Jim's Smokin' Cafe

Had to stop as I had been driving by several times and the name stuck out so I had to try this place. Excellent all around. Love the small vintage decor and old style look especially with the brick wall. It may be small but the food is worth a stop in. I had the Cuban Swiss and Mac n cheese. Both were absolutely delicious and would highly recommend. Met the owner and 2 of the workers who provided amazing customer service. There are other menu items I would love to try so I am looking forward to coming back. If you’re in the area and need a bite to eat, you must try Jim’s Smokin Cafe. Proud supporter of local small businesses.

My husband and I stopped in around 3pm because we just had to try something new that wasn't food from a chain store--we wanted something homemade. And we hit the jackpot! We shared their homemade warm pastrami sandwich with cole slaw (also homemade). So warm, tender and juicy! The owner was there and we really enjoyed conversation with him, along with a great waiter who did everything for us so that we would have a great dining experience. Next time we are going to try the fish tacos. Can't wait! Compliments to the chef(s)!

UPDATE: I nearly moved to this town because I got such a good vibe! But, although I never moved to Niles, I've worked nearby and live in Buchanan have discovered the Main Street shopping district. I did a little holiday shopping with a must stop at Jim's for lunch. I just love this BBQ and had the Brisket salad again. I would have opted for the Wednesday lunch buffet which is a really good deal, but needed to stick with protein and veg. My husband loved this buffet and it's obviously popular in town because there were a bunch of folks participating. I picked up Brisket and a couple of sides to go for my hubs and he was thrilled to have it for dinner. Wish I went out to eat more often because I would go to Jim's over and over! Still great! My review from last year.... Love this place! We stumbled on this place while in the area and thought the BBQ was great, I love that there's a nice meat salad option and we had such fun talking to the owner (the chef also came by our table to check on our food) that we've decided to consider moving to Niles full time! If the food is this good and the peeps this friendly, it's pretty attractive. We were back on a Wednesday recently and my big-eating hubby LOVED the lunch buffet. What a great idea. The first time we went though I was craving a wine or beer which they don't serve, but they did say we could order wine elsewhere and bring it back.

I have a biased view after living in Texas and just getting back from visiting. For the price and quality in the midwest- it is well worth the visit. The people are very friendly and helpful as well. Pasta salad really just was pasta noodles and one tomato, so that was a little disappointing. Baked beans were amazing, and i enjoyed the coleslaw well enough. The brisket was my favorite. The pulled pork was better than most, but I would probably skip the rib tips next time.

Great food and atmosphere in a nostalgic cafe. We were impressed with everything we ordered. We want to go back and try some of the things we didn't order. The pulled pork plate with Mac n cheese with baked beans was the best ever! Payton was our waitress and was very knowledgeable on the history of the location. I grew up in Niles and have wonderful memories of the Paris soda shop back to 1964. We will definitely be back.

Only one waitress there when we first got there at noon on a Saturday she did a great job of trying to keep up with everything until her help arrived. Now on to the important part. The food was delicious. Ended up having the brisket platter with two sides. Their house made barbecue sauce is delicious. Definitely would call ahead if you're in a lunch rush they do take out orders. The manager or the owner not quite sure who came out greet us to make sure everything was all right which was a nice touch. Definitely be back. Thanks

First off, I love smoked meats so it's hard to disappoint me in this category haha. I have went to this location 2 times, the first visit I had the buffet (to have a larger sampling of different items) and this last time had the Cast Iron Burger. In my opinion, if you visit a BBQ or smoke house always go for the smoked meat. And that is the case here as well. The hamburger was tasty and held it's own as a burger but... the smoked meats had a more individual smokey personality. The environment was clean and homey and service both visits were friendly and efficient. Next visit, will be the brisket which ironically was what I went in for both times b4 hahaha Worth the visit, locally owned and food is wonderful.

Super nice people/service to chat it up with and great service, all of the food is made from scratch and absolutely superb! Me and a buddy got the breakfast buffet that transferred into the lunch buffet. They have options for the buffet not on the buffet bar they are willing to bring you as well. The coffee was also very good. All in all great lil place and I will definitely be back

Holy potatoes Batman, Jim's has it goin on!!! I got 2 pulled pork tacos and a pastrami slider (no pic due to me eating it so fast) and they were delectable!! The pastrami rivals what I've had in New York, it was smoky, delicious and so tender!!!! The sweet lady working was awesome! Keep it up and I'll be back soon for more pastrami sliders!!!

