This place is cool if your with at least 10 friends. The crowd is so whack other than that. Gaithersburg and Rockville kids everywhere. My friends wallet got stolen out of her purse last Saturday on the Dancefloor. I have fun here though. $3 PBRs is cool and so is the outdoor bar area.
(2)
terry k.
Had California Chicken Salad for lunch and it was quite good. I pretty much cleaned the plate. My complaint is about the bill which included $11 for the salad which was the menu price, but also an additional $4 for the chicken. The salad on the menu lists chicken as a component. When I questioned the server who was also the person that took the order,she said that it seemed strange to her also, but while she was pleasant and cordial, she just treated this as one of life's mysteries.
(1)
Damon Z.
I stopped by with a friend on a Friday night in April while visiting the DC area. Both of us enjoyed ourselves quite a bit. The place is spacious, and the crowd is youthful, yet well behaved. I'm in my early 30s, and was probably at the top end of the age spectrum there, but didn't feel out of place. Street parking in that part of Behtesda was easy to find, for me at least.
(4)
Thugnificent M.
Steak quesadillas-check. Chicken fingers-check. TACO salad-check. Tommy Joe's-this place is amazing. A high school cafeteria menu and the place is packed. WTF. Tommy Joe's is the spot right next to the Exxon station. The fumes add to the mystique of the establishment. As you walk in you find a bar on your right and the seating area/dance floor on the left. The bar isn't bad, quick drinks cheap. The seating area has a 8x10 dance floor which the grimiest people crowd. The DJ sucks. The music sucks. The food is frozen surplus lunches from the HS down the street. All they do to prepare it is microwave it for 3 minutes and they still seem to burn the chicken fingers every time. Happy hour is pretty fun here; drinks just seem to flow down your throat. Soon you'll be drunk off your ass and high from Exxon Plus fumes. And as the room starts spinning the food starts becoming better and better. The place is actually enjoyable. You hear that song? The DJ is amazing! You make your way out to the dance floor. Hey that girls looking at you. I think she wants you to grab her ass. Wait you gotta go pee. Lines pretty long, but it's worth the wait. Don't slip, the floor is wet. It's only a couple of drips from the 300 guys who misfired on the floor before you. Over all this place is only good if you like college type bars. Smelly, dirty, and over rated. Well at least the girls there are pretty slutty.
(3)
Victoria S.
Ok - I admit it...I love to go to Tommy Joe's. Now that's out in the open I just want to say that TJs is where to go for a beer and some old skool fun in MOCO. Yes, it slightly resembles any meat market bar in Collegetown USA but it's got its subtle charms including the decent looking bartenders, awesome managers and of course the "Bethesda-crowd." Wear something cute or comfy...it doesn't matter. They take all-comers. The big plus is you can stumble to the metro across the street if you've had too much. :oP
(3)
Alexis G.
I've heard a lot of people refer to this as a frat bar -- only for the younger scene -- but I really enjoy the menu here. They have great appetizers, including some of the cheesiest nachos you could ever want and really good wings. Considering that this is a pretty low key setting, it's great they have something for (almost) everyone on the menu (not too much for vegans). As far as Bethesda nightlife (or lack of) goes, Tommy Joe's is pretty much a staple. They have happy hour specials daily, including some half-priced appetizers. They also have a half-priced burger night on Mondays, and there usually isn't a line out the door like with some other places. This is really a great place to go after work with your cohorts, because the metro is very close in case happy hour lasts all night.
(3)
Ali M.
Tommy Joe's bills itself as a Michigan football bar. However, during the Michigan bowl game, they refused to turn the sound on for the game inside the bar and instead insisted that those who wanted to watch the game could sit outside on the patio with the smaller tvs. If you chose to stay inside, it was still freezing while music blared throughout the bar despite no one being there to sing kareoke. The wait staff tried to speak with the manger as every person who walked in became irritated about the setup, but he refused to make any adjustments. To top it off, food was overcooked and greasy. Perhaps if you are looking for a kareoke bar in Bethesda on a Tuesday, this is your place. But it's definitely not worth it for football. Huge disappointment. Go to Buffalo Billiards instead.
(1)
Becky T.
There's something about the nightlife in Bethesda that reminds me of high school and undergrad. Maybe it's because of the old school top 40 that the DJ plays. Maybe it's the Bethesda frat/sorority crowd. Or maybe it's the shots and drinks served in plastic cups. Anyway, even though I sometimes feel old at the ripe age of 25, it's not bad to have a little nostalgia for the good times. The dance floor was fun once people started getting going, it wasn't a total sausage-fest, chicken wings were good, and DJ was friendly playing Snoop Dogg's "Sexual Seduction" for my friend Ash and Estelle's "American Boy" for me. There's even a random old guy who just quietly dances by himself who gets lucky now and then when a young girl dances with him. Good times.
(4)
Raymond W.
I went to Tommy Joe's with some co-workers for happy hour and to celebrate an intern's last day and two new hires (one including myself). I ordered $3.50 Coronas and as a group we ordered some bar food. The waffle fries were amazing and the chicken tenders were big and juicy. It was the first bar I went to since I moved to the area and I'm a fan. Hopefully I'll have more happy hours in the future.
(4)
matt L.
This place is great for a group of friends. It serves its purpose as a sports bar/local hangout. I like the outdoor patio, they also have heaters for the cold nights. If you were to get some food, i can only suggest the waffle fries.
(3)
Jody Z.
Great for happy hour. I had dinner and drinks here on a Friday night. No wait, great service and the food came out so fast! Drink specials were okay, $3.25 drafts isn't the greatest happy hour special, but they did have some 1/2 priced appetizers. I recommend the chicken quesadilla and blackened chicken pasta. Conveniently located right near the metro too.
(3)
Ryan M.
I hate to dump on places, but Tommy Joe's just doesn't impress. The happy hour specials are pretty good, the food's not bad and cheap at the right times, but the whole place leaves something to be desired. There's an 'outdoor' area for the smokers that's entirely enclosed and heated-probably the only place of it's kind in Bethesda. But all that said, and especially outside of happy hour, the crowd generally sucks-sort of the 'I'm better than you and I'm here with 20 other people who think they're better than you' folks. So stop by for a beer after work if your coworkers are going, like I do, but don't stay late or come back on the weekend...
(2)
Mark D.
Reminded me of a toned down version of TGI Fridays (ie no crazy buttons on the serving staff). And the quality is about the same. I had their Monday lunch special, which was a chicken parm sandwich which came with onion rings. The sauce was a little dry, but the chicken was nice and cheesy. Service was average, but to their benefit, I came during the lunch-time crush. They also had a karaoke set-up (wasn't going during lunch)...maybe I'll have to check out their happy hours!
(3)
Dan A.
Tommy Joe's is a great casual bar. Lots of room, indoor and outdoor areas (with heat lamps and projection TVs outside!) Food is bar food, but tasty. Good sweet potato fries. Bartenders are friendly, and won't stiff you on the booze. Overall, an excellent place to grab a few drinks at night.
(5)
Brian S.
A few friends and I wanted to go to Tommy Joe's last Saturday night for a drink, but two of my friends were removed because of the restaurant's "dress code" policy. One friend was wearing a designer tank top, and the other friend was wearing camouflage shorts. While at the restaurant, I witnessed several customers in tank tops, and at least one customer in a white V-neck undershirt. Because of the inconsistency of the enforcement of their dress code policy, I politely asked to speak to the manager that night so I could understand. The manager's response to my question was to conform to the dress code policy, or leave. I escorted myself out of the restaurant to meet up with my removed friends. While off the property, I then witnessed the bouncer giving the middle finger to myself and my friends. I have a great video recording on my phone of the bouncer in the act to back it up. I understand that a privately-owned restaurant has the right to enforce a dress code policy on their establishment. I do not understand why the dress code policy cannot be explained and enforced consistently. And I certainly do not understand how a bouncer flicking off people outside the establishment can be viewed as OK.
(1)
Anthony C.
$2.83 for a diet coke. Wow, that has to be some kind of record. I went in and they were having a special on prime rib--like $14 for a whole meal with two sides. Eating prime rib at a hang out place is kind of like eating seafood in Nebraska. But I plowed ahead, stubborn as a mule. It was ok. Not great. I'd go back but not to eat the cheap prime rib. But the $2.83 diet coke upsets me. This is ripping people off. Even in Bethesda.
(2)
Neri A.
I used to work across the street from TJ's in the early to mid 2000's and we had HH there more times than I can imagine so I know the place pretty well. The good: as always the wait staff was friendly and attentive, they hire good people...always have. Couple of the girls split a salad and they loved it. The bad: The ladie's restroom is even filthier than I remembered; they seriously need to do something about it because you walk out feeling like you need a tetanus shot. The waffle fries use to be one of my favorite things there but they weren't worth the smackeroos and I was disappointed. I was there for a Paint Nite event and the music was clashing...the place is just too small to have several different types of music playing. Overall, it is a great place to grab a drinks with friends or coworkers but if you are planning to eat there are way too many places nearby with far better fare.
(3)
Kendal Ann M.
You're in luck, happy hour is from 4-8! Tommy Joe's offers one of the best happy hours in Bethesda. Happy Hour is offered throughout the restaurant, which is a huge plus. Keep in mind if it's nice out there are two outdoor options. In addition to an awesome happy hour, Tommy Joe's knows how to make a mean buffalo chicken wrap. They know when you are talking about when you request the wrap extra spicy. If you are in the area around 4, stop in for happy hour; Tommy Joe's wont dissapoint.
(4)
Mary Margaret E.
Super casual bar. Great bartenders. Food's more expensive than I'm used to for bar food. Got my food to go and it wasn't a bad wait at all. Crap dip is bland, but was packed with meat. I added about two packets of salt and pepper. It was a pretty huge portion - enough for three or four people. Wings are a good size and they give a huge cup of ranch, which is a plus cause most places try to skimp out on sauces.
(4)
Ruth C.
Two and a half stars. As a bar who sponsors local rec leagues, I came here to play beer pong and flip cup after games. The only other time I've stopped in to tolerate their abysmal service was right after a major storm; Tommy Joe's is on the police station's power grid, so they had power long before other kitchens in the neighborhood. I've had their wings, chicken tenders (waffle fries are better than the tots), quesadillas, and wraps. The only thing I actually enjoyed here was the Cuban, which is only available as a special. I would not order the following again: the Thai chicken quesadilla as the sauce drizzled on it is pretty unappetizing, the Santa Fe wrap with its dry blackened chicken, and the ahi tuna wrap with lukewarm fish. You can otherwise keep your expectations low, tune out the bro-ish regulars, and watch a game on conservatively sized TVs over basic bar grub.
(2)
Ana P.
Parking was a pain. We managed to park in a $5 lot a few blocks over. TJ's does not have a parking lot and does not offer validation. It is extremely close to the Bethesda Metro, though... On to the review! Went here because I was given a gift card. Otherwise, I never would have found this place. It's a bar, so patrons are carded before entry. The place looks pretty run down and is very sticky. The restrooms are a bit strange as well. I think in the ladies room there are two regular sized stalls and one stall converted from a broom closet? So of course, I chose the broom closet one as it had a mini sink enclosed in the stall. Unfortunately, the sink did not work... The restaurant has a space for a small game room, as well, but it looks pretty hopeless in there right now. It had one game and was basically being used as storage space. An air hockey table could fit there! Anyway, our waitress was pretty sweet and attentive. She provided great service because she was covering I think at least eight more tables. BP and I went on a Thursday night. It was trivia night and the place was packed! It was pretty cool watching everyone participating in the trivia, shouting random bits of info, laughing and of course drinking with friends. We were totally unaware of trivia night so I don't think we had as much fun as all of the other patrons there. I overheard the Ed Sheeran obsessed trivia announcer tell others how his full-time job is working with Autistic children. Thought this was pretty cool. He had a great personality for the job! Anyway! The food was amazing! BP ordered the California Chicken wrap and really enjoyed it. He gave me his onion rings as they were a bit greasy. I thought they were great! I had a the steak wrap and we also has a quesadilla to-go. I loved how my fries were battered and then fried. They get me here! The food and the service were delightfully unexpected :)
(4)
Carolyn C.
