About Johnny brenda's
Johnny Brenda’s: A Unique Bar, Restaurant, and Independent Venue in Fishtown
Johnny Brenda’s is a one-of-a-kind establishment located in the heart of Fishtown. This bar, restaurant, and independent venue has been a staple of the Philadelphia music scene since it first opened its doors in 2003. With its unique blend of food, drinks, and live entertainment, Johnny Brenda’s has become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
The History of Johnny Brenda’s
Johnny Brenda’s was founded by William Reed and Paul Kimport with the goal of creating a space that would bring together great food, drinks, and live music. The building that now houses Johnny Brenda’s was originally built in 1885 as a saloon called The Standard Tap. Over the years it served as everything from an Italian social club to an adult bookstore before being purchased by Reed and Kimport.
After extensive renovations to restore the building to its former glory while also adding modern amenities like soundproofing for live performances, Johnny Brenda's opened its doors on April 1st 2003. Since then it has become one of Philadelphia's most beloved venues for live music.
Food & Drink at Johnny Brenda's
One thing that sets Johnny Brenda's apart from other bars is their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their menu features classic American fare with a twist such as their famous burger made with grass-fed beef or their vegan-friendly black bean burger.
In addition to their food menu they also have an extensive drink list featuring local craft beers on tap as well as specialty cocktails made with fresh ingredients like house-made syrups or freshly squeezed juices.
Live Music at Johnny Brenda's
While many bars offer live music occasionally or only on certain nights of the week - at Johnny Brendas you can expect top-notch performances every night! They host both local acts looking for exposure along with national touring bands. The venue has a capacity of 250 people, making it an intimate setting for live music.
Johnny Brenda's has hosted some of the biggest names in indie rock including The National, Kurt Vile, and Sharon Van Etten. They also have a weekly residency program called "Free at Noon" where they host free concerts every Friday afternoon featuring up-and-coming artists.
The Venue
Johnny Brenda's is more than just a bar or restaurant - it's also an independent venue that hosts events ranging from live music to comedy shows to private parties. The space is versatile and can be configured in different ways depending on the event.
The main room features a stage with state-of-the-art sound equipment and lighting. There is also a balcony area overlooking the stage that provides additional seating for guests. In addition to the main room, there is also a smaller upstairs bar area that can be rented out for private events.
Conclusion
If you're looking for great food, drinks, and live entertainment all in one place then Johnny Brenda’s should definitely be on your list of places to visit! With its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, top-notch performances every night of the week and versatile event space - this establishment truly stands out from other bars or restaurants in Philadelphia. Whether you're looking for an intimate night out with friends or want to catch your favorite band perform live - Johnny Brenda’s has something for everyone!
johnnybrendas.com
