Joe’s Italian Bistro Allen, TX

Had a great dinner Thursday night at Joe’s Italian Bistro in Allen Texas accompanied by Allen & Debbie (great friends). They said it was their kind of place and we had met there for dinner before. Now that I have enjoyed two visits at Joe’s it is my kind of place.

The thing that strikes me the most about Joe’s is the neighborhood clientele. You immediately feel at home here and most of the customers live nearby and make this an frequent dinner place, where they stick around and talk for quite a while.

 

Joe’s grandparents came to the U.S. in 1942 from Kosovo. He and his family have been in the restaurant business since they opened their first restaurant in 1972 in New York. This location has been open since September of 2005. They have another location in Keller and Watauga. He has family that helps him in Allen and the rest of the family works the other locations. This is a solid 3 page story, maybe a 4 since we got to meet big Joe. Allen, Debbie, what do you think? Big Joe is Joe’s father who is here visiting for the winter.

Most of the recipes are Mom’s (Joe’s grandmother) recipes. Our food has always been excellent. They do have several seafood selections that sound very tempting as well. Next time I must try one. I especially like the homemade bread, doesn’t it look delicious:

It actually tastes even better than it tempting looks.

 

I ordered a bowl of Tortellini soup that was fantastic. My wife and I split the Chicken Jerusalem (Artichokes, mushrooms in a Sherry wine sauce). It was quite rich and creamy and we enjoyed every calorie filled bite. Allen had angel hair pasta with alfredo sauce and despite deciding to only eat half of it, he ate four fifths of it. Debbie had ravioli with meatballs. She was much better disciplined, ate half and took the other half home for later. The food is very good, freshly made and mouth watering specials fill a small chalk board.

 

Our waitress Emily has always been great. She is very friendly and attentive. It really adds to the feel of the place when you know the waitress. It provides a more relaxing feeling. Emily is always smiling, very efficient, and helpful with our questions and provides consistent service. Here she is:

Check out the Blue’s Brothers in the background!

 

I like the murals that are painted inside, even the one in the bathroom, all are of Venice. If they had some Italian music playing in the background you might forget you’re in Allen and be transported to Venice. It is definitely a nice hole in the wall and receives a 4 hole rating.

 

Neighborhood feel, 4 hole in the wall rating, 3/4 page story rating, Emily, good food, Venice feel and meeting big Joe all add up to make this my kind of place.