Fried or Grilled? I use to be a big fan of their Famous Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, until I tried it Grilled. A while back when I went in for my regular fix of a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, the waitress asked me if I ever tried the grilled. When I said, no, she told me I had to give it a try. So, I did and now it is my way of ordering a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. The piece of grilled meat is as big as the fried. It hangs off the bun. All you need to add is some white onion, pickles and lettuce. Some add a tomato, but that's not my thing. Also, just like when I enjoy a fried Pork Tenderloin, I upgrade to fries. Chips just don't do it for me. The service is always top notch. The ladies working are always so friendly. They make everyone feel comfortable while dining. Jimmy taught his staff well. I miss him always being there, but the ladies are making sure his legacy lives on. Another big plus when you come to, Johnsons Corner is the other patrons.It truly is a neighborhood bar. I was dining alone at a hightop and I ended up having a conversation with someone sitting at the bar and another hightop. We shared some good laughs. That's a small-town dive bar at its best. read more

Johnsons Corner - Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Crinkle Fries - American Near Me - Alton, Illinois

See all

So saddens me to write this... Very disappointed in Johnson's Special Salad. Have had this numerous times over the years - admittedly not too recently until tonight. Awful. Sorry but I have to say it. I'd read a similar review before I ordered but I knew JCorners and I thought I'd give them the benefit of the doubt. Nope. $17 after tax and tip - for just a salad and it has NO meat. ONE anchovy slice. Literally ONE black olive ... a sprinkling of cheese. And a whole lot of [admittedly fresh] lettuce and croutons. Was so looking forward to this salad. Very sad & disappointed in an Alton staple business. The other reviewer had pretty much the exact same experience with the exact same order and said her waitress (mine was a to-go order) blamed it on a new chef. But the chef can't be "new" for long. And making a salad is pretty darn basic cooking-101. Doubt I'll be back. Jimmy would be so disappointed. May he rest in peace read more

Stopped for lunch. Had a burger and fries and it was good, as usual. Service was good, tea was refreshing, nice portions.

I've been going to Johnson's Corner before it was Johnson's Corner...when I started going there it was Bill Roes Tavern! 1977 I believe!! I was very disappointed today, I ordered the Friday lunch special for $11.95 carry out order....payed over the phone...when I picked it up the receipt said $14.95...I told the waitress about the price online...her reply was...oh they just haven't updated yet! I told her was unexceptible...it didn't matter! She didn't get a tip...she did look! I just had the same order in September of 2025 for $10.95! This is outrageous! They have lost a customer for GOOD! read more

4-27-25 11:00AM Lunch for 4 Parking - curb PLUS large private lot. Ambiance - Local Mom & Pop restaurant & bar. Excellent, clean,& it's a GEM. Service - Very efficient, courteous, & polite. Bar - Beer on tap & bottled, wine, plus. Deep Fried Onion Rings - LARGE serving plus extremely delicious!!! Ruben sandwich & fries - Thick and tasty.....it's superior and no room for improvement. Grilled Pork Tenderloin sandwich - Perfection at it's best. Mouth watering and oh so yummy. I love it. This will always be my first choice. Chicken Fried Steak sandwich - This is a first class winner......large , tender, & full flavored. Plus sides. Steak sandwich - It's large, beautifully seasoned, and a feast!! Loved it 100%. Small salad - fresh, crisp, tasty. Fresh brewed iced tea - Full flavored & perfect. This locally owned restaurant has been around for 50+ years. BEST IN ALTON!!! Make this your first choice.....it's mine too. read more

Went there to celebrate my moms 82nd birthday. We were table of 6. They weren't overly busy when we got there but it did pick up later on. It took over an hour to get our food. All of which was fried items. 2 tables near us with just as many people ordered after us and got their food before us (also fried food). Once we did receive food, half of it was overcooked. Waitress would disappear for long periods of time. Our drinks were empty most of the time and over all service and food was not good. Just not overly impressed. Just expected a little more or at least if you make me wait on my food, make sure my drinks are filled and food isn't overcooked when it does finally arrive. read more

Disgusting food and service. The kitchen looked filthy (My friend was able to tour it and told us not to eat anything). This used to be such a fun place and amazing tenderloin but things have changed. Too bad. read more

Owner is rude. Food is mediocre at best. Parking lot was dirty with beer cans. What more can I say?

Super disappointed, went last night for dinner. I ordered the Johnsons Special Salad. When the waitress brought it out, it was missing half the ingredients. So I mentioned that the artichokes, cheese and onion were missing. She apologized and says I will bring them out for you. She brings ONE artichoke, 3 slivers of onion and no cheese. Wow, glad I paid $7 for lettuce and a not much else. They weren't even busy.... One other table. And when the waitress apologized she just said "sorry, we have 2 new cooks". What that has to do with a poorly made salad, I will never know read more

