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- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
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$$
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
146 reviews for Brother Jimmy's West
Review Highlights
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"...a whole rack of the Northern Style ribs (a sweet and smoky..." In 4 reviews -
"...times here at brother jimmys BBQ on the upper west side." In 7 reviews -
"Try the pulled pork, brisket or chicken." In 21 reviews
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146 reviews in English
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Review from Jerry M.
New York, NY
4/8/2012
I have been to this Brother Jimmy's location a handful of times, each visit varies, as sometimes I am looking to get drunk, and others I am looking to stuff my face.
Each time has been different from the time before, but one thing has remained constant, and that is their hot wings. The wings at Brother Jimmy's are incredible, I consider myself a bit of a wing aficionado, and these do not disappoint.
They are spicy, tender, and perfectly crispy. And that about sums up my opinion of Brother Jimmys. -
Review from John K.
5/16/2012
Go for the food, and/or the drinks, not for the crowd. Too much of a dive crowd; too much of a sausagefest.
The food, which is good, but kind of just average Southern food, especially compared to Dallas BBQ or Dinosaur BBQ. Definitely not as good drinks..
Their frozen margaritas aren't even close to as good as Dallas BBQs'. -
Review from Ben F.
New York, NY
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here alone after work last night, I wanted BBQ and I've worked around the block for 7 years and never once considered stepping foot inside. Usually the dive bar crowd kept me away I'm not a fan of places like that. One of the many reasons I moved out of L.I.
I've seen many many mixed reviews about this place and I felt I may shed some light due to my back round in BBQ. While working as a sous for many years in a place I've grown fond of the cooking and eating of smoked meats. I respect them, love all that they are and like getting together with them once and again to cheer me up.
Brother Jimmy, who's name makes me feel like I'm speaking about a Pentecostal has in theory a solid menu. The essence of the restaurant is southern and I'm surprised its as comfortable as it is for the neighborhood, if you go to some of the surrounding places on the block they as quite tiny. I asked for a place in the back where I can sit alone and not feel like an outcast. Everyone was celebrating Ides of March, or was is 5 de mayo? Either way I wanted no part of it. The server was pleasant and I explained I way there to sample and see what they have to offer so heres the Chef Ben BBQ rundown:
Drink: Soda: Cherry Wine- thought it would taste like cough syrup and I was wrong pretty delicious.
4 meat BBQ platter:
Pulled Chicken: decent, not as smokey as I would have liked, good mix of white and dark meat, not to heavy on the bbq sauce to mask the flavor of the chicken.
Pulled Pork: a little disappointing, but not horrible. Anything you eat pork wise from a bbq spot should be busting at the seems with flavor, theirs was not. Needed more smoke and a decent Carolina sauce would had made this better. it was a pale grey which showed under flavoring. Its not that you dont want to taste the porky flavor but you want to taste a married flavor not just half ass pork.
Brisket: good, not horrible, but by no means great. again needed more time in the smoker and it would had been better.
Dry Rub Ribs: pretty good, not the way I like them because I'm not a huge pork guy, I love the bark of the rib more then the rib itself. But I will give credit where its due, they were meaty and juicy. Lacked a bit of smoke flavor.
MEAT RUN DOWN RUN DOWN: This place could have better product if they just smoked their meats more, maybe if they created a better caramelized shell around the meat, put a little more love into it. I've learned that BBQ like other procedures is all about the love you have for it, how you appreciate the procedure and the possible finished product.
Sides:
Mac and cheese: decent, not bad not bad at all
Hush puppy: i liked it, Ive made so many of these in my day and tasted so many bad ones, but theirs were pretty on point. Good flavor, nice yellow color on the inside, golden brown outside.
Sweet potato fries: HORRIBLE! they handed me a plate of soggy and unappealing fries, this is where I was extremely disappointed. She came to ask how everything was and I very honestly told her that they were horrible. She said she wouldnt force me to eat something I thought was horrible and removed them. Now I didn't know if I was getting new fries or they would be discounted from my bill. The answer is D non of the above. I didn't get new fries nor was it discounted from my check. Im surprised actually she seemed like a nice women to had just let this situation slide. ::INSERT SADFACE::
She still got a 28% tip I'm sure she didnt forget to enter that.
