Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse
Barbecue restaurant · The Castro ·
Pastrami on Texas Toast, Dutch Crunch, ribs, wings
Pastrami on Texas Toast, Dutch Crunch, ribs, wings
"This sandwich shop opened somewhat quietly in the Castro, but the team has been smoking pastrami for a couple of years now and the sandwiches remain top-notch. You can get the brined and smoked meat stuffed between crispy pieces of sourdough and thick slices of Texas toast or on marbled rye and even Dutch crunch. There’s no bad order and if you’re eating on-site; check out the airy back patio." - Lauren Saria
"This sandwich shop opened somewhat quietly in the Castro, but the team has been smoking pastrami for a couple of years now and the sandwiches remain top-notch. You can get the brined and smoked meat stuffed between crispy pieces of sourdough and thick slices of Texas toast or on marbled rye and even Acme pan de mie. There’s no bad order and if you’re eating on-site, check out the airy back patio." - Lauren Saria, Eater Staff
"Owner Jonathan Young opened Hot Johnnie’s in 2021 in the heart of the Castro, serving delicious pastrami sandwiches that he brines, cures, and smokes onsite. His Johnnie’s Hotties drag shows, held the third Sunday of each month from noon to 2 p.m., rival the entrees when it comes to spiciness. Enjoy a diverse cast of performers and a range of entrees including pastrami hash and egg, and a fried chicken benedict. There’s a $5 cover, plus the cost of brunch. Reservations recommended." - Linda Childers
"In the Castro District, pastrami extraordinaire Hot Johnnie's expanded its menu beyond brined sandwiches to include ribs, porchetta, chicken wings, stuffed potato skins, and crispy fried wontons; the expanded menu is available for pickup from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays." - Paolo Bicchieri
"At Hot Johnnie’s in the Castro I devoured a Dutch Crunch sandwich layered with thick, smoky pastrami, muenster cheese, pepperoncini spread, and house pickles—the Dutch Crunch bread from a secret bakery plus the intensely smoky, braised-and-smoked brisket made the sandwich a standout." - Eater Staff