We sat here for hours watching football games and our server was amazing. It gets very festive during games which is so fun! It's a weird layout but very bar like. We had nachos, wings and a burger along with fried pickle dip and the pretzels. All was super yummy. read more

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Passing thru and spent the night at the KOA near by, the owner recommended Johnny's Tavern. Great service, cheerful with great food and atmosphere! Mary from Virginia read more

Great spot! I am not familiar to this area but this was recommended as a good sports bar with good food. I would say both are correct. We waled in and we were greeted immediately, we chose to sit at the bar. Clean environment with good energy for a Monday! We were greeted promptly at the bar as well! I ordered the 78 burger with brussels sprouts and side. salad. All came out together with my co-workers meal and everything tasted great! Bar tenders were attentive and friendly. Reasonable prices, great service, clean environment and a good atmosphere. My co-worker agreed. I would go back! read more

Johnny's Tavern - tap rail - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

This place is something else... the food is absolutely wonderful and you can't go wrong with ANYTHING! From the Pizza to the shrimp tacos it is all amazing. Our server was very tentative and was always checking up on us making sure we're good and drinks stayed full. A wonderful ambiance not too loud but not too quiet small talk going on at the bar it's just an awesome place to be. HIGHLY RECOMMENED! read more

Johnny's Tavern - Dozen Boneless Wings 18" Custom Pizza - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Fun staff and atmosphere, with lots of choices on tap. The food looked amazing, though we stuck to drinks.

Wow! How things have changed over the years! The food is outstanding! The service superb! And the ambiance so friendly, welcoming and pleasant that you don't want to leave!!!! Johnny W. would be proud! Thank you! read more

Great place to watch a game...but we are EAGLES FANS....GO BIRDS...we saw the Kansas Jayhawks game earlier in the day at Allen Fieldhouse...Great 60th Birthday bucket list...ROCK CHALK read more

Me and my friends came for one of our friends birthday. We love Johnnys and never had issues up until today. Our waitress with short orange nails took our order and had an attitude. About 15 minutes later another waitress comes up to take our order cause apparently the other waitress didn't put it in and their excuse was "she's busy helping the big party" which being a waitress myself it's understandable but were disappointed that we were under the impression our food was already in. Attitudes was through the roof today. This is the north side Johnnys location. read more

I LOVE Johnny's Tavern! I always visit when I am in KC or Overland Park. The service is great and I love their pizza. A must visit if you visit KC or Overland Park! read more

Sup name is Brayden, this place is awesome. Great service, food, and great atmosphere. I go there at least once a week to either get a good meal or have some drinks with my friend Quaid he likes to black out during happy hour. Not a first date kinda place but maybe a 3rd date. read more

First, was visiting Lawrence and went out for dinner late Friday (after 10pm). Many places weren't open (for food - bars stayed open), and we gradually headed up to Johnny's. It was after 11 before we got there. We sat and ordered the fried pickles/jalapeños combo, and then placed our orders - though they are known for burgers, I changed my mind at the last moment to the pork tenderloin sandwich with tater tots. The waitress came back shortly and said she didn't realize the time and that they close down the grill (except pizza) at 11, but the manager came and told us they'd go ahead and make our meal. The pickles and jalapeños were good - very lightly battered and fried, with some dip (ranch?). The tenderloin was big as expected - with lettuce, tomato (small one), onion, and pickles. I cut it down to bun size to eat. It was breaded, not battered, and very much seemed like eating breaded fish or shrimp. I prefer battered food, and this detracted from the pork tenderloin for me. It was ok, but I only ate the bun sized part. The tater tots were very crispy and crunchy and tasty. I went there to try a burger and should have stuck to my guns. I will likely try again some time in the future, but don't get back to Lawrence much. Additional note that despite the past-11 snafu, the waitress was really nice and helpful - great service! read more

Delicious fried chicken. Love the hush puppies too. Fries are amazing. The service is good too. Is a little loud, but I don't mind it, people are having fun. read more

Great place to eat and have a good beer. I've had burgers, pizza, burnt ends, nacho platter (huge), street tacos, fire tacos (good & spicy), salads. onion rings/fries combo. Never been disappointed with my order. Service is excellent even when they're packed. The atmosphere is awesome. Clean and beautifully decorated (especially if you like sports and Lawrence history) I would highly recommend Johnny's in north Lawrence to anyone. read more

Amazing Buffalo chip dip just needed more chips, a must get. Beer selection ok. Pizza was solid. Lots of tv's.