I will not return, there are much much better places then this in the city. Im glad I tried it tho. -
Review from Isabel M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/29/2012
You'll love this place if you're young and enjoy a lively party atmosphere. The place is extremely crowded on Saturday nights, and service can be kind of slow. I ordered the pulled pork and one of their specialty cocktails (the blue one). Both my drink and my food were fine, but nothing life-changing.
I was sad that I couldn't order the fishbowl cocktail, but they stop serving it after a certain time to keep the crazies under control. Maybe it was for the best... It looked like a LOT of alcohol! -
Review from Quasona C.
Manhattan, NY
Hmm... let me see, not impressed.
I was here St. Patrick's day to have lunch and hang out with friends. The crowd is Meh or blah, not my style.
I ordered a Palmetto punch and it was pretty decent, it actually took me a good while to drink. I'm not sure if thats because I was recovering from the night before. Our food took forever and it wasn't even crowded yet, most of the people there were drinking beer!
I do appreciate that we weren't hounded to leave or stalked by our waitress. -
Review from Clayton A.
Manhattan, NY
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Brother Jimmy's is the place where frat boys extend their college years until way into their 30's. It's the place where NYers go when they're stuck in the city and unable to make it out to the Hamptons, Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. Going to any of their locations is like walking into a high school reunion for St. Paul's or some other elite boarding school.
You won't see any diversity, not even among the white folks, and you'll wish you could put headphones in your ears and enjoy your music rather than hear the crap everyone else there is loving.
As for the food, the food isn't bad, in fact I'd say it's better than Dallas BBQ (which is horrible), but it lacks pizazz. Every time I've eaten here, I've gotten the feeling that the ribs, or the sandwich I ate, although decent, may have come from some distant plant and then received a microwaved heating in the kitchen.
Overall, I'm not even sure why I'm giving this place two stars, I guess only because over the years I've developed a tolerance. -
Review from Sara H.
Manhattan, NY
4/1/2012
Okay, let's be real. This is inexpensive, chain restaurant BBQ. The ambience consists of checkered table cloths, pictures of pigs, and license plates from North Carolina lining the booths. It is not going to be a gourmet experience. You will not win any points by bringing your date here. But if you're simply grabbing drinks with your friends after work or at the end of the week, it's perfect.
They have a full bar with an amazing happy hour. Frozen margaritas and draft beer are $2! Well drinks/cocktails are $3! Appetizers are half price! And they have patio seating on Amsterdam Ave, ideal for people watching. These were the selling points for my friends and I.
Their frozen margaritas were my favorite. The flavors include: strawberry, peach, mango, raspberry, and coconut. We tried all of them. If you were to put one in front of me and say "guess which fruit this is!?" I would never be able to tell you. None of them actually tasted like the fruit they were named for...but they all tasted different! The peach was the sweetest. None of them were so sweet that they masked the taste of tequila.
They serve their specialty cocktails in 16 ounce mason jars. They have an amazing drink that consists of sweet tea infused vodka, which was so good, and I've never seen it anywhere else. Consider me won over.
I should add that both times I've been here, the crowd seemed to be mostly families eating in the back of the restaurant and bro dudes drinking, hollering, and watching TV at the bar. A group of them eyed me conspicuously as I sat down. The bartender came over to me, handed me a menu, and said "sorry about them." Which leads me to believe this is a common occurrence. So, if bro dudes are your thing...bonus! You can find the frat boy of your dreams here. -
Review from Michael T.
New York, NY
4/21/2012
Perfect location for cold beer and college football on a crisp cool Saturday afternoon in the Fall. They serve standard bar food that taste amazing after a few cold ones. There is always a fun crown and good people watching!
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Review from Alessa M.
1/21/2012
The Pulled Chicken sandwich is hands down one of the best meals on Brother Jimmy's menu. I've tried the chicken wings as well but that pulled chicken keeps me coming back. It's a very spacious and full of really cool people (especially Sundays when the games are on) Last time I was here with my girlfriend Paula after a long day at work and I needed a break.
The staff seated us quickly and we placed our orders. Paula and I usually eat off each others plates so she ordered something different. The food is affordable I'd say if you go in a group bring about $30 each person to cover food and tip.
