Johnny's Tavern
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Casual mainstay with a dark, warm atmosphere preparing a select, thoughtfully sourced American menu.
attractions: Emily Dickinson Museum, Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College, The Drake, Jones Library, Mead Art Museum, Amherst Inn, Allen House Victorian Inn, Zanna, Alumni Gymnasium and Athletic Complex, restaurants: Pita Pockets Amherst, Amherst Coffee + Bar, Antonio's Pizza, Pasta E Basta, Bistro 63, Garcia's Mexican Restaurant Bar, Bueno Y Sano, Lili's Restaurant, Crazy Noodles, Share Coffee Amherst
Ratings
Description
Casual mainstay with a dark, warm atmosphere preparing a select, thoughtfully sourced American menu.
Posts
Absolutely wonderful place! I brought my honey to see the Emily Dickinson house (she liked it, not my cup of tea) and we decided on lunch here after the tour. We walked up to the restaurant a few minutes before it opened at noon, and there was a line. A good sign, to be sure. We got in and seated as soon as they opened the doors. I had the fried chicken. Having lived in the south for many years, I was eager to see a New England version of it with mashed potatoes and collard greens. They did not disappoint! I’ll be the first to admit these greens are prepared very differently than down south, but they were quite good. The chicken was perfect, as were the potatoes. They have a homemade hot sauce that is to die for! I make my own at home, and this was off the chain. My honey had the fish and chips. Heads up, you get a lot of food on this one! We were a little concerned when it came out because the filet was so big. Usually, when that big, they don’t taste very good…. Not the case here. This was one of the best fish plates we have had, and the fries were great as well. Not cheap, but not too expensive. We will definitely be back.
Steve GoodgameSteve Goodgame
00
Stopped in on a Monday at noon for lunch and it was kind of quiet. Staff were extremely friendly and vibrant. Ordered a couple drinks to start the meal and they were very good. Started out with Calamari with soy chili reduction for appetizer. The calamari was not crispy and many were quite chewy. If it weren't for the soy chili sauce I would not have finished it. That was the best part of the app. I had the fried shrimp tacos for lunch. Each taco included 2 fried shrimp and cabbage salsa in a corn tortilla.they were pretty good but a little bland for my taste. I wish it came with pico or maybe a chipotle salsa to give it a kick. It came with a salad or fries. I ordered the salad which came on same plate as tacos rather than separate bowl which ruled out pouring any dressing on it The pasta is all made in house there so my wife had the Spaghetti Bolognese. The pasta was very good as was the braised beef. She was pleased with it and ended taking half of it back to the hotel to snack on that night. The atmosphere in there is great and pricing well in line with portion size.
Ritch SternbachRitch Sternbach
00
We stayed in nearby Shutesbury and drove into Amherst after finding Northampton completely mobbed on New Year's Eve. Yelp led us to Johnny's, a neat and comfortable collegetown restaurant that you take your parents to on graduation weekend. As a result of its location, Johnny's turned out to be quite rigid on alcohol -- no booze without IDs if you look younger than 40s. Flattered though she was, one in our group took umbrage to this policy and had to suffer through sobriety (her ID was left behind at the house). Service was rather slow considering the slow mid-afternoon traffic and empty booths, but friendly. The servers are clearly college students and charmingly earnest in their efforts, if not flawless. The food, by and large, was good. My Roasted Mushroom Rigati (roasted mushrooms, roasted garlic cream, rigati, truffle oil, goat cheese) was rich and bountiful, while our shared apps (Truffle Fries, Butternut Risotto, Kale Salad) hit the spot--and were priced very reasonably.
Bobby JacksonBobby Jackson
00
Absolutely classy! There's nothing about Jonny's not to like. I made the reservation for my wife and son on Open Table. The app "asked" if it was a special occasion and I replied that it was a celebration dinner for my wife's last cancer treatment. After appetizers and before dinner came out, the manager came over to the table with two glasses of champagne and had some very nice things to say to my wife. It made the night very special. Our server was fabulous: polite, well spoken, and a pleasure to talk to. We got the fried brussel sprouts as an appetizer. If there's such a thing as seven stars, they are it. The shrimp carbonara did not disappoint. Our community and America needs more restaurants like this. I absolutely and unwaveringly recommend this place for a date night, a special dinner or just a nice place to go to on a night you don't feel like cooking.
Rob SRob S
20
Wow! What a wonderful find. We drove 6.5 hours into town, and needed a good meal. We found Johnny’s which is exactly what we needed. All good restaurants are good but this place is restorative for your soul. Seriously - a small but curated draught list, good wine and cocktails, too. Local options too! The food - wow! From breads to soups to appetizers to mains, it’s all super high quality. It’s big portions but they’ll split it for you, which we did. Pastas are served Al dente, and are house made. I would eat here pretty much twice a week if I lived here. The ambiance is dark, dark wood, classy, but the music in the bar area, filtering softly into the dining area, was excellent. Our server was wonderful - a local college student. The runners were great too, and helped us select beers. This place needs to come home with me.
Rick HadsallRick Hadsall
40
Two months ago I ordered to go medium rare burger from Johnny’s. What I received was so over cooked it wouldn’t be even close to “well” done. With a bit of strong arming over the phone I convinced the manager to credit me another. One week later they cooked me a perfect burger ( clearly the kitchen was notified ). I was content but disappointed by the manager’s reluctance. She should have offered , I had to ask, firmly. Every restaurant makes mistakes , how they handle it is customer service. Today i ordered another take out burger. I received this for my 25 dollar “medium rare” burger. I don’t feel like being put through the wringer to receive a credit. I was reluctant 2 months ago to write this, although difficult they made good. Today I feel differently, Thanks Johnny’s!
Andrew JonesAndrew Jones
00
Nearby Attractions Of Johnny's Tavern
Emily Dickinson Museum
Beneski Museum of Natural History
Amherst College
The Drake
Jones Library
Mead Art Museum
Amherst Inn
Allen House Victorian Inn
Zanna
Alumni Gymnasium and Athletic Complex
Emily Dickinson Museum
4.8
(203)Click for details
Beneski Museum of Natural History
4.9
(170)Click for details
Amherst College
4.3
(121)Click for details
The Drake
4.6
(55)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Johnny's Tavern
Pita Pockets Amherst
Amherst Coffee + Bar
Antonio's Pizza
Pasta E Basta
Bistro 63
Garcia's Mexican Restaurant Bar
Bueno Y Sano
Lili's Restaurant
Crazy Noodles
Share Coffee Amherst
Pita Pockets Amherst
4.9
(391)$
Click for details
Amherst Coffee + Bar
4.5
(302)$$
Click for details
Antonio's Pizza
4.6
(738)$
Click for details
Pasta E Basta
4.5
(273)$$
Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(553 reviews)$$
Phone
(413) 253-8000
Call
Website
johnnystavernamherst.com
Visit
Deep Dive
A deep dive into Johnny's Tavern
