John&#x27;s Cafe

The Best Breakfasts in Dallas

"Low-key and no-frills, John’s Cafe on Lowest Greenville Avenue has been around for five decades. For breakfast, diners can expect omelets, migas, scrambles, waffles, pancakes, and basic breakfasts ordered by loyal neighborhood customers. Make sure you say hi to John; sometimes you can find him smiling and greeting customers up at the front." - Courtney E. Smith

The Best Restaurants on Dallas’s Greenville Avenue

"Amid all the fancy spots to eat on Lower Greenville, John’s Cafe has been serving fresh food for over 50 years. John Spyropoulos still shares photos of himself harvesting vegetables from his garden on social media. It’s probably the best spot around for breakfast, but a cheap, great meal can be found here at any time." - Courtney E. Smith, Rachel Pinn

12 Unbeatable Diners in the Metroplex

"Folks come to this longstanding cafe for the chicken fried steak, migas, roast beef, and a damn fine breakfast. It’s been around for 50 years, with plenty of time to perfect what it does best." - Courtney E. Smith

Kevin Foresman

Google

I’ve been eating breakfast at John’s Cafe since the 1980’s. This my favorite family run, cheap, home cooked eggs & bacon comfort food cafe in Dallas. If you get there before 11am, you can get the Breakfast Special for 10 bucks and change. Order at the counter with John, get your coffee & water, and the best part these days, there’s no tipping fee you are forced to pay, although you can ask to add tips on your card or give cash for the cooks and bidders. I love John , his banter and good humor. Hold on to your ticket as the bring your order to your table and yell out “number 42…” as in your order number to find you. John usually walks around when not busy to greet tables and refill your coffee. The space is lined with pictures of the restaurant, soccer team pics and reviews from the past 40 or so years. It’s also awesome for old school people watching as everyone there is old school or local M street neighbors. There also have a great lunch simple lunch menu with daily specials, but arrive by 2-230pm because they close at 3pm. Thank you John’s Cafe for the food, the memories and the hospitality for all these years!!!

Annie Crass

Google

We stumbled on this place quite by accident and I'm so glad we did! What a wonderful breakfast! Such a true "neighborhood breakfast spot". John was incredibly friendly and the food was amazing. You could tell there were old time regulars there and also people who it was their first time as well. Everyone was greeted and treated the same, like old friends. Oh, and they made the cutest pancakes for my kids! Loved it here and will definitely come back!

Julie Moore

Google

Just happened to find this place online. So glad we did!! Breakfast was amazing, and it felt like we had stepped back in time. Very nice, highly recommend!

Paul Michael

Google

Phenomenal food and experience! Love the fact that it’s a local hole in the wall diner run by people who love what they do!

Soo Chin

Google

Basic diner fare here done right. The CFS is on point big n tender covered in tasty gravy. Biscuits sport a crispy krunchy exterior whilst maintaining a tender core inside. It’s magical. No it’s just hard core line cooking at peak performance. Be warned this place goes off like Krakatoa on weekends.

Google

I've gotta say, I love ambiance when choosing a place to dine. This was not it. And I didn't like ordering at the counter, either. BUT, the food was so good and fresh that I'll definitely be back. Very friendly staff, as well.

Alexandria Chambers

Google

I loved this place! I was visiting Dallas to see friends and my friends took me here. I loved the small, cozy place. They have a great variety of foods - from traditional breakfast foods to Gyros to Mexican food. I ordered breakfast. The food was phenomenal, the staff was very welcoming, and we didn't wait long for our food. Every time I visit Dallas, I want to come here!

Alain Mari Alonso

Google

John's Cafe on Greenville Avenue is the kind of place that reminds you why diners are such beloved American institutions. This unassuming spot has been serving up delicious, no-frills comfort food for years, and it never disappoints. The menu is simple but hits all the right notes, especially if you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a classic burger. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the quality of the food is consistently great. Their breakfast plates are a must-try—everything is cooked to perfection, from the fluffy pancakes to the crispy bacon. The atmosphere at John's Cafe is warm and welcoming, with a retro vibe that adds to the charm. It’s the kind of place where you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. The staff is friendly and efficient, making sure you’re well taken care of without any fuss. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, John's Cafe is a dependable spot that delivers on taste and value. It’s a Greenville Avenue staple that’s well worth a visit.

Renee T.

Yelp

Old school diner type cafe...no frills, but the counter employee was friendly and I'm excited to see if the food lives up to the reviews. FYI - You order at the counter before finding your seat. Food was very good. Bacon was crispy and the potatoes were well seasoned. No complaints at all and would repeat.

Angela S.

Yelp

The food was 10/10, prices were VERY affordable and generous portions! The lady that was taking orders didn't have a welcoming demeanor. Kinda rushed to keep the line moving. It was our first time there, so we didn't know their system with seating and ordering. Glad to have ran across it on Instagram. Will DEFINITELY recommend and return!

