John’s Bar and Grill

I stopped by this place with my girlfriend today after dropping off our dog for grooming. I didn’t expect much but we started with the French onion soup which was perfect! It was absolutely delicious and I made sure to scrape off all the cheese.
For the entrée we had the flat iron sandwich, which was delightful! Got side salad with ginger dressing and it was amazing. The only con is that they didn’t ask us how we wanted our steak and it was on the rarer side. But overall I had an awesome experience and would come back! Price was excellent as well, which is a bonus.

Aside from the Plumbstead inn this is the best way to sit with friends, have a drink, eat a decent meal and escape the D-​bag hipster mentality that has swallowed Media like a plague. Johns was always a «locals only» sort of place. Not by exclusion, but by tradition. It’s where blue collar meets white. Where they know what your drinking before you order it. Where generations have always met friends.

This is the second time I have been here. First time the cheesesteak I ordered was subpar. This time there was 6 customers and two bartenders. Four of the patrons sat with no drinks for over 10 min. The bartender finally decided to serve some customers he decided not to serve me. I sat for another 15 min until he finally decided to get me another drink. Was also kind of in the mood for mozz sticks but the bartender rudely told me the kitchen was closed (when two other people just ordered). I will not be coming back.

I’ve never tried the food here, but for a dive bar that isn’t even near my house, I’ve been here an awful lot. I have friends in Media, and no matter what cute BYOs and swanky bars we start out at, we always seem to end up at John’s.
I give them points on a lot of fronts. The service is quick, and the bartender Blake was really attentive and friendly. The joint is clean, even though it looks a little run-​down. The drinks are cheap, but I was still able to get shots of Patron (don’t ask), so I could drink well without breaking the bank. And the atmosphere is just so comfortable and chill. No one’s there to impress, just to have a good time. I also love that they have a modern day jukebox with tons of music. We picked out a little Gorillaz, Daft Punk and MJ.
My only reason for not going with 5 stars was the lime slices I was given (not so fresh), and the cranberry juice I drank (syrupy and not very tart). Otherwise, always a great time. Fantastic place to grab a few beers if you’re in the area.

John’s is a great place to go to lunch with friends. The food is inexpensive and good (they just got a new cook, who does a great job), and the drinks are very reasonable. Try their salmon special over spinach and mashed potatoes, or their terrific fish & chips. The atmosphere is definitely retro; John’s is a neighborhood bar where you can feel really comfortable. All are welcome.

John’s is a dive bar… and that is a good thing. you do not come here to see and be seen. You come in for a cold beer, conversation with other patrons and pretty decent grub if you are so inclined.
This is the one of the few «locals» bars in Media, the Plumstead is the other. John’s is a throwback to the 70’s, Formica bar (until a few days ago CRT TV’s) and they still allow smoking. I don’t smoke but I appreciate a «classic» bar, second hand smoke and all. Doctors to ditch diggers are apt to belly up to this bar. The wings are the best in Media, just avoid the Monday special, they are too small. Cheep, cold beer and shots, good bar food and a «Cheers» kind of vibe, what’s not to like? Just don’t tell anyone, too many people will ruin it!