03/23/09

NASTY!

by jewelrymom

I only gave it 1 star because 0 stars isn't an option. Don't bother. Years ago our family celebrated special events at Joe's, and years ago it as good. How long can a restaurant rest on it's laurels? Chef Boy-r-dee Ravioli, tough steaks, marinara straight from the can... not even the jar! And nothing beats a waiter with attitude, who could give a damn about serving you or EARNING his tip, dripping SWEAT off his brow onto your dinner plate!!!! Thanks but no thanks.

• Pros: ?
• Cons: Waiter sweating in my dinner?

01/16/09

Not for me

by MaggieD2

When I finally convinced my ex to take me to this place, I was unpleasantly surprised. There was nowhere to park, we had to wait for a table for over 45 minutes even though we had a reservation, the food was cold, and I had a very unpleasant experience at the table that the manager tried to solve by rolling his eyes and asking if we wanted to change tables- we had not complained up until that point...

10/22/07

REMODELED - AND STILL GREAT

by bobwhitlach

Joe's recently re-opened after being closed all summer for remodeling. Still the same great italian food with new booths, counter-tops and stools. Glad to have them back. Always fun.

• Cons: Always a wait during peak hours

07/12/07

am i missing something?

by kenichirobot

i heard such great things about oj's. but, i got to be honest, it wasn't that great. what's ironic is that even though servings are so huge you can't finish, you don't want to take the leftovers home with you.

• Pros: cool interior, old school feel
• Cons: food is mediocre

04/11/07

Excellent for a family celebration dinner. A little loud and busy for a romantic or intimate meal

by kb8

Large family style portions. Couples try the Petite Filet Mignon and the Sauteed Scallops (I recommend ravioli on the side). Do not forget the Antipasto salad and garlic bread for large groups.

• Pros: Noisy
• Cons: Great food

11/22/06

Go for the Atmosphere

by tall1sobay

This place is a landmark. If you want to feel like you're eating in one of those restaurants you've seen in a gangster film this is it - complete with wise-guy waiters. The food is good - not great but good. The service can range from fair to good - again, not great but good. The wait can be long on weekends.

As I've already mentioned, I've always thought the atmosphere is very classic in a "God Father" sort of way. It's really a fun place to go once in awhile. It's OK for kids. There's plenty of noise so they probably won't bother anyone. It's in downtown San Jose so parking pretty much is horrible and is almost never free.

10/01/06

Overrated!

by citygirl54

My girlfriends and I made reservations for a birthday dinner since we heard it was a great place for large groups with a great menu. The service was good, I'll admit that, but the food was decent, if that! I could make tastier dishes at home! I tried adding salt and pepper, and some cheese to jazz up the dish since it was completely bland, but nothing helped. It was just oily and flavorless. Everyone else was also extremely disappointed with their selection. We all (12 of us) ordered different items and no one liked anything. The place was also super packed and extremely loud. The meal averaged $25-30 bucks/person, tip included.

If you're looking for an Italian restaurant good for large groups, I'd recommend Maggiano's or Buca di Beppo over this place anyday!

• Pros: Good Service
• Cons: every dish was bland, very loud and crowded, parking can be an issue since its in DT

08/30/06

IF YOU WANT BAD yet EXPENSIVE FOOD, UNFRIENDLY SERVICE, and UNPLEASANT ATMOSPHERE, THEN THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!

by ritalicious

After driving for 5 hours from LA needless to say we were hungry. We decided to try Joe's for some Italian--BIG MISTAKE! The Decor looked very old, dark, and cheap but I after looking at their menu I thought that perhaps dishes priced around $18 will make up for it. I was wrong!

After our very UNFRIENDLY WAITER who said "Everything is good" couldn't recommend anything in particular, I finally settled on the $24 Veal Parmesian. The veal was not bad, but the spaghetti with tomato sauce looked and tasted like it was just brought from a school cafeteria!!! Also, our friend just had lunch and came along for the company, but she was told that SHE HAD TO PAY $4 JUST TO BE THERE!!! I've never heard of this before! So she ordered a $7 slice of "Tiramisu" instead--and it was the farthest thing from Tiramisu we've ever had! California Pizza Kitchen's is 10 times better! This was dry sponge cake layered with a thin coat of coco mixed with whipped cream and some more sponge cake and whipped cream on top!

If you think that I've been spoiled by Los Angeles eateries, this is not the case at all. I've eaten at many hole-in-the-wall places which were much better than Joe's!

The only reason I'm writing this review is because this was the absolute WORST RESTAURANT I've ever been to and I've never regretted leaving $40 bucks as much as I did that time.

I don't know how this place stays in business, but it shouldn'!

DON' T Waste Your Money! Go Somewhere Else. You'll thank me later =)

• Pros: Ummmm, convenient location?
• Cons: Service, Ambiance, and FOOD! need I say more?

07/21/06

Classic Italian Upscale Diner

by 52cycles

You don't see places like this anymore. Menu is truly old school and the portions are large. Side of pasta (or baked potato) comes w/entree. Half portions of pasta's available for the kids. One of the few places left still offering the "Half & half" (Half Spag, half ravioli). The bread is excellent. NY Steak rocks. Meatball & steak sandwiches rock. Atmosphere is truly classic 70's with all the wait staff in black ties. Stays open late. It wouldn't be downtown SJ without O-Joe's.

• Pros: OPEN LATE
• Cons: IT'S NOT 24-Hour

06/30/06

ehhh.

by justineminer

I've been wanting to try joes for a while, now that I have I realize that I wasn't missing much. The food is mediocre and the server was a bit surly. I might go back, but only because it's open late.