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Welcome to J's Penalty Box

At J's Penalty Box, the spirit of sports and community collide to create an exhilarating experience. Located in Ferndale, this vibrant sports bar boasts a bustling atmosphere filled with laughter, good food, and plenty of screens to catch the game. Their menu features crowd favorites like massive wings and hearty burgers, complemented by vegetarian options and a full bar. With casual outdoor seating and amenities like a pool table and juke box, it’s a perfect spot for groups looking to unwind. Friendly staff and fun events, like Thursday's pizza deal, make it an essential stop for food lovers and sports enthusiasts alike.

J's Penalty Box: Reviews & Ratings

Jerome A.
Jerome A.

J's is definitely in my local sports bar/watering hole rotation. With plenty of tv's, great food and drink specials, fun sports decor, and a very cheerful and friendly staff, J's is a fun place to catch a game or just hang in Downtown Ferndale. Pro tip? Go for the $1 wing special on Sundays! It's a deal you don't see much anymore and they're MASSIVE to boot!

Rachel Z.
Rachel Z.

Awesome sports bar! Great atmosphere with lots of TVs to watch multiple games. Friendly staff, great service. Highly recommend!

Wendell E.
Wendell E.

For starters the greeter at the front door was smiling and friendly. Venue/Atmosphere 5/5: The bar layout consisted of the main floor, a small 6 ft elevated balcony (capacity approx. 10 barstools & 6 person picnic table), and a back patio (at alley). There was one large, open-air garage door - facing Woodward. The door was open, letting in the gorgeous mid-September weather. TV Screen visibility 5/5: There were 18 or so TV's - 5 of which were easily visible from my seat (I sat in the balcony). The elevated seating, and ample number of screens made for a great vantage point. I could easily game watch and people watch (inside and out) as well. Drinks 4/5: The first pour (cosmopolitan) tasted a bit light, but the next ones hit the spot. Food: Chili 3/5 - consistency was more runny than I prefer (I like the chunky chilly). Flavor was good, although I would have liked a little more "kick". Nachos 3/5 - lots of lettuce and what appeared to be taco sauce drizzles over chips. Kind of odd looking, tasted ok. However, I've definitely had better. Overall service 5/5- server Stella was kind, consistent and attentive. Even though the Lions lost, the Penalty Box is a great venue to watch (sporting or other) events! I give the place two thumbs up!

Megan M.
Megan M.

Best wings, round pizza, and nachos in the area! But you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Best sports bar in town and bartenders are the best!

Alexa D.
Alexa D.

This is one of my favorite places to drink and eat a pizza in the ferndale area. The owners are so nice and involved with their business, the overall vibe is good and their pizza is half off on thursdays which is actually very good tasting!!!! The bartenders have always treated my boyfriend and i so sweetly and the drinks have always been strong but reasonably priced. Best sports bar in the area, masculine sports vibe but very LGBTQ friendly love this place

Ed W.
Ed W.

We came in hoping to watch some of the US Open. Unfortunately, we happened to come in the first day of college football. Our fault, we should have checked the schedule. The food here is quite good. The service is good, but not great. I do plan to come back because it has a really fun vibe.

Alisha R.
Alisha R.

My husband and I just came here for the first time tonight and I can already say for sure that we will definitely be back here. We came and had a drink at the bar and ordered some half off pizza since it was Thursday. I've heard amazing things about their dill pickle pizza but as a bit skeptical since we have never been here before. We ended up ordering a small dill pickle pizza and a small meat lovers pizza to go. Both pizzas were good, but the dill pickle pizza was absolutely amazing. Like nothing I have ever tasted before, quite literally. Not too overpowering with flavor, but somehow just the right amount. The meat lovers was also good and had great taste, but we definitely both preferred the dill pickle pizza. Service at the bar was great, all the servers, bartenders, and bouncers were super polite. Can't wait to come back. Highly recommend stopping in (or doing takeout) for half off pizza on Thursday's!

Liz P.
Liz P.

I came here tonight specifically to try the pickle pizza - I'm always on the hunt for good pickle pizza in the Metro Detroit area, and a friend and I had just tried Sherwood Brewing, in Shelby Twp., a few weeks before. Sherwood's was good but very thick and bready; J's ended up being the opposite, but also very good. My dining companion and I had some drinks to start - they had Ace Pineapple cider, which I like, although it ended up being a little pricey ($8). You can get a small or a large pizza, and normally the large pickle pizza is $19, which is also pricey; however, on Thursdays, they do half-off pizza nights, which I had scoped out on their Instagram or Facebook page beforehand, so it ended up being only $9.50, which is a bargain. As for the pizza itself, it was a very thin crust pizza, which was good. It was a little TOO salty but similar to Sherwood's, they had fresh dill on it. I would order it again although I also want to check out the other pizzas on their menu too, before I decide if I want pickle pizza again. Waitservice was very good, also - they constantly checked on us and brought water refills. I'd go here again although, as you might imagine, it's pretty loud, as it's a sports bar. Tonight was Thursday and there was a Red Wings game on but thankfully no football or anything like that (contributing to the loudness, haha). I also used the bathroom once while here and it was clean. They do takeout as well so I'd probably come back here again for that!

Location

Welcome to J's Penalty Box, your ultimate sports bar destination nestled in the heart of Ferndale, MI. Located at 22726 Woodward Ave, this vibrant hangout caters to sports enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Whether you're catching the game with friends or enjoying a casual dinner with family, J's Penalty Box has it all.

From the moment you step through the doors, you're greeted by cheerful staff and an inviting atmosphere, buzzed with the energy of friendly competition. With more than 18 televisions broadcasting live sports, you won't miss a second of the action. The bar layout features ample seating, including an elevated balcony and a delightful outdoor patio, perfect for soaking up those beautiful Michigan days.

  • Unmatched Food Offerings: The menu at J's Penalty Box is a true standout. Whether it's the all-day Pub Burger Special at just $7.99 or the hearty Fish and Chips for $11.00, there's something for everyone. Don’t overlook the famed $1 wing special on Sundays, which has garnered rave reviews for its massive portions and unbeatable value.
  • Vegetarian & Family-Friendly Options: If you're gathering with family, kids will feel right at home with tasty options tailored just for them. Plus, many vegetarian dishes ensure that nobody in your group is left out, making it a great choice for diverse palates.
  • Drinks to Match: The full bar offers enticing happy hour specials, catering to those who enjoy relaxing with a cocktail or beer while cheering for their team. A memorable drink experience awaits you here.

But it's not just about the food and drinks; the ambiance at J's Penalty Box is a highlight in itself. The vibrant decor, lively chatter, and the occasional juke box tunes set the stage for an unforgettable outing, whether you're there for dinner or just a casual hangout. Plus, the bar's laid-back vibe is ideal for dancing, enjoying a game of pool, or simply unwinding with friends.

As one local patron aptly put it, “Best sports bar in town.” With its blend of excellent service, delicious food, and an electrifying atmosphere, J's Penalty Box is more than just a place to eat—it's a community hub where memories are made over great food and spirited competition. Don’t miss out on this local gem!

For reservations or takeout, give them a call at (248) 398-4070, and prepare for a fulfilling experience at J's Penalty Box, where every game feels like a victory.