Elizabeth H.

Yelp

This was everything I needed on a Saturday morning. It reminds me of the diners back home in the small town where I grew up. They are efficient, affordable, and the food was exactly what I wanted. Only telling people I really like about this amazing place.

Onassis P.

Yelp

To call this place a diner is disrespectful to all the real diners of the world. Any diner worth its salt serves breakfast all day and doesn't cut it off arbitrarily at 11 am. Also, the service here was filled to the brim with entitlement where I was the only person waiting to order and the gentleman in front of me took at least 2 minutes before he said anything. I have been to this establishment two times now, my first and my last.

Franki H.

Yelp

We stumbled in here for a quick, no frills, tasty breakfast. It was a Saturday morning and they were busy but so so speedy!!! It's a typical diner ambiance but with a Greek flare (you can tell they love their heritage!). You order and pay at the counter before grabbing a seat. I ordered the breakfast special....it has to be one of the best deals in Lower Greenville!! It's 2 eggs, 2 sausage patties (or bacon or ham), two biscuits (or white or wheat toast) and a pile of hash browns. And get this, its under $11!! We also got some coffees, which are self serve at the front counter. Our two breakfast specials came out within a few minutes, they just call your number on the bottom of the receipt. The over easy eggs were a little too underdone for me, next time I'll be ordering over medium. I wish they had some honey to go with their freshly made biscuits but the jelly packets did the trick. The flow of things were a little confusing for a newbie so maybe mention you've never been there while you order. She explained the coffee is self serve (just grab a cup and pour it yourself while you order and they'll add it to your bill). The silverware, napkins and condiments are along the side counter and they are also self served.

Rick F.

Yelp

I really like John's buffet the concept of getting your own utensils and getting your own coffee and basically a serve yourself except for food situation isn't that bad and actually the food is pretty good. I would recommend it. I would recommend it for breakfast because that's all I've had there what's the important world a little larger but I'll take it as it comes because it is good not a big variety when it comes to coffee but what the heck it's not a Starbucks it's a breakfast joint.

Diana S.

Yelp

Such a fan of this down home type cafe. I can only bring myself to eat the chicken fried steak WITH GRAVY (a must) with eggs over medium hash browns toast and coffee. Love it.

Paula C.

Yelp

Budget friendly and so good Everyone was so nice My coffee was always topped off Does the job without any frills.

Kenya R.

Yelp

The only thing I got were biscuits. They were big, hot, and soft. I ordered, and she said it would be a few minutes because fresh ones were coming out of the oven. I squealed and clap because who doesn't like fresh biscuits! I got 2 biscuits for like $3.30. They were well worth it, and I will return!

John P.

Yelp

Literally had dinner here and went to have a drink next door and they towed my car don't risk it. Food is mid at best why bother trying

Paul R.

Yelp

Traditional diner/cafe with great breakfast options. The ambience is just what you'd expect for a decades-old popular restaurant brimming with satisfied customers and a constant line on Saturday mornings - nothing fancy, just great food! I had the "everything omelette" which contains some of every meat and fixing that's in their other omelets - a hearty, slightly spicy flavor wrapped in the thinnest amount of egg you can imagine, but it still held together all the way through my meal. The biscuits and gravy was very good - unusually yellow color (lots of butter?) but no chunks of sausage that makes white gravy just perfect. My buddy had the traditional breakfast - eggs, pancake, sausage & bacon, hash browns (cooked perfectly!), and biscuit. If I lived nearby, this would be on my list of regular breakfast places!

Nick W.

Yelp

John's is the best. Unbeaten. MILLION DOLLAR BABY! You can't even mess with the breakfast you about to get at John's

Christine G.

Yelp

The customer service was so great here! You order at the counter and then sit down and they bring your food out. All the employees were so nice and helpful. I got the country fried steak and it was AMAZING-its my favorite food and one of the best I've ever had at any restaurant. My spouse and kids also loved their food and the portion sizes were large. 10/10 and I would go back if I ever travel back to Dallas.

Kristy S.

Yelp

Simple and delish! Love their roast beef with green beans and mashed potatoes (with brown gravy). Lovely people work here and make the experience simple and easy. TY!

Scott H.

Yelp

Fantastic seriously Old school diner. Great breakfast and great hamburgers!!! Can say enough about this place. Dont let location and decor fool you.

Jan Z.

Yelp

been coming here for years suddenly walking with my service dog didn't receive any service got told to leave. Guess I'm never coming back. outdated and unfriendly, even after your loyal patron

Sandra C.

Yelp

Fast and food was great. Salsa was homemade and really good! We'll be back again. Staff was nice too.

Sean S.

