Highlights
- Fireplace
- Sports
- Live music
oChef » Hot Johnnie’s Smokehouse – San Francisco
Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse - San Francisco
Photo from Hot Johnnie’s Smokehouse
Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse at a glance
San Francisco Duboce Triangle
- 🍖 Barbecue Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 102 of the guests
#485 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#5 Barbecue Restaurant out of 17 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
530
Reviews
82.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Smoked meats
- Patio ambiance
- Friendly owner
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Inconsistent service
- Small portions
The barbecue restaurant Hot Johnnie’s Smokehouse in San Francisco’s vibrant Duboce Triangle neighborhood invites you to a truly authentic dining experience. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere, perfect for unwinding.
Imagine settling in by the cozy fireplace, enjoying delicious smoked meats and the lively buzz. It’s a fantastic spot where you can catch sports, listen to live music, or simply grab a quick bite with friends.
This place truly captures the spirit of San Francisco barbecue.
Overview: Introducting Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse
Hot Johnnie’s Smokehouse offers a distinctive experience, particularly with its inviting backyard patio and a focus on flavorful smoked meats. While the pastrami often receives high praise, some guests find the overall portion size to be a point of contention.
The atmosphere is generally welcoming, though not without its occasional quirks. Many appreciate the personal touch from the owner, contributing to a friendly service environment.
However, a few experiences suggest inconsistencies in staff attentiveness. It’s a place where the culinary offerings shine, but guests should manage expectations regarding value for money.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
530
Reviews
82.8%
Satisfaction
75
negative
16
neutral
439
positive
Hot Johnnie’s Smokehouse generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its overall 8.2 score and a good 82.8% customer satisfaction rate. This positive sentiment is drawn from a substantial 530 customer opinions, with 439 positive remarks outweighing 75 negative ones, indicating a largely favorable experience for most patrons.
Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.7) stands out, often praised for its unique outdoor spaces. Food (8.2) also performs well, consistently delivering on flavor, while Service (8) is generally seen as attentive.
However, Value (4) presents a noticeable dip, suggesting that while quality is present, some guests find the pricing to be on the higher side for what’s offered.
What people like
- Delicious smoked meats
- Inviting backyard patio
- Friendly owner interaction
What people don't like
- High price perception
- Inconsistent service attentiveness
- Small portion sizes
Hot Johnnie’s Smokehouse offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking quality smoked meats and a pleasant outdoor setting. While the food and atmosphere generally impress, be mindful that the value proposition might not align with everyone’s expectations, especially concerning portion sizes.
With a strong 8.4 recommendation score, it’s certainly worth a visit if you prioritize flavor and a unique patio vibe over strict budget concerns. It’s a place that delivers on its culinary promise, making it a good choice for a casual, flavorful meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, you're in for a treat, as it scores a solid 8.2 and boasts a fantastic 81.9% customer satisfaction! Out of 310 comments, a whopping 254 praise the delicious offerings. Many rave about the incredible pastrami sandwiches, tender smoked meats like brisket, and the surprisingly robust vegan options, all highlighting the overall quality and flavor.
However, there are a few bumps in the road, with 47 negative remarks pointing out concerns. Some found the portion sizes a bit small, while others noted issues with dry brisket or stale bread. There were also mentions of difficulties accommodating gluten allergies, which is definitely something to keep in mind.
Food
310
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
47
negative
9
neutral
254
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pastrami sandwiches
- Tender smoked meats
- Great vegan options
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Dry meat issues
- Stale bread sometimes
Often praised
- foodWe went for a late lunch/early dinner and really enjoyed the outdoor seating in the back patio. The service is excellent and the food is fresh and delicious. If smoked brisket is something you enjoy, head over here.
- pastramiThe place is small inside but opens up to a large, quiet patio in the back, offering great vibes. The food was awesome, and I highly recommend it, especially if you're around Castro Street and in the mood for pastrami!
- sandwichBeyond the amazing food, the restaurant offers a great patio with ping pong, making for a fun atmosphere. You truly can't beat Hot Johnnie's for a fantastic sandwich.
- pastrami sandwichespastrami sandwiches at Johnnie’s are better than your wildest dreams
- sandwichesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I received great customer service and enjoyed delicious sandwiches. The outside patio in the back was a lovely addition to the atmosphere.
- FoodFood:5
- meatThe mushrooms, grilled onions, pickles was awesomeness! The meat is so flavorful and tender. The only change I am making is to go try a sandwich at the location.
- pastrami sandwichMy experience at this restaurant was centered around a very good delicious pastrami sandwich. While the sandwich itself was excellent, I found the portion size to be a little small for the price.
- waffle friesThe food couldn’t have been more delicious. We shared the Dutch Crunch and waffle fries. They had a lot of fun board games to enjoy while you waited (food was out fast) and such a wonderful, plant-packed atmosphere in the back.
