Johnny’s Photos
JOHNNY’S ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Johnny’s
Recommended Reviews - Johnny’s
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
On this Labor Day, we celebrated at Johnny's. Without further ado let's begin this breakfast spot review. Tootleloo! Johnny's is a charming breakfast and brunch destination that brings retro diner warmth. It's located in downtown San Mateo. They have a modest selection of food and drinks. We came early morning and the place is all ready filled with customers. We sat at their little counter table and perused their menu. I had an Avocado toast x egg potatoes and reg brewed coffee. Food was delicious and tasty. Atmosphere was very inviting and a bit loud when it's crowded like today. Service was spot on. Staff were assiduous and professional. Prices were fair for the area. Plenty of street parking. Overall, this diner is great. I highly recommend them. I look forward to coming back.
We passed by this place a week or so ago and thought it looked nice on the outside. We checked out some yelp pics and made plans to make it happen. The interior is very 1950s, insanely clean and a blast from the past decor that didnt miss out on any details. Arriving minutes after they opened, there were already 2 tables taken. We got the corner table for the four of us. The menu isnt too crazy but has plenty to choose from. This may have been the first time I ordered a Benedict in my life. I chose the braised spare rib benny that came with potatoes. The chicken and waffles came with thighs and a life changing waffle. Chilaquiles were legit. A member in our party is sensitive to spice, due to their age. We asked the gentleman how spicy the chorizo was and it was a funny conversation but we went ahead and took a chance on the chorizo scramble plate. As suggested, it wasnt spicy at all but it was loaded with flavor. 4 out of 4 impressive flavor and very filling meals. You may think the portions looked small but halfway through, you'll be second guessing if you'll be able to finish your plate. They really have all the aspects of business down here. Efficient kitchen and system, especially as the place filled up as expected. Im 80% sure the kind gentleman that stopped by our table multiple times was the owner. Super cool and down to earth guy. They also have a halfmoon bay location which I couldnt imagine it being anything below 10/10 just like this location. Very pleased and I'm looking forward to coming back here and supporting this business.
Johnny's has that classic old school diner charm that's becoming harder and harder to find. My friends and I stopped in on a Sunday for brunch, and from the nostalgic atmosphere to the friendly, prompt service, it felt like the kind of place that's been a neighborhood staple for years. Since there were a few of us, we ended up trying a variety of dishes. The iced coffee was unfortunately the biggest letdown of the meal. It was extremely watery, lacked any real coffee flavor, and is something I'd definitely skip on my next visit. The garlic bread grilled cheese was decent, but fairly average overall. The garlic bread added a little extra flavor, though the tomato soup tasted like it came straight from a can and didn't do much to elevate the dish. The fish and chips were excellent. The batter was light and wonderfully crispy while the fish inside remained flaky and moist. It was easily one of the best dishes we ordered. The pastrami melt had plenty of flavorful pastrami, but the sandwich was overloaded with mustard, which unfortunately overpowered everything else. With a lighter hand on the mustard, I think this could have been a standout. Another favorite was the Queen B Belgian waffle. The light dusting of cinnamon added a warm, comforting flavor that made every bite enjoyable. The fried chicken was a touch overcooked despite being a chicken thigh, but it was still a very satisfying combination overall. The crispy fish sandwich was another pleasant surprise. The best way I can describe it is an elevated Filet O Fish, and I mean that as a compliment. The crispy panko coating paired perfectly with the soft, pillowy brioche bun, creating a sandwich that was both comforting and well executed. Overall, Johnny's offers a welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, generous portions, and prices that feel fair for the quality and quantity of food you receive. Not every dish was a home run, but there were enough standouts that I'd gladly come back and continue exploring the menu. If you're looking for a classic diner style brunch on the Peninsula, Johnny's is definitely worth adding to your list.
It's a new brunch spot in downtown San Mateo and I really enjoyed the short rib eggs Benedict and the lemon blueberry pancake. Both are very delicious and I also love the potatoes that came with the eggs Benedict. However I was very disappointed that the server forgot to put in our order and we had to wait for over 30 minutes before our server realized he forgot to put in the order. But overall I really enjoyed the food and I really like the decoration and the vibe of the restaurant a lot!
