On June 18th, my husband and I went to Johnny Brenda's to see a sold-out show with Widowspeak. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The performance space is on the second floor of the tavern. When you're on the second floor, there's another level up where there is a bar and seats that overlook the stage.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]If I'd known about that space, I would have come earlier to grab some primo spots (note for next time).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Before the show, we grabbed dinner on the street-level/first floor. Johnny Brenda's has different menus for lunch, dinner, brunch, etc. Vegan and gluten-free are clearly marked, which is really helpful. The food was really good. Here's what we ordered: -- Mushroom Croquettes -- Fried Pierogies -- Crab Rangoon Dip -- Veggie Burger -- Liquid Death -- Draft Beer read more

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Johnny Brenda's is one of my favorite spots in Philly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe is just perfect , laid-back but still full of energy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is always great (their burgers and fries are top notch), and the drinks are solid too. [[HIGHLIGHT]]What really makes it stand out though is the live music upstairs. The sound is amazing and the space feels super personal, like you're right there with the band.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Staff is always friendly and quick, even when it's packed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's one of those places that just feels like Philly, cool, a little gritty, and full of good people.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Easy 5 stars. You can't beat six dollar beers !!! read more

Johnny Brenda's - Upstairs balcony - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This corner tavern now offers brunch. It's not a fancy place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The middle seating area is dark, I needed extra light to take food pictures. The back are has more natural light.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our waiter is very nice and attentive. Bloody Mary was good, not too spicy. Steak and egg: steak was unfortunately chewy and a bit tough, topped with chimicurri, the eggs were perfectly cooked. The home fries wasn't the crispy kind but well seasoned. It come with a couple slices of bread read more

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Holy cow this place is awesome! The drinks are great and reasonably priced. The food menu is small but mighty - and the food service is quick. Now for the fun part... [[HIGHLIGHT]]the stage upstairs is a magnificent space for intimate live music.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The layout is awesome, the vibes were great, and the upstairs bar is well stocked.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had such a fun time here, and I was thankful the kitchen serves food until 1am so that I could refuel after the show. What a good night at JBs! read more

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Johnny Brenda's is a great staple in fishtown. Offering delicious bar food and burgers this is a great spot to grab dinner. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat outside with our pup and got great service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our burger was delicious and they also offer great local events with live bands. This is the place to be if you are music lover. I will be going back again to get their burgers. read more

Johnny Brenda's - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat outside on a gorgeous day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside was dark, had a pool table when you walk in too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The menu was short for dinner, not a ton of options for a quick meal. The waitress seemed impatient and came back with a 2nd beer and put it down hard on the table as she walked away, it spilled on the table. The beets were good, but would have benefitted from a cracker maybe for as much goat cheese as there was on the plate. The Korean wings were sauced well, but were not crispy enough for me. The fries were very good (crispy and seasoned) with some kind of vinegar-flavored ranch that was so so good. read more

Johnny Brenda's - Marinated beets - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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At first I was worried about the menu but after I took a chance for the first time eating here I was surprised! The food was amazing! The fried fish and burgers were delicious!!! The service was spectacular! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The outside sitting was a great experience![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Literally this place charged me some sort of $50 fee to sit at their bar. Then they charged me for the food as well. I called and they said the charge is just temporary and it should be resolved. But 100% they have as of right now charged me $81 on a $31 bill because of some mysterious bar fee. The guy who served me was a complete asshole as well and forced me to open a tab which resulted in this charge. -EDIT- The bartender literally added himself a tip on my card after i didnt tip him because he had an attitude. I have the proof. The original charge was 31$ (plus that ridiculous $50) and when i just checked my account today, the $50 charge was gone but i had been charged $6 more on my bill, which means this SHADY establishment is up to no good with your card. read more

Johnny Brenda's - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Friends and I stopped in for a quick dinner. Sat at the bar - all got the JB burger medium. Burger was great - a little messy. Fries were so delicious - shoestring style, salt and cracked pepper. Wanted to try the malt aioli but our server was a bit busy. Tried the Not so Mojito NA mojito - was really tasty. I loved the fresh garnishes and bar set up. Will definitely be back. Slightly elevated from casual dive bar dining, food was made with love for sure! read more

