Original Joe's, San Francisco's beloved family-owned Italian-American restaurant, has opened its first East Bay location at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek-marking the brand's first expansion beyond the city in its 88-year history. Founded in 1937 by Croatian immigrant Tony Rodin and now run by third-generation siblings John and Elena Duggan, Original Joe's is known for its classic Italian-American comfort food, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere. The new Walnut Creek restaurant features signature booth seating, an exhibition kitchen with counter dining, two glass bars, a private dining room, and nearly 90 outdoor seats across three patios.
Customers generally enjoyed the food, noting it was fresh and tasty, although there were some complaints about specific items being cold or not prepared correctly.
Customer Service
Service quality was inconsistent; while some staff were praised for being friendly and helpful, others were reported as rude or indifferent.
Cleanliness
The restaurant was frequently described as clean, with positive remarks about the overall hygiene and condition of the facility.
Coupon Issues
Several customers expressed frustration over the refusal to accept coupons and issues with online orders, leading to dissatisfaction.
Operational Hours
There were complaints about unclear operational hours and being turned away before closing time.