Very clean facility. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. Over all the food was just ok for me. The smoke was light on the meats(perfect for me), but honestly I didn't enjoy it. Beans weren't seasoned, eggs were baked and not scrambled (they do offer eggs to order but I didn't know that when I got my plate). My hubby has been here tons of times and loves it, but it's not my jam. Everyone else in the restaurant was really loving their food.

The ambience at Jim's is fun and upbeat. The brick walls remained from the remodel. That is always a fun way to keep the history going. Our server was a little scattered. Other restaurants roll the silverware in advance. This would help the servers. They bring one piece of paper towel, a fork and a knife . No one asked my husband if he wanted sweetener for his tea. There was none on the table. When serving ribs you might consider putting paper towel on the table. The reason I am leaving a review. Is to let the owner know the entire buffet was hardly lukewarm, the quiche/souffle would have been great, I think. But, no one likes cold eggs. Everything was below temp. The pulled pork was flavorful, but tepid. We were there right at Noon. I was excited to try. Maybe a lunch served off the menu would be a better idea. The buffet was cool. I know this place is known fur catering. I was puzzled as to why the food was not at temperature. Will I return. Yes. But we will order from the menu.

My friend and I were in town visiting and staying down the street. We were walking up the street to a different spot for breakfast when Jim came out and told us that we should try his place because the food was homemade. We were torn between the two places because we had had a pretty good breakfast at the other spot. However, he was insistent that the food was really good and that they had a breakfast buffet. So we tried it. The food was incredible. One of the best breakfast buffets I've ever had. A few highlights: smoked sausage patties, the smoked uncured bacon with brown sugar on top, and some sort of French toast soufflé. I would highly recommend this spot!!! I'm craving the buffet just writing this.

My family and I went for our first visit today for the buffet. We were not disappointed and will definitely be back. Service was impeccable.

everything was great. I will go back! Food was delicious and service was fast! They are missing fries which I love with my pulled pork but sauce was great too.

Yo, this man needs the keys to the city!!! Very friendly environment food is beyond excellent I will be back for as many Sundays as this guy is open. 10 out of 10 I recommend over any breakfast/brunch in the state of Michigan not even lying. Don't go anywhere but here for The greatest food in the area!!! Btw... his food is all made fresh and smoked to the perfect temp keep it rolling Jim, I'll be in!

Food is always top notch and reasonably priced. We especially love the Wednesday lunch buffet and Sunday brunch. Wish my waistline allowed me to eat here every day. Bravo Jim!

Great family run restaurant. The owner sat near us and made conversation. The biscuits and gravy, scalloped potatoes, mini waffles, bacon were ridiculously delish! But the strawberry French toast casserole- prepare to lose your mind. We will definitely go back next time we are in town.

The food is amazing. I love going to the buffet on Sundays. The staff is awesome and very friendly definitely recommend if you love smoked meats and delicious food.

Service was friendly and prices are good. Food was okay. Had pulled pork and brisket. Both were good but nothing spectacular. The baked bans were good. Cole slaw was good too.

Pastrami is good. Went on a Saturday at 2 specifically for the pastrami.... Already "sold out". How much are they smoking in preparation for a Saturday?! Got the brisket sandwich instead... just beef and brioche bun... mediocre.

Not a family friendly atmosphere. Very sad. We have been loving this place, and has been great going to with our 3 little ones. Today was just no excuse, the bartender/server, very rude and unprofessional as an employee. Owner did try to make things right but it was past the point of no return. We were trying to treat my mother to a delicious meal from Smokin Jim's and even she was extremely disappointed with this gentlemen. As an owner myself of multiple businesses, the end scenario here was not acceptable. To all the other previous waitresses we have had, you were above and beyond with us each time before. We will not be back, and we will be going out of our way to get this message out there.

Southwestern Michigan is not exactly a hotbed of barbecue cuisine so I was not expecting much but I needed a quick bite and it was close by. To my delight I found Jim's to be an excellent find! They have real smoked barbecue and homemade sauces. I lived in Kansas City for a number of years so I learned to appreciate good BBQ and can attest that Jim's is right up there with the good ones. I only had time for a quick bite so I went with the brisket tacos. They were deciously smokey and tender with a great sauce. Definitely would have liked to have been able to stay for more.

