October 21, 2009
I can’t rate this place too highly. Yes, they have a great beer selection on tap and in bottles, but the prices are not so nices and the service was simply dreadful. I am not usually critical of non-chalance in waitstaff (it’s nice to enjoy a meal without being interrupted every five minutes) but the incompetence at Jimmy’s No. 43 was exceptional. The waitstaff was almost comical. The two waitresses looked like eighth graders, what with their hoodies and beanie winter hats. And then the guy who took away our dishes, oh boy! He seemed to be on some combination of speed and cocaine, hustling around like a NASCAR guy in a pit crew. And he kind of bobbed his head up and down constantly. Pretty funny stuff, but I would rather unfunny servers that got my food to me in less than 50 minutes. I’ll write more later; I need to cool down.

October 19, 2009
Great East Village bar and restaurant. The beer selection is excellent and changes a lot. Atmosphere is relaxed and bohemian. You walk down a flight of stairs to a comfortable basement where you can sip beer and eat.

May 22, 2009
Nice atmosphere, good service. Tap selection was very local but nothing special, almost all pale ales with a couple amazingly overpriced Belgians thrown in threre — Petrus Oud Bruin 12oz for $12?! The bottle list is completely unorganized (not even in alphabetical order) and is fairly mediocre, with prices ranging from fair all the way to absurd — 750 of Avec les Bons Veaux for $42. The Schlenkerla bottle I bought had no date code on it but it was no doubt way past prime and not in serving condition IMO. The food looked great on paper but was really nothing special. I’m not sure I’ve got much reason to go back here, even though it is only 5 minutes from my apartment.

April 28, 2009
Petite place très sombre dans une cave du quartier east side. Vaut vraiment le détour. bonne petite sélection de bière, mais on y va surtout pour l’ambiance dépaysante.

November 27, 2008
Jimmy’s 43 is a great small spot, an oasis of calm amidst the debauchery that is the East Village. The beer list isn’t massive, but it’s exceptionally well chosen and varied. On a given night, beers form Europe, America and Asia will be represented, though it tends towards Belgian and German styles. Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is invitingly cozy.

March 14, 2008
Pretty cool cellar bar, forget New York this place reminded me of a bar in York or Edinburgh even. Dark inside with a good selection of ales it seemed. Bar woman seemed to be away with the fairies but was friendly enough. I wouldn’t like to tackle the steps after a few beers on the way down.

February 23, 2008
Very cool space. Sort of a jumbled series of small tables and benches scattered around the dark wood paneled room. Reminds me of an English country pub. A well-selected, if not entirely rare, selection of beers. I didn’t eat on my first visit, but I will return to try a few of the tasty-looking selections. I’ll be back.

February 5, 2008
Very cool place with some great events. They always have good food that pairs well with the beers they are serving. They do tastings of cheese and chocolate often too which is great. The tap list rotates and changes and often has great stuff. Also the bottle selection is pretty good too. Does get busy but it is a really cool place to visit.

January 14, 2008
Jimmy’s is named after Jimmy, the owner and chef of this restaurant beneath 2 beer bars (used to actually be the basement of Brewsky’s a Ukrainian pub that closed down and turned into Standings and this). When the place opened they found some amazing treats in the basement (10+ year old Old Crusty’s, Sami’s, Lees Harvest). However now the vintage menu is much less interesting. They have 12 taps, nothing overly special but always at least on 6point beer, which is nice, a lways a Belgian or two, and some sessionable European brew (think Belhaven Twisted Thistle). It’s a nice mix but not usually something to go out of your way to find, beer wise. Now back its crowning achievement, the food. Jimmy makes great food, not overly expensive and very tasty, think elegant pub fair. One of my face are the beer sausages and cheese plate. But the daily specials are awesome. Ambiance is great as well, Its a candle lite basement with all wooden tables, exposed brick, and wooden arch ceilings. Half barrels decorate the walls, some large antlers on the wall. Cool small bathrooms. Exposed kitchen and some tap handles on the wall. I have never been there when its packed so service has always been fine. They also hold beer/cheese tastings and different beer classes.

January 8, 2008
Fine. Nothing special. Beer list underwhelming.