If you’ve been sleeping on Johnny’s lemon ricotta pancakes and smash burgers while stuck on the Peninsula, your breakfast dreams are about to come true. The beloved Half Moon Bay diner just opened its doors in San Mateo’s Brickline development, bringing all the nostalgic, comfort-food energy that made the original spot a coastside favorite.

Johnny’s has quite the origin story. The original location opened way back in 1967 and operated under the Evan family until it closed in 2006. After a few ownership changes, including a stint as Main Street Grill that wrapped up in 2022, the del Fierro family stepped in and completely reimagined the concept in 2023. The del Fierro fam are the same restaurateurs who’ve been killing it with It’s Italia in downtown Half Moon Bay, so they know how to bring the culinary heat.

Now they’re expanding their empire, and the timing couldn’t be better for those of us stuck in traffic on Highway 101. The San Mateo location started its soft opening on March 17 and is gearing up for its grand opening in early April, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for when they officially launch.

What should you order when you go? Honestly, the lemon ricotta pancakes are iconic, the kind of dish that makes you understand why people will drive all the way to Half Moon Bay. But if you’re not in a pancake mood, the menu has plenty of other must-tries. We’re talking waffles, chilaquiles, short rib eggs Benedict, a crispy fish sandwich, and shrimp Louie. Plus, they still have those old-school milkshakes and homemade pie that’ll transport you back in time.

The Brickline location itself is pretty cool too. It’s part of a larger development that’s been quietly becoming a destination for food lovers, Reposado, a popular tequila bar and restaurant, also just opened there. So you could honestly spend an entire day eating your way through the block.

Johnny’s in San Mateo opens daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 7 N. B St. If you want to scope out the menu or keep up with updates about the grand opening, you can check out johnnyshmb.com. This is definitely one of those neighborhood spots that’s going to become a regular weekend thing for a lot of people, so don’t sleep on it.