Highlights
- Great dessert
- Sports
- Great coffee
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Original Joe’s – San Francisco
Original Joe's - San Francisco
Photo from Original Joe’s
Original Joe's at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 140 of the guests
#1198 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#77 Italian Restaurant out of 122 in San Francisco
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
756
Reviews
73.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Great service
- Classic ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud environment
- Long waits
The restaurant Original Joe’s, a classic Italian Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant North Beach neighborhood, offers a truly memorable dining experience. Step inside to discover a cozy atmosphere, complete with a welcoming fireplace, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal.
This historic establishment is also celebrated for its great dessert, perfect for concluding any visit.
Overview: Introducting Original Joe's
Original Joe’s offers a compelling blend of classic dining with a lively atmosphere. Many guests praise the substantial and flavorful dishes, particularly the prime rib and butter cake , which often exceed expectations.
The setting itself evokes an old school San Francisco charm, making for a memorable visit. However, be mindful that the experience can sometimes be quite loud , and some find the overall cost to be on the higher side.
While the attentive staff generally provides excellent care, occasional inconsistencies in certain menu items have been noted.
Good
7.5
out of 10
756
Reviews
73.5%
Satisfaction
156
negative
44
neutral
556
positive
Original Joe’s generally delivers a positive experience, reflected in its solid 7.5 Restaurant Score and a commendable 73.5% Customer Satisfaction. This indicates that most diners leave content, with many finding the overall visit quite enjoyable.
With 556 positive remarks against 156 negative ones across 756 total opinions, the sentiment leans strongly favorable. Digging deeper, the Food (7.8) stands out as a primary draw, often receiving high praise for its quality and generous portions.
The Service (7.4) also contributes significantly to guest satisfaction, with staff frequently described as attentive and efficient. The Ambience (7.7) rounds out the strong points, offering a distinctive and comfortable setting for many, though the Value (3.9) is a notable area for improvement.
What people like
- Flavorful, generous food
- Attentive, efficient service
- Classic, cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Loud dining environment
- Occasional long waits
Original Joe’s is a solid choice if you’re seeking a classic dining experience with robust flavors and attentive service. With a 7.8 Recommendation Score, it’s clear many find it a worthwhile destination, especially for those who appreciate a lively, traditional setting.
However, be prepared for a potentially bustling atmosphere and a bill that reflects its established reputation. If you prioritize a vibrant, old-school feel and don’t mind the cost, this spot could be a rewarding visit; otherwise, you might find better value elsewhere.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Original Joe's
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! Based on 367 customer remarks, with a solid 286 positive comments, the culinary experience here generally hits the mark. The food scores a 7.8, which is good, and customer satisfaction sits at a respectable 77.9%.
Diners often rave about the excellent prime rib, old school Italian food, butter cake, and generous portions. However, its not all perfect. There were 59 negative comments, with some finding dishes salty or greasy.
Specific items like the spicy rigatoni and ravioli occasionally missed the mark, with some feeling the quality didn't always justify the price.
Food
367
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
59
negative
22
neutral
286
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent prime rib
- Delicious butter cake
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Often too salty
- Disappointing ravioli
- Food can be greasy
Often praised
- foodWe had dined at a Michelin-rated restaurant the night before, and I can confidently say that Original Joe's is a much superior restaurant. The food was better, and we had much more fun in the relaxed upscale atmosphere OJ has to offer.
- portionsThe eggplant parm was solid but forgettable. The shrimp scampi had shrimp that wasn’t overcooked and large portions, but it was solid but not my favorite.
- prime ribthe real star of the show was the prime rib
- butter cakeMy experience at this restaurant on a Wednesday night was quite busy, even spotting a Warriors player! I thoroughly enjoyed the great steak, the butter cake for dessert, and the minestrone soup. I would definitely return for the food.
- meatballsCalamari, clam chowder, meatballs & a chicken piccata
- dessertappetizers dessert full bar really good
- lasagnaThe place is super cozy and the food is very delicious. The lasagna and the linguini with pesto and chicken were excellent. It's definitely a highly recommended place, but I wanted to highlight the attention and service provided by Phil.
- mashed potatoesthe veal piccata and mashed potatoes are nothing short of a chef’s kiss
- FoodFood:5
- calamariThere’s a slight bad smell when you first walk in, but it does go away when you go further into the restaurant. The food was good, I’d recommend the calamari and steaks. Their dessert was fantastic!
