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Johny's Luncheonette
Categories: Restaurants Canadian (Traditional) Restaurants Diners Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Canadian (Traditional), Diners, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
124 W 25th St(between Avenue Of The Americas & 7th Ave)
New York, NY 10001
Neighbourhood: Chelsea
(212) 243-6230
- Nearest Transit:
-
23 St (F, M)
23 St (1, 2)
28 St (1, 2)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 5 pm
Sat-Sun 8:30 am - 4 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Morgen B. said: "I went here today with a friend. I like how close it is to Grand Central, being one of the decent and authentic places to eat (aka not super touristy and expensive) I ordered the french toast, side of hash browns and a chocolate…" read more »
180 reviews for Johny's Luncheonette
Review Highlights
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"This place is a fantastic greasy spoon." In 21 reviews -
"It was the best french toast I ever had." In 15 reviews -
"The banana pancakes are amazing." In 6 reviews
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179 reviews in English
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Review from Marilyn C.
Sun Valley, CA
5/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This was a mom & pops type of diner. Definitely a hole in the wall type of place and It was a bit small but if you get there early you are guaranteed a seat.
We were getting ready to head out for some grub but didn't know where to go, so we yelped what was closest to the hotel. This place is was about 4 bldgs down our hotel. Strolled in saturday morning and ordered breakfast.. The cook and staff are pretty funny and are crackin jokes try to make you feel at home. During our week stay we visited total of 3 times.
We tried the french toast, banana pancakes, and your usual egg bacon/sausage combo, all were delish and the combos meals came with home fries which were pretty damn tasty.
If I go back to NY I definitely plan on paying John'ys a visit!!! ;) -
Review from Russell B.
Fontana, CA
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Man, I wish I would've come here on my first morning in NYC. I would've been here every morning then. This place is definitely a hole in the wall with about 8-10 seats at their counter and thats it. Fortunately we walked in with 4 people and there were conveniently 4 seats all together.
We were all a little confused as to what to expect from a place and the others in our group probably wondering what kind of place I lead them to, but after a minute or so of watching them sling plates of food together I think we all realized we made the right choice. I went for the pretty standard breakfast platter with two eggs over easy, home fries, bacon, and toast. I think since they cook their eggs at such a high heat, they do end up a bit more runny than usual, but all the more for my home fries and toast to sop up. I usually detest super thin bacon, but it is cooked up somehow nice and crisp but still with a bit of chew that it is near perfect. We all sincerely enjoyed each of our meals as well as the entertainment from the speed and concentration of the cooking as well as the banter back and forth from the employees and the customers. If you are staying in the area, definitely come here. If you live in this area, I am so jealous you have such a cool little neighborhood spot. Hopefully you enjoy it. -
Review from Emily W.
Piedmont, CA
5/7/2012
There are mixed reviews there and I think other people have hit the nail on the head. This is a real diner. Not a diner with a gimmick, a trendy modern version of a diner that has an item on the must eat list with an hour long wait. Nope, this is a place with a bar where you can see the good people cooking your food in front of you, working to make sure you're full and happy when you get out of there. It's a place that has regulars and people on the go that are looking for a good meal without paying an arm and leg for a meal in Manhattan.
This was perfect for me as I was by myself looking for breakfast at 12:30 PM (I'm on vacation ok!) and wanted something to keep me going for most of the day. It is literally a hole in the wall, but that's what I find charming about it! (See the pictures for reference.) The guy didn't make me feel like a horrible wench when I reminded him I had ordered bacon as well. The service was also attentive. Recommended to people who aren't looking for a pretentious meal in Chelsea! -
Review from Susan T.
Brooklyn, NY
5/24/2012
Whenever my coworkers and I can't decide where to go to lunch, this is where we end up. If you want to go to an actual diner, this is the place to go. The menu is huge, the prices are low, and the food is legit. The staff is super friendly, and I haven't had a bad meal yet. Go there. Now.
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Review from Brad L.
4/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This is the kind of place that separates the people who are truly passionate about food-coupled experiences from the people who are just into fancy food and restaurants.