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Went to the bar and opened a tab on my card for a few drinks. They charged a $50 "hold" to my card. They told me it'd return once I closed out. I closed out and it never returned. Tried calling the next day and their phone number just doesn't work. If you want to get charged $50 for a beer and a shot then come here I guess. Very predatory and lame business practice. They also have a venue upstairs and will pack out a show with 300+ tickets sold at $20 each and still refuse to pay the opening band more than $150. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lame yuppie fake dive bar crap. Avoid this place at all costs.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

We went here last night for dinner to try somewhere new. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It has somewhat of a dive bar feel with the dim lights and disco balls hanging from the ceiling.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There was only a 20 minute wait for a table of 6 people, which was great! They have a very small menu for dinner, so I ended up getting a smash burger. The burger has good flavor and I liked the pickled onions added on as well. Our friends enjoyed their fried chicken sandwiches, Caesar salad, and Brussels sprouts. The drinks do need improvement. I ordered a harvest margarita and it was so sugary and sweet, I ended up not drinking it. They have a small dinner menu, but they do everything well. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place had a great vibe and atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]When we first walked in, the music was really loud, but I guess that's expected in a bar.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]People were playing pool in the middle of the room, and plenty of people were talking and enjoying themselves all around.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The drinks were reasonably priced, and the bartenders were friendly and quick. I ordered a small plate, which was decent, and they have good prices on food as well. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, I have no complaints except that it was very hot towards the back, and only one big fan gave us a little breeze once every so often.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Other than that, it was a fun and lively place to spend a Saturday night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The variety of music played throughout the night kept the energy up, and everyone was having a good time.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Johnny Brenda's - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Love the low key hipster old school Fishtown vibe. This place hasn't changed in 15 years or more which is much appreciated. I got the short rib which had mashed potatoes and Brussel sprouts. The half chicken was excellent with great flavors. The blackened octopus salad was probably the best octopus dish I've ever had. The salad was refreshing and the octopus had so much flavor and large portions. The ginger rush drink was kinda sweet and had rosemary and a blood orange. It was very good! We had a great time and will be back again when visiting the old stomping grounds. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a lovely, intimate music venue with friendly staff and great ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had a wonderful time here and hope to return! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I'm mostly here to see shows upstairs - love the venue. Great sound, balcony, good bar, not owned by Ticketmaster - what more can I ask for?[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff are nice enough, in that Philly kind of way. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The audience is usually well-behaved but also participatory - clearly there to enjoy the show instead of their phones or each other's conversation.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]As for the downstairs - I remember the food being pretty good, it's kind good pub-like ambience (dark, wood, pool table), and the drinks are better than acceptable.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

When I heard JB brought back their veggie burger I knew I had to go back. Glad that they listened to their customers and made changes. The burger was delicious and I plan to continue supporting this business. read more

Johnny Brenda's - Veggie burger - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Attended a new wave, Depeche Mode themed dance night and had a blast! A total blast! The music was slamming all night long and had to force myself off the dance floor to rest and hydrate. This event was on the 2nd floor so didn't explore too much on 1st level. It got super packed and was lovely and kicking all night long. Friendly staff, great ambience. Well most certainly go again! read more

Johnny Brenda's - New wave dance night - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]I used to love coming to Johnny Brenda's -- great vibe, good drinks, and always a solid time.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]But I have to knock off major points for one reason: they don't play WWE on the TVs anymore.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]This was one of the few spots in Philly where you could catch a match, enjoy a beer, and feel like you were among fellow fans who appreciated the theatrics and athleticism of professional wrestling.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Now? Just the usual random sports or muted news. It's lost a piece of its character.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Not saying I need a full-blown Royal Rumble on the projector, but would it kill you to throw on Monday Night Raw or a PPV every now and then?[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Bring back the squared circle, Johnny's. The people's elbow demands it! read more

The BURGER!!! It was so good and juicy, I wasn't super hungry but devoured it. Nice and greasy, good quality meat. The shoestring fries kind of tasted like McDonald's, which is a compliment in my book. My friend enjoyed her tuna tartar and found it light and refreshing. Neither of us liked our Moscow mules, which were way too sweet. Atmosphere is cool, kinda dim and has a New Orleans candlelit vibe. read more

