Jimmy's Old Town Tavern | Open Jam Events

Where Everybody Knows Your Name: Herndon's 28-Year Neighborhood Institution

The Heart of Old Town Herndon

Since opening in 1997, Jimmy's Old Town Tavern has become what every neighborhood bar aspires to be but few achieve: a genuine community gathering place where regulars return weekly, newcomers immediately feel welcome, and the spirit of camaraderie flows as freely as the craft beer. Located on the corner of Elden and Spring Streets in historic Old Town Herndon, Jimmy's has spent 28 years perfecting the art of being a true local tavern—the kind of place that earns constant comparisons to the bar from "Cheers" because, quite simply, everybody really does know your name.

Owner Jimmy runs an establishment that balances multiple identities with remarkable grace. It's a Buffalo Bills sports bar (more on that below), a live music venue, a trivia and poker destination, a family-friendly restaurant during the day, and a late-night gathering spot for the young at heart. The key to this multifaceted success? Genuine hospitality, consistently excellent food, and a staff—including beloved bartenders Gabe and Josh—who treat every patron like a regular even on their first visit.

The Space: Classic Tavern Charm with Modern Amenities

Jimmy's occupies the sweet spot between authentic neighborhood dive and elevated tavern. The interior features that classic pub aesthetic—comfortable seating including booths and tables, a traditional bar area where conversations flow naturally, TVs strategically positioned for sports viewing, and Buffalo Bills memorabilia decorating the walls. The atmosphere achieves that "dated but clean and neat" quality that reviewers consistently praise—nothing pretentious, just a well-maintained space where people gather to enjoy good times.

But the real jewel is the outdoor Beer Garden, open year-round and dog-friendly for patrons with friendly pups. The covered patio provides fresh air and natural light, complete with outdoor bar service. Whether you're watching sports on the big screens, catching live music, or simply enjoying conversation over cold beers and hot wings, the Beer Garden extends Jimmy's welcoming atmosphere into the open air.

The venue accommodates live music with a dedicated performance area that hosts everything from Wednesday night open mics to Thursday featured artists. Multiple TVs ensure sports fans never miss the action, while the layout provides both communal spaces for socializing and quieter pockets for conversation.

Wednesday Open Mic: A Northern Virginia Institution

Every Wednesday night beginning at 8:00 PM and running until 12:45 AM, Jimmy's transforms into one of Northern Virginia's most welcoming open mic venues. Operating on a walk-in format, acoustic musicians arrive, sign up, and share their talents in front of a supportive audience of fellow performers, music lovers, and regular patrons who've made Wednesday their weekly musical ritual.

The Format: The open mic welcomes all types of music and instruments, though acoustic performances are preferred given the tavern setting. The nearly five-hour window (8 PM to 12:45 AM) provides ample opportunity for multiple performers without rushing anyone's set. Musicians sign up when they arrive, creating an organic, unpredictable evening where you might hear folk ballads followed by classic rock covers, original singer-songwriter material, blues standards, and everything in between.

The Vibe: Unlike competitive open mics where performers jockey for attention, Wednesday nights at Jimmy's maintain a supportive, collaborative atmosphere. The audience includes dedicated music fans who come specifically for the performances, fellow musicians waiting their turn and supporting their peers, and regular Jimmy's patrons who appreciate the added dimension live music brings to their evening out.

The tavern setting creates a relaxed, low-pressure environment perfect for both seasoned performers and newcomers testing material or building confidence. You're not performing in a sterile coffee shop or intimidating music club—you're sharing your art in a neighborhood bar where people genuinely appreciate live music while enjoying quality food and drinks.

What Makes It Special: The open mic has become a consistent fixture in the Northern Virginia music scene, drawing performers from throughout the greater DC metro area. The weekly reliability means musicians can count on Jimmy's as a regular outlet for performance, while audiences know they can show up any Wednesday for live music. This consistency builds community—you'll see familiar faces week after week, relationships form, collaborations emerge, and the open mic becomes less a series of isolated performances and more an ongoing musical conversation.

The Weekly Entertainment Calendar: Something Every Night

Jimmy's doesn't limit entertainment to Wednesday open mics. The venue maintains an impressive weekly schedule that transforms the tavern into a hub of activity seven days a week:

Tuesday: Trivia Night - Games begin at 7:30 PM with Jimmy himself serving as emcee. Test your knowledge, compete for prizes, and enjoy the friendly competition that brings regulars back week after week. The phrase "trivia madness" accurately captures the energy.

