Rockin Johnny's Diner — Restaurant in Ottawa

We came in tonight have never been to a rocking Johnny before. We were 2 adults with 4 children. We we're greeted when we first arrived and placed over in a big booth. Was advised our server would be over shortly. The server came over at 5:32 and took our order and than I went to the restroom. As I was going to the restroom she was placing our order. At about 6:13 she came over to let us know that our order should be ready soon that there was big order ahead of ours and that is what was taking so long. I advised her we have been waiting since 5:32 and she said I'm really sorry. About 6:17 our order finally came to our table not from our server but from the lady who sat us and another server. The other server with black hair in a pony tail with green gave my one son and daughter their food and than placed my husbands food down and than bent down and told my husband that she is sorry about the wait that the other server who was dealing with us was new and was getting overwhelmed. And she sorry it took so long for our order. Well first let get something straight had nothing to do with our server as stated above she put our order in as soon as she took it. 2nd I dont find it very appropriate for another server to be knocking down a co worker to guest. And very unprofessional as wel.Its very obvious it had nothing to do with our server on why it took so long to get our food. Its clear that it had to do with the back kitchen not enough staff. It wasnt busy there at all. When asked for a side of gravy we got gravy all over our fries instead. I gave you guys a 1 star cause of our server and we also tipped her and hope she doesnt have to share it. Soical media is a good way of getting the word out to people to let them see what this place is about. Unprofessional staff... and also word of mouth. I will not be returning due to the fact of your server approaching our table and blaming the other server who was awesome for something that had nothing to do with her and plus on how long it took to get our food. Peace of advised should have a chat with your staff on knocking other staff member down cause if it was me and I found out one of my co workers where knocking me down to guest it would be...

Our favourite place for eating out for breakfast has always been Rockin Johnny’s in Kanata.

We don’t get out there as often as we used to.

This morning we ventured out for a couple family errands this weekend. So thought it was a great time to go out for breakfast. The place was packed. Hard to find parking. But there was a couple of tables available.

Pros:

1. All day breakfast!!
2. Warm, attentive and friendly staff.
3. Great variety of options on the menu. Including healthier and gluten free options.
4. Fantastic food - though I noticed their home fries are different to what they always used to be. Their home fries before were very addictive.
5. Very clean - the staff is very quick to wipe down and clean the tables and chairs as customers leave. This was already common practice before covid.
6. love the old timey pictures and music. The music isn’t too loud. You can still hear and talk to those around you and the staff.

Cons:

1. Parking - the restaurant is in a mini shopping Center so the parking lot is large, but it’s always full before lunch.
2. One of my children’s feedback was that their eggs were cold. They had ordered “Ultimate meal” which includes eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, toast, home fries and 2 pancakes. So I had to reduce a star based on this.
3. There is typically a line up to even get a table. But well worth it. Today there was no line but we had to wait almost an hour for our food. Yet others that got here after us, got their food before we did. So I reduced a star based on this.
4. Changed the potatoes (home fries) I guess you can tell by now I miss the potatoes.
5. $90 for breakfast for 4. We miss when you could get a breakfast for...

We stopped for lunch yesterday (Saturday, November 12, 2022). My husband ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wrap w/fries and I ordered a traditional clubhouse w/fries. A little disappointed with serving portions. Meal was average. The actual reason I'm giving 5 stars is because of what happened after our bill was settled. The waitress (I didn't gey her name) was finishing our bill when an elderly gentleman came through the door. He had some mobility issues. He must have been in the restaurant earlier because the waitress helped him in the door and offered him a chair & then she asked if he missed his taxi. The gentleman said he thought he saw it but it drove away. She looked out the window and noticed a taxi at the gas station across from the restaurant. She said it must be his. She asked if he was able to walk to the taxi but the man admitted it was quite far for him to walk. As she finished our transaction, she offered to go and get the taxi to come closer to the door. She went out the door, across the parking lot, chatted to the taxi driver and then came back. She explained to the man that the taxi was just turning around to come pick him up. She said that it wasn't the taxi he called, but the driver was happy to take the fare. Then she helped the man into the taxi. I can't believe how helpful, polite and concerned the waitress was for the gentleman. It was such a random act of kindness and it was so nice to see people helping each other. I will be back for another visit because this level of caring should be supported and celebrated! Here's a pic of my clubhouse, which upon reflection was...