I've been passing by Jovan's Place for years. I've been meaning to eat her for almost as long. I don't know why I waited. I met with my good friend Ethan for dinner on Friday night. For starters, Jovan's Place is a weird space. It's a corner bar with no windows, and when you walk in there's a large bar, a big screen TV, and then a small dining room, all sort of crammed into one. The place wasn't full, and we were seated right away. All of the food is meticulously made to order, so we grabbed the menus right away to get our orders in; we knew they would take a bit of time. The menu has about ten different entrees to chose from. There were several enticing options. I went with a schnitzel rolled with ham and cheese. Ethan ordered a pork cutlet. While we were ordering we were given some great bread and homemade pesto dipping sauce. It was an excellent way to pass the time. Ethan and I were catching up and it didn't seem like an abnormal wait time for the food. The beer selection is weak. Draft beers consist only of major domestics, but there is a small selection from PBC. It's too bad this isn't a BYO, that would take it up a notch. The service here is unmatched. I think I love it because this restaurant is complete family affair; our man server/bartender was the owner. His wife and mother make all of the food. His young son was sitting at one of the tables playing Nintendo DS. His older son was having dinner with friends at another table. It was a great vibe. On top of that, everyone is incredibly nice and attentive. They were genuinely concerned with us enjoying our meals. The schnitzel was nothing like I expected. It kind of looked like a corndog. But it tasted amazing. One of the cheeses was home made. It was like a fancy cordon-blue. All of the meats/cheeses were high quality products and complimented each other well. Ethan's dish was more what I expected mine to look like, and he enjoyed it. I did a comparison taste test, and it wasn't as good of a cut as I ordered. We both had a side of mashed potatoes, which were fine, and a lot of veggies. The vegetables were the low point of the meal, I think they were canned. Overall, the meal was excellent. The owner insisted that we try his homemade cherry liqueur for dessert. They use homegrown cherries, and it tastes phenomenal. I highly recommend it as a perfect end to your meal here. Bottom Line: Jovan's Place is a self proclaimed Yugoslavian restaurant. I love that. The food is excellent, the service is great, and it's a nice place to chill out. The prices are just a bit higher that comparable spots, but it's so worth it, you shouldn't give it a second thought. Try this place out.
(4)
Daniel M.
Pretty much everything that I hoped for. I've lived in the neighborhood for the last 4 1/2 years and always meant to try Jovan's - last night for my birthday my wife surprised me with a trip there. BYO, which was great, since we brought a fun bottle of wine; their beer selection does not seem extensive. Everybody who talks about the family atmosphere is exactly right. It feels like you're in someone's living room, with Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune on TV, kids doing homework and nearby tables, and family and friends hanging out, eating. That being said, we definitely didn't feel ignored since we weren't family. Mama Jovan greeted us and sat us, brought over glasses and a corkscrew, and took our orders when we were ready; then I think she disappeared into the kitchen to make our food, which she clearly took my care in and delight over our reactions to it. Other family members stepped in to make sure we had enough bread, water, etc. Speaking of the food: delicious! Amazing, authentic Yugoslavian cuisine. And the portions were truly gigantic, as everyone said. We had steamed littleneck clams for an appetizer - great broth, not too salty, very tasty. They brought out an entire loaf of fresh bread, awesome pesto, and even brought out another loaf of bread when they saw how much we were enjoying dipping the bread into the broth from the clams. For entrees, I had the schnitzel, which was as good as everyone says, and deceptively filling. The veggies were likely frozen, but definitely not canned, and the spinach mashed potatoes were good. My wife had the seafood pasta, which she was probably only able to eat about 1/6 of because of the sheer quantity, but the flavors were awesome! Prices were very reasonable, especially for the quantity. Friendly people; outdated decor, not a place to go to for an upscale date night, but certainly a place I enjoyed visiting! We will probably be more likely to do takeout in the future, because the food is so homey and delicious that we would love to curl up on our own couch with a movie and eat it. We'll definitely be coming back, though.
(4)
Jonathan P.
Anyone who rates this below a 5-star went for the wrong reasons. This is NOT a place to go if you are a stuck-up snob who can't eat anywhere that isn't beautiful. The restaurant looks like it was furnished in the early 90s, but WHO CARES! Also, the menu CLEARLY states that all orders are made to order, and to bear with them. The motto, which is true as can be, says "Its Worth the Wait." Because of this I can't bear to listen to people complaining about the time it took for their meal to come. This food is HOMEMADE, and it is AMAZING! It is homemade to the point that I asked Mamma Jovan where she got the cheese inside my friend's Stuffed Schnitzel, and she said "Oh, I made it." This is above and beyond the call of restaurant duty. It was a minor part of a dish, and it was homemade. I had the stuffed cabbage, and it was brilliant. The meat inside, pork and beef, was cooked perfectly. It was cooked so perfectly that my lunch companion lamented that he didn't eat beef after tasting the cabbage shell, because he wanted to order it the next time he was there. I was also given half a loaf of homemade bread to take home with me to accompany my leftovers. If you have at least an hour to spend at a restaurant, definately go to Jovans. you won't regret it!
(5)
Jaime B.
Jovan's is a wonderful little family owned eatery in the Fishtown neighborhood. When you walk in the door, you automatically feel you are walking into your Grandmother's dining room. The owner's wife is the sweetest little lady. She looks like she just walked out of a 1950s movie. I truly feel like I'm visiting my Grandmom! They have two large tvs in there with the news always on, which I also like. She brings you drinks and the freshest bread with pesto sauce each visit. The pesto is delicious! I've been here several times. I've had the roast beef on Sarcones roll which was excellent and extremely large! On my latest visit, I ordered the pasta with seafood in it. It was incredible and also can feed a family of 4. I will have leftovers for days. She also makes fresh chicken noodle soup. The menu could be a little larger but if you find something you love, you'll keep ordering it each time.
(5)
Sebastien D.
I am really not sure how this place gets any stars but... Giant portions of food don't counter the fact that the food is awful. A group of us went there when we found out that there was a 2h wait for a table at Memphis tap room 2 blocks away on saturday evening. The decor was 70s/80s, the atmosphere was airless. It was not a comfortable environment. My GF described the food best: The fancy meal a 10year old kid made for his mom for mothers day. A lot of love but very little skill or imagination. (Rotini pasta with canned veggies, rotini pasta with stew, rotini pasta with grated parmesan.) My visiting friends where very quiet about it, but later where faced with carrying back with us 3 pounds of rotini pasta (literally 3 pounds), got in arguments over who would carry the gross stuff. arg.
(1)
Christine M.
Great home cooking with a Yugoslavian flare. Low key, affordable and so yummy! If you live in the area, this should be part of your short list.
(5)
Tim R.
Javon's is a great place for a more personal dining experience. When you end up here, you'll be having more than just a meal, but conversations with everyone around you. This is currently a BYO so bring drinks, as they do not have their liquor license but plan to get it reinstated in the next several months. The family, and subsequently the cuisine are Eastern European. I had the goulash, with a portion size as big as your head, you will certainly not go home hungry. The beef in the goulash was deliciously tender and perfectly trimmed. It was served over a bed of rotini which sop up the sauce. Although, they did offer to serve the goulash over mashed taters and veggies. My lady got the stuffed cabbage which came with spinach mashed potatoes and a medley of veggies. This, too, was a very large portion. I planned my return as soon as I looked at the menu. Pork schnitzel, yes please.
