Great bar food and a great place to watch sports! Went here with a couple friends to get some small bites and catch up. It's pretty loud in here when a sport is on, so be ready for that! They have some revolving food and drink specials and overall the prices are pretty good to match the food quality. We got a pizza and some chicken tenders and they were very delicious! Only issue was the service. It was very slow even though our server was nearby often. Not sure what the issue was but luckily we weren't in a hurry! read more

I really enjoyed this place. They have cheap drinks, cool music, and a friendly wait staff. It's a great sports bar and an easy spot to hang out and watch a game. read more

J's Penalty Box - Sports Bars Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

See all

This is our GO TO!! The owners and wait staff are so great! The food is awesome. We love coming here.

J's is definitely in my local sports bar/watering hole rotation. With plenty of tv's, great food and drink specials, fun sports decor, and a very cheerful and friendly staff, J's is a fun place to catch a game or just hang in Downtown Ferndale. Pro tip? Go for the $1 wing special on Sundays! It's a deal you don't see much anymore and they're MASSIVE to boot! read more

J's Penalty Box - Got dayyyum these wings girthy - Sports Bars Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

50% off pizza on Thursdays keeps us coming back to dine in and carry out. Old school homemade pizza with fun new flavors- the Coney Island pizza is delish, and this is coming from a die hard red sauce & pepperoni chick- it's a must try, at least once. We've heard the dill pickle is just as good and some folks do a mash up of the two! Stella is one of our favorite waitpersons of all time- she always makes us feel so welcome. J's is a legit hometown sports bar with great homemade bar food. read more

The walk to get the pizza is slower than the walk home to eat the pizza. Get the pizza. If not, get the other pizza. Appreciate taking the late night food orders! read more

I came here tonight specifically to try the pickle pizza - I'm always on the hunt for good pickle pizza in the Metro Detroit area, and a friend and I had just tried Sherwood Brewing, in Shelby Twp., a few weeks before. Sherwood's was good but very thick and bready; J's ended up being the opposite, but also very good. My dining companion and I had some drinks to start - they had Ace Pineapple cider, which I like, although it ended up being a little pricey ($8). You can get a small or a large pizza, and normally the large pickle pizza is $19, which is also pricey; however, on Thursdays, they do half-off pizza nights, which I had scoped out on their Instagram or Facebook page beforehand, so it ended up being only $9.50, which is a bargain. As for the pizza itself, it was a very thin crust pizza, which was good. It was a little TOO salty but similar to Sherwood's, they had fresh dill on it. I would order it again although I also want to check out the other pizzas on their menu too, before I decide if I want pickle pizza again. Waitservice was very good, also - they constantly checked on us and brought water refills. I'd go here again although, as you might imagine, it's pretty loud, as it's a sports bar. Tonight was Thursday and there was a Red Wings game on but thankfully no football or anything like that (contributing to the loudness, haha). I also used the bathroom once while here and it was clean. They do takeout as well so I'd probably come back here again for that! read more

J's Penalty Box - Pretty good pickle pizza! This was their large size. Go on Thursdays for 1/2 off, otherwise it's $19 which is a bit pricey. - Sports Bars Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

Such a great time every time here! Service is always fantastic, drinks prices reasonable and atmosphere is fun.

My husband and I just came here for the first time tonight and I can already say for sure that we will definitely be back here. We came and had a drink at the bar and ordered some half off pizza since it was Thursday. I've heard amazing things about their dill pickle pizza but as a bit skeptical since we have never been here before. We ended up ordering a small dill pickle pizza and a small meat lovers pizza to go. Both pizzas were good, but the dill pickle pizza was absolutely amazing. Like nothing I have ever tasted before, quite literally. Not too overpowering with flavor, but somehow just the right amount. The meat lovers was also good and had great taste, but we definitely both preferred the dill pickle pizza. Service at the bar was great, all the servers, bartenders, and bouncers were super polite. Can't wait to come back. Highly recommend stopping in (or doing takeout) for half off pizza on Thursday's! read more

This is one of my favorite places to drink and eat a pizza in the ferndale area. The owners are so nice and involved with their business, the overall vibe is good and their pizza is half off on thursdays which is actually very good tasting!!!! The bartenders have always treated my boyfriend and i so sweetly and the drinks have always been strong but reasonably priced. Best sports bar in the area, masculine sports vibe but very LGBTQ friendly love this place read more

Best wings, round pizza, and nachos in the area! But you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Best sports bar in town and bartenders are the best! read more

For starters the greeter at the front door was smiling and friendly. Venue/Atmosphere 5/5: The bar layout consisted of the main floor, a small 6 ft elevated balcony (capacity approx. 10 barstools & 6 person picnic table), and a back patio (at alley). There was one large, open-air garage door - facing Woodward. The door was open, letting in the gorgeous mid-September weather. TV Screen visibility 5/5: There were 18 or so TV's - 5 of which were easily visible from my seat (I sat in the balcony). The elevated seating, and ample number of screens made for a great vantage point. I could easily game watch and people watch (inside and out) as well. Drinks 4/5: The first pour (cosmopolitan) tasted a bit light, but the next ones hit the spot. Food: Chili 3/5 - consistency was more runny than I prefer (I like the chunky chilly). Flavor was good, although I would have liked a little more "kick". Nachos 3/5 - lots of lettuce and what appeared to be taco sauce drizzles over chips. Kind of odd looking, tasted ok. However, I've definitely had better. Overall service 5/5- server Stella was kind, consistent and attentive. Even though the Lions lost, the Penalty Box is a great venue to watch (sporting or other) events! I give the place two thumbs up! read more

