My name is Leif and I have a problem.
I can’t stop eating at Mister Jon’s.
Every time I’m in Panajachel, I eat there at least once a day. Some days I eat all three meals there. Essentially all of my sustenance comes from Mister Jon’s menu.
I stopped cooking. I don’t try new restaurants. It’s affecting my friendships. I’m loosing a taste for all other foods. Not to mention my bank account is suffering. I feel like I’m spiraling. I’m in and out of food comas, and somethings gotta give!
Ok, ok, I’m half joking here, but I still bet Dr. De Pena might very well diagnose me with a low level addiction.
In all seriousness though, Mister Jon’s is simply that good. If you’re an American in need of a taste of home, there is no other place, aside from maybe Smoking Joe’s BBQ on Sundays in San Pedro, that can satisfy your craving like Mister Jon’s. Even if you’re not American, you’re still going to enjoy this authentic Americana experience.
Breakfast
Let’s start with the breakfast sandwiches. They basically got gourmet McMuffins going on. Imagine a fresh McDonalds McMuffin but instead of that processed sausage and egg, they’ve got homemade sausage and a farm fresh egg inside! I mean common!
My advice, get 1 sausage and 1 bacon breakfast sandwich and put them together for a Mister Jon’s BigMacMcMuffin! Don’t forget to add some of their homemade salsa picante inside!
Other notable mentions include any of their Egg Benedict’s, Pancakes, or Omelets. Hail the hollandaise sauce!
Lunch
For lunch I usually go for their tacos or burritos. I know what you’re thinking, “why don’t you just go local for Mexican / Guatemalan style food?” And I often do. But Mister Jon’s knows how to do it Mexicali / Texmex style. If you grew up with those tastes like I did, then you won’t be disappointed.
My go to burrito is the BURRITO ENORME with carnitas and the works. At about 1.6 LBS or 1 KG, this Burrito will keep you full till lunch the next day. That is unless you don’t find yourself again at Mister Jon’s for dinner. Overall the taste is like Chipotle & Taco Bell smashed into one but fresher.
Dinner
Dinner is all about the In-N-Out style Double Double Hamburgers. If you don’t like In-N-Out, well then you can just fly back to Paris you French *=-*#*& shove a baguette… Sorry about that, it’s been 37 days and 5 hours since I last ate at Mister Jons. I appreciate the French and their butter, bread and onions, apologies again.
In any case, what I’m trying to convey is that this is one damn good burger. The patties are smashed and juicy, the sauce is I dare say even better than In-N-Out cause it’s fresh, and toppings of lettuce and tomato are of a perfect portion. Plus on Mondays you can can 2 for the price of 1. That’s 2 double doubles for just Q45.
If you’re not feeling like a hamburger, they do a succulent fried chicken burger. If you’re not feeling like any kind of burger, well then take your avocado toast and stick it into your eye balls you….
Apologies again for the outburst. The withdrawals are real.
To Conclude
It’s not just the food that hits the spot, it’s the whole atmosphere. If you grew up in the 70’s, 80’s or 90’s you’re gonna get a home-y nostalgia kind of feeling as you walk in. From Pac-Man illustrations on the floor to star wars and other pop culture paintings and motifs, it feels like a cozy and welcoming diner anywhere in the US.
Whether you’ve been on a 2 year peace corps mission or just arrived, you won’t be disappointed. The addiction is real though! Just limit yourself to 2 to 3 times per day. Moderation & balance is key.
Buen Provecho & good luck!