A number of people had touted this place to me, so tonight, my wife and I finally strolled on over. Even with COVID separation and though Northampton is hopping tonight -- first really warm Friday of the spring -- we didn't have to wait too long for a table. Interesting, funky atmosphere -- I bet there's an offbeat story why the painted murals on the walls (for a place founded as an Italian joint 80 years ago and always has been one) were of *Mexican* themes.
Nor did we have to wait long for service, nor for food, nor for anything else. The prices were not unreasonable for Northampton (this being a pricey college town), the portions were large, and the food excellent: I'd forgotten, for one, what GOOD garlic bread really tasted like. I had a fine bacon and onion pizza, my wife had lasagna, and we've got plenty of leftovers. Even with a crowded, busy place (and lots of takeout business), the service was fine, cheerful and prompt.
Alright, you might ask, five stars? Any place can have a good night, right? Maybe so, but one thing that struck me was how very many *regulars* it has. People constantly greeting the waitresses by name. Waitresses constantly greeting customers by name. Customers greeting each other by name. This doesn't happen with a mediocre neighborhood joint, but with an excellent one. I told the waitresses that we'd be back. We will be.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cheese Pizza, Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti with Meatballs and Sausage, Garlic Bread
Arlo Bannister
Everything you could want for a cozy dinner. And the $15 carafe of Lambrusco?! Sure to lead to giggles.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parmesan, Joe's House Salad
Kim McCollum
The interior is like a scene from an old sitcom, think Cheers. Very nostalgic. It has strong community vibes, great food and service and decent prices. Places like Joe's Spaghetti & Pizza makes small town living the envy of all. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti with Meatballs and Sausage, Joe's House Salad, Meatball, Lasagne
Kimberly A Gonzales Minson
They never took our order and we sat there while another table was waited on and order taken. Wasn’t even busy.
Luke Thouin
Their fettuccine Alfredo makes me come hard. Also love their garlic romano tenders. This is the place to get food in noho
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Owen Rogers
I almost don't care if the food is good here. Atmosphere: amazing. South American wall murals, dive bar stools, collegiate flags. Staff: efficient yet saucy and friendly. Regulars: you can just tell that the folks on the stools are here nearly every night. Pizza is thin crust and consistently Joe's. But go here for the entire experience and you won't regret it.
Emma F
i’m not the type of person to leave reviews at all, especially not bad ones, but i spent $30 after looking at promising reviews so i figured i should give a heads up for anyone else.
i got the chicken parm and could barely cut into my chicken even with a sharp knife and the sauce tasted so… off. like salsa from a jar.
maybe it was just an off night? but that’s my experience and it wasn’t great. servers were nice and others looked like they were having a great meal, just disappointed in my own experience! maybe i’ll try the pizza instead
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
SUMMER PRICE
I love it here. It’s a dive but that’s part of the experience. My partner love the mussels with rose blush salt but it’s loaded with salt to the point of being inedible. She has tried over and over again to get them to make it less salt this last time salt free and well no luck. Waitress was awful about it wouldn’t ask the chef what the problem is. Still love this place pizza eggplant parm and wow their antipasto salad is a must. Just tried the lasagna this week it was very good
Nu Way Homes
I highly recommend Joe's Cafe in Northampton for several reasons. First and foremost, they serve the best pizza in town—it's simply unbeatable! The atmosphere at Joe's is welcoming and cozy, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal. What truly stands out, though, is the staff; they are incredibly friendly and attentive, always making you feel right at home. If you're looking for an enjoyable dining experience, Joe's Cafe is the place to be!
LogicTrail Inc.
One of the brightest gems in the Northampton dining scene. A super cozy space that’s never changed, a very busy eat-in bar and some of the best pizza you’ll find. Get Little Joes personal pie and a pint of BBC Steel Rail and you’ll be winning!
Love this spot, was shown this place by a friend a few years ago. Good food, staff is attentive without being overly friendly. Many dishes are good here, so far I have not had anything disappointing, 👍👍👍. Parking can be tough depending on how busy they are but definitely worth the drive.
Gerald Jones
A Northampton Institution for a Reason ! Joe's Pizza in Northampton has earned its reputation as a local legend. With its cozy, traditional Italian-American vibe and a touch of Mexican-inspired decor, the atmosphere feels both welcoming and unique. The staff are consistently friendly and attentive, adding to the charm. The pizza is the clear standout. My favorite is the Joe's House Special, with its crisp thin crust, is loaded with pepperoni, hamburger, onions, peppers, and gooey mozzarella. Every bite is a satisfying mix of savory flavors, and the crust holds everything together beautifully. It’s no surprise that many call it the best pizza they’ve ever had. Joe's has a warm, lived-in atmosphere that reflects its deep roots in the community. While it can get busy, the wait is usually short thanks to the fast, efficient service. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Joe’s Pizza is a must-visit. It offers a genuine taste of Northampton’s culinary heritage—and one visit is never enough.
David Caputo
Awesome chicken parm
The Fattest Ass In North America
Honestly Joes has some of the best food around. Won’t go wrong with a plate of any of their pasta and the pizza? It’s a given. Buy it from Joe! ❤️
S281Emustang
Always a family favorite. Nothing Michelin Star, but it has a grandmas cooking vibe.
