05 January, 2006
920 5th Ave
Huntington, West Virginia
Jim's is sort of a legend for Huntington, being one of those small downtown restaurants that has been in business for over 60 years. Not much changes here and that's the reason to go. The restaurant is vintage-1960s with lots of chrome and a wait staff that still wears white.
The menu consists of spaghetti with a meat sauce that is pretty unique. Locally, its one of those recipes that many people pass around with pride, claiming to have the 'original Jims recipe'. The best copy that I've had was one that was slow cooked in an oven with a fine, meaty sauce that wasn't too strong with the tomato flavor. Nobody quite gets it exactly the same but it's a testament to the restaurant the everyone seems to keep trying.
I don't think you could claim that Jim's cooks up authentic Italian dishes, nor do they try. What they serve is a true American menu with hamburgers, steaks, fish, and the spaghetti. Truly great food.
Our favorites include the cheeseburger cooked patty-melt-style on toast, a white-fish sandwich that is thick and deep-fried and the cole slaw, of course. Be sure to get extra tarter sauce, it's the best you'll find. The cole slaw was described by one person as being 'sweet slaw', being a bit different than served in other parts of the country. I order two servings for most dinners.
It's a popular restaurant and the line often forms in the front. Jim Tweel was a fixture in the community and could always be found standing in front of the door where he would personally greet each person with a smile. Jim passed away in 2005 and the restaurant is still operated by his family.
I would suggest parking in the garage adjacent to it for $1.00. There is a 1960ish soda bar and I'd suggest to take a seat there where you can watch the staff and take in the whole atmosphere. The restaurant is lined with pictures of famous folks who have dined here over the years, so if you're lucky you might get a seat at the John F. Kennedy booth.
For a recent visit, my teenage son and I were served by Martha- the same waitress that served my wife and I when we were dating some 20-some years ago.
Posted By: heydad2 | Comment (1)
All restaurants, West Virginia
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