21 May Downtown Johnny’s – Grab a Cocktail at The Valley’s Newest Drinking Spot

Downtown Johnny’s is the valley’s newest drinking spot but it’s not as new as one would think. Located on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks, Downtown Johnny’s is the new incarnation of Murph’s. The space has transformed from a garage-y cocktail spot to an old-school “throwback” bar. Still owned by Richard DiSisto, who owns both the Tunnel Bar and Tipple & Brine next door, Downtown Johnny’s looks like a weathered pub. It is a warm and inviting space that is just somewhere to get a good drink, some food and have a great time. There is a large selection of beers on tap that rotate weekly. The beer tap is the same one from when the space was Murph’s and has that garage-like look but it is quite beautiful to look at as a movie (or sports game) plays overhead. The cocktail menu, created by Bar Director Daniel Ponsky, is approachable and succinct with eight cocktails. I went to check out the drinks and enjoyed the Downtown Swing which was sweet and tart, the Naked Rain which was light, ethereal and clean and the Sideline which is tart and spicy. Here are the eight cocktails on the menu (Mule is not pictured) Downtown Swing (Gin, mixed berries, basil, lime, simple syrup, rhubarb bitters) Naked Rain (Vodka, apricot liquor, cucumber, sugar, lemon, cava) Sideline (Spiced Rum, ginger syrup, lime, apple cider float) Lady Sage (Tequila, sage, grapefruit, lime, agave, grapefruit bitters) 1st Street (Gin, cucumber, lime, fresno chili pepper, house ginger soda) Pale Rider (Bourbon, agave, lemon, St. Germaine) Rye in the Eye (Rye, lemon, sugar, Cabernet float) Next time I will head back to try the food!

Downtown Johnny’s 14649 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 818-205-1616