Johnny’s Tavern
30 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA, 01002
Johnny’s Tavern Menu
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Starters
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Salads
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Pizzette
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Soups
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Sandwiches
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House Made Pasta
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Big Salads
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Fish
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Beef
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Poultry
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’s Tavern
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Starters
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Salads
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Pizzette
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Soups
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Sandwiches
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House Made Pasta
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Big Salads
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Fish
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Beef
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Poultry
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
Visit below restaurant in Amherst for healthy meals suggestion.
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.
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.
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Address :
30 Boltwood Walk
Amherst, MA, 01002 - Phone (413) 230-3818
- Website https://johnnystavernamherst.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Garage, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Burgers
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
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C R.
I've only had great experiences every time I go to Johnny's. The service is always on point with a super friendly staff and owners! The atmosphere is lovely and my favorite place to meet for lunch. My Caesar salad was delicious and they make great cocktails.
(4)Sean H.
Johnny's Tavern is a great place to eat if you're ever in the Amherst area. It's in a great location right near a parking lot that is free after 5 PM. When you first walk in you see a huge bar that stretches across the length of the restaurant. If you're looking to eat dinner I would suggest not sitting at the bar because with the seating behind the bar it can get somewhat cramped. They have a main seating area that would be great a date or for groups that range from 4-10. I believe there is more seating upstairs and in the back of the restaurant, but I was unable to see this area. The noise in the restaurant was low, and there are televisions for watching all the popular sports games at the bar. It's the type of place you would want to go to get delicious food, at affordable prices, and in a casual setting Johnny's Tavern has one of the best burgers I've ever had in my life. It was very simple it comes with a burger, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. For a little extra you can also get ah egg or bacon on it as well. In my opinion the most important aspect of a burger is the bun and Johnny's has an unbelievable bun for its burgers. The burgers are huge as well and they are very fairly priced, the burger itself with no extra toppings was $12 and any extra topping was $1. A side for the burger is included as well and you can get a side that ranges from French fries to a side salad. They also provide free bread with a dipping oil, which tasted like sundried tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. The menu isn't huge and it includes appetizers, flat breads, pasta, entrees such as fish and chips, seated steak, grilled salmon, shepherds pie, spaghetti and mussels, hamburgers, sandwiches, and salads. The calamari starter is delicious. They serve it in a cilantro lime aioli, a soy chili reduction, salt, and pepper. Johhny's Tavern was a great spot to eat at if you're looking to spend a little bit more money in the Amherst area. I know when you're a college student and after eating Ramen Noodles or getting Antonio's pizza after a late night it's nice to have a place to eat at that's affordable with tasty food. It's not as expensive as Judie's in Amherst, but the food is just as good.
(4)Connie D.
Johnny's has decent food! But it varies. Tonight I had the trout. It tasted frozen, but came with great vegetables. The grilled cheese sandwich is way too greasy, and but the veggie sandwich is pretty good. My husband likes to sit at the bar, and it is nice because we talk to lots of people. Rachael is the bartender/waitress for the bar and all the tables behind it. She is great and if I was just reviewing her she'd get 5 stars. The problem is she has no help, which is very unfair to Rachael. You have to wait a long time for service. Chalk that up to poor management! I am not good at waiting to have my order taken, but she is zipping around working so hard (she deserves a big raise). The food is decent but it's not great. It's easy to get to but it's expensive. The bread you get when you sit down is hard. We go, always trying something different. My favorite dish is the macaroni and cheese appetizer. It's enough for two meals, tastes great, and doesn't break the bank.
(3)Nancy S.
We had a very nice time at Johnny's. Our server, who said she'd been there since they opened, was so nice. She named every beer on tap with no problem! My husband and I split the Shrimp and Corn Fritters. They were great!!! While eating the fritters, our entrees' were brought out before we got a few bites in. Someone fired up the entrees' too soon. That was the only negative. Otherwise, everything was delicious. I got the New Bedford Sea Scallops and asked to substitute the fingerling potatoes for mashed. So good!! I grew up eating corn and mixing it in with my mashed potatoes. The scallops were perfectly cooked...just like Gordon Ramsey likes them! My hubby got the Summer Pork Pie. The bottom is pork BBQ (too sweet for me) then corn, and on top, awesome cheddar mashed potatoes. Similar to a Shepherds Pie. Shockingly, my hubby loved it, despite the fact that he hates to mix his food. Of course he ate the potatoes first, corn second, and pork last. Ha, ha! We ate here after sending our freshman off to UMass. It was a nice dinner after an emotional day. Can't wait to bring her here in October for Family Weekend in October. Parking lot was full but we found street parking. I can't imagine how difficult parking will be when all the students are back in school.
(4)Justin L.
Eat here fairly regularly. Love the food normally get a steak option. However their burgers are delicious and their wings might actually be the best in Amherst. As well as what other people have wrote the truffle fries are amazing.
(5)Mark F.
Went up there with my wife. Very nice decor and ambiance. Dim lighting with wood furniture with lots of tables by the windows. large bar area too. Decent amount of parking, though Amherst on a Saturday is quite crowded. Service was quite excellent and polite though the restaurant was so busy that our service, at times, felt like it took awhile. I decided to have the duck. Excellently cooked with decent portions. My wife had the eggplant parmesan and she said it was fantastic. We decided to have a dessert, which was the brownie sundae. Very decadent and had some great tasting caramel ice cream topping that can from a local ice cream business. If I was a local, this would be a nice option to eat at now and again.
(4)Emily S.
Super busy and cramped by the entrance. Almost turned around and left but the waitress caught us. Food was so so... Average brunch. No refills on our coffee or water... Don't think will be back for a while..
(3)Natalie M.
Overall a big let down. Tonight me and my boyfriend decided to head to Amherst for our weekly date night and decided upon Johnny's Tavern for dinner. Out of all the excellent choices Amherst has to offer we decided that Johnny's seemed like a good mix of upscale yet casual. Mind you we live in South Hadley and the Johnny's here in town is pretty blah all around so we enjoyed that the decor and menus looked more to our taste at the one in Amherst. Unfortunately that's about all we enjoyed. Much like its counterpart in South Hadley the Johnny's in Amherst is just very blah. So the problems unfortunately started right once we were sat, due to the fact it took a while to get any service. That was due to the fact that our server was the bartender who was also taking tables. This was rather confusing considering that there were five or so servers standing around with no tables yet the bartender had a full bar plus the tables in the bar. Eventually when we got service we ordered cocktails, and asked a few questions about the prefix menu that was available that night. We were told the appetizer special was sold out so that made the prefix menu kinda pointless. We ordered and the bartender brought out some bread which was almost comical, three little cubes, she told us she would bring some more because the rest was in the oven, that never came. For an appetizer we ordered the shrimp and corn fritters. Both me and my boyfriend agreed they were odd and for some reason tasted like the seasoning from ramen noodles. Our dinner arrived, I got the House Made Gnocchi and my boyfriend the Braised Beef Pappardelle. The gnocchi while tender was beyond bland even after adding crushed red pepper flakes and the supposed lemon cream sauce tasted of nothing but overly thick cream. Another problem was that the chicken was cut to the same size as the gnocchi which made it so you couldn't tell what you were eating. My boyfriends meal on the other hand was quite good and I ended up basically splitting his. Hence the two star rating. Now this is were we had the majority of our problems with the service. My boyfriend had ordered a beer when we got our entrees and we watched the bartender partially pour it and then never bring it. She never came and asked how our meals were, which I clearly wasn't eating. Eventually once were just about ready to pack up our meals she remembered the beer and brought it but at that point we were ready to leave. One other thing we really disliked was the fact that the server kept referring to us as kiddos or kids. It's a huge pet peeve of mine as a person in my early twenties. I am a successful adult who works hard for my money and deserve to be treated as any other dining patron. All In all I feel almost sad writing this review because I really, really wanted to like Johnny's and enjoy my night but was unfortunately left unsatisfied and disappointed. All for the great bargain of 80 bucks.
