Always delicious. Servers are sweet. Love seeing same regulars there often especially Friday nights.

My last visit was a year ago, during Woodbury Restaurant Week. I was not very impressed, and John's fell off my radar (Read my prior review for details). Zoom ahead to this year's Woodbury Restaurant Week, and John's was participating. Bestie had never been here, and convinced me to give the venue another try. I'm glad I did. Again, got there early enough where we were the first table. I parked my car in the approved orientation, and went in. Instead of being shoved in the back corner, we were given a table near the windows. Our server, Gretchen, was prompt to take drink orders, and gave us some space while we looked over the menu. Besides the regular lunch menu, they had a prix fixe special menu for Restaurant Week - $17 for three courses. A salad was added to the appetizer choices (yay!) and the soup choices were, while not seasonal, more season neutral (Clam Chowder or White Bean Minestrone). Entrees included the grilled chicken sandwich and crab cakes from last year's specials, and added a Bucatini Bolognese and a gluten-free flatbread with garlic, spinach, and ricotta cheese, drizzled with a 25yr-old balsamic. Bestie and I both picked the pasta, and I selected the salad, while she chose the Minestrone. Yes, we received the bucket of bread, but this time, it was warm. The tomato emulsion and white bean hummus, which were both flavorless last time, had just enough seasoning to compliment the bread instead of overpowering it. When our starters came out, I was impressed by the size. I expected a couple of leaves of lettuce with a sad, lonely cherry tomato drenched in dressing. Instead, a large bowl of greens, with plenty of tomatoes, cucumber, and onion, with just enough of the house balsamic dressing to moisten everything without drowning. Gretchen also brought out a lagniappe for us - a taste of their chickpea fries with a nice, garlicky aioli and a hot pepper chutney (which is about my favorite condiment!) Bestie's soup was in a deep bowl, with a generous drizzle of olive oil on top. The restaurant started filling up fast, and, SURPRISE!, a couple came in about our age. It happened to be one of the principle organizers of WOW and the person who set up Restaurant Week. I'm glad to have seen her there. Anyway, the pasta came out. Large WARM bowls with pasta and steaming sauce. Gretchen brought another bucket o' bread and we dug in. The Bolognese contained a lot of meat and just a hint of bay (I learned how to make Bolognese from my mentor, a 2-star Michelin chef who was very heavy-handed with bay leaves, and this was the first time I've ordered it out in about 20 years). Bestie gave up about half-way through her serving, saving room for dessert, but I perceived and finished everything, grabbing the last of the bread to sop up the sauce from the bowl. It was delicious! It was time for dessert, and the choices were ice cream with a Pizzelle, or a Chocolate Panna Cotta with Hazelnut Praline. As is our usual custom, we ordered one of each to share. Bestie heard the ice cream flavor choices and selected ginger - she wanted something refreshing. We also ordered coffee and an after-dinner drink - their homemade arancello and crancello. As it turned out, they were out of the crancello, but offered a strawberrycello instead. If you only need one reason to go to John's, these liqueurs are it. So, why the difference? I think it's because the owner was in the kitchen, making sure that everything was perfect. I also like to think that he pays attention to the reviews of his restaurant, and when someone points out a problem, he fixes it. My biggest regret was that it took me a year to give John's a second chance. We'll see if the improvements carry through to my next visit, which won't be as long coming. read more

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Outstanding is all that needs to be said! Food, service and location and the wonderful wine list! read more

I've eaten at John's Cafe for dinner and lunch several times and have enjoyed these experiences every time. His long hot peppers and cheese is my favorite appetizer. His main courses are delicious and the serving portions are generous. Servers are always happy to make our meals memorable! We find it very hard to resist his freshly made desserts! read more

Cozy place with a great menu and terrific service. It's hard to compete with all the great restaurants in the area, but this one is worth visiting! read more

Great food nice at atmosphere - wonderful staff - a gem I didn't realize was so close to my home!

A little too old school an average for me. It is OK but I never walked out of there feeling wow!