We drank had fun had a ball, and just remembering this night makes me want to go back and soon! -
Review from Abbey V.
2/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Mrs.: Missing Louisville, I was craving some BBQ. Being a veggie, I knew we were going to experience some trouble finding something on the menu I could try but, I was craving cornbread so intensely that the craving took over my better judgement. Upon entering, I noticed that, with the oh-so-casual atmosphere, it felt as though we were certainly out of the Upper West Side.
We started out with a side of cornbread, which I am sad to say was lacking in flavor and moisture as well - very dry. The hubby ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with potato salad and I the salad with a side of sweet potato fries. I'm sad to say that my need for BBQ was not satisfied, as everything we had tried was underwhelming to say the least. -
Review from Mike O.
2/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
A bit biased because I love North Carolina and often come here for UNC games. Arrived an hour early for the most recent UNC/Duke game. All the tables were reserved (word to the wise, call ahead), but the servers were nice enough to find us a table when others had left. This Brother Jimmy's is much smaller than the numerous others throughout the city, and it serves as a great bar/restaurant. The only thing better would to actually be in NC.
I love the frickles, the fried green tomatoes, and barbeque. The sauces are great, too. The onion thingys (I'm sorry they are thingys because I can't remember what they're called-fried onion strips) are good, but they come in a giant bucket, and once they turn cold they turn disgusting. Eat them quick and with a large group.Listed in: Suds New York
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Review from Billy V.
1/11/2012
This is my little hole in the wall when I like to have a few beers before going to the movie theater just around the corner.
Decent Happy Hour: $2 Bud or Bud Lite, $2 Frozen Margaritas and 1/2 price on all apps - M to F - 4 PM to 7 PM.
During the summer there is outside seating so this is nice. As you walk in, the bar is on the left and has about 15 seats with nice placement. There are plenty of well place TVs which is a plus for me. Their are tables in the front as well as in a backroom.
The Bar is very comfortable to meet friends or go solo and enjoy some of those $2 Bud Lite. Beers seem to taste better when they are discounted. BJW has 12 to 15 apps all at half price during Happy Hour. Great deal. I tend to order the Rib Tips most of the time. They are tasty. The tips hit the spot after numerous beers. Order them well done as the flavors come out more. They are very addictive. Not great, but they seem to taste better at half price.
Frozen Margaritas at $2 with various flavors are pretty good. Your not drinking Patron, but if you like Frozen Margaritas they are well balance with that slight tartness and sweetness at the end. Also addictive.
I have never had dinner here, I then to hit Happy Hour before the movie.
Overall BJW is a great meeting place and you can't beat the location. Bartenders during the day always seem to be new in my various visits, but they are always attentive, efficient and friendly. With good service, food and drink deals, why not take a shot. I think you will enjoy your experience. -
Review from Joe K.
New York, NY
2/18/2012
Crappy food with a fun fratty atmosphere. Sounds about right.
Good late night spot to drinks some beers and watch sports. -
Review from Leonor W.
Manhattan, NY
3/7/2012
Food was greasy and not tasty. Ordered the chicken fingers and was rather disappointed with the BBQ sauce. The nachos are really good, and overdosed with melted cheese. The bar has a nice selection of cocktails and beers. Good bar if you are trying to catch a sports game (they have over 10 screens), the waitress was nice enough to change the TV station so we could watch the basketball game that was on. Bar gets crowded at around 10.
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Review from Pen O.
Queens, NY
2/23/2012
Good place to get together with friends, watch a game and have a couple of drinks. Fun bar and good ribs.
Will continue to visit -
Review from Raj P.
New York, NY
2/21/2012
The one star they get is for the fairly fun bar atmosphere you get on the weekends.
I would give the food a ZERO if I could. Nearly every item is overcooked and dry. Ive tried a few items on their menu since we are often in the area, but have not been able to find an item I really enjoy. In fact, there's no reason to force yourself to eat here since you can easily walk a few doors down to Island Burger or Luke's Lobster for significantly superior food.
The terrible food is compounded by poor/uneven wait service. No utensils, no water, food shows up late and cold. This isnt even one particular waitress. I feel like they train them all to be terrible.
The bar must be keeping them in business because the food certainly cant. -
Review from Phil M.
