EAT AT JOE’S! I’m not kidding! Joe’s Pizza and Pasta is a must-visit when we are in the Victoria, Texas area. My son attends college there, so we have occasion to visit often. There is not a thing on the menu that I have not liked. We have made the habit of dining in the restaurant, but ordering a pizza to go to have for lunch the next day. When my son graduates, we will not be able to visit Joe’s as often as we do, but we will be empty nesters then, so what would it hurt to get in the car for an hour-and-a-half drive just to eat at Joe’s? Hmmmm…..I like the way I think!
Each time we have dined at Joe’s Pizza and Pasta, there is at least three or four people waiting to pick up to-go orders for pizza. I totally get that because their pizza is delightful. Their pizza is a traditional Italian thin and crispy crust that comes in a variety of sizes. Customers can choose a pizza from the menu or create a pizza using a la carte toppings. We usually choose the a la carte option because that customizes it to our tastes. No matter what toppings we choose, Joe’s pizza is delicious!
If you are dining in, the waitress immediately brings a basket of their hot garlic knots. This garlic bread is good enough on its own with a dab of butter, but you can also ask for some dipping oil to go with it which is loaded with garlic and spices. It’s a little spicy but so delicious with their wonderful bread. If you eat a basket’s worth, your attendant will bring you more to enjoy with your meal.
We have dined at Joe’s pizza and pasta several times, so we have had the opportunity to try many of their dishes. If it is your first time there, I recommend the Tour of Sicily Sampler Platter that comes with Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine Alfredo. We paired this with a small pizza and shared all to feed three people. The sampler is a good way to taste a little bit of several popular Italian favorites.
On another occasion, I ordered Stuffed Cheese Manicotti. I received 2 huge piping hot manicotti shells stuffed with Italian cheese and smothered in a rich tomato gravy topped with cheese. Even though there were only two, I was able to finish both and used the table garlic knots to sop up the remaining gravy. The manicotti was not the only ones who were stuffed.
On yet another occasion, I tried the Shrimp and Lobster Ravioli in a White Wine Cream Sauce. OMG! I am ruined. When I go back, and I will go back, I don’t think I will want to try anything else on the menu after this. To say this was really good does not adequately explain the deliciousness of this entree. The huge ravioli stuffed with lobster, the creamy white sauce, and the chunks of shrimp make an amazing combination. This is a very rich meal, but it was indescribably good. I ate every last bite.
One day I would really like to save room for dessert because Joe’s offers Tiramisu, Cannoli, Cheesecake and a Lemon Mascarpone Cake that all sounds wonderful! When my son graduates from college in Victoria, we may have to drive to Victoria just so we can eat at Joe’s.
