Jamie's Bar & Grill
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Mon-Fri 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street, Private Lot
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Lunch
- Best Nights: Mon, Wed, Fri
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
23 Reviews for Jamie's Bar & Grill
Good Rueben! The meat is so juicy and tender. Great fries. We also tried clam chowder which is awsome. Great calamari with tasty tartar sauce. But the best dish I ever had was Halibut steak with wild rice and green beans and carrots. Mmmm, that was the best fish dish I ever had in Sacramento.
Friendly people there! Must try Jamie's.
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Hot damn what a hamburger, and the fries were great too. Jamie's you were not easy to find and your parking lot was packed, but the hamburger more than made up for that. You iced tea was great but I really want to come back for a cocktail minus the "I've got a lot of work to finish" guilt trip I laid upon myself.
The best thing about the place though was the instant friendship my table developed with the neighboring table of guilt trip free drinkers that we lent our bottle of Tabasco. They were having a great time and they helped us have a great time too. Even if we were wearing our preppy work clothes. This is the side of you I really like Sacramento. The Jamie's side.
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Apparently this place is more popular amongst the gents than the ladies. And I'm a chick, so I'll tell you why. It's true that they have one mighty tasty burger but when we walked in and were seated I asked what beer they had on tap. Sierra Nevada Pale ale... and that's it. Ummm really?? Call it the high maintenance female in me, but I'd really like to have more options than that. So I ask "what else do you have?" and she responds with "Well what is it that you want?" Alright, so I was tasked with naming off my favorite beers in some kind of family feud of beers game to get the one survey says they have in stock??? After 2 or 3 X's on the board, I settled for the Amstel Light.
I brought my boyfriend who is all about the hole-in-the-wall joints, he liked the place but thought it was weird the menu offered $8 items and the specials on the tiny board in front ran for $16. He went with the steak sandwich and loved it. Overall, a decent place but I guess I'd rather have more options than a pale ale... and don't get me started on the bathroom (yikes) :-\
As I sit here digesting my cheeseburger chased with an ice-cold bottle of PBR, I reflect on the understated glory that is Jamie's Bar and Grill. Time to write a review.
This was definitely not my first visit, and most certainly not my last! The food is simple and consistently good. I have yet to order anything that disappointed me. The surest bets for me have always been the burger, the calamari and the steak sandwich!
The service is great also. The servers always seem to be there at just the right moment, and they are always friendly - and often sassy, which I generally enjoy.
A good beer selection and interesting crowd ranging from business lunch types to old-timers who have obviously been coming here for years round out the experience. And yes, I am one of those inexplicable PBR-lovers, so don't get all up in my face about it.
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Home away from home. Can't get in there like I used to, but is always terrific. Best bartender in town! MIke G. Kristy, Christina Martha. Mike N, Jaime, and Vicki are all terrific. Prime Rib, Clam Chowder, Cobb Salad, Potato salad and the Reuben are all tops.
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Plus one star for not having any signage on the front door. That just exudes cool.
Plus one star for having a bison head on the wall. Folksy.
Plus one star for carrying Corona and Pacifico. Greg likes choice in cerveza.
Minus one star for only having one beer on tap. See above.
Plus one star because that beer is Sierra Nevada. Redeemed.
Minus one star for the paving stone-like dried out meat disc that my friend was served in lieu of a juicy hamburger patty. Unfortunate.
Plus one star for the stupid good clam chowder in which there was more bacon than clam. Mmmmmmm, bacon.
Plus one star for the rippin' onion rings.
Minus one star for the attitude we got when we ordered more.
Overall? Mixed results, as has been the case with each of my Jamie's visits. Add it all up and you get three stars.
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frickin hole in the wall if i ever did see one!
looks like a house about to be demolished from the outside. inside, it was packed with all sorts of different people - from suits enjoying a quick lunch to neighborhood hangouts sipping on beer at the bar.
overall, the food was pretty good. the club sandwich was a little dry and bland, and the bacon a bit overcooked, but the burger was killer.
great hidden joint.
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Went here last night with the girls. All good signs: the menu is small and the board is filled with specials. The place is packed even though there's no sign out front. Parking is hard to find even though it's in the middle of nowhere. Everyone looks like a "regular". The bartender actually comes over to our table to serve the drinks.
We each ordered something different: hot turkey sandwich (with gravy & mashed potatoes), pastrami on rye with potato salad, the Broadway burger with green salad, lamb stew in a bread bowl with a green salad, and chicken sandwich with fries. Everyone in the party seemed very satisfied. I LOVED my turkey sandwich (open faced) - turkey was succulent, gravy flavorful, and the mashed potatoes were creamy. The portion was very generous. And even better, it was only $8.
