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Section: Food
Food and Friendship at Jimmy’s
Story and photos by Anthony Chabala
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Jimmy Hambridge, owner
of Jimmy’s on Elmwood.
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Ted and Mary Ann Pyrak enjoy
the Jimmy’s atmosphere.
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“Impeccable service and an impeccable atmosphere will guarantee the customer comes back.” These sound like words borrowed from the pages of some restaurant mogul’s how-to guide, but in truth, they are the words of Jimmy Hambridge, bartender and owner of Jimmy’s on Elmwood. Located at 1680 Elmwood Avenue in North Buffalo, Jimmy’s on Elmwood is perhaps one of the few restaurants on earth where the owner is as saucy as the Buffalo wings. Always flawlessly dressed, groomed and decked out in his signature suspenders, Hambridge ensures that his patrons get not only the finest food, but that they also receive service that shows how valuable they are to his up-and-coming business.
These are hardly halcyon days for Buffalo or the economy in general, so why take on the risks involved in starting a business? “I love the community here in North Buffalo,” says Hambridge, “Opportunities were unveiled to me in regards to this beautiful location, so I made it happen. It is simply an incredible neighborhood.”
Jimmy’s past in the barkeeping industry is well-known. He is perhaps most recognizable as the face that was behind the island bar at Tan Tara Golf Club for nearly two decades. As a testament to his professionalism and aptitude for a fine pour, there is never a shortage of former clientele ready to once again be served by a legend.
Ted and Mary Ann Pyrak know Jimmy from his country club days, and they find his latest venture worthy of return trips. “We love it here,” says Ted Pyrak, “The food and the atmosphere are great.”
Other than Jimmy’s confidence and patented suspenders, two things really stand out at 1680 Elmwood. The first is the copious amount of 50-inch plasma televisions, and the second is how spotless this restaurant looks.
“One thing about Western New York — people love live music,” says Hambridge. To quench WNY’s thirst for tunes, Jimmy brings in a fine local blues act, the Electras, every Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. “I was absolutely stunned by how many phone calls I had from people all around the area asking for directions to my place to see this band. They’re phenomenal, and everyone has a great time,” he says. Saturday nights are about live music, but Friday is all about the fish fry.
Jimmy’s serves both lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. He opens the restaurant at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and closes at 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and closes well past most of our bedtimes on Friday and Saturday.
Although open for only about six months, it has already spawned its own group of regulars. But the size of the establishment has plenty of room for new visitors, while also maintaining a tight, home-y vibe.
“The more I think about it, the more I see how there’s a Cheers vibe to the operation,” says Hambridge. “In the little time I’ve been here, I’ve already developed great friendships and relationships.”
The prices are reasonable, and the menu boasts sandwiches, fish, ribs, steak and some of the largest chicken wings my mouth has ever enjoyed. The bar is attractive and fully stocked, and to satisfy the sweet tooth, Jimmy’s offers Pam’s homemade pies.
Jimmy’s on Elmwood is a young establishment that definitely deserves your attention. Owner Jimmy Hambridge is one of those rare folks that could be a comedian if he wasn’t a business owner. When you’re there, you get the sense that you are part of something up-and-coming, and that’s a great feeling.
Look for the sign with the shirt and suspenders, and prepare to be impressed.
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