New restaurant with a fresh, colorful retro diner decor. Our waitress was so friendly and nice and people came by to refill our coffee and water. My friend and I shared the salmon Benedict and lemon ricotta pancakes. Both dishes looked and tasted amazing. I also enjoyed their drip coffee. Love Johnny's, it might become my favorite breakfast place as there were 2 other dishes I want to try.
they serve typical brunch food items in a retro style diner. Food was good, but the service was not great and they can't handle full capacity well. tldr order was given wrong, took around 25-30 minutes to get served food each time, waitlist system is weird, popular items are sold out early, which didn't make for the best experience. Got- - My cousin Vinny sandwich: exactly what it sounds like, pesto focaccia bread with lots of buttery cheese and thin sliced sausage like pieces of ham, it was well flavored. fries were a little too seasoned so it was really salty - queen b Belgian waffle with chicken: waffles were really good, had a hint of cinnamon and texture was super soft and buttery rather than crispy, there was no extra syrup with this, but the whipped honey butter they added was enough to sweeten the waffles. Chicken was nice and crispy but didn't come with a sauce - short rib eggs benny: this was fine, the short ribs tasted like stew beef, which we felt like kind of conflicted with the flavors of eggs Benedict the service was not a good experience though. one friend got on the waitlist 20 min early, and we didn't know their policy is everyone had to be there to get seated. our table was given away, which was on us. After everyone arrived, they said we were the next to get seated, and then proceeded to seat another party of same size first which I thought was strange. we ordered quickly but they told us popular items like the pancakes sold out. it took pretty long for the food to come out and one ended up being incorrect. they did correct and acknowledge they sent in the wrong order, but it took another 25 min to come out and by then others were close to finishing their food. unfortunately it seems like other google and Yelp reviewers have experienced similar things. hope they work through this because the food is very promising!
Came here with some gfs cuz we were craving mimosas with brunch. Friend found this cute spot. Loved the retro dinner feel and the place was bright and airy. Loved the menu selection that was small but varied enough that everyone could find something to eat. Friends had the old fashion scramble and I had the lemon ricotta pancakes and we ordered a bottle to make the mimosas. The mimosas were cute cuz them came with a "globe" of frozen orange juice and asked if we could have the dribble of guava on top. The menu said it would make roughly 4 mimosas but really it was more than that. The only thing I didn't like was that when we "cheered" the glasses didn't clink but made a clunk hahahah. Minor point. Friends said they liked the old fashioned scramble and I loved the lemon ricotta pancakes. For some reason the first bite was amazing but after that it was just good. Did my tastes buds get used to it? Definitely a fun spot and I plan to come back with friends!
Been wanting to try this new diner. How cute is this place. It's located in downtown San Mateo near the Cal-Train parking lot. It can be tough to find parking so plan ahead. I love the decor and the color scheme as well. Perfect place for brunch. My cousin and I went on Memorial weekend and we didn't have to wait since there was just two of us. Service was wonderful and super fast. I ordered The Junior which was 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, I had bacon and potatoes which I substituted for hash browns. The hash browns were super thin and crispy. Never had them like that before. A little oily for how thin they were but still good. They asked if I wanted an English muffin or sourdough toast and I opted for sourdough toast. We also had the orange and guava juice mimosa and a Diet Coke. Everything comes in its own bottle. Really cute. The tiny glass bottles of Diet Coke are $5 though which is a lot for a small drink with no refills. Overall, good place for brunch. I really want to try the lemon ricotta pancakes w blueberry compote and fried chicken on the side. That's what my neighbor at the table next to me had. Will I come back? Yes.
Birthday celebration for my bestie. Decided to try out Johnny's. So glad we did. We got the same dish. Well, the tale of two bennies. Mine was without eggs and avocado added. This place should definitely be on everyone's list. Great ambiance, great music, great food.