Okay, I take back what I said in my previous review. This place is awful, incredibly awful. Their happy hour menu is filled with mediocre tasting fried food and other unhealthy options. Their wine is awful, I've had three different kinds and it's below average table wine, not worth $4-6.00 especially when the bottle cost less than $10.00. The reason for this bad review is due to the my last happy hour experience which consisted of horrific service, food and drinks. Not only was our bartender high, smelled of pot/weed and made the entire bar smell of it, he was just out of it. Once we were finished it took someone 38 minutes to notice our plates then they only cleared our space and ignored our empty glasses. This is when I was fed up, they were incredibly awful servers and I'm surprised that this place is still running.... I walked over to the bar and stood there trying to get the attention of the sever who was to busy talking to some mid-30 guy about "big as***." Please note that there was only 7 other people sitting at the bar. Therefore, there was no need to ignore the only female in the entire place who was basically begging to leave (I wanted to walk out without paying, I have never felt like this before). The $2.00 tip was way more than they deserved. Never again. I took this place off our agency's happy hour list.
(1)
Lee O.
Well, this place at least looks good. It's average for food. I went on a Friday afternoon. Their house merlot is gross. We ordered the happy hour quesadilla came out very quickly but it was average. The wings with their POHO sauce were good, but some tasted of the old, burnt gunk from the grill. The Fajita Friday comes with way too small an amount of cheese, guacamole, tomatoes and such, but tasted well. The garlic spinach was particularly good as a side. The steak tacos aren't all that pretty but are very juicy and taste awesome. The brownie sundae was a bit small but was awesome. The service was pretty good too. I'll return to check it out.
(3)
Dave B.
Tommy Joes is a great place to spend the weekend. Fun atmosphere, games, friendly staff, good prices. Great for a young crowd.
(5)
Christopher K.
The bar is lots of fun the the bar tenders are more fun. Tuesday is karaoke night! So much fun!
(5)
Mike B.
OK, First problem. The Caesar salad that I got looked like it had been sitting: premixed for 24 hours. The lettuce was wilted, there was no crunch, parmesan was non existent- it looked like it had been fished out of the trash. Second problem. The base Caesar salad cost me 9 dollars ( which is a dollar more than on the menu). Bothered me based on principle. I asked them to add crispy chicken onto it and they put 2 thin extremely overcooked chicken strips on the salad and charged me 5 dollars for them. So all in all, my very very unappetizing salad cost 14 dollars. So unappetizing, my stomach was not feeling to well the rest of the night. I shouldn't have eaten it, but I was oh so hungry after spending a long day out in the hot sun. The Bartender who served me was nice... but the food was just SO disappointing and at the price it came... I'm not planning on eating there anytime soon.
(2)
J J.
Typical dive bar and hard to locate if you're not from the area...met up w. a friend here for drinks on a weekday. It was a slow night and the tap was limited in options. May stop by if in the area again but wouldn't go out of my way.
(3)
Marie N.
Popped into here on an early Saturday afternoon as it was near where I needed to be for an appt. I am from Northern Virginia and not used to Bethesda...thank goodness for GPS. There is no parking, but we found a garage space a block away. Should note that on Saturday's parking is free. Tommy Joe's is within walking distance to the metro. It was bigger than I expected and the menu had a lot more on it than I was thinking it would for a bar. Yes it's older and yes it probably has seen better days, but again I thought it was a neighborhood type bar place. I liked the outdoor seating area and the front area being completely open. It was not crowded at all and the service was excellent. I could see during the week with all the businesses around where it would be a busy place after work. I think it would be a fun place to hang out. I had one of the specials for the day - steak nachos. I must say it was one of the better steak nachos I have had. The meal was inexpensive and came with scoops of salsa, guac and sour cream. It was done just right and was tasty. It was too big for me so I took it for leftovers. My friends had cobb salad, buffalo chicken wrap and sandwich/salad. They all enjoyed their meals as there was nothing left. None of us thought the food was expensive. As we said when we left - for a bar -the food was better than some restaurants. If I was coming this way again, I would stop in.
(4)
Yumi M.
I am so sad to give them this rating, but it just was a dissapointment. My fiance and I reviewed their menu online prior to our visit. We were excited to try their PEI mussels appetizer and pumpkin pie (since I had been craving for one). We arrive and saw the menu, but they did not have them. I asked the server and she said they were out of those dishes. We had already sat down so we decided to give them a try. We ordered maryland crab dip, which was delicious. For entree, we ordered asian chicken salad and salmon. We added a crabcake to our salad and to our surprise the crab cake wasy very rich in crabs and not too much flour or other stuff added. This was probably the highlight of the night. I ordered the salad with no onions, but of course it came with the onions. I just took it off so it worked out okay but not too pleasant of an experience. The salmon was just okay, but the sweet potato fries were soaked in oil and it felt more of like glazed sweet potato fries. I know this place is more or so popular for their happy hour and late nights...and I guess there is a reason for that..
(1)
Avi S.
Used to come here on Fridays often while waiting for The NYC bus. Never really had a problem with their food. Usually decent. Bar is a little dingy. I recently ordered a turkey burger and all I can say is it wasn't well done. So far Mr Monella (sal) hasn't visited and I do know that pink hue in a turkey burger doesn't mean it's not cooked all the way... I was in a rush and had to catch a bus so didn't say anything but if you are going to order a turkey burger...cutit in half before taking a bite of it and ask for it well done
(2)
Mike S.
Well it certainly is a bar. Passable is the best word I can use to describe the nachos and quesadillas (especially given the price. Definitely ain't cheap) but I definitely appreciate the cheap-ish beer. In general, I tend to avoid this place as it tends to be a meeting place for obnoxious bros and anyone from my high school that graduated +-5 years from me. But if you don't mind that, rock on. Keep doing what you do, Tommy Joe's.
(3)
Ashley P.
Epic fail! My husband received a gift card here from work, and I made the trek to Bethesda to grab some dinner with him after work. Total waste of time. *Pros* -It didn't cost us any money. *Cons* -Rude as hell Maryland attitude. The server (blonde hair, in her 20s, petite) acted like she was doing us a favor by attending to us. And it was clear as day she did not want to wait on us. She didn't have any information to share about the drinks, was very curt and abrupt, and made the experience terr-i-ble. -The food was mediocre. We had loaded baked potatoes to start, and the sour creme was the only flavor to speak of. -Burger and fries that had less seasoning than your 90's (or fill in the decade you were in elementary/middle school) lunchroom cafeteria offered. This stuff gives the word mediocre a bad rep. -The inside of this place is nasty as hell. The tables are old, chipped, and gross. There are water stains in the ceiling. Don't even bother looking at the floor. I almost wanted to leave before the food came. I can only imagine what the back of the house must look like. *shudders*I didn't bother going to the bathroom. I held it for the entire hour metro ride back to Alexandria! I didn't want to worry about the potential staph infection that might be ready to pounce. This place was downright dirty. -We still have money left on the gift card. I told the hubs to buy himself a drink or two after work, and get the hell out of there. Better yet, just throw the gift card away!
(1)
Shanna E.
The only good thing I have to say about this place is the bouncer--he was super nice. The aesthetics of the place itself were very bare and not very well laid out. For being a sports bar, there were very few places to sit and actually view a tv. When we got there for football Sunday, all the seats in the bar were already taken, but only about 20 people were there. I stood at the bar for about 5 minutes to get a drink and a bartender literally never looked my way. He even walked down to fill up the drink of someone who was sitting and did not ask me or even look at me to get a drink. We wandered around for awhile, trying to see if there were other options to sit near a tv, and yet nobody came to help us or said anything, despite the fact that we clearly looked lost. Finally, we just left, and nobody said anything to us at all except the bouncer.
(1)
Babak A.
We stopped here to grab a bite to eat and relax a bit after sight seeing in D.C, found the staff very nice. appetizers were very good also
(4)
Carley M.
okay food. the staff is nice, however if a regular starts an issue with a new customer, they stick with the regular. this old man did everything he could short of getting punched in the eye for his actions and the bartenders just watched. i ended up cashing out and leaving. Also when he was leaving, it could have been a joke, but one of the bartenders told a black man to go back to the ghetto. not my choice of locations.
(1)
Timmy C.
This is the best neighborhood spot in Bethesda. Great bartenders, amazing food, cold beer and awesome atmosphere.
(5)
Sabina C.
Super cool sport.. Nice for young professionals looking for a good happy hour.Food was good. The place looks small from the outside but its pretty big, they have a sports bar section, a large dining area and then an outside bar area. Nice spot! Had a great time!
(4)
Melanie G.
Went here last night and had high expectations, as I've heard about this place from a few friends. Definitely wasn't what I expected. I came here with a friend and as soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a doorman who asked if we'd like to donate $5 each towards the funeral of a someone who used to work there and that happy hour would be extended and I'd get $1 off of rail drinks and draft beers. Ok, sure. We paid and got a wristband. We were eventually greeted by a server who had no idea of the prices or the menu items and admitted he was new. Being new is fine- we've all been new at some point or another, but at least make an effort to try to find the answer to our menu inquiries. I ordered a drink, he brought it, and never came back again. I wanted to order food so after 20 minutes of waiting, I walked around and found him sitting near the kitchen eating dinner. Apparently, he was no longer our server and the bartender would be taking care of us. We had no clue because he never told us. The bartender finally came over and we ordered "drinks" and a quesidilla. I understand that the drinks are rail and not the best quality in liquor, but they were seriously the worst rail drinks I've ever had. I didn't taste any alcohol in any of them and neither did my friend who ordered whiskey and ginger. I ordered vodka, but something is wrong if you can't taste whiskey in your drink. We had about 2 more, thinking that these would taste better, but we were disappointed. i'm convinced there was no liquor in them at all, or they were diluted with water. One or the other. We ended up leaving feeling like we had wasted money and that we were bamboozled by the bouncer. (Sidenote: There was karaoke going on in the dining room area and it seemed like a good time. If I ever return, it'll be after getting drinks somewhere else and coming solely to sing.)
(2)
Joe A.
All PATS fans. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere. Make the trek to Murphy's in Old Town if you have to. They advertise as a Pats bar so obviously the audio should be on for the Pats. This past Sunday not one of the employees knew how to operate the audio to put on the volume of the Pats game. They barely put in an effort and didn't seem to think it was a big deal. We walked out. We ended up at Fat Pet's Barbque in Cleveland Park. We will continue to go there instead of Tommy Joe's as Murphy's in Old Town is too much of a hike.
(1)
Megan K.
Drinks, fine. Food, fine. Outdoor area, better than fine. Service? Horrible. The staff, especially servers, don't seem to have 2 brain cells to rub between them. Have been many times (work around the corner) and each time whatever server we get is just the worst. One time we asked to pay the bill. The server never came back, so we just left what we hopped was enough cash on the table. She's lucky we didn't just walk out without paying. The staff isn't very nice either. Go around the corner to Barking Dog instead!