Disappointed! Guess I got the bottom of the Sweet potato fry basket. Lots of small & random pieces. Also, paid for a dozen wings & got a small bit of blue cheese. Definitely won't "cover" 12 wings. What if I had ordered the half dozen, would I have gotten any blue cheese? I did enjoy the beer while waiting. But the food was a disaster, especially for $20! read more

Johnny's Tavern - Sweet potato fries - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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I've been to multiple locations for Johnnys. Love the food, relaxed vibe, and reasonable prices. Staff is friendly and prompt. I feel like you just can't go wrong here. read more

Fun place. Food is better than I expected Live music on the patio was great Lots of fun read more

Johnny's is a Lawrence and KU Sports instiution. It is _the_ place to watch games with friends, and their beer and food selection is rather good. I've been going to Johnny's for over a decade, and it holds that real charm of being "divey" while still maintaing a level of charm and comfort that makes it a real welcoming place. When in season, Mrs. R and I love to meet up with friends to catch basketball games (and occasional football games) at Johnny's. There are enough screens around the bar and dining rooms that there aren't any bad seats, and the level of excitement and cameraderie that comes with the crowd is enough for anyone to feel like they are watching with a unified crowd of fans that rivals the energy of Allen Fieldhouse. I am a really big fan of Johnny's pizza. Johnny's does a great hand-tossed dough, and you can sometimes spy the workers slinging and spinning the dough around in the kitchen. They top that thin-stretched dough out on a giant pizza peel and lay on a thin layer of sauce, and a reasonable sprinkling of cheese and toppings. The pizzas only come in one size, and that is BIG. The overall effect of the stretched dough and a super-hot oven leads to a thin and crispy crust that is topped by a perfect layer of sauce and cheese in a pleasant ratio. I rank a fresh and hot Johnny's pizza as one of my top 5 pizzas, with the crispy and chewy worked crust as a siginificant factor in my favoring. Johnny's (and its franchises) have a beer that is made exclusively for them -- Johnny's Blue Collar Lager, which is a solid and drinkable beer. When KU basketball is on, I don't have to be asked twice if I want to go to Johnny's. read more

Best Nashville hot chicken I've had yet. Load up on the ranch and it's the best in LFK. Johnny's is always a favorite. read more

Johnny's Tavern - Nash Chick Sando - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Fast service, great food, great drinks! 10/10 would eat here again! In fact I think I will do that right now.

I came in here at the end of my day to finish my work and have an adult beverage. I was immediately greeted with warmth and enthusiasm from the staff. I explained I was going to finish my work. They pointed to table options that had a power outlet close. I was working and making calls, and the staff recognized that and was completely respectful.....while making sure my beverage was never left empty. I have been all over the country and am completely overwhelmed at the level of hospitality I experienced today. So much attention to my situation that they gave me a heads up that music is going to start and they were worried it would interfere with my work! It was Cajun Night (Wednesday), and they had a dedicated Cajun menu. I stuck with the classic and ordered an arrowhead pizza. I was again greeted and explained the history of Cajun Night and brought free samples of the items on their Cajun options. Seriously, the best restaurant experience at a tiny little pub that I would have normally passed. The only reason I didn't give (5) stars is because Busch Lite was only available in bottle....not draft or can read more

We went on a quiet Saturday afternoon. It wasn't busy. It was dark and cold feeling. The food was just okay to me. But seems like a fun place to go with friends if you just want to drink. read more

Johnny's Tavern - Fiesta Salad - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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This is the Original from which the franchise launched. "Johnny's North" is off the Mass hysteria of downtown the first turn north of the Kaw River bridge to the west. This is where to find real food and real people - a place where local Lawrencians can be found, from minions to millionaires. The Johnny Wilson burger is a staple proven product: simple, straightforward, and a great accompaniment to Johnny's blue collar lager (made especially for Johnny's by award-winning Free State Brewery, to the south on Mass Street). Joe Kieltyka's stone oven pizza is my favorite and I default to the Nuke Laloosh when I'm ready for a meat lover's slice. Cajun nights return Sept. 2021 on the first and third Wednesdays of the month and trivia fills in on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights. Take a bike ride or jog on the river trail, try your luck at river fishing, marvel at the Bowersock hydro energy plant, or take a break from City hall meetings and enjoy honest food at a fair fare like other townies have for decades (current ownership since the 1970s). read more

Johnny's Tavern - Originator, Johnny Wilson, (circa 1954), on the occasion of Lawrence's centennial celebration - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Cold beer and yummy fried pickles and jalapeños and ranch! Service was great and they have renovated and the old place is looking great! read more

Johnny's Tavern - the menu for johnny's tavern - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

