Johnny Memphis Smokehouse Barbeque

The BBQ is ALWAYS great here. I have family in Tennessee and Missouri so I’ve been to many great BBQ places and I can honestly say that Johnny’s is one of those places that serves great food!

Got some takeout yesterday for lunch.
Got the pulled chicken sandwich and the sliders.
All the meat was SOOOOOO DRY!!!
The sandwiches had about one teaspoon of BBQ sauce.
The reg fries and the sweet potato fries were SUPER SOGGY! Ew.
The only thing that was good was the garlic mashed potatoes.
First and last time eating here.

Horrible! Horrible! Horrible! Horrific service. The server were rude and when they got our order wrong the cook staff explained ‘what do you want me to do about it”? This was the worse experience I have ever had in a dining establishment.

Stopped by for a sandwich, wasn’t expecting much, wow! To my surprise it was amazing! highly recommend this place if you’re in to good barbecue.

The food here is great! I don’t have a single negative thing to say about any of it, which is why we keep going back.
The wait times can be pretty long and I think they would benefit by having an extra employee on the floor during busier times.
The one girl, Chelsea, is absolutely great. You can tell she knows exactly what she’s doing and is very personable and assertive. She even opened the door for me on my way out a couple times. Awesome customer service!
I did, however, notice that the guy working was cleaning tables/​other people’s dishes/​emptied the trash and even reached into the trash can to pull out something from in there, then put in a new trash bag and immediately walked over to the food window and grabbed somebody’s meal and delivered it to their table without washing his hands.
I’ve worked in the restaurant industry for a very long time and unfortunately this is unacceptable. I know he was busy but I’m 100% sure that if every single customer had to choose between waiting one extra minute or him not washing his hands. They’d choose to wait.
The thing is, it surely happens everywhere. But this place’s clean-​up happens in front-​of-​house so it just makes it easier to notice!

Glad I finally got to try this barbecue joint. I ordered a pound of brisket, Mac n cheese, baked beans, and red skin potato salad. The brisket was some of the best I have had, macaroni and cheese was almost as good as mine, baked beans were good but too many kidney beans in them, red skin potato salad is not how I usually like mine but it actually was pretty good, would have been much better if the potatoes were cut smaller. I will be back for the brisket and Mac n cheese definitely, my only complaint is how they package the to go containers, too much tape on it, kinda weird.

I have always enjoyed coming here. However, how do you tell customers that your order is only to go when you close in 40 mins. If that’s the case just close an hour early. Thanks but no thanks. I will take my business elsewhere.

#16BUCKSandUNDER — I ordered their BARBECUE SALAD with Pulled Pork for $ 9 which was served in a large white ceramic bowl with a generous portion of meat and greens, but was light on blue cheese dressing. They also didn’t offer crackers or their signature cornbread which is always nice to have with salad and charged 25 cents for a small container of extra dressing.
The Pulled Pork was well cooked and their house barbecue sauce was thankfully not as overly sweet as many other LA BBQ restaurants, but for being an independently owned, local establishment (that was seeking my return business), I felt a little nickel-​and-​dimed in the process. I would’ve rather they had just charged $.50 more overall and provided the corn bread or crackers and extra dressing upon request without me having to pull an extra $ 5 dollar bill out of my wallet.
Overall I would still recommend the place, but I think a good manager should heed these comments and review the policy with the young people who work as cashiers there. And they should remind them to thank every customer as they’re paying for their order. Good customer service goes a long way these days.

I order the super spuds every time I eat here, along with another item. It’s a lot of food, but I gotta have at least a taste. Their chili, and pulled chicken is delicious, and salad is tasty. Kind of pricey but worth it if you want some great food for your soul! I usually put spicy barbecue sauce (you have to ask for it) on my pulled chicken sandwich and it kicks it up a notch in flavor. I’ve been her 3 times in 2 weeks during my lunch time and food is done within 15 minutes of ordering. Yum meeee!!!

