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Happy Joe's

3.0 (50 reviews)
Open • 9:00 am - 10:00 pm

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It was AWFUL. The girl on the phone had a shit attitude. I told her the name of my hotel, less than a mile away. She said I don't know the address you'll have to look it up. I looked it up and gave it to her and she wasn't paying attention so I had to give it again. Her shit attitude was coming through loud and clear. Get a job you enjoy lady. The pizza came and it was cold. Not like warm. It was cold. Again, less than a mile away. There was no sauce or if there was, it has no flavor. All I could taste was nasty cold mozzarella. I know they don't care about out of town customers and it shows. Couldn't eat it. $25 for a small and it was trash

Sausage and Canadian bacon
Neil T.

Happy Joe's is one of those rare phenomena that are as enjoyable in adulthood as they were in childhood. The old location at 1414 W Locust was a comfy haven for my little self; I was shocked to discover that they had moved when I was visiting a few years ago, but, since the only way that I get to enjoy them these days is via carry-out during holiday stays with my folks, what really mattered was that the food was (1) still excellent and (2) still excellent to my adult palate. It's both. It's fantastic, and instantly recognizable to anyone that's had it - a singular creation that doesn't really fit into any established category of pizza, not even the Quad Cities-style of Harris, Frank's, etc. A crispy-chewy crust, a sweet sauce, a thick layer of what seems to be a cheddar-mozzarella blend, a generous application of finely-diced Canadian bacon (still my favorite rendition of that topping) and those somewhat odd but delicious sausage-pebbles, above the cheese, of course... as far as I'm concerned, this is the go-to at Happy Joe's *UNLESS* you're getting a taco pizza, of which theirs is the definitive version. I could write a freaking poem about that one, but suffice it to say that it alone justifies the existence of fusion cuisine. I've lived in Connecticut for the past five years, and I've sampled, repeatedly and with great relish, the legendary pies of New Haven and New York. Their status is absolutely earned. Some of my friends and coworkers out east have turned up their noses at Happy Joe's from photos alone, and I say unequivocally that it is their loss. I'm fortunate to have access to the food that I do now, but I think I'm even more fortunate to have evolved a broad definition of exceptional pizza, one that includes Happy Joe's. I understand that they've recently sold a majority stake to an entity that is the largest franchisee of Buffalo Wild Wings, with a goal of national expansion. I wish them the best of luck, and I only hope that the pizza remains firmly as it is.

A staple for me when I come home. I LOVE HAPPY JOE'S PIZZA
Ronnie B.

This is a hometown staple!!! I was raised on HJP my father is a sausage man and my mom love pepperoni, so we would eat half and half. As an adult I evolved into the specialty pizza. Half BLT & Half Taco....YUM!!! It may sound weird but trust me it's a slice of heaven with every bite. Jo Jo was the manager today who had such a delightful personality and enjoyable conversation. Aka she was a foodie as well so we talked about various restaurants. I always feel like family when I visit this location. Thank you Jo Jo for your upbeat disposition.

Lisa Z.

My bf is from the Quad Cities...and dreams of Happy Joes Taco pizza. So, when we went yesterday, we had the full experience-Taco Supreme! The service at this location was good. They were pretty empty when we got there. They were super attentive, almost hovering. The pizza came out quickly and our "pop" was refilled promptly. The pizza itself was exactly as expected- pizza layer with Taco meat, refried beans, yellow cheese, and some sour cream covered with an ample layer of chopped taco veggies- iceburg lettuce, tomatoes, onions & black olives. Spicy Taco sauce available on the side. My bf was in heaven & wonders when will Happy Joes come to NY/NJ area?

Jay S.

My husband and I decided to brave the cold temps tonight and walk over to Happy Joe's for our fave taco pizza. The hostess was delightful and genuinely happy. She was engaging all the way to the booth. The waitress was totally on it throughout our dining experience. Very friendly and personable the entire time we were there. I was a little sad that they do not have an evening salad bar and that ice cream is $0.89 an ounce! The taco pizza remains the best hands down!!!!

Enjoying a meal.

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2 years ago

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Spencer R.

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2 days ago

They are so rude! Tone and service. This place is damn near abandoned and it took 40 minutes for one pizza

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1 month ago

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6 months ago

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Spencer R.

Thanks, Jacqueline!

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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5 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

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5 years ago

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14 years ago

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2 years ago

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8 years ago

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11 years ago

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5 years ago

Best Happy Joes in the QC!!! Tracy is always awesome to deal with and she make sure we are taken care of!

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8 years ago

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5 years ago

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7 years ago

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7 years ago

Love it! Their taco pizza is my new favorite pizza. I so wish we had Happy Joe's in South Florida.

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13 years ago

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7 years ago

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12 years ago

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8 years ago

The pizza was awful. This pizza tasted like it came out a frozen food box then they added the ingredients you asked for.

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11 years ago

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8 years ago

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10 years ago

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13 years ago

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18 years ago

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16 years ago

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9 years ago

Very good pizza. Friendly staff. Spacious and good environment for many different people.

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14 years ago

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Ask the Community - Happy Joe's

Review Highlights - Happy Joe's

“Happy Joe's is one of those rare phenomena that are as enjoyable in adulthood as they were in childhood.”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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4.5(108 reviews)
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Our first visit to Smash Pizza. In a word, OUTSTANDING. My wife and I shared a large half-sausage…read morehalf-pepperoni pizza. Actually, it might be more accurate to say we fought over it! Fortunately it was large enough to satisfy both of us plus enough left over for almost another meal. At the end, we just looked at each other, smiled, and agreed it was right up there with the very best pizzas we have EVER had. And we're both in our 70s. We've had A LOT OF PIZZAS. We will be back again and again.

This cool spot is located in Bettendorf in a corner strip mall location. They've got counter…read moreservice along with dining room space. It's decked out with live plants, some comfortable booths and some tables. It's an attractive space with a good view of the kitchen. It's a solid little space. We ordered the house salad, which is tossed in buttermilk ranch dressing and it's super delicious. Such a great salad to start with before the pizzas. It's large enough for 3 people to share, as there were 2 of us and we had some left over to take home. Brian Olsen has pizza on lock! He is a master at his craft. These pizzas have an amazing flavor, terrific crust and quality ingredients. They serve burgers and a chicken sandwiche, too! We ordered 3 different pizzas... one with garlic cream sauce and green peppers, one with pepperoni, sausage & red peppers and another specialty pizza with the hot honey & arugula with pepperoni and Calabrian chili's. Man, that was some good Za!! Claire was our server and she was terrific, too! Clearing dirty plates, refreshing silverware and beverages. Terrific attitude! All in all, Bettendorf has an amazing pizza restaurant that the locals should be grateful for in their own neighborhood! And, Smash serves beer, wine, and cocktails, too. I wish I lived closer. I'd become a regular and dine in often! Whenever I'm back in town, I'll be sure to stop by to try some different specialty pies, like the elote pie. That one sounded really good! So did the za with wild mushroom & kale!! Maybe one day Smash will create a taco pizza to compete with Happy Joe's, rip Joe Whitey. But, seriously, there is no comparison between the two. Smash is hands down one of the best pizza restaurants in the QC's and is better that many BIG city pizza spots. Thanks for the good time, great food & service!!

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Smash Pizza
Smash Pizza - The bread plate is amazing! It looks good, tastes good and hits the spot...i don't know if I could eat the pizza now!!

The bread plate is amazing! It looks good, tastes good and hits the spot...i don't know if I could eat the pizza now!!

Smash Pizza

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Happy Joe's - pizza - Updated October 2026

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