All of the food here is delicious, especially dessert!! I was amazed at how good the chocolate soufflé was. The special appetizer of the pulled pork potato bombs were also amazing. I've never had anything like them! I was pleased with my experience here, but we were there for 2 and a half hours and it wasn't busy enough for our service to take that long. The food really made up for it though! read more

Very good food for a reasonable price. Roasted chicken was excellent, crispy skin and yet moist white meat. Plenty to take home. Waitress friendly and knowledgeable. It's a fifty minute drive, but worth it. read more

Came here with my mother in law -as she heard it was good. Its lunch time and very busy - due to a womens luncheon - we were escorted upstairs - very quaint. We were in a bit of a hurry and informed the waitress - and took the express lunch. Bread was nice - odd to dip in bean humus and not sure of the other dipping sauce - We had the rice balls - very good - then french onion soup was delicious - and i had the bolognese gnocci - delicious - and mother in law had shrimp in diavalo sauce - very good and huge shrimp - we again advised our waitress of our time - When she took our orders she informed us that we also were to have a cookie dessert - she never provided to us - or asked if we wanted to take it to go - therefore this rating could not be excellent - would come here again read more

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Always loved it. Great desserts. Cozy atmosphere Nice menu selections Would go again and have taken guests read more

We had perfection last week at John's Cafe. A very pleasant environment where we didn't have to raise our voices to have a conversation, an efficient and pleasant waitperson, and delicious food. Why can't all restaurants be like this? There was delicious bread on the table with a white bean spread and a yummy tomato emulsion. We both started with the clam chowder which was not gloppy like some but redolent of clam flavor and light and delicious. My husband has the clams casino pasta and I had the crab and salmon cakes. My dish was accompanied by a huge side salad. We both really enjoyed our dishes. It was restaurant week so we finished with dessert - ice cream sundaes - not fancy but what a lovely way to finish the meal. This gets very high marks from us on all levels. read more

Ok, I haven't been here in 6 years and thought I'd give it a try because it's always crowded. I actually felt like a traitor because I sat outside directly across from Carole Peck's Good News Restaurant; my favorite in town. I want to say I enjoyed my food but I didn't. It was bland; no taste at all. I had to ask for salt and pepper but that didn't help. My son didn't like his pasta also. We came to the conclusion that this restaurant is for the "older" regulars who come here for lunch and dinner. They also don't seem to like new people. It was also expensive. I really don't mind the cost as long as the food is good. I won't be going back. read more

My husband and I got A GC for dinner. Reservation for 7pm. Prices are very reasonable. Very nice atmosphere, clean and inviting. The meals we had were very good. My husband had the Chicken parmesan and I, the Shrimp Puentenesca. Appetizers: mussels, calamari, and bean potato soup I think it was. Next time I will try one of the specials they offer. My only complaint was our main server. I received the wrong meal served by her " helper" and it took my husband to track her down and correct the issue. Then this took another 5 minutes for my to arrive. I told my husband to just start eating. This happens we understand totally, but it would be nice if our main wait person as a courtesy said sorry about that and for the added wait to get this rectifed.. It's not her helpers fault who served our meals or to apologize which she did herself anyway, It's the wait person's job!. But we just let it go. We actually got confused who actually was our wait person at one point. When our actual wait person did come by she asked us if we wanted another round of drinks with our meals. We said yes and my husband asked for a lite beer which they didn't have, no big deal. She just couldn't recommend any of the beers on the menu as an alternative suggestion to lite, whatever? I asked about recommendations on the white wine list she had none? And pretty much implied that. So I just ordered a Sauvignon Blanc and my husband ordered a soda, LOL!. But these drinks never arrived to us. She never came back so we finished our meals and we drank the water at our table. When we did look for her she was in the corner socializing with others and on her phone. She could see me because I could clearly see her. I told my husband to leave it alone the place is crowded enough. Her helper did more work serving us than she did. I made sure the helper got half the tip which was not that great because at the end I was really annoyed. But we will be back because the food is very good. If she waits on us I will just ask for another table. Trust me I'll remember her. read more

Sat on the patio in the sun. Fantastic atmosphere, good menu. Waitress was was very pleasant. Apps and cocktails on a Friday. The mussels and chickpea fries were very good. read more

Went in for dinner after tasting some samples at Savor Litchfield recently. Made a reservation since it was a Saturday night. Don't think it was needed, but wanted to be safe. Started with the artichoke dip with garlic chips, which was delicious. My wife ordered the sirloin steak special and I had the steak and fries. Both were cooked to perfection. My only complaint is the incredibly slow service. The place was maybe half full when we sat down. Appetizer took a solid 20 minutes to come out, and entrees took over an hour. Thankfully we were in no rush. Will definitely go back since the food was great, but with some extra time on hand. read more

Always spectacular!! Sat outside, socially distancing with friends. Food and attention to detail 100%. Heaters are at the ready as well.

