Created during World War II by an Italian chef and originally sold for 75 cents, Joe's Special became so famous that Joe DiMaggio claimed it as his favorite meal. The scramble combines tender ground chuck, fresh spinach, caramelized onions, and crispy potatoes. It remains the restaurant's most iconic dish and appears on both dinner and brunch menus.
Tips from diners
Order Joe's Special for dinner or brunch — it's the signature dish and portions are enormous. Plan to share or take leftovers home.
Sit by the window overlooking Washington Square Park for a romantic setting with a view of the landmark church.
Beef and spinach-filled pasta with classic meat sauce and parmesan.
Tips from diners
Lunch portions are generous and prices are slightly lower than dinner. Great value for quality Italian-American cooking.
Thinly sliced fried eggplant with marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Tips from diners
Vegetarian-friendly main course that rivals the meat dishes in portion size and satisfaction.
Reviewers note this dish transports diners to a nostalgic era of old-school Italian-American dining. The meat is fall-apart tender from hours of braising, and the wine-based sauce is rich without being heavy.
Tips from diners
Pairs perfectly with house red wine. Ask staff for pairing recommendations with this dish.
San Francisco-style seafood stew with crab, clams, mussels, and other shellfish in tomato broth.
Tips from diners
Order cioppino to share — portions easily feed two people and the flavor develops as you eat through the bowl.
Original Joe's was founded by Ante 'Tony' Rodin, a Croatian immigrant, in 1937 as a modest 14-stool counter on a sawdust-covered floor in the Tenderloin. After decades at the original location, the restaurant moved to North Beach in 2012, relocating to the historic building previously occupied by Joe DiMaggio's and Fior d'Italia. The restaurant is now run by Tony Rodin's grandchildren. Joe's Special — ground chuck, onions, eggs, and spinach — was supposedly invented by an Italian chef during World War II and sold for just 75 cents. The dish became so iconic that Joe DiMaggio claimed it as a favorite meal.
Reserve ahead for dinner, especially Friday-Saturday. Walk-ins are accepted but may wait 20-30 minutes during peak hours.
Lunch (11:30am-2pm) offers the same menu and generous portions with shorter waits. Friday lunch is still busy but more relaxed than dinner.
Request a window table when you call or arrive — they overlook Washington Square Park and the landmark church, perfect for evening dining.
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