Johnny's Little Bar

Goodness! After checking Google, Yelp, and other sites for the best burgers in Cleveland, I decided to try Johnny's Little Bar. You always go into a new restaurant with a little bit of trepidation and thoughts that it cannot possibly be as good as some other people say. Well...my fears were completely unfounded. I had what was quite possibly the best burger I've ever had. It was perfectly cooked, perfectly seasoned, perfectly sized, and on a perfect bun. It was topped off by homemade chips that were fantastic. There was good beer on tap and the service was great (I don't know his name, but the dude with beard was awesome). It opens at 5:00 (not 4 like the website and their sign says). We were there early, but they were gracious and allowed us to sit and drink beer while we waited. We will most certainly be back!

A cool little dive bar, with surprisingly good food and good service. BUT, a big negative for me was the fact they hid a hole in the floor with a door mat/rug, at the bottom of the stairs (to and from the bathrooms). Completely sober, I rolled my ankle stepping in the hole. Now I sit here writing this review the next morning, with a swollen left ankle, wondering how long they have ignored that dangerous situation. You can be a dive bar without ignoring known issues like that.

Cleveland hidden gem for amazing burgers, homemade chips, and daily specials. It's so cute and intimate inside. Our server was wonderful. The burger came out perfectly cooked as requested.

THAT SUPPOSED TO BE A TURKEY CLUB! I wish I could give this place zero stars. They couldn’t do anything right. We understood it might take some time to get our food before the Stones concert and we were willing to be patient. First they dropped off two pitchers of water but no cups to drink the water. It took 30 or more minutes to get one high noon, a bottled beer and a miller lite draft. Now let’s get to the food, my burger was burnt, fries were pitiful and cold and the bacon I added to my burger wasn’t there. Two orders of chicken tenders were never made, they served us wings with zero sauce. The worst order was the turkey club, look at that picture of a “turkey club”. Made on stale bread, one slice of disgusting turkey and gross bacon. We didn’t ask for no tomato or lettuce but they were never put on the sandwich. Our other “Turkey club” was made with the stale ends of a loaf of bread. How can a cook let this leave their kitchen?! WILD!! When we said we were missing two orders of chicken tenders we were told they would be made right away and apologized for the mistake but somehow they never showed up. Every person at our table had an issue with their food. They comped some items on the bill, like the chicken tenders but they never arrived so we shouldn’t pay for them anyways. So disappointing after having a good experience in the past.

It's very telling when the staff turnover is low. Pat, Ora, and Billy have been taking care of Johnny's needs for years. I simply love this Downtown staple; I highly recommend the burger, but you can't go wrong. Thanks for reading! -JohnnyK

This place used to have really good burgers, no more! I’ve been here only twice in the last 6 years for food and both times it was really bad. Like straight up bad food, Jesus this is terrible. I grew up eating amazing burgers here, but it seems that is all over. This place was a gem but now it is terrible for food. Still good for a cool place to hang and have some drinks. The restaurant Johnnys is run down as well. Had lunch there and it was just a dirty feeling place. Lunch food was pretty good, but this place needs a makeover. Old smelly carpet and paint peeling off in the window seat area. Whoever owns this needs to clean up. This is no longer the Johnny’s that became a known name in the city. Seriously, you will honestly get better food in a fast casual restaurant for half the price you will pay here. Food is an honest 2 out is 5. Pains me to write this…

Johnny's Little Bar is exactly what you'd expect in Cleveland: a prototypical hole-in-the-wall, blue collar kinda bar. The first floor was absolutely packed after Game 5 of the American League Division Series (ALDS), but oddly, the second floor, which is larger and has much more open space than the tiny first floor, was closed. It made no sense and caused all patrons to unnecessarily squeeze into tight quarters. The only food we ordered were fries. They were cooked so long that the only taste was crunch. We tossed them after 2 bites. Others said the burgers are really good, though.

If you’re just looking for an authentic American hole in the wall, the choices downtown are limited but this one is as good as that gets. Don’t go in expecting salads and a mascot. There’s some grit if you like that kind of thing. I do so hence the stars.

The food and atmosphere was great. Really enjoyed gathering with fiends and family before taking in a Cavs game.