I ordered two salads and a cheese burger to go. I live about twelve minutes from Johns corner. Picked up on time , I didn't have to wait. The orders total was $34. and some change. First salad was suppose to be a Ceaser. It was a little head lettuce and a small cup of dressing. No croutons no parmesan cheese, just a little head lettuce. Next, Bobs choice salad. It was head lettuce with a small amount of ham and I think turkey on it. That's all! No onion, no peppers, no cheese, no olives nothing else. Lastly a cheese burger. The burger was burnt to ash. But the bun it was on was harder then the burger. My dog would not even eat it! This was the most horrible dinner I have ever paid for! I myself, would have never let it go out the door. Yes, it was that bad! Upond looking at the register receipt. It states. Bobs choice salad, Ceaser salad. No onions, no peppers , no olives.no cheese. All wrong. Never did I say to leave anything out. The burger,it states ,well done that I didn't order with everything. It had nothing on it.Just a burger burnt to ash. I called to complain about my order. Their response was, come back here and we will give you some cheese and croutons! I don't think I'll be back to that place anymore. It has really went bad, way bad. So if you go to Johnson's Corner for a good meal. Good luck, I don't think it's going to be what you want! Just horrible! read more

OH MY GOODY GOODNESS. When is say this food was hitting, that food was hitting so great. Their cheese curds be so bussin, and they should put them on a pizza! And they pizza be hitting in all my tastebuds! 10/10 would recommend! read more

Great hangout place- bar needs to be a bit bigger but the food and atmosphere are great. Pork tenderloin sandwiches are da bomb!

This restaurant was recommended to us by the Visitors' Center, and I'm glad we took their advice. The chicken wings were nicely spiced and the catfish perfect--crisp and salty without the oily taste that fried catfish often has. Good service as well. We will definitely go back! read more

What the heck? The sign on the door says you will be closed July 4th, 5th and 6th. Today is the 3rd and your door is locked. Blah!

Food & service is great! Carryout is on point as well, which is huge & hard to find honestly!

The best pizza in Alton hands down!! Great spot to hang out with friends and have a ice cold beer. My kids love the garlic cheese and crackers. The owners Jimmy and Cathy always make you feel so welcome. read more

Johnsons Corner - Whitefish and fries. - American Near Me - Alton, Illinois

See all

Multi generational restaurant that continues to exceed expectations. Fresh ingredients quality preparation and great service are as timeless as their aged Decour, Give them a chance. Great onion rings, salads. Pork tenderloin are a few of the good stuff they offer. read more

Hello, went to eat there last night. My son and I ordered pepperloin, steaks Medium Rare! When we received them WELL DONE and Very Salty. Advice, get something FRIED it is Easier for the cook. We will NEVER order another steak at Johnson's! The waitress was excellent! read more

Honestly really good American food, I was really happy with the service and the overall experience. I wouldn't give it any less than 5 stars, however a PSA is it is pretty dark inside and a little worn down, but imo that just means it's popular and gets lots of traffic lol read more

Johnson's Corner is the best! Jimmie & Cathy have created a welcoming environment that truly is a neighborhood institution. Delicious food & cold drinks and equally good for family dining or a night out with friends. read more

I was trying to call in a to go order recently and kept getting a busy signal. Thought maybe there was something wrong with the phone so I decided to just go in person to order. Came in to the bar area and didn't seem especially busy. The employee at the bar was really nice as I placed our order and got a drink while I waited. I decided to ask her what the deal was with the busy signal on the phone and she told me sometimes "the girls" get overwhelmed and they take the phone off the hook. I was shocked that this was the way they were conducting business, especially during a time when people don't won't want to be around people. I hope the owner will read this and make a change in procedure. read more

Disappointing. Quality control is lacking. Last three times we've ordered have been a total disappointment. Last night, last time. Ribs were almost inedible. Fried chicken was not cooked through but the outside was almost burnt. A lot of money to pay for two decent baked potatoes. read more

Have been here numerous times as it is just over a half mile from our house and it is a convenient, moderately priced, local spot to grab a bite in Alton. I went last night with my Mom, Dad and little sister. It was 7:15 on a Sunday, and drizzly. They closed at 8. There was no one in the parking lot. We went in anyway and were greeted by the waitress holding things down letting us know that they closed in 25? minutes, waitress repeated again 25 minutes. She let us know that they were out of some things: the special of the day, iced tea, and that fried chicken would take too long. It would have been nice if she just phrased it differently, "kitchen closes in 25 minutes." Anyway, she was pretty polite about it all and very attentive, as she wanted to get out as quickly as possible. I think she did try to trick us and not give us any crackers and cheese spread. When I inquired about it she said that is comes out with the dinners. But what would be the point of that. It is delicous and I want to eat it before my food comes like usual. My dad swears the grilled pork tenderloin is awesome! It is what they are known for. My mom got it, and wanted me to eat half, but I let her take it home. My dad went with the pulled pork which was falling apart pretty badly. He seemed to enjoy it, but said the pork tenderloin is definitely better. Sister had the kids cheeseburger which was too done, leading to a discussion with my father about how done to order things and being able to have the kitchen take them back... He can discuss anything to death. My mom and I shared a bowl of the chilli which was awesome! I had already had some chili just a few hours before at Jackis, but I always have room for more (I just deal with paying for it). I also had a chefs salad of sorts with cheese, ham, and roast beef and their house dressing which is sweet and delicious. Menu claims there are artichokeS in it, I think I had one. Not really a place to go out of your way for, but for my non adventurous family its gets the job done. Service is typically decent, standard menu items done decently enough. read more

