Jimbo's makes a splash with casual, fun dining
By Cynthia Schuster-Eakin
happenings
Published July 27, 2005

Jimbo's Bar and Grill, the former James Dominic's restaurant, seems to be making a big splash on the West Shore with its new casual, fun concept.

Owner Jim Chillemi decided to return to a more casual menu to capture some of the area's late night bar business. If the clientele present on either of our two recent, mid-week visits is any indication, then he has developed a crowd pleaser. The bar was full on both occasions. The dining room and patio were also bustling. No doubt, the complimentary happy hour buffet, served from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday, is a draw. Once patrons settle in and get comfortable, they seem to stay. There are also daily bar food specials like sausage stuffed peppers on Monday for $3.99, and all-you-can-eat wings on Wednesday, also for $3.99. These specials are available for dining in only.

Jimbo's menu starts off with a dozen appetizer selections. Quesadillas were decidedly better the second time we ordered them. The kitchen seems to have taken the new menu offerings in stride. Quesadillas are fashioned from corn and spinach tortillas, filled with your choice of Pepperjack and Cheddar cheese, and grilled chicken or steak, or chunks of peppers and onions. The appetizer was attractively presented on a sizzling platter with a side of salsa, chopped lettuce and sour cream. Sicilian-style spicy banana peppers were filled with mild Italian sausage and topped with melted provolone cheese. Wings are cooked fresh to order and are made with hot, mild, teriyaki, barbecue or honey mustard sauce. Although I have not yet tried the bite-sized burgers Jimbo's refers to as 'sliders," they have been highly recommended by a friend. Also popular, according to our server, is the rib sampler ($3.99).

There are several salads on Jimbo's menu, ranging from a small side salad ($2.29) to a spinach salad with sweet shallot dressing and feta cheese ($6.99), Asian salad with marinated pasta, sliced chicken and pecans ($6.99), and Mexican salad topped with house made chili and served in a tortilla shell ($6.99). The Mediterranean salad, offered on the James Dominic's menu, is back and is a tasty combination of roasted sausage, grilled chicken, artichokes, feta cheese and Greek olives ($7.49).

Wrap sandwiches offer a low-carb alternative. Jimbo's chicken Caesar wrap prepared with grilled chicken and homemade dressing, served with chips and a pickle wedge, is a filling sandwich for $5.99. The menu also offers steak and veggie wraps.

Our server recommended the barbecued pork sandwich, topped with coleslaw ($4.99). There is also a blackened, barbecued chicken sandwich topped with lettuce, tomato and onion ($4.99). The meatball sandwich is filled with homemade Italian meatballs and roasted tomato sauce ($4.99). The hot sub is prepared with salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato and Italian dressing on a hoagie roll ($5.99). Burgers start with a half-pound of ground beef. Jimbo's double burger ($7.49) is a full pound of meat, a challenge to even the heartiest appetite.

Pizzas are, of course, a specialty. You can order pizza topped with your choice of garnishes. Or you can try one of the gourmet pizzas like steak with onion straws, Mexican salsa and Pepperjack cheese, or four-cheese Alfredo sauce ($10.79).

There are a limited number of dinner entrees on the menu. A patron at the next table seemed to relish a bowl of spaghetti with meatballs. Barbecued ribs are served with cole slaw and fries and are available by the half (8.99) or full slab ($14.99). A fish fry is served daily ($7.99). Patrons can get a sirloin steak with potato and salad for $7.99, or a chargrilled strip steak dinner for $14.99.

There are daily dining room specials. Buy one burger and get one on Mondays. Buy one spaghetti and get one on Tuesday. Wednesday is all-you-can-eat wing night, while soft tacos are $1.99 and Margaritas are $2.99 on Thursday. All-you-can-eat fish is served for $8.99 until 8 p.m. on Friday. The cost of the strip steak dinner is reduced to $13.99 on Saturday evening. Purchase a bottle of wine on Sunday and get a one-item pizza for $3.

Jimbo's Bar and Grille, at 27200 Detroit Road in Westlake, is open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. on Monday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. on Sunday for breakfast. Phone 835-1661. Major credit cards are accepted. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.