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Name: Johnny Brenda’s
Address: 1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19125
Telephone: (215) 739-9684
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.06

Johnny Brenda’s

1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19125

(215) 739-9684
Store is closed

Johnny Brenda’s Menu

Main

Green Salad

Root Salad

Watermelon Salad

Hummus

Grilled Octopus

Fried Oysters

Seared Scallops

Pork & Grits

Hanger Steak

Roasted Chicken

Grilled Salmon

Banh Mi

Fried Eggplant Sandwich

Cubano

Fried Haddock Sandwich

Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Jb Burger

Veggie Burger

Salmon Blt

Fries

Mashed Potatoes

Collards

Green Beans

Diabetics at Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets serves burgers which are generally high in sodium and fat. Ensure that you pick the burgers which are light and doesn't contain too much sodium. Try ordering salads if you're concerned about your sugar intake and looking for healthy choices.

Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for Diabetics:

Johnny Rockets is a fine dining place for burgers, but you must be selective if you're a diabetic. Skip all kinds of dressing when you order a burger at Johnny Rockets as it will only spike the sodium content on your meal. Salads are often considered diabetic-friendly but not the ones at Johnny Rockets. Avoid Crispy Chicken Club Salad and Grilled Chicken Club Salad as they are too high in sodium and fat.

Make sure you opt for water instead of the drinks available on the Johnny Rockets menu. Besides Diet Coke and Coffee, most of the drinks served at Johnny Rockets are high in sugar. Skip the shakes at Johnny Rockets to avoid high sugar intake. Breakfast is always preferred heavy for diabetics but most of the breakfast items on the Johnny Rockets menu are high in sodium and must be avoided.

Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Johnny Rockets:

Rocket Single Burger (1 Serving)

Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 350mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Bacon Cheddar Burger (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 650mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Route 66 Burger (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 280mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Route 66 Double Burger (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 410 calories, 40g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 320mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

The Original Burger (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 590mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein

Hot Tea (8 fluid ounces)

Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein

Sweet Potato Fries, Side (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 370mg sodium, 30g carbs, 10g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Side of Fries (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 190 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 460mg sodium, 30g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein

Healthy Meal suggestions for Johnny Brenda’s

Main

Green Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Root Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Watermelon Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hummus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Octopus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seared Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork & Grits [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hanger Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Banh Mi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Eggplant Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cubano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Haddock Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jb Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veggie Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Blt [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Collards [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

High Blood Pressure at Johnny Rockets

Fast-food restaurants are your last resort if you are suffering from high BP. Most fast food restaurants including Johnny Rockets offer foods rich in sodium. High sodium intake can be even lethal for people concerned with high blood pressure. However, you can always try the salads or choose food without any extra dressing or side dishes to limit your sodium intake.

Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for High Blood Pressure

It is extremely important to avoid any kind of burgers with extra dressing at Johnny Rockets. You must also skip any kind of breakfast items except Pancakes at Johnny Rockets. Also, avoid Breakfast Belt Sandwich and Rocket Breakfast Burger at Johnny Rockets as both these items are too high in sodium. Also, avoid Crispy Chicken Salad and Grilled Chicken Club Salad as well as any kind of dressing on other low-sodium salads available at Johnny Rockets. Skip shakes containing Oreo on the Johnny Rockets menu as Oreo shakes served at Johnny Rockets are high in sodium.

Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at Johnny Rockets

Strawberry Chocolate Swirl Milkshake (1 shake)

Nutritional Facts: 810 calories, 40g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 30g), 300mg sodium, 90g carbs, 90g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Rocket Single Burger (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 350mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Route 66 Burger (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 350mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Garden Salad (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 150 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 260mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Side Salad (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 70 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 110mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein

Apple Juice (10 fluid ounces)

Nutritional Facts: 140 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 30mg sodium, 30g carbs, 30g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

High Cholesterol at Johnny Rockets

Burgers fall into the fast-food category and most fast-food items are high in cholesterol. If you're suffering from high cholesterol, then it is advised that you skip any meal with excessive fat and sugar.

Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for High Cholesterol

You must skip all types of dressing on your burger. Also, avoid burgers like Smoke House Burger at all costs from Johnny Rockets menu. Skip all the drinks except coffee, iced tea, and diet coke as they are completely unhealthy for people with high cholesterol. Breakfast items on Johnny Rockets are very high in cholesterol and it is strictly recommended to avoid all the breakfast items on their menu including the sandwiches.

Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Johnny Rockets

Kids Cappuccino Crunch Milkshake (1 shake)

Nutritional Facts: 740 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 20g), 310mg sodium, 100g carbs, 80g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Garden Black Bean Burger (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 650mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

The Spicy Houston Burger (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 190 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 700mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Kids Banana Shake (1 shake)

Nutritional Facts: 560 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat20g), 190mg sodium, 60g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Johnny's Breakfast Sandwich (1 serving)

Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 230mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Teresa D.

What was up with yesterday? Is Philadelphia closed on Mondays? Was it some Holiday that I don't know about? My friends and I were planning on eating Mexican food for dinner, restaurant was closed. But, we were within walking distance of another, also closed. In fact, it was like a ghost town. It was a little eerie, basically no one on the streets, hardly any cars, the trolley was basically empty. But then, we see lights, and stumble towards them, like a moth toward a flame. Johnny Brenda's, how awesome you are. The cheeseburger I had was really good, the cheddar was the perfect amount of sharpness. Their fries are really good, not soggy at all. My friends got the octopus and the shrimp& avocado , and both loved them, though those are both considered appetizers, so an hour later they were hungry again. I am giving it a 4star because the first waitress we had was great, but we moved to a booth and some other girl waited on us(which I thought was rude, she stole us, when clearly the other girl was waiting on us). The 2nd waitress was fine, but I just thought it was weird. Also, I need to see a show here, for sure.
(4)
Elizabeth D.

Johnny Brenda's is such a cool spot to catch a show. I agree with others who described it as a both intimate and spacious. The balcony is great and gives you a terrific view of the performance. I also appreciated the upstairs bar, which has the same draft list. No jostling downstairs to get to the main bar. Bathrooms are clean and big. They even have an old-timey photo strip machine, which is pretty awesome. Good, reasonably priced, seasonal draft list.
(5)
Mike R.

visited this little watering hole on sunday 5/5/13....acually i just came acrossed it walking in the area...........very impressed.....cozy little dive bar, nice people, cute inside....antique-e....all pretty much original.....nice little dining area...pool table also......local and micro beers only....a nice change....sorry budweiser....i only had beers here but the food coming out looked real good.....the female manager was very nice and gave us the run down of the history of the bar,,,,lots of spanish music playing (for cinco de mayo)...i was just very impressed...had fun for the couple of hrs. i was there....they also had some seating outside and the svc. was quick but laid back.....my kind of place.........would i be back//....DEFINITLY!!!....................ps clean toilets and no TV's....a nice plus..as .i allways say .if you want to watch tv....stay home
(4)
Cynthia D.

This is a really great neighborhood joint. It's one of the first establishments in Fishtown I really enjoyed going to. Sure, it has it's hipsters, but they CAN be entertaining. And the live music is well appreciated. Overall, this is a safe bet for a good night for taking friends.
(4)
Jose A.

This review has nothing to do with their food, just drinks and music venue. The upstairs is really a good space, the most recent groups I saw were perfume genius and parenthetical girls. It's a tiny intimate space, but a legitimate balcony and downstairs. The bar is just a skip away and you can grab a nice variety of moderately priced drafts and carry them right back over to see the show. It's easy, it's a cool spot, and the acoustics are pretty good. Definitely worth grabbing a brew and seeing a nice little show.
(4)
Brooke W.

This place put Fishtown on the map for those who didn't grow up in the River Wards. It's my "corner bar" and I couldn't ask for a better one. Pros: great, gritty feel inside; amazing upstairs music venue that showcases acts that usually would be in a much larger venue; food that is better than you'd expect to find in a bar BY FAR; servers will get to know you and remember your "usuals"; great variety of music; most nights it's not hard to find a table. Cons: menu doesn't change a lot (which should only matter to those of us that go there 3 times a week!); some of the bartenders aren't super friendly and/or quick but they'll usually get replaced very quickly; can be very, very cold in there at times so bring a jacket and scarf you don't mind leaving on.
(4)
John V.

I've been attending gigs locally since 1981, and by far this is my current favorite location to not only catch some great local/national musical talents, but for the friendly crowd, perpetually rotating home brewed ales, and friendly servers. Ah yes, the downside, the place is small, which means a gig can, and often does sell out. Being trapped in a small, crowded bar at a sold out gig there is not fun for me, but U make due for a great gig!!! Naturally when the place is crowded, the bar service will inevitably be reduced, so..be patient..or if you are that much of a drunkard, head downstairs to grab a few beers and bring them back upstairs with you (yes, it is allowed). The sound at JB's is state-of-the-art. The multicolored digital lighting's back drop and stage lights are second to none in the city's small club venues. This place is a must play concert venue in Philly. I have yet to experience the first floor food, but it looks and smells appetizing. Give it a go. There is plenty of nearby free parking, and the area has become very safe over the past few years.
(5)
Three R.

Great place, great food but it does get a little crazy the food is a little off target. great place
(4)
Samantha S.

I'm going to admit I haven't been to the venue (and I heard its fabulous) so I'm writing based on my bar experience. I absolutely love the crowd, atmosphere, and feeling of this place. Based on this alone, I would be here every night of the week. Unfortunately what knocks this place down for me is the UNBEARABLY SLOW bar service. You could be standing at the bar for what feels like FOREVER for what feels like the weakest drink you have purchased, from a less than friendly woman. Because of this, patronizing Johnny Brenda's is surely a chore for me.
(2)
Shaun O.

I found JB's to be the perfect combo for getting a drink and seeing a live band. If you are hungry-just go to the downstair area, get their cheeseburger (pretty tasty) and then go upstairs to see a live show. This place has it right as you can enjoy your food downstairs and actually carry a conversation, without being bombarded by a band. They also carry Dogfish on tap-a big plus for them.
(5)
Allison S.

I'd been waiting for months to finally go to Johnny Brenda's and I got a chance on Friday, thanks to the serendipitous union of Day 1 of Philly Beer Week and a band that I'd ACTUALLY HEARD OF on stage. I would probably go just about anywhere to see Gil Mantera's Party Dream, but the experience was definitely heightened by a concert space that reminded me of the spot where we'd go to see shows in college, with a good handful of my college friends in tow. I have to admit that I neglected to try any of the food, and didn't see anyone in the place noshing when I was there between eleven and two. That said, I will say the downstairs dining area was pleasantly clean, the waitstaff fairly attentive, and the menu boards were legible. It was Victory night, so I went for the summer ale. Good choice. Minus a few points just because this isn't exactly my favorite area of the city, but at least parking wasn't too difficult. Also, a word to the wise: Friday night is put out your trash night in this neighborhood.
(4)
Christopher T.

Best sound in the city. JB's sound techs and setup produce the best concert experience there is. With multiple bars and a gallery overlook area, JB's is a premier concert destination. Numerous local beers are on tap and rotate through. They are all reasonably priced. Super friendly bar staff. Cheap concert tickets. Great food served till 1 am. I have yet to have have a bad experience here and I've been well over 20 times. Highly recommended.
(5)
Tim P.

I find this to be a tough place to review because I feel these are two sides to it. If I find myself sitting at the bar I have found the staff to be friendly and knowledgeable about the beer and food and always willing to offer a sample. The tap list can get a bit repetitive if you frequent the bar which could be partly because they only serve local beer. the food has been very inconsistent, I have gotten excellent burgers and desserts as well as grossly undercooked ones and torched friends. The entres seem to be more consistent. I would only give the restaurant side 3 stars, both for the aforementioned inconsistency in the food as well as the attitude some of the waitstaff can have, especially on weekends. It is very different than the bar side and why I usually have a better time when I go in with one or two friends and sit at the bar as opposed to bringing a group in and sitting at a table. Johnny Brenda's is an excellent venue for shows and I like it better than other venues of it's size (North Star, M Room, TLA....)
(4)
Nicole V.

good food, great atmosphere, pickleback shots and an awesome venue to see bands!
(5)
Jesse Z.

I went here for the first time on Saturday to see a show (Jukebox the Ghost). Great small venue! Along with Standard Tap (same owners, same decor), Johnny Brenda's is what I love about living in Northern Liberties. Local crowd, locally grown food, great local beer selection (Victory, Yards, PBC, etc). The show was fun and I will def go back. Cover was only $10-$12 so I'm planning on going on a random night to checking out some new music.
(5)
Michael B.

Wanted to give JB's more stars, but I did not have an enjoyable time the last time I was at this establishment. They always have awesome food. The cuban is outstanding and i love the fries. JB's always has some good beers on tap too. The waitstaff is usually extremely nice and responsive, but now to the horror story that was our so-called service... Last Friday night I was at Johnny Brenda's with some folks. My buddy's girlfriend ordered the baked mozzarella and she shared that with her friends. We wanted some, so we ordered the same dish... but what came out was some saucy monstrosity. The tiniest piece of mozzarella cheese looked like hawaii surrounded by a red pacific. This dish is supposed to come with fried polenta sticks, but we got two crusty pieces of bread instead. The bartender dropped it off and didn't even say sorry or anything that the $11 bowl of sauce was missing one of its main components.. Now my complaint wasn't about the food, it is more about this horrible woman's service. By far the worst bartender/server i have ever encountered. When my friend asked her about the dish, she gave him major attitude and said, "Most people just take what they're given." MOST RIDICULOUS SHIT EVER SAID BY SOMEONE WHO WORKS IN THE FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY. I've worked at restaurants since I was 16, and that is the greatest example of how not to treat your customers. It was cartoonish. Oh and I also enjoyed the part when I was accused of bringing my own beer into the bar and then being "flagged" because we complained about our shitty service. Your ass should be fired because you turned about eight loyal customers into eight crusty haters.
(2)
Nick J.

Hipster heaven with good beers and better music. Definitely a fun spot on a friday night!
(3)
Shawn S.

Black Lips show! how can it be bad? and it wasn't! I like this place, it reminds me of all the "edgy-ness" the troc had in the 90's. The staff see to not over think how "cool" they are or anything. they focus on things where it counts, getting good bands, serving good food, and beer. started off eating there... Edamame to start..then a falafel (cruchy pattys)... to say it was good, is kinda funny... japanese & greek, but it worked.. it was good. service was good.... headed up stairs, now keep in mind your right there, the band is right there, not a big stage, but that is the coolest part, you can actually see your band.
(5)
Tori K.

I don't know how many businesses take the Yelp reviews seriously but I swear the bartenders at JB's have stepped up there game. The last few times I've been in. They have been friendly and personable. Since I live up the street this makes me very happy.
(5)
David M.

My personal favorite venue in Philadelphia. I have yet to see a show here that didn't sound terrific, and the food downstairs is pretty good too. The best surprise with Johnny Brenda's is that it often plays host to artists who could easily fill a larger venue. But instead, we get to see them in a comfortable, "miniature theater" (I say that because of the wrap-around balcony). I wish more bands I like would play Johnny Brenda's when they come to town.
(4)
Carrie E.

So seriously, I am just going to rent space in that back booth and move in, because it's officially official - this is my favorite place in the entire city of Philadelphia. I've now come here for the food (lasagna...yum...I think they put nutmeg in it!), the beer (great selection, always makes me happy), shows (The Kills and The Ting Tings, and they both blew me away - I prefer the balcony view but the floor is just dandy, too), the people (I almost always see someone I know here and it's been the home of a fun UYE) and as of yesterday, I plugged my computer in at a table and did some work there. So they have taken care of all of my social, business and nutritional needs. And yes, beer belongs in all of those categories. Just sayin'. Oh yeah -their staff is awesome, and those bathrooms are super clean. Hurrah for Johnny Brenda's. I would be much sadder if it didn't exist. And nobody wants that, right?
(5)
Lorraine L.

Hands down, my favorite venue for a live concert. JB shows always have a bit of an intimate feeling. It never gets severely crowded and the energy is just right. Furthermore, for the beer enthusiasts in us, their beer selection is always listed with local brews from the Philadelphia area. The food is okay as well. Parking is not too shabby either. I never had to pay for parking, which is always a plus in the city. And the neighborhood is safe from what I can tell.
(5)
jenny f.

Johnny Brenda's is my happy place. Not only do my awesome friends live right down the block, but it's also been such a great space to watch some of my favorite performances in the city. Location is not ideal, but Girard is growing on me no doubt (especially when friends give me a ride out there). Beers are cheap and tasty, bartenders are nice enough, and it's spacious enough for everyone to have their own social experiences (both upstairs and downstairs). I've only eaten fries here, which were fine, but not really comparable to Monk's or Good Dog as far as bar fries go. It's nice that they have so many veggie options on their menu but I can't stay I've tried anything. But let's be honest - I don't come here for the food or drinks. I come because the space upstairs is awesome and I love being so close to bands I really love. Now to refresh my memory and give you a taste of who I've seen there..... the roster is as follows: Fuyiya & Miyagi, Headlights, Caribou, Fleet Foxes, & the Rosebuds. Oh yeah and one warning: their shows always start really late & there's generally a fairly large gap between the opener and main act (not that that's unusual around Philly).
(5)
J D.

I have to say, it's a cool spot, but thumbs down due to the bartenders, not one of them smile or make you feel welcome, except perhaps Candace (not sure of the spelling!) Also the food, not that good and way too expensive.
(2)
Emily P.

I have a great time every time I come here. Downstairs is great for chilling with a few beers between friends (love the color-changing lights embedded in the tables, ditto for the pool tables) and upstairs has one of the most kickass setups for shows in Philly. Every show I've seen here has been pretty epic. The bartenders are friendly and attentive. The beer selection is pretty good, and the food is excellent. Try the eggplant sandwich!
(5)
Michael V.

America really has gotten soft... what with our obsession with great beer selections and "good" food. To hell with it. I'll take a PBR and some chips. What I can't live without is something that lies deeper within... deeper within than the gluttony of dribbling micro-brews over exalted taste-buds, or the exclamations of hipsters to their hipster friends (with their hipster babies) how excellent the food is. One could no sooner review Johnny Brenda's without mentioning hipsters, than one could review the American West without mentioning the buffalo. The great hipster herds move from their grazing lands in the various low-rent neighborhoods, and congregate in great numbers at Johnny Brenda's, where presumably they give evidence to superior lifestyle decisions, or at the very least swap interesting mix tapes. But mostly they exemplify yet another materialism. Resplendent in skinny jeans and offbeat hair, they concern themselves with looking and acting cool, and being well versed in beer menus and gastro-pub fare. To this extent, they plunge headfirst into the deep-end of the American delusion of the good life. If ever a proof existed of the emptiness of life-style choices as a means of averting social convention, it exists in the hipster genre, wherein the man in the grey flannel suit is reincarnated daily by the man with the tattooed family. Mom, dad, tatoo baby.... sitting across from other hipster couples, tasting each others beers and talking about food quality. The more things change, the more they stay pathetic. But putting all that absurdity aside for a moment... and what is life if not putting aside absurdity for long enough to imagine that something worthwhile exists. What lies deeply at the heart of this place is ambiance. Johnny Brenda's provides an experience of place, of people, and of a neighborhood that is un-unequaled in Philly. The ground zero of this vibe is had by sitting outside and watching the insane parade of Philly's finest and lowest walk by on a continual basis. Hot girls in tight cloths.. mothers with distended alcoholic bellies pushing strollers with sodden toddlers... utter hipster guys with hair so carefully groomed you'd swear he they just rolled out of bed with their ironic t-shirt on.... old mexican guys so gnarly you'd think you were in the back of a truck... really old guys in bermuda shorts and tube socks cruising the young girls... guys in suits going nowhere in particular, casting dubious looks your way... and so on and so on. Priceless. While you're sitting there, take special note of the empty building across the street whose empty windows and door look like the eyes and mouth of a cartoon face. Just sit there with a pitcher of Kenzinger and you'll see what I mean. And by all means, buy the Kenzinger. Why? Is it the quality of the hops, or the care that their beer meisters put into every keg? No, because it's cheap. Just buy the cheapest beer on the menu, please... I beg you. Because cheap beer is real beer. Here is a guarantee. If you sit in front of Johnny Brenda's long enough, every type of motor vehicle will pass in front of you. Cars, vans, trucks, delivery vehicles, harleys, boats being pulled on trailers, mobile homes, huge trucks towing homes, jacked up hiphop cars blasting music, etc. I kid you not. And of course, their is always the firetruck with it's sirens blaring. A firetruck will ALWAYS pass by with sirens blaring. It's as if there is always a fire somewhere on Girard Avenue. Johnny Brenda's provides a moment in time, and a place on the edge of a city going nowhere but deep into the heart of a gastro-pub addiction. And in this swirling mess of a backwater there is at least something to look at that is tragically real... something that can engage the imagination, and allow us to use our minds to focus on something more than a beer menu.
(5)
Sara C.

This place is deserving of an update. Went last night for the happy hour, and I was not disappointed. Though I didn't get too crazy on the beers - I went for the cheap Reading Premium - I had an AMAZING eggplant sandwich. Perfectly breaded and fried, with mozzarella, marinara, and between two thick slices of ciabatta bread. Don't forget a heaping serving of fries - for all of 8 bucks. Amazing. I also tried a bite of Carrie E's lasagna - who knew it could be amazing here? Oh, it most definitely was. I'll echo Emily P's sentiments that the servers/bartenders. They recently expanded the downstairs, which is great - the new back room has a huge window overlooking East Girard. Perfect views of the epic thunderstorms that hit Philly last night. Shows are amazing upstairs - the venue is aesthetically and acoustically out of this world. Even sub-par opening acts sound like critically acclaimed bands in the space. You can't go wrong here. All the more reason to hang out in Fishtown more.
(5)
Alex K.

Oh bearded bartender upstairs at the Say Hi show tonight, you kept my glass of water full while I sipped tasty local beers. I so enjoyed the silly dance moves you busted while waiting to use the register. I hope to see you again, behind the bar or otherwise. I'm at Johnny Brenda's for concerts pretty frequently; it's hands down my favorite concert venue in Philadelphia. Great sound, intimate setting, easy access to a bar whether you're on the main level or the balcony. While one might argue that maintaining a draft list of exclusively local beers is limiting, they establish a good range of options ... definitely something for everyone. I've ordered food on several occasions - most recently the eggplant sandwich - and have never been disappointed. I love you, Johnny Brenda's, I do.
(5)
Kate M.

Johnny Brenda's upstairs is first of all BEAUTIFUL. Its an awesome space to hear music and have a brew. As a bar.... A fun place to hang out. Play pool. Grab a good burger and fries. Sit outside if you want to. It can get a bit crowded and you may be waiting a while to get service. But all in all a good time.
(4)
Chris D.

As good a reason as any to venture over to Fishtown. JB's offers the best local beer and fine locally grown and raised fare. The new dining room sets it right up there with the big boys. I find it refreshing as a new Fishtowner who still holds a ton of hope for his neighborhood. It's the only reasonable place round Girard to catch a game of pool too. JB's is also one of the best music venues in the city. Though it's small, the room sounds great and the acts are plentiful and varied. Only World Cafe Live sounds better. But WCL's overpriced and underachieving menu doesn't come close to matching Johnny's. Go on a Sunday for the Bloody Mary and stay for the hand-pumped Hop Wallop.
(5)
Mark L.

When in fishtown, do as the fishtonians do. And that means go to johnny Brenda's. With a rotating beer list, extensive selection on tap and above average menu selections for a tavern (e.g. grilled octopus, mussels..), this is a solid neighborhood go to place. Funny that it's only a few steps away from Frankford Hall but with a completely different clientele. We missed out on the live band but the crowd outside is a lively scene on Saturday nights and kept us entertained. "Authentic Fishtown" claimed a local.
(4)
Marissa E.

4 stars for JB's as a venue, 2 stars for the bar. I love going to shows at JB's, but the downstairs bar is always understaffed and crammed with obnoxious yupsters. The music's really good and the TV is only on for Phillies games, which is pretty cool. The food is generally well-prepared but it's wildly overpriced, considering that most of it is standard bar fare. There are very few meatless options, so when I go I'm usually limited to a handful of dishes. I went for brunch on Labor Day and it was pretty terrible. There was only one cook in the kitchen and only one girl waiting tables AND running the bar, so service was slow and the tables hadn't been cleaned in a while. I ordered a vegetarian eggs benedict and literally every aspect of it was wrong. The bread was toasted too early, so it was rock hard and nearly impossible to cut by the time I got it. One of the eggs was overcooked. The hollandaise looked like cheez wiz and had no flavor. The fried green tomato was inedibly salty. The potatoes were undercooked and undersalted. Even if it had been perfect, it certainly wasn't worth $13. My friends' food wasn't much better. It was clear that these problems were due to the fact that there were only two people running a packed restaurant, so we didn't make a big deal out of it. Also, while my friends and I were eating, there was a kid riding around the bar on a Razor scooter who nearly knocked our table over. It was pretty unpleasant.
(3)
Marcie L.

I've seen Johnny Brenda's go from a semi-hole in the wall, to a bustling concert venue/restaurant. It was the first place, for me, that made Fishtown a cool place to come to. There's always a fascinating crowd, and I'm happy they included outdoor seating when weather permits. I have yet to see a concert but I've heard great things about the set up. They really stepped it up a notch with the menu being above your normal bar food fare. I have yet to try a dish I didn't enjoy.
(4)
Elizabeth R.

Let me preface this by saying only that I LOVE THIS BAR. With that said, I do not like the food here. I used to love the sandwiches and shoestring fries, but now it seems that the ciabatta bread is way too dense and hard to balance the sandwich innards, which just get lost. The fries are not as signature as they used to be. The desserts were always a bit of a hit or miss for me, but when they had bread pudding a couple of years ago, I was a happy camper. It was damn exquisite. What I love here is the beer selection, always local and on draft, and the atmosphere. Although it's not my favorite food on the planet, you can't fuck with a decent hummus plate to go with those Pale Ales. And another thing - 3 bucks for a Lionshead? Come on, man. The stuff is piss-tastic at best. I'll stick with whatever's in the 4-5 dolla range. I still give the place 4 stars, based on just the good times I've had as soon as I've stepped through the door. For me, Johnny Brenda's exudes the very essence of what a Philly beer bar should aspire to be. They just need to work on that little detail...you know - the fucking food.
(4)
Christopher S.