Johny's is one of the most New York places I've visited. If you you're looking for a real New York diner, you've found it. To me, that means a few no-nonsense guys behind the counter, putting orders together quickly, with a healthy dose of attitude.
What it doesn't mean are fancy ingredients, unique flavors or surprising textures.
Adjust your decision to visit accordingly. -
Review from JJ M.
Somerville, MA
3/18/2012
Looked in turned right around!
I am a fan of diners but this wasn't for me! Surprised it was rated so highly on yelp -
Review from Warren N.
Hermosa Beach, CA
3/2/2012
Clean, friendly, fast and very tasty. I can't say anything but superlatives about Johnny's. We enjoyed our breakfast so much, and the perfectly made hot coffee was so good.
The staff is very friendly. It is the coolest place to have breakfast or lunch in NYC. -
Review from Jerome V.
Tempe, AZ
3/28/2012
Average food, very clean, friendly, and fast.
I would recommend it. I think I didn't care much for the food because I just ordered a breakfast sandwich, I wasn't in the mood to look through the menu and just wanted something quick. -
Review from Mark M.
Boston, MA
1/26/2012
The food was not the best. The place looks like a dump.
However, this is why I love the place. It feels like a throwback to the old New York before it was invaded by the uber rich or yuppies like myself. This is a working class place in the fashion district.
I make it a point to visit and love simply people watching and starting conversations with the interesting people that make their way in and out of Johny's -
Review from Kristopher K.
New York, NY
I've seen quite a few people baffled by the high rating of Johnny's and I do understand why. It's certainly not the latest in creole/thai/ice cream truck fusion. They also aren't going to take your coat and bring you a warm, moist towel before or after your meal. The space is cramped and rather drab. There's limited seating, no cool ironic music, I wouldn't bother asking for sheep's milk in your coffee. I definitely see why someone looking for all of that stuff would be horribly disappointed by Johnny's.
So why am I giving it 5 stars? Because Johnny's never claimed to be any of that stuff. Johnny's is a greasy spoon. That's who they are and they are the best at it that I know of in the area. Want an egg over easy? They will give you a properly cooked egg over easy. Want bacon? They'll give you a few strips of old school thin cut just crispy enough greasy bacon. Pancakes? Large and fluffy with butter schmeared on the rim of the plate and a bucket of syrup to use as much or as little as you want. Want cream for your coffee? Here's the carton. Want a breakfast that includes two eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, toast, two big pan cakes, and coffee for $8.75? They offer you the big man breakfast.
Service? It's not about to win awards but I've never seen anyone treated with less than the utmost respect. The people that work there will talk and crack jokes with you while they make your food in front of you. I've never seen a request (no matter how ridiculous) met with anything other than "Yes/sure thing/of course/not a problem" and I've never seen a crooked face or a hint of resentment go along with that.
For me, giving Johnny's anything less than 5 stars would be like giving a Ferrari less than 5 stars because Ferraris suck at dish washing. -
Review from Just J.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food is greasy spoon diner good. Very small, but the staff and owner are PURE New York, very entertaining and great service!
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Review from Tommi F.
Brooklyn, NY
4/11/2012
Authentic greasy spoon for sure! The food is great, but the atmosphere is where it's at with this place. Friendly, no-nonsense and fast. Quintessential NYC breakfast / lunch hole-in-the-wall.
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Review from Lisa J.
Wyandotte, MI
4/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great diner...had an egg sandwich with homefries, chocolate milk and coffee, perfect. I agree wholeheartedly, Clean, Fast and Friendly!!!
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Review from petunia t.
Berkeley, CA
4/11/2012
Came here on a recent trip to NYC after checking Yelp and finding that this was the "best" breakfast spot near midtown hotel. I cannot believe that to be true. Low quality, bland diner food cannot be the best midtown has to offer. I will say that the staff and neighborhood ambiance were great. Just know that what you are going for is NOT the food.
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Review from Athan M.
Washington, DC
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great spot! Johny is a fantastic Greek-American host and the food - and coffee - is excellent. A classic in every sense of the word(s): Greek diner; New York neighborhood gem; breakfast.
