We rented the side party room and had a 50 year Grammer school reunion over Christmas holiday and every thing was perfect. They really went out of their way to make sure the experience was a memorable one. Atmosphere and staff made it a night to remember.Room was decorated so nicely, and Johnny's was attentive without being intrusive. Highly Satisfied with all aspects. Not to mention best Guinness in town.!!!! read more

Johnny's Irish Pub - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Rochester, New York

A classic neighborhood pub walking distance from my home! I haven't been in Johnny's since before the COVID times, and look forward to getting there more frequently once we're all vaccinated. I love the feel of this community bar and have always enjoyed my beers and the kind bartenders at this spot. I know there was some drama and potentially a change in ownership before the pandemic started? Not sure what the food or kitchen situation is at this point after that change happened. I am pretty sure the last time I was there, there was no food menu, but I could be dead wrong. They have a huge variety of taps to enjoy and my partner really likes to go for a Guinness. They have an outdoor patio/deck area that is very well utilized during the summer times. From reading other reviews, it seems that there is a private back room as well. I've never seen it, but would be a great option as they have a large parking lot right in the area and the bive is very community-oriented. I am looking forward to my next trip to Johnny's some day in the not so distant, vaccinated future! read more

A friend and I came here tonight for only the second time and we saw the Bare Naked Ladies Tribute Band called Hello City. (They are a MUST SEE). Johnny's Irish Pub is a wonderful, quaint local establishment, just full of friendly faces. The staff is absolutely fantastic. They're friendly, attentive and the service is remarkable! We ordered a few drinks and the glasses were picked up immediately. The wait at the bar to order was never long and I definitely would recommend Johnny's. As a side note, we also got to see the debut of their new large screen projector. So bonus... if you're not able to get there early to live bands and get a front row seat or you don't wish to stand, you can see all of the action from anywhere in the bar! Well done, Johnny's! read more

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The best Irish pub in Rochester! Cheapest drinks, even on local brewery beers and mixed drinks. Very friendly and attentive staff. And great live music every Friday and Saturday, and often on Mondays and Thursdays. No televisions, so people actually talk to each other so the customers are more of a community at Johnny's. It really is a very special place. read more

Johnny's Irish Pub - Waiting for the band to start. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Rochester, New York

The Beatles like to drink at Johnny's too! I know this because on the wall, there is picture of them walking across the street to Johnny's. They are single file in the crosswalk, with John in front in a white suit, and Paul barefoot. I haven't seen them in there yet, but maybe they just like to go on the weekdays to avoid the riffraff. That's understandable; we celebrities like to keep a low profile, lest we get mobbed by our adoring fans. I can see why they like Johnny's though; it's just a damn good bar. There's always live music (no cover), reasonably priced drinks ($4 wells), darts, a pool table, free popcorn, some photohunt-type game, and a welcoming crowd with a wide age-range. I haven't had the pleasure of trying it, but I hear they serve up some decent bar food as well. Most importantly, the bartenders are always friendly. We have a great rapport. Last time, I was all, "Have you seen the Beatles lately?" And he was all, "Ask me that again and I'll throw you out on your ass. Finish your drink, and stop bothering everyone around you." He's always kidding around. What a great guy. read more

Johnny's Irish Pub - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Rochester, New York

Always a fun place with friendly people serving and even people there who engage with you is if they know you as old friends. Drinks are fun well mixed and I would say fairly priced. Loving they have music and gatherings. Even though it gets quite crowded at times, it is still a really fun, cozy place with homey vibes. Always felt welcome there. read more

Dinner time on a cold Thursday evening in December we had the place all to ourselves. The two gentlemen serving us were attentive and cordial. On the specials there was a thai pork n rice soup with a siracha fried egg topped with pepperjack. It seems like one of those really late night ideas shared in a fit of hungry hilarity. I didn't see the siracha but the bowl was packed with flavor. Really won on this "specials" gamble. The reuben was ok, the corned beef was a bit thick and tough, the bread not tasting toasted. The up sides were the house made 1000 island dressing and the chipotle option of the same. The mountain of sizzling hot fries were also very good. You could literally warm your hands by them like a crackling fire. read more

Johnny's Irish Pub - Reuben - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Rochester, New York

