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| - If you follow me on the rest of my social media (HITTofMCM) then you've been waiting for this review. I know that you come to Yelp to find out about the actual product, the Food, and I'll get to that, but Big Jims isn't just about the food no matter how good it is, it's about what this place stands for.
Living in Pittsburgh my whole life I can't believe I've never been. The building has been in the GreenField Run since the early 1900's but the restaurant opened in 1977. I've eaten at a lot of places, I've BEEN to a lot of places, but sitting in Big Jims waiting for my food I couldn't help but feel at home, even a bit emotional from the love oozing from this place.
I sat at the bar and had the pleasure of having a gentlemen by the name of Scott serve me my Bahama Mama. He started there in 1997 and said he could never see himself working for anyone else even before they appeared on the famous food show DINERS, DRIVE INS AND DIVES. He asked me about myself and what I do and I told him about IM SO BURGH and other things all while he tended to everyone who was there and everyone who came in as if they were all one big family. He knew everyone by name, he knew what some people wanted before they ordered it and he and all the staff operated in a way that wasn't overly friendly and fake but, honest a bit exhausted from life and always with a smile just like it would be at home after a long day. I told him all my Facebook family encouraged me to come here after I posted how I wanted the best Reuben Sandwich I could find in the city of Pittsburgh. While I waited for the food he pointed out they are going through a bit of a revitalization getting new carpet put in, painting tiles and changing walls as if it was renovations in his own home. He pointed out photos of before they were open and a big portrait of Big Jim himself looking all Tony Soprano. He appeared to be a man who got respect and gave it just the same. If I based this review alone on my experience and atmosphere it would get 5 stars but then my food came and as I write this, I wish Yelp had a 6 star system.
My Reuben entered my place at the bar like a prize winning champion. The Rye bread was toasted just enough to give it that crisp texture but not too much. The sauerkraut and Swiss was just right and the thousand island dressing was just enough to marinate and flavor but the star of any Reuben is the meat and this didn't disappoint. Thinly shaved, grilled just right with not a moment of chewiness or toughness it melted in your mouth all the way to the last bite. Everything on the sandwich played its role like a team of ingredients should, and just in case I liked a little more Thousand Island, without even asking Scott made sure I had it right by my plate. Each bite made me a little bit more sad because I knew it was coming to an end. Like a night out with good friends that you wish lasted forever, that's how I felt about my closing time with this Reuben, Scott and Big Jims as a whole.
I'll be back. I promised them that. Once to take my woman to dinner and a third time to spread the word with friends. The fourth time though, I'll need another solo visit to recapture that first visit feel all over again. If you're from Pittsburgh or just visiting skip the chain places and head to Big Jims, they have something for everyone.
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