Johnny’s Roadside Diner: a homey place with delish food for special gatherings

I’ve always loved diner food, and consider myself lucky to have such a great diner in our community. I’m talking about Johnny’s Roadside Diner in Hadley, at 458 Russell St. 

Johnny’s has a wide variety of food on their menu for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The breakfast menu includes breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, waffles, bagels, eggs Benedict, omelets, and fresh fruit. 

Lunch includes salads including cobb and caesars, burgers, a wide array of other classic diner sandwiches (like tuna melts, grilled cheese, and buffalo chicken wraps), and fries and tots. For the drinks, they have coffee with toppings, milkshakes, juice, fountain drinks, floats, booze, cocktails, and ice cream sundaes. They get all their maple syrup from Hadley Sugar Shack, 181 River Dr, Hadley, MA.

When you walk in, it feels like you are stepping back in time. It’s a great vibe and retro feel. There are blue and red neon lights around the diner. When the amazing waiter brings you to the table, you will be greeted with a nice red and black booth or black chair or stools, accompanied by a chrome wrapped and fake wood grain table. The building from the outside is chrome wrapped with the same red and blue lights that were inside.

Their hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 3 pm, and Friday – Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm. With a big parking lot, it can be busy at Johnny’s, especially when the college students are in town. They also offer the option for diners to order online and pick it up or get it delivered with DoorDash. They make their diner pretty accessible for those with disabilities.

There are a lot of options on their menu to pick from, but my favorites are the hash benny because the seasoning on the hash browns is so good. The waffles are excellent too, especially when you put their good maple syrup on them. Johnny’s makes a really good omelet as well, with mix-and-match toppings and meat.

Every time I have ever gone in my life, the service has been quick to sit us down and super polite. They give you a good amount of time to look at the menu while they get you your drinks. After you order, the food comes out fast and warm throughout. The waiters will often ask if you need anything, so all your needs are met.

The last time I went was with my friends over winter break. It was a good experience, and the food was great. I often go with my family for people’s birthday breakfast or just to see and hang out with family and friends. It’s always a good experience, and I’ll definitely keep coming back.

I think it is important to have a local diner in the community because it brings people together for great food. It gives people a comfortable, inviting place for family and friends to gathe,r and it’s even a place to meet new people.