Hot Johnnie's

April 2024: Stopped by on a Saturday and picked up a bunch of sandwiches to go. Been trying to make it here for a long time and finally got to try the pastrami sandwiches! I had the dutch crunch and it was super delicious 😋. The meat was smoked to perfection. I was surprised by how unsalted it tasted (in a good way). I liked the hint of spiciness with the pepperoncini pepper! I would definitely get this again! I also got a taste of the marble rye and it was tasty. No spiciness but it was very tasty. We tried the waffle fries, broccoli and coleslaw. I would get the fries again! Nice crunch even though we took the food to go. Service was friendly and fast. We waited about 10 minutes as the food was made fresh! Outdoor patio was fancy. There was a ping pong table and a covered seating area. This place is a treasure for delicious sandwiches!

Had the dutch crunch pastrami, and it was amazing, one of my favorite sandwiches. Nice amount of seating in patio, which is also an enclosed area so protected from wind. Look forward to trying their other sandwiches. Pastrami tasted so good, and the chicken had a great smokey taste as well. The coleslaw also was great, nice balance of sweetness and acidity. Look forward to trying the fries next time. Highly recommend visiting.

Claudia G Regiarto

dutch crunch pastrami: $20, 8.5/10 - a bit exp & i thought it would come warm/hot but that wasn't the case... good filling tho love the meat - would i go here again? yes but i'd probably check out other places too

William K

Traveled all the way from San Diego for the pastrami sangwich on Texas toast. It was excellent. 10/10. Ribs were banging too

Steven Swigart

Had the dutch crunch pastrami, and it was amazing, one of my favorite sandwiches. Nice amount of seating in patio, which is also an enclosed area so protected from wind. Look forward to trying their other sandwiches. Pastrami tasted so good, and the chicken had a great smokey taste as well. The coleslaw also was great, nice balance of sweetness and acidity. Look forward to trying the fries next time. Highly recommend visiting.

Laudan

The smoked chicken Caesar sandwich is seriously chefs kiss. The chicken was smoky, juicy, and flavorful. It was complimented so well with the cheese and pesto sauce. The crunch of the Dutch crunch bread was also great texture. I also loved the brightness of the sun-dried tomato! My husband ordered the fried chicken garlic fried rice which he also enjoyed. Completely cleaned his plate! The back patio is beautiful with all of the greenery. They also had some fun house music playing, which was a great vibe. They have some board games in the back too which would make it fun for while waiting for your food. There's also a ping-pong table. The backyard is covered, so even on a cooler San Francisco day, it is quite warm back here. Also the staff was super friendly! Would definitely recommend if you want some good smoked meat.

Ken Wong

April 2024: Stopped by on a Saturday and picked up a bunch of sandwiches to go. Been trying to make it here for a long time and finally got to try the pastrami sandwiches! I had the dutch crunch and it was super delicious 😋. The meat was smoked to perfection. I was surprised by how unsalted it tasted (in a good way). I liked the hint of spiciness with the pepperoncini pepper! I would definitely get this again! I also got a taste of the marble rye and it was tasty. No spiciness but it was very tasty. We tried the waffle fries, broccoli and coleslaw. I would get the fries again! Nice crunch even though we took the food to go. Service was friendly and fast. We waited about 10 minutes as the food was made fresh! Outdoor patio was fancy. There was a ping pong table and a covered seating area. This place is a treasure for delicious sandwiches!

Brian Johnson

We've only been here twice, but it's a new gem for me. I would eat this every other day, if I could. The service was great each time. I had more lettuce than meat on my second sandwich, but it wasn't a deal-breaker. They have a lot of delicious options. The onion rings were on point! I can't wait for round three xD

Steve Steelsmith

We were in town on a rare sunday monday getaway from our home in florida. Being flight attendants we get to see some great places but the gay scene in San Francisco's famous Castro is lacking for sure but we found a Great sandwhich and friendly staff at hot johnies. This was the rest of our trip in a nutshell: The bars are clearly affraid to change. Most employees were friendly but the bartenders clearly only care about the regulars. Mosts bars are old and outdated and simply dirty. Places we would go back to: Moby Dicks, Cafe, Baux,Blind Butcher, & and Cafe Mystic Places with rude staff: Badlands, The edge, & Last Call & Mix Worst experience ever goes to Last Call on monday night. Place wasnt busy but the bartender clearly was into older guys and was just gross about it. Dont go hugging and touching people and then make drinks without washing your hands thats just bad for everyone. Best experience: was the sandwhich at hot johnies. We saw a sandwhich at moby dicks and just had to check it out. Great idea offering delivery to other places near by!

Nathan Hilton

Pastrami was tender and flavorful (I got the one on rye). Waffle fries were OK. Friendly and attentive staff. Ping pong table in the back patio!

