Joe's

I love this place. Garlic bread is amazing and the pesto penne pasta with chicken is so good. Prices are good and you get a lot of food, always I take home leftovers.

The food was really good and they were happy to seat 12 of us only an hour before close. Our waiter was very good, knowledgeable about the menu and the flavors. I would definitely go back.

Enjoyed the food. Thanks for a great experience.

San Rafael Joe's has been an institution for an astonishing 76 years and my decades of eating there are proof why. I have never, ever, had anything less than a great meal and a great experience there. The service is always impeccable, reflecting Carlo and Angela's long commitment to excellence. Likewise, the food never fails and is a great value. Finally, the atmosphere is that of a friendly, neighborhood restaurant and bar. The same people return time and again as do I. Congratulations to the San Rafael Joe's team for their great work. I love going there!

Large old school Italian restaurant. HUGE menu. Great service. Large bar. I love that they have 8-10 different sauces. Great for a large group. Not gourmet but very good Italian food.

I have no words to describe how much I enjoy this food, I post pictures so you can imagine. My family and I were passing by and I google this restaurant, the reviews were so inviting to try it and did not disappoint. Beautiful restaurant,they sat us down right away and the people serving were so friendly starting with the hostess to our server. Excellent experience and service I highly recommend it to everyone. This is by far one of the best restaurants I’ve ever visited. Thank you !!

Old school restaurant that has been making fantastic meals… for what seems like forever! We had the Prime Rib last night and it was extremely tender and flavorful. The staff was also great and very attentive to all of the guests in the large dining room. We added deserts since we were celebrating our anniversary but really, that was probably too much food.

What a wonderful spot in San Rafael. The food was absolutely fantastic. I had the seafood plate and it was incredible. The mozzarella fritta was crispy. Paired with two different sauces. The cheese ravioli with carbonara sauce and meatballs was a hit. Took some leftovers for lunch. If you get a chance to stop in. Make yourself at home and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Italy. Service was on point. Didn’t disappoint.

I will say that from a few years ago this restaurant was just average. Our last 2 visits have changed our opinion. Tonight, I had veal scaloppine with mushrooms. My bride had veal picatta. Both dishes were delicious, hot, and flavorful! Our drinks were generous and good pours. We split a Ceasars salad that was dressed appropriately and was delicious. Very satisfied!

We ordered calamari as an appetizer and carbonara and beef as the main dish. We ate up all the food in our seats without even talking. The service was very good and the food was delicious.

Great food and big portions. We split the Italian sausage and Penne pasta. For appetizers it was the fried zucchini.

I spotted San Rafael Joe's Restaurant while I was coming back from my pal Wilber Stuffinpacker's wolverine research center out on the coast, and all that driving sure made me hungry. I've been to most all the other Joe's restaurants in the bay area but never San Rafael Joe's, so let's fix that right now. The food was just as amazing as the service! 5 stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Excellent vegetarian salad (with chicken). I was so pleased with it I skipped the dressing which I'd ordered on the side. Sole menuiere was excellent. Beautiful paintings, bar, stained glass, and social distancing. Attentive service. We'd return! Update June 22: We returned and order the same items and enjoy them just as much!

Tim Polk

Large old school Italian restaurant. HUGE menu. Great service. Large bar. I love that they have 8-10 different sauces. Great for a large group. Not gourmet but very good Italian food.

Faviola Perez

I have no words to describe how much I enjoy this food, I post pictures so you can imagine. My family and I were passing by and I google this restaurant, the reviews were so inviting to try it and did not disappoint. Beautiful restaurant,they sat us down right away and the people serving were so friendly starting with the hostess to our server. Excellent experience and service I highly recommend it to everyone. This is by far one of the best restaurants I’ve ever visited. Thank you !!

Steve Ionescu

What a wonderful spot in San Rafael. The food was absolutely fantastic. I had the seafood plate and it was incredible. The mozzarella fritta was crispy. Paired with two different sauces. The cheese ravioli with carbonara sauce and meatballs was a hit. Took some leftovers for lunch. If you get a chance to stop in. Make yourself at home and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Italy. Service was on point. Didn’t disappoint.