I ordered the biscuits with gravy and a side of the eggs. The biscuits were dry little pucks and there wasn't enough gravy. I got that with a side of eggs over medium. One egg yolk came well done and the other yolk came over easy. These are stuck together so idk how that would even happen. Both disappointing. The lemon ricotta pancake though had an amazing citrusy flavor. Wish you got more blueberry compote and more mascarpone cream with it though. It reminded me of the blueberry pancakes from the now closed Canteen in SF; Canteen did this Vanilla Bean French Toast with Blueberry Sauce that had a dollop of whipped cream cheese on top. I get the restraints and ratios being possibly more tasteful or something... but if I'm eating brunch I was it really hearty. Otherwise I can just fry up some eggs at home. Service is friendly, but seems like they're still ironing out the kinks (was not easy to get their attention on my visit and you get the sense they're trying to find their flow). They just opened though. I would come back and try other dishes tho just bc the interior is super cute.
Diner vibes Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: 5/5! One of the best pancakes I've had. The pancakes had a great lemon flavor and the berry compote and mascarpone cream were absolutely delicious. Perfect amount of sweetness. Would get this every time. My cousin Vinny: Great sandwich with the mortadella, burrata and pesto. The shoestring fries were nice and crispy. One thing that was noticeable is that it can get very loud inside, almost uncomfortably. If anyone from Johnny's is reading this, I would consider getting some sound dampeners. Overall, a great addition to downtown San Mateo!
I have been to Johnny's several times since they first opened, and this review is long overdue! The first time I went in back in May, my friend and I were celebrating her birthday. We met Rene, who was absolutely amazing from the start. I was torn between the lemon ricotta pancakes and the chilaquiles, and I ended up going with the chilaquiles. Rene had a plate of the pancakes sent out for me to try, and that little gesture was just the beginning of why this place has become one of my favorite spots. Every time I come in, Rene somehow makes the visit feel special--whether it's taking the time to chat and have a genuine conversation or sending out little treats for my kids. He truly goes above and beyond to make people feel welcome. Fast forward to last month, when I decided to organize a moms' first-day-of-school brunch. I immediately thought Johnny's would be the perfect place. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous inside, but I knew the experience would be just as special. I asked Rene if he would make an exception and take a reservation for our group, and he happily did. Fourteen moms showed up, and Rene went above and beyond once again. He had beautiful white roses placed at every setting and even put a box of tissues on each table--just in case some of us had a rough first morning sending our kids back to school. It was such a thoughtful and personal touch, and everyone loved it. Everything about Johnny's is 5 stars--the food, presentation, atmosphere, decor, and, of course, Rene. But what really sets this place apart is how they make you feel when you walk through the door. If you haven't been yet, GO! Johnny's has officially become one of my favorite breakfast spots in the Peninsula and I can't wait for my next visit.
My new favorite breakfast/brunch spot in San Mateo. Ambiance is so fun and bright. The owner came to our table multiple times and seems like a very down to earth, passionate guy (also born and raised here). My wife and I shared the steak and eggs and lemon ricotta pancakes. The steak was cooked perfectly, chimichurri was great breakfast potatoes were perfectly crunchy. These were probably my favorite pancakes I've ever had. Super light and fluffy. The house made blue berry compote + house made mascarpone whipped was delicious without being overly sweet. They also nail the little details: - mimosa was delicious and came with a pretty mini prosecco bottle - lavender lemonade was similarly yummy - the check was delivered in a little Winnie the poo book which was so fun - glasses had fun texture with good grip
18 days ago
8 days ago
I've had this place saved on TikTok for a few months and finally got the chance to go try it--and honestly, it was the best overall restaurant experience I've had in the Bay Area. A friend of mine and I stopped by around noon without reservations. We were greeted by a gentleman at the front who seated us immediately. As soon as we walked in, we looked at each other like, wow! We couldn't believe how beautiful the place was. From the flooring and seating to the wallpaper and fresh flowers, every little detail was absolutely perfect. A few seconds after we were seated, he actually came back to our table and told us he had an even better table for us. Of course, we happily moved--and it made the experience feel even more personal. Our server was incredibly friendly and came over to take our order about four minutes after we sat down. And