This used to be my favorite bar. Seriously... It was every-evening-after-work-sitting-at-the-bar-alone-Âwith-a-book-and-eating-some -scrumdiddlyumptious-fried-shrimp-and-drinking-Âtasty-brew favorite. The food is still really good (though not 5 star good anymore), the drinks are still reasonably priced, and the staff is still nice. But since they added the upstairs, expanded into the building next door and added a brunch, they've become too busy/popular/trendy for their own good. It's still a really fun place to go, especially if you like crowded nightclubs filled to the brim with hipsters and indie-rocker wannabes. But I really miss the simple drunken joy of the old JB's. Oh yeah, the modified Budweiser sign over the juke box made to say "dive bar" no-longer applies. EDIT (May 7, 2008): I just went there last night and found out that the Yard's Philly Pale Ale is now $4.50... that requires me to take away a star. If the rest of Philly starts charging more than $3 for a Yard's, then I will give them their 3 stars back. Maybe not. I doubt I'm going back (unless an awesome band plays a show there).
(2)
Amanda S.

I back any bar that's playing Marquee Moon when I walk in.
(5)
Stevie S.

You know what I love most about Johnny Brenda's? It's not the great local beer selection, the unique food menu, loaded jukebox or the pool table. It's not even the fact that they have pretty good shows upstairs which don't mean a cover for people hanging out on the first floor.... It's that there are no TVs! Yet there are two 1-star reviews of this bar simply because they have no TV! If you like TV so much maybe you should sneak a six pack into Best Buy! They have TONS of 'em! JB's rules!
(5)
Jim M.

3.5 stars I went here last month for the Rachael Yamagata show. Since I was still recovering from a cold/the lung crud I have to confess that I didn't order beer. It looked like they had a fairly decent selection of beer on tap, as well as a decent selection of liquor. My cokes were delivered fairly fast and they didn't give me 'tude for drinking coke, which isn't always the case in a bar. The music part of the bar is pretty small. If I'd gotten there earlier I would have probably been able to get to the balcony or a spot on the floor. It was so freakin hot on the main floor and I was getting so jostled that I stuck to the back near the bar. I will that they had the a/c on and it was blasting freezing air into the back part where it wasn't warm. But I made sure I wasn't under the air vents. The sound was pretty decent, even back in the bar area, which was nice since I'd been to the Starlight the weekend before and experience the muddled/crappy sound there. One minor annoyance was that they don't have the doors/stairwell isolated from the downstairs, so music and voices from the downstairs can carry. They probably should label the bathrooms a little better, since I saw people hunting for the bathrooms all night. The bouncer/ticket taker and I were keeping track of how many people went the wrong way. I think I lost count at 10. I'd recommend here going for a show. Good ticket prices, nice venue, good service.
(3)
Shawn R.

Johnny Brenda's is OK by me. Been there a few times since they opened the upstairs. Best thing I can say about them is that I fell asleep at the bar...I wasn't drunk (had maybe two beers), just had been going for pretty much 36 hours straight and had promised to see a friend's band there...and they didn't kick me out. So I looked around and said, "well if they didn't kick me out yet I'm going to go back to sleep". They still didn't kick me out. Since the stage is set away from the bar my friends didn't know I had basically slept through their set. So that makes me like the layout that much more. Thanks JB's!
(4)
Melissa Z.

Fishtown's sorta out of the way, so I never really made it out there for any of the shows; until I saw Pissed Jeans was playing (amazing live). I'm really glad I made the trek out there. I showed up early so I sat at the bar for a while. They have a really nice selection of beers (but no PBR!) and food. The place is surprisingly big, with table seating towards the back. The bartenders were all really sweet and cute, too. Johnny Brenda's also has THE CLEANEST BAR BATHROOM I HAVE EVER PEED IN! So happy. Check out the jukebox, it will not disappoint. The venue upstairs was the absolute best. It's very cozy and intimate. The stage is just big enough to fit a 4 piece band and only stands about 3 feet high. There's another small bar upstairs with some very heavy handed bartenders so beware. The sound was phenomenal. Everything sounded clean and perfect. I could actually hear the singer over the instruments. I went to bed that night without horrible ringing in my ears. I usually avoid R5 shows nowadays since the average age of the crowd is 16, but this place has rekindled my love for live music. Awesome place that lacks the douche-baggery that some other bars carry. (But let's keep it that way, ok?)
(5)
Oliver L.

Johnny Brenda's is my favorite bar venue in the whole Philadelphia/NYC Metro area. This place has great food and (local) beers, as well as restrooms you don't need to be afraid to (if the situation arises) poop in. The area isn't sketchy and parking is plentiful. R5 Productions often books their over 21 shows here, so JBs gets extra props for that. The venue area (upstairs) also has a great balcony (with bar). The venue is roughly the same capacity as the North Star Bar. JBs hosts artists and bands that could easily sell out much larger venues in NYC.
(5)
Jenn H. H.

This is definitely my favorite music venue / bar in all of Philadelphia, bar none! I don't live anywhere near here, but it feels like my neighborhood place. I want to move to fishtown so I can walk here! The food is good (what I've had so far), the beer also, and the musical venue upstairs has unbelievable acoustics. It's intimate and can accommodate a variety of different acts. They don't blow out your eardrums either, so you can actually still hear when you go home. There's al fresco dining, and I'm a fan of most places with outdoor dining. It's a totally comfortable place, welcoming of all people. It might seem to cater to hipsters, but really, a nerd like me can even have fun there.
(5)
Jim T.

Great atmosphere, cool food, good beer. This is THE place to hear some good live music and is quickly making Fishtown a happening place to be!
(4)
Dave C.

And if this place could be farther away from my house, it'd be in Camden.... Oh, the Vomitorium, everytime i grace the hipster-stained insides of your walls with my presence, me or someone im with shouts screaming vomit during the course of the nite... Without fail or hesitation blackouts always ensue, hipsters grumpley get offended, and someones puke hits the floor or street. Undeniably classless, i know.... And maybe a man not as morally bankrupt as myself would be crippled with shame and self-resentment over these tortuously drunken tendencies of ours.... But, sweet apathy prevails yet again, making me warm with the always full functioning inability to regret my actions. And even though this place has the same horrible beer as its ugly, ragamuffin sibling..."the tap", it makes me happy. The food is better, the staff is less pretentious, and the atmospehere is much more gritt-tastic. i always seem to stick with the whiskey, eat the octopus and i always end up enjoying what i remember of the nite. Johnny Brendas, a $20 cab ride there, a $45 cab ride home. perfect.
(4)
Karl H.

Great beer great food. Ummmm octopus salad. But anyway ever since they opened the upstairs I have seen some great bands roll through like silversun pickups or local heros like a fox! Love the Hellos, haven't been there since the newest expansion look forward to going once I'm healed up.
(5)
Abigail L.

Are you a shittastic waitress with attitude? Have you been fired from multiple waitressing jobs? Apply for a job at Johnny Brenda's- apparently these are the prerequisites for hiring. UGH!!!! So why three stars? a. It's close to my house b. I like the feel and look of the place c. A few bartenders are pretty awesome d. The shows here are amazing, I wish I could review the upstairs separately. Now let's get down to why I hate it here: the dining area. I'm not sure that I have ever had a good experience here in the four or so years I've been going but JB's proximity to my house has caused to me to continue trying. This past Friday was the last straw. I was hungry and meeting my husband for an after work beer. It had been a while since we'd eaten here so the memories of shitty service were repressed and buried deep down in my brain. A few of our friends met us and we were seated in a booth- much to my friend Kelly's dismay as she prefers to sit and eat at the bar, a mantra I will now follow. We sat and ordered a second round of drinks. My husband ordered a second Kenzinger. It came and he tasted it proclaiming it did not taste like a Kenzinger or it tasted like the lines were dirty. A friend at the table tasted it and agreed. When our waitress returned he let her know and she argued with him that Kenzinger tastes bad, asking had he ever had one before. We explained that he ordered one at the lower bar and it tasted fine (and that he likes Kenzinger and maybe you shouldn't talk shit on a local beer that you serve in your bar asshole) but since this beer came from the upper bar that maybe the lines were dirty or something else was off. She kept arguing with him even questioning if his first order had been a Lionshead and not a Kenzinger before she finally took it away and got him something different. WHY ARGUE?!? What point are you proving here? Just shut the eff up and take it back. Seriously it's like they train people to be shitty servers here. So on to the food- it was fine but hot damn if it's not expensive and lacking in portion size and taste for the prices. The menu seems to have expanded lately, which makes me really happy save for the fact that the prices are a little ridiculous. The sides board lists collard greens, brussels sprouts and spinach for $5.50 each. What? I was half tempted to order one just to see the portion size. I opted for the vegetable focaccia. It was good, with goat cheese, roasted peppers, eggplant and squash. It was also a pretty big portion for $7. I also ordered the smashed potatoes- very tasty. I got pretty lucky with my crazy people dinner. My husband had an $8 grilled cheese- nothing special and it was served with a tiny little portion of potato chips. The menu is written on a chalk board so there are no explanations for any of the food. I kind of hate this a lot. I know it's better for the environment and it's easy to erase or add something from a board but I just hate that I am required to speak to the wait staff any more than necessary. Ok so to top off our awesome experience my friend ordered dessert to go. She opted for the hazelnut cheesecake. It came out in a large tin container along with the check. We all marveled at it swimming around in the container. It was, with no exaggeration smaller than a post-it note and it was $5. We were all "hell no" and once the waitress returned we requested it be taken back and off of the bill. Another argument ensued. Wow. The waitress "explained" that the cheesecake was very rich and so the portions were smaller. My friend held her debit card next to the slice and showed the waitress how the debit card was larger than the slice. I have no idea how you even get a slice of cheesecake to be that small, seriously, how does one cut a slice so small? Or was it made in a teeny tiny spring form pan? So in summation (sorry it was so long but I do love to bitch!) go here for a pint, upstairs for a show with gorgeous sound or food at the bar only unless you're in the mood for an argument.
(3)
Rachel S.

I always find myself at this establishment at least 3 times during any visit I make to Philadelphia. Initially attracted by the simple option of having a good number of tables on the sidewalk to people watch and smoke a beer from, I was immediately drawn to their rotating daily menu. On my first visit, I got the chicken liver mousse plate (with grain mustard, pickles, and crostini) at the advice of my boyfriend. Mind you, I'd never had liver before and would never have ordered it left to my own devices, but I'm willing to try any food once. It was really good! On my last visit I tried the rabbit sausage, which came with a much appreciated warning from the staff that it would only be a couple bites (though I wasn't expecting much for $5 in the first place). The regular menu is definitely full of good meals too. The JB burger is on point, and the chicken roulade is a personal favorite. The drink menu ranges from a wallet friendly Kensinger to the exotic cocktail menu. All in all, this place is good at what it does and changes things up enough to remain interesting. It's worth a few trips a month to be sure. Check it out!
(5)
Titus B.

Good cooking and Awesome shows, pretty down to earth type of people. Prices is good, bathroom is clean.
(4)
Jeremy S.

Johnny Brendas used to be one of my favorite places to go...until khaki pant wearing choads started coming here, half the staff left and the dingus owners hired a new chef who, in a megalomaniacal fit, erased everything pure and good from their menu (the cubano, the steak salad, etc RIP). I long for the days when Girard Ave was "too far north" for everyone... Still a great place to see a good band though...
(3)
Kyle K.

I've seen concerts all over Philadelphia and Johnny Brenda's is easily the best venue in the city. It'll always hold a special place in my heart too because I was able to go to my first 21+ show here shortly after my landmark birthday. Easy to reach by subway via the Market Frankford Line: get off at Girard Station and make the 1 minute walk up Frankford Avenue. R5 Productions books all of the bands so quality and low-priced shows are a constant occurrence. Some of the quality acts I've seen over the years here include: MÃ˜, RAC, Here We Go Magic, Great Lake Swimmers, and The Boxer Rebellion. In terms of the layout, Johnny Brenda's is perfectly intimate. I've always stayed on the first/stage floor, but I'm sure you'd have a nice time with the unique perspective upstairs too. Since the artist/band and crowd are so close together, there seems to be an added energy and connection for each performance at Johnny Brenda's. Make sure you head to the bar between sets, as the finest beers from local breweries are featured.
(5)
Jackie D.

Funny, I always forget how awesome this place is with all the new restaurants moving into Fishtown. JB's is one of the reasons I moved to this neighborhood 7 yrs ago! Today I got the special...Beefsteak Tomato Omelet w/ cheddar and potatoes. this omelet was on point! Fresh ingredients and lots of flavor...reminded me why I love this place. Cheers to an oldie but a goodie.
(5)
Grace Y.

Food/Drinks: the JB Burger which is their house burger was delicious - a good size (substantial but not too huge that I can't fit in my mouth), juicy and tender. I found the fries to be way too salty, but they did come in a small mountain. I got the Victory Black IPA, which was decent in regards to IPA, but nothing to write home about. Ambience: I chose to sit outside - there's plenty of outdoor seating, and it was pretty nice how they organize some of the tables so you're facing the streets, hence good for people-watching. There's also a pool table inside right after you walk through the main/front entrance. Dark, divey vibes with good music playing at a reasonable level. Service: my server was really nice - saved my table when I had to go use the restroom and wanted to take my belongings with me (I was there alone) - and also helpful when I asked about the beers. On the other hand, the hostess seemed a little strained in extending her friendliness. Moreover, she was nowhere to be found when I first arrived, and I basically walked through the length of the pub and stood by the back entrance, behind the register where another server was closing the tabs who never acknowledged my existence. Would it ever make sense to ASK for the host/hostess? Isn't it their job to stand by the entrance to welcome and seat patrons? After standing there for a few minutes I finally made eye contact with a server, requested a table and was told "oh the hostess is back there somewhere". I know Philly is laid back, but this? I don't know man.
(3)
Rachel K.

What a trip. I came here with my crew to check out the bands lined up to play that night and it was one of the weirdest performances of all time. From the totally jarring clarinet solos and the deep red stage lights of the opening act, I felt like I had landed smack in the middle of a satanic ritual. The next set alternated between putting me to sleep and whacking me back into consciousness with heavy drum action. Finally, the night closed with a band that cared more about playing like a free-spirited acid trip than staying in tune or even remotely on rhythm. Still, after a couple of cheap beers, and in the company of good friends, we had a fun time. I really enjoyed kicking back and relaxing up in the balcony, which definitely gives you the best view. Overall, this is a really cool place. I'd definitely like to return to try some of the very tempting options on the menu--and experience a band that didn't terrify me a little...!
(4)
Sara M.

This place is quintessential Philadelphia to me- I have only been here once so far (my office moved in down the street), but many of my friends and co-workers love the music scene and late nights at this place. I came for lunch with a group of 10 people yesterday, we were seated quickly (there were maybe a dozen other patrons eating lunch inside and a handful more on their outdoor tables along Girard). They had a cool beer selection, which most of my group ordered (and arrived at the table within 5 minutes). Their food menu is small but diverse- hummus plate, fresh oysters, etc for appetizers, steak & blue cheese salad, fried haddock sandwich and burgers for menu items. At least half of my table got the fried haddock sandwich which they were in love with, although they said the ciabatta bread (a harder bread) was an odd pairing for the fried fish. I had one of their specials-salmon hash with fried eggs and toast-and holy moly was it good. The whole experience was extremely quick for a group our size. The decor inside is really just average and there didn't seem to be any sort of particular type of establishment they were trying to go for downstairs. The back of the menu had their music line up for the month, and they seem to be best known for that-but it's still a good place to grab lunch if you're in the area and looking for a hipster, no-nonsense place with great food.
(4)
Lee M.

My wife and I stopped in here on a random walk looking for something to eat. The hours on yelp said it was open but it looked closed. We almost walked past it. I asked I guy if they were and he replied sorry I'm not sure I just deliver beer. At this time I decided to investigate and I'm glad I did. I had a the Ruben special. It was delicious. The fries were just how I liked them a little brown and very crispy. My wife had the salmon hash. She was very impress with it. I think it's the first time something of hers haven't gone in a box in a year. The portions were sized adequately. Not to much not to little. Just right. Well deffinatly be back again!
(5)
Megan M.

Reasons to love JBs: 1. one of the only bars that still charges $3 for Kenzinger 2. the burger. BEST burger in Philly. OMG, that burger 3. great venue on the 2nd floor for live music I live really close so I come here pretty frequently. Great food, great beer... they also got paper menus pretty recently so you no longer have to strain your eyes looking at the chalkboard to see the menu. Really nothing to complain about.
(5)
Kathleen D.

Johnny Brenda's, It had been too long since our last acquaintance! Just about two years, to be exact. I don't have any worthy excuses for what took me so long to return to you, and I am deeply sorry. I won't neglect you for so long again. I promise. In both September 2012 and September 2014, I had the honor of consuming the crispy chicken sandwich and french fries while in your fine building. In both Septembers, I very much enjoyed said meals. I also really liked your selection of local craft beers! A sincere thank you for two great visits, and I truly hope we can keep in touch. Your friend, Kathleen
(4)
Charlotte D.

I have been here twice for just beer but more recently we went for food. Every time I was here it smelled so good so I knew I had to come back. I had the salmon BLT. It was served on a multigrain focaccia type (the best way to describe it). The waiter did warn me that the salmon would be medium rare. It was the first time I have had seared salmon and I wasn't in love with it. I love raw salmon, smoked salmon and cooked salmon but I didn't love it medium rare on a sandwich. The fries are great, those homemade shoe string types. My boyfriend ordered the steak medium well. It was more like medium rare. The center was a dark red, and he was not happy with it at all. I have come to the conclusion that medium rare is the style of the this chef. It's not something I prefer but maybe others do.
(3)
Mike T.

Over the years, while visiting Philly, I have been right by Johnny Brenda`s a few times, but finally made it in recently. And I am glad that I did so. The selection of local craft beer was outstanding and they had different styles from a kolsch to sour beers available. It would be easy to please any beer lover`s palate here. And they also have liquor, so if you want a bloody mary to go with your brunch, they got you covered. And a few cask beers were on too, which was great to see. My chicken and bacon sandwich was pretty good, fries were really good. Overall, what topped the experience for me was the excellent service. Their bartender was incredibly friendly and helpful. She certainly made me feel welcomed back to Philly.
(4)
Alex M.

Came here and checked out the West Philly Orchestra. This place is a legend and doesn't need me to trumpet its praises. If you live in Philly and you haven't seen a show here and at Union Transfer then you haven't really experienced Philly.
(4)
Brittany R.

I like this place all around as a bar, restaurant, and music venue. I celebrated new years here and it was perfect. Very relaxing environment- we were even able to secure 2 tables for our big party.
(4)
Steph C.

I was SO pleasantly surprised by the food at Johnny Brenda's. I've been here a handful of times but only to chill & have some good beers. So, when my friends suggested we sit down & have a meal too, I was kinda hesitant. Thinking "but... there are so many other places we can go eat at around here.... why would we ever eat here? Lets get another round of drinks here then go to a proper restaurant for food." Let me just say, I'm so glad no one listened to me... bc the veggie burger I got was one of the best I've ever had! I was so happy with it. Everyone loved their meals. It's bar food but super good. I would most def eat here again.
(4)
Bb B.

As a habitue of JB's, I was rather surprised to see a crop of house cocktails on the menu this past Friday. So, I tried a couple. I haven't been as happy with the food since the previous chef had left (and they got rid of the beloved Cubano), but the new cocktails have captivated me once again. They all have wacky names that I can't remember (because I was drinking in the middle of the day), but there's one with celery as a flavor. Sounds disgusting, right? WRONG! It is incredible. Back to the food: the crispy chicken sandwich and hamburger have remained consistently good. They don't seem to offer as many menu options as they used to, when the old chef was around. They had their standards, plus several interesting specials. Now, they have their standards, with fewer specials, which are often similar to each other. Nevertheless, they also have a great beer selection and some pretty damn good wines. I still love it there.
(5)
Michelle M.

After several years in Philly, this is still my favorite place to see live music. The club is small, well set-up, has good sound and an authentic vibe. I love the balcony and first floor area equally! I've seen some wonderful shows there.. From Bill Callahan, The Dum Dum Girls to Bell X 1; the venue never disappoints. It's a good old fashioned local club; tons of character and good music. I always recommend it to my visiting and touring friends. If you're looking for a show-- check their schedule, if you're looking to play Phila, call their booking agent. I am sad that the Whiskey Donuts fell off the brunch menu, but am hopeful they will show up once winter comes around...
(5)
Elizabeth H.

A little hit or miss. Was serving octopus over a decade ago, before it was hip. Some things are solid, some things change every time. Also, the menu has diminished and the brilliant variety I've seen in years past has dissipated. Not terrible food (and sometimes even good), good drinks, but most importantly, some of the BEST music in the city. Their show lineups are definitely what keep me coming back. But if you want better food or beers, go to Frankford Hall next door.
(3)
Myung C.

Came here for the first time after my boyfriend (a regular at this place) raved about how amazing the burgers and fries are for so long! I got the veggie burger and was pretty disappointed.. I couldn't really make out what the patty tasted like. Fries were awesome though! I love how this place gives you both ketchup and hot sauce. Service was great too. I probably would've given this place five stars if I tried the regular burger.
(3)
Andenew A.

Server was fantastic. JR Burger was cooked med well, I asked for med rare. Fries were soggy. Portion sizes are way to small for the price.
(2)
Gia M.

This is a "divey" establishment, in that it certainly tries to cultivate that vibe with its decor, but the place is definitely too clean and the food is too good to be a true dive. This seems like it could be a good place to go on a Saturday night (as it was, I went on a Saturday afternoon), with live music and a lively crowd. My friends and I sat down in a booth and ordered drafts all around before getting food. Lots of local breweries (Victory, Sly Fox, Yards, Stoudt's, Troegs, etc) were featured on the menu. They were doing some sort of pilsner event, so there were a ton of choices in that arena. I was duly impressed with the crispy chicken sandwich (chicken could have been crispier), which was basically a chicken BLT with mustard. Flavorful and just the right size for dinner. Thin and crispy fries were also a good sidekick, but the mayo that came with them really stole the show.
(4)
Sarah P.

I've been coming to Johnny Brenda's and their older sister Standard Tap for the past ten years. The atmosphere is always great and the servers have always been attentive. It's still my favorite place to see live music. The beer is local and the lines are clean. It's a shame that the quality of food has significantly gone down. Was there last night and ordered a flank steak salad cooked medium. Steak came out well-done, lettuce was old and showed signs of aging. Was tempted to feed the steak to the dog sitting next to me. I'll be back for the drinks, music, and some pool, but not for a meal. It's really sad to see this place go downhill.
(3)
JohnAnthony C.

High end cocktails, fried catfish, & Kurt Vile. What's not to love? Serious service, no fart smelle (even though I very obviously farted!). How do they do it? Who cares? What is love? Stop asking. Go jump off the cliff that is Johnny Brendas.
(5)
Julia E.

I had been wanting to come here for a show for a couple of months and finally had the opportunity a couple of days ago. It was great! This is my favorite small venue I have been in Philadelphia thus far, the sound was good, the layout was awesome, you can get inches from the band, people were polite, bathrooms were clean...and the best part...YOU CAN BRING YOUR BEER WHEREVER YOU WANT! No "if you're drinking you must stay within this area like cattle" rules apply here, run free with your draft of choice. I want to come back and try the food as another reason why Johnny Brenda's gets my 5 stars, the whole place smells like smoked meat...which I think is a good thing.
(5)
Louis R.

It's looks and feels like a dive bar...but its full of beautiful vanilla babies. The vodka sodas were strong. The fries with garlic aioli were deeelish. The bartender was friendly. The dudes making the food were all tatted-up. Philly. Plain and simple.
(4)
Jason F.

Pretty average every time that I've been there, but I know a lot of people who love it here. Typically, when I am in the fishtown area, there are few other places I would usually go, but JB's isn't terrible. Beer and whatnot is plentiful and decent priced. Food is OK, but nothing out of this world. Lots of people and sometimes they have live music, which is pretty cool, but I usually get the feeling I'm not cool enough to be around and move along to some place a little more laid back.
(3)
Evelyn D.

I really want to give this place a higher rating because the service was good but the food was okay. The location is kind of awkward. There is very little parking nearby and you really do have to park in the neighborhood - so that experience of driving around was not good. I like the fact that they have outside seating so on a beautiful Sunday we really enjoyed sitting outside and on this day it wasn't too hot. The food menu is very limited . We had a crispy chicken sandwich and another party had the catfish sandwich. Here's why I'm giving a lower rating. For $12 I got two small chicken fingers on a bun with shreds a lettuce which I didn't think was a good value for my money. When my sandwich was delivered it was warm and I thought I was going to get a half a carafe of wine for eight dollars but it ended up just being this glass of wine. The highlight of the day was the bullfrog selection of beers which my dining partners really enjoyed. I'm not really sure if I will go back. The other good thing were the french fries and the Harissa mayo. It was pretty good with a little spice. The fried catfish sandwich- my dining partner said it was delicious. Although my chicken sandwich was chinsy, when all the flavors together meshed it was a pretty good. The board that list the specials and the food was outside. I think they need to add another board at the other ,closer to the front of the restaurant because it was difficult to read the writing .
(2)
Kristie K.

Hopefully the chef is on vacation?! $12. for kale with a few slivers of carrots is hardly a salad, and why change up the Bahn-mi?..meh, really disappointed. Otherwise, GREAT staff, service, venue, beer, and excellent wine!
(3)
R E.

Johnny Brenda's burger is absolutely my current favorite. It's everything you crave when you want a burger. The fries are thin and crispy and perfectly salty. Make sure you eat them with the malt vinegar aioli. Their appetizers are delicious as well but they're always disappointingly small for the price. The best part is that I've never had to wait to be seated. When we were told it'd be a 25min wait to sit at Silk City, we went straight to Johnny Brenda's and sat down immediately. Also the staff is very attentive and accommodating!
(5)
Elizabeth C.

Last weekend, I stopped in Johnny Brenda's for dinner before a show that was happening on the second floor. The place was packed, and by the end of the meal, I definitely understood why. The menu transcends that typical bar food that so many of us are accustomed to and delivers a surprisingly fun and varied menu. There were some vegan and vegetarian options available, from the hummus (some of the best I've had) to a Banh Mi, but absolutely had many delicious meals for omnivores (one of the specials that nice was spare ribs). I eventually decided on one of the specials for my entree: Mahi Mahi, served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. Amazing. I would be remiss, if I didn't mention our server, Gregg. Not only was he delightful and fun (donning a bandana and a Kelly Kapowski t-shirt), he was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and specials, describing each in perfect detail. He was attentive, making sure to check in periodically without being intrusive. Overall, between the great service, delicious food and subtle decor, I would highly recommend Johnny Brenda's to anyone looking for a fun, late-night spot.
(5)
Vanessa M.

