My husband found this place and we love this place so much! It's a small local store that has great food and a warm atmosphere. Their food is amazing and they are one of our favorite spots that we always want to come back to!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Speed R.
Zanze cheesecake is back! It tasted as good as the original. Super rich soft and smooth just the way I like it. Beware at checkout. Their payment system defaults to enable 15% tip even though you're paying for takeout. You can bypass the tip by swiping the no tip option. I don't mind giving tip for food service but not takeout. Glad I read the prior review. It's a nice little Italian takeout place but I can still picture the old Paradise restaurant.
Christine Z.
We love Little Original Joe's!! We try to get there at least once a month. At first it was to get our beloved Zanze's Cheesecake (if you know about it, then you'll understand the devotion) but discovered what an amazing little neighborhood jewel Little Original Joe's really is. Delicious Italian grab-and-go prepared items like salads, soups, pastas, sauces, ravioli, lasagne, chicken parm, the list goes on. Then there are the imported grocery items and oh, the fresh baked breads and focaccia. Their pizzas have a thin crust and are yummy (by the slice or whole pies), and please don't sleep on their "to die for" chicken parm sandwich. Just the right amounts of cheese, thin chicken cutlet, and their delicious sauce served on a beautiful ciabatta roll. They come with light and thin potato chips. My Husband had the Meatball Sandwich which was really good too. Also wanted to mention that the Staff are all friendly and helpful. Try this place when you're in the West Portal area.
Jonathon J
Pretty decent pizza, crust is a little on the greasy side but good overall; they tend to overcook so beware. Sauce is light and not too overbearing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Pizza, Butter Cake, Pizza of the Day Slice Sun, Garlic Knots
Carolin C
Fork and knife kind of pizzaPizza comes in so many styles, this happens to be more on the airy, light, fluffy, crust side. I got the ultimate as it's a popular one. On paper, it seems like a lot of stuff on there. Once I took a bite, the flavors and textures did blend quite nicely. NGL, even though the toppings were slipping off, I recognize it's just the style of the pizza. Bring to mouth faster, use 2 hands, or use a knife and fork.Overall a good service and it was nice to try this pizza at least once to experience this fluffy dough!Order at the counter, they serve it to you in a Togo container and can provide utensils and napkins to eat outside where they have table set up.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Andy M.
Food. Is good and service is always friendly. If you want take out and dont want to drive to Westlake this is the best choice. My neighborhood favorite.
Jocelyn L.
I really love this reliable West Portal pizza spot in right in my neighborhood. Stemmed from the Original Joe's in Westlake, this place is a lot more casual, not much seating area (only outdoor seating available), and has a fun gourmet grocery store. The pizzas here are more expensive than other places in the area (DamnFine Pizza, Pizzeria Delfina), with pizzas starting at $30. However, they are quite large, with their 14" pizza feeding several. All of the pizzas I have enjoyed here, but I will say that over the past 6 months that i've lived in the neighborhood, we've been here about 3-4 times, and they have not changed their menu. Thus, we are getting a little tired of their pizzas. We're not even getting their pizzas weekly, just maybe monthly at the most. I'd suggest that they expand their menu, or change it up, for the neighborhood folks, please!!! The wait is hit or miss. It can either save us, or cause a hassle on a Friday night when we want pizzas at a certain time. I've had both happen, which is quite frustrating for the unreliable service. They are understanding though, and one time they did mess up our order, and let us keep the dish they made by accident, in addition to remaking our original order. I do wish they had a sit down portion of their restaurant that was indoors, as I believe that West Portal desperately needs more sit down restaurants. But what can I say, I can't be picky, and I'm glad that this institution exists in this neighborhood.
Abril M.
I loved the food and the service here. Pizza was fresh and filling ! I sat outside where they had tables , shade and trees. A good place to come and eat in San Francisco. - quiet neighborhood - self served pepper flakes
Elizabeth J.
Food is excellent and fresh! The shop is nicely organized, the staff are helpful, and the pizza is always nice and hot! Great wine selection too.
V T
My partner and I visited the place around 8 pm. I will say parking is definitely not good around there. That and there is only outside sitting. It was quite cold and we didn't last too long.Otherwise, the food is definitely 10/10. I had the vodka sauce, garlic knots, my partner Joe's House ravioli, Rotisserie chicken, and bbq chicken wings.Definitely will visit again. Although, we are going to wait when it is warmer. The lights on the trees and the ambiance are definitely worth it!
I'm driving all the way from the eastbay for the pizza and the Zanze cheesecake. The pizza crust is chewy with an Asiago flavor. It's not a crust to throw away...it'll leave you licking your fingers for more and you'll wish you ordered two pizzas instead of one. The Zanze cheesecake is like a cloud of delicious goodness that just melts in your mouth. Easy , convenient online ordering . Delivery is available if you're lucky to live close by. Their soft serve is delicious too, treat yoself! This place also offers pastas, sauces, sour dough loafs, focaccia, a few dessert options like butter cake, brownies, ice cream; there's also deli meats for charcuterie boards, lots of different condiments...chicken wings, salads...check out their menu ;) Cute lil original joes has a lot for those looking for a quick Italian fix There are a few tables outside to enjoy your fresh food. No place to sit and eat inside
Elena N.
