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... More

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?
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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,... More

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...
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The area of town was being rejunvenated in July 2008 (when we were there), so it was a little hard to find Joe's through the scaffolding. But, don't give up - it's worth the search! This place has... More

The area of town was being rejunvenated in July 2008 (when we were there), so it was a little hard to find Joe's through the scaffolding. But, don't give up - it's worth the search! This place has been around for years and has a very interesting history of once being a hangout for the San Francisco mob - there's a room upstairs that was used for meetings!! Read the menu - it has stories about the restaurant - and take a look at all the pictures on the walls - very cool! It's famous for a hash dish (it's great!!) - plain and simple, enjoyed by all, even the mobsters! Elegant ambiance, tuxedo-ed staff, excellent service, and great food! A little pricey, but that's the cost of notoriety! Really a fun place to eat!
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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: ... More

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
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I have been going to Original Joes far as long as I can remember and I don't know what happened to the food and what happened to the interior, it has lost all of the ambience it used to have. The... More

I have been going to Original Joes far as long as I can remember and I don't know what happened to the food and what happened to the interior, it has lost all of the ambience it used to have. The bar in the back is cold, no fireplace & the walls, well they need help. I think someone was going for the sport bar look but in OJ's it doesn't work. The food had no taste. I ordered Linguine & clams, no flavor to the sauce & hardly any clams. Then there was the cheese on the table, thought I was in a pizza place. Very disapointed, it will be a long time before I come back.
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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... More

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
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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... More

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
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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... More

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.
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