A number of people had touted this place to me, so tonight, my wife and I finally strolled on over. Even with COVID separation and though Northampton is hopping tonight -- first really warm Friday of the spring -- we didn't have to wait too long for a table. Interesting, funky atmosphere -- I bet there's an offbeat story why the painted murals on the walls (for a place founded as an Italian joint 80 years ago and always has been one) were of *Mexican* themes.
Nor did we have to wait long for service, nor for food, nor for anything else. The prices were not unreasonable for Northampton (this being a pricey college town), the portions were large, and the food excellent: I'd forgotten, for one, what GOOD garlic bread really tasted like. I had a fine bacon and onion pizza, my wife had lasagna, and we've got plenty of leftovers. Even with a crowded, busy place (and lots of takeout business), the service was fine, cheerful and prompt.
Alright, you might ask, five stars? Any place can have a good night, right? Maybe so, but one thing that struck me was how very many *regulars* it has. People constantly greeting the waitresses by name. Waitresses constantly greeting customers by name. Customers greeting each other by name. This doesn't happen with a mediocre neighborhood joint, but with an excellent one. I told the waitresses that we'd be back. We will be.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Cheese Pizza, Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti with Meatballs and Sausage, Garlic Bread
Everything you could want for a cozy dinner. And the $15 carafe of Lambrusco?! Sure to lead to giggles.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Parmesan, Joe's House Salad
The interior is like a scene from an old sitcom, think Cheers. Very nostalgic. It has strong community vibes, great food and service and decent prices. Places like Joe's Spaghetti & Pizza makes small town living the envy of all. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spaghetti with Meatballs and Sausage, Joe's House Salad, Meatball, Lasagne
They never took our order and we sat there while another table was waited on and order taken. Wasn’t even busy.
Their fettuccine Alfredo makes me come hard. Also love their garlic romano tenders. This is the place to get food in noho
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I almost don't care if the food is good here. Atmosphere: amazing. South American wall murals, dive bar stools, collegiate flags. Staff: efficient yet saucy and friendly. Regulars: you can just tell that the folks on the stools are here nearly every night. Pizza is thin crust and consistently Joe's. But go here for the entire experience and you won't regret it.
i’m not the type of person to leave reviews at all, especially not bad ones, but i spent $30 after looking at promising reviews so i figured i should give a heads up for anyone else.
i got the chicken parm and could barely cut into my chicken even with a sharp knife and the sauce tasted so… off. like salsa from a jar.
maybe it was just an off night? but that’s my experience and it wasn’t great. servers were nice and others looked like they were having a great meal, just disappointed in my own experience! maybe i’ll try the pizza instead
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
I love it here. It’s a dive but that’s part of the experience. My partner love the mussels with rose blush salt but it’s loaded with salt to the point of being inedible. She has tried over and over again to get them to make it less salt this last time salt free and well no luck. Waitress was awful about it wouldn’t ask the chef what the problem is. Still love this place pizza eggplant parm and wow their antipasto salad is a must. Just tried the lasagna this week it was very good
I highly recommend Joe's Cafe in Northampton for several reasons. First and foremost, they serve the best pizza in town—it's simply unbeatable! The atmosphere at Joe's is welcoming and cozy, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal. What truly stands out, though, is the staff; they are incredibly friendly and attentive, always making you feel right at home. If you're looking for an enjoyable dining experience, Joe's Cafe is the place to be!
One of the brightest gems in the Northampton dining scene. A super cozy space that’s never changed, a very busy eat-in bar and some of the best pizza you’ll find. Get Little Joes personal pie and a pint of BBC Steel Rail and you’ll be winning!
Restaurantji Recommends
Love this spot, was shown this place by a friend a few years ago. Good food, staff is attentive without being overly friendly. Many dishes are good here, so far I have not had anything disappointing, 👍👍👍.
Parking can be tough depending on how busy they are but definitely worth the drive.
A Northampton Institution for a Reason !
Joe's Pizza in Northampton has earned its reputation as a local legend. With its cozy, traditional Italian-American vibe and a touch of Mexican-inspired decor, the atmosphere feels both welcoming and unique. The staff are consistently friendly and attentive, adding to the charm.
The pizza is the clear standout. My favorite is the Joe's House Special, with its crisp thin crust, is loaded with pepperoni, hamburger, onions, peppers, and gooey mozzarella. Every bite is a satisfying mix of savory flavors, and the crust holds everything together beautifully. It’s no surprise that many call it the best pizza they’ve ever had.
Joe's has a warm, lived-in atmosphere that reflects its deep roots in the community. While it can get busy, the wait is usually short thanks to the fast, efficient service.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Joe’s Pizza is a must-visit. It offers a genuine taste of Northampton’s culinary heritage—and one visit is never enough.
Awesome chicken parm
Honestly Joes has some of the best food around. Won’t go wrong with a plate of any of their pasta and the pizza? It’s a given. Buy it from Joe! ❤️
Always a family favorite. Nothing Michelin Star, but it has a grandmas cooking vibe.
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