Hot dogs are still on the menu, but these dogs are gourmet.
After years in the restaurant business, Jason Bowler and Michael Ward are ready to work for themselves. "We've made money for so many others for so many years, we were ready to make some for ourselves," says Bowler. Last week, they re-opened Johny's Diner, transforming the new-old spot known for hot dogs and late night crowds into a farm-to-table joint that specializes in homemade local food, served in classic diner style.
Is that an apple pie cooling in the window? Is that Perrier in the cooler? Do I see Greek yogurt?
Yep, that's how they do it at Johny's now.
Weary revelers can enjoy eggs with homemade salsa, creme brulee french toast made on freshly baked bread, or if they're feeling really ambitious, they can try Johny's Giant Burger. $13.95 gets you a pound and a half of beef, topped with eight slices of cheese and half a pound of bacon and french fries. Eat the whole thing in two hours, and the meal is on them.
"We had two takers over the weekend, and neither was able to finish it," says Ward.
The two plan to add a couple of lounge chairs indoors for casual newspaper reading and umbrella tables outdoors so that diners can soak in the summer sun. They're also installing a Hershey's ice cream freezer (jars of ice cream toppings already decorate the counter.)
The menu is insanely affordable, with breakfasts starting at $1.99 for two eggs and toast. "That was very intentional, for this neighborhood," says Ward.
And early reviews on Table Hopping and All Over Albany are positive. "We had a really busy weekend," says Ward. "That was good to see."
Johny's Diner is located at 66 Central Avenue, Albany. It is open 6am-2pm Monday through Wednesday and 24 hours Thursday-Saturday. Johny's closes at 11am Sunday. Check out their menu at http://johnysalbanydiner.com/Home.html