(5)
Mike G.
Well, the idea is interestingly good. The food is only ok and the atmosphere bad, especially when you consider that the son is the entertainment committee: bartender/lounge act comedy show. Don't get me wrong, they're all nice and friendly as heck but perhaps a bit too friendly. Note: this is a great spot if you're so lonely that you're considering suicide. You wont be ignored by the bartender. This guy is so friendly we had a hard time having our own conversations. OH! and you may want to eat a snack before you go because the average wait for dinner is 2 hours. I had the schnitzel and it was good. I just thought the price was higher than the meat and potatoes cuisine and decor deserved. Yeah, yeah, i like the kitschy fun concept of ma and pa cooking it in the kitchen with a ciggy hanging from their lower lip in a wife beater, who don't?! To be fair, there's a neighborhood of support that would disagree with me here and Im glad that Jovan's can survive as a result. It's just not on my list of ways to be separated from my money.
(2)
V W.
What!!! Forget all the hipster joints in the area, this is the place to be with reasonably priced Slavic food made by mom pop and son. It's a family owned business who put their heart in the business. It feels like a family dinner without all the drama. I may ask them to adopt me.
(5)
Jessica E.
If you are looking for chic dining room decor, an intimate evening with your date, a light meal, or a quick meal, this place is not for you. If you are looking for delicious Eastern European food, delightfully friendly and helpful service, a cozy and welcoming environment, and lots of leftovers, Jovan's place will be right up your alley! When I went here, I immediately felt like I was a guest in someone's home that just happened to have a bar and a check at the end of the meal. That atmosphere is fostered by the decor as well as the attitude of the family who owns the place (complete with their well-behaved children sitting at the next table). I ordered the goulash. It was quite delicious and humongous. They must have used the whole box of pasta! I was eating goulash all week... As a few other people mentioned, there is a long wait for the food, but they are extremely upfront about that, so it did not bother me. I will definitely be going back!
(4)
Holly L.
I've lived near this place for two years now and I finally checked it out. As others have stated, be prepared to wait, for about an hour and half. The food tastes good and the portions are enormous (I recommend splitting one entree with 2-3 people), but don't go in here starving or you will eat all the delicious fresh bread they bring out to your table (like I did), and barely be able to enjoy a bite of your meal. I also made the mistake of ordering bruschetta without knowing about this big basket of bread. So unless you're carb loading, don't get the bruschetta. The drinks were more expensive than I would have thought for a corner bar in Kensington/Fishtown ($6.50 for a glass of wine), but I enjoyed a relaxing dinner with my husband with nowhere to go after, so I didn't mind. There were two young kids who looked like they were sorta doing homework/trying to entertain the guests. Kinda funny.
(4)
Eric F.
Jovan's definitely operates on its own time zone, but once you accept that premise it is a refreshingly unrushed experience. The food isn't great, but it is good and certainly plentiful The family is so friendly! Definitely worth investing a (long) night out!
(4)
Dirk L.
My girlfriend recently moved back to Philadelphia at the same time my brother and his girlfriend were moving there as well, this left me home in Wilkes-Barre alone and longing for the camaraderie I shared with those individuals. Upon a visit to the city of brotherly love, (a place where I spent my early twenties, forcing myself into painful self-evolution.) I was reunited with my brother, a stalwart first mate on the high sea adventure that is my life, his girlfriend, a merry sort of helmsman, and my girlfriend, someone who hates maritime metaphors. We of course wished to celebrate our reunion over food and drink. We first attempted to go to the Memphis Taproom, where a strange unisex person, told us it would be at least an hour wait, when we could see several tables open -however, the unisex was already off talking to someone else about his bicycle before we could protest. And what luck that we were rejected from that hallowed hall of hipsterdom, and had to seek refuge in the welcoming arms of Jovan's Place. I don't believe in all my years of eating here, or eating there that I had ever managed to eat somewhere. There were Europeans bickering at the bar, and cops eating giant chicken sandwiches. The waiter/owner dazzled us with tales of his life, as his mom and dad prepared our diner in the back. The experienced lasted only mere hours, but I still remain in the daze that fell over me whenever I think back on it. The food reminded me of my own mother's, the easy jokes of my own father, the very idea of a restaurant was before me. It felt as if someone had invited me into there own home, which felt familiar and quaint. A reunion of myself, and those I hold dearest in a place I am not so sure could exists in our time of fast-paced ignorance, head down texting, an age when conversation and all the art that came with it is wearily tossed aside for cattiness and bitterness. Jovan's was a masterclass in how a restaurant should work, how we could all be better for each other, if we slow down and enjoy the moment were having. To quote my brother's girlfriend, as we left with two loves of bread under our arms: "Oh my god. What just happened?" as a look of absolute glee was plastered across her face.
(5)
Jeff H.
When you want Serbian and southeastern European food, Jovan's Place is an awesome destination in Philadelphia. This is the food of the Austrian Empire/Balkans which is way too under-represented in the Philadelphia area. When I come home from Vienna, I like to head to Jovan's for a taste of the food that I miss from there. Their schnitzel and gulasch are very good but their specialties are the stuffed cabbage or sarma and their pljeskavica. Pljeskavica could be called a Serbian hamburger patty except that it's tastier and has been around for centuries before there were hamburgers. It is served with sirene cheese (think tasty Bulgarian brine cheese) and tomatoes. The sarma or stuffed cabbage is served with a delicious mixture of spinach and mashed potatoes. Mama cooks in the kitchen. She takes her time because she wants everything to be up to her high standards. The service is very friendly. This is a great neighborhood place for a little southeastern European cuisine. At this time Jovan's Place is BYOB but that could also change in the future so check before you go.
(5)
lara s.
Drove by here two dozen times. Looks closed from the outside. BUT - I'm so glad I tried it. Home made bread. Home made everything. I've been thinking about the schnitzel for days after. I feel like I am in someone's home. Very welcoming and delicious. Make a visit and you'll have food for at least two meals. Warning: Not vegetarian friendly.
(5)
Jessica S.
We live around the corner from this little place and were always curious... finally got the real Ukrainian experience. Over all a nice little place for a home cooked meal. It is a FAMILY run restaurant. Kiddos hanging out Ma and Pa running the front, and the elder Mr. and Mrs. making EVERYTHING to order in the kitchen. Everything was FRESH and delicious. Bread for the table - delicious Muscles in white garlic sauce - excellent The Schnitzel... delicious homemade cheese, fantastic breading. A must try on your first visit. The Stuffed Cabbage -- not like my polish granny makes it, but very good, especially for a new comer to this dish. We didn't wait long at all for our meal. We were warned that it could take a while, and were perfectly ready to relax at the table in between courses... we were fed in under an hour. It was a quiet night at the tables, but the kitchen must have turned out a dozen take home orders. SUPPORT local mom and pop restaurants and give Jovan's Place a try.