Yelp

Owner is mean and rude as usual. Come here if you can't make it to Karen's Diner in NY and need a good laugh about how ridiculously rude the owner will treat you. Was also overcharged based on stated menu prices. He makes up prices as he punches them into his 1990 cash register. Also come here if you enjoy eating breakfast with 80 and older dorky old men. I honestly don't know why people seem to like this place.

Stephanie H.

Yelp

They don't make places like this anymore. This little spot is a hidden gem. I hope you stay in business forever which is why I am writing this post. The owner is such a kind man. The food is delicious. The coffee is diner coffee in diner mugs (which I love) and the patrons are warm neighborhood folks. Bring your kids here, your grandparents or come here every morning before work!

Lisa M.

Yelp

You can't miss Johns Cafe in Lower Greenville for breakfast or lunch. A long-standing staple spot for a reason. Fast service and a nostalgic local place for great food.

Diane B.

Yelp

John's was absolutely the perfect diner with excellent nostalgic choices cooked perfectly (grits, over easy eggs, sausage Pattie's...). Low key decor and pick up service all worked for the experience. Will return.

Alex B.

Yelp

Secret item on the menu. Roast Beef sandwich. Do yourself a favor GET IT! Think mom's oven cooked falling apart roast beef, but flat grilled for a minute, placed on a hoagie bun with fresh lettuce, tomato's and Mayo. One of the best sandwiches in town!!!! Didn't used to be a secret at the old location when the second largest thing on the sign beside John's was Roast Beef Sandwich.

Keela B.

Yelp

Excellent low key breakfast spot. I've had the gyro omelette twice now. Always excellent. Opened until 2 pm breakfast until 11 am.

Alexandria C.

Yelp

Rachelle B.

Yelp

I got the chicken fried steak with cheese eggs, hashbrowns, coffee, and a pancake. The eggs and hash were cold, but I think they would have been good if they were hot and fresh off the grill. The steak was GOOD. But that pancake (a sub for the toast with an upcharge) was DELICIOUS!! I will definitely be back for a pancake(s) and the chicken fried steak.

Danny K.

Yelp

@johnscafe.dallas Best diner in East Dallas--it's a must! Freshest diner food from the to the chicken fried to the crispy on the outside fluffy on the inside biscuits!

Rachel T.

Yelp

John's used to be the go to place for breakfast and lunch in our neighborhood but it's sadly gone downhill. John was always cranky but it was just part of the charm. Lately though, he's just been downright rude which I could deal with if the quality of the food was the same but unfortunately it has also declined. I'm gutted because I loved going there. I think it's time for him to retire.

Conner D.

Yelp

I show up hungover 90% of the time, lady at the front doesn't take any crap will give it to you straight forward she really makes me think about my life decisions from the prior night (in a good way) and makes me wanna be a better person. Get the breakfast special to get the engines rolling, the foods top tier!

Chelsea C.

Yelp

MIGAS!!! Wow, delicious! BIG FAN! Everything here is good but the MIGAS and Breakfast special are AMAZING!! My boyfriend and I love coming here! Love the food and atmosphere here!

Juli P.

Yelp

We had the breakfast selections, and this was the perfect food to send the Hangry away. My friend and I went there for a late morning meal, and in just the walk from the door to the counter where we'd place our order, I knew something good was headed my way. Every patron had food that looked hearty and absolutely delicious! I'm looking forward to trying lunch sometime soon!! BTW, it's a great sign when a classic-type diner is almost full to the brim!! Great good, Great prices, Friendly people!! P

John G.

Yelp

Always good for a close-in and classic diner experience. Breakfast is a must, but lunch is also classic.

Joey C.

Yelp

Solid chicken fried steak. Biscuits and gravy with eggs and potatoes. YUM!! Great breakfast spot.

Bailey S.

Yelp

The owner was working the register/taking orders when we stopped in. He's very personable and friendly. We ordered the breakfast special; one with bacon and toast and the other with sausage and biscuits. Wow. Incredible. We are for sure coming back when we're in town next.

DerekRyan B.

Yelp

I was craving huevos rancheros and took to Yelp. I was directed to a little hole in the wall nearby that's been open for over 30 years. This must be a neighborhood favorite because it was packed. Expect a wait (bc of covid restrictions) but this place operates pretty quick. Order first, wait for a table to open and they will deliver food to your table. The huevos rancheros was delicious, just like my favorite spot in El Paso Texas. Def a must if your looking for a delicious, decent priced breakfast meal. Credit cards accepted for amounts over $5

F H M.

Yelp

Food is always spectacular, and I love the long-time tradition of John's. However, don't expect to be impressed by the service, especially from the long-time cashier. She is generally bitter and in a foul mood, and i can't remember the last time I saw her smile at a customer. I'll keep coming back, but she's a downer.

Antonia G.

