, lani conway, patrick wong

"Original Joe’s, a family-run restaurant in North Beach, makes everyone feel right at home. It has plenty of leather booths and big tables that accommodate high chairs and give moody preteens space to sulk, while solid steak and pasta in huge portions ensure everyone leaves with leftovers. Dependable picks include the ribeye, fritto misto, and classic spaghetti and meatballs. The sister location in Westlake doesn’t have the same old-school charm—it’s recently undergone a renovation—but the food is just as good and it’s usually easier to get a table." - julia chen 1, patrick wong

"The one dish that's likely to be on every table at this North Beach old-school Italian restaurant (besides the bread) is the spicy rigatoni vodka. Each noodle is draped in a sauce that's creamy, tangy, and spicy all at the same time. Sure, you can add grilled chicken or sauteed prawns, but we prefer the pasta to fly solo without any distractions." - julia chen 1, lani conway, patrick wong

"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

"Original Joe’s, a family-run operation open since the ’30s, has seen it all. The roomy maroon leather booths and the long perfect-for-a-big-group tables at this old-school Italian restaurant have hosted birthday parties, weddings, and even the occasional music video shoot. The dining room is kind of like a Rorschach test—everyone finds their own reason to love this North Beach spot, so every night it’s crowded, loud, and always feels like there’s something to celebrate—even if you’re just here for Tuesday dinner. While the food comes second to the lively atmosphere here, it’s reliable and consistent. Solid steak, pasta, and meat dishes all come in stomach-stretching sizes to ensure everyone will be taking some home for seconds. Walk-ins are accepted but usually come with a hefty wait, so try to make a reservation. If you’re having a hard time getting a table, check out the location in Westlake—it doesn’t have the same historic charm (or the same booths), but it is typically less busy. Food Rundown photo credit: Patrick Wong Meatballs Flavor’s fine, but they’re crumbly. These taste better as an entree with the spaghetti instead of solo as a starter. video credit: Patrick Wong Spinach Artichoke Dip If you like cheese, you’ll like this app. Just make sure to start eating it as soon as it arrives—all that dairy congeals fast. photo credit: Patrick Wong Caesar Salad No complaints. Nothing stands out about it, but it’s good and big enough to share with one other person. photo credit: Patrick Wong Spicy Rigatoni Vodka This also appears on the menu at their sister restaurant Little Original Joe’s, and for good reason. It’s the best thing on the menu. It’s creamy with just enough heat. We get this every time we’re here. photo credit: Patrick Wong Chicken Parmigiana One of our favorite entrees. The meat is tender, and the savory breading doesn’t get soggy too fast. We just wish there was more sauce. photo credit: Patrick Wong Gnocchi With Short Rib A mixed dish. The dumplings are slightly mealy, but the short rib falls apart with a poke. photo credit: Patrick Wong Zanze’s Cheesecake If you were devastated by the closing of Zanze’s, dry your tears. You can get this fluffy, just-sweet-enough dessert only at the Joe’s restaurants." - Patrick Wong