I just tried writing a review on the official Johnny Memphis website I got all the way through it hit submit and it says this link is no longer valid or something like that so after spending a half an hour writing something that I wasn’t happy about now I’m going to right here.
I went today after work as I do frequently to the Manhattan Beach location I just work down the street and it’s convenient but I probably won’t go back today was the worst meal I’ve ever had at this location.
I ordered my usual ¹⁄₃ rack of baby backs but I got different sides than my usual I ordered mac and cheese and a side salad the side salad also tasted fresh and crisp I barely got a teaspoon of dressing not even enough to cover all the lettuce even faintly.
My mac and cheese was lukewarm also had a good taste and my ribs where the worst ribs I’ve ever had here there wasn’t even enough meat on the three bones that I got to fill 1 ½ shot glasses and wasn’t very tasty as most of my ribs there have been before I usually get those ribs because they’re usually very decent they’re meaty and tasty but not today usually if my meal consist of two three or more items if one item is sub-​standard I usually let it slide but if my whole meal is substandard I usually call it out like I said I probably will never go here again there are a lot of other restaurants I would like to try.

There’s something wrong when you call up a restaurant and they are out of everything you ask for. True this was a Sunday night but a BBQ restaurant that is out of BBQ (except chopped brisket) is like going to a car lot and they are out of cars. Then they said they were out of most their sides… no mashed potatoes, no mac and cheese, no baked potatoes… yadda…yadda…yadda.
The only reason I’m giving 2 stars instead of just 1 is because when we finally found SOMETHING to order… the food was at least hot.

Probably one of the worst BBQ I’ve had; mashed potatoes needed salt badly but they were good, mac n cheese was cheesy (good flavor) but the pasta was gummy, tiny cornbread was obviously microwaved because it was tuff, baby back ribs had no flavor and were tuff! Presentation was ok but no flavor!
The pulled pork sammich had lots of meat but no flavor and the meat was a little dry!
I don’t get it, we literally took 80% of it home to the family (mind you that we were starving) and the next day the ribs and sides were still in the microwave because no one wanted to finish them!
Worst $ 26 I’ve ever spent!

I love it! I can’t rave enough about the meatloaf sandwich! I can’t seem to get tired of it. It is just way too wickedly good! Definitely my go-​to! It is stuffed with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and onion strings, and then smothered in Memphis bbq sauce. A lot of times about half of the contents fall out while I’m eating it, which I don’t mind at all! I just eat the mess with a fork. The potato buns they use for their sandwiches are amazing too! Their brisket sandwich is my runner-​up! I’ve yet to try anything though that I wouldn’t eat again and again.

Service was good. The place is clean with indoor and outdoor seating.
Baby back ribs were tender. But the taste was way off. I ended up throwing most of it.

I was a little surprised to find that they didn’t offer spare ribs, having Memphis in the name of the joint and all. If you’ve read my other reviews you’ve seen that spare ribs, potato salad and beans is where I start, then expand from there.
So, this last time in I ordered a half rack of beef ribs and potato salad. I was NOT disappointed.
They sauce the ribs up then add some spice. What made me happy was that they were not overcooked, charred beef ribs, like so many other BBQ joints deliver. Beef ribs are difficult, and I usually don’t order them knowing they’re a crap shoot. I visited JMS three times before writing this review, and their beef ribs get four stars for being consistently the biggest, tastiest damned beef ribs in Los Angeles county!
The potato salad didn’t work for me. I liked their beans from previous visits better.
Prices are reasonable.

Usually this place is really good but tonight was a horrible fail. I’m sorry to say but the only thing that was good were the complimentary pickles they offer on the side. Everything was so bad. I ordered the brisket and meatloaf with a side of garlic mash. The brisket came grounded like it was meant to be put in a sandwhich and the meatloaf was just gross. My husband got Ribs, pulled pork and baked beans. He couldn’t even finish the ribs, I tried a bite and they were seriously the most bland and rubbery ribs Ever. You would think its jail food seriously. The pulled pork was just ok. Baked beans and mashed potatoes were the second best to the pickles! Maybe it was just an off night but it was so bad this time I don’t think I’ll ever waste 40 bucks here ever again.

