Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

One of the most underrated sandwich spots in the city. The pastrami is tasty and never dry. The backyard outdoor space wouldn’t be known from the entrance. Place to chill, good music, or get ping pong in. It’s great for groups or solo. The staff always out their best effort forward every time I come here

Great sandwich! Pastrami was meltingly tender, and well balanced with smokiness and spices. Overall sandwich was well balanced. On one hand I generally like a bit more of a crustier buttery griddle on my Reubens this was a bit softer but it highlighted the breads soft tenderness. Service was friendly, food came out quickly, and the back patio was a nice place to sit. Portion/value was great too, sharing the sandwich and accompanying fries with my wife made for a decent small meal for each of us. I’ll be back many times for this

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.

Amazing food!! Super chill and welcoming food came super fast! Met Johnnie himself and he is a delightful person and amazing owner!!! 100000/10 would definitely recommend and come back!!! EVERYONE BRING YOUR SERVICE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! ‍‍‍

I love the potato salad!!!! It has pieces of pastrami of course with other pairing flavors that complements the over all flavor. Very different from the normal that I have had but this right here at this location???? BOMB. Every time I visit, I have to take some TO GO!! The service is always welcoming and superb. Thank you Johnnie's for this fabulous salad.

Service is great! Honestly loved that I was able to order through a screen, as it was super efficient and made the line go faster. Ordered the Acme Brioche, the Dutch Crunch, and Smoked Chicken Caesar Sandwich. All three sandwiches were incredibly delicious--good portion sizes with yummy breads and perfectly seasoned meats. Very easy for take out, but check out the large back patio for in person dining. There is plenty of seating and the greenery is a nice touch. They also have some pretty good alcoholic drink options, consisting of mostly beer and wine, but with some basic cocktails like a margarita, mojito, and moscow mule.

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!

Walking into Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse is like stepping into a delicious secret. From the outside, it presents as a simple takeout counter, but once you venture inside, you're greeted by a whimsically decorated insulated patio complete with heat lamps--perfect for those cooler San Francisco evenings. I decided to try their burger with double patties. While the concept was enticing, I found it a bit dry, lacking that juicy, indulgent quality I crave in a great burger. The flavor was there, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. To pair with my meal, I opted for a non-alcoholic beer--my little way of enjoying that classic burgers-and-beer combo while giving alcohol a rest. It complemented the meal nicely, creating that familiar comfort I always seek. My sub chose the chicken parm on Dutch crunch, and it was a dish that definitely had more character. The crunch of the bread combined with the tender chicken made for a delightful bite, and I appreciated the fusion of flavors. It was fun to watch him enjoy it; there's something satisfying about sharing a meal where both plates bring their own strengths. Overall, while the burger didn't quite meet my expectations, I loved the vibe and ambiance of Hot Johnnie's. I'm intrigued by their menu, especially the Chinese fusion dishes I spotted, and I can't wait to return and explore more of what they have to offer. This place is a hidden gem that promises new discoveries with every visit!

Yes, just yes. I had Hot Johnnie's on my list and was so happy that the food was served down the street at Moby Dick's. The vegan rueben was delicious (even better with vegan cheese). Highly recommend!

Pastrami paradise! Their meat really is the best in the Castro. We had been looking forward to try this place out for a while.The place is small when you walk in, but does have a backyard. You order on the kiosk as you walk in and customize your selection. We went simple, a pastrami on dutch crunch and a pastrami reuben. You go sit and they bring it over to you. We did wait for a bit, but it was worth the wait. The meat was tender and packs a flavor punch. You can tell it's had been cooked low and slow. The quality ingredients were fresh and plentiful. The atmosphere was laid back and inviting with a nice backyard dining area. We will be back to try the other items and a few cocktails. Cheers!

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.