Nice location but the experience sucked. I sat myself and then had to go inside to ask if someone was serving outside. Then after 15+ minutes they came to clean the table another 15 mins they came back and asked us if we were ready. I told him we never got a menu. They told us to take pictures of the chalkboard and walked away. .... So did we!
(1)
Jake M.

Been to a few shows here. I like the upper floors more than the normal bar level, way too crowded on weekends. Cool looking place with a decent beer list. Cop that kinzenger cause I like piswater and I'm cheap.
(4)
Andrew B.

Mellow atmosphere. Decent fries. Beers And pool. I'd go back
(4)
Albert S.

I like Johnny Brenda's for a number of reasons. As a music venue they bring in some really good, but to the average fan, obscure bands. It's an intimate setting which allows you to be real close to the band. The food is really good and I haven't had a bad meal their yet. The octopus salad I got awhile ago was something that I still can't stop thinking about. Unfortunately it was a special and I haven't seen it on there since. The beer selection is good and they often have beer events. The service has always been good. The bartenders are very friendly and the wait staff has always been good and fast.
(4)
Camille F.

I've been meaning to try JB's for a while now and I've must admit they exceeded my expectation. The decor was cool very hipster. Staff was efficient, so no company's here. I'm not a huge fan of the menu on the board but overall not to much if a big deal. Now to the food. I planned on playing it safe with a burger but saw Salmon BLT and just had to have it. Salmon and bacon on one dish, genius. I requested my salmon well done, they delivered. It was amazing. Salmon cooked perfect, bacon added great flavor. The fries were really good to. I definitely plan on going back to see what else JB has to offer.
(4)
Emily Q.

So so appreciative of the wait staff and chef here. We came here for a pre-wedding rehearsal lunch with my extended family (surprise, no reservation). My son has severe allergies to dairy, egg, peanut, tree nut, beef, and lamb -- the chef came out to personally talk with us and made a perfect meal just for him. And I much enjoyed my kale salad and cider. Perfect.
(5)
Kendel S.

Food here is really great. Not a huge menu selection, but there's usually something for everyone.
(4)
Brittany P.

Amazing fries and sauce!! The menu is always interesting pretty happy with all my meals here. Decent beer selection but weird service. JBs is good at hiring socially awkward servers
(4)
L Stephanie L.

Unpretentious, seriously amazing food and awesome service. This place has everything that the West Coast lacks. I hear that there's music upstairs too? Whoa.
(5)
James D.

Went here last night for a Martha Graham Cracker show. It was probably my 15th time here. I have never had a bad experience or not been completely enamored with the acts. First floor has great food, same beer selection as upstairs, and a pool table. Upstairs is special place. Has a special place in my heart. Has a special mojo for music. I often want bigger named acts to come here cause i know how intimate and amazing they would be
(5)
Chrissy S.

I will never get over how much space a typical dive bar can have when its located out of nyc. For that reason, my review is biased. There's plenty of outdoor seating. The 5 bus will take you right here. And it'll take your drunk ass home too. Inside there's a pool table, bar, and some booths. There's a cool space upstairs as well. No complaints. Above average and consistant.
(4)
Siva J.

Few bars in Philly hold memories for me in the last two years like Johnny Brenda's. This review is long overdue, and it makes me happy as I recall the times I have been here - just casual dinner and drinks, to dance my ass off with friends to West Philly Orchestra upstairs, to play pool downstairs, just a stop while bar hopping in NoLibs, I even came here to see a show just by myself one night - Johnny Showcase, and it was amazing! Downstairs, they have good vegetarian options; the eggplant parmesan is my usual goto - not the best I've had but it's bar food and my expectations are not too high and JB's doesn't disappoint. Also have a decent beer selection downstairs. No matter how crowded the place was, I never had to wait too long for a beer and to get my food order in. There is one pool table, so depending on which night you go, there might be a wait - if you're serious about playing pool, this shouldn't be your destination anyway. The upstairs music venue is one of my favorites in Philly. It is an intimate atmosphere - you can either stand right in front of the stage or take the stairs up to the balcony where they have a few tables - either place you are so close to the performers. For someone who loves live music, it offers a different kind of atmosphere compared to the bigger and more crowded venues. The ticket prices are usually around $10-15. The bartenders are always quick, efficient and friendly. The floors are sticky, but I don't really mind that. Johnny Brenda's should definitely be on your list of places to checkout in Philly if you're a live music fan.
(5)
Dwayne E.

JBs is the triple threat of Philadelphia. Great food. Great drinks. Great live music. All with a level of service you won't get anywhere else in the city.
(5)
Jess L.

As a venue and for a good selection of beer, this place is five stars. Ever since they got the new menu, the food is terrible. Used to be one of my favorite restaurants. Now it's subpar to say the least.
(3)
Tanya M.

Always have a great beer selection and they have cider on tap which is always a winner with me. The food is always solidly god but the menu is on the wall and if your blind like me you have to get up and stand by someone else table to see it. The staff are all hipster kids so even though they are nice they look at you like your a asshole if you can't read it. I also like the live band venu upstairs and that it doesn't interfere with downstairs.
(4)
Michael B.

Coolest social-gathering-New-American-restaurant-and-Âmusical-watering hole in town. (And probably the only.) Awesome sandwiches and delectable seasonable sides make the downstairs restaurant a perfect joint for a casual dinner & a beer with friends. A buddy and I split the eggplant parm with a side of brussels the other night, both of which were perfect. And with menu items like a fantastic falafel sandwich for a mere $6, JB's not only is veg-friendly but also is highly affordable (much more so than its delicious-but-pricey older sister, Standard Tap, without sacrificing the Tap's quality). With my favorite music venue in town lying a mere staircase away, excellent DJs of all sorts spinning regularly, always a friendly and excitable staff and clientele, and an excellent local draft list, JB's was a great choice for Foobooz' #1 bar in Phila for '13. TIP: To save the Ticketfly service fee for future JB's shows, purchase show tickets at the bar (or, if the show is promoted by R5, from AKA Music on 2nd St.). And drink Kenzo's for a nice long session... $3 a pop at all times (sorry; $2 from 4-6 on weekdays).
(5)
Jennifer J.

a new chef arrived 6 months ago and destroyed the menu. Where is the Fishtown Stew???? Will not return for dinner again. So disappointing.
(2)
Jessica B.

No wait for a table for brunch at 12:00 on a Sunday morning?! What luck! Dined with a bunch of friends, and everyone agreed that the vibe and decor was cool and laid back - hipster in the best way. The menu is on the wall, so they don't give you a menu for the table. If you are in the main room this isn't really a problem but our table was a little bit off to the side so we had to stand up in the main room to read it. Though we thought this was a little big off-putting and rushed our decisions a bit, we decided it fit the vibe of the place and was a cute quirk. The service was excellent! Our waitress was super friendly and helpful, even after she had to explain the JB Breakfast to us 3 times... Waters and coffees constantly refilled! Food was good too and generous portions. Two of my friends had the smoked salmon hash and really liked it, plenty of salmon. The JB Breakfast wasn't as large as we expected it to be, but it was tasty and you get to try a little bit of everything. I really enjoyed my eggs Benedict but it was a tad cold and english muffin was a little thick and under-toasted for me. The eggs Benedict burger is basically what it sounds like - burger with hollandaise sauce, and a fried egg - I would say the best of the meals.
(4)
Diana F.

Really loved this place! Food was great as well as the service. Plus they have live shows of local bands upstairs. Great hangout joint
(5)
Gina M.

You really can't go wrong with this place. It is everything I love about a bar. Great music, events, drink selections, and food- all on point. This was my first time in Philly, and Saturday I came to check out a J Dilla tribute event. I found myself back in the neighborhood the following Sunday, so I had to stop in for dinner. I got the beer flight both times. I believe Greg was our waiter. Such great service, great playlist, and there's a pool table. Next time I'm in Philly I'll have to make my way back here.
(5)
Wellington W.

Decided to pop in for lunch today and figured I'd try one of the specials. JB's is known more for it's music scene, but the food didn't disappoint. The draft list isn't bad, mostly represented by local breweries like Flying Fish and Yards. I ended up going with the Smoked Pork Hash. The description was, "Hollandaise, Red Bell Peppers, Eggs". It was that, and a little more. My plate was bordered by two halves of buttered wheat toast and the heart of it was a mess of home fries, sautÃ©ed onion with red pepper, smoked pork, a heavy drizzle of hollandaise, then topped with two sunny side up eggs. Bottom line, this wasn't anything fancy, it wasn't unique in its flavor, but my belly is happy. If this were on the menu again, I'd do it all over.
(3)
Jen S.

This is one of my favorite places in Philly. I used to come here a lot just to get drinks, but after many nights of staring down the food menu, I finally came in for dinner. And let me tell you, it was AWESOME. I had a cubano sandwich that was delicious, my sister's burger was perfectly cooked, and the country fried steak that was on special that night was also so yummy. Service was great as well, we ordered four beers and the waitress recommended a pitcher instead so we could save a few bucks, how nice! The venue upstairs is also very fun. I saw Low Cut Connie with a bunch of friends and the whole crowd was very upbeat. The only downside is that the bar gets VERY noisy on Friday and Saturday nights, so don't plan on any long conversations with strangers unless you want to scream in their ear.
(5)
Mattcheu S.

Johnny Brenda's has a small dive bar/concert space upstairs filled with...fog? Not sure what that was but it wasn't cigarette smoke. Show up early for your concert if you want a good spot on the mezzanine. I was up on my toes peeking between people all night. Good concert. Ok beer selection. Discovered that "local" beer doesn't necessarily mean "good" beer. I'd go back for a concert though. Such an intimate space.
(4)
Jeremy K.

Went for the Trouble with Tripels event today. Beer was of course excellent. Our food however was disappointing. My JDBurger was cold as we're my french fries. My wife's mussels were basically tasteless and my mother-in-laws sandwich was completely forgotten by the waitress. This was a disappointing experience for such a great neighborhood institution. I hope these problems are corrected and JB's thrives for years to come.
(3)
John A.

Johnny Brenda's is great but gotta say those two dudes who wouldn't lift me up so i could crowd surf during Purling Hiss were a bunch of prudes.
(5)
Trish S.

Great food and drink selection. The music scene is awesome! Attended a wedding reception here which was a great time.
(4)
Susan M.

I love Johnny B's, I've been coming here since it opened. I've also dragged many, many friends who also became fans. But with the new chef -- WTF? You got rid of the Cubano sandwich and the Caesar salad? Not everyone in the world can eat red meat and/or fried entrees. As some of us grow older, we have dietary restrictions. One of the great things about this place is that you could come with a group and there was something on the menu for everyone. Now, not so much. The waitress told me to be patient as the new chef found his feet. I haven't been back since, so I don't know if he ever found them. Here's hoping.
(3)
Carter P.

I've been here many times over the years and there's really nothing not to like. It's your neighborhood bar with great food - sophisticated options. Although I usually go for the burger which is juicy and perfectly cooked. I've been here for a stand up comedy show on the second floor and plan to go see a band there soon. Like the same owners did in Northern Liberties at Standard Tap, they were first to turn around the scene in Fishtown and are still one of the best places in the area. Oh, and try the Kensinger - it's a deal at $3 a pint.
(4)
Chris K.

Probably my favorite venue in the city to see a show at. Also my favorite spot to shoot pool. Good staff, great vibes, amazing food. I steer clear on the weekends because it gets packed
(5)
Brian L.

Been here a couple times now. Both in the venue upstairs and the bar downstairs. The bartenders all seem really friendly and helpful, with a decent selection of beers on tap. No bottles. I hear the food is really good, but I have yet to try it. There's a pool table downstairs that is a great way to meet and socialize with some of the bar patrons. The people seem generally very cool.
(4)
Kelly C.

JB's may seem like the birthplace for Philly hipsters, not counting Benjamin F., but it's a wonderful place for everyone. Ol' Ben would be a fixture here if a time portal opened. I've had the full JB's experience: - Ignite Philly (several times) upstairs - from the floor, from the balcony. - Bands aplenty. - Holding down the bar top for several hours on a busy Saturday night. - Lunch with friends/dates, daytime drinking, brunch, etc. in the expansion dining area. And I don't even live in Fishtown or N.Lib. I think one of my favorite attributes about this place is versatility, as you can see from above. In the downstairs area, you can have any light level you want -- Semi-dim in the main bar area, bright window in the back dining area if you want to see your companion's face, or midnight in the garden of good and under the stairs. There's outdoor seating on Girard, people watching by the barrel, awesome sculptured bike parking, and pool tables too. I don't even need to review the food and drink... one of my favorite burgers in town, but I try to get something different each time.
(5)
Sarah K.

I only stepped in for a few minutes on a friday night, but it just seems like a typical dive-y, hipster-esque bar. I saw that the menu had some food on it, which sounded REALLY good, but I just ordered a drink before leaving to join friends at a different bar. The bartender was nice, quick, and answered our questions patiently. There's a credit card minimum (~10$ if I remember correctly). It's a nice place, but I just wasn't vibing it? I don't know if I'd ever go out of my way to come here, but if a friend suggested it I wouldn't say no.
(3)
Liz L.

I will definitely be back for the Bahn Mi! House made seitan is the best I've ever had. Relaxed, friendly and comfortable. Great vegetarian options.
(4)
Michael N.

I really don't know what happened here. This was my go-to spot in Fishtown for the past 5 years, but unfortunately it seems like food quality has really fallen off over the last 6 months. They seem to be trying a few different things with the food, but nothing is really working for me. Otherwise, they do have a pretty great beer list and the sandwiches are always fairly solid. They serve a respectable burger but nothing in comparison to a few of the other new local spots. As for music, this is still my favorite venue in the city. Amazing sound. Great atmosphere. Great sight lines. Great beer.
(3)
Michelle A.

JB's has decent food and great music. It used to be my favorite hangout, but sadly it's been overtaken by self-professing hipsters. As a result it's become a self-parodying, touristy, meat market. I keep giving the place chances because I WANT to like it. But I just....can't. Do yourself a favor and go to the M Room across the street.
(3)
Zareen S.

OYSTERS - Before I get to anything else - 1/2 off during happy hour, a great way to spend warm afternoon under the sun with the outdoor seating they provide. Dollar off draft I think for HH. If you love to be high maintenance, don't go here. If you are a friendly no fuss-no huss soul- go. Been there a handful of times now, I have never ever had a bad experience. Servers and bartenders are exceptionally friendly and NORMAL [like people should be but are not]. The draft list changes constantly and while it carries super local brews which may be unable to compete with fancy Belgian brews- but thats the idea, its not supposed to. If you have impeccable timing you might score some delicious Bullfrog and other hard-to-come-by local pours as well. Although I have had limited experience with the food itself here, vouching off of the fries and dessert, food kicks ass! Might I ask you to make note of the fact Bloody Mary here is tongue-waggingly delicious ! The place is always bustling with great Philly energy with a pool table and great music. If you love beer and love life, this place will do it. Go drink delicious stuff, don't whine and be merry.
(5)
Jed H.

9.7/10.0 JB's is where it's at. Along w/ UT, my favorite place to see a show in Phila. Awesome, intimate setting. Has character out the wazoo. They book solid acts. Awesome beers on tap all the time. They make some solid food, as well. This is an excellent place to grab some food, get some drinks, or see a show. Or, even better, all 3.
(5)
Camay C.

Never had food here. But the beer selection is awesome and the live music gets an A+! Their themed music events are top notch. I get a little excited when I see the emails for a"music of 97" party! Cover usually ranges from 5-7 bucks. Mixed crowd, no drama, Good vibes. As many beers they offer, I only drink Lionhead for some strange reason lol.
(4)
Dani B.

This place does me right. Great selection of beers and the menu is pretty good to. Not the healthiest but very filling and he service is incredible. The wait staff is no-nonsense but anticipated how I wanted my food and served it up just right. This place feels like home and I can't wait to come back for the live events.
(5)
Sara P.

Meh is right! At least, as far as dining goes. Whenever I see venison on the menu, I'm pretty much sold. So, imagine my disappointment when my $22 plate comes out with 3 tiny pieces of venison. If that wasn't enough, I ordered the meat "medium rare", and it came out "medium" and "well done" respectively - each piece was cooked differently, which was an unpleasant surprise. And, all of it was tough and chewy. The crown on top of the plate were onion rings that tasted like they were a few days old... UGH. Besides my wasted meal, our waiter didn't bring my friend's drink over for 20 min., and didn't ask us how the food was after the fact. It's probably better (for him) that he didn't.
(2)
love n.

Great place. Dinner entrees are tasty and reasonably priced. Apps are good but small portions. Nice vibe and atmosphere. Service is friendly and solid.
(4)
Sara W.

This is my go-to date night spot with my bae!!! Always amazing food and such a cute bar made to look like an old run down place i guess. I just love it
(5)
Thom Y.

Great music venue. Food is fantastic and cheap! They don't have any bottled beer which is not good.
(4)
Danny O.

One of the top 3 venues for live music in Philly, in terms of set up and acts they bring in. Reasonably priced beers. Love this place.
(5)
Laura Jill S.

I've only been here once so far, but not on a night w/ live music, so I haven't even been upstairs yet. Good beer, cool atmosphere, service was fine. I wasn't super enthusiastic about the vegan options on the menu, but I was really digging the appetizers. LOVED their fries. LOVED their edamame. The hummus was good too. (I feel like I should be more enthusiastic about the hummus. But umm, hummus is hummus, I guess.) (So yeah. I know this review is not my best work. I WILL be going to Johnny Brenda's again: expect an update.)
(4)
Rob W.

They don't have a lot of shows that I'm personally into or this would probably be a 5 star review. I love coming here. The crowd is your typical Fishtown hipsters. They have a great draft list. The food is decent but gets old pretty quick. If JBs was in any other neighborhood it would be the best but Fishtown has so many great options it's hard to give them 5.
(4)
Rita C.

I came out to Johnny Brenda's last night to see a show (Memory Tapes) and I had a really good time. The upstairs is a great place for live music complete with a little balcony with some seats. The bar has a ton of options including some delicious craft beer on tap, as well as some local beers (Yards!). I'll definitely be back in the future to check out some shows and have a couple of beers!
(3)
Anna L.

This is why I love Philly. No frills place that has no attitude. Good crowd of people who hang out here at the bar. Service is friendly. I enjoy the live DJ/music shows they have here! Haven't tried the food yet - will do that next time since my friend just moved to the area!!!! :)
(4)
Brexton C.

This is the perfect place for live music & good food. My friend and I stopped here in February on a Sunday night and it was poppin! The drinks are yummy and the bartenders are super cool and friendly. We watched an awesome indie rock band on a huge second floor balcony, and found a photo booth in the back...which was so fun. Even though we went to get sushi beforehand, we still had burgers at the end of the night..I don't even remember eating it ! Hahah
(5)
BB C.

All the waiters/waitresses I've ever had have always been extremely professional and polite. The bar gets slammed, but the bartenders are always doing their best to accommodate everyone. The menu is small, but the food I've tried has been good. Terrific venue and convenient to find. Don't know what I'd do without this place!
(5)
Laura J.

Love this place to see new artists. The crowd can be a bit "lively" and we have seen them heckle artists at times. FYI, the sound is better if you're not on the balcony. I also really like this place for an evening drink if I'm in the neighborhood.
(5)
Lori H.

Sat outdoors this evening. Gregg was our waiter - amazing service with a smile. Our party of three had hangar steak, scallops, pesto eggplant, bread pudding, lemon chess tart, coffee. All delicious.
(5)
Theresa N.

Favorite burger in the city! I am also a pretty big dry cider fan and they usually have my favorite (Commonwealth) on tap.
(4)
Rob D.

I was surprised how good the food was here. I'd been here a few years ago before this hood was so cool, and before the Frankford beer hall and competition rolled in. Johnny Brendas has definitely stepped up their game.
(4)
Jungah P.

Service is always excellent! Great food and beers too!
(5)
Dan R.

I've been told you should never trust someone with two first names. But what about two first names of different genders? Johnny Brenda's? It's not even a someone, but a something - does this advice still apply? What does it all mean?! Yet despite all of this, JB's houses four of my favorite things - sandwiches, gastropubs, dive bars, live music - all under one roof. So, yeah. I guess you could say I could trust this place. And also, maybe live here. But let's start with the sandwiches, more specifically the Cubano. Bursting with delicious pulled pork and held together by hearty hero bread, I just couldn't get enough of its savory genius. Simply put, this sandwich is a must. Johnny Brenda's has seemed to ruin all other cubanos for me. And I love him/her for it. This stellar sandwich, as well as a miscellany of other chalkboard menu items (ranging from raw bar oysters and octopus appetizers to fried bologna and pork terrine), can be had in the back section of the establishment - the trendier, gastropubbier half of Johnny Brenda's downstairs. The Hommus plate we ordered was honestly mediocre, but really, what chance did it stand against the Cubano? However, I have to hand it to them for introducing me to the robust, yet smooth, gentle giant Victory Golden Monkey (9.5% ABV!), part of their locally-sourced brew selections, and one of the better beer discoveries I've made this year. The dive bar portion of Johnny Brenda's consumes the front half of the downstairs. With its wood paneling, cigarette machine, pool table, and dark, underbelly ambiance, it's more roadhouse than rager. It would appear the place to party here is upstairs during a show. And had I not discovered JB's during a bout of day drinking, you can bet your ass I'd be up there for some local live indie come nightfall. As if the Cubano wasn't reason enough to return...
(4)
Michelle C.

Based on my one and only experience at Johnny Brenda's for brunch, it was certainly a-ok in my book. My foursome arrived in a somewhat bleary-eyed state after some drinks the previous evening. We set forth ordering bloody marys from our server, who seemed pretty busy at first between several tables but in the end was able to handle our table with ease. Said bloodies were great. Two of us went for the chicken pita, which came with lettuce, tomato, yogurt dressing and feta cheese. The components of the pita were all really good, but we agreed that the pita itself was too thick and seemed to mask a lot of the flavor from the ingredients. The side salad I also ordered was delish, with slices of radish and a nice, light vinaigrette. A side of fries was quickly devoured from all four sides, with everyone concluding that they were some of the best fries in the city. I'd love to come back next time I have a day planned in Fishtown.
(3)
Rebecca N.

Every time I end up at JBs I wonder why I don't go there more often, and then quickly remember why I don't. The location is the best part about the place. It's a great spot to meet friends who may be coming from all over the city, there's ample bike parking, outdoor seating (with heat lamps now, apparently!), parking on nearby streets, and a pretty cool ambiance inside. But the beer list is pretty terrible (especially because it's surrounded by amazing beer places), the food is just decent, and there's nothing that makes it really stand out. Its main purpose seems to be as a venue or a plan B destination for when all of the great food/drink places are crowded/closed/the apocalypse happened.
(3)
Leo I.

I really want to just give you 2 stars. I wasn't very happy at this place. It has the look and feel of a dive bar, but hold on! Those seats are reserved. Huh? The crowd there is interesting too. This isn't something the venue can help because it would be a dick move to deny some people entry and yet allow others... but there were a bit too many bros and yuppies for my liking. I'm going to go here again to try the food and check out a show -- I hear the venue upstairs is a great place to catch a live show. I'm going to give you another chance JB's -- do not disappoint me.
(3)
J G.

Loved it. Great food. Great beer. Great location
(5)
Nikk K.

I have been here at least a hundred times for dinner and/or drinks over the past 5 years. I feel as though I have watched it fluctuate as far as it's food quality is concerned. It's a hit or miss, sometimes it's fantastic and other times, I'm let down. Because of dietary restrictions I feel the menu is quite limiting, wish there were more veg/vegan options, not a place I can frequent as much as I'd like but it definitely hits the spot when my stomach growls and I'm not feeling cooking and washing dishes!
(3)
John G.

Tasty craft beers. Chill atmosphere. Creative gastropub fare. Haven't been by for any live concert events, but they book some good gigs.
(4)
Art G.

Passed by for Sunday brunch. Service was kind and prompt, food was very tasty (I ordered JB's breakfast) and atmosphere was fun
(4)
Cax D.

Poor quality food overall. We had a chicken caesar salad and a lamb pasta special and neither was acceptable for a restaurant. The lamb pasta dish was a little cold too, like it had been sitting in the kitchen for a couple hours. Despite poor food, the location on the corner was good and the tables right on the street were nice to sit at. I would return here for beer and music but I'll never, ever, eat here again at any price.
(2)
Jonny R.

My favorite atmosphere in Fishtown. It has a great local taplist, but with Brooklyn prices. Food is great, too. Apparently, it's a destination bar, so I'd stick to weekday hours. Oysters are great, so are burgers and fries.
(3)
Jennifer R.

This place is usually swamped with insufferable hipster scum, but the balcony is a great place to catch a show and sip beer. The food is less than memorable pub chow, but it's good just the same when you're drunk and starving.
(4)
Ho L.

I love this place. An excellent beer selection, and friendly bartenders willing to offer a suggestion to fit your mood. The atmosphere manages to be very large, yet cozy due to separated areas both inside and out. Servers stopped by our outside table frequently, so we were never in need of a drink for long. A great neighborhood bar.
(5)
Walter K.

Great place to see shows, ok place to eat and drink. Stick with the $3 Kenzinger, because the local beer shtick is blown by the high prices. Food can be hit or miss, generally decent, but JB's is not a food destination. Johnny Brenda's is a certainly cool spot, it's got a lot of atmosphere. But if you're looking at Yelp to find out if Johnny Brenda's is cool, you may have already missed the point.
(3)
Ron H.

Gospel Brunch Sundays offer a different mix of music in the background with a hipster crowd. We elected to share the apple pancakes and the eggs benedict with Mimosa's. I've had dinner here a dozen times and it's always a consistent 3-4 stars. Ecclectic American selections, good portions, good service and a relaxed atmosphere where you're comfortable drinking after you're done eating. The pancakes were a little dense, the apples on top were almost candied and dried, not what I was expecting, just not fully up to what I was expecting. The eggs benedict has a perfect hollandaise sauce, although the muffin it was on could have been toasted a little more. The side of bacon was good and crispy/burnt around the edges without being dried out like most diners serve. Potatoes were a little heavy on the onions and a little undercooked, they could have been fried for another minute to crisp up the outside a little, but the seasoning was good. They were moderately busy, and the service was good, especially considering how gorgeous of a morning it is and how many people are out grabbing brunch. I'm sure with a hang-over the bloody mary's they seemed to be serving by gallon would have been a perfect fit. Very hipster, music is a little bit loud inside, but the food is a solid choice. If you've got kids, you're ok sitting at one of the tables outfront, but you woudn't want to bring them inside.
(4)
Andi S.