Kenneth Dong

Delicious pastrami! Came here to celebrate my friend's birthday. After a few laps looking for parking I was able to find a spot a few blocks away. It's an extensive menu for a smokehouse but the decisions are simple. Get the pastrami sandwich. Here's what we had. 1. Pastrami on Texas Toast - the pastrami is not too salty with fry a hint of smoke. There's just enough kick to delight your mouth and make you wanting more. 2. Smoked ribs - falling off the bone with a wonderful smokey flavor. I might have appreciated them a little more with some good BBQ sauce, but the dry rub was still tasty. 3. Waffle fries - nothing special. I'd pass on these 4. Onion rings - a little sweet with good crisp. Highly recommend! 5. Crispy shrimp poboy - lots of pieces of shrimp. The flavor was not very bold. Could have used a little more acidity. Worth a try! I'd definitely come back here to try the sourdough and Dutch crunch sandwiches!

Wesley Yu

Delicious sandwiches with a limited alcoholic drink selection (but more than enough for lunch!). We had the Dutch crunch roll with smoked pastrami and the fried chicken sandwich. Both were delicious. The chicken was crispy and lightly breaded. The pastrami was also good but I couldn't really make out the smoke flavor. I'm gonna have to try it again. The outdoor back patio has a ping pong table as well. The proprietor seemed really nice. He came out and greeted some guests and just added to the whole welcoming vibe of the place.

vincent burns

Amazing Food! This might be a tiny place but huge over the top customer service the food was sooo good. We tried a few things Reuben with waffle fries! Ribs with fried rice and coleslaw all delicious! Again I can’t express how friendly and accommodating the owner was.

Marilyn Koutsonikolas

The pastrami sandwiches at Johnnie’s are better than your wildest dreams. The Texas Toast is next level and while it’s hard to choose favorites, this one may be it for me. The peppers, mushrooms, aioli combined with the smokiness and tender meat is just divine. Really love the Texas toast bread with this one too, super easy to eat, and I’m sure this is hard to believe but it’s not messy, everything just works and is super easy to eat. It just disappears, you know? The sourdough pastrami sandwich is a staple, a bit of a classic that is done super well. The shrimp is bomb and an instant addiction.

On election night (November 4 ) the Pelosi volunteer party was held here. Since I was way early I decided to order dinner. The owner was very helpful in showing me how to use the computerized ordering system I jokingly told him that now that I knew the system i would have to come back before I forgot. I didn't know at the time that I would discover a sandwich which was truly worth coming back for. I love bacon. I love shrimp. Either one would earn a favorable review from me. However to combine them both and add avocado, lettuce and tomato was just beyond delicious. I now have a new addiction!! The CHIPTOLE JUMBO SHRIMP BLT! The jumbo refers to both the size of the shrimp and the sandwich! Friday, November 7, I found myself again n the Castro for a morning appointment. I was pleased to see that they opened at 11 am. I ordered another CHIPTOLE JUMBO SHRIMP BLT and discovered the second time it was as good as the first time!!

William Wilson

On election night (November 4 ) the Pelosi volunteer party was held here. Since I was way early I decided to order dinner. The owner was very helpful in showing me how to use the computerized ordering system I jokingly told him that now that I knew the system i would have to come back before I forgot. I didn't know at the time that I would discover a sandwich which was truly worth coming back for. I love bacon. I love shrimp. Either one would earn a favorable review from me. However to combine them both and add avocado, lettuce and tomato was just beyond delicious. I now have a new addiction!! The CHIPTOLE JUMBO SHRIMP BLT! The jumbo refers to both the size of the shrimp and the sandwich! Friday, November 7, I found myself again n the Castro for a morning appointment. I was pleased to see that they opened at 11 am. I ordered another CHIPTOLE JUMBO SHRIMP BLT and discovered the second time it was as good as the first time!!

Had an immaculately constructed pastrami on rye. Pastrami itself was not as tender and moist as ones I’ve had in LA and NY, but was certainly a step up from your average sandwich shop. The bread, slaw, cheese and spreads were all top notch. The back patio is quite nice—very nice place to eat and hang out!

I’ve been looking forward to visiting hot Johnnie’s for a while and today was the day. We went for a late lunch/early dinner and really enjoyed the outdoor seating in the back patio. Service is excellent and the food is fresh and delicious. If smoked brisket is something you enjoy head over here.

Been there a few weeks ago for a quick lunch because I was in the area. I ordered the pastrami on marble rye bread with an apple coleslaw salad. The portion size was good for one person, and the sandwich was pretty stuffed. The flavors were great — the meat was juicy, and the salad wasn’t overly dressed. The only downside was the back patio; it had such a weird and cold atmosphere. Better to grab and go eat somewhere else.

Gloria Lombardi

Been there a few weeks ago for a quick lunch because I was in the area. I ordered the pastrami on marble rye bread with an apple coleslaw salad. The portion size was good for one person, and the sandwich was pretty stuffed. The flavors were great — the meat was juicy, and the salad wasn’t overly dressed. The only downside was the back patio; it had such a weird and cold atmosphere. Better to grab and go eat somewhere else.