Wow! What a delightful place! We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Jim's and will surely be back for plenty more now that we've found this gem! We went on a Sunday for brunch and it was a great mix of hot buffet line and cooked to order in the kitchen for one low price. They had pastrami hash, biscuits and insanely good sausage gravy, egg frittata, sausages, French toast and more! Plus they served fresh waffles, eggs cooked to order, and candied bacon to you tableside. It was all so good! Seriously I want to bath in that sausage gravy, it was incredible! You pay one price for a visit to the buffet or for just $2 more unlimited. Incredibly reasonable pricing. This is a family run business and Jim checks on everyone with a smile on his face. Everyone working there seems connected to the family and it's a delight. It's so friendly! We were a large party of nine with kids, and while things sometimes take a bit of time, just remember, they're trying to serve everyone with attention and a smile. A little patience goes a long way, and the food and family atmosphere more than makes up for any small delays. I couldn't recommend this place more, keeping these kinds of family run businesses thriving keeps our food scene great! Thanks Jim!!!

Really good meats and sides -- Even lets you think a little healthy with vegetables as an option. I suggest the sirloin tips if you're going to eat there. Bonus: Consider Jim's for catering. Costs about the same per head as ordering off menu and you have the option of additional off menu stuff - just like a caterer would provide.

Excellent place to catch a bite to eat. The menu is simple, but has the just the right number of choices. My wife had the Jethro sandwich and she was ecstatic about the taste. I had the New York pastrami and it was excellent. The service was very attentive and quick. I recommend Jim's Smokin' Cafe.

Great tasting food! Would definitely recommend! Service was good! We will set be back!

Best food on our whole month-long road trip! I had my favorite Reuben sandwich which could not have been any better. My husband had the brisket sandwich with baked beans and a cup of asparagus soup. Perfect. We'd go every day if we didn't live in Maine!

Food is ok but nothing special. Menu is very limited and usually he doesn't have anything you want to order.

Excellent brunch/buffet. Service from owner and host was awesome. Inside very cozy. French Toast Casserole Egg Frittata

Great food and atmosphere on the wonderful Main Street of Niles, Michigan. Grab a meal and peruse the shops, stop at the Fort St. Joseph History Museum, and enjoy a walk by the river!

The food quality has always been very good as well as the quantity being well per portioned for the price. Service has varied greatly when we chose to dine in but was always still acceptable at its worse understanding that people just have bad days sometimes. Over the last several years I have arranged to meet friends at Jim's for lunch. On June 28, 2023 I planned to meet a friend of mine at Jim's for lunch. I arrived on time and my friend was a couple minutes late. I walked in and was immediately greeted by a waiter who Jim later told me was French. At the time the waiter greeted me he was also cashing out other patrons. I sat down at a table set up for four and was very quickly asked how many were in my group. I answered him and said 2. He then rudely "asked" me to sit in one of the tables for two on the other side of the restaurant because they get very busy on Wednesday's. The reason I had not chosen to sit on that side is because the way the tables were configured one person would have to sit with their back to the wall which was to far away from the table to be at all comfortable or practical. I did see that the table in front near the door had a second chair sitting between it and the front window of the restaurant so I said ok and proceeded there to comply with the waiters request. I moved the additional unused chair to the side of table that was facing the front window of the restaurant so it wouldn't be in the way of other patrons in the restaurant. The waiter quickly came over and removed the chair and shoved it across the floor near to the original table that I had sat at originally and walked away. When he was back near the front of the restaurant I told the waiter I needed the chair for my friend who was joining me for lunch. That is where everything went off the "rails" with this already rude waiter. He asked me why I needed that chair because " you said there was only one in your party" I replied no that I had told him there was two and tried to explain why I didn't sit there in the first place. Nothing I said was being "understood" and the conversation got louder and louder. It wasn't until I got up and said if it is that big of a deal I would go somewhere else for lunch. At this point Jim who was sitting directly across the restaurant as he does normally got up and took over the situation and sent the waiter away. Jim told me to sit at the table set up for four anyway which I did VERY reluctantly. Then Jim sat back down at the table he had been sitting at previously and started defending the waiters actions because he was French and didn't understand. To that I responded I didn't have a problem with him not understanding but I had a problem with his completely rude and completely unacceptable attitude. After Jim realized I wasn't going to back down and he knew I was right he began to try to smooth over the matter with small talk. I can appreciate that at some level but the damage was clearly done at that point. When we went up to pay for our meals the same waiter in his same completely rude manner replied that "there is no charge for that table" I responded that was not necessary and he gave me the same response as he was walking away from the register. And for the kicker as we were walking out of the restaurant another patron asked Jim if he could get him a menu to which Jim (sitting at his table up front) replied " well I guess I can but it's my day off" So all that being said this type of behavior must be acceptable at this restaurant because the owner Jim has basically the same attitude as the waiter. I will never return to this business nor will I recommend it to others. Amazed!!!