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)

Really great customer service found this place on an Instagram page and me and my girlfriend were able to check it out over this past sunny week. We ordered the Dutch crunch pastrami/brisket sandwhich was really good. Dutch crunch is usually very hard but the bread was really soft. The sandwich was a little bit spicy because it contains garlic aïoli by the that was really good. The restaurant also has a backyard patio, which is very nice with outdoor seating with also heated lamps, which was very convenient because it was sunny yet. Still very windy in San Francisco.

Excellent place to rent out the patio for a small work party 15 people was enough space to walk around. The plastic enclosure kept us warm from the cold wind outside. This was my first time here. It was a catered event and the food was lovely presentation and were labeled so we knew what we were eating. My favorites were the Walnut Arugula salad, fall off the bone Smoked Spare Ribs and sweet Smoked chicken wings. We met the nice owner who takes care of the guest to make sure everything is going ok. I saw him come in and out, setting up the venue, delivery the food and setting things up. With such great tasting catered food, I will definitely come back to try what they are famous for which is the pastrami sandwich people out in front orders for takeout. So yummy in my tummy. I am so well fed like Garfield the cat. lol

We love it here at Hot Johnnie's! Simple front counter to order your food and drinks, head out back to the open atrium dining area, that has regular tables, high tops, big big televisions, ping pong, and other games.... tons of fun in a relaxed and super clean environment surrounded by greenery. The sandwiches here are great too!

As much as I admired my 2021 review of Hot Johnnie's, today's visit proved that it's time for an update. Hot Johnnies is now Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse and lots else has changed since my previous visit: The menu, which I'd previously have described as "all Pastrami all the time" (in a good way) is far more varied now. Varied enough, actually, that I'll probably stop telling people to "go to the pastrami place". The other reason I'll stop telling them that is this: During today's visit the kitchen was 100% out of pastrami. What? Well, that pretty much derailed our plans. The folks I came with still wanted to stay (it'd been my suggestion... for pastrami) and here's what we ordered instead: * Smoked Porchetta Sandwich * Original Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich * Waffle-Cut fries & * Walnut & Augula Salad (with Fried Chicken) Try not to hear "we all wanted pastrami" when I tell you that the person who ordered the Porchetta Sandwich preferred the Fried Chicken Sandwich and the person who'd ordered the Fried Chicken Sandwich preferred the Porchetta Sandwich. As usual, I was the one with the salad which was good and satisfying but I kept wanting the fried chicken to have some more flavor than it did. I think we all just wanted the pastrami. Since my last visit the back patio seating (the only seating) has been covered in see-through plastic which, on a day as warm as today, really left us emphasizing the "hot" in "Hot Johnnie's". It was like a sauna, with no cross ventilation at all. Worse, most tables were getting sun; when a table with some shade opened up we quickly moved. though the stagnant air remained. I still like what Hot Johnnie's is putting out but I now have some caveats for future visits: 1) Stay only if they have pastrami and 2) Dine-in only if it's a cold day. It'd be nice if some tables were available outside of the covered space but right now that's where the ping pong table resides. Oh, that's right: they still have ping pong and board games.

It's about time I update this. Hot Johnnie's has it. They got that It factor and they got that signature item. The menu is varied and special and all around legit. And I'll remind you, the pastrami is major league. This Texas toast pastrami is one of the best sandwiches in the whole city. This is my type of place. Keep doing your thing Johnnie. You are so hot. (4.8 Stars)

One of my absolute favorite local places in Castro/Mission. The smash burger is probably the best non-franchised smash burger in the city - an absolute must try. The patio in the back is quite lovely, and the menu is so robust making this place perfect for large groups. The quality of the food is above average, and the owner puts a lot of effort into making sure everything is perfect. The service is great as well.

John is really nice and a welcoming host! I tried the signature pastrami sandwich on dutch crunch, and my only complaint was that it was a bit dry. The pastrami also packs some heat so beware! Their fries were surprisingly my favorite part of the meal; came out freshly fried and crispy but soft on the inside, delicious!

