Joe's of Avenue U

- 287 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11223

Welcome to Joe's of Avenue U, a cherished Brooklyn institution that has stood as the quintessential Sicilian spot in New York City for years. Nestled in the heart of the Gravesend neighborhood, this local landmark offers New Yorkers a genuine taste of Palermo-style cuisine, far beyond the standard Italian-American fare. Stepping into Joe's is like taking a quick trip to the island of Sicily, with its bright, unpretentious, and historic atmosphere, complete with murals that transport you to a Mediterranean landscape. For those in New York craving traditional, home-style Southern Italian cooking that’s steeped in authentic Sicilian heritage, Joe’s of Avenue U is a destination that consistently delivers. It’s a place where the recipes are authentic, the portions are generous, and the service is quick and friendly.

Joe's of Avenue U is more than just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of Brooklyn’s culinary history, serving traditional dishes that are often hard to find outside of Italy. Patrons praise the nostalgic ambiance that makes them feel right at home—an old-school joint that retains its charm in a neighborhood that proudly holds onto its Italian roots. It’s an ideal spot for a hearty lunch, a comforting dinner, or a casual solo meal, providing a welcoming environment for families, groups, and individuals alike. If you are looking to experience Sicilian specialties prepared with authentic passion and flavor, Joe's of Avenue U should be at the top of your list.

Location and Accessibility

Joe's of Avenue U is conveniently situated at

For those driving, Joe's is situated on a bustling avenue where paid street parking is typically available. While street parking can be a challenge in any busy New York neighborhood, the easy access to the F train provides an excellent alternative.

Furthermore, the establishment is committed to accessibility, ensuring all guests feel welcome. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, as well as a wheelchair-accessible restroom and designated wheelchair-accessible seating. This thoughtful consideration for accessibility allows all members of the community to comfortably enjoy the authentic Sicilian dining experience.

Services Offered

Joe’s of Avenue U provides a full array of services to cater to the diverse needs of the New York diner, from a quick bite on the go to a leisurely family dinner. The services include:

• Dine-in: Enjoy table service in the historic, casual, and cozy dining room, which features charming murals and a distinct old-school atmosphere.
• Takeout: A quick and easy option for enjoying your favorite Sicilian specialties at home.
• Delivery: Convenient delivery options are available for those in the local area who prefer to have their meal brought right to their door.
• Table Service: Full-service dining is offered, ensuring a pleasant and relaxed meal experience.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, making it a great choice for hosting events and gatherings with authentic Sicilian flavor.
• Reservations: Reservations are accepted and often recommended, particularly during peak hours or on weekends, to ensure seating availability.
• Alcohol Service: Beer and wine options are available to perfectly complement your authentic Sicilian meal.
• Payment Options: The restaurant accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.
• Children's Amenities: Joe's is family-friendly, offering high chairs to accommodate younger guests.

Features / Highlights

Joe's of Avenue U stands out in the New York dining scene due to its unwavering commitment to authentic Sicilian tradition and its beloved neighborhood feel. Key highlights include:

• Authentic Sicilian Cuisine: The restaurant specializes in Palermo-style cuisine, setting it apart from typical Italian-American restaurants. The menu, which includes traditional Sicilian terminology, is truly authentic.
• Famous Sicilian Specialties: Joe's is famous for its must-try regional dishes, which include the large, satisfying Arancini (rice balls), the chickpea fritters called Panelle (often enjoyed in a roll as a Panelli Roll/Pani E Panelli or a Pannelle Special with ricotta), and the classic Pasta With Sardines & Wild Fennel/Pasta Cchi Sardi.
• The Vastedda Sandwich: A uniquely authentic offering, the Vastedda, a sandwich filled with tender heart and spleen (though a chickpea fritter alternative is also available as a Panelle Special), is a true Sicilian-Palermo specialty.
• Exceptional Seafood and Pasta: Beyond the famous street foods, the menu features an extensive array of fresh seafood and traditional pasta dishes, such as Polpo Salad, Fried Calamari, and rich pasta dishes like Linguini With Black Sauce/Linguini Cu Niuru A Siccia (squid ink pasta) and the luxurious Pasta With Sea Urchin/Pasta Cchi Rizzi.
• Historic and Cozy Atmosphere: The dining space boasts a casual, cozy, and historic atmosphere, complete with murals, making it feel like a cherished old-school Brooklyn joint that embraces its heritage.
• Generous Portions and Value: The restaurant is known for offering generous portions of delicious food at affordable prices, making it a reliable choice for a hearty meal.
• Commitment to Tradition: The staff is reportedly Sicilian, which helps ensure the flavors and recipes are truly reminiscent of Palermo.

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout, or any inquiries, please use the following contact details:

Address: 287 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA

Phone: (718) 449-9285

What Is Worth Choosing

For the New York food enthusiast, Joe's of Avenue U is a standout choice primarily because it offers a truly authentic regional Italian experience—specifically, the distinct and often rare flavors of Sicilian cuisine. Many New York "Italian" restaurants lean towards a general American-Italian menu, but Joe's provides dishes that are straight out of Palermo.

The core specialties are what truly make the trip to Gravesend worthwhile. You simply must try the famous Sicilian Specialties. The softball-sized Rice Ball Special/Arancina M Pupata—a golden-fried rice ball stuffed with meat, peas, and cheese, topped with ricotta, red sauce, and Parmesan—is a masterpiece. Equally essential is the Pannelle Special, a crispy chickpea fritter roll topped with creamy ricotta and cheese. These are the tastes that define a genuine Sicilian experience and are the reasons Joe's has maintained its reputation for over twenty years as a neighborhood anchor.

Beyond the street-food staples, the seafood and pasta dishes showcase the island’s connection to the sea. Whether you opt for the highly-praised Polpo Salad or the intensely flavorful Pasta With Sardines & Wild Fennel/Pasta Cchi Sardi (with bucatini, sardines, fennel, and currants), you are tasting a complex, sweet-and-savory profile that is uniquely Sicilian.

In a city saturated with dining options, Joe's of Avenue U is one of the few places where you can be assured of an authentic, old-school atmosphere and a menu that speaks the true language of Sicily. Its commitment to traditional, unpretentious, and flavorful food makes it a necessary destination for anyone in the New York area seeking the real deal. From the Meat Ball Hero to the Stuffed Artichoke, the food here is delicious, affordable comfort food—a perfect slice of Italy's largest island, right here in Brooklyn.

Joe's of Avenue U

287 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA