My family and I have dined at Joe's Pasta House many times and we are never disappointed. The food and service is great. Highly recommended.
(5)
Tiffany A.
I seriously don't understand why everyone loves this place so much. The food is good but it's not wonderful. I've been here a lot for functions and I'm never blown away. The owners are rely nice and so is the wine selection but other than that, it's just another Italian place.
(3)
Scott B.
My wife and I attempted to have a relaxing night out. She heard good things about the place so we decided to go. The wait was longer than what we expected so we stood (small bar with no available seating) and had a drink while waiting. Long story short, they sat us between crying children and obnoxious drunks. When a couple walks in to a place like this, you should never ever EVER put them in that position. Put them in a place where they can actually enjoy themselves and not hate the entire experience. Although the experience was far from what we had expected from a place like this, we had high hopes for the food. Sadly, it was bland. We tried our hardest to stick it out but seeing as though the table service was slow and the food wasn't what you would expect in a place like this, we just couldn't do it. We spend right around $100.00 on average when we eat out between food and drinks and that doesn't include the tip. We would have gotten better food and service at Chuckie Cheese for a 5th of the price. We won't be returning and certainly won't recommend it to anybody looking for a great relaxing foodie experience.
(1)
James S.
This is by far the best restaurant in Rio Rancho, food is great service is great and the owner joe is a heck of a nice guy
(5)
Michael G.
My family moved to the area a few weeks ago and our realtor gave us a gift card to Joe's and we're glad she did. We've already gone back again and were really pleased both times. The service was great both times and the food was great. My wife and I choose the dinner for two deal and we ordered the chicken parmesan. The servings were HUGE and we had plenty to take home with us. They have some good beers on tap and their appetizers were also good (we ordered the fried mozzarella last time). Everything was great and the staff was great with our kids too. Great place for good, relaxed dinner in Rio Rancho.
(4)
Bura R.
Heard lots of good stuff. The Staff was very Friendly. Over the top. I wish the brunch lived up to the hype.
(2)
J K.
I want to give a higher rating because the staff is extremely nice But the food is only fair. The lunch buffet selections are always the same; variety is the spice of life. The eggplant parmigiana can be good depending on the day. The salad bar is meager as is the desert selection. Frozen commercial meatballs,really? I'm sad that a local establishment is so boring; go to Olive Garden instead.
(2)
Mike Z.
Their cheese tortellini soup had me hooked. Very clean tasting and not over powered with a tomato-based soup that I thought would taste just like striaght up marinara which was going to emulate what I was going to have with my entree. The place is quaint and unassuming from the outside considering it's in a plaza shopping corridor like a lot of the places in Rio Rancho but they make good Italian food. I had the bolognese for dinner. The riccotta wasn't overpowering and there was plenty to eat for an entree serving. I'll be back here to dine. I like their stuff.
(4)
Sandra H.
My fave Thursday night dinner group (9 tonight) ventured across the river tonight to sample some of Albuquerque' s best Italian food. We were not disappointed and were especially pleased to see there is a seniors menu at a great price. It includes salad and iced tea or coffee. I loved the eggplant parmesan and the lasagne was also good. I would love to try the Mediterranean pasta dish one friend ordered. It was full of shrimp and other goodies. She loved it. There were no complaints. One friend ordered the decadent chocolate cake which She shared. Yum! Joe, it was well worth the drive!
(5)
Jennifer M.
Absolutely the best Italian fare in Albuquerque! I live on the east side, and I have no issues driving an hour to get there for a meal. There are a lot of other restaurants that pretend that they're good, but Joe's holds themselves to a far higher standard. Just thinking about it makes me so hungry! Please, just try it. You can thank me later.
(5)
Jazmine V.
If you are in the Rio Rancho or Albuquerque area and love Italian food, you better head on over to Joe's. I've been twice and haven't been disappointed. I used to work in a really awesome Italian restaurante in Las Cruces all through college and this place takes the cake in Albuquerque/Rio Rancho. They really know their stuff and are pretty authentic. The first time I went was a few years ago, so I can't remember what I had. But I remember having a great experience with my husband at lunch and wanting to try it again. I went again tonight for a Yelp Tasting Event and was over the moon about the service, food, and wine provided. Try the OZV Red Zinfandel. Yummo! We started out with an appetizer featuring fried mushrooms, fried calamari with a pesto dipping sauce, and eggplant parmesan with prosciutto. My favorite part of the appetizer was the eggplant parmesan. It was the highlight of the appetizer. It had a nice baked cheese on top and the hints of prosciutto really made the dish that much better! The Caesar salad was yummy. We then had a buffet style meal featuring sauteed veggies, meatballs and sausage, penne with green chile alfredo, chicken with capers, lasagna, and shrimp ravioli. Woah!! SO much food...and it was all so delicious and fresh! My husband and I both swooned over the penne with green chile alfredo. It was made with Harvest Hatch green chile. I LOVE Hatch green chile! It had a nice kick to it and I was happy that it was somewhat spicy. This being said, there was nothing on that buffet that I didn't like. We were then surprised with a delicious dessert selection at the end of the meal. We received a generous sample of tiramisu, cannoli, and some sort of lemon confection. My husband was all about the lemon dessert, while I really enjoyed the tiramisu and cannoli. Joe and Casey own the restaurant and they are very involved. The staff was also really friendly and helpful. I really felt like I was in a 5 star restaurant (hence the rating). You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Sandra G.
If you were to leave it up to a nine year old to pick their favorite place to have dinner you would expect to hear Peter Piper, Chuck E Cheese or some place with games and probably mediocre pizza. Well, when I leave it up to my nine year old. I'm always sure he's going to say Joe's Pasta House please!! This place is definitely our go to place for a nice and delicious family dinner. The staff is always very attentive and they make you feel like family. My daughter has gotten a stuffed animal just for being cute, and my son a free dessert for being smart. Every visit has been a pleasant one and our out town family loves going there when they come to visit. I recommend this place to everyone and anyone that I can.
(5)
Mike P.
Used to get my occasional Italian food fix at Olive Garden (I know, gross) but stumbled on this place and realized Olive Garden isn't Itlaian food! Lol! All the wasted years! since then this has been my place to go. great food and very nicely decorated without all the salt, unfresh food, and loud environment Olive Garden offers.
(4)
Nina C.
We really enjoyed our visit. The food was good. I had the eggplant parmegiana and it was delish. But what really makes the experience is the service. Great wait staff, food delivered in a timely fashion and smiles. Recommended.
(5)
Nick S.
Owner was very rude to us when we were waiting to be seated. The food was horrible. When I go to a pasta house, I expect that the pasta will be fresh and well prepared. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccine. The chicken was bland and frankly gross. The fettuccine was horrid. I would rather have gone to the supermarket and ate an uncooked ramen noodle packet. It would have been of a higher quality. I feel bad for anyone who goes here. Also we sat at about 605 and asked about the senior menu for grandma. They made a big to do about it ending at 600. We had a table of 6 so it took about 45 minutes for us to be seated, understandable, but also understandable that maybe 605 might be okay for grandma. All in all a really bad experience.
(1)
Kimmy V.
This is probably by far the best place I've gone to since I've moved to New Mexico. The wait staff and owner was truly well mannered and polite throughout our dinner time experience. If you are a looking for romantic dinner for two, ask for the Table "16." It seats two persons at far west corner of the restaurant next to the fire place away from the rest of the patrons dinning at the restaurant. When my boyfriend's steak didn't come out as ordered, the waiter went to get the owner, Joe, and he happily made a new steak to perfection. We've been here multiple times and although the outside of the restraunt is highly deceptive, please don't pass up this restaurant. Awesome Italian food with imppecable service, and large portions. One of our favorites is the deep fried raviolis as appetizer service with a white bechmal sauce...unbelievably good! Their red sauce served on pasta and in Lasagna is a little bit on the sweeter side... but very delicious. Joe, you certainly don't dissapoint, we will be dinning here on many more occasions.
(5)
Jim W.
Pasta House was a pleasant surprise. I stopped in here with a coworker for lunch. After a quick perusal (I don't think I've ever used that word before) of the buffet I chose to have that for lunch. There were a fair number of selections and the quality was decent. I particularly liked the eggplant parmesan. Located in a strip mall (like everything else in this part of the greater Albuquerque area) next to Albertson's.
(3)
Maricarmen P.
Great pleace to eat, decor a little dated but it's cozy and reminded me of going out to dinner with my parents when I was young, and those are all nice happy cozy memories. Food was delish, friendly service and live music. Very family oriented, but also appropriate for a nice romantic dinner, a-la-"Disney's Lady and the Tramp". :-) Happy place, locally owned, just go!
(4)
D.G. H.
Very good Italian food. I will be returning.
(4)
Beck J.
Outstanding food and staff. Joe always makes us feel at home. John the waiter is the best!
(5)
Andrew M.
I have been eating at Joes since I moved to Rio Rancho and the quality is always amazing and the service is excellent. I have toured the buffet, steaks, veal, and desserts. The food is delicious and the salad is crisp and refreshing with plenty of veggies. Where they really make you look good is when you hire them for catering. Joe is always on time and has a professional presentation. The are one of the best restaurants in the Rio Rancho/Albuquerque area.
(5)
David S.
Food is good, had buffet, not bad selection. Pretty quick lunch, reasonable.
(3)
Manuel M.
My kids and I love this place. Good food and a great time for us to share some special moments. Thanks Joe and your team
(5)
Christine H.
Joe's offers a great atmosphere and amazing food to match. There are many vegetarian friendly options which is a plus for my friends and I. I also tried their bloody mary, and it was very good as well.
(5)
Derrick R.
Recommend the Gnocchi with Italian sausage. one of the two top dishes there!!
(4)
Andi D.
Decent pasta, very good service and atmosphere. Calamari was phenomenal considering this is the middle of the desert. Biggest complaint about the pasta Is that their sauce is extremely bland and tasteless. MUCH better in this area for the same price.
(3)
Tony Z.
What a surprise! Good craft beers, bruchette bread topping with bread, great Greek salad, prime rib night. You can't go wrong.
(5)
Marcial R.
Lunch buffet or off the menu either way you win. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccini . It has green chilies (of course) and red pepper flakes! Yum the best part of the dining experience was my server. She was awesome, friendly and efficient! Perfect combo!
(5)
JA C.
Excellent baked penne. The entree was great. The bread was not hot however the oil served with it was perfectly seasoned. Nice atmosphere. Quick to refill beverages and replenish anything on the table. Server was very good. Fried mozzarella app was very good too. The cannoli was ok. Mind you, I did eat it all. My husband had chocolate cake and loved it. He had gnocchi for his entree and thought it was very good. I would go back for dinner without a doubt.
(4)
Nancy L.
Hubby and I have been going to Joe's Pasta House for several years, and we are regulars (twice this week, as a matter of fact). Hubby's standards are the fettucini al fredo with chicken or chicken Parmesan. My stand-bys are chicken Marsala or salmon. Even on the senior menu (between 3 and 6 p.m.), the servings are large enough to be able to take half home for the next day or night. Tonight, 1/29, we got a treat, as we were able to order, for the first time, the lobster ravioli. I can not rave enough about this dish---it is one of THE BEST THINGS I have ever eaten in my life. Fortunately, Joe has assured me that he intends to put it on the regular menu. At $18.95, it is a little pricey, but believe me, it is worth every penny, and I intend to save it for special occasions. One might be tempted to pass Pasta House by, as it is in a converted IHOP at the front of a strip center on the main drag in Rio Rancho. However, if you ignore Joe's you do so at your peril. Everything on the menu is absolutely authentic, Joe makes (or supervises the making of) every sauce used in the place. The bruschetta is made each night for the next day so it will have time overnight to meld the flavors. Speaking of he bruschetta, this is the only Italian restaurant I have ever been in where the bruschetta is served as a no-charge opener. Each table gets a small dish of bruschetta, a small dish of olive oil with spices, and a basket of two breads as soon as the party is seated. In contrast, we had dinner in what is supposed to be the best Italian restaurant in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) area, and their bruschetta was on the appetizer menu at $7.99 and was, to be succinct, AWFUL. Contrary to JP's review, the decor is very authentic Italian, with great music over the speakers at a level just loud enough to enjoy. The wait and bus staff is superb; as soon as a party vacates a table and they are just about the clear the door, a busperson is clearing the table and resetting it for the next party. The only thing I have ever found to gripe about (and it is a very small gripe) is the brown paper used to cover the tablecloth. I know that it saves on laundry costs, but I feel that perhaps a glass top over the tablecloth might be better--to show off the lovely linens and perhaps make the ambiance a little more formal. Restaurants of this caliber are supposed to be somewhat dark---and romantic! We've had lunch at Joe's on several occasions, and it is hard to find a better lunch for the price. Salad with the very best home-made Italian dressing, pasta, meatballs, sauces, baked chicken, and other goodies make for a very hearty meal at a great price. All of the recipes are Joe's or from his family, and the newest ones have been developed by him. Ignore this place at your own peril.
(5)
Carol R.
Been here a couple times and every time the food has had no flavor. The chicken fettuccini was bland, it was like eating plain pasta. Not impressed.
(2)
Dan W.
After ignoring Joe's for years we finally discovered our mistake. This was some of the tastiest Italian I have eaten this side of the Mississippi. My spouse would have liked a bit more garlic, but I found the flavor of the foods blended well as they were. Three of us ate at a price point equal to Olive Garden, but we all agreed Joe's will be chosen first every time. My only complaint was the darkness of the restaurant. My aged eyes can't read the dark menu in the dim light, but that is a minor complaint. If you are looking for a good Italian meal, give Joe's a try.
(4)
Brent P.
Joe's Pasta House was recommended to us by the desk clerk at our hotel and at first we were skeptical, then even more so when we pulled up as it looks like a converted Pizza Hut from the outside. However, as we were greeted by the owner, Joe, who proceeded to explain how the food is local and organic when possible and always made fresh, things started to look up. The ambience is typical Americanized Italian but all around fairly warm and cozy. They have a great wine and average beer selection but where they really shine is their Traditional Italian menu. You can select Chicken, Veal, or Shrimp Marsala, Francese, Piccatta, Saltimboca, and a handful of others. I picked the Chicken Francese and it was absolutely divine. Tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked with a nice tangy white wine butter sauce and a side of al denti spaghetti with fresh marinara. My friend had the Ravioli Rustica with Sausage, which was also very good, though intensly rich and filling. All in all, this is a hidden gem in Albuquerque and if I'm ever back in this city I will definitely visit Joe again.
(5)
Matt A.
Very nice. Joe will make sure you have a good time. Ask for table 16 in the corner if you are on a date night.
(5)
John G.
Food was quite good. It is obvious Joe takes pride in the place As he personally greets you at the door and then follows up to see how the meal is. I would recommend this restaurant to all
(5)
Ken S.
We eat there often. The service is great. The owner walks around to make sure that his customers are pleased. We went there for lunch and had the buffet. What a great buffet with great tasting food. The price was great.
(5)
Susan R.
My boyfriend and I went to celebrate Valentines Day there last night. They had a fixed menu which we thought was expensive. IT WAS WORTH EVERY DIME!!!!! He had soup which was to die for!!!! I know Italian resturants are not know for their soup but this was outstanding! Then we had salads which were great. We ordered the chicken parm which is what we usually get and it was W O N D E R F U L. I am from NY and the chicken parm is as good as you can get there, and the best you can get here. Then we had the desert tray which was wonderful. I have enough of everthing to eat again tomorrow. The owner knows us from prior visits and when I raved about his soup he actually gave me a container to take home. LIQUID GOLD! If you like good Italian food this is the place to go..
(5)
Wanugee N.
This is a nice little pasta house in the suburbs of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Friendly staff, good pastas, a lot of good choices with different pastas and sauces. Beats Olive Garden! Reasonably priced. Had a group of 7 here and everyone loved their food. You probably could do better in other Italian restaurants like this some where in the world, but not in New Mexico. When you tire of Mexican food while in ABQ, try this place.
(3)
Teresa D.
Nice atmosphere; great wait staff - they all help fill glasses, get refills, etc. & the food was really good with large portions for reasonable prices. Good cannoli!!
(4)
Amber S.
THEY DON'T ACCOMMODATE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OR SMALL CHILDREN. They don't allow strollers, or walkers into the dining room due to insurance reasons because someone might trip. Our server tripped over the high chair they gave us about three times, thank god my six month old son wasn't in it. (Who by the way is not able to sit up on his own in the first place). Also, the service was slow and the food was bland.
(1)
Brian P.
This was our first time here and I can say I will definitely be back. I am originally from Long Island NY and this place brought me back home. Food was great and portions were plenty. Service was outstanding our waitress was perfect and all the support staff did a great job.
(4)
John T.
Can not emphasize how much I love this place. Joe is great and the food comes out quick. Highly recommend
(5)
Justin A.
Fantastic food!!! Vodka cream sauce is wonderful. Eggplant Parmesean is perfect! Canoli is made in house. Wonderful, friendly staff. Best and probably only Authentic Italian food in NM. Motorcycle/biker friendly staff and parking.
(5)
M G.
Always a fantastic experience with Joe's!!! Service, atmosphere, and food make this our home cooked Italian go-to where we know we can rely on consistent comfort food. The pasta bucket is a great take out option for stay at home nights. Thanks Joe for an amazing experience every time!
(5)
Joseph P.
Outstanding!!! Great service, the owner makes rounds and is engaged with his patrons!! Found my spot!!!
(5)
Jennifer V.
This is our favorite place to eat! The staff is very professional, pleasant and treats you like family. They accommodate everyone. Whether it be with food suggestions due to food concerns to making you feel comfortable and safe by ensuring everyone can maneuver through the establishment safely. Thank you Joe's Pasta House for being so amazing!
(5)
Martha G.
I have gone to Joe's for years and that comment about him and his staff not being accommodating to persons with disabilities was so wrong! I would take my Mom there the last year of her life and the staff was so wonderful and helpful to her which was one of the reasons she loved it there. When she would come in her walker they would move chairs, assist her into her seat and then when we were ready to leave her walker was brought to her right away. Besides having wonderful food, they have a great staff and wonderful owners who care about people!
(5)
Cydryce M.
Service was fantastic with great atmosphere...bread was cold and warm in spots and slightly damp...caesar salad on light green lettuce with ok tasting dressing (presentation nice but needed better green choice and better quality dressing)...chicken broccoli Alfredo was bland and runny...great kids menu with free scoop of ice cream (nice addition)...waitress was kid friendly and warm...may give it one more try...liked that the owner was the host...watched to see how he interacted with his clients and staff and he did a great job the whole time
(3)
Lisa H.
Went to Joe's Pasta House for dinner with friends Saturday night. It was a first for all 4 of us. We were seated right away. The service was very good. We were one of those annoying groups that was too busy talking and catching up with each other, so the server had to keep checking back before we were ready to order. Finally we were ready and ordered the sample appetizer plate which came with a nice variety. I had the full Greek salad with chicken, and hubby had the southwest chicken pasta. The servings were generous and we were all pleased. No room for desert, but had I saved room, there was a tempting desert bar that we passed on our way out. I think we might have also seen Joe himself in the kitchen.
(4)
Anthony T.
Everything about this place was perfect, a great feeling and setting. The staff was amazing very attentive and helpful throughout dinner. Will start spreading the word to all our friends on how great this place is!!!!!
(5)
Nurse N.
This is the BEST place in NM To get pasta. The staff is amazing the food is to die for and Joe-- you gotta love Joe! It's a must if just for the bruschetta.
(5)
Kimberly B.
I had never heard of the place before, but my boyfriend said they have a good lunch menu. We went for dinner and I was impressed. I think they have a full bar, but we just did wine and beer, a fair selection available. The food was awesome! They have a fabulous bruchetta, and the pastas we had were some of the best I've had. Full disclosure, my boyfriend went to high school with our server, so of course she was sweet. I did over hear her interacting with another table and it seemed like they were very pleased with their service. It's a bit pricey, but the food is superb and worth the price. I will certainly be going back.
(5)
alice w.
We are in the process of moving to Rio Rancho and tried this restaurant on a whim. I have eaten some incredible meals in Boston's North End that have made me difficult to impress, but what a find Joe's Pasta House was! From the minute we walked in the owner and wait staff were the perfect balance of friendly, helpful, and unobtrusive. That's all nice, but the FOOD...Holy Cow! We are still talking about the eggplant parmesan. Every single thing we had was amazingly delicious and fresh, and the prices are great. Actually, the meal reminded me of an old Rodney Dangerfield joke about having a mirror on the ceiling over the table while he ate. Yeah, it's THAT good.
(5)
Abby K.
The Fall Specials menu options all sounded really good. Ordered the Pumpkin Ravioli with pine nuts and Poached Pear Salad (poached pear, pomegranate, almonds, Gorgonzola, greens and vinaigrette) off the Fall Specials menu. Both were good choices. The pumpkin ravioli was a little sweeter than I would have liked, but that doesn't mean I didn't finish it with a smile on my face! It was a great appetizer when ordering a salad for my main entree. We also ordered cheese tortellini soup and my boyfriend says it was "very good." It had medium sized meatballs in it and I was actually a little jealous I didn't order the soup, even though I don't like meatballs. He also ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli. The sauce was creamy with huge pieces of chicken and broccoli. The dish was big, we took home leftovers. They start the meal off with warm bread and a Bruschetta-like tomato topping and oil with spices. Love free bread :) and goodies to start off an Italian meal. Overall the atmosphere is cozy at Joes. It's a little old school looking, good for date night though. The servers and bus boys are super nice and super attentive. This is a great find in Rio Rancho. I hope they keep the authentic flavors and fresh dishes.
(4)
Travel'en C.
As many have already expressed, this place truly gets it. The food is quite delicious but what I really love about this place is that it's so consistent - given we've only eaten here 6 times but every time our experience was exceptional. Quality/consistent service is a tough objective here in Albuquerque however the staff here is always friendly, knowledgeable and very polite. That's a true indication from solid ownership for sure. It's a long drive for us but it's well worth it.
(5)
M T.
Love this local fave! Service and food is consistent. Expect to wait - it's worth it!
(5)
Joshua W.
I've been here a few times and their Italian food is good for Albuquerque; I'm from NY. Today, I ordered the lobster ravioli. Do NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT order the lobster ravioli, it is a puree salty mush inside. You would expect a nice piece of lobster would be stuffed inside the ravioli, with some butter or red sauce, it was nothing of the sort. I was incredibly disappointed and will never order that again. Disgusting.
(2)
J R.
From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, A+ service! The staff is always friendly and very attentive. The lunch buffet is the best in town and the price can't be beat. I eat here with my coworkers sometimes during the week and have even brought my kids and husband in on the weekend and they loved it as well! My favorites are the eggplant parmigiana, salad bar and of course their soft,warm bread with olive oil-yum...!
(5)
Dwain K.
Great atmosphere, impeccable service and delicious food!"
(5)
Howie K.
Usually I'm not one to review a locale that has hosted a Yelp event in the past, because I can certainly recognize a conflict of interest, but I need to make an exception for Joe's Pasta House, so here's full disclosure: Kassie and Joe put together a fantastic, intimate evening for myself and about 15 Elites and their guests. We were wined, we were dined, it was sublime, and if you weren't there, well, your loss. I feel the restaurant deserves this review because I'm fairly confident my experience warrants getting the word out. I've not only sampled several dinner options, but enjoyed the lunch buffet on several occasions as well, and I can report that this Pasta House comprises that unique combination of very solid dining options with an earthy, heartfelt personality that begs five stars. Truly, this is the beauty of an Everyman rating site like Yelp, as opposed to earlier days, when we had to rely on magazines, newspapers and Zagat guides. Now the local word gets out, and in Joe's case it lives up to all of the hype. House-made meals which are hearty, comforting, and entirely too filling, coupled with an excellent selection of wines, a decent choice of local beers, and terrific servers including the man himself, who makes a point of briefly introducing himself to guests, and apparently has a knack for delighting the kids. This is family dining from an authentic Italian perspective: soft music, friendly people, great food, stories get told, memories are made. The next time I visit I'm taking Kassie's advice and trying one of the steaks. My favorites here are, not surprisingly, the crowd pleasers: eggplant parmesan, green chile alfredo, lasagna. Oh, and don't get me started on the cannoli. And some of the best tiramisu in the city. Decadent.
(5)
Marc P.
Our family of 5, including 3 generations were pleased with every dish and with the service. Different steak dishes were prepared exactly as requested. My Genoa style veal was a great taste and my daughter loved her Southwest chicken fettuccine. My grandson thought his spaghetti and meatballs and meat sauce were awesome. We are looking forward to a return visit.
(5)
Jayou U.
Tried this place for lunch with my wife and loved it. The environment was good with friendly staff and quick service. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccine and my wife tried the lasagna. Both were very good and I can't wait to try others on the menu. Great place for your Italian fix.
(5)
Aubrey A.
I come here every time I'm in town. The service has always been very attentive and outstanding. The food has always been amazing. I can't say enough about the pasta house and can't imagine anyone ever having a poor experience here. I bring locals here and clients. All of them are converts once they've experienced the house. Some decor needs updating but come on... I'm here to eat great food and receive amazing service.
(5)
Tami C.
I came in with my husband for lunch and we were first impressed with the pleasant atomosphere and prompt service. We ordered the lasagne and southwestern chicken fettuccine and loved it!! No need to drive all the way to Olive Garden anymore when I want my Italian fix. I will be coming back!
as an Italian, I rarely go out for Italian food because I can easily make it myself and because we're originally from the east coast where we got spoiled with awesome Italian food. Joe's Pasta House was a lovely surprise though!! The bread and bruchetta they give you to start with is absolutely yummy. I got alfredo raviolis which was really good, though I kind of thought it was a small portion compared to the humongous servings my friends got with their dishes. I'd recommend some more vegetarian options should be put on the menu! I was sad I couldn't get lasagna or vodka sauce for example. But I'll definitely go back!
