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    Original Joe's

    4.1 (2.6k reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    ORIGINAL JOE'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Good for kids
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Original Joe's

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    Wow what a spread!
    Googie G.

    Lunch on a sunny Friday afternoon was a perfect choice to eating at Original Joe's. The restaurant was so busy at 11am that my friends and I accepted a outdoor table (not a fav choice for me) but in enclosed area on the Union St side. Upon being seated our waiter (Angel) was quick in making us feel we were in good hands. Immediately, we were served our cocktail choices and proceeded to order appetizers. Our main courses were broiled salmon, beef French dip and a salad smothered in beef. We couldn't have asked for more. This meal was so delicious and even though the restaurant was bustling with folks waiting to be seated, we were not rushed to finish our meal. It was a delightful meal, food delicious, service above par and company to top it all off. A fabulous afternoon at an established old school San Francisco institution.

    Arancini
    Christina B.

    We love Original Joe's in San Francisco never disappoints! We started with their delicious fresh bread and arancini while I enjoyed a cosmo martini and an and my husband had a glass of Cabernet. We also shared a bottle of Acqua Panna, always a favorite. We split the Caesar salad and the chicken parm, and everything was absolutely delicious. The food, drinks, and service are consistently amazing every time we visit San Francisco. This has become one of our must-stop restaurants whenever we're in town. Highly recommend if you want a classic San Francisco dining experience! It is busy so best to make a reservation. Buon Appetite!

    New England Clam Chowder Cup
    Jenna G.

    Get a reservation. It will make everything so much easier. We did walk up (unfortunately on graduation night) and were quoted 45 mins to an hour. Not bad, except we waited closer to an hour and a half before getting seated. It was crazy. Get that reservation. The atmosphere is so cool. The look and feel is really nice and helps add to the experience, even if it is VERY loud and rather dark. The food was phenomenal. Maybe that's because it was our first bite of food in literal hours. But I do think it's genuinely fantastic. The wait staff was great, even though it was crazy busy right before they closed. I would love to go back as long as I had a reservation.

    Stefano L.

    I've heard the hype around Original Joe's from peers, family, and coworkers for so long, and now I finally understand why people enjoy it so much! We started off with the calamari appetizer, and it was crisp, succulent, and so good with the tartar sauce. Definitely a great way to start the meal. My friends and I ordered our entrées, and the food came out pretty quickly. We all shared our dishes with each other, which made the experience even more fun. My friends got the chicken marsala and the veal, while I ordered the marry me farfalle pasta. The veal was delicious, and although the chicken marsala was a little dry for my liking, the flavor of the dish itself was still really good. The marry me pasta was wonderful, creamy, and something I really enjoyed. Overall, the atmosphere, service, and food made for such a great dinner experience. I'd definitely come back here again with family and friends.

    Calamari
    Millie B.

    Busy busy busy but I don't think this establishment even cares about patrons. Our Mothers Day celebration started with brunch at Origials Joe with much disappointment. Drinks came fast - 1 star. Calamari was good the other star. After an hour waiting for our food, we figured we are done. Other parties after us got served and here we are still waiting. Our server said oh the kitchen is busy. Oh no! Breaking news I can see that. However, after I pointed out other tables after us have been served, it was evident that there's chaos in their process. I also have been told the manager will come to talk to us... but to no avail. Even the manager is busy! hey we got the only dish we liked comped! And they even forgot one appetizer. Not going back.

    Michael S.

    Came in expecting a classic SF spot, but honestly this was one of the more disappointing meals I've had in the city. The food was bland, mediocre, and borderline gross for the price. Nothing tasted fresh or seasoned properly. Service didn't help either. Staff was inattentive and hard to flag down most of the night. The only redeeming part of the meal was the bread, which was actually pretty good. We ended up not eating anything and just asking for the bill and leaving. Not worth the visit

    Zanze's cheesecake! So good!!
    Christina U.

