See more food reviews here.
Review by Pamela Holz, Realtor with Reliant Realty
“You haven’t had a burger from Johnny’s?!” Do you know how it is when you really like something and you want to recommend it to everyone, but then worry that perhaps others won’t like it as much as you do? Worried that maybe their love for Johnny’s was more nostalgic than legitimate, my friends were a little tentative when we met up for lunch at this longtime Clarksville establishment located across the street from APSU. We intentionally planned a lunch later due to the small eating area and the popularity of Johnny’s at lunch time. Arriving at 1 we still had time to take in the smells and sights for a few minutes before getting a table.
Nothing fancy about the booth or the surroundings, but the menu is a board on the wall. The service was speedy, and the wait for our burgers was not long, but definitely worth it. There is something about a honest-to-goodness hand-formed patty slapped on the hot grill, seasoned perfectly, on a simple hamburger bun, arriving accompanied by a plate full of hot and fresh French fries that really cannot be improved upon. Bacon is an offered upgrade, but sometimes just having a simple burger really hits the spot.
Full from the burger and fries, my friends insisted that my experience really wasn’t complete without a ‘Bun and Cream’. And once again, they were spot on, though I questioned it: A honey bun with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Well, not exactly. The honey bun, grilled right next to the burgers, takes on some of the greasy savory goodness of the grill which contrasts nicely with the creamy sweetness of the ice cream. YUM.
Johnny’s is a restaurant you go to have a taste of something that seems like it comes from another time…when things were perhaps not so complicated. Oh, and bring cash, because in the spirit of keeping things simple, they don’t take plastic!
Johnny’s Burgers and Pizza
428 College St.
Clarksville, TN 37040
931-647-4545
Hours: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Atmosphere: Casual
Cash only!