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Johnny's Cafe

3.6 (222 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Johnny's Cafe Photos

Business Info

JOHNNY'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Johnny's Cafe

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Reviews With Photos

Shelby C.

Wow, what a Time Machine! First impression when I walked in was that the place smells like a bowling alley. Not a bad thing, just reminiscent of a time where people smoked indoors and decorated with carpet and dark wood. The entryway is a small museum of newspapers and menus and photographs of the restaurant through the ages, starting in the 1920s. Really interesting and fun to check out. The place itself is like stepping back in time. The decor feels like being in a steak house from a movie in the 60s. Huge faux windows with a forest scene, dark wood and leather give it a smoking lounge vibe. Really fun ambiance. We did the meal for two with the shrimp cocktail, house salad, strip steak, and chocolate caramel decadence. The salad was lackluster and was basically lettuce with a cherry tomato and whatever dressing you choose. Would be nice to have a little onion or croutons. The shrimp cocktail was fine. Nothing unique. The strip steak was cooked well but had a ton of marbling that made it tough to eat. We saved a hefty amount of fat to feed my friend's dogs later. The waitress was great and attentive and brought us over a member of the staff who helped us choose our wine and she nailed it. Super good. But the dessert is really what made this a worthwhile trip. The caramel chocolate decadence was out of this world. I don't have a photo because we were too busy dying over it. Not sure this will be a place I come often, it was pretty pricey even with the deal. But it's certainly good if you're looking for atmosphere.

Ginger Chicken

Food was very good, especially enjoyed the cottage cheese and roles. Service was solid but not exceptional. This place is very retro, so if you are nostalgic for 70s, this is the place for you!

Omaha Strip Steak

First time coming here for our wedding anniversary and it was extremely disappointing! We were seated right away and our waitress came over to get our drinks order. She was friendly but service was a bit slow as it took awhile to get things we requested (spoon & steak sauce). We got bread and the cottage cheese spread which was pretty good. Next we each got a house salad. The salad was delicious but the one tomato in my salad had mold on it. I brought it up to the attention of the waitress and felt dismissed because she just said, "okay do you want a manager?". I said no because her tone felt condescending. There was no apology, & didn't ask if I wanted another salad after she took mine. Steaks came out soon after, I had ordered the Omaha Steak Strip, medium well. Center was pink but it was charred and the taste of charred meat over powered the entire thing even with steak sauce. Husband ordered the T-bone steak and he was content with his.

Chris D.

It's been so long since I came to this place, which is a shame because I live so close. I absolutely love being taken back in time when I walk through the doors. Our service was amazing. I wish now that I would've tried the fillet. I went with the prime rib because I was really hungry for it. Unfortunately, it fell short. There was not much of a cap on it, which is usually the most tender part but even that part was a bit chewy. As soon as I got into the main area of the prime rib, it was so chewy had I not been with others I would've spit out my bites on a napkin. I tried just a couple bites and could not do it. The waitress was kind enough to take it off the bill without argument, which was really nice. I really want this place to succeed. It's part of the history Of Omaha! I will indeed give them another try! On a sidenote, my baked potato was good and my drink delicious. I just love the ambience there.

Rick H.

What can I say about Johnny's that hasn't been said before? Nothing. This place is an Omaha staple, has been featured in major motion pictures, and has the reputation as one of the premier restaurants in South Omaha still going strong after 101 years. I had the daily special today - Turkey and dressing with mashed potato's. Had a side salad with house dressing. Service was fast and friendly, food was great. Why don't I come here more often?? Do yourself a favor if you're reading this and are looking for a place to eat. Eat here. Once. It won't disappoint.

Saddles!!!
Roger H.

Ambiance takes you back back back in time to an old era of Italian steak houses in Omaha. The setting is simply awesome with rafters shaped like T bones, Food is good not great. But worth it for the experience. A good value though!!!

Charley B.

Johnny's Cafe is an old fashioned South O steakhouse that hasn't made it out of the late 70s and early 80s. It's a perfectly fine restaurant that serves a-ok food from an unimaginative menu. It's also a perfect place to meet up with old friends, tell some stories and relive better times.

Fried whole Mississippi Delta Catfish!

