Jim’s Coney Island — Never on Sunday
I don’t, as a general rule, believe in vulturing for a parking space. But I make an exception at Jim’s Coney Island — Never on Sunday.
That’s because it’s hard to find a parking space outside the little restaurant in an aging strip mall on the east side of Harvard Avenue. The food is too good, and too many people know about it. If you want to have lunch at Jim’s, you have to be willing to wait for a spot.
Once inside, you don’t have to wait long for your food — everything from spicy Coney Island hot dogs covered in shredded cheddar cheese to delicate spanikopita (spinach pie) served on a bed of rice and accompanied by savory green beans, Greek salad with feta and olives, and thick slices of bread — because the staffers at Jim’s know how to handle a crowd efficiently.
On a recent trip, Ron had a Frito pie, while I stuck to my usual vegetarian dinner. I’m off the veggie wagon at the moment, but I still go for the vegetarian option whenever I’m at Jim’s, because it’s as good a meal as you’ll find anywhere … and I like to pretend it’s diet food, which sort of cancels out my inevitable decision to top off my meal with a big slice of French silk or coconut cream pie.
Prices are very reasonable (you can stuff yourself for under $10, including a drink and dessert), and the service is quick.
According to a 2002 Tulsa World article by Scott Cherry, Jim’s has been in its current location at 1923 S. Harvard Ave. since 1968. Hours sare 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 744-9018.
Grades:
Product: A+
Value: A
Service: B
Convenience: B (parking can be a little tricky during lunch rush)
Overall: A-
I love your website, however, big chains don’t bind the little guy. You have great information but, your economic thought is a little off in my opinion.
You’re welcome to your opinion, but I doubt you’ll find many small business owners who share it. If you haven’t seen “Independent America,” I’d recommend trying to put your hands on a copy ASAP. It explains, much better than I can, the reason I no longer do business with chains if a viable mom-and-pop alternative exists.
Why would Jim’s get a B for service? They’re always fantastic when I’m there, and the review even points out how efficient they are. They deserve the A.
Had you asked that question in October, when I wrote the review, I probably could have answered it. Five months later, I would be hard-pressed to remember why a given business received a B rather than an A in one category or another. The distinction is minor. Businesses listed on Indie Tulsa are here because I think they’re spectacular. I will note, as a general rule, that service encompasses more than mere speed; presumably, Jim’s fell shy of the “totally knocked my socks off” mark in some other area the day I was there.
In my opinion, they don’t come any better than Never on Sunday! I eat there at least a couple of times a week and the employees are fantastic, the food delicious, and the prices excellent.