The quality of the food was a lovely surprise, at it is much better than I had expected. The vegan offerings are delicious and substantial, and they use whole food substances, NOT FAKE "meats". The service is also en point, and their beer and cider selection is impressive, delicious and all are brewed in Philadelphia. I love consuming locally produced food and beverages, and Johnny Brenda's manages this with most of their foods as well. I haven't been to JB's for a show yet, but I plan to when Martha Graham Cracker performs there.
(5)
Daniel C.

My wife and I ate outside on a Friday night. They've got a good selection of esoteric beers, the one I chose was $6.00 a glass. We both ordered the eggplant parm which was served with fresh mozzarella on a ciabatta roll. It was excellent. The french fries that came with it were also superior. My wife and I split a peach cobbler dessert which was also excellent. Service was very attentive and friendly. We had tickets for the sketch comedy show upstairs which ended our evening on a high note.
(5)
Sybil K.

Made in Philadelphia with Martha Graham Cracker, great show, good drinks. Place to be is at the balcony. Next time we'll get there early for a good spot. I will also try their food. I heard, saw and smelled so good stuff.
(4)
Mark Z.

This is a cool place for beer and food. The place is dark, but that creates ambience when on a date. The server was cool and willing to answer questions about certain beers I wasn't familiar with. I ordered a brie and ham sandwich for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will more than likely return for some dinner and booze.
(4)
Erik P.

Was very surprised, good selection of beers and top shelf drinks, the food was unexpectedly good for a bar. It was my first time in Philly but if I'm in town again will definitively go back to JB's.
(5)
Meg W.

I love the Commonwealth Razzberet cider they have here. The menu is a little interesting, so it's difficult to come here with a picky eater. The service is generally ok, and they have outdoor seating. That makes it a great choice in the spring/summer in my book.
(4)
Patrizia C.

I love this place. I have yet to come see a show here, but every time I come for drinks with a group of friends we have a great time. The atmosphere is cool and the drinks are good. Why the two stars? Unfortunately, every time, the experience with the service at the bar is very frustrating. I've obviously been to crowded bars, and I know it gets hectic and it can take a while to get the bartender's attention. At JB though, each time, I get the impression the girls behind the bar are purposely being rude. I've stood there trying to get their attention, while they reorganize the ketchup bottles behind the bar. From now on, my strategy is to send my boyfriend to the bar as it seems guys get the bartenders' attention more quickly. And I'll keep my tip until the attitude changes.
(2)
Sean R.

Review to follow.
(4)
Michael M.

Enjoy the food, the drink, or the atmosphere. Its Fishtown's main resident. Been going for years, the raw bar is always on point, the dinners constantly new and exciting. Live bands upstairs, you can't beat this place.
(4)
Morgan G.

Great food, great beers. It's small but it's fun. It's really fun at any time of the day or night. It's pretty "hipster" but what's wrong with that?
(5)
Lauren S.

So I totally thought I had been to Johnny Brenda's before this year only to find out on a mini bar crawl that I had never been and the place that I thought was Johnny Brenda's because my ex took me there twice was really the Barbary. Defiantly very different types of establishments, I am glad to have finally gotten to Johnny Brenda's thought. Beer selection was great, liked the atmosphere of the bar. The dinning area was pack so I am going to need to come back and try the food at some point.
(4)
Rachael C.

I've been here at all hours of the day--brunch, dinner, during a weekend afternoon, and late-night. It wasn't the greatest on a Friday night when it was packed and nearly impossible to get a seat at the bar. However, it goes to show JB's is a popular spot! Their food is yummy. The beer selection is great. Staff is friendly. It's nice and dark with strange red lighting. I still need to go to a show here, but as far as the bar goes, I give it five stars. It has everything I need and I have never had a bad experience.
(5)
Liz P.

I want to give this place a better review but the service is consistently awful. Servers are slow, ignore you for extended lengths of time and forget getting your check in a timely manner. You're pretty much on your own after you order. The food is ok - hit or miss. I try to limit my visits.
(2)
Chazz D.

Excellent music venue. Excellent food. Excellent staff. Went to JB's last night for the first time and they exceeded my expectations. A very down to earth place to hang. Finding parking is not that difficult either. There's plenty of residential / non-metered parking spots. Awesome place! Will be visiting more frequently!
(5)
Rebecca F.

I am partial to gastropubs and restaurants with daily specials written on chalkboards, so the fact that Johnny Brenda's has both going for it speaks to my bias... But here are my takeaways after dinner here on a Sunday evening: -Great draft beer selection. Absolutely no bottles on the premises, and server was very excited to explain beers. -Yummy veggie burger made from lentils and roasted red peppers. It came with a house mayo sauce that was to die for - a more relishy manifestation of the sauce that comes on a Big Mac... -Relaxed, divey atmosphere. Low lights, punk music playing not too loudly in the background. Pool table. -Prices aren't cheap, but what you would expect from a gastropub. Meals are $10-12 a plate.
(4)
Vichet O.

This place was aight. Can't believe I'd yet to visit, but hey, Vichet's a busy man, no? I may be totally off, here, but I got the sense they were going for a biker bar feel, which is cool. Although, there were no bikers to be found. Not quite as cool. Either way, they had a DJ spinning actual vinyl. That gave the place points. The selection last night was all Victory beers, which I think may have had something to do with beer week. Other than that, you get quick friendly service, fun people having a good time while getting sloppy, and me and my friend discussing the various personality defects we've discovered about ourselves in the 6 years that we hadn't seen each other. I'll be back for food or a show, and then perhaps bump this place up to 4 stars. Check it out!
(3)
Mary B.

Downstairs - decent food and drinks, good, laid back vibe. In the bar area, the pool table takes up quite a lot of space, but you can deal. Upstairs - This is where JB's shines. They get some really good acts here, and even though the space is small, the sound is fantastic. Sound guys and gals from other venues should talk to the folks here to find out how they manage to make it sound so good - proof that a small venue doesn't mean poor sound quality. Even though it is pretty small, I love the split with the balcony above - where you'll usually find me when I'm there for a show. Bartenders have always been really nice. And did I mention the acts? Because they really do get some great acts here, and when it comes to the local bands that open up for the touring acts, they do a great job of pairing them up well, showcasing fantastic Philly talent. Bathrooms are clean and there are plenty of stalls. Beer is average price. The setup is such that the merch table is sectioned off but not too far away. All in all, this is the best small venue in the city. Now can you please open one of these up in south Philly? Pretty please?
(5)
Adam R.

A stones throw away from my front door I have to make sure I don't abuse it's greatness. Grab a quick drink, something to eat (Cuban Sandwich is my favorite), see a show, sit outside and critique fixed gear bikes, or shoot some pool, you can accomplish it all. Reasonably priced, & usually a good crowd. They have a respectable selection of local beers, almost always have a rotating Dogfish Head option which puts a smile on my face. I'm not hip enough for the juke box selection, but the venue upstairs is one of my favorite spots to catch a show. Whether local or not, I find myself at this venue more so than any other in the city. The space upstairs is straight up awesome! Intimate, small balcony, and a nice sized bar.
(4)
Christian P.

You know that stupid show on The Food Network called "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," where those idiotic, narcissistic celebrity chefs gush about their favorite menu items? Well if I were an idiotic celebrity chef on that show, I'd be shitting my pants over the whiskey doughnuts at J.B.'s. They're only available during brunch on the weekends, but that shouldn't stop you from going to J.B.'s during the week. Their regular menu is awesome (the burger and fries are amongst the best in the city), and it's one of the best places in Philly to see a show. But the whiskey doughnuts ... holy shit.
(5)
Aaron B.

They manage to strike the ideal balance between dive-y appeal (cheap beer and shot specials, round-the-clock dimness) and a friendly, almost-family-like atmo. Case in point, our daytime bartender (whose name I did not ask, bad reviewer!) took the time to point out the "healthy" items on the 'Vous expansive menu when I lamented my pudgy state. Drinking beer at 3pm has nothing to do with this, thank you. Advised that the turkey was roasted in-house every day and not some lunchmeat drivel, my girlfriend and I ordered a behemoth house salad topped with said bird, a cheese-lidded crock of onion soup and a huge plate of their criminally crisp Spanish waffle fries gilded with chopped jalapenos and onions, all very thoroughly coated in more cheese. Of the three items, only the onion soup disappointed -- it was like licking a beef bouillon cube. Otherwise, the grub was tops -- and cheeeep.
(4)
Sean S.

Went here with the homie Shannon. Had the vegan cheesesteak. It was good but it was a lot of bun. Fries and beers were on point, I had a cider of some sort. They had a nice big list of beers on special. They have the menu up on chalkboard and was told they change their menu often, so will be going back in the future. We sat at a booth that had cool lights in the table that changed color. Parking is kind of tight but usually something on Frankford. Divey.
(4)
Mike M.

Tried the cubano for lunch, it was delicious and almost perfectly crafted. Solid service with a great atmosphere.
(4)
M. M.

As it turns out I ended up spending more time in this area due to work so I have now been a repeat visitor to Johnny Brendas for beer, shows and food several times, and thought I'd update my previous review. Both the beer and the musical show selection continue to be mighty good. The upstairs is where I like to be for shows. Cool architecture, nice candlelight atmosphere, windows you can peek out of the curtains through between bands and see what's happening on the street, pretty lights going through clouds of incense fog when the band is playing, and the cutest little bar that doesn't get crowded because it's not to sit at or hang out at, it's basically to buy your very good beer and step away. On the downstairs floor of the show area, there is also a little lounge room with a photo booth to play in and some couches to plotz on, as well as a painting of some unidentified potato-shaped object on the wall. We also had pre-show dinner here in the seated dinner room away from the bar. Lots of cool booths with colored lights built into the tables, and a couple booths in little bead-curtained niches that looked like an opium den. The service was awright, especially considering it was jammed with hipsters and very noisy. The food was OK. I think I had ribs. I will probably stick to sandwiches in the future though. This place is still a long drive from downtown and an even longer drive from west of Philly, where I'm usually coming from, and they could definitely use more and better parking near the Johnny Brenda's block which also has 2 or 3 other restaurants and bars around it now. Still easier to find a close place here than at the North Star Bar, though. Despite the long drive and parking hassles, this bar still has the best beer selection of any Philly music venue I've attended, and I'll probably keep dropping by a few times a year.
(4)
Scott J.

Excellent food and drink, my friend who had the oysters raved about them and the Cubano I had hit the spot, music was a little loud but not crazy so.
(4)
Maximiliano S.

Perfect place. I went here on a friday. It got packed and live music was really good. I think Philly is having some greats musicians here! If you have a good taste of music, if you want to hear something original, this is your place.
(5)
michael m.

Good grief, such a well-run, consistent place! Being, er, old enough to have a kid in college, I don't get here much/enough. But when I do, various things always happen: someone finds us quick, gets waters, explains a brew or two, shoots back with our pints... then with some food that is always good, and not in precious little gastro-portions, neither. Favorite spot is outside watching the 15 trolley rattle by... or in a booth in the back with the late pm sun slanting in. Five stars, easily.
(5)
Casey F.

They had a cider on tap that was to die for. I can't seem to remember the name though. They're venue upstairs for shows was awesome, I loved the view of the stage from the balcony. Very great atmosphere. I would recommend trying all of their unique on tap beers.
(5)
Veronica T.

Awful. Sad because it's got a great atmosphere. Beer was flat drinks were warm and service stunk! Will not come back.
(1)
Melanie D.

All the cool chaos of night time and weekends is subdued during the weekday late morning - early dinner. The food is consistently good, the bar always a pleasant pit stop, and Mike makes the deserts & bake items special. A welcome point to trend ...
(4)
Steve M.

Johnny Brenda's has a very pleasant bar atmosphere, like a slightly-more-whimsical Standard Tap inside, with small colored lights built into the tables that twinkle slowly. We sat beside enormous open windows on a cool summer night and all felt right with the world. The beer selection is solid, which is Northern-Liberties-standard, and while the wall-mounted chalkboard menu isn't all that descriptive, it serves its purpose, and my very friendly server was able to answer all my food questions without checking a list. We ate little, but sometimes you can tell from a few bites if a place has it or not, and Johnny Brenda's has it. The softshell crab sandwich was big and juicy, the crab stood out very well against its accompaniments, and its soft bun was absolutely perfect (it's always wonderful when a restaurant nails just the right bread for a sandwich). The fries were also terrific, thin and salty and not rock hard. They had three mussel dishes on the menu: red, white and green. Our server recommended the green, which is pesto-based, and he was spot-on. Absolutely delicious. I would have soaked a loaf of bread in the broth and eaten the whole thing... so I'm glad I was limited to the two slices that came with it! Great atmosphere, great service, and delicious pub food. I will be back!
(4)
Kristin S.

Ah home of the hipster.....I asked the writer of Supernews if they could land that sneaker spaceship on the roof in an episode to explain everything. Otherwise great beer selection, Food changes on the daily and they won't post it online kind of annoying. About 4-5 years ago they had a super rocking portabella sandwich that they took away. From what I hear you can still find it at their way cooler sister restaurant Stand Tap. I'd say best place in the area to catch some music at, if you can stomach some of the hipster music but every now and again they throw ya a bone. The bartender on Sundays she is cool stop in then.
(3)
Devon G.

The service at this bar is the worst I've had in Philly. I've been here several times because of convenience and the wait staff are consistently rude or just ignore you altogether. I think they're trying to uphold their hipster grunge attitude maybe? Their decor and beer selection are good but that will never make up for the people they choose to represent their bar/restaurant.
(2)
Alexa R.

We were here as part of a beer crawl this past Saturday. We did not eat, but we did do the Dogfish Head beer tasting. The staff is so accomodating and so nice. The oyster crackers at the bar helped cut my buzz in half, too.
(4)
Vinny P.

I've eaten here, I've drank here, I've never seen music here. My first JB's experience was for their Belgian Triple Fest more than a year ago. My buddy and I arrived on a Saturday around 2pm and grabbed a booth and proceeded to go through flights of triples. As we drank, our other friends showed and proceeded to do the same. By the time we were through, I had tried their grilled octopus (delicious) and certainly tried enough beer. After that, I returned for the full irish breakfast on St. Patty's Day. This time I arrived at 9:30 am and not only was their a great menu, but an amazing assortment of stouts on tap. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Since then, I've been back to shoot pool and get drinks. Recently I came here after being at Frankford Hall for a few hours. I had their burger which was quite tasty, shot pool and drank beer. I was a wee bit drunk at the time, but I remember the burger being really good. I know I'll be back. Hopefully I can actually see a performance here sometime.
(4)
Meghan C.

Johnny Brenda's is a nice little venue - I saw a band here on Friday night because my buddy said it was a great place to see musicians and I totally agree. I will absolutely go back and will also be more prepared for the fuckery that is parking in NoLibs!
(4)
Susan L.

If I went there just that one time, it would be a 4 star. But a recent visit knocked it down to 3. Mainly because I realized their dishes are not worth it unless you get a seafood-based dish. Even then its quite pricey. Its a good option if you want a sandwich and a beer. My friend ordered the chicken entree; two small pieces and some mashed potatoes for $15+. He sent it back and ordered the short ribs; three small short ribs and some veggies. He ate it but he wasn't happy. My pasta with spicy mussels dish was way too spicy. Now before you judge, I love spicy food. But there is a line where if its too spicy, its not tasty anymore and that's what happened here. If I want a sandwich and a beer, I'd go back, but otherwise, I can spend $15 on a meal somewhere else.
(3)
Foxy B.

review written 10-2012 never posted, but needs to be seen: Wow... Waited 10 minutes for service on a Monday night with maybe 15 people in there and then another 10 to get our drink. Wear ur finest thrift store clothes or your patronage is not welcome.
(1)
Hope C.

Does it get cooler than a rocker bar with live music, local and regional microbrews and gastropub food that tastes like it could be served in a fine dining restaurant??? I think not. Johnny Brenda's is a drive from the main auspices of Rittenhouse but it's well worth the trek - now I just have to hit up Standard Tap. Oh Philly, I'd be fat and broke if I lived here.
(4)
Sam B.

Decent venue, can see the stage week from most places , there is a balcony and bar upstairs to see down onto stage as well. The flow is stupid though, not much room to walk around and people are constantly pushing by to get to bar or bathrooms and spilling drinks in the process. Speaking of , I thought the price of said drinks was really high for what you get. So overall would go back but watch where I stand and maybe not visit the bar that often.
(3)
Benjamin M.

Consistently being mentioned in "Philly's Top Bars" lists was a good enough reason for us to stop by this bar in Fishtown during PBW. It's bigger than I thought, with a couple of different bar areas and plenty of seating. We sat at the smaller bar area in the middle and reviewed the craft beer chalkboard. I noticed written halfway down the list, "Dogfish Head Black and Red." Never heard of it, but it sounded intriguing. Awesome! I wish I could buy it in a four or six pack, but apparently it's a limited edtion draft only. Dang it! We only had one drink and didn't eat, so I'm sure there's more to JBs than we experienced. Next time.
(4)
Nicole D.

I like this place a lot, for drinks, pool table, or a show upstairs. Staff is always friendly, beer prices reasonable. I'm ashamed to say I've never eaten here. But why eat when drinking is so good?
(5)
Parker S.

Cool spot for a beer and show in Northern Liberties. I haven't eaten here so I can't comment on the food but its a good small venue with a decent beer selection. There are about 10 beers on draft with a focus mostly on local brews. The pricing for beers is in the $3 to $6 range. The bartenders were friendly and if it were closer to my house I could definitely see myself hanging out here more often. There is some limited outdoor seating. The venue itself is in the upstairs portion of the bar. It's an intimate space with a small stage. There is also a balcony area that overlooks the stage and has a small bar. The sound is surprisingly very good for a bar-venue. Overall its a cool spot. It attracts a decidedly hipster-ish crowd, but that is on par for a lot of bars in N. Liberties.
(4)
Gally L.

This place has a bit of quintessential dive bar live music venue feel which i suppose is what it is going for however the prices are not quintessential dive bar prices. Their food and drinks are a bit expensive with beers around 6 bucks however their shows/music are great which I suppose is why there is a mark up. There is a pool table on the plus side.
(3)
Amanda C.

Four stars for the awesome venue with reasonably priced shows, and awesome set-up. Three stars for the bar/restaurant- beer list is great, bloody marys and other drinks are on point. The food is good as well but in my opinion kinda overpriced. That said I like JB's as a place to hangout and grab drinks, and maybe snack.
(3)
Nikki C.

Been going here for years. Love the beer, love the food, love the servers, love the music. No complaints.
(5)
Bruce B.

Great burgers/fries and I highly recommend the Victory Summer Love brew. Cool, casual atmosphere.
(4)
S.Frances B.

What can I say! Never a bad meal, never a bad drink, and NEVER bad service! Only downfall would be that it gets crowded, but that's because they are just darn good at what they do. True Fishtown spirit and a continued local favorite.
(5)
Christin G.

If you're a hipster, you'll enjoy this place alot
(3)
Beth R.

In addition to bands, they also host djs in the second floor area. I am not really into live music and beer, but I was so into their 1991 themed party. The dj played the popular music of, yes, 1991. Skewing more toward hip hop, but also adding cuts of the top 40 stuff (google top 100 of that year. What a blast from the past!) The space is great - plenty of room to get around, a bar to one side and another bar upstairs overlooking the dance floor. We paid a $7 cover that was worth it, and I don't usually say that. The crowd that night was more late 20s-early 30s...probably because people who are 21 right now were just born in '91. Crap, that makes me really old. oh well, still had a good time.
(4)
Bruce K.

I only wish I had more money to spend here! Their hummus was easily the best I've ever had!!! Ever! I will def be coming back! Any place that has Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. play there is cool with me.
(5)
Lawrence K.

The upstairs music venue is a GREAT spot to see a show. 5 stars easy. Sound quality is exceptional and they treat the musicans with respect which will always translate to a good performance. The space itself is intimate and cozy. The upper balcony gives the audience a unique perspective. The Bar/restaurant is also good. They get props for being one of the first of its kind in Fishtown. Always a good selection of local beers and food is always solid. The Gospel brunch on 2nd Sundays is always a good time!
(4)
Laura E.

Johnny Brenda's puts the fish in Fishtown. On a cool summer night, we celebrated the coming of fall by starting with an autumn beer. After reading the shared outdoor menu, I went with the Fishtown Stew. With a higher than average price tag for this local hangout, my expectations were high. Worth every dollar-Steamed clams, mussels, scallops and shrimp over a bed of linguini topped with a fresh tomato sauce. We nearly licked the plate. When out to you next visit, go for the gusto and order an exceptional beer and a unique item on the menu- you won't regret it and lifes too short to not enjoy it!
(4)
KJ S.

Great drinks, banging food.... do not miss brunch- their Bloody Marys are to die for & the eggs benedict was the best I have ever had.
(4)
Dave H.

Johnny Brenda's rocks. This large, multilevel venue hosts live music acts, several bars, and a restaurant. The upper floors provide a fantastic, unobstructed view of the stage. This place has a dining room, streetside seating, and pool tables - it's hard not to like their hip jeans-and-t-shirt atmosphere. Friends and I had tickets to see Battles. The show was sold out and it was a full house. While we waited to be let upstairs, we shared a plate of oysters which weren't the coldest, but the sauce was perfect. (Their menu changes often: I saw finger foods and larger entrees. Hungry? There's plenty of time to order; their kitchen closes at 1 AM.) Four bartenders helped us that evening: - the first seemed impatient, as if she had a big ol' stick up her butt. When I asked for shots of "anything creative", she wasn't receptive, insisting I pick something. I said "kamikazes", and thankfully she made the smoothest I've had in awhile. - the second bartender was okay. I requested the strongest liquor they had, and with a little uncertainty, she came back with shots of Wild Turkey. - third time's a charm! Aileen was friendly, smiled, and (after asking for creative shots) made us a delicious concoction involving Crown Royal, Myers, Malibu rum, and pineapple juice. Best of all, she gave me faith that not all the bartenders here were duds. - Anne was welcoming, getting us shots of Jagermeister without issue. The show itself was an experience. I enjoyed Thank You's - the opener, from Baltimore - trippy tunes, thanks to the venue's powerful, almost overwhelming, acoustics. I liked their music but the crowd seemed polite, at best. (C'mon Philly, show some love!) More enthusiasm was shown for Battles, everyone rocking to the beat. The band's cool sound guy, Paul, did his job! (Talking to a few patrons, a guy in the restroom said he was so excited he wasn't going to clean his hands - he didn't - while another said the band was "amazing times infinity".)
(4)
Jade V.

Stopped by here for lunch and a brew on a warm day. They opened all the windows and doors; all the sunlight really brightened up the normally dark interior. We grabbed a few oysters off the raw bar, the selection of which rotates. There was a little bit of grit, but they were lovely for the most part. The Fishtown stew is a lovely little plate of scallops, mussels, shrimp, clams, and fingerling potatoes, on top of a layer of delicious, thick tomato sauce. And it came with two delicious slices of one of the most wonderful baguettes; crusty but not difficult to chew on the outside, holey and soft and absorbent on the inside. The waiter said the stew came in a fairly big portion, but to be honest, I was a little disappointed at the price to quantity ratio. The dining room was less than half full, but they only had one guy for the whole place, which I guess slowed down service a bit. Not a problem for those who want a leisurely meal, but plan on spending a bit of time here. Bottom line: Don't pass up Johnny Brenda's as just a bar, the food's damn delicious, too. But the lovely beer selection is a fine accompaniment to the meal, too!
(4)
Ashley M.

One of the best small indie venues I've been to. Minus a star for the sketchy neighborhood.
(4)
Jess S.

I went here Friday night; great bartenders, the DJ was playing amazing jazzy house music. The best part is that the drinks are not ridiculously over-priced :). I had a great time, and highly recommend!
(5)
Sarah L.

JB's is my kind of place inside - dimly lit, a little Pee-Wee Herman-esque with quirky leather booths that light up, pool tables and a scribbled menu on an oversized chalk board. The octopus is really delicious but the hands down star is the Cuban sandwich. I can't not get it when I go there now. Pure delicious, one of my top two sammies in Phila and probably top five overall. My boyfriend played there with his now defunct band only a month before we started dating (and no, I had nothing to do with it defunct-ing! ;)) but I also love this spot imagining him geeking out on stage. Now that there a lots of other "hip" spots popping up all around, JB's has lost a little of its IT factor...but that is often the case with joints who pioneer gentrifying parts of town. Can't really hold it against em. Get the Cubano. Seriously.
(4)
Amanda S.

I think this may be my first one star review and I feel it is completely warranted. I really want to like this bar but the bartenders really make it hard for me to like. Yesterday my friends and I sat at the bar for a solid 5 mins and were ignored numerous times by the bartender who would look directly at us and proceed to ask everyone around us if they want a drink. At least two different groups of people on either side of us were served, so after that we had enough and left and went to Standard Tap where we received great service (They will be getting my 5 Stars). It seems that unless you are a guy or a hipster with a full sleeve of tattoos you'll get served. I definitely will not be going back to Johnny Brenda's as a first bar choice (since this is the second time I have had this experience).
(1)
Samantha M.

really great spot to catch a show upstairs and bop around to groovy tunes or challenge a friend to a friendly game of pool downstairs- can't beat $9 kenzinger pitchers and their falafels are heavenly- good draft list and the bartenders are spot on when making mixed drinks. overall great ambiance
(4)
Latoya G.

Let's see... the kippered salmon was tasty and the cosmo was average. The ambience was a little kitchy which I appreciated (as is all of Fishtown)... BUT, the prices are unacceptable. I mean.. $12 for about 4 oz of a cosmo.. even if it was made with Grey Goose.... UNACCEPTABLE. $9 for an appetizer... Never again. I really liked the show area upstairs and the hard cider was tasty but if I ever return, I will prob pre-game it in the car with a plastic cup before I spend any money on overpriced ok drinks and/or food.
(3)
Christina Q.

All you music lovers this is the best place! Old school venue but amazing!
(5)
Rachel S.

Hard to believe this is my first time reviewing JB's because I've been here dozens of times! GREAT food, great beer, friendly staff, cool dark vibe to get your buzz on.
(4)
Alison K.

