Original Joe's San Jose
A cherished San Jose institution since 1956, offering classic American-Italian cuisine in a nostalgic, dimly lit setting with tuxedo-clad waiters.
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Original Joe's San Jose
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cherished San Jose institution since 1956, offering classic American-Italian cuisine in a nostalgic, dimly lit setting with tuxedo-clad waiters.
"Experience timeless charm and hearty American-Italian dishes in the heart of downtown San Jose."
Half & Half Combo
Try the half spaghetti, half ravioli with meatball for a satisfying and classic meal.
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during less busy times to avoid longer waits, especially towards the end of your meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American-Italian
Price
$$$
Phone
(408) 292-7030
Address
301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Timeless American-Italian Charm
Experience classic American-Italian cuisine in a timeless setting with red leather booths and dim lighting.
Hearty Comfort Food Classics
Enjoy generous portions of beloved dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, and prime rib.
Iconic Steak and Seafood
Indulge in hearty steaks and delectable seafood dishes, with prime rib being a standout favorite.
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Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Half & Half Combo
Try the half spaghetti, half ravioli with meatball for a satisfying and classic meal.
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during less busy times to avoid longer waits, especially towards the end of your meal.
Consider Service
If service is a priority, research recent reviews, as some diners note room for improvement.
Tips
from all over the internet
Half & Half Combo
Try the half spaghetti, half ravioli with meatball for a satisfying and classic meal.
Avoid Peak Hours
Visit during less busy times to avoid longer waits, especially towards the end of your meal.
Consider Service
If service is a priority, research recent reviews, as some diners note room for improvement.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Original Joe's San Jose is lauded for its nostalgic ambiance and classic American-Italian comfort food, with highlights like prime rib and spaghetti receiving praise. However, some diners have noted inconsistent food quality and service that doesn't always match the premium prices, leading to a mixed dining experience for some.
"A very great place for dinning. The service employee are very friendly and welcoming (Jennifer H).
Drinks and Foods are also great that I rarely enjoy a delicious Sirloin as OJ served this evening.
Location is also closed to the center Hotel area in San Jose. Very recommended dinner place in town."
Joshua Hsieh
"Joe's is an old school Italian place. It's all dark woods and carpet, complete with a back room "hideout" a long kitchen bar and a sense of history that may have included some interesting business dealing.
I went with friends on the way to San Jose Christmas in the Park. It's s great location for anything going on in downtown San Jose and close to all kinds of parking. There were plenty of Italian food offerings in the menu, along with options for those who might not be able to eat as much dairy or carbs. Since I was looking forward to Italian, I went with the half spaghetti, half ravioli with an added meatball. I loved the pasta texture and ravioli flavor. The meat sauce was tasty but needed the salt and texture of Parmesan cheese to finish it for me. Same with the garlic bread.
Service here was decent. We got our food relatively quickly, but we did wait longer toward the end of the meal and for the check as the place got busier. Still, I would come back for the food and proximity to downtown."
Tere
"I arrived at Original Joe's, joining a colleague who had eaten here many times. For a Monday night, it was busy, which is a good sign. The place has traditional booth style seating and staff dressed very smartly. It felt like you were walking back in time. We were jet-lagged massively so we didn't eat a great deal but what we did have was reasonably nice. The menu is all Italian-America. We landed on a simple prawn pasta. The prawns were the largest prawns I've seen or had in a pasta dish before! Prices are reasonable and service was quick. Had I been better rested, I may have sampled some of their drinks. Next time."
W S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Original Joe's San Jose serves classic American-Italian cuisine, known for hearty comfort food dishes.
Signature dishes include spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, prime rib, and ravioli.
Original Joe's San Jose is described as a lively restaurant and bar that has happy hour specials.
While not explicitly stated, the restaurant can get busy, and popular times may benefit from reservations or an early arrival.
The atmosphere is described as timeless, old-school, and charming, with red leather booths, dim lighting, and tuxedo-clad waiters.
The menu offers a variety of Italian food options, suggesting potential for vegetarian choices, but specific vegan options are not detailed.
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need a lunch place in San Jose
One of my favorites is Original Joes at First and San Carlos Streets. It's a casual Italian place with resonalbe prices and great food. Other places to check out are Hawgs (seafood) and the Old Spaghetti Factory in San Pedro Square.
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Original Joe’s is a San Jose institution, having been around since 1956, and it feels like the kind of place where business gets done. Sitting in its deep booths, surrounded by dark wood and mood lighting, it’s easy to imagine gentlemen’s agreements being made, territory being divided and straight faced threats being delivered. The brawny waiters wear tuxedos, bow ties and handlebar mustaches and, given the word from the Boss, would probably have no trouble beating an unruly customer to a pulp or sending them into the Bay for a sleep with the fishes.
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Original Joe’s San Jose is a beloved institution in downtown San Jose that offers classic American-Italian cuisine in a timeless setting. Known for its hearty portions and old-school charm, the restaurant serves up favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, and prime rib. With its bustling atmosphere and friendly service, Original Joe’s is a go-to spot for comforting meals and nostalgic dining experiences.
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Address: 301 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113, United StatesPhone:+1 (408) 292-7030Website:sanjoseoriginaljoes.comDetails: $$, Italian restaurant. Welcome to Original Joe’s San Jose, a renowned Italian restaurant that has stood the test of time since 1956. Located in the heart of downtown, this gem offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with its old-style tall booths that provide both space and privacy.
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A true institution in San Jose, Original Joe's has been serving up classic Italian-American fare since 1956. The timeless ambiance, complete with red leather booths and dim lighting, sets the stage for indulging in hearty dishes like their famous Joe's Special. From pasta to prime rib, Original Joe's captures the essence of comforting, family-style dining.
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The founders of the original Original Joe’s in San Francisco desired to bring the homestyle Italian American flavors from SF to the South Bay. So much so, for the first few years of operation, they transported SF French bread via Greyhound Bus everyday. It remains an SJ institution in the heart of downtown.
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It’s one of the best Italian restaurants in downtown San Jose and a true local favorite. Since 1956, this spot has been serving up Italian-American comfort food that’s simply irresistible. Think about digging into a plate of Chicken Parmigiana or savoring their famous Spaghetti with Meatballs.
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Original Joe’s is an Italian-style steakhouse, located in The Westin San Jose, that combines traditional food from Italy with your favorite cuts of meat. The result is a delicious meal that never fails to impress. Try out their prime rib with ravioli or light and sumptuous crab cakes.
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If you're looking for good italian foods Original Joes is a San Jose staple, way better than Bucca and the prices aren't that bad for such a high end place. The location is also pretty great to find some icecream and check out the SOFA market afterwards.
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Known as a staple for San Jose residences this classy and classic rat-pack-style diner, featuring tuxedo-clad waiters is one of a kind. From the homemade chicken soup to the Veal Scaloppini, Sinatra would be right at home. O.J.'s isperfect for lunch...
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301 S 1st StSan Jose, CA 95113(408) 292-7030 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. First opened in 1956, this Italian eatery has been frequently mentioned on lists of the best restaurants downtown San Jose.
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Original Joe’s open kitchen prides itself on making every dish from scratch, and a lively bar area in the back brings together people of all stripes.
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Original Joe’s has been a San Jose institution for nearly 60 years. It’s where tuxedo-clad waiters serve up main dishes with flair and fun.
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