I have wanted to stop here for a while but I don't always have a reason to go to Jamaica, IA…read more Actually, I had no reason to go here...until now. On a bike ride recently, off the beaten path, we found ourselves in Jamaica, IA and decided to give it a try.
This is another AWESOME Iowa hidden-gem. There is something so seductive about being able to drive to a tiny town, not far from DSM, and eat some of the best food that not many others know about.
Yes, I used the terms "seductive" and "food" together
We walked in with every intention of ordering 2 of the prize winning tenderloin sandwich. Upon entry to a small, dimly lit bar with mismatched tables, chairs, booths and a long bar, we popped a squat at the bar seeing as how most of the tables were taken. After sitting down at the bar, I immediately noticed (through the open kitchen) a gigantic prime rib under a heating lamp. The massive mound of meat was literally calling out my name and saying "EAT ME, J!"
Figuring that the prime rib knew best, as my love for this cut of steak gets me every time, so we opted for a small prime rib dinner and a tenderloin sandwich. The prime rib dinner on Friday nights comes with a choice of potato side, Texas toast and a salad. The options are only large prime rib or small prime rib. I ordered the "small" prime rib.
Here is where the excitement, amazingness and mouthwatering enticement comes into play. Their "small" prime rib was easily 2 pounds of meat. Rare just how I like it, and an amazing dry rub on the outside, au jus serve directly over the meat (instead of as a side, which is fine by me), this was quite possibly one of the best prime ribs I have ever had. And to find it at this little hidden gem, off a beaten path, in a small town with not much else, this find was even more exciting. The pictures I took do it no justice; it is about 2in thick and a foot across. As big as it is, the flavor is just as massive.
I opted for curly fries, which were phenomenal. Not soggy or overlooked, they were perfectly golden brown and not greasy. House salad was basic but great.
Tenderloin sandwich was also spectacular. I understand why it's award winning! Not pounded flat, the size of a dinner plate, and loaded with L.T.P.O. as an option, this sammich is worth the drive (or bike ride) from Des Moines! In fact, I'm already planning my next visit.
Service from bartender was very fitting and enjoyable. She was server, bartender, part-time cook, bus girl...everything, and all with a great attitude, big smile and welcoming personality.
If you haven't tried this place, you are actually missing out on an experience. Looking for something to do one day, hop in your car, motorcycle or on a bike and get out to Tojos.
$43.00 for all that food and 2 cold beers (which we didn't even drink because we wanted to savor the belly room for more food!)!!! Worth every penny.