Johnny Brenda's - JB mule - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Visiting Philadelphia from out of town. We were on the road most of the day. Johnny Brenda's was the closest to where I was staying. Reviews looked decent so thought I would give it a try. Thursday night at 11pm. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Not at all crowded.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The doorman asked for my ID to enter the bar. I didn't have my ID on me and just wanted to grab a carry out order for my wife. At 50, I don't appear anywhere close to 21. So I counter-offered to place a carry out order and leave. The doorman was adamant that I needed to show an ID. Ok. After a short walk back to the house, I return with my ID. I offer the doorman my ID and he says, no you're not going in. I laughed at the guy. You're joking? He said, no I am not joking. You aren't coming in. Absolutely wild and the most disrespectful treatment I've ever experienced by a doorman at a bar. Anyway, I found a food truck down the block and bought a couple beers from a competing bar that was still open. It was far better than Johnny Brenda's anyway. read more

Rudest most ignorant bartender I've ever experienced. Excuse me for asking a question about the menu. Never going back again. If I could give less than 1 star I would. read more

We wanted to sit outdoors and the host was kind and friendly to keep us informed on the wait time. Our waitress was unfortunately pressuring us to finish eating and leave with comments like "still chewing?". There were a few empty tables around us and it was in the early afternoon, so the restaurant wasn't closing soon and I was confused. The salads were both delicious and the drinks were tasty. read more

Johnny Brenda's - Kale Cesar Salad, Roasted Garlic Hummus, Roasted Root Vegetable Salad. Drinks (forgot names): left is a spritz and right is a tequila drink - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Yummy crunchy mcdonalds style fries and good vibes, a little slow so a nice place to chill read more

Johnny Brenda's - French Fries - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What seems like a pub on the main floor evolves into a pretty darn cool looking music venue as you venture up the stairs. The stage looks absolutely incredible, as does the viewing angles from the multi level balconies. I was only there during the day, having a couple brewskies before a Tyler Childers concert at the Mann Center. There was a very good looking pool table in the center of the bar and I had an awesome time hitting some balls around for a quick game. It seems there is only one tv in the main floor so it's more a spot to socialize and hang out rather than to tune into the big game. If I'm ever in Philly again soon, I'll def be checking them out for a show or two. Heck, I'd even love to perform music here too. read more

I'm not sure if their chef changed recently or they have just been making improvements to their menu, but the food and drinks were extremely good when we recently stopped in for dinner. Years ago I remember always getting the burger because nothing else on the menu seemed particularly exciting. But the recent menu is full of fall favorites and I can't wait to go back and try some new things. We ordered and loved the fall salad with chicken. The deviled eggs and BLT were great too. Next time I'd love for I try the butternut squash hummus, spaghetti squash side, and the Cubano. The cocktail I ordered (the full name escapes me but something Baby Blue) was very refreshing for a hot fall evening. And the outdoor seating was good for us and our pups - not too loud despite being on Girard. I've been here to see a comedy show and a few bands and highly recommend it as a performance venue. It's intimate and there's not a bad seat in the house. Glad to see the dinner menu stepping up its game! Hopefully it draws more concert goers before a show. read more

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Service is great! We've got appetizers and delicious bloody Mary's. My sister got a vodka soda. He dolled up the drinks so nicely for us! Great spot in Philly! read more

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Stopped here two weeks ago. It was a beautiful day out so sitting outside wasn't a big deal-plus they have heated seats on the picnic tables! Sweet! My friend and I both enjoyed a burger with fries. Everything was really good and sitting in the warm sunshine was a bonus! read more

Johnny Brenda's - Burger with fries - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I'll be honest. I only gave 2 stars because last week I learned that one of my favorite things in the world, the JB's burger, is no longer available at lunch. This was a tradition for years: me and my husband would sneak out while the kids were in school. It's a perfect rare burger. Sadly, they have replaced it with a smash burger at lunch which is just not the same. The end of an era. Now I have to figure out somewhere that can come close to that perfection. Other than that poor decision, I like JBs but probably won't be back since lunch is our only chance to get out to a restaurant. read more

Big disappointment! My family and I enjoy eating out. One of the most important aspects of going to a restaurant is their customer service. I have been eating at Johnny Brenda's for about 15yrs and never have I experienced bad service till my son's birthday dinner. To put things in context JB was almost void of folks. From the moment we sat down our server was disrespectful but more than that she was racist and classist. From making us wait to take our order, hair on my food and charging me for it and not looking at us when taking our order this was without question bad service! JB pls check your staff and keep customer service as a key ingredient in your restaurant. I will go back back but my patience has its limits and this person will not serve my family again! read more