This is a hipster haven, so let's just get that out of the way right now. The food was surprisingly good, though, both times that I was here before a concert that my friend dragged me to. I think I had a burger the first time, which was good but not really memorable. More recently, I ordered the grilled Caesar salad with chicken. Let me repeat that in case it didn't sink in--the salad is GRILLED. It was actually pretty cool and very tasty, though there was a ton of salad so I didn't finish it all. I also ordered a cheesy biscuit which I was very excited about trying, but it really didn't taste all that cheesy. It was good, but not great. They have a very interesting drink list, so that's something. The dining area is usually packed, especially before a show, so be ready for a wait. It's not someplace that I'd purposely seek out to eat a meal, but it does the trick if your friend is dragging you to a concert upstairs afterwards. By the way, the venue is pretty cool, in that you can look down on the performer...it just happened that I was really not into these particular performers.
(3)
K S.

this is for the bar/downstairs situation only, music venue is a whole 'nother story: went here to join a friend, realized pretty fast it was not really my kind of vibe. i'm a brokeass 20something so bars with a musical reputation in nolibs/fishtown are actually supposed to "my scene" or something, but a) i cannot. afford. the drinks. here. and b) this place was so packed with south jersey moms and yuppies i could smell the 401ks. it was weird bc the people at the table behind us were talking about how much they liked "dive bars" and i just wanted to turn around and gently shake their shoulders and say "son you have dental insurance you need to outgrow the concept of dive bars." anyway, a dive bar this is not, but it's aiming for the polished version of that "neighborhood spot" aesthetic and whatever, if you are in your thirties and want to leave the toddlers at home and try to relive your carefree youth for a night out, this seems to be the place to go. if you are my age and broke, there are better places to dump your wallet.
(2)
Tina N.

This review is for JB's Brunch specifically. Though I'm sure my review of their bar/music scene would be positive as well. First off, our waitress was great. Totally sweet and attentive. Even when she corrected my pronunciation of the menu board's "Chiquilles"...I'm actually not even sure if I spelled that right. My dining buddy and I had the: oyster stew, whiskey donut, chiquilles, pork belly & grits, and a side of spinach. It sounds like a lot of food because it was a lot of food. I'm proud to say we held our own though. The oyster stew was very good, not too creamy. The whiskey donut was cute (yep) and you don't feel like they've robbed you of the middle hole like those thieves at Dunkin Donuts and every other donut establishment in the world. It truly tastes like whiskey, and that little munchkin donut hole tastes like a straight shot. It's a rather clever concept. Our brunch entrees were great, the pork belly dish being the better of the two. Chiquilles is like Hueveos rancheros with a ton of tortilla layers. Good day after drinking dish I'd say. I would definitely come back here for brunch. I like that their menu deviates from the traditional Benedict & french toast theme.
(3)
Alice K.

Can't go wrong with Johnny Brenda's. It's comfy. Good food, good beer. Got the octopus last night and it was yummy. Then had the frank and beans which were really good. They said the frank was made in house, that's always a bonus.
(4)
Ethan M.

i had a good cuban sandwich here but their beer list is more than a little annoying. I have a problem with this ipa/hops trend, that causes places like this to have maybe 2 or 3 non hoppy beers out of over 10! Everything else: ipa ipa hops hops. Even the saison I got was lightly spiced and heavily hopped, should have known as it was a victory. Oh well, not a place I'm going to go to for beer but they have great shows and solid food.
(3)
Jim T.

Q: How many hipsters does it take to screw in a light bulb? A: It's an obscure number, you've probably never heard of it. I should say right away that the food at Johnny Brenda's was great. I've got no problem with the burger and fries I had there this afternoon. I do have a problem with lousy service. And today that's exactly what I got. I was meeting friends for lunch. The three of us sat outside, and I'm not quite sure what we did to anger the young girl that eventually waited on us, but I imagine it had something to do with the three of us not being AC Neuman or Win Butler or Kurt Vile. We were clearly the least cool people in the place. Although, it being lunchtime and a Tuesday, for a while we were the only people there. I hope whoever you are, you're reading this, in the office before your shift, or on your iPhone, or in the bathroom in between lines. You, with the ponytail and the ironic Redskins shirt. I'm a server. I would never berate a customer for not knowing the menu, or ignore them for long periods of time, or clear half the table at a time, or basically anything you did when you waited on us. Please understand the first rule of any service industry job: People forget bad food, but they NEVER forget bad service.
(1)
Julie G.

While in Johnny Brenda's I definitely felt like I was in a 70s porno (not that I've ever watched one before..). Everything from the lighting and decor down to the bartender's choice of outfit screamed filthy 70s sex, but I liked it. I had fun while here. There were some DJs spinning some awesome beats and it was a really judgment free, fun-loving environment in comparison to the other choices in Fishtown. The drinks were relatively inexpensive (well, from a New Yorker's point of view) and the patrons were friendly. If I am ever kidnapped and forced to go out in Fishtown (or even Philly for that matter) again this would be my first choice.
(4)
Kate W.

Haven't eaten here but as far as a music venue goes, this is one of my favorites. It's got the right amount of dive-y feel to it. Love the balcony area - it's my favorite spot to watch from. The cider isn't cheap ($6) but if I could choke down a Kenzinger then I'd only have to spend half that, which is a good beer deal. The concerts are well-priced to make this a regular thing for me, which is awesome, and they bring in great people - both well-known (e.g., Mates of State) and less so (Admiral Fallow). Never had a problem with the sound quality. Love the photo booth too!
(5)
Noah W.

For a little bit Johnny Brenda's was becoming hit or miss in the food department, but lately they've been amazing! Tonight I had one of the best sandwiches ever eaten in Philadelphia. A friggin' brisket sandwich with fried pickles, coleslaw, and horseradish on grilled texas toast?!?! Holy crap I wanted to order another for breakfast tomorrow!!!! And the guy was nice enough to make me a coffee to go even though they were closing up so that I could get cracked out on their in-house roasted brew while working all night. I will definitely be back this week to see if that sandwich is still available.
(4)
E J.

Awesome music scene, great Cubano sandwich, the rest of the fare and service are A-OK. Neither bad nor great, but i've yet to catch a show there which seems to be the real draw.
(3)
Monica S.

I'll agree with almost everyone in saying this is one of the best live venues Philly has to offer. Went to see Sunset Rubdown last night and if I can offer one word of advice, it's to avoid standing by the edge of the bar, near the stage. Everyone will be bumping into you trying to get through to the center/back of the room. If you get there early enough, run upstairs, grab a stool and pull it up to the railing. That's the best view in the house. $3 Lionshead and Kenzinger drafts. I prefer the Lionshead. Is that so wrong?
(5)
Elizabeth B.

This is one of my favorite all-around places because it meets all (?) of my requirements: * Great bands * Great food * Great beers * Nice staff (except that one girl who wouldn't let us go backstage even though we were clearly WITH THE BAND) * Light up tables * Outdoor seating * Multiple floors * Tiny balcony * Never-fail parking spot on Girard * Dry ice smell. Haven't decided if this is good or bad but it is omnipresent.
(5)
Kristen O.

So I was in a pretty pissy mood when I got here, because of my horrendous experience down the street at Barcade, and Johnny Brenda's really turned my frown upside down. Oh my God, did I just say that? Regardless... We got there, they had about 3 DJs who were trading off and spinning different music that was actually pretty cool. The drinks weren't too pricey, and the staff was friendly. The crowd seemed pretty diverse and friendly. We met some really cool people, had some great conversation, and listened to some cool tunes. Our biggest mistake? Not staying there until close!
(4)
Ruth C.

Relaxed dive bar with so little grunge that it's semi-hipster. There wasn't a performance happening the night we went, so I can't judge from my observations how good/bad a venue this place makes. It was packed to the gills between the bar and the pool tables, yet people still managed to make some space for themselves to rock out to the background music. Props to the mellow pool players; if that had been me, I'm sure I would've ended up taking out someones eyes or biscuits with a pool cue. The only thing to ward me off from this place so far is the crowd. And dammit, how did I miss the photobooth? A missed chu opportunity.
(4)
Ian F.

I just discovered that this place has the best veggie burger in Philadelphia (better than Sketch)!
(5)
Erika B.

It can be a hike to fishtown but well worth it. I enjoy the upstairs music venue, local beer selection, exellent eclectic bar food, streetside seating, rock music atmosphere, pool table, etc. It's much more than a dive bar but it's unpretentious with great character and music. As per another yelpers suggestion I ate the steak sandwich with Brie. It was great. My friend had an eggplant parm sandwich just loaded with mozzerella. It was slightly annoying that the outdoor menus were on a poster board but that's me being unnecessarily nit picky. It probably was just so that menus don't blow away which makes good sense. Servers are cool and welcoming.
(4)
Julia N.

I come here to see bands pretty often. I hear they have a patio and food and the photo booth and such, but for me it's always the same: walk upstairs, pick a beer off the mercifully easy-to-read chalkboard, elbow my way through that weird bottleneck at the end of the bar (why does everyone stand right there?) and wait/yearn to be transported by whoever's playing that night. Bands sound good here; there's a balcony if you want to try the bird's eye view; the ladies room is eons away from disgusting; they have cask beer and a bunch of bars so you won't have to wait a million years to get one; you can always find some space to mill around, even when the show's sold out. I've been thinking about it, but I don't think I can ask for much more from a place to see music... except for maybe a pony. How about a pony, Johnny Brenda's??
(5)
Er B.

Because the 214 reviews before mine did not give you enough info... Just kidding. Only eaten here, never seen a show. Love the chalkboard menu. Happy to have local beers on tap. Definitely a place where all can feel comfortable--either dressy or relaxed.
(4)
Austin W.

I absolutely love this place! The food is amazing and the concert venue upstairs is perfect!
(5)
Caitlyn H.

I am here WAY too often. It's that good. The food is always amazing, they have a great rotating beer selection, and the service is always friendly. It can get SUPER packed, especially if there's a show going on upstairs, but it's worth it. I've only been upstairs for one show, but the space was clean and roomy. The balcony has a great view. Their Sunday brunch is awesome. I highly recommend JB's. I've never had a bad experience here and I don't think I ever will.
(5)
Tom S.

I mean, it was fine, I guess. The beer selection was pretty good. The crowd wasn't hostile, or preppy, or weird, or anything like that. The bartender looked a little like a young Angelica Huston, which I consider a plus. But without a show going on upstairs that I'm particularly interested in, I'd probably go elsewhere. I mean, have you seen all those video games at Barcade?
(3)
Jason B.

I just got back from seeing phenomenal British folkie Meg Baird. She played a spectacular set which was marred by what I can only describe as some kind of horrendous stage lighting malfunction. It persisted throughout her entire set and was very reminiscent of a cross between a U.S. Army psy ops experiment gone awry and the "Stormy Weather" scene (at the Zodiac Club) from Bell, Book and Candle. If this stage lighting catastrophe wasn't the result of a major technical malfunction, then whoever is in charge of the lighting needs to learn what amount of lighting changes is appropriate for each act that performs there. (Openers Watery Love were lovely and not at all watery.) (Oh, and Glenn Jones should play more banjo.)
(2)
Tom H.

Shows - Fantastic space, intimate, decent sound. There's room to sit back at the bar and watch or you can get up close - easy to enjoy a great show. Drinks - Timely, local beer selection. Decent prices. Be sure to ask for a Bud Light Bottle; they love that. Food - In a word, pricey. It is plenty good, it's just expensive for what you get; you're paying a premium for the popularity of the joint. Same basic menu as Standard Tap, and the fries are just as addictive. Look for the seasonal specials, at least then you're getting something for the price. Also, take advantage of the half priced raw bar at the early happy hour.
(4)
Leo M.

One of my favorite neighborhood haunts. Fantastic rotating beer menu. Excellent, informed, attentive service every time I go. Tasty, well-prepared food. Try their head cheese, it's exquisite (when's the last time you saw head cheese on a menu?). And while I rarely get out to see shows, JB's upstairs is a great venue as well.
(5)
Steph A.

Great music venue and bar. Hit or miss on the servers.. some attitudes flying around. I was a server/bartender for 8 years.. sometimes you just have to suck it up and smile, and it's kinda been 50/50 on my experience with the staff here.
(4)
Danie R.

The second in my series of my favorite bars in Philly features Johnny Brenda's. After I moved from Center City to Fishtown, JB's quickly became my favorite stumble home default. I enjoyed numerous awesome concerts upstairs, but mostly came in on Mondays and Tuesdays during the week for the food and drinks. Their beer and food lists are constantly changing, hence why they are written on chalk boards. Always fresh! Although it would sometimes suck to come in and they wouldn't have any vegetarian sandwiches or entrees, I could usually throw together a good meal from their appetizers. Later on, when I started to eat seafood, there was always something great. Even still, I love to get their eggplant sandwich. Beer-wise, again, mostly local and good. As for the service, the women that bartend here are much better than the men (sorry.) But they really are much nicer and attentive. I also felt like they watched out for the girls that came here. Finally, the music played here is always spot on. I'm constantly saying "I love this song!"
(5)
Alexandra W.

Okaaaayyyy you win, JB's. I come here too often to still dislike it. I haven't sat at the bar in ages, and the waitstaff is usually really nice. Plus, they STILL have Dogfish Head's Chicory stout on tap, and that stuff is supposed to be out of season. Mmm. Edit: I have seen a few shows here. Just an update for those wondering.
(4)
Bill M.

Downstairs review! Haven't tried the food yet but the Downstairs portion of the bar is definitely a solid place that offers up a good atmosphere. and Next to North Star Bar it's the only spot I can think of where the bar spot truly stands out from the music area. You can't go wrong with the good selection of local drafts that Johnny Brenda's offers. But I think I love it best for it's awesome jukebox selection. Someone definitely put a lot of effort into thinking out it's music selection and it shows. I especially dig that it hooks up plenty of local albums, and has staff picks courtesy of AKA Music. The tables in the back with the blinking lights totally weird me out. But I can't stop sitting at them!
(4)
Jesse F.

Great spot to kick it with friends and catch a show. I've only been once, but plan to be back very soon. The downstairs has a long bar with a nice selection of reasonably priced craft beers, pool table, and comfortable seating arrangements. But from what I hear, the upstairs is what Johnny's is really known for. With acts like Jim James coming through, this place is absolutely worth checking out.
(4)
Seema F.

Being that it was brought to you by the same people as Standard Tap, much of the same is to be expected. As soon as you enter though the corner door, you notice the strikingly similar layout with added warm red lights. The main difference is the awkwardly placed pool table right by the entrance. As soon as you walk in you will probably be hit in the balls with a cue. Luckily, I'm short, so I'll just experience a sharp blow to the throat. Although I didn't try the food, there was quite a stench of fish. It turns out that someone behind me was eating some seafood--but it smelled almost rotten. The beer selection, however, is pretty decent. It's mostly Victory all priced around $5 (but they do have Lionshead and Kenzinger for $3). Their Victory selections included Yakima Twilight (cask) and Wild Devil, both a rare find. Since it doubles as a live music venue expect the place to be filled with hipsters in too tight pants, scarves, stripes, and giant 70s glasses. Despite the crowd, it was a decent atmosphere. But, this is like any other bar in Northern Liberties, so nothing too special to write about.
(3)
PJ H.

Not just a place to go to see a show. The food here rocks as hard as the music. I don't think there is much to say that hasn't already been said, but the babba ganoush was on special when I was last at JB's. and it was fantastic. We split a bunch of apps, including the Grilled Octopus which was also delicious. You really can't go wrong with the food, beer, and vibe here. Hipsters are in abundance, but there is a pool table. And they can always be scared away by some friendly conversation, rather than mindless competitive rambling about the most obscure Smith's record. Just dont ask for a menu and look like a noob, its on the wall.
(5)
Joe K.

Oysters. Here! Inexpensive and almost always cleaned well. As good as or better than anywhere else in the city. Service is great. Servers are knowledgeable, clean and well groomed. Food is great. Drink selection is diverse. Cool hip crowd. Never too noisy. Simple all around good time. The wait is worth it even on a busy night.
(5)
Sasha F.

Chocolate chip bread pudding, peach pie, fresh melon, doughnuts. Sounds simple enough but ordering dessert at J.B.'s never is. The pastry chef is simply an artist. Some sort of rustic French flour wizard. Delicate presentation, just the right amount of drizzle as to not overwhelm the dessert. And always a little side pairing, like a dollop of homemade ice cream which activates and compliments your taste buds. So very thoughtful.
(5)
Danny N.

Honestly I think this place is overrated. My first time here was this past summer (2011) and I was with 7 people and another just a few weeks ago (I think it was Dec 2nd, 2011). The first time we sat outside which was nice but it is right on Girard which is a major artery in Fishtown so there was a lot of traffic going by (not JB's fault) which can get a bit annoying with all the fumes when you are trying to eat. The menu, as creative as it is, seems to be a bit pretentious for a bar. It is almost like they are trying to be something they are not. The food both times was decent but didn't blow me away especially for the price. The 2 times I have been here the service was good and we didn't have to wait for ever for our food. Very friendly staff. I will go back someday, but with all the other restaurants in the area I am not in a hurry.
(3)
Zachary K.

First off...I'm a fan of any place that has beer on the hand pump. They have a top notch selection of local beers and this was easily one of my favorite places to go to during beer week this past year. Staff is always friendly, especially Pierre. Love being able to sit outside too. Girard avenue isn't the most beautiful street to sit along, but the tons of critters driving by and stopping at the light can actually be quite entertaining if you ask me. The music venue upstairs is what really makes this place. I've seen a bunch of shows here. Sound is good, but the overall feeling/ambience is what really makes it shine. Only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is sometimes the food can be hit or miss. Standard Tap (The owners other restaurant) is always on point anytime I go there for a bite. But last couple of times I've had JB's it's either taken forever to get a simple fish sandwich out, or the quality just wasn't the greatest. I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could though
(4)
Alicia O.

I really don't have anything bad to say about Johnny Brenda's. They have great local beer on tap, good food, and the venue upstairs is one of the best places to see a band. Five stars definitely.
(5)
Lowie T.

love, love, love johnny brenda's. a good time can often be had here, whether you are looking for it or not. a divey, yet not in a grimy way divey place to just meet up and have some drinks, shoot some pool, or see a show. i hear they have great brunches but have not ventured out during daylight here for some reason. also a great place to go if you just don't feel like dealing with the silliness of lines at frankford hall across the street!
(4)
Zach Y.

Definitely gets points for being authentically hipster. While the menu is a bit limited, the burger was actually one of the better ones I have had. In terms of drinking, they always have quality beers on tap.
(4)
David S.

Meh. This is a great bar to go and relax.....and thats about it. I used to drink there all the time, then realized that no one ever looked like they had fun. Everyone just went there to talk it seemed. The beer selection and prices were steller. Food was good, but very expensive. A good bar to bring a date too, but don't expect her to be impressed.
(2)
Krystal K.

My first time going to JB's was on Cinco De Mayo. My friend who lives in the neighborhood has always raved about it, and after trying El Camino Real which was 1.5 hr wait, we decided to try our luck at JB's having some margaritas. At first glance I noticed a great loungy/cozy atmosphere with interesting detailing in the decor. I instantly felt comfortable and even more so when noticing the eclectic crowd. I'm an artist so I appreciate all different walks of life. To our surprise they had a special menu for Cinco De Mayo with everything from Sopas to cactus salad, and papaya margaritas!!! Everything was delicious, especially for JB's not being a mexican restaraunt. The prices were fair and we were well tended to. The waitress we had just reeked of cool and calm awesomeness. She made great suggestions and was very down to earth and patient. Somehow I have lived in Philly for 5 years and never seen a show here, which now I can't believe what I've been missing out on. My friend and I almost stayed to see the band that was playing (we had never heard of them), because we were having so much fun we didn't want to leave. We ended up deciding to just relax afterwards, but I'm sure to be back soon! If you are looking for a cool, fun environment, in an up and coming part of the city, where you can kick back and enjoy your company and the atmosphere-this is the place to go. As Fishtown becomes more and more desirable a place to move to for young, interesting, people and families, I truly hope JB's stays the way it's. Get there while it's still a local gem!
(5)
James H.

My wife and I love to frequent Johnny Brenda's. The outdoor seating in the spring and summer months is a must. The food never disappoints. In fact, their cuban sandwich is the best I've had in Philly. The beers are all local draughts. The interior is inviting and the service is friendly. I haven't seen a show yet, but I'd recommend the Sunday gospel brunch. Of course I'll be back.
(4)
Scott V.

One of the best places in Philly. JB's offers plenty of local and delicious food and beers. I've had plenty of dinners / snacks here in the past, ranging from seafood dishes to falafel pitas. Upstairs is home to a venue which has yielded most of my finest concert memories. The themed brunches are pretty wonderful, offering some solid eggs benedict and bloody marys to start off the day. Oh and also, not having to deal with convenient ticketmaster convenience charges of $25 being tacked onto your $15 JB's concert ticket fee is a huge plus.
(5)
Joey B.

I've lived in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia for almost 12 years and have always championed The Standard Tap as the best local place to eat. Well, the owners of the Tap have slowly replaced that opinion with their other offering, the always excellent Johnny Brendas. First and foremost, the burgers here are not to be missed! Everyone has a favorite burger in Philly. For a while, I thought the Tap was the one to beat, but after a few disappointing experiences there, JB's has quickly become my favorite. It's just PERFECT! Each and every time. Many of their other menu items are amazing, you can trust that their food is from local/sustainable sources (just like the Tap!) and everything is always fresh and delicious. Their fried fish sandwich is also always amazing and my fiance swears by their Falafel. For the most part, the wait staff is on point and the bartenders are usually awesome, providing stiff yet tasty drinks. One of my favorite things about JB's is they're always wiling to provide a nice big pickleback shot using the spicy picklejuice left over from the Zayda's pickled tomatoes that they give you with their bloody mary's. It makes for the best best PB shot ever! Enough about the food - if a band you like (or even kinda like, or have a passing interest in) is playing the upstairs of JB's, don't hesitate to check them out here. The cozy room is a perfect size - great sight lines from anywhere in the room, the sound is crystal clear, and (from what I'm told) the venue really takes care of the bands and make them very comfortable/at home when playing the venue. Not to mention most shows here are CHEAP! (And to avoid ticket surcharges, etc - you can buy your tickets in advance right from the bartender!).
(5)
Superfly T.

First, the best and most extensive (and varied by many brewers) local beer list in this area. And a great bar with super friendly bar tenders and very attentive service. We came here for a show, and not only was the band & venue great, everything else was excellent too including the food. We had the cheeseburger and house special sautÃ©ed scallops. Both were over the top delicious. I'll be back soon.
(4)
Jen K.

Love this place, excellent food and a great atmosphere. Definitely get the oysters here. I would give it 5 stars except you can only eat here for dinner on weekend nights if you pay the cover fee for the bar & music. Then again that may be for the best being it gets swamped then so it would be hard to enjoy a nice meal anyways.
(4)
Joshua H.

Trendy place, a bit expensive for the neighborhood and clientele. The food is great, but not my favorite bar in Fishtown.
(3)
Phu V.

This review is just for brunch. 4 1/2 but I'll round up to Five. Had the JB breakfast and everything was fantastic. Bacon, eggs, sausage all cooked perfectly. Homefries and mushrooms with just the right amount of salt. Service was great and so was the dessert. The atmosphere is like a dive bar so its pretty homely but I enjoyed it nonetheless. My only complaint was you don't really get enough icecream with your brownie which was also amazing so I can't knock it too hard. I will definitely be back next time I'm in Philly.
(5)
Gandhus M.

Ok, Johnny Brendas. I go here fairly often. The first floor bar is long. Ample number of tables in the back too. Lots of oddities adorn the wall and counter behind the bar. Stools are ragged and torn. Two pool tables take up a good bit of the first floor. Come summer, the outdoor seating is great. I enjoy watching the occasional el train go by and the hustle and bustle of Frankford & Girard. (The Girard Ave el stop is a hop, skip & jump away, another plus.) Under the same ownership as Standard Tap, you will find strong similarities between the food & beer menus. The waitstaff are also very cordial and attentive, like at the Tap. Really tough to say one is "better" than the other. It really depends on you and what you're after on any given outing. A total "eye of the beholder" - type thing. The one thing JBs has that ST doesn't is a steady flow of live music on their second floor. I love going to see shows there. Since it is a little more rocking than it's sister bar to the south, does it attract a younger crowd you might ask? Well maybe, but it doesn't really matter. It's not a clubby, dancey, pukey, pretensey kind of young. It's more of a laid-back, chill vibe than anything else and that always crosses age barriers. It's hard not to feel comfortable at JBs. It's gritty, but charming. If you want to let your hair down yet still require the quality of food and beer that comes with a top notch gastropub, this is the place to be. My advice: Keep an eye on their band schedule and go see a show there!
(5)
Gord M.

It's your home bar on someone else's turf, unless you're local, I suppose. A great end to a great Saturday in Philly: live music at a pretty cool venue. I'm a junkie when it comes to lesser-known bands at dive-y type bars. I can't help myself when I see a cheap ticket and a sketchy address and Stornaway at JB's was a double-match. The staff appear to have zero tolerance for customer BS and that works perfectly for me at a live music venue: I want my drink, I want it quickly and I don't want to share any part of my life with you, nor vice-versa. A quick couple of orders, a couple of decent tips followed by a "Cheers" and I was in the good books. You should do the same. As for bar, the sound quality was great, the crowd was totally chill (yet appreciative of both bands) and the atmosphere was perfect for tucking away in a dark corner, sipping on pints and taking it all in. Not bad for a $12 ticket.
(4)
Caroline F.

I've never been here for a show, so I'm just rating this based on the bar/their food. Cool, hipster-ish atmosphere. Good bar, and plenty of places to sit. Never felt cramped on days that I went there. The food I've had there has been pretty good; I had a root vegetable stew that was really good during a weekend afternoon, and some fries with drinks another time -- both were tasty and reasonably priced. Again, I can't judge it for its shows, but as a bar, it's a good place.
(4)
Abby B.

Best Bloody Mary's in Philly...no joke. You can't go wrong with the brunch at JB's, especially the Gospel Brunch, which takes place every second Sunday of the month. A chill atmosphere combined with great friends and awesome food...you seriously can't go wrong here!
(5)
Amanda O.

Boyah! Kettle one Bloody !!!!
(5)
MaryAnn Z.