(2)
Christina N.
We love this spot. It's a great neighborhood bar with a great happy hour, a ridiculous amount of TVs for sports, bartenders who remember your name... Their lunch is good, they get you in and out in plenty of time (my go to is their southwest wrap and waffle fries). I also can't go to happy hour without getting an order of wings. Good late night crowd and you don't have to wait eons for a beer.
(4)
Tara L.
Move along folks, nothing to see here. I really don't have much to say about Tommy Joe's. You know how sometimes you meet someone over and over again and you NEVER remember their name because they left NO impression on you? That's how I feel about Tommy Joe's. It doesn't impress me, it doesn't turn me off...it leaves no real impression on me either way. It merely exists. However, the food is pretty decent. I used to come here for lunch when I worked in Bethesda and they have some tasty waffle fries and a really delicious steak salad with blue cheese, walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette and marinated strip steak. They also have an indoor/outdoor bar and patio in the center of the restaurant which I'm sure is a bonus for smokers. Tommy Joe's is also the place that on Thanksgiving Eve, everyone and their mamas that grew up in Montgomery County gather. It's overwhelming and is avoided at all costs. I made the mistake of checking it out once when I was home from college and it was like a flashback from all walks of life. A little too much when I'm just trying to chill. If you're in the area, it's not a horrible place to go. It just would never be my first or second choice when hanging out in Bethesda.
(3)
John R.
It is kind of a dump. The open air bar is nice, but the place has sticky floors and feels like it isn't cleaned very often. I didn't order the food my comments are only regarding the atmosphere.
(2)
Ana T.
Dined there last night with my husband. ( 1st time). My expectations were not high considering the reviews at this site. It is a neighborhood bar. However, the mussels app, the club and the buffalo chicken wrap were all hot, fresh and tasty. The drinks were HH prices and were not watered down. The server Caroline was quick and friendly. They honored our restaurant.com coupon. The only draw back, no big deal, was they didn't know how to give me credit for the Open Table reservation. Not the kind of place that needs a reservation anyway. Hope this review helps remove some of the negativity I read.
(4)
Shane S.
Proven winner. Solid neighborhood bar for over 10 years. Great staff, where they learn your name and provide dependable service. Underrated lunch spot. If you want a solid neighborhood spot to grab lunch, have a beer, hit happy hour, this is your place. What other bar in Bethesda keeps staff and regulars for a decade.
(5)
Tiffany J.
Found this place to meet a friend that came into town for business and was pleasantly surprised! Waitress was very friendly and the food was average priced but very delicious! If in the area, definitely going there again!
(5)
Avery U.
Much of the time this place is overcrowded with terrible service. All of the time, it's overpriced with lackluster food. The bar seems to prefer hosting random events that draw in first time customers, the consequences of which seem detrimental to the experience of anyone who might attempt to return on a regular basis. 3/5 times you'll find yourself waiting over half an hour before you're even acknowledged by the wait staff. Even when you are, you'll probably end up disappointed by the low quality food, skimpy portions, and ridiculous pricing. Go somewhere else!
(1)
Lindsey W.
Love Tommy Joes! Great owner and friendly staff! Has both food and drink specials during the week and on weekends. Large indoor dining room and 3 bar areas (one indoor, one on the outdoor covered patio, and the outside tiki bar! Tommy joes hosts a lot of great charity events and is a great support to the community. Cabs are always available outside and it's a block from the metro and directly across from the Bethesda elevator from the metro.If your driving park across Wisconsin at the Montgomery Avenue garage or on weekends park in the metro garage for free. Tommy Joes hosts WAKA Besthesda kickball league and the Social Sports Bethesda league. Truly a place where everyone knows your name! Love you Poho!
(5)
Mike S.
Tommy Joe's is a great place to watch a game, get great bar snacks, and relax... If you prefer great people and a good game to waiting in line with d-bags in DC clubs and aren't too caught up in the places where you need to be seen/overcharged at trendier spots downtown then TJ's is for you. If you prefer those spots, great! go there for a $15 watered down electric blue lemonade, you DB... we probably wouldn't like you anyway. TJ's is a great local spot with the longest running and best bar staff in the area... introduce yourself to the bartender and try the POHO wings, best around.
(5)
Sara T.
Was visiting friends recently on the way to Florida. They recommended we meet at Tommy Joe's for happy hour. Such a fun place! Had the Poho wings and they were delicious. Awesome environment for watching the game, having some delicious bar food and hanging with friends. One of us ordered a caesar with grilled salmon and it was delcious. Salmon was perfectly cooked. Two had burgers and another had another order of wings. I don't know what the problem is with some of these other reports, but our food and service were great! Also, I personally thought the prices were more than fair and the portions great. I think one of the highlights is the owner. Poho was awesome. Felt like I was hanging with an old friend. Keep up the great work Tommy Joe's....such a fun place to be!
(4)
Natalie F.
Recently watched the Patriots get there asses kicked by the Ravens here and found it to be a fun experience! I didn't realize this place is actually a New England/Redskins sports bar. There was a good mix of different fans watching the game which made it fun. The service was pretty good, they were slammed that evening so I was very patient. My friends and I ordered several items including the chicken fingers, fries, a chicken wrap and I got the mussels. Everything was delicious. I was really into the mussels I ordered and the delicious garlic bread! I even requested extra bread to enjoy with the broth and the server was really generous and accommodating! Prices are decent, there's quite a bit of seating if you have a large group. They have a really odd smoking area right in the middle of the building. When you head to the bathroom you have to pass this really strange open room with the most random items in it, a fax machine and what looked like a messy, outdated sad excuse for an office? All in all a fun place to watch a game and get your grub on!
(4)
Paola G.
All bars in Bethesda are very much a like so I cant say I like one more than the other. What I do notice is the music, which is 85% horrible 5% satisfactory but never ever has it been good. I enjoy Tommy Joes much more in the day time for a football game wings and beer. Wanna get wasted and not give a damn about who's watching you- Tommy Joes is the place to go!
(2)
Nicole W.
Didn't experience the bar scene, but the food...oh the food. Burnt nachos and meh veggie quesadillas. MIGHT have given this place another go around since the guac was pretty tasty, but I felt sick for days after eating here. One star for having wii bowling.
(1)
Juliana C.
My lunch-er in crime (Anne) and I were on our way across town for a bite to eat when we walked by Tommy Joe's. My hair had turned into a poofball in the 95% humidity and her head turned once we had passed the building. "Do you want to eat there?" I asked, doubtfully (I've only ever thought of it as a bar, not a restaurant.) "Yeah," she said, "they have waffle fries!" Sold. I ordered the portobello mushroom wrap, and she got the buffalo chicken sandwich. Chik-fil-a's waffle fries could easily take TJ's waffle fries in a back-alley knife fight, but I have to admit that the seasoning was pretty tasty. My wrap, on the other hand, didn't taste like much, but I may be partially to blame because I told them to go easy on the pesto mayo. Service was mediocre. On the way out I was entertained by a sign advertising "Bladder Buster Saturdays." Apparently, from 8:30 to 10 pm you can drink free Bud Light on the patio until someone has to leave to go to the bathroom. I think I'll have to come back just to watch.
(3)
Ryan B.
Yes it's a dive, and the food is good/not great and can hit the spot at the right time. The reason I give this place 5 stars is because of the bartenders. They make this bar what it is and is one of the main reasons I enjoy coming here compared to most bars. They are fun, talkative, and make this place far more enjoyable than most bars where bartenders just serve you drinks and never talk.
(5)
Maya B.
If large dive-y sports bars are your scene, you should give this place a shot! Weekends (especially at night) it gets pretty hype, with decent radio-club music, an easy-going vibe, and reasonably priced drinks. They have numerous TVs and several different bar areas (indoor and outdoor) from which you can typically get a good view of your favorite game. The menu is full of typical bar fair (chicken wings, quesadillas, etc. etc.). Come for the wings and beer deals on game days. Why two stars? It's a bit bro-ey and the bathrooms are, well, awful...I mean I don't expect much but come on? That said, I've been multiple times and will likely be back again!
(2)
Jessica H.
This place is awesome for happy hour. HOWEVER if you are looking for a classy, and quiet establishment, this is not for you. It is a dive, but the wings are AWESOME, an the nachos are massive. The place was packed when we were there, but the service was great. I defiantly will be going back.
(4)
Jen F.
Tommy Joes is similar to any bar, the fun factor has a direct relationship with the drunk factor. This is more of a summer bar with the outdoor areas. The crowd here is always diverse. I've been here on asian night.. and old creeper white man night.. and "bar mitzvah songs" dance night. I've had my 2am nights here as well as my fall-asleep-on-couch at midnight nights.
(3)
Adrienne L.
Like another reviewer, I couldn't remember this place's name after my lunch. Nothing spectacular: I had the caesar salad and French onion soup. The soup was surprisingly more tasty than I thought it would be, but unfortunately two of my friends didn't have as good of an experience. They both sent back their chicken tenders, because Tommy Joe's has apparently changed them. They complained they were stringy, as if they were eating chicken breast and not tenders. Our waitress was very sweet and apologetic about it, though; I felt bad for her. All in all, another pricey but mediocre restaurant in downtown Bethesda.
(2)
Catie C.
Soo I'm kind of a huge fan of bars that play good music and have an outdoor patio which allows me to smoke and dance and laugh. :) This is the exact place I love to go to on a summer night with me and my ladies and dance and smoke our parliament lights and drink fruity drinks and laugh at ugly guys trying to hit on us. The owner is an amazing guy named Alan, and the General Manager John is quite hilarious if I might say so myself. I went on St. Patricks day, and met a hottie from Kentucky that I ended up locking lips with. No idea his name, but thats okay. :) Tommy Joes I love you.
(5)
Doug A.
What can I say, Tommy Joe's is the best place to be in Bethesda...great staff, great food and incredible atmosphere...never had a bad time whether is was lunch, happy hour or dinner...
(5)
Danielle W.
More of a 3.5 stars...I rounded up because I liked our server. I had a gift certificate from half off DC ($25 for $50), so we decided to try this place for one of our monthly "girls" dinners and it was perfect for what we were looking for! A little hard to find - could be a little more well lit - but all good from there. Great happy hour specials and I like how they are offered in the dining room as well as the bar area. Specials were $3.50 drafts, house wine, and rails - and they had good draft choices - even Guiness! Also there were half price tenders, wings, and quesadillas. We split the tenders and wings while waiting for everyone to arrive - tenders were great, the waffle fries they came with were amazing, and the wings were just ok. I had the filet mignon sandwich for my meal, which was very good and I believe the rest of the table all enjoyed their meals as well - mostly typical bar food. Another thing that made this place great was the service - our waitress was attentive, but not clingy and had a great personality. Granted it was not very busy in there, but our experience was great. Thanks!
(4)
sophie S.
More of a bar atmosphere, in fact really fun at night, there is a back outdoor bar that is very cute. However it is a great place for wings. Besides Hard Times I'd say Tommy Joe's poho style wings are pretty damn good!!! The rest of the food is good, very reasonable and a big variety. Really the only thing i have thought was better than average at Tommy Joe's was the wings. They are delicious!!! Otherwise I would just go at night for the bar scene, or to watch a game. GO BLUE!!!!! Metro is best, about a block away from the bethesda metro station. Otherwise find a lot and walk, Tommy Joe's doesnt have much of a parking lot, more of a driveway.