Small place in the Castro with a nice back patio. I got a sandwich to go so I didn't get to enjoy the seating area, but it looked really nice and cool. The Pastrami sandwich on Dutch Crunch was great. The meat wasn't too salty, the pepperoncini spread added a tolerable heat, and there was a nice sweetness from the bread and pickles. Everything was really well balanced and I look forward to trying other things on their menu!

I've been meaning to try this place since I live so close! I got the pastrami on Dutch crunch and homemade chips with a side of ranch. I love Dutch crunch so much so I'm glad I tried the sandwich but overall the sandwich did not have a lot of flavor. The pastrami was a great texture but I found myself looking for hot sauce in my home to put on the sandwich :( the chips also weren't super tasteful, loved the CRUNCH but I added BBQ flavoring to the chips and didn't taste any BBQ tbh, so dipped the chips in some salsa I had at home haha. Staff was friendly though! And I do wanna come back to try their fried chicken some day :) Didn't make it to the back patio but it looked cute when I popped my head back there!

Liked what I saw online and was craving a pastrami sandwich. Ordered the Marble Rye with a side of house chips. Added extra pastrami. With tip it came to $30. A little steep but they have to pay rent and labor in SF. Honest assessment: Good but not great. The pastrami was cooked well but it was on the lean side, so not much juice. They don't over salt the meat which allowed the true flavor of the beef to come through which was nice. The bread seemed a tad dry. I rate the sandwich a 7 out of 10.

How have I been out in the Castro SO MANY TIMES and yet *just* discovered this (literally) hidden gem? Tucked away in a nondescript entrance near Midnight Sun, this meaty smokehouse opens up to a gorgeous back patio. It's also got an IMPECCABLY CLEAN bathroom, which for Castro is no easy feat -- and clearly a sign of good management. The pastrami sandwich is SO FLAVORFUL and is the perfect night cap to a boozy night of dancing. Like seriously, the hearty, greasy goodness just fills you right up and gives you the strength you need to avoid waking up (too) hungover. They had some advertisements for drag brunches, so that's next on the list to come experience! We'll be back for sure.

Service was fast. Ordered from a screen and waited in their beautiful heated back patio. I ordered the Dutch Crunch double meat with the Waffle fries with garlic aioli and ranch. The Dutch crunch sandwich was underwhelming, I wanted it to be better. I think the dill kind of deterred from the meat. The meat was nice and the bread was delicious. The fries were great and I think the garlic aioli was better than the ranch. I will be back to try more of the sandwiches, and also to order the chicken sandwich that looks amazing. I think I just ordered the wrong sandwich for me.

Hot Johnnie's has been on my hot list for awhile, because I love pastrami. A place like Hot Johnnie's that smokes their own pastrami in house gets mad respect from me. When we ordered for delivery, I was impressed and excited to try it. Another thing is I love Dutch Crunch, which in my opinion is one of SF's favorite breads besides sourdough. Then pickles, yes a must when there is pastrami. I went with the 6oz Pastrami on Dutch crunch with waffle cut fries. I initially thought the sandwich was pretty small, but let me tell you, that sandwich kept me full all day and night. I barely ate dinner that night. The only thing missing was a nice serving of hot mustard, which was not an issue since I had some here at the office. Really good sandwiches, my compliments to the chef and hot smoking crew.

Not much to say besides the pastrami is amazing. I had the Texas Toast sandwich which was really good albeit a bit too buttery for my taste. The Dutch Crunch that I got to try from a friend was a much better experience overall. I'll probably default to that in the future. The shop itself is a pretty narrow place with a walkway towards the back patio for a dine-in area. It's mostly self serve and the ambiance is really nice.

Very disappointing visit to Hot Johnnie's today. We are regulars but haven't been there for awhile. What keeps me, a vegetarian, returning to Hot Johnnie's is their amazing vegan pastrami sandwich. The vegan pastrami sandwich that I received today was a shadow of its former self. There was about 10% the amount of vegan pastrami in the sandwich compared to how it used to be served. It was essentially a bread sandwich. Photo attached. Very disappointed.