(2)Kerry R.
Swung by for lunch on a Friday. First thought upon entering-what is that awful smell? I realized the hostess stand was near the bathrooms and assumed that was the culprit. Maybe the layout should've been more thought out. Anyway. I started with the black bean soup (delicious) and had the white cheddar grilled cheese. Very oily to hold. Much better when cut using a knife and fork but what's the point in ordering a sandwich then? Aside from that, service was ok but what really annoyed me was the fact that the blinds were open allowing the sun to reflect off the cars in the parking lot and effectively blind me as I ate. Another poor layout choice OR simply shut the blinds when the sun is on that side.
(3)Michelle S.
I'm surprised the UMass-Amherst area has enough clientele to keep this place in business, but wow! This was such a great find. Then again, the prices aren't so outrageous that it would drive cost-conscious foodies away who are looking to escape the standard Amherst options. The restaurant has a full bar and a classy, casual vibe. We made reservations to eat her before my brother's commencement ceremony, so the place the 110% packed, and the service suffered, but our server couldn't have been nicer, and I'll blame the day for the slower service. First off, the bacon bloody mary? On point! I ordered that, and then I had to order a second because it was so damn good. Not overly salty, but an addictive savory touch with a shameless strip of crispy bacon coming right out of the glass. For starters, we ordered the calamari with an addicting cilantro lime aioli, soy chili reduction combo, the truffle fries with tomato jam, and the fried brussels sprouts with garlic aioli. So good! And yes, we filled up a little bit too much before our food came because we couldn't stop nibbling at the fries. For entrees, my mom and I split the Rigati Bolognese and the Grilled Garlic Shrimp Salad. The salad was a salad, not presented in a congruent, way - everything was placed on top of the dish, and it wasn't delicious. However, the Rigati Bolognese was amazingly decadent, and over the top amazing! I think this is their signature dish. Highly recommend stopping here if you're looking for an amazing sit down meal in the Amherst area!
(4)Masha B.
Every meal that I've had here has been scrumptious, from start to finish. It also helps that the wait staff is phenomenal! At this point (September 2015), this is my favorite restaurant in the Pioneer Valley.
(5)Michelle C.
First visit to Johnny's was on Sunday of Labor Day (UMass move-in) weekend. Casual, but slightly upscale ambiance. You could comfortably have a burger and beer meal or a really nice date night. My son are I follow a gluten free diet, and unlike many "nicer" places we've been to lately, Johnny's has no gluten free bread/roll or pasta option, which cuts down our options, but there were still plenty of menu items to choose from. (telling me I can just skip the roll with a burger is lame) I had the scallops over creamed corn, and fingerling potatoes with bacon jam and arugula. Scallops were cooked perfectly, and there were plenty. The dish was sweet, salty and just really good. My son had the pan roasted chicken with lemon herb pan sauce and mashed potatoes....he said it was the best chicken he ever had. Dad had a burger with house made chips, he said it was good and came as ordered. I had a glass of reasonably priced wine, which was very tasty. The down side....really lackluster service. Our server was pleasant, but a bit of a phantom (maybe over booked?). While hovering service is annoying, she never once asked how our meals were, did we want another drink, dessert, coffee. Kind of strange. But, overall, it was a great tasting meal, the food outweighed the service and I'd go back.
(4)Todd L.
Decent fare and service. As we were there on a busy weekend, the table which we were first seated at have obviously been added to increase occupancy, it did not make a guest feel welcome. Also being charged for a soda refill should be announced as it is a rare occurrence; its just not ok.
(3)Howie B.
Visiting UMASS with my sons on a college visit to my alma mater today. Stopped for lunch uncertain what to expect. Loved this place! Tavern burger was one of the best burgers I've had...ever! The beer sauteed onions elevated it to a high level. My boys loved their meals - a simple turkey sandwich and chicken and goat cheese flat bread. Our server, Courtney, was excellent. If this place existed when I was a student, I would have lived here!
(5)Daniel M.
Good food, no service Johnny's tavern is like your drunk uncle. Every time you see him you hope he's changed. He hasn't. First, the food is good. I agree with most reviews that talk about the food. The service is the worst in town. Tonight we waited 15 minutes for someone to acknowledge us. Then he disappeared for 10 minutes. Drinks another 10 minute wait. 30 minutes for food another 30 before we saw him again. It took almost 2 hours for drinks (wine and a beer on tap - nothing fancy), and dinner off the menu. No special requests. No special orders. 1 hour and 45 minutes to be exact. I have been going to Johnny's since it opened. Always dinner on week nights. The service has ALWAYS been bad. Sorry Uncle Johnny you have disappointed me for the last time.
(1)Bryce A.
You CANNOT beat their beer and burger lunch special. And it's not like they are giving you Busch light, it Includes craft beers for the special It is a very well put together burger. There is a nice crust to the burger and it is nice and juicy. The bun is also very soft and fresh. I do find it a bit strange that they only offer cheddar cheese though. Aside from that, this place is mire pricey than I thought it would be. Not really what I expected. But their menu is well put together and thought out. Nice range and variety.
(4)Ellen R.
Nice place. Great food and service. I had the scallops which were delicious. They easily accommodated my picky guest's requests. Very good drinks as well. It is on the louder side but not obnoxiously loud. Very pub-like.
(5)Jacquelyn R.
Our family ate here after my sisters graduation from umass. We were a large group and it was good that we had reservations. I have absolutely no complaints about our experience. We were seated in a bright and beautiful back room overlooking the blossomed trees. The table was comfortable. The service was attentive and pleasant. All of our dishes were great and well executed but the ones that stood out were the braised beef w noodles, the chicken and gnocchi, and the sweet ansd spicy dipping sauce that came with our table bread. I had the scallops which were tasty but i have had better (aquario in portchester ny). But the lentils that came on my dish were amazing and different. Our cocktails were nice and the prices were fair and reflected the level of cuisine. I look forward to my next meal at Johnnys Tavern and so does my family!
(5)Eddie B.
This is definitely a sit-down restaurant, don't expect your meal to show up right away but it is always worth the wait. Really this is the restaurant that parents take their kids out to when they visit, a bar that faculty frequent (or should, there's rarely any other students here), a friendly atmosphere. It's also one of the few restaurants in the downtown which not only manages to hold down a good head chef, but actually has their name adorn its menus and website. Outstanding service, delicious food, and a restaurant that takes pride in its work.
(5)Catherine K.
Atmosphere - Cozy, dim light , upscale/traditional pub. Very nice. Service/wait time- a little slow being greeted, after that good. Food- not made to order and inconsistent. Burger rolls need to be heartier to stand up to the abundant burgers. Previously their Mac & Cheese had been something from heaven. Just amazing ! Today..lumpy, watery and flat flavored, except the overwhelming use of Romano (or other pungent, salty cheese). Fish tacos were just ok. The fish itself was good, but they were messy with water running out of it and making the tortilla soggy. They were supposed to be served with avocado or guacamole..either way, there was barely ANY there. Customer Service- when I mentioned that my special request was not implemented, the only offer I was given, was to have it "replated". I'm not sure exactly what that means. There was a sauce I requested "on the side" and it was smeared all over everything, including the main ingredient. So, "replated" to me meant someone taking a napkin (or God knows what?), wiping everything off, refreshing the greens and sending it back. Ick, no thank you. They could've offered a new one, or comped a drink or dessert. Unsatisfactory.
