Original Joe's - San Jose accepts credit cards. Mudslides, threat of wet vintage wont dampen South Bay winemakers delight in record rainfall, With Californias soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche, Southern California mountain residents head home, for many its the first time in days, Opinion: Gov. Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page. Harriette Cole: I don't want the neighbor's kids at my house, Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Ask Amy: I'm your cabin housekeeper, and you apparently have no idea what I do. Popular for drinks and appetizers before Sharks games and concerts, it's easy to slip into a booth at OJ's and let time slip away. Service was awesome. The minimum wage was the second or third thing down, but it was probably the straw that broke the camels back, said Rocca, who is still bullish about downtown San Joses future. However, we have a group of about 30 coming on Sunday afternoon, June 24 to honor a friend. Such a great experience (good service, real people, and good food). You wont be sorry for choosing here. Scott Adams faces 'consequence culture' as U.S. newspapers drop Dilbert, Tom Cruise's 'ditching' of Suri showcased by Judd Apatow's 'co-parenting' joke, ex-Scientology exec says. The Spartan Speaker Series will present Tarana Burke, the founder of the Me Too movement and 2017 Time person of the year on Feb. 4. Other than that a stellar night out. 3.04 miles away. Original Joe's, which has served downtown customers for 63 years, now plans to stop serving the lunch-hour crowd because owners say they will lose money by staying open. O.J. In 1956, they brought the formula to its current location, opening what was then the first big-city restaurant in the South Bay. A pair of magnificent 19th-century Japanese cloisonne vases that once graced a San Francisco movie palace still stand 6 feet tall in the center of the dining room. Website. The brownie dessert, which we all shared, was perfect. The wine list, although short, boasts respectable labels such as Rodney Strong and DeLoach. Relax at the bar for a well poured cocktail. Contact the restaurant and ask directly. In addition, he writes Cocktail Chronicles, a feature column on Silicon Valley bars and nightclubs. After a three-month closure for remodeling, OJ's reopened boasting completely new bathrooms, tables, booths and dcor, along with three 47-inch flat-panel HDTVs in the upstairs bar. The waiters here will look after you and you can enjoy free parking as well. . Lunchtime regulars who enjoy midday cocktails and throwing dice in the bar are certainly unhappy with the change and have been giving Rocca an earful after employees were informed on Jan. 11 and word started to spread. enterprise. He continually walked by us and never looked at us and only paying attention to the very large tables immediately across from us. Better were the hot steak fries, thick and well-salted, with creamy interiors. Would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods? Rocca predicts other downtown restaurants will eventually make the same tough decision to close during lunch hours. Once inside dining is allowed then we will be back.More, We had a nice dinner at the delightful street side patio set up (due to covid.). Restaurant reviews are conducted anonymously. Seems like every big city has a place like this. Real old school Italian restaurant with variety of great food in downtown San Jose. Really? But did most people notice? I had the calamari - certainly more generous than I would expect. The Prime Rob is prepared to perfection and the portion is more than generous. Once we entered the establishment we got seated quickly and soon there after got water and a tea. (LiPo Ching/Mercury News), Eggplant Parmesan at Original Joe's in San Jose on October 23, 2007. Also contact Mortens Steak House. The menu, far from trendy, still runs to huge portions of old favorites, from spaghetti with meatballs to eggplant Parmigiana. Very impressive restaurant with an unbelievable team - highly recommend a visit.More, First of all, go hungry or dont go. The move comes after. We are putting together a birthday party on Sunday afternoon, June 24th for 20-30 people. Featured items. $2 per person surcharge, Local cuisine, Italian, American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Special occasions, Large groups, Bar scene, Business meetings. I had the New York Cut and it was perfect, my wife's prime rib wason target. Beef ravioli: this was our choice of sides for our entrees and was a generous serving of raviolis in a meat sauce. Not your well beaten path tourist location. "I don't want to raise my menu. Many of the original dishes are still on the menu, including the Joes Special, a hefty scramble of eggs, ground chuck and fresh spinach ($12.95) large enough to serve two. After searching throughout the Bay Area, Lou Sr. settled on San Jose, an up and coming city blessed with great weather and that presented a great opportunity. Whether you have a preference for vegetarian or pasta or seafood, or old-school dishes like veal scallopini or liver and mushrooms, this place fits the bill. Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin. Come hi Gary because all their portion are extremely generous.More, We were recommended to this place by our hotel because we wanted Italian that was within walking distance. If you often get a midday hankering for Joes Special that magical concoction of eggs, spinach and ground beef youd better take care of it soon. more, $49. The thick slices of breaded vegetable were nicely cooked, the edges satisfyingly crisp. If the veal is sometimes tough, the vegetables overcooked, or the flavors bland, few diners seem to mind despite the substantial prices. Rated. