Food, service were great. I usually get my food to go, but the ambiance is wonderful also when I eat in
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.