Front of house greeted us with little to no enthusiasm but still felt welcomed. Got to table seated in bar area. Wasn't too busy but still waited a little longer than excepted as we watched many staff members walk by. Quickly ordered food due to a time crunch before an event. This is where things looked up. My husband got the Bourbon Brussels which he said was one of the best he has had compared to recent places we have been before and had them. Couple days later still talking about them. We shared the steak bites which were tender & delicious even as leftovers. The burger... well I cleaned that plate. So good.
Overview
Johnny Black's Public House in Waterford Township, MI, has long been a beloved dining spot for locals and visitors alike. Located at 5171 Dixie Hwy, this cozy and inviting establishment offers a truly unique experience, whether you’re popping in for a casual lunch or enjoying a night out with friends. From its friendly atmosphere to its varied menu, Johnny Black's delivers more than just good food-it offers a taste of the community.
When you first step into Johnny Black's Public House, you’ll notice the warm, rustic vibe. The exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and dim lighting set the tone for a relaxed, down-to-earth dining experience. It’s a place where you can easily unwind after a busy day or meet up with friends for a good time. Whether you choose to sit in the bar area, at a cozy booth, or out on the patio during warmer months, there’s something special about the environment that makes you feel at home.
The menu is one of the highlights of Johnny Black's Public House. It’s a blend of classic American comfort food with a few surprises that elevate it to a whole new level. From juicy burgers and crispy fries to flavorful steaks and fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone. One of their standout dishes is the Blackened Salmon, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of spice and served with a side of roasted vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, the slow-cooked pot roast is a crowd favorite, featuring tender meat and savory gravy that’s perfect for dipping the accompanying bread.
Their drink menu is just as impressive, featuring a variety of craft beers, local brews, and classic cocktails. The bar staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to recommend something new if you’re feeling adventurous. Pair your meal with a cold beer from Michigan's local breweries, or opt for one of their signature cocktails like the Johnny’s Old Fashioned, which is a perfect mix of smooth bourbon and citrusy sweetness.
What makes Johnny Black's Public House even more appealing is the community connection. Locals rave about the friendly staff and how they make you feel like part of the family. It’s not uncommon to see familiar faces when you dine there, and the atmosphere always feels like a gathering of good friends. Plus, they host events throughout the year, from trivia nights to live music, making it a great spot to meet new people and enjoy something a little different.
The service at Johnny Black's Public House is consistently praised by visitors. Servers are attentive without being intrusive, making sure that you have everything you need without feeling rushed. There’s a noticeable effort in ensuring guests are happy, whether it’s offering recommendations on menu items or taking the time to chat about your day.
For families, Johnny Black's Public House is also a great option. With a kid-friendly menu that offers smaller portions of their popular dishes, it’s a great place for a casual family dinner. And the relaxed atmosphere means kids can enjoy their meal without feeling out of place.
Located right off Dixie Highway, the restaurant is easily accessible, making it a perfect spot to stop for a meal if you’re passing through or looking for a local favorite to frequent. If you're planning a visit, it's a good idea to check their hours ahead of time, as they can vary with the seasons, especially during holidays or special events.
The reviews for Johnny Black's Public House speak volumes about its dedication to providing excellent food and service. Guests rave about the consistency of the quality, with many returning regularly because they know they’ll always get a great meal in a welcoming environment. Whether you're looking for a quiet dinner or a lively night out, this is one place that never disappoints.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1838 reviews
Been here many, many times. Atmosphere is definitely a sports bar. Lots of big tvs. Plenty of indoor and tons of out door seating. I’ve had more good food than I’ve had bad. If you’re looking for a fun sports bar atmosphere and pretty damn good food and a fairly reasonable price. This is the place. Service is a bit spotty from time to time.
I visited this restaurant today and the food was absolutely delicious! Our server was so lovely and attentive—she took great care of us throughout the meal. I also want to give a big thank you to the kitchen staff for preparing such wonderful dishes for us. Truly an impressive and memorable experience!
Gluten Free options are available only on selected items. There's no gluten free burger buns, and there's no gluten free pizza either. Apparently, their French fries/chips aren't gluten free, so perhaps those are breaded? Most of the fried fish dishes can be swapped for grilled versions, without the wheat breading. And most of the Mexican dishes with flour tortillas can be served with corn tortillas instead of wheat ones. Ask a server for their gluten free menu, which notes the options that come gluten free normally, versus the dishes they can swap ingredients and cooking methods to make them gluten free. When I asked a search AI if this place has gluten free options, the AI said it's not mentioned anywhere on their website. So I popped in to ask. Will come back and try it out. But would love to request a Gluten Free Burger Bun. They can be frozen for a long time and toasted before serving them. Would be better than a Keto style lettuce burger wrap. The interior here is smart looking, sporty and there's upbeat pop tunes playing at a light volume. Nice. There's probably 50 TVs in this place. All seem to be on the same channel today. Would be good if they enabled closed captions to read what the people on TV say.
First visit here, ordered perogies and buffalo cauliflower to start, I think the perogis were Mrs Tyson from the freezer section at Kroger, Buffalo cauliflower was ok, ordered a pickle pizza and veggie pizza, I have to say the deep dish detriot style is on point, I would say skip the apps and dive into the pizza
Made reservations for a party of 12 and arrived 15 min early. They prepped the table and got it ready quickly. Service staff was not impressive, but the food was pretty good as everyone agreed. Steak, fries, salmon, quesidillas and fish were all ordered and eaten. Pleasant atmosphere but it was not very crowded anyway. Plenty of space for seats and basically handicap accessible.