Russell Miller

Old school restaurant that has been making fantastic meals… for what seems like forever! We had the Prime Rib last night and it was extremely tender and flavorful. The staff was also great and very attentive to all of the guests in the large dining room. We added deserts since we were celebrating our anniversary but really, that was probably too much food.

Warren Weisenburg

I will say that from a few years ago this restaurant was just average. Our last 2 visits have changed our opinion. Tonight, I had veal scaloppine with mushrooms. My bride had veal picatta. Both dishes were delicious, hot, and flavorful! Our drinks were generous and good pours. We split a Ceasars salad that was dressed appropriately and was delicious. Very satisfied!

JIHYE KIM

We ordered calamari as an appetizer and carbonara and beef as the main dish. We ate up all the food in our seats without even talking. The service was very good and the food was delicious.

ROSARIO ALVAREZ

Great food and big portions. We split the Italian sausage and Penne pasta. For appetizers it was the fried zucchini.

American Angler

I spotted San Rafael Joe's Restaurant while I was coming back from my pal Wilber Stuffinpacker's wolverine research center out on the coast, and all that driving sure made me hungry. I've been to most all the other Joe's restaurants in the bay area but never San Rafael Joe's, so let's fix that right now. The food was just as amazing as the service! 5 stars ☆☆☆☆☆

Bay Walker

Excellent vegetarian salad (with chicken). I was so pleased with it I skipped the dressing which I'd ordered on the side. Sole menuiere was excellent. Beautiful paintings, bar, stained glass, and social distancing. Attentive service. We'd return! Update June 22: We returned and order the same items and enjoy them just as much!

This place is an absolute must-experience! The food was excellent, the cocktails were top-notch, and the desserts—simply amazing. The ambiance exudes timeless charm with warm wood accents, leather seating, crisp white tablecloths, and spot-on service from a truly outstanding staff. I had a Stoli Vodka martini—a rare find these days—paired with sautéed scallops in a garlic and mushroom sauce, along with a side of ravioli in a rich pink sauce. To finish, I enjoyed an affogato, which was the perfect ending. Our group shared a delightful mix of meat and seafood dishes, accompanied by pasta sides, a solid wine selection, and several desserts, including key lime pie and chocolate cake. We sampled a bit of everything—and I must say, it was absolutely divine!

Old school food, the best! My favorite one, Frutti di Mare! 😋 😋

Had a special day here for my cousin's baby shower. They did a beautiful job!

This was a really great classic Italian-American restaurant, just like the Italian restaurants I remember out East growing up. The Fettuccine Alfredo took me back, it’s the best one I’ve had in years. My dad had chicken Parmesan and it was great too, the chicken was pounded nice and thin and the tomato sauce tasted really fresh.

Everything was delicious, and we were so grateful — our entire theater group went back for more. The pesto pasta was comforting and flavorful, the Caesar salad was fresh and crisp, and the generous amount of sourdough was a huge hit. We’re deeply thankful to San Rafael Joe’s for donating this meal and for their support of local theater and the arts. Truly a community-minded spot with wonderful food.

We ordered takeout from Joe's for a big group and the food was fantastic! I had some simple classics - pesto pasta and Caesar salad. Very satisfying!

Avi Dunn

Enjoyed the food. Thanks for a great experience.

Kaya M

Everything was delicious, and we were so grateful — our entire theater group went back for more. The pesto pasta was comforting and flavorful, the Caesar salad was fresh and crisp, and the generous amount of sourdough was a huge hit. We’re deeply thankful to San Rafael Joe’s for donating this meal and for their support of local theater and the arts. Truly a community-minded spot with wonderful food.

Erin McBride

We ordered takeout from Joe's for a big group and the food was fantastic! I had some simple classics - pesto pasta and Caesar salad. Very satisfying!