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2 months ago

Johnny's is a great restaurant with great food and great service. They work hard to meet the needs of each customer.

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3 days ago

Old school steakhouse. Loved the ambiance and decor. Food was really good. Experience was awesome!

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6 months ago

Recently went to Johnny's for our anniversary dinner and it was delicious as always, the prime rib was amazing.

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Ask the Community - Johnny's Cafe

Is it a good place for lunch, can we get in and out in an hour?

Great place for lunch with daily specials. Yes, you can get in and out in an hour, just notify your server you are looking for a quick lunch.

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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I tried Know Good recently and it was so worth it!! I had tried their food before when they were…read morestill using the kitchen at Archetype Coffee, but now they have their own space and I had been wanting to go for a while. I've only been once so far, and I did takeout, but even like that the food was amazing. I definitely need to go back and actually sit down and eat there. The space is a little small and seating is limited, so if you want a table you either have to go early, avoid rush hours, or just be patient and wait it out. It seems like one of those spots that stays busy. The staff was super nice, friendly, and even funny. I also loved their coffee, it was really good. For food, my boyfriend got a bagel breakfast sandwich and I got a toast with egg, goat cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. That toast was so good, easily my favorite! The eggs were cooked perfectly, at least for me. Everything we had was delicious, and honestly everything I saw coming out to other tables looked really good too. The place itself is really cute. I love the decor and the overall vibe. It's just a really nice spot for breakfast. I'll definitely be going back to sit down and enjoy the full experience next time.

Tasty breakfast spot in Omaha! Come early so you can try their bagels. I've come after 11 AM twice…read moreand each they have been out of bagels. Can before 8AM, and luckily they were in stock. You order up at the front and have the different bread options up at the counter for you to choose from. They give you a number, then bring your food out to your table. They had focaccia the first time I came around 12PM and that was so fluffy, and with the sweet and savory sausage, it was fabulous! If they have it in the morning, the jalapeño cheddar bagel, had the perfect spice kick and texture. Great crunchy outside and soft on the inside, chefs kiss. This is a smaller spot, so seating is kinda limited, but it's super cute on the inside! Pink and has greenery along the window seal, so sitting the by window is a peaceful vibe. Waking up early to come here is definitely worth it!

Louie M's Burger Lust - Chili burger

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Fantastic Spot! When I first walked in I was taken back to the 60's because of the decor, not bad…read morejust pleasantly surprised. I also knew when I saw the USMC decor on the "I Love Me" wall that I was in the right spot. HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Omaha Reuben sandwich that was an outstanding choice. Thick cut corned beef with molten cheese and the dressing also accompanied by thin cut fries that were served hot! Perfect! The biscuits and gravy with eggs were perfectly prepared and also served hot. Wifey said probably the best B&G w/eggs she's had. If you are flying in to Omaha or your local and looking for a good meal, this is the place. This is a must-return if I'm ever back in the area.

Louie M's was top of the list when I searched for burgers near downtown Omaha and I can see why…read more This is an old school, classic downtown diner with a ton of character. The first thing I noticed is that it's in kind of an unassuming part of Downtown Omaha. I'd call it off the beaten path for sure, and after chatting with some folks I know in Omaha I got the vibe that it maybe isn't in the most common part of town to explore as a tourist BUT I kind of loved that. This part of town feels lived in, authentic, and maybe a bit up and coming, like it's going through it's own sort of revitalization. All of that being said, I felt safe, and I knew I'd love dining here when I approached the building and there was a group of regulars gathered outside soaking up the sun that greeted us. One of them said "those are the days" to his buddies, upon seeing us with two little kids in tow and I honestly enjoyed hearing that little reminder to try and soak up these long but important days with our girls. Once inside I had some of the best hospitality I've had ever at a restaurant. The server was top notch - so friendly, answered all questions, and really made us feel at home. I'd return just for the vibes and service alone. We ordered burgers as it's in the name! They were good - I was I think expecting to be blown away given the reviews and blown away I was not, BUT I was really impressed with the onion rings, the burger was solid, and I'd not hesitate to return. The cherry on top? The owner was making the rounds - Louie himself! - and he was so kind, and thoughtful. There is something to be said about someone taking pride in what they do and I think that really came through here. Overall you can't go wrong stopping in here for a meal - I promise you'll enjoy it!