Gentleman says he is the owner total jerk. Has no regard for customer service. I travel all over the world, and this gentleman was one of the worst bar tenders/guy iv met. Closed 3 hours early on a Friday night when the bar was packed. He also spoke to the female bartender and made her cry. Don't recommend. The drinks are fine. I gave 1 star for the terrible service.

Nice bar for a decent lunch menu. Service is friendly and efficient. I enjoyed my burger and the upgraded fries are very good.

I've been to this bar more times than I can remember. Pat is awesome, the drinks are cheap, the burgers are delicious (good quality beef). Service is always good if not great. It's a small place and around 5 or 6 they crank the music up so loud that's it's hard to hear the people at your table. It would be nice to turn it down a few notches. Oh and the bathrooms are an atrocity.

Visited Johnny's Little Bar today for lunch with coworkers. Looking at the menu, it seems burgers are the way to go. So that's what I requested. This place is a literal hole in the way, but they serve up some tasty lunch specials. The waitress mixed up our orders, but worked it out correctly. The poor woman was running the bar and was the only waitress on a busy lunch day. She must have been working at least eight tables alone and she did a good job of it. The menu has new prices on it, so be sure to look at the most recent menu. Good food, good service!

Low cost but good food and beer! Atmosphere was also nice, traditional style bar. Good service

This bar has a dark, speakeasy vibe and is tucked away on a side street. It reminded me of a college bar I used to frequent, with its wood floors and wall decor. Despite its unassuming exterior, the bar is surprisingly spacious, with additional tables on the second floor. Brittany, our server, was a funny and candid local who kept us laughing. We only had a cocktail, so I can't comment on the food, but it looked decent.

This hidden bar behind the main Johnny's restaurant is well revered in the Cleveland area and especially before or after games! I once had a gent buy the entire bar a round when we won a Browns game - granted this was our break away game after our very long streak of losses AND it isn't a big bar haha. Still, we were stoked! Everyone knows it so I'll just say it - you come here for the ambiance of a dive bar with the side perk of THE BEST DAMN CHEESEBURGER. Do not let yourself get here after the kitchen closes or you will smell the wafts of burger around you and be so saddened. It is truly a staple in the burger community of CLE. Service is hit or miss and sometimes you'll get a really great bartender, but I dunno, I live around the corner and it's not consistent in that regard. Then again, what restaurant is anymore? It's tough post covid I tell you. I would say 75% of the time I have at least satisfactory service but I would not say it has ever been above and beyond. Then again, this is a dive bar in an alley of downtown Cleveland, what exactly do I expect? Weekdays kitchen has been closing at 9:30 so get your butts in there fast - even though they may not close until 2, their kitchen is bye bye bye. Their apps and salads are good and usually have a strong selection of draft craft beers. Whoa that's a doozy. I meant what I said. Supporting local brews is always a win in my mind!

Wow, incredible burger, grunge atmosphere and banger service. I will be back!!! In all honesty, strange location but parking isn't that bad.

Service was EXCELLENT. Food was GREAT. Not the flashiest of spots but you get a quick bite without the big sticker shock. Decent selection of craft beer.

Oh my GOODNESS when I tell you this is the best burger joint in cleveland I am not lying. A little birdie told me that they get their burger meat from the steakhouse next door so I had to check it out with my partner. Now I'm not huge on burgers but my partner is. He absolutely fell in love with the flavor, juiciness and incredible size. This was a massive burger and the picture does not do it justice. The vibes at this bar were also incredible. It's a side door off of Johnny's steakhouse that looks just like a service entrance, but once you walk in, you're transported into a dimly lit sports bar. You simply cannot get any better than this. The servers were amazing, and at the price point, it was so much food. Highly highly recommend!

My wife and I must to stop when we are in the Land. Burgers are fantastic. Big, thick and juicy. Service is always good. Dive bar feel but it is a great vibe. Stop you will not be disappointed.