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Review from Jillian K.
New York, NY
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Johny's doesn't have extraordinary food, and it doesn't have an extraordinary atmosphere. So why all the five star reviews, guys? I don't understand.
I had a pretty fierce craving for a breakfast sandwich and I needed to stop by The Container Store on 19th St. anyway, so I figured I'd use the opportunity to check out Johny's, which has been sitting on my bookmark list for awhile now.
I ordered an egg, turkey bacon, and swiss cheese breakfast sandwich on an English muffin. No big deal. What I received was an egg, turkey bacon, and American cheese breakfast sandwich on an English muffin. That's pretty close to what I ordered, so I just shrugged it off and ate my sandwich. But still: a five star (or even four star) diner shouldn't be making mistakes like that.
It tasted ... pretty much how I expected it to taste. Here, we'll do a visualization. Close your eyes -- wait, no, then you can't read this. So don't close your eyes. Just relax. Now imagine you're eating a slightly soggy English muffin with some totally average eggs, too-greasy turkey bacon, and a slice of bright orange processed cheese inside. Got the idea? Then I think you'll know what to expect at Johny's, where the food doesn't exceed expectations.
And one extra thing: I noticed that the cook was using the same big knife to cut everything. That's a pretty standard diner thing, right? Except apparently earlier he had cut a sandwich with a disgusting ton of mayonnaise and hadn't wiped the knife, so the thing was absolutely smeared with the vile stuff. I sat there, in tense horror, watching as he inadvertently added mayonnaise to two, three, four orders before mine. My muscles were all prepped to spring out of my chair and stop him from defiling my breakfast in the same way, but luckily he plopped my sandwich on a plate without cutting it.
My point: mayo-phobes (like me) might want to keep one eye on the cooking area to make sure your food doesn't arrive befouled.
As for the atmosphere, I guess the whole formica-and-fluorescent thing might be ... what, a refreshing change of pace (maybe?) for people who, like, grew up on the Upper East Side and never left. But for those of us from the Great Unwashed West, it's really not very exciting. If you're looking for a diner with a fascinating, fun, five star atmosphere, try Stage.
I might come back to Johny's to try a few more things, like the pancakes, just because there has to be some justification for all of the high reviews. But I'm not certain. After all, I've got a lot of restaurants to try and only limited real estate in my stomach, so it might be awhile before I give Johny's a second chance.
Onward and upward, right? -
Review from Tiffany C.
Scottsdale, AZ
10/16/2011
I've eaten here a few times since moving into the neighborhood. Decent cheap eats. I couldn't help wonder about the cleanliness (or lack of). I tried to keep my mind off of it, because I didn't want to give up my $4.50 turkey burgers. Then a few weeks ago, I almost walked into a sushi joint with a "B" rating from the NYC Health Dept and now I can't help but look for a sign before entering a restaurant...
So I go to Johny's a few days ago, look around, and see no sign. Knowing this is against the rules, I figure they're hiding something. I wait two days for my food to digest, then I look up the spot.
C
I'm feeling a bit of remorse now. Then I read the violations:
2) Evidence of rats or live rats present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.
3) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility's food and/or non-food areas.
Now I'm REALLY nauseous. Each new investigation is rated worse than the one preceding it?! Instead of getting better, they're getting worse. So rather than follow the law and post their rating, they hide it because the fine is probably less damaging than the business that turns away. Sorry peeps, but I had to pass it on. -
Review from Britton B.
New York, NY
"Breakfast Is Anytime You're Craving Eggs"
It's 2:40 on a Friday afternoon and it's breakfast time. My stomach is rumbling, as are the small bellies of the two waifs accompanying me. The sun is out and the tiny counter of Johny's, covered in grease and the smell of fried egg, is beckoning me.
"What are the specials today?" asks one patron as my friends and I drag ourselves to three spinning barstools at the far end of the narrow luncheonette. "Everything but the service, man" is the gruff but goodnatured reply.