(4)
Craig N.
I don't get the hype. The place was empty while we waited an unacceptable amount of time for food. The whole time we waited an employee, presumably their son, talked my face off, to the point of me being uncomfortable. Chicken noodle soup was bland, stuff cabbage was bland, the seafood pasta was a gluttonous portion that was flavorless. The highlight of my meal was the crispy sourdough bread which elevated my review from 2 to 3 stars.
(3)
Matt D.
Sometimes you take a chance on a hidden little spot in a neighborhood that's not your own, and it turns out to be a wonderful, authentic, and memorable experience. This is one of those places where nothing has changed in a very long time, and when you do things this well, why change? The decor is simple, clean, and dated. The incredibly genuine and sweet lady (one half of the husband and wife ownership) working the front of the house was inviting and pleasant, but she was also efficient and attentive, which I like. The second I saw "sour" in the description line of the stuffed cabbage, I knew this was going to be special. I've been looking for this version since my grandmother's friend passed away in my childhood. Not only was the cabbage nearly perfect, but the simple vegetables and mashed potatoes with spinach were fresh and vibrant. We were also treated to a wonderful bread that was sourced nearby and served with a homemade pesto. On top of all this, we were given a sample of Jovan's sausage that he makes on site each day. This small serving was accompanied by the story of his Yugoslavian heritage and time spent as a butcher before immigrating to the states. Some restaraunts just make you feel warm and comfortable, and this is one of those places. I can't wait to bring my parents for some goulash and schnitzel.
(5)
Mallory D.
All the times I drove past Jovan's, I always thought it was one of those old guy watering holes. Little did I know that a) no alcohol is served there, and b) they have the best goulash in town. Not that I have tried a lot of goulash in town, but still. So if you are looking to get full on the cheap, this is the place. A plate of goulash bigger than the human head runs $14. Considering most people can get 2-3 meals out of it, that's a bargain. The bread they serve here is warm and crusty and delish with a tasty little side of pesto. The ambiance-especially the paneling-would remind you of your grandmom's house, if your grandmom cooked delicious Austrian food. The menu had much more to offer, but I played it safe and stuck with things I've heard of before. But delicious food + BYOB status ensures I will be back to work my way through the menu!
(4)
jay t.
Take my whole family here at least twice a month , the seafood paste is banging.Even though you can wait awhile it's worth it , just snack on some pesto and bread.The owners are really good people mom and dad runs the show there.
(4)
Michelle H.
I think it's important to realize that every place is its own place and has its own charm. Now to be fair this is not the standard hipster place that you may be expecting for Fishtown, so disabuse yourself of that notion if that is why you would come here. The best way I can describe this experience is its like going home to see your grandma & grandpa and then they ask you what you want and then they go back into the kitchen to make it and bring it out to you. As everyone else has mentioned, the portions are really huge and the food is good, fresh and entirely homemade. We had the pleskavicja and the stuffed cabbage...both were delicious and super filling. I don't recall if there were any vegetarian options, but the next time I am there I will check it out. The prices were ridiculously low for everything that we got. We will definitely return and were happy with what we received.
(5)
Carolyn L.
Eating at Jovan's Place was certainly a unique dining experience. It is exactly how it sounds...like someone's home. You walk in and there is a bar to your immediate left, and what looks to be somebody's living room in front of you. Of course, it's not, it is the dining area, but it looks strangely homey. You are greeted by the wife of the cook that runs that part of the restaurant and she gets you drinks and place settings. The food is good, and the portions are gargantuan. I've posted a photo to show the comparison of the meal to a friend's hand. I ordered the goulash that was really quite good, a dark beef gravy/sauce, with very tender, juicy beef, over what I can only imagine is a whole box of rotini noodles. Don't get me wrong, I was happy with my meal, but geez, I could have fed a whole family with that meal alone. Once dinner was eaten the cook's son came out and offered us homemade pear liqueur, free of charge. It was very sweet but really quite delicious. The owners are incredibly kind, but the service is slow. If you have some time to wait around for your food, check this place out, it will make for an interesting night.
(4)
Coral K.
It's been a while since I've been here, I won't lie I kept forgetting to write a well deserved review for this place! I used to live around the corner before moving down to Florida, I'd come in every once in a while. From the appearance outside, it might seem "Hole in the wall." But don't judge a book by it's cover! Just as others have stated, this is NOT your typical restaurant experience.. It feels like you're going over to someones home for dinner. It reminded me of going to my Czech relatives house. Everyone is very kind, the sort of kindness that you don't come across very often. Yes, there is a very long wait, the portions are a little too huge, but the food is fresh and delicious! I'd get the shrimp cocktail to start, and then the pasta. I haven't tried any other dishes because of dietary restrictions, but everything that my friends would order when we would visit, they seemed to love. Back when they still had a full bar, the lady would give us a tiny glass of dessert liquor with cherries at the end of our meal. My only qualm was the wait, but given the quality of the food and the fact that it's home made from scratch, that's a small price to pay. It's true, this isn't a trendy "Hipster" place, this is a comfortable, unique restaurant that will absolutely surprise and delight you in ways that are difficult to describe unless you've actually been here!
(5)
David D.
On a whim during a Wednesday night, my lady and I decided to give Jovan's a try after reading positive reviews. Surprisingly, we were the only ones there at first and were seated immediately. In keeping with their "homey" aesthetic, the large dining area may not have been updated in a few decades and was dominated by a huge TV in the corner of the lo-fi bar. It felt like an over-sized living room, which you may find cozy and inviting. Mrs. Jovan greeted us herself warmly, promptly delivering water and utensils. I ordered the seafood pasta and my lady selected the chicken tenders and chicken soup. While we waited, to our surprise, she presented us with a fresh hearty loaf of bread and pesto for dipping, both of which were excellent. She checked whether we wanted a larger table or not. I thought she was trying to make us as comfortable as possible, which she did, but it would prove to be a precursor because... MY PASTA WAS FREAKIN MASSIVE. I couldn't help exclaiming "wow" to which Mrs. Jovan chuckled. In addition to quantity, the quality was there as well. True, in proportion to the generous amount of pasta, there could've been a couple more shrimp, but I wasn't complaining. Tossed lightly with butter and garlic then topped with black pepper and grated cheese, it was super duper good. My lady's chicken tenders were browned to perfection then served with a tasty aoli. All seemed fresh. Mrs. Jovan proudly reiterated how they were made to order. I'd much rather wait for a solid meal then have some gimp TV dinner tossed in a microwave and lightly dressed to masquerade as restaurant quality. My lady's chicken soup was great as well. Mrs. Jovan was warmly accommodating and attentive throughout the night. Seriously, it made me a bit uncomfortable but in a good way because I'm simply not used to being treated with such care as if we're friends of the family. My pasta - which would later provide a whole two additional meals - was wrapped up along with the rest of the cozy bread she served us earlier, which was nearly an entire loaf. That was a nice bonus. Seriously, this was our first time here. We weren't friends of the family or anything like that. I could muster a couple minor negatives. One being their lack of beer selection. Aside from the usual abhorrent swill, there was Pilsner Urquell, which at least is good if you're into that. Second, Jovan's Place is cash only. I understand this leaves more money for the staff, but yeah... can be an inconvenience if you don't normally carry much cash. Then there's the simple, homey decor which might upset some high-brow urban types... but that's not what Jovan's Place is about. It's about home-cooked style meals that, being Ukrainian, reminds me of something my own grandmother might cook... and they delivered on that.