Still a very good burger and fries! Good beer selection reasonable prices! Not much for atmosphere

Worst restaurant experience ever. One waitress doing her best but too crowded due to Rolling Stones concert. Did they have no idea they would he busy! Asked for water got two pitchers unfortunately no glasses had to actually drink from the pitcher. Got unsauced garlic Parmesan wings so basically plan wings turkey club no tomato no lettuce ice cold fries. Two orders never came . I would never ever ever come back. Forced to leave a star review doesn't even deserve one star. I would of had a better meal from a rest stop vending machine

Hidden gem. Definitely recommend stopping in if your in town. Great service and the burger was amazing. Great place to watch a game or just hang out with friends. Wife and I had heard about Johnnys from our grown kids so decided to give it a shot and loved it.

Johnny's little bar BabyBro Bar & grill small n packin 614 Frankfort ave CLE 44113 It's a small world after all a not so little hole in the wall . Platform beer it's stands high on my platform of places I keep returning too. This is by far my favorite. I first came across this gem through a "friend" who wanted to grab a beer . This was one of mine n mamba first winter is over baseball is open the Clevelanders are a cheering opening day play ball! It never failed to stay or to go ur options are endless either way ur food is fresh hot n ready . Awesome beers on tap bottle chilled ready to serve while u wait bonus they're are super cheapy so prep ur belly wear loose pants n get ready for 123 floor. With that said I couldn't leave mamba on our favorite day of the season or any day for that matter he goes where I go date or no date so I called around n this man ( who I now know as Pat ! Hi pat ) on the phone said I love huskies bring him on in . I was shocked to know he can go in in. We entered I saw familiar faces and we were greeted with open arms treated like regulars grabbed a table n got to business n mamba was in his glory free rubs from everyone . One look at the menue n mamba face said it all ( I promise I eat other things other than just tenders n fries ) but I will admit I will always order em bc they are that damn good! Seasoning.. If you ain't sneezing it ain't seasoned . Crisp fries crunchin Also ! Bacon cheeseburger holy moly mother of pearls I clutch on hard . Medium rare to perfection they not lying when they say Best Burger in CLE ! Constantly rated the best in town! The kitchen definitely be bussin. Don't hesitate . Appreciate xoxo #TableForOne

AWESOME JOINT!!! Burgers ROCK and staff BADASS!!!! Highly recommended for sure!!! Ps...keep this place a secret LOL

This place is the perfect definition of a hole in the wall restaurant. Finding it was a struggle. We had walked back and forth along W 6th Street several times, absolutely confused why google maps insisted that we turn into this dark alleyway. Taking a leap of faith, we proceeded down the road and noticed a cook standing outside taking a smoke break. And looking just a few steps ahead, there was the door to Johnny's Little Bar. Now onto the food....both times we came, we got the burgers and chicken tenders. A few pro-tips... 1. The burgers tend to be on the overcooked side, so if you want medium-rare, consider just ordering it rare. 2. GET THE RANCH. Initially, the chicken tenders were the clear highlight.... so beautifully seasoned and cooked.... but then there was the ranch. While the mild and bbq sauces were also good, the ranch itself was enough to warrant a second visit during our one week vacation in Cleveland. I normally don't even like ranch that much, but this one....I would gladly eat by the spoonful..... Tangy. Fresh. Perfection. Service was great. Generous pours. Great prices. If we lived nearby, this would definitely be the type of place we'd go grab food and drinks on a Friday night. Would love to come again!

What a fun place. Great atmosphere. Great friendly staff. The regulars are happy and seem to love the place. The burgers were amazing. Definitely recommend. Music is loud. But it was fine. Def recommend! Enjoy!!

Excellent hamburgers, fries, and onion rings. Cool hideaway atmosphere down an alley too.

The burgers are real thick and very good! The fries are fresh and made in house. Definitely worth a trip to eat here. Small little dive bar downstairs with more seating upstairs. Bartender was serving everyone seated and at the bar and was doing a great job as well.

Check the menu before you go and make sure they have something you want. It's a limited menu, but everything on it is very good. Check the hours also. The place has a dive bar ambience. The bartender had a dive bar bartender attitude :) Parking was good, but make sure you pay the meter.

Best burger in Cleveland and beyond. Great atmosphere in a clean dive. Service is really good and friendly staff.