Service was excellent. Food came out promptly, empty plates cleared quickly. The waitstaff was quick and efficient.
Only one beer on tap. My house salad was bleh. I did enjoy the homemade thousand island dressing, though. Because it's popular, it's clear they want to turn the tables quick so we felt the pressure to leave as soon as our last bite was eaten. It's not a place to have a leisurely meal.
I'll be back with hungry hubby in tow.
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They serve a great steak sandwich!
The place is always packed for lunch. In fact, the available parking is so tiny you wonder where all the people came from once you're inside. When you're leaving you can't believe how bright it is outside after opening the door.
The servers don't seem to be super friendly and it sorta seems like you wouldn't want to anger them. That's not to say they're mean or rude, just similar to the service you might find at a truck stop (I like truck stops).
Jamie's is a meat and potato kind of place. Hot and hearty, home cooked meals. I've mainly had lunch here but I've heard good things about their dinners too.
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Jamie's is the Best! The Clam Chowder is delicious. Also have loved the Reuben sandwich, Burger, and Fish Specials.
It's always busy so you can't expect super fast service but it really is a Sacto Gem!
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Wow, the reviews on this place are true, this place is a gem and one of Sacramento's best kept secrets. I had the smoked prime rib special and I must say it is some of the best I've ever had. Friday night is BBQ rib night if your into that and its good, but a little tough. The sides are what really stand out...everything is homemade and very well done. The service is just wonderful, the waitress was very attentive and funny and I can't remember getting better service in a while. Its a bit crowded and the the neighborhood isnt the best but the inside is very comfy without being to fancy.
p.s. Just went there again and had the clam chowder and prime rib sandwitch, very well done and highly recomended. 4.5 stars
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I love the food and service here, and the room is unpretentious and cozy. Great meat dishes. My only quibble: the prices are a little ridiculous. They jump from a relatively affordable burger to steaks that aren't quite at the Morton's level but are just about there in terms of price. Bring the prices in line with the food, and this would be a 5-star place.
Still, a great place for a steak sandwich and a few beers. Great bartender too. In fact, the bar itself is one of the nicest in town.
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(from the June 2006 visit of our gourmet club) Probably one of the ugliest places I have every been to but the food was pretty good.
FOOD SCORE: 4
Chili was fantastic especially the meat chunks....coupled with fries, it was awesome. The navy bean soup was out of this world....probably due to the swine that was infused into it. The hamburger was not bad but not great. Probably because the bun was not toasted....kinda turned me off.
SERVICE SCORE: 3
Pretty good service. She was nice but I kinda think she forgot about us at times.
AMBIANCE SCORE: 2
OH, need I really comment about this. In one word, yuck!
VALUE SCORE: 2
Not great. I think my side of chili was $7.00. Then again, that chili rocked!
RESTROOM SCORE: 2
It was clean :-)
RETURN?: Yes
Sure, especially if I wanted to eat chili or swine infused navy bean soup.
This is one of my absolute favorite places to eat. All dishes are of very high quality. Their specialty, if I'm not mistaken, is the prime rib, but from how I enjoyed all their food I'm not sure if it's their only specialty.
The Clam chowder, shrimp/fish platters, and ribs are all very lip-smacking delicious. Their drinks are of moderate strength, a very good balance between value and taste (some do not prefer overly strong drinks; however, I'm not one of them).
A note on why only four stars... sometimes the service can be a little snippy. If you've never been there for dinner, one waitress will brusquely inform you that the specials are on a dry board to your left as you enter. Basically as you walk to the seating station, at your seven o'clock- you'd never see it if you weren't looking for it. Then she'll leave and have you squint at the board from the far end of the room. Yeah, fun! Other than that one time experience, and after you know where to look, this is a very rewarding place to eat.
Edited October 24, 2007- I moved it up to five stars because I've heard the waitresses (all of them), repeatedly, tell novice guests where to find the specials, and what those specials are. I think the surliness I received on the first time was completely uncharacteristic for that waitress... which has now been proven, many times over.
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Good destination for St Patrick's Day. This place goes all out on this day to celebrate the Irish winning the War over the Germans. Lots of old red-headed bagpipers blowing away. The Irish National Anthem blaring. green beer. Clover cookies. Leprachaun wet t-shirt contest...So drink up Shriners! Don't forget to wear green. They'll give you the traditional Irish wedgie if you don't.
