Restaurant Review: Nick & Jimmy's in Toledo, Ohio

Carefully situated in a small strip mall near the Westfield Franklin Park Mall in Toledo, Ohio, Nick & Jimmy's is much more than meets the eye. It appears from the street to be a small bar and grill, but when you walk in it is easy to spot that this is one of Toledo's best kept secrets.

The main room of the grill has a bar and many tables in a very small area. Although overall the restaurant is a tad small, it is constantly filled every night with many people, the majority of whom are regulars to this great place. They offer daily happy hour drink specials and several other events throughout the week. Tuesdays give locals a chance to show off their singing skills with their version of the popular show, T-Town Idol. Wednesdays and Sundays feature Toledo DJ Jeff Lamb. Thursday through Saturday nights offer live music on their, also small, outside patio.

Attached to the main area is their sister bar, The Black Swamp Sportin Pub and Microbrewery. The comfortable sports bar features a giant video wall as well as many smaller televisions tuned to the current sporting events. Additionally, the pub has a pinball machine, pool table, shuffleboard, and various video games that range from deer hunting to the bar mounted touch screen games.

As if the great atmosphere and daily events weren't enough, the menu is amazing. They offer over 50 beers from around the world in addition to a full bar. The Cajun inspired menu is unique, but also offers classic American choices to serve even the most picky eaters.

The breakfast menu includes their classic steak and eggs and also a very tasty shrimp creole omelet. If you are looking for an inexpensive breakfast option, the 'Egg War Special', is cheaper and better than anything available at fast food restaurants. For only $1.75, they give you two scrambled eggs, white toast and potatoes.

Lunches are also excellent, with dozens of choices from simple sandwiches, homemade soups, and pizza. Everything is tasty and freshly made onsite, from their salsa, pizza sauce and deli salads. Their burgers are quoted as Toledo's best. Ranging from $5-$8, they offer topping choices like blue cheese, mushrooms and even green olives. Sandwich options include sausage, grilled cheese, hot dogs, and reubens among others, from $3 on up and include chips and a pickle.

If you are looking for great dinner choices, the 'after 5' menu features a wide range of entrees. Their ribs, barbecue chicken and steak are the most expensive items on the menu around $15-$20 each. Lesser dinner expensive options include chicken breast, steak, and grilled tuna sandwiches as well as their 'fish fry' all under $10 each.

For those stopping to watch a game or have a drink, their appetizers are their best items on the menu. They offer classic favorites like nachos, potato skins, and buffalo wings, as well as signature munchies like oysters, shrimp and crawfish. Their unique wine battered fried vegetables are the best I have ever had. Big on size and small on price you can get a veggie sampler for only $4 which includes onion rings, mushrooms, zucchini and green pepper rings.

"You can't find this kind of deal anywhere." One customer commented on the fried vegetables, holding up a nearly ten inch zucchini stick. "The veggies are awesome, and huge too!"

Whether you are stopping in for a meal, to watch the game or to enjoy an evening with friends, Nick & Jimmy's is an overall asset to the Toledo area. Great food, great service and great atmosphere will keep you coming back for more.

Nick & Jimmy's

4956 Monroe Street

Toledo, OH

(419) 472-0756

www.nickandjimmys.com