We were in the Castro and decided to order some sandwiches to-go. The pastrami sandwiches were delicious. I have had a lot of pastrami and Swiss on rye in the past, and only in San Francisco, do I see pastrami prepared in non-traditional sandwich combos like with arugula, chipotle aoili, or Boudin sourdough. The smoked pastrami was flavorful and their innovative combos worked well. With a Yelp check-in, I got a free order of house chips; they were made-to-order and came out hot and tasty. Please do not make a comment about guys in the Castro in response to my last comment. I know someone is thinking it!

Second time at Hot Johnnie's and they were sadly out of pastrami so we tried some other things on the menu. The smoked porchetta sandwich was really good! The porchetta was flavorful and tender. We also got the chicken parm sandwich on Dutch crunch and it was just okay. I wish there was more sauce.

Hot Johnnie's is an absolute gem! From the moment you step onto the awesome outdoor patio, you can feel the great vibe that makes this place special. The food is nothing short of amazing. The pastrami is a must-try--flavorful, tender, and cooked to perfection. Their waffle fries are a separate delight, crispy and delicious, perfect as a side or a snack on their own. The owner, Uncle Johnnie, runs the place with passion. He is attentive and always happy to accommodate dietary preferences. If you're looking for a place with great food, and a chillaxing vibe, Hot Johnnie's should be at the top of your list.

Overall - Top tier casual eatery in the 'Stro, both in terms of food and service. Very cozy back patio that protects you from the elements and makes you feel welcome, impeccable service, and a varied and delicious menu that will cover most people's bases in the best way possible. Rating: 5 of 5 Ambiance - the storefront is pretty unassuming but inviting. The star of the show is the back patio, with tons of tables and covering for rain that lets natural light in. The plants and ping pong table make it very homey, and the heat lamps will keep the space temperate for when it's raining or chilly. Rating: 5 of 5 Service - out of this world! They go out of their way to make sure you're having the best time possible. Johnny is a really wonderful person, and his space effervesces with his charm and kindness even when he's not there. Rating: 5 of 5 Food - don't let the varied menu let you think that their dishes aren't special or unique, everything I've had here is good. I've been here for brunch and had egg dishes (and orange juice flavored champagne), lunch for lighter fare, and heartier sandwiches for dinner. It's all so friggin' good! Shout out to the vegan corned beef; the first time I ordered it I thought I got the real thing. Get the sourdough sub the vegan corned beef, it'll blow your mind. Rating: 5 of 5 Notes: - Ordering tips: Counter service casual. If the ordering area is a little crowded, you can order from your table via QR code. - Wait times: Considering the size of the kitchen, it's impressive how quickly they can get food out. From ordering, about 10ish mins to get your food. - What to Get: Anything, really. Their waffle fries are good, and my meat eating friends adore their smoked meats. - What to Avoid: walking by this spot without stopping in! :)

GREAT vegan Rueben sandwich - light and flavorful - one of the best I've had in a while that didn't taste greasy or too heavy. My friend had a chicken sandwich which he loved too. You can order from the counter or the iPad or the digital QR menu. We came for drag queen brunch in their private back patio which was all ages and made for a fun Sunday. All of the food looked very good and everyone seemed to really enjoy the food and the welcoming atmosphere.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE IF YOU ARE IN THE CASTRO DISTRICT! Easily one of the best pastrami sandwiches I had! Lots of outdoor seating with a wide variety of board games and a ping pong table. Food came out quickly as well.

Bomb sandwiches and great vibes! Hot Johnnie's is definitely the place to be if you're ever on the hunt for a solid sandwich. Came here to catch up with an old friend of mine one day and at first glance, the menu is a bit overwhelming, but the cashier at the front was super friendly and explained what sandwiches were popular - the Dutch Crunch and Texas Toast. I ended up getting the 6oz Texas Toast and, oh my, the meat was juicy, the bread was airy, and the flavors were all dancing in my mouth with each bite. Super cool outdoor only area for eating, but they have all the kinks worked out with covered seating, propane heaters at every table, and even a ping pong table as well! Would recommend checking this place out if you're thinking about sandwiches.

