West End Johnnie’s image

West End Johnnie’s

Restaurant Bar American restaurant

Owner's collection of vintage sports memorabilia adorns the walls at this upbeat bi-level hangout. People often mention good, great, brunch, music, band, table, Boston, drinks, reggae, Sunday,


Address

138 Portland St, Boston, MA 02114

Website

www.westendjohnnies.com

Contact

(617) 227-1588

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (614 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 4 to 11 PM
  • Friday: 4 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 4 PM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 11 AM to 3 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 4 to 11 PM
  • Wednesday: 4 to 11 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (15) great (12) brunch (9) music (8) band (8) table (8) Boston (8) drinks (8) reggae (7) Sunday (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Che R. 1 year ago on Google
    I went there for a birthday brunch to listen to some music which was great! On Sunday the reggae band was good. That's what saved the mail. There was a group of us about 12. The waiter took everybody's order. I had the BLT sandwich and I ordered a nice beer to wash it down. After one set from the music most of the food came. Couple of people did not get their food at all and one person sent back their food and got their replacement and those people who didn't receive their food from the original order still didn't get their food. Very disappointed in the service. The food was good and the band was good. That's why I gave them two stars. Other than that, no accommodations were made. We asked for the manager. No one showed up at the table and the people who didn't get their food ended up leaving because we're hungry. Very disappointed after hearing such good things about their food. The entertainment was on point but everything else bad. I don't know if I'll be coming back or recommend anyone to come back if they can't handle what they advertise
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon A. 7 months ago on Google
    Food was amazing! Service was also great, they even had waiters that spoke Spanish!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Daniel B. 6 months ago on Google
    This is the pick of the neighborhood if you’re heading to the Garden but looking to catch a beer, the game and still get a decent plate of food as part of your pre-show ritual. The steak tips and the burger were solid choices. Lots of pull-down projector TV screens hidden in the ceiling so there’s a good view of the game from almost any seat. Staff is friendly and accommodating.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael B. 6 years ago on Google
    Best brunch spot in Boston. Great spot to watch games aswell or just to grab some food. Staff was nice and cool. Good vibes and good live music. Definitely a new favorite spot to go to. Try the Fluffernutter French Toast with Ice cream will not disappoint. Place can get really packed though sometimes and wait times can be crazy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kim J. 1 year ago on Google
    I’m giving this place a one star, not for the food, but for them refusing to sit me at a table because I was by myself. When I told the girl I needed a table for 1, she said I could go sit at the bar. I said I didn’t want to sit at the bar, that I would like a table. She refused and said she could not sit me at a table. This is ridiculous and rude!! Why should I have to be subjected to sit at the bar because I’m by myself?? I had no intentions of getting a drink and I would like to sit comfortably at a table. Plus there were PLENTY of open tables in the restaurant available and no one in line waiting to be seated. So I turned around and walked out. I guess you don’t care if you have customers or not.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trina D. 1 year ago on Google
    We went for Sunday Reggae brunch and what a time we had. The band was off the chain and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. I had the burger, one if my friends had the French toast with ice cream. The had different flavors of mimosa and I had a drink called the pink panther which was fire. Overall this place made my trip to Mass. Above board.

  • 4/5 Carrie H. 1 year ago on Google
    Had the wings,they were great. The steak tip dinner was good,just wish mash potatoes had garlic or something added. They were a little plain. The drinks were good too. Overall,we liked it there.

  • 5/5 Christopher W. 1 year ago on Google
    Johnnie and his bartenders are phenomenal people. Had a night that looked to be a bummer turned around and made into an absolute blast. The hospitality was amazing and the service was even better. Definitely will be back soon.

  • 5/5 Chepsie Chumba (My g. 1 year ago on Google
    I go to Johnie's every Sunday because of live Reggae. Conscious Reggae Band is hands down the #1 band in Boston metropolitan. Food is great n drinks. You gotta find your own parking on the street. Sunday is great coz it's free. Many birthday celebrations have happened here coz the band personalized it. I love it. Massive!

  • 5/5 Andy E. 1 year ago on Google
    ATTENTION Walked in at 6:02 with puck drop at 7. We were seated downstairs by 6:04. Had our delicious pefectly toasted Reubens and drinks on the table by 6:15 from our awesome, friendly server lady. Slammed the food, got the bill paid, and out the door for a quick walk to the Gardens for a Bruins 7-1 dub over Buffalo......This place gets it and I'll be back for sure

  • 5/5 Brianne S. 1 year ago on Google
    Whether you're there for brunch with your friends and family, looking for great live music, somewhere to go before or after a game at the Garden or just a fun time out in Boston this is the place to be. The owner John (great guy) has a great team who have created an amazing atmosphere for everyone to enjoy! Gotta go to West End Johnnie's 👌

  • 4/5 Angela B. 10 months ago on Google
    Great Place. . Live entertainment plus good food can't go wrong for a beautiful Sunday early afternoon.

  • 5/5 Sonam S. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved the live reggae sunday brunch. The food was amazing too. My new favorite diner

  • 5/5 James G. 1 year ago on Google
    This was my second visit in two years. Great food and atmosphere. We came in with a pretty sizable group after a Bruins WIN and Johnnie's sat us pretty quick and went to work for us. The appetizers were out super fast and the food soon after we ordered. I was very impressed with the level of service and speed, especially for a group our size. Well done Johnnie's. We will be back again.