(3)Kim H.
Johnny's is delicious! Must've tried half the menu. The brussel sprouts, calamari and truffle fries are to die for. I've also loved the shepherds pie, the beef pappardelle and the burger. And the bread dipping oil ...The only complaint I've ever had is that some tables are waited on by the bars staff and they tend to forget about you. This has happened on several occasions. Otherwise service is great, I have an allergy and they always are very professional and careful about it. Definitely give this place a try. My favorite place in Amherst for sure!
(4)Erik G.
When I moved so Amherst from Boston I was a little worried that I'd experience a step down in quality when it came to restaurants. Johnny's tavern proved me wrong. Every meal I've eaten there has been amazing not only with the food quality but also the remarkably attentive service. If you're trying it for the first time I recommend the cast iron half chicken and the pork belly. Both are phenomenal!
(5)Jessica C.
Brussels sprout, Brussels sprout, Brussels sprout! They add bacon, a garlic aioli, and parm/Romano cheese. SO GOOD! I enjoyed the salmon and the hubs got an excellent serving of fish and chips. Great selection of beers on tap, cool homemade cocktails, and A+ service. We'll be back here for sure!
(4)C. D.
I got a grilled cheese with tomato and avocado. It was way too greasy. I thought you couldn't mess up grilled cheese. My bf got a burger. Decor is nice, wait staff is friendly. Food is average. It is a bit overpriced.
(3)Kristen G.
Obsessed with this place cannot wait to go back when I visit UMASS. My favorite place to eat as an undergrad. Their fish tacos are simply amazing and the truffle fries are a must! I think I've tried everything on this menu and my favorite was the scallops with risotto. Love the atmosphere, like I said favorite restaurant in Amherst. The spicy marg and gin grapefruit drinks are delicious! You should definitely eat here if your in the area.
(5)Christopher G.
I first visited Johnny's Tavern during my junior year at Amherst College and am sorely disappointed that it took me over two years to discover what is now my favorite restaurant in Amherst. The ambiance is cool and classy, with lots of dark wood and soft lighting. The bar is often crowded, but the noise rarely registers above white noise in the dining room. When its busy, you will see people dressed in t-shirts, suits, and everything in between, making it appropriate for casual lunches with your friends, celebratory dinners, and date nights. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. I have been to JT's over a dozen times and can recommend just about anything on their frequently changing menu. Some highlights are the beer mac & cheese, truffle fries, both taco dishes (fish and Korean steak), and any of their made-in-house pastas (my favorite is the gnocchi, but you better be hungry if you order it!). The burger deserves a couple sentences to itself because it is my favorite burger in the entire Pioneer Valley. I highly recommend that you order the burger with a fried egg on top, but be prepared to deal with a much messier sandwich. True to its tavern namesake, JT's has some excellent beers on tap, most of which come from New England breweries (such as Berkshire Brewing Company and Allagash). A final fun fact is that JT's offers a $7 burger + beer lunch special from Mon-Sat (at least they did at the time of this review), combining two of their best offerings into one absurdly inexpensive deal (the burger is normally $12 and the beer ~$5). I could not recommend Johnny's Tavern more!
(5)Kerry M.
Actually this place is overrated. Nice environment but static menu that shows little creativity. Cater to regulars; if that's not you and you're at the bar, take a deep breath and wait. Steaks tend to be chewy pastas unimaginative. Might be a nice spot for a few beers during the week
(3)Jess C.
Delicious calamari, brussel sprout appetizers, and gnocchi. So good, and rich. They have amazing specials and the food is always fresh. Awesome dipping oil for the bread. Casual, fine-dining ambiance that isn't pretentious. Good size portions for the prices and quality. The service is great, Rachael behind the bar is the best!
(5)Sarah O.
I'm ashamed to admit that my friend and I missed the $7 burger-and-a-beer lunch special by twelve minutes because I insisted on getting out of the car at the Long Hollow Bison Farm on the way to Amherst. In my defense, I was unaware of the lunch special when I was busy picking Instagram filters for my bison portraits. Don't make my mistake. On the bright side, our bad timing meant we weren't confined to the burger portion of the menu by our inability to turn down a bargain. I ordered battered fish tacos instead, and they were very good. The batter was light and crispy, and the sauce was flavorful. My friend ordered the Korean steak taco and gave that a thumbs up as well.
(4)Jenna W.
I attended Johnny's Tavern with three other people at 4PM on a Tuesday, which is a random time to eat dinner. Even though we were the only people in there the servers were not on top of us and they let us take out time on our meals. The service was great and we didn't have any major problems. The food was the best part. Not only did they have excellent dip to go with their bread, but each meal was nicely plated and had lots of colors and flavors. I highly recommend the gnocchi. The best looking dish was their chocolate sundae dessert. With four people sharing that we were all extremely satisfied. I would recommend Johnny's to anyone whether you're going on a date or want to take your family out to lunch or dinner. The prices are very fair and they're menu has a lot of variety. Definitely one of the best places I've been to at UMASS.
(4)Laura M.
Fine. Not great. The atmosphere is nice. Very cozy. Service was excellent. Not crowded on a Sunday night. The braised beef pappardelle had nice meat and pasta, but the sauce was too sweet. The daily special was roasted flounder over squash risotto. Risotto was good...LOTS of squash. A bit too sweet as it was mostly squash. The flounder was very plain. Best entree ordered in our party was the burger. This is the sort of restaurant with such a range of food that one entree can be great while the other is very mediocre. Portions of everything was generous.
(3)Jed L.
Update, Johnny's tavern now has monk fish on their menu. The chef at this tavern is setting the menu standard for the pioneer valley, IMO.
(5)Nancy T.
Just back from a delightful Monday night dinner at Johnnys. I had the incredible $20 value dinner. I chose Caesar salad, chipino with homemade pasta (not San Fran style but tasty ), and chocolate moose cup desert. Wow. Every course good and servers Rachael II and bartender Rachael I delightful. If we didn't live on the left coast we'd make this our neighborhood bar restaurant of choice. Really good quality ingredients in good sizes. Speedy service. Nice atmosphere near U Mass and Amherst College campuses.
(3)Jess W.
This is a great local place and I highly recommend it. The prices are right and the food is delicious. I've been to Johnny's Tavern twice and both times have been fantastic. My favorite dish is the Braised Beef Papperdelle!
(4)Deb A.
We enjoy the food and atmosphere at Johnny's and have only received good service. The pot of ricotta with pesto and tomato jam is a great starter with drinks. Could make a meal of it. I had the monk fish entree. Beautifully cooked fish, great flavor combinations but overall the dish was extremely salty. Really a shame. My husband's scallop dish was also very much over salted. Readjust that and I'd give five stars.
(4)Christelle D.
LOVELY spot, tucked away in Amherst Center! Stopped by here for a nice lunch and everything was divine. I hope to come back for dinner or to watch a game at the bar one of these days. Salt & Pepper Style Calamari - amazing! I love my calamari and always enjoy a new twist, this was simple, fresh, and we polished off the whole plate. My White Cheddar Grilled Cheese with tomato and avocado was delicious; loved the touch of avocado balancing out the sharp cheddar. Beautiful, airy dining space, clean and modern decor. Truly great menu - hard to narrow down a choice, so I look forward to coming back!