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I'm not one who goes to bars or pubs on the regular but I was here for a meeting with an organization I am involved with. We had the back room big enough for our group and I'm sure if you wanted to have a casual event in the back they would be glad to have you and you could decorate it to your hearts content. This seems to be a neighborhood place and been here for a long time. I believe they serve food but we had pizza brought in.. if you sit at the bar ask for the excellent popcorn it's worth it with your beer or libation of choice. The inside is all dark woods and a dark woods long bar. Lots of pictures of Guinness/Ireland/The Name of the Bar and etc. Staff is courteous and pleasant, they pour an excellent Guinness and pour it into a proper Guinness Pint and it's the right temperature a plus. Hey it's an Irish Pub you all better do it right! They also have other great beers on tap and local beers as well they support local a plus. Just an FYI Rohrbach makes a beer specifically for them called "Red Couch" it's named after the long red couch/pew seat you will see on the left hand side of the bar. Everyone who tried this was happy with their choice. I understand they do live music as well..This is a casual place with no pretense I'd almost see the late Anthony Bourdain sitting at the bar shooting the s$&t with staff. It's casual and chill it's not all pretty and all that mess but casual and you'd feel ok walking in with friends or yourself and belly up to the bar for a pint. I'm sure they get busy on the weekend or when they have live music, St. Pats day and etc. The only issue were people asking us when we went in and out from the parking lot for cash basically panhandling oh well.. This is an area I don't come to on the regular but I saw around the corner a small bowling alley (old school) and Remington's Restaurant. I've lived in Rochester for four years and it's the first time I really drove around the area. They have a small shared parking lot or park on the street. I'll give them 3.5 out of 5 but it's a cool little spot that's CASUAL. Give them a visit.. I have a feeling I'll be back. Slante' read more

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Nice Irish, no frills bar with a great mix of people just out to have a good time. Went there to see Teagan and the Tweeds band play and it was awesome. A little crowded but understandable- they are an awesome band! Bartenders were friendly and got drinks quickly. Really enjoyed myself! read more

Another place I tell myself - "go here more often, Breanna!" I've been to Johnny's a handful of times for a variety of reasons - music, happy hour, sit down dinner, quick meal and pint at the bar - and I always leave a happy camper. The staff is beyond friendly. They offer helpful beer suggestions since they have a nice selection on tap and made sure we were satisfied with our food choices. More than the usual "how is it?" ...it's more like, "wow, aren't those french fries good? That's my favorite burger too - is it cooked to your liking." It really is just one of those great bars where you instantly feel at home. I often get lost in all the paraphernalia on the wall and can never resist the free popcorn. You know, it's good for the bar - salt makes you want more beer. I know their devilish tricks, but I give in each and every time. Last visit, I had the Bacon Blue Burger and it might be one of my new faves around town. The roll is perfect - it soaks up all the juices and the desired bread to meat ratio. Vital. Also, anything "plus bacon" pretty much wins in my book. I loved their fries too - golden crispy, flaky exterior. I ate every last one of them. I also tried the Naked Dove IPA with "experimental hops." Yes, that's right. It sounds a little shady, but intriguing. The beer delivered. It had a solid hoppy flavor, but light finish. I plan to pop in for one of the bands in the future and to try their Friday Fish Fry. Mind you, any place that has Chicken Fried Bacon on their menu should be frequented often... that's an item that must be tasted at least once before you're at risk for cardiac arrest. P.S. No cover charge for the bands (omg yes!). Although - throw some tips at the band, they work hard :) ... don't forget about your bartenders & servers too. read more

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I struggle with this review. On one hand, I see the potential as a bar. It would definitely be a fun place to hang out. On the other hand we have a restaurant. It is the restaurant side that I am reviewing today. First the positive. The food was quite good. It being a Friday during lent, we were looking for a good fish fry. After doing a search, we opted for this establishment. The people were very friendly. At one time the manager stopped by for a bit to chat. I like when owners and managers do this sort of thing, it means they care. Now for the negative. The place is LOUD. Were it not for the fact that we were able to grab a table all the way in the back corner, we would have had to leave. Getting the attention of a member of the staff can be difficult. The place is packed and they are busy but it's never good to have to go up to the bar and ask if you are supposed to place the order with them. Finally, perhaps it's just that I am from Buffalo and things are a bit different but I found that while the food was very good, the quantity and the price were the inverse of what I was expecting. The fish and the sides were rather small compared to what we are served in Buffalo. The price was a bit higher than what we would pay, given the circumstance. Would I go back? Yes, to catch a band and have a snack. For a full meal? Probably not. read more