I went on a Saturday at 3:45... I called in chicken tenders and fries because I read that they were really good. Service was kind of slow and they weren't super packed. Tenders and were cooked to perfection but lacked seasoning, ranch fries were opretty good

Drinks were good. They make them strong. The service was good. They were all very friendly and attentive. The burger and fries we got were a 3/5. Overall very happy with the experience!

They have the best burger, they're always busy, but well worth the wait. Home cut fries are always good, onion ring are beer battered, so good. Their Parmesan garlic wings are sooo good, try it with a side of hot wing sauce. It's a small little neighborhood bar...

After having a filling dinner nearby, decided to walk into this indistinct bar through the entrance from a side street. Multilevel setup with a bar downstairs and seating abound. Saturday night, this place is packed with all sorts of people but never felt too crowded. A few items on draft and bottle - ranging between $5-8. Got a couple IPAs and sat towards the back (seat yourself, order at the bar). Ambiance here is part dive, part sports bar, with both games being played on the TVs and a jukebox doling out some favorites. Seems like they have food here as well, but wasn't hungry and not sure if they were still serving food late in the night. Like that they had plenty of bartenders on staff, so it never took too long to get a drink. Definitely a lively watering hole to finish off a night.

Good, friendly spot. Minimal menu with specials. Definitely a burger joint with cheap beer / friendly food prices. Had a cheeseburger w/fries. Bigger burger for sure. Very small, but got us in quick. Workers were great. When they put "little" in the name they meant it. Would go back again if I'm on for a burger n beer. Beats any chain restaurant for sure.

Stopped into Johnny's Little Bar during Downtown Restaurant Week for Lunch. Located on Frankfort Avenue between W.6th and W.9th behind Johnny's you will see a small sign and a door; behind it you find a small hole in the wall bar and restaurant. There is a small bar, about a dozen tables and an upstairs room. The decor is limited but typical dive bar, although I did notice some framed stock certificates on the wall. The menu is limited, but is supplemented by specials on the chalkboard by the door. When I came on a Friday lunch they were very busy, and although the server was a bit overworked, she kept it together and the kitchen turned out the food in a timely manner. I ordered the Restaurant Week special, the Walleye Fish Fry with a bowl of Clam Chowder Soup. The bowl of soup came out first, nice, but nothing special, although I will say that the soup was loaded with clams and that they were very tender. The fish fry came out with 3 plump fillets, fries and coleslaw. The highlight of the meal were the fish, with a nice breading and very moist, mild fish inside; some of the best Walleye that I have had. The fries looked to be fresh cut and slaw was good, nothing special, but still what you want with a fish fry. The fish fry was served on a heavy paper plate, which is ok, just so you don't expect anything fancy. Johnny's Little bar is a cool dive bar with superior food and affordable prices I will be going back again. If you are in the warehouse district and want a good meal without any frills, give the little bar a visit.

Classic dive bar feel with AMAZING burgers. Seriously a top 5 burger I have ever had. Service was also friendly. Will be returning after a Guardians game!

Great time! Awesome bartender and server. Fun crowd and a burger that should truly be world famous!! Can't put into words how good the burger was. Patty was full size no before cooking it weight. The onion rings were good too! Was surprised when they asked if we wanted mayo to go with it but that was a good call! Can't wait to go back to Cleveland just for that sandwich.

One of the best little dive bars around. When you want cold beer and great food, Johnny's Little Bar is the perfect place to be. It's in the name, it's little, but somehow there is always room!! Take the alley, it's the only way to get there, no cause for alarm because once you ate inside it's the perfect bar. They have a full menu and just like Johnnys the food is great...the kitchen staff and chefs are 5-star packed in a small claustrophobic bar, but worth it. So if you are looking for happy hour, a drink after dinner or before a ballgame go to Little Bar!!!

Amazing hole in the wall bar. Amazing wings. Cool atmosphere. Easy to get to. Great prices.

Came here before the Browns game on a Sunday right before noon. Looks like an awesome local spot to drink and watch a game. They were running a Browns Brunch with about 8 selections, the cheapest thing was about $18 but overall still a good pit stop before heading to the game.

