Big Johnson’s Tavern

If ever there was a reason to give an establishment 5 stars Big Johnson’s is it. It is not high class dining, you do not need reservations, the bathrooms aren’t exceptionally clean. However, this place has all of those things that so many other restaurants, bars and chain places strive to create but fail miserably every single time.
Located on the east side of Seneca Lake in the Town of Hector, this place is a squeezed in between countless wineries. Bus tours stop here here on a regular basis and if you stay long enough you can start to get in the rhythm of seeing groups of 20 – 30 drunk ppl pile in the door, get nice and loud and then before you know it the are gone just as fast as they came. Your left with the regulars still manning their stations at the bar stools or dining table continuing their conversations. This makes for fun ppl watching.
The staff was beyond friendly. The food was exceptional. The best French Onion soup my fiancé ever had, and she literally orders it everywhere we go. The drinks were strong and to the point.
Best thing of all was the hospitality. Again the staff were just really friendly people and the locals at the bar included me in their conversation like I was one of their oldest friends.
Do yourself a favor and make this a priority stop. You will not be disappointed.

Dive bar personified. I walked in and as soon as I did the owner said «come on in, have a seat, what’s your name?» Next thing I knew I was in full conversation with a very nice group of people. The place is dark, and aligned with taxidermy, the bartenders are nice the drinks are cold. They told me that they have music and dancing on the weekends. I’ll have to check it out.

I love this huge dive bar. The staff was super nice, they actually were having a good time at work! Imagine that, and it showed and made us want to stay longer… we even skipped lunch at Dano’s and stayed at Johnson’s.
We had the «potato skins and stuff» which was home made potato wedges with fresh tomato, home made chili and cheese sauce, yum. Served with a slice of watermelon? weird but thoughtful and different. This is a must stop on the east side of the Seneca wine trail.