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food is super greasy and salty and just not good
- ravioliWe ordered a variety of entrees for our large group. The Burrata was excellent, but the ravioli, which we were told was outstanding, was a disappointment. For those planning to visit, I highly recommend taking public transportation as parking is extremely limited and costly.
- breadThe bread was french bread, which really doesn't pair well with that meat.
- cacio e pepeLuckily, our waitress (who was truly lovely) swapped it for oysters, which were actually great. I ordered the cacio e pepe, but it was swimming in sauce—basically a soup—with barely any pepper. My mom had Joe’s ravioli and couldn’t finish it.
- cocktailsmade with Minute Made lemonade rather than fresh lemon juice
- AlfredoAlfredo, unfortunately, was inedible. Pasta all stuck together, sauce was just gross.
- Arancini appetizerArancini appetizer was mostly tasteless
- Caesar saladCaesar salad was rly saucy and salty
- Joe’s ravioliJoe’s ravioli and couldn’t finish it
- Old FashionedOld Fashioned tasted like straight whiskey with ice
If youre craving classic Italian-American comfort food and dont mind potentially rich flavors, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for their standout dishes. Just be aware that some items might be a bit too salty or greasy for everyone's taste.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The service here generally earns a good score of 7.4 and a solid customer satisfaction of 72.2%. Many guests (143 out of 198 remarks) frequently praise the attentive staff, excellent service, and often highlight no wait time and special touches that enhance their experience. However, a smaller number of comments (48) point to areas for improvement.
Some mention a waiter rude or long wait time, along with instances of messed up order and concerns about staff attitude, suggesting service can occasionally be inconsistent.
Service
198
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
48
negative
7
neutral
143
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Excellent service
- No wait time
What people don't like
- Rude waiters
- Long wait times
- Messed up orders
Often praised
- serviceIt's a super cool hang out spot, and the food was great. The service was fabulous, with the staff being attentive and efficient. However, it can get a bit loud when there are large groups, which might detract from the atmosphere for some.
- staffWe celebrated our marriage day with family and friends, about 11 or 12 of us, at Original Joe’s in Italian Town. Despite not having a reservation, the staff were accommodating, and we enjoyed a bottle of champagne at the bar while waiting for our table. We were seated outside, and the atmosphere was great, contributing to a good time for everyone.
- ServiceThe Spicy Rigatoni was the best I’ve ever had and my husband’s steak was bold and flavorful. Service was impeccable. The carpaccio was also incredible.
- serverbottle of wine recommended by our wonderful server
- wait staffIt was my first time sitting down for a meal at Original Joe's after years of having only been to their bar for cocktails, and I am in love! Their dining area gives off classic Italian American vibes and their wait staff is awesome! I highly recommend their truffle fries and meatballs to start, Cacio e pepe with added protein for the main, and some dessert!
- waitressWe started with the crab cocktail—so salty we couldn’t eat it. Luckily, our waitress (who was truly lovely) swapped it for oysters, which were actually great. I ordered the cacio e pepe, but it was swimming in sauce—basically a soup—with barely any pepper.
- waitWorth the wait after a long day
- wait timeWe thought we'd try our luck anyway and WOW I'm glad we did! What an amazing experience 👏, we were told there was a very long wait time, so we got on the list and before we could even walk down the street to get a drink elsewhere our table was available! I wish I could remember our waiter's name to give him a shout out cuz he did a great job!
- waiterWhat an amazing experience 👏, we were told there was a very long wait time, so we got on the list and before we could even walk down the street to get a drink elsewhere our table was available! I wish I could remember our waiter's name to give him a shout out cuz he did a great job! The cocktails and ambiance were amazing, but the real star of the show was the prime rib and the chicken piccata!
- ChristianOur group had an excellent experience in the private dining room. Christian was on top of everything, providing amazing service and navigating custom requests. We would definitely book again 👍
Frequently criticized
- serviceShe kept saying it should be out soon, but honestly, I don't think she ever even checked on it. She seemed completely unfazed that what we had ordered never was delivered, and she simply said, "I'll take it off your check. " I would have thought she could have asked a manager to jump in and get what we ordered from the kitchen.
- phone servicecall so many times, they pick up the phone and didn't talk, just hang up
- waiterour waiter incredibly rude
- waiting timewaiting during 23 minute
- Wait timeWait time:1+ hour
- acknowledgementNeither of the hostesses looked up or said acknowledged.
