Lunch at Johnnys is a must! Don't let the line intimidate you, it moves fast. Today I got the meat and 2 with Greek baked chicken, fried green tomatoes, and Greek salad w/Cornbread. The food comes out fast and delicious! read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Greek Baked Chicken Fried green tomatoes Greek salad Cornbread muffin - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

This is a fun meat & three in a sunny room in Homewood. It has all the classic choices but some of them have an upscale twist, like the chicken pot pie with a delicate crust or the greens and chickpeas. We also had the flavorful fried green tomatoes and rich and delicious mac and cheese. You fix your own drink so I made an Arnold Palmer. The staff is nice and really keeps things neat and moving. read more

See all

After a long ramp with a hand-full of stairs on top, we walk in and there he was.... Timothy Hontzas, owner and head chef of Johnny's. I pointed him out to my husband - we both saw him on ESPN's True South this past Saturday. Timothy calls Johnny's a "Greek and Three". A few traditional Greek dishes mixed in with southern classics like meatloaf and pot roast plus a board half filled with traditional southern sides like mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes. There are also several Greek sides available. We decided to share the 15 hour pot roast, mashed potatoes, fried green tomatoes and mac and cheese (I never, ever pass up house made mac and cheese!) The beef was bountiful and so so so very tender. Unfortunately, the only real thing the mashed potatoes did for me was hold gravy. I definitely would not order them again. The fried green tomatoes, however, were probably the best I've ever had. Not a speck of sogginess. Fresh and crisp like you rarely, if ever, find. Maybe I'll get two orders of tomatoes and one of the excellent, extra cheesy mac and cheese. It had the slightly browned cheese on the edges that I love so well. I do think I will pay the upcharge for the yeast roll, the cornbread didn't add anything to the meal. The servers were running like crazy but obviously like a well oiled machine. The owner, however, just stood in various spots in the dining room just looking around like in a daze. I expected him to at least be greeting guests - he was so personable on the show. Maybe it just wasn't a good day for him. We didn't leave a morsel of our shared meal. As you can just imagine, we were miserably stuffed on the 100 mile drive home. We didn't even stop at the Love's to get a McDonald's cone. Now that says a whole lot! Since our visit, I have told every single person who I've spoken with in Birmingham that they have to visit. Most of Blue Cross now knows! When our kids were at UAB, our son lived around the corner from Johnny's. Our daughter and I visited 18th St nearly every time I was in town. How did we not know about this place? Now we only go to BHM every couple of months. I honestly don't think I will eat at any other restaurant for a long long time. Just writing this is making my stomach growl! read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Fried green tomatoes - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

See all

There's something about Johnny's that feels like coming home. This time, home came with the yummy meatloaf and grit cakes that deserve their own fan club. I ordered the meatloaf with chipotle BBQ sauce, and y'all... that sauce brought the perfect little kick. The meatloaf itself was tender and just the right kind of savory. The Parmesan grit cakes were golden-edged and glorious--creamy inside with that crispy outside that makes you wanna slow down and savor. The mashed potatoes and gravy were classic comfort food, the kind that doesn't try too hard and still wins. The turnip greens weren't my favorite--heavy on the onion and a little too sweet for my liking. The service was warm and fast, as always. Johnny's will always be on my list of favorites when I'm in town. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Chipotle meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, parm grit cakes, and turnip greens. - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

Always love Johnny's! Everything is delicious! The atmosphere is casual. Great service. Do not be put off by the line that may be outside. The line moves quickly and is worth the wait! Be aware that there are several stair steps to get into the restaurant. We are standard favorites for Father's Day - the chicken pot pie, grit cakes, turnip greens, squash casserole. The yeast rolls are amazing and the cornbread is good too. This was my first time to have the chicken souvlaki. You should try it with the lemon-tahini sauce. This is a Greek meat and 3. You will order at the counter and fix your own drink. They will be out quickly with your food and are great about keeping the table clear as you finish plates. You will see the owner walking around checking on everything. There is a reason they are James Beard finalists!! Don't miss it! read more

