I have lived in San Bruno 30 years. And just the other day discovered "Big Joe's" restaurant at 487 San Mateo Ave. Apparently, they have been there forever. What an amazing culinary discovery ! Tucked away among the local stores is this inconspicuous gem. American cuisine at is very best. Portions are generous. Quality is five stars. Try their burgers and steaks ! Breakfast OMG. The open kitchen is another plus. Service and cleanliness is top notch too. don't let the unexciting appearance discourage you. This place is 5 stars.
Peter K.
Big Joe's is a true culinary gem that never fails to impress! From their unbeatable Weekend Special breakfast featuring mouthwatering steak and eggs to their top-notch dinner menu (not open every Nite), this place has it all. During my recent visit, I savored every bite of the ribeye steak and eggs special - the portions were generous, the steak perfectly cooked, and the flavors simply unforgettable. The addition of Cholula sauce took it to the next level! What sets Big Joe's apart is not just their incredible food but also the warm and attentive service you receive from the moment you walk in. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a delightful meal any day. I can't wait to explore more of their menu, especially the renowned prime rib, which I had for BREAKFAST; I cannot wait for dinner! If you're searching for a dining experience that combines quality, flavor, and charm, look no further than Big Joe's. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! Don't wait too long to visit - this place is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered by all food enthusiasts. Check them out and treat your taste buds to something extraordinary!
Lola C.
Love this place really makes me feel at like I'm home and definitely a blast from the past everything is very retro I love it and the fooodddddd omgg I think it's definitely my new go to spot everything on the menu is delicious
Alden C.
Big Joe's is a pretty okay local diner spot in San Bruno. It doesn't blow you away, but it's the type of comfort food that you seek during breakfast and lunch. While walking to the front entrance, the front is completely covered in a gigantic army of flies at the doorway. I had to make a split decision if I even wanted to walk into the place, but I braced myself and went through. Big Joe's has been opened for decades so certain parts of the restaurant is pretty outdated and not the cleanest. The interior does have a big gorgeous mural of South San Francisco which was pretty cool. Service wise I will have to say was hit or miss because the lady that sat us down and took our order was super nice and attentive, but she had to step away and someone else took over and our replacement waitress was way more unfriendly and unattentive to us. So service wise I have mixed feelings. I personally ordered the BLT with Curly Fries. The BLT itself is $11.95, but if you add curly fries it is an extra cost of $2. I have an obsession with curly fries so I can't say no. The portions are huge and American sized which is the biggest appeal of this diner. There isn't a ton to say about a BLT because...well it's a BLT. They give a good amount of bacon and it was crispy. The tomatoes and lettuce were also fresh. They didn't overdo it with the mayo. The curly fries were also great although it is hard to find a place that makes bad curly fries. Overall the food quality isn't bad, but the service could be a little better and could use some updating in the interior. Also found it a little strange they didn't have a breakfast combo that included their waffles and pancakes as you can only order them by themselves. Parking isn't too bad and there is a parking lot nearby, but you have to pay for parking until 6pm which is not ideal. Also they need to fix their front door fly problem. I still at least wanted to try out this local mom and pop diner even if my experience wasn't perfect.
Robert L.
It's a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Good food, good service, and there's parking in the back. That's all I need.
Ellen L.
An authentic diner that has been around for decades. Extensive menu full of comfort foods.Today, we had the 2 omelette specials, Joe's Favorite (sausage, mushrooms, and green onions) with country potatoes and Ham (diced ham, spinach, cheddar cheese) extra crispy hash browns. Both delicious, large portions and very filling. Friendly staff and very efficient.
Riyan R.
Had some dinner tonight with my family and they did not disappoint. We come every so often and when we come, it's always a great experience!!! The portion sizes are huge and the prices, you can't beat. I had the fish n chips and it was amazing!!! I was so impressed!! Also the chicken picatta was so creamy and yummy!! The service is always great, they are so friendly and welcoming. The ambience is very cozy, as it resembles an old school diner, which I love. I'll always go back and support this local business.
Melissa D.
Went here for breakfast and was amazed on how large their portions are. I would certainly come back for their wonderful service.
Maria Kamran
Food was not good at all! We ordered French toast, tuna melt, oatmeal and orange juice.Orange juice was literally Tropicana out of the bottle, I thought there was a lawsuit against Tropicana for having high quantity of artificial flavorings…. Hmmm!Oatmeal came with raisins but literally tasted like cardboard, we couldn’t save it even after adding syrup, such a waste.Tuna melt was cold… the bread was toasted perfectly but the tuna inside was cold cold, so didn’t enjoy that at all!French toast was also blah, I was surprised that someone can mess up French toast, but we couldn’t finish it!We did relay the message to the waitress of all the concerns just so the taste can be improved, maybe YOU may have a better experience than we did!I couldn’t take pics abc we were getting late for our flight out of cali!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Justin L.