It seems like Johnny's is trying to change a bit! They've rearranged their seating and have a manager present! We came for wings and we had good service! Our waitress is attentive and the manager has checked on us too! Our wings took a really long time. We waited for 40+ minutes for our wings. But they came out hot! I would say the wings tonight were 3 stars- their buffalo sauce wasn't my favorite. It has kind of a chili powder hint and bit too acidic taste to it. But I appreciate the good service and obvious strides for change! I also appreciate their team oriented attitude! A waitress near us dropped a bunch of plates and immediately 2 other services came to her side to help her out! That was awesome! Overall good experience! read more

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Johnny's. A Lawrence legend where in the past people collected two different bumper stickers they offered: "I closed down Johnny's," and "I opened Johnny's." If memory serves me correctly I believe the stickers had the time of day on them and they were either close, or identical. Yea, that kind of place. Part restaurant, part two-fisted drinking establishment, part hangout, part band venue, part sports venue, part family get together, mostly legendary, that's Johnny's. The food is always pretty solid, the beer always cold, and by damned if anyone in their right mind would give it five stars. No sir, this is not one of those places and if you're looking for five stars go elsewhere. The people hanging out here will have none of that. Perfection is not something sought by their patrons, and that's just the way it should be. Come in your dirty overalls or your suit, it doesn't matter. Oh, and they offer a Free State Beer that you can't get at Free State and it's pretty darn fine. If you want to visit a Lawrence original and a joint that's legendary in status, forget the Johnny's knock-offs in Kansas City or other parts of Lawrence. This is the real deal here, and you can't move it elsewhere. read more

Johnny's Tavern - Their pizza is exceptional! - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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I like this Johnny's a lot for it's character and off the path location. At the end of the day though, you're getting bar food in an alright setting and it's nothing to really write home about. There have been highs and lows at this bar - From KU advancing through the tourney to KU heartbreaks, and Royals and Chiefs games as well. Occasionally it's been with about 120 other sports fans, but most recently there were only about 15 people in here. The quiet vibe had this spot not feeling quite as fun as usual. We did an after wedding Chiefs watch party here and the staff was pretty accommodating. A group of bikers came in and snatched up our tables and our waitress was pretty quick to give them the boot. She did disappear for loooong stretches at at time, but overall was pretty good. The gravel lot in the back and the patio are great for an almost tailgate feel outside of a bar, and I'll be sure to come back when it's a tad busier than it has been my last few times. Maybe people don't think to cross the bridge to come over to Johnny's, but it's a nice change of pace. read more

Johnny's is a North Lawrence institution. Originally a grocery store (don't you wish NODO had one of those now?), the place became a pub that loyal regulars visit without fail. The place specializes in burgers and pizza. The burgers run the gamut from the delicious house special Johnny Wilson (bacon, cheddar, and swiss!) to the Goober (with a smear of peanut butter), which some people are said to love. Whatever burger you might try, I suggest getting the fry/ring combo as your side. Why choose if you can have both? The pizza is as close to NY style as you can find in Lawrence, and it's mighty tasty. Monday night, it's half price. Every other Wednesday, Johnny's has Cajun night, with a live band and menu specials. The lot is always packed on those nights, so get there early if you want to partake. And yes, if you want to watch The Game, Johnny's does have its share of TVs. This is a solid, homey, unpretentious neighborhood joint. Check it out. (You too, people south of the bridge. Come on, it takes only seconds to cross it. It won't bite, honest.) read more

Johnny's Tavern - a sign for johnny's - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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We just got a to go order from this location. I asked for a Buffalo chicken sandwich grilled on a gluten free bun due to an allergy. When I got home it was on a regular bun. The receipt showed the bartender didn't indicate gluten free bun. Additionally, there were no toppings. Just chicken. read more

I just wanted to say that you have great pizza wings and sandwiches. Taco day has to improve. Was in today and there was taco was. Almost empty. I ordered 6 and you could have combined them and i would have gotten 3. Will come back for pizza but.not t tacos. Told them about it and they brought back it looked like the same ones. Sorry display of customer service. read more

We've been to Johnny's a couple of times, both on the weekend for a late lunch. Neither time was there a huge crowd, and our waitress was attentive and friendly. Johnny's pizzas are large and have a thin crust with fold-able slices. We ordered the Bambino pizza both times. The Bambino is basically a supreme pizza with a meat topping of your choice. The toppings were fresh, and there was a nice sprinkling of Italian seasoning on top that accented the flavor well. The veggies still had a bit of a crunch, which was nice. Their pizzas are easily enough for 2-4 people, depending on their appetite. Johnny's usually has some sort of drink special. The only drink I've had there, other than beer, was a bloody mary, which was pretty basic. I'd love to try some of Johnny's other food offerings, as their menu has some interesting apps and sandwiches. It will be hard, though, with the yummy pizza being an option! read more