(4)Bumble B.
I enjoy the truffle fries - comes with a tomato jam - and the kale salad.
(4)Dan C.
You can't go to Johnny's without ordering the truffle fries! The selection of beer on tap will surely not disappoint. I am a BBC Coffeehouse Porter and Pale Ale kinda guy. The bartenders were very friendly and attentive even though the bar was packed. There aren't that many choices to dine out in downtown Amherst. As a student in one of the surrounding five colleges I come to Johnny's Tavern expecting great quality food at great prices, and the beer.
(5)Nina C.
My husband and I were celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary and wanted to try something new, a place we have never been before. After searching around for a while and checking out reviews we decided to try Johnny's Tavern. We are so glad we did. We had reservations and were seated immediately. The staff was very friendly and very attentive. We elected to skip having an appetizer because the bread and oil dip were too good to pass up a second round. My husband had the Pan Seared Idaho Trout and he loved it. The fish was cooked perfectly and the veggies and potatoes has wonderful flavor. His only gripe was that there were still a few bones in the filet, which typically we find is not normal. We alerted the waitress just as a precaution for future serving and she seemed very appreciative and would notify the kitchen. I had the Grilled Scottish Salmon and it was one of the best pieces of salmon I have ever had. It was about a two inch thick cut of salmon cooked perfectly. It was warm yet still rare in the middle and the ginger chimichurri sauce was delicious. It was on top of a bed of pasta and raw vegetable slices with a wonderful acidic sauce which complimented the ginger chimichurri sauce quite well. Our waitress was extremely sweet and was right there making sure our drinks never ran empty and our meals were to our liking. We were in and out of there in just about an hour. One of the best dining experiences we have had in a long time. We will definitely be back!
(4)Zach L.
Looked very positive upon first impression. Menu sounded good, nice variety, upscale. We were quickly seated, as a table of 8, and were told that separate checks was no problem. Service was friendly and pretty knowledgable. Bread was nice and crusty and the dipping oil was yummy. I had the braised lamb shank and it was very tender and very lamby, but needed a little more sauce and needed salt. Served with gorgonzola mashed potatoes that had lots of crumbles but the potatoes were lumpy and lukewarm, not smooth and creamy as expected. Other diners had burger which looked awesome, wings that looked decent, flatbread pizza looked mediocre and burnt, Korean taco was reported as delicious, and pan roasted cod was good too (came wit crab mashed potatoes). Overall, a solid meal after a long day and a long drive.
(3)Chris L.
They offer a solid deal for lunch. Burger and a beer for around $7. The burger is a pretty hefty size and is very good. Probably the best burger in town. It didn't have the biggest selection of beer, but had some pretty good beers on tap. Some local BBC's and other IPAs. It's new, so the interior is more modern. My friends and I have been contemplating eating here for some time now, but never got around to going. It seemed to be a fancy place that would require us to put on some nice clothes and reserve a table. That may be the case for dinner time, but for a quick lunch, it was the opposite. It was exactly the kind of place I would want to go for a burger and fries (which were good, too). I can't wait to go back!
(4)Pamela T.
This is a good solid place. The food is tasty, presented well and they always put a new twist on traditional dishes. The fish tacos are spectacular. So flaky and flavorful. The serving is really large. I love it. I've enjoyed all the meals I've had here and know my husband loves the burgers. The atmosphere is wonderful. The color scheme is so pretty and it very cozy. It's a great place to go with friends. My only complaint is that it's a little pricey, which I can live with for good food. However the drinks are too pricey. Usually $10 for a glass of wine. So I drink my wine at home and go there for a really good meal.
(4)Bill F.
Outstanding! I was visiting UMass with my elderly parents and we were actually headed for a different restaurant but I went inside and quickly changed my mind based not only on the menu (mom wanted fish) but also the way I was greeted by Ali, who would be, our waitress in a few minutes. Two of us had fish (the Scottish Salmon) and one had the pork chop. Everyone raved about their meal and the service could not have been better. Sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that you stumble upon!
(5)Darci M.
This review is long overdue as we began frequenting JT's during their first week or service. This place is our go-to choice for dining out. It is casual, delicious, and the perfect place to go for almost any occasion. We go there for mid-week dinners, weekend lunches, brunch (hint: BEST BLOODY MARY in the Valley), and special occasions. We hosted our pre-wedding dinner in their private back room as well as many baby showers. On average, we eat there about once a week. And JT's consistently serves great food. I can count the number of dishes I was disappointed with on one hand (literally). Some of our favorite dishes are: Gorgonzola Bread, Sopressata Salami Flatbread, Braised Beef Pappardelle, Korean Marinated Steak Taco, Chicken Tortilla Salad, and for breakfast, the Tavern Benedict and The Hangover. If this place isn't on your radar, you should check it out! The bonus is they sit at the back of a Town of Amherst parking lot so you can usually find a spot close to the restaurant.
(5)Elizabeth A.
Every single thing I've tried here is amazing. A little pricey but it's a nice restaurant and the food is great. The homemade gnocchi is amazing. As are the burgers and truffle fries. Good sangria too. Hungry just thinking about it. Go to while in Amherst
(5)Christy L.
portions are BIG for me. our table ordered shephards pie, the steak, kids grilled chicken and calamari app....So GOOD!!!!:) calamari was freaking awesome!!!:-)
(5)S. H.
Went to JTs after a meeting at U/mass. What a delightful surprise. They accommodated our group of 8 no problem. Gave us the menu plus a prie fixe menu. $20 for 3 courses. The waiter didn't balk at our request for separate checks. We all chose from that menu. Excellent Caesar salad with optional anchovies. My steak was cooked perfectly medium rare, something most other restaurants have not been able to do lately. The chocolate mousse was as close to what I get in France as anything I've had in the US. it did take a while to get the main dishes, and I have no explanation for that. But every one of the 8 of us loved our food. I rarely have a reason to be in Amherst, MA, but when I'm there again, I will definitely check out Johnny's Tavern again.
(4)Zia L.
We were visiting from DC and had a wonderful meal here. The gorgonzola bread was well worth it. We also tried the beer cheese and onion soup (delicious and like a cross between creamy beer and cheese soup and onion soup). We both loved the Rigati. My husband had the Gnocchi...this was probably the only dish that needed a bit more flavor. Maybe more garlic or a touch of red sauce? But not bad. The other dishes were just way better. I read reviews about bad service...which might be true with other staff by our waitress was perhaps the nicest waitress I have ever had. We would definitely recommend this place to folks in the area.
(5)Michael E.
Presentation is the only thing going for this place. The dinning area and bar are aesthetically pleasing. The food comes out looking good and the prices are decent. None if this counts for much if the taste isn't there, and it isn't. We ordered the gnocchi and braised lamb. The sauce gnocchi was in was as so salty we couldn't eat it. The lamb was tender and fell from the bone but very dry and virtually tasteless. I had high hopes for this venue but left very disappointed.
(2)Sarah L.
We really enjoyed our visit here last night. We started with the salt And pepper wings which were very tasty and crispy. My husband got the flank steak special with Apples and greens, he said that it was delicious. I got the shrimp scampi made with homemade spaghetti and I was not disappointed. Service was great, our waitress was very friendly. Will return next time we are in town.
(5)Jenn N.
