Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Johnny Ads

    3.5 (154 reviews)
    ModerateSeafood
    Open 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Johnny Ads Photos

    JOHNNY ADS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Johnny Ads

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Hot Lobster - 100% lobster meat
    Kari B.

    Okay we honestly stumbled upon this place bc we planned to go to Lobster Landing after shopping at Marshall's and it was closed. So we said we'd try this place. Dare I say this was BETTER than lobster landing?! The lobster was tender and melted in your mouth and the roll was toasty and buttery just how I like it. Not one piece of lobster was chewy- it was absolutely delicious. I cannot WAIT to go back here, maybe try more next time. Oh and the coleslaw was also very good- I am picky and hate when it's too full of mayo or vinegar (or raisins, yuck) but this was crunchy and simply and a perfect little side to that delish lobster roll. What a not-so-hidden gem!

    Clam fritters
    Sam A.

    We stopped in the other day on our way to Cape Cod from NYC and there was a noticeable decline in the food taste. It is a normal stop for us to break up the long drive to Cape Cod from NYC with Johnny Ads. We were disappointed on our recent visit. Their clam chowder tasted more like potato chicken broth soup with bits of clam, and was served lukewarm/room temperature instead of hot. We arrived 15 minutes after they opened so this was not an issue of the chowder sitting around all day and cooling off. The warm lobster roll which we use to love, was not as packed with the lobster meat as it had in the past and the lobster meat was bland. It did not have a salty lobster taste, nor a butter taste. The clam fritters had more breading and dough than clams in them. The scallops roll was bland and wasn't enough to fill the roll it came on. Our food and soft drinks came to $120'ish for 3 adults and was a huge let down from the past lunches we have had at Johnny Ads. We had heard that it was not as good as before but still wanted to give it another try. Not sure if it's a kitchen issue and/or management issue.

    Hot Lobster - 100% lobster meat
    Allison C.

    Before heading to the beach, we stopped for a quick lunch at Johnny Ad's! There's something on the menu for everyone, and the staff was friendly at the window. The lobster roll was packed full, and all of the food was delicious. A nice casual spot that we would definitely return to!

    Cheese burger and fries
    Jimmy B.

    Nice little Place...looks like from back in the 50s nice little place with a combination of food, Ice cream, you can sit out side and enjoyed the view. The food very basic Cheese Hamburger taste better then Burger King...fries were good, cold slaw was basic , the shake was fine very thick vanilla shake,the eating room nice like a museum . They can do better with the prices.

    2 Chili n Cheese
    Brock L.

    It's about 30years ago , my first trip Every time I'm in Old Saybrook I make the stop. This is an A List hot dog place Perfect Execution Perfect grilled dog Perfect toasted bun Real cheese ! Great Chili I would highly recommend fried clam strips too., What a great place

    Side menu

    Best seafood in Connecticut and second best in all of New England. The food is amazing and the service is excellent.

    Crinkle cut fries, no salt
    David K.

    Exactly what I was looking for! I'm sad I don't live around here, because it's a gorgeous area, but so happy that I experienced it one time. Had a hot lobster roll, yummy and a very good value in today's world, the crinkle cut french fries were delicious, the people are nice, they include things like napkins and forks and coleslaw and ketchup We could ask for anything more?

    Menu
    Shanda C.

    Great customer service and excellent food! Small restaurant but comfortable and affordable! Definitely recommend!

    Chowder and whole clams
    Joe T.

    Small, dive clam shack with great counter service and fresh, hot clams, chowder and all the seafood favorites. Chowder has a lot of big potato chunks, a few pieces of clam strips, and good flavor. Whole clams are served piping hot. A drizzle of lemon and a sprinkle of pepper really set them off. A great stop, definitely worth the short drive off the Interstate.

    Inside
    Jenna T.

    (Hot) Lobster rolls are my favorite food, and Johnny Ads delivered. My boyfriend and I literally only went in for a lobster roll and it was superb let me tell you. Perfectly crispy bread and a ton of lobster smothered in butter, the way a lobster roll should be! Eating this roll was an out of body experience and confirmed my love for them. Definitely recommend for a more casual place to grab some good seafood.

    Lobster Salad

    See all

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Frank W.
    159
    1737
    17408

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of John F.
    7
    200
    145

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan D.
    0
    14
    5

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Overall pretty good, the lobster roll was a bit skimpy. I had the fried shrimp and onion rings both were delicious.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jimmy B.
    134
    197
    1785

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brock L.
    27
    45
    25

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David K.
    113
    503
    856

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Maddie D.
    1
    111
    102

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim S.
    1
    44
    49

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike G.
    104
    242
    125

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian S.
    255
    1992
    28197

    10 years ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 0
    Love this 24
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Johnny Ads

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Seafood 733 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Liv's Shack - Sweet and succulent lobster roll!

    Liv's Shack

    4.3(116 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Stopped by Liv's Shack on a Sunday afternoon and while the food was excellent, the portions were…read morelittle small. You order from a giant menu at the front before grabbing a seat at one of many picnic tables. The atmosphere is casual and a couple of bees made it difficult to eat as they chased me. The chicken tenders were hot and crispy, and the lobster roll was buttery and fresh. The clam chowder was very good. While everything tasted great, I felt the portions were quite small for the price, which left us looking for more food somewhere else.

