Johnny's — Restaurant in City of Schenectady

Before eating at this restaurant I have checked out the reviews (from many websites), and I can honestly say, I was a little excited about eating here. Travel Advisor even claimed this restaurant to be the number 1 restaurant in Schenectady. The restaurant had a very rustic and comforting feel to it accommodated by the modern bar once you walk into the space. It was quite busy as I walked in; observing the bar area which was completely surrounded along with the cacophony of people talking inside assuring a feeling as if this was the place to be in for sure! Absolutely deceiving! tonight was my first night there. I have ordered the special appetizer of the day which was fried oysters with lemon aioli sauce and a garnish which was okay. The lemon aioli was far from the real lemon aioli; tasted very much like mayonnaise , I have had way better authentic lemon aioli. Then I ordered the "House Favorite" Johnny's Lobster Mondello. To be quite honest this dish was as bland as a tuna sushi roll without any condiments. And not to forget "highly" over priced. Boca di Peppo offers way more food (although it is family style, which makes it even worse) and flavors that blows this dish away for an even lower price. In my opinion "HIGHLY OVER RATED" just like Turf Tavern and over priced. The best Italian restaurants in Schenectady, in my opinion (as I myself am a chef) are; John Riccitello's or Ferrari'si Restaurant hands down. This is my home town and I would never steer anyone the wrong way. My conclusion is this... If I had a house favorite and it was disappointing? What would that tell you? Staff is awesome the food wasn't. A lot of potential if making minor adjustments with the chefs and proper seasoning, but a place surrounded by seniors or people who just have never had REAL amazing food before, explains the blandness. Not a place I would come back to...

I came in to get a quick drink and something to eat. I. To say I was a second class citizen would be too kind. I watched others come to the bar and sit maybe 30-45 mins after me get more attention and service than I got. My quick meal turned into almost a two hour affair as it was horrible service not worth the wait and the experience. The TVs at the bar play ads for streaming services and then shut off. The staff ignores anyone they don’t know and it’s a big Italian party for anyone who is family and if you aren’t part of their family - don’t bother. For my meal I was given one roll, while others who came in with only one eating were give two. Not that I needed two but I can clearly see the inconsistency of service from this place. I would not recommend. I am extremely disappointed with this location and service. The food- I got eggplant with pasta - the pasta was cold and the eggplant was good! But doesn’t make up for everything else. The sauce is really wonderful but again, I wouldn’t deal with service to taste it - save your time and go to a grocery store and get some canned sauce - you’ll thank me. At the end of my meal I watched five people standing by the hostess stand and me with a full plate of food waiting for a box. I finally got some attention and asked for a box - after 15 mins I was still waiting! Finally a second bartender finally came to help me wrap it up. I couldn’t get out of this place fast enough. And if I had to listen to the bar back apologize that he wasn’t a bartender one more time I would have screamed as he was much more attentive than anyone else I experienced this evening. Actually I am fully convinced the only reason I actual got my bill was because he said something. To end this review let me say something nice - it’s a place in Schenectady to get food and...

Went to Johnny's for the 1st time with my gal pals. I was pleasantly surprised with the ambiance, cozy (not crowded), low lighting and most importantly (for me) was that the A/C wasn't set on "arctic" as many establishments think is necessary. We sat inside, although the outdoor dining space looked quite inviting as well. We were greeted warmly by the girls up front and our waiter assistant promptly arrived with water and soon after, a basket of hot, fresh bread (which was delicious!). Our waiter Bobby introduced himself and answered our questions about the menu and offered his recommendations. He was knowledgeable, polite and personable. The assistant (I didn't catch her name but she was a young girl) was very attentive and friendly. I ordered the Arancini, 3 large rice balls with great filling in a pool of red sauce. Nothing could have improved this dish, it was great. I also ordered a bowl of the soup of the day, which was loaded baked potato. It was a nice big bowl, and steaming hot. The flavor was delicious, but I was surprised that it wasn't a real chunky soup. My friends were all happy with their choices as well (eggplant rollatini, italian nachos). The Tuscan peartini ($12) was a bit on the strong side for me, but worth the cost. Parking is a nightmare but that's not the fault of Johnny's, it's a fact for downtown Sch'dy. Street parking, if you can find an empty space requires payment ($2 for the first hour, 2 hour max M-F until 6pm). Make sure you have quarters or be prepared to download an app on your phone to pay by credit card. Parking limits are strictly enforced and Schdy cops are ruthless and usually won't budge on giving a ticket. If you don't mind a bit of a walk you can park in the garage on Broadway. All in all, a very...