    We made reservations at this iconic spot in the heart of Little Italy for a special occasion, and I was so pleased with how promptly we were seated right upon arrival. The atmosphere here always sets a great mood for a celebration. The service was a bit of a mixed bag. When our waiter came over, I asked for some recommendations to help guide our choices, but was just met with a somewhat indifferent, "Well, what are you looking for?" It wasn't rude, but it felt a bit uninspired for a special night out. On the upside, the kitchen was relatively prompt. They did accidentally forget one of our items, but to their credit, they corrected it and brought it out incredibly fast once we mentioned it. Food-wise, everything was really good! We shared a great spread across the table: Chicken Piccata: Bright, savory, and perfectly tender. Lasagna: Rich, classic comfort food done right. Fettuccine Alfredo: Creamy, decadent, and delicious. Spicy Rigatoni: Had a fantastic kick and great texture. Overall, the food absolutely delivered, and it's a wonderful location. With just a tiny bit more warmth in the service department, it would have been a flawless 5-star evening. We'll definitely be back for the pasta!

    Lemon meringue pie
    Cindy N.

    Friendly courteous staff. The complimentary chips were yummy. Zucchini fries stole the show. Pasta and steak were yummy too. Celebrated a birthday there and the lemon meringue was huge and delicious. As expected from the original joes family, we enjoyed our food and the restaurant was bright, airy and lively.

    Golden Fried Prawns & Mashed Potatoes
    Pablo R.

    There are places whose reputation in fact matches their skills and quality... Original Joe's is one of those. Just straightforward DELICIOUS food. Great location in the heart of North Beach. Plenty of tables inside and outside (both options make it a beautiful ambience). Their drinks are also phenomenal and service was attentive and quick.

    Robbie R.

    I've always heard of this "Joe's Special" dish made at restaurants all over CA and the west. It's famous, I remember the first time I saw it made, I was sitting at a counter and the cooks were right behind the counter in an open kitchen. I was impress that it was flaming and the skilled cooks just tossed the food in the air and flipped the food in the pan that way. So, I was looking forward to coming here, the Original Joe's, the place where this famous dish started. I gotta say the parking in North Beach is impossible, especially with the big Suburban we rented, so we just Ubered over from the hotel. This is one busy restaurant. Prices are SF high as well. But this is a company paid assignment so what the heck. I ordered the Joe's Special and my friend ordered the cheeseburger. I know, kinda ordinary, but it's supposed to be really good. I didn't get to see the food tossing cooks from where we were seated, but the food came out and smelled wonderful. My friends cheeseburger and fries came out with beefy meat sandwiched inside a torpedo like French bread. My Joe's special filled the plate. It's made with ground beef, mushrooms, onions and some other stuff. I think I taste the white wine maybe. I've had this dish before at other places, but I'll say here at Original Joe's is the best I've had. It's a real experience to come here and I'd come again. I hear there's other location in the Bay Area, maybe where the parking isn't such a pain. I'd come here again, just let someone else do the driving.

    Bar area

    We loved this place! We started off with the calamari (which is enough for probably 4+ people). We really liked the cocktail sauce that came with it instead of the traditional marinara. Then, we got the trending spicy vodka rigatoni. The sauce was so delicious that we were scraping it from the plate. I would say the spice is mild, but if you absolutely don't like spice, it may be too much. We also heard that Adam Sandler was at one of the locations the same day as us so we just missed him! Recommend this place for good Italian (won't be the best you've had but it's memorable!)

    Baked Lasagna
    Zoe G.

    I really enjoy coming here for special occasions, definitely feels like a classic spot with Italian charm. When I come for a normal sit down meal I only get the prime rib french dip, I've never tried anything else because it's so good. Having a celebrated a couple of birthdays here, the butter cake is the best dessert. I came recently for a bridal shower and enjoyed the Italian margarita. The charcuterie board had a nice variety of meats and cheeses. The calamari was a classic, but not overly memorable and the salad was a nice break from the density of the meal. I got the egg battered fish with tartar sauce and it tasted like a pan seared fish and chips. The lasagna is well layered and the ultimate comfort food. I tried the chocolate cake and it was a bit dry, but the butter cake did not fail me again.

