PLAIN TWP. − At John’s Bar & Grille, big portions and loyal customers have been the recipe for success since 1945.
Even after relocating in December 2021 from Canton to 2658 Easton St. NE in the Oakwood Square, the longtime Stark County favorite continues to fill its dining room with customers eager for ribs, sandwiches and classic comfort food.
I recently met Denise Lambert, 55, a human resources specialist from Jackson Township, for dinner and a review. Lambert hadn’t visited since the restaurant moved and was eager to see how things had changed.
A busy weeknight
We were lucky to snag one of the last available tables when we arrived. The restaurant was packed with patrons taking advantage of weeknight specials and popular menu items.
Despite the crowd, our server Amy was friendly and attentive. She works at Kent State University in academic partnerships and enjoys picking up shifts at John’s as a part-time job.
Starting with the skins
Lambert and I started with John’s Skins ($9.99). The potato skins were loaded with melted cheddar and mozzarella and topped with bacon, with sour cream served on the side. They arrived hot, and were a satisfying and solid start to the meal.
For my entrée, I tried the 2-for-$32.99 special, choosing a half rack of baby-back ribs and the Italian stuffed peppers. The deal includes two sides, and I selected a house salad with ranch dressing and onion rings. I also ordered fresh fruit and coleslaw.
Lambert ordered the Italian Beef French Dip ($10.99) and added seasoned fries for a small upcharge.
Generous portions
When the entrées arrived, the table quickly filled. Portions at John’s are generous − so generous we nearly ran out of room.
The ribs were tender without being overcooked, and the housemade barbecue sauce had a pleasant kick. The salad was fresh, and the onion rings were crispy and plentiful. I ended up taking home half the ribs, even though I had ordered only a half rack. (The half rack is also available separately for $17.99, with a full rack priced at $24.99.)
The Italian stuffed peppers arrived separately with a chunky marinara sauce. Mild cubanelle peppers were filled with Italian sausage and pepperoni. The menu also lists mozzarella in the filling, though it wasn’t very noticeable. While tasty, the peppers leaned heavily on pepperoni. I would have preferred more sausage and a fuller stuffing. The peppers are also available as an appetizer for $12.99.
Lambert enjoyed her large sandwich and generous portion of fries, and she also had leftovers.
The verdict
John’s offers weekly specials including Burger Mondays, Chicken Pot Pie Tuesdays, Lasagna Wednesdays and Rib Thursdays, along with a daily happy hour and rotating bar specials.
It’s easy to see why John’s Bar & Grille has remained a local favorite for decades. Portions are large, the food is satisfying and the service is welcoming − a formula that has kept diners coming back since 1945.
Bev Shaffer, Food & Drink reporter for The Canton Repository, can be reached at bshaffer@usatodayco.com or 330-580-8318.
If you go
What: John’s Bar & Grille
Where: 2658 Easton St. NE, Plain Township
When: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday.
Phone: 330-454-1259
This article originally appeared on The Repository: John’s Bar & Grille, a Stark County favorite, is still drawing crowds
Reporting by Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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