This is ridiculous, came with my family for a meal and seated at a dirty table, and nobody would come to take our order The server chose to clean other tables in a completely empty restaurant, and ignored our group Ridiculous

Always yummy and a fan favorite when I need catering! Love the Cuban, pasta salad and beans!

We were in town for an event and stopped by for Sunday brunch. It was amazing!! The food was delicious! The white cheddar Mac and cheese and pastrami hash paired well with the various meats including sausage, chicken, and ribs. Save room for the French toast casserole!

Best Sunday brunch around! The atmosphere is cool, located in the historical downtown district. Service was good, seems to be run by family!

AMAZING beer cheese soup!!! Wonderful service from a family owned restaurant that cares about providing a quality dining experience!

Food was great! They were out of the brisket and the owner called and ended up giving us a platter of pulled pork and ribs. Super gracious and tasted great! Will be back.

The food here is amazing! My husband always gets the tenderloin steak tips, which are excellent. I am vegetarian, so I always get the cauliflower tacos which I have to admit, I am addicted to now!

Just discovered a GEM!!! This cafe has got superb BBQ food!! Hot meals made the way you like it and then delectable deserts to choose from! The meats melt in your mouth! Everything has been cooked to such perfection. The sides are all so flavorful, I especially enjoyed the bourbon baked beans! They even have vegan, sugar free, and dairy free options on the desert menu (the flavors and options change all the time)! They are so thoughtful in their food options AND in their service! I ordered the ribeye special and really wanted some horsey sauce to go with it and they quickly made some for me and made sure I liked how it tasted, or they'd modify it! The sauce he whipped up for me was so good and plentiful that my daughter even liked it and used it on her steak tips It! It is so nice to be served well and receive good food! I left full and happy with a vegan double chocolate Gellato in hand! I will definitely be a new regular here!

Spectacular food!!! Great little place to enjoy some very high quality food and atmosphere!! Staff is excellent!!!

We have wanted to stop many times when in Niles and today we finally made it inside!! The cafe is pretty cozy and warm and the smells of delicious smoked meat smacks you as soon as you walk in. I order the Brisket Tacos and I am so glad I did. Stepped outside my little box and tried something I would probably never order. The tacos were absolutely perfect! The flavor of the brisket pared well with the cilantro fresh chopped onion and lime, and don't forget the mild homemade BBQ Sauce. The husband had the Tex Sandwich... Again the mix of the smoked meat goes great with the sweet slaw, and pepper jack cheese, and how refreshing to have fresh vegetables, no prepared bagged stuff here... There are so many other items we want to try, but the portion sizes are huge here so we didn't have room for a second round. But there is always next week!! We will be back and can't wait to try the Friday/Saturday Ribeye Special with 2 sides!! Did we hear you correctly? Aged and like 2 pounds

We've had the ribeye on Friday nights twice now. The flavors were always spot on, as well as the flavor of the sides! The only thing preventing a 5 star was the temperature of my last steak... a huge chunk of meat like that should always be perfect! But having said that... even at medium, it was still delicious! We are always well taken care and will definitely be coming back, eager to try the ribs!

The meat was cold, and Cole slaw & veggies lousy. The only good thing was the sweet potatoes.

After hitting up Pizza Transit, my best friend and I got ice cream here. So tasty! Has a very 50s feel inside and the staff was very friendly. Can't wait to come back.

