Original Joe's San Jose

November 4, 2025

Solid 3 Stars. First time at Original Joe's and I have mixed feelings. The food was tasty but lacked creativity. My Steak Sandwich was too rare and served on a toasted bread roll. That's it, just meat and bread. Flavorful but dull. Accompanied by steak fries. I actually used ketchup as a condiment for my sandwich. I know a lot of people would probably kill me if they saw this but I had to work with what they gave me. Our appetizer was Fried Calamari, no complaints. The other entrées were Chicken Parm and Pasta Marinara with a giant Meatball. Simple and tasty but lacking presentation. Our server was David and he did a great job. His knowledge of the menu was substandard and he showed genuine concern and professionalism. We appreciate David and that's why we tip our waiters 25%. We arrived around 7pm on a Saturday evening. Plenty of parking options in the area. No wait to be seated even though it was very busy in the Resto. Original Joe's has an attached bar called The Hideout. Full bar with flat screens to enjoy the game. We may return to try it someday. So to reiterate, our first visit at Joe's was good. Food lacked pizzazz, but is decent. My dull Steak Sandwich and fries set me back $35. Maybe some veggies and condiments to accompany it would be a good idea? The Pasta Marinara was flavorful not too salty and great portion size. Chicken Parm was simple yet tasty. Our Tiramisu was unfortunately inedible. Something was bitter and off putting in it so we sent it back. Oh well, no biggie. I look forward to returning someday.

November 18, 2025

Overwhelmingly expensive for the experience. Steaks were fine and cooked to the expected level, sides are expensive (12$ for a backed potato or vegetables or ... anything). Dessert ("cannoli") is not on par with it's price (that's a single cannoli in a big plate), the dough is good and crunchy but the cream had virtually no taste. The room is very noisy despite having all tables separated by mid-height walls.

October 9, 2025

I came with my roommates and ordered a ‘The Rock salad’ from the menu, which stated $29.95. However, when I scanned the online bill, it was $33.95 before tax. The salad is humongous, but I just don’t know why they haven't updated the price. I contacted them to ask about the change in price and they only said they knew the price change when I mentioned it?! After saying that the lady just remained quiet and didn’t say anything more so I just hung up. The food is mid not so special compared to the price. Also, the waiter asked if we wanted some bread and didn’t even mention that they gonna charged for it. We ended up getting 2 plates because we thought it was free but it turned out $5 each and $10 total for 2. The waiter was really nice but it took us a long time to ask him for the second bread plate and the check because he was busy I had the eggplant parmigiana before and it was ok so I came back with my roommates but I guess not next time tho

October 29, 2025

Convenient to the McNerney Convention Center. Very good Italian food. No wait, prompt service. Eggplant Parmesan with vegetables was very tasty.

July 9, 2025

Down in San Jose for the Maguire's all West Summer Custom Rod and Bike Show at the Berryessa Highlands Pavillion helping my pal Petroff Yakdonovitch set up his Customod 67 Impala SS 427 with a factory L72 option, the only one made! After setting up the car, we went out to celebrate at the Original Joe's, and it was an amazing dinner! 5 stars ☆☆☆☆☆