Date: Friday, March 29th, 2024 Time: around 9:45pm What: Zanze's Cheesecake Plain 8" ($34) After dinner, a friend of mine wanted to grab a cheesecake. I'd never been to LIttle Original Joe's so I decided to tag along. I honestly had no idea it was a small specialty grocery store with some hot food items like pizza, etc. (I thought it was a resto. Lol!) I wasn't going to get a cheesecake at first, but my friend talked me into it. Since it's frozen, he said I'd have time to finish it. I cut off a slice when it was frozen and let it thaw. The cheesecake is soft and fluffy which I like, but I'm not a huge fan if the topping. It's too crumbly and powdery. I needed more texture to contrast the lightness of what is normally the filling. When paying, my friend tipped 15%. I think on accident since he didn't even remember tipping. Not sure why there's even a tip option when all we did was purchase three cheesecakes. It'd be like whole foods having a tip option when you check out. Partly our fault for not paying attention, but I think situations like this are perpetuating the discourse re tipping culture. But I'm getting sidetracked. A cute small specialty grocery store to grab all things Joe or Zanze's. If you don't intend on tipping, make sure to pay attention to that screen as it defaults to 15%.
Michelle R.
I'm horribly disappointed today. I love Little Original Joes and I'm a frequent flier, but I'm disappointed at the service I just received. I called last night before closing and spoke to a man, I assumed was a manager based off his language of the employees, bc I needed a cheesecake for today. I asked if one could be put aside in the fridge to get ready for an event I was attending. Unfortunately, my work schedule didn't allow me to pick it up yesterday and I don't have access to a fridge all day bc I drive all day for my job. He said it wouldn't be a problem and I could pick it up around 3pm when I got off of work. I offered to prepay, but he said that isn't how their system works. I called this morning and was told it wasn't possible. There was no room for reasoning, even though I go there all the time. I'm highly disappointed as it was a birthday gift for my friend. Im disappointed because this just cost me a decent pizza/salad place because they just lost a faithful client. There's something to be said about customer service and doing things for regulars. PR goes a long way!
Alyssa C.
I've only ordered takeout pizza but I love the PB&A and The Italian job! The crust is cheesy and crunchy. My fav pizza spot in SF. 10/10 recommend!
Virginia C.
The pizza is good, but best for take out. Service is always good. Pizza is always ready in 20-30 minutes.
My husband found this place and we love this place so much! It's a small local store that has great food and a warm atmosphere. Their food is amazing and they are one of our favorite spots that we always want to come back to!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zanze cheesecake is back! It tasted as good as the original. Super rich soft and smooth just the way I like it. Beware at checkout. Their payment system defaults to enable 15% tip even though you're paying for takeout. You can bypass the tip by swiping the no tip option. I don't mind giving tip for food service but not takeout. Glad I read the prior review. It's a nice little Italian takeout place but I can still picture the old Paradise restaurant.
We love Little Original Joe's!! We try to get there at least once a month. At first it was to get our beloved Zanze's Cheesecake (if you know about it, then you'll understand the devotion) but discovered what an amazing little neighborhood jewel Little Original Joe's really is. Delicious Italian grab-and-go prepared items like salads, soups, pastas, sauces, ravioli, lasagne, chicken parm, the list goes on. Then there are the imported grocery items and oh, the fresh baked breads and focaccia. Their pizzas have a thin crust and are yummy (by the slice or whole pies), and please don't sleep on their "to die for" chicken parm sandwich. Just the right amounts of cheese, thin chicken cutlet, and their delicious sauce served on a beautiful ciabatta roll. They come with light and thin potato chips. My Husband had the Meatball Sandwich which was really good too. Also wanted to mention that the Staff are all friendly and helpful. Try this place when you're in the West Portal area.
Pretty decent pizza, crust is a little on the greasy side but good overall; they tend to overcook so beware. Sauce is light and not too overbearing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Pizza, Butter Cake, Pizza of the Day Slice Sun, Garlic Knots
Fork and knife kind of pizzaPizza comes in so many styles, this happens to be more on the airy, light, fluffy, crust side. I got the ultimate as it's a popular one. On paper, it seems like a lot of stuff on there. Once I took a bite, the flavors and textures did blend quite nicely. NGL, even though the toppings were slipping off, I recognize it's just the style of the pizza. Bring to mouth faster, use 2 hands, or use a knife and fork.Overall a good service and it was nice to try this pizza at least once to experience this fluffy dough!Order at the counter, they serve it to you in a Togo container and can provide utensils and napkins to eat outside where they have table set up.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Food. Is good and service is always friendly. If you want take out and dont want to drive to Westlake this is the best choice. My neighborhood favorite.
