Johnny Pastrami's Breakfast & Lunch image

Johnny Pastrami's Breakfast & Lunch

Restaurant Breakfast restaurant Sandwich shop Lunch restaurant

👍👍 This has to be one of my favorite places and a bit of an addiction. Johnny Pastrami's is an unassuming restaurant set in what may have once been a church... but my gosh is the Reuben delicious. To be clear, it's the only thing I've ever ordered off the menu and it is probably the only thing I'll eve... People often mention good, breakfast, great, service, Great, order, fries, time, coffee, server,


Address

569 Lake St, St. Catharines, ON L2N 4J1, Canada

Website

www.johnnypastrami.com

Contact

+1 905-988-1111

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (327 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), 8 am to 2 pm, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 2 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 2 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 2 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 2 pm
  • Sunday: (New Year's Eve), 8 am to 2 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (New Year's Day), Closed, Hours might differ

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (20) breakfast (19) great (17) service (13) Great (13) order (11) fries (11) time (9) coffee (8) server (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Alejandra B. 1 year ago on Google
    This has to be one of my favorite places and a bit of an addiction. Johnny Pastrami's is an unassuming restaurant set in what may have once been a church... but my gosh is the Reuben delicious. To be clear, it's the only thing I've ever ordered off the menu and it is probably the only thing I'll ever order. It's just that good. My daughter has delighted in the hamburger and eggs Benny among other things but, for me, it's the Reuben. Sometimes I order it with the house soup but, again, it's the Reuben that shines and the reason I keep coming back. Service can be slow on weekends because it's very busy. Worth the wait, folks. Perfect place to brunch.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Razia R. 3 years ago on Google
    Food was awesome and great service! Would visit again :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Felicia C. 1 year ago on Google
    Oh boy what a disaster. Where to start? I love finding new breakfast spots, and with the positive reviews, I had high hopes. Unfortunately, this might be one of the worst breakfasts I’ve ever had in the Niagara region. I completely understand when things don’t come out as expected - things happens. Miscommunications happen. But when 7/10 things you asked for come back wrong, and you’re willing to eat it anyway, but you ask them to remake one item because it’s raw, and they bring you back what you see in the picture above, that’s really unacceptable. Not only did they not remake the order of sausages, they took back my order with a bite missing, threw it back on the grill, and brought it out like that. I would be ashamed to serve that to anyone. For those of you with any sanitary standards, let’s be clear - the chef threw half eaten sausage, with my spit, saliva and germs on it, back onto the grill. The same grill they use to cook your food. The sausage was definitely the icing on the cake though. I have to honestly admit that even before that came out the way it did, we knew we would not be back. The bacon and pancakes, which are also highly reviewed on google, were dry and unappetizing. The coffee was stale. And everyone in the restaurant (other than our server), had a perma-scowl on their faces. Truly not worth your time or your money. Just quite simply an awful breakfast joint.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tammy K. 5 months ago on Google
    Excellent experience! Thank you! I will definitely be back when next I'm in St. Catharines
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Alyssa W. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is always delicious - the pastrami, the fries, the coleslaw... Brings us back every time. Unfortunately the service is the only downside. Each time we come the server is frazzled and overwhelmed (even when it's not really busy). Yesterday was the worst though, took 20 minutes to get a menu, kept forgetting drink refills, and our orders were backwards (fries and sandwich mixed up - not a big deal) so we decided to just move the fries over to the other plate, and the server literally PALMED the fries right in front us of with her bare hands to move the fries. Nope, nope, nope! Best pastrami in Niagara but maybe needs a refresher course for the server.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 v t. 10 months ago on Google
    Wow, great sandwiches. I had the steak, and my wife had the pastrami sandwich. Both were very yummy, that came with a generous portion of fries. Can't wait to go back

  • 5/5 Natalie T. 1 year ago on Google
    Went I today for my favorite Eggs Benny. Once again you nailed it Johnny Pastarmis! Great food, and wonderful service. Our family will definitely return.

  • 5/5 Robert P. 1 year ago on Google
    Great breakfast. We couldn't find a breakfast place open on Sunday in Port Dalhousie. So. When I saw the name we had to go. Great food friendly staff.

