Jins Steak and Lounge

Lots of Pool Tables - Diamonds.   Food is ok, Drinks are good to slightly stiff, wait staff is easily distracted by the regulars, so you may wait at times.

I can't say this place is top notch... But if you are looking to get a stiff drink and most everything is closed. Jin's is the place to be. Average establishment. A couple of pool tables, friendly enough staff. Video Lottery. Outdoor (semi-covered?) smoking patio. TVs. It is nothing to get excited about, but it serves it's purpose. It's like that person in high school you lost your virginity to.

I recently discovered that Jin's is open early on the weekends for breakfast. As an added bonus, one of my favorite local cooks is working during those magical hours.

I haven't been to Jin's since it was an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet back in the day. I realized when I entered the place that about half the very large space is devoted to pool tables and dance floor (?). I made my way through this area over to one of the tables near the bar.

The vibe here is part sports bar part local hangout. The bartender was friendly in one of those "what are you sitting over here?" kind of ways. I'm sure she's used to most patrons bellying up to the bar but at 7:30 in the morning I can't imagine bellying up to anything except a hot cup of coffee and some protein.

Said coffee was hot and actually pretty decent. I ordered the blueberry waffle special and was blown away when it arrived! It was like a piece of art. A piping hot waffle filled with blueberries then topped with blueberry syrup, whipped cream and just a spanking of cinnamon. And only $5.00!!! WTH? It was excellent though very sweet and I could only eat about 2/3 of it. Believe me when I say you should split this with someone if you order it.

I decided to check the place out again a few weeks later to make sure it wasn't just a fluke and was pleasantly surprised that the bartender remembered me and was a bit more friendly during my second visit. I ordered something completely different and was slightly disappointed....though in retrospect I will probably always compare my meal to that first visit and be somewhat let down.