Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q — Restaurant in Oxford

READ BEFORE YOU GO: The new Jim ‘N Nicks location in Oxford, AL. was much anticipated by residents of Oxford, Anniston, and surrounding cities. Most people expected this location to be an exact copy of what they’re used to in other cities throughout the state; however, this location conducts business in a slightly different way than people are used to. Before you go, here’s what you need to know:

Customers no longer get on a list and wait on a table. Instead, customers are now required to order their food at the entrance desk. After doing so, they’ll be allowed to find a table (if and when one becomes available). Although there may be an alternative way of ordering dessert, it’s probably best to order and pay for your dessert at this time as well. Outdoor dining and bar dining are optional. For customers looking to get a seat sooner, one of these two options may be ideal. The most significant downside to this seating approach, in my opinion, is the lack of covering for customers standing in line outside of the front entrance. Once the line extends beyond the entrance doors, there is no covering to protect customers from rain, direct sunlight, or other weather elements. Say goodbye to complimentary muffins. Unless an employee offers you some while you’re waiting in line to order, you won’t be getting those delicious corn muffins for free any longer. They’re now only available to those who order and pay for them. Restrooms are tiny, so don’t be surprised if there is a line (men too). The men’s restroom has one wall urinal and one toilet. The women’s restroom has two toilets. At the time of our visit, there was a line to access both restrooms. This may not be the case on less-busy days. The food delivery time has been increased drastically. Due to the new way of doing things, food now arrives at customers’ tables fairly quick. By the time customers are seated, they’ve already ordered and fixed their drinks (drinks are fixed by the customers at a drink station). Gone is the wait time for a waiter or waitress to come by, and gone is the time that people waste while chatting instead of ordering. Food arrives quicker, therefore customers usually finish and leave quicker as well. The food is as good as ever. My family of four enjoyed every element of our meals, and our desserts were amazing (as expected). I personally tried the lemon pie for the first time … WOW.

On our way to the vehicle, we bumped into the store manager. He asked how our experience was, and we explained that it was great - once we figured out how things work at this new location. He completely understood our predicament, and he went on to explain that this setup is the new “post pandemic” Jim ‘N Nicks. He said that this setup expedites food delivery, and it helps with low-staffing situations (if one were to arise). He was very nice to speak with, and he seemed genuinely interested in our dining experience.

If you decide to visit this new location, be ready for the differences listed above. It’ll help you enjoy your trip, and it’ll help you offer guidance to the confused customers...

How sad I am to write this review. I have very much wanted this location to succeed and have gone to great lengths to frequent this restaurant (several times a week) hoping that they would work out the kinks of opening a new location but it is not going to happen. This location of JimNNicks continues to have the worst food I have ever had at a JimNNicks. As I have written before, I have visited JimNNicks locations all across the country, from Cullman, AL to Aurora, Colorado, and have never witnessed the mismanagement that is occurring at the Oxford location. The food has gotten not only horrible but unsafe to eat as the catfish is, more often than not, raw when we have gotten home and opened our food. We tried the family brisket meal last week, which we paid premium for, and the meat was such poor quality that we were only able to eat a very small amount of it. The majority of the meat had 2 polar opposites, it was either pure fat or too tough to eat, making the meal go straight into the trash. There is absolutely no excuse for this. Food of such subpar quality should never be allowed to leave your kitchen, and this has happened on multiple occasions. The long-term problem that is happening here, is that many people in this area do not know the JimNNicks' brand, so they try this location once, have the horrible experiences that are occurring, and never return. This location is KILLING JimNNicks brand. It is time for corporate to step in and manage this location before it is too late (given that it is not already). If that doesn't happen soon, there will be no chance of salvaging the brand in this...

Mandi, the bartender at Jim and Nick's, is a true gem in the world of hospitality. Her dedication to providing exceptional service is evident from the moment you step up to the bar. She possesses an extensive knowledge of the bar's offerings, from the wide range of craft beers to the specialty cocktails on the menu.

What truly sets Mandi apart is her impeccable customer service. She's more than just a bartender; she's a friendly and engaging host. Her warm and welcoming demeanor makes every visit to the bar a delightful experience. Whether you're a regular or a first-time guest, she treats everyone with the same level of care and attention.

Mandi's ability to strike up conversations and create a comfortable atmosphere is a testament to her outstanding people skills. She's not just there to pour drinks; she's there to make your evening memorable. Her recommendations are spot-on, and she's always ready to cater to your preferences, ensuring that you leave the bar satisfied.

In an industry where customer service is key, Mandi excels. She embodies the essence of what a great bartender should be: knowledgeable, friendly, and dedicated to making your time at Jim and Nick's an enjoyable one. If you're seeking a top-notch bartender who goes above and beyond to provide a fantastic experience, Mandi is the one you'll want to meet.

Feel free to ask if you'd like more details or if there's anything specific you'd like to know...