somehow, our food was out within the next 10 minutes! We ordered the Short Rib Benny, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, French Toast, and a Sunrise Mimosa. Everything was absolutely delicious. It honestly tasted like the food was made specifically for me and my taste buds. Every single thing we ordered was that good. I honestly can't remember the last time--or if I've ever had--an experience where the atmosphere was beautiful, the staff was genuinely pleasant, the service was fast, AND the food was amazing. Usually, you get two out of three, but this place got everything right. I would give this place 100 stars if I could! I was so impressed that I made sure to compliment the chef and asked to speak with the manager. Little did I know, the gentleman who greeted us and seated us when we first walked in was actually the owner! I had to personally let him know just how impressed I was with everything. You can truly tell when someone takes pride in their establishment, and that definitely came through here. I highly recommend everyone try this place--not just once, but at least three times! This is definitely a place I'll be coming back to. read more
Was in the San Mateo area and found this breakfast spot in downtown. Got an old school diner feel to it and was very busy. There was a bit of wait so we decided to sit at the counter. Very friendly and efficient staff. The staff were consistent with the drinks and refilling our waters. As busy as it was they checked on our table throughout our whole time there. I ordered the NY steak and eggs and my daughter ordered the chicken and waffles. Steak was flavorful and juicy. Eggs cooked over medium just how I liked it. The chicken was seasoned very well and was juicy. It complimented the waffles perfectly. Overall great food and great experience. Look forward to coming back again. read more
On this Labor Day, we celebrated at Johnny's. Without further ado let's begin this breakfast spot review. Tootleloo! Johnny's is a charming breakfast and brunch destination that brings retro diner warmth. It's located in downtown San Mateo. They have a modest selection of food and drinks. We came early morning and the place is all ready filled with customers. We sat at their little counter table and perused their menu. I had an Avocado toast x egg potatoes and reg brewed coffee. Food was delicious and tasty. Atmosphere was very inviting and a bit loud when it's crowded like today. Service was spot on. Staff were assiduous and professional. Prices were fair for the area. Plenty of street parking. Overall, this diner is great. I highly recommend them. I look forward to coming back. read more
We passed by this place a week or so ago and thought it looked nice on the outside. We checked out some yelp pics and made plans to make it happen. The interior is very 1950s, insanely clean and a blast from the past decor that didnt miss out on any details. Arriving minutes after they opened, there were already 2 tables taken. We got the corner table for the four of us. The menu isnt too crazy but has plenty to choose from. This may have been the first time I ordered a Benedict in my life. I chose the braised spare rib benny that came with potatoes. The chicken and waffles came with thighs and a life changing waffle. Chilaquiles were legit. A member in our party is sensitive to spice, due to their age. We asked the gentleman how spicy the chorizo was and it was a funny conversation but we went ahead and took a chance on the chorizo scramble plate. As suggested, it wasnt spicy at all but it was loaded with flavor. 4 out of 4 impressive flavor and very filling meals. You may think the portions looked small but halfway through, you'll be second guessing if you'll be able to finish your plate. They really have all the aspects of business down here. Efficient kitchen and system, especially as the place filled up as expected. Im 80% sure the kind gentleman that stopped by our table multiple times was the owner. Super cool and down to earth guy. They also have a halfmoon bay location which I couldnt imagine it being anything below 10/10 just like this location. Very pleased and I'm looking forward to coming back here and supporting this business. read more
24 minutes ago
2 months ago
Johnny's has that classic old school diner charm that's becoming harder and harder to find. My friends and I stopped in on a Sunday for brunch, and from the nostalgic atmosphere to the friendly, prompt service, it felt like the kind of place that's been a neighborhood staple for years. Since there were a few of us, we ended up trying a variety of dishes. The iced coffee was unfortunately the biggest letdown of the meal. It was extremely watery, lacked any real coffee flavor, and is something I'd definitely skip on my next visit. The garlic bread grilled cheese was decent, but fairly average overall. The garlic bread added a little extra flavor, though the tomato soup tasted like it came straight from a can and didn't do much to elevate the dish. The fish and chips were excellent. The batter was light and wonderfully crispy while the fish inside remained flaky and moist. It was easily