Johnston's Saltbox never disappoints! The dishes are always unique, delicious, and satisfying. The fried chicken sandwich is just friggin' amazing. Their seasonal salads are hearty, healthy and insanely good...same for their tartines. Great wine selection, fun mocktails, and you can get a proper pour of Guinness! Doesn't get better than this! read more

Great hospitality, staff are friendly and lots of great dishes that surprised and delighted us. read more

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Delicious food and beautiful interior. As a designer I was very excited to see a place on this side of the bay looking so modern and well designed. The food was great too, we had brunch here on a Sunday and enjoyed sitting outdoors. Their house made scones and jam were delicious!! read more

Johnston's Saltbox - Spoon wall - New American Near Me - San Carlos, California

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So mediocre. They try... just don't have the skillz. Environment is nice though Especially the back patio.

In our previous experiences the food at the Saltbox was always quite passable. Locally sourced in many cases with wonderful attention to the details from the chef, we've enjoyed it. Tonight however we never got the chance to find out. Our estimated 35 minute wait was eased by their outside bar service, excellent focaccia bread, and a deck of cards. The 50+ minute actual wait was followed by the 3 of us being seated at a table for 2. That was followed by no wait staff approaching us for the next 10+ minutes (other than the delivery of water). At that point we did the only reasonable thing: we walked out. read more

I love this place! The food is awesome - fried chicken sandwich! The burger was great as well. It was a tad pricey after some addons (bacon), but I don't mind considering how great the experience was as a whole. Any of their salads with the fried chicken addon was super tasty as well. The decor and atmosphere is amazing! It's surprisingly enjoyable to just sit in the restaurant itself. Love the spoons on the wall and just how bright and sunny the place feels. They'll also take you up to their rooftop garden if you ask! The staff is super nice as well. I work nearby and always enjoy it when we eat here. read more

Came with my family to have brunch and we loved it. Delicious food and outstanding service!!! You have to try this place. read more

Johnston's Saltbox - New American Near Me - San Carlos, California

I thought I did a review on this restaurant, but I do not see it. I don't like it when Yelp arbitrarily takes down reviews good or bad. Anyway, I agree with most reviews that this place has more positive than negative points. Food was decent, a bit pricey for the size. I just don't understand the concept of not taking reservations when you know you expect a crowd. The restaurant is small so of course there is a long wait. What we did was on our second trip, we went there early on a weekday and early. I like this place and we will return. read more

Great food. Because my family is sensitive about eating at a restaurant - even outside - we've been ordering takeout. First time, requested utensils missing, second time requested dressing on the side for very good, though dry without dressing, kale salad was missing. Very disappointed, because we really like the food - though snap peas for a kid might require a rethink. Might try a third time but haven't decided. Improved quality control before orders go out the door definitely recommended. read more

Well, what can I say. I was recommended to this place by multiple people. We came on a not so busy Saturday afternoon. They offer free coffee to you while you wait which is a plus. But let's dig into the food. We both ordered the bacon hash, it was delicious. What I enjoyed the most was the quality of all the ingredients. The chef, cooked everything to perfection. We both really enjoyed it. We also ordered a starter of the beignets w/chocolate dipping sauce. They were bland at best. Very small portion for the price($8). What disappointed us the most and will be the reason why we won't return here is due to the lack of attentiveness by our waiter(Paco). He wasn't serving many tables because it wasn't even busy. We couldn't get refills on water or simply be checked on during our meal to see if everything was ok. What a let down... Meal was the saving grace. So compliments to the chef for our delicious brunch. read more

Johnston's Saltbox - Bacon Hash $16 w/ extra egg $1 - New American Near Me - San Carlos, California

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We visited for brunch with friends and got there right at 10 on a Sat morning which is a great time to arrive if you do not want to have a wait. We were seated immediately and quickly helped. I had read reviews on Yelp and should have gone with the recommendations there. We had 2 amazing dishes and 2 mediocre ones at our table. I chose the stuffed french toast which was not really stuffed. I was expected to have at least some filling in my french toast but had something that tasted like very sweet french toast. My husband chose the Bacon Hash which was absolutely delicious and my friend chose the chicken sandwich which was also a hit. We might not be back again soon but I definitely remember the Bacon and Chicken dish! read more

The place looks nice from the outside and inside, what's different is like you are going to McDonald's. You wait in line place your order then seat yourself and take a number to get your food. We tried their signature Fried Chicken Sandwich and I'd say the chicken is on the dry side. Portion is huge though, if it wasn't so dry it would be decent. Service is not mad, we had a friend show up late and fortunately the waiter took her order and not have her wait in the long line with a herd of people. read more

This is my 4th time to have brunch here at Saltbox and we just love it. Me and my wife think the food taste better than last few times. We arrived at 1030am on a Sunday morning and there was already a waiting list. THEY OPEN AT 10AM. So guys, if you have a large group, just arrive when they open and it should be good for a large party to sit right away. read more