(3)
Tim F.
Rude! They over charged us on our bill and told me I was a liar. I had arguments with the bartender and manager. They treated me horribly when I contested the bill. Manager finally agreed to give a partial refund but told me I was a liar. I have never seen this kind of behavior before treated to a regular customer. I was honest about my bill but they would not give me the benefit of the doubt. These people know me and I come all the time; yet that didn't matter. I won't go again and recommend that you don't' either. They over charge on drinks anyways.
(1)
lisa w.
Went for a Michigan game... Good food specials, was able to hear the game (very exciting), And the waitresses were super attentive. Looking forward to spending every Saturday there next fall. (I'll be there before that). The outdoor patio looks great!
(4)
Semra E.
This is one of the only bars that I'd go to when I'm in Bethesda...I just don't really like the folks that frequent this city to be honest. It's a little too stiff for my taste, but this spot is probably one of the only diverse crowds in Bethesda that I've been to. I always have a good time here & usually end up meeting with friends here on a random night. It's your typical bar, they have a "DJ" (boombox w/ CD's really), so you shouldn't be expected to pay a lot at this location. It's supposed to be cheap & convenient, which it is for both departments.
(3)
N S.
Tommy Joe's. I remember when this place got really popular, but I just never got it. It does nothing for me. My 10th high school reunion was even held here so I cannot escape the place, it seems! Never have eaten here, and despite my lack of enthusiasm, I do like that they have an outdoor area which is nice during the spring/summer months. Honestly, I'm surprised it's held on for as long as it has. The best advice I can give you that's related is watch out for the 5-0 when you leave. They prey on this section of Bethesda like hawks, plus the station is right across the street.
(2)
Nicole L.
I went there a while ago with people who thought it's a good place to get picked up!! I wonder who they wanted to get picked up by? It's either sleazy old dudes or young right of college kids. It's a very blah place that I didn't care for. Not my crowd. We got lots of drinks and the check ended up pretty high even though the bartender was supposedly going to hook us up. Oh well not my territory...needless to say I won't miss it if I don't go there ever again.
(1)
Libby F.
6:55. My friends and I think we made it just in time for the tail end of happy hour. Not so, according to our waitress! My watch is set to WTOP's time on the 8's, but oh well, I guess I'll settle for paying $6ish for a Blue Moon draft. And no half price quesadillas either! The three appetizers we had here were all not very good. Quesadilla: Very little cheese; Tex-Mex Egg Rolls: Bland. Very Bland; and the Nachos that alexis g. said were the cheesiest nachos you could ever want, were not. Maybe they were low on cheese last night? The cheese on the nachos was crispy--too long under the broiler. AND, the tortilla chips were not fresh. But, as far as atmosphere, this is a nice hang-out, especially if you're an alum of a Bethesda HS like the owners are. I used to come here all the time several years back. Their crab cake sandwich was one of the best in the area (I did not see it on the menu this time; only as a dinner platter). There is plenty of room to hang out here, even in the winter season when they winterize the patio area with heat lamps (Still cold in there, so stick to the main bar). I am hoping they will re-institute their canine happy hour in the spring. That is the only thing that will draw me back. Hopefully I will make it before 7pm according to THEIR watches!
(3)
Theo P.
Went here on a Friday night. Seemed more like a frat party than a bar. If thats your "scene" then you should check it out. Dislike: the fact the lights remained ON all night. People were still dancing because the DJ was rockin it with a good mix from every genre. Drink prices were reasonable and TJs has 2 large bars including one outdoors for the smokers. Bathroom line was long and crowded. Would re-visit in jeans and t-shirt with flipflops.
(4)
Alicia G.
I've been here several times for drinks - for karaoke a few times and once for happy hour after work when one of my co-workers was leaving for a new job. Drinks are good. Lots of space in the main dining room as well as the atrium bar (for all of those who smoke). Was here on Friday for lunch with my boss and another co-worker - it was nice out so we sat at a table near the open windows since the patio was mostly full. I was less impressed this time - the food wasn't that great. I had half a sandwich and a cup of the crab soup. The bread on the sandwich was so dry it basically crumbled as I picked it up. Soup was mediocre at best. My boss paid for everything, but for $9, I feel like I could have spent it elsewhere for something more tasty. Come here for drinks and karaoke, but pass on the food.
(3)
Oscar S.
I've been coming to Tommy Joe's since my early 20s. This is a fun atmosphere during the weekends at night. Lots of dancing, good drinks. This place is for the younger college crowd. Although we still have fun when we go there with a group of friends. At the end of the night it tends to get a crazy as people get too drunk, either fight or get arrested, lol. So you might not want to close out THIS bar. Barking Dog around the corner is a better bar. This is a fun place for a nice sunny afternoon, you can get some wings (very good) and have a few drinks underneath the sun.
(3)
Dan F.
This is a review for the nightclub only. I have never been there just to eat during the day. Tommy Joes is a large bar/restaurant/club right next to the Bethesda metro. There is free parking at the Garage across the street from the Police Station right across from Tommy Joes, so it is convenient to get to and from. It is free to get in, and they have friendly bouncers (not the type that literally throw their weight around, they are nice to you unless you give them a reason not to be). The beer and mixed drink prices are very reasonable. They don't hire some stripper to be the bartender, they have talented real bartenders who will serve you fairly and quickly. Tip them well! The reason this place is good to go dancing in is 1) its BIG so lots of room to dance, and if you dont want to dance but just want to sit down and drink theres tons of tables too. 2) no cover or dress code, none of that pretentious DC BS 3) Pretty good bar food, the seasoned fries are great 4) Mixed crowd, I see old people, young people, all races, all orientations. The music is what you'd expect, top-40. So in summary, its nothing super amazing but if you like a relaxed no-BS bar/club to dance at with cheap drinks in a safe area right next to the metro this is your spot.
(3)
Kim H.
Ehhh, typical bar food, nothing special. I ordered the steak dip sandwich and when they brought it out they told me they didn't have au jou sauce!!! What the heck, at least tell me before I ordered it! Next time I come here it will be just to drink.
(2)
Terry C.
Tommie Joe's is a neighborhood saloon with a friendly staff reasonable prices and good food. The steak salad, the fajitas, and the burgers are my go to items for lunch, but I am dying to try their prime rib special. Always fun, always friendly.
(4)
Michael S.
great wings! happy hour specials are good (until 7pm) crowd gets progressively younger as the day/night goes on....
(4)
LaRocha L.
In brief: around the corner form the metro, $2 Coors Light Draft Pints, tasty seasoned waffle fries. Went here with some friends last Friday evening, and it was fine for what we wanted - cheap beer, snacks and casual hanging out. Very much a dive atmosphere (e.g. plastic pint glasses, everything painted matte black, etc) but our servers were really, really nice. I hear (from everyone I know who grew up in Maryland) that it's totally that one bar where everyone you went to high school with and don't really want to see again hangs out, but since I'm not from around here it was fine. As I'd had an exhausting week, I headed home around 11pm, when it started to get louder and the drunker, trashier crowd started to show up en masse.
(3)
IH K.
It's pretty much the equivalent of a Clarendon Ballroom meat market, except that it's bethesda. The two other differences? Tommy Joe's doesn't have a rooftop bar and boasts a younger (but snarkier) crowd. Since I'm very much over the "let's pretend to be ghetto-hip in the middle of bethesda" days, I'll have to pass. If you grew up in Bethesda and want to have awkward high school reunion moments, by all means go here. I'll be washing my hair that night.
(1)
Phi N.
It's hard for me to separate the Bethesda bars from one another. They are all pretty similar. Tommy Joe's does have a nice little area outside to sit at though (during days with nice weather of course). Not the best place to watch games at, and I've never ate here so I can't give you info on that either... but it can be fun times. So go and find out how much you like it.
(3)
Julia L.
Can I just say that I thought this place was a total shit hole, but it was actually not that bad! We went on Thursday night and the place was half full. The food is pretty basic pub fare, but it was good and surprisingly fresh. Plus they serve late. Our waitress was cute and friendly, and the bartender greeted us when we came in. This is not the place to go for a date or a girls night out or with your parents or...in other words, it's not "nice" or "cool". But if you want some late night grub and a beer, do it.
(4)
Merida F.
We went on a Saturday night because it had the best dancing music in Bethesda. By dancing music I mean something you would hear in DC or on 99.5 and stations sometimes in Baltimore. The DJ also mixed in fun songs too. There is also a pretty big dance floor. Drinks were decent priced but the same to all of the other bars in Bethesda. they do have an outdoor patio which they can turn on a heater if you are feeling cold. You can also smoke out there so word to the wise-if you dont like smoke and smelling like smoke-you don't hang out on the patio.
(3)
Marianne D.
Um, Yeah. DJ... where are you? Can't see you... and you can't seem to see the dancefloor to notice when people aren't feelin' the groove. Hmmm... Yeah.... That's about all I can say about this mostly-Freshman-crowd establishment. Decor, yeah. No. But then again, those that frequent the place know what they want and know what they get so it all works out in the end. Props to Im Han who also noted it's trying to be very ghetto, yet with a barely-island theme, in the middle of concrete & boredom, preppy Bethizzle. I'm all for chill, (Barking Dog and Austin Grill beforehand that night) but this... just wasn't quite right. VERDICT: Pass
(1)
Braden S.
This is a fun place to go with friends. It is set up very well with a dance floor, restaurant area, indoor bar, indoor/outdoor bar and then another outdoor tiki bar. Usually an under 30 crowd, but be careful and keep your clothing and things on you at all times or they may get stolen (happened to a friend).
(3)
Jessica F.
Been here a couple times and seems like a place for people who've grown up here and/or know the bartenders. I'm neither so not on the top of my list.
(2)
Tom D.
3.5 stars A good option for drinks in Bethesda. The food didn't look great -- but I also didn't try any of the food. Beers aren't served in glass pint glasses, but in the heavy plastic glasses -- and I don't think beer ever tastes quite as good in plastic. One of the people I work with smokes -- and you can smoke in the atrium bar -- so it is a good option for those that like to light up. Yet, the place didn't smell much of smoke.... Great music and lots of fun. Worth a visit.
(3)
Shaun O.
In continuing my friday night venture, I sauntered over here as I was attracted by the pulsing music and the collection of folks spilling out. I ordered a blue moon and wandered around. Going without a wingman is tough, but I figured I could always bail too.... I noticed the dance floor, and figured why not? Nobody knows me that well and most people are usually appreciative of someone making an effort. So for a good 1.5 hours I was out there trying out different moves with a devil-may-care attitude. I even had a few people give me some pointers, which was great. Definitely a fun place to hang out on a friday night!
(5)
michele p.
THIS is a bar, don't think its a 5 star restaurant, don't go here for the ambiance, don't dress up, don't come here strolling for socialites... this is a GOOD BAR, good bar food, good bar space, good outdoor area, good bartenders! Wear your flipflops and tshirts, come watch all the TVs that are everywhere you turn with DC sports on, and enjoy life :)
(5)
Sean T.
Hey did anyone see that kid get his ass kicked this past Friday the 18th. I heard he was getting pummled into the ground like some punk! Yeah go get em TJ's!!
(5)
Cherry R.
I purchased a groupon based on the pic posted; never again will I go back to Tommy joe's. The place looked dirty, the food was over priced and nasty, the bathrooms were worsted then port-a-potties, the crowed was terrible, I still spent $40 after the groupon, and the drinks were not all that. I will never go back.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Music : DJ, Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dan B.
