Zio Johno's - Iowa City — Restaurant in Iowa City

Been ordering carry out from here for quite some time (even though they’ve messed up my order numerous times - my kids still seemed to like the spaghetti), and unfortunately after my experience tonight I will never come back and will do my best to steer anyone else from giving business as well. My experience tonight was when I placed my carry out order and was told it would be 20-30 minutes. I get there to pick up my order at the 25 minute mark and was told it was not done yet. I sit down and as I wait for my order there was a few pieces of my order sitting on the counter with several other pieces from other orders. I watched as the employees seemed to take and fill several orders from mobile delivery apps and made other customers wait for their orders. The staff filling the “to go”orders were very disorganized and confused. A customer a few ahead of me was pretty upset as they must have forgotten he was there for his order, and a lady in front of me had to remind them she had more to her order than what she was handed. I stand up and after a few moments was asked for the name on the order and I could clearly tell part of my order had been forgotten (yet they couldn’t be professional and just tell me they forgot and how could they make it right). After another 10-15 min. I’m told they are sorry, so I proceed to say how I’m upset that 3/4 of my order is going to be cold as it had been sitting on the counter and that they are 30 min. past my promised time.The staff member turned around and immediately tells the cook that I’m yelling at her, so the cook wants to hear what my concerns were and I tell him the same thing and he acts as if he can’t hear/understand me so I say it again louder this time. The acting manager “Paul” comes out at this point clapping at me and accusing me of yelling and making a scene and then tells me I need anger management classes! At this point I requested a refund and for the owners number. Was told I could have a refund and to never come back, yet could not have owners info! Most unprofessional service I’ve ever...

I stopped for a pick up - but ended up refusing the order after waiting & observing a multitude of improper procedures, as follows: None of the employee’s were wearing gloves or using hand sanitizers (that were right by the registers) - despite handling money, using the cash registers, handling their masks with their hands as well as the food - until I refused my order. And even then only the main catchier did wash her hands. A man came into the restraunt from outside - without a mask. He went into the back prep & cooking area, put on a mask - but didn’t wash his hands nor use gloves & proceeded to do the food cook/prep. Another worker in the back cooking area was observed with no mask - for a prolonged time period. The man that appeared to be lead/manager removed his mask & came out of the back - into the catchier & order delivery area. He was working with the registers, then took over as catchier- handling food & money- without wearing a mask or washing/sanitizer use. I had to ask him 4 times to put his mask on. He acted confused/shocked.... Apparently communication in back vs front is difficult to hear - because they regularly remove their masks to yell back & forth. But again, no washing or sanitizer used afterwards.

The manager seemed perturbed when I refused the order due to sanitation concerns. He returned my $ - but was shouting some sort of excuse as I left. I didn’t bother to listen as I was too grossed out to care.

All I can say is if you care about mandated Covid procedures & not getting or passing the virus, Zeo John’s in Iowa City is definitely Not the place to go...

This is a real shame... My sister & I have liked their food since their first tiny restraunt in Cedar Rapids. I doubt we’ll EVER return- virus or not.... Poor sanitation procedures don’t occur overnight. Ditto the cure of same. There is no...

Zio Johno’s on Riverside Drive is a nice restaurant. This is a rather small establishment with limited seating. The seating includes some wooden booths which can be rather uncomfortable if sitting for a long period of time. However, for a short meal, it's not bad and the atmosphere is pleasant. Someone with mobility issues may have a problem with the restaurant due to the small size and close proximity of tables and booths. The food is very good and includes many different pasta dishes as well as salad. The establishment's most well-known dish is the spaghetti. Their spaghetti can be ordered by meal or in large quantity such as a half-gallon tub. They have meal specials which include spaghetti, garlic bread and salad. This meal is very popular and convenient to order for quick pick up when you don't feel like cooking a family meal. You can call ahead to order your meal and they are very good about having it completed on time. It is usually quick and convenient to stop in, pay, grab your meal and be on your way. The staff is pleasant and well informed about the menu. Over all a good meal...