The native New Yorker behind the counter tosses a few menus our way and I am immediately overwhelmed. Eggs? Pancakes? French toast? A sandwich? A burger? I look up in time to see the native New Yorker's tattoos, looking perfectly at home upon his well muscled triceps. I start to wonder how long it took Johny to become a native, but am distracted by the sound of something splatter on the hot griddle.
French toast: the batter is a sizzling starburst of burnt bread-flesh beneath a thickly cut slice. It looks appetizing, but something in me makes me look to the tattooed native for help. My hunger has taken over my stomach, and is slowly overtaking my mind. I cannot make a decision.
"What should I get?" I ask in earnest. "Whatever you want, brother. You want Chinese? I'll order it in for you," Johny says with the same rough humor.
"Pancakes. With blueberries. And sausage. And two eggs. Scrambled."
A few minutes and $8.50 later, I leave a stuffed and happy man. The food was delicious. The setting was Spartan and no fuss. The service was quick, simple, and New York Friendly. -
Review from John P.
2/21/2012 1 photo
I've been searching all over the city for a hungry man hero, which i thought would be pretty easy to find, but i still haven't found one. 3 or 4 eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, and cheese on a hero. there are 2 delis by me on long island that make this, but not one in manhattan? Well the curious george at johny's seems to be the closest you're gonna get, but they sub fries for the sausage, a genius substitution. This is one the best sandwiches i've had. Everything on the sandwich was cooked perfectly, and they put a lot of fries on there. Even with all of these ingredients on the hero, it held together very well. I ate it sitting on a park bench and it wasn't messy at all. $7 for the sandwich and a coffee is steal. I had a hard time finishing, and i never have a hard time finishing a sandwich.
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Review from Elizabeth R.
Brooklyn, NY
11/9/2011
I have to admit I usually only rate food establishments if they more or less knock my socks off. Would I travel across a borough for Johny's? No..well, maybe not yet. However, haven eaten lunch in midtown every day for work, I have to admit that this little Luncheonette/Greasy-grill establishment is also definitely the best lunch I've had thus far in Midtown.
I think the mile high brown bags awaiting delivery can also attest to this places delicious eats. I got a large Oatmeal with some brown sugar, wish there was a wee bit more but it was still delicious. The eggs were cooked perfectly, hash browns delicious and 4 strips of bacon were also cooked to my hearts content.
Thanks Johny's, you will see me again soon!
**Virtually no seating, but I suppose on off hours you'd be able to find a spot. -
Review from Joey S.
11/8/2011
This place has delicious, greasy, amazing food.
Do not go here for lunch on a day where you need to be productive in the afternoon because you will feel like taking a very satisfied nap after consuming Johny's.
Highlights include:
Melissa Munchie - roast beef, mushrooms, onion rings, and cheese
Delicious Doug- hot sauce, chicken, onions, swiss
Curious George - eggs, bacon, cheese, french fries( WHAT!)
I don't know who decided to use garlic bread instead of regular bread for their sandwiches but I would like to kiss that person.
Don't expect to find any seating in here though unless you are going on an off hour. Madison Square park is right by so eat outside and then do some wind sprints int he park to work off that sandwich. -
Review from Sarah G.
10/4/2011
I wish I lived in the area and could make this my regular breakfast spot. It was awesome. They have the best fries, and I absolutely loved how so many of the patrons knew the employees. That's how you know its the real deal. It's also cheap! The menu had some many tasty sounding options, but I settled on a perfectly crisp and melty grilled cheese and french fries with an unsweetened ice tea. What can I say, I have simple tastes.
There are two small tables in the back and a small counter to eat at. This is a place you come with one other person, as space is a premium. Seemed like take out and delivery were very popular and I can see why.
I didn't give 5 stars because there is really no bathroom and, while I get this place is a greasy spoon, they still need to do some more cleaning for my delicate self. -
Review from Kenny C.