This place is so good the price and food is epic love it Will be back and will getting take out as well can't wait to get hungry again. The service is the best and you have to love being offered coffee to go I mean come on lived that
Gotta love this place. A mom and pop nestled Into a strip of businesses. The food is good , there was alot of people there . The menu is vast . I got the joes scramble. There was a lot of food. Mmmm. The potato's were crisp and the eggs fluffy. The service was as expected .. the place is quaint and a diner style. I love it . Great memories when I was growing up. The coffee is good as was my hot chocolate. I will be back.
MELENAITE LATU
Fresh homemade food ?????
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scrambled Eggs, New York Steak
Lyman C.
I'm a big fan of diners. Big Joes was a hit. Texas style French toast was thick but light, egg batter was soaked all the way through. The butter made it perfect. The omelette surprised me. I thought it looked dry but it moist and juicy. Hashbrown super crispy Big joes is on the top of my list.
Candace C.
Classic diner with great breakfasts - and I do mean great. In San Bruno for one night and I'm so glad we chose Big Joe's as our breakfast spot. We picked Big Joe's the night before / and didn't pay attention to the hours. If you're from the Midwest - be aware they open at 8:30 on weekdays and 8:00 on weekends. We stopped by at 8:00 on a Friday - and opted to take a stroll around the neighborhood until they opened. Very good decision to wait for them to open. The decor is old school diner. Booths/tables with Formica tops and a counter. Nancy ordered the chicken apple sausage and scrambled eggs / sorry - no picture. But - the sausage were off the grill and were delicious. Tender and juicy. What a treat for us Midwestern girls to have chicken sausage. I love a good eggs Benedict - order it whenever I can. Big Joe's Egg Florentine is an out of this world variation. The spinach, the creamy cheese sauce, the gently poached eggs - oh so delicious. I practically licked my plate it was so good. The country potatoes are also cooked on the grill and are very tasty. Crispy with little bits of onion.
L N
I drove up from San Diego to pick up my bro at SFO on our way up north. I was only looking for a place to charge my laptop and devices, wasn't looking for anything special. I randomly chose Big Joe's 8 and am really lucky. Whomever the cook is on Wed Jan 24 2024 at 9am is a friggin rock star. Over easy eggs were perfect, bacon and sausage cooked crispy just the way I like, and the buttermilk pancakes are fluffy and delicious. The bacon is big, thick cuts, fancy gourmet style. Service was great and quick. Not only did I get a delicious breakfast and laptop charge, but they also have fast, free wifi. It has a classic diner feel with a full wall mural of "South San Francisco", back in the day. Win/win/win/win.
I have lived in San Bruno 30 years. And just the other day discovered "Big Joe's" restaurant at 487 San Mateo Ave. Apparently, they have been there forever. What an amazing culinary discovery ! Tucked away among the local stores is this inconspicuous gem. American cuisine at is very best. Portions are generous. Quality is five stars. Try their burgers and steaks ! Breakfast OMG. The open kitchen is another plus. Service and cleanliness is top notch too. don't let the unexciting appearance discourage you. This place is 5 stars.
Big Joe's is a true culinary gem that never fails to impress! From their unbeatable Weekend Special breakfast featuring mouthwatering steak and eggs to their top-notch dinner menu (not open every Nite), this place has it all. During my recent visit, I savored every bite of the ribeye steak and eggs special - the portions were generous, the steak perfectly cooked, and the flavors simply unforgettable. The addition of Cholula sauce took it to the next level! What sets Big Joe's apart is not just their incredible food but also the warm and attentive service you receive from the moment you walk in. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a delightful meal any day. I can't wait to explore more of their menu, especially the renowned prime rib, which I had for BREAKFAST; I cannot wait for dinner! If you're searching for a dining experience that combines quality, flavor, and charm, look no further than Big Joe's. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! Don't wait too long to visit - this place is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered by all food enthusiasts. Check them out and treat your taste buds to something extraordinary!
Love this place really makes me feel at like I'm home and definitely a blast from the past everything is very retro I love it and the fooodddddd omgg I think it's definitely my new go to spot everything on the menu is delicious
Big Joe's is a pretty okay local diner spot in San Bruno. It doesn't blow you away, but it's the type of comfort food that you seek during breakfast and lunch. While walking to the front entrance, the front is completely covered in a gigantic army of flies at the doorway. I had to make a split decision if I even wanted to walk into the place, but I braced myself and went through. Big Joe's has been opened for decades so certain parts of the restaurant is pretty outdated and not the cleanest. The interior does have a big gorgeous mural of South San Francisco which was pretty cool. Service wise I will have to say was hit or miss because the lady that sat us down and took our order was super nice and attentive, but she had to step away and someone else took over and our replacement waitress was way more unfriendly and unattentive to us. So service wise I have mixed feelings. I personally ordered the BLT with Curly Fries. The BLT itself is $11.95, but if you add curly fries it is an extra cost of $2. I have an obsession with curly fries so I can't say no. The portions are huge and American sized which is the biggest appeal of this diner. There isn't a ton to say about a BLT because...well it's a BLT. They give a good amount of bacon and it was crispy. The tomatoes and lettuce were also fresh. They didn't overdo it with the mayo. The curly fries were also great although it is hard to find a place that makes bad curly fries. Overall the food quality isn't bad, but the service could be a little better and could use some updating in the interior. Also found it a little strange they didn't have a breakfast combo that included their waffles and pancakes as you can only order them by themselves. Parking isn't too bad and there is a parking lot nearby, but you have to pay for parking until 6pm which is not ideal. Also they need to fix their front door fly problem. I still at least wanted to try out this local mom and pop diner even if my experience wasn't perfect.
