Restaurants

Original Joe's

4.6 ★ average from 5 reviews

Neighborhood fixture serving traditional, old-school Italian entrees, steaks, and seafood.

Location

601 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
San Francisco, CA, 94133

Contact

Hours

fri
11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
mon
4:00 – 10:00 PM
sat
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
sun
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
thu
4:00 – 10:00 PM
tue
4:00 – 10:00 PM
wed
4:00 – 10:00 PM

Recent reviews

  • ★★★☆☆Sugar

    Had 2 pasta dishes, thought the spaghetti and meatballs could of had more sauce. Didnt feel either dishes were very tasty. Service was great and atmosphere was nice. Easy to get in on a Sunday afternoon.

  • ★★★★★Ashley Gonsalves

    We visited Original Joe’s for a birthday celebration. The place was packed, which was great, it showed us that it must be good and even though they were busy the staff was tentative to us. they always made sure glasses were full and drinks were flowing. The food selection was great. We all got something different and we all really enjoyed our meals. We will definitely be back. It’s a San Francisco classic that’s a must try. We were able to go to a bar down the road while we waited for a table to get ready, plenty to do in the area, including a nice park just across the street. We were able to park just one street away which made for a nice stroll that was flat to the restaurant. I got the prime rib and we had a number of appetizers prior to eating. We really enjoyed ourselves. The restaurant was comfortable and well decorated and very clean.

  • ★★★★★Justin Ross

    Some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had. Worried it was going to be a tourist trap but definitely was not disappointed. Had eggplant Parmesan, Veal Parmesan, Dungeness crab spinach and artichoke dip, with sides of spaghetti and meat sauce and fettuccine Alfredo. Everything was amazing. Best veal parm ever. Eggplant was sliced very thin. Sauces were amazing. Even the side spaghetti and meat sauce was delicious.

  • ★★★★★Peter Goodman

    Original Joe’s is one of those classic San Francisco spots that delivers every single time. The standout for me is the veal piccata—and it’s done exactly how it should be. Tender, perfectly cooked veal with a bright, balanced lemon-caper sauce that cuts through beautifully without overpowering the dish. The texture is spot on, and the flavor has that clean, buttery richness you want from a traditional Italian-American preparation. What really elevates the experience is the consistency and atmosphere. The dining room has that old-school, timeless energy—white jackets, polished service, and a buzz that makes it feel like a true institution. You can tell they’ve been doing this for decades and haven’t lost a step. If you’re looking for a place that executes classic dishes at a high level, Original Joe’s is as reliable as it gets. The veal piccata alone is worth the visit.

  • ★★★★★Lana

    Delicious old school North Beach restaurant with great service. The spicy rigatoni and grilled prawns were perfectly cooked and the sauce was delicious and mildly spicy. For dessert the warm butter cake with ice cream smelled amazing, with a hint of nostalgia. Take a look at the wall of family photos and celebrities. Reserve your table at least one month in advance, this place is always busy. There is a bar area for walk-ins, but people do get turned away on very busy nights.