  • 3/5 Randy D. 6 months ago on Google
    Went for the Sunday reggae brunch and the band was so loud I couldn't talk to the people I was with. The manager told them numerous times to lower the volume and they refused to do so. Apparently they didn't realize it was supposed to be background music for brunch and not reggaefest.

  • 5/5 Jen R. 6 months ago on Google
    Reggae brunch was such fun! My breakfast skillet was okay, but I would not order it again. The sausage was pretty spicy but the egg calmed it down a little. The salad that came with it was fantastic!

  • 5/5 Willette J. 4 months ago on Google
    Perfectly portioned and delicious appetizer! The reggae set was awesome as well. ❤️

  • 5/5 Julie G. 2 years ago on Google
    West End Johnny's officially opens up again after Labor Day weekend! I miss this place. They have a really nice atmosphere, friendly staff, and the best steak and truffle fries in Boston! I have not yet done the Jazz Brunch but I heard it's great. Can't wait to support this wonderful, local business again.

  • 5/5 John M. 2 years ago on Google
    Best Pre-Game Drinks and Dinner near TD Garden Only steps from the Celtics / Bruins home games at TD Garden - is West End Johnnies - where drinks and food are served in real glassware and plates. No paper plates here! BUT more than that - priced right, not gouged like nearby joints. A real sports bar with plenty of room to enjoy the food and drinks. The menu has beef, seafood and chicken - with my personal favorite: pan seared salmon served with a lemon caper sauce, beets and butternut squash. Plus a good amount of sandwiches and salads are on the menu, so you have plenty of choices. On the corner of Portland and Merrimac streets, on weekends, the downstairs room turns into a fun dance club. Get there early, as the popular nitery gets a line out the door.

  • 1/5 Dan R. 1 year ago on Google
    Inside the restaurant is loaded with sports memorabilia. We ordered the burgers and they arrived over cooked and with stale buns. The service was great and they swapped the buns out. I would return for drinks but not for the food!

  • 5/5 Jackie A. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place everyone was friendly from the hostess to the other guests... Rachel the bartender makes a delicious margarita and Santiago our server was excellent.... Plus the live reggae band Errol Strength and Conscious reggae band the Best!!!

  • 5/5 stephen m. 1 year ago on Google
    Our party had a great time before a concert at TD Garden. There are lots of decent spots in the area, and I've been to all the old school places over the years. I've also been to a few of the newer trendy ones. West End Jonnie's fits in perfectly and just might be my go to from now on. Attentive staff, great food and reasonable prices, this place in my opinion is a true representation of a real Boston bar, not quite a dive but not pretentious either. The owner made sure to come over and offer to take a picture for us unsolicited. Nice touch! The menu had all the real Boston choices with fish n chips, clam chowder and of course authentic New England steak tips amongst their varied yet uncomplicated choices. Definitely order the buffalo chicken dip as one of your apps... They had a good selection of bourbon and tequila, and while not a ton of beer on tap, my choice of Lunch tasted like it was tapped that day and they had Whirlpool which is brewed like a mile away. Also of note, it was a very clean restaurant. Give this place a try.

  • 1/5 Dilara S. 2 years ago on Google
    Came for a birthday celebration and the security guards were incredibly rude, we were not let in despite being well overage. Not only were they rude but consistently condescending and downgrading, I definitely don’t recommend this place if you’re looking to have a good time.

  • 2/5 wayfour96 2 years ago on Google
    I have been looking for a new place to stopping before a game at Boston Garden. Place look like it was pretty Lively sat at the bar. Pretty loud difficult to have a conversation. Service was fair my salmon and salad was overcooked and over-spiced. All that for $28 so I guess hamburger and a salad with salmon Three draft beers with tip was $80 a bit overpriced too. sorry I did not take a photo I should have. The search continues.

  • 5/5 Sunny M. 4 years ago on Google
    Come on need I say more especially reggae brunch Sunday's special my favorite.

  • 4/5 Luis C. 2 years ago on Google
    West end Johnnie's us always a good time drinks are good the crowd is awesome perfect place to start your weekend. The bouncers are even fair but don't cut the line because they notice lol..

  • 5/5 paul s. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food good drinks and nice atmosphere in the heat of Boston. Prices were very reasonable too. Right near Td garden

  • 5/5 Judi M. 4 years ago on Google
    Stopped in to West End Johnnie's for dinner before seeing Cher at the garden. We were told a 30 minute wait and decided to wait. While we were waiting we ordered the meatball appetizer. We ate the meatballs on the couch while waiting for a table. There were a couple of other groups doing the same. It was fun, and we decided to order dinner on the couch as well due to time constraints. We ordered fish & chips, and braised short ribs. Delicious!!

  • 5/5 Joella B. 2 years ago on Google
    Jason, Tim, and Ali were the nicest employees at a bar I’ve ever met. They deserve a raise for being so kind and respectful to a group of women. They made us feel welcome and safe!!!

  • 3/5 Josh N. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for the later DJ part of the night. There were two different levels playing different types of music which I liked. Line was way too long for what it actually was. Cover was Defo more reasonable than other bars and clubs tho. Only $10 Pros: alright selection of music, two floors of music, decent size Cons: long lines, there are better places


Call (617) 227-1588 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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