Johnny Brenda's Reviews

nice music venue, don't know about the food.

Well keep facility for Fishtown establishment. Old wood bar, restored wood plank floors and plenty of room. Menu is limited by locally grown, locally sourced ingredients. New modern, viewable kitchen from the bar so you can watch your food prepared. Beer selection is good.

A casual bar with good sandwiches and bar food. Their burger (or veggie burger) is always great but they also have good specials as well.

I don't know what the people are talking about when they say you have to be a skinny jean wearing hipster to fit in here. I was at JB's last week to meet friends, I'm 40 and my friends are even older. We wore suits and dresses. There were workmen sitting at the bar. I saw a local city councilman walk in. Hipsters were only part of the clientele. Its true the jukebox was loud, but we just moved into the dining area, where it wasn't. I thought the place was so interesting and friendly and the food was great.

I had to re-review this restaurant due to two recent visits that were less than expected. This was once one of the best in town for food quality and portions but no more. The past two times food was bad to average and the chicken sandwich looked so bad last time the server took it off the check before I could complain. I don't know if they are trying to save on food cost or have a new chef but this place in no longer on my list of recommend restaurants. There are too many good restaurants in the area now to put up with this change to an old favorite. Sorry Johnny whatever you changed it was not for the best.

This is a wonderful and intimate music venue. The stage is on the upper floor from the restaurant with a 3rd floor above the stage. Each floor has a bar and limited seating. We were on the 3rd floor and everyone stood along the railing to look down right on the performers. FYI: they ask for ID from EVERYONE going up to the venue. Will be seeing a lot more shows here, that is for sure. The food not so much, avoid the cheeseboard and anything that is not the JB hamburger. The hummus was good but not enough garlic. The beer, wine and cocktails were the best part of the meal.

I had a really unacceptable experience here tonight. I’m disabled and use a cane and walk with a permanent swaying gait. I was playing pool with a group of people so put my cane down which means my disability and gait is more pronounced. The head of security came up to me and told me “I was too intoxicated to be at a bar” and proceeded to insist on walking me out of the bar. I was only drinking non alcoholic drinks, which you can confirm with the bar (because I paid by card) which means I was being kicked out for being disabled. I was at a loss for words upon being escorted out, including the security guy trying to grab my arm. That made me feel very uncomfortable and this whole experience is deeply upsetting and not acceptable at all.

Didn't try the food here but I here it's really good, maybe next time. However they have a really nice beer selection from local breweries.

I was in Philly for 6 nights, staying in an AirBnB in Fishtown. Johnny Brenda's was at the end of the street I was staying on, so it was convenient for a burger, or so I thought. I went in on a Thursday night, and it was somewhat crowded. I got a table in the very back, right under the chalkboard with the specials on it. I noticed that they had a Venison special. I hardly expect a corner bar to have decent food, but I thought I would try it. The chef has a Venison Masterpiece! The plate had Kim chi pancake, with the venison on top of it, and a sesame-apple slaw on top of that. It was the best venison dish I have ever had, for $15! The service was excellent and the food was excellent. It was so good that I found myself back there on another night having it again!

I've been to JB's a couple times and have never been disappointed. Great bar and also a great music venue. I was in Philly the past weekend for a concert with my wife and daughter. They have never been there but have heard me talk about it so we decided to head there for Sunday morning brunch. They open at 11.00a. Service was excellent and friendly Good beer selection (no bottles). Interesting specials and cocktail selections, reasonably prices and decent portions, just enough. The chefs here are amazing to watch cooking behind the bar. This place has a great old school bar feel which I really like. My only downside is finding a parking place on the street, certainly no fault of the establishment. Great place, early or late.

This place came highly recommended to me and it did NOT disappoint. My friend and I decided get a drink before a music fest...we ended up being late because one drink turned into three and food. They have a wide selection of great beers and mixed drinks. I had a grilled watermelon salad which was also very good. The service and atmosphere are great as well.

Ate here once (and drunk beer here more than once!) during recent trip to Philadelphia. Great neighborhood bar in the heart of Fishtown - always busy, which is a good sign! Dining area through back - we chose burgers - chicken, beef and veggie - and all were very tasty and came with piles of tasty fries. Great bar with welcoming feel to it - and nice to have some decent food thrown in for good measure!

This Fishtown bar/pub is overrated. Maybe it used to be "THE" place to get a beer and something to eat in Fishtown, but I think it is past its prime. With several newer, better places in the Fishtown and Northern Liberties area opening and developing a large following, JB's should think about improving their customer service. Four of us went their about 5PM on a recent weekday to get a beer and some early dinner. Despite the fact that most tables were still empty, we had to wait forever to get acknowledged by a waitress as she was too busy chatting with friends at another table. Aside from the terrible service, I will credit the place with having a good selection of local brews and some well-prepared sandwich and dinner entrees. Food is a bit pricey for a pub though. With so many newer bars within a short walk of this place, I have no intention of returning here.