Johnny Brenda's has to be one of my favorite venues in Philadelphia. I have been here twice now to see shows on the second floor. The music space is so beautiful and intimate. I have been seeking out shows at this venue and look for any reason to go. Last night, when I attended a show, they had a couple clothing racks where you could hang your coat for free which was very convenient! The beers are also interesting. They have things ranging from basic Philly Brewing beers to delicious interesting sours. You can buy tickets online on their website. For the two shows I have been to, I scanned my barcode at the door, very easy. If you see a show that interests you, definitely head over to Johnny Brenda's. read more

Johnny Brenda's - Sobs, a pop band from Singapore - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Such a hidden gem in fishtown. They have a great menu that is constantly rotating. I've eaten there multiple times and never had anything bad. This is a dive bar vibe (think dark rooms, open bar, etc) but has a ton of seating and even an outdoor patio. The food, however is NOTHING like what you'd see at a normal dive bar. Always really well seasoned and well prepared. Reasonably priced. We go regularly! The servers are really kind!! Absolutely would recommend, but do not expect fancy :) read more

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Any of the food I've ever had from Johnny Brenda's has been pretty delicious! Most recently, the beet tartine with fresh greens, goat cheese was so delicious! French fries are perfect, Mac and cheese looked good as well. Haven't been here for a bar night in a while but beers always used to be good, lots of options usually. read more

Johnny Brenda's - pulled pork mac and cheese - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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A very cool.place and for me a prized institution in the Kensington/Port Richmond neighborhoods of Philadelphia. Great beers and a great vibe, plus downstairs has live bands. I definitely recommend a visit to this establishment, grab a beer at the bar and watch the world slowly rotate. Service is always good, prompt, friendly, and professional. This, as I have kind if hinted at, is a great hangout in the northeastern part of Philadelphia. I strongly and most definitely recommend a visit here. One visit and you will be convinced of this simple truth and will be a fan of this establishment. read more

This review is a little late... My wife and I went to a comedy show not far from this place so we decided to walk over. When you first walk up you might think your not sure. You'd be wrong. This place is very good. Ok as always start from the beginning...street parking only. The place is rough around the edges but the service and food more then make up for it. As far as ambiance it's very casual. All and all one of best places I've eaten at and I get around. read more

Back in 2017, we came here on a bar crawl to play pool and that was a great experience. This year, my boyfriend and I grabbed a bite and that was a 10/10 experience as well! I always appreciate a mocktail/nonalcoholic drink menu read more

Badass cocktail and draft beer menu. Great pulled pork sliders (I'm from SC so that's saying something). Super friendly bartenders with great recommendations for around town. Ask for Mitch. Cool music venue upstairs. Highly recommend. read more

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I used to love Johnny Brendas! Good vibe, great drinks, and awesome food. My boyfriend and I went nearly weekly for their Veggie Burger. We showed up this weekend excited for one and we got all the way there to find out their menu online was out of date and they have changed the veggie burger to beyond meat over the weekend. As a vegetarian I don't understand why any business would switch from a house made patty to that nasty excuse for food. Unfortunately my partner and I cannot and will not be back because of this because now I can't enjoy anything on their menu. Really upsetting and frustrating as this was one of our favorite spots for over a year. Really disappointed. read more

this was a great bar, more of my style. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Dj playing vinyl, beers were tasty, great bartenders and the vibe was awesome.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Old school place[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Fantastic venue for intimate concerts. Not a bad seat in the house and the drinks are fairly priced. I've come back time and time again and never been disappointed. I've also never been for the food but friends say it's gotten better recently compared to the past so maybe I'll have to swing by and try a bite sometime read more

Johnny Brenda's - Stage at Johnny Brenda's - Bars Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

My favorite bar in Philly -- JB's has good food, good drinks and a good vibe. Everything from their menu is amazing, I love that they have a rotating beer list, and the bartenders are knowledgeable enough to make any off menu drink you could think of. Will say, if you're there on a Friday or Saturday night, the overflow from Garage across the street makes the crowd pretty bro-ey, but it's to be expected. All I ask is that they please bring back the elderflower liqueur so I can get my favorite spritz again read more