There calamari is AWSOME! A little noisy especially on weekends! But so worth it! I have had everything from salads to seafood! Everything is excellent. In the summer (when collages are out the menu changes to a more limited variety.
(5)Paul M.
Food was good but salad was a weird lettuce and service was slow. Only had a couple of dishes so hard to fully grade the food. Korean taco was average, not bad but uninspired. The pasta with walnuts and butternut squash was very good and the tomato jam with olive oil they give to dip bread was shockingly delicious. Prices are also pretty fair. I would go back and could easily move up to a 4 depending on the dish and the speed of the food.
(3)G. C.
Excellent choice for cheese lovers and vegetarians with a really cosmo atmosphere. Thanks Johnny's for giving us a pleasant haven on our long road trip.
(4)Kiernan G.
I have honestly had nothing but great experiences in this place. I have visited a few different times, with a variety of different dining partners. Every time we all left very satisfied. First and foremost, if you go here, get the Truffle Fries. I have eaten a lot of fries in my life, and I have to say, they are the best fries I have ever eaten. In my 4-5 visits I tried the burger, a pizza, the gnocchi, and a dinner salad. Burger: They are actually willing to do rare/medium rare. This made me and my father extremely happy. Actually being able to get a tasty burger pink on the inside was lovely. Not quite as red on the inside as my father was hoping, but he still said it was a damn good burger. A little expensive for a burger, but honestly worth every penny for how it tasted. The hand cut potato chips made in house were a nice touch (or small salad if you took my advice on the fries). Pizza: House Made Ricotta Cheese, Mushrooms, Rosemary, Red Sauce, Prosciutto, Arugula -- Delicious! A lot of Arugula. Do not order if you dont want lots of Arugula, but personally I thought the amount was great. Lots of green, some cheese and some salty meat. Gnocchi: The chef makes all the pastas fresh in house every day. Pretentious? yes a bit. Tasty? hell yes. The gnocchi was fresh, well made, and well paired with the asparagus, chicken and lemon. Seemed a little pricey for a pasta dish at $17, but as before, I was happy to pay the price for the quality. Dinner Salad: Rare Ahi Tuna, Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette, Avocado, Tomato, Soy Chili Marinated Cucumbers, Mixed Greens. -- Maybe an obviously good pairing to some, but it wasnt to me. The soy and cilantro/lime flavors were fantastic with the asian styled salad with rare fish. The tuna was done to perfection, lightly seared on the outside, but otherwise raw. (personal bias? -- sushi lover). Drinks: They make some really interesting and tasty cocktails. Also some slightly silly things like a Maple Bacon Manhattan (Served with a whole chunk of maple smoked bacon on a toothpick). Personally I am a huge fan of their hendricks gin drink served with chunks of cucumbers in it. ---------------------------- Summary: Whenever possible everything from sauces to pasta/breads is made in house. They grind their own beef. Its a nice touch and they do it well. The food is pricey, but well worth it for the quality and taste. Go expecting to spend more money than your average tavern, but also go expecting far better food.
(4)Julia M.
Johnny's is one of our regular dining spots. When the boyfriend and I don't know what we are in the mood for, we go to Johnny's. My favorites are the parpadelle, the Bolognese, the Korean taco, the shrimp salad, the beer onion soup, and the BBQ pork flatbread. We have had a few misses with the half chicken, the trout, and the butternut squash pasta, but it's more of just a taste preference. You can tell all the good is very fresh. We love the bartender here and the atmosphere is great. Will continue to visit Johnny's until we move!
(4)T A.
Excelent food! Hidden gem.
(5)Jessica F.
Although this review is from a visit a few months ago, I think it's worth sharing. I went here with my boyfriend about a week after valentine's day for a late celebration. From the minute we walked in we had a horrible experience. Although we did do call ahead seating,, we had to wait an additional 30 minutes. There was originally an hour wait. Our seats were very cramped and at the high top tables near the bar.....when we originally called we requested a booth or table. Our appetizer took ONE FULL HOUR to be served to us, only for it to come out completely wrong. We ordered the truffle fries and were served calamari. After sending it back it took an additional 20 extra minutes. I think at this point our mediocre waitress had come to our table twice. In terms of taste, the truffle fries were very good, but that could have been because we were nearly ravenous by the time the came out. I ordered the Braised Beef Pappardelle, which was quite delicious, I have to admit. My boyfriend ordered the Tavern Scampi. Throughout the night, I ordered two long island iced teas. The first of which was very strong, and the second of which I could bet my life was virgin - my boyfriend just got beer. Our waitress was never around so we had to grab anyone we could get walking by. Again, the first drink took nearly 30 minutes to arrive at our table, despite being about 20 ft away from the bar. After being there nearly two and a half hours, we didn't have the patience to even get dessert. Our waitress was rude, forgetful, and extremely inattentive. I don't think she came to our table more than a handful of times. I wouldn't mind spending a good amount of time at a restaurant under different circumstances, but the entire outing was an excruciatingly long waiting game. I would've expected a GM to be walking around the restaurant greeting and speaking with guests on a very busy and bustling Saturday night, but there was not one to be seen. After finally paying our bill, and leaving a small tip, since our waitress was horrendous, I tried to find someone to express my concerns to, in hopes no other guests would have such a terrible experience. I waited nearly 15 minutes at the host stand for someone to appear, since I knew trying to get a hold of our waitress would be nearly impossible, and no one had arrived. Again, I would've expected one of the hosts/hostesses to have been up at the stand on such a busy night. FInally, I was so frustrated with the whole situation that I just left. I think we gave our waitress a 10% tip (which I have never done in my entire life) because the service was so unbelievably sub par. It's too bad this place can't get itself together and realize good service goes a long way. Although I don't have any major complaints about the food itself, I refuse to give business to an establishment with such poor guest service.
(1)Curt C.
This place rocks! Great food and service. Mussel app best I ever had. Homemade pasta to die for! Rachel coolest bartender around !
(4)David P.
Given the series of unsuccessful restaurants in this building, I was skeptical going into Johnny's, but it was fantastic. The shrimp and corn fritters and truffle fries are excellent appetizers, highly recommended. The salmon I ordered was perfectly cooked. Would be a 5 star review EXCEPT: 1) The side salad wasn't great 2) The salmon was on a bed of udon noodles, and it just didn't really match the salmon. Overall, excellent, definitely plan to return.
(4)Mike Q.
Nice atmosphere, great service, Guinness & a wonderful flat-bread pizza for lunch. Going back for dinner soon!
(4)David S.
I was returning to Amherst where I went to UMASS and later returned to work in the bar and restaurant business after an absence of almost 40 years. Not much was the same, of course. A bartender recommended Johnny's Tavern. Man what a pleasant surprise when we arrived and were served some of the best food I have had in years and I'm from San Francisco, one of the culinary capitals of the world. Our waiter, Mike, gave us impeccable service and steered us deftly to what he gathered from our descriptions we would like. The calamari was perfection as were the mussels, both served in abundant portions. I ventured to try the kale salad and was rewarded deliciously with a creative combination of seasonings and add ins. We split and entree of swordfish on a bed of risotto and glazed carrots. We had a nice Chardonnay to wash it down. We were satisfied and delighted to find this gem in the Amherst I once knew as a much different place. I might add that the price for this wonderful experience was more than reasonable. Five stars in an understatement.
(5)Laura F.