Kaz Yeghiazarian

This place is an absolute must-experience! The food was excellent, the cocktails were top-notch, and the desserts—simply amazing. The ambiance exudes timeless charm with warm wood accents, leather seating, crisp white tablecloths, and spot-on service from a truly outstanding staff. I had a Stoli Vodka martini—a rare find these days—paired with sautéed scallops in a garlic and mushroom sauce, along with a side of ravioli in a rich pink sauce. To finish, I enjoyed an affogato, which was the perfect ending. Our group shared a delightful mix of meat and seafood dishes, accompanied by pasta sides, a solid wine selection, and several desserts, including key lime pie and chocolate cake. We sampled a bit of everything—and I must say, it was absolutely divine!

Jeremy Ondo

This was a really great classic Italian-American restaurant, just like the Italian restaurants I remember out East growing up. The Fettuccine Alfredo took me back, it’s the best one I’ve had in years. My dad had chicken Parmesan and it was great too, the chicken was pounded nice and thin and the tomato sauce tasted really fresh.

Welcoming staff. Clean open dining area. Noise level good. Bar available for sit down as well in dining area. Sourdough bread on all tables, yummy. I had ravioli, which was fresh cooked pasta. Many pasta and salad options. Prices are typical of area, $15-30/person for main meal. Liked the half pasta option. Servers were less attentive, but it was busy. Minimal wait.

Dropped in during the big rain storm, about 4pm . Super great for covered parking in the year and seeing a welcoming awning. Reliable institution and food is okay but served professionally. All wait staff and table bus boys are very attentive. I had a salad and special stuffed pork chop. It was all ok, kind service staff. Sparkling bloody Mary. Probably the best late afternoon restaurant in Northern Marin. Reasonable prices on a homey popular restaurant concert.

Berry personable and helpful waiting staff. This 75 year old establishment is a refreshing oasis of culinary variety. Plentiful servings and pleasing menu with pasta seafood and favorites. The pot roast was especially good. Well worth the visit.

Good food, but not as good as I remember. Everything was well made, but I wasn't a fan of the seafood platter. It tasted very gamey. We got 2 apps, the garlic bread and the ceaser salad. Both were good. I got the seafood platter, and my girlfriend got the beef stroganoff, the special of the night. I think they should move it to the main menu as it was perfectly cooked and the flavors were immaculate. Nothing was overpowering, and the beef was tender. We also got the creme brulee and the apple pie. Both were good, but I was hoping for a crisper crust on the apple pie. Service was amazing.

Very good food. The servers are friendly and good at there job. The menu has food for all occasions. I have never had a bad experience at Joe's. Every meal has been extremely good. I could eat there every day for a month and not have the same meal twice but I probably would because I love the Veal Parm.

San Rafael Joe's is a Joe's like most, but it is centrally located, good parking, good food, good prices and most importantly, nice, friendly staff who are engaging, funny and don't take themselves, or the restaurant too seriously. This makes it a great place to go on the regular!

Paid a bill with cash. After 20% tip, I still should have had change. Servers never brought it. Change was not a huge amount; not worth making an issue out of when leaving restaurant and the money is not the issue, but I'm bothered by the ethics in not returning my change or in assuming the amount I intended to tip. Feel patrons deserve to be aware if this is standard practice among staff.

Good local venue. Service was excellent. Food offerings are pretty vast with lots of food options to choose from. Had the Brushcetta to start...crispy, garlicky...yummy! Chicken Parm with spaghetti and ravioli side was solid but not spectacular. Ok locals... don't hate. It was good BUT lacked a bit of seasoning and the sauce was a little watery but still good. It was huge too so you'll have plenty to share. Good experience overall. I'll be back for sure!!

We've had both excellent service and....okay service and different times. For the most part, it's been excellent service. We were here on a Sunday and had an older female server. She was very professional and consistent. Although she had a very large party to attend to, she was still able to attend to us without compromising the service. I ordered the chicken breast piccata with potatoes and vegetables. She ordered the fried oysters with veggies and pots. The funniest thing about this place is that they have a side of peas available to order. We ordered a side of peas and shared them. They were really good. All of the food was really good. The only downside at this place is that sometimes it could feel very hot and muggy inside if they have the heaters on high. Other than that, the food and service is really good.