Wednesday: Open Mic Night - Acoustic musicians take the stage from 8:00 PM to 12:45 AM in the format described above.

Thursday: Live Music - Featured artists and bands bring professional performances to Jimmy's stage, covering a range of genres from rock to country to blues.

Friday & Saturday: DJ Entertainment - The weekend kicks into high gear with DJs spinning dance music and keeping the energy high. These are also the nights for Jimmy's Famous Friday Night Fish Fry (featuring fresh haddock and homemade cream of crab soup) and Saturday's Prime Rib Night—two culinary traditions that pair perfectly with the festive atmosphere.

Sunday: Bills Games & Poker - Buffalo Bills games dominate Sundays (arrive early for a table when the Bills are playing), while free Texas Hold 'Em poker tournaments offer competitive fun with great prizes and chances at regional and national championships.

Monday: Poker Tournaments - Additional free Texas Hold 'Em action for poker enthusiasts.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday: Poker Tournaments - Free Texas Hold 'Em tournaments run multiple nights weekly, featuring online rankings and progression opportunities for serious players.

This packed schedule means Jimmy's never sits idle—there's genuinely something happening every night, creating the kind of energy and consistency that turns casual visitors into devoted regulars.

The Food: Buffalo & Philly Classics Done Right

Jimmy's didn't earn the title "King of the Wings" from NoVA Magazine four consecutive years by accident. The buffalo wings—enormous, juicy, incredibly flavorful—stand as the signature dish that brings people back repeatedly. These aren't your standard bar wings; they're crafted with care using Jimmy's proprietary wing sauce (available for purchase to take home).

But the menu extends far beyond wings into a comprehensive American tavern menu with special attention to Buffalo and Philadelphia culinary traditions:

Buffalo Specialties:

Beef on Weck - The Western New York classic featuring sliced roast beef on a kummelweck roll topped with caraway seeds and coarse salt. Authentic, delicious, and a must-try for those unfamiliar with this Buffalo staple.
Wings - The undisputed stars of the menu
LaBatt's Blue on tap - The Canadian beer beloved by Buffalo sports fans

Philly Favorites:

Philly Cheesesteak - Made with authentic Amoroso rolls (the traditional Philly roll) and real cheese whiz for purists. Reviewers from Philadelphia consistently praise the authenticity.
"Wit Wiz" - Order it Philly-style: "wit wiz add mushrooms" for the full experience

Polish & Eastern European:

Pierogies - Frequently praised, often served alongside kielbasa
Kielbasa - Quality Polish sausage

Steakhouse Classics:

Prime Rib - Available Saturday nights and consistently described as "awesome"
Ribeye Steak - Quality cuts prepared well

Tavern Standards:

Burgers - The All-American Burger cooked to order (medium rare if you prefer)
BBQ Ribs - Tender, flavorful
Sausage Lasagna - Homemade comfort food
Jamaican Jerk Chicken - Adding Caribbean flair to the menu

Friday Fish Fry:

Fresh Haddock - Beer-battered and fried to perfection
Homemade Cream of Crab Soup - A Jimmy's specialty

Appetizers:

Poutine - Canadian comfort food
Potato Skins - Described as "the best I've had in a long time"
ChiliMac - A signature dish combining chili and mac & cheese

Daily Specials:

Fresh soup made daily
Rotating specials that keep the menu interesting

Desserts:

Bread pudding
Root beer floats
Various homemade options

The portions are generous, prices reasonable, and quality consistent. The kitchen stays open until 1:30 AM, making Jimmy's a rare destination for quality late-night food beyond typical bar snacks.

The Beverage Program: Craft Beer & Full Bar

The beer selection emphasizes both quality and variety. Draft options include domestic favorites, imported selections, and a strong showing of craft and microbrews. The rotating tap list ensures regular visitors always find something new to try while maintaining the classics like LaBatt's Blue for Buffalo sports fans.

The full bar stocks premium spirits for cocktails, and the wine selection—while not the primary focus—provides options for those preferring grape over grain. Happy hour runs 4-8 PM daily, offering excellent value on drinks and select appetizers.

The outdoor Beer Garden features its own bar service, ensuring patio patrons receive the same attentive service as those inside.

The Buffalo Bills Connection: A Northern Virginia Oasis for Bills Mafia

Jimmy's proudly declares itself a Buffalo Bills bar, creating a Northern Virginia home for transplanted Western New Yorkers and Bills fans throughout the greater DC area. The decor features Bills memorabilia, all Buffalo games air with priority treatment (seriously—arrive early for tables when the Bills play), and the menu honors Buffalo culinary traditions.