I would say food 5 star for Woodbury. Service about 3 Atmosphere small sit outside if you can not so loud. We actually had a beautiful sunset and everyone outside was social and lovely. Food was great pastas made in house and decent - I had blue crab special it was great portion right one. We had the watermelon salad special first and they split it for us which is always thoughtful. My husband had the pork chop honestly that was the 5 star dish. Double cut pork chop, juicy cooked to perfection with grilled peach tomato Jam bbq sauce it all worked together. Blueberry peach crisp was great dessert. Here is the nit picky thing but it will not go away for me. I ordered a California Sauvignon Blanc and she brought me a New Zealand wine. I love my wine and know what I like. I took one sip and was like hmm, but I was a trooper and sipped at it. When she finally came back I asked her and she said oh yeah I ran out and just gave you that. I honestly think that is wrong - if I ordered chicken and they ran out think they would give me pork without telling me? She should of apologized and got what I ordered or took of the bill or wait why not just tell me we are out want to try this? Since I am being nitpicking a pie has two crusts and a crisp has one. Listen food was great we would go again but as a server as a person be upfront and honest read more

My favorite special location spot! It's intimate, it's cozy, the food is joyful and the staff is so tremendously nice! Save room for dessert! It's your duty! :) read more

I have been going to John's for a long time. It has been slowly getting worse every time we go, yet we keep going hoping to get a great meal like we used to. Tonight was the worst yet and we won't be back. The service was horrible. After we were seated by the hostess the waitress came over and took our drink order then came back and asked us if someone actually seated us or if we just sat down ourselves. So rude! We had to ask the hostess for our check bc the waitress hardly came back to the table. The appetizers were fine but the meals were not good at all and super salty. This is the last time we will be going there. read more

Hello Dennis, Had a wonderful dinner with my wife and friends last night. Have been a customer since John's opened. We live in Woodbury. This morning as I was about to throw out my receipt I noticed a charge that I can't understand. I ordered a bourbon with one or two ice cubes. The charge for the drink was not a problem. But how do you charge $2 for neat. The amount of liquor in the glass should be the same neat or mixed. Pouring a straight drink if less work than say my friends margarita. So what's up with the charge? read more

I had the scallops.. wife had the hanger steak.. kids had burgers and pizza.. it was all very delicious. the scallops were huge!! and it was so tasty!! our first time here and we'll be back... plus the wait staff was great too! read more

Excellent dinner tonight. We didn't have reservations so we ate at a high top in the bar - it was great. Nice ambiance, good food and excellent service. I had the (homemade) pasta with shrimp and cherry peppers with the New England clam chowder to start - both were tasty. Vanilla creme brûlee for dessert. Things couldn't have been better - excellent food and friendly service. Win win! read more

Great local eatery. If you're looking for a fabulous dinner head to John's. All of the staff are amazing.

My husband and I returned to John's this week because we were treated so well and so enjoyed our first meal there a little while ago, and I wanted to make an opportunity to rave publicly about the Eggplant Parmesan which is a late-summer special, made with local in-season vegetables and cheese. We admire the calm competence of the place, the cozy unfanciness of the decor, and feel the food is a cut above our experience in the area around Woodbury. Wine list is fine, and is a bargain on Thursday nights at the moment during happy hour when bottles are half price. We didn't order dessert, but the table next to us looked like they asked for one of everything, and it all looked amazing. Come hungry, leave happy and well taken care of. read more

In short, this place is small but mighty. I've been to John's about ten times; it is a favorite of my father in law. The service is always very good as is the food. I've frequently had the rigatoni and highly recommended it. The pasta is restaurant made, the sauce is spot on. Sausage and meatballs complete a great plate. I've had steaks and chops here as well. Each was cooked just right. Most recently, I enjoyed a pork chop that was flavorful and very moist. If I had to pick on something, it'd have to be the bread basket. The bread isn't that tasty. It comes with a white bean spread and a tomato spread. I'm just not a fan, but the overall experience is so good this isn't even a factor. This is a very small restaurant of high quality. Make a reservation. read more

