There are some eateries that are so welcoming and comfortable, you feel like you are on a first-name basis.
Johnny’s Luncheonette is one such place!
As one of the longest-lasting lunch counter eateries in Newton (or anywhere!), Johnny’s has seen its community grow and change while it has stayed pretty much the same- at least to the naked eye. With its funky but not overbearing combinations of Bakelite, Formica, chrome, vinyl and assorted class pictures from Newton schools, Johnny’s is a great place to get lost in nostalgia or to literally find yourself! No wonder it has served as the “regular” for such local luminaries as David Mamet, Lawrence Kushner and other notable neighbors.
In addition to the over 1 million homemade matzo balls they have served throughout their lifetime, the friendly neighborhood team at Johnny’s also offers everything from authentically finger-lick-worthy Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins to a multi-napkin hot brisket sandwich that will keep you warm all day.
While the tri-fold menu may look the same, it is constantly being updated with specials that become regulars and other additions. Fortunately, most of the flavors you know and love are always available. From the griddle, Johnny’s serves up a mini menu of French toasts, including thick and filling Challah, crunchy, coconut, and whole wheat, as well as a selection of flapjacks and (for the Continental types) a Belgian waffle that J-C Van Damme would love. Johnny’s skillet is always hopping with egg-based offerings that range freely from the poached and proper Chestnut Hill to the scrambled and spiced Santa Fe burrito, which differs from Johnny’s breakfast burrito in terms of veggie fillings and tasty toppings, but each of them is a winner in its own right. The omelette menu offers make-your-own or pre-planned preparations of fresh cheeses, vegetables and meats that include Ada’s wild mushroom and Ethan’s Florentine, all of which are served with a healthy helping of homefries and breakfast bread. In addition to “Your” breakfast sandwich, there is also a fresh set of fress-ly filled combinations, including Arlo’s Combo of blintzes with crunchy French toast and eggs and the Filenes Basement which combines a competitor’s muffin recipe with a fruit and meat combo that will get you ready for a day of shopping or whatever else it is you plan to do.
In addition to the J.M. muffin, there is also a wide array of fresh bagels and breads. including Johnny’s famous banana nut, served with a shmear of cream cheese. Other morning side heights include smoked salmon, corned beef hash, and potato latkes that are great any time of year. With its baked oats, brown rice, and fruit, Johnny’s porridge is also worth its own sentence. In addition to fresh-squeezed lemonade and soda fountain-style flavored Cokes, Johnny’s has been offering soy milk, smoothies and shakes since before they were hip and still makes some of the best around.
If you happen to drop by more midday-ish, Johnny’s is ready with a page of possibilities that ranges from a locally-inspired matzo ball soup (which is available by the cup, bowl or take-home pint or quart) to an Asian chicken dish topped with almonds, an Israeli hummus salad and (in a tribute to its former fellow eatery) a Jack and Marion sandwich of salmon with Bermuda onion, capers, and the works. There is also a full complement of burgers, including beef, turkey, veggie, bean and salmon filet, as well as the old reliable and always satisfying kosher style hot dog. All of these meaty meals come with cole slaw and a pickle and can be adorned with a wide array of cheeses and toppings or with a side of Johnny’s famous sweet potato fries or fried chips. Other sandwich special include the turkey club, chicken, tuna, or egg salad, or grilled greats like a traditional and tasty Reuben or the enthusiastically-loved Larry David, which includes lean pastrami, Swiss cheese, cole slaw and Russian dressing. Speaking of hot plates, Johnny’s also offers fish and chips, broiled haddock, mac and cheese, veggie chili and other warm wonders that are sure to warm you up as well.
Among the latest additions to the already impressive menu is an entirely new set of selections served from the reminiscent recipe book of Nannie’s Kitchen. Even if you never had a Bubbe of your own, you will find something comforting and satisfying in the authentic and hearty homemade helpings of braised brisket with potatoes, carrots, onions and gravy, sautéed chicken livers and onions (It’s good- really!), stuffed cabbage, and chicken-in-the-pot with kreplach (meat dumplings). For the more contemporary kinder, there are also hot and cold tapas like herring filets, chopped liver, homemade hummus, knishes, veggie tsimmes (a sweet and savory meatless stew) and homemade kasha varnishkes (buckwheat groats with bowtie pasta and onions- Again, a treat!). And of course, in addition to Johnny’s selection of “regular” wines beers and their own mimosa menu, each meal is available with a glass of real Manischewitz Concord grape (with or without seltzer) to really bring the memories home!
As if the wine and the memories it recalls were not sweet enough, Johnny’s also offers a selection of sweets to finish off any meal (or to take home for the family). From a trio of rugelach (rolled crescents with chocolate or fruit fillings) to sundaes and banana splits that are indeed big enough to split, to everyone’s favorite coffee cake, Johnny’s makes sure you leave satisfied and smiling no matter when you come. So whether you grab coffee at the counter or sit and schmooze in a booth, you are sure to see or make a friend and, thanks to the expansive but consistently satisfying menu, you are certainly sure to enjoy a great meal.
Johnny’s Luncheonette
30 Langley Road, Newton Centre, MA
617 527 3223