Jim's Coffee Shop

Few things compete with a delicious, homestyle breakfast to start off the day. Where to get one in Alameda? There’s Ole’s on Park, but when you’re hungry, waiting in a long line isn’t always worth the hassle, especially when there’s another spot halfway up the block with waffles that compete. Jim’s Coffee Shop on Lincoln and Park has twice the space and half the wait, and breakfast is served hot off the stove.

Jim’s offers all the large, country-kitchen breakfast plates you look for in a homestyle diner, like biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, pork chops, steaks, and linguisa to go with your eggs. Those who crave a sweeter morning can choose French toast, buttermilk pancake, or waffle combos. The omelette selection is extensive, and combination dishes come with hash browns, home fries, grits or fruit on the side, along with some buttered toast. Order a cup of coffee to go along with the meal and you’re set.

Speaking of coffee, the server will leave a full pitcher on the table so you won’t need to flag someone down for your next couple of refills. The service is efficient and courteous, even when the restaurant is packed on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Parents, remember to ask for a kids’ menu if you are not given one. Kids’ menus list smaller combination breakfasts named after animated characters, with crayons to fill in the drawing on the back of the menu.

Established in 1960, the walls in Jim’s are covered with Alameda paraphernalia, including old black and white photos of the city, snapshots of customers, and framed likenesses of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. There’s a parking lot in the back of the building, street parking off the rear lot, and metered parking along Park.

Lunches are a bit on the heavy side, with your chicken fried steak and bacon cheeseburger fare. But you can always go with a sandwich. And if you’re looking for an old-fashioned meatloaf dinner, Jim’s has its own recipe complete with homemade gravy.

HelloMetro Tip: Jim’s is located right off the Fruitvale bridge from Oakland.

- by Renee M. Rutledge, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Renee M. Rutledge

Renee M. Rutledge currently writes articles on local travel and culture for Red Tricycle, Parents' Press, Oakland Magazine, and Alameda Magazine.