one of the best dishes we ordered. The pastrami melt had plenty of flavorful pastrami, but the sandwich was overloaded with mustard, which unfortunately overpowered everything else. With a lighter hand on the mustard, I think this could have been a standout. Another favorite was the Queen B Belgian waffle. The light dusting of cinnamon added a warm, comforting flavor that made every bite enjoyable. The fried chicken was a touch overcooked despite being a chicken thigh, but it was still a very satisfying combination overall. The crispy fish sandwich was another pleasant surprise. The best way I can describe it is an elevated Filet O Fish, and I mean that as a compliment. The crispy panko coating paired perfectly with the soft, pillowy brioche bun, creating a sandwich that was both comforting and well executed. Overall, Johnny's offers a welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, generous portions, and prices that feel fair for the quality and quantity of food you receive. Not every dish was a home run, but there were enough standouts that I'd gladly come back and continue exploring the menu. If you're looking for a classic diner style brunch on the Peninsula, Johnny's is definitely worth adding to your list. read more
It's a new brunch spot in downtown San Mateo and I really enjoyed the short rib eggs Benedict and the lemon blueberry pancake. Both are very delicious and I also love the potatoes that came with the eggs Benedict. However I was very disappointed that the server forgot to put in our order and we had to wait for over 30 minutes before our server realized he forgot to put in the order. But overall I really enjoyed the food and I really like the decoration and the vibe of the restaurant a lot! read more
28 days ago
New restaurant with a fresh, colorful retro diner decor. Our waitress was so friendly and nice and people came by to refill our coffee and water. My friend and I shared the salmon Benedict and lemon ricotta pancakes. Both dishes looked and tasted amazing. I also enjoyed their drip coffee. Love Johnny's, it might become my favorite breakfast place as there were 2 other dishes I want to try. read more
3 months ago
they serve typical brunch food items in a retro style diner. Food was good, but the service was not great and they can't handle full capacity well. tldr order was given wrong, took around 25-30 minutes to get served food each time, waitlist system is weird, popular items are sold out early, which didn't make for the best experience. Got- - My cousin Vinny sandwich: exactly what it sounds like, pesto focaccia bread with lots of buttery cheese and thin sliced sausage like pieces of ham, it was well flavored. fries were a little too seasoned so it was really salty - queen b Belgian waffle with chicken: waffles were really good, had a hint of cinnamon and texture was super soft and buttery rather than crispy, there was no extra syrup with this, but the whipped honey butter they added was enough to sweeten the waffles. Chicken was nice and crispy but didn't come with a sauce - short rib eggs benny: this was fine, the short ribs tasted like stew beef, which we felt like kind of conflicted with the flavors of eggs Benedict the service was not a good experience though. one friend got on the waitlist 20 min early, and we didn't know their policy is everyone had to be there to get seated. our table was given away, which was on us. After everyone arrived, they said we were the next to get seated, and then proceeded to seat another party of same size first which I thought was strange. we ordered quickly but they told us popular items like the pancakes sold out. it took pretty long for the food to come out and one ended up being incorrect. they did correct and acknowledge they sent in the wrong order, but it took another 25 min to come out and by then others were close to finishing their food. unfortunately it seems like other google and Yelp reviewers have experienced similar things. hope they work through this because the food is very promising! read more
3 months ago
Came here with some gfs cuz we were craving mimosas with brunch. Friend found this cute spot. Loved the retro dinner feel and the place was bright and airy. Loved the menu selection that was small but varied enough that everyone could find something to eat. Friends had the old fashion scramble and I had the lemon ricotta pancakes and we ordered a bottle to make the mimosas. The mimosas were cute cuz them came with a "globe" of frozen orange juice and asked if we could have the dribble of guava on top. The menu said it would make roughly 4 mimosas but really it was more than that. The only thing I didn't like was that when we "cheered" the glasses didn't clink but made a clunk hahahah. Minor point. Friends said they liked the old fashioned scramble and I loved the lemon ricotta pancakes. For some reason the first bite was amazing but after that it was just good. Did my tastes buds get used to it? Definitely a fun spot and I plan to come back with friends! read more