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!

The food and service is great. My favorite is the pastrami sandwich, but other dishes are good too. I love what they did in the patio, so nice and cozy. Highly recommend this place to hangout and eat.

The sign was sizzling and the service is lovely. Everyone is super kind. Seriously, it is like getting new cousins when you step in. It looked very tiny but I was delighted to discover a patio! You won't believe this but they have a clear tent. Don't let rain scare you away! The patio also has heaters as well as televisions All the people were here! Couples, multi-generational families, singles. My sandwich is on a delectable dutchcrunch! I noticed it is tender but not super duper fatty like a lot of pastrami sandwiches. And you can see that I gnawed my way through New York City pastrami. I love this. It has decent fattiness and is still super robust! They offer event space and happy hour! Plenty of adult beverages are available. I may pan to swing by before hitting the theater! I am so full but I must press on...for science!

Had the Monte cristo and nachos. Kinda expensive and the quality and quantity are just ok. Great setting though and it's a nice place to hang out.

Another great experience at hot Johnnies ! Mr young lots of thought into his sauces . They are fire . Today , I had a side of broccoli and smash burger protein style. Guiltless fast food in the heat of the Castro . So far I haven't had anything I regret. The team goes out of their way to take care of you . The level of hospitality is off the charts. Johnnie has Definitely developed a culture where you you feel as guest not just a number or customer. Check out the back patio .

The pastrami is amazing! Service was great, prices very reasonable. My Bro-in-law said he would come back, his way of saying he liked the food lol. The outdoor dining was great. Clean, shaded and a very open feeling.

Saturday lunch review. I commuted from east bay. Got off at 16th street bart and walked up 18th with my daughter. There is only outdoor seating with clear "green house" cover. I got the Texas toast pastrami, chips. My daughter had the fried chicken and crosscut fries. I would come back and try other teams.

Ordered pastrami sandwiches, it was not that good, Roxy's is way better. Fries with shrimp, small portion not worth $23.

Honestly didn't have a great experience here. The food was ok but I think this place charges too much for what they're offering. One thing that really bothered me was paying 7.50 for a FULL potato dish that was only as big as one of my hand (I have girl hands too) $16 for a pastrami sandwhich and it definitely could've been much bigger. but it's really not even a shareable size.

It was my first time here . I came here based on their reviews. They have a very nice patio. I loved it . It was very well maintained and they had 2 big tvs there. Employees are very nice and friendly also . I asked what is the most popular sandwich and the employee behind the cashier said Dutch crunchy sandwich. I ordered that one and onion rings. To be honest none of them were good . They were both burnt and very dry . Maybe I should have just picked something else . Anyway if I go there again I would not order these again . Also They have a cat and the cat was just walking all around the tables and under the tables and constantly rubbed its body on the customers' feet. I have allergies to cats . Those that have the same type of allergies understand what I am talking about. Overall my experience was not pretty good . But I will be back again to try something else . Next time I will order for take out

Hot Johnnie's in the Castro is a culinary treasure, offering a diverse menu to satisfy all your cravings. From flavorful smoked pastrami sandwiches to mouthwatering smashed burgers, it has something for everyone. Their menu now even includes a variety of delightful snacks like Caesar salad, waffle fries, t-tots, onion rings, and nachos. My personal favorite is the 6oz Dutch crunch sandwich, packed with flavor. While I've been tempted by the Fried Chicken sandwich, the pastrami keeps me coming back for more. Hot Johnnie's has truly expanded its menu since opening, and the nachos, featuring waffle fries, pastrami, cheese, and a spicy chipotle aioli, did not disappoint! Order an additional side of that aioli. If I had to offer any feedback for this wonderful spot, it would be that the Dutch crunch sandwich bread tends to be a bit softer than I'd prefer. However, I'm sure they would be willing to toast it up a bit more if you ask, so I plan to do that on my next visit. This minor issue has been my only point of feedback during each of my visits. But the excitement doesn't stop with the food; Hot Johnnie's boasts an amazing back patio space. With TVs for game days, fire pits, a ping pong table, and a great beer selection, it's a top-notch hangout spot. They even offer bottomless mimosas! This place is a hit, and I highly recommend a visit for both the delectable dishes and the fantastic patio experience.