See all

Really good food! Service is swift. Gets a bit crowded especially during lunch but they get through the line fairly quickly! read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Hamburger steak Mac and cheese rice yams - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

The food here was absolutely incredible! I had the Greek Meatballs with Tzatziki, the Parmesan Grit Cake, and Turnip Greens. My lunch partner had the Greek Baked Chicken breast, Buttered Rice, Creole Red Beans, and Fried Green Tomatoes. I tasted all of it and it was so good! My favorite was the grit cake - I'll have to figure out how to make that. The bread choices were cornbread or a yeast roll, so we had one of each. The cornbread had corn kernels in it and was amazingly moist. The reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is the noise level in the restaurant. We arrived shortly after 11am for Thursday lunch and just in front of the crazy rush of people. By the time we left, there was a line of people down the block. Service was quick because we were there early and could get a table with little trouble. I would suggest avoiding the lunch rush from 11-1 (at least) for a calmer atmosphere. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Yeast Roll, Greek Chicken Breast, Creole Red Beans, Buttered Rice, Fried Green Tomato - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

See all

Johnny's is worth an hour's drive and any wait you might experience waiting to get in. Their Meat and Three Sides is so hearty, you should fast prior to eating. You will thank me for this advice. As a lover of southern food, I've sampled some of the best places. I had Johnny's meatloaf with chipotle Q. Chef Timothy Hontzas, who was patrolling the floor when we visited, takes a simple meal to another level with his skillful execution. The meatloaf is not greasy, as many are, but tightly packed and tasty. It's topped with a smoky red sauce that has a just-right-chipotle-spice flavor. I savored every bite. The creole red beans are the best I've had. They're meaty but not mushy, with just a hint of bay leaf. Simply--wow. The Mac and cheese earned "best ever" status from both me and my Alabama-born wife. Again, cooked just right with a tasty skin of baked cheese on top. Their greens were solid. Their mashed sweet potatoes were the best-ever according to my wife. They were savory and not too sweet. Add Johnny's to your list of places worth a diversion on a road trip to Alabama. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Meatloaf with chipotle Q sauce, Mac and cheese, creole beans, greens. - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

See all

Came here during lunch on a business trip to see what the hype was about. Parking was a challenge as the lot was full, and a lot of the other parking lots around threaten to tow you if you aren't visiting their establishments. That annoyance aside the food did not disappoint. You order at the counter and they bring your food to your table. The prices aren't cheap for what you are getting but they seem to charge a premium because they know what they have. I opted for the meatloaf and fried green tomatoes combo, with a side of cornbread. Some of the best, crunchiest fried green tomatoes I have ever had. The meatloaf was good, but not the best I have ever had either. They have a sauce called "Hamm farm & Johnny's pepper sauce" that is to die for. I put it on the tomatoes, but saw most people using it on their greens. The cornbread was delicious as well. I would recommend checking this place out for the tomatoes alone. Just be prepared to spend $20 on a lunch. read more

See all

If you are meeting friends for lunch here you might receive a text like "the line is out door", "trying to find a place to park", and "circling around again". Getting there can be a bit of effort, but this Homewood treasure is worth the effort. The queue to place your order snakes around the dining room, out the door, and down the stairs. If you are on the verge on entering, don't dare prop the door so any cool air can escape. If you do, you will be reprimanded in a style reminiscent of the soup nazi in Seinfeld. This is a classic, southern meat and three at it's very best. There are many options, and daily specials. The fried catfish, hamburger steak with onions and gravy, and chicken pot pie are popular choices. The sides are amazing. You can't go wrong with the Greek salad, fried green tomatoes, collard greens, or mac and cheese. Food is really good. They use fresh, quality ingredients and support Alabama sources. Food comes out relatively fast. The ambiance is loud and crowded, but nobody seems to mind. Overall a great experience and I recommend. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Hamburger Steak - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