This place is cool if your with at least 10 friends. The crowd is so whack other than that. Gaithersburg and Rockville kids everywhere. My friends wallet got stolen out of her purse last Saturday on the Dancefloor. I have fun here though. $3 PBRs is cool and so is the outdoor bar area.
(2)terry k.
Had California Chicken Salad for lunch and it was quite good. I pretty much cleaned the plate. My complaint is about the bill which included $11 for the salad which was the menu price, but also an additional $4 for the chicken. The salad on the menu lists chicken as a component. When I questioned the server who was also the person that took the order,she said that it seemed strange to her also, but while she was pleasant and cordial, she just treated this as one of life's mysteries.
(1)Damon Z.
I stopped by with a friend on a Friday night in April while visiting the DC area. Both of us enjoyed ourselves quite a bit. The place is spacious, and the crowd is youthful, yet well behaved. I'm in my early 30s, and was probably at the top end of the age spectrum there, but didn't feel out of place. Street parking in that part of Behtesda was easy to find, for me at least.
(4)Thugnificent M.
Steak quesadillas-check. Chicken fingers-check. TACO salad-check. Tommy Joe's-this place is amazing. A high school cafeteria menu and the place is packed. WTF. Tommy Joe's is the spot right next to the Exxon station. The fumes add to the mystique of the establishment. As you walk in you find a bar on your right and the seating area/dance floor on the left. The bar isn't bad, quick drinks cheap. The seating area has a 8x10 dance floor which the grimiest people crowd. The DJ sucks. The music sucks. The food is frozen surplus lunches from the HS down the street. All they do to prepare it is microwave it for 3 minutes and they still seem to burn the chicken fingers every time. Happy hour is pretty fun here; drinks just seem to flow down your throat. Soon you'll be drunk off your ass and high from Exxon Plus fumes. And as the room starts spinning the food starts becoming better and better. The place is actually enjoyable. You hear that song? The DJ is amazing! You make your way out to the dance floor. Hey that girls looking at you. I think she wants you to grab her ass. Wait you gotta go pee. Lines pretty long, but it's worth the wait. Don't slip, the floor is wet. It's only a couple of drips from the 300 guys who misfired on the floor before you. Over all this place is only good if you like college type bars. Smelly, dirty, and over rated. Well at least the girls there are pretty slutty.
(3)Victoria S.
Ok - I admit it...I love to go to Tommy Joe's. Now that's out in the open I just want to say that TJs is where to go for a beer and some old skool fun in MOCO. Yes, it slightly resembles any meat market bar in Collegetown USA but it's got its subtle charms including the decent looking bartenders, awesome managers and of course the "Bethesda-crowd." Wear something cute or comfy...it doesn't matter. They take all-comers. The big plus is you can stumble to the metro across the street if you've had too much. :oP
(3)Alexis G.
I've heard a lot of people refer to this as a frat bar -- only for the younger scene -- but I really enjoy the menu here. They have great appetizers, including some of the cheesiest nachos you could ever want and really good wings. Considering that this is a pretty low key setting, it's great they have something for (almost) everyone on the menu (not too much for vegans). As far as Bethesda nightlife (or lack of) goes, Tommy Joe's is pretty much a staple. They have happy hour specials daily, including some half-priced appetizers. They also have a half-priced burger night on Mondays, and there usually isn't a line out the door like with some other places. This is really a great place to go after work with your cohorts, because the metro is very close in case happy hour lasts all night.
(3)Ali M.
Tommy Joe's bills itself as a Michigan football bar. However, during the Michigan bowl game, they refused to turn the sound on for the game inside the bar and instead insisted that those who wanted to watch the game could sit outside on the patio with the smaller tvs. If you chose to stay inside, it was still freezing while music blared throughout the bar despite no one being there to sing kareoke. The wait staff tried to speak with the manger as every person who walked in became irritated about the setup, but he refused to make any adjustments. To top it off, food was overcooked and greasy. Perhaps if you are looking for a kareoke bar in Bethesda on a Tuesday, this is your place. But it's definitely not worth it for football. Huge disappointment. Go to Buffalo Billiards instead.
(1)Becky T.
There's something about the nightlife in Bethesda that reminds me of high school and undergrad. Maybe it's because of the old school top 40 that the DJ plays. Maybe it's the Bethesda frat/sorority crowd. Or maybe it's the shots and drinks served in plastic cups. Anyway, even though I sometimes feel old at the ripe age of 25, it's not bad to have a little nostalgia for the good times. The dance floor was fun once people started getting going, it wasn't a total sausage-fest, chicken wings were good, and DJ was friendly playing Snoop Dogg's "Sexual Seduction" for my friend Ash and Estelle's "American Boy" for me. There's even a random old guy who just quietly dances by himself who gets lucky now and then when a young girl dances with him. Good times.
(4)Raymond W.
I went to Tommy Joe's with some co-workers for happy hour and to celebrate an intern's last day and two new hires (one including myself). I ordered $3.50 Coronas and as a group we ordered some bar food. The waffle fries were amazing and the chicken tenders were big and juicy. It was the first bar I went to since I moved to the area and I'm a fan. Hopefully I'll have more happy hours in the future.
(4)matt L.
This place is great for a group of friends. It serves its purpose as a sports bar/local hangout. I like the outdoor patio, they also have heaters for the cold nights. If you were to get some food, i can only suggest the waffle fries.
(3)Jody Z.
Great for happy hour. I had dinner and drinks here on a Friday night. No wait, great service and the food came out so fast! Drink specials were okay, $3.25 drafts isn't the greatest happy hour special, but they did have some 1/2 priced appetizers. I recommend the chicken quesadilla and blackened chicken pasta. Conveniently located right near the metro too.
(3)Ryan M.
I hate to dump on places, but Tommy Joe's just doesn't impress. The happy hour specials are pretty good, the food's not bad and cheap at the right times, but the whole place leaves something to be desired. There's an 'outdoor' area for the smokers that's entirely enclosed and heated-probably the only place of it's kind in Bethesda. But all that said, and especially outside of happy hour, the crowd generally sucks-sort of the 'I'm better than you and I'm here with 20 other people who think they're better than you' folks. So stop by for a beer after work if your coworkers are going, like I do, but don't stay late or come back on the weekend...
(2)Mark D.
Reminded me of a toned down version of TGI Fridays (ie no crazy buttons on the serving staff). And the quality is about the same. I had their Monday lunch special, which was a chicken parm sandwich which came with onion rings. The sauce was a little dry, but the chicken was nice and cheesy. Service was average, but to their benefit, I came during the lunch-time crush. They also had a karaoke set-up (wasn't going during lunch)...maybe I'll have to check out their happy hours!
(3)Dan A.
Tommy Joe's is a great casual bar. Lots of room, indoor and outdoor areas (with heat lamps and projection TVs outside!) Food is bar food, but tasty. Good sweet potato fries. Bartenders are friendly, and won't stiff you on the booze. Overall, an excellent place to grab a few drinks at night.
(5)Brian S.
A few friends and I wanted to go to Tommy Joe's last Saturday night for a drink, but two of my friends were removed because of the restaurant's "dress code" policy. One friend was wearing a designer tank top, and the other friend was wearing camouflage shorts. While at the restaurant, I witnessed several customers in tank tops, and at least one customer in a white V-neck undershirt. Because of the inconsistency of the enforcement of their dress code policy, I politely asked to speak to the manager that night so I could understand. The manager's response to my question was to conform to the dress code policy, or leave. I escorted myself out of the restaurant to meet up with my removed friends. While off the property, I then witnessed the bouncer giving the middle finger to myself and my friends. I have a great video recording on my phone of the bouncer in the act to back it up. I understand that a privately-owned restaurant has the right to enforce a dress code policy on their establishment. I do not understand why the dress code policy cannot be explained and enforced consistently. And I certainly do not understand how a bouncer flicking off people outside the establishment can be viewed as OK.
(1)Anthony C.
$2.83 for a diet coke. Wow, that has to be some kind of record. I went in and they were having a special on prime rib--like $14 for a whole meal with two sides. Eating prime rib at a hang out place is kind of like eating seafood in Nebraska. But I plowed ahead, stubborn as a mule. It was ok. Not great. I'd go back but not to eat the cheap prime rib. But the $2.83 diet coke upsets me. This is ripping people off. Even in Bethesda.
(2)Neri A.
I used to work across the street from TJ's in the early to mid 2000's and we had HH there more times than I can imagine so I know the place pretty well. The good: as always the wait staff was friendly and attentive, they hire good people...always have. Couple of the girls split a salad and they loved it. The bad: The ladie's restroom is even filthier than I remembered; they seriously need to do something about it because you walk out feeling like you need a tetanus shot. The waffle fries use to be one of my favorite things there but they weren't worth the smackeroos and I was disappointed. I was there for a Paint Nite event and the music was clashing...the place is just too small to have several different types of music playing. Overall, it is a great place to grab a drinks with friends or coworkers but if you are planning to eat there are way too many places nearby with far better fare.
(3)Kendal Ann M.
You're in luck, happy hour is from 4-8! Tommy Joe's offers one of the best happy hours in Bethesda. Happy Hour is offered throughout the restaurant, which is a huge plus. Keep in mind if it's nice out there are two outdoor options. In addition to an awesome happy hour, Tommy Joe's knows how to make a mean buffalo chicken wrap. They know when you are talking about when you request the wrap extra spicy. If you are in the area around 4, stop in for happy hour; Tommy Joe's wont dissapoint.
(4)Mary Margaret E.
Super casual bar. Great bartenders. Food's more expensive than I'm used to for bar food. Got my food to go and it wasn't a bad wait at all. Crap dip is bland, but was packed with meat. I added about two packets of salt and pepper. It was a pretty huge portion - enough for three or four people. Wings are a good size and they give a huge cup of ranch, which is a plus cause most places try to skimp out on sauces.
(4)Ruth C.
Two and a half stars. As a bar who sponsors local rec leagues, I came here to play beer pong and flip cup after games. The only other time I've stopped in to tolerate their abysmal service was right after a major storm; Tommy Joe's is on the police station's power grid, so they had power long before other kitchens in the neighborhood. I've had their wings, chicken tenders (waffle fries are better than the tots), quesadillas, and wraps. The only thing I actually enjoyed here was the Cuban, which is only available as a special. I would not order the following again: the Thai chicken quesadilla as the sauce drizzled on it is pretty unappetizing, the Santa Fe wrap with its dry blackened chicken, and the ahi tuna wrap with lukewarm fish. You can otherwise keep your expectations low, tune out the bro-ish regulars, and watch a game on conservatively sized TVs over basic bar grub.
(2)Ana P.