We had lunch at this awesome sandwich shop this past weekend, and loved it. The line and wait to order was reasonable, but the wait time for two sandwiches was longer than expected (about 30 minutes). The Monte Cristo on the menu looked amazing (a whole dish with what looked like a pastrami sandwich on french toast). But we didn't get to try it, with so many other delectable items available. Instead, we both got the Texas Toast hot pastrami sandwich, one single (3 oz) and one regular (6 oz). It was so good, the sliced meat was like nothing I've ever tasted, a spicy and smoky flavor and buttery texture which was perfectly filling even in the 3 oz. single size. Combined with the other ingredients, especially that garlic aioli, it had a nice kick and was just perfect. The house made chips (free with Yelp check-in) were delicious as well, freshly made, lightly salted, and simply satisfying. The service was outstanding and super friendly. And the set up of the restaurant was sufficient. It's a small space, but they offer both indoor seating and an outdoor patio in the back, and we had no trouble finding a table on a Saturday afternoon. I love pastrami and have tried quite a few variations in my lifetime. The flavor of the meat at Hot Johnnie's was definitely unique and memorable. Can't wait to return and try the Monte Cristo next time.

The food here is very high quality! Not only is the food good, but the owner is super kind and open to answering questions and offering suggestions. The chicken sandwich was super crunchy with a giant piece of chicken that hangs out of the bun. The flavors are strong and the coleslaw in the sandwich has apples which add a nice sweetness. I got a side of pepperoncini aioli for extra sauce and it paired really well with the sandwich! They're mainly known for their pastramis here and the Dutch crunch sandwich did not disappoint. The sandwich is topped with pastrami, pickles, lettuce, and pepperoncini aioli. The meat was tender, had a bold flavor, and the pepperoncini aioli added some spice. The waffle fries have the perfect texture of crunchy but soft on the inside. They were delicious, garlicky, and flavorful. The back of the restaurant also offers a beautiful patio area to eat in. Decorated with greenery and two TV's you can enjoy your meal in what feels like a really nice greenhouse. They also have lots of board games and a ping pong table as well. 10/10 for food, service and ambiance! Parking may be a little difficult in the Castro but after some circling (and some luck) you'll eventually find some street park!

Smoked Hot Pastrami. I hunted all over SF and found this place that makes their own Pastrami. Monies no object the sandwich was worth it. Order ahead and run it. Most efficient

Hot Johnnie's is hot! The chicken sandwiches are smoking and huge! For some reason I had a whole other piece of chicken growing from my sandwich. It was hilarious. The sauce they put on got a kick to it. Check out their happy hour specials!

Looking for something to spice up your Sunday Funday? Check out the Drag Brunch at Hot Johnnie's! This was our first time attending one and it was so entertaining! Get cozy with some mimosas, grab some food and sit back and enjoy a one of a kind experience! Don't forget to bring your singles to hand out to the Queens! This event often sells out quickly, so get your tickets in advance! Located in the heart of the Castro District, Hot Johnnie's is a quaint BBQ Smokehouse known for their amazing pastrami and other American classics, with a slight hint of Asian inspiration. The back patio is also dog-friendly (must be on a leash) * Texas Toast * Smoked Ribs * Parmigiana on Dutch Crunch * Crispy Chicken Wontons * Popcorn Prawns + Waffle Fries * Smoked Porchetta Nachos

Food was so damn good, I had the Texas toast and that one of the best sandwiches I've had in a really long time. This place won't disappoint