Great restaurant! Ordered the Greek chicken, fried green tomatoes and Mac n cheese. All was delicious. The corn bread is outstanding. The hubs got the meatloaf and maker cheese. Not a morsel left. Ordered dessert to go and it was also excellent read more

This is a very popular meat and three restaurant in Homewood. I've been here a few times. The setup is pretty simple. You walk in, order, and seat yourself. Your food is brought out to the table by a waitress. A waitress helped us find seating to accommodate our party of 6. We were lucky to arrive when we did. There were two tables next to each other that were combined to accommodate us. The food was good. It's not quite Mama's home cooking, but it'll satisfy your craving for it. I had a 4 veggie plate. Veggie plates are offered in 2, 3, and 4 options. I had the squash casserole, spinach and chickpeas, fried green tomatoes, and sweet potato. All the sides were really good except the sweet potatoes. They weren't terrible, but they weren't really good either. Everyone said the food was good. The portions were large. Two people left with to go boxes. The prices were reasonable. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

I managed to stop by for lunch on a weekday. No line to speak of but there were few empty tables available. I chose the Keftedes (Greek Meatballs), Macaroni and Cheese, Parmesan Grit Cake and Cornbread. Not quite a "Greek and Three" but close enough. There is a lot of hype with many consecutive years as a James Beard finalist or semi-finalist. No hype this food is excellent. The meatballs with the tzatziki sauce were amazing. Mac & Cheese was as good (or better than) Grandma's. The grit cake was creamy goodness inside a nice crisp shell. Cornbread was perfect. The crowd here skews older (like me) but don't sleep on this place. It is straight fire! I've been to most other meat & three's in Birmingham (including the other well known in west Homewood and north Birmingham) and this is the best in town! The other 2 are good but I would drive right on past to get here. Just make sure and "Shut the Front Door" if there is a long line but it will be worth it. Trust me! Only negative is the parking and it is not exclusive to Johnny's. I had to circle the block twice before I managed to find a spot. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Greek Meatballs & Taziki Macaroni and Cheese Parmesan Grit Cake Cornbread - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

Would come back in a heartbeat. Terrific cafe. It's got this twin vibe of southern meat-and-three plus OG Chicago/New York greek restaurant (southerners, this is a good thing and yall would love such a place) and it just works so well. I had the fried shrimp and greens. Some of the best fried shrimp I've ever had - very light breading and they keep the grease fresh, which is so important. Fast service too. read more

Lunch at Johnny's is always a treat. Lunch at Johnny's with my daughter is an occasion, and the food is definitely worthy. I am utterly addicted to the spinach with chickpeas - I always get two orders with whatever main I choose. It's a bit loud but so fun to see people I know during lunch. Great food and we are fortunate to have this place! read more

Good restaurant. Greek style soul food. Friendly staff. I enjoyed the Greek meatballs, Parmesan grit cake, and peas. The bread rolls are HUGE and delicious. Arrive early. There will be a crowd. read more

What a neat place to have lunch. One pro tip, come early. There always seems to be a line going by out the door before they open. The staff is very friendly, quick and the food is great. Feels like a diner and the prices are great. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Greek Salad with grilled chicken - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

I grew up eating a Nicki's and that has been my go to meat and three Birmingham. I finally tried Johnny's after a couple of recommendations. I can safely say I can now suggest two meat and three restaurants to people visiting Alabama. I had fried shrimp, spinach and chickpeas, parmesan grit cakes and creole beans. The paremsan grit cakes stole the show. So much flavor imparted into the grits and the crispiness of the outside was amazing. I actually liked the spinach and chickpeas more than the turnip greens( friend ordered), which is blasphemy where I come from. I will definitely be returning here because the Mediterranean twist on the traditional meat and three has me excited to see what other dishes they cook up. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Spinach and chickpeas, creole beans, fried shrimp and parmesan grit cake - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