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Everett's is a solid ten! At least that's what I would give them if I could. We had heard about…read morethem and were very excited to try. I'm sure everything on the menu is good, but we came here for wings and boy did they deliver. The house brined wings are Fantastic. We did the extra hot bubba, which is their extra hot sauce fried then grilled In garlic Parmesan, which was so juicy and flavorful and kicked the heat to a perfect amount where it was flavorful but not overbearing. We also did the cactus ranch, which is the medium hot sauce tossed with cactus ranch seasoning, also tried it grilled. Another solid selection that provided a nice amount of heat and flavor. Both were so amazing I can't even say which one I liked more or which one was hotter. The wings are huge, juicy, and came out well-sauced. I filled up after five of mine (my husband tackled them all) and took the rest home. I don't know how to say best wings in Omaha, since I don't live there and haven't tried enough places, but these were some of the best wings we have EVER had, period. And we get wings almost everywhere we go. Also---the hand-cut (you heard me) fries aren't to be passed up on. We tried with the garlic aoili, so good, and a huge basket for $6. Our server was great. They are always busy, so give them some grace. We came during late lunch, got lucky and got seated right away, and it was still a revolving door of people, tables don't sit empty for long. They don't take reservations, and I understand why. They have limited space and when full, you sign up on the Board, there is a bar next door you can also receive a buzzer and go have a few drinks while you wait. This place is definitely worth the wait and we will repeatedly be back when we make it up to Omaha.

Delicious food! Isn't that the most important thing at a restaurant?! Of course it is! Everett's…read moredefinitely deserves 5 stars on that category. More about that in a moment. In addition, our server Laura was great -- friendly, efficient, came back to check on us, refilled water glasses, prompt with the food and with our bill. The atmosphere was just ok. Some eclectic posters adorned the walls. There were a couple of large tv screens tuned to a sports channel. Interior seemed a bit dark for a sunny mid-afternoon. But the food! My wife & I shared a BBQ Pulled Pork and Bacon Burger with a side of Branding Potatoes plus a Fry Basket option #3 (asian). Each item was totally delicious -- amazing blends of flavors! I cannot give enough praise. Some creative genius (maybe several of them) was involved in cooking up this kind of flavorful delight! Highly recommend!!

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The best restaurant in Omaha. Hands down…read more Let's start with the architecture and interior design. One of the co-owners is an architect and it shows. On entering, I noticed the tiles on the floor. But once you get inside, you are astounded by the suspended wooden ceiling piece. Nothing else like it in Omaha. A signature detail. Worth every penny. The windows are perfect. We were on the west side. The shades can be lowered. They were lowered for a bit, but then raised. I appreciated the natural light so I could better enjoy my date's stunning beauty. She is a perfect combination of Southern charm, beauty and a razor keen intellect. The overall zeitgeist of the restaurant is that of a sophisticated NYC or West Coast restaurant. Great wine list with a superb collection of high quality wines that won't break the bank. The sommelier showed up, but we decided on an old favorite. Good to know that her knowledge was available. My charcoal chicken was fabulous; a very unique and flavorful taste. My date had the bolognese and she enjoyed it. She had the cheesecake and I had the chocolate cake. She had tea and I had coffee. It was an extremely memorable evening. My best first date in decades at Omaha's best restaurant. She was enchanting and delightful. I'm just happy we shared our time together and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The service was superb.

Scrumptious food, great staff, kid friendly, and overall such a fancy vibe!…read more Our waitress was so great with our daughter that I had to start my review with praising how fun she was! She played peek-a-boo and just emailed at her so often throughout our stay. Our daughter loved our waitress! The food was as delicious as it looks in the photos! I swear we ate the appetizer in less than a minute. I split the Filet Mignon so the portion is a half in the photo. Such a perfect size especially if you want to indulge in appetizers and dessert! I hope they never get rid of the milk & cereal sundae because I'd go just for that! Our friend has the flat steak and said it was absolutely incredible. We don't live close by but we certainly will be back soon!

Johnny's Cafe - steak - Updated May 2026

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