Scene: Johnny's facelift was a great idea. The popular Court Avenue bar reopened this spring after extensive renovations, and although it's harder to see the difference when the place is packed on Friday and Saturday nights, the results are apparent during the weekday lunch hour.
Natural light spills in from big new windows and a virtual Best Buy wall of flatscreen TVs covers the wall behind the bar. Pool tables and sports-themed video games - Big Buck Safari, anyone? - fill the space behind the tables, but there were no takers among the two dozen office workers on a recent Thursday.
My friend and I sat in a wooden booth roomy enough for 10 people, or just for the two of us, if we'd wanted to sprawl out for a mid-day nap.
Food: There were no surprises on the menu when we went, but our waiter said an expanded menu was coming soon. Even so, don't expect anything too frou frou - just the usual, dependable mix of appetizers (nachos, wings, fried things), salads (taco, Caesar, chef), and sandwiches (BLTs, tenderloins, burgers).
The rarebit burger I ordered was smothered in cheese sauce the color of a school bus and served with a side of decent chili. It was fine, but nothing to rave about. Same goes for my friend's chicken tenders - hot, filling and predictable.
On the clock: We were in and out in about 45 minutes but could have rushed through in a half-hour.
Price: Most appetizers are about $5, salads are $5-$8 and entrees $6-$9.
What other people are saying...
Big Bob from nw des moines - March 10, 2009 at 4:09 PM
johnny's has done a great job with the remodel and the expanding of the menu, yes it took them awhile but its up and going. the pizzas are one of m...
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