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 ☆☆☆☆☆
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.
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!
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!!
This place was a pleasant surprise. I sort of stumbled on this place. The place was very inviting with the family restaurant ambiance - Quiet, gentle, nicely lit with few skylights poked through letting in natural light.
We were greeted with friendly staff, and they did a great job accommodating my family with my baby daughter.
The dishes that we ordered were delicious too. It was a mixture of American and Italian. I enjoyed my prime rib with ravioli as a side. Pot roast and Alfredo Fettuccine were great, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant, so i may just become a regular.
Old-school Italian restaurant. The best meal I've had in a while. Calamari, gnocchi, and tiramisu. Also had a Joe Fashioned cocktail. Wait staff was hospitable, friendly, and all-around excellent.
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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
Had the trout piccata special which was awesome, the service was great and the New York Cheesecake topped off the evening. The piano player could have slowed down the tempo so we could appreciate his work, though.
Very spacious inside. Potted palms, loooong mahogany bar, 2 dining rooms. Stiff cocktails. Sinatra classics on the piano. 80s wall to wall carpeting. Charming staff. Abundant portions. Old school menu, reminds me of places my grandma used to take me when I was a kid, in the best possible way. Basically, this is the perfect restaurant, if you are asking me.
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.
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.
Excellent service. Old school restaurant. Food is excellent. Price is fair. Establishment wants you to feel comfortable and double checks on the table. Would go again and again
Delicious food, ample menu (including vegetarian and gluten-free options), very friendly and attentive service. We were all very happy with our meals -- I only wish we'd had room for dessert, since all of the choices looked so tempting!
Joes in San Rafael is the best spot in town for locals and tourists alike!! Best BarTenders in the town!!!! Bobbie -AJ - Ron - Cherie you can’t go wrong - personable- accommodating - exceeding expectations at every turn - the wait staff is super knowledgeable and attentive - shout out to David who will help you navigate the menu like a pro!! As new locals so happy that we connected with this great team - from hostess to support team they are all great and we appreciate the experience from the initial greeting until we close or tab!! Fabulous- can’t thank the staff enough for the hospitality! Did I say awesome? Yes !!!
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!
San Rafael Joe's offers exceptional Italian-American cuisine in a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-try for any food lover.
Joe's is a warm, traditional place for classic Italian food. White tablecloths, attentive service, a broad menu and an excellent beverage menu make sure everyone is happy. We eat there on special occasions and are never disappointed.
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