Server was amazing. Owners would not accommodate a group of 14 people celebrating a birthday. They said we were intoxicated (it was 4pm and we're grown adults enjoying each others company) and insisted they were no longer serving us. Would no recommend for large groups or people looking for human decency towards patrons. Others bars are more worth it!!! read more

The amount of sports on the tv was incredible, the food was fairly good as well. Chicken tenders were more like chicken tenderloins with an extremely light batter on them. Would definitely go back for the atmosphere, just need to order something else. Also my friend was stupid and didn't realize the gobbler was a turkey burger, so don't make that mistake LOL! read more

Super friendly and efficient staff and management.... Always on point ! And you can get one of their fantastic pizzas on Thursday for 1/2 off!! Nothing else to say but, get there for all your sports, dranks and food needs read more

J's Penalty Box - Meat Lovers pie - Sports Bars Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

See all

Best place to watch sports, hangout, and feel welcome! The food is always delicious. It's hard to find a place with consistently good pizza, not to mention cauliflower pizza, but we crave it! My hubby loves the dill pickle pizza. They always have deals on beer and food, so it's easy to enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. They have fun drink deals when the Red Wings score a goal or the Detroit Tigers hit a grand slam. They have quizzo on Wednesdays, and are always showing sports (lot's of TV's too!). My husband and I have come here many times since it opened, and have never ONCE had a bad experience with the staff. We recommend this place to everyone we know. It is very apparent that the owner cares about her place of business, but even more about her customers. It is a fun, family like atmosphere. We absolutely love this place and the staff!!! read more

Came here to watch the AFC championship game (go Chiefs) and got the pickle pizza! I would come again just for the pizza! However I wouldn't consider this a sports bar for people who like to get rowdy! We saw a man get denied entry just from yelling when he walked in the door because he was coming here to celebrate the Eagles winning the NFC championship. It was very odd. We left at halftime to watch the game at home because I was stressed about the game and I didn't want to get kicked out for yelling haha! read more

J's Penalty Box - Pickle pizza - Sports Bars Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

Awesome sports bar! Great atmosphere with lots of TVs to watch multiple games. Friendly staff, great service. Highly recommend!

We came in hoping to watch some of the US Open. Unfortunately, we happened to come in the first day of college football. Our fault, we should have checked the schedule. The food here is quite good. The service is good, but not great. I do plan to come back because it has a really fun vibe. read more

Located on Woodward in Ferndale, stopped here for a few drinks with friends. It is a traditional sports bar. It's relatively small inside, I went on a Thursday but I can see how it could get packed on the weekends. It has an abundance of TVs so if your a sports fanatic this is a place for you to stop by and try out. Only giving it 4/5 because I did not get food so I can't attest to their food. But overall 5/5 for good beer, loud sports bar atmosphere! read more

J's Penalty Box - Sports bar - Sports Bars Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

Great dill pickle pizza! Friendly staff. Did a carry out order, so not too aware of the ambiance, but the bar itself seemed very nice.

I dig it, My burger was right on! cooked really good, fresh toppings, tasty bun and the beef was cooked the way I like it and came out perfect. The place has a really good vibe and the service was pretty good. I like the front open roll up doors and we ended up with a good table and good service. Prices are not too expensive and the beer list is good with some specials. All-in-all I really enjoyed my experience at Js penalty box and I want to come back and check out more of the menu and try more of the food and definitely drink some more beer, the place was fun. read more

J's Penalty Box - Two hearted. - Sports Bars Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

See all

Came here for dinner during the Funky Ferndale Art Fair. We were worried it would be to mobbed for us to get seated or dinner, but we found a table and were waited on promptly. My boyfriend and I split tacos & potato skins, both were delicious. The drinks were good also and not too expensive. Classic sports bar, lots or tv's going, but what I really loved is that the front has a roll up door so you have an indoor / outdoor dining experience. On a beautiful day - what could be better? We'll definitely be back to hang out, have a drink and a burger or snack. read more

I have never walked into a bar, and from the second I was greeted with such hostility and rudeness. The older guy and older woman were extremely disrespectful to my group of friends at noon on a Sunday to watch the lions game opener. The energy in the bar is like you're every move constantly being watched and can't just have a good time. I would not recommend! There are plenty of other spots that have better costumer service. read more

Weakest pour I've ever experienced. Basically just had cranberry juice. Egg rolls were dry and boring. Potato skins were good!

