Jimmy John's....West Chester Hot Diggedy Dogs

                 Last Sunday my father and I went scouting for his next vehicle all along rt. 202's illustrious row of car dealerships close to the PA/Delaware border. Seeking SUVs, we meandered the majority of the dealerships along this portion of the highway designated Wilmington Pike (superhighway to Wilmington DE).
                 On our return trip we saw an interesting humble trucker spot on the side of the road called Jimmy John's. Huge light up letters suspended on the side of the train-car style building read FAMOUS FOR FRANKFURTERS. The menu was up on traditional plastic light up signs behind the counter like an old 1950s McDonald's.
                 Inexpensive prices such as $3.75 for a cheesesteak, $2.45 for dogs, and $1.95 for french fries provided a very modest feeling to the oldschool establishment. We decided to partake in a cheesesteak and the "special frankfurter" their house specialty. This hot diggedy dog is served topped with chili, cheese, and bacon. The natural casing had a delicious smoky satisfying flavor. The cheesesteak was nicely chopped steak with plenty of cheesy goodness melted overtop. Served in a basket with help yourself ketchup dispensers, there was a definite rustic aura to this small brick mom 'n pop business settled in a near nowhere spot on 202.
                Having started in May of 1940 as a little hot dog stand, and continuing to grow to be the full building with dining for nearly fifty people, Jimmy John's is a for sure candidate for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I give this place 5 stars for incredible food, a very unique niche, and bravery for the plain dining area in train-car theme. I can see why they're famous for frankfurters, this place is full of flair.

The Venture for a Vintage Venue

        While the roaring traffic flows at the intersection of Frankfort and Girard avenues, a gently lit watering hole sits nestled on a corner that stands out from the rough neighborhood, furnishing concert-goers with a different blend of funky fresh flavors for a night of fun almost any day of the week.

        Johnny Brenda’s is the name of the joint; from the outside this gem seems a normal neighborhood bar that most would suspect is a dive with a cluster of apartments above. I would suggest from the shell you see that the bar is as daunting as a spook-house you might frequent on All Hallows Eve.
However upon entrance you are immersed in an absolute vintage aura. First you encounter a couple of pool tables to the side of an enormous bar top that leads down a hallway to a legitimate dining room. The size of the spot surprises you, impossible to tell from the outside.
        The crowd can only be described as a medley, some blue collar, a few roughnecks, a handful of gangsters, plenty of proper well to do musicians, and an abundance of punk college kids seeking the wild ride Philadelphia so generously offers. All in all everyone, regardless of what demographic they might fit, chooses to frequent this Philly hot spot with the same goal: good times, great music, and open room to dance and get down to some grooving beats.
        This unique slice of musical heaven goes up and up, as guests venture upward from the dining room billiards section an nicely sized open dance floor greets you, with another full bar. Behind the varnished cherry wood counter of the bar hung several chalk boards describing varieties of craft beers most folks haven’t even heard of from all over the state.

The stage was minute compared to bars and clubs in other parts of Philly, but against the grain more-so in the mirrors adorned all along the back wall behind the entertainment. The band we partook in was He’s My Brother She’s My Sister. They amplified bumping melodies full of strong guitar riffs and catchy choruses. It was an Indie concert if a genre must have been attached, but like the variety the crowd was, Johnny Brenda’s totes a widespread schedule of shows. There was a timeless feeling to the crazy vintage saloon style music playing between bands, adding to the genuine coziness to Johnny Brenda’s.

There is more to the illustrious Fishtown spot; exit upward yet again to another level of dance area. This section wields balcony viewing, plenty of room to dance, and high top tables along the back. A humble six or seven foot bar sits situated in the corner of the third floor, leaving the thirsty concert-goers quenched regardless of level top to bottom. Hospitality at Johnny Brenda’s,  needless to say, stay on top of their game.

             Fuzzy colors of blues and purples traversed the vaulted ceiling at the top flight of the musical site. The balcony style adds a different atmosphere to the whole experience, with the professional light system beaming up our direction the ambiance of the Johnny Brenda’s was complemented quite well by the earthiness of the hardwood floor and dark tree bar tops in the dim light. Memorable is the word to capture this signature spot.
“Johnny Brenda’s is somethin’ special that’s for sure. I love this place” Music lover Clayton Perry stated about the establishment after the show.
            The experience of this Philadelphia hub for good spirits and incredible times is a secret to those who partake in it’s pleasures. Audiences are in for a very different sample of the concert experience when frequenting Johnny Brenda’s. I am a connoisseur of the sort for vintage locations and this place reeks genuine.
            Pouring out into the streets at 2 a.m. those who sought for the right ambiance, groovy tunes and everything else you could be seeking in a venue have reached satiety. Taste the flavors of this establishment's musical delight whether in the surrounding suburbs or throughout your travels to our birthplace of liberty. The pursuit of happiness is in enjoying yourself in a comfortable surrounding of positive vibrations, thanks Johnny Brenda’s.

Also submitted for Mr. Bauerlein's feature writing class, JRN 272 at W.C.U.

My Credentials...

               WELCOME READERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

               I'm a senior English major at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Writing is my passion, I wish to share some reviews of awesome nightlife. I will post as often as possible. The reviews will give you some great reads and at the least great recommendations for hot spots in the area.
             
              My first English course at W.C.U. was Effective Writing. Our professor assigned a restaurant review as the second assignment. I took the liberty of choosing to review a real 'snazzy' restaurant in the borough of West Chester called Trattoria Alberto's. After receiving an "A" on that paper everything else fell into place, and journalism just took over my English studies.
            
              I have taken many other rigorous writing courses here since then and enjoy reviewing and critiquing businesses, event venues and a plethora of other topics. Persuing my journalism minor at West Chester has impelled me to dive into these activities and immerse myself in the diverse activities our area has to offer. So, enjoy I'll be posting as often as possible!
          
Feel free to leave comments, even if you disagree with my opinion on a particular review. Hope to be hearing from my readers : )