This is the best restaurant in Connecticut! Wonderful service! I had the special Kobe beef burger with a side of truffle oil fries, AMAZING! I also recommend the pizzas! The charm of the restaurant is perfect for a date or girls lunch. read more

John's Cafe - Yummm!! - New American Near Me - Woodbury, Connecticut

Disappointing. Have been here numerous times over the years and it was always very good. This time, not so much. A bland, ill-conceived gnocchi main course was dominated by a watery Marsala based sauce and large chunks of rather fatty chicken thighs, such that the flavor of the allegedly house made gnocchi and spinach was completely overwhelmed. Caesar salad with chicken was huge, but nothing special. The house wine, however, was quite good. Better to go across the street to Good News Cafe. Larger and more imaginative menu, everything done very well...it's absolutely worth the extra cost. read more

If you have dietary restrictions, food allergies or intolerances.......skip this restaurant. I have IBD and can't digest gluten or dairy very well. I had dinner with friends 2 nights ago and have been suffering with intestinal issues since then. I asked for gluten free/dairy free, and was told that was what I was getting. However, it quickly became clear that I was given gluten and/or dairy. Our server was nice but busy and didn't seem very confident in the ingredients of the entree. I won't return. Not only did I get sick, but the meal wasn't inexpensive. Hard pass on this place. read more

I was perusing Yelp for a great place to have dinner after a local hike/day outside in Woodbury. I was looking for a good food; not too fancy, not too casual. Woodbury seems to offer either tired diners or upscale... the middle of the road seems non-existent. In the end John's won because we've been across the road several times and I wanted to try something new. The decor was very pleasing. I enjoy a warm, inviting, somewhat quiet space - I love taverns / relaxed settings. John's fit the bill perfectly, clean, cozy, neat with a nice variety of seating options. Since we didn't have reservations, we got a two person table in the middle of the room. With the experience behind me, I would say the table probably shouldn't be there at all - we felt awkwardly in the middle of the room. In the future we will make reservations and request a booth or a four-top table. My bad. The service was exceptional, a bit surprising considering our waitress was young. She was attentive, polite, accurate and busy (but kept up with our table efficiently). The waitstaff/hostess all did an exceptional job helping each other and keeping the patrons happy. A+ The meal started with the best bread I've EVER had (made at the restaurant) paired with a white-bean/garlic/parmesan/olive oil dip - I'll go back JUST for this. YUM! I had the mussels appetizer (with cherry peppers/delicious broth) and a caesar salad with chicken. My husband had the organic salad and a pizza he customized (caramelized onions, figs, kalamata olives and ricotta). He raved throughout his meal. Intentionally saving space for dessert, we took home some leftovers and finished with the chocolate bread pudding. A VERY nice meal; $80 and worth it. They offer a prix fixe menu for $29 (app/dinner/dessert), which I think is a sweet deal. Also, they have a comprehensive and diverse wine selections or you can BYO - I like a place with these options. I had a reasonably priced ($8) delicious glass of Portillo sauvignon blanc. Not an expensive wine, but I loved it. Nice evening at John's - we'll definitely come back! read more

Well, I've eaten here a dozen times over the last 4 years and most recently last month so I figured it was high time I wrote a review on this restaurant. The restaurant itself is fairly small with limited seating in the winter, there is more in the warmer months with the outdoor seating. It has a small bar area as well. The inside is very dark but it's cozy and has a colonial rustic feel to it. The food is fantastic, I always get the arincini for an appetizer, you won't be disappointed! They have a great beer selection. The wine selection is okay. The service has always been great here and it's a good place for a special night out. My biggest issue with John's is the fact their menu never changes, not by much anyway. I would be more inclined to visit here if the menu kept changing or at least a good portion of the entrees. It a good fine dining option for this area. The pricing is comparable to Carlito's and Good New Cafe. Check this place out if you haven't yet. read more

A friend of mine took me here. I ordered the squash soup and Big Green Egg Grilled Chicken. Absolutely loved it!!!! They have Happy Hour Friday and Saturday 2:30pm to 5:30pm. Half off of wine. read more

