0 Followers
HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE
7.6
Smokehouse from-scratch shop leaning into pastrami and BBQ plates with weekend brunch crossovers. Casual counter service and meaty portions suit laid-back groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastrami & eggs, Breakfast burrito (brisket add-on), Latke fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Pastrami-forward smokehouse with hearty, brunch-ready portions.
Who should go: Carnivores and casual groups
When to visit: Late morning to miss the midday crush
What to order: Pastrami & eggs, brisket burrito, latke fries
Insider tip: Order at the counter, then snag a sidewalk table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots fill up quickly on weekends near 18th Street. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers fit right in with the neighborhood crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak brunch; quieter mid-morning before groups arrive.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes before dinner service.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait; quick counter service keeps things moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—mac & cheese, sides, and salads available but most plates center on smoked meats.
Vegan options: Very limited; may offer sides like fries or slaw, but not a full meal option.
Gluten-free options: Several meat plates and sides are naturally gluten-free, though kitchen cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves BBQ and doesn’t mind a casual, counter-service vibe—great for a low-pressure meal, not ideal for romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted. Order at the counter and grab any open table, indoors or sidewalk-side.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially for older kids who like BBQ. Portions are generous and service is quick, but limited seating space can be tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: House-smoked pastrami and brisket stand out over nearby brunch spots—perfect for groups craving meat-heavy plates.
Skip if: You’re vegetarian, looking for quiet conversation, or prefer table service over counter dining.
HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE
8.1
Castro smokehouse with properly seasoned waffle fries—available solo, on plates, or fully loaded with pastrami and chipotle aioli. Casual counter service plus a roomy patio keeps it flexible for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Waffle fries, Pastrami 'nachos' fries, Ribs plate with waffle fries
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Seasoned waffle fries with optional pastrami-loaded upgrade.
Who should go: BBQ fans who want standout fries
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for shortest waits
What to order: Waffle fries, pastrami fries, ribs + waffle fries
Insider tip: Grab extra garlic aioli—the house dip pairs perfectly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 16th and 17th Streets; metered during the day but generally available in the evenings. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans and T-shirts are common, though the patio crowd can skew slightly trendier on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate — lively chatter and background music, but still easy to hold a conversation indoors or outside on the patio.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak hours, especially on warm evenings when the patio fills up.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk right up to the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options — sides like fries, mac & cheese, and coleslaw are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Very limited — fries can be made vegan, but most mains include meat or dairy-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Partial — fries are gluten-free, but cross-contact possible due to shared fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and low-pressure — the patio is relaxed and fun, but this is more of a chill BBQ spot than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — all seating is first-come, first-served. During peak hours, expect a short wait or consider takeout for faster service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the patio is great for families, and the menu has simple BBQ plates and fries that kids love. No dedicated kids’ menu, but staff are accommodating.
Best For
Better for: More flexible and affordable than fancier BBQ spots — perfect for casual groups who want excellent fries and smoked meats without a long sit-down meal.
Skip if: You’re seeking a full-service dining experience or extensive vegan options — nearby Starbelly or Kitchen Story fit those better.
HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE
8.1
Castro smokehouse known for pastrami also turns out crunchy fried chicken—both as a sandwich and over garlicky fried rice. Casual counter service with a roomy back patio keeps it flexible for quick meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Fried Chicken Sandwich, Fried Chicken Garlic Fried Rice, Chicken Strips + Dips and Fries
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Smokehouse riffs meet crisp fried chicken and patio seating.
Who should go: Casual sandwich and rice-bowl fans
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for shortest waits
What to order: Fried chicken sandwich, garlic fried rice, waffle fries
Insider tip: Ask for extra house pickles with the sandwich.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Market and nearby residential streets can fill quickly during dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—tees, hoodies, and jeans fit right in with the smokehouse vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—counter ordering area can be lively, but the back patio offers relaxed conversation-level noise.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak hours; patio tables may turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except for short rushes around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—coleslaw, mac and cheese, and sides are available but mains are meat-focused.
