There was at time when I would have given Johnny Mango 4 or even 5 stars, but it's just not as good as it used to be. For the first timer, Johnny's will definitely impress. The menu is varied and all the dishes are delicious. I personally love the fried rice, and on the brunch menu, it's all about the potato and chorizo omellete. Drinks to die for: fresh mango margarita, the santa maria (their take on a spicey bloody mary), mojito, and any of the fresh juice combos. They have Sierra Nevada beer on tap too, which, as anyone from California will tell you, tastes completely different and fresher than from a bottle. It's not as good as ordering it from the tap in California, but it's a close second.
Why the lack of stars then? Well, Johnny Mango hasn't changed their menu in what seems like a million years, and I swear the drink prices keep going up. $8 - $9 for a mixed drink is a lot of money, I don't care what's in it. And recently, Johnny Mango became really, really popular. They've always had a steady clientele, but it's normal now to wait for a table on any night of the week. There is a small outdoor dining space, but it's right on the sidewalk - this location is not necessarily conducive to people watching, to put it delicately.
The service is always good, and they've recently opened a location on the east side of the city which I have not experienced yet. I'm sure I'll go back to Johnny Mango, but the hype needs to die down first (and that dang menu needs to change!).
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