Fine Italian Dining & Cocktails
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
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Everyone
in San Francisco is thrilled that Original Joe's
has re-opened in North Beach. First opened in 1937 the same year
as the Golden Gate Bridge, it is the innovator of the "Joe's
Concept" of classic reasonably priced Traditional Home
Style Italian American Comfort Food. They pioneered and still
have an Exhibition kitchen where diners can sit at the counter
and watch cooks preparing the food. They also created the Joe's
Special on a late night when a cook added hamburger meat to a
spinach omelet. The Duggan family runs the restaurant and still
uses many of the same local purveyors as their grandfather, original
owner Tony Rodin.
The
first thing that you notice is the beautiful retro décor
and that the waiters are all in Tuxedos. This "Rat Pack"
Style setting makes you feel like you are in a classic movie.
The main dining room has comfortable red booths, artifacts from
the original location and the walls are filled with their history
in family photos. The Bar area has a piano, green Naugahyde banquettes
and a fireplace made with salvaged bricks from the original Taylor
Street location.
We
started with a Greyhound made with vodka and grapefruit juice
which was a refreshing classic cocktail inspired by their 1950
Cocktail Menu and a contemporary Cosmo made with fresh lime juice
which was perfect! While we looked at the menu we enjoyed Boudin
San Francisco Sour Dough Bread. Our favorite Hot Starter was The
Spinach & Artichoke Dip with Crostini which was spicy,
flavorful and not too rich. Next, we had the amazing Boston
Clam Chowder. It was just perfect with plenty of clams, slightly
rich but not too thick. The hearty Meat, Fish and Chicken entrees
are all served with a choice of sides. We loved the 9 ounce Filet
Mignon which was prepared rare perfectly and was also so
reasonably priced.
The
side of Mashed Potatoes was fluffy and yet dense at the
same time with wonderful flavor! We added a side of sautéed
mushrooms and onions which were fantastic and enjoyed fresh
horseradish as well, with our steak. The classic Veal Parmesan
was exceptional too. The veal was lightly breaded and topped with
parmesan cheese, mushrooms and flavorful tomato sauce. It was
delicious and so thin that you could cut it with a fork. A side
of Original Joe's Ravioli was the perfect compliment.
The
Wine List features a nice selection of mostly Italian and California
wines by the bottle or the glass. We really enjoyed the 2009 Flowers
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, the 2007 Barbaresco Marassino
from Piemonte and the fabulous 2006 Calabrone Bastianich Friuli.
We are learning more about and have a greater appreciation of
the complexity of Italian wines. Save room for dessert as you
must have the Bombolini & Afogato We are still trying
to figure out how Italian doughnuts with espresso and vanilla
Gelato could be so light!
Original
Joe's is an instant (75 year old) success where nostalgia
runs deep. The cuisine is classic Italian American with some healthier
modern influences. As we looked around the main dining room we
saw local celebrities, families, young and old which made us think
of memories of family dinners back in the day. This was one of
our favorite dining
experiences in a long time! There will be sidewalk seating starting
this Spring, reservations are recommended and there is Valet Parking
which is a necessity in North Beach. Bring the family, friends
or come alone as you'll feel the warmth of being with family when
you Eat at Joe's!
Original
Joe's
601 Union Street
San Francisco, CA. 94133
415-775-4877
www.OriginalJoesSF.com