1/9/2012 2 photos
I have been to all the Brother Jimmy's in the city and have not seen a difference in any of them. The food is basically bar food +1. I love their ribs. The sauces are good and the quantity is decent. Their dry rub is my favorite though. It's like the flavor of a well smoked sausage. You just have to try them to see. I ordered for the fried brusel sprouts as a side with my blackened catfish sandwich. The sandwich was very good but the sprouts is what stole the show. My friends and I ordered these 2 more times cause they were seriously addictive. Their specialty bloody mary for $9 was delicious as well. The place is a little cramped, the tables and chairs a little wobbly but they had enough tv's to watch the game and it was a good time. I would come back to this Brother Jimmys
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Review from Danielle W.
New York, NY
7/19/2011
Well Brother Jimmy's definitely brings in the younger(ish) crowd on weeknights...people who like to drink are sitting around the bar or a table with a huge bowl filled with long straws and lots of alcohol. If you are looking for BBQ I think this is a good place to beer n dine.
My table was 4 people- 2 dudes and 2 chics... We ended up ordering 2 pitchers of beer, fried pickles (best thing on the menu), wings, and our entrees. I had the Northern Rib platter with the potato salad and um...string beans...yes! The potato salad was very iffy, the ribs were good- HUGE HUGE HUGE RIBS...literally... I picked at my plate for over an hour and a half and felt like I made absolutely no headway at all...oops?
My meal overall was good. I wish my ribs weren't so huge and intimidating. The sauce was good, but there was not enough- I wanted the ribs and sauce all over, and infact I was quite neat while eating. The mac and cheese is the best side on the menu, if you do not order this you will regret it!! Thankfully my boyfriend ordered it and I ate the whole bowl :)....
Fried Pickles, Mac and Cheese, some ribs (probably share) and call it a day! WAM! -
Review from Brett C.
Manhattan, NY
2/15/2012
I just really like this place a lot. It is what it is, a normal BBQ place. Cheap food, cheap drinks, and normal service. No standouts, but still no disappointment. Recommended for any college students and young professionals.
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Review from Megan C.
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
For the first time in my life, I sent food back to the kitchen and just left. I couldn't possibly eat the food they served me and the idea of ordering more food from their kitchen couldn't be less appealing. I love bbq, but I'm not super picky or knowledgeable about it and it's not hard to please me with a plate of ribs.
I had plans to meet a friend a couple hours after work, so I decided to go chow down by myself and enjoy a happy hour. The reviews on yelp were certainly mixed, but "$2 frozen margaritas" caught my eye somewhere and I decided to give it a go.
So. First, the frozen margarita machine was broken, but instead of asking if I'd like something else, my server brought me mine on the rocks (with salt, which I requested none of). It was too sweet and not cold and basically just sour mix with strawberry syrup.
I ordered a plate of the southern style ribs and should have been worried right away when they came out maybe two minutes later. Which, to me, says that they just have vats of food sitting back in the kitchen. I took a bite of the beans - not good. I took a bite of the mashed potatoes - meh...okay, only because of the gravy. I took a bite of the cornbread - hard and crusty and resembling a yellow brick.
Things weren't off to a good start, but I started pouring all the sauces onto my plate. I like to try them all and mix them together, but alas...I didn't like a SINGLE one. How is that possible?! All of the bbq sauces were awful!
Then the ribs. Oh, the ribs. As soon as I picked them up, I knew it wasn't going to go well. They were sticky...not good bbq kinda sticky, but like congealed kinda sticky. They fell apart...not good tender fall off the bone fell apart, but like fake fatty food fell apart. I took two bites and considered leaving cash and peacing out, but I hated the idea of spending around $25 for something so terrible. So when my server came back and asked me how everything was, I did what I'd never done before: admitted it was slop and begged her not to make me eat it.
She was very nice, and the only reason this place deserves even one star. I tipped her and hurried the hell out of this hole, never to return again. -
Review from Sandee L.
Really good happy hour which includes $2 beer and margaritas, $3 well drinks and 1/2 off all appetizers from 4pm -7pm on Monday - Thursday. On Saturday, they have HH from 12pm-4pm and have 35 cent wings! What a steal!
