If you guys keep up with what we do here on SoBros Network, you know how excited I was for the Nashville Scene’s Burger Week. But, as fate would have it, Burger Week would coincide with the busiest week I’ve had since my wedding in May. So, I didn’t get to traverse the city trying new burgers every day like I wanted to. But, by the weekend, life had slowed down enough that I found the time to try out at least one spot. On a relaxing Sunday, my wife, mother, and I decided to head to Music Valley to try out John A’s, a place a friend of ours had been recommending for awhile. They were participating in the festivities, and we didn’t really feel like venturing into downtown, so coming from Mount Juliet, it was the logical choice staying east of town. For more on John A’s, check out their website here.
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Ratings
Food: 6.43/10 – Strong, strong grades for the fried cheese curds and the tater tots. Both were piping hot when they arrived, fresh and oily, and crisp on the outside. While the cheese curds were rich and creamy on the inside, the tots were fluffy and soft. Perfect consistency, and perfect flavor for each. I don’t know what kind of zesty ranch-esque sauce came with the cheese curds, but I could’ve drank it straight out of the cup. I had their specialty, the John A’s burger, as my main entree. I loved the toppings – the bacon bourbon jam, special sauce, tomato, white cheddar, and even the arugula (which I don’t usually like but was applied in a way that wasn’t overdone like some sandwiches can have). But, for the sake of full transparency, I must say that I ordered it cooked medium well, and got it about as well done as well done can get. That made the beef itself a little dry and rubbery. But, for what it’s worth, my wife ordered the same burger medium and loved it….said it was absolutely perfect. So, wtf do I know? My mother ordered brunch – biscuits and gravy with some scrambled eggs. I could’ve eaten their gravy with a spoon…but instead I settled for dipping my tater tots into it like the fat piece of shit I am. I would’ve graded John A’s out among the best bar food in the city if not for my experience with the burger, but I won’t hold that against ’em too much. I’ll order it medium next time and update my rating if need be – this is a serious business and these scores have to be accurate, after all….
Booze: 5/10 – I wasn’t drinkin’ that afternoon, but in order to get a complete review, y’all know I had to take a look at the booze. Rock steady beer list. Rock steady cocktail menu. That gives ’em the ol rock steady 5/10.
Atmosphere: 6.7/10 – Probably my favorite thing about the place. The service was fine, but the vibes were the highlight. It was equal parts sports bar and equal parts music joint. Someone was playing out on the deck, and I could’ve easily envisioned myself getting day drunk pounding margaritas. It had every bit the “old Nashville” charm that other bars in the area have.
Value: 3.9/10 – The only aspect of the meal I really didn’t like. Tip included (don’t tip like an ass-hole either), it was just about $80 on the nose for three entrees, three sodas, and an order of cheese curds. That feels insane to me, even if you got the best bar food in Nashville.
Overall: 5.51/10 – I think there’s a lot to enjoy about a spot like John A’s. I would encourage folks to try it out because it seems like a fun place to spend a night drinking, and they have some great bar food to soak up all the booze. But, I would caution folks on the prices – don’t think you’re going to get cheap bar food prices. I’m looking forward to going back one night when I’m not driving so I can try their hot chicken. It’s a fun, charming little spot tucked away from all the downtown madness. So, if you want some fried food and country music, but don’t feel like fighting the crowds on Broadway, John A’s may be the spot to scope out over in Music Valley.
CURRENT NASHVILLE RESTAURANT RANKINGS
- Audrey (8.82/10)
- Butcher & Bee (8.5/10)
- Nectar: Urban Cantina (8.44/10)
- Barcelona Wine Bar (8.23/10)
- Dino’s (8.22/10)
You can check out our full Nashville restaurant rankings here. I’m always looking for new spots to try – don’t be afraid to hit the comments with suggestions!
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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