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So Jamie's was reviewed very well in the Bee several months back...my dad is still pissed off. He was happy to see a place he loves get its long deserved pat on the back, but then people started sitting in his barstool and he actually had to wait for lunch. Pops was not pleased.
Jamie's has flown under the radar for a long time. I used to be all about the beef here until I discovered the seafood entrees are better than anything at Scotts. And on par with some places I've been to in The City and right up there with Water Grill in LA. Plus, you're not getting bent over to pay for it because while not cheap-cheap Jamie's value is excellent.
And the best part...it's come as you are. No, that's not the best part, the best part is the staff and the customers. Classic line from snappy waitress whose name I can't recall, "hey, Erinn, so I heard you just had a huge beautiful wedding, haven't seen you in a while!" Response, "and I just had an even more beautiful divorce." 10 points to her for being really terribly sorry while also delivering one of the best "I've gotta use this in a script someday" moments ever.
Beer, wine, and cocktails are all reasonable. I think draft Sierra is $3.50 and cocktails $4 or so. Wine around $5 for Bogel Chard which I think is considered "house"...not my fav but it'll do. Prime rib is around $13 I think (but, shhhh, I think the PR at Distillery is better.) The garlic steak sammie is soooooo good; without being hit you over the head You'll Stink for a Week garlicky. I had a French dip special here once that was 90% meat and 10% roll, eventually the meat won and the roll crawled off in shame.
And then the fish! Which is whatever he can get fresh and in season. The macadamia crusted halibut is fantastic. I'm not sure if they still do this (though I'll be finding out tonight) but they used to have a BBQ platter that was all you can eat. One platter was plenty. I recall it being ribs, sausage, chicken, and something else. Really good...and I'm super picky with the BBQ.
It's hard to find but it's one of those things that you know you're a local if you go there. Every so often I'll meet my pops over there for lunch and it's filled with old time lobbyist, capitol shakers, and lawyers. The ambiance isn't trendy or hip, but it's way cool.
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I have been hearing about Jamie's for a long time. You can't really tell it's a restaurant from the street on Broadway, I don't know that they even have any signage. There is a sign on the back side that faces the freeway and their private parking lot, however.
I stopped in at Jamie's for lunch yesterday. Arrived about 1 pm and the place was still quite busy. Every bar stool was taken and there was only one or two two-top tables left.
There's no real hostess stand, so I kinda stood in the way of the wait staff hustling & bustling from the dining to the kitchen area for a few minutes until someone seated me.
They had several specials on the board, but I decided to try the garlic steak sandwich & fries. I felt it was reasonably priced ($7.95 I believe) and extremely tasty. I also ordered iced tea which I believe was not fresh brewed - but reconstituted from syrup - which normally I think tastes nasty but their concoction was palatable. My total bill with tax was only $10.60.
My food was served pretty quickly. The diners next to me ordered salads and they looked pretty tasty.
The decor is unimpressive, but the food is the worth the trek to that side of town.
I'll definitely be heading back. I'm curious about their Friday night barbeque special. They were advertising an all day St. Patty's Day celebration on Friday & Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, by the way.
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I was familiar with Jaime's as I drive by it every day! I had always considered visiting but never got the nerve to go. Little did I know what I was missing! Visited in June 2006
FOOD SCORE: 3
Upon entering I immediately noticed that halibut was on their specials menu. I love halibut and to my surprise, their preparation was great. It was encrusted with macadamia nuts and had a nice lemon/butter sauce. It was accompanied by wild rice with mushrooms and walnuts and asparagus. The plus was that the chef thought he shorted me on the fish then gave me an additional giant piece halfway through our meal. I was not impressed with the amount of mayo put atop the asparagus. I also tried my friend's chili burger and fries and admit, although very bad for my arteries was extremely tasty! Oh, by the way, the bar was fine. Nothing spectacular, but they had a nice selection of bourbon.
SERVICE SCORE: 3
Our server was pleasant enough and did come and check on us a number of times.
AMBIANCE SCORE: 1
Its a hole in the wall bar. I would even say its a little scuzzy. However, they made up for it by having a giant buffalo head on the wall!
VALUE SCORE: 3
This is the type of place you go with buddies to have a good meal and to chat each other up. Its not a date place or a place to impress someone. The ambiance is non-existent but their food makes up for that and it was a fun experience.
RETURN?: Yes
Sure, for convenience sake and for good fish and burgers.
{My work's gourmet club visited this establishment on April of 2006. This is my review.}
I've only heard of this place from secondary accounts. Mostly I heard their burgers should be counted among the best in Sacramento. I'm happy to report that they should be indeed.