What great addition to Laurel St. Amazing fresh and delicious food! Minus 2 stars for the painful and inefficient lunch time ordering system. I guess it keeps the number of tables down! read more

Our family has been going to Johnston's Saltbox for years now -- particularly for their fried chicken sandwiches (which rotate in style). I've literally had dreams about their sammies. Better than any chicken sandwich I've had HANDS-DOWN (and I've had a many a chicken sandwiches in my lifetime). In times of COVID-19, they are still doing take-out so make sure to order a sammie and get ready to feel momentarily very happy. read more

Very cool place. They have a nice patio and outdoor seating, the inside is a bit small but has very nice vibe about it. They don't take reservations, a little bummer specially if you come for brunch on the week end as I heard it can get a little crowded. They have a decent wine list, the food menu isn't big. Everyone on our table was satisfied with their meal. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Overall a very good experience. read more

Pros: hipster ambiance, good service sometimes, good food Cons: nasty ginger lemondade, dirty cushions outside that need to be cleaned/washed, expensive. Overall a nice place, but hasn't been kept up at all. I used to like dining outdoors but I think I prefer indoors now because it's so dirty outside. read more

Cozy setting with delicious food and good service. Thumbs up for this great local place. The curious thing is that every time I'm there, I'm the only Asian. Where did all the Asians go?! They are seriously missing out! read more

If I could give this place 4.5 stars I definitely would!! The decor and layout is fabulous with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. The service was friendly and not overbearing. I liked that we had to ask for the check. The food was wonderful!! Two of us had the French Toast and it was sturdy, fresh, sweet and decadent! I had the polenta with poached eggs and added the fennal sausage. The ingredients were so fresh and flavorful and you could tell the sausage was housemade. The fourth person at our table had the bacon hash and she loved it. It had perfectly cooked potatoes and the eggs were nice and runny. The bacon was thick cut like it should be. The guys also got a side of bacon and chicken sausage...there was none left at the end of the meal. I can't wait to try their dinner menu. \ Great food, great staff, great atmosphere! I strongly recommend this spot! read more

Fresh. Delicious. Casual. Organic. Hip. Ate brunch/lunch at this place on their first day. And many times since...They managed to meet my expectations each time, so I cannot help but adore the place. Groups - we've done group dates here, it's ideal. Cozy outdoors, with blankets... Patio - your well-behaved Fido is welcome. Parking - lot out back (pun intended!). Kids - to small to allow for running around, but our kid crew always enjoyed coming! read more

I've been here twice now and figured I should write a review. I come here because the service is great, decor is nice, food selection is average and the prices are fair. I honestly can't say the food is amazing. To be honest it's just ok but definitely would come back if in the neighborhood. I prefer sitting outside in the back as there's more room to move around. You don't feel as cramped as you do when sitting outside. The staff is very friendly and always there when you need something. I feel the menu is lacking selection when it comes to choices of what to order. Keep in mind the bar is beer and wine only..not a full bar. read more

Weekend brunching is not a hobby, its a sport. Johnston's Saltbox is a little corner restaurant in downtown San Carlos that is perfect for your brunching spot with your girlfriends after a long week at work. The little donut appetizer is the best way to start the brunching experience, along with a mimosa. If you are craving something hearty and tasty, the smoke bacon hash hits the spot while being so filling. Definitely would come back and do another brunching event with my girlfriends, especially when I am home for the holidays. read more

Have been here multiple times since my first review and so happy to say the food, ambience and service are all excellent! We must have just had an off night, glad we came back and keep coming back. read more

Hi I'm Eric's daughter and I came to Johnson's saltbox with my family. If I had to rate my main course on a scale of 1 to 10 I would probably rate it at a seven.My dad said he would rate his main course at an eight. My mom said she would rate her main course at an eight. The bathrooms are very very clean and the wait staff are nice. The restaurant is well decorated and has a nice outside area. I would recommend it to people who have kids from six and up and I think they have nice food. It's not super formal it's pretty casual but it's still a nice place to go.They also have a good drink menu. PS the desert is good! read more

The menu is interesting and varied, but they always have a steak dish and it is generally great - not just good, but absolutely superb. That said, the last time I went it was only OK - not bad but not especially flavorful and a bit tough. Another negative is they tend to leave the doors and windows open, even when it is really cold, so bring a sweater. read more

This place is adorable! Ever since moving to the Bay Area from Southern California my husband and I have had a hard time finding cute places to eat when the weather gets warm -- much less dinner al fresco throughout the peninsula and city than we'd like. That alone made this place a breath of fresh air, plus we were both excited to find healthier menu options than a lot of places with multiple hearty salad choices. The ambiance on their patio is super cute and the outdoor table to snack and grab a drink before your table is ready was cute and made the long-ish wait not so bad. Also adorablly they had blankets in baskets in case you got cold. We also had a very sweet waitress and overall we were really happy! I am docking them a star because I felt that the menu was really small -- my husband and I split the burger and a salad and while both were delicious, I would have loved a few more options, even if they were in the form of more appetizers. A hummus plate to go along side our cheese plate would have been perfect! Also when we arrived we were told it would be an hour wait, while ultimately our wait was just half that, I feel they might need to come up with a better system or start taking reservations. If it was this packed on a Thursday I am not sure I'd even bother for a weekend brunch or dinner. read more

