San Francisco’s beloved Italian-American restaurant, Original Joe’s, has finally landed in the East Bay, bringing its nostalgic culinary charm to Walnut Creek. The new 10,000-square-foot location at 1300 South Main Street officially opened its doors on Thursday, August 14th, marking a significant milestone for the family-owned establishment.

With 300 seats spanning indoor and outdoor dining areas, including a 50-seat cocktail lounge, the restaurant offers a spacious and inviting atmosphere. The new location, situated between Broadway Plaza and Main Street Plaza shopping centers, was formerly home to Stanford’s Grill and underwent an extensive two-year renovation.

Original Joe’s has deep roots in San Francisco’s dining scene, founded in 1937 by Croatian immigrant Ante “Tony” Rodin. Currently run by his grandchildren, Elena and John Duggan, the restaurant has expanded from its original Tenderloin location to multiple spots in San Francisco and Daly City.

The menu remains true to its classic Italian-American roots, featuring generous portions of pastas, steaks, chops, and traditional favorites like veal marsala and chicken piccata. Lunch and dinner menus are nearly identical, ensuring consistent quality throughout the day.

In a delightful gesture of welcome, the City of Walnut Creek officially declared August 14th as Original Joe’s Day. Mayor Cindy Darling attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the community’s excitement about the restaurant’s arrival.

John Duggan expressed confidence in the expansion, telling the San Francisco Chronicle that their decision to open in Walnut Creek was based on a strong belief in the region’s market potential. The restaurant’s strategic location and proven culinary reputation suggest this move could be the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the iconic dining establishment.

Original Joe’s is now open seven days a week, with hours ranging from 11 am to 10 pm during weekdays and extended hours on weekends, inviting East Bay residents to experience a slice of San Francisco’s culinary history.