Jimbo's Hot Dogs!

For many years, I've driven past Jimbo's Hot Dogs, located on the frontage road paralleling 101 near that big business park just south of Lucas Valley Road in San Rafael. When I write "many years" I mean many, many years. Having grown up in Marin, Jimbo's is one of my local childhood landmarks, and one that is still there, unlike the wooden statue of Don Quixote that used to stand near the Marin Civic Center and the magically refilling neon beer glass that used to grace the top of the Hamm's brewery in San Francisco. Anyhow, Jimbo's has been there for me through the years, except that I had never actually been there. As a child, I asked my parents to take me there on numerous occasions, and it never happened. So when I had kids of my own, I made a solemn vow that I would take them to Jimbo's and go there at last. Yesterday I decided: it's time to go to Jimbo's.

Jimbo's is decidedly old-school--a classic lunch counter kind of place. It probably has the same decor that it had when I was a kid, although since I never went there I wouldn't know that (does this make my parents Bad Parents?). They serve--surprise--a variety of hot dogs. Good hot dogs. The old-fashioned kind that snap when you bite into them. The basic one is a Jimbo ($2.85), which can be upgraded to a Kraut Dog ($3.00). Chili dogs and polish and cajun dogs are available, too, as well as sandwiches, but we were there for that basic, primal hot dog fix. The friendly folks there will adorn your dog with a variety of different toppings, including several kinds of mustard, tomatoes, pickle relish, a spicy pepper relish, and raw or grilled onions. Oh, and there's  ketchup, too, for those who have to have that. The kids had Jimbos adorned with the requisite ketchup (blecch), while the adults, me included, had fully loaded Kraut Dogs.

Pick up some of the homemade potato salad ($1.95) from the refrigerator. It tastes like the kind my mom makes, and is heavy on with yellow mustard and relish. There are also the requisite chips and other crunchy snacks, Moon Pies, and other goodies. Apparently they make milk shakes, too. I'll have to try one on my next visit, when I think I'll sample the chili dog.

Was the Jimbo's experience worth all those years of anticipation? Heck yeah! Honestly, I wasn't expecting too much, and was really pleasantly surprised. I suppose to have been in business as long as they have they have to be good, right? It's the perfect place to drag the kids for an inexpensive lunch. Yes, I do realize that hot dogs, with their nitrates and nitrites and hog miscellany aren't the best thing for you, but once in a while they're a must-have treat, especially here.

Jimbo's is open Monday–Friday 10 am–4:30 pm, and Saturdays from 10–3. 4288 Redwood Highway, San Rafael.