I love the vibe here, very open. Only beer and wine here, we've had some great bottles of wine, like a sparkling sauvignon blanc that was a special recently. We've had excellent starters-- tartines, soups, fritters, olives. For the main dishes, the "healthy" hot entrée is usually only OK. (Lentils, veggie pasta.) Kale salad is good enough for kale salad. Burgers and chops are excellent. Fries are delicious. Paco was our waiter last time, he is the nicest guy, super funny in a low key way. read more

Definitely yummy. Was it worth the 1hr wait to get seated? Thats a long time for food. But its a great spot with a chill vibe and good eats. It runs like someones family restaurant and dishes are named for the daughters. Parking A Food A Service A Price B read more

Came here at 930 and they were still closed. But the gentleman that was setting up the tables and was very nice, greeted us, and let us put our name on the list. Already impressed. This place looks like it just opened, but apparently it's been two years. It looks like a place in the city...without the city. Service was better than 5 stars. Paco introduced himself, let us ask some questions, was very very nice. They served everything timely, food came out in time, water was refilled, we asked for hot sauce and it wasn't forgotten about. Food: the wifey had the bacon hash. She could have licked the plate, but she's shy in public. I had the chicken sandwich, per recommendation. Unlike my wifey, I'm not very shy, so I licked the plate. Paco likely judged me. Oh, and they have a rooftop garden. They literally grow their produce, bring it downstairs, and put it on your plate. Talk about farm to table. They even let us check it out. Anyways, this place is not new. It looks amazing. Service is on point. Food is second best to none. Definitely check this place out, unless you have terrible taste is good, and nothing ever pleases you, you'll enjoy everything about this place. read more

Johnston's Saltbox - Chicken sandwich and bacon hash. - New American Near Me - San Carlos, California

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Huge first impressions. Has all the "hip restaurant" checkboxes checked, super quick service and fantastic brunch. Looking and hoping for many future visits. We had the fried chicken sando and eggs rancheros. Both were exceptional. read more

You never disappoint Saltbox! I just had the crab cakes and they were delicious! So glad you are open during this pandemic!

Great food. Small place, understandable why they don't take reservations. I was intrigued however that they would seat a party of two at a table of four closer to the end of their service, instead we sat at the bar and after settling in we were offered a table of two that someone had just vacated. (Why not seat us at the table of four if you don't take reservations and your about to close down?) I had a Bloody Mary - the mixture was bad - had that effervescent tingle of something gone real bad. The sandwiches however were spot on. read more

Love it here for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Small but lively interior, nice outdoor seating, great menu - what more could you want in a casual neighborhood spot! I've had so many great meals here and it's one of my few Peninsula go-to spots. read more

Lowering this to 4 stars. Consistency can be an issue. I had the carrot ginger soup one afternoon and then a week later in the evening. The evening version seemed like a watered down version of the one served at lunch. Diet coke was totally flat. Sent it back twice. Eventually just taken off the bill. Note to the restuarant: please recalibrate CO2 regularly, in fact, preferably more often than needed. read more

Although its pricey, but what you pay for is what you get! Quality food at its finest, if you want to try some really unique food that is not commonly found in typical restaurants, this is the place you surely want to hit up for a date! read more

Excellent service. Great atmosphere inside, with nice decor. Outdoor shaded seating also available. Oh, and the food is amazing.

Just back from dinner at the Saltbox. Visiting San Carlos and am considering this place a real find. The space is warm, inviting and somehow both sleek and homey at the same time. Staff was extremely gracious. Menu is lovely. Food was exceptional and clearly prepared with great care. I would absolutely recommend this restaurant. read more

My friend told me that the food is amazing and it was. The ambiance is cozy with gorgeous wood paneling. We both ordered the burger with blue cheese and fries and we feasted. Definitely a place to return to. read more

My husband and I had our first dinner at the Saltbox last night - and we had a great meal. The restaurant was crowded so we sat at the bar. The bartender and wait staff seemed to really enjoy their jobs - they were friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. The menu is wonderfully simple - not extensive, but offers options for all eating preferences. I had a lamb pasta and my husband had stuffed squash, accompanied by a nice bottle of red wine. We finished off by sharing a pear tart and some delicious Sightglass coffee.....heavenly. The atmosphere in the restaurant was lively - though not too noisy. The only minor comment I would make has to do with pacing - we ordered a roasted carrot dip homemade chips to start off with which was fabulous - but our meal came 5 minutes later. Still overall a memorable meal and we can't wait to go back read more

Cute outdoor seating and such a great spot for brunch. My lemon ricotta pancakes was an overcooked mess but hope to come back to try more items on their menu. read more

Johnston's Saltbox - outdoor seating - New American Near Me - San Carlos, California

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