My wife and I discovered Johnny Brenda's while walking around the Fishtown neighborhood of Philly back in December while house hunting. We had a Realtor friend with us and the three of us walked away raving about our food (I've become a big fan of the Apple French Toast). Since then we've been back regularly and it's held up to our expectations. If you end up seated near the chalk board, it can be a slightly awkward experience as others walk up to browse, but it can also be a great conversation starter. I'm also a fan of the booths with the built in color changing lights which add to the atmosphere.

Right up my alley. Excellent local beers, a pool table, a good crowd but not TOO crowded (maybe the 16' temps kept it a bit slower that night, or does Philly even notice? I'm from Texas, who knows)... Didn't eat here so can't say about the food. Absolutely will go back.

I love it. Everyone else can suck one.

Over in philly for a few days from the uk. A friend took us here as a decent local place, rather than a tourist dive in the city centre. It's great, fantastic choice of beers. Friendly helpful service. And I love anywhere that sells flights of decent beer!!! Cracked on with the food, my first taste of "grits" withe the pulled pork - stunning! Well worth a trip out of the city centre for a friendly local decent beer/food/service. About $22 in a cab from Rittenhouse square. But the food was v. Sensibly priced. Beers ranges from $3 to $6.5.

I love this place! They have great local (very local) beer and solid bar food. I love to go there for a show (upstairs is a music venue) and have dinner downstairs first, then maybe stay later to drink. My favorite place in Philly to see shows.

So my wife, Barbara. led us to another restaurant on her list of must-go obscure Philadelphia hot spots. And once again, we found ourselves wandering in an up-and-coming section of the Fishtown neighborhood in North Philadelphia. This part of Fishtown has a hipster artsy brownstone feel, but the yuppification does not obscure Fishtown's muscular urban roots. Johnny Brenda's seems to reflect this cool but citified feeling. On one hand, Barbara could get some very tasty ham and cheese grits with two eggs on top, good substanial toast and potatoes, but Johnny Brenda's puts an upscale feel to this basic dish by adding Hollandaise Sauce;;;all pretty good. I had the JB's breakfast which features two eggs, toast, potatoes, bacon and home made sausage. The sausage was delicious but too dry. Everything else was fine. Again, you get this yuppie crossover feel as the bar with its old-time neon sign on the front, it's dark wood tavern-style wood paneling and tables and its menu on the wall instead of in menus, gives the feeling that this Fishtown eatery has been around the neighborhood for a long time. But the prices for wine and food, a little on the high side, remind you of the mildly affluent targeted clientele these days. (Prices are not exhorbitant, but these two brunches with some wine and coffee cost over $40 once you throw in the tip.) Service was fine...adequate. The food was good, but not so special that you would journey a long way to eat here. But if you are in Fishtown, definitely drop by.

Sat outside as it was 70 degrees and beautiful. I had the salmon dish which was the perfect size for a late lunch and a really delicious ginger cider beer. The inside seemed like it turns into a fun atmosphere for drinks later on.

Interesting how all of the really positive reviews are from anonymous reviewers who have only posted 1 review (guess that says something). Johnny Brenda's is fine. Completely adaquate. It tries so hard to be cool that you just want to cheer the little place on - you've got to love the underdog. The place is packed with ultra-entitled rich white kids in the 20's who think they're so cool hanging out here and "slumming it." You have to choke back the snicker. I can't speak to the food. As a bar/club/lounge, it's fine. We went to see a national touring act that we like (probably the biggest act they've ever booked). It caters more to the local frat-boy band type acts. The upstairs lounge can hold about 150, mostly standing room with a few seats. Sound quality is really good and the place is very intimate. It's mostly a beer place, the cocktails are a bit on the small side. I'd only come back here if there was an act I really want to see. Otherwise, it's a skippable experience.

We began our first trip to Philadelphia with Brunch at Johnny Brenda's in the up-and-coming "Fishtown" section. The place may look like a typical bar from the outside. But they had excellent service, helpful staff, very good attention to detail with cocktails, a live DJ and excellent food. I recommend the smoked salmon hash entree for brunch. The smoked salmon tasted freshly caught and smoked and not overly salty as it can often be. And If you have questions about the area or what to see in Philly, the staff is friendly and willing to help. The live DJ played loungy, somewhat mello but eclectic music and at no point did it feel like a loud, rowdy bar. The French 75 cocktail was exquisite and it was clear that the bartender not only knew what he/she was doing but that the establishment takes pride in serving carefully crafted cocktails. In fact, their version of this drink was our benchmark for the rest of the weekend---and no one else measured up to them. If you're looking for a great brunch place in a hip, edgy part of town this is your place.