(4)
Amy B.
Meh... it was OK. We were in the neighborhood and thought we would try it. My husband and I both had the lunch buffet. The salad bar consists of lettuce, mushrooms, and beets. The other ptrepared salads looked old. The pasta and sauce were good, but the other options looked very greasy and old. The service was good, and that's why it earned 2 stars. Maybe if we would have ordered off the menu we would have had a better dining experience.
(2)
Katrina D.
Just had my first visit to Joe's Pasta House and we will most definitely be back! Being from the east coast (NY ) I have high expectations for Italian food especially when learning owner is from NY , they do not disappoint everything from the fried ravioli appetizer to the Veal Francese my personal favorite ! Were fabulous my dad enjoyed his pesto and we all enjoyed deserts don't miss the italian cake it was the best I ever had . Our server Randi you were the bomb ! I would come back just for your awesome service . I can't stand chains there is no personality or character Joes has both plus more . If you are craving Italian go see Joe. Katrina DiLeo & Familia
(5)
Diane B.
This is a great place! The food is all delicious, and the staff are wonderful. I'm glad we live so close! Try the chicken Alfredo made with green hatch chili. The desserts are yummy, too. Our server was good, but the bus boy was even more attentive, so we tipped him separately.
(5)
Ruben G.
Want great Italian in a great atmosphere with good, professional service? Try this place! A little far from our hotel and the main Albuquerque attractions, but it's a pleasant enough drive, and worth it. It's obvious that the owner and staff care...and that is evident in the food, ambiance, and service. It was a good treat for us on our weekend getaway to Albuquerque. We believe it is locally-owned, and the owner was actively seeing to his guests' needs. We were there during the transition from lunch to dinner menu, so it was cool to see the ambiance change! Everyone around us seemed to enjoy their experience, based on what we heard Really, really a great overall experience.
(5)
Christina R.
This establishment absolutely deserves the highest rating! My family and I have been going to Joe's Pasta House for over 12 yrs. now. We are from Chicago and truly know and appreciate good Italian food! The service here is absolutely awesome. The wait staff is very professional, friendly and they know their menu. Coming from another state, I get really discouraged from going out to eat around here because of the unprofessional/don't care/lack of pride culture that you often find. If you're looking for a change from that, you owe it to yourself to be treated here. The menu variety is outstanding and the preparation, presentation and freshness of ingredients are top notch. The owner Joe, I must say, works his ass off to make sure his restaurant is top notch and personally makes sure his guests are served to the highest degree. My family trusts Joe so much, we hired him to cater to my parents 50th wedding anniversary party. The atmosphere is relaxing, not noisy, and clean. Great for a quick lunch buffet or relaxing evening. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(5)
James P.
My family and I have dined at Joe's Pasta House many times and we are never disappointed. The food and service is great. Highly recommended.
(5)
Tiffany A.
I seriously don't understand why everyone loves this place so much. The food is good but it's not wonderful. I've been here a lot for functions and I'm never blown away. The owners are rely nice and so is the wine selection but other than that, it's just another Italian place.
(3)
Scott B.
My wife and I attempted to have a relaxing night out. She heard good things about the place so we decided to go. The wait was longer than what we expected so we stood (small bar with no available seating) and had a drink while waiting. Long story short, they sat us between crying children and obnoxious drunks. When a couple walks in to a place like this, you should never ever EVER put them in that position. Put them in a place where they can actually enjoy themselves and not hate the entire experience. Although the experience was far from what we had expected from a place like this, we had high hopes for the food. Sadly, it was bland. We tried our hardest to stick it out but seeing as though the table service was slow and the food wasn't what you would expect in a place like this, we just couldn't do it. We spend right around $100.00 on average when we eat out between food and drinks and that doesn't include the tip. We would have gotten better food and service at Chuckie Cheese for a 5th of the price. We won't be returning and certainly won't recommend it to anybody looking for a great relaxing foodie experience.
(1)
James S.
This is by far the best restaurant in Rio Rancho, food is great service is great and the owner joe is a heck of a nice guy
(5)
Michael G.
My family moved to the area a few weeks ago and our realtor gave us a gift card to Joe's and we're glad she did. We've already gone back again and were really pleased both times. The service was great both times and the food was great. My wife and I choose the dinner for two deal and we ordered the chicken parmesan. The servings were HUGE and we had plenty to take home with us. They have some good beers on tap and their appetizers were also good (we ordered the fried mozzarella last time). Everything was great and the staff was great with our kids too. Great place for good, relaxed dinner in Rio Rancho.
(4)
Bura R.
Heard lots of good stuff. The Staff was very Friendly. Over the top. I wish the brunch lived up to the hype.
(2)
J K.
I want to give a higher rating because the staff is extremely nice But the food is only fair. The lunch buffet selections are always the same; variety is the spice of life. The eggplant parmigiana can be good depending on the day. The salad bar is meager as is the desert selection. Frozen commercial meatballs,really? I'm sad that a local establishment is so boring; go to Olive Garden instead.
(2)
Mike Z.
Their cheese tortellini soup had me hooked. Very clean tasting and not over powered with a tomato-based soup that I thought would taste just like striaght up marinara which was going to emulate what I was going to have with my entree. The place is quaint and unassuming from the outside considering it's in a plaza shopping corridor like a lot of the places in Rio Rancho but they make good Italian food. I had the bolognese for dinner. The riccotta wasn't overpowering and there was plenty to eat for an entree serving. I'll be back here to dine. I like their stuff.
(4)
Jazmine V.
If you are in the Rio Rancho or Albuquerque area and love Italian food, you better head on over to Joe's. I've been twice and haven't been disappointed. I used to work in a really awesome Italian restaurante in Las Cruces all through college and this place takes the cake in Albuquerque/Rio Rancho. They really know their stuff and are pretty authentic. The first time I went was a few years ago, so I can't remember what I had. But I remember having a great experience with my husband at lunch and wanting to try it again. I went again tonight for a Yelp Tasting Event and was over the moon about the service, food, and wine provided. Try the OZV Red Zinfandel. Yummo! We started out with an appetizer featuring fried mushrooms, fried calamari with a pesto dipping sauce, and eggplant parmesan with prosciutto. My favorite part of the appetizer was the eggplant parmesan. It was the highlight of the appetizer. It had a nice baked cheese on top and the hints of prosciutto really made the dish that much better! The Caesar salad was yummy. We then had a buffet style meal featuring sauteed veggies, meatballs and sausage, penne with green chile alfredo, chicken with capers, lasagna, and shrimp ravioli. Woah!! SO much food...and it was all so delicious and fresh! My husband and I both swooned over the penne with green chile alfredo. It was made with Harvest Hatch green chile. I LOVE Hatch green chile! It had a nice kick to it and I was happy that it was somewhat spicy. This being said, there was nothing on that buffet that I didn't like. We were then surprised with a delicious dessert selection at the end of the meal. We received a generous sample of tiramisu, cannoli, and some sort of lemon confection. My husband was all about the lemon dessert, while I really enjoyed the tiramisu and cannoli. Joe and Casey own the restaurant and they are very involved. The staff was also really friendly and helpful. I really felt like I was in a 5 star restaurant (hence the rating). You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Sandra G.
If you were to leave it up to a nine year old to pick their favorite place to have dinner you would expect to hear Peter Piper, Chuck E Cheese or some place with games and probably mediocre pizza. Well, when I leave it up to my nine year old. I'm always sure he's going to say Joe's Pasta House please!! This place is definitely our go to place for a nice and delicious family dinner. The staff is always very attentive and they make you feel like family. My daughter has gotten a stuffed animal just for being cute, and my son a free dessert for being smart. Every visit has been a pleasant one and our out town family loves going there when they come to visit. I recommend this place to everyone and anyone that I can.
(5)
Mike P.
Used to get my occasional Italian food fix at Olive Garden (I know, gross) but stumbled on this place and realized Olive Garden isn't Itlaian food! Lol! All the wasted years! since then this has been my place to go. great food and very nicely decorated without all the salt, unfresh food, and loud environment Olive Garden offers.
(4)
Nina C.
We really enjoyed our visit. The food was good. I had the eggplant parmegiana and it was delish. But what really makes the experience is the service. Great wait staff, food delivered in a timely fashion and smiles. Recommended.
(5)
Sandra H.
My fave Thursday night dinner group (9 tonight) ventured across the river tonight to sample some of Albuquerque' s best Italian food. We were not disappointed and were especially pleased to see there is a seniors menu at a great price. It includes salad and iced tea or coffee. I loved the eggplant parmesan and the lasagne was also good. I would love to try the Mediterranean pasta dish one friend ordered. It was full of shrimp and other goodies. She loved it. There were no complaints. One friend ordered the decadent chocolate cake which She shared. Yum! Joe, it was well worth the drive!
(5)
Jennifer M.
Absolutely the best Italian fare in Albuquerque! I live on the east side, and I have no issues driving an hour to get there for a meal. There are a lot of other restaurants that pretend that they're good, but Joe's holds themselves to a far higher standard. Just thinking about it makes me so hungry! Please, just try it. You can thank me later.
(5)
Nick S.
Owner was very rude to us when we were waiting to be seated. The food was horrible. When I go to a pasta house, I expect that the pasta will be fresh and well prepared. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccine. The chicken was bland and frankly gross. The fettuccine was horrid. I would rather have gone to the supermarket and ate an uncooked ramen noodle packet. It would have been of a higher quality. I feel bad for anyone who goes here. Also we sat at about 605 and asked about the senior menu for grandma. They made a big to do about it ending at 600. We had a table of 6 so it took about 45 minutes for us to be seated, understandable, but also understandable that maybe 605 might be okay for grandma. All in all a really bad experience.
(1)
Derrick R.
Recommend the Gnocchi with Italian sausage. one of the two top dishes there!!
(4)
Andi D.
Decent pasta, very good service and atmosphere. Calamari was phenomenal considering this is the middle of the desert. Biggest complaint about the pasta Is that their sauce is extremely bland and tasteless. MUCH better in this area for the same price.
(3)
Michael V.
My favorite place in Rio Rancho by far. Generous portion size. The attention by the wait staff is unmatched in Rio Rancho. The general ambiance is great. Live music and great food are a great way to spend an date night.
(5)
Nita H.
Stumbled across this restaurant eight years ago, and have yet to have better Italian food. We have told friends in our home state about this restaurant, if headings to NM-4 states away we couldn't wait to come back-The complementary bruschetta, fresh Italian bread is just the beginning of this wonderful meal. The service is spot on, from the owner himself seating us to our excellent server (pictured). Go if you get the chance, won't be sorry with the portion size, service and/or prices.
(5)
Kendyl G.
Okay first off, let me start by saying they have exceptional waitstaff!!!! our waiter was fabulous and super attentive and friendly. That right there is worth three stars, you may ask why, and I say the service is just as important as the food, my husband and I never saw the bottoms of our glasses. Now for the interior. Well when you walk in it looks very elegant with the traditional Italian decor...but...when you turn the corner its very bland and for lack of a better word, outdated in the dining room area. But that honestly wasn't a factor since the rest of the experience was great. Okay, now for the food. They give you fresh warm bread alongside olive oil with herbs when you first sit down, but the surprise came when our waiter sat down a little serving dish filled with amazing homemade Bruschetta which was COMPLIMENTARY! It was amazing and full of flavor, the tomatoes you could taste were very fresh,they were definitely not canned diced tomatoes! Then we order the mediterranean fried calamari for an appetizer. I was skeptical. I had never heard of fried calamari, artichoke hearts and kalamata olives alongside feta, capers and purple onions. But it was fantastic and the flavors were amazing and paired quite well with one another. The fresh spinach also was a lovely addition which of course gave it that fresh mediterranean taste and feel. There was definitely some sort of garlic butter sauce on the fried calamari which added to the delicious flavor. This appetizer alone was worth the visit and by far the best part and the reason for the last 2 stars. We had several glasses of wine as well, which were great. Actually, they have a fairly extensive list of wines. Which was unexpected and a great bonus. they also make their own homemade sangria! Now for the main course. My husband and I both ordered the lobster ravioli with cream sauce, which comes with shrimp on top. Now, the cream sauce was simple and if I'm honest, fairly standard and nothing to brag about. The lobster raviolis were disgusting, that's just the raviolis themselves. The filling was equally gross and the lobster inside did not have a reminiscent taste of lobster at all. The shrimp was very chewy which in our opinion, was a sign that they weren't fresh. This main dish was disappointing, mainly because everyone on here rants and raves how great this particular dish is. Also equally shocking because this dish is on there popular and guest favorites section on the menu? Now, some might say, "well you just went on a off day when it happened to not be fresh or up to par" but I know that is not the case here. Simply because everything else was wonderful, fresh and tasty. I think this dish was just no good. I obviously will never ordered this dish again. But with that being said, I will come back and continue to taste other things on their menu. This one bad dish doesn't seal their fate with me, seeing how everything else was wonderful. Give this joint a try. (just don't order the lobster ravioli, lol)
(5)
Karen M.
I just love the easy-going atmosphere at Joe's. And of course the food is delicious, too! My colleague and I both ordered salmon - mine grilled with a side of angel hair pasta tossed with pesto. Richard ordered salmon with spinach. I like mine done well and he likes his medium. Both came out perfect. I highly recommend this spot for traditional italian and seafood - this was our second visit and we'll definitely return!
(4)
Katie L.
I'm Italian, I cook Italian food from scratch, and we came here because everyone we knew raved about the place, so we went. Sort of a mistake... I ate the Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti. The chicken was dry, and way over cooked to the point it tasted burnt. The atmosphere in the restaurant was terrible and extremely outdated. The restaurant was really dark, there were plastic grapes and plastic ivy strewn everywhere. Statues of God knows what, and the worst part, it looked like they haven't dusted anything in that restaurant in YEARS! A much as everyone raves about it, I'm raving that I won't ever go back! I think I need to go to Joe's kitchen and teach the cooks how to cook REAL Italian food. My Nonno would have chucked his plate of food right into a wall had I ever taken him there.
(2)
Joanne L.
We came across Joe's by mistake.... we were driving to pick something up on that side of town and was looking for somewhere to grab dinner- we drove past Joes and I turned my nose up and told my husband I didn't fancy going there, he persisted as he really wanted Italian and told me to look them up on "yelp". Joe's can thank Howie.K for our custom I was sold after reading his review and we turned the car around and went back and boy oh boy am I glad we did.This place truly is a hidden gem and I am so happy that we stumbled across it. I was just saying the other day that good service is hard to come by. But this place nailed it our waitress was excellent above and beyond what i expected. This place is an all around solid 5 stars it was the best Italian food I have had in a very long time, I will go as far as to say it has made my top 3 of favorite places I have eaten Italian food at with my other 2 fav places been in Italy ;). I ordered the Southwestern chicken fettuccine and loved the "New Mexico" twist with the green chile's the flavors worked really well. My husband ordered the spaghetti with meatballs and asked for them to make it spicy and the it was delicious I honestly couldn't decide which one I liked better his or mine. But here is where they really stand out for me...... the kids meals are bottomless.... so if your kids are still hungry after eating there meal then you can ask for seconds??? that kinda blew my mind and was amazing because my son is ALWAYS sniffing around for seconds that boy has hollow legs but he left Joes stuffed. Howki.K I am so thankful for your review that lead me to this place..... don't question it... just go and eat at Joes you wont regret it.
(5)
Deb D.
After ten years in Rio Rancho we finally made it here many moths ago. Have never had anything but a wonderful experience. Food fabulous and a fantastic and friendly staff. This is our go to place now!
(5)
Carolyn S.
Ok it's ok. Did u know that in afternoon u can pop in and buy a loaf of hot fresh bread Worth the stop. Their marinara could use lighter touch. But worth going for bread and manicotti . Real butter! Wow great bread
(3)
April D.
Fantastic as always! Victoria took excellent care of us. Suggest you come to Joe's pasta house for ALL your Italian food cravings.
(5)
Julian G.
You know Joe right? No, you don't know Joe? Well you should know Joe! I didn't know Joes until this past Friday when I was wanting to try something new that was local. We are bunch of noodle lovers but this place has so much more. I had the French cut pork chops and the lady had pasta a la vodka. I think my socks hit the opposite side of the room after my first bite. My gosh!, I haven't eaten food this delicious in a LOOOONG time. My plate came with mashed potatoes and the meat was smothered in a mushroom and wine sauce that was to die for. The place had a very relaxing, fancy interior and the wait staff was excellent. They also offer free bread and oil for dipping. I don't know if they have it every night, but they had a live classical guitarist playing Italian music on Friday. Overall, a bit pricey but well worth the money. It is also awesome to support local. Highly recommend.
(5)
Justin R.
The ratings are much better than the food. Mediocre taste at outrageous prices. We had 2 of their most popular dishes... not impressed. Will not be going back.
(2)
Andrea H.
My husband and I have been frequenting this place for a few years now. While we don't live in Rio Rancho, we are only a few miles outside of the city limits, so Joe's is close by. We have received consistently great food and service and have never had a bad meal here. Everything always tastes fresh and delicious. The ambiance is wonderful, too. It's casual enough for just an ordinary dinner out, but at the same time it's also nice enough for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, Valentine's Day, etc.). And they have a live guitarist on Friday and Saturday nights! I had been wanting to take my mom here for the longest time, but hadn't had the chance. Our schedules are complete opposites (I work Monday-Friday, and my mom works a full work week Friday-Sunday), she lives in the South Valley which is absolutely nowhere near Rio Rancho, and due to some health problems she is under driving restrictions and can't drive that long of a distance by herself. But when I learned that my mom had taken Mother's Day weekend off this year, I seized the opportunity. I asked her if she would be up to going to dinner on Saturday night. My husband and I went and picked her up but didn't tell her where we were going until we got there. I didn't want her to protest "going all the way to Rio Rancho" and spoil the plan. I was determined! My mom is originally from Brooklyn, NY, and grew up with her grandparents, three of whom immigrated from Sicily and one from Northern Italy. So she grew up eating a lot of traditional Italian food. She's lived in Albuquerque now for most of her life, and there are a few Italian places here she likes, but she is rather particular about what constitutes Italian food. I had a hunch she would really like Joe's. And she loved it! She ordered the linguini and clams in white sauce, and was impressed that there were actually fresh little neck clams in the pasta. She ate the entire plate, said she was stuffed, then asked me if I wanted to share the cannoli (I knew she would want it, LOL). She was REALLY impressed that the filling tasted freshly made and that the shells were obviously filled by hand. I hope I can take her back again some time soon. Thank you for yet another wonderful meal and you have now earned my mom's seal of approval!
(5)
Anthony B.
Visited on 09/11/2015 for lunch. Waitress was very pleasant. However, I cannot honestly rate the food or service, as we left the establishment right after putting food on our plates at the buffet and returning to our table. We left because the owner was loudly berating an employee in the kitchen, using profanities my wife and I did not care to listen to. Also, there is always the fear such a display can turn violent! Very obscene, crass, low brow behavior no matter what the employee did to deserve it! Owner needs a class in employee relations. They did say on the website that they had entertainment! Have the event recorded and will share with my friends so they will know they are entering an establishment that is Rated R. Won't be returning for an encore!
(1)
Victoria G.
I've tried this place twice and both times was absolutely awful. It is too expensive for mediocre food. The appetizers given was a joke. It was so tiny. Barely enough for one person. The dishes are something that I could find in the frozen meal section. The only thing memorable about this place is the awful service. Just a very trashy place.
(1)
Lisa F.
Food was good! Tasted homemade.. Portions were enough share between two people. ( not a huge eater ) the service made our whole experience! Monica our server was attentive ( not overly) friendly an most of all knowledgeable an personable!. We had baked ravioli, salad an best of all tiramisu which was best I have had in town, an I have had quite a few in my years!
(5)
Jason H.
This place is in one word AMAZING! Every time I'm in town I make sure to stop in and see the gang. Always treated like family and leave FULL!
(5)
Diana S.
Incredible lunch buffet. Italian food u don't find everywhere.fresh tasty salad pasta dishes and souo. Really nice atmosphere with Frank singing. Great place. A find
(5)
Warren S.
I could give this place 4 stars, but their catering sucks, do NOT get chicken there, it might be frozen. And they doexican and it's no good. Stay with what you know.
(2)
Amy P.
Fabulous meal. It was our first time and we will definitely be back. The ravioli Rustica was very good. Good portion size as well.
(5)
Ricky G.
The food is amazing. I didn't give it 5 stars though because the prices are just a little high. I can't justify paying more than 8 dollars for some noodles with some sauce on top. What's that cost to make? About 75 cents? The food is amazing though and the staff and the owner are great people. I'll keep coming back.
(4)
Diana P.
If you're looking for an above average selection of top quality Italian food here in the ABQ/RR area, then look no more. From the appetizers (the calamari is to die for), to the entrees (eggplant parm & the grilled salmon are my fave), & even the decadent desserts, this place is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of pallet! The ambiance is a little rustic w/a dim light setting, giving it a cozier feel while you dine. The guitarist hired to strum acoustical tunes during your dining experience is the perfect background accompaniment with your dinner. (I always tip him ) Also, Joe has been quite pleasant and accommodating the past two times I had them cater our banquets. Feeding 40 or more employees can be quite a hassle every month! The price and quality are unbeatable! If you've never given them a try, I highly recommend you use them or at least take yourself out to dinner to eat here. Bon appetite!
(5)
Demetrio G.
Best restaurant in Rio Rancho by far. Best service I have ever had. I will go back any chance I get.
(5)
Celia M.
Delicious food, excellent service....consistently. Joe, himself, can often be found seating customers and checking on each table. Their lunch buffet is also terrific!
(5)
Jeff M.
Great food! Wait staff VERY attentive and friendly. Very enjoyable dinner! Spaghetti and meat sauce very good - kids loved it. Lasagna very good. Shrimp FraDiabolo (sp?) was very spicy - great shrimp. Huge portions.
(5)
Mandi B.
Pretty good food. The appetizer was amazing, as was the southwestern chicken fettuccini. The lasagna was a little saucy, and could have used some more meat. Overall, a pretty decent Italian place.
(4)
Dave D.
Great place to get some fantastic Italian food in Rio Rancho. The owner Joe, greats you at the door like family and then seats you in the spacious dining room. The dining room is well appointed and the few times I've been there has included live guitar music. The food is fantastic (this time was the potato gnocci) and I look forward to trying many more of their dishes. Service was quick and friendly even though the house was packed! We had to wait for maybe five minutes to get a table, during which time we sat at the bar and had a house made sangria. For larger groups, there is a private dining room in the back, not sure how many it seats, but it's there. The parking is shared with the strip mall, so it can be tight, but even with a lot of traffic it wasn't difficult finding a spot.
(5)
Samantha W.
I'd heard good things about the lunch buffet so I decided to give it try recently. It may be small, but it is good! Fresh salad, hot pasta, sauces and meatballs. Fresh bread and olive oil & herbs is also included. The dipping oil is divine! I also got a glass of the house Burgundy and it was wonderful - warm, fruity and matched well with my pasta sampling from the buffet. The atmosphere is casual and inviting. I'd rather go here than Olive Garden any day!
(5)
Paulina C.
My co-workers insistently mentioned the greatness of Joes pasta.So I decided to finally check it for myself. We made it in for there lunch special. Saturdays from 12 to 2 is what I was told. The buffet was very Italian and Authentic. The food is fresh and the service was great... The price was the best $7.99 for the buffet was well worth it! I also tried the Lobster Ravioli dinner plate. I wanted to try it and because I had already gotten the buffet I was hoping for a lunch portion I was told it had to be the dinner portion. Therefore, I decided to simply just order it and try it. It was $19.99 a bit pricey, but very scrumptious! By the way they read the reviews often..... lol! I over heard the staff talking about my good or bad review.. I was standing right there... lol!
(5)
Nikki S.
I love Joes! We come in about once a month for take out and it never disappoints! I had the prime rib a few weeks ago and it was amazing. You got the creamy horseradish spot on! Not too spicy, not too creamy. We love the big loaf of bread we get with our meal and their ranch dressing is one of the best we've ever had. They are so friendly when I come in to get the food and pay. They have even taken the food out to my car for me! I hope to eat in soon - but with 3 boys going out is a challenge :) I'm so glad we found Joes Pasta House and we will be lifelong customers.
(5)
Michele And Ken S.
We have been coming to Joe's for a long time, and me being of Italian decent and my husband a New York native are pretty picky about eating restaurant Italian food. Joe serves hands-down some of the very best food ever! Joe himself usually greets you at the door. The staff is always friendly and attentive but never annoying or hovering. There is usually some type of great live music--guitar, singing. As for the food--daily home-made bread and seasoned olive oil greets you, along with fabulous bruschetta topping if you choose. That's enough of an appetizer, but if you'd rather order off the menu, you can't go wrong with any salad or hot or cold appetizer or salad. Their Caesar salad is beautiful and delicious. We also like the Gorgonzola salad, the cold or hot antipasto and the Mediterranean calamari. My go to is the pasta carbonara--you just don't find this on restaurant menus! My hubby had the baked ravioli--fantastic as always. Try the Italian cream cake--light and lemony. Cannoli does not disappoint. We come back because the food and service are just perfect. And now I'm hungry again...
(5)
Charlene S.
Our family always enjoys Joe's Pasta House. The service is friendly and the food is fantastic. Some of our favorites are the spaghetti and meat sauce, southwestern chicken alfredo and chicken marsala. Joe is often seen in the restaurant checking on guests - his attentiveness and friendly smile toward customers doesn't go unnoticed. We appreciate the attention to detail such as filtered water service and daily fresh baked bread. We'd love to see a second bread option for interest but other than that, wouldn't change a thing.