    Roop K.

    Truffle fries - 5/5 Arancini- 5/5 Vodka pasta 5/5 Srsly everything here is amazing. Atleast the three things we got! Service was nice and friendly. And for us walking in on Friday we got seated super quick. Also had the pomegranate martini! It was soooo yummy. Would love to see more non alcoholic options

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    Original Joe's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Original Joe's

    Is the bar first come first serve?

    The bar is first come first served. You can get dinner at the small tables there if you want

    What time does the dinner menu start on Saturdays?

    4pm

    Where to park the car?

    North beach garage

    Will you be open on 11/28 (Thanksgiving)?

    The answer is: Call them!!!!

    Need reservation for lunch?

    Yes!

    Looks from the menu like there is nothing here that is at all vegan-friendly except a salad. Not much more that is vegetarian-friendly either. Am I missing something?

    Joe's is not vegan friendly, plus you will be surrounded by meat. That said, Martini's are vegan! Good luck

    Is Prime Rib always available for dinner I see it on some menus but not all?

    Just call the restaurant. They will tell you

    Are you allowed to sit at kitchen counter and watch the cooks while you eat?

    Hi Michael - Yes, our kitchen counter is available for dining!

    How much do they charge if you bring a birthday cake to eat there?

    Do they accept walk ins? Whats the wait normally like on a Monday or Tuesday around 7?

    i went on a tuesday around 5:30-6:30pm as a a party of two walk-in and they do accept walk-ins. by… Read more

    We are celebrating a birthday and wondered if we can bring our own cake?

    I think you can do that, but I would call in advance and make arrangements..,

    Do they offer valet parking?

    They discontinued it - probably because of the parklets. Last time I asked they did not accept reservations.

    Proof of vax needed to dine here?

    No. You don't need to give it that as the city has drooped that requirement.

    Do you serve any vegan options?

    You have to ask them, the pasta is made with egg the old school way, I ate there but they can accommodate a vegan risotto.

    Pick up orders?

    They do offer carry out orders! Once you arrive, head to the host stand and they will direct you to the pick up area.

    Does the Resraurant have TV's playing sports games, like the 49ers?

    There are tv's in the bar only , none in any of their dinning rooms. It's not a sports bar

    What are the new indoor/outdoor dining policies during omicron?

    Vaccinated and masks required

    Is the bar opened?

    The bar is open, proof of vaccination required.

    Can you sit at the counter?

    Do you mean the bar? That is the only counter they have, otherwise tables and booths.

    Do you have gluten free pasta?

    Hi Latrice - Gluten free pasta is available upon request!

    View All 42 Questions

    Mr East Kitchen

    Mr East Kitchen

    4.5
    (993 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$
    Casual dining
    Vegetarian friendly

    Great Asian fusion brunch menu and I especially loved the signature drinks here!…read more I love when you can make reservations for a popular brunch place instead of being forced to walk-in and wait. I made a reservation via Yelp for 3 people on a Saturday at 11:15am. My table was ready on time and they seated me even though our full party was running late. I got the Omelette Fried Rice (4.5/5), that came with delicious sriracha bacon, and an okay salad on the side. For my drink, I got the strawberry matcha latte with oat milk (5/5), which was fantastic. It's on the sweeter side, which worked for me. It was fairly busy and a bit loud inside. The dining room is long and narrow but has a decent amount of seating. Service was good, and friendly.

    We came around 10:30am and it was already quite busy. Nonetheless, we got seated immediately and…read morethe staff was super nice! We got the thai tea french toast, pad thai, saigon steak, and chicken & pandan waffle. All were great choices but my favorite is definitely chicken & pandan waffle. I thought it was cooked perfectly. As for drinks, we got the strawberry matcha, strawberry fizz, iced butterfly lychee fizz, and thai tea. Personally, I enjoyed the matcha the most but all of them were quite aesthetic. I also like how this place also gives non fusion options like pad thai and pad see ew if your looking for more traditional foods!!