The food is good enough here. Not bad. On par with most of the "gastropubs" in Philly. But be prepared to be treated like an outsider. You have to have the right old t-shirt, with tight pants and ironic mustache. You will get a lot of looks from the regulars in the bar. The beer is pretty much all locals, so do not try to order a Bud, Coors or Miller here. That will guarantee bad service. The music venue is great. Nice layout, good sound. Easy to get a drink. But if I were a tourist in Philly, I would stick with a bar or restaurant downtown. Not really worth the trek.

Let me start by saying that I wanted to love this place. On the outside total dive- on the inside its old school. It's the perfect neighborhood spot that just so happens to have Creed fame and crazy street cred. We got in and it took quite a while to get a drink, although when we did they were good, although not cheap especially for Philly. I expected something chill, too cool to need to care; but instead I found a place that seemed like it was once that cool neighborhood spot but that now is trying to be a college bar. The place was packed, like uncomfortably so and yet there was a group of college boys playing pool in the center of the room. Every shot they took on the table was an experiment in barely missing someone else with a pool cue. More than that there was a DJ - playing decent tunes, but blasting a siren every couple minutes. Maybe on a weeknight this place would be better but on a Saturday it was packed and not chill at all.

Food is amazing. After my first visit I go atleast once a week now. Everything is fresh and delicious. They have a raw bar special every week and they bring in seafood from different states and areas and post where they are all from. They have a ton of local craft beers as well as a ton of imports. They offer great house cocktails too if you're looking for that. I am obsessed with the salads there that are the specials list. I try the new ones every week. They had a watermelon arugula salad that was incredible and I was really upset when it was taken off specials list.. until I had the fall pear salad. The pears were soaked in olive oil and honey and then mixed with greens crumbled blue cheese and sunflower seeds with a cider vinagerette. I highly suggest trying it before they change it although I'm sure the next one will be incredible as well. The entrees I've had so far are the chicken roulade, the harvest pork chop, and the steak. All amazing. Every dish comes out quickly, has great presentation and tastes fresh and delicious . On top of all of this the food has a unique twist and flavor. This place is def a stop you won't regret making. Plus try the creme brulee. ; ) my favorite dessert of all time.

I have been here a few times now and the staff is great and the burgers and beer are some of the best. All around a great bar to visit with friends. The pool table is an added bonus and their mixed drinks are also very good. But definitely if you are unsure of what to get - you will not go wrong with a beer and a burger.

Walked in on a Sat night not knowing what I was getting myself into as the outside could look a little questionable with no windows to scan the crowd. When me and my sis in law walked in noticed it was a great size crowd, not too packed but not dead, just right. We ordered drinks right away and got served right away. They had good selection of beer which is all i noticed bc thats all I drink. Ordered 2 app's which were resonably priced. By this point we both got comfortable seats at the bar and the food was out that quick. They cook right in front of you which is nice to see the cleanlyness of the kitchen and cooks. Used the restroom while I was there and it was very clean. Great mix of music that I found refreshing. Would recommend this bar to anyone.

Great place to see a show, small and intimate. The sound was great and the staff was very nice. This is the second show we've traveled to Philly from DC to see.

The food is amazing. Creative, diverse, and delicious. The beer list is unique and refreshing. Our server Greg was very helpful and knowledgeable. Everything we had was fantastic. The atmosphere is chill and earthy. We love it!

The staff were more than helpful to my family that is from out of country! The accomodated us beyond our expectations. The music area upstairs in the bar allowed for an exceptional experience with the performers. Our family loved listening to Barns Courtney in this venue from the balcony above. It gave us a fantastic view of the performer and the sound was excellent! I recommend taking in a concert at Johnny Brenda's- a one of kind experience!

A great place to see a show.