This isn’t your typical «4 star» review. My mom and I went here the other day for the first time. This is why I have it 4 stars; if I could, I would give the Mac and cheese 6 stars! But the sandwich I ordered– I would say it’s a 3. The Mac and cheese was Amazing! I think it was Gouda and the noodles were al dente! So. SO yummy. But the bbq chicken sandwich was– eh. I will totally come back for the Mac and cheese though. No questions asked. I just might give this place 5 stars for the Mac alone.

Very good barbecue the sliders are good the BBQ chicken is really good. I did not like my ribs today but I have had them and they have been very good in the past, that’s the only reason I am giving 4 stars if my ribs are good on my next visit, because I will try them again. I will raise this rating, but all in all I have and will recommend to friends great little place to get some barbecue in this area.

It was not terrible… just maybe a step below mediocre in my opinion. I don’t want to be a downer so let’s start with the positives:
Pros:
–Great customer service. The ladies here were so sweet and helpful.
–Great location. It’s right adjacent to the mall. Very close to all of the businesses in the area. #HungryEmployeesUnite!
–Plenty of parking
–Lots of options to choose from
–Wait time was decent.
Cons:
–Taste taste taste! The food did not have a great taste… in fact, it was pretty tasteless. I tried the Tri Tip Sandwich with garlic mashed potatoes. The meat was tough! I like my meet tender. The sauce could not save this sandwich. The potatoes did not have any flavor at all.
Prices are competive with other local take-​out establishments.

Mediocre-​at-​best BBQ that’s overpriced for the quality, but decent for a quick lunch.
Granted, I’m coming from Texas experience here; but this lets down all fans of BBQ — and lets hope that it’s not named for the sake of Memphis-​style BBQ, either.
Barely smoked, but overcooked brisket. Good cut of meat, but poorly executed — or I simply received an old cut of brisket that’s been sitting on a Friday lunch.
The baby back ribs are just about tastless, if not for the sauce. Again, no smoke in the meat, and weak rub.
The sauce is true-​to-​Memphis sweet, and tries hard to make up for the okayish BBQ.
Fried pickle chips are delicious, the mac-​n-​cheese is good with the brisket, and the ribs are better left unordered.
I would be good with the prices if the quality backed it – and BBQ is not cheap to make, but it simply isn’t worth spending over $ 15 when everything is just «meh.»

Great spot for lunch. Fast service, very big portions and reasonable prices. Also, the onion rings were HUGE. The kids meals where also HUGe and a great value.
The only drawback is that parking can be quite busy at this mall on the weekends, in that case, you may be able to park at the secondary parking lot that is to the back of the restaurant. I saw many people parking there and then taking the stairs to get to the upper parking lot where this restaurant is located. It is also informal, so if it is busy you may want to have someone stay at the table while the rest of the party orders.

Had the BBQ bacon burger is was exceptional. The meat was perfect, fries were delicious and for $ 8.99 you can’t go wrong. My new place to visit when it comes to BBQ food.

Venturing out and trying new places to eat. Unilocal reviews helped in making my decision to eat here and I don’t regret it. I ordered the ceaser salad with fried chicken topping. Chicken was soft and juicy and the ceaser salad was fresh. Can’t wait to come back and try their ribs.

First time here and sad to say it will be my last. The restaurant itself looks clean and has a decent setup for a bbq spot. Employees seem nice but when I asked Luis for his recommendation regarding a meal he looked at my with no clue on what to tell me. He gave me a guess and now I wish I had not asked him because the tri-​tip sandwich left a lot to be desired. The chicken pull pork was dry and not enough sauce on it. The garlic mash was lacking seasoning. The French fries are terrible and the Cajun seasoning is terrible. Now the only thing that was good was the beef ribs. Great size and great amount of meat on each one. I give credit where credit is due. So I have nothing negative to say about the ribs. But the ribs weren’t good enough for me to return and spend another 45 bucks. For that much I rather go to Lucile’s.