Vegan options: Minimal—no true vegan entrées, though fries and sides may work for some diners.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated menu, but some smoked meats and rice bowls can be gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual hang or quick bite—laid-back setting with counter service, not an intimate dining experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first-come, first-served only. Arrive early for patio seating during prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual service, fast meals, and outdoor seating make it easy for families with older kids or teens.
Best For
Better for: Quick, flavorful smoked meats and fried chicken hybrids—ideal when you want barbecue-style comfort without the wait.
Skip if: You’re looking for white-tablecloth service or vegetarian variety; this is a meat-lover’s stop through and through.
HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Neighborhood smokehouse in the Castro known for house-smoked meats and a rotating ribs plate. Casual counter service, swift lines, and a surprisingly spacious back patio make it an easy pick for rib cravings without leaving 94114.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked pork ribs (dry-rub, limited availability), Pastrami sandwich (in-house smoked), Garlic fries
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Small-batch smoked meats with an on-site pit and roomy back patio.
Who should go: Casual BBQ lovers and neighborhood meetups
When to visit: Late lunch to avoid peak dinner queue
What to order: Smoked pork ribs; pastrami sandwich; slaw
Insider tip: Call ahead to confirm ribs—they can sell out on sunny patio days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Market and 16th can be tight during dinner hours, but there’s a pay lot a block north behind Walgreens.
Dress code: Completely casual—T-shirts and jeans fit right in with the neighborhood crowd.
Noise level: Moderate; you can still talk easily inside, though the patio is the quieter pick for conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak, especially when ribs are running; patio tables may take longer.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—line moves quickly thanks to counter ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Minimal—coleslaw, mac and cheese, and sides only; not a main-course option.
Vegan options: Limited—greens and pickles available, but core menu is meat-forward.
Gluten-free options: Yes—smoked meats and many sides are naturally gluten-free, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual, low-pressure date—fun, lively, and unpretentious. Choose the back patio if you want space to talk without BBQ sauce flying.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter-service only, so just show up. Patio tables turn over steadily even on busy weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families come early evenings. Kids love the mac and cheese and outdoor seating; high chairs available on request.
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood BBQ with a faster, friendlier feel than larger smokehouses. Great for quick, no-fuss ribs in the Castro.
Skip if: You’re seeking a full bar, fine-dining BBQ, or late-night hours—this spot focuses on daytime and early evening service.
HOT JOHNNIE’S SMOKEHOUSE
8.2
Neighborhood smokehouse in the Castro turning out pastrami-focused barbecue, ribs, and smoked specials with counter service and a roomy back patio. Locals use it for casual meat plates, hefty sandwiches on Dutch crunch, and easy pickup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Pastrami Sandwich (Dutch crunch), BBQ Pork Ribs Plate, Smokehouse Quesadilla (choice of smoked meat)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Smokehouse centered on house-smoked pastrami and backyard-style plates with a spacious patio.
Who should go: Casual barbecue fans and sandwich lovers
When to visit: Early dinner before 6:30pm or sunny weekend lunch
What to order: Pastrami sandwich; ribs plate; smoked-meat quesadilla
Insider tip: The back patio seats groups comfortably—order at the counter, then grab a table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight in the Castro, especially evenings. Best availability within two blocks before 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans and T-shirts are common, especially for patio dining.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation-friendly indoors; quieter on the back patio during daytime.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes at peak hours; no reservations, so arrive early for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; counter service moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few sides like mac and cheese or coleslaw, but mains are meat-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited — best to call ahead; occasional smoked veggie specials.
Gluten-free options: Yes — meats and most sides are naturally gluten-free, but sandwiches use standard bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a casual, no-frills vibe — great food, relaxed setting, but not romantic. The patio is best for a laid-back afternoon date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it's all counter service with open seating. Tables turn quickly, though peak dinner times can fill the patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly during the day, with easy patio seating and shareable plates. Kids tend to enjoy the BBQ sides.
Best For
Better for: Pastrami lovers and casual BBQ fans who value counter-service speed and outdoor space.
Skip if: You’re after slow-smoked Texas-style brisket or a full-service dinner experience — this is more casual neighborhood barbecue.