Johnny's Cafe

POLAND 🇵🇱

Johnny's Cafe is the type of place that Polish people understand better than you or I do, and that is exactly what the draw is. On a hot sunny day in May, I found the front windows thrown open to the street and a small crowd on a weekday lunch. There is a small bar in the front, and if you are lucky enough, the end seats are right next to the window. TVs flank the bar and the dining room, so if sports is your thing, they can probably find it on here.

It has been many years since I had white borscht, so I was quick to pick up their version of paluszki z kurczaka ($4.50, below). There was a vinegary sourness to the broth and deep smoke flavors from the chunks of sausage, a great combination. Parts of a hard boiled egg are also interspersed.

On this day I was in the mood for sausage, so a plate of grilowana kielbasa z kapusta ($8.50, below) came my way, grilled sausage with cabbage. The cabbage was actually the most forgettable part of the meal, but I could have eaten several of these finely grilled links if they were in front of me. On another visit, there will hopefully be more stomachs involved and plates of pierogis, potato pies, and goulash.

The dining room here can handle a lot of people, so feel comfortable bringing a group. The menu is expansive, and warrants many people ordering.

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MASPETH Queens

60-39 Fresh Pond Road