Joe’s Diner & Pizza
Lyn Searfoss
For months some of my friends have been urging me to devote this column to one of their favorite restaurants, Joe’s Diner, located at 2801 Rodeo Road, in the shopping center where Zia Road and Rodeo road meet. After two visits within the month, I realized they were correct, it is a delicious experience, and as their motto says, “Joe’s, where local farming and great food come together.”
The name, Joe’s Diner, conjured up a decades old memory of the diners I used to frequent in New Jersey. Great places for comfort food reasonably priced, plain and simple, and with a staff that often greeted me with a friendly, “What can I get you?” greeting. These traditional features, with the exception of the New Jersey-accented staff, can be found at Joe’s, blended with a menu created by a master chef.
Joe’s website is complete and tells the whole story of this unique place and, by the way, “Who is Joe?” What makes this restaurant popular even with the critics? Roland and Sheila established Joe’s in 2002 as a diner offering an unpretentious and comfortable atmosphere for people who demand high quality, local food at a fair price. They have become the leading restaurant purchaser of the Farmers Market fare. To the end of October 2010, their local purchases exceeded $70,000!
Local ingredients include: grass finished ground beef, lamb and bison, chicken livers, chile, eggs, organic NM flour, cheeses, fruits, wines, beer and breads. The menu is extensive. Browse the website for choices among Salads, Appetizers, Pasta, Burgers, Sandwiches, Dinner Entrees, Sides a la Carte, Desserts. Blue Plate Specials are an excellent value. The roasted duck we had for dinner on one visit was superb, as was the pecan pie, the best one I have eaten, seriously, with apologies to my cousin Jean who has had this honor in our family for over 60 years!
For a recent lunch, the daily specials included a thick, creamy mushroom soup, a quiche with broccoli, roasted garlic and cheddar, and entrees of chicken liver and herb omelet, Philly cheese steak sub w/grilled peppers & onions w/homemade chips and seafood quesadilla w/salsa, sour cream & guacamole. I chose the creamy mushroom soup and an old fashioned comfort food, tuna melt. Both were delectable. My friends at lunch had the daily specials of quiche and a chicken liver omelet and one friend chose a traditional burger.
Everyone raved about their food. For those on a special gluten-free diet, Joe’s offered a lunch special of two gluten-free Maryland style crab cakes w/roasted red pepper aioli on mixed greens. And, our service was excellent.
Prices— According to one of Joe’s recent newsletters, a Zagat survey reported the national average price of a meal in the United States was $35.37. In NYC it was $42 for the same meal, in Chicago $37, and L.A. $35. New Orleans was below the average at $28.36 and here at Joe’s $17!
Browse through the menu and you will find the prices fair and reasonable. Of course, I’m sure that the Zagat survey did not include the wine some of us have with our meals. Speaking of wine, on Saturday night, Joe’s offers bottles of wine at 1/2 price, another bargain. Dining, Take Out and Catering are offered. Cash preferred, MC, VISA and Amex accepted.
Joe’s Diner is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday, from 7:30a – 9:00p. Special Sunday brunch is offered from 9:00a – 2:00p. Closed Monday. Phone: (505) 471-3800. Free Wi-Fi is available. Website with e-mail link is: www.JoesSantaFe.com Pick up a copy of their monthly newsletter at the restaurant or go the archives at www.JoesSantaFe.com As we mention each month, we receive no compensation from restaurants for our reviews. Please check with each restaurant for hours and days of operation, as they sometimes change with the seasons.