It honestly pains me to not give five stars here, but I have my reasons. As a venue, I really have a hard time thinking of a better atmosphere or better sounding room for a concert. It always feels dreamy and intimate and just... it's perfect. But the food is just OKAY. And even more than the food just being okay, I can't really handle a few small pretensions of the establishment. For one, they don't do cheese fries. What? Yeah. We just wanted some mofo cheese on our mofo fries. The waiter told us it was a principle of the owners' to not ever serve cheese fries. He wouldn't even give us an extra bit of cheese to put on the fries ourselves. Seriously, I get having gimmicks or whatever and it IS their restaurant, but I think this sucks. I didn't think it was cute. Also, having not-the-best eyesight, especially after a couple drinks and in a fairly dark bar, I didn't like that there were no menus. The menu, instead, is scrawled on walls,etc. in chalk. I could read it, but I was bitter about the squinting. Seriously? type it into the computer. hit print. Not everyone reads perfectly from a few feet away in the dark. After all of this, the food was just mediocre. I really do LOVE this place, but I wouldn't opt to eat there again. Except maybe for brunch, which I've heard is pretty excellent.
(4)
H L.

We love coming here. The outdoor seating is great when the weather is nice. The food has been delicious and the service is great too! The beer list is enormous!
(5)
Steve D.

My favorite place for music. they always get great bands, and great food and an awesome beer selection. I love that they never over sell show's, i've been to a few sold out gigs, and i never felt cramped and or crowded, although it can get a little hot. I must say that the crowd that this place atracts is cool too, no pretense, just cool people looking for good music and good times. The sound system is really great here too!!!!
(5)
Jessica P.

Oh, Johnny, you're more like Cybil with the amount of personalities you have. Are you a bar? A music venue? A dining room? Why, you're all of the above! Where else can you wander in Philadelphia (past Palmer Ave. mind you) and either get (blue) oyster (cult) specials, creme brulee OR chili cheese fries? They also had a good array of Central Coast vino to offer during happy hour, but I really fell for their triple on tap. Fancy glass included. I sat there with Joe B. who was looking all dapper and tan at the bar. We had made our way through the Philly streets looking for something to do before a rehearsal dinner for his niece's wedding (second niece, second wedding a year later, see his review). I sat on the bar stool and looked around me. It was about 3pm on a hot and sweaty afternoon. The boys in the kitchen had a hankering for classic rock it seemed. Coming from CT, every radio station was either classic rock or top 40. My friends and I were of the classic rock ilk. I mean, my 7th grade talent show included at least 3 recitals of Stairway to Heaven by boys with guitars. I can tell the sort of crowd I'm hanging with by the first few songs. I guessed nearly every next song on the jukebox...amazing Mr. B. From the Stones, to the Who, to a nice round of the Beatles and even some Floyd, it was an afternoon of classics, drinkin' beer and people watching. I have yet to see the upstairs, but I feel if I get back to Philly, I'll be going back to Johnny's.
(4)
Michael L.

One of my favorite "gastropubs" in Philly. This place was started by the same guys who got the entire gastropub genre going with the Standard Tap. The place is a converted old-man bar at what was once a pretty unlikely corner of Frankford and Girard, but which is now along the northern fringe of development in the NoLibs area. The atmosphere still retains some of the divey old-man bar vibe mixed in with a generous helping of Santeria-shrine-looking stuff. Local and regional microbrews are always on tap. The upstairs has a cool performance space, but for the most part I go for the food and beer. Some people have decried the very generic menu descriptions on the blackboard menu, and truly they don't tell you very much. The servers are generally able to answer questions, though, and to tell the truth, they have a very nice hand in the kitchen and I've never been disappointed by simply placing my faith in the kitchen and ordering, the food is very tasty. Only thing I would say is be careful of sitting in the booths near the windows during cold weather, you'll freeze. Otherwise, this place is right at the top of the gastropub pecking order in Philly and you won't be disappointed unless you're expecting fancy schmancy haute cuisine. But if you are, you're probably hopelessly lost if you're down here anyway...
(4)
Jewel B.

Johnny Brenda's is the type of joint you go to for a daytime drunk: eclectic wait-staff, dimly lit, and filled with strange tchotchkes. Believe me, there's nothing better than a little Fishtown drunk while the sun is still shining. The thing is, this isn't just a little hipster dive bar. They really deliver with a varied menu. We had burgers and sweet potato fries and a daily special of fried leaks. Dessert factored into the equation. Why not? We're drunk and it's light outside! The thing is, while it may seem easy to do comfort food, it's actually very difficult. One must achieve the perfect balance between greasy and sodden, delicious and mortifying JB's does it good. You end up wanting more food, even if you're not hungry. Our server, an accented young man, kept the drinks coming, but didn't hover around us too much either. As with everything else, balance is key. The soundtrack was a great mix of Booker T and the MGs, Fleet Foxes, and Pony. I never knew what was going to play, but I knew I was going to like it. It's like your best friend from high school brought his IPod and was winging you around. The best part is you're not mixing every liquor in your parents' cabinet to get a buzz.
(5)
The Talking Mul E.

When you take into account all important bar factors, Johnny Brenda's needs to be within the top 3 in Philadelphia. It's not fair to compare other bars that don't have such a nice music venue on the top floor, but to be a top notch place you need music and JB's has every other place destroyed. I'll leave it to others to review the excellent beers and food. The cherry on top? The bathroom is always clean.
(5)
Darlene O.

I came to Johnny Brenda's to see a band, Levee Drivers. I had a great time sitting up in the balcony. The sound is great and this place has fabulous atmosphere and design elements. But the smell downstairs was so wonderful I wished I had eaten there. Next time!
(5)
Jason C.

My favorite venue in town, I can easily spend the entire night at Johnny Brenda's. At Johnny's You can grab dinner before a show, then migrate upstairs to the second floor, or even higher to the third floor bar (there's no shortage of beer here) and enjoy your favorite band perched from above with a $3 Kenzinger in hand. After the show, grab a friend and duck into the mall-style photo booth for a few embarrassing drunken headshots, then drop back down to the ground floor for more beer and some pool before stumbling out onto Girard Ave at the end of an epic evening. If I were rating the food and service experience exclusively, I probably wouldn't give JBs more than 3/5. The brunch fails to match its reputation, the service could be more attentive, and I've never been compelled to come here solely for the food. But the food is there because it has to be, it's an afterthought to offering an intimate show environment and a great beer selection, which is why Fishtown loves this place. It's a bit of a scenester in-crowd here, but you don't have to be a hipster to fit in, just don't be like the guy who sidled up next to me at the bar recently and had this obnoxious exchange with the bartender: Some Dude: Let me get a Miller Lite. Bartender: Closest thing we have is Sly Fox Pale Ale. Some Dude: That's $5. Who charges $5 for beer? Bartender: That's cheap for good beer, dude. Some Dude: Let me get a Washington Apple shot then. Bartender: Sorry, no Apple Pucker. Some Dude: This place sucks! (exit stage left) What separates JBs from other venues is that here the bands are completely tangible, a few months ago I chatted up Handsome Furs outside after seeing them play one of the most intense, crowd-engaging shows I've ever seen (photo evidence in my profile pictures), and you just don't get that opportunity at most venues. And that's why Johnny Brenda's is a 5-star establishment. Though the food doesn't get my blood pumping, the intimate vibe and overall immense, 3-floor Johnny Brenda's experience does. This is the only spot where I'm willing to see a completely random show, because even if the band stinks, Johnny always delivers.
(5)
Rose B.

I've been going to JB's for shows and food for several months now and I have to say I'm more in love with this place for food and people watching than the music. I don't know what it is about Philly music venues, but the sound systems are horrible (it couldn't possibly be me! wink wink) most places you go, so for that JB's is on par. The specials are usually special indeed. The staff are all pretty easy going with few exceptions. And if you are like me you'll love just checking out the patrons.
(3)
Lauren T.

Johnny Brenda's is one of my favorite places to see a show. The sound is great and with the standing room near the stage and in the balcony, you can almost always get a good view. The menu pisses me off real bad. It's on a chalkboard near a window and there is constantly a glare on it. You have to dance around the dining room and stand at other people's tables until you're at just the right angle, and then you get to read things like PANINI. C'mon. Panini?! Anything could be on a panini. I don't want to nag my server and make them explain every item on the menu. Once you randomly order a nondescript plate of food, it's usually kind of decent. Their burgers are pretty good, a manageable size and juicy for a small patty. I do always have a great time at Johnny Brenda's. The location makes it a perfect place to start or end your night. The DJs in the downstairs usually play pretty fun stuff, the service is good and the beer list is great.
(4)
JR C.

I've been to a lot of small clubs, and played in several of them throughout the years, and this one is no different than most of them. Cheap house sound equipment, passable sound quality, etc. The stage was pretty cool, with the backdrop. I'd say it was about 20 degrees hotter in the area than it should have been, and I think that with some updates, this place could be a really, really cool place to see a show. As it stands now, it's ok. This part is really going to make me sound like an old fuddy duddy - the band we were there to see was supposed to go on at 11:15. The previous band finished up their set at about 10:45. The closing band didn't start their set until after 11:45. Why the heck does it take an hour to switch bands? This place has house amps, unless the bands were sharing on the road, and still, it took forever to switch bands. They should have had things torn down in five minutes, set up in 10, quick soundcheck, and start the show. I don't want to be walking through Northern Liberties at 1 AM after the show ends, and since I live in Jersey, I don't want to be getting home after 1:30. The thing I liked most about Johnny Brenda's was the fact that they had a decent draught beer list, even if it was a little too local for my tastes. I love to see local beer on tap, but I feel like they had a somewhat weak sampling of local beer, compared to what they COULD have. The draught prices were like 5 or 6 bucks for a pint, so I can't complain THAT much. /beersnobbery
(3)
Erica W.

I have been here three times and always am happy when I head home. The bartenders and wait staff are friendly and helpful, the beer is tasty, and the food is good. We went for beer week and had two delicious Dog Fish Head beers while sitting on the sidewalk (great for people-watching). A perfect evening! Also, the falafel sandwich is fresh and delicious. By far my favorite Fishtown bar!
(5)
Vin D.

Great bar always a chill spot, jb's does it right
(4)
Jenny L.

This is a great place to see a show, grab a bite or just hang out. Definitely one of my favorite venues in the city and a nice laid-back atmosphere. My only complaint is that the menu is not very vegetarian friendly. There is only one or two plates I can order and they're usually very small. Once they had some sort of mexican dish on special but it had little to no flavor and was disappointing. But I guess I can overlook the food thing since there are plenty of other veg friendly places in the neighborhood. JB's is a fun hang out after you eat.
(4)
Christopher R.

I'm going to throw caution to the wind and give Johnny Brenda's five stars based off one visit. Maybe I still haven't come down from seeing Langhorne Slim there last night* but I can't imagine a better venue. The stage is visible from most areas (with projectors displaying a low-res version on the walls behind the stage to accommodate any blind spots plus a pretty good set-up with the lights), there's a bar with great local drafts on every floor, the balcony is chill. I'm told the food is good, though I haven't had the chance to test that for myself. Definitely coming back here. * A performance that could accurately be called "a rollicking good time."
(5)
Brian N.

I came here to see one of my favorite bands, Little Dragon, perform on 23 Mar 10. I had never been here before, and was hoping for an intimate-type venue to see them perform. I could not have been more pleased... well, unless Yukimi Nagano pointed me out as she sang "Forever." I think I did catch her eye for like 10 seconds though, and possibly a wink as well. I just wanted to go up on stage and hug her until she disappeared into my chest and arms. Anyway, the show was only $12 ($5 cheaper than the two spots she was playing in NY) and i was able to prepay via Ticketfly.com using the will call online earlier in the day. I drove out that night and missed the opening act, but I got what I came for. Johnny Brenda's is right on the corner of Frankford and Girard - so easy to find. Finding parking in the area was pretty easy as well. I parked about a block away on the street, and I saw others that parked in a seemingly free lot right up the block on Frankford as well. So I walk in the joint (there is wheelchair access) and am on the upper level, where there is a bar (maybe a pool table?) but this isn't the music venue area. so I take a walk down the steps and see a sign on the wall telling the time of the performances. I round the corner where the guy takes your money, tell him I'm on will call, he looks up my name, stamps me in. Actually a nice dude. I walk in, nice spot, all old wood, a lot of old school charm. I was thinking it would be a shame if they ever tore this spot down, it feels like it has a lot of history. I was also thinking I'd love to live here, but I'm kinda weird nostalgic . So, I walk through, past the bar, to the small room with a little stage. I was loving it already. I was so comfortably close to the stage, and Yukimi's awesome vibe, I may or may not have gotten a li'l choked up... Anyway, there is a balcony that wraps all the way around the stage. I didn't go up there, but I'm sure it feels like you could almost reach out and touch the performers. I would come here to see any performer I loved, and recommend the same to anyone else. I ordered a Long Island Ice Tea - $8 and pretty weak. That's my only negative. So, if you see someone you love performing here, and you can get here, then get here. You won't regret it.
(4)
Christian S.

At some point after moving away from Philly this play became RAD. Whenevr i would go home for vacations it seedm to be the spot everyone went to. its great. spacious, good beer and drinks, pool table. hip crowd. what more could you want.
(3)
Sharon M.

Pretty good food. Great selection of beer. Good music venue.
(3)
Erin F.

Johnny Brenda's looks like a place for Yelpers. While waiting to mosey over to The M Room for my boyfriend's show, a group of us posted up at Johnny Brenda's for food and beer. I enjoyed a very potent diet soda and my boyfriend's sister-in-law and I split a fennel & pear salad and a falafel sandwich. Both were delightful. There could have been more of that tasty cheese and almond slivers on the salad, but it was good, anyway. The falafel sandwich was light, with cute little falafels that were still flavorful and present. Hooray. I like the general ambiance, the service was friendly and relaxed, I liked our table with the lights in it, and the coasters they are currently using where you stick your finger through a hole in it, so it looks like a fat guys pepÃ© (needs to be seen to be believed) was a big hit.
(4)
Kristin G.

meh. I really like johnny brendas and I kneeewww there was a reason that I hadn't sat at a table there in a long table - simply because it ALWAYS sucks. I couldn't avoid sitting at a booth there last week because I was with 5 of my good friends...sitting at the bar on a friday night when you all want to eat just doesn't work....to crowded and you really can't talk to each other. Without getting into details (If you want some good ones read abigail "rabbit rabbit" l.'s review) service was very slow and generally not good(semi rude). I'm not dissing all the waitresses there though, there are some good ones and the bartenders are pretty awesome...but somehow I always get stuck with the poor performing waitresses. You lose a star this time JB's! sorry. I still like your beers and your atmosphere, but you really need to step it up a little. I'm not a hard person to please, I worked in food service for years so I totally understand its a hard job but its not that hard to stay pleasant 90% of the time and do a semi decent job.
(4)
Alex L.

I don't live in Philadelphia and had never heard of Johnny Brenda's, but about 3 years ago an English band I really like was playing in their upstairs room and I drove down to Philly to see them. I liked JB's so much I've been back a few times since then just to visit. They always feature several rotating local and regional beers on draft (and hand pump too). When I've been there the food has been excellent, and the upstairs music room is very tiny and intimate, a great place to see music. Occasionally there's a theme, like the 'Saison Brunch': 10 different Saison beers on tap, French-inspired brunch specials and a DJ spinning French tunes. A cool place.
(4)
Whitney R.

They have good beer here, good french fries and it is a great place to see live music. Obviously there is a "hipster"esque crowd, but where isn't there anymore? Their house drinks are reasonably priced, and check to see who's playing upstairs. I will definitely be returning here
(4)
Brandon D.

Great place to sit down, and have a cheap Kenzinger. The menu is pretty tasty, albeit limited and not as cheap as i'd like, but its hard to go wrong with anything. The upstairs has more of an nightclubby feel, and thats where the numerous music acts perform. The balcony overlooking the stage area is a nice spot to watch whatevers going on without being in the thick of things. I go here much more than I probably should, but that's not a slight against the place, its just so easy to default to it. Reasonable beer, decent food, and an easy to find location.
(4)
Anna Marie C.

any venue that will host the air guitar regionals is the place for me. the food is rather tasty... from the baked mozarella to the cubano. nice beer list (including doc's cider, which was perfect on a warm spring night). full of hipsters, but still quick and friendly service. the upstairs music venue? awesome. fun selection of bands. the balcony provides an awesome view...and full of beer-throwing madness for air guitar shows. loves.
(4)
D S.

Food was good. Beer is good. Just wanted to give an idea. Put your specials on the board and your menu on the table. Right now it's the other way around and it's annoying to stare at 15 options on the menu board and 5 options on the table menu.
(3)
Andy S.

After way, way, way too long, I finally attended a show at Johnny Brenda's. I was in semi-retirement from seeing bands in small clubs, mostly because I spent many a year (and many a dollar...and many, many a brain cell) seeing bands at The Khyber, The Upstage, The Balcony, North Star, and wherever the hell else. Just burned myself out entirely. Time passes, reality returns, and a band I have wanted to see for years (Zombi) is playing at Johnny Brenda's. So I reach deep into the closet, find my rock shoes, and get back on the horse. JB's is easy to find. Street parking was also easy to find. So far, so good. In many respects it reminds me of The Khyber many years ago. You see, Old City used to be a dump. The Khyber was there, along with a host of other bars/clubs that aren't there anymore. Now Old City sucks, and The Khyber is slowing fading away. Time marches on, and now the whatever-you-want-to-call the neighborhood JB's finds itself in is much like Old City was lo those many years ago. Ok, woah, tangent. Focus! Ok, I didn't spend much time downstairs at JB's. Mostly enough to find the upstairs. From what I saw it seemed cool enough. Anyway I liked the upstairs portion...large enough bar, friendly people behind said bar, and when I ordered a Sly Fox I was countered with "which Sly Fox"? I bow to you, JB's bar. I shortly found myself in the balcony, and then dragged a chair right up to the railing in the middle, whereupon I sat for a good long while. I also liked how the up-upstairs bar was in itself a miniature version of the mid-upstairs bar...if I can avoid stairs whilst obtaining tasty draughts then all the better. The sound in the balcony was pretty good. A bit lean, a bit diffuse, but very good. Sightlines, obviously, were stellar. Better than the North Star, where you were way too close...this was put back a bit. After a while I went downstairs and the sound was way, way better. Much more low end, better imaging. Yes, I am an unrepentant douchewad. I care about sound. I haven't been to The Khyber (for reals) in forever, and after going to JB's I know why. JB's is the new Khyber. Five stars shall be granted after another visit, or two. I have to check out the jukebox (was one present? I didn't see it). I have to eat something there. I have to check out the sound from different vantage points. Again, the whole douchewad thing. Sorry.
(4)
Tip W.

Let's just say this is the place I want to go to when I feel like not only relaxing but also drinking myself into a humble mess. The food is amazing, the drinks on tap superb. Whodda thunk that the once place I'd rather be chilling at when it comes to only food and beer would only be that of fishtowns finest. The whole place is dimly lit, relaxing to those who want to just sink away into their seat and forget their nearby diners existence. It's so relaxed there you almost want to just light up a cigarette and start smoking sure that no one around you would even pay mind to the second hand smoke they're about to ingest. lol. The bands that play there are great, we enjoy just being able to go out and relax. The food, wow. I had the fishtown stew and I just talking about it now leaves me craving it. The shrimp came out Jumbo and plenty. Mussels perfectly cooked, stew flavorly filling. I think I might just have to make a trip down to fishtown now..... a must go.
(4)
Alison F.

A fun place to hang out on a weekend or weeknight downstairs at the bar or at a table, but a GREAT place to see a band perform. From the outside of this place, you wouldn't guess the gem that it is inside. The downstairs has a nice long bar with a few booths adorned with cool table lights that change colors every few seconds. The back has a bunch of tables where you can linger over drinks or have a meal. The menu changes, but all my friends rave about the raw bar, which is 1/2 off during happy hour. The best way to experience JB's is to see a show upstairs. They get a lot of good indie bands and the upstairs is very interesting looking. There is a decent sized bar in one room and then standing room by the small stage. But the best part by far is the balcony a level above. It affords great views of the show and if you're lucky you can stake out a spot here or if the stars align you can even get one of a handful of seats and plant yourself in front of the balcony. If you've never hung out in Fishtown, head over to JB's early on a Friday after work and sit back and enjoy or check out one of the bands playing here on a weeknight. It's hipster and non-hipster heaven.
(5)
Tom D.

I like to believe I live a rock'n'roll lifestyle. It's places like this that keep fueling this fantasy life. But I'll get to that later. There is really great food here. And it is relatively cheap. Take, as case in point, my experience last night: I got a nice little sandwich and a beer before the show I went to see and it was only $10.80. Also, it arrived really fast, and the bartender that served it was really sweet. It honestly makes me wish I lived closer to go more often and get every damn thing on the constantly changing menu. Back to the rock lifestyle. This is a dope place to watch a show. The room isn't that large, so it's intimate, without being cramped. I've enjoyed shows on the main level as well as the balcony, and I must admit, I think the balcony makes me feel like I am at the back room at Max's Kansas City circa 1972. I am probably totally wrong about that, but this is my fantasy world, people. I'll just keep dreaming and rocking out.
(5)
Caitlin V.

Johnny Brenda's becomes one of my favorite spots to hang out more over time. I can come here with friends, get a beer and play pool all night and not get the stink eye if I don't order anything else. I especially like coming here during the day when the bartenders are more willing to chat and I can munch on oyster crackers. I only wish that there were more vegetarian entrees. I'm still usually stuck getting the falafel and hummus (always delicious at least), or faced with having to get multiple starchy appetizers also, loving the jukebox here. and the outdoor seating. in the end, a night outside at good ol' JB's is a favorite of mine.
(4)
Surfandturf J.

What the heck happened to this gem of a restaurant?!? I can only assume that the chef took his/her show on the road. Formerly stellar juicy burgers and oozingly moist french toast are now desiccated tasteless pucks. Marry that with lackadaisical service and JB's finds it's new residence on the formerly great list. Too bad. One star because it used to be awesome. One star because it wasn't quite putrid.
(2)
G F.

This is one of my favorite places to eat whenever I'm craving non-Asian food. My two favorite items by far are the hummus dish (an excess amount of toasty warm pita bread triangles with a HUGE amount of delicious hummus, plus olives - all for $5)... and the asparagus appetizer (again, a large portion of roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil and seasoning - for $5). These two items alone are enough to put down any one eater. One time I got the meatloaf only to find out it was vegetarian. Not a problem really... but the eggplant became a bit too much at the end. I've never seen a show here though, nor have I even been upstairs. I tend to not really care about the bands that come through here. I don't listen to too much ''hip'' music. But I know Witch and Graveyard came through Johnny Brenda's last year, and I really wish I saw them. Oh well. The downstairs booths are great, what with their glowing table lights and tiny box windows. And the downstairs men's bathroom has always been sparkling clean and completely unlike what you'd expect - a nice touch. The beer selection is fairly deep. Prices are average-to-high. People like to rave about the Lionshead here, but... I'm from the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre valley. And I'll tell you folks, Lionshead doesn't have much going for it (unless of course you like going to the bathroom every half hour), except that it's cheap. I guess that's why people here like it. The best way to get here from center city is to take the EL eastbound to the Girard stop. It's only a block or so walk from there. Just be careful if you're planning on using SEPTA as a way back, as the last westbound train leaving Girard is usually about 12:16 AM. So plan around that, or take a cab.
(4)
Bizz M.

My first time at Johnny Brenda's was last night and I'm disappointed I didn't get there sooner. Great layout. I really like the music area with the 3rd floor balcony. i honestly forgot I was on the 2nd floor after about 30 minutes. To me the most super duper important thing in a music venue is a soundman that has a clue. He had a clue and it sounded great for a smaller room. The only draw back was the girl bartender. Really dopey and forgetful. She messed up both drink orders I went to the bar for. I asked for 3 drinks. 2 of which were the same. Ahhhh???? Really??? 2 beers of this kind and 1 of this. She gave me the complete opposiite. Twice. Haha. Its not that hard. It would be 5 stars if it wasn't for her being a flake.
(4)
Shazana G.

OK, let me start by saying, I LOVE THIS PLACE. The food is always great, the service is wonderful, the variety and selection are fantastic. This has to be my favorite bar in all of Philadelphia. I am never disappointed whether I'm eating a cheeseburger or some empanadas... and for dessert some tiramisu or creme brulee. The great thing is, this place is not pretentious. The prices are fair and they have quality everything. It's also a great place to enjoy numerous bands. If I could give it 10 stars I would :)
(5)
Nicolle W.

Whiskey Donuts! Worth every penny of the $2.
(4)
Chris W.

JB's has a lot going for it, yet still comes across as an extremely annoying spot. It's by far the best music venue in town, supporting local and big name artist in an intimate setting with pretty decent sound, yet you feel like a herd of cattle due to one badly designed aspect of the upstairs. When you first walk into the top floor, there is an open area with an elongated bar stretched out to the right on the wall. To get to the stage area, you have to pass through the huddled mass of irritated people attempting to grab a beer, throwing aside any sense of politeness out of the necessity to not waste an entire night wrangling to get a single drink. The bar extends past a wall that divides the stage area, and the passageway between the two is barely big enough for an emaciated hipster. Be prepared for awkward avoidance dancing in this bottleneck. If you aren't forceful, you'll never get through. The stage isn't that big, but like I said, very intimate for viewers and bands alike. They can put on some pretty neat light shows when they feel randy, but it doesn't happen often. I'm pretty certain the food is freezer stored for long periods of time, because it barely has any taste. It's not the worst bar food out there, but it's certainly not the best. It's more useful as a booze absorber than a wakening of the taste buds. There's not much you can do about the clientele you attract, especially when you live in a part of town that is being overrun by cookie cutter "I'm too lazy to care" socialites, but staffing your establishment with people that don't act like it's a burden to serve you might be a good start. JB's will have a strong following because they are the best at what they offer, which isn't so much a testament to JB's as it is a lack of options for Philly.
(3)
Kaitlin L.

What a rockin' venue! I went here last night to see a show and was really pleasantly surprised by this place. The bartenders were really nice. I always love places that serve local beer so I was super happy the the selection. I liked the old school theatre feeling and liked being on the less crowded top floor looking down to the bands (also a great vantage point for people watching). Very fairly priced too!
(4)
Prarthana J.

Great place all around. Delicious brunch (eggs benedict with fried green tomatoes- cannot recommend this enough), great beer list, and awesome upstairs venue for shows. Never been disappointed by a visit to Johnny Brenda's!
(4)
Scott F.

If I moved to the other side of the world tommorrow, I would miss seeing bands at Johnny Brenda's.
(5)
m M.

I tried this place out Friday.. and honestly it was pretty sweet. The mixed drinks ran around $6, and the crowd seemed pretty chill. I would have rated it higher if I didn't have such an awful experience with their bar staff. The bartender cursed at me when I politely asked her if I knew how to make a certain drink... other than that... it was a great experience .
(3)
Thom B.

