Drinks

A boxer, a bar and 41 years of Johnny Brenda

What’s so great about Johnny Brenda’s? You’ve got to start with the music. Have you ever seen bar/restaurant with a performance space that looked like this? I haven’t. It makes me want to grab Beavis and Butthead and swing by for a night of serious showage and musical commentary.

This dedication to great live music from national as well as local bands has cemented Johnny Brenda’s reputation as a truly world-class music venue. Some of the musicians that have graced the stage include Thurston Moore, The Walkmen, Vashti Bunyan, Clinic, The National, Dr. Dog, Icy Demons and more.

Johnny Brenda’s is built on a philosophy of supporting the local area, serving all draft high quality beer from local brewers, as well as an array of Mediterranean small plates and grilled sandwiches using, of course, fresh ingredients from area farmers.

In 1967 Philadelphia boxer Johnny Imbrenda, who fought as Johnny Brenda, opened a tavern in this late 19th century building in the Fishtown area. Johnny retired from the bar in 2003 but the new owners have done themselves proud. A completely renovated bar shines, but much of the original aesthetic is still there. The red and white sign out front, linoleum floors, wood-paneled walls.

And then there’s the stage. That wonderful, lusty, chomping at the bit to spit out music stage.

Sorry. Tangent moment.

Take a moment to read about Johnny Brenda’s food philosophy. It’s certainly not your typical toss the menus down on the table and take your order kind of place. They’ve got chalkboards where the selections change regularly depending upon what’s fresh. Your food comes to you straight from the kitchen as soon as it’s ready – no sitting around under heat lamps waiting for one item or another to finish cooking. Enough of my yapping.

Johnny Brenda’s is located at 2101 N. Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. They can be reached at 215.739.9684.

Don’t be shy. This is a really top notch place!

Find more Philadelphia food and drink events on our calendar.

Welcome back! Follow us on Twitter, subscribe for FREE, or become a fan on Facebook to win tickets to Philadelphia events.