Johnny's Irish Pub - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Rochester, New York

If you are from Rochester, you have probably been into Johnny's at least once! It's worth the stop! Come by for cool music, a Guinness, or a fish fry. I co-hosted an event at Johnny's on a Friday night with around 60 people and we were able to take over the side dining room for drinks and food. This was a great space to socialize and chat. The music in the main bar area was really good but a bit loud for a few of the people in my group so moving to the side room was great. There are a few music events I try to attend every year, Johnny's loves local acts and is great for some blue grass and Americana. A true Rochesterian knows where to get a good fish fry and I'd but Johnny's on my top ten list. When my parents come to town during Lent this is absolutely my go to take them. You'll get a big piece of fried fish, steak fries and a side of coleslaw- all crispy and tasty! Every meal at Johnny's starts with free popcorn! Johnny's is not my local pub, but I make it over there a couple times a year, it's well worth the trip! read more

A great place to come for happy hour and to listen to the best local bands! Friends and I came here to listen to The band Hey Mabel and had a blast dancing and singing along to awesome covers from the 70s, 80s, 90s and current songs. Johnnys always has a nice seasonal selection of drafts on tap and we enjoyed many. The service is quick even with a packed crowd. Delicious Popcorn is always fresh and ready to be devoured which hits the spot after a few cold ones. I tried the quesadillas as well for a more filling meal and they were terrific. I look forward to returning because this bar supports our local music and beer scene! Plus, the crowd is always fun to be around! read more

Johnny's Irish Pub - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Rochester, New York

My wife and I had our wedding rehearsal dinner at Johnny's. The big "red" room attached to the main bar room is perfect for hosting a large group of people for drinks and dinner. Although the full kitchen at Johnny's isn't open currently, Kristin from Johnny's was able to put together a couple of large meat, cheese, and veggie trays for us, and we were able to bring in outside food (we opted for Salvatore's pizza). Kristin and Todd from Johnny's made it easy to set up an affordable open bar for our guests with a select offering of beer and wines, and were both super helpful throughout the the planning process. They even decorated the "red" room for us for the special occasion. To top it off, it was a Saturday night where Johnny's already had a live band scheduled! My out of town guests and rehearsal attendees all had a great time, you can't go wrong with throwing a party at Johnny's! read more

Came here with my son, 23. He loves U2 and Bono, but he's also a drinker so Irish pubs are some of his usual haunts. With that in mind we stopped in Rochester where he lives and decided to try a few bars. Now I'm from Boston so I'm used to the typical fare of an Irish bar: Guinness, loud music, shamrocks, alcoholic barflies and this place did not disappoint. My son is something of a hound when it comes to the ladies and sure enough, he had a couple "friends" join us for a little bit. They were both quite charming although I have to say I couldn't understand one of them due to being quite a low talker (I later found out she's deaf) but nevertheless they joined in on a family favorite game we often play in the bars. It's a pretty simple game, you name a TV show and then you trace it back to the perennial classic St. Elsewhere. Being a couple of buffs at this point, my son and I quickly took the lead by referencing Matlock spin-off "Jake And The Fat Man" although this was mistaken as an insult by a couple of the bar locals (regs as we say in Boston) which took a couple of pairs of pints to resolve. Overall, a cracking time and another great bar in the great city of Rochester. 4 stars. read more

So I don't know why I haven't been to Johnny's more often. I think the real reason is because I can't walk there... which is probably for the best because Johnny's is fantastic. Great service, great POPCORN, great tap selection to pair with the great food. Great great great. But seriously, Johnny's Irish Pub is one of those places that you don't know what to expect when you walk in, but you soon realize that you made a fantastic decision in going. The staff - friendly and incredibly helpful. You can tell that they genuinely enjoy working with each other which really rubs off on any customer that walks in. The drink selection - fantastic. The tap list had a few things that I've never seen on tap before but know that they make for some great beer. The food - yes please. I had some wings the last time I was there, but the times before that I went with a burger. So good, cooked perfectly, and exactly what I wanted (i.e. needed). The popcorn is the icing on the cake. What I consider a fantastic addition (and easily a bonus for any bar) the popcorn was salted, buttered, and so good. If I didn't feel bad, I probably would've just eaten popcorn alone it was that good. Fun fact - Did you know that Johnny's Irish Pub has been smoke free ever since it's opening day? I found that out and made me even more impressed. To open a bar that doesn't allow smoking during a time when smoking and bars went hand in hand was risky. However, to this day it shows that Johnny's knew what to do and stuck to their guns. I can't wait to go there again. read more

The folks here are wonderful. Todd and Kristin are managers and Tend to the bar. Music is back and drinks are flowing.

