Put Some South In Yo’ Mouth at Brother Jimmy’s

We are continually on the lookout for the latest and greatest in Orlando’s restaurant world, so you know we were always going to dive into something advertising an authentic new barbecue experience.

The fact they headline it with the slogan, ‘Put some South in Yo’ Mouth!’ absolutely guaranteed we would be hooked before we even walked through the front door.

That was certainly the prospect when we discovered Brother Jimmy’s recently, the newest restaurant in the booming entertainment centre that is ICON Park, in the heart of the bustling International Drive district.

Jimmy’s hails from North Carolina, except that it doesn’t. It certainly serves true North Carolina cuisine, but it actually comes from New York, where it has been a city dining institution since 1989 in the Upper East Side.

Happily, it started branching out in 2007 and now it has arrived in Orlando, where food really HAS to be good to stand out.

And Jimmy’s barbecue REALLY stands out.

The Taste of North Carolina – in Orlando

Just to back-track slightly, many regions of the US like to claim that they have the “most original” barbecue, or that their version is simply the best. Many of them are even right!

What makes North Carolina barbecue special is its heritage and the flavours. It dates back to 1876, when the Heinz company debuted its novel brand of ketchup and pitmasters in the western part of the state started experimenting with the new condiment.

And they take it pretty seriously, too. The topic has resulted in several laws that relate to the delicious subject, while it has even been a political issue at times.

As well as their own brand of sauces, North Carolina specialises in pulled pork, that distinctive meaty variation that involves a whole lot of smoking.

Brother Jimmy’s brings all that heritage and flavour firmly to the fore with their battery of smokers that are a signature part of the restaurant, with a heady aroma that fills the main dining room when you enter.

What’s on the Menu at Brother Jimmy’s in Orlando?

As you would expect, the menu is heavy with all things smoked and barbecued. The main choices are brisket, ribs, chicken and the essential pulled pork, but you can also choose burgers, salads, a super-smooth Deluxe Mac & Cheese and even that other Southern speciality, catfish (well worth a try if you haven’t sampled it already).

The appetisers are pretty BBQ-orientated, too. The Quesadilla comes with barbecue pork, chicken or brisket, as do the Nachos; you can order pulled pork or brisket sliders; their chicken fingers can be ordered barbecue-style; and there’s a signature Rib Tips starter that offers a basket of tips for $16 (easily plenty for two) or a bucket for $26 (enough for four!).

But you’re here for the main event, right? And, at Brother Jimmy’s, that means their “Legendary” pulled pork, the award-winning Black Angus Brisket, the dry-rubbed Smoked Half Chicken, and two types of mouth-watering Ribs, either “Wet” (smoked, grilled and then baked) or “Dry,’ with their own secret spice mix that includes 21 ingredients and is smoked for 11 hours.

The resident Pitmaster did admit to the rub including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, pepper and salt, but the other ingredients are strictly “for their eyes only.”

So, What Does Brother Jimmy's Food Taste Like?

In a word, dreamy. This is no-holds-barred barbecue that is packed with so much spice and flavour, “it can smack you naked,” as the true Southern saying goes.

And, if the rub is their “secret sauce,” the secrecy is well worth it, as it makes for a succulent extravaganza of tastebud-tantalising proportions.

If the pulled pork is thick and juicy, then the ribs are mighty meaty and twice as powerful, with that dry rub adding a robust cayenne-fuelled spiciness that really grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.

If we had to choose between the “Wet” and the “Dry,” the latter would get our vote for the extra firepower it adds to the smooth, smoky flavour, but you can’t really go wrong with either one, especially as the “Wet” version is lip-smackingly, fall-off-the-bone tender.

Don’t sleep on the brisket, either. They call it “marbled” for the veins of fat that help to give it a proper melt-in-the-mouth quality from that l-o-n-g smoking process, and it also provides a healthy kick from the rub.

In all honesty, you won’t go wrong here, whatever you choose. Portions are suitably large, and there is also a two or three-item Combo option that is easily enough to feed a family of four. And it’s good to know kids under 12 eat free with their parents, which adds to the value here.

In addition, there are eight flavour-packed side dishes, of which the beans (with big pieces of pork mixed in), collard greens, Carolina-style coleslaw, fried okra and corn bread are all true Southern delights.

There are also three different barbecue sauces on each table that offer an Original (slightly sweet), Chipotle and Carolina for an extra array of hearty seasoning, and you can mix and match to your heart’s content.

The Drinks are Pretty Good, too

In keeping with the rustic Southern theme, Brother Jimmy’s drinks also pack a punch, and come in various sizes, from Large to “HOW Big??” Yes, they’re designed for sharing, but the fish-bowl-style containers and Mason jars are pretty eye-popping.

There are the Myrtle Margarita, Lexington Peach and Charlotte Tea, as well as their Southern Sangria, Palmetto Punch (with Old Forester bourbon) and Charleston A.P., featuring that regional classic, Moonshine.

Feeling Brave? Opt for the Trash Can Punch, a veritable ocean of high-octane punch in a super-sized 2.5-gallon Mason jar. It costs a whopping $100 but serves six or more. “What’s that officer? But I only had ONE drink….”

Seriously, make sure you have a designated driver after this.

And that’s the full low-down on Brother Jimmy’s. There are lots of TVs for all the sports action, a great bar area, an excellent range of beers and soft drinks, and an overall fun atmosphere that sits well with ICON Park’s entertaining style.

All in all, it’s an excellent addition to the I-Drive scene, and that heavenly barbecue aroma will linger long on your palate.

For more details and the full menu, see BrotherJimmys.com.

PS: For a trip on the iconic The Wheel at ICON Park, be sure to check out our Tickets section on this link.

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