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Within 20 minutes or so our dinner was ready to go. I had the prime ribalways a litmus test when offeredwith a side of ravioli because its roots are Italian. Your tummy will thank you. "Something's gotta give. Nostalgia makes the meal at Original Joe's. 301 S. First St., at San Carlos, San Jose (408) 292-7030. We tried not to change things too much, said Matt Rocca, co-owner with brother Brad Rocca. grab a newspaper and just sit back in a corner booth and people watch. They have similar food and I believe a private room. Nice Dinner Out on the Street Side Patio - Orginal Joe's San Jose. Beef ravioli: this was our choice of sides for our entrees and was a generous serving of raviolis in a meat sauce. And that cultural shift hits restaurants like Original Joes with its tuxedo-clad waiters and full bar right on the bottom line. The mix of zucchini, carrots and broccoli was the prudent choice, but mine was overcooked and watery. Popular for drinks and appetizers before Sharks games and concerts, it's easy to slip into a booth at OJ's and let time slip away. Close search. I would reccomend this place as a one of a better, in North beach there is huge number of better reataurants with better prices and service.More, If you're looking for trendy this is not the place for you. Please dont avoid it. Brad Rocca, whose grandfather opened the venerable downtown San Jose restaurant in 1956, said Friday that lighter lunch crowds Monday through Fridayprompted the change. Thick and creamy with hints of rum and bits of fruit, its a classic. Locals avoid those and at least ten knew the bartender by name in my visit. Staff was helpful and all were wearing masks. Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Downtown. I was trying to opt for a local good gastropub as this advertised as what the locals avoid. We found street parking right across from the restaurant. House wines by the glass, including a fruity Chianti, are reasonably priced at $6. Theyalso serve complementary rolls. The other honorees were the Alum Rock Coalition, a group that organized community events to shed a light on decision making in the Alum Rock School District; Santa Clara Countys first-in-the-nation Office of Equality and Social Justice; state Sen. Jim Beall; and the Redistricting in Santa Clara Coalition, led by the Asian Law Alliance and activist Wes Mukoyama. Home Catalog Go back to Original Joe's Home; Catalog; Submit. Veal scallopini sec blanketed in mushrooms ($25.95) practically overflowed its platter one evening. We ordered a double serving and they were tender and juicy. Overall a much better eating experience, quality food than the chains (Buca) and locally owned. Advertise with us | Contact us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map, Known as a staple for San Jose residences this classy and classic rat-pack-style diner, featuring tuxedo-clad waiters. Explore top restaurants, menus, and millions of photos and reviews from users just like you. We watched it being cooked. Calamari steak: we continued our fried food fest with two large cuts of thick calamari steak. 2008-2023 Zomato Ltd. All rights reserved. Cheese ravioli ($15.95) were pleasant with a generous filling. 's is perfect for lunch and late night eats.-----------------Original Joe's has been a San Jose staple for over half a century. Some of the decor still in tact. Throw in planned construction around the restaurant at San Carlos and First streets that will eliminate precious parking spots nearby and the recent minimum wage hike to $15, and youve got a recipe for trimmed hours. The service is great and they take pride in what they do. OJ's--as the locals call itis one of the town's most popular restaurants, and diners are willing to wait to be seated in one of the comfy leather booths. The Dish: Time seems to stand still at this downtown institution that continues to serve the hearty, home-style Italian-American food of the 1950s in a bustling dining room. From the homemade chicken soup to the Veal Scaloppini, Sinatra would be right at home. Over priced, poor service and terrible food. 188 photos. Our friend ordered two pork chops and a side of apple sauce-who does that but it looked great. POWER LINEUP AT SJSU: There are some really big names coming to San Jose State University this week to address even bigger issues. NONPROFIT HEROES: The Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits paid tribute to its Change Maker recipients for 2018 at a breakfast held last week at the Sobrato Center for Nonprofits in San Jose. Probably because they were all drinking alcohol and ordering lots of food. It's the collective buzz of late-night citygoers either getting their buzz on or trying to eat their way out of it, the waiters' slightly surly, super-professional attitude, the giant portions. Later the owners took us "back of house" to see how this incredible restaurant works. I don't want the customers to pay," Rocca said. All rights reserved, This 26-Year-Old Pays $0 to Live in a Luxury Tiny Home' She Built for $35,000 in Her Backyard Take a Look Inside, No Information to Suspect Foul Play in Disappearance of Wild 94.9 Host JV': Police, Elizabeth Holmes Has 2nd Child as She Tries to Avoid Prison. Unfortunately, the meat was thick and chewy, the sauce bland and uninspired. Probably the best prime rib Ive ever had (noted that it is ages in house with their own butcher in charge) and the ravioliwellmouthwatering. Established in 1956. Lots of parking in the lot across the street.More, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Italian. Search our directory of hotels close to Original Joe's in San Jose, CA United States and find the lowest rates. Check the apparel of the best Italian restaurant in San Francisco . As the restaurant is now outside in the downtown are San Jose, there are some interesting street people one will now see from time to time when dining. Watch our video and see for yourself the vibrant atmosphere of Original Joe's Restaurant and then come on by for a taste of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley in San Jose. Dinner appetizers $6.95-$14.95, entrees $12.95-$38.95. 