We have been to Johnny Brenda's many times- sometimes for the food, sometimes for the music, sometimes both. The food is consistently good (great fries, BTW). The atmosphere varies depending on who happens to be arou7nd when you are there. this explains the mixture of comments from other reviewers. We've been there when the place is empty, with just a few hipsters hanging out, and we've been there when it's crowded, and the crowd is mixed. It doesn't matter- just come as you are and don't worry about what you think other people are thinking. Is the food itself worth a tripI Maybe not, but if you are in the area, and want something good to eat at a resonable price, Johnny Brenda's will fit the bill. As others have mentioned, the performance space has great acoustics- just don't plan on seeing much if you are short. There are only a few seats, mostly upstairs. If you really MUST see the band, get there when the doors open, go up to the balcony, and claim one of the few small tables or standing spots along the edge looking over the stage. If you want to be comfortable, and don't care about seeing anything, grab the one large booth in the back corner of the balcony. the bartenders are friendly. Cocktails are on the small side- as others have mentioned. It really is a craft beer place, though the selection isn't huge.

This is a local favorite for fishtown residents. More than just a bar, JB's has great food and beer sourced locally. Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays is especially amazing and not too crowded. Upstairs from the restaurant is an amazing venue space, it's worth catching a show there if you can.

Stopped in for a late lunch. Great menu made food decisions hard. Was told they had the best veggie burgers, I was not steered wrong...delicious, fantastic fries and a really good local lager. Service was great and prices reasonable.

We arrived for a birthday party. A group that grew to 30 eventually. We were prepared to spend the evening eating and drinking...and therefore spending... lots. The service and management were so annoying about so many things that we finally left for a more crowd friendly establishment. I doubt I would go back.

The place is spread out with a bar area Resturant area and has a 2 floor with is a concert venue area on the 2nd floor. The place is dim and high lighted by red lights with old hard wood floors and old wood paneling. Lets call it old world charm. The place was packed for a Tuesday night for dinner not an empty seat. They do have a Good beer selection. Food was good as I had the salmon. And my friend had the veggie burger which was also good. Service was good for being busy. The only problem I see here is the parking in the area and they can`t control that. I would come back. Jerry Ehrlich from the Great City of Philadelphia

Stopped here for Saturday brunch/lunch. I had a delicious hamburger and local micro brew. Others with me had the brunch special of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, and toast. They were having a German Fest that weekend and a young man dressed in liederhosen showed up and played the accordion. Good Food. Good Fun.

The music stage is on the second floor with an additional viewing area on a third floor balcony. Place is relatively intimate. Perhaps can hold 120. GREAT sound system. Self serve water which was nice was available. Be aware I counted a total of nine bar stools all on the balcony, so if you need to sit, get there early.

Classic Philly Bar. Great atmosphere quick service and even a pool table. Well priced drinks. Dinner available but we did not eat here.

The atmosphere was fun. The beers were great. The burger was delicious. The bands were incredible. What more can you possibly ask for? I loved this spot. I plan on coming back many more times.

We stopped in here for a couple of drinks and some dinner on a recommendation from our Uber driver before a show at the Fillmore. The food was delicious and sort of edgy. They had a great beer selection also and our bartender was very friendly!

This is the worst tavern in all of Philadelphia and possibly the world. The only one that comes close is Standard Tap and it makes sense that they are owned by the same people. First off, dont expect good service here. Most of the waitstaff are hipster doofuses who barely tolerate your presence. If you order something that they dont think is cool, expect a sigh, a head nod and general dislike. I ordered the venison and I usually like it mid rare. It came out burnt. The service was so bad that I didnt even tell them. I would have been afraid to see what they brought out as a replacement. My wife got a veggie burger and it was as bland as a piece of cardboard. the toppings on it was all she could taste. A real disappointment. Im not a beer snob and neither are my friends. We asked for something that was light and not fruity. Something that was as close to bud light as possible. The waitress looked at us like we had two heads. She brought out what she said was closest to that. It wasn't. It was completely different than what we asked for. And forget about catching a game on TV here. THERE IS NO TV!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IN A TAVERN!!!!! I heard that they sometime set up a tv during big events but then why not have one all the time. Who goes to a bar that doesnt have a TV? What am I supposed to do when there is a game on? They basically throw the food down at you and never check to see if everything is ok. They wouldnt listen to you anyway! It was a nice night so we decided to sit outside. A huge mistake as we were covered with bus and car fumes inside of 5 minutes. And forget about the jukebox. They obviously subscribe to the theory that if its some totally obscure band that 3 people know of, its going in our jukebox. They want to seem ultra hip by having some horrible indi hipster bands in there that no one likes but plays it anyway to seem hip. The bands that they have there are all hipster wannabes. And the audience at the show is even worse. Its called a shower, take one! Not once have I heard of a hard rock or metal band playing there. The booker is quite obviously some person who knows nothing about music and books bands that only they like. I would stay away from this place at all costs. Its so horrible I go out of my way so I dont have to drive past it!!

Good beer selections. The catfish sandwich was good. On a busy street so pretty loud both inside and outside seating.

