Johnny D's Restaurant

RUN THE OTHER WAY! I live on Padre Island and have been to Johnny D's a handful of times. The food has never really been impressive but it's convenient. On the Eve before Christmas Eve, 12/23/2014, my first guest arrived. I chose Johnny D's because it's just around the corner from my house. I described it to my guest as a quaint place, white tablecloths, with decent Cream Brulee. We arrived at the restaurant only to discover that all tables were bare with the exception of one tablecloth. That struck me as odd but certainly was not a deal breaker. (I should have run the other way right then because it signaled unpreparedness.) While waiting to be seated, we checked out the specials written on a board at the entrance. From the beginning, our server, who was also the bartender, rushed us. Although the server was clearly experienced, she appeared stumped over basic questions about the lamb. Two menu items describe a Shiner Bock batter. We ordered a Shiner Bock to drink. The waitress informed us that they don't serve Shiner Bock. (Really? That's puzzling. Oh, well. Moving along.) I received my diet coke. F-l-a-t. Urg. Mentally I noted to myself, but did not say out loud, the cheap dinnerware. It was literally Dollar Store quality. I was nevertheless comforted by the white cloth napkin. We placed our order: Red Fish (special), Fillet Mignon Medallions (special), and half a rack of lamb-- medium rare. My coke was replaced. The bread came out quickly and was good. Shortly, salads and soup followed. Then? OVER AN HOUR before entrées were served. (I understand Island Time. I live here. This was NOT Island Time.) The Red Fish was served, followed by the "well-done" rack of lamb. Finally, the server announced "Medallions with Blue Cheese sauce." I was stunned. Neither the Server or Board mentioned anything about blue cheese. I declined, it was returned to the kitchen, and the Server assured "it will get fixed." I wondered exactly what that meant. TWENTY MINUTES LATER, a New York Strip smothered in gravy was served. "What is this?," I asked. "It's Coffee Rub Gravy," replied the Server. By then I was getting close to being out of patience but held my tongue and gently reminded her that I had ordered fillet mignon medallions. I still did not have my meal and the other two people had nearly finished eating. The next event was absolutely unbelievable. The server immediately returned with the same NY strip covered in gravy and plopped it back down in front of me. The difference? Someone, presumably the cook (he/she was certainly not a Chef), had taken a knife and cut the NY strip into long strips. I looked at the server. I asked what in the world this retread was supposed to be? "You know, I ordered fillet mignon medallions-- the Special -- which is not described as having blue cheese or coffee rub gravy. This is not fillet mignon medallions." The server said, "This is the way he serves medallions." I was utterly astonished. I directed her to cancel my order. The Manager should have been at our table at the first sign of an issue -- but we never saw a Manager. So much for table touching. The ticket was presented with a comment that the cost of my meal had been taken off. Gosh, Geez-- ain't that the best? I wasn't charged for food I never received! The staff was totally indifferent; never apologized. After all of the frustrating hoopla for not only me but the other people with me, the restaurant should have offered to absorb the cost of the meals for the two other people. I will never return to Johnny D's. I will discourage anyone else from spending a minute and penny there. The whole experience was upsetting. The staff attitude was deafening.

great food & service, come casual or dressed up. Waitress (Hannah) is awesome