Been wanting to try this new diner. How cute is this place. It's located in downtown San Mateo near the Cal-Train parking lot. It can be tough to find parking so plan ahead. I love the decor and the color scheme as well. Perfect place for brunch. My cousin and I went on Memorial weekend and we didn't have to wait since there was just two of us. Service was wonderful and super fast. I ordered The Junior which was 2 eggs, bacon or sausage, I had bacon and potatoes which I substituted for hash browns. The hash browns were super thin and crispy. Never had them like that before. A little oily for how thin they were but still good. They asked if I wanted an English muffin or sourdough toast and I opted for sourdough toast. We also had the orange and guava juice mimosa and a Diet Coke. Everything comes in its own bottle. Really cute. The tiny glass bottles of Diet Coke are $5 though which is a lot for a small drink with no refills. Overall, good place for brunch. I really want to try the lemon ricotta pancakes w blueberry compote and fried chicken on the side. That's what my neighbor at the table next to me had. Will I come back? Yes. read more
Birthday celebration for my bestie. Decided to try out Johnny's. So glad we did. We got the same dish. Well, the tale of two bennies. Mine was without eggs and avocado added. This place should definitely be on everyone's list. Great ambiance, great music, great food. read more
I ordered the biscuits with gravy and a side of the eggs. The biscuits were dry little pucks and there wasn't enough gravy. I got that with a side of eggs over medium. One egg yolk came well done and the other yolk came over easy. These are stuck together so idk how that would even happen. Both disappointing. The lemon ricotta pancake though had an amazing citrusy flavor. Wish you got more blueberry compote and more mascarpone cream with it though. It reminded me of the blueberry pancakes from the now closed Canteen in SF; Canteen did this Vanilla Bean French Toast with Blueberry Sauce that had a dollop of whipped cream cheese on top. I get the restraints and ratios being possibly more tasteful or something... but if I'm eating brunch I was it really hearty. Otherwise I can just fry up some eggs at home. Service is friendly, but seems like they're still ironing out the kinks (was not easy to get their attention on my visit and you get the sense they're trying to find their flow). They just opened though. I would come back and try other dishes tho just bc the interior is super cute. read more
5 months ago
Diner vibes Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: 5/5! One of the best pancakes I've had. The pancakes had a great lemon flavor and the berry compote and mascarpone cream were absolutely delicious. Perfect amount of sweetness. Would get this every time. My cousin Vinny: Great sandwich with the mortadella, burrata and pesto. The shoestring fries were nice and crispy. One thing that was noticeable is that it can get very loud inside, almost uncomfortably. If anyone from Johnny's is reading this, I would consider getting some sound dampeners. Overall, a great addition to downtown San Mateo! read more
14 days ago
I have been to Johnny's several times since they first opened, and this review is long overdue! The first time I went in back in May, my friend and I were celebrating her birthday. We met Rene, who was absolutely amazing from the start. I was torn between the lemon ricotta pancakes and the chilaquiles, and I ended up going with the chilaquiles. Rene had a plate of the pancakes sent out for me to try, and that little gesture was just the beginning of why this place has become one of my favorite spots. Every time I come in, Rene somehow makes the visit feel special--whether it's taking the time to chat and have a genuine conversation or sending out little treats for my kids. He truly goes above and beyond to make people feel welcome. Fast forward to last month, when I decided to organize a moms' first-day-of-school brunch. I immediately thought Johnny's would be the perfect place. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous inside, but I knew the experience would be just as special. I asked Rene if he would make an exception and take a reservation for our group, and he happily did. Fourteen moms showed up, and Rene went above and beyond once again. He had beautiful white roses placed at every setting and even put a box of tissues on each table--just in case some of us had a rough first morning sending our kids back to school. It was such a thoughtful and personal touch, and everyone loved it. Everything about Johnny's is 5 stars--the food, presentation, atmosphere, decor, and, of course, Rene. But what really sets this place apart is how they make you feel when you walk through the door. If you haven't been yet, GO! Johnny's has officially become one of my favorite breakfast spots in the Peninsula and I can't wait for my next visit. read more
17 days ago