Delicious diner style, Greek inspired restaurant. Quick service, great food. Nothing is not good there

I had the chicken pot pie. It was delicious. My 1st time eating at Johnny's and I will be back. I saw a TON of great looking dishes coming out of the kitchen that smelled fantastic. Service was great and our food came out quickly. Bring your appetite. Johnny's got it going on. read more

If you consider yourself a foodie, end up in the Birmingham area between 11-2:30 most days of the week, and don't come here, then I really think we need to revoke your foodie card. I dragged a few work colleagues here as we were in town for a conference and warned them we needed to get there soon after opening since I heard about the lines. "Lines at 11:30 on a Thursday for lunch" they scoffed....your damn right and thank g-d we got here when we did since by the time we left, the line was at least 30 people deep. Waiting aside, my colleagues and I ordered a bunch of different items and sides to split and soon chowed down on our smorgasbord of Southern-Greek delights. Hands down, everything was fantastic and worthy of a James Beard nomination. Of particular note: -All the fried items (Green Tomatoes and Shrimp) were crisp without being too greasy or heavy. -The greens were fantastic and full of bold flavor and helped cut the richness of the entrees -Best Chicken Pot Pie I have ever had! We actually liked the food here better then at Automatic Seafood which we ate the night before and won the James Beard award this year. Besides the food, what I loved most about Johnny's was the pride that the owner Tim takes in this place. I saw him coming out of the kitchen multiple times during the lunch rush and asking people how their food was, bussing tables, and being a great host. You could tell from the gleam in his eye and his body language just how proud he is of his team and the operation he has going and that he really does lead by example. James Beard Foundation if you are reading this...give this man an award already! read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Chicken Pot Pie, Mac & Cheese, Fried Green Tomatoes, Spinach and Chickpeas - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

See all

Fried green tomatoes were the best. Peas were good. Felt like it was overpriced. Chicken was dry and without flavor

It's not bragging if it's true. That about sums up Johnny's. They have a lot of press and have been covered by multiple outlets. They are as good as you've heard. I finally had a chance to sample their menu today. Open daily (except Sundays) only for lunch, you may find a long line out the door if you're during their peak lunch rush. Located in heart of downtown Homewood, Johnny's is a tight ship run by owner and Chef Tim Hontzas. Opened in 2012, Chef Tim has put Johnny's on the culinary map with his most recent James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef in the South. Along the busy streets of downtown Homewood, you have to walk up a short flight of stairs to the front door. Parking is always a challenge during a weekday and lunch rush, but there is a public parking deck nearby. Tip: if standing in line, keep to the right and don't leave the door propped open or you may be scolded for letting the hot air in! Since they are elevated, there's no outdoor seating, but if you're at a table at the edge, you have a great view of downtown Homewood. While you're standing in line, you can admire the advertisements of the restaurants on the walls along with their colorful chalk written menu. As mentioned, Johnny's has been published in many newspapers and magazines and copies of them are on the wall for you to admire. When you get to the register, you place your, given a table placard, find your seat, then go help yourself to the drink station in the back. After you have a seat, your delicious hot food will be brought to your table. Chef Tim elevates what most call the meat and 3, but his version is a marriage of Greek and Southern cuisine. Supporting local farmers, today's specials were hamburger steak, conecuh sausage over red beans & rice and Bayou LeBatre shrimp fritters! Their daily Meats & Fish include Baked greek chicken, fried catfish, chicken pot pie and bbq meatloaf. Veggies include fried green tomatoes, mashed potatoes, buttered rice, purple hull peas, macaroni & cheese, creole red beans, sweet potato puree with cinnamon maple butter. There's also greek and ceasar salad with optional roasted chicken. After much debate, I finally decided on the fried catfish, fried green tomatoes and a greek side salad. Above the chalk written menu is written: If you're not going to eat the roll, don't order it. Practical advice in my opinion! My very large filet of catfish was fried to perfection. The batter was firm, crisp and held all the juices of the succulent catfish inside. I love it when I break off a piece and see steam rising from the catfish. I have had many iterations of tartar sauces and this was now in my top 3. The 5 large slices of fried green tomatoes were some of the best I've ever tasted. The batter was just right, not too thick, not too thin. You know it's made right when it doesn't fall apart after the first bite. The contrast of flavor between the sour tartness of the tomato and the saltiness of the batter was perfect. Yom Yom Yom Yom! My greek side salad was topped with an abundance of freshly crumbled feta cheese. It took a lot of restraint not to eat some of Paul L's hamburger steak and turnip greens. Currently only open for lunch, I'm guessing that Chef Tim has been encouraged to develop a dinner menu. In the meantime, if I worked nearby, I could probably go through their entire menu in about 2 weeks. The conecuh sausage red beans & rice has my name written all over it! I'll be back! read more