  • 4/5 Joanne A. 1 year ago on Google
    I have never been here and the food was good. My only complaint was that the waitress that brought our breakfast and our check was rude. She cleared our table and asked us if we wanted more coffee. Before we could answer she just walked away. Then when she brought the check she didn't even ask if we wanted separate bills. I was not impressed. But I will give it a second chance because the food was good.

  • 5/5 Brenda P. 1 year ago on Google
    My friend and I went for breakfast. The service was impeccable and the food was very good. My friend got the pastrami and bacon, 3 inches of pastrami. Sorry, no pics, we were hungry. I took the tomato off because it was pink and hard but everything else was great

  • 4/5 Diocon P. 1 year ago on Google
    They could improve more on their customer service esp the weekday server who seemed unhappy with her job. The older lady who works on the weekend (we mostly see her on Sundays) is great. But the younger server seemed unhappy with her job too.

  • 5/5 Coreen R. 1 year ago on Google
    Just grabbed Montreal smoked meat sandwiches for takeout. Amazing !!! Going back this week for my birthday with family. Wanted to introduce them to this secret spot!!

  • 5/5 Jordan W. 9 months ago on Google
    Delicious homemade breakfast at very good prices. I tried a little of everything with the combo and each item was great!

  • 1/5 Justin G. 1 year ago on Google
    I don’t think the chef is aware of salt or pepper, and moves about as fast as the seniors who frequent this place. If you’re looking for bland, soft foods - this place great! It’s a hard pass for me. What secret technique was used to make those home fries such a perplexing combination of mushy, rubbery and greasy, I’ll never know.

  • 5/5 sarah h. 9 months ago on Google
    The food is awesome, prices are very reasonable compared to serving they provide. We definitely go there again. 👍

  • 3/5 Kevin B. 9 months ago on Google
    ok food, waitress was kurt and seemed to be in a rush all the time. seemed unhappy to be there.

  • 3/5 Tricia R. 3 months ago on Google New
    Very very loud, not the greatest breakfast, just okay, staff couldn't get our order right. Hard to get a refill on coffee. Better places to go. This place is the same in price as other places. You can do better.

  • 2/5 Glenn V. 4 months ago on Google
    We've been coming to JP' both locations in St. Cath for many many years. This was the first time we were deeply disappointed. The Service was Great but when we first arrived and were seated, my wife noticed lip and coffee stains on her so-called clean mug,. We then went to use our napkin wrapped utensils, my wife's had food stains and chunks on her spoon and my fork had baked/caked on egg on it which kinda grossed me out. After they were replaced we got our coffees and then ordered. I got the "Big Boy" breakfast, which comes with pretty much everything. Well, the 3 so-called eggs were so small they looked like 1 egg, the sausage was Very fatty, the bacon was burnt black on the edges but still rubbery I spots. I was also charged $.50 extra for rye bread and I think $.90 for onions in my homefries. I've written complimentary reviews before so I thought it only fair to write something when the review is not so favorable. My order and my wife's Western sandwich and 2 coffees cost us over $40 incl. Tip. A little too much for not much more than a mediocre breakfast.

  • 5/5 Anna B. 5 months ago on Google
    Great food, great price, great service. The actual place is a bit dated but who cares if all else is good.

  • 3/5 Andrew M. 4 months ago on Google
    I've heard so many great things that I couldn't wait to try it. I got the Reuben sandwich which was okay. Maybe it was an off day but several servers saw me standing there and not one of them came over to see even why I was there... Service is everything these days....

  • 5/5 Dawnne F. 7 months ago on Google
    Very good! Their breakfast is so good, no matter what you get. The staff is awesome! Very friendly. Always ready with coffee and whatever else you need. I would definitely recommend them!

  • 5/5 Gavin P. 5 months ago on Google
    Great breakfast! Price is good. Portions are great, and excellent home fries ! Loved it. Will go back.

  • 4/5 Earl P. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place, good food.Just wish we got MORE fries.

  • 5/5 Brandy M. 2 years ago on Google
    Good food. Good portions. Fair pricing

  • 4/5 RedRooster T. 2 years ago on Google
    Good breakfast,was fast and the service was excellent!!I would recommend this place for breakfast my wife and I had the two egg special

  • 5/5 Barb W. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food. Friendly staff. Everything is made fresh. Great prices.