Parking was a pain. We managed to park in a $5 lot a few blocks over. TJ's does not have a parking lot and does not offer validation. It is extremely close to the Bethesda Metro, though... On to the review! Went here because I was given a gift card. Otherwise, I never would have found this place. It's a bar, so patrons are carded before entry. The place looks pretty run down and is very sticky. The restrooms are a bit strange as well. I think in the ladies room there are two regular sized stalls and one stall converted from a broom closet? So of course, I chose the broom closet one as it had a mini sink enclosed in the stall. Unfortunately, the sink did not work... The restaurant has a space for a small game room, as well, but it looks pretty hopeless in there right now. It had one game and was basically being used as storage space. An air hockey table could fit there! Anyway, our waitress was pretty sweet and attentive. She provided great service because she was covering I think at least eight more tables. BP and I went on a Thursday night. It was trivia night and the place was packed! It was pretty cool watching everyone participating in the trivia, shouting random bits of info, laughing and of course drinking with friends. We were totally unaware of trivia night so I don't think we had as much fun as all of the other patrons there. I overheard the Ed Sheeran obsessed trivia announcer tell others how his full-time job is working with Autistic children. Thought this was pretty cool. He had a great personality for the job! Anyway! The food was amazing! BP ordered the California Chicken wrap and really enjoyed it. He gave me his onion rings as they were a bit greasy. I thought they were great! I had a the steak wrap and we also has a quesadilla to-go. I loved how my fries were battered and then fried. They get me here! The food and the service were delightfully unexpected :)
(4)Carolyn C.
Okay, I take back what I said in my previous review. This place is awful, incredibly awful. Their happy hour menu is filled with mediocre tasting fried food and other unhealthy options. Their wine is awful, I've had three different kinds and it's below average table wine, not worth $4-6.00 especially when the bottle cost less than $10.00. The reason for this bad review is due to the my last happy hour experience which consisted of horrific service, food and drinks. Not only was our bartender high, smelled of pot/weed and made the entire bar smell of it, he was just out of it. Once we were finished it took someone 38 minutes to notice our plates then they only cleared our space and ignored our empty glasses. This is when I was fed up, they were incredibly awful servers and I'm surprised that this place is still running.... I walked over to the bar and stood there trying to get the attention of the sever who was to busy talking to some mid-30 guy about "big as***." Please note that there was only 7 other people sitting at the bar. Therefore, there was no need to ignore the only female in the entire place who was basically begging to leave (I wanted to walk out without paying, I have never felt like this before). The $2.00 tip was way more than they deserved. Never again. I took this place off our agency's happy hour list.
(1)Lee O.
Well, this place at least looks good. It's average for food. I went on a Friday afternoon. Their house merlot is gross. We ordered the happy hour quesadilla came out very quickly but it was average. The wings with their POHO sauce were good, but some tasted of the old, burnt gunk from the grill. The Fajita Friday comes with way too small an amount of cheese, guacamole, tomatoes and such, but tasted well. The garlic spinach was particularly good as a side. The steak tacos aren't all that pretty but are very juicy and taste awesome. The brownie sundae was a bit small but was awesome. The service was pretty good too. I'll return to check it out.
(3)Dave B.
Tommy Joes is a great place to spend the weekend. Fun atmosphere, games, friendly staff, good prices. Great for a young crowd.
(5)Christopher K.
The bar is lots of fun the the bar tenders are more fun. Tuesday is karaoke night! So much fun!
(5)Mike B.
OK, First problem. The Caesar salad that I got looked like it had been sitting: premixed for 24 hours. The lettuce was wilted, there was no crunch, parmesan was non existent- it looked like it had been fished out of the trash. Second problem. The base Caesar salad cost me 9 dollars ( which is a dollar more than on the menu). Bothered me based on principle. I asked them to add crispy chicken onto it and they put 2 thin extremely overcooked chicken strips on the salad and charged me 5 dollars for them. So all in all, my very very unappetizing salad cost 14 dollars. So unappetizing, my stomach was not feeling to well the rest of the night. I shouldn't have eaten it, but I was oh so hungry after spending a long day out in the hot sun. The Bartender who served me was nice... but the food was just SO disappointing and at the price it came... I'm not planning on eating there anytime soon.
(2)J J.
Typical dive bar and hard to locate if you're not from the area...met up w. a friend here for drinks on a weekday. It was a slow night and the tap was limited in options. May stop by if in the area again but wouldn't go out of my way.
(3)Marie N.
Popped into here on an early Saturday afternoon as it was near where I needed to be for an appt. I am from Northern Virginia and not used to Bethesda...thank goodness for GPS. There is no parking, but we found a garage space a block away. Should note that on Saturday's parking is free. Tommy Joe's is within walking distance to the metro. It was bigger than I expected and the menu had a lot more on it than I was thinking it would for a bar. Yes it's older and yes it probably has seen better days, but again I thought it was a neighborhood type bar place. I liked the outdoor seating area and the front area being completely open. It was not crowded at all and the service was excellent. I could see during the week with all the businesses around where it would be a busy place after work. I think it would be a fun place to hang out. I had one of the specials for the day - steak nachos. I must say it was one of the better steak nachos I have had. The meal was inexpensive and came with scoops of salsa, guac and sour cream. It was done just right and was tasty. It was too big for me so I took it for leftovers. My friends had cobb salad, buffalo chicken wrap and sandwich/salad. They all enjoyed their meals as there was nothing left. None of us thought the food was expensive. As we said when we left - for a bar -the food was better than some restaurants. If I was coming this way again, I would stop in.
(4)Yumi M.
I am so sad to give them this rating, but it just was a dissapointment. My fiance and I reviewed their menu online prior to our visit. We were excited to try their PEI mussels appetizer and pumpkin pie (since I had been craving for one). We arrive and saw the menu, but they did not have them. I asked the server and she said they were out of those dishes. We had already sat down so we decided to give them a try. We ordered maryland crab dip, which was delicious. For entree, we ordered asian chicken salad and salmon. We added a crabcake to our salad and to our surprise the crab cake wasy very rich in crabs and not too much flour or other stuff added. This was probably the highlight of the night. I ordered the salad with no onions, but of course it came with the onions. I just took it off so it worked out okay but not too pleasant of an experience. The salmon was just okay, but the sweet potato fries were soaked in oil and it felt more of like glazed sweet potato fries. I know this place is more or so popular for their happy hour and late nights...and I guess there is a reason for that..
(1)Avi S.
Used to come here on Fridays often while waiting for The NYC bus. Never really had a problem with their food. Usually decent. Bar is a little dingy. I recently ordered a turkey burger and all I can say is it wasn't well done. So far Mr Monella (sal) hasn't visited and I do know that pink hue in a turkey burger doesn't mean it's not cooked all the way... I was in a rush and had to catch a bus so didn't say anything but if you are going to order a turkey burger...cutit in half before taking a bite of it and ask for it well done
(2)Mike S.
Well it certainly is a bar. Passable is the best word I can use to describe the nachos and quesadillas (especially given the price. Definitely ain't cheap) but I definitely appreciate the cheap-ish beer. In general, I tend to avoid this place as it tends to be a meeting place for obnoxious bros and anyone from my high school that graduated +-5 years from me. But if you don't mind that, rock on. Keep doing what you do, Tommy Joe's.
(3)Ashley P.
Epic fail! My husband received a gift card here from work, and I made the trek to Bethesda to grab some dinner with him after work. Total waste of time. *Pros* -It didn't cost us any money. *Cons* -Rude as hell Maryland attitude. The server (blonde hair, in her 20s, petite) acted like she was doing us a favor by attending to us. And it was clear as day she did not want to wait on us. She didn't have any information to share about the drinks, was very curt and abrupt, and made the experience terr-i-ble. -The food was mediocre. We had loaded baked potatoes to start, and the sour creme was the only flavor to speak of. -Burger and fries that had less seasoning than your 90's (or fill in the decade you were in elementary/middle school) lunchroom cafeteria offered. This stuff gives the word mediocre a bad rep. -The inside of this place is nasty as hell. The tables are old, chipped, and gross. There are water stains in the ceiling. Don't even bother looking at the floor. I almost wanted to leave before the food came. I can only imagine what the back of the house must look like. *shudders*I didn't bother going to the bathroom. I held it for the entire hour metro ride back to Alexandria! I didn't want to worry about the potential staph infection that might be ready to pounce. This place was downright dirty. -We still have money left on the gift card. I told the hubs to buy himself a drink or two after work, and get the hell out of there. Better yet, just throw the gift card away!
(1)Shanna E.
The only good thing I have to say about this place is the bouncer--he was super nice. The aesthetics of the place itself were very bare and not very well laid out. For being a sports bar, there were very few places to sit and actually view a tv. When we got there for football Sunday, all the seats in the bar were already taken, but only about 20 people were there. I stood at the bar for about 5 minutes to get a drink and a bartender literally never looked my way. He even walked down to fill up the drink of someone who was sitting and did not ask me or even look at me to get a drink. We wandered around for awhile, trying to see if there were other options to sit near a tv, and yet nobody came to help us or said anything, despite the fact that we clearly looked lost. Finally, we just left, and nobody said anything to us at all except the bouncer.
(1)Babak A.
We stopped here to grab a bite to eat and relax a bit after sight seeing in D.C, found the staff very nice. appetizers were very good also
(4)Carley M.
okay food. the staff is nice, however if a regular starts an issue with a new customer, they stick with the regular. this old man did everything he could short of getting punched in the eye for his actions and the bartenders just watched. i ended up cashing out and leaving. Also when he was leaving, it could have been a joke, but one of the bartenders told a black man to go back to the ghetto. not my choice of locations.
(1)Timmy C.
This is the best neighborhood spot in Bethesda. Great bartenders, amazing food, cold beer and awesome atmosphere.
(5)Sabina C.
Super cool sport.. Nice for young professionals looking for a good happy hour.Food was good. The place looks small from the outside but its pretty big, they have a sports bar section, a large dining area and then an outside bar area. Nice spot! Had a great time!
(4)Melanie G.
Went here last night and had high expectations, as I've heard about this place from a few friends. Definitely wasn't what I expected. I came here with a friend and as soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a doorman who asked if we'd like to donate $5 each towards the funeral of a someone who used to work there and that happy hour would be extended and I'd get $1 off of rail drinks and draft beers. Ok, sure. We paid and got a wristband. We were eventually greeted by a server who had no idea of the prices or the menu items and admitted he was new. Being new is fine- we've all been new at some point or another, but at least make an effort to try to find the answer to our menu inquiries. I ordered a drink, he brought it, and never came back again. I wanted to order food so after 20 minutes of waiting, I walked around and found him sitting near the kitchen eating dinner. Apparently, he was no longer our server and the bartender would be taking care of us. We had no clue because he never told us. The bartender finally came over and we ordered "drinks" and a quesidilla. I understand that the drinks are rail and not the best quality in liquor, but they were seriously the worst rail drinks I've ever had. I didn't taste any alcohol in any of them and neither did my friend who ordered whiskey and ginger. I ordered vodka, but something is wrong if you can't taste whiskey in your drink. We had about 2 more, thinking that these would taste better, but we were disappointed. i'm convinced there was no liquor in them at all, or they were diluted with water. One or the other. We ended up leaving feeling like we had wasted money and that we were bamboozled by the bouncer. (Sidenote: There was karaoke going on in the dining room area and it seemed like a good time. If I ever return, it'll be after getting drinks somewhere else and coming solely to sing.)
(2)Joe A.
All PATS fans. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere. Make the trek to Murphy's in Old Town if you have to. They advertise as a Pats bar so obviously the audio should be on for the Pats. This past Sunday not one of the employees knew how to operate the audio to put on the volume of the Pats game. They barely put in an effort and didn't seem to think it was a big deal. We walked out. We ended up at Fat Pet's Barbque in Cleveland Park. We will continue to go there instead of Tommy Joe's as Murphy's in Old Town is too much of a hike.
(1)Megan K.