Johnny's Tavern - Bloody Mary. ($3.50 on Sundays) - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

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Johnny's is a Lawrence Original; even if it has spread to the Metro area, this original location has tons of personality, due to the decades of people who have visited. The charm of this place is that it a little dive-y, but you know that you are going to get great brick-oven pizza (or burgers) and cold beer. Part biker bar, part college bar, always fun. This is a good place to watch KU sports...plenty of TVs in the main room, including a very large screen on one wall and one on the patio ,when the weather is nice. Keep in mind that they do not honor the happy hour or daily specials on game days. Other days, they do have a nice happy hour and Cajun nights several Wednesdays a month, with live music. They usually have a few microbrews, as well as domestics on tap. Recently, they teamed up with Free State to make a Blue Collar Lager that is pretty tasty. The service is just ok, a little lax at times, but if you are there to watch a game or hang out with friends, then this just gives you more time together. The pizza is the true star here...super think crust, with generous toppings, cooked in their brick oven so it is toasty on the bottom. Flying solo? Don't worry, you can get it by the slice (even the specialty pies). Try the buffalo chicken...perfect amount of spicy suace and blue cheese. read more

Johnny's Tavern - Big domestic beer - Sports Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Kansas

Nice patio and roomy inside-- good beer selection-- decent food, especially if you get one of the daily specials.

Maybe it was an off-night for the place but we had a terrible experience at Johnny's Tavern. We went before a KU basketball game. The place was half-full but filling up. Mindful of our time (it was a little after 6 pm and the game was an 8 p.m. start) we sat down and ordered quickly. Our waitress brought drinks and then a few minutes later brought refills, and then we didn't see her again for 40 minutes. We sat and waited with empty glasses, hungry tummies and no idea where she was or what the deal was with our food. When the order finally came, much of it was wrong. Ordered an appetizer, never received. Ordered a salad with crispy chicken (extra charge) and it was left off. A sandwich was delivered, she said, oops, this isn't right, but then five minutes later brought the same sandwich out again. Food was mediocre at best. Our server said the kitchen was "slammed" but our order went in well before the big crowd arrived. We noticed lengthy delays at neighboring tables. We were there to celebrate some a birthday and go to the game as part of an overall fun night we had planned, but the time at Johnny's was a major bummer. Due to the lousy service, problems with the food and overall poor experience we won't go back. read more

So good. My husband had the special chicken fried steak and I had a cheeseburger and Fry Ring combo. Everything was great from the service to the food. We also enjoyed talking with the manager who took time to talk with us and tell us about the history of the Tavern. We would highly recommend Johnny's. read more

My son LOVES this place. It's a great divey bar and grille that has tons of personality. Lots of KU memorabilia, active sports on the many TVs, old wooden floors. I liked my burger ok, but it was way over cooked. It could have been so much better. They have a great menu selection, with fun names for the food. They offer a Fry and rings which was a combo of French fries and onion rings. The only other downside was the bathroom. :-/ I'll visit again and see if my burger will be less cooked the next time. read more

Never gone to Johnny Taverns before and a lot of people said it was good so I decided to give it a try. I got the Buffalo Chicken Dip and the Buffalo Chicken pizza. The Buffalo Chicken Dip had no chicken in it. It was mainly cream cheese and sour cream some kind of spice and maybe 2-3 small chicken squares. It didn't taste like Buffalo sauce at all. The Pizza was burnt and flaky as it they didn't clean the pizza pan before cooking the pizza and it was also cold. The service was bad. There was 4 waiters taking my tables order but none of them were communicating with each other. It took almost in hr before my grandpa received his food and when he received it the food was wrong so it took another 30ish mins. That is the first and last time I will be visiting Johnny's. The water was good tho. read more

We were passing through Kansas and by chance went to dinner at Johnny's Tavern. The service was excellent and the food was very good. We were so impressed with the friendliness of the staff, including Spencer, the manager, who stopped for a nice visit at our table. We felt so welcome! read more

This place has plenty of room for a group get-together. The food is decent bar food as well. The pizza here has excellent thin crust... done in the style of NYC pizza. Big slices you fold and eat. Burger and fries aren't too bad either. The also have a Johnny's Blue Collar Lager made by Freestate. You can only get it here. Service is okay unless they get really crowded. Then it gets a little sketchy. read more

Oh Johnny's... From dinners to parties to just hanging out, Johnny's delivers on all fronts. I spent countless hours there during college and can't even guess how many of their delicious burgers I've demolished. Or beers. Or appetizers. When I think about restaurants that are emblematic of Lawrence, Johnny's is unquestionably top 3. Freshmen: you want to eat here. And drink their beer. Trust me. read more