Nestled along the Clivner-Field Plaza, Jimmy’s House has become as much a part of Baruch College’s life as final exams and elevator crowds. This cozy spot proudly displays “Go Bearcats!” in its Instagram bio, and its prime location makes it perhaps the closest thing to an actual campus food spot for Baruch students.
Jimmy’s House embodies classic New York Chinese food in all its glory. The space itself is modest, with just a few tables for those who want to dine in, but most students opt for takeout, especially during the lunch rush when Baruch students flood the place between classes. It serves as a perfect alternative when the Baruch library cafeteria is packed, functioning almost as an extension of the campus itself.
“The place is small with only a couple of tables and chairs but cool,” Alex Rodriguez, a finance major graduating in 2026, said. “I usually grab my food and head and take my online class since there’s nowhere to ever sit on this campus.”
Jimmy’s offers Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine at prices that won’t destroy your student budget. Its most popular items include steamed soup dumplings for $10.50, steamed or fried pork dumplings for $9.95, and various lo mein options for $13.95. Many students swear by specific dishes.
“My absolute favorite thing from here is the spicy wontons,” Salma Badawi, a junior majoring in accounting, said. “The peanut sauce makes it so good. The wontons are juicy and so flavorful.”
Not everything hits the mark, though. Samantha Patel, a marketing sophomore, notes that “it can be very hit or miss” with some items “cold, lacking flavor, or overcooked.” Baruch students’ consensus seems to be that sticking to their usual favorites is the safest bet.
What Jimmy’s may occasionally lack in culinary consistency, it makes up for in its convenience. Located steps from campus, it’s the go-to spot for students with tight schedules.
“It’s perfect for when I have back-to-back classes and need a full meal but don’t want to walk too far,” Badawi said. “The owners are friendly too. They remember my order and sometimes give recommendations.”
However, not all students are enthusiastic patrons. “Unless you’re a freshman and don’t feel like walking four blocks to where the higher quality restaurants are, there are better options,” Jordan Lee, a senior majoring in computer information systems admits.
Students’ opinions on menu prices vary wildly. Some call it “affordable for the area,” while others find it “a little expensive for the portion they give.” Its cash-preferred policy is a popular feature among budget-conscious students who want to avoid paying tax.
Jimmy’s House isn’t trying to be fine dining. It’s trying to be exactly what it is: convenient, filling Chinese food for busy college students. Some days it’s the perfect comfort food; other days it might disappoint. But when you’re racing between classes with a growling stomach and $10 in your pocket, Jimmy’s House will be there, soup dumplings at the ready.