I don't know if this is gonna sound surreal, but I miss the old layout of this place. After the renovation, it became so noisy as to be almost unbearable. The food is very good, and yes the wine and beer selection impeccable, but I just do not really enjoy the room. It lost all of the coziness that it once had. Still, probably the second place classy date restaurant in Woodbury after Carole Peck's. read more

Wow. Had a pork chop that was big as I've ever seen but so good. Backing up though, I'll start with a good wine list and a friendly server. My wife had the strip with blue cheese and we shared the mussels. We enjoyed everything. Cute place, friendly staff and really good limoncello! Will be back soon. read more

John's Cafe - Desert and limoncello - New American Near Me - Woodbury, Connecticut

I go the John's quite often....Great place ....great food ! Service is wonderful no matter whether I am being served by Connie in the dining room or By Julia in the Bar ..... always met with a warming smile , no matter how busy they are !! Dennis, the owner and chef, is the bomb when it comes to great food ! read more

Luckily for me, my cousin chose John's Cafe for lunch when I visited. The weather was perfect so we sat outside. The awning kept us safe from sunburn and our seats were comfortable. The view is of the parking lot & road but you are far enough way not to be bothered by traffic. Service was friendly and gracious. We did have to capture our server's attention once or twice for refills or additional orders. My food was excellent. As a person who rarely (maybe once every three months) eats a burger, it was described to tempt and it did. It was cooked exactly the way I like it - rare. The toppings were fresh and delicious, can't believe they had tomatoes w/actual flavor. The shoestring fries were perfection. I had the chocolate souffle cake for dessert with a scrumptious pistachio ice cream and an ethereal brownie/cookie. I liked that the cake was cooked, not a lava cake. Unfortunately, my companions' meals were less delicious. Both ordered fish and chips and liked the non-greasy fresh tasting fish. All of their chips were overcooked, lacked texture, and ended up being inedible. The second chocolate souffle cake had a molten center, which was different from my dessert although it was the same dessert. Yes, I would return as the menu has several tempting offerings and the service was very nice. I would have appreciated salt & pepper and a bit of mayo for my burger. read more

I came here for lunch and ordered the grilled chicken sandwich. It was by far the BEST sandwich I have ever had. I live about 45 minutes away, but meet family at the halfway mark for lunch once a week. It is currently snowing and I am seriously contemplating driving 45 mins in the snow just for another sandwich, it was that good. Grilled chicken, thinly sliced ham, and the best part - apple butter spread. I'm drooling just thinking about it. My mother had the John's café burger and she thoroughly enjoyed it as well. The service was a bit on the slow side, but Mom and I had plenty to talk about to fill the gap, so it didn't ruin the meal. The prices were a bit higher than I normally pay for lunch, but it was worth every penny! I came here on a recommendation from a friend who had had dinner here, so I know it will be good for dinner as well. Definitely check this place out. You won't be disappointed. read more

Omg the most amazing meal I think I have ever had! I ordered the BBQ center cut pork chop with grilled peaches, cold slaw and a sweet jam. It was so savory and had so many flavors in each bite. The pork chop was cooked perfectly! Gretchen's service was excellent! I highly recommend stopping by this charming establishment. read more

My wife and I have been here twice. Once for dinner and last night for happy hour. Dinner was great but I want to do this review mainly for the happy hour. We're always on the lookout for a great happy hour. One that saves money but also has good food and drinks. Well, we found it at John's Cafe. From 4-5:30 PM, eat and drink in the bar area and get half price beer and wine and burger and pizza specials. We both had cheeseburgers ($12 each!) cooked medium, with shoestring fries. It comes with a side of lettuce and tomatoes but it's the size of a small dinner salad. You had a choice of steak fries, truffle fries and shoestring fries. The cheeseburgers were large, delicious and cooked perfectly. I loved the shoestring fries too. Service was great and the whole bill with drinks was $45 without tip. Why pay $75-$100 for dinner all the time when you can have a nice happy hour dinner and save $. We'll be back! Have to try the pizza next time! read more

Was in Ct visiting family, reviewed local restaurants and Johns sounded right!! IT WAS PERFECT!! Cozy and clean interior with crisp white linens. Sincere and hospitable service and food was fresh and tasty like the Mediterranean. Hummus and olives served with our beverages. Our party of 6 shared family style and mussels and scallops were a fave, though crispy pizza and homemade pasta with truffle oil and wild mushrooms excellent. Casey made our gathering memorable!! read more