I’ve been here a couple times and the only thing I’ve ordered is the Meatloaf Sandwich. Trust me — it’s delicious. It comes with one side. I have tried the Mac & Cheese and the Cajun fries — both are very good. Nothing else on the menu really interests me but I’m sure other items are good.
I have also tried the Cornbread Muffins appetizer. It’s 2 for $ 0.99. They’re small and good, but could be better if I had a side of butter or jam.
Prices are decent. They serve craft beer. Try the sweet sauce, which is self-​serve right next to the soda fountain. This place would be even better if they had happy hour.

Oh my the employees are so nice but this BBQ and I a freaking expert over hea!
I ordered a beef brisket sandwich and the meat was ok if I making tacos but the meat was watery like it was boiled kind of gross. The sweet sauce average underneath ok but the spicy is ok better Han baby blues BBQ
Beans are in ok mash potatoes are just gross the lemonade is good priced to high but I get it, due to area they have to charge like that

A little bummed to see a few bad reviews on this place but if you look at most of reviewers they have shot down every other place they have gone to.
The prices are very reasonable and the food is very good. They do close at 8pm but Hey, I don’t run the joint, I only eat here. I have been here many times and have not had a bad meal.
The ribs are meaty and the sauces are good and the place is clean and the staff is nice, what more could you ask for.

Johnny Memphis Smokehouse Barbeque is a small casual to-​go restaurant in Manhattan Village (but the long closed Mann theaters). With an order counter, two flat screen televisions, four booths and two high tops, it is a small restaurant that is good for a quick dinner. (There is also a lot of seating out front on the patio.) The service is excellent — friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. The décor is cute — southern and bbq themed — and the place is very clean. The food is tasty but not authentic. If you are looking for authentic smokehouse, you need to go somewhere with a smoker. Like Bludsoe’s. But, if you need a quick/​cheap meal with good service, this is the place to go.
I ordered the Perfectly Pulled Pork Salad ($ 9.99). A white bowl lined with red and white checked paper (ask them to keep out the paper — it gets soggy and falls apart in your salad) is topped with chopped romaine, sliced tomatoes, corn kernels, sunflower seeds, honey mustard dressing and a TON of pulled pork (like ½ pound). This is a screaming deal for $ 10. The pork is very moist and tender but no «smoke» flavor. I think that it is slow cooked in an oven. Very good with the sweet BBQ sauce, which is kept warm. (I tried the spicy sauce, which was a big miss for me as it wasn’t at all spicy and was pretty uninteresting.) I would skip the honey mustard dressing — it was more like dressed up ranch. Those are really only the two dings. The salad is very good. Fresh veggies and plentiful tender meat make for a VERY filling meal and the sweet BBQ sauce is the perfect topping (I basically used it as the salad dressing).
Friendly, fast service in a clean environment for a good meal at a reasonable price is a great option. I would definitely come again. Why only 4 stars? Because I am a BBQ connoisseur, and this is not authentic. But, it is a great place to stop for an Americana lunch or dinner.

Here we go…
Smack me in the face, this sweet sauce is pretty good.
The bread for the sandwiches is pretty decent, but leaves a powdery residue.
The mac and cheese could be a bit thicker, maybe some crumbs? But flavorful.
Mix the lemonade and sweet tea for a delicious Arnold Palmer!
Could use more wipes as you most likely will get messy, like an infant!
Got it? Good.

«Brisket» Sandwich
Purchased a «brisket» sandwich and a side of cole slaw for $ 9 plus change. The «brisket» was shredded, over cooked, mush. Definitely beef, but beyond that, I couldn’t tell if it was brisket or if it was even smoked. Even though it came out of steamer, it tasted dry and was in need of their BBQ Sauce. The cole slaw also looked like it had been through a blender and was generic and boring. On a positive note, there was plenty of meat for the money.