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. In business since the 1950s, the restaurant retains a . Donate to Downtown Doors. Love their burgers! And now that the restaurant's summer-long remodel is complete, the place feels new again. Metro, Silicon Valley's Weekly Newspaper, September 26, 2007Original Joes in San Jose could be said to have been conceived in 1954 when Lou Rocca's only child Lou Babe Rocca Jr. married Marie Ann Sole who in 1955 had son Matt followed soon after by Brad. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters, Waiter Sal Gutierrez, during lunchtime at Original Joe's in San Jose on October 23, 2007. Sentimental diners can relax. "Been coming here for over 50 years. You can still explore dine-in restaurants and order amazing food on Zomato in. cheeseburger is amazing. Best meal in a long time!More, Great old time Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown with one of the most varied menus Ive seen in years. Original Joe's Famous Hamburger 3/4 Pound Ground Chuck Tumbled in Chopped Yellow Onions, Swiss Cheese, Grilled or Broiled and served on Our Signature French Bread $16.50 Joe's Traditional Burger Ground Chuck, Cheddar Cheese, Lettuce and Tomato, Grilled or Broiled and served on a toasted Ciabatta Bun $12.95 Lunch Specials Daily Steak Fries $16.95 Pay lot and free and metered street parking available nearby. Not your well beaten path tourist location. Say it aint so! Waiter asked us if you wanted bread and we said sure but I never heard that we were going to get charged $5 just to have a basket of bread. In restaurant years, that's almost an eternity. I have been a few with friends and family. Mayor Sam Liccardo and former Mayor Chuck Reed were among the speakers at the event, which included an expanded choir, brass and percussion conducted by Henry Mollicone. Sauted mushrooms: our favorite did not disappoint. Hope this answers your question. Write a ReviewAdd a photo Joanne M. Open during the pandemic. (LiPo Ching/Mercury News), Original Joe's at 301 S. First Street in San Jose on October 23, 2007. Are you sure you want to delete this answer? OJ's is real city life, San Jose style. The brownie dessert, which we all shared, was perfect. Yes, Original Joe's - San Jose offers both delivery and takeout. Grandfather, Lou Sr. decided that it was a good idea to open another Original Joes restaurant for his son and his family. Menu for Original Joe's - San Jose: Reviews and photos of Original Joe-S Famous Hamburger, Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Parmigiana Corkage fee: $20. The Westin San Jose. We enjoyed our dinner We both had cocktails; my husband also had a glass of wine. 0.44 miles away. You should say that the customers are in an uproar, one regular said to me Friday, seasoning his dissatisfaction with a dash of profanity. PLEASE CONFIRM DETAILS DIRECTLY WITH BUSINESS FOR UPDATES. are sorry. We both loved their cannoli for dessert. Regulars stop in to this San Jose institution to sip classic cocktails, including the bar's famous Manhattan, and catch up with the affable bartenders. The restaurant owner said the arrival of Google will not help the lunch crowd, just like it did not help when Adobe moved into downtown. And Feb. 5, economists Ben Stein and Robert Reich will discuss the future of the U.S. economy as part of the SJSU Insights Speaker Series. Descended from the first Original Joes founded in 1937 in San Francisco, the San Jose Original Joes was the first San Francisco based restaurant to open in San Jose in the South San Francisco Bay Area now known worldwide as the heart of Silicon Valley. You wont be sorry for choosing here. The restaurant, which recently expanded its hours to stay open until midnight every day, will continue to be open for lunch on weekends. Have been to Original Joe's many times. Eggplant Parmigiana: lightly breaded slices of eggplant were generously sized and not oily at all. My complimentsto Aryn & Dante as they made the meal so much better.More. From dining out at the cosiest hidden gems to food delivery from swanky restaurants to serving the most incredible food, Zomato covers it all. Like most OJs entrees, it comes with a choice of steak fries, baked potatoes, spaghetti, ravioli or vegetables on the side. At least for take out and patio seating at the moment. Be sure to check us out to find out more about our feature meals. Original Joe's - San Jose accepts credit cards. The tiramisu ($5.95), more cake than custard, was one of the driest Ive ever eaten. San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau, San Jose McEnery Convention Center & Cultural Facilities. The Mercury News pays for all meals. Other than that a stellar night out.More, Original Joe's is open!! Original Joe's kept the open kitchen, so patrons can still watch the chefs work. 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