(4)
Ryan C.
The family that owns the place is incredibly nice and for that reason you will certainly see me return. The food usually takes a while to get to the table, but the portions are huge (especially the salads, goulash and roast beef sandwich) and most things are very good. Last time we went, a table of four eastern Europeans sat next to my wife and I. You know the food is authentic and good when you see this. The goulash was a little disappointing. While the size was huge (too big - 1 entire box of pasta) there wasn't much in the realm of flavor. It tasted a lot like beef stroganoff and didn't really having anything other than a few pieces of meat, gravy and 1 lb of spiral pasta. My wife ordered the Jovan's Schnitzel which was a pork loin rolled up and stuffed with ham & cheese, breaded and fried. It was a lot like chicken cordon bleu and we both thought it was super delicious! The ambiance is the same as any corner north Philadelphia bar. If you ask politely you might get to try some of Jovan's cherry soaked liquor. His family picks the cherries every summer and the stuff is knockout good.
(3)
Geri V.
What a pleasant surprise! A local pointed me toward this place when he witnessed me discovering that another establishment was closed. Delicious, fresh, and home cooked meal! Lovely hostess/server/owner. Felt like I was visiting someone's home. BYO.
(4)
Jill A.
BEST CHICKEN SOUP EVER. Seriously, the soup-making skills of Mama Jovan (let's call her that; I don't actually know her name) are OUT OF THIS FRIGGIN' WORLD. This soup will make you feel like your favorite grandma just hugged you and kissed you and covered you in a crocheted blanket on the couch while slipping you pieces of candy every hour on the hour. It's the cure-all, for sure. The ultimate better-than-your-mom's chicken soup. Fresh meat, flavorful broth, big hunks of carrot. Simple with no frills, as chicken soup should be. And it's served with nearly half a loaf of crusty bread. Oh, and lots of napkins. (Sometimes, I don't even buy napkins for my house when I run out; I call in a food order at Jovan's!) Other wonderfully delicious items at Jovan's include the bruschetta and the burger. But be warned: the food is prepared as you order, which means it's going to take a while (but taste amazing). If you live nearby and pop in to order your food to-go, don't fret about waiting. Grab a drink at the bar and chat it up with the bartender. He's friendly, as are Mama and her husband, who both work the kitchen. Gosh, all this talk of soup and burgers, I'm sort of glad we're having a chilly spell this week. It's perfect soup weather!
(4)
Char E.
My best friend lives around the corner and we go here if we have 2 hours to dedicate to dinner and want 2 pounds of grandmas food to take home. The bartender is super nice, the food is amazing and of gigantic german proportions and its got that small town feel that you rarely find in Philadelphia. A gem, for sure. - Charmaine Ensinger
(5)
Nancy K.
We went for Fishtown restaurant week. We chose our meals from the three-course menu ($25 per person). The atmosphere is great with a friendly family running the business. We were welcomed upon entering, even though the place was already crowded. After ordering drinks, we were given bread and a home-made pesto sauce. Both were delicious and great to hold us over until our appetizers arrived. Also, Joe, the owner/bartender offered to take our order before a large party to ensure we wouldn't have to wait even longer for our meals. We got mussels and clams to start. They were so fresh, we could still taste the salt water! They were cooked with garlic and herbs that helped us finish the bread we had leftover. The portions were generous, and it was nice to share. I got the stuffed cabbage for my main. There were three large stuffed cabbages with spinach mashed potatoes, sweet corn, carrots, and green beans. It looked and tasted home cooked. There were no pretenses here - what you ask for is what you get. I also came home with a portion for lunch tomorrow! For anyone looking for a traditional Eastern European meal, I would suggest the stuffed cabbage. My husband had the Yugoslavian burger. It is served without a bun. The meat was grilled perfectly, and it was served with big slices of tomato with diced raw onion and some sort of goat cheese. It also was delicious. Although it sounds so simple, it was done just right so that thenatural flavors worked together perfectly. The third course was a walnut cake with chocolate syrup. There was no choice for dessert, but that only proves that they only serve what they make themselves. Simple cake, but very nice after a big meal. Before we left, Joe told us to stay just a big longer, and he served us each a shot of home-made pear liqueur. It was incredibly sweet and so good! It was a nice touch. I didn't get the feeling that Joe serves this after every meal, but there was a big crowd for restaurant week, and I think he had a few new customers in the dining room. I would definitely suggest Jovan's for a long, home-cooked meal experience. It has a feeling of eating at your grandmom's house on a Sunday night. I will definitely go back. No complaints, just compliments.
(4)
Anne L.
Amazing food, great service and right around the corner. What more could you ask for. The wait and the price are well worth it.
(4)
A. Jordan R.
A real neighborhood gem. The food is some of the best in the city and the portions of goulash will have you eating for 2 days. Schnitzel was also excellent, as was the soup and mussels. Yeah, it takes a long time, but it's a good place if you want to hang out for a few hours and throw a couple back. Jay the bartender is very entertaining and friendly. Jovans is great way to spend the night and to meet some of your neighbors.
(5)
G S.
My god, where to begin... They pick up their food for their dinner menu fresh every day from select vendors. Every meal is prepared when you order it - there is nothing laying around - your meal is prepared individually. This takes some time - longer than many want to dedicate to diner but if you have some to take in a traditional European style dinner - this is the place. Everything is as awesome as it gets from appetizer to dessert for two is $40 to $50 bucks. You cannot beat the experience and the leftovers which will take you days to finish. Atomosphere is friendly family's living room/dining room type place and they have a good beer selection - no gouging on drinks too. You know how rare that is? Of course you do. Can you tell? We like...
(5)
N C.
One of the hidden gems of the city! Sure you have to wait a bit for your food but Mom and Pop are quite literally making your food for you, so it's all made to order and it makes you feel like home, trust me when I tell you this. The dinner entertainment (aka. Bartender Joey and sons) are hilarious with fun tricks. The portions are enormous and your best bet is take away, or you can call ahead and Joey will call you when your meal is ready. The prices are reasonable and the food is great!
(4)
Mike R.
It's not just about the food, but the experience. As soon as we walked in it was as if we were the bartneder, Joe's, old friends. Their bread was some of the best I've had in Philly. The food is worth the wait to get. I had the Schnitzel and it was fried perfectly and you could tell it wasn't in a dirty old deep fryer. If you order a pasta dish expect a lot of left overs. Overall the service is some of the best I've ever had and the atmosphere is that of being inside their home kitchen. Joe's Mom & Dad are the chef's and his kids help out with the service. The whole meal felt like we we're old friends over for a great meal. I would recommend this place to everyone but I'm not sure if I want too many people crowding up the intimate restaurant.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No 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 Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Walter K.