1/21/2012
How could I have forgotten to review Johny's? It's in the middle of a random block, has an old diner feel, and the menu is simple but effective. I used to like to get a little fancy and order the turkey burger, and it did not disappoint. Johny himself takes your order and swipes your credit card, and you can have a conversation with him through the order window while you wait (if you're doing takeout). And yes, I do recommend doing takeout cuz there ain't that much room inside!
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Review from Rasheeda R.
Bronx, NY
11/17/2011
"You can't leave a tip if you pay with a credit card," says the grill cook. He was mighty sure of himself getting a tip to make such an assertion.
Still, I will give them 4 stars. I got a large amount of food without having to pay that much. It was a great deal for the city. This is a greasy spoon. I am sure what I ate clogged an artery for half the day. But people don't come here for a lean side salad with a side of dressing. You can tell this place is kinda a hole in the wall. It was good for what one's expectations should be of a place like this. -
Review from Jon P.
Financial District, Manhattan, NY
2/27/2012
This place is the BOSS for breakfast and brunch. That is all.
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Review from Nicole R.
New York, NY
2/1/2012
What you see is what you get. Great sandwiches and breakfast platters. Quick service. This is the perfect place to grab an omelet, or a breakfast sandwich on Saturday morning when you don't want to deal with the production that is brunch at many restaurants on the weekend. What I like most is that they'll make whatever you want if its not on the menu. My favorite is an English muffin with egg whites, fried salami, potatoes and hot sauce. For lunch, anything on the pita bread is delicious! Seating is limited so come alone or with a friend (not 5).
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Review from Alexandra C.
New York, NY
9/6/2011
I don't get the high reviews of this place.
Coulda made a breakfast like this myself at home. Sure it's cheap but unfortuantely wasn't anything special. -
Review from Alexander P.
Manhattan, NY
2/2/2012
Johnny's is great, in and out you'll have a delicious sandwich. The service is friendly, Johnny the owner cooks everything up right in front of you. Nothing to complain about here, your old school sandwich/diner/greasy spoon
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Review from Edgar S.
I needed a new lunch option. Lunch around the office seriously blows. The food is either overpriced, bad or full of damn tourists. Thanks to Yelp, I found Johny's.
First off, you don't see many luncheonettes anymore. They're called diners or coffee shops now. Johny's is seriously old school. The place is the size of my cubicle. SMALL. BUT, they know how to do it.
Be prepared to sit at the counter. There's only 2 small tables in the back. You won't see any of the before mentioned tourists, bad food or anything overpriced. This is for the locals who work in the area.
Want to get something to go? Order it at the window while you people watch outside. Very cool place and my lunch hit the spot.
Apparently, they have lots of regulars. Dude in the front asked if I was out of town, until he heard the "Bronx accent."
Johny's moved to the top of my lunch options.
WORD!Listed in: Great Diners/ Coffee Shops
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Review from Tony T.
12/8/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Came for breakfast the other morning and now I know where to come when I need a kick start to my day. Got the hungry man breakfast - 2 pancakes, 2 pieces of toast, 3 slices of bacon, 2 sausages, 2 eggs (cooked perfectly sunny side up), and hash browns (browned and crispy without being dry). That plate cost $8.95 and if you go before 11 am, you get a free coffee. The bacon was cooked perfectly - crunchy without being burned or too hard. It's difficult to find a place that serves a great breakfast in NYC but Johny's is definitely one of them. There are only 9 seats at the bar and 2 small tables so seating is limited.
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Review from Trevor J.
Livingston, NJ
12/27/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Had pancakes, eggs, and bacon. The food was great and the staff was friendly and nice. Only complaint is the restaurant is small. I will be back for lunch shortly.
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Review from Jennifer n.
San Jose, CA
3/26/2011
Great lil hole in the wall if you want good food at a reasonable price.
I ordered the Bigman Breakfast n as for those who know me, STFU if you are going to give me crap about how much I can eat. No one goes on vacation and worry about the calories they intake. What kind of vacation would that be! Love this little place and glad I tried it out. Looked like there were many happy people here.
It was a perfect breakfast to start off the day. 2 eggs over easy, 2 fancakes, home fries, bacon & sausage, toast, and black coffee. :) -
Review from ali f.
