Planning a meal at Johnny Carino’s means knowing when their Italian kitchen fires up and when it winds down, especially during holidays. Knowing Johnny Carino’s Opening Breakfast Lunch And Holiday Hours helps you avoid the disappointment of showing up to a locked door. This guide gives you the practical details for weekday meals, weekend plans, and those special holiday schedules.
Most people assume the restaurant opens late for dinner only, but that is not true. The actual service times vary by location, so you need to check the local store. Here is what you should expect for the standard weekly routine, plus how to handle holiday breaks.
Standard Weekly Service Times
Johnny Carino’s does not serve a traditional breakfast menu at most locations. The kitchen usually opens around 11:00 AM for lunch service. You can get their famous pastas, pizzas, and salads from that point forward.
Lunch Hours During The Week
- Monday to Friday: Opens at 11:00 AM
- Lunch specials often run until 3:00 PM
- Full menu is available all afternoon
If you are looking for a specific “breakfast” item, you will likely be out of luck. The focus is on Italian classics, not morning eggs. However, some franchise locations might offer a limited brunch on weekends. Call ahead to confirm if that is an option near you.
Dinner And Closing Times
Dinner service continues straight from lunch without a break. The kitchen usually closes between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM on weekdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, they might stay open until 11:00 PM. The bar area often stays open a little later for drinks, but food orders stop at the kitchen close time.
Here is a simple breakdown for the typical week:
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
These times are not universal. A location in a shopping mall might close earlier. A standalone store in a busy city might stay open later. Always verify with the specific restaurant before you drive there.
Holiday Schedule And Closures
Holidays change everything. Johnny Carino’s typically closes on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. These are the two big days where you should not expect service. Other holidays like New Year’s Day, Easter, and Memorial Day often have reduced hours.
Major Holiday Hours To Note
- Thanksgiving: Closed all day
- Christmas Day: Closed all day
- New Year’s Eve: Might close early, around 8:00 PM
- Easter Sunday: Usually open, but with limited hours
- Independence Day: Normal hours, but check for early close
Do not assume that a holiday means a special breakfast menu. The kitchen still follows the lunch and dinner format. The only difference is the opening or closing time. For example, on Easter, they might open at noon instead of 11:00 AM.
How To Confirm Your Local Hours
You have a few reliable ways to get the exact schedule for your area. The fastest method is to use the official website’s locator tool. Enter your zip code and the site will show the store phone number and specific hours.
Another option is to check Google Maps. The business listing often shows the holiday hours in real-time. This is helpful for last-minute plans. However, do not rely solely on third-party sites. A quick phone call is the safest way to avoid a wasted trip.
Here are the steps to confirm:
- Go to the official Johnny Carino’s website.
- Click on the “Locations” tab.
- Enter your city or zip code.
- Call the listed number and ask for the holiday schedule.
This takes less than five minutes and gives you peace of mind. You can also ask about reservations during peak holiday times, as they fill up fast.
Breakfast Confusion And Brunch Options
Many people search for “breakfast” because they see old articles about brunch tests. The truth is that most locations do not offer a breakfast menu. A few select stores in certain states have tried a weekend brunch with items like breakfast pizza or Italian-style frittatas. This is rare and not guaranteed.
If you really want breakfast, do not go to Johnny Carino’s expecting pancakes. You will be disappointed. Instead, focus on their lunch deals, which start at 11:00 AM. The lunch combos are affordable and serve you well before the dinner rush.
Lunch Specials Worth Timing
The lunch menu is a great value. You can get a soup, salad, and entree for a reasonable price. These specials are only available during the lunch window, so arriving before 3:00 PM is key. If you arrive at 2:45 PM, you can still order, but the kitchen might start switching over to dinner prep.
For the best experience, arrive between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. This ensures the full lunch menu is available and the kitchen is fully staffed. You will get faster service and fresher food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Johnny Carino’s open for lunch?
Most locations open at 11:00 AM for lunch service. Some stores might open at 11:30 AM, so check your local listing.
Does Johnny Carino’s serve breakfast all day?
No. The restaurant does not have a standard breakfast menu. Only a few locations might offer a weekend brunch, but it is not common.
Is Johnny Carino’s open on Thanksgiving?
No, the restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. They do this to give staff time off.
Can I order dinner during lunch hours?
Yes, the full menu is usually available all day. However, lunch specials are only available during the lunch window.
How do I find holiday hours for my local store?
Use the official website locator or call the store directly. Google Maps also shows updated holiday hours in most cases.
Getting your timing right makes your visit smooth and enjoyable. Check the hours, call ahead for holidays, and enjoy your meal without the stress of a closed kitchen. Remeber that the schedule can change without notice, so a quick verification is always a smart move. The staff at the restaurant will appreciate you knowing the routine, and you will get to enjoy your Italian food exactly when you planned.