We went for dinner. Based on reviews we hoped for a great casual dining experience. The drinks were great but the food was lacking. It took a long time for the food to come. We got the fried Brussel sprouts which were on top of a heavy Parmesan sauce. It was not good. The entrees were not of the quality we desired. We will not return.
(1)Adam S.
We just recently moved back to Amherst after being elsewhere for 15 years. Johnny's Tavern may or may not have been here when we lived here before. I certainly don't remember it. For a Thursday night it was reasonably busy, but we were able to get a table for six (including two kids) immediately. My mother and wife ordered the fish and chips, which the waiter recommended, but neither of them enjoyed it very much. The batter was tough, although they say the flavor was good. I had the Korean Taco and found the chunks of beef to be a bit too large for easy consumption. Again, flavors were good. Drinks were decent and they brought the kids' food as soon as it was ready. Overall, fine, but not super memorable.
(3)J J.
Awesome service and foods! We wandered in here after a high school soccer tournament at UMass and you could imagine what it would be like to have 3 hungry boys trying to pick from a tavern menu. But the selections were better than I imagine. Truffle fries? Beer Mac & Cheese? The best we've ever had! The brown sugar wings weren't as good as I thought (perhaps less sugar for that sauce) but the buffalo wings even made the 15 year olds tear up! LOL... I'm sure we'll be here next May for this tournament and we'll definitely be back!
(4)Bernice D.
Unfortunately I see I am not the only one reporting food poising here. My boyfriend and I enjoyed a dinner there. I suggested it after getting dinner and drinks with my girlfriends there the week before. My boyfriend got a burger and was sick the next morning (had not eaten anything else in between). One of my friends went that same weekend and 3 of the people in his party got sick. I immediately called the manager to let them know what happened. I wanted to make sure no one else got sick. The manager told me that no one else had complained and pretty much said it was not their fault. My friend called a few min after me and the manager said the EXACT same thing..that they had not gotten any complaints..humm. Was excited about this new dinner option in town but unfortunately don't want to risk going back.
(1)Taylor S.
I have visited Johnny's a handful of times and every time I eat there, I am impressed. I once went for lunch and split a wrap, truffle fries, and the pulled pork flat bread. YUM! It was delicious and the service was great. I also went with a large party after my college graduation and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I had the half chicken and it was a large portion and the cocktails were phenomenal. Everyone in the party had a different meal and every meal was great! Whenever I visit Amherst, I make a point to eat at Johnny's. Every meal I have had there has been great and priced well. I recently ate at Johnny's and I had the Rigati Bolognese. Hands down, one of the best meals I have EVER had. I don't know what tasted better- the perfectly cooked pasta, braised beef (YUM!!!), pasta sauce, herbs, or house made ricotta cheese. I was heartbroken when I finished my leftover. HIGHLY recommend. Everything is local and seasonal. The cocktail menu is extremely different, the gin grapefruit cocktail is definitely one to try! You can always count on great food and great service. If I still lived in Amherst, I would eat here weekly.
(5)Marya P.
Johnny's is always a good experience. The food and drinks are good, and the staff is friendly. Highly recommended.
(4)Baer T.
Sitting at the bar Drinks, comfort food, and the Celts We are the home crowd.
(4)Nate D.
Stopped by for the Burger/Beer lunch deal people had mentioned, since I was in the area. Burger was quite good! Bun nicely toasted, veggies fresh, burger nice and juicy, and cooked as requested. For the money, you can't beat that lunch deal anywhere in the area if you're craving a good burger. I considered getting a side, but there was no need. I was plenty full from the burger! Can't speak to their other fare, but the space was quite nice, and the service was great.
(4)Hannah R.
We went here with a group of 22, so we had a reservation. They kept us waiting for more than 20 minutes, and with a group this big that was a huge hassle. The appetizers were very good, but the actual entrees left a lot to be desired. I don't think anyone was particularly happy with their meals.
(2)Jed V.
I found this via Yelp and was not disappointed! Great upscale pub atmosphere (especially by the bar) and delicious burger and fries. Decent beer selection and friendly service rounded it out, and put it firmly on my to-go list whenever I'm in Amherst.
(4)Kelly M.
My family and I had such a great experience here! Great service, great staff and great ambiance! We all had empty plates as well. Made reservations there for graduation this year!
(4)Amanda K.
Excellent atmosphere with delicous pub fare. Best value is the $7.50 burger & beer offer (must be ordered in the bar from 11AM to 3PM). The burger is huge and always cooked perfectly. We have yet to have a bad meal! Mac n' Cheese, Fish Taco's, The Cuban sandwhich, Spaghetti & Meatballs, and worth restating... the Burger are all excellent! This place is great for small parties, large groups and it is family friendly. We have brought 2 kids under 3 with us and the staff were very accomodating.
(5)Greg B.
Finally grown-up restaurants find Amherst! Johnny's food (while very limited menu for now) is amazing. I have had both dinner and recently lunch at this location. We had dinner there on Saturday before Valentines (why stand in a line waiting right?). The service was attentive and warm, the drinks came quickly. Our food was creatively plated and was a nice change from the limited choices of Amherst. I had the Flank steak with was done correctly and the wine reduction was perfect My wife has the rib, which could have made a really bad impression but they got this right too. At my one lunch so far, the salads are huge and my co-worker really enjoyed his Cuban sandwich. This is a great place for a date-night or to bring youngish kids (if they know how to be "grown-up" for the night out). All the tables were full by 9, yet it never got to the point where we needed to shout to have a conversation. The bar actually has bartenders (mixologists)! The choice of beer is very good, but, I would recommend a true cocktail. You won't be disappointed. Try a mojito, ole' fashioned, or a greyhound.
(4)Fauzia I.
I liked the location, the decor and the people. It's the food that I had a problem with. And yes, while I read all the other reviews and am aware that one should bring it up with the chef or send it back, etc, etc. ... I don't really like to do that - the confrontational, defensive aspect ... and in our case, there were 3 dishes that qualified for the dubious honor, not just one. To detail, the cod and mashed potatoes - the latter were good, but the cod had no flavor - no herbs, no spice, very bland. I ordered the chicken pesto flatbread (one of my favorite combinations) and for the first time, I couldn't eat it. In comparison to the fish, it was so over-seasoned and salty that it was too much flavor. MH had the fish and chips, which was (IMO overpriced) 2 small pieces of fish, heavily breaded to look larger, sitting on top of a virtual mountain of french fries. I know that a lot of places do this - make the dish look larger this way but rarely have I seen so many. For us, on top of the (again oversalted) truffle fries, it was too much. The fish alone had enough fries to satisfy 4 people. So ... given these issues, I just thought it was too much to throw at any one person at any one time. To their credit, though, the shrimp and corn fritters (which came first) were really good - spicy in a good Cajun way. I felt bad about the other things, since I had brought 3 other people with me who had also never been there before. And I had been talking about it for days only to look bad ... I hope they forgive me and forget!!
(2)Nadia F.
This is a great restaurant that makes their very own fresh pasta. A must if you're eating here!
(4)John G.
Good Service... but Korean Taco I had there was not worth 11$ dollars. Barely any dried up meat. The flatbread wasn't heated and broke. Not much flavor at all. Service was good. Beers were good. Apps and Flatbread pizza were good. Don't know if it was just a bad day for the line cooks but I don't think I will be giving these guys another try. My original review got put in filtered section if you'd like to hear my truthful experience here.
(2)Hannah L.