Laid back atmosphere. Very good variety of food and beer with vegan options. The fish town stew is amazing.

First visit to JohnnyBrenda’s. Nice venue and good vibe. First floor has a bar, pool table, and dining. Music is excellent and great place to socialize with friends. Menu is limited and burgers seem to be the mainstay. I recommend the scrabble and kraut sandwich with fries. Second floor is for watching bands. Bardo Pond was playing and tickled the joint. Beth the bartender is top shelf! Ask her to make you a sangria. Sound was surprisingly good for layout. Both floors have a great selection of draft beers!!

Went on a Tuesday evening, late. Had a great time. Cocktails are original and fun - try the beet root vodka drinks. Food is good too (burger, chicken burger, fries) and the bartender was especially friendly. Low key vibe with good food and drinks.

Visited in September 2018. Didn't try the food, but I did visit the bar. Nice selection of beers and specialty cocktails. Trendy spot in a nice part of town. I recommend a visit.

Wonderful, divey pub with good food and a great feel about it. No lite beers!

This a gem. It is located in the heart of Fishtown. Everything about this place was a pleasant surprise. The bar area is open in the front of venue. As you move down you enter the dining area. Upstairs is the treat. You move through another open bar area on toward the stage area. It is not very big. Very intimate. There is an additional balcony that has a limited bar and seating. Seeing a concert here is a treat. The stage area was a pleasant surprise, but so was the menu. It is diverse. Our food was delicious. Served at the perfect temperature and seasonings. This is a place that wants to please its guests. Kudos to all. I can't wait to return.

The food is fantastic. However, it is not the same as the menu posted here. Catfish sandwich was delicious. This is a minimal waste bar that supports local breweries and suppliers. I love to see the effort in Philadelphia. Nice place to sit and get some work done on a Wed night.

I had an amazing time and have been to "JB's" on several occassion. Ive eaten dinner, had drinks and also brunch. They have an eclectic menu and the food is yummy. I totally crave their brunch often...hope you enjoy it too. -Shonta-Fishtown

Nice staff, not too crowded (at least on the Friday night we were there), intimate place. Saw School of Seven Bells and they sounded great. Opening act sounded great too. Balcony area cool. Good beer. Would def go again. Did not eat in restaurant, but may need to go back and check it out. Also - ticket prices very reasonable.

go here. now.

Food is terrific and fresh! Not your typical stuff. Menu items are creative and delicious. Great beer selection. They have happy hour specials, and they serve food til 1 AM! Very cool music venue upstairs. Bartenders and servers are always friendly. I try making it a point to come here every time I'm in town.

was a lot of fun made a lot of friends and the people were great good staff, good food, and great beer! will definitely be back soon!

I'd give it an "average" overall. Service was fine, but the wine was not very good (we had a Cab Franc) - no idea what label it was since it wasn't disclosed but $38 for a Carafe is expensive. Beers were very good. Food was hit and miss. Baked Chicken was just average, the vegetarian meal was quite good. The rest, sort of unmemorable....I would not go here to eat, stick to the beer.

Chill spot I often stop at food, drinks, and music.

Great happy hour, great people. Bring your glasses, they write the menu on the wall!

Went to Johnny Brenda's for the first time over the weekend for dinner and a few beers with a few friends. They have a real nice selection of local craft beers which is always a good thing. As for the food, they do not have the most extensive menu, but everyone in our party was able to find something they liked. Service was good and the food came out as ordered, although most of the dishes were average at best. Played a few games of pool before the place got too crowded. Overall a good time was had by all and we plan on going back again.

Walked in to find a funky little bar and restaurant. Decided to have a drink and a bite while waiting for the doors to the live music venue to open. The bartender was super friendly and helpful. Surprised to find one of the specialties was an assortment of raw oysters. Four varieties and very fresh. A little pricy, but delicious. The burger was also A1. The music venue is upstairs with two bars. The 2nd floor overlooks the stage and found a couple of bar stools and sat by the rail. Nice acoustics.

stopped in with my daughter and her boyfriend (our first meak in Philly) it did not disapoint we ate every apatizer and side dish on teh menu. one persaon ordered the BLT. the vegetable and shrimp skewerts with the Orzo were great. Elotes were good fun (but messy)I cant think of a bad thing to say about it (my son wishes they had Bud Light, hey we are from Kansas) service was very good, thank you Tatiana

Went here recently after not really being in this area for a few years. Opted to eat outside. Beer list was decent but they’re homemade soup was delicious. The most comforting and healthy bowl of soup on an oddly cool weather day in June. Lots of fresh veggies and barley with a cayenne spiked broth. Great job guys!