They have a variety of margaritas: strawberry, raspberry, coconut, mango and a couple others. The coconut margaritas were really yummy. Strawberry was way too sweet. A group of us also shared the frickles (fried pickles), nachos and the buffalo wings. The frickles were awesome! Crisy outside and a very tangy pickle inside. Buffalo wings were also good. I'd pass on the nachos next time though.
Waitstaff was pretty attentive while we were there. The two big minuses were 1) they kicked us out when we weren't ordering anymore claiming that they had a group coming that had "reserved" that part of the patio. We stood outside chatting for a good 1/2 hour after and it was totally empty. Where was the reserved party? We're calling your bluff! 2) Our party started growing in size and the hostess rolled her eyes at us and had a hissy fit that we were a fire hazard. Um, there's only 8 of us at the table? Even if that is true, have the customer service skills to be polite about it please.
Normally, my principles would tell me to give this a 2 star rating based on the two aforementioned incidents, however, it's very rare to find a decent happy hour with good food specials on the UWS.
Go for the HH, but don't expect great service.Listed in: My 'hood: UWS, NYC's Best Happy Hours
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Review from Jon H.
Bronx, NY
12/18/2011
Ummmm, I've eaten here about a half dozen times and don't think too much of the food. Last time was earlier this year, in the Spring, with some folks visiting from out of the country. We had some kids with us and it was a Saturday early so there were not too many people at the bar...even though it was a slow time it took forever to get served and even longer to get the food. The meal was forgettable....unfortunately, not the impression of American BBQ one would hope for....perhaps my prior visits were enhanced by the brews I sucked down...just soda on this last trip. I'd recommend another spot if you are looking for BBQ....
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Review from Steve M.
4/4/2011
I'm still convinced you can't get good BBQ in NYC. This place came highly recommended and man, was I disappointed. The greens actually were a little better than the ones that come from a can and the potatoes were OK. The BBQ though - oh the BBQ. It kinda tasted like they soaked the meat in kerosene and then threw it in the microwave.
I so badly wanted to like it because I eat a lot of BBQ when down south and I'd occasionally like to have some up here but wow, this was really terrible. I feel bad writing this because the staff was really nice and the place had a nice "funky" laid back atmosphere and they really seemed like they were trying to make something good. This food just didn't taste good though.
Seems like a fun place to drink.Listed in: BBQ
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Review from Rex K.
1/21/2012
A great dive bar. Food is greasy, but tasty.
Lots of good happy hours deals.
They also serve drinks in fishbowls, which are mostly ice, but still an interesting novelty.
Attracts a lot of students, so is typically a young, but always fun crowd. -
Review from Evan M.
6/24/2011 23 Check-ins Here
Since I have spent a fair amount of time down south I usually steer clear of "southern" themed bars but I have to give this place praise for a variety of reasons.
First off, the BBQ is ok not great, however, the wings are where it's at. Coupled with amazing blue cheese they make for some of the best wings you will eat anywhere.
Secondly, you can pretty much watch any NFL game on Sunday if you get there early enough. When you live in a real weenie-zone like I do, a good sports bar is about a welcome in the area as a bottle of white wine that isn't slightly chilled. Yeah...I said it. The UWS is a "weenie-zone." Come on. You know it is when the only other sports bar in the area is named "Blondie's."
Lastly, I'm a big eater and even though it ain't the best BBQ in this town, they offer an "all you can eat and drink" ribs and beer deal. Whenever I hear "all you can eat," I take that as a challenge. I have dazzled the likes of many and have actually had this establishment reconsider the economical viability of this deal.
Word of advice: If you are a typical UWSer that hates the bridge-and-tunnel crowd do not come here on a weekend night. If you are from Jersey, Rockland, Westchester, or CT, feel free to scare up the locals who will greet you with the traditional eye-roll. -
Review from Ian R.
Brooklyn, NY
7/20/2011
I don't know if Brother Jimmy is an actual brother of mine I never met, or a member of the Nation of Islam who doesn't mind serving pork, but I don't like his restaurant. If he's a real person and I meet him I wouldn't say it to his face because that would be rude, but if he's an imaginary figure I would say his restaurant sucks and smack him and take his wallet.
I had ribs and mac and cheese which wasn't good but came in huge portions, so if you're into being fat then it's good for you.
