The last two stops on our Butler County adventure were a kayaking trip with dinner immediately following, both in Middletown, Ohio.
You know when you pull up to a place and you instantly just know it’s going be good people and your kind of spot. Walking into Jimco’s, is like walking into Cheers, where everybody knows your name.
Jimco’s is bad-ass. There is really no other way to put it. A regular, American dude adequately describes Jim, owner and operator of the riverside beer and pizza stop. Living out his dreams of drinking beer, serving bomb pizza, providing a fun and friendly atmosphere to strangers and regulars, while also getting people out on the river daily.
When we pulled up and were warmly greeted by a big bear-hug, I think the first words out of my mouth were,”I’m staaaaaaaaarving.” I like to turn on the dramatics first thing when I meet someone. Jim could not have been more kind and immediately fired up a pizza so I wouldn’t wither away.
Jimco’s Pizza & Kayak
Thankfully it was a gorgeous, end of Summer day and we were able to enjoy kayaking to the fullest. An easy ride, probably just a coupe of miles, we could have made it much longer if we had stopped and enjoyed the water and scenery more. We knew we had dinner after so we tried to stay as dry as possible and pretty much cruised the entire trip.
I take that all back… I fell out of my kayak in about 3 inch water, the exact opposite of gracefully in fact.
Connect with Jimco’s Pizza & Kayak on Facebook
Jimco’s
2401 Carmody Blvd and RT4
The pizza was SO GOOD!
If I was local this would be my watering hole.
Right over that hill was the river and the location where you pull your kayak out to end your trip.
I cannot thank Jim and his team for filling our hungry bellies with delicious pizza and cold beer. We had the best afternoon cruising the river, but truly enjoyed sitting at the bar getting to know some of the local crew. If anyone is in the area, even if you don’t have time to kayak, I recommend stopping by, grabbing pizza and a beer and saying hey to Jim!
Gracie’s
Gracie’s is about community and the energy that comes from bringing good people together to enjoy good food. Transitioning from the historic vibrancy of the past to the vitality and possibility of the future, Gracie’s will become a destination for Middletonians and beyond, an upscale gathering place with a neighborhood feel, conveyed through the strong, clean lines of architectural finishes and the innovative flavors of the comfort food-inspired menu items.
It was a gorgeous evening so we sat outside. I love a good patio and theirs did not disappoint. It provided the perfect atmosphere in downtown Middletown on a Summer Saturday night.
Connect with Gracie’s
Website | Facebook | Instagram
I ordered a cosmopolitan, which was perfectly made.
Because of liquor laws when you sit outside your cocktail/beer/wine has to be in a plastic cup. So this is how my cosmo came and I was not complaining!
Manfriend is a big deviled eggs fan. When I saw them on the menu I knew we’d be ordering them.
Like my cosmo they did not disappoint. They were actually perfectly made and the crispy bacon was the perfect topper.
1131 Central Ave.
Middletown, OH 45044
513.915.7476
HOURS
Monday 4–9:30PM
Tuesday 4–9:30PM
Wednesday 4–9:30PM
Thursday 4–9:30PM
Friday 4–10:30PM
Saturday 4–10:30PM
Closed Sundays
Make a reservation HERE
He ordered: The Burger {so basic}
She ordered: Surf n’ Turf {she fancy}
Both of our entrees were delicious and hit the spot after working up an appetite paddling on the river. My surf n’ turf was the Saturday night special, with a perfectly cooked steak.
SO much thanks to Gracie’s, especially Max who was so kind when he welcomed us despite our disheveled appearances.
Saturday in Middletown is Amish date night.