Brooklyn, NY
2/22/2011
LOVE LOVE LOVE
No joke, when i was deciding between two jobs this past year, I made a Pros/Cons list. "Close to Johnny's" was on the Pros list of the job I ended up choosing. It wasn't the only thing on the list, but it definitely helped my decision.
It's a tiny place- a true luncheonette. One straight counter that seats maybe 8? There is also a walk up window for carry out. Breakfast is amazing. BUT the thing i crave is a lunch item. it is called the "Delicious Doug" and it is the greatest sandwich ever. Period. It is simple and inexpensive which only adds to its charm.
The food is cheap. The staff is super friendly. The location is convenient. You really can't ask for anything more. -
Review from Jaimie M.
New York, NY
I have to say I am a bit shocked that Johny's has such high ratings. I came here to eat because I was in the area and this was the closest place with super high ratings. Upon seeing the restaurant I nearly turned around and went somewhere else.
This place is small- just one counter and one table at the back. Also, I didn't find the people who worked there as nice as everyone here states. The guy who took my order was actually quite rude.
They also didn't have any bacon. I had ordered a breakfast meal and they had no bacon. I mean really? So I got a grilled cheese and fries instead, and the bread was a bit burnt on the grilled cheese. Not terribly so, but there was still that burnt taste. I can't say that it was awful, but it's hard to mess up a grilled cheese and fries. -
Review from Sara R.
Los Angeles, CA
6/19/2011
Not a bad place to catch a diner-esque, quick breakfast, but not the greatest food ever, either.
I usually like places like Johny's, for the "down-home" feel. I liked that when I asked for cream/milk for my coffee, they gave me the entire carton. Just like my mom! :-D
Ordered an omelette (mushroom) and French toast. Both were good, but nothing special or memorable. Service is almost non-existent, but it seems typical of NYC - and it's sort of refreshing. They're very nice, but not in the way I'm used to... the syrupy sweet fake-nice of LA. They just take your order, and your money later. They are very nice with getting you anything else you may want. No questions asked, no frowns, but no big smiles, either.
It's a tiny place, with stools lining the counter, and then one table in the far end. Prices weren't too cheap, but not bad at all.
Would I return? Probably not. Too many places in NYC to check out, with way better food, too. But if you need a decently full breakfast menu, and you're in the area, it's a safe choice. -
Review from Jason H.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 2/19/2012
They are now up to an "A" rating so I gave 'em a couple of extra stars.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/17/2011
The food at Johny's is great, but eating there could be hazardous to your health. Look it up for… Read more »
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Review from Steven W.
Irvine, CA
4/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Grilled Salami Breakfast is a must!
I will never forget this spot...because i got so carried away eating my food that i bit the fork and chipped my tooth...I yelled F**k and the guy behind the counter wittingly said "Hey don't Forkin cuss in here" haha this place is awesome -
Review from Jasmine J.
Los Angeles, CA
10/27/2011
What a perfect spot for breakfast! I loved the setting, the service and the food. We'll be back.
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Review from Vishal A.
San Mateo, CA
7/17/2011
No frills, down to earth yummy food. Sit down, order and enjoy!
I went on a Sunday around lunch and it was full, although I didn't have to wait too long to get a spot. They have a huge menu with lots of variety. The best part - you can get your eggs exactly how you like them! I had the homemade lemonade as well, but that was a little too sugary for my taste. The Florentine Omlette was perfect and hit the spot. -
Review from Tyler L.
2/15/2011
This is really small and narrow hole-in-the-wall "diner". It is so small I am not sure if it even counts as a diner. It can only fit a handful of people inside with mostly stools along the counter. Their menu mainly consist of breakfast platters, cold and hot sandwiches, and burgers (NYC diner type stuff).
What makes this place above average is that the people that work behind the counter are very friendly, and the food is very good. I like their signature sandwich which is called the Sloppy Johny. It has grilled chicken, onions, bacon, cheese, and coleslaw in the sandwich itself. A good place if you are in the mood for a filling, greasy lunch.
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