Step Into the Past

I took a time machine and travelled back to the nostalgic 50’s and 60's at Joe’s of Westlake. The moment I laid eyes on the architecture of this restaurant, I was excited to enter a past frozen in the present. The building features art deco lines that meet sharp angled walls, painted in aged burgundy and bone white. There is even a small pavilion like cover for cars to drop off guests in case of rain. There is plenty of parking on two terraced levels and the corner location of Joe’s easily attracts attention from passing cars.

Entering the restaurant, immediately to the left was a bar with live jazz musicians. The bar is a good service as it helps to ease patrons that are waiting for a table. The décor is old fashion extravagance with soft pastel hues and Italian landscape paintings. Joe’s seems to have many added augmented services including candy machines, telephones, and two additional sofa couches for waiting guests. There are two rooms, the Cascade Room and the main room. I got seated in the Cascade Room which featured 2 large aquariums and a touch of Italian décor with lovely red and yellow cloth draped walls and tables. The servers were dressed in black suits and appeared very professional. The noise level was a little louder than I would have preferred, but with so many guests, it was understandable.

I ordered a side of Linguini with Clams White Sauce and an Entrée of Breaded Veal Cutlets. The food amazingly arrived in less 10 minutes. WOW! Is all I can say. The Linguini was tender, flavorful, generously sized, and had a piles of clams. What topped the Linguini was the juicy and aromatic Breaded Veal Cutlets. The Veal was cooked to perfection with a lightly breaded crust seasoned to perfection in olive oil. Our server displayed great attention, refilled drinks multiple times and asked about how the food tasted. The accompanying spaghetti was hearty and delicious as well. The presentation of the food, though not extravagantly fancy, was beautiful. The restrooms were not sparkling clean but clean enough. One thing I would like to point out is that the kitchen in the Main Room is out in the open allowing transparency where guests can view the kitchen and its cleanliness.

Overall the food was amazing, service was great, and décor was nostalgic Italian/American. The menu prices are a leaning towards the pricier side but are not unreasonable; Linguini $14.95 and the Veal is $16.95.

I highly recommend that you dress up a little bit and take a unique journey back into a time that is rarely seen anywhere anymore. Amazing experience!
****1/2 of ***** and $$$ of $$$$$ with many dishes around $15
OBSESSED