Drinks, fine. Food, fine. Outdoor area, better than fine. Service? Horrible. The staff, especially servers, don't seem to have 2 brain cells to rub between them. Have been many times (work around the corner) and each time whatever server we get is just the worst. One time we asked to pay the bill. The server never came back, so we just left what we hopped was enough cash on the table. She's lucky we didn't just walk out without paying. The staff isn't very nice either. Go around the corner to Barking Dog instead!
(2)Christina N.
We love this spot. It's a great neighborhood bar with a great happy hour, a ridiculous amount of TVs for sports, bartenders who remember your name... Their lunch is good, they get you in and out in plenty of time (my go to is their southwest wrap and waffle fries). I also can't go to happy hour without getting an order of wings. Good late night crowd and you don't have to wait eons for a beer.
(4)Tara L.
Move along folks, nothing to see here. I really don't have much to say about Tommy Joe's. You know how sometimes you meet someone over and over again and you NEVER remember their name because they left NO impression on you? That's how I feel about Tommy Joe's. It doesn't impress me, it doesn't turn me off...it leaves no real impression on me either way. It merely exists. However, the food is pretty decent. I used to come here for lunch when I worked in Bethesda and they have some tasty waffle fries and a really delicious steak salad with blue cheese, walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette and marinated strip steak. They also have an indoor/outdoor bar and patio in the center of the restaurant which I'm sure is a bonus for smokers. Tommy Joe's is also the place that on Thanksgiving Eve, everyone and their mamas that grew up in Montgomery County gather. It's overwhelming and is avoided at all costs. I made the mistake of checking it out once when I was home from college and it was like a flashback from all walks of life. A little too much when I'm just trying to chill. If you're in the area, it's not a horrible place to go. It just would never be my first or second choice when hanging out in Bethesda.
(3)John R.
It is kind of a dump. The open air bar is nice, but the place has sticky floors and feels like it isn't cleaned very often. I didn't order the food my comments are only regarding the atmosphere.
(2)Ana T.
Dined there last night with my husband. ( 1st time). My expectations were not high considering the reviews at this site. It is a neighborhood bar. However, the mussels app, the club and the buffalo chicken wrap were all hot, fresh and tasty. The drinks were HH prices and were not watered down. The server Caroline was quick and friendly. They honored our restaurant.com coupon. The only draw back, no big deal, was they didn't know how to give me credit for the Open Table reservation. Not the kind of place that needs a reservation anyway. Hope this review helps remove some of the negativity I read.
(4)Shane S.
Proven winner. Solid neighborhood bar for over 10 years. Great staff, where they learn your name and provide dependable service. Underrated lunch spot. If you want a solid neighborhood spot to grab lunch, have a beer, hit happy hour, this is your place. What other bar in Bethesda keeps staff and regulars for a decade.
(5)Tiffany J.
Found this place to meet a friend that came into town for business and was pleasantly surprised! Waitress was very friendly and the food was average priced but very delicious! If in the area, definitely going there again!
(5)Avery U.
Much of the time this place is overcrowded with terrible service. All of the time, it's overpriced with lackluster food. The bar seems to prefer hosting random events that draw in first time customers, the consequences of which seem detrimental to the experience of anyone who might attempt to return on a regular basis. 3/5 times you'll find yourself waiting over half an hour before you're even acknowledged by the wait staff. Even when you are, you'll probably end up disappointed by the low quality food, skimpy portions, and ridiculous pricing. Go somewhere else!
(1)Lindsey W.
Love Tommy Joes! Great owner and friendly staff! Has both food and drink specials during the week and on weekends. Large indoor dining room and 3 bar areas (one indoor, one on the outdoor covered patio, and the outside tiki bar! Tommy joes hosts a lot of great charity events and is a great support to the community. Cabs are always available outside and it's a block from the metro and directly across from the Bethesda elevator from the metro.If your driving park across Wisconsin at the Montgomery Avenue garage or on weekends park in the metro garage for free. Tommy Joes hosts WAKA Besthesda kickball league and the Social Sports Bethesda league. Truly a place where everyone knows your name! Love you Poho!
(5)Mike S.
Tommy Joe's is a great place to watch a game, get great bar snacks, and relax... If you prefer great people and a good game to waiting in line with d-bags in DC clubs and aren't too caught up in the places where you need to be seen/overcharged at trendier spots downtown then TJ's is for you. If you prefer those spots, great! go there for a $15 watered down electric blue lemonade, you DB... we probably wouldn't like you anyway. TJ's is a great local spot with the longest running and best bar staff in the area... introduce yourself to the bartender and try the POHO wings, best around.
(5)Sara T.
Was visiting friends recently on the way to Florida. They recommended we meet at Tommy Joe's for happy hour. Such a fun place! Had the Poho wings and they were delicious. Awesome environment for watching the game, having some delicious bar food and hanging with friends. One of us ordered a caesar with grilled salmon and it was delcious. Salmon was perfectly cooked. Two had burgers and another had another order of wings. I don't know what the problem is with some of these other reports, but our food and service were great! Also, I personally thought the prices were more than fair and the portions great. I think one of the highlights is the owner. Poho was awesome. Felt like I was hanging with an old friend. Keep up the great work Tommy Joe's....such a fun place to be!
(4)Natalie F.
Recently watched the Patriots get there asses kicked by the Ravens here and found it to be a fun experience! I didn't realize this place is actually a New England/Redskins sports bar. There was a good mix of different fans watching the game which made it fun. The service was pretty good, they were slammed that evening so I was very patient. My friends and I ordered several items including the chicken fingers, fries, a chicken wrap and I got the mussels. Everything was delicious. I was really into the mussels I ordered and the delicious garlic bread! I even requested extra bread to enjoy with the broth and the server was really generous and accommodating! Prices are decent, there's quite a bit of seating if you have a large group. They have a really odd smoking area right in the middle of the building. When you head to the bathroom you have to pass this really strange open room with the most random items in it, a fax machine and what looked like a messy, outdated sad excuse for an office? All in all a fun place to watch a game and get your grub on!
(4)Paola G.
All bars in Bethesda are very much a like so I cant say I like one more than the other. What I do notice is the music, which is 85% horrible 5% satisfactory but never ever has it been good. I enjoy Tommy Joes much more in the day time for a football game wings and beer. Wanna get wasted and not give a damn about who's watching you- Tommy Joes is the place to go!
(2)Nicole W.
Didn't experience the bar scene, but the food...oh the food. Burnt nachos and meh veggie quesadillas. MIGHT have given this place another go around since the guac was pretty tasty, but I felt sick for days after eating here. One star for having wii bowling.
(1)Juliana C.
My lunch-er in crime (Anne) and I were on our way across town for a bite to eat when we walked by Tommy Joe's. My hair had turned into a poofball in the 95% humidity and her head turned once we had passed the building. "Do you want to eat there?" I asked, doubtfully (I've only ever thought of it as a bar, not a restaurant.) "Yeah," she said, "they have waffle fries!" Sold. I ordered the portobello mushroom wrap, and she got the buffalo chicken sandwich. Chik-fil-a's waffle fries could easily take TJ's waffle fries in a back-alley knife fight, but I have to admit that the seasoning was pretty tasty. My wrap, on the other hand, didn't taste like much, but I may be partially to blame because I told them to go easy on the pesto mayo. Service was mediocre. On the way out I was entertained by a sign advertising "Bladder Buster Saturdays." Apparently, from 8:30 to 10 pm you can drink free Bud Light on the patio until someone has to leave to go to the bathroom. I think I'll have to come back just to watch.
(3)Ryan B.
Yes it's a dive, and the food is good/not great and can hit the spot at the right time. The reason I give this place 5 stars is because of the bartenders. They make this bar what it is and is one of the main reasons I enjoy coming here compared to most bars. They are fun, talkative, and make this place far more enjoyable than most bars where bartenders just serve you drinks and never talk.
(5)Maya B.
If large dive-y sports bars are your scene, you should give this place a shot! Weekends (especially at night) it gets pretty hype, with decent radio-club music, an easy-going vibe, and reasonably priced drinks. They have numerous TVs and several different bar areas (indoor and outdoor) from which you can typically get a good view of your favorite game. The menu is full of typical bar fair (chicken wings, quesadillas, etc. etc.). Come for the wings and beer deals on game days. Why two stars? It's a bit bro-ey and the bathrooms are, well, awful...I mean I don't expect much but come on? That said, I've been multiple times and will likely be back again!
(2)Jessica H.
This place is awesome for happy hour. HOWEVER if you are looking for a classy, and quiet establishment, this is not for you. It is a dive, but the wings are AWESOME, an the nachos are massive. The place was packed when we were there, but the service was great. I defiantly will be going back.
(4)Jen F.
Tommy Joes is similar to any bar, the fun factor has a direct relationship with the drunk factor. This is more of a summer bar with the outdoor areas. The crowd here is always diverse. I've been here on asian night.. and old creeper white man night.. and "bar mitzvah songs" dance night. I've had my 2am nights here as well as my fall-asleep-on-couch at midnight nights.
(3)Adrienne L.
Like another reviewer, I couldn't remember this place's name after my lunch. Nothing spectacular: I had the caesar salad and French onion soup. The soup was surprisingly more tasty than I thought it would be, but unfortunately two of my friends didn't have as good of an experience. They both sent back their chicken tenders, because Tommy Joe's has apparently changed them. They complained they were stringy, as if they were eating chicken breast and not tenders. Our waitress was very sweet and apologetic about it, though; I felt bad for her. All in all, another pricey but mediocre restaurant in downtown Bethesda.
(2)Catie C.
Soo I'm kind of a huge fan of bars that play good music and have an outdoor patio which allows me to smoke and dance and laugh. :) This is the exact place I love to go to on a summer night with me and my ladies and dance and smoke our parliament lights and drink fruity drinks and laugh at ugly guys trying to hit on us. The owner is an amazing guy named Alan, and the General Manager John is quite hilarious if I might say so myself. I went on St. Patricks day, and met a hottie from Kentucky that I ended up locking lips with. No idea his name, but thats okay. :) Tommy Joes I love you.
(5)Doug A.
What can I say, Tommy Joe's is the best place to be in Bethesda...great staff, great food and incredible atmosphere...never had a bad time whether is was lunch, happy hour or dinner...
(5)Danielle W.
More of a 3.5 stars...I rounded up because I liked our server. I had a gift certificate from half off DC ($25 for $50), so we decided to try this place for one of our monthly "girls" dinners and it was perfect for what we were looking for! A little hard to find - could be a little more well lit - but all good from there. Great happy hour specials and I like how they are offered in the dining room as well as the bar area. Specials were $3.50 drafts, house wine, and rails - and they had good draft choices - even Guiness! Also there were half price tenders, wings, and quesadillas. We split the tenders and wings while waiting for everyone to arrive - tenders were great, the waffle fries they came with were amazing, and the wings were just ok. I had the filet mignon sandwich for my meal, which was very good and I believe the rest of the table all enjoyed their meals as well - mostly typical bar food. Another thing that made this place great was the service - our waitress was attentive, but not clingy and had a great personality. Granted it was not very busy in there, but our experience was great. Thanks!
(4)sophie S.
More of a bar atmosphere, in fact really fun at night, there is a back outdoor bar that is very cute. However it is a great place for wings. Besides Hard Times I'd say Tommy Joe's poho style wings are pretty damn good!!! The rest of the food is good, very reasonable and a big variety. Really the only thing i have thought was better than average at Tommy Joe's was the wings. They are delicious!!! Otherwise I would just go at night for the bar scene, or to watch a game. GO BLUE!!!!! Metro is best, about a block away from the bethesda metro station. Otherwise find a lot and walk, Tommy Joe's doesnt have much of a parking lot, more of a driveway.