I've been passing by Jovan's Place for years. I've been meaning to eat her for almost as long. I don't know why I waited. I met with my good friend Ethan for dinner on Friday night. For starters, Jovan's Place is a weird space. It's a corner bar with no windows, and when you walk in there's a large bar, a big screen TV, and then a small dining room, all sort of crammed into one. The place wasn't full, and we were seated right away. All of the food is meticulously made to order, so we grabbed the menus right away to get our orders in; we knew they would take a bit of time. The menu has about ten different entrees to chose from. There were several enticing options. I went with a schnitzel rolled with ham and cheese. Ethan ordered a pork cutlet. While we were ordering we were given some great bread and homemade pesto dipping sauce. It was an excellent way to pass the time. Ethan and I were catching up and it didn't seem like an abnormal wait time for the food. The beer selection is weak. Draft beers consist only of major domestics, but there is a small selection from PBC. It's too bad this isn't a BYO, that would take it up a notch. The service here is unmatched. I think I love it because this restaurant is complete family affair; our man server/bartender was the owner. His wife and mother make all of the food. His young son was sitting at one of the tables playing Nintendo DS. His older son was having dinner with friends at another table. It was a great vibe. On top of that, everyone is incredibly nice and attentive. They were genuinely concerned with us enjoying our meals. The schnitzel was nothing like I expected. It kind of looked like a corndog. But it tasted amazing. One of the cheeses was home made. It was like a fancy cordon-blue. All of the meats/cheeses were high quality products and complimented each other well. Ethan's dish was more what I expected mine to look like, and he enjoyed it. I did a comparison taste test, and it wasn't as good of a cut as I ordered. We both had a side of mashed potatoes, which were fine, and a lot of veggies. The vegetables were the low point of the meal, I think they were canned. Overall, the meal was excellent. The owner insisted that we try his homemade cherry liqueur for dessert. They use homegrown cherries, and it tastes phenomenal. I highly recommend it as a perfect end to your meal here. Bottom Line: Jovan's Place is a self proclaimed Yugoslavian restaurant. I love that. The food is excellent, the service is great, and it's a nice place to chill out. The prices are just a bit higher that comparable spots, but it's so worth it, you shouldn't give it a second thought. Try this place out.
(4)Daniel M.
Pretty much everything that I hoped for. I've lived in the neighborhood for the last 4 1/2 years and always meant to try Jovan's - last night for my birthday my wife surprised me with a trip there. BYO, which was great, since we brought a fun bottle of wine; their beer selection does not seem extensive. Everybody who talks about the family atmosphere is exactly right. It feels like you're in someone's living room, with Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune on TV, kids doing homework and nearby tables, and family and friends hanging out, eating. That being said, we definitely didn't feel ignored since we weren't family. Mama Jovan greeted us and sat us, brought over glasses and a corkscrew, and took our orders when we were ready; then I think she disappeared into the kitchen to make our food, which she clearly took my care in and delight over our reactions to it. Other family members stepped in to make sure we had enough bread, water, etc. Speaking of the food: delicious! Amazing, authentic Yugoslavian cuisine. And the portions were truly gigantic, as everyone said. We had steamed littleneck clams for an appetizer - great broth, not too salty, very tasty. They brought out an entire loaf of fresh bread, awesome pesto, and even brought out another loaf of bread when they saw how much we were enjoying dipping the bread into the broth from the clams. For entrees, I had the schnitzel, which was as good as everyone says, and deceptively filling. The veggies were likely frozen, but definitely not canned, and the spinach mashed potatoes were good. My wife had the seafood pasta, which she was probably only able to eat about 1/6 of because of the sheer quantity, but the flavors were awesome! Prices were very reasonable, especially for the quantity. Friendly people; outdated decor, not a place to go to for an upscale date night, but certainly a place I enjoyed visiting! We will probably be more likely to do takeout in the future, because the food is so homey and delicious that we would love to curl up on our own couch with a movie and eat it. We'll definitely be coming back, though.
(4)Jonathan P.
Anyone who rates this below a 5-star went for the wrong reasons. This is NOT a place to go if you are a stuck-up snob who can't eat anywhere that isn't beautiful. The restaurant looks like it was furnished in the early 90s, but WHO CARES! Also, the menu CLEARLY states that all orders are made to order, and to bear with them. The motto, which is true as can be, says "Its Worth the Wait." Because of this I can't bear to listen to people complaining about the time it took for their meal to come. This food is HOMEMADE, and it is AMAZING! It is homemade to the point that I asked Mamma Jovan where she got the cheese inside my friend's Stuffed Schnitzel, and she said "Oh, I made it." This is above and beyond the call of restaurant duty. It was a minor part of a dish, and it was homemade. I had the stuffed cabbage, and it was brilliant. The meat inside, pork and beef, was cooked perfectly. It was cooked so perfectly that my lunch companion lamented that he didn't eat beef after tasting the cabbage shell, because he wanted to order it the next time he was there. I was also given half a loaf of homemade bread to take home with me to accompany my leftovers. If you have at least an hour to spend at a restaurant, definately go to Jovans. you won't regret it!
(5)Jaime B.
Jovan's is a wonderful little family owned eatery in the Fishtown neighborhood. When you walk in the door, you automatically feel you are walking into your Grandmother's dining room. The owner's wife is the sweetest little lady. She looks like she just walked out of a 1950s movie. I truly feel like I'm visiting my Grandmom! They have two large tvs in there with the news always on, which I also like. She brings you drinks and the freshest bread with pesto sauce each visit. The pesto is delicious! I've been here several times. I've had the roast beef on Sarcones roll which was excellent and extremely large! On my latest visit, I ordered the pasta with seafood in it. It was incredible and also can feed a family of 4. I will have leftovers for days. She also makes fresh chicken noodle soup. The menu could be a little larger but if you find something you love, you'll keep ordering it each time.
(5)Sebastien D.
I am really not sure how this place gets any stars but... Giant portions of food don't counter the fact that the food is awful. A group of us went there when we found out that there was a 2h wait for a table at Memphis tap room 2 blocks away on saturday evening. The decor was 70s/80s, the atmosphere was airless. It was not a comfortable environment. My GF described the food best: The fancy meal a 10year old kid made for his mom for mothers day. A lot of love but very little skill or imagination. (Rotini pasta with canned veggies, rotini pasta with stew, rotini pasta with grated parmesan.) My visiting friends where very quiet about it, but later where faced with carrying back with us 3 pounds of rotini pasta (literally 3 pounds), got in arguments over who would carry the gross stuff. arg.
(1)Christine M.
Great home cooking with a Yugoslavian flare. Low key, affordable and so yummy! If you live in the area, this should be part of your short list.
(5)Tim R.