Tried this BBQ Joint out on June 2, 2014. The décor is Americana and very simplistic. I like the Paper Towel holder with the pig on it. They keep plastic-​ware on the tables in a pot you’d heat water in on a campfire.
There is a tiny condiment area, they have some pepper slices & pickles that I quite enjoyed. Not sure what else they had there, my husband brought the little bit of peppers & pickles to the table.
The restaurant has a wide variety on the menu. The meats are basic choices you’d find in a BBQ place: Brisket, Tri Tip, Chicken, Pulled Pork, Ribs, and Sausage.
When I sat down, the table I chose was dirty, and an employee came out to wipe it down for me. He was very patient with me as I was showing him all the «sticky» spots I could see on the table. The previous guests must have been flinging the sauce around!
My husband & I shared a 2 Meat Combo which came with 1 small side and a campfire cornbread muffin for $ 12.99 and added a small side for $ 1.99. We also bought an iced tea.
As a whole, I was not really impressed with what we got. The BBQ Pork Ribs were good! The brisket was very chewy, I’ve had better. The BBQ sauce is just okay, nothing very special or anything to make you want it again. I like a bit of heat in my BBQ sauce.
We ordered the collard greens and I really did enjoy those! There were seemingly a ton of thick stock/​stems in our portion of the side that was served, but they were cooked to a tenderness that made them edible. Even when I got to the bottom of the styrofoam cup, the greens were still steaming! LOVE THAT! Now, for that Mac and Cheese, it was really pastey, I don’t know exactly what it was about it, but it was thick and like no mac and cheese I’ve ever had. Maybe they use Velveeta Cheese, but I don’t know since I don’t eat it. Not good on my palate. I was definitely not impressed with the campfire corn muffin… it was just like a Jiffy Mix muffin that had sat out for a bit.
I would order the ribs and the collard greens again! Also, I wanted to try the beer barrel onion rings, they looked like they would be delicious! We had no room or time for dessert, but I would be willing to try the Apple Pie or the Georgia Peach Bread Pudding.
The employees kept asking if everything was okay and offered to clear plates and other trash.
Total was $ 19.48 for one lunch. I think it is a bit pricey for lunch, but I guess there’s no differentiation between lunch and dinner prices.
(I took a look at their To Go Menu online and under their Side Dish Fixin’s category, they offer ½ Baked Potato and ¼ Baked Yam… I wonder who thought of that? It is an interesting concept.)
So, IF we’re in the area, we would give it another go and try other things.

Johnnys Memphis Smokehouse serves up casual style southern BBQ in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
I was shopping at the Manhattan Beach Village mall and when I left I was starving. I saw the BBQ sign and I knew I had to check it out.
I ordered the BBQ chicken with two sides, mac and cheese and baked beans.
The BBQ chicken was ok in the quality of meat the flavor, but the marinade was not that strong in chicken. However, the BBQ sauce they use is AMAZING! It is sweet, semi spicy and tangy bliss. I loved it so much, I took extra sauce to drizzle all over my chicken.
The baked beans were quite tasty, with a hickory, smoky and char roasted flavor. They weren’t too oily or heavy in texture either.
The Mac and Cheese was great. It was gooey, cheesy, and really dense in cheese sauce, pasta and herbs. It was not very heavy, but it did fill me up without giving me a food coma.
They also give you a corn bread on the side, which is not too sweet and just the perfect balance between sourdough bread flavor and cornbread sweetness.
The only downside is that the sides are really small. They should made the sides a little bit larger and not make them so small.
The food here is pretty good, and it does deserve a 3 star rating, however, since they have such an incredible BBQ sauce and mac and cheese, I will give them 4 stars.
A pretty good BBQ restaurant in Manhattan Beach.