You walk into the Jim 'N Nick’s on Oxmoor Road and the first thing that hits you isn't even the smoke. It's the smell of those sugar-dusted, buttery cheese biscuits. Honestly, if they just served those in a giant bucket, most of Homewood would probably still line up out the door. But there’s a lot more to the jim n nicks homewood menu than just the breadbasket.
People tend to think of this place as just another Southern chain, but it’s actually the hometown hero. Founded right here in Birmingham back in '85 by Jim Pihakis and his son Nick, the Homewood location is a staple. It’s where you go after a Samford game or when you're too tired to cook but want something that feels like a "real" Sunday dinner.
I’ve seen people get overwhelmed by the menu. It's big. It’s meaty. And if you don't know the "hacks," you might miss the best stuff.
The Meat of the Matter: Beyond the Pulled Pork
Everyone orders the pulled pork. It's the safe bet. And look, it’s great—slow-smoked over hickory for hours, tender, and classic. But if you really want to know what makes the jim n nicks homewood menu stand out, you have to look at the beef brisket.
They smoke their brisket for 12 full hours. You can get it "lean" or "marbled." If you choose lean, you’re doing it wrong. Go for the marbled. It’s got that peppery bark and a fat cap that basically melts into the meat. It usually runs about $16.99 for a plate, but the price fluctuates based on the market.
Then there’s the "Boss" sandwich. It’s a beast. Imagine brisket mixed with jalapeño cheddar sausage and topped with their house-made queso. It’s messy, it’s probably a thousand calories, and it’s arguably the best thing they make.
Don't Ignore the Bird
A lot of BBQ purists scoff at ordering chicken, but the Morgan Co. White Sauce is a game changer. It’s a North Alabama staple—vinegar-based, creamy, and tangy. Drizzle that over the smoked half-chicken and you’ll realize why people drive from three states over just to try it.
- Classic Spare Ribs: These are marbled and brined. A half-slab is plenty, but most people end up wishing they got the full.
- Smoked Wings: You can get them naked or tossed. The Buffalo is fine, but the Honey Habanero has a slow burn that’s actually addictive.
- Karl’s Fried Catfish: A weirdly underrated menu item. It’s farm-raised and comes with a cornmeal crust that isn't too heavy.
The Sides (or "Trimmings" if you're from around here)
In the world of the jim n nicks homewood menu, the sides aren't just an afterthought. They call them trimmings.
Most plates come with two, plus those iconic biscuits. The Mac & Cheese is the heavy hitter. It’s not that box stuff; it’s thick, creamy, and has a crusty top. But if you want to feel a little less guilty, the collard greens are legit. They’ve got just enough vinegar and bits of smoked meat to keep them interesting.
The "Loaded Bar-B-Q Baker" is a meal in itself. It’s a potato the size of a football, stuffed with butter, sour cream, cheddar, scallions, and your choice of meat. At about $14.99, it’s one of the best values on the menu because you’re almost guaranteed to have leftovers for lunch the next day.
The Salad Lie
Let’s be real. Nobody goes to a BBQ joint for a salad to be healthy. The Bar-B-Q Salad here is basically a pile of pork and cheddar cheese with some lettuce underneath it for decoration. It's delicious. Just don't tell your trainer you had a "light salad" for lunch.
Dealing with the Homewood Crowd
The Homewood location (220 Oxmoor Rd) is busy. Like, "don't even try it at 12:15 PM on a Friday" busy.
They have a drive-thru, which is a lifesaver, but the real pro move is the "Pitmaster Room" for big groups. If you’re trying to feed a family of four, skip the individual plates and look at the "Family Feast." It usually feeds 4–6 people for around $50–$60 and includes two meats, three pints of sides, and a dozen biscuits. It’s way cheaper than everyone ordering their own $18 plate.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
What Most People Miss
The dessert. Specifically, the Banana Pudding.
It’s Southern style, meaning it’s got the Nilla wafers and it’s not too fancy. It’s just cold, creamy comfort. They also do a Lemon Ice Box pie that’s tart enough to cut through all the fatty brisket you just ate.
Honestly, the jim n nicks homewood menu is a lesson in consistency. Is it the single most experimental BBQ in the world? No. But it’s the same high quality every single time you walk through those doors. That's why it's been around for 40 years.
If you're heading there this week, try the Carolina-style pork. It’s chopped and tossed in a vinegar sauce that’s much more "Old School Alabama" than the sweet red sauces you find at the grocery store. It’ll give you a whole new perspective on what local BBQ should taste like.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check for Daily Specials: They often run "Two-for-Tuesday" deals on sandwiches or specific discounts for Samford students and faculty.
- The "By the Pound" Trick: If you're hosting a small get-together, buying meat by the pound and a dozen biscuits separately is often more cost-effective than catering.
- Get the App: Their rewards program actually adds up pretty fast, especially if you're a regular.
- Avoid Peak Times: If you want a table without a 30-minute wait, aim for 11:15 AM or 2:00 PM.
- Order the Biscuit Mix: If you fall in love with the bread, they sell the mix near the register so you can fail at making them at home (it’s never quite the same, but it’s close).