Urban Johnnie

[Urbanized]

Been there maybe 10 times now, and have experienced a few hiccups here and there consistent with restaurant start-ups, but the space is great, the food is Johnnie's+ (which is what I'm looking for when I go there), and they are obviously working hard to iron out any inconsistencies. At least one of the owners is there every time I have been in, watching with hawk-like stares I'm confident it will only be getting better, and considering it's already a really great place, that is exciting.

I did find one thing that I really, REALLY like about it last night; I'm a compulsive hand washer and though I have washed my hands every time I have been I had failed to notice that the restrooms are airport-style, meaning no doors. You go around the corner and you're in the restroom, and after you wash your hands there is no need to touch any surface except for your clean paper towel. I really wish more restaurants would take this approach.

[shawnw]

I really wish more restaurants would take this approach.

Or if not, at least put the foot-openers in like Hideaway has done.

[Urbanized]

Or put in a customer hand wash station...OUTSIDE of the restrooms. I'd rather not even have to go into one to simply wash up before a meal.

[Anonymous.]

I, too, like the no-door bathrooms.

One thing I will say about UJ and its cleanliness... The employees hand polish each individual silverware piece before rolling them into the napkins. That is straight out of West. Top notch dining environment, no doubt.

[metro]

Or put in a customer hand wash station...OUTSIDE of the restrooms. I'd rather not even have to go into one to simply wash up before a meal.

Or even better, just bring you a big bowl of water, a bottle of dawn, and a kitchen towel to the table to clean up...

[Urbanized]

Haha now we're slipping back into gross territory.

[bluedogok]

Or put in a customer hand wash station...OUTSIDE of the restrooms. I'd rather not even have to go into one to simply wash up before a meal.

Have you been to Rudy's BBQ or Mighty Fine Burgers in Austin? They have hand washing machines and a big sink outside the bathrooms.

Meritech

[Urbanized]

I have been to multiple Rudy's, in fact I've been to the original north of San Antonio when I was on a scooter rally Hill Country ride close to a decade ago. I specifically was thrilled at the hand-wash station when I was there (the desire for them has been a long-held notion for me). In fact I always bring that specific one to mind when I bring up the subject. It's an especially good idea for a BBQ joint, since if you consume good BBQ correctly you probably need a cleanup just this side of a bath.

I just don't think you should necessarily have to go into a bathroom to wash your hands before a meal. I don't care how clean one LOOKS, they are by nature filthy places. Even the AIR has fecal bacteria in it. And having to grab a door handle or knob after washing my hands and before touching my food? Disgusting. I'm sure there is a link somewhere, but I've seen studies where something like half of the people who use a public restroom don't wash their hands before leaving, as long as they believe nobody is watching. Do you really want to use your damp but clean hand to grab a door handle they touched moments earlier? And then go pick up your hamburger?

A conspicuous hand wash station outside of bathrooms in a restaurant might also be enough peer pressure to make more people wash up, which would be a boon to public health.

[Easy180]

This reminds me of Soda Steve's restaurant at Lake Tenkiller. Have a long sink for hand washing in the middle of the restaurant. I have to admit it's about the only time I ever wash my hands when dining out so it's pretty darn effective lol

[metro]

Have you been to Rudy's BBQ or Mighty Fine Burgers in Austin? They have hand washing machines and a big sink outside the bathrooms.

Meritech

Is it just the Rudy's in Austin, because the Rudy's in OKC don't have them to my knowledge.

[ljbab728]

These kind of hand washing machines are becoming standard on cruise ships. The expense might make it impractical for some restaurants though.

[bluedogok]

Is it just the Rudy's in Austin, because the Rudy's in OKC don't have them to my knowledge.

I have only seen them in the Rudy's and Mighty Fine Burgers in Austin, the Rudy's are franchises run by K&N Management and Mighty Fine is their original concept. They do some things a little differently than the company owned stores in San Antonio or the other franchise stores like OKC or Colorado Springs. I know the store in the Springs doesn't have them.

[Urbanized]

For the record, the Q at the chain Rudy's also doesn't compare well with the fare at the original, either. Their convenience stores are far better though!

[bluedogok]

I think the Austin stores are better than the SA stores, the Springs store is good but not as good as the Austin or SA stores. Just one of our better options up here.

[Pete]

Guys, we are light years off topic here.

Back to discussing Urban Johnnie please. Thanks.

[Urbanized]

So anyway, about the bathrooms with no doors: I like 'em.

[Wishbone]

Ate here Friday and it was pretty good. I got the #9 theta burger just like I would order at Johnnies. It was pretty much the same great burger with lots of grated cheese. However not the same pickles. Urban Johnnies pickles are not very good. Other than that the draft beer was great. It's almost of copy of Republic imo with not as many beers.

[Anonymous.]

I like this much better than Republic. Once Aloft opens, UJ should get even more business.

[soonerguru]

I love UJ, and I think their menu and ambiance are pretty stellar. That said, I really wish they made the Theta burger like the original. Why mess with perfection?

[Teo9969]

It's like Republic? But Republic uses warm colors to entice people into eating!!!! UJ can never beat RGP

[Rover]

Republic and UJ are very different. Both cool in there own right. It isn't a competition, just a choice.

[Urbanized]

Yeah, I really think the only similarities between the two are that they are both sleek and modern (in their own unique ways). I see more differences than similarities. But I like both places a lot.

[kelly73099]

Is the mac and cheese the same as West's?

[Urbanized]

I've not been to West, but if you are asking if it is damned delicious, the answer is yes.

[David]

Yeah, pretty much. I've been shopping around the menu on my visits (finally gave the pot roast a try last night, it was decent), but I haven't gotten past the mac & cheese as far as side orders are concerned.