I've only been to Johnny's once, but now that I will be heading back to the ROC I will definitely become a regular. I frequent the laundromat that shares parking with Johnny's, so I decided to go in and check it out. There is a happy hour menu on select days as well as a regular line up of live performers. The food is fresh and the staff is very attentive. When I walked in it felt like what I would imagine Cheers felt like. A place where everyone knows or would like to know your name, smack dab in the middle of the neighborhood with none of the pretension the bars on park ave have, but all the character. Regular order their regulars and newbies find a home. It is a bit divey, a little dark and dingy, but not seedy, which makes all the difference. read more

The best bar food I've ever had. It's done simply and it's done fresh. Hand pressed burgers on homemade rolls baked every morning. (When they ask you how you want your burger cooked you know it's going to great quality) I don't know what kind of bread it is, I've never had anything like it. Thick, crispy bacon and a nice sharp cheddar cheese. They put this house made BBQ sauce on it... Bangin! The chicken tenders are actually fresh chicken tenderloins dredged in a cornmeal type breading. Fried perfectly, still juicy and not too heavy. The menu has the classic fare you would see on any bar menu, but all are not created equal. Who ever owns the joint defiantly has love and passion which is poured into this establishment. I don't drink anymore but at a glance it looks like they got a good amount of quality beers on tap, plus all the commercial brands too! GO TO JOHNNY'S WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY!!!! read more

What can I say, great place. Good wings, almost always a live band, lots of great beers on tap and good bartenders. For bar food this place is as good as most. I've only had wings and a couple other things. Their fries are excellent. I've enjoyed everything I've had here. Not the youngest crowd, which is nice because it puts me on the younger end for a change. Love Johnny's. read more

I absolutely LOVE Johnny's! It is a hidden gem. When I first moved here a few months back, I just kept driving right past this place because I found it so easy to miss. My boyfriend and I started going because we were looking for bars in walking distance and this was one of them. At first, I wasn't too sure about the area as in whether it would be safe or not. However, I can certainly say that this is in a safe area (we always walk to and from and have felt safe), and from day one, we have received AWESOME service. Every single person who works here, in my experience, has been absolutely phenomenal. They even have live music and free popcorn! We like to come in for a chill night and play some darts. Prices are definitely reasonable, and they have a great selection of craft beers. My only wish is that more people would go! We tend to go around midnight and it's usually not busy by then. I'm told this is because it tends to cater to an older crowd, but I've still been there when it's been kinda crowded (i.e., like 25 people). You gotta try this place out for yourself--it definitely has a lot to offer. read more

nice neighbor place with lots of taps, really dark inside, plenty of free popcorn and parking. They offer live mainstream music too.

The owner, Johnny Savino, is frequently present. A great guy with a great business. On tap are your traditional Irish beers (Guinness, Harp, Magners, Smithwicks) plus a few local beers and lights. The daily live music ranges from Irish to Jazz to Classic Rock. Always a great band playing at Johnny's, never with a cover! The bartenders are all great as well, good service in a timely manner. read more

Have been here for great music and today it it "Mojo Monkeyz". Kitchen is closed though. 22 taps and nice list of wines.