See all

I think I'm the only person in Homewood who thinks Johnny's is just okay. I find the dishes to be very bland and lackluster. Chick souvlaki.. dry and bland. Pork chip , dry, overcooked, bland. Chicken pot pie.. undercooked IMO - I prefer a pretty crispy crust that has a nice golden brown top. It was so beige and doughy... Mashed potatoes are just like roasted potatoes mashed up. IDK, I think everything just kinda tastes like your southern mom made it which is why people love it? I think it's dull. read more

Best meat and three in Birmingham! The Chicken Tenders are soaked in buttermilk before frying, just like all the southern moms do! That gives them the best taste. read more

Food is fantastic. Well worth the crowd at lunch. Fried chicken is the best, but everything is very good. I would recommend this place for lunch to anybody who is looking for a fabulous lunch. read more

Owner greeted us at the door, great southern hospitality! Food was out of this world, incredible! Best fried green tomatoes I've ever had. Rolls are sky high, fluffy, gravy delicious! Thank you for the best stop we've had on our trip! read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Chicken, sweet potatoes, fried green potatoes, hamburger steak, mashed potatoes - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

Great food! An elevated meat and three. We visit here often and are never disappointed.

Go here. Do it. It's so absolutely delicious and very reasonably priced. The chef has won multiple James Beard awards and for good reason. The fried seafood is perfectly crusted with cornmeal, the fried green tomatoes were juicy, the grit cake was divine, and the sweet potato puree was like an amazing slice of pie minus the crust. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Fried catfish, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, sweet potato puree - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

See all

This was my first time coming but definitely not the last. I had seen this place so many times but never paid it any attention until I read an article about this restaurant. Once you enter, you can smell all the deliciousness in the air. You walk up and the menu is on the wall. It's filled with entrees, vegetables and desserts. Making your decision is very hard, but the staff is very helpful in helping you put together the right meal. It was pretty crowded and they still were turning tables and making sure everyone was as taken care of. We had the chopped steak with mac & cheese, turnips and baked chicken with mac & cheese, peas, sweet potato casserole and some of the best cornbread. Everything that we had was DELICIOUS! The food was hot, fresh and nothing to as over cooked. They do an excellent job of seasoning and preparing the food. The are open on Sunday also from 11-2 so you can enjoy a great meal after church. This is the best meat and vegetable restaurant in Birmingham! Come see for yourself. read more

See all

This was one of the best Greek salads I've ever had. My work ordered in for a birthday and we all got Johnny's. The Greek salad has all the toppings you could ever want. With the dressing, it was absolutely perfect. The way the salad and cucumbers crunched and combined with the cheese and dressing was impeccable. Since we ordered to go and ate at the office, I can't speak for the service. However, if their service matches their food quality, I'm impressed. Thank you for a refreshing salad to get me through the work day! read more