Cool no frills burger place. Apparently they get their burger meat from the Johnny's steakhouse next door, so the burgers are always made from the best meat and quite frankly are delicious. The onion rings here are also my favorite side better than the chips or fries. Service is good and drinks are on the cheaper side especially considering the area. Definitely recommend to anyone from out of town, it might be the best burger in Cleveland.

Little in the name is right. Blink and you might miss the entrance, but HUGE is a better description of the local flavor you'll find inside! Grab a seat at the bar or one of the tables and order something they have on tap (listed on a blackboard just inside the entrance.) Grab some incredible onion rings and a burger or a Buffalo chicken sandwich to go with! Need something smaller and milder? Go with the grilled cheese. At least two cheeses melded together between two perfectly toasted slices of yummy bread. Fun spot to gather with old friends or meet new ones. Easy, laid-back atmosphere.

Cheeseburger perfection You can visually see the freshly ground beef, hand formed patty. Freshly baked bun. It's just the bees knees of burgers

FABULOUS FOOD AND STAFF! Ora behind the bar is fab as well. Everything was fabulous! Cold beer, hot, amazing food! Gotta check it out! How to check in with Patrick while you're there! He is A+ !

Great hamburgers. Onion rings worth it. Good whiskey. Hours posted on yelp are wrong. Place is open until 2:00 AM

The burger is world class. Excellent service. Just a great little hole in the wall to hang out.

Shoutout to Teague for taking great care of my group. And leaving the jukebox on long enough for us to rock out one last time before the end of the night!

This is a five-star dive bar. Complete with the musty, old smell of cigarettes and littered with happy drunks of all ages and backgrounds, this bar has great bartenders, heavy pours, and EXCELLENT burgers. The bathrooms are sticky and the music is loud, but that is expected (and welcome) when drinking and dining at dive bars. Thank you Billy for the excellent service!

Literally, my friend and I accidentally booked our uber to this place because this is a very local, industrious bar. But the bartenders were so friendly and even let me borrow their phone charger! The drinks were really good and super strong as well. But we learned that this is where typical locals go and meet up after work, and so my friend and I definitely felt out of place. But this place was full of friendly people, so I had nothing to complain about! Except the bathroom had super small stalls, but other than that, I had a good experience here!

This place fulfilled all of my needs for a cozy, industry dive bar, but exceeded my expectations of having an amazing menu. When you google "best burger in Cleveland" this place should be the FIRST and ONLY result! Complete with your choice of cheese and FRESH JALAPEÑOS, I was more than pleased. I even heard they have weekly specials on the bonus menu! All of the bartenders are clearly happy to be there and made me feel like family, even though I am not a local, but have been in Cleveland for a short time working. Drinks are cold, food is made to order and delicious and the service is unmatched by many of the local dive bars I have tried. Those bartenders deserve every penny they get! As long as you know that you're walking into a DIVE bar, you will not be disappointed! From my CLE experience, I would consider this a downtown Cleveland classic! Ps. From out of town, had a birthday and once the bartenders found out, they made me a burger bun cake (photo) and sang to me. So sweet! They really go the extra mile!

We have wondered past this place several times finally stopped for lunch. This place is a awesome little hidden gem, small intimate great food. We only had an hour so we will be back to test more on the menu. The chicken parm soup was delicious but it was a daily special which they seem to have different ones daily. Stop in you won't be disappointed.

Popped in here for a night cap. Awesome atmosphere. Not a lot to say, just a great little bar with a super chill vibe. Like half of the reviews I do, this is so I don't forget about this place in the future.

Stopped in for Burger and Chicken Tenders, both were awesome. Chill vibe and hole in the wall tavern, definitely a regular spot for bar food and beer!

Alex the bartender, waiter, server...he does it all!! He was fantastic, they were playing great Rock and Roll, oldies, new stuff, Pantera, Ozzie... The food was great!! The burger was huge and I had the Veal entree and Alex substituted stuff for my diet.. the little sister place to Johnny's Downtown, down the alley was fun and cool...going back two nights in a row, as long as I am in Cleveland!!

Came on a Sunday evening starving. Found this little hole in the wall on yelp and decided to try. As a poor high school student it was fairly expensive but a good meal.