(4)
Rok J.
Joe's Pasta house was a mixed bag in my one dining experience there so far. The things they did well, I thought they did a really good job on. The things that they missed the mark on, to me really fell flat. I'l do a quick pros & cons format for this review. BOTTOM LINE FIRST: In spite of some misses, I intend to return to try out more of their decently diverse menu. The quality evident in the things that they did do well, the staff's attentiveness, the ambience, & the value received justify a return trip in my opinion. PROS: - Staff: very friendly. Host was prompt in the extreme getting me seated. Waitress was only a few steps behind him bringing the menus and bruschetta & bread. All evening she was very attentive, responsive, friendly, & professional. Top notch people. - Ambience: subdued & pleasant. Even with about half the tables occupied, noise was not a problem. The divider between the seating & serving areas is effective without being obtrusive. Relatively low light overall, which is a nice change from glare of fast food joints & noise of sports bars. But there was plenty of downlight at the table. As someone else said, good for a date. - Bruschetta was very fresh & I found it tasty. In this simple dish, clean taste of the tomato rates above tricking it out with obscuring spices. Very well done! - Eggplant parmesan was cooked just right. Eggplant was firm, not mushy as it so often is found. Breading was crunchy & crisp. Browning on the cheese was textbook perfect with lovely dapples of brown floating on a blanket of melted cheese. This is the best eggplant parm I've had in years! - Spaghetti sauce was very simply done (a GOOD thing in my world). Very fresh tasting. Tomato texture was just right, somewhere between chunks & puree. Kudos to the chef or his helper for that. Only disappointment was discovering the green leafy stuff in it was parsley, not fresh basil. The spaghetti itself was passable, obviously packaged (not homemade fresh) but cooked nicely al dente. They did okay for what they had to work with. - Water: good, lacking any off tastes. I mention this because I have experienced water in Rio Rancho area that smelled suphurous. Joe's water could have been filtered. It was that clean tasting to me. - Table linens: cloth tablecloth & napkins. Nice touch! Detraction noted below in CONS section. - Serving size: generous. Salad came in a large square bowl & the entre covered serious real estate on the dinner plate. Coupled with the pre-meal bread & bruschetta I had plenty to eat. I brought half of the Senior portion home for another meal later. - Price: reasonable. Good value in getting generous portion of a really good entre for not a ton of money. CONS: - Olive oil for bread dipping lacked flavor. At first I thought it was corn or canola oil. Only tasting some with a spoon did it register as olive oil. Obviously very very light olive oil. The taste of the plain white bread overwhelmed it. Herbs & spices at the bottom of the dipping bowl added no flavor that I could tell, even when stirred up into the oil. This use called for extra virgin olive oil with its fuller flavor, but no such luck. - Bread tasted okay, but one end of the four-slice section was pretty dry. Like it had sat out for a while before it got cut off the loaf & delivered to my table. The other cut end was fresh. - Bread was 50-50 for me. It's white bread that was nicely crusty on the outside & chewy soft inside. Not bad, just not particularly noteworthy either. I guess I was hoping for something with a little more distinction or character to it. I know that bread is just a generic precursor to the meal & that extra expense for artisan breads is wasted investment on most diners, but this bread just struck me as being a little too passe'. Blame it on my seeing too many cooking shows on tv. - Salad had a couple strikes against it. Greens mix was obviously just a commercial bag mix made of a preponderance of romain lettuce chunks tossed in with some redleaf lettuce. The tomato & cucumbers in the salad were sliced about 1/4" thick & were not diced. This leaves the diner to finish the cutting up of those ingredients. - The brown paper cover sheets over the table cloths were a major detractor from what was otherwise a fairly refined restaurant interior. The surprising thing to me is that the paper is absorbant enough that in the case of spilled drinks or oil, the tablecloth is still going to need a trip to the linen service. The paper isn't really protecting the linen under it, but certainly cheapened the appearance of the table to my eye.
(4)
Marqui R.
I was wowed by this place as far as food and service goes. Its located in a strip mall area in Rio Rancho. I love that they serve bread with fresh bruschetta as a starter before you get your meal. Huge fan of bruschetta. Also they had a huge selection on their menu, all italian of course. I was very happy that they had plenty of seafood selections, I went with the Pasta di Mare and wasn't disappointed. Everything tasted fresh. The owner was also working that night and did everything he could to make me feel welcomed. I felt like I was having dinner at a friends house instead of just going to a dining establishment. Will be back!
(5)
Alma M.
My boyfriend and I seemed to search the entire Internet for a nice restaurant for our anniversary dinner. When we stumbled on Joe's, we decided to give it a try. We were FAR from disappointed. The atmosphere was romantic and cosy, and the waitress was fantastic. When the food finally came, we couldn't have been happier. My boyfriend had the Green Chile Chicken Alfredo and I had the Mediterranean Pasta. I tried a bite of his, and it was delicious. He couldn't stop talking about how delicious he thought his dish was and nor could I. Instantly we decided all our special occasions will be spent there. I called my parents and raved about it to them the second we left. Such a wonderful experience.
(5)
Keira M.
After our catered lunch today I'm upgrading my review to 5 stars. It was to die for! SW chicken pasta....meatballs....and fresh green salad. Thank you.
(5)
Carlos G.
Bring an appetite because the food is delicious. If you like red wine try their house red wine it's to die for.
(5)
Brad F.
I love Joe's. Especially since I have to eat gluten free/Paleo. They cater to my specific needs so well. You wouldn't think a pasta house could do that do well. Also, their meats are all natural, grass fed and the fish is wild, not farmed. Healthy stuff
(5)
Lena L.
The owner's reply me to me deserves a 5 star. Customer service that is eager to explain without being condescending or begging? It still exists! And it's here. Really, people like these owners seem to be rare. People should enjoy these places more often.
(5)
Jennifer V.
This is our favorite place to eat! The staff is very professional, pleasant and treats you like family. They accommodate everyone. Whether it be with food suggestions due to food concerns to making you feel comfortable and safe by ensuring everyone can maneuver through the establishment safely. Thank you Joe's Pasta House for being so amazing!
(5)
Martha G.
I have gone to Joe's for years and that comment about him and his staff not being accommodating to persons with disabilities was so wrong! I would take my Mom there the last year of her life and the staff was so wonderful and helpful to her which was one of the reasons she loved it there. When she would come in her walker they would move chairs, assist her into her seat and then when we were ready to leave her walker was brought to her right away. Besides having wonderful food, they have a great staff and wonderful owners who care about people!
(5)
Ashley W.
Being that I grew up just down the road in Corrales, I had always heard such great things about this restaurant, but hadn't tried it yet. I'm sure glad I did..what a great little Italian place! The first words that popped in my head when I walked through the doors is romantic and homey. The atmosphere is low-lit, cozy and comfortable. Seems like a great place for a romantic date night. Even the (ladies) bathroom was decorated cute, and welcoming (as welcoming as a bathroom can be!). We started off with an appetizer that included stuffed eggplant, fried mushrooms and calamari. My favorite was the stuffed eggplant, which was lightly breaded and stuffed with ricotta cheese and prosciutto and covered with marinara. Very tasty! The main course was equally as yummy too. The Southwestern Shrimp Fettuccine was an Italian dish with a New Mexican twist with green chile, crushed red peppers and shrimp in a creamy parmigiano white sauce . This was my favorite thing by far! Anything with green chile is a fav of mine. If you haven't tried Joe's yet, I suggest you do. I'll be back soon!
(4)
John T.
Can not emphasize how much I love this place. Joe is great and the food comes out quick. Highly recommend
(5)
M G.
Always a fantastic experience with Joe's!!! Service, atmosphere, and food make this our home cooked Italian go-to where we know we can rely on consistent comfort food. The pasta bucket is a great take out option for stay at home nights. Thanks Joe for an amazing experience every time!
(5)
Justin A.
Fantastic food!!! Vodka cream sauce is wonderful. Eggplant Parmesean is perfect! Canoli is made in house. Wonderful, friendly staff. Best and probably only Authentic Italian food in NM. Motorcycle/biker friendly staff and parking.
(5)
Joseph P.
Outstanding!!! Great service, the owner makes rounds and is engaged with his patrons!! Found my spot!!!
(5)
Teresa D.
Nice atmosphere; great wait staff - they all help fill glasses, get refills, etc. & the food was really good with large portions for reasonable prices. Good cannoli!!
(4)
Amber S.
THEY DON'T ACCOMMODATE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OR SMALL CHILDREN. They don't allow strollers, or walkers into the dining room due to insurance reasons because someone might trip. Our server tripped over the high chair they gave us about three times, thank god my six month old son wasn't in it. (Who by the way is not able to sit up on his own in the first place). Also, the service was slow and the food was bland.
(1)
Brian P.
This was our first time here and I can say I will definitely be back. I am originally from Long Island NY and this place brought me back home. Food was great and portions were plenty. Service was outstanding our waitress was perfect and all the support staff did a great job.
(4)
Cydryce M.
Service was fantastic with great atmosphere...bread was cold and warm in spots and slightly damp...caesar salad on light green lettuce with ok tasting dressing (presentation nice but needed better green choice and better quality dressing)...chicken broccoli Alfredo was bland and runny...great kids menu with free scoop of ice cream (nice addition)...waitress was kid friendly and warm...may give it one more try...liked that the owner was the host...watched to see how he interacted with his clients and staff and he did a great job the whole time
(3)
Lisa H.
Went to Joe's Pasta House for dinner with friends Saturday night. It was a first for all 4 of us. We were seated right away. The service was very good. We were one of those annoying groups that was too busy talking and catching up with each other, so the server had to keep checking back before we were ready to order. Finally we were ready and ordered the sample appetizer plate which came with a nice variety. I had the full Greek salad with chicken, and hubby had the southwest chicken pasta. The servings were generous and we were all pleased. No room for desert, but had I saved room, there was a tempting desert bar that we passed on our way out. I think we might have also seen Joe himself in the kitchen.
(4)
Anthony T.
Everything about this place was perfect, a great feeling and setting. The staff was amazing very attentive and helpful throughout dinner. Will start spreading the word to all our friends on how great this place is!!!!!
(5)
Nurse N.
This is the BEST place in NM To get pasta. The staff is amazing the food is to die for and Joe-- you gotta love Joe! It's a must if just for the bruschetta.
(5)
Kimberly B.
I had never heard of the place before, but my boyfriend said they have a good lunch menu. We went for dinner and I was impressed. I think they have a full bar, but we just did wine and beer, a fair selection available. The food was awesome! They have a fabulous bruchetta, and the pastas we had were some of the best I've had. Full disclosure, my boyfriend went to high school with our server, so of course she was sweet. I did over hear her interacting with another table and it seemed like they were very pleased with their service. It's a bit pricey, but the food is superb and worth the price. I will certainly be going back.
(5)
alice w.
We are in the process of moving to Rio Rancho and tried this restaurant on a whim. I have eaten some incredible meals in Boston's North End that have made me difficult to impress, but what a find Joe's Pasta House was! From the minute we walked in the owner and wait staff were the perfect balance of friendly, helpful, and unobtrusive. That's all nice, but the FOOD...Holy Cow! We are still talking about the eggplant parmesan. Every single thing we had was amazingly delicious and fresh, and the prices are great. Actually, the meal reminded me of an old Rodney Dangerfield joke about having a mirror on the ceiling over the table while he ate. Yeah, it's THAT good.
(5)
Abby K.
The Fall Specials menu options all sounded really good. Ordered the Pumpkin Ravioli with pine nuts and Poached Pear Salad (poached pear, pomegranate, almonds, Gorgonzola, greens and vinaigrette) off the Fall Specials menu. Both were good choices. The pumpkin ravioli was a little sweeter than I would have liked, but that doesn't mean I didn't finish it with a smile on my face! It was a great appetizer when ordering a salad for my main entree. We also ordered cheese tortellini soup and my boyfriend says it was "very good." It had medium sized meatballs in it and I was actually a little jealous I didn't order the soup, even though I don't like meatballs. He also ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli. The sauce was creamy with huge pieces of chicken and broccoli. The dish was big, we took home leftovers. They start the meal off with warm bread and a Bruschetta-like tomato topping and oil with spices. Love free bread :) and goodies to start off an Italian meal. Overall the atmosphere is cozy at Joes. It's a little old school looking, good for date night though. The servers and bus boys are super nice and super attentive. This is a great find in Rio Rancho. I hope they keep the authentic flavors and fresh dishes.
(4)
Travel'en C.
As many have already expressed, this place truly gets it. The food is quite delicious but what I really love about this place is that it's so consistent - given we've only eaten here 6 times but every time our experience was exceptional. Quality/consistent service is a tough objective here in Albuquerque however the staff here is always friendly, knowledgeable and very polite. That's a true indication from solid ownership for sure. It's a long drive for us but it's well worth it.
(5)
Joshua W.
I've been here a few times and their Italian food is good for Albuquerque; I'm from NY. Today, I ordered the lobster ravioli. Do NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT order the lobster ravioli, it is a puree salty mush inside. You would expect a nice piece of lobster would be stuffed inside the ravioli, with some butter or red sauce, it was nothing of the sort. I was incredibly disappointed and will never order that again. Disgusting.
(2)
M T.
Love this local fave! Service and food is consistent. Expect to wait - it's worth it!
(5)
J R.
From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, A+ service! The staff is always friendly and very attentive. The lunch buffet is the best in town and the price can't be beat. I eat here with my coworkers sometimes during the week and have even brought my kids and husband in on the weekend and they loved it as well! My favorites are the eggplant parmigiana, salad bar and of course their soft,warm bread with olive oil-yum...!
(5)
Dwain K.
Great atmosphere, impeccable service and delicious food!"
(5)
Howie K.
Usually I'm not one to review a locale that has hosted a Yelp event in the past, because I can certainly recognize a conflict of interest, but I need to make an exception for Joe's Pasta House, so here's full disclosure: Kassie and Joe put together a fantastic, intimate evening for myself and about 15 Elites and their guests. We were wined, we were dined, it was sublime, and if you weren't there, well, your loss. I feel the restaurant deserves this review because I'm fairly confident my experience warrants getting the word out. I've not only sampled several dinner options, but enjoyed the lunch buffet on several occasions as well, and I can report that this Pasta House comprises that unique combination of very solid dining options with an earthy, heartfelt personality that begs five stars. Truly, this is the beauty of an Everyman rating site like Yelp, as opposed to earlier days, when we had to rely on magazines, newspapers and Zagat guides. Now the local word gets out, and in Joe's case it lives up to all of the hype. House-made meals which are hearty, comforting, and entirely too filling, coupled with an excellent selection of wines, a decent choice of local beers, and terrific servers including the man himself, who makes a point of briefly introducing himself to guests, and apparently has a knack for delighting the kids. This is family dining from an authentic Italian perspective: soft music, friendly people, great food, stories get told, memories are made. The next time I visit I'm taking Kassie's advice and trying one of the steaks. My favorites here are, not surprisingly, the crowd pleasers: eggplant parmesan, green chile alfredo, lasagna. Oh, and don't get me started on the cannoli. And some of the best tiramisu in the city. Decadent.
(5)
Marc P.
Our family of 5, including 3 generations were pleased with every dish and with the service. Different steak dishes were prepared exactly as requested. My Genoa style veal was a great taste and my daughter loved her Southwest chicken fettuccine. My grandson thought his spaghetti and meatballs and meat sauce were awesome. We are looking forward to a return visit.
(5)
Jayou U.
Tried this place for lunch with my wife and loved it. The environment was good with friendly staff and quick service. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccine and my wife tried the lasagna. Both were very good and I can't wait to try others on the menu. Great place for your Italian fix.
(5)
Aubrey A.
I come here every time I'm in town. The service has always been very attentive and outstanding. The food has always been amazing. I can't say enough about the pasta house and can't imagine anyone ever having a poor experience here. I bring locals here and clients. All of them are converts once they've experienced the house. Some decor needs updating but come on... I'm here to eat great food and receive amazing service.
(5)
Tami C.
I came in with my husband for lunch and we were first impressed with the pleasant atomosphere and prompt service. We ordered the lasagne and southwestern chicken fettuccine and loved it!! No need to drive all the way to Olive Garden anymore when I want my Italian fix. I will be coming back!
as an Italian, I rarely go out for Italian food because I can easily make it myself and because we're originally from the east coast where we got spoiled with awesome Italian food. Joe's Pasta House was a lovely surprise though!! The bread and bruchetta they give you to start with is absolutely yummy. I got alfredo raviolis which was really good, though I kind of thought it was a small portion compared to the humongous servings my friends got with their dishes. I'd recommend some more vegetarian options should be put on the menu! I was sad I couldn't get lasagna or vodka sauce for example. But I'll definitely go back!
(4)
Amy B.
Meh... it was OK. We were in the neighborhood and thought we would try it. My husband and I both had the lunch buffet. The salad bar consists of lettuce, mushrooms, and beets. The other ptrepared salads looked old. The pasta and sauce were good, but the other options looked very greasy and old. The service was good, and that's why it earned 2 stars. Maybe if we would have ordered off the menu we would have had a better dining experience.
(2)
Katrina D.
Just had my first visit to Joe's Pasta House and we will most definitely be back! Being from the east coast (NY ) I have high expectations for Italian food especially when learning owner is from NY , they do not disappoint everything from the fried ravioli appetizer to the Veal Francese my personal favorite ! Were fabulous my dad enjoyed his pesto and we all enjoyed deserts don't miss the italian cake it was the best I ever had . Our server Randi you were the bomb ! I would come back just for your awesome service . I can't stand chains there is no personality or character Joes has both plus more . If you are craving Italian go see Joe. Katrina DiLeo & Familia
(5)
Diane B.
This is a great place! The food is all delicious, and the staff are wonderful. I'm glad we live so close! Try the chicken Alfredo made with green hatch chili. The desserts are yummy, too. Our server was good, but the bus boy was even more attentive, so we tipped him separately.
(5)
Ruben G.
Want great Italian in a great atmosphere with good, professional service? Try this place! A little far from our hotel and the main Albuquerque attractions, but it's a pleasant enough drive, and worth it. It's obvious that the owner and staff care...and that is evident in the food, ambiance, and service. It was a good treat for us on our weekend getaway to Albuquerque. We believe it is locally-owned, and the owner was actively seeing to his guests' needs. We were there during the transition from lunch to dinner menu, so it was cool to see the ambiance change! Everyone around us seemed to enjoy their experience, based on what we heard Really, really a great overall experience.
(5)
Christina R.
This establishment absolutely deserves the highest rating! My family and I have been going to Joe's Pasta House for over 12 yrs. now. We are from Chicago and truly know and appreciate good Italian food! The service here is absolutely awesome. The wait staff is very professional, friendly and they know their menu. Coming from another state, I get really discouraged from going out to eat around here because of the unprofessional/don't care/lack of pride culture that you often find. If you're looking for a change from that, you owe it to yourself to be treated here. The menu variety is outstanding and the preparation, presentation and freshness of ingredients are top notch. The owner Joe, I must say, works his ass off to make sure his restaurant is top notch and personally makes sure his guests are served to the highest degree. My family trusts Joe so much, we hired him to cater to my parents 50th wedding anniversary party. The atmosphere is relaxing, not noisy, and clean. Great for a quick lunch buffet or relaxing evening. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(5)
Tony Z.
What a surprise! Good craft beers, bruchette bread topping with bread, great Greek salad, prime rib night. You can't go wrong.
(5)
Kimmy V.
This is probably by far the best place I've gone to since I've moved to New Mexico. The wait staff and owner was truly well mannered and polite throughout our dinner time experience. If you are a looking for romantic dinner for two, ask for the Table "16." It seats two persons at far west corner of the restaurant next to the fire place away from the rest of the patrons dinning at the restaurant. When my boyfriend's steak didn't come out as ordered, the waiter went to get the owner, Joe, and he happily made a new steak to perfection. We've been here multiple times and although the outside of the restraunt is highly deceptive, please don't pass up this restaurant. Awesome Italian food with imppecable service, and large portions. One of our favorites is the deep fried raviolis as appetizer service with a white bechmal sauce...unbelievably good! Their red sauce served on pasta and in Lasagna is a little bit on the sweeter side... but very delicious. Joe, you certainly don't dissapoint, we will be dinning here on many more occasions.
(5)
Jim W.
Pasta House was a pleasant surprise. I stopped in here with a coworker for lunch. After a quick perusal (I don't think I've ever used that word before) of the buffet I chose to have that for lunch. There were a fair number of selections and the quality was decent. I particularly liked the eggplant parmesan. Located in a strip mall (like everything else in this part of the greater Albuquerque area) next to Albertson's.
(3)
Maricarmen P.
Great pleace to eat, decor a little dated but it's cozy and reminded me of going out to dinner with my parents when I was young, and those are all nice happy cozy memories. Food was delish, friendly service and live music. Very family oriented, but also appropriate for a nice romantic dinner, a-la-"Disney's Lady and the Tramp". :-) Happy place, locally owned, just go!
(4)
D.G. H.
Very good Italian food. I will be returning.
(4)
Beck J.
Outstanding food and staff. Joe always makes us feel at home. John the waiter is the best!
(5)
Andrew M.
I have been eating at Joes since I moved to Rio Rancho and the quality is always amazing and the service is excellent. I have toured the buffet, steaks, veal, and desserts. The food is delicious and the salad is crisp and refreshing with plenty of veggies. Where they really make you look good is when you hire them for catering. Joe is always on time and has a professional presentation. The are one of the best restaurants in the Rio Rancho/Albuquerque area.
(5)
David S.
Food is good, had buffet, not bad selection. Pretty quick lunch, reasonable.
(3)
Manuel M.
My kids and I love this place. Good food and a great time for us to share some special moments. Thanks Joe and your team
(5)
Christine H.
Joe's offers a great atmosphere and amazing food to match. There are many vegetarian friendly options which is a plus for my friends and I. I also tried their bloody mary, and it was very good as well.
(5)
Marcial R.
Lunch buffet or off the menu either way you win. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccini . It has green chilies (of course) and red pepper flakes! Yum the best part of the dining experience was my server. She was awesome, friendly and efficient! Perfect combo!
(5)
Nancy L.
Hubby and I have been going to Joe's Pasta House for several years, and we are regulars (twice this week, as a matter of fact). Hubby's standards are the fettucini al fredo with chicken or chicken Parmesan. My stand-bys are chicken Marsala or salmon. Even on the senior menu (between 3 and 6 p.m.), the servings are large enough to be able to take half home for the next day or night. Tonight, 1/29, we got a treat, as we were able to order, for the first time, the lobster ravioli. I can not rave enough about this dish---it is one of THE BEST THINGS I have ever eaten in my life. Fortunately, Joe has assured me that he intends to put it on the regular menu. At $18.95, it is a little pricey, but believe me, it is worth every penny, and I intend to save it for special occasions. One might be tempted to pass Pasta House by, as it is in a converted IHOP at the front of a strip center on the main drag in Rio Rancho. However, if you ignore Joe's you do so at your peril. Everything on the menu is absolutely authentic, Joe makes (or supervises the making of) every sauce used in the place. The bruschetta is made each night for the next day so it will have time overnight to meld the flavors. Speaking of he bruschetta, this is the only Italian restaurant I have ever been in where the bruschetta is served as a no-charge opener. Each table gets a small dish of bruschetta, a small dish of olive oil with spices, and a basket of two breads as soon as the party is seated. In contrast, we had dinner in what is supposed to be the best Italian restaurant in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) area, and their bruschetta was on the appetizer menu at $7.99 and was, to be succinct, AWFUL. Contrary to JP's review, the decor is very authentic Italian, with great music over the speakers at a level just loud enough to enjoy. The wait and bus staff is superb; as soon as a party vacates a table and they are just about the clear the door, a busperson is clearing the table and resetting it for the next party. The only thing I have ever found to gripe about (and it is a very small gripe) is the brown paper used to cover the tablecloth. I know that it saves on laundry costs, but I feel that perhaps a glass top over the tablecloth might be better--to show off the lovely linens and perhaps make the ambiance a little more formal. Restaurants of this caliber are supposed to be somewhat dark---and romantic! We've had lunch at Joe's on several occasions, and it is hard to find a better lunch for the price. Salad with the very best home-made Italian dressing, pasta, meatballs, sauces, baked chicken, and other goodies make for a very hearty meal at a great price. All of the recipes are Joe's or from his family, and the newest ones have been developed by him. Ignore this place at your own peril.
(5)
Carol R.
Been here a couple times and every time the food has had no flavor. The chicken fettuccini was bland, it was like eating plain pasta. Not impressed.
(2)
Dan W.
After ignoring Joe's for years we finally discovered our mistake. This was some of the tastiest Italian I have eaten this side of the Mississippi. My spouse would have liked a bit more garlic, but I found the flavor of the foods blended well as they were. Three of us ate at a price point equal to Olive Garden, but we all agreed Joe's will be chosen first every time. My only complaint was the darkness of the restaurant. My aged eyes can't read the dark menu in the dim light, but that is a minor complaint. If you are looking for a good Italian meal, give Joe's a try.
(4)
JA C.
Excellent baked penne. The entree was great. The bread was not hot however the oil served with it was perfectly seasoned. Nice atmosphere. Quick to refill beverages and replenish anything on the table. Server was very good. Fried mozzarella app was very good too. The cannoli was ok. Mind you, I did eat it all. My husband had chocolate cake and loved it. He had gnocchi for his entree and thought it was very good. I would go back for dinner without a doubt.
(4)
Brent P.