The service is amazing and to have good home cooking that makes you remember mom this is the place to go. I haven't had anything there that wasn't good. And their bartenders are so friendly and very knowledgeable. Johnson's will always be a family favorite. read more

I have been hearing about Johnson's Corner and read in the paper that they had a Corned Beef and Cabbage special. The place has very limited parking, it is across the street and it is a pretty busy street, so it can be a little scary. You can sit in the bar or the dining area. We selected the bar, it had more seating available. I guess the Riverbend area is a Pepsi place, I can t find a Diet Coke anytime we go out for lunch. They had about four servers and the boss and her husband. I got the special and my boss ordered the Johnson's salad, both of these servings were huge. The food was very good, the service was a little slow, yes I know they were busy......I think this is more of a bar appetizer after work drink place. It was just Okay. read more

Usually get pretty good food until tonight. Salads were made with old lettuce that was partially brown. To make matters worse they were warm and not crisp. The lettuce should have been thrown away. I guess it's just too expensive to do thst. The ribeye steak that I ordered medium rare was way overcooked and full of gristle. Don't know what happened tonight. I'll probably give them another try. But if this happens again I'll be done. read more

Yes - it is cold/cooler than your normal restaurant. Everybody is right on about that. Stopped in one night for a late dinner - ordered salad, cheese fries & zucchini to share. My salad came out DRENCHED in ranch dressing. It was literally spilling over the sides and dressing plopped into my water cup as the waitress handed the plate to me. Both her & I had to wipe off our hands after we handled the plate. I didn't finish the salad because I felt like all I was eating was ranch. The other items I got were good! Crispy zucchini sticks & fries can't really mess those up. Will definitely try this place out if I'm in the area again looking for a meal. But this time I'm asking for my dressing on the side. They have a wise variety of items on the menu - sure to please anyone. Lots of fish options in addition to usual bar/traditional American restaurant fare. Very friendly owned or manager at the door/hostess area. Give them a try! read more

While enjoying the outdoor activities in the Alton area and Pere Marquette State Park, we were hungry for good neighborly "Hometown" pizza and spirits. We found both at the Johnson's Corner Restaurant. We had a "great" time hanging out and felt very welcome from the Owners/Staff and local patrons. We have added their "Neighborhood" restaurant to our "go to" list when in the area. Thank you for a "wonderful" experience! read more

Johnson's Corner is a pretty average local restaurant. The food is serviceable. It is pretty dark in there as other reviewers have said

It's an Alton staple, but I never did figure out why. The food is mediocre and typical for small town, country faire. The prices aren't even that cheap. I have yet to grasp what is so special about this place. read more

The grilled pork tenderloin is unbelievable! They are the best in the world. Wonderful bloody Mary's and onion rings. The atmosphere is nice. Doesn't look like much on the outside but the inside is much bigger than it looks like. read more

We have been here 3 times and each time the temperature of the dining room was frigid. As for as the food, it's ok. A little problem with today's meal. The waitress told us about the BBQ chicken special. She neglected to say it was a pulled chicken sandwich. It was not chicken breast either, it seemed to be parts. We probably won't be back. read more

This restaurant definitely lives up to its reputation. We go there for the pork tenderloin sandwich. It is always great. The service is good and prompt. It is also a bar so keep that is mind when thinking about bringing small children. The restaurant is separate from the bar. So if you're under eighteen it's ok. Parking is across the street but easy to get across. read more

The have an amazing salad and wings. I've been here a lot and have never had bad food. It looks like a total dive and that's why 4 stars and not 5. read more

The mushroom pizza here is to die for!!! I was pleasantly surprised for this little dive in Alton.

Great food, great service, affordable prices. Johnson's is a local favorite, owned by a great family. The quintessential neighborhood bar and grill, I always feel at home here. Highly recommended! read more

This place is ok. I wasn't impressed with the food. The place is also kind of dirty. The cheese for the crackers is delicious! They could just really do some cleaning, and maybe use more fresh ingredients. Not a terrible meal, but the price was too high for the level of satisfaction. read more

Our friends ranted and raved about this place. I was so looking forward to their breaded pork tenderloin and onion rings. I'll forgive that the place was very busy and service was very slow. But that thing I had was no pork tenderloin. The meat was a dark brown color and there was a huge piece of gristly fat right in the middle of it. Pork tenderloin is the tenderest part of the loin...the meat is the same color as chicken breast before and after cooking. The onion rings were awful as the batter wasn't crisp and had not much flavor. And they weren't even rings...they were onion chunks. My experience was so bad I won't be back. Outrageous price for the quality. read more

Food is good for lunch. Salads are great. The atmosphere is dark and needs updated. Feels like I stepped back in to the 70's

Our waitresses tonight was rude and did tell us about restaurant week specials like I heard her later telling someone at another table. My food was over cooked and dry. Won't be back! read more