  • 5/5 The King of Home Comfort (The King Of Home C. 2 years ago on Google
    Lots of good food at a fair price. Awesome breakfast

  • 5/5 Evan K. 3 years ago on Google
    Just had a return visit to Johnny Pastrami's for lunch today. They make their own pastrami, corned beef and Montreal smoked meat and wow, it's fantastic! I haven't been to New York City since the 80s but this has to rate as good as it gets. I did realize that I have to go with the small sandwich though. It's big! Looks like people are loving all the breakfast food there as well but I can't help but order the smoked meats. So good. Our server made it such a relaxing visit as well as he proficiently handled several tables well spread out for covid. Look for it down one end of the old German hall.

  • 5/5 Jason R. 2 years ago on Google
    Prompt service excellent food great portions very happy

  • 4/5 Greg W. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best Barkfest I had for a long time

  • 5/5 natalie p. 2 years ago on Google
    Honestly never disappointed! The food is excellent,portions are great. Service is always great.We will be back!!

  • 5/5 Jason C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food, great staff

  • 1/5 Ross M. 1 year ago on Google
    I ordered eggs benedict today for lunch and I was brought a plate with a broken benedict sauce. Knowing it was broken I still tried it. I brought it to both waitresses attention, and they returned it and brought me a new one a few minutes later. The 2nd eggs benedict sauce was on the cusp of being broken. The home fries were rubbery and full of grease, to the point of being inedible. When paying for me meal, I told the waitress the food was really bad. She walked to the back for a minute and came back and gave me the receipt. I mentioned to the waitress that it would've been nice to be compensated for the bad food, and the response I received was, 'I took the coffee off your bill for you' and she said it with a smile. I looked back at her and said I didn't even order a coffee, handed her the money and walked out, while telling the other waitress how bad the food was. This was my 3rd visit to this location and it will be the last. The 1st time it was really good. The 2nd time the food made our stomachs upset.

  • 5/5 Michael S. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of those reviews you almost hate to provide because you're worried that by RAVING about a restaurant, you make it more difficult for yourself to ACCESS!! That said, I'll take my chances. Tom and I agreed to meet there because we were both familiar with the menu (HE more so than I, as he didn't even look at it before ordering.) Since he was so confident, AND his order sounded good, I said "Same for me, but make the eggs 'over hard' (who wants runny yolks? That's an undeveloped baby chicken sliding across your plate!) and make the toast Rye, not white. (How can you eat that blanched order of carbohydrate, Tom?) Oh, and YES, I DO want fried onions on my hashbrowns and overflowing onto my FOUR slices of ham. Fabulous brekky, ALMOST more than I could eat...delivered in "short order" and with as much coffee as I wanted to wash it down. All for under 9 bucks before tax and tip. Fabulous. OK now, promise me you won't read this and BE THERE, making me wait for a table, next time I'm over there!

  • 4/5 Harrison T. 1 year ago on Google
    Went there for breakfast on Sunday and as usual they didn't disappoint..Great food..great portions, great value and a excellent staff...

  • 5/5 Andrew B. 1 year ago on Google
    The service was quick, the food was tasty, and the price was right. Overall a good experience. I will be back for sure!

  • 4/5 Ryan S. 5 years ago on Google
    The restaurant seems to be situated inside a repurposed church. Came here with a party of 6 and had to seat ourselves as there was no hostess. Did not recieve service until I stood up and walked to the bar to request a waitress. However it did have some redeeming qualities as the food was quite good and the service we recieved following that was quick and responsive.

  • 5/5 Royanne M. 1 year ago on Google
    Food and service was great. Awesome prices!

  • 5/5 Allison M. 5 years ago on Google
    Went on a friday morning. Friendly staff. Great atmosphere. I had scrambled with bacon, home fries and rye with an added side of peameal bacon . My spouse enjoyed his meat lovers omlette.

  • 5/5 Haley N. 1 year ago on Google
    Great breakfast!! Been looking for a new spot since Angel's closed and haven't been satisfied until today!! Everything was delicious! Potatoes and bacon were crispy, eggs were done perfect and they have rye toast!! Great prices too! Can't wait to come back for lunch next!

  • 4/5 Vladimir K. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was very tasty, good portion size and good amount of flavour, service was good as well

  • 5/5 Naval S. 2 years ago on Google
    Fast, delicious, friendly, and cheap. If you're looking for a diner to get a quick breakfast / brunch with friends, look no further. Note that it's not right on the street, it's a bit further in so you can miss spotting it sometimes.


Call +1 905-988-1111 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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