Javon's is a great place for a more personal dining experience. When you end up here, you'll be having more than just a meal, but conversations with everyone around you. This is currently a BYO so bring drinks, as they do not have their liquor license but plan to get it reinstated in the next several months. The family, and subsequently the cuisine are Eastern European. I had the goulash, with a portion size as big as your head, you will certainly not go home hungry. The beef in the goulash was deliciously tender and perfectly trimmed. It was served over a bed of rotini which sop up the sauce. Although, they did offer to serve the goulash over mashed taters and veggies. My lady got the stuffed cabbage which came with spinach mashed potatoes and a medley of veggies. This, too, was a very large portion. I planned my return as soon as I looked at the menu. Pork schnitzel, yes please.
(5)Mike G.
Well, the idea is interestingly good. The food is only ok and the atmosphere bad, especially when you consider that the son is the entertainment committee: bartender/lounge act comedy show. Don't get me wrong, they're all nice and friendly as heck but perhaps a bit too friendly. Note: this is a great spot if you're so lonely that you're considering suicide. You wont be ignored by the bartender. This guy is so friendly we had a hard time having our own conversations. OH! and you may want to eat a snack before you go because the average wait for dinner is 2 hours. I had the schnitzel and it was good. I just thought the price was higher than the meat and potatoes cuisine and decor deserved. Yeah, yeah, i like the kitschy fun concept of ma and pa cooking it in the kitchen with a ciggy hanging from their lower lip in a wife beater, who don't?! To be fair, there's a neighborhood of support that would disagree with me here and Im glad that Jovan's can survive as a result. It's just not on my list of ways to be separated from my money.
(2)V W.
What!!! Forget all the hipster joints in the area, this is the place to be with reasonably priced Slavic food made by mom pop and son. It's a family owned business who put their heart in the business. It feels like a family dinner without all the drama. I may ask them to adopt me.
(5)Jessica E.
If you are looking for chic dining room decor, an intimate evening with your date, a light meal, or a quick meal, this place is not for you. If you are looking for delicious Eastern European food, delightfully friendly and helpful service, a cozy and welcoming environment, and lots of leftovers, Jovan's place will be right up your alley! When I went here, I immediately felt like I was a guest in someone's home that just happened to have a bar and a check at the end of the meal. That atmosphere is fostered by the decor as well as the attitude of the family who owns the place (complete with their well-behaved children sitting at the next table). I ordered the goulash. It was quite delicious and humongous. They must have used the whole box of pasta! I was eating goulash all week... As a few other people mentioned, there is a long wait for the food, but they are extremely upfront about that, so it did not bother me. I will definitely be going back!
(4)Holly L.
I've lived near this place for two years now and I finally checked it out. As others have stated, be prepared to wait, for about an hour and half. The food tastes good and the portions are enormous (I recommend splitting one entree with 2-3 people), but don't go in here starving or you will eat all the delicious fresh bread they bring out to your table (like I did), and barely be able to enjoy a bite of your meal. I also made the mistake of ordering bruschetta without knowing about this big basket of bread. So unless you're carb loading, don't get the bruschetta. The drinks were more expensive than I would have thought for a corner bar in Kensington/Fishtown ($6.50 for a glass of wine), but I enjoyed a relaxing dinner with my husband with nowhere to go after, so I didn't mind. There were two young kids who looked like they were sorta doing homework/trying to entertain the guests. Kinda funny.
(4)Eric F.
Jovan's definitely operates on its own time zone, but once you accept that premise it is a refreshingly unrushed experience. The food isn't great, but it is good and certainly plentiful The family is so friendly! Definitely worth investing a (long) night out!
(4)Dirk L.
My girlfriend recently moved back to Philadelphia at the same time my brother and his girlfriend were moving there as well, this left me home in Wilkes-Barre alone and longing for the camaraderie I shared with those individuals. Upon a visit to the city of brotherly love, (a place where I spent my early twenties, forcing myself into painful self-evolution.) I was reunited with my brother, a stalwart first mate on the high sea adventure that is my life, his girlfriend, a merry sort of helmsman, and my girlfriend, someone who hates maritime metaphors. We of course wished to celebrate our reunion over food and drink. We first attempted to go to the Memphis Taproom, where a strange unisex person, told us it would be at least an hour wait, when we could see several tables open -however, the unisex was already off talking to someone else about his bicycle before we could protest. And what luck that we were rejected from that hallowed hall of hipsterdom, and had to seek refuge in the welcoming arms of Jovan's Place. I don't believe in all my years of eating here, or eating there that I had ever managed to eat somewhere. There were Europeans bickering at the bar, and cops eating giant chicken sandwiches. The waiter/owner dazzled us with tales of his life, as his mom and dad prepared our diner in the back. The experienced lasted only mere hours, but I still remain in the daze that fell over me whenever I think back on it. The food reminded me of my own mother's, the easy jokes of my own father, the very idea of a restaurant was before me. It felt as if someone had invited me into there own home, which felt familiar and quaint. A reunion of myself, and those I hold dearest in a place I am not so sure could exists in our time of fast-paced ignorance, head down texting, an age when conversation and all the art that came with it is wearily tossed aside for cattiness and bitterness. Jovan's was a masterclass in how a restaurant should work, how we could all be better for each other, if we slow down and enjoy the moment were having. To quote my brother's girlfriend, as we left with two loves of bread under our arms: "Oh my god. What just happened?" as a look of absolute glee was plastered across her face.
(5)Jeff H.
When you want Serbian and southeastern European food, Jovan's Place is an awesome destination in Philadelphia. This is the food of the Austrian Empire/Balkans which is way too under-represented in the Philadelphia area. When I come home from Vienna, I like to head to Jovan's for a taste of the food that I miss from there. Their schnitzel and gulasch are very good but their specialties are the stuffed cabbage or sarma and their pljeskavica. Pljeskavica could be called a Serbian hamburger patty except that it's tastier and has been around for centuries before there were hamburgers. It is served with sirene cheese (think tasty Bulgarian brine cheese) and tomatoes. The sarma or stuffed cabbage is served with a delicious mixture of spinach and mashed potatoes. Mama cooks in the kitchen. She takes her time because she wants everything to be up to her high standards. The service is very friendly. This is a great neighborhood place for a little southeastern European cuisine. At this time Jovan's Place is BYOB but that could also change in the future so check before you go.
(5)lara s.
Drove by here two dozen times. Looks closed from the outside. BUT - I'm so glad I tried it. Home made bread. Home made everything. I've been thinking about the schnitzel for days after. I feel like I am in someone's home. Very welcoming and delicious. Make a visit and you'll have food for at least two meals. Warning: Not vegetarian friendly.
(5)Jessica S.
We live around the corner from this little place and were always curious... finally got the real Ukrainian experience. Over all a nice little place for a home cooked meal. It is a FAMILY run restaurant. Kiddos hanging out Ma and Pa running the front, and the elder Mr. and Mrs. making EVERYTHING to order in the kitchen. Everything was FRESH and delicious. Bread for the table - delicious Muscles in white garlic sauce - excellent The Schnitzel... delicious homemade cheese, fantastic breading. A must try on your first visit. The Stuffed Cabbage -- not like my polish granny makes it, but very good, especially for a new comer to this dish. We didn't wait long at all for our meal. We were warned that it could take a while, and were perfectly ready to relax at the table in between courses... we were fed in under an hour. It was a quiet night at the tables, but the kitchen must have turned out a dozen take home orders. SUPPORT local mom and pop restaurants and give Jovan's Place a try.
