OC Food Diva: Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern always “brings it” in Brea, California

I have been a loyal Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern (J-FAT) follower since 2013 when they opened their first Orange County location in Dana Point. They definitely have the right combination when it comes to a restaurant – greetings when you walk in the door making you feel welcome and at home, rustic and casual ambiance, friendly and attentive servers, and amazing food to make any foodie take notice. This consistency from location to location is what makes me come back for more.

Let’s take a look at some of J-FAT’s tasty menu items:

Prince Edward Island Mussels or Manila Clams ($14) are steamed with wine, herbs, and served with grilled toast. You can also order them as a “half and half” (see photo). This pot of yumminess will satisfy your seafood craving. All the clams and mussels are steamed to perfection and open up with their tasty briny, yet creamy flesh inside. The wine broth is wonderful and would be great with pasta as well. Rating: 5/5

New England Style Clam Chowder ($6 for cup, $9 for bowl) is served with Warm Housemade Salt & Pepper Potato Chips. The chowder is not too thick with a great sweet and briny clam flavor. The potato chips are an interesting spin on the more traditional oyster crackers normally served with clam chowder. They add a crispy texture and salt & pepper flavor to the mix. Rating: 5/5

Jimmy Burger ($18) is an 8 oz. Certified Angus Beef (hormone and antibiotic free) proprietary grind burger topped with applewood smoked bacon, spicy jalapeno jam, southern pimento cheese, atop their signature Parker House Buns and served with your choice of sea salt fries, honey-mustard slaw, or housemade potato chips (you can also upgrade to parmesan-garlic fries for $1.25 or parmesan-truffle fries for $1.95). I never thought of ordering a burger at J-FAT but my mind has been changed. This burger is now in my Top 5 Best Burgers in Orange County! Their proprietary grind is amazingly flavorful and juicy. Their grill adds the perfect caramelized sear on the top and bottom keeping the juices inside. This is also my first time having pimento cheese and it is amazing! The pimento flavor really compliments the beef flavor of the burger and ties in the jalapeno jam with its sweet and spicy flavor. And, of course, bacon brought the house down, because everything is better with bacon! Parmesan-truffle fries are a must! The truffle scent alone with have you clambering for more. Rating: 5/5

Roasted Jidori Chicken ($19) is served with green beans, roast garlic jus, and your choice of mashed potatoes or thyme fries. The chicken is roasted to perfection with golden, crispy skin on the outside and tender, juicy on the inside. The chicken is brined for 10 hours with an end result of a super juicy and flavorful chicken. Green beans are cooked just right to a bright green exterior and just a tad crisp, not soggy. Rating: 5/5

‘Bananageddeon’ ($12) is a dessert made with bananas, vanilla bean pastry cream, pecan blondie crumbles, butter pecan ice cream, salty rum-caramel sauce, candied pecans, and whipped cream. This is a creamy, rich, yet surprisingly light dessert. The vanilla bean pastry cream tastes more like homemade pudding. The bananas add a fresh sweetness, the pecans add a crunchy texture, and the caramel sauce adds a velvety lusciousness. This is a must for anyone who loves Banana Cream Pie, like my mom! Rating: 4.8/5

Make J-FAT your next foodie experience! LA County: J-FAT has another location coming to Santa Monica, opening January 2017!

Specials:

Any Burger & Draft Beer for $12 during Happy Hour (Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
Through the month of December 2016, give gift cards for family and friends and receive a gift card worth 15% of your total purchase over $100.

Atmosphere: 5 out of 5 stars

Décor: 5 out of 5 stars

Service: 5 out of 5 stars

Food: 5 out of 5 stars

For more information:
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern

3325 E. Imperial Hwy.

Brea, CA 92823

+1.714.733.1310

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to close, Sunday from 10 a.m. to close

Parking: Free parking in Village at La Floresta shopping center

Seating: Interior and exterior

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