Been coming here since it opened, watched it grow (literally) and change over the years, still keep coming back. Shows can sometimes pack the downstairs with undesirables, but this usually thins out once the music is done. There are some truely nice barstaff here, others could really use some work (re: another poster's "act like it's a burden to serve you" comment). For the food, the Cubano sandwich is awesome, usually; it tastes/is made slightly different ever time I go, seems to depend on the chef, wind direction, phase of the moon, etc. A note to the owners...PLEASE fix your fries!!! They used to be amazing, but I havent gotten a batch that wasn't crazy soggy and droopy in years, literally. Hand cut is great, but it's wasted when the fries aren't cooked they way they should be. As for the beer, it's all local, all the time. No Miller Lite, Bud, etc. That's great, only problem is, they never seem to have a beer there that I want to drink all night, and I am into a lot of different styles. More often then not I find myself forcing a decision on what beer to drink because it's the best of what's offered but not necessarily what I want. They could do better to match beers to seasons and diversify from what's usually offered to things people actually want to drink. I'm not the only one who feels this way, any of the other beer-geeks I'm friends with have said similar things. I think I would probably come here even more that I already do if they offered more desirable quaffage.
(4)
Stephen H.

OK folks, after seeing the West Philly Orchestra at Johnny Brendas on Saturday night, I feel like Billy Maze describing it. Johnny Brendas is a can do it all product, which can handle all of your going out needs. Need a place for mid afternoon snack or lunch? have the cubano, or the burger, but I suggest the cubano. Great sandwich, cold beer, and a cool juke box, what more can you ask for. But wait, there's more. Johnny Brendas is a full on corner bar, with outside seating and a pool table( did i mention the jukebox) any night of the week a great place to sink more than a couple. Did i mention that it's a music venue? Well, it is. It actually is the best music venue in Philadelphia. Clear sound ,good sight lines, and a bar on both dance and balcony floor. Great mix of musical styles booked there. Get on their mailing list, they will send you a weekly schedule of bands with description of each act. You are probably saying to yourself, well that's great but sometimes i would rather just have a fine meal, and need to go to old city or somewhere. no my friends, the dinner entrees at JB are a treat in themselves. My duck breast in a wine and cherry reduction served with fresh green beans and gratin potato's was flawless. i would have expected to pay 10 dollars more for such a meal. if you act now, your Jb experience comes with easy to get street parking, absolutely free! drink eat or dance, you must act now!
(5)
christina j.

Update to previous review..i do enjoy the beer of JB's - i really dig the flying fish exit 4 but the food is just ok. Nothing memorable but the atmosphere and beer have me coming back. Food 2.5 and 3+ for location and atmosphere.
(2)
L B.

I only have one thing to say. Steak sandwich with brie. The pulled pork sandwich is fantastic also, but the steak sandwich blows my mind every time. Couple that with a decent draught beer list and awesome shows upstairs and you've got five stars easily!
(5)
Amanda D.

I love Johnny Brenda's. I love playing shows there, I love watching shows there, I love drinking there, and I love eating there. I wish there was a Johnny Brenda's in South Philly. The people that work there are awesome. The sound guys are the best sound guys in Philly, and the bartenders are awesome. I am friends with a cook there and she is awesome as well. Great local beers on tap. The only thing that bothers me is that when a show is really crowded, there are drunk people constantly crashing into me, but that is not JB's problem. Walking from the upstairs bar to try and be in the room where the band plays can also be tricky if it's crowded, especially with all the wasted people spilling beer on you. But if you can catch a band in the balcony area, I highly recommend it. Loves it.
(5)
Angela V.

i love johnny b's. the food is amazing and affordable, staff is friendly, and it's a great little music venue. had my after wedding party here so jb's has an extra special place in my heart. music is always good, crowd is diverse, range of ages so i don't feel like an old fart out of my element. yay for johnny b's!
(5)
dj d.

Johnny Brenda's is/was so far ahead of it's time... I can't think that far back. About 6 years ago, 2 friends of mine got bartending gigs here. At that time it was a small/medium sized room with a kitchen in the back. This was a number of years before the renovation of girard ave and 2nd street. The owners of this restaurant/bar/venue may be 2 of the most intelligent people in the biz. Slowly but surely they expanded the main room, added a "back" bar, a handicap bathroom...and as time progressed, a live music venue upstairs. I was lucky enough to land a job bartending here for a number of years and witnessed the day in/day out creation of the venue. It was remarkable to see the care and craftmanship that went into it's design, layout, and so on. I've been fortunate enough to perform on the stage and also throw some dj parties here. During my time as a bartender, I found the reviews of the various all draft selection of beers and food to always receive rave reviews from the customer base, and I back those reviews personally as well. Johnny Brenda's is becoming a landmark destination for, I believe, the city of Philadelphia, and possibly the entire country...very similar to what JC Dobbs was throughout the 80s and into the early 90s. This is an establishment that TRUELY was, and still is, groundbreaking.
(5)
Brian L.

I've eaten at/drank at/ and played this place several times and it was always a great exBEERience. The balcony is a cool spot to see a band and the food is very good, friendly staff and affordable adult beverages to cram down your throat!
(5)
Geronimo G.

BRUNCH REVIEW: I never saw concert venues with brunch before. Sit on the sidewalk, drink an acceptably great horseradish-heavy bloody mary. They fucked up neither the eggs nor the bacon. One of few outside brunch spots around. I'd come back in a second, esp. if I lived nearby.
(3)
Jessica R.

Now that I've lived in California for over a year, Johnny Brenda's is the only bar in Philly I still miss. Yes, it is often crowded, noisy, smoky, and overly filled with people wearing trucker hats, but this is a FEATURE rather than a flaw, I say. The flank steak sandwich is delicious, as are their shoestring fries. And the Abbey Dubbel is possibly the best beer in the world. EDIT: On further reflection, it is the single best beer in the history of ever. Do not miss it.
(5)
Dave S.

I love JBs. Along with it's sister bar, The Standard Tap, it's in my top 5 bars in Philly. Where else could you down a PBR (or a much better brew), nosh on some gourmet pub fare, shoot a couple games of pool, and see a show all in the same place??
(5)
Cherie C.

Great venue for intimate shows. The food is great, since it's from the same folks who bring you Standard Tap. Far above what you'd get at most other corner bars/music venues.
(4)
Marie R.

I just cant get enough of this place. Killer food- killer bands-killer bartenders (Gabe) and awesome chefs (Dan).......I mean, seriously, will I ever have a bad experience here? NO! JB's is my favorite spot in Philly without a doubt. Dont forget to try the dessert!
(5)
Chrissy R.

This may be my favorite place to see a show, from the balcony, natch. It's small and there is not a bad place to be. I was hesitant to go because it's in FRIGGIN FISHTOWN but now that i see how close it is to the El, and that I don't have to wander too far all over the place, I will go back again and again.
(4)
nicole p.

I used to come to JB's once a week to meet up with a friend. Lately their is a big change in my favorite food items. The Caesar salad is icky. Too much dressing. AND the tacos. The serving used to be 3 tacos with lettuce and tomato and two types of salsa. Now, they give you two with a side of rice and beans and they are smothered in jalepeno peppers. I like spicy but this is just overbearing. SO.... change back to your old ways JB's or I will have to make myself a new friend.
(2)
Jonathan P.

The ONLY reason I am giving them 2 stars is because I've had good meals here before. My dinner here tonight, however was NOT a good experience. I ordered the cheeseburger which I have gotten many times before. I asked for it medium well. When I got it, it was noticeably smaller than every time I had gotten it in the past, and they replaced their good wheat buns with flimsy sesame buns. When I got around half way into the burger, not only was it not medium well, it was RAW!!!!! I don't mean pink, I mean uncooked. OK, fine, I understand things happen, so I found my waitress (not the nicest person in the world, but not terrible) and she took it back to the kitchen. 15 minutes later, out comes the same half eaten burger, now looking more cooked. I thought again, OK, why give me a new burger when it was cooking issue. SO I bit back into it and the first thing I tasted was charcoal. The cook had put the burger, BUN TOP AND ALL onto the grill, resulting in a burnt bun. Worse, two bites into the burger, I came upon, to my horror, RAW MEAT!!!! Now I am not a beef eater, and when I order a burger I need it pretty thoroughly cooked to be good to me. This was not even close. I just decided to suck it up, because I just wanted to go home at this point. My dinner companion also noticed something different with his Bacon and Brie sandwich, noting as soon as it came out, that it was smaller than normally. I don't know if they are trying to cut costs, but do it elsewhere, don't cut portion size or use substandard bread. Will I go back? Yes, because they have a good beer selection. Will I eat there again? Maybe, but ill go for edimame which is impossible to screw up, or soup. No more JB Burger for me, which is a shame, because it used to be one of my fans in the city.
(2)
Maeghan D.

This is one of my favorite places to go and get a bite to eat, grab a drink, and see a show. The service is as good as its going to get at a place where people hang. I'm only giving it four stars because they no longer have the chicken sandwich which was amazing. If your looking for a snack or an appetizer, there pita and hummus is awesome. If your looking for a dessert that is truly "to die for", you can't go wrong with anything you chose whether it be the Apple Crisp or the Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding (my personal favorite.) If there is one tip I could shout out to the establishment it is "please bring back the Chicken Sandwich ... it was sooo yummy."
(4)
Stephanie M.

We went to a see Grimace play on Saturday night at Johnny Brenda's and were beyond thrilled with the experience. This is a great place to grab a beer and see a show. We watched from the top floor, peering down on the band, who put on quite the show. The drummer is beyond awesome. But back to Johnny Brenda's, it's a dive bar where you can get cheap beer. The bathroom was clean though the place was packed. You can take cute pictures in a photo booth in the back. I would definitely go back.
(4)
John N.

One of my favorite spots for years. Great beer selection, amazing sea food, and awesome indie bands. It's a few blocks from my house and has been my hangout for years now.
(5)
laura k.

JB's always has never been a bad choice for any meal. The ever-changing menu always has several things that strike my fancy and I love their brunch. They are great as a live venue too, even though I hate going to shows, all the shows I've been to hear have been enjoyable, solid sound, nice space with the balcony - though as a photog, the lighting errs on the side of nearly non-existent. The coffee is pretty decent (but not in my top three!), and the servers keep the cup full. Always a good few vegetarian options. The prices are always good but I have noticed substantial portion shrinkage on some dishes in the last year. The only experience I had that left me a bit bewildered was once when the waiter was clearing my bf's french toast remains he knocked the cup of maple syrup into my lap, dousing my skirt and rather than get a fresh cloth, he started in on me with a grubby looking wet table rag with chunks of food clinging to it.Too much for me to handle before coffee had fully set it. Other than that I've not had any bad service experiences here. Always a table, never a wait. Just wish they opened a pinch earlier for weekend brunch and made the menu a little easier to read instead of having to get up and walk to it (I'm a bit near-sighted and when I'm seated, I like to stay there instead of lurking behind other diners).
(4)
BJ E.

I often find myself waking up on the couch of a friend in Fishtown. This past weekend, during the historic snowstorm, I once again woke upon that friend's couch feeling a little hungry. After picking someone up, a group of us went to Johnny Brenda's for brunch. It was delicious. We had a group of 6, and while room was tight, they pushed together some tables for us. The food was delicious, the portions were healthy, and the prices were reasonable. The service was speedy and friendly. (Seemed like everyone was wearing snow pants, which was a nice touch considering the day.) Overall, it was a great way to spend Saturday morning... watching the snow come down in buckets, eating good food, with a bunch of great friends. The next blizzard that blows through on a Saturday morning, I suggest you try this place. On any other Saturday, get the Vanilla French Toast.
(5)
Colleen M.

Good food, good beer and a good music venue. There's isn't much I can say about Johnny Brenda's that hasn't already been said. It's unpretentious and cool place to hang out. The downstairs looks like your average bar/restaurant scene. The upstairs is a unique space to hang out, go dancing or see a show. Unlike the nearby establishments like The M Room or The Barbary, the women's bathrooms are actually relatively clean with multiple stalls. The dinner experience is kinda like Standard Tap but with better food and less attitude.
(5)
Katie I.

1. I want to rave about JB's. I go there at least once a week to shoot pool or relax. The food is good, the bands are good and the company is always interesting, but... 2. The bartenders are bitches. Seriously. So if you go to the bar expecting to be served on a timely basis forget it. Conversely, table service is great. (Stop being bitches, bartenders!) 3. The upstairs venue is awesome if you can find a good show to see (e.g Deer Tick tonight). Wonderful classic interior, amazing stage and acoustics, and better bartenders.
(4)
Jess M.

Not only a great bar and restaurant, but hands down my favorite music venue in Philadelphia. It's a perfect size, though on nights of sold out shows, I wish capacity was a smidge fewer people as it can be hard to navigate. While the balcony seems to often put musicians at an unease, it's a great alternative to being floor level without the restriction of being 21+ to get up there (as with some venues). Great lighting for photogs, great local brews on tap with an ever-rotating draft list, delish food (try the Cubano sandwich or grilled cheese/tomato soup combo), again with a rotating menu. Dishes tend to not be consistent from visit to visit as the night's chef(s) decide how to prepare each meal, but everything has always been great. I've never dared try to octopus (a JB's staple), but I've heard great things. Not my first choice when I'm trying to eat on the cheap, but the atmosphere is wonderful. A very relaxed place, often full of 'hipsters', due to its great daily line-ups and moderately priced alcohol fare. Never a disappointment any night of the week.
(5)
Joe L.

JB's has one of the best burgers in town hands down. They have some good beers on tap to compliment the tasty food. They have some good bands roll through upstairs. Downstairs has a nice ambiance with some cool decor. There is a pool table, and they usually play some good tunes. Definitely a good place to swing by for some grub and a brew.
(4)
Dana V.

JBs is my favorite place in Philly to see a show! It's a small intimate venue (venue is upstairs, bar / restaurant downstairs). They always have great shows and really promote local music (and beer). The food downstairs is great to grab a bite before the show. It's also cool to hang and play pool. But really, keep an eye out for the bands that come through here, the music is always a good time. I like to drop in, even if I don't know who's playing.
(5)
Kat R.

This is a good, solid place to go for happy hour, and my friends and I have been doing just that for the past few months. The food is quite good, and so is the service for the most part (a little slow as it gets later and the place gets fuller, but still an acceptable wait time.) My only complaints are that there could be more of a turn-over with the menu items, and it's often a tough squeeze when there are more than six people in the party. Try the haloumi, the eggplant parm, and the oysters.
(4)
Marisa L.

I simply Love Johnny Brendas! For a "dive" bar the food is pretty damn good, and they have a decent vegetarian selection. Of course the shows are great, I've found many a new bands here and I've never had a bad time. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is laid-back, and just a great place to spend the night. Their beer selection game can be stepped up a notch but it's not even that bad, and certainly not enough to get a minus. Yeah, just good times all around. Check it out for a random show one night, it'll be good times I'm sure.
(5)
Ted P.

The food is pretty good and the beer selection is standard for your average gastropub. Bad experience - no. Would I go back - maybe. For the area, this might be the best place to go.
(4)
Sally W.

For whatever reason, when it snows, I somehow end up at Johnny Brenda's. And for whatever reason, I am always disappointed. The bar is fine. I am not complaining about the bar. I am objecting to the food. Just after the recent winter storm, all I wanted was a nice steaming bowl of soup. I thought I was on the right track when I ordered the chicken noodle. For a $7 bowl of soup, I figured I was getting something good. I was so wrong. What I arrived at the table was a shallow bowl of almost no flavor chicken broth with some floating gray chicken. Sure there were some tasty carrots. Yes, there were well cooked egg noodles. But overall is was tasteless. Maybe the biggest ripoff on pub record. My husband had the Fishtown Stew, which he reported was super-spicy. The problem? When he asked the waitress for a rundown of what was in the soup, the offending peppers were never mentioned. My advice? Eat at New Acropolis across the street for a third of the price and make your way over Frankford and to JB's for the bar (only).
(2)
Erika R.

This was to our surprise some of the best food we had in Philadelphia - nice plates, good beer, and pleasant atmosphere. We came in after recommendations from folks who lived in Philly, and were in the neighborhood for a dance night. The wait was a bit long for a table, and one of the hostesses was a bit rude to one of my friends at one point (so minus one star), but once were seated the service improved. What we thought would just be standard bar food, turned out to be a pleasant menu of fresh options. I had the apple and fennel salad, which was on the small side, but it was all I needed for the evening. Overall a fun pleasant place for a laid back dinner.
(4)
Coco D.

Yeah, right, like there was ever a chance this place was getting less than five stars. Um, excellent downstairs layout (booths, tables, bar tables, bar AND pool tables)? Check. Fun looking waitresses? Check. Ahmahzing live booking? Check. (Even though I've never ventured upstairs yet.) A photobooth? Check. Yummy foodtowns? Check. Outdoor seating? Check. Totally deck jukebox ("deck" is totally a thing)? Check. Constant presence of my number one fake boyfrond? Check plus! Did I miss anything? Probably, but I guarantee they get checks on that too. Oh yeah, plus this is where I realized what my purpose in life is...
(5)
Leanne M.

BRING BACK THE CHILAQUILAS! PLEASE! I've always loved this place! can't beat the Cubano and the local beers on draft. DO NOT ORDER THE FRIED MOZZ! It was a puddle of tomato sauce with a little dollop of cheese and some bread to dip. What is that? I DO love the hummus and would suggest that for an appetizer instead. Still a go-to place. I actually saw a server tell a couple that they couldn't have their Starbucks coffee cups in there. Still don't know how I feel about that one...
(4)
mike b.

So this is good . . . Philly and I are not long time friends. We met a few months ago when I moved here from lands far, far away. Upon my arrival in the broken bell city, I was instantly struck by two stark realities. First, everywhere offers cheap eats and drinks. Fact: This place is easy on the wallet. Second, Philly is chocked full of great spots to see music. Johnny Brenda's tops my list of spots to check out a show. First off, I'm a bit of a music junkey. Given the choice, I would rather burn my hard earned pay watching some crooner bellow out his or her latest tunes than booze my way through the latest pop ditties queued up on a new swanky macbook. With that said, Johnny Brenda's walks the line between bar and venue nicely and so tops my list of places to spend a fine evening. First, the intimacy of the venue is fantastic. I had the pleasure of checking out Jessica Lea Mayfield and I was struck by how available the artists seemed. Besides the tiny stage, the whole lay out is reminiscent of someone's basement, giving it a backyard jam session feel. However, where the house-party bar setup can, in some cases, seem over-hyped and cliche, Johnny Brenda's accomplishes it without sacrificing credibility. This balance feeds heavily into the experience. Second, the beer list is killer. The offerings rotate regularly and suited my tastes well. Like many local watering holes, the beers were mostly philly locals and priced to move. I dig it for sure. All and sundry, well worth a visit.
(4)
Jessica E.

I have ventured into Johnny Brenda's on many different occasions and I really like this place. The vibe is nifty and the beer is great. I will break down my feelings on JB's with a list of some positives and negatives. (Negatives will come first to get them out of the way. The positives outnumber them anyway.) Negatives: 1. Service in the dining area has not been great. I don't really care to eat here for that reason. They do not seem well equipped to handle crowds. One time I waited 20 minutes before I could even get someone's attention to put my name in for a table. 2. I was not thrilled with their handling of beer week. They had too many firkins and by the time I got there, the beers were warm and under-carbonated. I did not realize how long they had been out or I would have stayed away from them. I guess for $3 I should not complain too much, but it was disappointing nonetheless. That's it for negative. Positives: 1. This is a really cool music venue where they are always bringing in new and talented groups. If I am in the mood for live music, I will always trust JB's to deliver a quality performance. 2. They get major kudos for their selection of locally brewed beers and not pandering to mass-produced drinking folk. You cannot get miller lite here. But you can always find the best of sly fox, dogfishhead, lancaster, troegs, and so forth. 3. The bartenders are very friendly and beer knowledgeable. I particularly like going here when it is not crowded because I enjoy being able to chat about the beer and really make an informed decision. JBs is enjoyable when it is crowded as well because it attracts a friendly, down-to-earth group of people. (who like beer) 4. The pita and hummus is delicious. 5. The bar area has a local, everybody knows your name, relax and stay awhile feel to it. I frequently run into people I know here. For what every reason, it is just a "feel good" bar.
(4)
Jessica S.

I must say, I've become quite smitten with Johnny Brenda's. I think the only place where I'm more likely to be found is in my own house. And, ok, maybe my boyfriend's apartment. Maybe. I've mostly used Johnny Brenda's as a place to have a few beers while checking out a show. The upstairs opened last fall and since then I've seen a good number of shows. I haven't been disappointed by any of them. The space is what I consider to be a perfect size for a show. There isn't a place in front of the stage where you'd have a bad view, and it's a wonderfully intimate setting. The beer selection is pretty fabulous (as you would expect from the people who also own Standard Tap), and it's also reasonably priced. Both things I greatly appreciate. The bar kind of has multiple personalities. Downstairs has all the hallmarks of a local dive bar: the floors are linoleum, the tabletops are always sticky, and there are even a few neon lights. I love it. Then you go upstairs where the floors are all hardwood, the bar is well designed with accent lights everywhere, and there's even a partial third floor balcony overlooking the stage. I love upstairs even more. I also have to give my vote for Best Women's Bathroom to the 2nd floor of Johnny Brenda's. There are more stalls than you could ever need, there are multiple mirrors (including a full length). Also, the lighting, sinks, and fixtures are gorgeous. Now I just need to get in on some of that brunch. Man, do I love brunch.
(5)
Fernanda K.

Great little club! It was pretty crowded but I could still get to the front of the stage. I drank beer, I watched a show, and it was pretty. When in Philadelphia again I will be sure to check what's happening at Johnny Brenda's.
(4)
The Meepers G.

Well now, this is the second place I have come across today that I thought I already reviewed. It's been a few months sense I stopped in. I do remember my first time, though. Came in for a show, though I don't remember the band. Came early because we were hungry and I had a grumbling for some beer. The beer selection is good here. It is updated as needed. Good local brews and micros from around the region. The prices are pretty good, and I tend to run through a few brews every time I am there. One thing that I like, but drives me crazy are the damn lights in the tables. I always tend to sit at the same table, so that is my fault. I do like them, but after a while they drive me crazy. OK, I'll be honest, as I get drunk they distract me. I normally cover them up with coasters and the condiments at the table. Moving on the the grub. It is typical Philly bar food, not the best in the world, but pretty damn good. I have had a bunch of their fair, and there is nothing that I would not get again. Nothing over the top, all just right. The first floor is pretty large. There is outside seating in the summer months. Pool table in the first room, if you come in from the corner door. Nice large bar, with some side bars, booths, high-top seating and some table in the back. Chalkboards are throughout with the beer list and menu. The upstairs show area is pretty interesting. A little lounge area with a bar on the stage level. There is standing room on this level for shows. Then there is an upstairs area with another small bar (I think, its been a while sense I have been to a show here). I do like the balcony area to see a show. A little less crowded. Over all I do like Johnny Brenda's. I come here often when I am in the city. I do recommend this bar/ restaurant.
(4)
Michael W.

Nothing like ordering their out-of-this world hummus right before 1AM and grabbing a chilled local brew, cozying up next to the bar, and sipping on into the early morning. Even more preferable when it's busy, this bar is totally too cool for school. Whether it be the late night Jenga games that can break out at a moment's notice, or the genuinely friendly and welcoming bar staff, I will take JB's over any high end bar any day of the week. I mean seriously, who wants to go to a fancy Martini bar in Rittnenhouse and pretend to have a black Amex and a family dynasty when they could enjoy really good locally grown food and local brews, that's more Philly to me, call me crazy. Try the octopus and Hummus, it's a sure win. The menu can change frequently due to the local offerings, which makes it exciting. I went there one night and was so starved after not eating all day and devoured their Hanger steak and frittes, totally annihilated. The most satisfying meal I have had in a long, long time.
(5)
Emily S.

Before I moved back to NY Johnny Brenda's was my neighborhood spot. Before I moved in Fishtown it was one of my favorite bars and venues in the entire city. There's a relaxed vibe in this place that allows each patron to do what the fuck they want with who the fuck they want and no ones gonna give a shit. That being said, most of the people here are pretty cool. HIGHLIGHTS -Decently priced brews -Decently strong well drinks -Tasty tasty food -Lights that change color inside the booth tables -Hard oyster crackers with horseradish to dip in at the bar that no one touches but me About the venue: It manages to be multi-level and remain intimate. I've seen a wide range of bands here from local acts to bigger names and there's something about the space that heightens the level of interaction between musician and fan. Even when it's crowded you can find your space to dance plus it's always cheap!
(5)
Brad P.

Reasonable beer prices. Divey but not dirty atmosphere. The music volume downstairs is quiet enough to hear your own conversation. The food looks really good(I intend to try some the next time I'm there). Relatively easy to get to. Friendly and attractive clientele. There's really nothing to complain about. If you go here you will have fun.
(4)
Leslie P.

I love Johnny Brenda's and I will tell you why. 1. The food is always yummy. They change the menu, but they always have a nice mix of culinary delights in the form of entrees, sandwiches, appetizers, oysters, salads, etc. I would describe the food as good and whole, ripe for the chomps of any self-proclaimed foodie. 2. There is plenty of room. The booths come in all sizes, so it is a great place for big groups and small, too. 3. Prices are right. You can totally stay on budget at JB's. 4. Saturday and Sunday brunch. I am hesitant to write this because as soon as the news is out, this will no longer be the case, but JB's has a delicious brunch on the weekends and you don't have to wait for a table. My brother had this shrimp and grits concoction that was to die for. I ordered a veggie scramble (not a tofu scram, though I am sure there are vegan options). It was yumtastic. We also shared a whisky donut for the table. Goddamn. So good. Even my 3 and 5 year old nephews had a good time. 5. My dog Zissou loves it there. In the warmer months we sit outside and he is totally welcome. Way better than being left at home, right Zissou? (woof.)
(5)
Meredith K.

I went to Johnny Brenda's for the first time last night to see my friend's band, Hezekiah Jones, play. They were great, as usual (I've seen them a few times before). We stood upstairs on the balcony, where the view was prime and the sound was excellent. I enjoyed the fact that they had a bar on each of the three levels so that you didn't have to bother with going up and down stairs all the time. They had a variety of local beers and other great microbrews, and although I didn't try their food, it looked interesting, if maybe a bit typical for gastropub fare. I guess there isn't much that I can say that has already been said. The cover was $10 for two bands, one of which was having their new CD-release party, so that was pretty reasonable. I got free refills on my Diet Coke (I'm on antibiotics, so I couldn't enjoy their beer, except for a few sips of the new Stoudt's, which was delicious). They only criticism that I can offer, really, is that they need more bar stools (your legs get tired after walking all the way from the Art Museum area and then having to stand the whole time!), and my boyfriend was a little annoyed that they poured his $5.50 Stoudt's into a 10-ounce glass, since it didn't really have the alcohol content that warranted being put into a 10-ounce glass, especially for $5.50. That being said, I really had a good time here, and I will definitely be back!
(4)
Jack H.