Joe's Pasta House was recommended to us by the desk clerk at our hotel and at first we were skeptical, then even more so when we pulled up as it looks like a converted Pizza Hut from the outside. However, as we were greeted by the owner, Joe, who proceeded to explain how the food is local and organic when possible and always made fresh, things started to look up. The ambience is typical Americanized Italian but all around fairly warm and cozy. They have a great wine and average beer selection but where they really shine is their Traditional Italian menu. You can select Chicken, Veal, or Shrimp Marsala, Francese, Piccatta, Saltimboca, and a handful of others. I picked the Chicken Francese and it was absolutely divine. Tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked with a nice tangy white wine butter sauce and a side of al denti spaghetti with fresh marinara. My friend had the Ravioli Rustica with Sausage, which was also very good, though intensly rich and filling. All in all, this is a hidden gem in Albuquerque and if I'm ever back in this city I will definitely visit Joe again.
(5)
Matt A.
Very nice. Joe will make sure you have a good time. Ask for table 16 in the corner if you are on a date night.
(5)
John G.
Food was quite good. It is obvious Joe takes pride in the place As he personally greets you at the door and then follows up to see how the meal is. I would recommend this restaurant to all
(5)
Ken S.
We eat there often. The service is great. The owner walks around to make sure that his customers are pleased. We went there for lunch and had the buffet. What a great buffet with great tasting food. The price was great.
(5)
Susan R.
My boyfriend and I went to celebrate Valentines Day there last night. They had a fixed menu which we thought was expensive. IT WAS WORTH EVERY DIME!!!!! He had soup which was to die for!!!! I know Italian resturants are not know for their soup but this was outstanding! Then we had salads which were great. We ordered the chicken parm which is what we usually get and it was W O N D E R F U L. I am from NY and the chicken parm is as good as you can get there, and the best you can get here. Then we had the desert tray which was wonderful. I have enough of everthing to eat again tomorrow. The owner knows us from prior visits and when I raved about his soup he actually gave me a container to take home. LIQUID GOLD! If you like good Italian food this is the place to go..
(5)
Wanugee N.
This is a nice little pasta house in the suburbs of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Friendly staff, good pastas, a lot of good choices with different pastas and sauces. Beats Olive Garden! Reasonably priced. Had a group of 7 here and everyone loved their food. You probably could do better in other Italian restaurants like this some where in the world, but not in New Mexico. When you tire of Mexican food while in ABQ, try this place.
(3)
Katie L.
I'm Italian, I cook Italian food from scratch, and we came here because everyone we knew raved about the place, so we went. Sort of a mistake... I ate the Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti. The chicken was dry, and way over cooked to the point it tasted burnt. The atmosphere in the restaurant was terrible and extremely outdated. The restaurant was really dark, there were plastic grapes and plastic ivy strewn everywhere. Statues of God knows what, and the worst part, it looked like they haven't dusted anything in that restaurant in YEARS! A much as everyone raves about it, I'm raving that I won't ever go back! I think I need to go to Joe's kitchen and teach the cooks how to cook REAL Italian food. My Nonno would have chucked his plate of food right into a wall had I ever taken him there.
(2)
Karen M.
I just love the easy-going atmosphere at Joe's. And of course the food is delicious, too! My colleague and I both ordered salmon - mine grilled with a side of angel hair pasta tossed with pesto. Richard ordered salmon with spinach. I like mine done well and he likes his medium. Both came out perfect. I highly recommend this spot for traditional italian and seafood - this was our second visit and we'll definitely return!
(4)
Marqui R.
I was wowed by this place as far as food and service goes. Its located in a strip mall area in Rio Rancho. I love that they serve bread with fresh bruschetta as a starter before you get your meal. Huge fan of bruschetta. Also they had a huge selection on their menu, all italian of course. I was very happy that they had plenty of seafood selections, I went with the Pasta di Mare and wasn't disappointed. Everything tasted fresh. The owner was also working that night and did everything he could to make me feel welcomed. I felt like I was having dinner at a friends house instead of just going to a dining establishment. Will be back!
(5)
Kendyl G.
Okay first off, let me start by saying they have exceptional waitstaff!!!! our waiter was fabulous and super attentive and friendly. That right there is worth three stars, you may ask why, and I say the service is just as important as the food, my husband and I never saw the bottoms of our glasses. Now for the interior. Well when you walk in it looks very elegant with the traditional Italian decor...but...when you turn the corner its very bland and for lack of a better word, outdated in the dining room area. But that honestly wasn't a factor since the rest of the experience was great. Okay, now for the food. They give you fresh warm bread alongside olive oil with herbs when you first sit down, but the surprise came when our waiter sat down a little serving dish filled with amazing homemade Bruschetta which was COMPLIMENTARY! It was amazing and full of flavor, the tomatoes you could taste were very fresh,they were definitely not canned diced tomatoes! Then we order the mediterranean fried calamari for an appetizer. I was skeptical. I had never heard of fried calamari, artichoke hearts and kalamata olives alongside feta, capers and purple onions. But it was fantastic and the flavors were amazing and paired quite well with one another. The fresh spinach also was a lovely addition which of course gave it that fresh mediterranean taste and feel. There was definitely some sort of garlic butter sauce on the fried calamari which added to the delicious flavor. This appetizer alone was worth the visit and by far the best part and the reason for the last 2 stars. We had several glasses of wine as well, which were great. Actually, they have a fairly extensive list of wines. Which was unexpected and a great bonus. they also make their own homemade sangria! Now for the main course. My husband and I both ordered the lobster ravioli with cream sauce, which comes with shrimp on top. Now, the cream sauce was simple and if I'm honest, fairly standard and nothing to brag about. The lobster raviolis were disgusting, that's just the raviolis themselves. The filling was equally gross and the lobster inside did not have a reminiscent taste of lobster at all. The shrimp was very chewy which in our opinion, was a sign that they weren't fresh. This main dish was disappointing, mainly because everyone on here rants and raves how great this particular dish is. Also equally shocking because this dish is on there popular and guest favorites section on the menu? Now, some might say, "well you just went on a off day when it happened to not be fresh or up to par" but I know that is not the case here. Simply because everything else was wonderful, fresh and tasty. I think this dish was just no good. I obviously will never ordered this dish again. But with that being said, I will come back and continue to taste other things on their menu. This one bad dish doesn't seal their fate with me, seeing how everything else was wonderful. Give this joint a try. (just don't order the lobster ravioli, lol)
(5)
Nita H.
Stumbled across this restaurant eight years ago, and have yet to have better Italian food. We have told friends in our home state about this restaurant, if headings to NM-4 states away we couldn't wait to come back-The complementary bruschetta, fresh Italian bread is just the beginning of this wonderful meal. The service is spot on, from the owner himself seating us to our excellent server (pictured). Go if you get the chance, won't be sorry with the portion size, service and/or prices.
(5)
Joanne L.
We came across Joe's by mistake.... we were driving to pick something up on that side of town and was looking for somewhere to grab dinner- we drove past Joes and I turned my nose up and told my husband I didn't fancy going there, he persisted as he really wanted Italian and told me to look them up on "yelp". Joe's can thank Howie.K for our custom I was sold after reading his review and we turned the car around and went back and boy oh boy am I glad we did.This place truly is a hidden gem and I am so happy that we stumbled across it. I was just saying the other day that good service is hard to come by. But this place nailed it our waitress was excellent above and beyond what i expected. This place is an all around solid 5 stars it was the best Italian food I have had in a very long time, I will go as far as to say it has made my top 3 of favorite places I have eaten Italian food at with my other 2 fav places been in Italy ;). I ordered the Southwestern chicken fettuccine and loved the "New Mexico" twist with the green chile's the flavors worked really well. My husband ordered the spaghetti with meatballs and asked for them to make it spicy and the it was delicious I honestly couldn't decide which one I liked better his or mine. But here is where they really stand out for me...... the kids meals are bottomless.... so if your kids are still hungry after eating there meal then you can ask for seconds??? that kinda blew my mind and was amazing because my son is ALWAYS sniffing around for seconds that boy has hollow legs but he left Joes stuffed. Howki.K I am so thankful for your review that lead me to this place..... don't question it... just go and eat at Joes you wont regret it.
(5)
Deb D.
After ten years in Rio Rancho we finally made it here many moths ago. Have never had anything but a wonderful experience. Food fabulous and a fantastic and friendly staff. This is our go to place now!
(5)
Julian G.
You know Joe right? No, you don't know Joe? Well you should know Joe! I didn't know Joes until this past Friday when I was wanting to try something new that was local. We are bunch of noodle lovers but this place has so much more. I had the French cut pork chops and the lady had pasta a la vodka. I think my socks hit the opposite side of the room after my first bite. My gosh!, I haven't eaten food this delicious in a LOOOONG time. My plate came with mashed potatoes and the meat was smothered in a mushroom and wine sauce that was to die for. The place had a very relaxing, fancy interior and the wait staff was excellent. They also offer free bread and oil for dipping. I don't know if they have it every night, but they had a live classical guitarist playing Italian music on Friday. Overall, a bit pricey but well worth the money. It is also awesome to support local. Highly recommend.
(5)
Justin R.
The ratings are much better than the food. Mediocre taste at outrageous prices. We had 2 of their most popular dishes... not impressed. Will not be going back.
(2)
Andrea H.
My husband and I have been frequenting this place for a few years now. While we don't live in Rio Rancho, we are only a few miles outside of the city limits, so Joe's is close by. We have received consistently great food and service and have never had a bad meal here. Everything always tastes fresh and delicious. The ambiance is wonderful, too. It's casual enough for just an ordinary dinner out, but at the same time it's also nice enough for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, Valentine's Day, etc.). And they have a live guitarist on Friday and Saturday nights! I had been wanting to take my mom here for the longest time, but hadn't had the chance. Our schedules are complete opposites (I work Monday-Friday, and my mom works a full work week Friday-Sunday), she lives in the South Valley which is absolutely nowhere near Rio Rancho, and due to some health problems she is under driving restrictions and can't drive that long of a distance by herself. But when I learned that my mom had taken Mother's Day weekend off this year, I seized the opportunity. I asked her if she would be up to going to dinner on Saturday night. My husband and I went and picked her up but didn't tell her where we were going until we got there. I didn't want her to protest "going all the way to Rio Rancho" and spoil the plan. I was determined! My mom is originally from Brooklyn, NY, and grew up with her grandparents, three of whom immigrated from Sicily and one from Northern Italy. So she grew up eating a lot of traditional Italian food. She's lived in Albuquerque now for most of her life, and there are a few Italian places here she likes, but she is rather particular about what constitutes Italian food. I had a hunch she would really like Joe's. And she loved it! She ordered the linguini and clams in white sauce, and was impressed that there were actually fresh little neck clams in the pasta. She ate the entire plate, said she was stuffed, then asked me if I wanted to share the cannoli (I knew she would want it, LOL). She was REALLY impressed that the filling tasted freshly made and that the shells were obviously filled by hand. I hope I can take her back again some time soon. Thank you for yet another wonderful meal and you have now earned my mom's seal of approval!
(5)
Carolyn S.
Ok it's ok. Did u know that in afternoon u can pop in and buy a loaf of hot fresh bread Worth the stop. Their marinara could use lighter touch. But worth going for bread and manicotti . Real butter! Wow great bread
(3)
Manuel N.
as soon as you walk in you get greeted, so you feel welcomed. i went here to get some ravioli for my daughter and you could tell that the ravioli was fresh made and the bread as as well. great place
(5)
April D.
Fantastic as always! Victoria took excellent care of us. Suggest you come to Joe's pasta house for ALL your Italian food cravings.
(5)
Michael V.
My favorite place in Rio Rancho by far. Generous portion size. The attention by the wait staff is unmatched in Rio Rancho. The general ambiance is great. Live music and great food are a great way to spend an date night.
(5)
Anthony B.
Visited on 09/11/2015 for lunch. Waitress was very pleasant. However, I cannot honestly rate the food or service, as we left the establishment right after putting food on our plates at the buffet and returning to our table. We left because the owner was loudly berating an employee in the kitchen, using profanities my wife and I did not care to listen to. Also, there is always the fear such a display can turn violent! Very obscene, crass, low brow behavior no matter what the employee did to deserve it! Owner needs a class in employee relations. They did say on the website that they had entertainment! Have the event recorded and will share with my friends so they will know they are entering an establishment that is Rated R. Won't be returning for an encore!
(1)
Victoria G.
I've tried this place twice and both times was absolutely awful. It is too expensive for mediocre food. The appetizers given was a joke. It was so tiny. Barely enough for one person. The dishes are something that I could find in the frozen meal section. The only thing memorable about this place is the awful service. Just a very trashy place.
(1)
Lisa F.
Food was good! Tasted homemade.. Portions were enough share between two people. ( not a huge eater ) the service made our whole experience! Monica our server was attentive ( not overly) friendly an most of all knowledgeable an personable!. We had baked ravioli, salad an best of all tiramisu which was best I have had in town, an I have had quite a few in my years!
(5)
Jason H.
This place is in one word AMAZING! Every time I'm in town I make sure to stop in and see the gang. Always treated like family and leave FULL!
(5)
Diana S.
Incredible lunch buffet. Italian food u don't find everywhere.fresh tasty salad pasta dishes and souo. Really nice atmosphere with Frank singing. Great place. A find
(5)
Warren S.
I could give this place 4 stars, but their catering sucks, do NOT get chicken there, it might be frozen. And they doexican and it's no good. Stay with what you know.
(2)
Amy P.
Fabulous meal. It was our first time and we will definitely be back. The ravioli Rustica was very good. Good portion size as well.
(5)
Ricky G.
The food is amazing. I didn't give it 5 stars though because the prices are just a little high. I can't justify paying more than 8 dollars for some noodles with some sauce on top. What's that cost to make? About 75 cents? The food is amazing though and the staff and the owner are great people. I'll keep coming back.
(4)
Diana P.
If you're looking for an above average selection of top quality Italian food here in the ABQ/RR area, then look no more. From the appetizers (the calamari is to die for), to the entrees (eggplant parm & the grilled salmon are my fave), & even the decadent desserts, this place is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of pallet! The ambiance is a little rustic w/a dim light setting, giving it a cozier feel while you dine. The guitarist hired to strum acoustical tunes during your dining experience is the perfect background accompaniment with your dinner. (I always tip him ) Also, Joe has been quite pleasant and accommodating the past two times I had them cater our banquets. Feeding 40 or more employees can be quite a hassle every month! The price and quality are unbeatable! If you've never given them a try, I highly recommend you use them or at least take yourself out to dinner to eat here. Bon appetite!
(5)
Demetrio G.
Best restaurant in Rio Rancho by far. Best service I have ever had. I will go back any chance I get.
(5)
Celia M.
Delicious food, excellent service....consistently. Joe, himself, can often be found seating customers and checking on each table. Their lunch buffet is also terrific!
(5)
Jeff M.
Great food! Wait staff VERY attentive and friendly. Very enjoyable dinner! Spaghetti and meat sauce very good - kids loved it. Lasagna very good. Shrimp FraDiabolo (sp?) was very spicy - great shrimp. Huge portions.
(5)
Mandi B.
Pretty good food. The appetizer was amazing, as was the southwestern chicken fettuccini. The lasagna was a little saucy, and could have used some more meat. Overall, a pretty decent Italian place.
(4)
Dave D.
Great place to get some fantastic Italian food in Rio Rancho. The owner Joe, greats you at the door like family and then seats you in the spacious dining room. The dining room is well appointed and the few times I've been there has included live guitar music. The food is fantastic (this time was the potato gnocci) and I look forward to trying many more of their dishes. Service was quick and friendly even though the house was packed! We had to wait for maybe five minutes to get a table, during which time we sat at the bar and had a house made sangria. For larger groups, there is a private dining room in the back, not sure how many it seats, but it's there. The parking is shared with the strip mall, so it can be tight, but even with a lot of traffic it wasn't difficult finding a spot.
(5)
Samantha W.
I'd heard good things about the lunch buffet so I decided to give it try recently. It may be small, but it is good! Fresh salad, hot pasta, sauces and meatballs. Fresh bread and olive oil & herbs is also included. The dipping oil is divine! I also got a glass of the house Burgundy and it was wonderful - warm, fruity and matched well with my pasta sampling from the buffet. The atmosphere is casual and inviting. I'd rather go here than Olive Garden any day!
(5)
Paulina C.
My co-workers insistently mentioned the greatness of Joes pasta.So I decided to finally check it for myself. We made it in for there lunch special. Saturdays from 12 to 2 is what I was told. The buffet was very Italian and Authentic. The food is fresh and the service was great... The price was the best $7.99 for the buffet was well worth it! I also tried the Lobster Ravioli dinner plate. I wanted to try it and because I had already gotten the buffet I was hoping for a lunch portion I was told it had to be the dinner portion. Therefore, I decided to simply just order it and try it. It was $19.99 a bit pricey, but very scrumptious! By the way they read the reviews often..... lol! I over heard the staff talking about my good or bad review.. I was standing right there... lol!
(5)
Nikki S.
I love Joes! We come in about once a month for take out and it never disappoints! I had the prime rib a few weeks ago and it was amazing. You got the creamy horseradish spot on! Not too spicy, not too creamy. We love the big loaf of bread we get with our meal and their ranch dressing is one of the best we've ever had. They are so friendly when I come in to get the food and pay. They have even taken the food out to my car for me! I hope to eat in soon - but with 3 boys going out is a challenge :) I'm so glad we found Joes Pasta House and we will be lifelong customers.
(5)
Michele And Ken S.
We have been coming to Joe's for a long time, and me being of Italian decent and my husband a New York native are pretty picky about eating restaurant Italian food. Joe serves hands-down some of the very best food ever! Joe himself usually greets you at the door. The staff is always friendly and attentive but never annoying or hovering. There is usually some type of great live music--guitar, singing. As for the food--daily home-made bread and seasoned olive oil greets you, along with fabulous bruschetta topping if you choose. That's enough of an appetizer, but if you'd rather order off the menu, you can't go wrong with any salad or hot or cold appetizer or salad. Their Caesar salad is beautiful and delicious. We also like the Gorgonzola salad, the cold or hot antipasto and the Mediterranean calamari. My go to is the pasta carbonara--you just don't find this on restaurant menus! My hubby had the baked ravioli--fantastic as always. Try the Italian cream cake--light and lemony. Cannoli does not disappoint. We come back because the food and service are just perfect. And now I'm hungry again...
(5)
Charlene S.
Our family always enjoys Joe's Pasta House. The service is friendly and the food is fantastic. Some of our favorites are the spaghetti and meat sauce, southwestern chicken alfredo and chicken marsala. Joe is often seen in the restaurant checking on guests - his attentiveness and friendly smile toward customers doesn't go unnoticed. We appreciate the attention to detail such as filtered water service and daily fresh baked bread. We'd love to see a second bread option for interest but other than that, wouldn't change a thing.
(4)
Rok J.
Joe's Pasta house was a mixed bag in my one dining experience there so far. The things they did well, I thought they did a really good job on. The things that they missed the mark on, to me really fell flat. I'l do a quick pros & cons format for this review. BOTTOM LINE FIRST: In spite of some misses, I intend to return to try out more of their decently diverse menu. The quality evident in the things that they did do well, the staff's attentiveness, the ambience, & the value received justify a return trip in my opinion. PROS: - Staff: very friendly. Host was prompt in the extreme getting me seated. Waitress was only a few steps behind him bringing the menus and bruschetta & bread. All evening she was very attentive, responsive, friendly, & professional. Top notch people. - Ambience: subdued & pleasant. Even with about half the tables occupied, noise was not a problem. The divider between the seating & serving areas is effective without being obtrusive. Relatively low light overall, which is a nice change from glare of fast food joints & noise of sports bars. But there was plenty of downlight at the table. As someone else said, good for a date. - Bruschetta was very fresh & I found it tasty. In this simple dish, clean taste of the tomato rates above tricking it out with obscuring spices. Very well done! - Eggplant parmesan was cooked just right. Eggplant was firm, not mushy as it so often is found. Breading was crunchy & crisp. Browning on the cheese was textbook perfect with lovely dapples of brown floating on a blanket of melted cheese. This is the best eggplant parm I've had in years! - Spaghetti sauce was very simply done (a GOOD thing in my world). Very fresh tasting. Tomato texture was just right, somewhere between chunks & puree. Kudos to the chef or his helper for that. Only disappointment was discovering the green leafy stuff in it was parsley, not fresh basil. The spaghetti itself was passable, obviously packaged (not homemade fresh) but cooked nicely al dente. They did okay for what they had to work with. - Water: good, lacking any off tastes. I mention this because I have experienced water in Rio Rancho area that smelled suphurous. Joe's water could have been filtered. It was that clean tasting to me. - Table linens: cloth tablecloth & napkins. Nice touch! Detraction noted below in CONS section. - Serving size: generous. Salad came in a large square bowl & the entre covered serious real estate on the dinner plate. Coupled with the pre-meal bread & bruschetta I had plenty to eat. I brought half of the Senior portion home for another meal later. - Price: reasonable. Good value in getting generous portion of a really good entre for not a ton of money. CONS: - Olive oil for bread dipping lacked flavor. At first I thought it was corn or canola oil. Only tasting some with a spoon did it register as olive oil. Obviously very very light olive oil. The taste of the plain white bread overwhelmed it. Herbs & spices at the bottom of the dipping bowl added no flavor that I could tell, even when stirred up into the oil. This use called for extra virgin olive oil with its fuller flavor, but no such luck. - Bread tasted okay, but one end of the four-slice section was pretty dry. Like it had sat out for a while before it got cut off the loaf & delivered to my table. The other cut end was fresh. - Bread was 50-50 for me. It's white bread that was nicely crusty on the outside & chewy soft inside. Not bad, just not particularly noteworthy either. I guess I was hoping for something with a little more distinction or character to it. I know that bread is just a generic precursor to the meal & that extra expense for artisan breads is wasted investment on most diners, but this bread just struck me as being a little too passe'. Blame it on my seeing too many cooking shows on tv. - Salad had a couple strikes against it. Greens mix was obviously just a commercial bag mix made of a preponderance of romain lettuce chunks tossed in with some redleaf lettuce. The tomato & cucumbers in the salad were sliced about 1/4" thick & were not diced. This leaves the diner to finish the cutting up of those ingredients. - The brown paper cover sheets over the table cloths were a major detractor from what was otherwise a fairly refined restaurant interior. The surprising thing to me is that the paper is absorbant enough that in the case of spilled drinks or oil, the tablecloth is still going to need a trip to the linen service. The paper isn't really protecting the linen under it, but certainly cheapened the appearance of the table to my eye.
(4)
Alma M.
My boyfriend and I seemed to search the entire Internet for a nice restaurant for our anniversary dinner. When we stumbled on Joe's, we decided to give it a try. We were FAR from disappointed. The atmosphere was romantic and cosy, and the waitress was fantastic. When the food finally came, we couldn't have been happier. My boyfriend had the Green Chile Chicken Alfredo and I had the Mediterranean Pasta. I tried a bite of his, and it was delicious. He couldn't stop talking about how delicious he thought his dish was and nor could I. Instantly we decided all our special occasions will be spent there. I called my parents and raved about it to them the second we left. Such a wonderful experience.
(5)
Keira M.
After our catered lunch today I'm upgrading my review to 5 stars. It was to die for! SW chicken pasta....meatballs....and fresh green salad. Thank you.
(5)
Carlos G.
Bring an appetite because the food is delicious. If you like red wine try their house red wine it's to die for.
(5)
Brad F.
I love Joe's. Especially since I have to eat gluten free/Paleo. They cater to my specific needs so well. You wouldn't think a pasta house could do that do well. Also, their meats are all natural, grass fed and the fish is wild, not farmed. Healthy stuff
(5)
Lena L.
The owner's reply me to me deserves a 5 star. Customer service that is eager to explain without being condescending or begging? It still exists! And it's here. Really, people like these owners seem to be rare. People should enjoy these places more often.
(5)
Ashley W.
Being that I grew up just down the road in Corrales, I had always heard such great things about this restaurant, but hadn't tried it yet. I'm sure glad I did..what a great little Italian place! The first words that popped in my head when I walked through the doors is romantic and homey. The atmosphere is low-lit, cozy and comfortable. Seems like a great place for a romantic date night. Even the (ladies) bathroom was decorated cute, and welcoming (as welcoming as a bathroom can be!). We started off with an appetizer that included stuffed eggplant, fried mushrooms and calamari. My favorite was the stuffed eggplant, which was lightly breaded and stuffed with ricotta cheese and prosciutto and covered with marinara. Very tasty! The main course was equally as yummy too. The Southwestern Shrimp Fettuccine was an Italian dish with a New Mexican twist with green chile, crushed red peppers and shrimp in a creamy parmigiano white sauce . This was my favorite thing by far! Anything with green chile is a fav of mine. If you haven't tried Joe's yet, I suggest you do. I'll be back soon!
(4)
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Address :3201 Southern Blvd SE
Rio Rancho, NM, 87124
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
James P.
My family and I have dined at Joe's Pasta House many times and we are never disappointed. The food and service is great. Highly recommended.
(5)Tiffany A.
I seriously don't understand why everyone loves this place so much. The food is good but it's not wonderful. I've been here a lot for functions and I'm never blown away. The owners are rely nice and so is the wine selection but other than that, it's just another Italian place.
(3)Scott B.
My wife and I attempted to have a relaxing night out. She heard good things about the place so we decided to go. The wait was longer than what we expected so we stood (small bar with no available seating) and had a drink while waiting. Long story short, they sat us between crying children and obnoxious drunks. When a couple walks in to a place like this, you should never ever EVER put them in that position. Put them in a place where they can actually enjoy themselves and not hate the entire experience. Although the experience was far from what we had expected from a place like this, we had high hopes for the food. Sadly, it was bland. We tried our hardest to stick it out but seeing as though the table service was slow and the food wasn't what you would expect in a place like this, we just couldn't do it. We spend right around $100.00 on average when we eat out between food and drinks and that doesn't include the tip. We would have gotten better food and service at Chuckie Cheese for a 5th of the price. We won't be returning and certainly won't recommend it to anybody looking for a great relaxing foodie experience.