I really love this reliable West Portal pizza spot in right in my neighborhood. Stemmed from the Original Joe's in Westlake, this place is a lot more casual, not much seating area (only outdoor seating available), and has a fun gourmet grocery store. The pizzas here are more expensive than other places in the area (DamnFine Pizza, Pizzeria Delfina), with pizzas starting at $30. However, they are quite large, with their 14" pizza feeding several. All of the pizzas I have enjoyed here, but I will say that over the past 6 months that i've lived in the neighborhood, we've been here about 3-4 times, and they have not changed their menu. Thus, we are getting a little tired of their pizzas. We're not even getting their pizzas weekly, just maybe monthly at the most. I'd suggest that they expand their menu, or change it up, for the neighborhood folks, please!!! The wait is hit or miss. It can either save us, or cause a hassle on a Friday night when we want pizzas at a certain time. I've had both happen, which is quite frustrating for the unreliable service. They are understanding though, and one time they did mess up our order, and let us keep the dish they made by accident, in addition to remaking our original order. I do wish they had a sit down portion of their restaurant that was indoors, as I believe that West Portal desperately needs more sit down restaurants. But what can I say, I can't be picky, and I'm glad that this institution exists in this neighborhood.
I loved the food and the service here. Pizza was fresh and filling ! I sat outside where they had tables , shade and trees. A good place to come and eat in San Francisco. - quiet neighborhood - self served pepper flakes
Food is excellent and fresh! The shop is nicely organized, the staff are helpful, and the pizza is always nice and hot! Great wine selection too.
My partner and I visited the place around 8 pm. I will say parking is definitely not good around there. That and there is only outside sitting. It was quite cold and we didn't last too long.Otherwise, the food is definitely 10/10. I had the vodka sauce, garlic knots, my partner Joe's House ravioli, Rotisserie chicken, and bbq chicken wings.Definitely will visit again. Although, we are going to wait when it is warmer. The lights on the trees and the ambiance are definitely worth it!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Parmesan Knots
Restaurantji Recommends
I'm driving all the way from the eastbay for the pizza and the Zanze cheesecake. The pizza crust is chewy with an Asiago flavor. It's not a crust to throw away...it'll leave you licking your fingers for more and you'll wish you ordered two pizzas instead of one. The Zanze cheesecake is like a cloud of delicious goodness that just melts in your mouth. Easy , convenient online ordering . Delivery is available if you're lucky to live close by. Their soft serve is delicious too, treat yoself! This place also offers pastas, sauces, sour dough loafs, focaccia, a few dessert options like butter cake, brownies, ice cream; there's also deli meats for charcuterie boards, lots of different condiments...chicken wings, salads...check out their menu ;) Cute lil original joes has a lot for those looking for a quick Italian fix There are a few tables outside to enjoy your fresh food. No place to sit and eat inside
Date: Friday, March 29th, 2024 Time: around 9:45pm What: Zanze's Cheesecake Plain 8" ($34) After dinner, a friend of mine wanted to grab a cheesecake. I'd never been to LIttle Original Joe's so I decided to tag along. I honestly had no idea it was a small specialty grocery store with some hot food items like pizza, etc. (I thought it was a resto. Lol!) I wasn't going to get a cheesecake at first, but my friend talked me into it. Since it's frozen, he said I'd have time to finish it. I cut off a slice when it was frozen and let it thaw. The cheesecake is soft and fluffy which I like, but I'm not a huge fan if the topping. It's too crumbly and powdery. I needed more texture to contrast the lightness of what is normally the filling. When paying, my friend tipped 15%. I think on accident since he didn't even remember tipping. Not sure why there's even a tip option when all we did was purchase three cheesecakes. It'd be like whole foods having a tip option when you check out. Partly our fault for not paying attention, but I think situations like this are perpetuating the discourse re tipping culture. But I'm getting sidetracked. A cute small specialty grocery store to grab all things Joe or Zanze's. If you don't intend on tipping, make sure to pay attention to that screen as it defaults to 15%.
I'm horribly disappointed today. I love Little Original Joes and I'm a frequent flier, but I'm disappointed at the service I just received. I called last night before closing and spoke to a man, I assumed was a manager based off his language of the employees, bc I needed a cheesecake for today. I asked if one could be put aside in the fridge to get ready for an event I was attending. Unfortunately, my work schedule didn't allow me to pick it up yesterday and I don't have access to a fridge all day bc I drive all day for my job. He said it wouldn't be a problem and I could pick it up around 3pm when I got off of work. I offered to prepay, but he said that isn't how their system works. I called this morning and was told it wasn't possible. There was no room for reasoning, even though I go there all the time. I'm highly disappointed as it was a birthday gift for my friend. Im disappointed because this just cost me a decent pizza/salad place because they just lost a faithful client. There's something to be said about customer service and doing things for regulars. PR goes a long way!
I've only ordered takeout pizza but I love the PB&A and The Italian job! The crust is cheesy and crunchy. My fav pizza spot in SF. 10/10 recommend!
The pizza is good, but best for take out. Service is always good. Pizza is always ready in 20-30 minutes.