I reserved this place for my fiancee's birthday, thinking it was more of an upscale restaurant. The atmosphere is way more casual, and more of a local crowd. Although, the prices and service where more upscale. The service was good, and friendly. Be prepared for a big menu though. It was a little overwhelming to be honest. To many choices, so to us it gave a bit of a diner appeal. We had Calamari, which was good, good breading. The salads were good, but if you dont like beans, beware. Would've liked to seen onions on them, but I love them. I ordered the Prime rib, with baked potato, and mixed veggies. Prime rib was perfect! If you are used to dipping your meat into extra Au jus you'll have to ask for it. The veggies were a lil bland but cooked good. My fiancee got a Veal Scaloppini Sec with mushrooms. (Local favorite) and he only ate the meat. The mushrooms and sauce wasn't appealing to his taste or mine. We had cheesecake for dessert, as it's my favorite. I was a little disappointed. It was very flakey, and not as creamy as some that I have had. Calamari, prime rib, veal, 3 glasses of zin house wine, 3 vodka soda waters = $155

Mario Coronado

Good local venue. Service was excellent. Food offerings are pretty vast with lots of food options to choose from. Had the Brushcetta to start...crispy, garlicky...yummy! Chicken Parm with spaghetti and ravioli side was solid but not spectacular. Ok locals... don't hate. It was good BUT lacked a bit of seasoning and the sauce was a little watery but still good. It was huge too so you'll have plenty to share. Good experience overall. I'll be back for sure!!

Steve C 032

We've had both excellent service and....okay service and different times. For the most part, it's been excellent service. We were here on a Sunday and had an older female server. She was very professional and consistent. Although she had a very large party to attend to, she was still able to attend to us without compromising the service. I ordered the chicken breast piccata with potatoes and vegetables. She ordered the fried oysters with veggies and pots. The funniest thing about this place is that they have a side of peas available to order. We ordered a side of peas and shared them. They were really good. All of the food was really good. The only downside at this place is that sometimes it could feel very hot and muggy inside if they have the heaters on high. Other than that, the food and service is really good.

Valerie Garwood

I reserved this place for my fiancee's birthday, thinking it was more of an upscale restaurant. The atmosphere is way more casual, and more of a local crowd. Although, the prices and service where more upscale. The service was good, and friendly. Be prepared for a big menu though. It was a little overwhelming to be honest. To many choices, so to us it gave a bit of a diner appeal. We had Calamari, which was good, good breading. The salads were good, but if you dont like beans, beware. Would've liked to seen onions on them, but I love them. I ordered the Prime rib, with baked potato, and mixed veggies. Prime rib was perfect! If you are used to dipping your meat into extra Au jus you'll have to ask for it. The veggies were a lil bland but cooked good. My fiancee got a Veal Scaloppini Sec with mushrooms. (Local favorite) and he only ate the meat. The mushrooms and sauce wasn't appealing to his taste or mine. We had cheesecake for dessert, as it's my favorite. I was a little disappointed. It was very flakey, and not as creamy as some that I have had. Calamari, prime rib, veal, 3 glasses of zin house wine, 3 vodka soda waters = $155

Awesome service, but the food was really so so. Nothing I'd rush back for, and kind of on the pricey side. My grilled cheese was uninspired even though the waiter thought it would be amazing to use thier sourdough dinner bread. It was cheese on bread grilled. Almost no flavor. The shoestring fries were very bland as well. I like the atmosphere, and the staff were very friendly and attentive.

The staff is consistently friendly, even willing to set up a surprise dinner. The food is good, not great. I would NOT recommend the steak - we've ordered it twice and have been disappointed both times. Simple Italian dishes were good at a reasonable price. It is certainly convenient to have the parking lot directly behind the restaurant.

Essentially, I was told that they are closing (9:00PM) and I could go to the Irish bar next door. They could not get me out faster. It a very awkward feeling. I will not go there again as I do not feel they value their customers.