But crucially, Jimmy's welcomes fans of all teams. The Buffalo identity creates character and authenticity without alienating non-Bills fans. Washington sports fans, NFL fans generally, and even people who don't care about sports find themselves welcome and comfortable. The Bills connection provides identity without exclusivity—a difficult balance Jimmy's pulls off beautifully.

What They Offer Musicians

For Open Mic Performers:

Weekly consistency: Every Wednesday, 8:00 PM - 12:45 AM, walk-in format
Long performance window: Nearly five hours accommodates many performers
Acoustic focus: Intimate tavern setting perfect for unplugged performances
Supportive environment: Mixed audience of music fans, fellow performers, and appreciative regulars
No pressure: Neighborhood bar atmosphere removes intimidation
Quality sound: Appropriate amplification for acoustic performances
Food & drink: Access to full menu and bar (late kitchen hours!)
Central location: Historic Old Town Herndon, accessible from throughout Northern VA
Free parking: Municipal lots across the street on Elden and Station Streets

For Featured Artists (Thursday Live Music):

Booked performances: Professional gigs with compensation
Established venue: 28 years of operation with loyal customer base
Mixed audience: Music fans, regular patrons, community members
Full backline support: Equipment and technical support provided
Promotion: Venue actively promotes through website, social media, and email newsletter
Food & beverage perks: Access to excellent tavern fare

General Benefits:

Late hours: Kitchen until 1:30 AM, bar until 2:00 AM
Year-round operation: Open daily, consistent programming
Community connection: Performing at an authentic neighborhood institution
Cross-promotion: Exposure to trivia crowds, poker players, sports fans
Dog-friendly patio: Your furry friend can join you in the Beer Garden
Owner involvement: Jimmy himself actively participates in the venue

The Jimmy's Experience: More Than Just a Bar

What makes Jimmy's special defies simple categorization. Reviewers consistently use phrases like "felt the love," "great vibe," "friendly and attentive staff," "treated like a regular," and comparisons to "Cheers" and "Friends." The venue achieves something increasingly rare in modern hospitality: genuine warmth that can't be manufactured through corporate training or trendy design.

The staff—particularly bartenders Gabe and Josh, frequently mentioned by name in reviews—embody this hospitality. They remember regulars, welcome newcomers, keep drinks refilled, and create the atmosphere that transforms a tavern from business transaction to community gathering place.

Owner Jimmy's active presence matters. He hosts trivia nights personally, engages with customers, maintains standards, and demonstrates the kind of hands-on ownership that customers appreciate. When the owner genuinely cares about the experience, it permeates every aspect of the business.

The diversity of the crowd reflects inclusive hospitality. Families during daytime hours, young professionals after work, music fans on Wednesday nights, trivia enthusiasts on Tuesdays, poker players multiple nights weekly, Buffalo Bills fanatics on Sundays, late-night revelers until 2 AM—Jimmy's accommodates everyone while maintaining a cohesive identity as a neighborhood gathering place.

The Verdict: A Neighborhood Treasure

After 28 years, Jimmy's Old Town Tavern has achieved what every neighborhood bar dreams of: becoming essential to its community. The combination of consistently excellent food (those wings!), comprehensive entertainment programming, genuine hospitality, and authentic neighborhood character creates something that transcends mere business success.

For musicians, Wednesday open mic nights offer one of Northern Virginia's most welcoming and reliable performance opportunities. The supportive atmosphere, appreciative audiences, convenient location, and integration into a beloved community institution make Jimmy's an ideal venue for performers at any skill level.

For patrons—whether you're seeking buffalo wings and Bills games, Wednesday night live music, Tuesday trivia, weekend poker, Thursday featured artists, Friday fish fry, Saturday prime rib, or simply a cold beer and friendly conversation—Jimmy's delivers consistently. The phrase "where everybody knows your name" has become cliché, but at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern, after 28 years of genuine hospitality and community building, it remains remarkably accurate.

So grab a seat at the bar, order some wings (you won't regret it), and settle in to experience what a true neighborhood tavern feels like. Whether you're bringing your guitar for Wednesday open mic, testing your knowledge at Tuesday trivia, or simply enjoying quality food and drink in welcoming company, you're participating in something special—a 28-year tradition of making everyone feel like a regular, even on their first visit.

Thank you for 28 years, Jimmy's. Here's to countless more.