I have heard of Jim's Blimpy for years, but never had been until this day. And I was in a hurry to go because we had heard that after I believe 30 years in their current location, they were being forced to move. A developer has bought the block and is building complex. Now according to the staff, they are NOT closing down. They will move elsewhere in downtown Ann Arbor. But I know that sometimes a place 'changes' in unexpected ways when it moves or remodels. They can lose the original character that helped make them what they were. It does not always happen, but often enough. This is why I was intent on trying the original Blimpy. And wow...if this place has nothing else, it has character.
This place is TINY. You can be packed in here like sardines. What can make this worth the trouble? HAMBURGERS of course. This is a place where you order at a counter, then at the register they take of money and give you change. Sometimes in odd denominations. I received a couple $2 bills and old JFK 50 cent piece, which I appreciate as you hardly ever see either anymore. They give you your food and you sit down where you can or go outside. The decor is half-diner and half sixties-inspired posters, though these are the menus. This whole place has a sense of the sixties about it. And being in Ann Arbor, it's not unusual to see aging hippies eating here. Peace dudes.
One patron was an older gentleman who wanted to bring his granddaughter here before it moved. Much for the reasons I wanted to get here while I could. In fact I cannot remember a time where I ate in a diner where so many patrons would just stop and start talking to me. All very friendly. And I rather liked it. Going to Blimpys is not just for food, it's an experience in itself.
So they have a huge menu of unusual burger concoctions. I would try to describe, but would not do it justice. The staff, and they are proud to be Blimpy's staff I might add, are very knowledgeable and ready to offer suggestions to the uninitiated. While obviously a newbie here, I was never made to feel like I 'didn't know' or such. I get my usual burger: In this case, 2 patties (they are thinner patties), cheese, bacon, and Kaiser bun. They let you pick the bun style. Also fries, and a Sprite. Being a thinner patty, there is really no rare, medium, and such. But they know what they're doing. This was a great burger of this style. Bacon was cooked well, and the fries were just fine. Overall, I was completely satisfied with what I got. And this is a testament to the staff. They take pride in slinging great burgers, knowing their menu and bringing new customers into the fold. Heck, I'm only surprised that when I told them I loved it, they didn't start chanting out loud, "One of us! One of us!"
In the end, I have to say. The burger, strictly on it's own merits it good. Would I drive all the way to Ann Arbor just for that burger? No, probably not (Ann Arbor is about 25 miles from me). It's a very good burger, but I have had similar burgers on my side of town. It's the reality of the burger biz. Burgers can be found everywhere, so it's extremely difficult to break-out, ahead of all others. However, would I drive out there for the atmosphere and Blimpy's 'experience' again? In a minute! Well done, Blimpys!
PS: Sorry, no picture of the burger. I dove in, ate, and forgot to take one. But here is the original location. 551 S Division St, Ann Arbor · (734) 663-4590
As of July 9th, they are still here. We will keep you all posted with information about their move.