    I saw a clip from Sistersnacking and they claim this was the best lobster roll in CT, and honestly,…read moreit was a bad recommendation. I should have went somewhere else because the lobster roll wasn't that great. The Food: 1/4lb Hot Buttered Lobster Roll- Where do I begin, first the lobster itself didn't offer a lot of flavor, second there was this weird artificial butter flavor like how you get butter from the movie theater, it was so strange it almost tasted like a weird cheese sauce which I wasn't a fan of, third I didn't care for the bread. It was toasted but it was toasted with so much butter, I feel if i squeezed the roll, butter would of oozed out like if I squeezed a sponge. The sauce covering the lobster was a thick white sauce, it almost looked like they tossed the lobster meat with the chowder then added to the bun. The lobster roll came off incredibly rich and heavy, after eating it, I felt I needed soda or a pickle to cut the richness. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=Y_iTTjKvV5hLy-880SZzlA&select=bwm5DvpNdSEKtNiD24hT-g New England Clam Chowder- This was excellent. I thought the chowder had so much flavor and good amount of clams, I really enjoy this a lot but $8 was kind of a lot. Fried Cheese Curds- Fried Wisconsin squeaky cheese with chipotle aioli. I really liked these, these would go perfect with beer, these were fried well, had an awesome chew and flavor, the chipotle aioli was excellent with these. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=Y_iTTjKvV5hLy-880SZzlA&select=l1vGrABsKxpXqbEQPHWYXw

    Photos
    Liv's Shack - Outside

    Outside

    Liv's Shack - Lobster Roll

    Lobster Roll

    Liv's Shack

    See all

    The Essex - Oysters

    The Essex

    4.2(187 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    The Essex isn't just a dinner reservation -- it's a full‑blown experience, and one that absolutely…read moreearns its reputation. Between the chef‑driven creativity, the polished service, and the modern‑meets‑New‑England ambiance, this spot delivers a level of dining that can consistently be raved about! From the moment you walk in, the energy feels elevated yet welcoming -- a balance many restaurants try for but few actually achieve. The NYC‑level quality without the rigidity, and honestly, that's exactly how it feels: refined, thoughtful, but never pretentious. The Chef's Tasting Menu is where The Essex truly flexes. With amuse, canapés, five courses, pre‑dessert, dessert, and mignardises, diners describe it as a sensory experience that avoids palate fatigue and showcases the kitchen's full range of technique and creativity The Essex. The menu changes daily, and the attention to detail is obvious in every course. Add‑ons like caviar and foie gras only elevate things further. Service is another standout. Warm, knowledgeable staff who guide you through the menu without hovering -- the kind of hospitality that makes a great meal feel effortless. The atmosphere blends upscale elegance with old New England charm, creating a setting that feels special without being stuffy. Whether you're here for the raw bar, the a la carte dinner, or the full tasting experience, The Essex consistently delivers on flavor, creativity, and execution. It's no surprise they've earned accolades like Best Restaurant in Middlesex County and Finalist for Best Chef Connecticut The Essex. A must‑visit for anyone who loves modern American cuisine done with passion, precision, and a whole lot of heart. Enjoy every bite

    Dining at The Essex is a must if you want a special experience. We chose to sit at the counter, and…read moreI must say, that watching Chef Colt (owner as well), team work with such precision and teamwork was impressive and enjoyable. He and our waiter, Ryan, made it feel personal, welcoming, and first-class from start to finish." We had the Scallop and Shrimp Bisque, Duck Confit Dumplings, Wafu Bolognese, Beef Wellington and Ribeye Steak. This is a dining experience where you don't need to review each course! Each one was excellent. We topped it off with an amazing piece of cheesecake. Visit The Essex because it will feel like a performance as much as a dining experience. We will be back....... Congratulations on your ratings and reviews.

    Photos
    The Essex
    The Essex - Roasted carrots with squid ink hummus

    Roasted carrots with squid ink hummus

    The Essex - Counter View

    See all

    Counter View

    Penny Lane Pub - Jerk shrimp salad

    Penny Lane Pub

    3.8(330 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Stumbled upon this gem of a place yesterday and was genuinely impressed from start to finish. The…read morefood was absolutely delicious -- the pretzel bites arrived hot and fresh, the meatloaf was hearty and comforting, and the green beans were cooked to absolute perfection. The shepherd's pie was another standout, cozy, flavorful, and wonderfully filling. And do not skip the bread pudding -- it was absolutely amazing and the perfect sweet finish to the meal. The only negative was our booth: right in front of the door, so every time it opened (and it was often), we got blasted with cold air. Next time we'll sit further in or upstairs. If you're running around Old Saybrook and need a quick, hearty meal, this is the place to be.

    We made our first visit here several days ago, dropping in for a midday lunch on a pretty crowded…read moreSunday. With some good and some not-so good, we concluded that we aren't likely to return -- in spite of the really yummy tartar sauce (more on that in a moment). Penny Lane is a bit of an English Pub-style restaurant on two levels. We ate upstairs since the lower level was filled (steps, no elevator that we saw). Service was slow to nonexistent. It took us ten minutes to get recognized by a server who asked if we wanted something to drink and took another five minutes to get it. After we ordered we waited 25 minutes to get our food. We got no drink refills. Maybe service is better in the first floor? Ah, the food. Fish and Chips is essentially pub food, so that's what we got. The crust was light and buttery, quite good. The fish was utterly without any sort of flavor, as bland as could be imagined in your worst imagining. The tartar sauce was super good, but it just couldn't disguise the fact that the fish was tasteless. We also tried the poached egg and corned beef hash, which was ok though the hash was kind ... well, and of a hash, unremarkable at best. Conclusion: There was little that was appealing in our experience. Oh yeah, another ten minutes to get our bill... a long afternoon.

    Photos
    Penny Lane Pub - Upstairs dining area

    Upstairs dining area

    Penny Lane Pub - California Benny

    California Benny

    Penny Lane Pub - Steps to upstairs dining room

    See all

    Steps to upstairs dining room

    Johnny Ads - seafood - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...