So recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q, a cozy little restaurant chain that's taken root mostly in the Southern states of the US.
I found Jim 'N Nick's quite unique because, being a small franchise chain, every restaurant owner is personally tutored in the recipes of all the menu items. This tradition is then carried forward to the chefs they hire. This fosters a dedicated team spirit that reverberates throughout the restaurant, and it honestly translated to the food as every bite was oozing with deliciousness.
You can see for yourself what I'm talking about by visiting their website here.
Where Did I Find Jim 'N Nick's?
As I mentioned before, Jim 'N Nick's are not everywhere, but if you're in the US, you're in luck. With less than 40 locations, Jim 'N Nick's is currently welcoming guests in seven states:
- Alabama
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
What Made Jim 'N Nick's Stand-Out?
For me, it was their catering service. It doesn't matter if you're planning a small family gathering or a large party, Jim 'N Nick's got you covered. They offer two types of service in this regard: Either get everything delivered to your place, or let Jim 'N Nick’s staff set up and serve the food themselves. The latter was a godsend for my sister's wedding reception last year.
Did Jim 'N Nick's Set My Mouth on Fire?
Not quite. The variety of bar-b-q foods they serve is not spicy per se. But that's the beauty of it: You can customize. There are additional sauces available that add different heat levels to your meal. Although I love a good kick of heat, I found their default seasoning quite balanced.
What Tantalized My Taste Buds at Jim 'N Nick's?
Jim 'N Nick's is primarily a BBQ spot, with immense offerings from wings and brisket to ribs and burgers. The hit list includes:
- Beef Brisket
- Karl's Fried Catfish Plate
- Loaded Mac 'N Cheese
- Classic Pulled Pork
- Classic Spare Ribs
- Joe's Original Turkey Sandwich
- Pig on a Bun
- JNN Original Burger
Aside from that, they offer a wide variety of what they call "Trimmings" or side dishes. My favorites were:
- Baked Beans
- Potato Salad
- Bar-B-Q Corn on the Cob
- Collard Greens
- Fresh Fruit
How did I place my order at Jim 'N Nick's?
Well, the traditional way would be to walk in, get seated by the friendly staff, and browse through their menu. In no time, your waiter/waitress will be by your side to take your order and whisk it away into the kitchen. A little bit later, your food will arrive at your table, piping hot and smelling divine. Once you're done, you pay for your meal.
But if you don't feel like going out, you can just place an order for pickup. You can do that by calling them, via their website, or through their app. You'll get a time estimate for pickup, and then you can head to the restaurant to get your food.
But what if I'm a vegetarian?
Now there's the rub. Since Jim 'N Nick's is primarily a BBQ spot, there's a limited choice for vegetarians. There are a few options though, like loaded mac 'n cheese, and the not so naked baked potato, provided you ask them to hold the meat.
And what about vegan options?
I'm afraid there's not a lot there. Their primary focus is on BBQ, meaning meat and dairy. The only potentially vegan-friendly item was the onion rings, though they are likely fried in the same oil as meat products. One confirmed vegan-friendly option is a side of fresh fruit.
Anything for the kiddos?
While they don't specifically have a children's menu per se, they do have items that are kid-friendly. Think Mac 'N Cheese and Chicken Tenders.
When can I visit Jim 'N Nick's?
They open up at 11:00am every day. The closing hours differ from location to location, but it is generally between 8:30pm-10:00pm.
Do they deliver?
Absolutely yes! Jim 'N Nick's deliver through 3rd party delivery services. You can order through their website, app or the delivery service's platform.
But is it healthy?
Well, Jim 'N Nick's isn't what you'd usually call a 'healthy' food joint. However, they do offer salads, fresh fruit, and baked potatoes if you’re watching your waistline. Just remember that moderation is key.
Can I cook it at home?
Well, you won't find any of their items in the grocery stores for now. Yes, there are tons of ‘copycat’ recipes online, but none of them are officially from Jim 'N Nick's.
Pros
- Distinctive sense of tradition and culinary expertise
- Extensive selection of BBQ food
- Top-of-the-line catering service
- Tailored heat levels to match individual palate
- Kid-friendly menu items
Cons
- Limited vegetarian options
- Almost no vegan-friendly choices
- Lack of a dedicated children’s menu
- Possibly unhealthy if consumed regularly
- No homemade cooking choice available