FOOD SCORE: 3 of 4
First the fries. These are no ordinary fries. Some form of magic is performed on the fries to induce a crispy texture on the outside with a consistently soft inside. Excellent fries and easily the best of any fries I've had in Sacramento.
For my entre, I ordered the Hamburger Chili. This is simply a hamburger served open faced topped with chili and a slice of American cheese. The chili is superb. Forget about ground beef, chunks of steak adorn the chili.
The burger, as I alluded to above, is simply one of the best burgers I've had in Sacramento. It was cooked to my "medium" preference to perfection. Every bite yielded an explosion of meaty delight. A joy to behold through and through.
In retrospect, I wish I had ordered the burger and not the Chili Hamburger for to fully appreciate the merits of a burger requires one to enjoy the burger in a simple presentation. This Chili Hamburger, although excellent, is not the best way to judge the merits of the meat patty.
Regardless, an excellent meal!
SERVICE SCORE: 2 of 4
I was somewhat disappointed that our server did not gush as most do when confronted with my attention. However, I chalk this up to her being a hardened bar maid. Slow, and infrequent visits lowers the score.
AMBIANCE SCORE: 3 of 4
Its a bar. And every bar should have a nice wooden bar, and animal heads mounted on the wall. This place fit the bar atmosphere perfectly.
VALUE SCORE: 3 of 4
A large burger for a decent price. I've paid more at other burger joints and have not been as happily fulfilled.
RETURN?: Yes
I will return to order a unaccompanied, uncomplicated burger and will relish each succulent bite.
My all time favorite place to eat in Sac Town! Now I may be biased because i used to bartend with both Michaels that can be found working behind the bar, both back in the Land Park Grill/Melarkeys days.... Wait just one moment. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with how great the two of them are nor Kristy or Bruce also bartenders nor Kristen OR any other of the wonderful people that work there BUT for the fact that Jamie and his staff consistently continue to put out quality delectable eats that would take you quite the effort at home to replicate and at a reasonable price in an enjoyable/hoaky atmosphere. I mean this place is a true jem when the time comes for the need of true comfort food and a no frills atmosphere with a well chosen team to deliver your meal. I can't say enough about how great I think this place is. The SMOKED Prime Rib that they're known for serving is in a class all its own. The seafood specials that can always be found on the special board are fresher and second to none. I especially love the pride that Jamie takes in the vegtables that adorn the entrees. (wait till you taste the hothouse ripened tomatoes that Jamie holds so dear) You can't go wrong here unless you arrive too late and they run out of the special. (does ya good to call ahead) Another thing is they stop serving lunch between 1:30 and 2:00. Fridays BBQ is fabulous beyond words as well. (go before 7:00 or again you chance missing out) The bar is always entertaining because of the antics and smiles found behind it. Mike Nouviak (sp) makes a great orange crush! Definately give Jamies a try
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It's a dive, and I LOVE it! The food is delicious and always hot, the service is friendly and helpful, what more could you ask? It's a bar. It's crowded and dark (not super dark). The patrons have always been friendly as well. When I'm scooting by them to try and get to a table, I've never had anyone get irritated. Everyone is laughing and enjoying their day. Going here gives me a smile every time.
P.S. Reservations are only taken for 6 or more and they have a room they'll provide.
I first ate lunch at Jamie's with some co-workers, and we are not rich!! But, the food is outstanding if you are into barbecue-type food, i.e. ribs, chicken, steaks, and the clam chowder mentioned in the previous review by Shawn L. is the shizzle...... I was very pleased with the service, and have only had lunch there when it was very busy.
I thought the prices were reasonable for the quality and taste. The exterior of the establishment does not inspire much confidence, but believe me, it is awesome food.
Parking lot is off 5th street, and appears to be in the back of the building, and is unpaved.
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You yelpers must be nuts, Jamie's kicks butt.
Their only open Monday to Friday and They close the kitchen at 2 or so.
The lunches are beyond good and on friday they have one of the of the best clam chowders I have ever eaten in my life, The other clam chowder was off Highway 1 in Oregon somewheres. The garlic steak sandwhich is almost always a hit and if they ever have the reuben sam'mich special, get it and you will be blown away.
The prices are a good value for the quality of food and the service is always prompt. If you like quality bomb ass food and a laid back atmosphere and being served by, Michael, who is one of the best bartenders in the world for conversations and for just being hella cool, get some dough - Go here now.
Remember this place is a place to relax with good company.
The clientale is usually rich people that dress normal.
They serve dinner sometimes but they close early, call them up.
Around 3 or so, they serve free food for drinkers, so if your a cheapskate or around the southside hood, hit that up.
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