My new favorite breakfast/brunch spot in San Mateo. Ambiance is so fun and bright. The owner came to our table multiple times and seems like a very down to earth, passionate guy (also born and raised here). My wife and I shared the steak and eggs and lemon ricotta pancakes. The steak was cooked perfectly, chimichurri was great breakfast potatoes were perfectly crunchy. These were probably my favorite pancakes I've ever had. Super light and fluffy. The house made blue berry compote + house made mascarpone whipped was delicious without being overly sweet. They also nail the little details: - mimosa was delicious and came with a pretty mini prosecco bottle - lavender lemonade was similarly yummy - the check was delivered in a little Winnie the poo book which was so fun - glasses had fun texture with good grip read more
The atmosphere is very friendly and very clean. The interior gives a vintage 1950s diner five there's wraparound booths with chairs and a diner counter. I feel like I was in the 50s when I walked into this place. The service is very friendly. I ordered biscuits and gravy along with a side of their short rib. My girlfriend ordered the Junior. All I can say is wow!!!! The biscuits and gravy phenomenal was so much flavor. Even their homestyle potatoes which my girlfriend got were divine. The short rib was also so juicy and moist. Ambience: 10/10 Food: 10/10 Service: 10/10 We can't wait to come back! The attention to detail is amazing!!! read more
Was super stoked to come here. I understand its busy but we sat for an hour without anyone coming by to check on us. They checked with everyone else constantly. When we stopped a server to ask where our food was we got left over hasbrowns. The pancakes were OK and the cesar salad wrap my BF said was good. Probably won't come back. The waitess ignored us the enitre time and we had to ask the kitchen staff what happened and where our food went. Most likely once in a chance experience here but still wont return. EDIT: Please double check your receipt. Unfortunately we got charged $21 for the wrap when it clearly state $18 on the menu. Had to speak to the manager. Its a bit disappointing experience for a place we heard great reviews about. read more
After what fees like AGES, Johnny's has finally opened in downtown San Mateo! The inside is super cute, with a dinner vibe, and everyone was really friendly. Plenty of counter space, but overall not a ton of tables - like maybe only 4 tables that can accommodate more than 4, 4 booth, and a bunch of two seaters that can probably be combined (most of them anyways) for larger groups. But definitely not the kind of place you'll be able to bring a huge crowd. Johnny's serves breakfast and brunch - it reminds me of a slightly upscale breakfast diner. Sort of like Snooze AM from San Diego. Since the first location is Half Moon Bay, they use Rosalind's bread - which is amazing if you're ever in the half moon bay/pacifica area. I got the garlic bread grilled cheese - it comes with three different types of cheeses and daaaamn. It is delicious. It also comes with tomato soup, which is nice but it's a little too sweet for my tastes. Tasty, but it reminds me of spaghetti-o's. The garlic bread though? Chefs kiss. And the feta makes it feel light and adds a nice saltiness while the other cheeses make it super cheesy for that nice cheese pull. Super excited to try everything else on the menu, especially since I was staring at all the food as it was coming out of the kitchen lol. Love that the receipts come in books. They have a QR code to pay if you don't have a card or were going to pay by apple pay, or you can pay by card with the wait staff. read more
4 months ago
Really cute new diner in San Mateo with a 1950's vibe, friendly service and delicious food. I loved the decor with the black and white checkered floors, yellow chairs and accents and bunny decor. It was bright and welcoming. Our waitress was friendly and thanks to the kitchen we were able to order from both the breakfast and brunch menu because it was close to 11. I really enjoyed my Tweetie Bowl with spinach, mushrooms, poached eggs and potatoes over quinoa. My only complaint was there was too much quinoa. My favorite was the lemon blueberry ricotta pancake. They were fluffy and delicious! I'd love to come back to try more dishes. read more
Came in for brunch and loved it - will definitely be back. The French omelette was excellent, and the potatoes were a standout and not greasy like many brunch spots tend to do. Service was warm and attentive, and the decor is gorgeous, with a fun, dressy brunch crowd that gives the room great energy. read more
2 months ago
First time at this place invited from my family,Food was delicious, at first was a little worried on the size of the coffee cup about 8oz cup, but the server was very frequently asking if they can refill it. Servers were very nice and often asking if we need anything else. Great ambiance!! read more
22 days ago
We went to Johnny's for the first time on a Sunday. We seemed to beat the morning rush, but they filled up quick. The food was yummy, the servers were quick and polite, and the ambience was so so cute! The only thing is, it was so loud we could barely hear each other talk. But overall, I would definitely go again! read more
4 months ago