Amazing food quality and good portions! We have been here twice and absolutely love the food. The location is really busy and there is often a line. The main drawback is the limited hours. What a cool fusion of Greek and southern food. The Mac n cheese, cornbread, grit cake, and chickpeas were excellent. We thought the sweet potatoes had a bit too much cinnamon and would pick a different side next time. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - 4 veggie plate - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

See all

I've never had anything from Johnny's that wasn't absolutely delicious. The Greek meatballs are my favorite and packed with flavor. It's always packed so you know it's good. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Fish - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

See all

Great food and service! Had Greek chicken on a stick and grits, so good!! Tea was really good too. Love the setup for getting food and drinks! read more

This came as a recommendation from a few locals. Classic meat and three concept with a twist... the food ain't your normal meat and three! The depth of flavors and the richness of the food is second to none. If you are with in driving distance, get in the truck and get here. If I am close again, I'll be back. read more

Johnny's Restaurant - Chicken Pot Pie with Cornbread muffin - Diners Near Me - Homewood, Alabama

See all

This place is awesome and the food is so yummy amazing! Go! Run! Delicious comfort food made from scratch, and warm service! Will definitely dine here again when in Birmingham! read more

I was born and raised and Birmingham, and if you want a taste of our city, this is it. True Southern cuisine and an elevated meat and three. Our favorites are the grit cake, greens, and the fried shrimp(when available). Chef Tim is always running the show and is so kind. He even offered my little girl a free side. read more

See all

I have recently updated my rating to FIVE STARS! This is one of my favorite restaurants in Bham. If someone is new to Bham or visiting, this is one of the places at the top of my list of places to go. I always love everything I get here. Meats, veggies, bread, deserts...its all good! Greens - Sure plenty of places have good greens but these greens are some of the best I have had and man on man when I dunk my cornbread in the pot liquor it is so tasty! Dont forget to get the homemade pepper sauce to go on them too. Spinach and chickpeas - I havent seen this anywhere else and they make quite the combo! Parmesean grit cake - This is one of the best things they have here and one of the reasons I keep coming back and coming back. It is the perfect gooey...cheesy...creamy...delicious grits with a crispy sear all over the outside....MMMMM GOOD! Meatballs - Doing it right with all that seasoning and flavoring in it makes me want to get it every time and so sad when I branch out and wish I had gone back to my old favorite. Go Greek and three! read more

See all

Was in Florida this week on 30A. Traveling back to Tennessee we decided to have lunch at Johnny's after watching a TV show called True South. The TV show highlighted Johnny's and it was very favorable on the show. We got there late for lunch, right before closing. I ordered Greek meatballs with taziki sauce. I also ordered, turnip greens, Cajun red beans, and Mac and cheese. My spouse ordered baked chicken, turnip greens and field peas. Everything was very good. Place was super clean. Good ambiance with blues music playing in the background. The rest rooms were probably the cleanest restaurant facilities I have been in, in several years. Staff and service were very good. Friendly and attentive. Nothing but praise for this owner, the management, and staff. A excellently run place. read more

See all

I what!?!? I haven't huh?!? Of all the reviews I start this way, this is the most bewildering that I haven't written yet. This is one of my favorite spots in town. But due to the lunch crowd and erroneously thinking I don't have enough time to come here, my visits are few and far between. No longer will that be the case. Johnny's is fantastic. I have not had a bad thing here. Ever. Is it the best ever? Not sure. I don't throw out superlatives like that. But would it be in certain conversations as such? Absolutely. It might not be your typical meat and three when it comes to location and decor. But it is about as good as it gets when it comes to the quality, flavor and everything about the food. Chicken pot pie, pot roast, hamburger steaks, sides and all in between are great. This last time I went I got hamburger steak, mashed potatoes and turnip greens. Everything lived up to what I said before. I left happy and full and I can't wait to go back. Sooooo good and nothing less than five stars. read more

See all