This is one of our go to places on Saturday nights for a no cover charge band. The drinks and bar food are reasonably priced. The staff is efficient and friendly. Merchants and Culver is a great location. We were there last on April 21st. Jumbo shrimp was playing read more

A fun bar. Free live bands and popcorn. The owner is often there helping out his staff. Great food friendly staff. They know many of the customers by their first name. read more

I really like Johnny's and I always have. It's not that the Guinness here is particularly spectacular or that the food is something to write home about (although both are quite good) - it's more that the place just feels like a comfortable, friendly neighborhood pub that's supported musicians since its inception. It's so funny that when the place first opened and was called Johnny's "smoke free", no one thought that a bar that didn't let its patrons smoke would survive. Well, Johnny's has done a lot in the way of upping its game in the past decade to offer something more than a smoke-free environment to draw in regulars: good food, free popcorn, great musicians and most of all a friendly and welcoming staff that really go out of their way to make you feel at home. I'm of course partial to the last Sunday of the month Irish sessions where players of all ages get together to share in a timeless tradition. read more

I'm not sure if this had anything to do with Johnny's Irish Pub, but I had a really great experience watching a few bands perform on a Friday night. The drinks were flowing, the laughs were plentiful, and the company and music were pretty nice. For someone who tends to be a curmudgeon, a nice night out tends to feel pretty damn good. So, a nice big thanks goes out to Johnny's Irish Pub for having a pretty sweet spot to listen to some local live bands. Don't worry about the expensive drinks, that's why I only gave the place 3 stars. Just bring some friends, and enjoy your experience. read more

Great Irish pub......friendly service, live entertainment.

A wonderful neighborhood pub with great food, plenty of parking, live music and fun people....I have been a fan of this spot for many years....Old world charm and a cozy feel welcomes you in....The Rubin is one of the best in town and the chef knows his craft well....Check em out soon.... read more

A great neighborhood bar. Great food and music (especially on Tuesday nights!). A really fun atmosphere.

I finally got to check this place out as it seems pretty popular. Live music was cool, however the bar itself was dismal. The bartender (possibly the owner?) was so rude to me and all I did was order drinks, didn't even try to chit chat or anything. Today, I looked at my bank account and they charged me twice so now I have to deal with that. Pass. There are so many great bars and pubs in Rochester I see no reason to go back to this one. It also smelled bad... no good, and the bathroom was disgusting. read more

I love coming here. After work? Perfect. Want a crowd? Go for it. Either way, you can always find something good here. How about a pint of a local IPA on draft? Your run of the mill favorites? A fantastic martini? The eclecticism of Johnny's makes it the place to be. The food is for all tastes. You'll see a wide array of typical bar appetizers, some other great bar fare, and other great food choices,but I guarantee the daily Mac and cheese will call you. (Although tasty, it needs a bit more salt) Johnny's is becoming a quiet retreat after work for me and friends before the rest of the night gets underway. Come on over! read more

I will NEVER give this establishment my business again ever. I came in for a beer with my friends and music and the bartender turned me away the second I walked in. With no visible signs of debauchery or rudeness. Never again. read more

Awesome place great food awesome customer service I like coming over here after work to unwind

Tonight was my first time at Johnny's. I came to hear the Irish music and I wasn't disappointed. The music was great. No cover charge and the whiskey was top notch! As the music started at 5 PM, I had dinner there, too. It was the Cajun Burger and it was very good. The two bartenders were friendly and helpful. The people were nice, too. I'll be coming back again, that's for sure! read more

Johnnie's Irish Pub is my very favorite place to play especially when the wonderful band every Tuesday evening (String Theory) plays!! I love all the bartenders, especially Skylar, Kristen, Amanda and Laurie plus the servers Jake and Lily. They do such an outstanding job and they always make me feel welcome. IJohnnie's has an authentic pub feeling with beautiful tin ceilings, candles and hanging lights that creates such a cozy feeling. It does get crowded at times but all the people that go there are very friendly and pleasant to be around! I recommend Johnnies to all my friends and it is my choice when I feel like going out. Highly Recommend!!!!! read more

I have to agree with almost everyone here that the bar food, simple and nicely done, is among the best you'll find. A bit too crowded and loud on Friday and Saturday evenings to enjoy a bite to eat but at other times, a real gem. Scott hit it right on the mark when he described the burgers. There are plenty of places that offer burgers and ask you how you want it cooked but most want cook it rare (even here, I've had to be very specific that rare means blood red and cold in the middle), but eventually they get it. And the rolls do make the burger. On that Scott and I agree. Wash it down with a Guinness and accompany it with crispy fries and you've got a nice meal. If Johnny's wasn't so far out of our way, we'd probably stop in much more often. But as it is, they often have acoustic guitar and ukelele (I know, the latter sounds a bit unusual but my wife plays and has dragged me here to hear a young girl who has taught her) and frankly, the music is amazing! read more