Original Joe's Menu Overview in San Francisco North Beach District CA USA - Classic Italian-American Dining Experience with Starters Mains Desserts and Drinks Featuring Joe's Special Chicken Parmigiana Veal Parmigiana and More

Nestled in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, Original Joe's is a beloved Italian-American gem offering a rich menu that embodies traditional flavors and hearty dishes. This iconic spot at 601 Union Street invites you to indulge in a diverse selection of carefully crafted starters, mains, desserts, and drinks that capture the essence of classic comfort food with a local twist.

Starters to awaken your appetite

Begin your meal with Original Joe's flavorful starters that range from crisp, fresh salads to indulgent fried seafood. Savor the Caesar Salad featuring whole leaf romaine with house-made sourdough croutons and parmesan, or delight in the House Salad bursting with mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and Italian vinaigrette. For a taste of hearty tradition, try Joe's Meatballs served with marinara sauce, parmesan, and grilled sourdough crostini. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Fried Calamari accompanied by house-made cocktail and tartar sauces, or the luxurious Dungeness Crab Louie salad combining romaine, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and Louie dressing.

Mains that satisfy every craving

The heart of the menu lies in its generous and authentic main courses. The signature Joe's Special offers a flavorful scramble of ground beef, spinach, onions, and eggs that delights with every bite. Chicken Parmigiana stands out with lightly breaded chicken smothered in marinara sauce and melted Monterey Jack cheese, served alongside French fries or house-made ravioli. For a classic sandwich experience, Joe's Famous Hamburger Sandwich features a charbroiled beef patty on a sourdough roll with crispy fries.

Vegetarian options shine with the Eggplant Parmigiana—a layered delight with lightly fried eggplant, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Pasta lovers will enjoy House Made Ravioli filled with beef and spinach, topped with classic meat sauce, or Spaghetti and Meatballs served with signature marinara sauce. Seafood selections include Filet of Sole Piccata enriched with capers, shallots, garlic, and white wine served with choice of garden salad, coleslaw, or fries, as well as the Dungeness Crab Cake Burger with lemon caper slaw on a brioche bun.

Other standout dishes include the Penne Pesto featuring house-made pesto sauce and the Veal Parmigiana with lightly breaded veal, marinara sauce, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and choice of French fries or ravioli. Joe's Prime Rib Dip offers thinly sliced roasted prime rib on a French roll with au jus, horseradish sauce, and fries—a true indulgence for steak lovers.

Decadent desserts and refreshing drinks

No meal at Original Joe's is complete without sampling their tempting desserts. Choose from the Fresh Fruit & Yogurt Bowl featuring Greek yogurt, house-made granola, fresh berries, and honey, or the light and zesty Grapefruit Brûlée with caramelized sugar. The House Made Warm Italian Donuts, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with Nutella, offer a sweet finish, while the Brioche French Toast comes adorned with fresh berries, maple syrup, and whipped vanilla butter.

For a savory twist, try the Open-Face Avocado drizzled with olive oil, sea salt, lemon, chili flakes, and served with an arugula salad or the Smoked Salmon plate featuring Norwegian salmon, egg salad, capers, dill, and arugula salad.

Beverages and cocktails to complement your meal

Original Joe's also offers a thoughtful selection of drinks including traditional martinis renowned for their cold and delicious preparation, alongside expertly crafted cocktails that locals and visitors rave about. The bar serves well-curated wines and beers, completing the dining experience with perfect pairings for their flavorful menu.

Highlights of Original Joe's menu

Joe's Special - signature scramble with ground beef, spinach, onions, and eggs.
Chicken Parmigiana - lightly breaded chicken with marinara and melted Monterey Jack cheese, accompanied by fries or house-made ravioli.
Veal Parmigiana - lightly breaded veal with marinara sauce and melted Monterey Jack cheese, served with fries or ravioli.
Joe's Meatballs - bursting with flavor, served with marinara sauce, parmesan, and grilled sourdough crostini.
House Made Ravioli - beef and spinach-filled ravioli topped with classic meat sauce.
Brioche French Toast - house-made brioche with fresh berries, maple syrup, and whipped vanilla butter.