Hello dear
Welcome To HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE
At HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE, culinary passion meets comfort in a vibrant San Francisco setting. Founded by a Le Cordon Bleu graduate, this casual eatery takes pride in serving fresh, hearty meals alongside standout vegan options. With an inviting back patio, they create a perfect atmosphere for groups, private events, or simply enjoying a delicious brunch under the California sun. Guests rave about the delectable sandwiches, like the Dutch Crunch filled with tender brisket and garlicky goodness. The friendly service and hip ambiance make each visit memorable, as friends and family gather to savor a unique dining experience that feels just like home.
About
HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE
Welcome to HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE, a vibrant addition to San Francisco's culinary scene that embraces the heart and soul of breakfast and brunch fare. Nestled in the lively Castro district at 4077 18th St, this eatery captures the essence of casual dining while delivering a menu that is nothing short of spectacular. With a commitment to freshness and flavor, Hot Johnnie’s takes pride in crafting dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
From the moment you step inside, the friendly, laid-back atmosphere welcomes you. The staff, described by patrons as “*super friendly*” and approachable, enhance your dining experience, ensuring that every visit feels like catching up with good friends. The interior is clean and trendy, embodying the hipster vibe that characterizes this popular venue.
One of the standout features of HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE is its diverse and appetizing menu. Guests raved about the Dutch Crunch Sandwich, which boasts a delicious medley of tender smoked brisket, melted pepper jack cheese, and garlic aioli, all served on a wonderfully crunchy roll. For those who enjoy a bit of indulgence, the pastrami nachos are a must-try, combining quality ingredients with bold flavors. The meals aren't just tasty—they embody a down-home, comforting essence that reflects chef Johnny’s training at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, yet remain free from pretension. Visitors have also praised the enormous chicken sandwich, described as a meal in itself, but many felt a spicy twist could elevate it even more.
- Outdoor Ambiance: The heated back patio garden is a delight, featuring a clear marquee that provides relief from the elements while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. This space is perfect for private events or casual group gatherings, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
- Vegan Options: Catering to a variety of dietary preferences, HOT JOHNNIE’S offers vegan options, ensuring everyone can find something to savor.
- Vibes and Accessibility: The venue is dog-friendly, making it an ideal spot for pet owners to dine out with their furry friends. Plus, the establishment provides outdoor seating with reusable tableware and compostable containers, aligning with eco-conscious values.
The experience at HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE is not just about the food; it’s about the atmosphere, the friendly service, and the sense of community it fosters. Whether you opt for a leisurely brunch with friends, a quick takeout meal, or a relaxed dining experience on the patio, you can expect to walk away satisfied.
So, if you find yourself in San Francisco’s Castro district, be sure to pay a visit to HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE. Trust me, you’ll want to work through the entire menu—every bite is a celebration of flavor!
To learn more or make reservations, feel free to call (415) 624-3171. Cheers to good food and great vibes!
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“ The foods are delicious and fresh. Real delicious. I'm going to have to work through the entire menu! The service is *super* friendly, in a totally normal way (not corporate robotic smiling). Very helpful and present. The patio garden in the back is fab! Enclosed in a clear marquee, large, minimal but styled. I'll be back and I'll be telling and showing friends. ”
“ Dutch Crunch is a f'ing amazing sandwich - tender, smoked brisket, melted pepper jack cheese, garlic aioli, pickles, pepperoncini, and a sprinkle of dill. On a perfectly crunchy Dutch crunch role. With waffle fries (get extra garlic aioli for dipping). Johnny graduated from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, but there's nothing pretentious about this down home eatery. Take out or dine in their lovely patio. So good! ”
“ The Marble Rye sandwich is delicious. I can taste it while writing this review lol the food is great. I've also had the chicken sandwhich once before. The sandwhich was HUGE. Great selection of items to choose. They have a large back patio area that has heating and a cover. Perfect for not so fun weather. Many chairs and tables to sit. I seen online that they also host events in the back area. Most recently a Drag brunch. The interior of the restaurant is clean and the staff were kind and nice. ”
“ Great vibes , excellent food - what else can you ask for on a sunny (or rainy) day in the amazing castro?! Super dog friendly too, so it doesn't get any better than this. They have a cute back patio perfect for private events too. Cheers ”
“ Stopped by on a Friday afternoon. Got to try the pastrami nachos and chicken parmigiana on Dutch crunch. The pastrami is definitely high quality here and has solid flavor. Hard to go wrong with cheesy waffle fries. The chicken parm sandwich was also good - well balanced, crispy chicken. I do wish there was something more to it (maybe a spicy kick) just to bring it up a notch. We sat in the back patio which was relaxing and comfortable, self serve water available as well. There was also a ping pong table. Had a good time here and I would come back to try their other menu items! ”
“ My friend told me about this place and decided to give it a go! This place is located in the heart of the Castro and it's nice to see a smokehouse type place in the area! You walk in and place your order on the self kiosk. As I scrolled through the menu, one could smell the delicious aroma of food coming from the kitchen! I ordered the hot pastrami sandwich with fries and iced tea. My friend ordered a beef sandwich along with a plate of ribs to share. We sat in the back patio which is really cool area to enjoy your food and nice quiet ambiance. There is a ping pong table in the back which one could play with friends. When the food came out, the ribs were perfectly cooked in a glaze that was delicious. The meat fell off the bone and the taste was very flavourful. My sandwich was full of flavour and was so delicious. My friend also agreed and his sandwich was delicious as well. The sandwiches were full of meat and we both were so full. The price point is a little on the higher side, but with all prices going up and the amount of meat you can see why it's a little more. The ambiance was very chill and very enjoyable. Street parking at meter is limited, so best to walk, bike or take public transit. Def a place to go ! ”
“ My oh my - a solid pastrami sandwich in SF. Service was quick and friendly! Ordered upfront and ate in the beautiful dining patio area out back. It wasn't too busy (surprising imo) and we found seats pretty quick. Great place to have a 1:1 / small hangout. Sandwich was great. Not too salty, and the slaw the marble rye came with fit perfectly with the sandwich. I ate it up! I did wish there was some more spice to the sandwich or bottle of hot sauce somewhere but that's just personal preference. Beef flavor was the star of the show and it was so juicy. My group also shared a seasoned crinkle fry and these were alright. A little flimsy sometimes and crunchy other times so felt inconsistently good. This place deserves more hype! I will be back to try their chicken sandwich (it looked insane when I peeped at other peoples tables) ”
“ Came here for their drag brunch and had a really good time! The place had great energy and the food was solid. It seemed like they had their full menu and then some more brunchy items as well. Since it started later in the day, it was great that they had lunch items and not just eggs and sweets. We got some pastrami nacho fries to share, then I went with the chicken and garlic rice plate. I liked both items, but really loved the crispy chicken for my main. We ordered bottomless mimosas for the group and were shocked when they brought out a bottle per person. Totally get why they did so that we wouldn't have to be asking for more throughout the drag performance, but the bottles did get a little warm as we worked through all 8 of them. The show was super fun! There were 4 different queens all with their own vibe and energy. you have to pre purchase tickets online, which are $8 a piece. ”
