Johnny's Cafe & Lounge

Johnny's Cafe & Lounge

9407 Ventnor Ave, Margate City, NJ 08402, United States

+1 609-822-1789

Italian restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Cocktail bar, Event venue, Family restaurant, Live music bar, Lunch restaurant, Wine bar
(490)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Johnny's Cafe & Lounge in Margate City, NJ, is a vibrant culinary gem that perfectly blends Italian charm with a lively American dining experience. As an Italian, breakfast, and brunch restaurant coupled with a cocktail bar and live music venue, it offers something for every mood and occasion, whether you’re savoring a cozy family meal or enjoying a spirited night out.

Step inside, and the inviting, warm atmosphere embraces you—a dynamic yet intimate space where the aromas of fresh herbs, roasted garlic, and simmering sauces instantly awaken your appetite. The menu is a delicious journey through Italian classics and inspired contemporary dishes. Among the star selections, the Seafood Lasagna entices with layers of tender pasta and rich, flavorful seafood, while the Chicken Saltimbocca boasts a perfect balance of savory prosciutto and delicate veal or chicken. For brunch lovers, the Eggs Benedict variations, particularly the Florentine and Salmon styles, are both elegant and indulgent.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter yet satisfying, the Caesar Salad and Brussels Sprouts offer freshness with a hint of zest, while dishes like the Burnt Chicken Parm deliver that comforting, crispy, cheesy delight that keeps you coming back. Kids are warmly welcomed with favorites like Chicken Fingers and Fries, making Johnny’s genuinely a family-friendly destination.

Complement your meal with expertly crafted cocktails that guests rave about. The Espresso Martini is a standout, balancing rich coffee notes with smooth vodka, while signature martinis and the playful Scorpion Cocktail enliven any evening. Their wine bar selection, though noted by some to have room for growth, still features thoughtful picks like a sweet Sparkling Rosé from Bordeaux that pairs beautifully with the menu’s fresh seafood and hearty pasta dishes.

Regular patrons like Samantha Rocap celebrate the ever-evolving menu and attentive staff, describing the service as “quick, knowledgeable, and kind.” Likewise, Heather Solt’s experiences at the bar highlight the welcoming, fun atmosphere brought to life by charismatic bartenders, adding a personal touch that makes each visit memorable. While the energy of live music and a busy bar can occasionally lead to a lively, noisy crowd, the overall vibe remains upbeat and engaging, perfect for a night of good food, drinks, and company.

Johnny's Cafe & Lounge isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience where savory comfort meets vibrant social charm. From succulent lamb chops to the exquisitely cooked pasta and the generous portions that leave you feeling utterly satisfied, this Margate City staple invites you to relax, indulge, and create lasting memories.

Service options
Outdoor seating Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Fireplace Great beer selection Great cocktails Great coffee Great wine list Live music Serves local specialty Sport
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Happy-hour food Quick bite Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Gender-neutral toilets Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups Tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    08:00 AM - 02:30 PM 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • samantha rocap
    1 month ago

    Love love love this place! The food is always wonderful. The staff is quick, knowledgeable, and kind. The menu is regularly updated with fun new dishes and drinks, but they always keep the classics around! My personal fave is the bow tie rosemary pasta dish for dinner and the scorpion cocktail for a fun night out!

  • heather Solt
    3 month ago

    My friend and I had a blast last night at the bar. I don’t go here often but I seem to get the same awesome bartender (I really should know his name!). He’s just great and so funny! Glasses, dark curly hair. Anyway, we had a great dinner and drink! Thanks for always being consistent.

  • Rachel Summers
    3 month ago

    Great food & service! I got the bow tie pasta and it was incredible and my fiancé got the steak and said it was great. Staff was super friendly, however, there were these older drunk men at the bar (about 5 or 6 of them) and they were being so loud, cursing, and just carrying on and making a huge scene. I literally had to yell at my fiancé who was sitting RIGHT next to me. They ruined the whole vibe and experience. The staff did nothing to quiet them and they were just so freaking obnoxious!!

  • Michele Edington
    4 month ago

    Cute place to eat! Had calamari and lamb chops as appetizers both were good. The lamb chops were the best for sure. The food was great. I wish the wine selection was a little better. The sparkling rose from Bordeaux was sweet but not labeled on the menu as “demi-sec” so I didn’t notice until I sipped it. The veal was exceptional and the pasta cooked perfectly. The portions were large and we left with boxes. Would absolutely come back here and recommend.

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.