Diner Owners Celebrate 1-year Anniversary in Riverdale

By Morris Gut

Bronx Voice

March 21, 2025

BRONX - Partners John Solo, Stefanos Katsikoumbas and George Ballis opened The Johnson a year ago- their 90-seat vision of a contemporized diner and bar that combines the best traditions of the past and present. The atmosphere is bright and breezy. Have a seat at the counter or tuck into a booth. Warm greetings await all customers. 

The Johnson is a great stop for breakfast (all day), lunch, or dinner 7 days a week. My family recently stopped in for a late weekend breakfast. I was in the mood for a good old fashioned platter of Corned Beef Hash with a hefty side of home fries. I was quite happy with the freshness on the plate. For my guests: classic Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon, hollandaise, on an English muffin; a 4-egg California Omelet, avocado, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms; and a 4-egg Zorba Omelet, with spinach, tomatoes, onions, feta. 

Generous portions and each were delish. Special kudos to our shared side of tasty multi-grain toast. Our wait staff was right on the spot and wonderful. One of my guests requested a side salad instead of potatoes and it was handled judiciously. 

The menu at The Johnson runs the gamut from breakfast, the early breakfast specials are served starting at 8 a.m. with complimentary coffee and orange juice. Lunch and dinner options follow into the evening. Cobb Salad, Pat Lafrieda Burgers and 14 oz. Ribeye Steak, Eggplant Parmigiana, and Moussaka. 

Good old Early Bird options served 3-6 p.m. include Meatloaf, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy; a complete Turkey Dinner, with mashed, stuffing and gravy; or grilled Branzino served with potatoes, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, olives & herbs. Early Birds come with soup or salad, coffee or tea, and rice pudding or fruit salad. 

There are a variety of sandwiches and wraps, fresh bowls and salads. Entrees include half-roasted Chicken; Shrimp Scampi; Chicken Francese, and a hearty Gyro Platter, chopped chicken or beef gyro, Greek salad, rice and tzatziki. Best part, prices are reasonable.

There is a sparkling full bar with a fine selection of beers, wine and specialty cocktails. Of course, don’t forget the Milkshakes.

The group also own and operate Cantina Taco & Tequila Restaurants in White Plains and at Ridge Hill in Yonkers, and The Grand in Astoria, Queens. 

The Johnson Diner & Bar, 3533 Johnson Ave., Riverdale, the Bronx. Minutes from the Henry Hudson Parkway. Open 7 days, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. 315-677-7665 www.thejohnsondinerbar.com 

THE SPRING ORCHID SHOW AT NYBG!

A beautiful Technicolor harbinger of spring, the annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx runs through April 27th. 

I look forward to visiting NYBG, walking through the beautifully restored Enid Haupt Conservatory and beholding the seductive floral arrangements and dramatic plantings. This year’s colorful theme: ‘Mexican Modernism’. (For additional info: www.nybg.org) After taking in all that beauty, we do get hungry. Here are a few suggestions…

DINING AT NYBG 

There are themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and farm-to-table Hudson Garden Grill. Open daily. For info: 646-627-7711, or 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org/visit/dining/ 

This year visitors can also enjoy ‘Orchid Evenings’ filled with entertainment, dancing, cocktails and snacks. These special evening events will take place: March 22,29; April 5, 12, 19, 25, 26. Must be over 21. Evening hours: 7-10 p.m. Reservations are suggested. 

ARTIE’S STEAK & 
SEAFOOD ON CITY ISLAND

Owner Spiro Chagares and his staff offer patrons an inspired melding of traditional and contemporary dishes served with flair. Sit back in one of several inviting dining areas and enjoy such changing specialties as: hearty Seafood Chowders; Asian Sticky Buns; Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups; Wood Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Scallops; hunks of tender Short Rib; a massive Zuppa Di Pesce; tender Oven Roasted Rack of Lamb; Chardonnay Poached Salmon with seafood; and fresh Lobster prepared in a variety of styles. There’s a loaded Lobster Salad Rolls at lunch and their Mediterranean style Pizzas are good to share, too. Check out the bar/lounge most evenings for good networking. Craft beer selection. Private party facilities. Off premise catering. Artie’s, 394 City Island Ave., Bronx. 718-885-9885 Open 7 days. Free parking. www.artiescityisland.com

BASILICO GLOBAL CLASSICS

This lovely dining room and bar opened 6 months ago in Pelham by hospitality veterans Nick Demaliaj and Jetmir Arifaj. It is a global mix of Mediterranean/Italian/American specialties. Chef Leonardo Pavia offers such dishes as Spaghetti Bolognese, Squid Ink Linguine, Braised Short Ribs, Zuppa di Pesce, a surprising Coq au Vin, even a big juicy Wagyu Truffle Burger. Nick & Jetonir had worked previously worked at the iconic Russian Tea Room in Manhattan. Open 7 days for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch. Prix fixe lunches available. Basilico Restaurant, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham. 914-740-5900 www.basilicopelham.com

(Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx & Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)