This was our first time visiting Johnny's and it reminiscent of a charming 1950's diner. The hummingbird wallpaper and menu adorned with hummingbird was a nice touch. Our server Riley was very helpful and recommended the Tuna Melt which I loved! My mom ordered the Sister's omelette and side of braised short rib. I would definitely return soon. The checkbook resembled a winnie the pooh book. read more
2 months ago
Johnny's is such a cute breakfast and brunch spot and would be perfect for a girls' outing. The interior is bright, fun, and whimsical, which makes the whole experience feel especially cheerful. I started with a mimosa, which came with its own miniature bottle of sparkling wine. It was good, although I wish the frozen orange juice sphere were available with the single mimosa instead of only with the Dolce Far Niente set of four. I'm usually not a sweet-breakfast person, but the lemon ricotta pancakes were amazing. They somehow reminded me of cereal in the best way, and I loved them. Unfortunately, The Junior was underwhelming. I'd probably skip it next time, as it didn't feel particularly special and the individual ingredients seemed lower quality. On the other hand, the Sister's Omelette and the chilaquiles were both satisfying. Overall, Johnny's is worth visiting for the fun atmosphere and a few standout dishes. I'd happily come back for the lemon ricotta pancakes and to try more of the brunch menu. read more
2 months ago
Great decor, service and food. Brûlée French toast was so good - not too sweet. Would love to come back for lunch! read more
12 days ago
4 months ago
If you haven't yet been, definitely stop by! Location is kind of hidden but if you're familiar with downtown San Mateo it's where Trags used to be! Such a cute diner vibe and the host was a sweetheart as well as (I'm assuming the owner or manager) didn't get a name since we were too busy chatting. Very welcoming staff though and very attentive! We ordered the avocado toast and the tuna melt which was surprisingly good and we were told it's not canned tuna but fresh tuna so definitely give it a try! The toast was also great and the bread wasn't hard to cut at all! The only thing different that could be done is to add maybe two eggs instead of one. We also ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes to share and wow- it tasted like a pound cake! It was so fluffy and decadent! Such a great brunch spot to visit. I heard they're also working on having dinner soon but for now their hours are 8am-2pm! read more
5 months ago
Had brunch here for my cousin's birthday. Didn't have to wait too long to be seated because we had a reservation, but there was a lot of people waiting, so I recommend making a reservation, especially if you have a large group like ours. Loved the vibes, definitely old school diner feels. Pretty small space, but clean. Short wait for our food. Servers were nice, they checked on us a bunch and refilled our waters whenever they saw we were running low. And the food was amazing! Everyone in our group were really happy with their food. I got the bruleed french toast and it was delicious! Not too sweet, but perfectly textured, and the strawberries were fresh. I personally didn't even use the syrup, it was sweet enough as is. Definitely would come back here read more
1 month ago
6 months ago
This is my first time going and I think this is now my favorite breakfast place in San Mateo. The Lemon Ricotta pancakes were AMAZING. The inside of the restaurant is well designed and felt like a classic dinner with an elegant high end twist to it. I want to thank Riley for the amazing service. The way she took care of us needs to be acknowledged. Shoutout to her. read more
2 months ago
Food was great! Service was friendly and helpful. Atmosphere is upscale diner and very cute! read more
We went to Johnny's for lunch. They are still in soft opening so still working some kinks out. It was a really nice atmosphere like an upscale diner. We had the Salmon and the burger. The burger was recommended by our server. The blackened Salmon was excellent and surprisingly fresh. I asked for the burger to be cooked medium rare and unfortunately it was medium well and dry. The fries with the burger were cold. The server replaced the fries with hot ones. In N Out can at least not overcook their burger but they don't charger $22 for it! The water glasses were small and we were constantly out of water. They either need larger glasses, leave a pitcher on the table or have service that is constantly filling water glasses. Other than the water issues the service was very pleasant. They close at 2pm and exactly at 2pm the bus boy came and removed the flower from our table!! Really?? Overall this will be a nice addition to downtown San Mateo and provide food diversity to the existing scene. It felt a bit overpriced for upscale diner food and they certainly have a lot of kinks to work out. read more
5 months ago
We stopped here to try their food On Saturday lunch. Nice old fashion decor. Ordered and shared a French omelette that came with potatoes and 2 pieces of lettuce leaf. read more
1 month ago
Page 1 of 3
More info about Johnny’s
7 N B St
San Mateo, CA 94401
Directions
Visit Website
https://www.johnnyshmb.com
Hours
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