(1)James S.
This is by far the best restaurant in Rio Rancho, food is great service is great and the owner joe is a heck of a nice guy
(5)Michael G.
My family moved to the area a few weeks ago and our realtor gave us a gift card to Joe's and we're glad she did. We've already gone back again and were really pleased both times. The service was great both times and the food was great. My wife and I choose the dinner for two deal and we ordered the chicken parmesan. The servings were HUGE and we had plenty to take home with us. They have some good beers on tap and their appetizers were also good (we ordered the fried mozzarella last time). Everything was great and the staff was great with our kids too. Great place for good, relaxed dinner in Rio Rancho.
(4)Bura R.
Heard lots of good stuff. The Staff was very Friendly. Over the top. I wish the brunch lived up to the hype.
(2)J K.
I want to give a higher rating because the staff is extremely nice But the food is only fair. The lunch buffet selections are always the same; variety is the spice of life. The eggplant parmigiana can be good depending on the day. The salad bar is meager as is the desert selection. Frozen commercial meatballs,really? I'm sad that a local establishment is so boring; go to Olive Garden instead.
(2)Mike Z.
Their cheese tortellini soup had me hooked. Very clean tasting and not over powered with a tomato-based soup that I thought would taste just like striaght up marinara which was going to emulate what I was going to have with my entree. The place is quaint and unassuming from the outside considering it's in a plaza shopping corridor like a lot of the places in Rio Rancho but they make good Italian food. I had the bolognese for dinner. The riccotta wasn't overpowering and there was plenty to eat for an entree serving. I'll be back here to dine. I like their stuff.
(4)Sandra H.
My fave Thursday night dinner group (9 tonight) ventured across the river tonight to sample some of Albuquerque' s best Italian food. We were not disappointed and were especially pleased to see there is a seniors menu at a great price. It includes salad and iced tea or coffee. I loved the eggplant parmesan and the lasagne was also good. I would love to try the Mediterranean pasta dish one friend ordered. It was full of shrimp and other goodies. She loved it. There were no complaints. One friend ordered the decadent chocolate cake which She shared. Yum! Joe, it was well worth the drive!
(5)Jennifer M.
Absolutely the best Italian fare in Albuquerque! I live on the east side, and I have no issues driving an hour to get there for a meal. There are a lot of other restaurants that pretend that they're good, but Joe's holds themselves to a far higher standard. Just thinking about it makes me so hungry! Please, just try it. You can thank me later.
(5)Jazmine V.
If you are in the Rio Rancho or Albuquerque area and love Italian food, you better head on over to Joe's. I've been twice and haven't been disappointed. I used to work in a really awesome Italian restaurante in Las Cruces all through college and this place takes the cake in Albuquerque/Rio Rancho. They really know their stuff and are pretty authentic. The first time I went was a few years ago, so I can't remember what I had. But I remember having a great experience with my husband at lunch and wanting to try it again. I went again tonight for a Yelp Tasting Event and was over the moon about the service, food, and wine provided. Try the OZV Red Zinfandel. Yummo! We started out with an appetizer featuring fried mushrooms, fried calamari with a pesto dipping sauce, and eggplant parmesan with prosciutto. My favorite part of the appetizer was the eggplant parmesan. It was the highlight of the appetizer. It had a nice baked cheese on top and the hints of prosciutto really made the dish that much better! The Caesar salad was yummy. We then had a buffet style meal featuring sauteed veggies, meatballs and sausage, penne with green chile alfredo, chicken with capers, lasagna, and shrimp ravioli. Woah!! SO much food...and it was all so delicious and fresh! My husband and I both swooned over the penne with green chile alfredo. It was made with Harvest Hatch green chile. I LOVE Hatch green chile! It had a nice kick to it and I was happy that it was somewhat spicy. This being said, there was nothing on that buffet that I didn't like. We were then surprised with a delicious dessert selection at the end of the meal. We received a generous sample of tiramisu, cannoli, and some sort of lemon confection. My husband was all about the lemon dessert, while I really enjoyed the tiramisu and cannoli. Joe and Casey own the restaurant and they are very involved. The staff was also really friendly and helpful. I really felt like I was in a 5 star restaurant (hence the rating). You won't be disappointed!
(5)Sandra G.
If you were to leave it up to a nine year old to pick their favorite place to have dinner you would expect to hear Peter Piper, Chuck E Cheese or some place with games and probably mediocre pizza. Well, when I leave it up to my nine year old. I'm always sure he's going to say Joe's Pasta House please!! This place is definitely our go to place for a nice and delicious family dinner. The staff is always very attentive and they make you feel like family. My daughter has gotten a stuffed animal just for being cute, and my son a free dessert for being smart. Every visit has been a pleasant one and our out town family loves going there when they come to visit. I recommend this place to everyone and anyone that I can.
(5)Mike P.
Used to get my occasional Italian food fix at Olive Garden (I know, gross) but stumbled on this place and realized Olive Garden isn't Itlaian food! Lol! All the wasted years! since then this has been my place to go. great food and very nicely decorated without all the salt, unfresh food, and loud environment Olive Garden offers.
(4)Nina C.
We really enjoyed our visit. The food was good. I had the eggplant parmegiana and it was delish. But what really makes the experience is the service. Great wait staff, food delivered in a timely fashion and smiles. Recommended.
(5)Nick S.
Owner was very rude to us when we were waiting to be seated. The food was horrible. When I go to a pasta house, I expect that the pasta will be fresh and well prepared. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccine. The chicken was bland and frankly gross. The fettuccine was horrid. I would rather have gone to the supermarket and ate an uncooked ramen noodle packet. It would have been of a higher quality. I feel bad for anyone who goes here. Also we sat at about 605 and asked about the senior menu for grandma. They made a big to do about it ending at 600. We had a table of 6 so it took about 45 minutes for us to be seated, understandable, but also understandable that maybe 605 might be okay for grandma. All in all a really bad experience.
(1)Kimmy V.
This is probably by far the best place I've gone to since I've moved to New Mexico. The wait staff and owner was truly well mannered and polite throughout our dinner time experience. If you are a looking for romantic dinner for two, ask for the Table "16." It seats two persons at far west corner of the restaurant next to the fire place away from the rest of the patrons dinning at the restaurant. When my boyfriend's steak didn't come out as ordered, the waiter went to get the owner, Joe, and he happily made a new steak to perfection. We've been here multiple times and although the outside of the restraunt is highly deceptive, please don't pass up this restaurant. Awesome Italian food with imppecable service, and large portions. One of our favorites is the deep fried raviolis as appetizer service with a white bechmal sauce...unbelievably good! Their red sauce served on pasta and in Lasagna is a little bit on the sweeter side... but very delicious. Joe, you certainly don't dissapoint, we will be dinning here on many more occasions.
(5)Jim W.
Pasta House was a pleasant surprise. I stopped in here with a coworker for lunch. After a quick perusal (I don't think I've ever used that word before) of the buffet I chose to have that for lunch. There were a fair number of selections and the quality was decent. I particularly liked the eggplant parmesan. Located in a strip mall (like everything else in this part of the greater Albuquerque area) next to Albertson's.
(3)Maricarmen P.
Great pleace to eat, decor a little dated but it's cozy and reminded me of going out to dinner with my parents when I was young, and those are all nice happy cozy memories. Food was delish, friendly service and live music. Very family oriented, but also appropriate for a nice romantic dinner, a-la-"Disney's Lady and the Tramp". :-) Happy place, locally owned, just go!
(4)D.G. H.
Very good Italian food. I will be returning.
(4)Beck J.
Outstanding food and staff. Joe always makes us feel at home. John the waiter is the best!
(5)Andrew M.
I have been eating at Joes since I moved to Rio Rancho and the quality is always amazing and the service is excellent. I have toured the buffet, steaks, veal, and desserts. The food is delicious and the salad is crisp and refreshing with plenty of veggies. Where they really make you look good is when you hire them for catering. Joe is always on time and has a professional presentation. The are one of the best restaurants in the Rio Rancho/Albuquerque area.
(5)David S.
Food is good, had buffet, not bad selection. Pretty quick lunch, reasonable.
(3)Manuel M.
My kids and I love this place. Good food and a great time for us to share some special moments. Thanks Joe and your team
(5)Christine H.
Joe's offers a great atmosphere and amazing food to match. There are many vegetarian friendly options which is a plus for my friends and I. I also tried their bloody mary, and it was very good as well.
(5)Derrick R.
Recommend the Gnocchi with Italian sausage. one of the two top dishes there!!
(4)Andi D.
Decent pasta, very good service and atmosphere. Calamari was phenomenal considering this is the middle of the desert. Biggest complaint about the pasta Is that their sauce is extremely bland and tasteless. MUCH better in this area for the same price.
(3)Tony Z.
What a surprise! Good craft beers, bruchette bread topping with bread, great Greek salad, prime rib night. You can't go wrong.
(5)Marcial R.
Lunch buffet or off the menu either way you win. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccini . It has green chilies (of course) and red pepper flakes! Yum the best part of the dining experience was my server. She was awesome, friendly and efficient! Perfect combo!
(5)JA C.
Excellent baked penne. The entree was great. The bread was not hot however the oil served with it was perfectly seasoned. Nice atmosphere. Quick to refill beverages and replenish anything on the table. Server was very good. Fried mozzarella app was very good too. The cannoli was ok. Mind you, I did eat it all. My husband had chocolate cake and loved it. He had gnocchi for his entree and thought it was very good. I would go back for dinner without a doubt.
(4)Nancy L.
Hubby and I have been going to Joe's Pasta House for several years, and we are regulars (twice this week, as a matter of fact). Hubby's standards are the fettucini al fredo with chicken or chicken Parmesan. My stand-bys are chicken Marsala or salmon. Even on the senior menu (between 3 and 6 p.m.), the servings are large enough to be able to take half home for the next day or night. Tonight, 1/29, we got a treat, as we were able to order, for the first time, the lobster ravioli. I can not rave enough about this dish---it is one of THE BEST THINGS I have ever eaten in my life. Fortunately, Joe has assured me that he intends to put it on the regular menu. At $18.95, it is a little pricey, but believe me, it is worth every penny, and I intend to save it for special occasions. One might be tempted to pass Pasta House by, as it is in a converted IHOP at the front of a strip center on the main drag in Rio Rancho. However, if you ignore Joe's you do so at your peril. Everything on the menu is absolutely authentic, Joe makes (or supervises the making of) every sauce used in the place. The bruschetta is made each night for the next day so it will have time overnight to meld the flavors. Speaking of he bruschetta, this is the only Italian restaurant I have ever been in where the bruschetta is served as a no-charge opener. Each table gets a small dish of bruschetta, a small dish of olive oil with spices, and a basket of two breads as soon as the party is seated. In contrast, we had dinner in what is supposed to be the best Italian restaurant in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) area, and their bruschetta was on the appetizer menu at $7.99 and was, to be succinct, AWFUL. Contrary to JP's review, the decor is very authentic Italian, with great music over the speakers at a level just loud enough to enjoy. The wait and bus staff is superb; as soon as a party vacates a table and they are just about the clear the door, a busperson is clearing the table and resetting it for the next party. The only thing I have ever found to gripe about (and it is a very small gripe) is the brown paper used to cover the tablecloth. I know that it saves on laundry costs, but I feel that perhaps a glass top over the tablecloth might be better--to show off the lovely linens and perhaps make the ambiance a little more formal. Restaurants of this caliber are supposed to be somewhat dark---and romantic! We've had lunch at Joe's on several occasions, and it is hard to find a better lunch for the price. Salad with the very best home-made Italian dressing, pasta, meatballs, sauces, baked chicken, and other goodies make for a very hearty meal at a great price. All of the recipes are Joe's or from his family, and the newest ones have been developed by him. Ignore this place at your own peril.
(5)Carol R.
Been here a couple times and every time the food has had no flavor. The chicken fettuccini was bland, it was like eating plain pasta. Not impressed.
(2)Dan W.
After ignoring Joe's for years we finally discovered our mistake. This was some of the tastiest Italian I have eaten this side of the Mississippi. My spouse would have liked a bit more garlic, but I found the flavor of the foods blended well as they were. Three of us ate at a price point equal to Olive Garden, but we all agreed Joe's will be chosen first every time. My only complaint was the darkness of the restaurant. My aged eyes can't read the dark menu in the dim light, but that is a minor complaint. If you are looking for a good Italian meal, give Joe's a try.
(4)Brent P.
Joe's Pasta House was recommended to us by the desk clerk at our hotel and at first we were skeptical, then even more so when we pulled up as it looks like a converted Pizza Hut from the outside. However, as we were greeted by the owner, Joe, who proceeded to explain how the food is local and organic when possible and always made fresh, things started to look up. The ambience is typical Americanized Italian but all around fairly warm and cozy. They have a great wine and average beer selection but where they really shine is their Traditional Italian menu. You can select Chicken, Veal, or Shrimp Marsala, Francese, Piccatta, Saltimboca, and a handful of others. I picked the Chicken Francese and it was absolutely divine. Tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked with a nice tangy white wine butter sauce and a side of al denti spaghetti with fresh marinara. My friend had the Ravioli Rustica with Sausage, which was also very good, though intensly rich and filling. All in all, this is a hidden gem in Albuquerque and if I'm ever back in this city I will definitely visit Joe again.
(5)Matt A.
Very nice. Joe will make sure you have a good time. Ask for table 16 in the corner if you are on a date night.
(5)John G.
Food was quite good. It is obvious Joe takes pride in the place As he personally greets you at the door and then follows up to see how the meal is. I would recommend this restaurant to all
(5)Ken S.
We eat there often. The service is great. The owner walks around to make sure that his customers are pleased. We went there for lunch and had the buffet. What a great buffet with great tasting food. The price was great.
(5)Susan R.
My boyfriend and I went to celebrate Valentines Day there last night. They had a fixed menu which we thought was expensive. IT WAS WORTH EVERY DIME!!!!! He had soup which was to die for!!!! I know Italian resturants are not know for their soup but this was outstanding! Then we had salads which were great. We ordered the chicken parm which is what we usually get and it was W O N D E R F U L. I am from NY and the chicken parm is as good as you can get there, and the best you can get here. Then we had the desert tray which was wonderful. I have enough of everthing to eat again tomorrow. The owner knows us from prior visits and when I raved about his soup he actually gave me a container to take home. LIQUID GOLD! If you like good Italian food this is the place to go..
(5)Wanugee N.
This is a nice little pasta house in the suburbs of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Friendly staff, good pastas, a lot of good choices with different pastas and sauces. Beats Olive Garden! Reasonably priced. Had a group of 7 here and everyone loved their food. You probably could do better in other Italian restaurants like this some where in the world, but not in New Mexico. When you tire of Mexican food while in ABQ, try this place.
(3)Teresa D.
Nice atmosphere; great wait staff - they all help fill glasses, get refills, etc. & the food was really good with large portions for reasonable prices. Good cannoli!!
(4)Amber S.
THEY DON'T ACCOMMODATE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OR SMALL CHILDREN. They don't allow strollers, or walkers into the dining room due to insurance reasons because someone might trip. Our server tripped over the high chair they gave us about three times, thank god my six month old son wasn't in it. (Who by the way is not able to sit up on his own in the first place). Also, the service was slow and the food was bland.
(1)Brian P.
This was our first time here and I can say I will definitely be back. I am originally from Long Island NY and this place brought me back home. Food was great and portions were plenty. Service was outstanding our waitress was perfect and all the support staff did a great job.
(4)John T.
Can not emphasize how much I love this place. Joe is great and the food comes out quick. Highly recommend
(5)Justin A.
Fantastic food!!! Vodka cream sauce is wonderful. Eggplant Parmesean is perfect! Canoli is made in house. Wonderful, friendly staff. Best and probably only Authentic Italian food in NM. Motorcycle/biker friendly staff and parking.
(5)M G.
Always a fantastic experience with Joe's!!! Service, atmosphere, and food make this our home cooked Italian go-to where we know we can rely on consistent comfort food. The pasta bucket is a great take out option for stay at home nights. Thanks Joe for an amazing experience every time!
(5)Joseph P.
Outstanding!!! Great service, the owner makes rounds and is engaged with his patrons!! Found my spot!!!
(5)Jennifer V.
This is our favorite place to eat! The staff is very professional, pleasant and treats you like family. They accommodate everyone. Whether it be with food suggestions due to food concerns to making you feel comfortable and safe by ensuring everyone can maneuver through the establishment safely. Thank you Joe's Pasta House for being so amazing!
(5)Martha G.
I have gone to Joe's for years and that comment about him and his staff not being accommodating to persons with disabilities was so wrong! I would take my Mom there the last year of her life and the staff was so wonderful and helpful to her which was one of the reasons she loved it there. When she would come in her walker they would move chairs, assist her into her seat and then when we were ready to leave her walker was brought to her right away. Besides having wonderful food, they have a great staff and wonderful owners who care about people!
(5)Cydryce M.
Service was fantastic with great atmosphere...bread was cold and warm in spots and slightly damp...caesar salad on light green lettuce with ok tasting dressing (presentation nice but needed better green choice and better quality dressing)...chicken broccoli Alfredo was bland and runny...great kids menu with free scoop of ice cream (nice addition)...waitress was kid friendly and warm...may give it one more try...liked that the owner was the host...watched to see how he interacted with his clients and staff and he did a great job the whole time
(3)Lisa H.
Went to Joe's Pasta House for dinner with friends Saturday night. It was a first for all 4 of us. We were seated right away. The service was very good. We were one of those annoying groups that was too busy talking and catching up with each other, so the server had to keep checking back before we were ready to order. Finally we were ready and ordered the sample appetizer plate which came with a nice variety. I had the full Greek salad with chicken, and hubby had the southwest chicken pasta. The servings were generous and we were all pleased. No room for desert, but had I saved room, there was a tempting desert bar that we passed on our way out. I think we might have also seen Joe himself in the kitchen.
(4)Anthony T.
Everything about this place was perfect, a great feeling and setting. The staff was amazing very attentive and helpful throughout dinner. Will start spreading the word to all our friends on how great this place is!!!!!
(5)Nurse N.
This is the BEST place in NM To get pasta. The staff is amazing the food is to die for and Joe-- you gotta love Joe! It's a must if just for the bruschetta.
(5)Kimberly B.
I had never heard of the place before, but my boyfriend said they have a good lunch menu. We went for dinner and I was impressed. I think they have a full bar, but we just did wine and beer, a fair selection available. The food was awesome! They have a fabulous bruchetta, and the pastas we had were some of the best I've had. Full disclosure, my boyfriend went to high school with our server, so of course she was sweet. I did over hear her interacting with another table and it seemed like they were very pleased with their service. It's a bit pricey, but the food is superb and worth the price. I will certainly be going back.
(5)alice w.
We are in the process of moving to Rio Rancho and tried this restaurant on a whim. I have eaten some incredible meals in Boston's North End that have made me difficult to impress, but what a find Joe's Pasta House was! From the minute we walked in the owner and wait staff were the perfect balance of friendly, helpful, and unobtrusive. That's all nice, but the FOOD...Holy Cow! We are still talking about the eggplant parmesan. Every single thing we had was amazingly delicious and fresh, and the prices are great. Actually, the meal reminded me of an old Rodney Dangerfield joke about having a mirror on the ceiling over the table while he ate. Yeah, it's THAT good.
(5)Abby K.
The Fall Specials menu options all sounded really good. Ordered the Pumpkin Ravioli with pine nuts and Poached Pear Salad (poached pear, pomegranate, almonds, Gorgonzola, greens and vinaigrette) off the Fall Specials menu. Both were good choices. The pumpkin ravioli was a little sweeter than I would have liked, but that doesn't mean I didn't finish it with a smile on my face! It was a great appetizer when ordering a salad for my main entree. We also ordered cheese tortellini soup and my boyfriend says it was "very good." It had medium sized meatballs in it and I was actually a little jealous I didn't order the soup, even though I don't like meatballs. He also ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli. The sauce was creamy with huge pieces of chicken and broccoli. The dish was big, we took home leftovers. They start the meal off with warm bread and a Bruschetta-like tomato topping and oil with spices. Love free bread :) and goodies to start off an Italian meal. Overall the atmosphere is cozy at Joes. It's a little old school looking, good for date night though. The servers and bus boys are super nice and super attentive. This is a great find in Rio Rancho. I hope they keep the authentic flavors and fresh dishes.
(4)Travel'en C.
As many have already expressed, this place truly gets it. The food is quite delicious but what I really love about this place is that it's so consistent - given we've only eaten here 6 times but every time our experience was exceptional. Quality/consistent service is a tough objective here in Albuquerque however the staff here is always friendly, knowledgeable and very polite. That's a true indication from solid ownership for sure. It's a long drive for us but it's well worth it.
(5)M T.
Love this local fave! Service and food is consistent. Expect to wait - it's worth it!
(5)Joshua W.
I've been here a few times and their Italian food is good for Albuquerque; I'm from NY. Today, I ordered the lobster ravioli. Do NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT order the lobster ravioli, it is a puree salty mush inside. You would expect a nice piece of lobster would be stuffed inside the ravioli, with some butter or red sauce, it was nothing of the sort. I was incredibly disappointed and will never order that again. Disgusting.
(2)J R.
From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, A+ service! The staff is always friendly and very attentive. The lunch buffet is the best in town and the price can't be beat. I eat here with my coworkers sometimes during the week and have even brought my kids and husband in on the weekend and they loved it as well! My favorites are the eggplant parmigiana, salad bar and of course their soft,warm bread with olive oil-yum...!
(5)Dwain K.
Great atmosphere, impeccable service and delicious food!"
(5)Howie K.
Usually I'm not one to review a locale that has hosted a Yelp event in the past, because I can certainly recognize a conflict of interest, but I need to make an exception for Joe's Pasta House, so here's full disclosure: Kassie and Joe put together a fantastic, intimate evening for myself and about 15 Elites and their guests. We were wined, we were dined, it was sublime, and if you weren't there, well, your loss. I feel the restaurant deserves this review because I'm fairly confident my experience warrants getting the word out. I've not only sampled several dinner options, but enjoyed the lunch buffet on several occasions as well, and I can report that this Pasta House comprises that unique combination of very solid dining options with an earthy, heartfelt personality that begs five stars. Truly, this is the beauty of an Everyman rating site like Yelp, as opposed to earlier days, when we had to rely on magazines, newspapers and Zagat guides. Now the local word gets out, and in Joe's case it lives up to all of the hype. House-made meals which are hearty, comforting, and entirely too filling, coupled with an excellent selection of wines, a decent choice of local beers, and terrific servers including the man himself, who makes a point of briefly introducing himself to guests, and apparently has a knack for delighting the kids. This is family dining from an authentic Italian perspective: soft music, friendly people, great food, stories get told, memories are made. The next time I visit I'm taking Kassie's advice and trying one of the steaks. My favorites here are, not surprisingly, the crowd pleasers: eggplant parmesan, green chile alfredo, lasagna. Oh, and don't get me started on the cannoli. And some of the best tiramisu in the city. Decadent.
(5)Marc P.
Our family of 5, including 3 generations were pleased with every dish and with the service. Different steak dishes were prepared exactly as requested. My Genoa style veal was a great taste and my daughter loved her Southwest chicken fettuccine. My grandson thought his spaghetti and meatballs and meat sauce were awesome. We are looking forward to a return visit.
(5)Jayou U.
Tried this place for lunch with my wife and loved it. The environment was good with friendly staff and quick service. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccine and my wife tried the lasagna. Both were very good and I can't wait to try others on the menu. Great place for your Italian fix.
(5)Aubrey A.
I come here every time I'm in town. The service has always been very attentive and outstanding. The food has always been amazing. I can't say enough about the pasta house and can't imagine anyone ever having a poor experience here. I bring locals here and clients. All of them are converts once they've experienced the house. Some decor needs updating but come on... I'm here to eat great food and receive amazing service.
(5)Tami C.
I came in with my husband for lunch and we were first impressed with the pleasant atomosphere and prompt service. We ordered the lasagne and southwestern chicken fettuccine and loved it!! No need to drive all the way to Olive Garden anymore when I want my Italian fix. I will be coming back!
(4)Cassidy Z.
My girlfriend and I had an excellent meal here last night and, let me tell you, I will be back. What wonderful things isn't there to say about this family-operated restaurant tucked away in Rio Rancho, NM. The service was excellent, the food was divine and we even got to meet Joe and his lovely wife-both were genuine, friendly and I could tell very proud of their restaurant. This place has a lot of heart and you can taste it in the delicious food. My girlfriend and I were here for a special event and had the opportunity to sample a variety of their dinner entrées and desserts. I highly recommend the meatballs, but also the green chili pasta and the lasagna--my mouth waters just thinking about it! They have a large selection of wines to pair with any meal and are quiet knowledgeable about wine pairings. For dessert, we had cannolis, raspberry cheesecake and tiramisu. You cannot go wrong with any of these choices. Rio Rancho is wanting for good restaurants and the community is lucky to Joe's. The only other places I frequent are Turtle Mountain Brewery and Viet Taste and I am happy to add Joe's into the circulation! If you are in the mood for a lovely evening with your family or a romantic dinner with your significant other, this is the place to go.