- Texas ToastTexas Toast with Swiss cheese added. Delicious
Frequently criticized
- portion sizeexpecting size to be similar to Katz' or any of the other good NY deli's, you'll be underwhelmed
- portionsextremely meager portions
- brisketThe bread was good, and the sauce was good. My only issue would be the need for more brisket in the sandwich, but I still left satisfied.
- pastramipastrami which was dry and lacked any noteworthy flavors
- foodthe food was not good at all
- meatThe meat was overpowered by the kraut and thousand island.
- Dutch crunchThe Dutch crunch was mostly lettuce
- aioliThe aioli had too much garlic
- breadBread was stale and dry
- chickenThe chicken wasn’t spicy and was dry
If you're craving top-notch pastrami, smoked meats, or even creative vegan dishes, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some experiences mention smaller portions or occasional inconsistencies with meat dryness and bread freshness, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
Service here generally shines, with a good score of 8 and customer satisfaction at a good 78.6%. Many of the 88 positive remarks highlight the incredibly friendly and helpful staff and owner Johnny, often praising their amazing service and excellent customer service. However, not every experience is perfect, as evidenced by 21 negative comments out of 112 total.
Some guests encountered issues with incorrect orders, a less-than-ideal experience, or unresponsive employees, leading to concerns about the overall service quality in those instances.
Service
112
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
21
negative
3
neutral
88
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Amazing owner Johnny
- Great customer service
What people don't like
- Incorrect orders
- Unresponsive staff
- Employee arguments
Often praised
- serviceEven the cocktail special was so good. The service was super quick and polite, and Johnnie even checked in with us and recommended some places to visit. We were very happy we picked this place!
- ownerWe had the Dutch, the Smoked Pastrami (Reuben), and the Sourdough, and doubled up because they were so good! The welcome was great too, Johnnie, the owner is adorable. The story of his restaurant and how he started is cool and inspiring.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, primarily due to the amazing sandwich and the lovely staff. 🙌 While the ambience is basic, the food is so worth it!
- JohnnieThe covered backyard patio is so nice and great for groups. The non-pastrami food is also delicious, and Johnnie himself is lovely, warm, and gracious.
- ServiceService was friendly and fast.
- customer servicecustomer service were on point super friendly
- owner JohnnieThe owner Johnnie was super nice
- welcomeWe had the Dutch, the Smoked Pastrami (Reuben), and the Sourdough, and doubled up because they were so good! The welcome was great too, Johnnie, the owner is adorable. The story of his restaurant and how he started is cool and inspiring.
- Johnnylet Johnny customize them for us.
- attendantThe attendant brings your meal to the area when ready
Frequently criticized
- serviceI eventually found someone prepping brisket who then called a coworker to make and deliver our drinks. Given that we were one of only two parties present, I understand employees might take longer breaks, but overall, the experience was not positive.
- ownerowner became agitated and dismissive
- staffthe staff needs a little more training
- QR code scanningI recommend ordering your food up front, as the QR code scanning is still not perfect. However, the food was amazing with a great variety.
- accommodationsasked about accommodations
- arguing back & forth between employeesa lot of arguing back & forth between employees
- attention at the cash registerIt took a long time to flag their attention at the cash register.
- bartenderbartender clearly was into older guys and was just gross about it
- bartendersbartenders clearly only care about the regulars
- community standardsI was told to leave the line until I was “ready to order” from the menu. This approach is shocking and out of step with community standards, especially in a city and neighborhood known for inclusivity and dietary awareness.
Overall, the service here is a definite highlight, with many guests raving about the friendly and attentive staff. While occasional hiccups with order accuracy or responsiveness occur, the positive experiences largely prevail, suggesting you'll likely enjoy excellent hospitality.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With an impressive score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 95%, it's clear guests love the vibe. Based on 96 positive remarks out of 101 total, people consistently praise the wonderful, plant-packed atmosphere, the fun back patio with board games, and even ping pong tables, creating a lively yet relaxed environment.
However, out of 101 comments, only 2 mentioned anything less than stellar. A couple of guests noted an unexpected visitor on the patio, suggesting a need for pest control, and some general concerns about cleanliness in older bar areas. These are minor points, especially given the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Ambience
101
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Plant-packed atmosphere
- Fun games available
- Cozy, heated patio
What people don't like
- Pest control issue
Often praised
- atmosphereatmosphere in the back as well as the hospitality created a warm and welcoming atmosphere
- patioThey had a lot of fun board games to enjoy while you waited (food was out fast) and such a wonderful, plant-packed atmosphere in the back. It was raining while we were there, but the patio was heated and covered. The guy who helped us couldn’t have been nicer!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- back patiohopefully I can sit on their back patio and enjoy some more food
- board gamesWe shared the Dutch Crunch and waffle fries. They had a lot of fun board games to enjoy while you waited (food was out fast) and such a wonderful, plant-packed atmosphere in the back. It was raining while we were there, but the patio was heated and covered.