My husband and I were looking for good BBQ and found this restaurant online and decided to try it based on its reviews. Great atmosphere inside. I love how it looks like an old soda shop. (May have been) Hubby ordered the brisket sliders which were amazing and ordered chips, which he did not get. I ordered the Jethro sandwich, which wasn't that great to me, but my husband polished off the pulled pork that was inside. The meat was tough and flavorless and it's supposed to come with coleslaw on the sandwich and there was hardly any. I mean, a few strands here and there literally, so the owner brought me out a nice sized bowl. So, I ate the beans, which are the best I have ever had, ate most of the pasta salad, which is good and ate some of the slaw, which is mediocre. We will be back because my husband really enjoyed the food and he would give this place 5 stars, but my meal was just not impressive. What made the meal really good though, is that we had this amazing server! I wish I knew her name so I could give her proper credit, but she wasn't wearing a name tag. One of the best servers we have ever had and we eat out A LOT! The prices here are very very fair! Our bill was 21 dollars and it costs that much to eat at crappy McDonald's, so the prices are super impressive! The owner didn't seem super nice, but the man could have a lot on his plate, who knows. We will definitely be back though and if you are in Niles Michigan, stop in and give this place a shot.

this restaurant gets a one star rating ONLY because the food is good. the male server with heavy accent ruins it for me! rude rude rude. I have worked in restaurants and other retail places and never ever would I act like that nor would I have a job had I acted like he did. my son talked this place up and I was in town visiting and we decided to eat there....definitely not the experience he had other times they ate there. a man that I can only assume works in the kitchen came out to our table a couple times deserves a big kudos tho, he was very kind and helpful!

We will not be returning to this restaurant. I do not suggest anyone else dine here if they have any real taste for true bbq. The "house" bbq sauce tastes like a mere combination of vinegar and ketchup. The ordered meat came out cold. Beans were a strange black chunky mush with little taste. The coleslaw was the most edible item ordered although it left a lot to be desired. Mostly vinegar on cabbage. Lemonade was this weird disgusting flavor. Interior looks neat inside the building. Not much to say about service. It wasn't great but not bad, just gross food.

I had the cuban sandwich..nice! My wife had the Jethro..very good she said! The owner came out to check if we liked the food..Nice Touch!..The place has personality..ok..kids can eat here too..good! Nice casual, music down low..dim lights..I think the owners found a good location..and offering a good product..We'll be back.

Food was average at best and not warm. I can take it in a pinch but wouldn't go there as my first choice.

I took my friend here today because she is moving to Mackinaw,MI for 6 months. My friend and I have been here several times in the past and the food is homemade. Come early as his food sells out fast. I don't eat ribs but my friend said they are fantastic as well as the different sauces. I try to eat healthy so I usually have grilled chicken with spring greens and spinach with homemade salad dressing. They ran out of the spring mix so they compensated with a cup of homemade tomato soup. I have never seen a restaurant do this so that is a plus in my book. My friend usually gets the pulled pork which I tried and it's very good. I enjoy the food here as it's a lot healthier than other places. I'll be back again soon.

The foods pretty good a little pricey for the size of the plates but it's some hometown cooking

Absolute amazing food! And amazing service. My fiancés favorite for bbq. Just mouth watering brisket woo! Such a cute mom and pop shop

I'm updating since my 2017 review. He now serves breakfasts which are a true blend of the right flavors, and just the right combination of creativity with making it real! In addition to his Wednesday Buffet, He has a Brunch Buffet on Sundays which is fabulous. Jim is a a TRUE master with food. THE MEATS are ALL smoked for hours over a real wood fire, as are the beans and a lot of other dishes. The reason he occasionally "runs out" of certain food items is that his food is "slow cooked", and the demand is so high. He makes his own New York Pastrami and smokes it!!) His ribs are always in demand. I just had the Steak Tips for a change-- wow. They were so tender and flavorful ( add the onions, they are a treat!) The Wednesday Buffet has the chicken, pulled pork, incredible bourbon baked beans, slaw, etc. et.. Jim creates soups and new food items, posting them on FB. It's a great value for people who truly enjoy food and the delightful subtle flavor of REAL smoked food. He doesn't have gelato at present, BUT you can get Malts and Shakes to remind you of when this was the Paris Shoppe and yes, Jim has a food truck and caters graduations, weddings, football gatherings, etc!

Meaty slow smoked rack of ribs with good homemade sauces on the side. I will be coming back for more. Bonus The Clash and other cool music playing in the background

Their Brisket is awesome. Great atmosphere. Will definitely comeback. Especially for breakfast buffet on Sundays

Jim's is amazing!! His Wednesday buffet is my favorite and always a good choice! However, when he does his cast iron burgers it's always the right choice!

Some of the best BBQ I've had. The ribs were off the charts. The owner was great and shared info about the mouth watering Sunday brunch with candied bacon, brisket, home made sausage gravy...wow! They also have a real soda shop. Can't wait to go back.