Joe Barbaro is a major character in the video game Mafia II, serving as the deuteragonist and best friend to the main protagonist, Vito Scaletta, as they rise through the ranks of the Falcone crime family in Empire Bay. Known for his brash and unpredictable nature, Joe is a career criminal who enjoys fast cars, booze, and women, and is instrumental in Vito's criminal career, though their partnership ends ambiguously at the game's conclusion. 