Overrated, over priced yuppie/hipster infested bar with a new york feel, everyone walks around with this cocky, to cool for school look about them, your not that speaial and your not that interesting get over your self, i'll stick to my dive bars, where i don't have to pay 5- 6 dollars for a beer, and i have more to choose from then microbrews
(2)
Kevin S.

Gosh, I love this place! My last visit a few days ago was specifically special. They had one of my favorite brews Troeg's Hopback on hand pump. Yummy! Our waitress was super sweet. The burger was cooked perfectly medium-rare. All the stars were in line that day. I must admit, it was pretty dead that day - not too many customers. But I loved it! I had the place all to myself. Love that they have hand pumped beer! Its so delicious. And I dislike ice cold beer. The temperature of the hand pumped beer is perfecto.
(5)
Michelle C.

awesome menu, changes nearly everyday! I love this place, atmosphere is great, not too far from home, the Hired help are down to earth and friendly! I LOVE JOHNNY BRENDA'S
(4)
Joe R.

Really enjoyed my hand pumped local beer along with two appetizers. First was grilled caesar salad - the taste was perfect. Second was the steamed clams. The broth was excellent. Crowd was young with a hip / grunge vibe. Only negative was that we had a late dinner so the noise level from the bar sound system was a bit loud.
(4)
Lys A.

My friend lives a few blocks away and we had some time to kill before heading downtown, so he recommended knocking back a few at JB's. As a first-timer, I was pleasantly surprised. I can't speak for the upstairs, where the bands play, but I LOVED the downstairs. Super-long bar that faces an open kitchen (sly bastards - best way to make someone hungry is to put them in front of juicy burgers as they're cooking on the grill :-D). Pretty darn attentive bartenders, even humouring us when we were being indecisive about shots ("We don't know what the hell we want - what's your favourite shot to make? We'll take two.") The beer prices were all comparable to your standard city bar - maybe $1 more here and there. The food prices were a little steep, but they weren't serving your standard bar fare, either - everything I could see leaving the kitchen was put together with care and absolutely tempting. I'll have to try their flank steak, or the Fishtown stew. One con: It was HOT. We were seated by the grill, yes, but the whole bar was a good 10Â°F+ warmer than outside. In late June. At night. I'd have been terrified to venture upstairs. Word to the wise: If you're even moderately allergic to hipsters, do not set foot here. We were there around 9:00 p.m. on a summer Saturday night, and already we were in a sea of white belts and popped collars :-D If you don't care (as you shouldn't), definitely check this place out - I'll be back to give a more in-depth sampling, for Yelp's sake ;-)
(3)
Mike S.

I am editing my review. 4 stars for the sound quality in the live venue upstairs. Minus 1 star because the bar can get so damn loud during the more quiet musical acts. 0 stars for food. the food sucks. 1 star for after work beer. But i would go to Kung Fu Necktie if only it was open before 5pm. We'll split the different and say 3 stars.
(3)
Marylyle M.

I love this place. Its great both for food and for seeing bands or other events (i.e. Ignite Philly). The food is really tasty, for both dinner and dessert. We got a free dessert once because they had taken longer than usual for our order (which actually hadn't seemed that long to us). The atmosphere downstairs is great with big windows that can be opened in the summertime and big tables with slow flickering lights built into the table tops. Upstairs is very intimate with great visibility of the stage from either the floor or in the balcony. Altogether its also a really cool looking building. We can always manage to find parking, but its also not too far from the subway.
(5)
Christopher C.

Sitting close to the bartender with puppy-dog eyes doesn't get you a drink refill any faster than standing in the middle of Girard hoping to get a drink refill. However, you may discover that sitting at a remote table and being douchy to waitstaff gets you a new beer every half-hour. It all depends who forgot to take their Monistat 7. That being said, it's the default hipster jawn in the neighborhood and the gateway into the world of bizzaro that is Fishtown, which, over time, will make the unpredictable service at JB's seem like the most predictable thing in the entire neighborhood.
(3)
John P.

Any place that has Ween and Tom Waits in the Juke is alright in my book. I was first introduced to this place years ago by my friend from NY strangely enough. The food here is Uber delicious. I recommend the octopus or the mushroom cigar. The Mako kabobs rock too. I was here last night and got the pork sandwich and a sweet potato somosa. Very Tasty Indeed!! Johnny Brenda's also has quite an extensive selection of local beers to choose from. Yards, Slyfox, Victory etc. If shooting pool is your thing they have a table. The last time I shot pool here there was some crazy guy that had this light up electric pool stick. It was quite funny actually. Upstairs you can catch all sorts of great live music. Local talent as well as Bigger Acts. I've seen all sorts of Acts from comedian Neil Hamburger, Joe Genaro, Slim Cesna's Auto Club, to the Calvin Weston/Billy Martin duo(medeski, martin and wood) They bring in some really good shows here. FYI- upstars bar only takes cash
(5)
Gertrude B.

One more reason why hipsters should be deported back to New Jersey and the 'burbs and get the hell out of my city. Pff.
(2)
Mike D.

I didn't have a chance to sample any food but I did sample plenty of delicious beer and I would never complain about that! I must say my virgin experience at JB's was pretty awesome. I bought tickets for someone as a gift and thought I would tag along to hear a band I've never heard. The performance was great and the actual venue is perfect. I scored a spot on the steps which gave me a perfect view of the band and the stage without any heads getting in the way. Even though it was packed, the crowd was pretty mellow and seemed to be enjoying themselves. I only took a quick walk through the first floor and noticed how large it was. You can still come here and chill out on the first floor bar even if your not heading to a show. My father was telling me how my grandpop used to drink there regularly before it became what it is today and the more I can get back, the more I can see myself doing the same.
(4)
Jake V.

This place is pretty unique in that the balcony is very stylish and perches you almost right on top of the band. The stage is a little small but seems antique and full of character. The beer is moderately priced and the staff is pretty cool. I can't really speak of the downstairs too much. The food was alright but nothing mind-blowing. It is a revolving menu, though, so maybe I just had bad luck with the food.
(4)
Lisa Q.

Really friendly bar tenders, excellent music, reasonable prices for beer. The acoustics could be a little better, but considering the stage is in a corner next to the bar, it's not bad. There were a lot of boys wearing skinny jeans, but other than that, a pretty young, ecclectic crowd. Tickets are cheap. The only warning I have is watch your pockets/bags. I had some cash swiped from my coat pocket when I was carrying it around. That's not a reflection on Johnny Brenda's though, so I didn't dock them any points.
(4)
Thommy S.

Yet another classic corner vortex in Philadelphia. Get lost, and find yourself here. Love the all around vibe here! Great selection of beers on tap and delicious edibles to fill you up! Only thing that annoys me or I'd like to see change here is the lights over the pool table need some love, can't tell you how many times I hit those darn things, lol... always the lil things ;)
(4)
Sara P.

This is a good little place to see a band. Small, very small compared to most other place, but that is good if you like a more intimate setting. Pretty much a good view no matter where you stand/sit unless you are on the far side of the bar. Acoustics are ok, but keeping in mind how small the space is, I guess they are really as good as they can be. Bar staff are nice, which is also a plus, and they allow photography which is good for those of us who enjoy taking photos at shows.
(4)
Corinne G.

my friends and i walked through five miles of serious ghetto to get here (...i don't think we took the quick route) and it was well worth it. we got a whole bunch of appetizers for cheap, and they were all delicious. my friends got the whiskey doughnuts, which were huge and like $2 for 2. also, because they didn't have the beer my friend wanted available right away, they gave him a glass free later.
(5)
Christian F.

As an eternal cynic, I WANTED to find SOMETHING wrong with Johnny Brenda's. But this place is perfect. I was most impressed by the friendly bartenders even during a hot, sweaty and slightly LOUD show.
(5)
Jamie M.

Great drinks, fantastic food, amazing music.
(5)
Johnny B.

a perfect burger, simple, no unnecessary frills, aside boardwalk inspired fries and malt mayo. johnny brenda's also has a multitude of live shows taking place each evening along with a variety of local draft beer and quite a few noteworthy food items on their menu. its hard to stay away. their interior-with large windows and interesting details throughout makes the stay ever more enjoyable.
(5)
Mike S.

I ate there last night and what a huge disappointment. Service was average and not friendly. My order of 'Fishtown Stew' was tasty but small for $18.00. My girlfriend ordered a chicken ceasar salad and it was pretty ridiculous. A few oily, grilled whole leaves of romaine lettuce topped with a couple pieces of chicken breast for $15.00. I'm all for gastropubs, but to charge that amount for average to substandard fare will keep me away. I've been to shows there and it's a solid venue, but I would not recommend it for dining.
(2)
Ellen O.

This is my favorite place to see live music in Philadelphia. Sure, the sound may be lacking and may occasionally sound muffled and just plain jacked up. But you couldn't ask for a better, more intimate atmosphere to see some of your favorite bands in. I went to the Wire show last night and I wouldn't have chosen to see that band any other way. It was true perfection. Before the show, my fiance and I grabbed dinner downstairs and I will dream about the eggplant sandwich that I ordered until we meet again. Also, our waitress, a petite girl with short-shorts that take a large amount of self-esteem and don't-give-a-crap-about what-other-people-think attitude was very friendly and as quick as lightning. I will go back to Johnny Brenda's time and time again, regardless of the sometimes-lackluster acoustics.
(4)
duocorn i.

I went to JB's for the first time last Friday after hearing rave reviews about the place. It was super crowded, which is good for business but bad for personal space. Despite how many people were clamoring for drinks, the bartender was great, and I didn't have to wait very long at all for a drink. The music selection was solid, but I think that the pool table in the middle of the room is a bad idea when there are so many people looking for a place to stand. I thought it was odd that they don't serve Yuengling because I was under the assumption that it's a Philly staple. However, they had Troegs which is delicious enough anyway and tastes pretty similar to my favorite beer ever... Hoegaarden.
(4)
Brynn D.

every city should have a music venue this cool. i really really really love this place, and i get so depressed when acts i want to see get booked into the north star bar or the first unitarian church as opposed to here. i should state i've never eaten here. i'm reviewing this place as a music venue not a restaurant, and i've been there for shows probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 times. i will go see bands i've never heard of, but hear good things about, i love this place so much. first - great sound system. you can hear the band clearly from in front of the stage, up on the balcony, at the bar, and even a bit in the bathrooms - which is great because you can take a pee break and feel like you've missed nothing. second - great setup. love the balcony. one band i saw there, whose name i am forgetting but they were 5 guys from chicago, totally used the entire venue as their stage which i loved. they had a trumpet and a trombone, and the musicians using those pieces strolled the audience, making appearances up on the balcony to play down to the crowd below. it was beautiful. also on setup & design of the place, the upstairs women's bathroom is a work of art. i could seriously live in there. the lighting in the whole venue is gorgeous. service is awesome - there's a bar right there, but also roaming waitresses to take your drink order at the less-crowded shows. and beers are cheap and local. love it. i can't think of any reason not to love this place, other than shows sell out here a lot.
(5)
Heather C.

A great place to have beer and breakfast! I have been on two beer tours of Philly, and we always start at Johnny Brenda's because the food is so tasty!
(4)
Kristen B.

Good place to go see shows. Drinks are a little expensive, but the hipsters can afford it.
(5)
Andre E.

I'm liking the new digs. I miss the old bar but hey that's progress. Guys can you throw us a bone and carry a crappy beer like PBR tho...? As much as I like your fancy pants, high falootin beers why don't you put a crappy one on tap just for comparisons sake?
(4)
Brian L.

Came here for a show last fall. The atmosphere was great and relaxing. The upstairs floor where the show was had this small square room with a tall ceiling with another level for viewing the performing artist/band. They had some good beers on tap too. My favorite part of this venue is the size since it's not huge, it gives you a better experience and more intimate show. Definitely had a great time and look forward to coming back.
(5)
Michael B.

Great place to see a band. Fun, laid back etc... I haven't had the food in 2 years so can't comment on that...
(4)
J P.

Good local beer selection. This place stays packed. I wasn't really feeling it. Oh well. I like the Kenzinger. I liked the bar tender who didn't pay me any mind for the first 10 minutes I stood there waiting. She gave off that "I could give two shits that you want a beer, I bet you want to fuck me" vibe. Anyway she came around and poured me 3 glasses of beer as I knew waiting in line for my next beer wasn't going to happen. And it didn't. I left.
(2)
Melissa A.

This place is really, really easy to forget. The only thing it has going for it is that it has a pretty choice jukebox. Well, I'm partial to jukeboxes with Dinosaur Jr. on them. But, in other news, I've recently heard that this place has opened themselves up to having live local and national acts on the second floor courtesy of r5. I think the only reason that Sean wants to have shows there is so that the cash cow keeps getting bigger and he doesn't know where else to stick those bands that the local "tastemakers" haven't read about yet. But no, I'm not bitter...
(4)
David R.

Good beer, Good Food. You can't go wrong..
(4)
Jessica C.

fun times! saw dr. dog and alec ounsworth upstairs! definitely a great place to jam out!
(4)
David T.

I give 'em credit for a great variety of music, and the food's pretty good at the restaurant. Having said that, the stage and floor are kinda awkward. Worth a visit, I suppose, if there's a band there you're dying to see.
(3)
Mallory P.

This is a cool place. I can't say that I go here often (not in my neighborhood), nor do I enjoy it on crowded nights, but as a neighborhood bar, it's great. It's also a rad venue, although R5 was quick to take that over. They have a good beer selection and a nice menu. Not the cheapest, but it's about par for a hip dive.
(4)
Amber B.

really fun place to see a show, and the oysters and desserts are sooper. sometimes crowded with hipster douchebags but they're easy to ignore.
(4)
Mark S.

This is the only bar in Philly that I go to religiously. Probably because all my friends do and I know everyone who works there. So this is, undoubtedly, a biased review. JB's = my second home. Great beer, excellent food (now with fatter fries!!) and the best damn music in the city. Period.
(5)
andrew s.

A drinking bar gone hippster with a touch of neighborhood in for good measure. Surprisingly great food at reasonable costs and the music space up stairs is fantastic. The staff is nice and generally on top of things.
(4)
steven e.

Johnny Brenda's featuring new and improved LIVE ENTERTAINMENT? Bah, the only "Live Entertainment" you need in this 'hood is right across the street at Club Ozz.
(3)
J A.

I was extremely skeptical of this place for some time, but in the past year an a half it has become a favorite for pool, pub fare, and music.
(4)
Maxwell S.

I think is a really sweet place to see a band that you like. There's something I'm not really crazy about though as far as just hanging out and grabbing a drink with a friend. This will never really be one of my favorite bars to frequent unless I'm going to see music. I've been there a couple times now for shows and it's nice because it's small. I'm sick of going to big shows and concerts because it sucks standing elbow to elbow with thousands of sweaty annoying drunk kids. When a venue is too large sometimes you can't hear the sound very well and you're so far away and it quickly becomes impersonal and boring. I would recommend someone coming here for their first time to see a band they actually know and like so that they have a reason to stick around. Because I'm sure for a lot of people like myself, it's the kind of place where you might just get tired of all the cool kids and just go somewhere else. Mostly just that part of town harbors and annoying crowd so it's not Johnny brendas fault. Whoever that is.
(4)
Joe B.

Came back east for my neice's wedding and stayed at my cousin's friend's place on frankford near girard. Didn't know johnny brenda's from joey coyle's but it always seemed to have cool cats hanging around outside and the neon signs of local breweries didn't hurt either. I was intrigued and the cousin said it was indeed the place to be on girard. We didn't have time while they were there but on my last night while waiting on word from a friend on a place to crash. By the way I am now in love with fishtown. The yelp reviews convinced me to go. I had the falafel on the softest pita I have ever had, and the falafel was delicious, not dry or greasy. and the beer! started out with the hand pumped IPA, which was fine but not hoppy enough. then the hand pumped stout, which was outstanding and creamy. then the double IPA, which was hoppy and almost a barley wine taste without being too bitter. prolly the best IPA I've ever had. then the yards extra pale which was great. throw in live music, which there was none of on a Monday night, and it's a 5 star. easygoing, friendly locals. I was accused of whipping out my iPhone as a conversation starter. maybe I did, and maybe I DID! this place would be my second home if I lived in fishtown, which I now want to. maybe I can summer in Philly, lol.
(5)
Jeremy B.

Have always been extremely happy here. Saw Ra Ra Riot here a couple of weeks ago and had a great time. The food is good and so is the jukebox downstairs.
(4)
Vicente C.

I've seen Ariel Pink, White Williams, No Age, and a couple others at JB's. Compared to most venues in the U.S. where the singer is a distant fleck, you can get spit on, sweated on and personally engaged with the performers at JB's given the intimate environs. It's worth it to buy your tickets very early in order to see shows here, since good groups almost always sell out here. I still regret missing the Bonde do Role show here in 2007!
(5)
JEAN S.

I had not had food at Johnny Brenda's for a LONG time. Like, so long that there were fliers up in there for neighborhood meetings so that they could get the upstairs open. In the last month I went for both brunch and dinner and really was impressed. For brunch I had smoked salmon and a bagel, which is hard to mess up but is always one of my faves. I also had no less than 3 bloody marys, and it was a beautiful day and I was seated outside with one of my best girlfriends and they were kind enough to not make us feel rushed out of our seats. Since that experience was so good, I suggested it for a dinner date a few weeks later and was equally impressed. We shared a pear and fennel salad that was really fresh and yummy, then both ordered the trout - I hate ordering the same thing, I really like seeing and tasting multiple dishes, but I really wanted the trout. It was served over peas and potatoes and was all crispy and satisfying. It was also a huge portion - I think it was only $14 - if I wasn't heading somewhere afterward I would have taken it to go. So all of that being said about the food, this is also a great place for drinking. One of my favorite tricks is sneaking out of the Barbary and coming up here for a drink. The upstairs is beautiful and a great place to see a show.
(5)
Sally f.

ROCK. JOHNNY BRENDAS. the reviewer below (duocorn) is my beautiful roommate and she brought me to johnny's on wed night to see David Vanderveld and I was very impressed by the atmosphere and the music. From the outside this place looks like nothing. I ride by it on my bike every single day and never realized how sweet it is. The first floor is a regular bar, the second floor is another bar but with a stage for performers, and the third floor is a mezzanine level to look down on the performer. not to mention I'm now in love with David Vanderveld...and his bassist!
(5)
Chelsea N.

I like the building, atmosphere, and the beer selection here, but, the food is subpar and contrived. I just wish their cheapest glass of wine wasn't $8 too...
(4)
Melanie P.

This place is ok. I haven't gone for a show yet, just happy hour at the bar. The Falafel was good and worth going back for. The crowd is a bunch of hipster kids, but everyone is nice enough. I'd go back to check out a show or get another falafel, but I wouldn't make this place a regular watering hole. My one complaint was that we went during the winter and the place was freezing, after we ate we left to go to another, warmer bar.
(4)
kara p.

i saw Pissed Jeans play here a little while ago and i liked the place just fine. good space and a good balcony and lots of good people watching to be had. i don't drink so i don't have any input about the bar, but i do like music and this place is a good bar to see bands play.
(4)
Dan F.

Being a huge fan of the Standard Tap, in Northern Lib I was very excited about moving to Fishtown down the street from their sister bar. While it is a compatible venue, there is definitely a different vibe with it's own ups and downs. The bar has an early to mid twenties hipster crowd mostly, but you see quite a variety of people in there. Like the tap, the beer is all micro brews, however they don't rotate their selection much. The kitchen is pretty good and now that they expanded the place, there is actually room to eat. If for one reason and one reason only you go to JB's; go to see a concert here. They have an incredible venue for music upstairs. If all you've seen is the downstairs you will most likely will not be very impressed. The biggest downfall of JB's is a few bad apples in the staff. Recently this had gotten better. I think someone finally realized that snubbing customers is bad for business. I used to literally order a round every time I saw the bartender. because they would disappear in to the back for a half hour at a time. Then, when they came back they would play with their cell phone for another ten minutes ignoring everyone at the bar. Like I said though. It seems like the past few months the bar as undergone a night and day change. I see a lot of new faces in the staff, so perhaps this is no longer an issue. 5 stars for the upstairs, three stars for the downstairs. All in all, 4 stars.
(4)
jody g.

i officially love jb's for so many reasons. short list includes: 1. good selection of beers, including many local breweries -- they also change up the list from season to season, so you always have a good variety to choose from. 2. excellent food -- i don't eat meat, so i recommend the eggplant or falafel with hummus if you are in a samich mood (both excellent). the portions are also plentiful. my boyfriend eats meat and has never been disappointed either...he really likes the 3 pepper salad and the burgers apparently hit the spot. oh, and their desserts are soooooo good. and the whiskey doughnuts on the brunch menu...i could go on and on. 3. the prices -- really fair considering what you get in quality and quantity 4. the service -- up until like a year ago, i would have said that the service sucked, but things have changed and everyone there is now not only attentive, but also really nice. kudos to the management on that call. 5. the decor -- pool table/bar area for the casual drinker, spacious dining area for the hungry hippo 6. THIS IS A BIG ONE: BEST PLACE TO SEE A SHOW -- the upstairs area has an additional balcony. and they don't just get small names in there, though the ones i'd not heard before ended up being some of my favorites, too. i've seen dean & britta, el perro del mar, the black angels, the ravonettes...to get to see some really excellent performers in such an intimate space is really fantastic. get there early and you can get a seat or be right up front. no pushing, no annoying hecklers or moshers, just great music for a really fair price (none of my tickets have cost me more than i think $15). jb's never fails to please!
(5)
Cuocere G.

JB's rocks. I recently moved to Brooklyn and I would KILL for a place like this in my hood. Great venue for shows, great bands, killer food, and the service is excellent! Ask for Maggie - shes the bomb.
(5)
matt m.

I really like this place. The atmosphere inside has always been easy going cool. I've found the staff to be nice, friendly, though maybe not overly service oriented. But that's nice. I've never been ignored and nor have I ever felt pressured or bothered. I love that they support our local brewers, that's a nice touch. The food has always been good and fairly interesting. And now with the upstairs music venue, there's even more to like, if not love. My only complaint with Johnny's is that it has become too popular and therefore too crowded. But, poof, they've expanded, so that shouldn't be a problem anymore. Can't wait to stop in and find out.
(4)
Erik s.

best burger in northern libs..which says alot since standard, north third, and honeys roam there...cheap beer too...but im a bit lazy and usually dont walk the required 4 blocks to get there so I have yet to see a show..
(4)
Philip L.

Went here to see Wire, having been a fan since 1987 or so and had advanced tickets. Downstairs was a pleasantly decent pub with great micro-brews and an outstanding faux cheesesteak (real steak--the kind you'd need to cut with a steaknife to get into bite-size pieces--and gruyere cheese). Thin, crispy fries were excellent as well. Good jukebox and a good layout with two bars, pool table and plenty of booths. Upstairs, it's very intimate holding less than 200 with decent sightlines for at least 75% of the standees.
(5)
Jenny V.

Me and my friend both go here on tues..and have lunch together..most tues we do..but I absolutly love the burgers and the breadpudding...awesome awesome awesome...i haven't been there 4 anything else..so i can only speak 4 the food right now...
(4)
Evan G.

If I could marry a bar, this place would be it. Cool, fun, good sense of humor, this place has it all. I've seen a couple shows here (Dan Deacon last year), and it's always been a great time. Nice and close to the El, and a great crowd. The upstairs (show area) is probably my all-time favorite show venue. Johnny Brenda's alone makes me want to move back to Philly.
(5)
Samantha M.

Cool place to see a show. Had a bite to eat downstairs first. Food and beer were good. Service sucked. Show was awesome.
(3)

Q & A on Johnny Rockets

Who owns Johnny Rockets?

Johnny Rockets is founded by Ronn Teitelbaum. Today, the restaurant chain is owned by Sun Capital Partners.

Does Johnny Rockets serve breakfast?

Yes, Johnny Rockets has a separate breakfast section, especially for breakfast meal. Johnny Rockets serves breakfast all day and night.

Where is Johnny Rockets located near me?

There are over 320 Johnny Rockets outlets across the United States. You can find a Johnny Rockets restaurant nearby using our Restaurant Listings directory.

What time does Johnny Rockets open and close?

All Johnny Rockets restaurants in the United States opens at 8 AM and stays open till 9 PM. Some Johnny Rockets restaurants stay open till midnight at some locations.

Does Johnny Rockets have gluten-free?

Johnny Rockets offers a wide range of gluten-free items. You can opt for the gluten-free bun to turn your burger into a gluten-free burger. For assurance, you can check out Johnny Rockets gluten-free menu.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

About Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets is a restaurant franchise headquartered in the United States. The American restaurant chain features 1950s diner-style restaurant format with individual jukebox stations, red vinyl seats, chrome accents, etc. There are around 320 Johnny Rockets restaurants in the United States.

Ron Teitelbaum from Los Angeles, California founded Johnny Rockets as a recreation of the 1940s vintage themed malt shops of his childhood. The first Johnny Rockets began its operations on June 6, 1986. Johnny Rockets specializes in American burgers and sandwiches as well as offers salads, starters, and shakes to enrich your dining experience at Johnny Rockets.

Healthy Food Options at Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets is a fast-food restaurant and finding healthy food at Johnny Rockets can be a bit tricky. While you can always opt for the salads and healthy shakes at Johnny Rockets for healthy options, there are also some healthy burgers and sandwiches which you can bet on. Ensure that the sugar, sodium, and cholesterol is in check when you order food at Johnny Rockets.

Address : 1201 Frankford Ave
Philadelphia, PA, 19125
Phone (215) 739-9684
Website https://www.johnnybrendas.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

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 : Hipster
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Johnny Brenda’s

1201 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19125

Johnny Brenda’s Menu

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Diabetics at Johnny Rockets

Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for Diabetics:

Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Johnny Rockets:

Healthy Meal suggestions for Johnny Brenda’s

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High Blood Pressure at Johnny Rockets

Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for High Blood Pressure

Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at Johnny Rockets

High Cholesterol at Johnny Rockets

Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for High Cholesterol

Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Johnny Rockets

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