(3)Tim F.
Rude! They over charged us on our bill and told me I was a liar. I had arguments with the bartender and manager. They treated me horribly when I contested the bill. Manager finally agreed to give a partial refund but told me I was a liar. I have never seen this kind of behavior before treated to a regular customer. I was honest about my bill but they would not give me the benefit of the doubt. These people know me and I come all the time; yet that didn't matter. I won't go again and recommend that you don't' either. They over charge on drinks anyways.
(1)lisa w.
Went for a Michigan game... Good food specials, was able to hear the game (very exciting), And the waitresses were super attentive. Looking forward to spending every Saturday there next fall. (I'll be there before that). The outdoor patio looks great!
(4)Semra E.
This is one of the only bars that I'd go to when I'm in Bethesda...I just don't really like the folks that frequent this city to be honest. It's a little too stiff for my taste, but this spot is probably one of the only diverse crowds in Bethesda that I've been to. I always have a good time here & usually end up meeting with friends here on a random night. It's your typical bar, they have a "DJ" (boombox w/ CD's really), so you shouldn't be expected to pay a lot at this location. It's supposed to be cheap & convenient, which it is for both departments.
(3)N S.
Tommy Joe's. I remember when this place got really popular, but I just never got it. It does nothing for me. My 10th high school reunion was even held here so I cannot escape the place, it seems! Never have eaten here, and despite my lack of enthusiasm, I do like that they have an outdoor area which is nice during the spring/summer months. Honestly, I'm surprised it's held on for as long as it has. The best advice I can give you that's related is watch out for the 5-0 when you leave. They prey on this section of Bethesda like hawks, plus the station is right across the street.
(2)Nicole L.
I went there a while ago with people who thought it's a good place to get picked up!! I wonder who they wanted to get picked up by? It's either sleazy old dudes or young right of college kids. It's a very blah place that I didn't care for. Not my crowd. We got lots of drinks and the check ended up pretty high even though the bartender was supposedly going to hook us up. Oh well not my territory...needless to say I won't miss it if I don't go there ever again.
(1)Libby F.
6:55. My friends and I think we made it just in time for the tail end of happy hour. Not so, according to our waitress! My watch is set to WTOP's time on the 8's, but oh well, I guess I'll settle for paying $6ish for a Blue Moon draft. And no half price quesadillas either! The three appetizers we had here were all not very good. Quesadilla: Very little cheese; Tex-Mex Egg Rolls: Bland. Very Bland; and the Nachos that alexis g. said were the cheesiest nachos you could ever want, were not. Maybe they were low on cheese last night? The cheese on the nachos was crispy--too long under the broiler. AND, the tortilla chips were not fresh. But, as far as atmosphere, this is a nice hang-out, especially if you're an alum of a Bethesda HS like the owners are. I used to come here all the time several years back. Their crab cake sandwich was one of the best in the area (I did not see it on the menu this time; only as a dinner platter). There is plenty of room to hang out here, even in the winter season when they winterize the patio area with heat lamps (Still cold in there, so stick to the main bar). I am hoping they will re-institute their canine happy hour in the spring. That is the only thing that will draw me back. Hopefully I will make it before 7pm according to THEIR watches!
(3)Theo P.
Went here on a Friday night. Seemed more like a frat party than a bar. If thats your "scene" then you should check it out. Dislike: the fact the lights remained ON all night. People were still dancing because the DJ was rockin it with a good mix from every genre. Drink prices were reasonable and TJs has 2 large bars including one outdoors for the smokers. Bathroom line was long and crowded. Would re-visit in jeans and t-shirt with flipflops.
(4)Alicia G.
I've been here several times for drinks - for karaoke a few times and once for happy hour after work when one of my co-workers was leaving for a new job. Drinks are good. Lots of space in the main dining room as well as the atrium bar (for all of those who smoke). Was here on Friday for lunch with my boss and another co-worker - it was nice out so we sat at a table near the open windows since the patio was mostly full. I was less impressed this time - the food wasn't that great. I had half a sandwich and a cup of the crab soup. The bread on the sandwich was so dry it basically crumbled as I picked it up. Soup was mediocre at best. My boss paid for everything, but for $9, I feel like I could have spent it elsewhere for something more tasty. Come here for drinks and karaoke, but pass on the food.
(3)Oscar S.
I've been coming to Tommy Joe's since my early 20s. This is a fun atmosphere during the weekends at night. Lots of dancing, good drinks. This place is for the younger college crowd. Although we still have fun when we go there with a group of friends. At the end of the night it tends to get a crazy as people get too drunk, either fight or get arrested, lol. So you might not want to close out THIS bar. Barking Dog around the corner is a better bar. This is a fun place for a nice sunny afternoon, you can get some wings (very good) and have a few drinks underneath the sun.
(3)Dan F.
This is a review for the nightclub only. I have never been there just to eat during the day. Tommy Joes is a large bar/restaurant/club right next to the Bethesda metro. There is free parking at the Garage across the street from the Police Station right across from Tommy Joes, so it is convenient to get to and from. It is free to get in, and they have friendly bouncers (not the type that literally throw their weight around, they are nice to you unless you give them a reason not to be). The beer and mixed drink prices are very reasonable. They don't hire some stripper to be the bartender, they have talented real bartenders who will serve you fairly and quickly. Tip them well! The reason this place is good to go dancing in is 1) its BIG so lots of room to dance, and if you dont want to dance but just want to sit down and drink theres tons of tables too. 2) no cover or dress code, none of that pretentious DC BS 3) Pretty good bar food, the seasoned fries are great 4) Mixed crowd, I see old people, young people, all races, all orientations. The music is what you'd expect, top-40. So in summary, its nothing super amazing but if you like a relaxed no-BS bar/club to dance at with cheap drinks in a safe area right next to the metro this is your spot.
(3)Kim H.
Ehhh, typical bar food, nothing special. I ordered the steak dip sandwich and when they brought it out they told me they didn't have au jou sauce!!! What the heck, at least tell me before I ordered it! Next time I come here it will be just to drink.
(2)Terry C.
Tommie Joe's is a neighborhood saloon with a friendly staff reasonable prices and good food. The steak salad, the fajitas, and the burgers are my go to items for lunch, but I am dying to try their prime rib special. Always fun, always friendly.
(4)Michael S.
great wings! happy hour specials are good (until 7pm) crowd gets progressively younger as the day/night goes on....
(4)LaRocha L.
In brief: around the corner form the metro, $2 Coors Light Draft Pints, tasty seasoned waffle fries. Went here with some friends last Friday evening, and it was fine for what we wanted - cheap beer, snacks and casual hanging out. Very much a dive atmosphere (e.g. plastic pint glasses, everything painted matte black, etc) but our servers were really, really nice. I hear (from everyone I know who grew up in Maryland) that it's totally that one bar where everyone you went to high school with and don't really want to see again hangs out, but since I'm not from around here it was fine. As I'd had an exhausting week, I headed home around 11pm, when it started to get louder and the drunker, trashier crowd started to show up en masse.
(3)IH K.
It's pretty much the equivalent of a Clarendon Ballroom meat market, except that it's bethesda. The two other differences? Tommy Joe's doesn't have a rooftop bar and boasts a younger (but snarkier) crowd. Since I'm very much over the "let's pretend to be ghetto-hip in the middle of bethesda" days, I'll have to pass. If you grew up in Bethesda and want to have awkward high school reunion moments, by all means go here. I'll be washing my hair that night.
(1)Phi N.
It's hard for me to separate the Bethesda bars from one another. They are all pretty similar. Tommy Joe's does have a nice little area outside to sit at though (during days with nice weather of course). Not the best place to watch games at, and I've never ate here so I can't give you info on that either... but it can be fun times. So go and find out how much you like it.
(3)Julia L.
Can I just say that I thought this place was a total shit hole, but it was actually not that bad! We went on Thursday night and the place was half full. The food is pretty basic pub fare, but it was good and surprisingly fresh. Plus they serve late. Our waitress was cute and friendly, and the bartender greeted us when we came in. This is not the place to go for a date or a girls night out or with your parents or...in other words, it's not "nice" or "cool". But if you want some late night grub and a beer, do it.
(4)Merida F.
We went on a Saturday night because it had the best dancing music in Bethesda. By dancing music I mean something you would hear in DC or on 99.5 and stations sometimes in Baltimore. The DJ also mixed in fun songs too. There is also a pretty big dance floor. Drinks were decent priced but the same to all of the other bars in Bethesda. they do have an outdoor patio which they can turn on a heater if you are feeling cold. You can also smoke out there so word to the wise-if you dont like smoke and smelling like smoke-you don't hang out on the patio.
(3)Marianne D.
Um, Yeah. DJ... where are you? Can't see you... and you can't seem to see the dancefloor to notice when people aren't feelin' the groove. Hmmm... Yeah.... That's about all I can say about this mostly-Freshman-crowd establishment. Decor, yeah. No. But then again, those that frequent the place know what they want and know what they get so it all works out in the end. Props to Im Han who also noted it's trying to be very ghetto, yet with a barely-island theme, in the middle of concrete & boredom, preppy Bethizzle. I'm all for chill, (Barking Dog and Austin Grill beforehand that night) but this... just wasn't quite right. VERDICT: Pass
(1)Braden S.
This is a fun place to go with friends. It is set up very well with a dance floor, restaurant area, indoor bar, indoor/outdoor bar and then another outdoor tiki bar. Usually an under 30 crowd, but be careful and keep your clothing and things on you at all times or they may get stolen (happened to a friend).
(3)Jessica F.
Been here a couple times and seems like a place for people who've grown up here and/or know the bartenders. I'm neither so not on the top of my list.
(2)Tom D.
3.5 stars A good option for drinks in Bethesda. The food didn't look great -- but I also didn't try any of the food. Beers aren't served in glass pint glasses, but in the heavy plastic glasses -- and I don't think beer ever tastes quite as good in plastic. One of the people I work with smokes -- and you can smoke in the atrium bar -- so it is a good option for those that like to light up. Yet, the place didn't smell much of smoke.... Great music and lots of fun. Worth a visit.
(3)Shaun O.
In continuing my friday night venture, I sauntered over here as I was attracted by the pulsing music and the collection of folks spilling out. I ordered a blue moon and wandered around. Going without a wingman is tough, but I figured I could always bail too.... I noticed the dance floor, and figured why not? Nobody knows me that well and most people are usually appreciative of someone making an effort. So for a good 1.5 hours I was out there trying out different moves with a devil-may-care attitude. I even had a few people give me some pointers, which was great. Definitely a fun place to hang out on a friday night!
(5)michele p.
THIS is a bar, don't think its a 5 star restaurant, don't go here for the ambiance, don't dress up, don't come here strolling for socialites... this is a GOOD BAR, good bar food, good bar space, good outdoor area, good bartenders! Wear your flipflops and tshirts, come watch all the TVs that are everywhere you turn with DC sports on, and enjoy life :)
(5)Sean T.
Hey did anyone see that kid get his ass kicked this past Friday the 18th. I heard he was getting pummled into the ground like some punk! Yeah go get em TJ's!!
(5)Cherry R.
I purchased a groupon based on the pic posted; never again will I go back to Tommy joe's. The place looked dirty, the food was over priced and nasty, the bathrooms were worsted then port-a-potties, the crowed was terrible, I still spent $40 after the groupon, and the drinks were not all that. I will never go back.
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