I went to Johnny's for lunch last week after hearing rave reviews from several of my friends and coworkers in Amherst. A bit tricker to find as it is off the main road, Johnny's had a great decor with dark wood and complimentary colors. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, feeling like I was at a pub across the atlantic. I was the last to arrive in my party (always the case) and we were promptly seated. The restaurant was basically empty, with only two other tables in the dining room and no one at the bar, it was around 12 noon on a Friday. We were asked what we would like to drink by our server right away, and most of my party stuck to water. I had a diet coke which was always re-filled without asking. Two of my guest had coffee and their refills came in the the cutest little cups, really a nice touch. We waited a bit to order, then waited a really long time for our food. I'm talking 45 minutes for sandwiches and salads. And seeing as there were only two other tables in the restaurant, it didn't make much sense. Upon receiving our food none of the hot dishes were really hot, showing that they were probably waiting in the window for awhile. We were also never really offered an explanation as to why the food took so long. It wasn't like we needed anything to be taken off the bill, but an I'm sorry from the manager would have been much appreciated. I had the cheddar grilled cheese with avocado and tomato. I have to say for $8 it was tasty and priced really well. I enjoyed it thoroughly. We left right after our meals, skipping dessert, as the meal took around two hours and we had to get back to work. It may have just been a glitch in the kitchen, but it was crazy to wait that long for lunch. I want to give Johnny's another try, as I liked the food and will go back hoping for a little bit better of an experience.
(3)Renee P.
I was very excited to visit Johnny's Tavern based on several recommendations from friends. The ambiance is very inviting and unique, unlike any other establishment in the Amherst area. But unfortunately it ended there, because I wasn't super impressed with the overall dining experience. My group of 5 placed our lunch orders and it took well over 35 minutes for our food to arrive. We thought this was very odd seeing that there weren't many tables. When it did come out, my grilled shrimp salad lacked the garlic flavor that was described on the menu. The shrimp were room temperature and didn't taste all too fresh. The others at my table also mentioned that their meals were not hot either. On a positive note, we split the truffle fries which were a very good choice..the tomato jam balanced out the saltiness of the fries. Go ahead and give it a try...but Johnny's Tavern wouldn't be my first choice going forward.
(3)Courtney R.
Johnny's Tavern is a wonderful new spot in Amherst. Decor is fun an imaginative featuring vintage prints and a great bicycle theme. Menu is wonderful with lots of great choices for everyone. Beet Salad is delicious as is the Garlic Shrimp salad. The Tavern Burger was fresh and the bun was toasted...Totally mouth watering! Creme Brûlée was prepared perfectly and it was accompanied by berries and cream. Yum. We will be returning to Johnny's soon. Service at the bar is unsurpassed!
(5)Laura B.
I had dinner here recently and really enjoyed it. The ambience and decor are very nice (actually much nicer than I expected). The food was excellent-I had the Korean steak taco and would highly recommend it. They have a good selection of microbrews on draught. Decent prices. Service was OK. I would return here!
(4)Zazu S.
We went for lunch today after reading a favorable review in The Republican. The selections are varied, so we tried three apps., the mac and cheese, pork sliders, and truffle fries. We also ordered the slow braised pork lasagna. I have to say that the mac and cheese is fabulous. it is for sure one of the best I've ever had. The fries are also excellent. The pork didn't hit the spot the for me as, given the wine braised description, it was watery and lacked flavor. The sliders were better than the lasagna, which was a true let-down as it came off as a bunch of pork with a few noodles and a little cheese. It lacked "something" and had no depth of flavor as would be expected. The dessert we tried, creme brulee and bread pudding, were excellent and they obviously whip their own cream--totally thick and rich. I only drink non-alcoholic beer and having the bottom-line selection of O'Douls was a major let down for a Tavern. There are much better non-alcoholic beers on the market. Overall, we were pleased. I would like to try some of their other items for a full comparison, so I'll go back in the future for another try. Atmosphere wise, it is a nice place to spend a couple of hours.
(3)J C.
After reading the reviews for this place I was really excited to try it. It ended up being very disappointing. The menu is very limited, but I guess it probably caters to the pretentious people who frequent this establishment and wrote the reviews before this one. I got a sandwich, probably one of 3 they have on the menu, it was tasty but VERY salty. I didn't experience the "bland" taste of the food that most of the other reviewers had a problem with. In fact, I thought the opposite, my boyfriend got a pizza and that was very over-seasoned as well. Also, $1 extra charge for fries? Really? The bartender was friendly, but a little too much. She was very loud, and her attempt at witticisms came off as annoying rather than funny. I was expecting a more laid back atmosphere from the reviews before, but I definitely did not experience it.
(2)Emma O.
I really like this place. I've had both lunch and dinner a number of times and each time has been delicious and memorable. As a vegetarian, I am constantly looking for a place that provides veggie options that aren't just a salad or pasta and let me tell you...the portabello mushroom served over quinoa is awesome. Also, try the truffle fries and roasted shallot dressing on a salad.
(5)Nick P.
Fantastic food, excellent service and a great menu. My personal favorite lunch spot due to the burger/beer combo, always cooked to perfection and it is definitely the best burger in town. I've never been disappointed in anything that I've ordered from the restaurant, food or otherwise. The tap selection is good, not the most extensive in the area but definitely full of solid craft beer. Mixed drinks are awesome as well, great bartenders. Scratch made food at a convenient location, my new favorite spot.
(5)Amanda R.
Oh wow! Had gnocchi & bolognese. They were fantastic. Gnocchi were super light and the bolognese sauce was meaty & flavorful. Great service & really nice about our rambunctious children. Going back for sure!
(4)Dominick A.
I have been going to school here for 4 years and regret only trying JTs for the first time now. Great brunch menu, great vibe! I will be back soon and frequently.
(5)J B.
I stopped into Johnny's Tavern on a whim for dinner recently, and it was so worth it! It reminds me of the trendy, delicious restaurants I visited last summer in San Diego, CA. FOOD: The menu is simple but sweet and can be found on their website. It was hard to pick one dish, so I got an appetizer too! The server suggested the risotto (bonus: they have a daily, changing risotto!) which was gorgonzola, seared steak and roasted red peppers that day for only $7 and it was SPECTACULAR. The flavors went together perfectly, it was pipping hot, and a perfect size for two. I would go back just to try all the different risottos honestly. For dinner, I chose the Cobb Salad, a classic simple dish, but the oregano vinagerette put a nice (delicious!) spin on it. You could tell the ingredients were very fresh, and the whole meal was very refreshing - not dense and loaded with dressing that makes you sluggish all day, the way some restaurants serve salads. I can only imagine how good the rest of the menu is... I'm definitely going to try the burger with a fried egg on it next time! ATMOSPHERE: The inside of this place is phenomenal - it is very cozy and tastefully decorated. The tabletops are a beautiful rich wood and the lighting is soft and creates a great ambiance. Everything looks fresh, well-maintained and clean. It looked like they may have a private room as well for parties, but I couldn't see it well from where I was sitting. It is a great space/seating for a couple's date or meeting with friends. I will definitely take my parents here as well when they come up to visit. While I'm sure they'd be accomidating - this just does not seem like the kind of place for smaller children who are ancy, picky or loud - it's a bit too upscale for the little ones, get a babysitter and go out on an adult date there instead! SERVICE: The whole time I was there, the staff was great and friendly. The hostess made pleasant small-talk with me and was more than happy to accomidate me wanting a booth. She even came by and checked on me later at the end of the meal :) My server, David, was very attentive and made the Awesome suggestion of the daily risotto, which I loved. He checked on me frequently without being invasive and took care of any modifications or wishes (dressing on the side, no bread, check early). Even the other waitresses and the bartender also looked happy and kept the restaurant clean. OVERALL: Not only will I go back to Johnny's and recommend it - I plan on bringing anyone and everyone I can there with me. The next time a friend or family member visits, I know where I'll take them for dinner! [P.S. - I was upset when ABC (Amherst Brewing Company) moved out of downtown Amherst, I like that pub atmopshere and the downtown location (I think ABC's new location and set-up on University Drive is horrible), but having Johnny's Tavern now is really like an upgrade in downtown Amherst from ABC!)