Dark and quiet place to eat. Good service and menu form 1970s. Had the turkey on whitebread with gravy. Veggies were done nicely and still some life or crunch in them. Not exciting but decent place to meet and talk business.

Lunch today was bland. Carbonara pasta was not al dente and the carbornara did not have flavor. The price for the lunch was not awesome like last time. The dishes looked good, but were not tasty. All dishes lacked flavor. Beers were great. I will contemplate going back again.

Ambience: Fancy and good for special occasions Parking: Street on 4th street. It's free after 6pm. There is also a parking garage near by Wait Times : Not too much Reservations: Not really needed Wine: Being an Italian restaurant they had a pretty good collection Menu: They have a lot of options to select from Diet: They have both vegan and vegetarian options along with GF options Food: Good. Generally all items had less salt when I visited

Arnold Flores

Lunch today was bland. Carbonara pasta was not al dente and the carbornara did not have flavor. The price for the lunch was not awesome like last time. The dishes looked good, but were not tasty. All dishes lacked flavor. Beers were great. I will contemplate going back again.

Ashwini Naidu

Ambience: Fancy and good for special occasions Parking: Street on 4th street. It's free after 6pm. There is also a parking garage near by Wait Times : Not too much Reservations: Not really needed Wine: Being an Italian restaurant they had a pretty good collection Menu: They have a lot of options to select from Diet: They have both vegan and vegetarian options along with GF options Food: Good. Generally all items had less salt when I visited

No love in the food at all. They should close.

Came to this place for the first time since family was visiting from out of town. Was around 4pm on a Saturday. Place felt quiet and less than half full. When checked in with the hostess for 6 people and our baby the hostess made us feel like we were an inconvenience, making it seem it would be hard to seat us despite having many tables open near each other, then proceeded to tell us they were understaffed and make take a very long time to be served. Just felt we were unwanted and made the whole thing uncomfortable, thus decided to leave. Did not feel welcomed at all.

Not worth the money. So many more places have much better food with amazing atmosphere so try them. I love San Rafael downtown but this is a place for older folks, like 65+. They had golf playing on the TV's - sheesh.

After having the worst meal I've had in ages I was in shock seeing all the good reviews for this place 😅 I just had to leave some different perspective. Where to even begin? I got the spaghetti and meatballs and the spaghetti was over cooked, the meatballs were the nastiest soft super fine pate texture it felt like I was eating cat food with zero seasoning, the sauce tasted like bland ragu. Even with added salt and Parmesan it was so disgusting we each only took a bite or two. The Caesar salad was all butt pieces, just a few bad croutons, and doused in way too much cheap Caesar dressing. The garlic bread was decent. Very dated atmosphere and food. The service was great, everyone was very sweet and attentive, but this place needs some help.

Madison McRhoads

After having the worst meal I've had in ages I was in shock seeing all the good reviews for this place 😅 I just had to leave some different perspective. Where to even begin? I got the spaghetti and meatballs and the spaghetti was over cooked, the meatballs were the nastiest soft super fine pate texture it felt like I was eating cat food with zero seasoning, the sauce tasted like bland ragu. Even with added salt and Parmesan it was so disgusting we each only took a bite or two. The Caesar salad was all butt pieces, just a few bad croutons, and doused in way too much cheap Caesar dressing. The garlic bread was decent. Very dated atmosphere and food. The service was great, everyone was very sweet and attentive, but this place needs some help.

Been eating here for 40 years. Came in tonight by my self at 834 and the curly haired witch refused to serve me. said they are closing in a few minutes. OK screw you guys never coming back. Google says you close at 9 sign on door says 10pm. I hope you go broke and close. I supported your restaurant during covid when you almost lost everything. Glad you guys are back on top now and can treat long term customers like that. It wasn't a group just a single guy that hasn't eating all day and just wanted to sit at the bar with a bowl of raviolis and a coke. Old school san rafael customer gone for good. I have literally eaten here 100+ times before. Never again