- apologiesNO apologies for the ENTIRE Conversation.
- apologyNo apology no care
- bartending qualityBartending quality was subpar
- cutleryeven dropped the cutlery while placing the plate
If youre looking for a place where service generally hits the mark, this spot is a good bet. While a few guests encounter minor issues, the overall positive feedback suggests youll likely enjoy attentive and efficient care.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 77.2%. Many of the 125 positive remarks praise the beautiful and inviting atmosphere, often described as an old school Italian place with a charming retro vibe. Guests love the neighborhood staple feel and the timeless, old-school ambiance, making it a lively and enjoyable experience.
However, its not all quiet charm. A significant number of the 29 negative comments point to issues like it being loud inside and noisy, making conversation difficult. Some even mentioned an unpleasant cat litter smell or a cold draft', suggesting areas where the overall environment could be more consistently comfortable.
Ambience
162
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
29
negative
8
neutral
125
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful, inviting atmosphere
- Classic, retro vibe
- Lively neighborhood spot
What people don't like
- Very loud environment
- Unpleasant odors
- Cold drafts
Often praised
- atmosphereThe prime rib was cooked perfectly, just how I like it, medium rare. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also a perfect 5/5. It was a great dinner experience with a price range of $20–30 per person.
- ambianceThe food, the service, the ambiance are unmatched.
- bar areasidewalk tables, huge bar area, multiple and varied dining spaces
- locationThe location on the corner across from of Washington Square is great
- restaurantThe restaurant itself is interesting. Feels old school San Francisco.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- bathroomsThe bathrooms were super clean
- experienceIncredible experiences all around!
- placethe place very comfortable
- private roomhosting our wedding rehearsal dinner in their private room
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere feels more like a bar than a restaurant.
- louda bit loud when there are large groups
- Italian vibeLacked any authentic Italian vibe
- RestaurantRestaurant was really loud
- Wheelchair accessibilityWheelchair accessibility was very difficult as restaurant is very packed
- ambiencefelt like a loud, crowded sports bar
- bad smellThe ambiance is lovely and the service is great! There’s a slight bad smell when you first walk in, but it does go away when you go further into the restaurant. The food was good, I’d recommend the calamari and steaks.
- cat litter smellsmelled like soiled cat litter really strongly
- cold draftkept getting quite a cold draft
- conversationDon’t try to have conversation with a big group here
If youre seeking a lively, old-school vibe and dont mind a bit of noise, this place could be a great fit for you. However, if a quiet, intimate setting is your priority, or if you're sensitive to strong smells, you might want to consider other options.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
Despite a rather low score of 3.9 and customer satisfaction hovering at just 6.9%, a couple of diners did find some silver linings regarding value. They mentioned specific items were absolutely worth every penny and truly worth it, suggesting that while the overall experience might be pricey, certain treats like the martinis or the 17-layer cake could be considered a gem. However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 20 negative comments against only 2 positive ones out of 29 total remarks, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the food was incredibly overpriced and an expensive meal, describing the overall experience as not worth the time or money. Frequent complaints highlighted the general price being too expensive, misleading pricing, and even issues with credit card billing and amount mismatch.
Value
29
Reviews
6%
Satisfaction
20
negative
7
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Overpriced food
- Billing issues
Often praised
- value for moneyabsolutely worth every penny
- worth itTraditional martinis were cold and delicious, and the 17-layer cake was a gem. Be prepared for a hit to your wallet, but I found it to be worth it.
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was not worth the time or money. The food is incredibly overpriced for the value it provides. It's also an incredibly noisy venue to have dinner, especially for a party of two.
- Pricey Italian foodPricey Italian food
- actual pricesset the actual prices on the menu
- amount mismatchI have to explain several times that the amount doesn’t match.
- billattention à l'addition
- credit card billingmy credit card was incorrectly billed with $188.59.
- expensive mealExpensive meal for what it was
- hit to your walletExpect a hit to your wallet
- misleading pricingmisleading pricing by adding on 6% to the bill
- parkingparking is extremely limited and we paid $25 to park at a garage for 2 hours.
If you're considering this place, be prepared for a potentially expensive meal where the value might not align with the cost for most. While a few specific items might be worth it, the general consensus suggests you might find better value elsewhere.
How are the prices at Original Joe's?
