JFAT celebrates the opening of their Santa Monica location

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern (JFAT) – Comfort Food with a Twist

By Michael Vallens

JFAT Skull and Crossbones

Santa Monica is a special place made even more prominent now that SD and OC darling Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern (JFAT) has graced our presence with the opening of their newest location, on Ocean Avenue in gorgeous Santa Monica. In a long line of restaurants, JFAT stands out of the crowd with their take on regional comfort food with a twist.

JFAT Wine selection

JFAT is the brain-child of David Wilhelm and Jimmy Duval. Their goal was to create the perfect neighborhood restaurant with sustainable and high quality food and provide a sizable selection of wines, cocktails and locally brewed craft beers.

JFAT USA Flag Interior

Upon arrival, I marveled that JFAT has found a perfect location on Ocean Ave overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

JFAT Blonde Beer

What can be more pleasant than indulging in a cold beer on a sunny Santa Monica day? I chose JFAT’s Blonde beer; it was crisp and smooth and was a great way to start this epicurean endeavor.

JFAT Charred Brussels Sprouts

The first appetizer was the Charred Brussels Sprouts; a sweet and savory blend of flavors made with Applewood Bacon, toasted pine nuts and glazed Maple Syrup. With all flavor profiles covered on this appetizer, I quickly escalated my expectations for this tasting.

JFAT BBQ and Buffalo Meatballs

The picturesque ‘BBQ Buffalo Style’ Meatballs were to follow. These little balls of joy were shaped beef and bacon were seasoned gracefully and stacked in a glorious blend of BBQ and Buffalo sauces that provided an addictive kick. This was definitely a stand out dish and would recommend this for lovers of sweet and spicy foods.

JFAT Whiskey Shrimp and Grilled Toast

The third and last appetizer was the Whiskey Shrimp; tangy Bourbon flamed with Cajun spices, shallots and Dijon mustard. Paired with charred toast fresh off the grill, this combo of flavors was both unexpected and thought provoking. With so many different tastes, I still ponder about this dish on a daily basis.

JFAT Buttermilk Fried Chicken

My first entrée was the Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Thyme gravy and Green Beans. Made with boneless chicken cutlets, then breaking was seasoned nicely and fried to crisp perfection. The Thyme gravy was the hero of the dish as it lent its delicate and herbal flavor to the chicken, potatoes and green beans. This dish was the epitome of comfort food.

JFAT Jimmy Burger

My last entrée for the day was the Jimmy Burger, an miraculous creation that needs its own time in the spotlight. Prepared with certified 100% New York sirloin (chopped, not ground) fed a hormone and antibiotic free vegetarian diet and a placed on a signature JFAT Parkerhouse Bun. This burger has Applewood Bacon, Jalapeño Jelly and Southern Pimento Cheese. This burger isn’t only easy on the eyes, but tastes better than it looks.

JFAT Jimmy Burger and Fries

After reveling in the tasty array flavors I had just consumed, I realized I found my newest “happy place” at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern. With five locations, including the original in Point Loma and its newest in Santa Monica, JFAT is making a name for itself and the food stands out in the crowd.

JFAT Burger and Beer Promo

There’s great news for JFAT fans that frequent their Brea and Dana Point locations. All locations are now offering their best selling Famous Mary, Champagne as well as all Mimosas for only $7 until noon at their Sunday brunch called JFAT’s Early Bird Happy Hour. Some of their options include their Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Malted Ale Waffles, The Bubba, Pulled Pork Benedict and their popular Southern Comfort dish.

Brea Sunday Brunch: 11am – 3pm

Dana Point Brunch: 10am – 3pm

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern – Santa Monica

1733 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
P/ (424) 292-5222 • F/ (424) 292-5223

CLICK HERE for Burger Parlor’s  Gringo Bandito Tostada Burger


About MJV

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I fill my days working with the finest Meat and Seafood in Los Angeles. By night, I moonlight as the LA Editor of The Hedonist Shedonist, the most excellent and triumphant Food and Travel Website in the World.

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