Where'd that second star come from? Well, our waitress was super hot and the other ones looked pretty good. The place had a classy Hooters vibe. I mean the service was crap but after waiting too long for the waitress to come take our order, and never refill my water (I'm thirsty dammit!), and take too long to bring the bill, she was still super hot and I would immediately forgive her. But I'm not looking at her now so I can tell her she sucks. -
Review from Rachel J.
2/4/2011
If you're 21 and just hitting the bar scene for the first time, you probably hang out here. And if you live in the 'hood, you probably come here for a beer while watching the football game.
But the only reason Brother Jimmy's earns 3 solid stars in my book is because of their food. We're talking BBQ chicken, corn bread, black eyed peas with bacon, pulled pork sandwiches. and messy, delicious ribs.
The sandwiches and burgers come with one side (mashed potatoes with gravy... mmm!), while the BBQ dinners come with two (mac 'n cheese and candied yams? Lord help me).
To be perfectly honest, I would never recommend eating here. It's loud and obnoxious most of the time, and you feel like you're eating in a dive bar (kinda because you are). But if you live close enough to order in, you've got it MADE.
That said - if you're in the mood for some serious BBQ, this is a good place to get your fix. -
Review from Stephanie D.
Manhattan, NY
5/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
First of all, I DID like the barbecue pulled pork - it WAS good, especially with their NC style sauce you can put on it. If you know me, I love the vinegary NC style barbecue out there.
I really only gave this place 3 stars because they're not STELLAR - there are a lot of places like this in the city, which is fine. Also, the waitress was a bit crisp because we kept asking about the drink and happy hour specials
HOWEVER: They do have amazing happy hour deals. 4pm-7pm (not sure if this is every day, but I know it was last Wednesday), it's 1/2 off ALL of the appetizers, and $2 Frozen Margaritas, which includes regular, strawberry and mango (but do it without the salt - they oversalt it like craycray). Also, on Wednesdays you get 25% off all food for being from the South, and being from VA and a poor grad student, you know I'm all up on that! -
Review from Franco R.
Astoria, Queens, NY
1/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is the epitome of a bar undergoing rapid decay and bankruptcy--Or maybe that is just the theme of this hellhole. The bathrooms are filthy; The tables are unstable; The banquettes are made of unfinished hard plywood that emblazon out-of-state license plates? Virtually every burger comes with BBQ. It has this sort of white-trash feel to it. But if this is your type of place, so be it. I will never return.
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Review from Jando S.
4/1/2011
From a sports bar standpoint, Brother Jimmy's is like any other dive bar on the Upper West Side. It feels cramped, the prices are solid, the drinks are good, and the music can be deafeningly loud. But what makes Brother Jimmy's worth visiting is this: It is a better restaurant than it is a bar.
That seems a bit of a bold statement, considering my tough critique of Southern food in NYC, but it is honest. I would much rather sample the food here than attempt to snag a seat on that ridiculous elevated platform in hopes of catching a game. College Football groups do well here, though there isn't enough seating to house most larger alumni groups.
In terms of food, I know folks who swear by their wings. If the HH / group special 25 cent wing deal is still around, go for it. That and and the rest of the food isn't half bad either. The pulled pork sandwich and mac & cheese are dependable choices, but I'd avoid the pricey ribs and mash potatoes.
Try to get friendly with the staff. They've come through for me on several occasions here, even when things were looking bleak they managed to make each visit more enjoyable than the last. -
Review from Matt P.
New York, NY
4/2/2011
Brother Jimmy's is a relaxed Upper West Side dive and restaurant with cheap drinks and really good fried eats. The bartenders are friendly, the decor is tacky but appropriate, and the drink specials are good. Also, fishbowls.
PROS - Cheap well drinks ($4-5) and $2 PBR cans. Good food. decently large space, friendly staff, seating. Fishbowls.
CONS - Can't really think of much here, honestly.
I want to return to try more of the food (30 cent wings during happy hour!), but Brother Jimmy's is definitely a solid post-college dive experience. Worth a visit. -
Review from Antoinette A.