(5)Rebecca L.
Fabulous food, great service Came in tonight, a busy Saturday evening on UMass Parents Weekend. We had a lovely server named Rachel, who was appropriately attentive without being obtrusive. We started with the salt-and-pepper calamari, which were delicious - very light coating, Chinese style. The carrot-butternut squash soup was complex, not overly sweet, and tasting of curry but not overwhelmingly so. I had the Idaho trout, which came on an enormous bed of vegetables. I was unable to finish my meal (should have skipped the bread or had less calamari!). My husband had the swordfish special, and my daughter had the duck breast special, which I thought the best of the three excellent meals. We were all so full that none of us had dessert (highly unusual). This restaurant had muuuuch better food and service than Bistro63. There were so many dishes on the menu we wanted to try but we'll have many opportunities: our daughter is just a freshman, and we plan on coming back. Forgot to mention that our waitress Rachel told us the prices of the specials without needing to be prompted, which I think is huge. It irritates me when I have to ask, which is most of the time, so I appreciate it when the information is volunteered.
(5)Julie K.
This restaurant serves high quality food made from local ingredients. They cook eclectic cuisine catering to different tastes and have pretty good choice of appetizers and entrees. The food that we ate was excellent and service was fast and courteous. They are inexpensive, too. I highly recommend them to anybody.
(5)Neil G.
Let me start by saying that the evening couldn't have gone any better! My daughter, a UMASS student, was celebrating her 21st birthday, so we decided to drive to Amherst and try to make the day a little more special for her. I ordered roses and had them delivered to the restaurant and held confidentially until we arrived and ordered our first celebratory cocktail. As there were four of us, we arrive and the hostess seats us at a very comfortable table. We look over our cocktail menu and make our decisions known to an extremely attentive waiter. Sure enough, our drinks are brought to the table in a timely manner by the waiter, and the hostess, to the birthday girl's surprise, is carrying this beautiful vase of roses. The hostess suggested that we might want to move to a slightly larger table so that this beautiful bouquet wouldn't block anyone's view. We did, and within a minute or two we were all seated again and enjoying each other's company. PERFECT! We order appetizers of Truffle Fries, Shrimp and Corn Fritters, and Calamari ... all delicious! Our dinners consisted of Mussels, House Made Gnocchi, and Steak. Again, all excellent selections. The ambiance made for a cozy dining experience, the food was greatly enjoyed by all, and the attentiveness, service, and cooperation of the staff was extremely noticeable. Our experience ... TWO BIG THUMBS UP!
(5)S R.
We have eaten at Johnny's Tavern many times. The staff is friendly and helpful, and we often see people we know dining there as well making it an enjoyable place to be. The food is quite good! I especially enjoy the beet salad as a starter. It tastes fresh, and the beets are full of flavor. The braised beef pappardelle is my favorite entree! It has a a lot of flavor and texture, and the portion is quite generous. Recently, I have also enjoyed trying the different flat breads on the menu. I have never had a negative experience here. Occasionally, people I have been with have had meat undercooked or overcooked. The restaurant has always made it right in the old fashioned way that we used to expect in food service - recooking it correctly, discounting part of the meal, or a free desert, etc. This has become one of my favorite Amherst restaurants!
(4)Jim H.
This is a great new spot in Amherst. The decor is comfortable and classy. The staff is friendly and competent. And, more importantly, the food is great. I've had the burgers, the beer cheese soup, and the shrimp fritters. All good choices. In sum: very tasteful in appearance and very tasty in your mouth. Also reasonably priced and a welcome addition to Amherst.
(5)Petq V.
We found this restaurant via Yelp while visiting UMASS. We had lunch which consisted.of buffalo wings (very meaty), potato skins, main dishes were their tavern burger, fish tacos and steak and eggs. The food was so good we endulged in creme brule and pumpkin cheesecake. All were outstanding. Service was fantastic as well as atmosphere. Its about a mile from UMASS and was kind of hidden. Will.visit again and recommend to all.
(5)Gary K.
The staff was very nice but the food, not so much. Maybe it was just an off night or maybe the restaurant is still getting its feet but I wasn't impressed with anything our group had. We started with the antipasto which was presented inartfully and wasn't very tasty either. My rare ahi tuna salad was very oddly spiced (the tuna was alright but the greens were overdressed and everything tasted odd -- too much wasabi?). My son had the spaghetti and meatballs which he said was okay but also tasted off to me. My son's friend had the spicy meatball flatbread which he said was quite good (and he probably meant it since he ate all of it!). All in all, I'd got back but only after waiting a few months to let them settle in. If I was dining in Amherst, I definitely prefer the Lumberyard or Chez Albert.
(2)A W.
Delicious! Something for everyone here. Gotta try the truffle Parmesan fries and roasted shallot dressing on a salad or wrap. Diet soda was a bit flat. I'd go back if I'm in the area again.
(4)Jenn X.
A solid burger. My wife had the pork lasagna which was nice as well. She also enjoyed the selection of beers. Will definitely be returning as other patrons had appealing meals that went by our table.
(4)Ray G.
Four of us stopped in for lunch today. We all had the Tavern burger. We all agreed it's probably the best burger we've ever had. Nice decor, great service at the bar. Just outstanding.
(5)J K.
Of the two new restaurants in Amherst, (compare High Horse), this is by far the best. Excellent food, service very attentive, generous portions on all the dishes. The truffle fries are superb. Pork chop with polenta outstanding. Burgers very good. Fish and chips special was excellent too. Good to see a place like this in Amherst.
(5)A. H.
I am so glad we tried this place! The food was really good. I had the gnocchi with the creamy parmesan sauce and it was delicious, with enough to bring some home. My husband got the special, which was bass with citrus butter over hash that tasted great, but a little overpriced, costing as much as both of the other plates. We got a burger for our two kids to share, and it was amazing. Loved the bun and the homemade chips. The 007 drink was tasty, and they serve local beers on tap, the steel rail pale ale is really good. There are more things on the menu I would love to try, and aren't overly pricey. Overall was a great experience, I can't wait to be back. I'd be happy to recommend or bring anyone there for a nice meal.
(4)Emily B.
I had lunch at Johnny's tavern recently and was generally happy with my experience. I suppose " Tavern" is the best indicator of the theme this restaurant is going for, which is upscale pub food. The waiter described it as affordable gourmet, and From what I saw this seems accurate. The burger my boyfriend ordered was apparently delicious and a great deal ( 7 bucks for a burger and a drink!) and my portabella over quinoa and kale was wholesome, fresh, and plentiful, not to mention tasty and well-prepared. Though it was one of the few vegetarian options available, i was really happy to be saved from the usual veggie burger a place like this might try to pass off as a lunch option. Staff was friendly and very professional, the bar looks comfortable and modern, and the atmosphere makes me want to come back again for dinner. Definitely worth giving a shot. I think Johnny's might have some staying power in Amherst.
(4)