(4)Shalayne C.
as an Italian, I rarely go out for Italian food because I can easily make it myself and because we're originally from the east coast where we got spoiled with awesome Italian food. Joe's Pasta House was a lovely surprise though!! The bread and bruchetta they give you to start with is absolutely yummy. I got alfredo raviolis which was really good, though I kind of thought it was a small portion compared to the humongous servings my friends got with their dishes. I'd recommend some more vegetarian options should be put on the menu! I was sad I couldn't get lasagna or vodka sauce for example. But I'll definitely go back!
(4)Amy B.
Meh... it was OK. We were in the neighborhood and thought we would try it. My husband and I both had the lunch buffet. The salad bar consists of lettuce, mushrooms, and beets. The other ptrepared salads looked old. The pasta and sauce were good, but the other options looked very greasy and old. The service was good, and that's why it earned 2 stars. Maybe if we would have ordered off the menu we would have had a better dining experience.
(2)Katrina D.
Just had my first visit to Joe's Pasta House and we will most definitely be back! Being from the east coast (NY ) I have high expectations for Italian food especially when learning owner is from NY , they do not disappoint everything from the fried ravioli appetizer to the Veal Francese my personal favorite ! Were fabulous my dad enjoyed his pesto and we all enjoyed deserts don't miss the italian cake it was the best I ever had . Our server Randi you were the bomb ! I would come back just for your awesome service . I can't stand chains there is no personality or character Joes has both plus more . If you are craving Italian go see Joe. Katrina DiLeo & Familia
(5)Diane B.
This is a great place! The food is all delicious, and the staff are wonderful. I'm glad we live so close! Try the chicken Alfredo made with green hatch chili. The desserts are yummy, too. Our server was good, but the bus boy was even more attentive, so we tipped him separately.
(5)Ruben G.
Want great Italian in a great atmosphere with good, professional service? Try this place! A little far from our hotel and the main Albuquerque attractions, but it's a pleasant enough drive, and worth it. It's obvious that the owner and staff care...and that is evident in the food, ambiance, and service. It was a good treat for us on our weekend getaway to Albuquerque. We believe it is locally-owned, and the owner was actively seeing to his guests' needs. We were there during the transition from lunch to dinner menu, so it was cool to see the ambiance change! Everyone around us seemed to enjoy their experience, based on what we heard Really, really a great overall experience.
(5)Christina R.
This establishment absolutely deserves the highest rating! My family and I have been going to Joe's Pasta House for over 12 yrs. now. We are from Chicago and truly know and appreciate good Italian food! The service here is absolutely awesome. The wait staff is very professional, friendly and they know their menu. Coming from another state, I get really discouraged from going out to eat around here because of the unprofessional/don't care/lack of pride culture that you often find. If you're looking for a change from that, you owe it to yourself to be treated here. The menu variety is outstanding and the preparation, presentation and freshness of ingredients are top notch. The owner Joe, I must say, works his ass off to make sure his restaurant is top notch and personally makes sure his guests are served to the highest degree. My family trusts Joe so much, we hired him to cater to my parents 50th wedding anniversary party. The atmosphere is relaxing, not noisy, and clean. Great for a quick lunch buffet or relaxing evening. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(5)James P.
My family and I have dined at Joe's Pasta House many times and we are never disappointed. The food and service is great. Highly recommended.
(5)Tiffany A.
I seriously don't understand why everyone loves this place so much. The food is good but it's not wonderful. I've been here a lot for functions and I'm never blown away. The owners are rely nice and so is the wine selection but other than that, it's just another Italian place.
(3)Scott B.
My wife and I attempted to have a relaxing night out. She heard good things about the place so we decided to go. The wait was longer than what we expected so we stood (small bar with no available seating) and had a drink while waiting. Long story short, they sat us between crying children and obnoxious drunks. When a couple walks in to a place like this, you should never ever EVER put them in that position. Put them in a place where they can actually enjoy themselves and not hate the entire experience. Although the experience was far from what we had expected from a place like this, we had high hopes for the food. Sadly, it was bland. We tried our hardest to stick it out but seeing as though the table service was slow and the food wasn't what you would expect in a place like this, we just couldn't do it. We spend right around $100.00 on average when we eat out between food and drinks and that doesn't include the tip. We would have gotten better food and service at Chuckie Cheese for a 5th of the price. We won't be returning and certainly won't recommend it to anybody looking for a great relaxing foodie experience.
(1)James S.
This is by far the best restaurant in Rio Rancho, food is great service is great and the owner joe is a heck of a nice guy
(5)Michael G.
My family moved to the area a few weeks ago and our realtor gave us a gift card to Joe's and we're glad she did. We've already gone back again and were really pleased both times. The service was great both times and the food was great. My wife and I choose the dinner for two deal and we ordered the chicken parmesan. The servings were HUGE and we had plenty to take home with us. They have some good beers on tap and their appetizers were also good (we ordered the fried mozzarella last time). Everything was great and the staff was great with our kids too. Great place for good, relaxed dinner in Rio Rancho.
(4)Bura R.
Heard lots of good stuff. The Staff was very Friendly. Over the top. I wish the brunch lived up to the hype.
(2)J K.
I want to give a higher rating because the staff is extremely nice But the food is only fair. The lunch buffet selections are always the same; variety is the spice of life. The eggplant parmigiana can be good depending on the day. The salad bar is meager as is the desert selection. Frozen commercial meatballs,really? I'm sad that a local establishment is so boring; go to Olive Garden instead.
(2)Mike Z.
Their cheese tortellini soup had me hooked. Very clean tasting and not over powered with a tomato-based soup that I thought would taste just like striaght up marinara which was going to emulate what I was going to have with my entree. The place is quaint and unassuming from the outside considering it's in a plaza shopping corridor like a lot of the places in Rio Rancho but they make good Italian food. I had the bolognese for dinner. The riccotta wasn't overpowering and there was plenty to eat for an entree serving. I'll be back here to dine. I like their stuff.
(4)Jazmine V.
If you are in the Rio Rancho or Albuquerque area and love Italian food, you better head on over to Joe's. I've been twice and haven't been disappointed. I used to work in a really awesome Italian restaurante in Las Cruces all through college and this place takes the cake in Albuquerque/Rio Rancho. They really know their stuff and are pretty authentic. The first time I went was a few years ago, so I can't remember what I had. But I remember having a great experience with my husband at lunch and wanting to try it again. I went again tonight for a Yelp Tasting Event and was over the moon about the service, food, and wine provided. Try the OZV Red Zinfandel. Yummo! We started out with an appetizer featuring fried mushrooms, fried calamari with a pesto dipping sauce, and eggplant parmesan with prosciutto. My favorite part of the appetizer was the eggplant parmesan. It was the highlight of the appetizer. It had a nice baked cheese on top and the hints of prosciutto really made the dish that much better! The Caesar salad was yummy. We then had a buffet style meal featuring sauteed veggies, meatballs and sausage, penne with green chile alfredo, chicken with capers, lasagna, and shrimp ravioli. Woah!! SO much food...and it was all so delicious and fresh! My husband and I both swooned over the penne with green chile alfredo. It was made with Harvest Hatch green chile. I LOVE Hatch green chile! It had a nice kick to it and I was happy that it was somewhat spicy. This being said, there was nothing on that buffet that I didn't like. We were then surprised with a delicious dessert selection at the end of the meal. We received a generous sample of tiramisu, cannoli, and some sort of lemon confection. My husband was all about the lemon dessert, while I really enjoyed the tiramisu and cannoli. Joe and Casey own the restaurant and they are very involved. The staff was also really friendly and helpful. I really felt like I was in a 5 star restaurant (hence the rating). You won't be disappointed!
(5)Sandra G.
If you were to leave it up to a nine year old to pick their favorite place to have dinner you would expect to hear Peter Piper, Chuck E Cheese or some place with games and probably mediocre pizza. Well, when I leave it up to my nine year old. I'm always sure he's going to say Joe's Pasta House please!! This place is definitely our go to place for a nice and delicious family dinner. The staff is always very attentive and they make you feel like family. My daughter has gotten a stuffed animal just for being cute, and my son a free dessert for being smart. Every visit has been a pleasant one and our out town family loves going there when they come to visit. I recommend this place to everyone and anyone that I can.
(5)Mike P.
Used to get my occasional Italian food fix at Olive Garden (I know, gross) but stumbled on this place and realized Olive Garden isn't Itlaian food! Lol! All the wasted years! since then this has been my place to go. great food and very nicely decorated without all the salt, unfresh food, and loud environment Olive Garden offers.
(4)Nina C.
We really enjoyed our visit. The food was good. I had the eggplant parmegiana and it was delish. But what really makes the experience is the service. Great wait staff, food delivered in a timely fashion and smiles. Recommended.
(5)Sandra H.
My fave Thursday night dinner group (9 tonight) ventured across the river tonight to sample some of Albuquerque' s best Italian food. We were not disappointed and were especially pleased to see there is a seniors menu at a great price. It includes salad and iced tea or coffee. I loved the eggplant parmesan and the lasagne was also good. I would love to try the Mediterranean pasta dish one friend ordered. It was full of shrimp and other goodies. She loved it. There were no complaints. One friend ordered the decadent chocolate cake which She shared. Yum! Joe, it was well worth the drive!
(5)Jennifer M.
Absolutely the best Italian fare in Albuquerque! I live on the east side, and I have no issues driving an hour to get there for a meal. There are a lot of other restaurants that pretend that they're good, but Joe's holds themselves to a far higher standard. Just thinking about it makes me so hungry! Please, just try it. You can thank me later.
(5)Nick S.
Owner was very rude to us when we were waiting to be seated. The food was horrible. When I go to a pasta house, I expect that the pasta will be fresh and well prepared. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccine. The chicken was bland and frankly gross. The fettuccine was horrid. I would rather have gone to the supermarket and ate an uncooked ramen noodle packet. It would have been of a higher quality. I feel bad for anyone who goes here. Also we sat at about 605 and asked about the senior menu for grandma. They made a big to do about it ending at 600. We had a table of 6 so it took about 45 minutes for us to be seated, understandable, but also understandable that maybe 605 might be okay for grandma. All in all a really bad experience.
(1)Derrick R.
Recommend the Gnocchi with Italian sausage. one of the two top dishes there!!
(4)Andi D.
Decent pasta, very good service and atmosphere. Calamari was phenomenal considering this is the middle of the desert. Biggest complaint about the pasta Is that their sauce is extremely bland and tasteless. MUCH better in this area for the same price.
(3)Michael V.
My favorite place in Rio Rancho by far. Generous portion size. The attention by the wait staff is unmatched in Rio Rancho. The general ambiance is great. Live music and great food are a great way to spend an date night.
(5)Nita H.
Stumbled across this restaurant eight years ago, and have yet to have better Italian food. We have told friends in our home state about this restaurant, if headings to NM-4 states away we couldn't wait to come back-The complementary bruschetta, fresh Italian bread is just the beginning of this wonderful meal. The service is spot on, from the owner himself seating us to our excellent server (pictured). Go if you get the chance, won't be sorry with the portion size, service and/or prices.
(5)Kendyl G.
Okay first off, let me start by saying they have exceptional waitstaff!!!! our waiter was fabulous and super attentive and friendly. That right there is worth three stars, you may ask why, and I say the service is just as important as the food, my husband and I never saw the bottoms of our glasses. Now for the interior. Well when you walk in it looks very elegant with the traditional Italian decor...but...when you turn the corner its very bland and for lack of a better word, outdated in the dining room area. But that honestly wasn't a factor since the rest of the experience was great. Okay, now for the food. They give you fresh warm bread alongside olive oil with herbs when you first sit down, but the surprise came when our waiter sat down a little serving dish filled with amazing homemade Bruschetta which was COMPLIMENTARY! It was amazing and full of flavor, the tomatoes you could taste were very fresh,they were definitely not canned diced tomatoes! Then we order the mediterranean fried calamari for an appetizer. I was skeptical. I had never heard of fried calamari, artichoke hearts and kalamata olives alongside feta, capers and purple onions. But it was fantastic and the flavors were amazing and paired quite well with one another. The fresh spinach also was a lovely addition which of course gave it that fresh mediterranean taste and feel. There was definitely some sort of garlic butter sauce on the fried calamari which added to the delicious flavor. This appetizer alone was worth the visit and by far the best part and the reason for the last 2 stars. We had several glasses of wine as well, which were great. Actually, they have a fairly extensive list of wines. Which was unexpected and a great bonus. they also make their own homemade sangria! Now for the main course. My husband and I both ordered the lobster ravioli with cream sauce, which comes with shrimp on top. Now, the cream sauce was simple and if I'm honest, fairly standard and nothing to brag about. The lobster raviolis were disgusting, that's just the raviolis themselves. The filling was equally gross and the lobster inside did not have a reminiscent taste of lobster at all. The shrimp was very chewy which in our opinion, was a sign that they weren't fresh. This main dish was disappointing, mainly because everyone on here rants and raves how great this particular dish is. Also equally shocking because this dish is on there popular and guest favorites section on the menu? Now, some might say, "well you just went on a off day when it happened to not be fresh or up to par" but I know that is not the case here. Simply because everything else was wonderful, fresh and tasty. I think this dish was just no good. I obviously will never ordered this dish again. But with that being said, I will come back and continue to taste other things on their menu. This one bad dish doesn't seal their fate with me, seeing how everything else was wonderful. Give this joint a try. (just don't order the lobster ravioli, lol)
(5)Karen M.
I just love the easy-going atmosphere at Joe's. And of course the food is delicious, too! My colleague and I both ordered salmon - mine grilled with a side of angel hair pasta tossed with pesto. Richard ordered salmon with spinach. I like mine done well and he likes his medium. Both came out perfect. I highly recommend this spot for traditional italian and seafood - this was our second visit and we'll definitely return!
(4)Katie L.
I'm Italian, I cook Italian food from scratch, and we came here because everyone we knew raved about the place, so we went. Sort of a mistake... I ate the Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti. The chicken was dry, and way over cooked to the point it tasted burnt. The atmosphere in the restaurant was terrible and extremely outdated. The restaurant was really dark, there were plastic grapes and plastic ivy strewn everywhere. Statues of God knows what, and the worst part, it looked like they haven't dusted anything in that restaurant in YEARS! A much as everyone raves about it, I'm raving that I won't ever go back! I think I need to go to Joe's kitchen and teach the cooks how to cook REAL Italian food. My Nonno would have chucked his plate of food right into a wall had I ever taken him there.
(2)Joanne L.
We came across Joe's by mistake.... we were driving to pick something up on that side of town and was looking for somewhere to grab dinner- we drove past Joes and I turned my nose up and told my husband I didn't fancy going there, he persisted as he really wanted Italian and told me to look them up on "yelp". Joe's can thank Howie.K for our custom I was sold after reading his review and we turned the car around and went back and boy oh boy am I glad we did.This place truly is a hidden gem and I am so happy that we stumbled across it. I was just saying the other day that good service is hard to come by. But this place nailed it our waitress was excellent above and beyond what i expected. This place is an all around solid 5 stars it was the best Italian food I have had in a very long time, I will go as far as to say it has made my top 3 of favorite places I have eaten Italian food at with my other 2 fav places been in Italy ;). I ordered the Southwestern chicken fettuccine and loved the "New Mexico" twist with the green chile's the flavors worked really well. My husband ordered the spaghetti with meatballs and asked for them to make it spicy and the it was delicious I honestly couldn't decide which one I liked better his or mine. But here is where they really stand out for me...... the kids meals are bottomless.... so if your kids are still hungry after eating there meal then you can ask for seconds??? that kinda blew my mind and was amazing because my son is ALWAYS sniffing around for seconds that boy has hollow legs but he left Joes stuffed. Howki.K I am so thankful for your review that lead me to this place..... don't question it... just go and eat at Joes you wont regret it.
(5)Deb D.
After ten years in Rio Rancho we finally made it here many moths ago. Have never had anything but a wonderful experience. Food fabulous and a fantastic and friendly staff. This is our go to place now!
(5)Carolyn S.
Ok it's ok. Did u know that in afternoon u can pop in and buy a loaf of hot fresh bread Worth the stop. Their marinara could use lighter touch. But worth going for bread and manicotti . Real butter! Wow great bread
(3)April D.
Fantastic as always! Victoria took excellent care of us. Suggest you come to Joe's pasta house for ALL your Italian food cravings.
(5)Julian G.
You know Joe right? No, you don't know Joe? Well you should know Joe! I didn't know Joes until this past Friday when I was wanting to try something new that was local. We are bunch of noodle lovers but this place has so much more. I had the French cut pork chops and the lady had pasta a la vodka. I think my socks hit the opposite side of the room after my first bite. My gosh!, I haven't eaten food this delicious in a LOOOONG time. My plate came with mashed potatoes and the meat was smothered in a mushroom and wine sauce that was to die for. The place had a very relaxing, fancy interior and the wait staff was excellent. They also offer free bread and oil for dipping. I don't know if they have it every night, but they had a live classical guitarist playing Italian music on Friday. Overall, a bit pricey but well worth the money. It is also awesome to support local. Highly recommend.
(5)Justin R.
The ratings are much better than the food. Mediocre taste at outrageous prices. We had 2 of their most popular dishes... not impressed. Will not be going back.
(2)Andrea H.
My husband and I have been frequenting this place for a few years now. While we don't live in Rio Rancho, we are only a few miles outside of the city limits, so Joe's is close by. We have received consistently great food and service and have never had a bad meal here. Everything always tastes fresh and delicious. The ambiance is wonderful, too. It's casual enough for just an ordinary dinner out, but at the same time it's also nice enough for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, Valentine's Day, etc.). And they have a live guitarist on Friday and Saturday nights! I had been wanting to take my mom here for the longest time, but hadn't had the chance. Our schedules are complete opposites (I work Monday-Friday, and my mom works a full work week Friday-Sunday), she lives in the South Valley which is absolutely nowhere near Rio Rancho, and due to some health problems she is under driving restrictions and can't drive that long of a distance by herself. But when I learned that my mom had taken Mother's Day weekend off this year, I seized the opportunity. I asked her if she would be up to going to dinner on Saturday night. My husband and I went and picked her up but didn't tell her where we were going until we got there. I didn't want her to protest "going all the way to Rio Rancho" and spoil the plan. I was determined! My mom is originally from Brooklyn, NY, and grew up with her grandparents, three of whom immigrated from Sicily and one from Northern Italy. So she grew up eating a lot of traditional Italian food. She's lived in Albuquerque now for most of her life, and there are a few Italian places here she likes, but she is rather particular about what constitutes Italian food. I had a hunch she would really like Joe's. And she loved it! She ordered the linguini and clams in white sauce, and was impressed that there were actually fresh little neck clams in the pasta. She ate the entire plate, said she was stuffed, then asked me if I wanted to share the cannoli (I knew she would want it, LOL). She was REALLY impressed that the filling tasted freshly made and that the shells were obviously filled by hand. I hope I can take her back again some time soon. Thank you for yet another wonderful meal and you have now earned my mom's seal of approval!
(5)Anthony B.
Visited on 09/11/2015 for lunch. Waitress was very pleasant. However, I cannot honestly rate the food or service, as we left the establishment right after putting food on our plates at the buffet and returning to our table. We left because the owner was loudly berating an employee in the kitchen, using profanities my wife and I did not care to listen to. Also, there is always the fear such a display can turn violent! Very obscene, crass, low brow behavior no matter what the employee did to deserve it! Owner needs a class in employee relations. They did say on the website that they had entertainment! Have the event recorded and will share with my friends so they will know they are entering an establishment that is Rated R. Won't be returning for an encore!
(1)Victoria G.
I've tried this place twice and both times was absolutely awful. It is too expensive for mediocre food. The appetizers given was a joke. It was so tiny. Barely enough for one person. The dishes are something that I could find in the frozen meal section. The only thing memorable about this place is the awful service. Just a very trashy place.
(1)Lisa F.
Food was good! Tasted homemade.. Portions were enough share between two people. ( not a huge eater ) the service made our whole experience! Monica our server was attentive ( not overly) friendly an most of all knowledgeable an personable!. We had baked ravioli, salad an best of all tiramisu which was best I have had in town, an I have had quite a few in my years!
(5)Jason H.
This place is in one word AMAZING! Every time I'm in town I make sure to stop in and see the gang. Always treated like family and leave FULL!
(5)Diana S.
Incredible lunch buffet. Italian food u don't find everywhere.fresh tasty salad pasta dishes and souo. Really nice atmosphere with Frank singing. Great place. A find
(5)Warren S.
I could give this place 4 stars, but their catering sucks, do NOT get chicken there, it might be frozen. And they doexican and it's no good. Stay with what you know.
(2)Amy P.
Fabulous meal. It was our first time and we will definitely be back. The ravioli Rustica was very good. Good portion size as well.
(5)Ricky G.
The food is amazing. I didn't give it 5 stars though because the prices are just a little high. I can't justify paying more than 8 dollars for some noodles with some sauce on top. What's that cost to make? About 75 cents? The food is amazing though and the staff and the owner are great people. I'll keep coming back.
(4)Diana P.
If you're looking for an above average selection of top quality Italian food here in the ABQ/RR area, then look no more. From the appetizers (the calamari is to die for), to the entrees (eggplant parm & the grilled salmon are my fave), & even the decadent desserts, this place is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of pallet! The ambiance is a little rustic w/a dim light setting, giving it a cozier feel while you dine. The guitarist hired to strum acoustical tunes during your dining experience is the perfect background accompaniment with your dinner. (I always tip him ) Also, Joe has been quite pleasant and accommodating the past two times I had them cater our banquets. Feeding 40 or more employees can be quite a hassle every month! The price and quality are unbeatable! If you've never given them a try, I highly recommend you use them or at least take yourself out to dinner to eat here. Bon appetite!
(5)Demetrio G.
Best restaurant in Rio Rancho by far. Best service I have ever had. I will go back any chance I get.
(5)Celia M.
Delicious food, excellent service....consistently. Joe, himself, can often be found seating customers and checking on each table. Their lunch buffet is also terrific!
(5)Jeff M.
Great food! Wait staff VERY attentive and friendly. Very enjoyable dinner! Spaghetti and meat sauce very good - kids loved it. Lasagna very good. Shrimp FraDiabolo (sp?) was very spicy - great shrimp. Huge portions.
(5)Mandi B.
Pretty good food. The appetizer was amazing, as was the southwestern chicken fettuccini. The lasagna was a little saucy, and could have used some more meat. Overall, a pretty decent Italian place.
(4)Dave D.
Great place to get some fantastic Italian food in Rio Rancho. The owner Joe, greats you at the door like family and then seats you in the spacious dining room. The dining room is well appointed and the few times I've been there has included live guitar music. The food is fantastic (this time was the potato gnocci) and I look forward to trying many more of their dishes. Service was quick and friendly even though the house was packed! We had to wait for maybe five minutes to get a table, during which time we sat at the bar and had a house made sangria. For larger groups, there is a private dining room in the back, not sure how many it seats, but it's there. The parking is shared with the strip mall, so it can be tight, but even with a lot of traffic it wasn't difficult finding a spot.
(5)Samantha W.
I'd heard good things about the lunch buffet so I decided to give it try recently. It may be small, but it is good! Fresh salad, hot pasta, sauces and meatballs. Fresh bread and olive oil & herbs is also included. The dipping oil is divine! I also got a glass of the house Burgundy and it was wonderful - warm, fruity and matched well with my pasta sampling from the buffet. The atmosphere is casual and inviting. I'd rather go here than Olive Garden any day!
(5)Paulina C.
My co-workers insistently mentioned the greatness of Joes pasta.So I decided to finally check it for myself. We made it in for there lunch special. Saturdays from 12 to 2 is what I was told. The buffet was very Italian and Authentic. The food is fresh and the service was great... The price was the best $7.99 for the buffet was well worth it! I also tried the Lobster Ravioli dinner plate. I wanted to try it and because I had already gotten the buffet I was hoping for a lunch portion I was told it had to be the dinner portion. Therefore, I decided to simply just order it and try it. It was $19.99 a bit pricey, but very scrumptious! By the way they read the reviews often..... lol! I over heard the staff talking about my good or bad review.. I was standing right there... lol!
(5)Nikki S.
I love Joes! We come in about once a month for take out and it never disappoints! I had the prime rib a few weeks ago and it was amazing. You got the creamy horseradish spot on! Not too spicy, not too creamy. We love the big loaf of bread we get with our meal and their ranch dressing is one of the best we've ever had. They are so friendly when I come in to get the food and pay. They have even taken the food out to my car for me! I hope to eat in soon - but with 3 boys going out is a challenge :) I'm so glad we found Joes Pasta House and we will be lifelong customers.
(5)Michele And Ken S.
We have been coming to Joe's for a long time, and me being of Italian decent and my husband a New York native are pretty picky about eating restaurant Italian food. Joe serves hands-down some of the very best food ever! Joe himself usually greets you at the door. The staff is always friendly and attentive but never annoying or hovering. There is usually some type of great live music--guitar, singing. As for the food--daily home-made bread and seasoned olive oil greets you, along with fabulous bruschetta topping if you choose. That's enough of an appetizer, but if you'd rather order off the menu, you can't go wrong with any salad or hot or cold appetizer or salad. Their Caesar salad is beautiful and delicious. We also like the Gorgonzola salad, the cold or hot antipasto and the Mediterranean calamari. My go to is the pasta carbonara--you just don't find this on restaurant menus! My hubby had the baked ravioli--fantastic as always. Try the Italian cream cake--light and lemony. Cannoli does not disappoint. We come back because the food and service are just perfect. And now I'm hungry again...
(5)Charlene S.
Our family always enjoys Joe's Pasta House. The service is friendly and the food is fantastic. Some of our favorites are the spaghetti and meat sauce, southwestern chicken alfredo and chicken marsala. Joe is often seen in the restaurant checking on guests - his attentiveness and friendly smile toward customers doesn't go unnoticed. We appreciate the attention to detail such as filtered water service and daily fresh baked bread. We'd love to see a second bread option for interest but other than that, wouldn't change a thing.