You’re looking at roughly 60 per person – reported by 140 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 60, the prices guests pay are quite spread out. We see a good number of diners spending in the $41–$50 range, but also a significant group opting for more premium experiences at 101 $ and above. It’s a real mix, offering something for different budgets!
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 140 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian restaurant, especially given the variety of spending options available to guests.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Original Joe's
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Delicious Food, Long Wait
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, with the food truly stealing the show. We absolutely loved the meatballs, filet mignon, and spicy rigatoni, all of which were declared absolute must-haves. However, I would not recommend the crab cakes.
We wished we had saved room for dessert, but overall, it's a very good place to eat if you have the time, despite the wait.
- meatballs9
- filet mignon9
- spicy rigatoni9
- crab cakes3
- Wait time3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food, Service, and Location
My experience at this restaurant was always great, with fantastic food and service. The awesome location and late operating hours make it a good choice for both lunch and dinner. I particularly enjoyed the brunch experience.
- food10
- service10
- location9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Best Italian Food Ever!
This restaurant is an absolute must for any real foodie. It's loud and proud, and oh so good! I was a little intimidated sitting at the counter, but I'm so happy we did.
We were too busy enjoying the best Italian food we've ever purchased to take photos. This was hands down the best meal of our 4-week honeymoon, and we've eaten a lot of food! The wine recommended by our wonderful server was perfect.
We savored the arancini, the farfalle pasta (OMG - drool), the veal piccante, and a side of ravioli. We even managed to squeeze in tiramisu. Everything was to die for, but that farfalle had the best tasting sauce.
What impressed us most was watching the kitchen staff for nearly three hours. The volumes of respect in that kitchen are insane! Every single person worked their butts off, non-stop, in a tight space, and everyone was respected for their role.
It was so glad to see the smiles and jokes amongst the staff when the rush eased. We're so glad we stumbled across you guys and were so glad we sat at the counter where all the legends belong! My partner's only words were, 'this place is special.
' Thank you, thank you!
- Italian food10
- arancini9
- farfalle pasta10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Amazing Wedding Dinner Experience!
My sister had her wedding dinner here on Monday and it was such an amazing time! The staff was so attentive and engaging. The food was delicious and the portion sizes were great!
If we are ever back in SF we will come back here.
- staff10
- food10
- portion sizes9
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
8
Memorable Celebration with Minor Hiccups
We celebrated our marriage day with family and friends, about 11 or 12 of us, at Original Joe’s in Italian Town. Despite not having a reservation, the staff were accommodating, and we enjoyed a bottle of champagne at the bar while waiting for our table. We were seated outside, and the atmosphere was great, contributing to a good time for everyone.
The food and wine were both excellent, and my friends and wife really liked the overall experience. The only reason for not giving 5 stars was a small moment of discomfort when a request about the heater was met with an unexpected reaction. Our server, however, was wonderful and very professional.
We ordered the pork chop, which was a bit undercooked inside, and we learned we should have asked for it to be well done. We also noticed one hair in a dish, but understood that busy restaurants can have such issues. Overall, it was a memorable evening, with great food, energy, and ambiance, despite a few minor details that could be improved.
I’d definitely recommend this restaurant for special occasions or celebrations.
- atmosphere10
- food and wine9
- overall experience8
- pork chop3
- hair in dish2
- heater3
What Original Joe's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Original Joe's?
Yes, Original Joe’s accepts reservations. Dinner, brunch, and lunch reservations are all recommended to ensure you secure a table, especially given its popularity in the North Beach area.
Is Original Joe's accessible and what are the parking options?
Original Joe’s offers wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms for your convenience. While finding a space can be difficult, paid parking lots and paid street parking options are available nearby.
What is the overall dining experience like at Original Joe's?
Original Joe’s offers a generally positive dining experience, scoring **7.5** overall. Guests particularly appreciate the **Food** (7.8), **Ambience** (7.7), and **Service** (7.4), which contribute to a classic and enjoyable visit. However, the **Value** (3.9) is often cited as a weaker point.
Is Original Joe's a good place for a quiet meal?
While the ambience is often praised for its classic charm, many opinions note that the restaurant can be quite loud, sometimes feeling more like a bar. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate dinner, this might not be the ideal spot.
What are some standout dishes at Original Joe's?
Diners frequently commend the prime rib and butter cake as highlights. Other popular choices include the lasagna , calamari , and various steaks , though some specific items like ravioli or cacio e pepe have received mixed reviews.