Before marrying into the Bunjon family I had never heard of Johnny Dee’s Lounge but they had been going there often for family celebrations and for gatherings after a family member passed - it was a tradition.
Hard to find if you haven’t been before, nestled in the back of a tiny strip mall on the lower level this haven of retro offers up their bar, sections with couches with low tables to regular dining tables. Name plaques are on the wall next to tables and lounge areas, specials are written on a wall sign and there is no website, no Facebook or Twitter to be found. Be sure to check out the photo slide show HERE
Johnny Dee ran the restaurant for a number of years and retired and turned the operations over to his son, Johnny A(ppel) who is no stranger to the restaurant business paying his dues working in little Italy for a number of years.
Seafood and Italian food are center plate at Johnny Dee’s and you won’t be disappointed. Good, substantial portions at a good price point. The husband and I went last Wednesday night and we were seated next to a table of gentlemen who come every week. The nephew, a culinary school graduate, mans the kitchen.
Wednesday Night Oysters – six for five dollars
Once seated, I saw a sign ‘raw oysters every Wednesday night between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.’ and my mouth started to water. Our server informed us it was six oysters for five dollars. I didn’t skip a beat and ordered a dozen for an appetizer. The husband wanted onion soup and they were out but enjoyed a bowl of chili. I felt like their crab cake sandwich and not shrimp salad but the husband ordered the shrimp salad with fries with beef gravy.
The crab cake was a good balance of mixed crabmeat, large, moist and satisfying. The fries came with a rich, dark brown gravy cause you know I snuck a couple from the husband’s plate.
We indulged at the end, the husband the sundae and I went for a cannoli which was overfilled – I’m not complaining.
Johnny A got curious when I snapped a picture of him delivering my dozen oysters. Before we left he showed me a really nice sized room where they do banquets and talked about the business.
I highly recommend a trip to Johnny Dee’s if you never have been. Good food, friendly staff and if you go enough you might get your name up on the wall.
Johnny Dee's Lounge
1705 Amuskai Road
Baltimore (Parkville), MD 21234
410 665 7000
Comments
Great post, Dara. I love that place. It's Baltimore through and through. I recommend the shrimp salad for your next visit.
I have had their shrimp salad and it is a very good rendition.
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