Update April 2024: Since the first time I wrote this review, so much has changed in Puerto Vallarta, including the menu at Johnny’s Diner.
So here’s how I’m going to update this review. I am going to leave my initial impressions of how I grew to love this restaurant but change all the food and menu stuff.
So here it goes:
I eat at Johnny’s Diner in Puerto Vallarta at least once a month.
Johnny’s Diner is located at Basilio Badillo 336 in la Zona Romantica. Near the corner of Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes.
However, I have to say, if you walk by it, it doesn’t look that impressive from the outside.
My Experience At Johnny’s Diner
This cute restaurant has three tables on the curb. And if you peek inside, you’ll notice it also has several booths for larger groups.
The first time I ate here, I ate outside, on the curb. Wrongfully, I thought that was the extent of the restaurant.
However, the more I dined here, the more I loved it.
Let me explain.
Their Curbside Seating
Johnny’s Diner’s curbside seating is not stellar. There are only three tables. Since Basilio Badillo is a busy street, it gets noisy.
But at least you’ll get some eye candy as you eat.
The curbside tables also have aggressive flies trying to get at your food. But they only come out once your food arrives. Those are some smart flies.
Even though I enjoyed their food the first time I ate here, I wasn’t sure I was willing to come back solely because I didn’t really like their curbside patio.
But I am so glad I came back.
Johnnys Indoor Seating
I came back to Johnny’s Diner one afternoon after realizing I had no cash and didn’t feel like walking to the nearby ATM.
So, I looked for a place that accepted cards.
You might think every place in Puerto Vallarta accepts credit or debit, but in reality, many places don’t unless you’re visiting restaurants on El Malecon.
But those restaurants are expensive due to the number of tourists that eat there.
So I decided to give Johnnys another try.
I sat indoors and loved their interior decor.
Their paintings and drawings were cute and appropriate.
They have a painting of Jack Nicolson from The Shining with his head in the doorway saying, “Here’s Johnny!”
There are a few black-and-white celebrity photographs.
Their indoor seating is less crowded. There are also fewer flies, which is great.
They also have a few fans in case it gets too stuffy.
During this visit, I was so glad they accepted debit but more glad to be out of the sun, away from flies and noise.
However, at this point, in my head, they were just another diner. But they were up a notch because of the flexibility of credit and debit. That made the difference at this point.
Their Cute Back Patio
So I came back. They’re near my place, and they’re convenient.
This time, the host said I could sit anywhere and pointed toward the back. But I had no idea they had a back patio, so I asked if I may.
I walked towards the back and instantly fell in love.
Maybe it’s because I love art and artsy spaces, but this was just what I needed this evening.
Their back patio is something out of my dreams.
The color of the walls blends together erratically as if melted by the sun.
The fallen stucco exposed the brick behind it, revealing secrets of years past. It’s such a cute detail many restaurants in Puerto Vallarta have. But it’s fun and decorative.
The trees, vines, and leaves all rotate around one central tree in the middle of the courtyard.
There’s a web of small lights that do the same.
They don’t twinkle, but they make the space that much more magical.
At this point in my visits, they moved the Jack Nicolson painting here along with others.
It makes for a great and picturesque setting.
I now make it a point to always eat back here.
If all else fails, this back patio is worth a thousand pictures.
Johnny’s Diner’s Food!
Let’s talk about their food. Even though this restaurant is cute, most people don’t care unless the food is good.
I should probably mention that they used to be a breakfast and brunch place but always closed by three in the afternoon.
Therefore, their menu consisted of eggs, omelets, biscuits and gravy, and the like.
They had traditional “American” breakfasts and traditional Mexican breakfasts like Huevos Rancheros.
Their breakfast, even though it’s pretty traditional, is spectacular and worth a try.
Johnnys Dinner Menu
They close in the middle of the day and prepare for their lunch and dinner menu.
Their new menu is completely different. In fact, they used to have tons of hamburger options. Basically, it was a hamburger joint, but now they’ve gotten rid of all their hamburgers.
And now, it’s traditional Mexican food. And it’s delicious.
This time, I ordered their Pozole, which was so tasty. It’s just what I needed.
When the owner walked by I asked him to sit with me so we can chat.
He’s a great guy, wholesome, and handsome.
He told me that he changed the menu because he wasn’t happy making hamburgers, but that was the first idea for the restaurant he came up with. After a while, he said it felt like a drag, and he started feeling unhappy about his restaurant.
And like any artist, happiness is a big reason why you do things.
So, he revamped the menu to sell traditional Mexican dishes at prices locals could afford.
He also told me that it’s hard to find these dishes around town because dishes like Pozole are not considered fancy and, well, let’s face it, if you want to cater to tourists, you want fancy and impressive.
But now that he’s redone his menu, he is much happier and loves his restaurant more.
And I think that’s fantastic.
Their Service
As an American, I eat quickly and like to have my food fast as well. It’s an annoying habit I’m trying to break.
But it’s also one thing I like about Johhny’s Diner. They’re quick to greet you, quick to serve you, and quick to give you your check.
They’re convenient and attentive.
If I want to be overly critical, there was one time I felt they forgot about me and I waited a long time for my check. But that was once. I’ve eaten here more than 10 times now. So, that tells me it can happen at any restaurant.
Does Johnny’s Diner Offer Takeout?
Yes. Johhny’s Diner offers takeout. However, I’ve never used it. It’s great to know that they have this.
According to Trip Advisor, they also offer delivery services, but I wouldn’t think that’s the case unless you’re ordering from Uber Eats or something. Even that’s a little rare here in PV. But it’s a possibility.
Here’s A Small Video of Johhny’s Diner
If you want to know more about food and grocery shopping in general in PV check out this video I made that breaks it all down for you.
Let’s break it down:
Johnny’s Diner in Puerto Vallarta is worth a try.
Their back patio is the cutest. Very photogenic.
Their new menu is worth a try.
Their breakfast is good, too, but it’s simple.
Their prices are reasonable.
I won’t sit on their curbside patio if you don’t like noise or flies. But if that doesn’t bother you, then go for it.
Do I recommend Johnny’s Diner? Yes. Sit in their back patio!
Here is their FB page: