Bronx News: Great Meals Served All Day at Johnson Diner

Where's the Best Place to Dine Out in Riverdale NYC?

By Morris Gut 

Bronx Voice 

October 24, 2025

BRONX NEWS - The Johnson Diner in Riverdale has been marking its first anniversary, a 90-seat contemporized diner and bar that combines the best traditions of the past and present. The atmosphere is casual, bright and breezy. Have a seat at the counter or tuck into a booth. Amiable general manager Peter and his team will take good care of you.

The Johnson is a great stop for breakfast (all day), lunch, or dinner 7 days a week. I met my family recently for weekend breakfast/brunch. 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. We shared an enormous slice of 7 layer cake for dessert.

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 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. Seasonal outdoor patio. 315-677-7665 www.thejohnsondinerbar.com/menu  

SUNDAY ROAST IS BACK AT JILL’S!

Chef Brendan Dohohue at Jill’s Bar & Restaurant in Mamaroneck keeps tweaking my palate with his specialties. He and partner Ro Flanagan have been serving a hearty Sunday Roast Beef Dinner with the works right after their popular brunch. Jill’s, a colorful ode to modern Ireland, serves a winning combination of gastropub favorites and modern-American and European specialties along with a good dose of hospitality. The Fried Chicken Sandwich is a winner. There’s also Lobster Cobb Salad, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Ahi Tuna Bowl, and Surf & Turf Tacos.  Jill’s,100 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, off the corner of Mamaroneck Ave. Happy Hours. Weekend brunch. Closed Mondays. 914-341-1776 www.jillsbarandrestaurant.com  

IRISH AMERICAN WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR & KITCHEN!

Their Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich is a winner. Owner Shane Clifford and his staff have been drawing a fine crowd. Jack’s offers an enhanced Irish/American tavern menu on steroids. The best way to describe it. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohue’s kitchen include decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Lamb Lollipops; Burrata Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Guinness braised Short Ribs; Woodfired Pizzas and big juicy Burgers. Check out their decadent Grilled Cheese Menu. The staff could not be more friendly. Open daily. Weekend brunch. TVs. Municipal parking; free evenings. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com 

MAMMA FRANCESCA’S HEFTY OSSO BUCO!

We shared a Pork Osso Buco here recently that was the size of Mount Vesuvius. Tender and delicious! When proprietor Nick DiCostanzo was grwing up on the Island of Ischia on the Coast of Naples in Italy, his earliest memories where of the simple seaside meals he would enjoy with his family, farm-to-table and of course sea-to-table. As proprietor of Mamma Francesca in New Rochelle for nearly 40 years, located on the banks of Long Island Sound with 6-story views of the ‘Queen City’s’ seafaring boat clubs, this culinary philosophy still holds true. Italian/American specialties include freshly made Manicotti, Ravioli, Calamari Fritti, Ischia Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, Misto Frutti di Mare. On occasion, Rabbit Cacciatore, too. My most recent delight here: a hefty Pork Osso Buco.  Daily Happy Hours. Off-premise catering. Woodburning pizza oven. Free parking. Mamma Francesca, 414 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. 914-636-1229 www.mammafrancesca.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 and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)