Dana Point is quite beautiful when the weather is clear, and what’s better than going to a restaurant located within steps of the ocean? Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern opened recently and although it is across the street from the water, you can still take in the seaside view when you dine there.
The restaurant is modern pub style and each section you walk into has its own unique feel. I especially liked the one with the retro leather seats, and it was in this room where we sat for brunch.
We came here for weekend brunch, something most people like to do on a leisurely Saturday or Sunday. Naturally, the only way to start off the day are cocktails. I am an avid fan of bloody Marys and the Meal Mary ($15) was true to its name. Absolut Pepper Bloody Mary with applewood smoked bacon, pimento olive, chilled gulf shrimp, pepperoncini, fontina cheese topped off with a Jalapeno Bedeviled Egg. Don’t indulge too much because you’ll fill up on it.
Other cocktails you might like to try are the Classic Mimosa ($8) or Raspberry Mojito ($9) Flor de Cana dry light rum, St Germain liqueur, lime juice, muddled raspberries.
Who doesn’t like onion rings? Well, I guess there are those that don’t, but luckily, I’m not one of them. Alesmith Ale battered Onion Rings ($8) served with JFAT chipotle ketchup are thick cut rings of onion with a pretty thick coating of crispy batter. Nicely seasoned but definitely something for the table to share.
Our table devoured the Nest of Jalapeno “Bedeviled” Farm Fresh Hen Eggs ($8) rather quickly. The filling was rather pleasant and I really enjoyed it overall, however, the egg white shell was just a tad rubbery.
When Breakfast Flatbread ($14) hit our table, I knew this was going to be a winner. I mean, there were eggs on top surrounded by applewood smoked bacon, sausage, cheese and tater tots. Cut through the eggs and the yolks released an oozing yellow stream which we all fought for. A breakfast “pizza” that will blow your mind and that of your children, well, definitely mine!
Jimmy’s version of chicken and waffles come in the form of Malted Waffle & Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($16), wonderfully seasoned and coated chicken on waffles that are crispy and smothered with thyme cream gravy and a drizzling of Vermont maple syrup. The salty sweet combination was so pleasing on my palate but the portion is way generous and I would not be able to finish it on my own. I highly suggest you share everything.
We tried the Artisinal Pappardelle ($14 at brunch/$17 dinner), a vegetarian pasta with cremini mushrooms, pearl onions spinach, ricotta and sage brown butter. The pasta was bland and I’m guessing the pasta water was not salted. The rest of the ingredients were also under-seasoned, but we added some salt and pepper, and it helped some. This has the potential of being a really stand-out dish.
Finish the meal with a Bananageddon ($10) and when you see it arrive, you’ll know how it got its name. A hunking gooey “car crash” of brown butter ice cream, bananas, pecan blondie crumbles, salty caramel sauce, whipped cream and candied pecans, it was a delicious mess in my mouth! Unfortunately I was only able to eat two spoonfuls as I was too full.
This is definitely a great addition to sleepy Dana Point and it already seems the locals have caught on to it. If you’re in the area, do stop in and check it out.
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
25001 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
Tel: 949-388-8900
omg, two of my most favorite things: bloody marys and deviled eggs! 😀