(4)Rok J.
Joe's Pasta house was a mixed bag in my one dining experience there so far. The things they did well, I thought they did a really good job on. The things that they missed the mark on, to me really fell flat. I'l do a quick pros & cons format for this review. BOTTOM LINE FIRST: In spite of some misses, I intend to return to try out more of their decently diverse menu. The quality evident in the things that they did do well, the staff's attentiveness, the ambience, & the value received justify a return trip in my opinion. PROS: - Staff: very friendly. Host was prompt in the extreme getting me seated. Waitress was only a few steps behind him bringing the menus and bruschetta & bread. All evening she was very attentive, responsive, friendly, & professional. Top notch people. - Ambience: subdued & pleasant. Even with about half the tables occupied, noise was not a problem. The divider between the seating & serving areas is effective without being obtrusive. Relatively low light overall, which is a nice change from glare of fast food joints & noise of sports bars. But there was plenty of downlight at the table. As someone else said, good for a date. - Bruschetta was very fresh & I found it tasty. In this simple dish, clean taste of the tomato rates above tricking it out with obscuring spices. Very well done! - Eggplant parmesan was cooked just right. Eggplant was firm, not mushy as it so often is found. Breading was crunchy & crisp. Browning on the cheese was textbook perfect with lovely dapples of brown floating on a blanket of melted cheese. This is the best eggplant parm I've had in years! - Spaghetti sauce was very simply done (a GOOD thing in my world). Very fresh tasting. Tomato texture was just right, somewhere between chunks & puree. Kudos to the chef or his helper for that. Only disappointment was discovering the green leafy stuff in it was parsley, not fresh basil. The spaghetti itself was passable, obviously packaged (not homemade fresh) but cooked nicely al dente. They did okay for what they had to work with. - Water: good, lacking any off tastes. I mention this because I have experienced water in Rio Rancho area that smelled suphurous. Joe's water could have been filtered. It was that clean tasting to me. - Table linens: cloth tablecloth & napkins. Nice touch! Detraction noted below in CONS section. - Serving size: generous. Salad came in a large square bowl & the entre covered serious real estate on the dinner plate. Coupled with the pre-meal bread & bruschetta I had plenty to eat. I brought half of the Senior portion home for another meal later. - Price: reasonable. Good value in getting generous portion of a really good entre for not a ton of money. CONS: - Olive oil for bread dipping lacked flavor. At first I thought it was corn or canola oil. Only tasting some with a spoon did it register as olive oil. Obviously very very light olive oil. The taste of the plain white bread overwhelmed it. Herbs & spices at the bottom of the dipping bowl added no flavor that I could tell, even when stirred up into the oil. This use called for extra virgin olive oil with its fuller flavor, but no such luck. - Bread tasted okay, but one end of the four-slice section was pretty dry. Like it had sat out for a while before it got cut off the loaf & delivered to my table. The other cut end was fresh. - Bread was 50-50 for me. It's white bread that was nicely crusty on the outside & chewy soft inside. Not bad, just not particularly noteworthy either. I guess I was hoping for something with a little more distinction or character to it. I know that bread is just a generic precursor to the meal & that extra expense for artisan breads is wasted investment on most diners, but this bread just struck me as being a little too passe'. Blame it on my seeing too many cooking shows on tv. - Salad had a couple strikes against it. Greens mix was obviously just a commercial bag mix made of a preponderance of romain lettuce chunks tossed in with some redleaf lettuce. The tomato & cucumbers in the salad were sliced about 1/4" thick & were not diced. This leaves the diner to finish the cutting up of those ingredients. - The brown paper cover sheets over the table cloths were a major detractor from what was otherwise a fairly refined restaurant interior. The surprising thing to me is that the paper is absorbant enough that in the case of spilled drinks or oil, the tablecloth is still going to need a trip to the linen service. The paper isn't really protecting the linen under it, but certainly cheapened the appearance of the table to my eye.
(4)Marqui R.
I was wowed by this place as far as food and service goes. Its located in a strip mall area in Rio Rancho. I love that they serve bread with fresh bruschetta as a starter before you get your meal. Huge fan of bruschetta. Also they had a huge selection on their menu, all italian of course. I was very happy that they had plenty of seafood selections, I went with the Pasta di Mare and wasn't disappointed. Everything tasted fresh. The owner was also working that night and did everything he could to make me feel welcomed. I felt like I was having dinner at a friends house instead of just going to a dining establishment. Will be back!
(5)Alma M.
My boyfriend and I seemed to search the entire Internet for a nice restaurant for our anniversary dinner. When we stumbled on Joe's, we decided to give it a try. We were FAR from disappointed. The atmosphere was romantic and cosy, and the waitress was fantastic. When the food finally came, we couldn't have been happier. My boyfriend had the Green Chile Chicken Alfredo and I had the Mediterranean Pasta. I tried a bite of his, and it was delicious. He couldn't stop talking about how delicious he thought his dish was and nor could I. Instantly we decided all our special occasions will be spent there. I called my parents and raved about it to them the second we left. Such a wonderful experience.
(5)Keira M.
After our catered lunch today I'm upgrading my review to 5 stars. It was to die for! SW chicken pasta....meatballs....and fresh green salad. Thank you.
(5)Carlos G.
Bring an appetite because the food is delicious. If you like red wine try their house red wine it's to die for.
(5)Brad F.
I love Joe's. Especially since I have to eat gluten free/Paleo. They cater to my specific needs so well. You wouldn't think a pasta house could do that do well. Also, their meats are all natural, grass fed and the fish is wild, not farmed. Healthy stuff
(5)Lena L.
The owner's reply me to me deserves a 5 star. Customer service that is eager to explain without being condescending or begging? It still exists! And it's here. Really, people like these owners seem to be rare. People should enjoy these places more often.
(5)Jennifer V.
This is our favorite place to eat! The staff is very professional, pleasant and treats you like family. They accommodate everyone. Whether it be with food suggestions due to food concerns to making you feel comfortable and safe by ensuring everyone can maneuver through the establishment safely. Thank you Joe's Pasta House for being so amazing!
(5)Martha G.
I have gone to Joe's for years and that comment about him and his staff not being accommodating to persons with disabilities was so wrong! I would take my Mom there the last year of her life and the staff was so wonderful and helpful to her which was one of the reasons she loved it there. When she would come in her walker they would move chairs, assist her into her seat and then when we were ready to leave her walker was brought to her right away. Besides having wonderful food, they have a great staff and wonderful owners who care about people!
(5)Ashley W.
Being that I grew up just down the road in Corrales, I had always heard such great things about this restaurant, but hadn't tried it yet. I'm sure glad I did..what a great little Italian place! The first words that popped in my head when I walked through the doors is romantic and homey. The atmosphere is low-lit, cozy and comfortable. Seems like a great place for a romantic date night. Even the (ladies) bathroom was decorated cute, and welcoming (as welcoming as a bathroom can be!). We started off with an appetizer that included stuffed eggplant, fried mushrooms and calamari. My favorite was the stuffed eggplant, which was lightly breaded and stuffed with ricotta cheese and prosciutto and covered with marinara. Very tasty! The main course was equally as yummy too. The Southwestern Shrimp Fettuccine was an Italian dish with a New Mexican twist with green chile, crushed red peppers and shrimp in a creamy parmigiano white sauce . This was my favorite thing by far! Anything with green chile is a fav of mine. If you haven't tried Joe's yet, I suggest you do. I'll be back soon!
(4)John T.
Can not emphasize how much I love this place. Joe is great and the food comes out quick. Highly recommend
(5)M G.
Always a fantastic experience with Joe's!!! Service, atmosphere, and food make this our home cooked Italian go-to where we know we can rely on consistent comfort food. The pasta bucket is a great take out option for stay at home nights. Thanks Joe for an amazing experience every time!
(5)Justin A.
Fantastic food!!! Vodka cream sauce is wonderful. Eggplant Parmesean is perfect! Canoli is made in house. Wonderful, friendly staff. Best and probably only Authentic Italian food in NM. Motorcycle/biker friendly staff and parking.
(5)Joseph P.
Outstanding!!! Great service, the owner makes rounds and is engaged with his patrons!! Found my spot!!!
(5)Teresa D.
Nice atmosphere; great wait staff - they all help fill glasses, get refills, etc. & the food was really good with large portions for reasonable prices. Good cannoli!!
(4)Amber S.
THEY DON'T ACCOMMODATE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES OR SMALL CHILDREN. They don't allow strollers, or walkers into the dining room due to insurance reasons because someone might trip. Our server tripped over the high chair they gave us about three times, thank god my six month old son wasn't in it. (Who by the way is not able to sit up on his own in the first place). Also, the service was slow and the food was bland.
(1)Brian P.
This was our first time here and I can say I will definitely be back. I am originally from Long Island NY and this place brought me back home. Food was great and portions were plenty. Service was outstanding our waitress was perfect and all the support staff did a great job.
(4)Cydryce M.
Service was fantastic with great atmosphere...bread was cold and warm in spots and slightly damp...caesar salad on light green lettuce with ok tasting dressing (presentation nice but needed better green choice and better quality dressing)...chicken broccoli Alfredo was bland and runny...great kids menu with free scoop of ice cream (nice addition)...waitress was kid friendly and warm...may give it one more try...liked that the owner was the host...watched to see how he interacted with his clients and staff and he did a great job the whole time
(3)Lisa H.
Went to Joe's Pasta House for dinner with friends Saturday night. It was a first for all 4 of us. We were seated right away. The service was very good. We were one of those annoying groups that was too busy talking and catching up with each other, so the server had to keep checking back before we were ready to order. Finally we were ready and ordered the sample appetizer plate which came with a nice variety. I had the full Greek salad with chicken, and hubby had the southwest chicken pasta. The servings were generous and we were all pleased. No room for desert, but had I saved room, there was a tempting desert bar that we passed on our way out. I think we might have also seen Joe himself in the kitchen.
(4)Anthony T.
Everything about this place was perfect, a great feeling and setting. The staff was amazing very attentive and helpful throughout dinner. Will start spreading the word to all our friends on how great this place is!!!!!
(5)Nurse N.
This is the BEST place in NM To get pasta. The staff is amazing the food is to die for and Joe-- you gotta love Joe! It's a must if just for the bruschetta.
(5)Kimberly B.
I had never heard of the place before, but my boyfriend said they have a good lunch menu. We went for dinner and I was impressed. I think they have a full bar, but we just did wine and beer, a fair selection available. The food was awesome! They have a fabulous bruchetta, and the pastas we had were some of the best I've had. Full disclosure, my boyfriend went to high school with our server, so of course she was sweet. I did over hear her interacting with another table and it seemed like they were very pleased with their service. It's a bit pricey, but the food is superb and worth the price. I will certainly be going back.
(5)alice w.
We are in the process of moving to Rio Rancho and tried this restaurant on a whim. I have eaten some incredible meals in Boston's North End that have made me difficult to impress, but what a find Joe's Pasta House was! From the minute we walked in the owner and wait staff were the perfect balance of friendly, helpful, and unobtrusive. That's all nice, but the FOOD...Holy Cow! We are still talking about the eggplant parmesan. Every single thing we had was amazingly delicious and fresh, and the prices are great. Actually, the meal reminded me of an old Rodney Dangerfield joke about having a mirror on the ceiling over the table while he ate. Yeah, it's THAT good.
(5)Abby K.
The Fall Specials menu options all sounded really good. Ordered the Pumpkin Ravioli with pine nuts and Poached Pear Salad (poached pear, pomegranate, almonds, Gorgonzola, greens and vinaigrette) off the Fall Specials menu. Both were good choices. The pumpkin ravioli was a little sweeter than I would have liked, but that doesn't mean I didn't finish it with a smile on my face! It was a great appetizer when ordering a salad for my main entree. We also ordered cheese tortellini soup and my boyfriend says it was "very good." It had medium sized meatballs in it and I was actually a little jealous I didn't order the soup, even though I don't like meatballs. He also ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli. The sauce was creamy with huge pieces of chicken and broccoli. The dish was big, we took home leftovers. They start the meal off with warm bread and a Bruschetta-like tomato topping and oil with spices. Love free bread :) and goodies to start off an Italian meal. Overall the atmosphere is cozy at Joes. It's a little old school looking, good for date night though. The servers and bus boys are super nice and super attentive. This is a great find in Rio Rancho. I hope they keep the authentic flavors and fresh dishes.
(4)Travel'en C.
As many have already expressed, this place truly gets it. The food is quite delicious but what I really love about this place is that it's so consistent - given we've only eaten here 6 times but every time our experience was exceptional. Quality/consistent service is a tough objective here in Albuquerque however the staff here is always friendly, knowledgeable and very polite. That's a true indication from solid ownership for sure. It's a long drive for us but it's well worth it.
(5)Joshua W.
I've been here a few times and their Italian food is good for Albuquerque; I'm from NY. Today, I ordered the lobster ravioli. Do NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT order the lobster ravioli, it is a puree salty mush inside. You would expect a nice piece of lobster would be stuffed inside the ravioli, with some butter or red sauce, it was nothing of the sort. I was incredibly disappointed and will never order that again. Disgusting.
(2)M T.
Love this local fave! Service and food is consistent. Expect to wait - it's worth it!
(5)J R.
From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, A+ service! The staff is always friendly and very attentive. The lunch buffet is the best in town and the price can't be beat. I eat here with my coworkers sometimes during the week and have even brought my kids and husband in on the weekend and they loved it as well! My favorites are the eggplant parmigiana, salad bar and of course their soft,warm bread with olive oil-yum...!
(5)Dwain K.
Great atmosphere, impeccable service and delicious food!"
(5)Howie K.
Usually I'm not one to review a locale that has hosted a Yelp event in the past, because I can certainly recognize a conflict of interest, but I need to make an exception for Joe's Pasta House, so here's full disclosure: Kassie and Joe put together a fantastic, intimate evening for myself and about 15 Elites and their guests. We were wined, we were dined, it was sublime, and if you weren't there, well, your loss. I feel the restaurant deserves this review because I'm fairly confident my experience warrants getting the word out. I've not only sampled several dinner options, but enjoyed the lunch buffet on several occasions as well, and I can report that this Pasta House comprises that unique combination of very solid dining options with an earthy, heartfelt personality that begs five stars. Truly, this is the beauty of an Everyman rating site like Yelp, as opposed to earlier days, when we had to rely on magazines, newspapers and Zagat guides. Now the local word gets out, and in Joe's case it lives up to all of the hype. House-made meals which are hearty, comforting, and entirely too filling, coupled with an excellent selection of wines, a decent choice of local beers, and terrific servers including the man himself, who makes a point of briefly introducing himself to guests, and apparently has a knack for delighting the kids. This is family dining from an authentic Italian perspective: soft music, friendly people, great food, stories get told, memories are made. The next time I visit I'm taking Kassie's advice and trying one of the steaks. My favorites here are, not surprisingly, the crowd pleasers: eggplant parmesan, green chile alfredo, lasagna. Oh, and don't get me started on the cannoli. And some of the best tiramisu in the city. Decadent.
(5)Marc P.
Our family of 5, including 3 generations were pleased with every dish and with the service. Different steak dishes were prepared exactly as requested. My Genoa style veal was a great taste and my daughter loved her Southwest chicken fettuccine. My grandson thought his spaghetti and meatballs and meat sauce were awesome. We are looking forward to a return visit.
(5)Jayou U.
Tried this place for lunch with my wife and loved it. The environment was good with friendly staff and quick service. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccine and my wife tried the lasagna. Both were very good and I can't wait to try others on the menu. Great place for your Italian fix.
(5)Aubrey A.
I come here every time I'm in town. The service has always been very attentive and outstanding. The food has always been amazing. I can't say enough about the pasta house and can't imagine anyone ever having a poor experience here. I bring locals here and clients. All of them are converts once they've experienced the house. Some decor needs updating but come on... I'm here to eat great food and receive amazing service.
(5)Tami C.
I came in with my husband for lunch and we were first impressed with the pleasant atomosphere and prompt service. We ordered the lasagne and southwestern chicken fettuccine and loved it!! No need to drive all the way to Olive Garden anymore when I want my Italian fix. I will be coming back!
(4)Cassidy Z.
My girlfriend and I had an excellent meal here last night and, let me tell you, I will be back. What wonderful things isn't there to say about this family-operated restaurant tucked away in Rio Rancho, NM. The service was excellent, the food was divine and we even got to meet Joe and his lovely wife-both were genuine, friendly and I could tell very proud of their restaurant. This place has a lot of heart and you can taste it in the delicious food. My girlfriend and I were here for a special event and had the opportunity to sample a variety of their dinner entrées and desserts. I highly recommend the meatballs, but also the green chili pasta and the lasagna--my mouth waters just thinking about it! They have a large selection of wines to pair with any meal and are quiet knowledgeable about wine pairings. For dessert, we had cannolis, raspberry cheesecake and tiramisu. You cannot go wrong with any of these choices. Rio Rancho is wanting for good restaurants and the community is lucky to Joe's. The only other places I frequent are Turtle Mountain Brewery and Viet Taste and I am happy to add Joe's into the circulation! If you are in the mood for a lovely evening with your family or a romantic dinner with your significant other, this is the place to go.
(4)Shalayne C.
as an Italian, I rarely go out for Italian food because I can easily make it myself and because we're originally from the east coast where we got spoiled with awesome Italian food. Joe's Pasta House was a lovely surprise though!! The bread and bruchetta they give you to start with is absolutely yummy. I got alfredo raviolis which was really good, though I kind of thought it was a small portion compared to the humongous servings my friends got with their dishes. I'd recommend some more vegetarian options should be put on the menu! I was sad I couldn't get lasagna or vodka sauce for example. But I'll definitely go back!
(4)Amy B.
Meh... it was OK. We were in the neighborhood and thought we would try it. My husband and I both had the lunch buffet. The salad bar consists of lettuce, mushrooms, and beets. The other ptrepared salads looked old. The pasta and sauce were good, but the other options looked very greasy and old. The service was good, and that's why it earned 2 stars. Maybe if we would have ordered off the menu we would have had a better dining experience.
(2)Katrina D.
Just had my first visit to Joe's Pasta House and we will most definitely be back! Being from the east coast (NY ) I have high expectations for Italian food especially when learning owner is from NY , they do not disappoint everything from the fried ravioli appetizer to the Veal Francese my personal favorite ! Were fabulous my dad enjoyed his pesto and we all enjoyed deserts don't miss the italian cake it was the best I ever had . Our server Randi you were the bomb ! I would come back just for your awesome service . I can't stand chains there is no personality or character Joes has both plus more . If you are craving Italian go see Joe. Katrina DiLeo & Familia
(5)Diane B.
This is a great place! The food is all delicious, and the staff are wonderful. I'm glad we live so close! Try the chicken Alfredo made with green hatch chili. The desserts are yummy, too. Our server was good, but the bus boy was even more attentive, so we tipped him separately.
(5)Ruben G.
Want great Italian in a great atmosphere with good, professional service? Try this place! A little far from our hotel and the main Albuquerque attractions, but it's a pleasant enough drive, and worth it. It's obvious that the owner and staff care...and that is evident in the food, ambiance, and service. It was a good treat for us on our weekend getaway to Albuquerque. We believe it is locally-owned, and the owner was actively seeing to his guests' needs. We were there during the transition from lunch to dinner menu, so it was cool to see the ambiance change! Everyone around us seemed to enjoy their experience, based on what we heard Really, really a great overall experience.
(5)Christina R.
This establishment absolutely deserves the highest rating! My family and I have been going to Joe's Pasta House for over 12 yrs. now. We are from Chicago and truly know and appreciate good Italian food! The service here is absolutely awesome. The wait staff is very professional, friendly and they know their menu. Coming from another state, I get really discouraged from going out to eat around here because of the unprofessional/don't care/lack of pride culture that you often find. If you're looking for a change from that, you owe it to yourself to be treated here. The menu variety is outstanding and the preparation, presentation and freshness of ingredients are top notch. The owner Joe, I must say, works his ass off to make sure his restaurant is top notch and personally makes sure his guests are served to the highest degree. My family trusts Joe so much, we hired him to cater to my parents 50th wedding anniversary party. The atmosphere is relaxing, not noisy, and clean. Great for a quick lunch buffet or relaxing evening. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
(5)Tony Z.
What a surprise! Good craft beers, bruchette bread topping with bread, great Greek salad, prime rib night. You can't go wrong.
(5)Kimmy V.
This is probably by far the best place I've gone to since I've moved to New Mexico. The wait staff and owner was truly well mannered and polite throughout our dinner time experience. If you are a looking for romantic dinner for two, ask for the Table "16." It seats two persons at far west corner of the restaurant next to the fire place away from the rest of the patrons dinning at the restaurant. When my boyfriend's steak didn't come out as ordered, the waiter went to get the owner, Joe, and he happily made a new steak to perfection. We've been here multiple times and although the outside of the restraunt is highly deceptive, please don't pass up this restaurant. Awesome Italian food with imppecable service, and large portions. One of our favorites is the deep fried raviolis as appetizer service with a white bechmal sauce...unbelievably good! Their red sauce served on pasta and in Lasagna is a little bit on the sweeter side... but very delicious. Joe, you certainly don't dissapoint, we will be dinning here on many more occasions.
(5)Jim W.
Pasta House was a pleasant surprise. I stopped in here with a coworker for lunch. After a quick perusal (I don't think I've ever used that word before) of the buffet I chose to have that for lunch. There were a fair number of selections and the quality was decent. I particularly liked the eggplant parmesan. Located in a strip mall (like everything else in this part of the greater Albuquerque area) next to Albertson's.
(3)Maricarmen P.
Great pleace to eat, decor a little dated but it's cozy and reminded me of going out to dinner with my parents when I was young, and those are all nice happy cozy memories. Food was delish, friendly service and live music. Very family oriented, but also appropriate for a nice romantic dinner, a-la-"Disney's Lady and the Tramp". :-) Happy place, locally owned, just go!
(4)D.G. H.
Very good Italian food. I will be returning.
(4)Beck J.
Outstanding food and staff. Joe always makes us feel at home. John the waiter is the best!
(5)Andrew M.
I have been eating at Joes since I moved to Rio Rancho and the quality is always amazing and the service is excellent. I have toured the buffet, steaks, veal, and desserts. The food is delicious and the salad is crisp and refreshing with plenty of veggies. Where they really make you look good is when you hire them for catering. Joe is always on time and has a professional presentation. The are one of the best restaurants in the Rio Rancho/Albuquerque area.
(5)David S.
Food is good, had buffet, not bad selection. Pretty quick lunch, reasonable.
(3)Manuel M.
My kids and I love this place. Good food and a great time for us to share some special moments. Thanks Joe and your team
(5)Christine H.
Joe's offers a great atmosphere and amazing food to match. There are many vegetarian friendly options which is a plus for my friends and I. I also tried their bloody mary, and it was very good as well.
(5)Marcial R.
Lunch buffet or off the menu either way you win. I had the southwestern chicken fettuccini . It has green chilies (of course) and red pepper flakes! Yum the best part of the dining experience was my server. She was awesome, friendly and efficient! Perfect combo!
(5)Nancy L.
Hubby and I have been going to Joe's Pasta House for several years, and we are regulars (twice this week, as a matter of fact). Hubby's standards are the fettucini al fredo with chicken or chicken Parmesan. My stand-bys are chicken Marsala or salmon. Even on the senior menu (between 3 and 6 p.m.), the servings are large enough to be able to take half home for the next day or night. Tonight, 1/29, we got a treat, as we were able to order, for the first time, the lobster ravioli. I can not rave enough about this dish---it is one of THE BEST THINGS I have ever eaten in my life. Fortunately, Joe has assured me that he intends to put it on the regular menu. At $18.95, it is a little pricey, but believe me, it is worth every penny, and I intend to save it for special occasions. One might be tempted to pass Pasta House by, as it is in a converted IHOP at the front of a strip center on the main drag in Rio Rancho. However, if you ignore Joe's you do so at your peril. Everything on the menu is absolutely authentic, Joe makes (or supervises the making of) every sauce used in the place. The bruschetta is made each night for the next day so it will have time overnight to meld the flavors. Speaking of he bruschetta, this is the only Italian restaurant I have ever been in where the bruschetta is served as a no-charge opener. Each table gets a small dish of bruschetta, a small dish of olive oil with spices, and a basket of two breads as soon as the party is seated. In contrast, we had dinner in what is supposed to be the best Italian restaurant in the Twin Cities (Minnesota) area, and their bruschetta was on the appetizer menu at $7.99 and was, to be succinct, AWFUL. Contrary to JP's review, the decor is very authentic Italian, with great music over the speakers at a level just loud enough to enjoy. The wait and bus staff is superb; as soon as a party vacates a table and they are just about the clear the door, a busperson is clearing the table and resetting it for the next party. The only thing I have ever found to gripe about (and it is a very small gripe) is the brown paper used to cover the tablecloth. I know that it saves on laundry costs, but I feel that perhaps a glass top over the tablecloth might be better--to show off the lovely linens and perhaps make the ambiance a little more formal. Restaurants of this caliber are supposed to be somewhat dark---and romantic! We've had lunch at Joe's on several occasions, and it is hard to find a better lunch for the price. Salad with the very best home-made Italian dressing, pasta, meatballs, sauces, baked chicken, and other goodies make for a very hearty meal at a great price. All of the recipes are Joe's or from his family, and the newest ones have been developed by him. Ignore this place at your own peril.
(5)Carol R.
Been here a couple times and every time the food has had no flavor. The chicken fettuccini was bland, it was like eating plain pasta. Not impressed.
(2)Dan W.