    Photos
    Mr East Kitchen
    Mr East Kitchen
    Mr East Kitchen

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    Sweet Maple

    Sweet Maple

    4.3
    (5.2k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Lovely place! Good food and service. A bit crowded and expensive though, but I still highly…read morerecommend it.

    "Mom! Let's go to Sweet Maple for Mother's Day brunch!" We…read morecasually stroll from our beautiful hotel (because we overslept the 1st floor breakfast buffet offering) to a corner restaurant -"Sweet Maple". The line was 20 people PAST the bus stop. I asked a passing waitress how long was the wait--(30 minutes she said confidently). I had ZERO faith in that estimate. I was wrong. About EVERYTHING. The Host was a genius. Our waitress was a royal. Her serving team was the Kentucky Derby of thoroughbreds racing to place the silverware, condiments, used dishes, and refilled coffee going. The food tasted Michelin level. I can SAY that because we had eaten dinner at an actual Michelin rated restaurant the night before. (No Yelp rating needed because they ABSOLUTELY deserved it= NARI) I had a FRIED French Toast BECAUSE it cannot sit waiting to be served. My daughter had Eggs Benedict and the granddaughter had fresh fruit, fresh squeezed OJ in an ADULT glass (because she is a Big Girl now). While we paid our tab we heard a woman scream "I'm giving this restaurant a ONE STAARR REVIEW on YELP because of this WAIT!!!" OMG I thought someone had been ROBBED--but..on THIS Mother's DAY..it was only a spoiled young lady with poor manners. For me...now at a point in life that WAITING anywhere for anything is a PERCENTAGE of TIME I have LEFT to live...this breakfast was easily worth the time that it cost in human terms. Go any time you got a Mom, Grandma, Dad, offspring, first date or best friend you want to share a moment in time with early in the day over food and drink. No waiting worth mentioning. Thanks

    Photos
    Millionaire's Bacon
    Millionaire's Bacon
    Marnier | french toast with creamy grand citrus batter (added $3 for the fired banana & candied walnuts)
    Marnier | french toast with creamy grand citrus batter (added $3 for the fired banana & candied walnuts)
    We are ready for INDOOR dining on Friday 26th April

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    We are ready for INDOOR dining on Friday 26th April
    Brenda's French Soul Food

    Brenda's French Soul Food

    4.2
    (12.8k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$$

    Went to Brenda's recently for an early dinner. It was one of those warm muggy days so I ordered a…read morespecial pineapple coconut calamansi soda, so fancy! My main is the shrimp and cheesy grits with an addictive tomato bacon gravy. I also ordered 2 grilled oysters with bbq sauce. For dessert, I had the perfect warm banana chocolate chip bread pudding with a side of whip. I've always had attentive friendly service from the staff. The dining room has a laid back vibe with working ceiling fans. Brenda's is a great place to try tastes of New Orleans.

    The place is one of the popular Creole-inspired spots in San Francisco. So, we were excited to try…read moreit. We waited about 30-40 minutes on a Sunday, which was understandable given how busy and well-known the restaurant is. One thing that confused us was the ordering process. I initially wanted to order a particular dish (unfortunately I don't remember the name and for some reasons I don't have a picture of it), but one server told me they couldn't make it because they were missing some ingredients. Later, another server took the same order without any issues, and the dish arrived exactly as written in the menu. Since it was clearly available, I never understood why I was told otherwise in the first place. As for the food, it was good, but it didn't quite live up to our expectations. Having experienced Creole food in New Orleans, we felt the flavors there were more balanced and memorable. Here, our main dishes were a bit saltier than we would have liked, and overall the food didn't stand out enough to make us want to return. The atmosphere was pleasant, and I can understand why the restaurant is so popular. However, after visiting, I felt that some of the hype may be bigger than the actual experience. I'm glad we tried it, but if you're already familiar with Creole food from New Orleans, you may find it less impressive than expected.