(4)Craig N.
I don't get the hype. The place was empty while we waited an unacceptable amount of time for food. The whole time we waited an employee, presumably their son, talked my face off, to the point of me being uncomfortable. Chicken noodle soup was bland, stuff cabbage was bland, the seafood pasta was a gluttonous portion that was flavorless. The highlight of my meal was the crispy sourdough bread which elevated my review from 2 to 3 stars.
(3)Matt D.
Sometimes you take a chance on a hidden little spot in a neighborhood that's not your own, and it turns out to be a wonderful, authentic, and memorable experience. This is one of those places where nothing has changed in a very long time, and when you do things this well, why change? The decor is simple, clean, and dated. The incredibly genuine and sweet lady (one half of the husband and wife ownership) working the front of the house was inviting and pleasant, but she was also efficient and attentive, which I like. The second I saw "sour" in the description line of the stuffed cabbage, I knew this was going to be special. I've been looking for this version since my grandmother's friend passed away in my childhood. Not only was the cabbage nearly perfect, but the simple vegetables and mashed potatoes with spinach were fresh and vibrant. We were also treated to a wonderful bread that was sourced nearby and served with a homemade pesto. On top of all this, we were given a sample of Jovan's sausage that he makes on site each day. This small serving was accompanied by the story of his Yugoslavian heritage and time spent as a butcher before immigrating to the states. Some restaraunts just make you feel warm and comfortable, and this is one of those places. I can't wait to bring my parents for some goulash and schnitzel.
(5)Mallory D.
All the times I drove past Jovan's, I always thought it was one of those old guy watering holes. Little did I know that a) no alcohol is served there, and b) they have the best goulash in town. Not that I have tried a lot of goulash in town, but still. So if you are looking to get full on the cheap, this is the place. A plate of goulash bigger than the human head runs $14. Considering most people can get 2-3 meals out of it, that's a bargain. The bread they serve here is warm and crusty and delish with a tasty little side of pesto. The ambiance-especially the paneling-would remind you of your grandmom's house, if your grandmom cooked delicious Austrian food. The menu had much more to offer, but I played it safe and stuck with things I've heard of before. But delicious food + BYOB status ensures I will be back to work my way through the menu!
(4)jay t.
Take my whole family here at least twice a month , the seafood paste is banging.Even though you can wait awhile it's worth it , just snack on some pesto and bread.The owners are really good people mom and dad runs the show there.
(4)Michelle H.
I think it's important to realize that every place is its own place and has its own charm. Now to be fair this is not the standard hipster place that you may be expecting for Fishtown, so disabuse yourself of that notion if that is why you would come here. The best way I can describe this experience is its like going home to see your grandma & grandpa and then they ask you what you want and then they go back into the kitchen to make it and bring it out to you. As everyone else has mentioned, the portions are really huge and the food is good, fresh and entirely homemade. We had the pleskavicja and the stuffed cabbage...both were delicious and super filling. I don't recall if there were any vegetarian options, but the next time I am there I will check it out. The prices were ridiculously low for everything that we got. We will definitely return and were happy with what we received.
(5)Carolyn L.
Eating at Jovan's Place was certainly a unique dining experience. It is exactly how it sounds...like someone's home. You walk in and there is a bar to your immediate left, and what looks to be somebody's living room in front of you. Of course, it's not, it is the dining area, but it looks strangely homey. You are greeted by the wife of the cook that runs that part of the restaurant and she gets you drinks and place settings. The food is good, and the portions are gargantuan. I've posted a photo to show the comparison of the meal to a friend's hand. I ordered the goulash that was really quite good, a dark beef gravy/sauce, with very tender, juicy beef, over what I can only imagine is a whole box of rotini noodles. Don't get me wrong, I was happy with my meal, but geez, I could have fed a whole family with that meal alone. Once dinner was eaten the cook's son came out and offered us homemade pear liqueur, free of charge. It was very sweet but really quite delicious. The owners are incredibly kind, but the service is slow. If you have some time to wait around for your food, check this place out, it will make for an interesting night.
(4)Coral K.
It's been a while since I've been here, I won't lie I kept forgetting to write a well deserved review for this place! I used to live around the corner before moving down to Florida, I'd come in every once in a while. From the appearance outside, it might seem "Hole in the wall." But don't judge a book by it's cover! Just as others have stated, this is NOT your typical restaurant experience.. It feels like you're going over to someones home for dinner. It reminded me of going to my Czech relatives house. Everyone is very kind, the sort of kindness that you don't come across very often. Yes, there is a very long wait, the portions are a little too huge, but the food is fresh and delicious! I'd get the shrimp cocktail to start, and then the pasta. I haven't tried any other dishes because of dietary restrictions, but everything that my friends would order when we would visit, they seemed to love. Back when they still had a full bar, the lady would give us a tiny glass of dessert liquor with cherries at the end of our meal. My only qualm was the wait, but given the quality of the food and the fact that it's home made from scratch, that's a small price to pay. It's true, this isn't a trendy "Hipster" place, this is a comfortable, unique restaurant that will absolutely surprise and delight you in ways that are difficult to describe unless you've actually been here!
(5)David D.
On a whim during a Wednesday night, my lady and I decided to give Jovan's a try after reading positive reviews. Surprisingly, we were the only ones there at first and were seated immediately. In keeping with their "homey" aesthetic, the large dining area may not have been updated in a few decades and was dominated by a huge TV in the corner of the lo-fi bar. It felt like an over-sized living room, which you may find cozy and inviting. Mrs. Jovan greeted us herself warmly, promptly delivering water and utensils. I ordered the seafood pasta and my lady selected the chicken tenders and chicken soup. While we waited, to our surprise, she presented us with a fresh hearty loaf of bread and pesto for dipping, both of which were excellent. She checked whether we wanted a larger table or not. I thought she was trying to make us as comfortable as possible, which she did, but it would prove to be a precursor because... MY PASTA WAS FREAKIN MASSIVE. I couldn't help exclaiming "wow" to which Mrs. Jovan chuckled. In addition to quantity, the quality was there as well. True, in proportion to the generous amount of pasta, there could've been a couple more shrimp, but I wasn't complaining. Tossed lightly with butter and garlic then topped with black pepper and grated cheese, it was super duper good. My lady's chicken tenders were browned to perfection then served with a tasty aoli. All seemed fresh. Mrs. Jovan proudly reiterated how they were made to order. I'd much rather wait for a solid meal then have some gimp TV dinner tossed in a microwave and lightly dressed to masquerade as restaurant quality. My lady's chicken soup was great as well. Mrs. Jovan was warmly accommodating and attentive throughout the night. Seriously, it made me a bit uncomfortable but in a good way because I'm simply not used to being treated with such care as if we're friends of the family. My pasta - which would later provide a whole two additional meals - was wrapped up along with the rest of the cozy bread she served us earlier, which was nearly an entire loaf. That was a nice bonus. Seriously, this was our first time here. We weren't friends of the family or anything like that. I could muster a couple minor negatives. One being their lack of beer selection. Aside from the usual abhorrent swill, there was Pilsner Urquell, which at least is good if you're into that. Second, Jovan's Place is cash only. I understand this leaves more money for the staff, but yeah... can be an inconvenience if you don't normally carry much cash. Then there's the simple, homey decor which might upset some high-brow urban types... but that's not what Jovan's Place is about. It's about home-cooked style meals that, being Ukrainian, reminds me of something my own grandmother might cook... and they delivered on that.