It's a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Good food, good service, and there's parking in the back. That's all I need.
An authentic diner that has been around for decades. Extensive menu full of comfort foods.Today, we had the 2 omelette specials, Joe's Favorite (sausage, mushrooms, and green onions) with country potatoes and Ham (diced ham, spinach, cheddar cheese) extra crispy hash browns. Both delicious, large portions and very filling. Friendly staff and very efficient.
Had some dinner tonight with my family and they did not disappoint. We come every so often and when we come, it's always a great experience!!! The portion sizes are huge and the prices, you can't beat. I had the fish n chips and it was amazing!!! I was so impressed!! Also the chicken picatta was so creamy and yummy!! The service is always great, they are so friendly and welcoming. The ambience is very cozy, as it resembles an old school diner, which I love. I'll always go back and support this local business.
Went here for breakfast and was amazed on how large their portions are. I would certainly come back for their wonderful service.
Food was not good at all! We ordered French toast, tuna melt, oatmeal and orange juice.Orange juice was literally Tropicana out of the bottle, I thought there was a lawsuit against Tropicana for having high quantity of artificial flavorings…. Hmmm!Oatmeal came with raisins but literally tasted like cardboard, we couldn’t save it even after adding syrup, such a waste.Tuna melt was cold… the bread was toasted perfectly but the tuna inside was cold cold, so didn’t enjoy that at all!French toast was also blah, I was surprised that someone can mess up French toast, but we couldn’t finish it!We did relay the message to the waitress of all the concerns just so the taste can be improved, maybe YOU may have a better experience than we did!I couldn’t take pics abc we were getting late for our flight out of cali!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
This place is so good the price and food is epic love it Will be back and will getting take out as well can't wait to get hungry again. The service is the best and you have to love being offered coffee to go I mean come on lived that
Restaurantji Recommends
Gotta love this place. A mom and pop nestled Into a strip of businesses. The food is good , there was alot of people there . The menu is vast . I got the joes scramble. There was a lot of food. Mmmm. The potato's were crisp and the eggs fluffy. The service was as expected .. the place is quaint and a diner style. I love it . Great memories when I was growing up. The coffee is good as was my hot chocolate. I will be back.
Fresh homemade food ?????
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scrambled Eggs, New York Steak
I'm a big fan of diners. Big Joes was a hit. Texas style French toast was thick but light, egg batter was soaked all the way through. The butter made it perfect. The omelette surprised me. I thought it looked dry but it moist and juicy. Hashbrown super crispy Big joes is on the top of my list.
Classic diner with great breakfasts - and I do mean great. In San Bruno for one night and I'm so glad we chose Big Joe's as our breakfast spot. We picked Big Joe's the night before / and didn't pay attention to the hours. If you're from the Midwest - be aware they open at 8:30 on weekdays and 8:00 on weekends. We stopped by at 8:00 on a Friday - and opted to take a stroll around the neighborhood until they opened. Very good decision to wait for them to open. The decor is old school diner. Booths/tables with Formica tops and a counter. Nancy ordered the chicken apple sausage and scrambled eggs / sorry - no picture. But - the sausage were off the grill and were delicious. Tender and juicy. What a treat for us Midwestern girls to have chicken sausage. I love a good eggs Benedict - order it whenever I can. Big Joe's Egg Florentine is an out of this world variation. The spinach, the creamy cheese sauce, the gently poached eggs - oh so delicious. I practically licked my plate it was so good. The country potatoes are also cooked on the grill and are very tasty. Crispy with little bits of onion.
I drove up from San Diego to pick up my bro at SFO on our way up north. I was only looking for a place to charge my laptop and devices, wasn't looking for anything special. I randomly chose Big Joe's 8 and am really lucky. Whomever the cook is on Wed Jan 24 2024 at 9am is a friggin rock star. Over easy eggs were perfect, bacon and sausage cooked crispy just the way I like, and the buttermilk pancakes are fluffy and delicious. The bacon is big, thick cuts, fancy gourmet style. Service was great and quick. Not only did I get a delicious breakfast and laptop charge, but they also have fast, free wifi. It has a classic diner feel with a full wall mural of "South San Francisco", back in the day. Win/win/win/win.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sausage, Pancakes