After ignoring Joe's for years we finally discovered our mistake. This was some of the tastiest Italian I have eaten this side of the Mississippi. My spouse would have liked a bit more garlic, but I found the flavor of the foods blended well as they were. Three of us ate at a price point equal to Olive Garden, but we all agreed Joe's will be chosen first every time. My only complaint was the darkness of the restaurant. My aged eyes can't read the dark menu in the dim light, but that is a minor complaint. If you are looking for a good Italian meal, give Joe's a try.
(4)JA C.
Excellent baked penne. The entree was great. The bread was not hot however the oil served with it was perfectly seasoned. Nice atmosphere. Quick to refill beverages and replenish anything on the table. Server was very good. Fried mozzarella app was very good too. The cannoli was ok. Mind you, I did eat it all. My husband had chocolate cake and loved it. He had gnocchi for his entree and thought it was very good. I would go back for dinner without a doubt.
(4)Brent P.
Joe's Pasta House was recommended to us by the desk clerk at our hotel and at first we were skeptical, then even more so when we pulled up as it looks like a converted Pizza Hut from the outside. However, as we were greeted by the owner, Joe, who proceeded to explain how the food is local and organic when possible and always made fresh, things started to look up. The ambience is typical Americanized Italian but all around fairly warm and cozy. They have a great wine and average beer selection but where they really shine is their Traditional Italian menu. You can select Chicken, Veal, or Shrimp Marsala, Francese, Piccatta, Saltimboca, and a handful of others. I picked the Chicken Francese and it was absolutely divine. Tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked with a nice tangy white wine butter sauce and a side of al denti spaghetti with fresh marinara. My friend had the Ravioli Rustica with Sausage, which was also very good, though intensly rich and filling. All in all, this is a hidden gem in Albuquerque and if I'm ever back in this city I will definitely visit Joe again.
(5)Matt A.
Very nice. Joe will make sure you have a good time. Ask for table 16 in the corner if you are on a date night.
(5)John G.
Food was quite good. It is obvious Joe takes pride in the place As he personally greets you at the door and then follows up to see how the meal is. I would recommend this restaurant to all
(5)Ken S.
We eat there often. The service is great. The owner walks around to make sure that his customers are pleased. We went there for lunch and had the buffet. What a great buffet with great tasting food. The price was great.
(5)Susan R.
My boyfriend and I went to celebrate Valentines Day there last night. They had a fixed menu which we thought was expensive. IT WAS WORTH EVERY DIME!!!!! He had soup which was to die for!!!! I know Italian resturants are not know for their soup but this was outstanding! Then we had salads which were great. We ordered the chicken parm which is what we usually get and it was W O N D E R F U L. I am from NY and the chicken parm is as good as you can get there, and the best you can get here. Then we had the desert tray which was wonderful. I have enough of everthing to eat again tomorrow. The owner knows us from prior visits and when I raved about his soup he actually gave me a container to take home. LIQUID GOLD! If you like good Italian food this is the place to go..
(5)Wanugee N.
This is a nice little pasta house in the suburbs of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Friendly staff, good pastas, a lot of good choices with different pastas and sauces. Beats Olive Garden! Reasonably priced. Had a group of 7 here and everyone loved their food. You probably could do better in other Italian restaurants like this some where in the world, but not in New Mexico. When you tire of Mexican food while in ABQ, try this place.
(3)Katie L.
I'm Italian, I cook Italian food from scratch, and we came here because everyone we knew raved about the place, so we went. Sort of a mistake... I ate the Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti. The chicken was dry, and way over cooked to the point it tasted burnt. The atmosphere in the restaurant was terrible and extremely outdated. The restaurant was really dark, there were plastic grapes and plastic ivy strewn everywhere. Statues of God knows what, and the worst part, it looked like they haven't dusted anything in that restaurant in YEARS! A much as everyone raves about it, I'm raving that I won't ever go back! I think I need to go to Joe's kitchen and teach the cooks how to cook REAL Italian food. My Nonno would have chucked his plate of food right into a wall had I ever taken him there.
(2)Karen M.
I just love the easy-going atmosphere at Joe's. And of course the food is delicious, too! My colleague and I both ordered salmon - mine grilled with a side of angel hair pasta tossed with pesto. Richard ordered salmon with spinach. I like mine done well and he likes his medium. Both came out perfect. I highly recommend this spot for traditional italian and seafood - this was our second visit and we'll definitely return!
(4)Marqui R.
I was wowed by this place as far as food and service goes. Its located in a strip mall area in Rio Rancho. I love that they serve bread with fresh bruschetta as a starter before you get your meal. Huge fan of bruschetta. Also they had a huge selection on their menu, all italian of course. I was very happy that they had plenty of seafood selections, I went with the Pasta di Mare and wasn't disappointed. Everything tasted fresh. The owner was also working that night and did everything he could to make me feel welcomed. I felt like I was having dinner at a friends house instead of just going to a dining establishment. Will be back!
(5)Kendyl G.
Okay first off, let me start by saying they have exceptional waitstaff!!!! our waiter was fabulous and super attentive and friendly. That right there is worth three stars, you may ask why, and I say the service is just as important as the food, my husband and I never saw the bottoms of our glasses. Now for the interior. Well when you walk in it looks very elegant with the traditional Italian decor...but...when you turn the corner its very bland and for lack of a better word, outdated in the dining room area. But that honestly wasn't a factor since the rest of the experience was great. Okay, now for the food. They give you fresh warm bread alongside olive oil with herbs when you first sit down, but the surprise came when our waiter sat down a little serving dish filled with amazing homemade Bruschetta which was COMPLIMENTARY! It was amazing and full of flavor, the tomatoes you could taste were very fresh,they were definitely not canned diced tomatoes! Then we order the mediterranean fried calamari for an appetizer. I was skeptical. I had never heard of fried calamari, artichoke hearts and kalamata olives alongside feta, capers and purple onions. But it was fantastic and the flavors were amazing and paired quite well with one another. The fresh spinach also was a lovely addition which of course gave it that fresh mediterranean taste and feel. There was definitely some sort of garlic butter sauce on the fried calamari which added to the delicious flavor. This appetizer alone was worth the visit and by far the best part and the reason for the last 2 stars. We had several glasses of wine as well, which were great. Actually, they have a fairly extensive list of wines. Which was unexpected and a great bonus. they also make their own homemade sangria! Now for the main course. My husband and I both ordered the lobster ravioli with cream sauce, which comes with shrimp on top. Now, the cream sauce was simple and if I'm honest, fairly standard and nothing to brag about. The lobster raviolis were disgusting, that's just the raviolis themselves. The filling was equally gross and the lobster inside did not have a reminiscent taste of lobster at all. The shrimp was very chewy which in our opinion, was a sign that they weren't fresh. This main dish was disappointing, mainly because everyone on here rants and raves how great this particular dish is. Also equally shocking because this dish is on there popular and guest favorites section on the menu? Now, some might say, "well you just went on a off day when it happened to not be fresh or up to par" but I know that is not the case here. Simply because everything else was wonderful, fresh and tasty. I think this dish was just no good. I obviously will never ordered this dish again. But with that being said, I will come back and continue to taste other things on their menu. This one bad dish doesn't seal their fate with me, seeing how everything else was wonderful. Give this joint a try. (just don't order the lobster ravioli, lol)
(5)Nita H.
Stumbled across this restaurant eight years ago, and have yet to have better Italian food. We have told friends in our home state about this restaurant, if headings to NM-4 states away we couldn't wait to come back-The complementary bruschetta, fresh Italian bread is just the beginning of this wonderful meal. The service is spot on, from the owner himself seating us to our excellent server (pictured). Go if you get the chance, won't be sorry with the portion size, service and/or prices.
(5)Joanne L.
We came across Joe's by mistake.... we were driving to pick something up on that side of town and was looking for somewhere to grab dinner- we drove past Joes and I turned my nose up and told my husband I didn't fancy going there, he persisted as he really wanted Italian and told me to look them up on "yelp". Joe's can thank Howie.K for our custom I was sold after reading his review and we turned the car around and went back and boy oh boy am I glad we did.This place truly is a hidden gem and I am so happy that we stumbled across it. I was just saying the other day that good service is hard to come by. But this place nailed it our waitress was excellent above and beyond what i expected. This place is an all around solid 5 stars it was the best Italian food I have had in a very long time, I will go as far as to say it has made my top 3 of favorite places I have eaten Italian food at with my other 2 fav places been in Italy ;). I ordered the Southwestern chicken fettuccine and loved the "New Mexico" twist with the green chile's the flavors worked really well. My husband ordered the spaghetti with meatballs and asked for them to make it spicy and the it was delicious I honestly couldn't decide which one I liked better his or mine. But here is where they really stand out for me...... the kids meals are bottomless.... so if your kids are still hungry after eating there meal then you can ask for seconds??? that kinda blew my mind and was amazing because my son is ALWAYS sniffing around for seconds that boy has hollow legs but he left Joes stuffed. Howki.K I am so thankful for your review that lead me to this place..... don't question it... just go and eat at Joes you wont regret it.
(5)Deb D.
After ten years in Rio Rancho we finally made it here many moths ago. Have never had anything but a wonderful experience. Food fabulous and a fantastic and friendly staff. This is our go to place now!
(5)Julian G.
You know Joe right? No, you don't know Joe? Well you should know Joe! I didn't know Joes until this past Friday when I was wanting to try something new that was local. We are bunch of noodle lovers but this place has so much more. I had the French cut pork chops and the lady had pasta a la vodka. I think my socks hit the opposite side of the room after my first bite. My gosh!, I haven't eaten food this delicious in a LOOOONG time. My plate came with mashed potatoes and the meat was smothered in a mushroom and wine sauce that was to die for. The place had a very relaxing, fancy interior and the wait staff was excellent. They also offer free bread and oil for dipping. I don't know if they have it every night, but they had a live classical guitarist playing Italian music on Friday. Overall, a bit pricey but well worth the money. It is also awesome to support local. Highly recommend.
(5)Justin R.
The ratings are much better than the food. Mediocre taste at outrageous prices. We had 2 of their most popular dishes... not impressed. Will not be going back.
(2)Andrea H.
My husband and I have been frequenting this place for a few years now. While we don't live in Rio Rancho, we are only a few miles outside of the city limits, so Joe's is close by. We have received consistently great food and service and have never had a bad meal here. Everything always tastes fresh and delicious. The ambiance is wonderful, too. It's casual enough for just an ordinary dinner out, but at the same time it's also nice enough for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, Valentine's Day, etc.). And they have a live guitarist on Friday and Saturday nights! I had been wanting to take my mom here for the longest time, but hadn't had the chance. Our schedules are complete opposites (I work Monday-Friday, and my mom works a full work week Friday-Sunday), she lives in the South Valley which is absolutely nowhere near Rio Rancho, and due to some health problems she is under driving restrictions and can't drive that long of a distance by herself. But when I learned that my mom had taken Mother's Day weekend off this year, I seized the opportunity. I asked her if she would be up to going to dinner on Saturday night. My husband and I went and picked her up but didn't tell her where we were going until we got there. I didn't want her to protest "going all the way to Rio Rancho" and spoil the plan. I was determined! My mom is originally from Brooklyn, NY, and grew up with her grandparents, three of whom immigrated from Sicily and one from Northern Italy. So she grew up eating a lot of traditional Italian food. She's lived in Albuquerque now for most of her life, and there are a few Italian places here she likes, but she is rather particular about what constitutes Italian food. I had a hunch she would really like Joe's. And she loved it! She ordered the linguini and clams in white sauce, and was impressed that there were actually fresh little neck clams in the pasta. She ate the entire plate, said she was stuffed, then asked me if I wanted to share the cannoli (I knew she would want it, LOL). She was REALLY impressed that the filling tasted freshly made and that the shells were obviously filled by hand. I hope I can take her back again some time soon. Thank you for yet another wonderful meal and you have now earned my mom's seal of approval!
(5)Carolyn S.
Ok it's ok. Did u know that in afternoon u can pop in and buy a loaf of hot fresh bread Worth the stop. Their marinara could use lighter touch. But worth going for bread and manicotti . Real butter! Wow great bread
(3)Manuel N.
as soon as you walk in you get greeted, so you feel welcomed. i went here to get some ravioli for my daughter and you could tell that the ravioli was fresh made and the bread as as well. great place
(5)April D.
Fantastic as always! Victoria took excellent care of us. Suggest you come to Joe's pasta house for ALL your Italian food cravings.
(5)Michael V.
My favorite place in Rio Rancho by far. Generous portion size. The attention by the wait staff is unmatched in Rio Rancho. The general ambiance is great. Live music and great food are a great way to spend an date night.
(5)Anthony B.
Visited on 09/11/2015 for lunch. Waitress was very pleasant. However, I cannot honestly rate the food or service, as we left the establishment right after putting food on our plates at the buffet and returning to our table. We left because the owner was loudly berating an employee in the kitchen, using profanities my wife and I did not care to listen to. Also, there is always the fear such a display can turn violent! Very obscene, crass, low brow behavior no matter what the employee did to deserve it! Owner needs a class in employee relations. They did say on the website that they had entertainment! Have the event recorded and will share with my friends so they will know they are entering an establishment that is Rated R. Won't be returning for an encore!
(1)Victoria G.
I've tried this place twice and both times was absolutely awful. It is too expensive for mediocre food. The appetizers given was a joke. It was so tiny. Barely enough for one person. The dishes are something that I could find in the frozen meal section. The only thing memorable about this place is the awful service. Just a very trashy place.
(1)Lisa F.
Food was good! Tasted homemade.. Portions were enough share between two people. ( not a huge eater ) the service made our whole experience! Monica our server was attentive ( not overly) friendly an most of all knowledgeable an personable!. We had baked ravioli, salad an best of all tiramisu which was best I have had in town, an I have had quite a few in my years!
(5)Jason H.
This place is in one word AMAZING! Every time I'm in town I make sure to stop in and see the gang. Always treated like family and leave FULL!
(5)Diana S.
Incredible lunch buffet. Italian food u don't find everywhere.fresh tasty salad pasta dishes and souo. Really nice atmosphere with Frank singing. Great place. A find
(5)Warren S.
I could give this place 4 stars, but their catering sucks, do NOT get chicken there, it might be frozen. And they doexican and it's no good. Stay with what you know.
(2)Amy P.
Fabulous meal. It was our first time and we will definitely be back. The ravioli Rustica was very good. Good portion size as well.
(5)Ricky G.
The food is amazing. I didn't give it 5 stars though because the prices are just a little high. I can't justify paying more than 8 dollars for some noodles with some sauce on top. What's that cost to make? About 75 cents? The food is amazing though and the staff and the owner are great people. I'll keep coming back.
(4)Diana P.
If you're looking for an above average selection of top quality Italian food here in the ABQ/RR area, then look no more. From the appetizers (the calamari is to die for), to the entrees (eggplant parm & the grilled salmon are my fave), & even the decadent desserts, this place is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of pallet! The ambiance is a little rustic w/a dim light setting, giving it a cozier feel while you dine. The guitarist hired to strum acoustical tunes during your dining experience is the perfect background accompaniment with your dinner. (I always tip him ) Also, Joe has been quite pleasant and accommodating the past two times I had them cater our banquets. Feeding 40 or more employees can be quite a hassle every month! The price and quality are unbeatable! If you've never given them a try, I highly recommend you use them or at least take yourself out to dinner to eat here. Bon appetite!
(5)Demetrio G.
Best restaurant in Rio Rancho by far. Best service I have ever had. I will go back any chance I get.
(5)Celia M.
Delicious food, excellent service....consistently. Joe, himself, can often be found seating customers and checking on each table. Their lunch buffet is also terrific!
(5)Jeff M.
Great food! Wait staff VERY attentive and friendly. Very enjoyable dinner! Spaghetti and meat sauce very good - kids loved it. Lasagna very good. Shrimp FraDiabolo (sp?) was very spicy - great shrimp. Huge portions.
(5)Mandi B.
Pretty good food. The appetizer was amazing, as was the southwestern chicken fettuccini. The lasagna was a little saucy, and could have used some more meat. Overall, a pretty decent Italian place.
(4)Dave D.
Great place to get some fantastic Italian food in Rio Rancho. The owner Joe, greats you at the door like family and then seats you in the spacious dining room. The dining room is well appointed and the few times I've been there has included live guitar music. The food is fantastic (this time was the potato gnocci) and I look forward to trying many more of their dishes. Service was quick and friendly even though the house was packed! We had to wait for maybe five minutes to get a table, during which time we sat at the bar and had a house made sangria. For larger groups, there is a private dining room in the back, not sure how many it seats, but it's there. The parking is shared with the strip mall, so it can be tight, but even with a lot of traffic it wasn't difficult finding a spot.
(5)Samantha W.
I'd heard good things about the lunch buffet so I decided to give it try recently. It may be small, but it is good! Fresh salad, hot pasta, sauces and meatballs. Fresh bread and olive oil & herbs is also included. The dipping oil is divine! I also got a glass of the house Burgundy and it was wonderful - warm, fruity and matched well with my pasta sampling from the buffet. The atmosphere is casual and inviting. I'd rather go here than Olive Garden any day!
(5)Paulina C.
My co-workers insistently mentioned the greatness of Joes pasta.So I decided to finally check it for myself. We made it in for there lunch special. Saturdays from 12 to 2 is what I was told. The buffet was very Italian and Authentic. The food is fresh and the service was great... The price was the best $7.99 for the buffet was well worth it! I also tried the Lobster Ravioli dinner plate. I wanted to try it and because I had already gotten the buffet I was hoping for a lunch portion I was told it had to be the dinner portion. Therefore, I decided to simply just order it and try it. It was $19.99 a bit pricey, but very scrumptious! By the way they read the reviews often..... lol! I over heard the staff talking about my good or bad review.. I was standing right there... lol!
(5)Nikki S.
I love Joes! We come in about once a month for take out and it never disappoints! I had the prime rib a few weeks ago and it was amazing. You got the creamy horseradish spot on! Not too spicy, not too creamy. We love the big loaf of bread we get with our meal and their ranch dressing is one of the best we've ever had. They are so friendly when I come in to get the food and pay. They have even taken the food out to my car for me! I hope to eat in soon - but with 3 boys going out is a challenge :) I'm so glad we found Joes Pasta House and we will be lifelong customers.
(5)Michele And Ken S.
We have been coming to Joe's for a long time, and me being of Italian decent and my husband a New York native are pretty picky about eating restaurant Italian food. Joe serves hands-down some of the very best food ever! Joe himself usually greets you at the door. The staff is always friendly and attentive but never annoying or hovering. There is usually some type of great live music--guitar, singing. As for the food--daily home-made bread and seasoned olive oil greets you, along with fabulous bruschetta topping if you choose. That's enough of an appetizer, but if you'd rather order off the menu, you can't go wrong with any salad or hot or cold appetizer or salad. Their Caesar salad is beautiful and delicious. We also like the Gorgonzola salad, the cold or hot antipasto and the Mediterranean calamari. My go to is the pasta carbonara--you just don't find this on restaurant menus! My hubby had the baked ravioli--fantastic as always. Try the Italian cream cake--light and lemony. Cannoli does not disappoint. We come back because the food and service are just perfect. And now I'm hungry again...
(5)Charlene S.
Our family always enjoys Joe's Pasta House. The service is friendly and the food is fantastic. Some of our favorites are the spaghetti and meat sauce, southwestern chicken alfredo and chicken marsala. Joe is often seen in the restaurant checking on guests - his attentiveness and friendly smile toward customers doesn't go unnoticed. We appreciate the attention to detail such as filtered water service and daily fresh baked bread. We'd love to see a second bread option for interest but other than that, wouldn't change a thing.
(4)Rok J.
Joe's Pasta house was a mixed bag in my one dining experience there so far. The things they did well, I thought they did a really good job on. The things that they missed the mark on, to me really fell flat. I'l do a quick pros & cons format for this review. BOTTOM LINE FIRST: In spite of some misses, I intend to return to try out more of their decently diverse menu. The quality evident in the things that they did do well, the staff's attentiveness, the ambience, & the value received justify a return trip in my opinion. PROS: - Staff: very friendly. Host was prompt in the extreme getting me seated. Waitress was only a few steps behind him bringing the menus and bruschetta & bread. All evening she was very attentive, responsive, friendly, & professional. Top notch people. - Ambience: subdued & pleasant. Even with about half the tables occupied, noise was not a problem. The divider between the seating & serving areas is effective without being obtrusive. Relatively low light overall, which is a nice change from glare of fast food joints & noise of sports bars. But there was plenty of downlight at the table. As someone else said, good for a date. - Bruschetta was very fresh & I found it tasty. In this simple dish, clean taste of the tomato rates above tricking it out with obscuring spices. Very well done! - Eggplant parmesan was cooked just right. Eggplant was firm, not mushy as it so often is found. Breading was crunchy & crisp. Browning on the cheese was textbook perfect with lovely dapples of brown floating on a blanket of melted cheese. This is the best eggplant parm I've had in years! - Spaghetti sauce was very simply done (a GOOD thing in my world). Very fresh tasting. Tomato texture was just right, somewhere between chunks & puree. Kudos to the chef or his helper for that. Only disappointment was discovering the green leafy stuff in it was parsley, not fresh basil. The spaghetti itself was passable, obviously packaged (not homemade fresh) but cooked nicely al dente. They did okay for what they had to work with. - Water: good, lacking any off tastes. I mention this because I have experienced water in Rio Rancho area that smelled suphurous. Joe's water could have been filtered. It was that clean tasting to me. - Table linens: cloth tablecloth & napkins. Nice touch! Detraction noted below in CONS section. - Serving size: generous. Salad came in a large square bowl & the entre covered serious real estate on the dinner plate. Coupled with the pre-meal bread & bruschetta I had plenty to eat. I brought half of the Senior portion home for another meal later. - Price: reasonable. Good value in getting generous portion of a really good entre for not a ton of money. CONS: - Olive oil for bread dipping lacked flavor. At first I thought it was corn or canola oil. Only tasting some with a spoon did it register as olive oil. Obviously very very light olive oil. The taste of the plain white bread overwhelmed it. Herbs & spices at the bottom of the dipping bowl added no flavor that I could tell, even when stirred up into the oil. This use called for extra virgin olive oil with its fuller flavor, but no such luck. - Bread tasted okay, but one end of the four-slice section was pretty dry. Like it had sat out for a while before it got cut off the loaf & delivered to my table. The other cut end was fresh. - Bread was 50-50 for me. It's white bread that was nicely crusty on the outside & chewy soft inside. Not bad, just not particularly noteworthy either. I guess I was hoping for something with a little more distinction or character to it. I know that bread is just a generic precursor to the meal & that extra expense for artisan breads is wasted investment on most diners, but this bread just struck me as being a little too passe'. Blame it on my seeing too many cooking shows on tv. - Salad had a couple strikes against it. Greens mix was obviously just a commercial bag mix made of a preponderance of romain lettuce chunks tossed in with some redleaf lettuce. The tomato & cucumbers in the salad were sliced about 1/4" thick & were not diced. This leaves the diner to finish the cutting up of those ingredients. - The brown paper cover sheets over the table cloths were a major detractor from what was otherwise a fairly refined restaurant interior. The surprising thing to me is that the paper is absorbant enough that in the case of spilled drinks or oil, the tablecloth is still going to need a trip to the linen service. The paper isn't really protecting the linen under it, but certainly cheapened the appearance of the table to my eye.
(4)Alma M.
My boyfriend and I seemed to search the entire Internet for a nice restaurant for our anniversary dinner. When we stumbled on Joe's, we decided to give it a try. We were FAR from disappointed. The atmosphere was romantic and cosy, and the waitress was fantastic. When the food finally came, we couldn't have been happier. My boyfriend had the Green Chile Chicken Alfredo and I had the Mediterranean Pasta. I tried a bite of his, and it was delicious. He couldn't stop talking about how delicious he thought his dish was and nor could I. Instantly we decided all our special occasions will be spent there. I called my parents and raved about it to them the second we left. Such a wonderful experience.
(5)Keira M.
After our catered lunch today I'm upgrading my review to 5 stars. It was to die for! SW chicken pasta....meatballs....and fresh green salad. Thank you.
(5)Carlos G.
Bring an appetite because the food is delicious. If you like red wine try their house red wine it's to die for.
(5)Brad F.
I love Joe's. Especially since I have to eat gluten free/Paleo. They cater to my specific needs so well. You wouldn't think a pasta house could do that do well. Also, their meats are all natural, grass fed and the fish is wild, not farmed. Healthy stuff
(5)Lena L.
The owner's reply me to me deserves a 5 star. Customer service that is eager to explain without being condescending or begging? It still exists! And it's here. Really, people like these owners seem to be rare. People should enjoy these places more often.
(5)Ashley W.
Being that I grew up just down the road in Corrales, I had always heard such great things about this restaurant, but hadn't tried it yet. I'm sure glad I did..what a great little Italian place! The first words that popped in my head when I walked through the doors is romantic and homey. The atmosphere is low-lit, cozy and comfortable. Seems like a great place for a romantic date night. Even the (ladies) bathroom was decorated cute, and welcoming (as welcoming as a bathroom can be!). We started off with an appetizer that included stuffed eggplant, fried mushrooms and calamari. My favorite was the stuffed eggplant, which was lightly breaded and stuffed with ricotta cheese and prosciutto and covered with marinara. Very tasty! The main course was equally as yummy too. The Southwestern Shrimp Fettuccine was an Italian dish with a New Mexican twist with green chile, crushed red peppers and shrimp in a creamy parmigiano white sauce . This was my favorite thing by far! Anything with green chile is a fav of mine. If you haven't tried Joe's yet, I suggest you do. I'll be back soon!
(4)