Staten Island, NY
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not Impressed-maybe I should be fair in saying that we went there 10 minutes before the kitchen was closing. I ordered the Cobb salad with grilled chicken the blue cheese tasted like paper and the chicken had no flavor. My dinner mate ordered brisket platter at $17.95 which was not that large of a portion and looked rather dry. We also ordered the fish bowl of swamp water complete with a plastic alligator and about 10 straws the mix was sour and between 2people it did not get us drunk at all-save your $20!!
The atmosphere is dive shack style not appealing and it looks like they have a Sunday all you can eat ribs and beer for $20 deal. That sounds worth it.
If your in the neighborhood on Tuesday night-you will be surrounded by young guys and girls singing karaoke.
I do not reccomend going here-Im sure there are better options. -
Review from Manuel H.
Bronx, NY
3/16/2012
good food! but can be loud on wknds
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Review from lgm l.
New York, NY
3/29/2011
ORDER THE FISHBOWL.
its pretty cheap (split it with someone!) and gets you drunk. fastttttttt. -
Review from Robert M.
New York, NY
6/5/2011
This review for the 35 cent wings on Saturday- awesome deal. Very good wings, fried well with a good amount of heat and tasty buffalo sauce. As I said, for 35 cents each (12-4 on Sat) you cannot go wrong. The rest of the menu looked good, but I was there for the wings.
For a southern place, they had very good margaritas. -
Review from Kirsten S.
New York, NY
1/17/2011
Brother Jimmy's is an escape from NYC into a smaller, homier part of the country (Carolinas, perhaps?). The atmosphere is really fun, especially the decor, and the food is tasty. I would not recommend it at all for a full-on vegetarian. I am technically a "pescatarian" (I'll eat fish), and my choices were seriously limited. Fortunately, my cajun catfish sandwich was excellent!
If you are debating between the multiple types of fries, I would go with the classic or splurge on onion straws or frickles. The spicy fries aren't too spicy, and the sweet potato fries were a bit too sweet for my liking (very southern-- there was cinnamon sugar sprinkled on them!). Also, I really like my fries crispy, and they were cut just a bit too thick to really get to that point.
Now that you have my french fry analysis, you should look at the rest of the menu. Everyone was really happy with what they had, from the BBQ burger to pulled pork to wings. It would also be fun to check out one of their theme nights! -
Review from Amy C.
1/16/2011
Watched the Jets vs. Patriots game here tonight and loved every moment of it. Mad props to the waitress and servers for the great service in spite of the large crowd and mayhem. We got our food and drinks very fast and there was no nonsense at all.
I got the pulled pork sandwich with a side of collard greens and sweet potato fries. The sandwich was the perfect-sized portion and the fries seemed endless. -
Review from Jonathan S.
Brooklyn, NY
6/5/2011
Ordered a mean bowl of chili and watched college football.
Didn't try the BBQ. Just slipped in here for lunch.
I'll be back. -
Review from Radford T.
Manhattan, NY
8/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was looking around for a place to eat on the Upper West Side along Amsterdam on a Sunday evening when I noticed Brother Jimmy's, and I thought, yeah, ribs sound good.
I appreciated the decor in this restaurant, and the attempt to emulate a Southern ribs joint. But you know, it's almost more "Southern" than what you'd probably see in the South these days, except for the patrons and the staff. It felt almost touristy, but that's probably because this place is in NYC. They have a pretty large dining area so I had no trouble getting a table right away.
And even though I thought ribs sounded good, I am easily distracted and had forgotten about ribs by the time I sat down. I ordered the Carolina Pull Pork instead, with sweet potato fries and collard greens as sides, and a tall glass of Sam Adams to wash it all down.
Well what can I say? The pull pork was not bad, but I've had so much better, which leads me to be pretty apathetic about it. It was tender but not really juicy, and could use a little more flavour. Both the sweet potato fries and collard greens, as well as the corn bread that came with it were all fairly average. I've had sweet potato fries and corn bread that left me wanting more and more, but the quality of these items at Brother Jimmy's just didn't inspire gastronomical lust.
Three stars, and I wouldn't go back. There are so many other options along Amsterdam in that neighbourhood. -
Review from Sasha H.
New York, NY
9/26/2011
Food blows and service sucks. I've had better at other branches. Maybe it was the time, maybe it was that we sat outside, but honestly none of these reasons are good excuses. Plus I got bitten by 15 mosquitoes while I was here, which was totally no bueno and will keep me away for good.
