Readers' Choice: Landmark Restaurant Still Packing Them In

You have my admiration if you can put away an entire double porterhouse steak — with side dishes — at Marin Joe's.

Mind you, it's certainly a tempting challenge, just not one that's easily done. Usually the biggest piece of meat on the menu, served with a Burgundy sauce and button mushrooms, can feed two people, or one person for two nights.

"I saw a guy eat one by himself recently, and he was a little guy," said Marin Joe's Paul della Santina.

But the steak at Marin Joe's is just so good. In fact, you told us overwhelmingly that the landmark Corte Madera restaurant has "The Best Steak in the Twin Cities Area" in this week's readers' choice question.

"I'm happy with what we do with the meat here. The mesquite broiler makes a real difference," della Santina said. "If not for our loyal clientelle, however, our steaks would mean nothing."

Marin Joe's has been a popular place for reunions, anniversaries, award ceremonies and more for 58 years. A lot of familiar faces show up at Marin Joe's on a regular basis — including some of the restaurant's earliest customers.

"We've been fortunate to have 58 years of great customers coming in to see us," della Santina said.

And when people want a good steak, they come to Marin Joe's.

Here are some of the other choices from this week's poll, all of which have admirable menus. Tavern at Lark Creek was the runner-up.

• Brick & Bottle

• Il Fornaio

• Left Bank

• Marin Joe's

• Max's Cafe

• Pacific Cafe (Kentfield)

• Restaurant Picco

• Tavern at Lark Creek

• Vis a Vis

• Yankee Pier

We hope you enjoyed this week's contest and come back Monday when we'll try to find "The Best Florist In The Twin Cities Area."

Have fun by voting one time only in the poll, and we have a great way for you to show some love for your favorite business here as well. Give them a great review and a positive rating on their Patch Directory page.

The poll goes away after a few days, but the positive reviews and ratings stay forever with your favorite business — plus they count heavily in the contest judging too!