The memory of Joe Leis still reigns supreme, but he passed away in 2003. The restaurant is now owned by his wife, Marni and his son (Marni’s step-son) Gabriel Leis. Gabriel has a sister, Luciel, who is also involved from time to time in the restaurant - so it’s a family affair.
Are you guys religious? / What’s with all the iconography?
Joe was a non-practicing Jew (or a practicing non-Jew), Marni a devout Canadian, and Gabriel and Luciel were raised on MTV, which of course depleted their attention spans toward anything ecclesiastical. What we all have in common is our love and knowledge of good food. That is our religion.
This place looks like it’s been here forever. When did you open?
Although the building is turn of the century, Joe’s opened in the fall of 1992, replacing Kim’s Diner.
What are the Airlines (the zip line cups) for? The original idea was to send the orders back to the kitchen on the hooks. Modern computer technology made these obsolete about 5 minutes after they were installed. Rumor has it they are from an department store in San Francisco in the 1940’s, where item’s were chosen from display cases, then your order was sent back to a stock room via the Airlines.
Can I have the recipe for your Pasilla Chile / Black Bean Soup / Tofu Tostada?
No, but even if we did give it to you it just wouldn’t be the same. Our recipes are for large quantities, and we’ve found that once you reduce these to smaller quantities appropriate for the home kitchen, it just never comes out right. Ya just gotta come in to get your fix.
What happened to the Bone Burrito?
It’s shocking to us that this item still exists in the communal consciousness. It was also shocking that while it was on the menu, some customers did not understand there was a bone inside, making it a lawsuit-in-waiting. It may have it’s return yet...
Does Joe’s do catering?
We have a great catering menu, and are happy to supply you with the prepared ingredients for easy make-your-own tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and sides. All orders must be placed in advance and be picked up at the restaurant.
Can we rent out the restaurant for our birthday / wedding / bachelorette party?