Great neighborhood bar. Pizza was excellent. Ranch is homemade and soo yummy! The snapshot grilled cheese was very good. Fries rocked! Drinks were good and cold but a bit pricey. Service was good. Would return for sure. read more

J's Penalty Box - Small Pepperoni Pizza - Sports Bars Near Me - Ferndale, Michigan

See all

It is a Sports Bar on busy Woodward just south of 9 in Ferndale. The owners are an electrician and his wife, who was a bar manager somewhere else before. Basic beer drafts with some crafts on tap. Solid design and sports TVs. Decent food. Good prices for the area. The staff are what makes this good. They are friendly, fast, and helpful. Limited pay street parking, more parking behind. read more

We have been hearing good things about J's pizza, so we ordered for New Years Eve and were happy we did. Pizzas were half off since it was Thursday, so we both got our own to ring in the new year as total pigs! I read that you can order online, and maybe I was totally missing it on their site, but I couldn't find anywhere to actually order it. I called instead and it was easy enough. When I arrived to pick up, there was someone dropping food off to another car, so he came over to me after and quickly brought out our pizzas without having me call into the restaurant for curbside. The pizza was great! Being half off was a plus because I think it's a little expensive if you have to pay full price. However it was very good, and the large is huge. It was easily three or four meals for me. read more

Disappointed in my experience here. Friendly waitress, decent food, but the management and ownership make this a bar I will never visit again. They are a self proclaimed sports bar, where cheering for your team is a cause for verbal berating by the owner. I am a firm believer that if you own any business you should never yell at your patrons. I am also a firm believer that if you own a sports bar the atmosphere should be lively. If I wanted to watch sports in silence I would have gone to the library. I am also in disbelief that after seeing other reviews stating the same thing the owner is claiming it is not true. That the reviewer is trying to harm small businesses. I would love to see the owners of this establishment take responsibility for their behavior. I know some people on the internet troll and write fake reviews, but at a certain point if multiple people are claiming something about you, maybe you are the problem. I had high hopes for this bar. Really bummed it wasn't what they claim to be. read more

I've been living in Ferndale for over 12 years now and I've been to every bar around. I have to say without a doubt that J's penalty box is by far one of my favorites. The food and drinks are great (try the dill pickle pizza) and it has great vibe. I'm not even a sports fan and I really enjoy watching the game. It's the perfect place for a good time. If you're lucky you can sit at the bar and Teresa will make you one of her incredible whiskey cocktails. She's incredible!!!!! I honestly feel sorry for anyone who hasn't had Teresa serve them a drink. read more

I used to go here for lunch since I work in the area. Good food. Great service. Competitive pricing too. Their pizza was good. Since Covid, their hours have been changed and closed at lunch. Ugh. Miss hanging out here for lunch. I could hide here and not bump into coworkers. read more

The service was good, and the happy hour drink I had was tasty. I ordered a pierogi and fish lenten menu dish, and it was pretty good. The pierogis tasted better than the fish, but nothing was bad. At one point, my friend accidentally knocked his nearly full glass of beer over and they brought him another one and mopped everything up without any complaint which was really nice. Prices were good, and parking wasn't too challenging. There are some spots with 2-hour limits right out front and parking in the nearby library parking lot as well. read more

The place is a cool bar for the games but the food is not good. The burger tastes like a cheap frozen meal I'd expect from McDonalds. Not a sports bar read more

I came here with my boyfriend to enjoy the festivities with Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. Great vibe with garage doors, which were open. The weather was great. The bar was having great drink specials, so we tried the magaritas, mint juleps, and jello shots. Everything was great. The service was great. We had a great location to watch the derby. No complaints! read more

This place is SUPER DELICIOUS!!!! I promise. Try the pickle pizza. You will not be sad!!!

Such great bar food and wonderful, friendly staff! I've gotten carry out and delivery from J's multiple times and it's always great. From their amazing fried pickles to the delicious mango habanero wings. I'm not a pizza lover, but their coney dog pizza is one of the few I crave regularly. Highly recommend read more

See all

Great atmosphere, drinks, specials and fantastic service - you know great family ownership as soon as you walk in the door. Pickle Pizza, Club Sandwich, the Turkey Ruben - all fantastic!! read more

First thing we are greeted with is the owner screaming "BACK UP!" In our faces... Not cool at all. We were trying to find our friends we were meeting up with and he was probably the rudest owner of an establishment I've ever met. Very condescending when nobody asked. The waiters and servers were very kind and accommodating however, so that at least made up for their boss's terrible behavior. read more

Love this place, it's such a great atmosphere with such great enthusiasm. I've gone here a couple times as a small group and one time as a large group and our service has been outstanding. The owner is always personable and always make sure to check on you to make sure everything's going well, the bartending staffed is always watching on the floor and making sure people are getting drinks in the wait staff never lacked to do so. Their burgers are great their wings are excellent and now I hear that they're getting a pizza oven and I'm sure that's going to be as good as the rest. I highly recommend that you check this place out. read more

If I could leave 0 stars I would. Came in with friends to watch the lions game immediately got rude attitude from the older man. Old woman with grey hair and glasses would not leave me and my friends alone and there was always an issue. Me and my friends decided to leave after that. Was extremely rude and will never be coming to this place again. Go somewhere else. Unprofessional and rude/bad management. Not welcoming and bad experience. read more