    Photos
    Dining area and entrance
    Dining area and entrance
    Shrimp & Grits
    Shrimp & Grits
    Their dark chicken and shrimp.

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    Their dark chicken and shrimp.
    Plow

    Plow

    4.1
    (3.6k reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    Today is a great day to give this place the recognition it deserves!…read moreMy hubby & I have been coming here for a couple of years now & I don't know why I haven't done a review of my wonderful experiences in the past and especially now?!! :)) Today we came for a late lunch but we came on time before they close around 2pm..actually the last call to order food! I'm glad we got there!! The sweet hostess..Crystal Gayle..took down our name..we didn't wait long & got a table where are awesome server Thomas took our order! My hubby got the Fried Egg with avocado & bacon along with their signature plow potatoes with ice tea! I ordered the Scrambled Eggs with shiitake mushrooms..sweet corn & goat cheese..side of buttered toast & their amazing coffee! Love their coffee coz it's always good there! We shared their yummy delicious biscuit and that sweet butter! So So good I can't get enough of it! :)) That's if you're a butter person which I'm All About..a Butter Girl! This place isn't very big but I love the ambience & the coziness of it! It's like eating in the presence of your own kitchen! With great hard working..happy employees ready to serve hungry people like us! We're never disappointed leaving after my hubby & I eat there! So try this fabulous place! Good food.. Good Place..Great Workers! :)) Shout out to Brit..by the way..who has served us a couple of times before Is an AWESOME Gal! Always with a great smile & helpful making sure we're good in every possible way from giving us our food & filling our cup of coffee..she & the others that work there is what makes us go back! It's not easy to work in the food industry if one doesn't have the energy or passion to do their best! But PLOW is that place where you leave full and satisfied! Thank you to everyone @ Plow! Hubby & I will continue to support & go there!! :))

    90 minutes on a Sunday - you put your name down, can leave but need to be back or they will skip…read moreyour name and no texting or anything. I actually don't mind that- almost half the people were not around and it made the wait go faster. But I was a bit annoyed they sat us at a counter without asking- it was fine but we were expecting a table and would have probably rather wait a little longer for one. They only asked about inside vs outside and we said either was fine but no indication that we needed to mention we wanted a table. Most places seem to give you the heads up and make sure it was fine. Oh well. Everything sounded great and "The Plow" included 2 lemon ricotta pancakes, 2 eggs, pork sausage (you can also get chicken apple sausage links or bacon), and potatoes. The one nice thing of the counter is you get to watch them make everything and it is so organized and efficient. Food was solid. The wait went by pretty quick and wasn't a factor for me. I thought the pancakes were just okay- with all the hype I guess I expected them to be amazing but I honestly make better lemon ricotta pancakes (LOL). I think they needed a lot more lemon zest, maybe a touch of sugar, and the salted butter sounds great but added literally nothing. Maybe it was an off day and they weren't bad my any means but definitely nothing special. Similar thoughts on the pork sausage which was maybe slightly overcooked and the eggs which were a little under seasoned and I prefer mine a bit runnier. The potatoes were excellent, I liked those a lot and their hot sauce is very good too. $27 for the plate which seems a bit high but it's brunch in SF and it's nice they have the option to get the savory stuff but also a couple pancakes. And considering a single pancake is $7.50 it seems like a much better option to get the plate (overall all their sides are almost laughably priced ordered a la carte). I will say they use nice ingredients and a lot of the same producers I try to support in my own shopping/cooking as well as the same type of practice like pasture raised eggs. That in itself makes me feel good supporting them. I'd consider coming back but would request to sit outside and enjoy the vibes, definitely get something with potatoes, and maybe some hot sauce to go. Three and a half stars, I rounded up for now and will re-evaluate after another visit.

    Photos
    Indoor ambiance
    Indoor ambiance
    Buttermilk biscuit
    Buttermilk biscuit
    Cold brew Equator Coffee

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    Cold brew Equator Coffee

    Original Joe's - italian - Updated June 2026

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