Joe's Italian Bistro — Restaurant in Big Spring

We're not from Big Spring and we're trying to find something other than the regular fast food. I read tons of reviews before picking this place. I figured we'd try it. We ordered carryout. When we went to pick up the restaurant was dead. We probably could've eaten there but didn't know it would be completely empty at 3. Plus we just finished working and just wanted to go to the hotel. I ordered the Chicken Parmesan. It was ok. It was kind of bland. Good portion but the breading was already soggy and the sauce just didn't have a lot of flavor. The side salad was lettuce that hadn't even been completely pulled apart, with a thick slice of a small tomato and the dressing just thrown on. Usually the dressing in a cup on the side. Would've liked to of known that since the salads weren't on a stable surface so by the time we got to the hotel, there was dressing spilled all in the bag. With no napkins. My husband got the lasagna. He had the same complaint. Just bland sauce and a LOT of it. Sadly, he said his first thought after taking a bite was Chef Boyardee. And the bread that got such rav reviews that I was excited to try were bland as well. Just really sad about this meal. For $30, I was really expecting to be at least satisfied...

5-6 years ago I would have given Joe’s a 3 star at least but for the last 2 years it’s really gone downhill.

-The decor is fake plants and bottles of dry pasta, all covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs.

The staff is friendly and attentive (best part of the experience, just can’t make up for the rest)

The “salad” like many have mentioned is chopped, wilted iceberg with a slice of tomato. The tomato vinaigrette house dressing is actually really tasty however.

-I used to really love any of their dishes with the pink sauce, waitress recommended chicken with it. One of the 3 pieces of chicken was even edible in my opinion. The others were tough and “woody”, literally tasted like the absolute cheapest frozen chicken possible. The pasta, sauce and vegetables were fine.

When you ask for a takeout container just to be nice and throw out 75% of your $20 meal speaks for itself. I really hope the quality can improve to how it...

Tried this once in 2017 and crossed it off the list. Was convinced into trying it again today - just as awful as I remember. Restaurant was completely empty and it’s clear why. Benches are torn and uncomfortable. Atmosphere is drab with curtains that look like they’re from 1994. Fake plants everywhere - just a really depressing atmosphere. The bread was just like I remembered - dry and rock hard. They look like garlic knots but have absolutely no flavor. Literally the worst bread I’ve ever had at any restaurant in my life. It is HORRIBLE. Side salad is lettuce on a plate with a slice of tomato. Lasagna looks like a TV dinner. Pizza is edible but burnt, paper thin and overly greasy. Tastes similar to Dante’s in the Mall of Abilene. The pizza, fettuccine Alfredo and lasagna cost $50. A colossal waste of money. Servers were nice and decently attentive so that’s the only plus. I’ll be caught dead before I’m ever drug...