Jimmy's No. 43: New York City's Own Beerville

July 16, 2009 11:14 am

Jimmy's No. 43: New York City's Own Beerville

$Behind the Burner: Jimmy\'s No. 43: New York City\'s Own Beerville$

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville is no longer the only Jimmy soaring in cocktail clique of the culinary world. Jimmy's No. 43 of New York should really be No. 1, based on it excellent selection of beers and, for once, its tasty and satisfying cuisine. A bar with more than just your typical deep fried, fat dripping bar food? Hard to believe, I know. Although the menu changes nightly, Jimmy's seems to still preserve simple American bar food with a touch of class any stomach can't resist. The mouth watering skillet fried beer sausages were balanced nicely by my pale ale. I spoiled myself with more sausages—lamb sausages with apples and spelt as well as shrimp and grits with a hint of smoky bacon, a New Orleans favorite. Then, I topped off my night off with some cherry cobbler, red sweetness perfected in my mouth.

But now the highlight of my visit, Jimmy's secret treasures—the drink menu. Serving glasses range from goblets to small Pilsner glasses, with an endless selection of succulent German beer. Draught beer brands include the famous Magic Hat, Belgium's Piraat (Amber Triple IPA), Ommegang Witte and the satisfying Brooklyn Brewery, Brewmaster's Reserve with Stumptown Coffee—finally a reason to combine caffeine and alcohol! Green Market pretzels and cider blend is also available for those looking just to snack while indulging in their beer.

My partner in crime, born 175 miles away from me in Illinois, showed me that beer tasting can be just as fun, and rewarding, as wine tasting—an atmosphere of vines and grapes was replaced by dark wood, candlelight and a New York crowd that enjoys food comparable to its beverages. Only this time, the drafts have got some serious competition.

—Divya Gugnani

Jimmy's No.43
43 E. 7th Street
New York, NY 10003
212.982.3006
www.jimmysno43.com