Johnny's Pizza Cafe — Restaurant in Fox Lake

Johnny's Cafe is a bar/restaurant but more of a bar with slot machines. This was our 2nd visit to Johnny's. Parking is plentiful and free and there are handicap parking spots. The entrance is also handicap accessible. The lunch/dinner menu focuses on salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta, along with appetizers and a few other items. 1/3rd of the menu is just drinks, they have a full service bar but they don't have any bourbon, unless you consider Jack Daniel's bourbon but I consider it garbage. Anyway, the first time we went, we started with the grilled calamari which was not good at all. We had two different pasta dishes which were actually pretty darn good. We also had the clam chowder soup which was also very good. After that we had decided to come back to try their fish fry which is what we were there for this time. We started with the appetizer sampler (cheese sticks, fried mushrooms, onion rings, and jalapeño poppers along with ranch dressing and marinara sauce) which was a HUGE disappointment. Everything on the plate came out of a bag that was frozen. None of it was fresh made from scratch. We both had the cod fish fry that came with soup (we chose the clam chowder because we knew it was good) and it also came with potato pancakes and coleslaw. The fish portions were small, almost like big fish sticks, and again, they were obviously fried from frozen. The fish at Culver's is better. The coleslaw was alright but it obviously came from a bulk container, not freshly made. The potato pancakes may have been the only thing that was kind of made fresh although it tasted like hash browns mixed with.... something and just fried quickly on the grill. They weren't bad but they weren't very good. The sounds that come from the slot machine room can be a bit noisy and even overwhelming, it would be better if they had a partition of some sort that was designed to help block some of that sound. Lessons learned here: Johnny's Cafe is a bar that serves food. It is only slightly better than a local dive bar. The food is overall par-subpar with the exception of the soup and pasta. We never ordered anything from the bar so I can't comment on their bar skills, although I was less than impressed with their selection of spirits. The restaurant appeared to be pretty clean both times we visited. If your looking for a local hangout with slot machines and t.v.'s that serves food and you're not concerned about the quality, this is the place for you. If you're looking for a quality meal, I'd go elsewhere. The service at Johnny's is very good. The staff works hard to accommodate their clients requests even though they appear to be understaffed. Prices are fair-ish, I suppose. We won't be going back though, it's not our...

Upon recommendation of a neighbor we went there on a Saturday at 4:30. Then we went back last Saturday with friends. Not disappointed at all. Did not have appetizers but one person had clam chowder and said it was good. The portions for what you pay for are outstanding. I had chicken Marsala and the second time chicken with artichokes, mushrooms cherry tomatoes in a garlic butter sauce and both times outstanding. Others had chicken Florentine and an Italian sausage sandwich and a special dish of chicken, mushroom, and spinach in Alfredo sauce which was outstanding. One of the lightest Alfredo sauces not thick and heavy. All meals both times were great, enough to have a second meal the next day. Yes it has a bar and machines there, but we did not hear machines for the time was early I am thinking. Our waitress was funny and a spitfire in a good way. For this area the food was well worth it. Before you say something is frozen be a good person and ask before criticizing and then if it is you do not have to order. I was pleasantly surprised. There really was not anyone there but maybe a couple of people but felt safe and unlike a lot of people we are...

Came here on a Sunday evening...place wasn't too busy inside, but was doing a lot of take out. Our server was so sweet and helpful with what to order. We decided on some Mango Habanero wings and a build it yourself pizza, with pepperoni, ground beef, bacon and basil...thin crust. Before our meals came out, we were given a basket of delicious, hot, buttery, garlic bread. It was so good! We watched TV on the three TVs behind the bar until our entrees came out. The wings were absolutely amazing. That sauce was spicy but not crazy spicy and the flavor was perfect for the chicken. (Next time we are doing the house made, Bourbon wing sauce!) Our pizza had a nice crispy crust, not very flavorful, but it was crisp so no complaints there. The pizza was LOADED with toppings and they put a fresh basil chiffonade all over the top. Delicious! Everything came out steaming hot and everything tasted super fresh. We had lots left over to take home. We will definitely eat here again when we're in the area....