Jimmy's Famous American Tavern

Jimmy's Famous American Tavern Restaurant Review:

Tucked in the corner of Brea’s sprawling La Floresta shopping center/master planned community, this spot is the second Orange County iteration of veteran OC restaurateur David Wilhelm’s foray into elevated comfort food. It’s a little more compact than its sister Dana Point location, and its earth-toned banquettes, centrally located cocktail bar, soft lights and wood accents add warmth to the coziness. Chef Ellis Kim puts forth an approachable, unfussy menu of generously portioned American fare that’s comfortably progressive. Start with a heaping pile of ale battered onion rings with house-made chipotle ketchup, the calamari with rosemary and serrano chilies, or the piquant buffalo barbecue-style meatballs with spicy wing sauce and honey-garlic ranch. Classics like buttermilk fried chicken, Prime flatiron steak or barbecue spice crusted salmon with creamed corn pepper the entrée selections. For a more casual bite, sink your teeth into the hearty “Jimmy burger” with pecanwood smoked bacon, spicy jalapeño jam and Southern pimento cheese. The “old-school” dessert of vanilla ice cream, roasted peanuts and warm chocolate chip cookie is rich and shareable. On weekends, the venue offers brunch items such as scrambles and a fried chicken Benedict.