- ping pong tableEnjoyed the ping pong table out back
- backyardwunderschönem Hinterhof wo auch eine Tischtennisplatte steht
- backyard patioThe pastrami is arguably the best in the city, and Johnnie continues to tweak and perfect his recipe, so it just gets better. The covered backyard patio is so nice and great for groups. The non-pastrami food is also delicious, and Johnnie himself is lovely, warm, and gracious.
- hidden gemI can't believe I've been in the Castro so many times and *just* discovered this literally hidden gem! Tucked away with a nondescript entrance near Midnight Sun, this meaty smokehouse opens up to a gorgeous back patio.
- outdoor areaThere is a spacious outdoor area that gets lots of sun.
Frequently criticized
- barsMosts bars are old and outdated and simply dirty
- pest controlIt was extremely expensive for what they serve. Additionally, while we were eating on the patio, we had an unexpected visitor, so I would recommend they call pest control. I cannot understand how this place has such a high rating; perhaps I had very, very bad luck.
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic, engaging atmosphere, especially with a great outdoor space, this is definitely worth checking out. The vibrant patio and fun activities make it a standout, though a tiny fraction of guests had a minor pest concern.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 6% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, theres a glimmer of hope! Out of 7 total comments, one diner specifically highlighted that the portion/value was great. It seems that for at least one person, the balance of what you get for what you pay hit just right, offering a positive experience.
However, the general sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a score of just 4, placing it in the average range, yet customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 14.3%. This divergence suggests a significant disconnect for many. Out of 7 total comments, 5 negative remarks frequently mentioned the high price, describing items as expensive or pricey, and noting that portions were often small for the cost.
Value
7
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good portion value
What people don't like
- High prices
- Small portions
- Hard to justify
Often praised
- portion/valuePortion/value was great too
Frequently criticized
- priceThe pizza was small, essentially just bread with cheese. It was extremely expensive for what they serve. Additionally, while we were eating on the patio, we had an unexpected visitor, so I would recommend they call pest control.
- priceyKinda pricey but delicious.
- sandwichcrazy that they charge this much for a sandwich
If youre looking for great value, this spot might be a bit of a gamble. While some find the portions fair, many feel the prices are too high for what you get. Be prepared to pay a premium, especially if youre expecting generous servings.
How are the prices at Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 102 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Barbecue Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing a pretty consistent pricing experience, with fewer venturing into the higher price points.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 102 most recent reviews.
Here’s how this Barbecue Restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Barbecue Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Pastrami Outside NYC
As a long-time New Yorker, I don't say this lightly, but I don't think there is better pastrami outside of NYC. My experience at the restaurant was exceptional, with the food, service, and atmosphere all receiving a perfect score of 5. The quality of the pastrami was outstanding, truly rivaling that found in New York City.
- pastrami10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
5
Disappointing Marble Rye, Good Coleslaw
My experience at the restaurant was a mixed bag. I tried the marble rye, which was quite disappointing in terms of both taste and portion size. I'd rate it 3/5.
The brisket was dry and lacked flavor. However, the apple coleslaw was pretty good.
- apple coleslaw7
- marble rye3
- portion size3
- brisket3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Vegan Options!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with their vegan options. I loved surprising my partner with a vegan treat, and the vegan Ruben and vegan Pastrami were soo good. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- vegan options10
- vegan Ruben10
- vegan Pastrami10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Food, Service Issues
I had high hopes with the great reviews, but the food was not good at all. The only thing somewhat enjoyable were the chips. Plus, the staff needs a little more training as there was an order mixup & a lot of arguing back & forth between employees.
- chips7
- food1
- staff2
- order mixup2
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Service!
What a cool place! The food and service were sooooo goood🤩🤩🤩🤩. I highly recommend it!
Shoutout to Johnnie - amazing dude!
- food10
- service10
- Johnnie10
What Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and atmosphere can you expect at Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse?
At Hot Johnnie’s Smokehouse, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. They offer extensive dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, alongside delicious desserts. Whether you prefer counter service or table service, you’ll find a comfortable spot to savor your meal.
Are there options for families and pets, and what service choices are available?
Absolutely! Hot Johnnie’s Smokehouse is good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs. You can also bring your furry friends, as dogs are allowed outside. For your convenience, they offer dine-in, outdoor seating, takeout, delivery, and even no-contact delivery services.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse?
Hot Johnnie’s Smokehouse holds a good overall score of 8.2 with 82.8% customer satisfaction. While Ambience (8.7), Food (8.2), and Service (8) are well-regarded, Value (4) is perceived as average.
What makes the ambience at Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse stand out?
Customers frequently praise the inviting backyard patio, often described as a hidden gem. It features a plant-packed atmosphere, board games, and even a ping pong table, creating a fun and welcoming outdoor area.
Are there any common concerns regarding the food or pricing?
While the pastrami and sandwiches are often delicious, some customers have noted that portion sizes can be smaller than expected, leading to perceptions of the food being expensive for what is served.