Yelp

My husband was in line (1 more person ahead of him) and 2 other tables. We have our two young children with us. So I grab a table and the one cleaning table says "you can't sit here. You need to order your food first" I proceed to tell him and point my husband is up next to order I just need to sit with my children because all of us waiting in line is absurd. He still said "no not until you order first" see ya later...we left right when we were about to order because who says that?!?!? Meanwhile another lady (who they were several people behind the line) sat with her kids and wasn't told to move or order first. I would give zero stars is possible. Train your servers to be more tactful and polite.

Robert T.

Yelp

A comforting place to be treated well and enjoy diner fare. Good location and easy parking.

Wendy R.

Yelp

Very rude customer service, arrived and took like 5 mins to be acknowledged and then when we did get service the guy was rude so didn't even eat here.

Monique H.

Yelp

I love a good burger and John's burger didn't disappoint. Perfect size, a good, juicy patty, and all the fixings. The cafe is the perfect place to meet for lunch or brunch and catch up. It's definitely got the neighborhood diner feel. John was there when we went and was very nice. He's proud of his burger and I know why!

Ray F.

Yelp

This is a wonderful place to have an old style dinner meal in a very popular Dallas tradition that has moved around the neighborhood for quite a few years. During meal rush times, be prepared to have to wait a bit. My last trip was right in the middle of brunch and timed it right for no waiting on a table to open. I had the chicken fried steak, fries and a salad. The CFS was great and that was due to some of the best gravy in Dallas! The salad was from a salad bar with the essential salad bar ingredients. Nothing fancy, just good. I helped share a stack of pancakes and that is another of their specialties. They do offer take out and I'll have to try that sometime.

Rahsmia Z.

Yelp

Food was amazing! Everything was perfect. Bacon, pancakes, and the biscuits were all insanely good. Best all-around breakfast in a while.

Casey G.

Yelp

This is an old school breakfast spot without any thrills. It's standard, well cooked breakfast staples served up by a veteran staff and a family run business. It's apparent they are many daily regulars here and tables can fill up quickly on weekends but it filters through quickly.

Karl K.

Yelp

I had their breakfast special. I like the new ordering process provided you can find a table. The Breakfast Special Eggs, Pancakes, Sausage, Bacon, Toast, and Hashbrowns were all decent but nothing that stands out telling me to show up tomorrow for breakfast. I would hope this John's cafe recognizes that there are pastry shops with better coffee and tastier items down the street. The clientele will slowly migrate to these places as their palate changes towards more tastier foods for the money. My coffee was filled up when I asked and the staff is a bit gruff. The bacon was plain and salty and the hashbrowns were a bit greasy. Eggs were fine. The lack of love feeling towards the restaurant and the food is well defined when you have to pick up your plastic forks and water near the register. It is time for them to step up their game as we need good cafe breakfast restaurants. I was a bit embarrassed taking Grandma here which shouldn't be for a Cafe.

C. Robert M.

Yelp

I have lived in Dallas all my life except for 5 1/2 years high 'atop the caprock in Lubbock. John's Cafe, in no uncertain terms, is the greatest breakfast and lunch dive in Dallas & arguably in the nation. In business since 1972 or '73 John and his family have operated this business. The best Migas, burgers, and omelette's you will have the pleasure of eating. Homemade biscuits & gravy? Yep, the best. Pancakes? Have never eaten any better than hot cakes from John's. If the good Lord Jesus decides to tell me the exact time I take my last breath, I will pre plan to have my last breakfast from John Spyropolous! http://www.johns-cafe.com/

Shannon N.

Yelp

Really enjoyed breakfast on Saturday, stopped by and ordered a to-go breakfast special on my way home from a bike ride. The place was packed before 9am and quite a few seemed like regulars. I found the service to be very friendly and prompt, if it's the owner who takes your order, he's great! No nonsense but what do you expect in a place as busy as they are. That suits me just fine! The portions were huge, I have leftovers for at least 2 more meals. I will definitely be coming back!

Devon G.

Yelp

This is an amazing spot!! A great diner, yummy food and the staff is so nice. The breakfast sampler is a good to! It has plenty of booths and a solid vibe

Cassie C.

Yelp

Good food, love the cozy diner atmosphere...but I found a few hairs in my sandwich and there was mouse poop visible in the bathroom.

Bud L.

Yelp

John's cafe has remained an outstanding breakfast restaurant for many years. I have never tried their lunch/dinner food. I will continue going there for weekend breakfasts with friends.

Megan F.

Yelp

John's Cafe serves classic diner food and does it so well! They offer delicious food and great service. It feels like coming home when you go there. I highly recommend!

The Best Breakfasts in Dallas

The Best Restaurants on Dallas’s Greenville Avenue

12 Unbeatable Diners in the Metroplex