Mat Lit

Had an immaculately constructed pastrami on rye. Pastrami itself was not as tender and moist as ones I’ve had in LA and NY, but was certainly a step up from your average sandwich shop. The bread, slaw, cheese and spreads were all top notch. The back patio is quite nice—very nice place to eat and hang out!

The cashier didn't really understand what I was asking for... Google led me 20 miles based on Johnnie's Stock photos... I wanted a banger Pastrami sandwich and was disappointed!!! The center cut was marginal and the ends had nothing left!!! Sorry Johnnie's...

Got the marble rye and it was kinda disappointing in terms of taste and portions. I’d give it 3/5. The brisket was dry and wasn’t too flavorful. The apple coleslaw was pretty good though

S Rocker

The cashier didn't really understand what I was asking for... Google led me 20 miles based on Johnnie's Stock photos... I wanted a banger Pastrami sandwich and was disappointed!!! The center cut was marginal and the ends had nothing left!!! Sorry Johnnie's...

Eidmone Tagaca

Got the marble rye and it was kinda disappointing in terms of taste and portions. I’d give it 3/5. The brisket was dry and wasn’t too flavorful. The apple coleslaw was pretty good though

I was excited to see that there was a place in the Castro that made vegetarian sandwiches but I probably won’t be going back. It is a total ripoff. Each of these sandwiches was $21 and they are all extremely meager portions with a few sad looking slices of vegan pastrami and not much more. The Dutch crunch was mostly lettuce and the other two really didn’t have anything in them except the few pieces of meat. It is crazy that they charge this much for a sandwich. $63 (plus tax and tip!) for three sad tiny sandwiches and a few potato chips. There are many other delis in the city that make much better and larger vegetarian/vegan sandwiches for way less. Unfortunately none of them are in my neighborhood. I thought I would save money by getting food in my neighborhood before going to the airport but this is actually more than I would have paid for a few sandwiches at the airport for way less food. I think we tipped well for a takeout sandwich order but that didn’t seem to improve the service at all.

How this rated 4.7⭐️ I do not know. The back patio is quaint with big TVs mounted inside an enclosure, but you travel through what appears to be their wash sink area and pass a ping pong table to sit, which adds to the feeling of confusion. This place is more of a deli than a smokehouse. Had the French roll with waffle fries, Dutch crunch with onion rings, and a Romaine Caesar with apple coleslaw. The aioli had too much garlic, portions of side were small, and the salad had no Parmesan but was drenched with Mozzarella, and I would have preferred the coleslaw to have been in its own cup. You want to experience an authentic smokehouse, go to Colorado, Texas, Kansas City, Nashville TN, or North Carolina and taste what’s missing from here… smokey cooked goodness with a focused theme.

Redd Tiger

How this rated 4.7⭐️ I do not know. The back patio is quaint with big TVs mounted inside an enclosure, but you travel through what appears to be their wash sink area and pass a ping pong table to sit, which adds to the feeling of confusion. This place is more of a deli than a smokehouse. Had the French roll with waffle fries, Dutch crunch with onion rings, and a Romaine Caesar with apple coleslaw. The aioli had too much garlic, portions of side were small, and the salad had no Parmesan but was drenched with Mozzarella, and I would have preferred the coleslaw to have been in its own cup. You want to experience an authentic smokehouse, go to Colorado, Texas, Kansas City, Nashville TN, or North Carolina and taste what’s missing from here… smokey cooked goodness with a focused theme.

Joshua Powers

I was excited to see that there was a place in the Castro that made vegetarian sandwiches but I probably won’t be going back. It is a total ripoff. Each of these sandwiches was $21 and they are all extremely meager portions with a few sad looking slices of vegan pastrami and not much more. The Dutch crunch was mostly lettuce and the other two really didn’t have anything in them except the few pieces of meat. It is crazy that they charge this much for a sandwich. $63 (plus tax and tip!) for three sad tiny sandwiches and a few potato chips. There are many other delis in the city that make much better and larger vegetarian/vegan sandwiches for way less. Unfortunately none of them are in my neighborhood. I thought I would save money by getting food in my neighborhood before going to the airport but this is actually more than I would have paid for a few sandwiches at the airport for way less food. I think we tipped well for a takeout sandwich order but that didn’t seem to improve the service at all.

Eric Koo

Ordered the pastrami on Dutch crunch. Bread was stale and dry which wasn’t helped by the pastrami which was dry and lacked any noteworthy flavors. The back patio is a great place to lounge on a sunny SF day. Ordered a few drinks that never came. Tried to notify an employee of the situation but they were all hidden away (no one at the counter or kitchen). I eventually found someone in a back room prepping the brisket who then called a coworker to make and deliver our drinks. We were one of only two parties there, so I can understand the employees taking a longer break. But overall the experience was not positive.