(4)Ryan C.
The family that owns the place is incredibly nice and for that reason you will certainly see me return. The food usually takes a while to get to the table, but the portions are huge (especially the salads, goulash and roast beef sandwich) and most things are very good. Last time we went, a table of four eastern Europeans sat next to my wife and I. You know the food is authentic and good when you see this. The goulash was a little disappointing. While the size was huge (too big - 1 entire box of pasta) there wasn't much in the realm of flavor. It tasted a lot like beef stroganoff and didn't really having anything other than a few pieces of meat, gravy and 1 lb of spiral pasta. My wife ordered the Jovan's Schnitzel which was a pork loin rolled up and stuffed with ham & cheese, breaded and fried. It was a lot like chicken cordon bleu and we both thought it was super delicious! The ambiance is the same as any corner north Philadelphia bar. If you ask politely you might get to try some of Jovan's cherry soaked liquor. His family picks the cherries every summer and the stuff is knockout good.
(3)Geri V.
What a pleasant surprise! A local pointed me toward this place when he witnessed me discovering that another establishment was closed. Delicious, fresh, and home cooked meal! Lovely hostess/server/owner. Felt like I was visiting someone's home. BYO.
(4)Jill A.
BEST CHICKEN SOUP EVER. Seriously, the soup-making skills of Mama Jovan (let's call her that; I don't actually know her name) are OUT OF THIS FRIGGIN' WORLD. This soup will make you feel like your favorite grandma just hugged you and kissed you and covered you in a crocheted blanket on the couch while slipping you pieces of candy every hour on the hour. It's the cure-all, for sure. The ultimate better-than-your-mom's chicken soup. Fresh meat, flavorful broth, big hunks of carrot. Simple with no frills, as chicken soup should be. And it's served with nearly half a loaf of crusty bread. Oh, and lots of napkins. (Sometimes, I don't even buy napkins for my house when I run out; I call in a food order at Jovan's!) Other wonderfully delicious items at Jovan's include the bruschetta and the burger. But be warned: the food is prepared as you order, which means it's going to take a while (but taste amazing). If you live nearby and pop in to order your food to-go, don't fret about waiting. Grab a drink at the bar and chat it up with the bartender. He's friendly, as are Mama and her husband, who both work the kitchen. Gosh, all this talk of soup and burgers, I'm sort of glad we're having a chilly spell this week. It's perfect soup weather!
(4)Char E.
My best friend lives around the corner and we go here if we have 2 hours to dedicate to dinner and want 2 pounds of grandmas food to take home. The bartender is super nice, the food is amazing and of gigantic german proportions and its got that small town feel that you rarely find in Philadelphia. A gem, for sure. - Charmaine Ensinger
(5)Nancy K.
We went for Fishtown restaurant week. We chose our meals from the three-course menu ($25 per person). The atmosphere is great with a friendly family running the business. We were welcomed upon entering, even though the place was already crowded. After ordering drinks, we were given bread and a home-made pesto sauce. Both were delicious and great to hold us over until our appetizers arrived. Also, Joe, the owner/bartender offered to take our order before a large party to ensure we wouldn't have to wait even longer for our meals. We got mussels and clams to start. They were so fresh, we could still taste the salt water! They were cooked with garlic and herbs that helped us finish the bread we had leftover. The portions were generous, and it was nice to share. I got the stuffed cabbage for my main. There were three large stuffed cabbages with spinach mashed potatoes, sweet corn, carrots, and green beans. It looked and tasted home cooked. There were no pretenses here - what you ask for is what you get. I also came home with a portion for lunch tomorrow! For anyone looking for a traditional Eastern European meal, I would suggest the stuffed cabbage. My husband had the Yugoslavian burger. It is served without a bun. The meat was grilled perfectly, and it was served with big slices of tomato with diced raw onion and some sort of goat cheese. It also was delicious. Although it sounds so simple, it was done just right so that thenatural flavors worked together perfectly. The third course was a walnut cake with chocolate syrup. There was no choice for dessert, but that only proves that they only serve what they make themselves. Simple cake, but very nice after a big meal. Before we left, Joe told us to stay just a big longer, and he served us each a shot of home-made pear liqueur. It was incredibly sweet and so good! It was a nice touch. I didn't get the feeling that Joe serves this after every meal, but there was a big crowd for restaurant week, and I think he had a few new customers in the dining room. I would definitely suggest Jovan's for a long, home-cooked meal experience. It has a feeling of eating at your grandmom's house on a Sunday night. I will definitely go back. No complaints, just compliments.
(4)Anne L.
Amazing food, great service and right around the corner. What more could you ask for. The wait and the price are well worth it.
(4)A. Jordan R.
A real neighborhood gem. The food is some of the best in the city and the portions of goulash will have you eating for 2 days. Schnitzel was also excellent, as was the soup and mussels. Yeah, it takes a long time, but it's a good place if you want to hang out for a few hours and throw a couple back. Jay the bartender is very entertaining and friendly. Jovans is great way to spend the night and to meet some of your neighbors.
(5)G S.
My god, where to begin... They pick up their food for their dinner menu fresh every day from select vendors. Every meal is prepared when you order it - there is nothing laying around - your meal is prepared individually. This takes some time - longer than many want to dedicate to diner but if you have some to take in a traditional European style dinner - this is the place. Everything is as awesome as it gets from appetizer to dessert for two is $40 to $50 bucks. You cannot beat the experience and the leftovers which will take you days to finish. Atomosphere is friendly family's living room/dining room type place and they have a good beer selection - no gouging on drinks too. You know how rare that is? Of course you do. Can you tell? We like...
(5)N C.
One of the hidden gems of the city! Sure you have to wait a bit for your food but Mom and Pop are quite literally making your food for you, so it's all made to order and it makes you feel like home, trust me when I tell you this. The dinner entertainment (aka. Bartender Joey and sons) are hilarious with fun tricks. The portions are enormous and your best bet is take away, or you can call ahead and Joey will call you when your meal is ready. The prices are reasonable and the food is great!
(4)Mike R.
It's not just about the food, but the experience. As soon as we walked in it was as if we were the bartneder, Joe's, old friends. Their bread was some of the best I've had in Philly. The food is worth the wait to get. I had the Schnitzel and it was fried perfectly and you could tell it wasn't in a dirty old deep fryer. If you order a pasta dish expect a lot of left overs. Overall the service is some of the best I've ever had and the atmosphere is that of being inside their home kitchen. Joe's Mom & Dad are the chef's and his kids help out with the service. The whole meal felt like we we're old friends over for a great meal. I would recommend this place to everyone but I'm not sure if I want too many people crowding up the intimate restaurant.
(5)