Bill Johnson's Big Apple

Original radio shock jock turned restauranteer serves up world-famous barbecue.

In Short
One of the country's original ""shock-jocks"", Bill Johnson, ran a rebel radio show out of a makeshift jail cell in his original Van Buren restaurant. Celebrity musicians,...

Posted by by Contributor at Citysearch on July 18, 2006. Brought to you by Citysearch.

Average Rating

20

Let me start by saying that I am a chef, and have been in the hospitality industry for almost 20 years. Me and my wife received 25$ in gift cards for Christmas, so at least it was cost effective. Speed of service was a little slow but friendly. I ordered steak and eggs, my wife ordered beef brisket and eggs. The …

Posted by Neil G. from Yelp on June 09, 2014. Brought to you by binglocal.

Average Rating

80

I had a great meal here and excellent service. At 2pm on a Sunday, the restaurant was completely empty, which was nice. I really liked our waiter because he didn't mind customizing my meal, and he had many suggestions about how to order the meals how he likes them. I thought that was nice …

Posted by Gidget S. from Yelp on June 09, 2014. Brought to you by binglocal.

Poor restaurant choice

Average Rating

20

We had been there years before and it was great, saw dust on floor a really great experience back then. Now the menu has changed for the worse. Ordered the ribs and they were so tough had to literally chew them off the bone. Couldn't get a half slab had to order a full. No saw dust, and I know...

Posted by 19DeeDee44 on May 30, 2014. Brought to you by tripadvisor.

Gone done hill

Average Rating

20

Very displeased.This was a once enjoyable place to go. Now it has really gone down hill.This has been shown to me over more than one visit to this restaurant. Restaurant manager does not consider customer a priority. He was clear to us that his personal preferences where more important than ours as paying customers. Also waiter was seen leaving restroom...

Posted by Manuel R on April 06, 2014. Brought to you by tripadvisor.

Great night out

Average Rating

100

This was our first visit to Bill Johnsons. I had the brisket and it was outstanding! The draft beer selection was great, especially the Sierra Nevada. We were in a group of 11 men and everyone said the food was good or excellent.

Posted by DEBandVINCE1 on March 24, 2014. Brought to you by tripadvisor.

The first Bill Johnson s Big Apple opened in 1956. Today, the restaurant chain has expanded to nearly six locations throughout Arizona. It is a chain of family-owned and operated restaurants that is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bill Johnson s Big Apple provides on-site catering services and has banquet facilities at some of its locations. The restaurant chain can also...

Posted on December 27, 2014. Brought to you by localguides.