Jimmy Max Restaurant Blog, Jimmy Max Specials, Bar Weekly Events

James J. McBratney was just 12 when a family tragedy could have derailed his life. But today, McBratney, a product of Staten Island public schools, is a successful business owner and financial adviser best known as the proprietor of Jimmy Max Restaurant. He opened the restaurant in 1989 in the borough’s Westerleigh section after he dropped out of college. Through the business, whose pizza was heralded by Barstool Sport’s Dave Portnoy in his “One Bite” reviews, McBratney has supported countless community endeavors and charities. He went back to college and earned a degree in business in 2005 from the College of Staten Island, which led to a sideline position as a financial adviser. He then earned a master’s degree in church management from Villanova University, which he uses to assist his parish pastor. McBratney is the father of five, and his wife, Kathleen, is a newly retired UFT member who was the longtime chapter leader at PS 31. His accomplishments were recognized by Port Richmond HS, which inducted the 1979 graduate into its Hall of Fame.

During my 7th-grade year at IS 51 in May 1973, my father was murdered in Snoope’s Bar on Staten Island by John Gotti — yes, that John Gotti, who went on to become head of the Gambino crime family.

I was a Staten Island Advance carrier, and I delivered the newspaper the next day with a photo of my father’s dead body sprawled above the fold. Then, every time they did a follow-up story, they’d resurrect the photo.

For a 12-year-old, it was devastating. I stopped going to school. It was too public, too embarrassing. Since I had already missed a month of school due to an appendectomy in January, I was in danger of being held back. But Bernie Campbell, the 7th-grade assistant principal, and my physical education teacher, Larry Ambrosino, were really instrumental in keeping me focused and getting me to go back to school and move on to 8th grade.

My public school education had already begun to shape me by this time. After going to pre-K at PS 20, I went to PS 21 for grades K to 5. My 5th-grade teacher was Janet Sheie — who got married during the school year and became Mrs. Olson. I was the teacher’s pet. If a job needed to be done, she always chose me.

I also received the American Legion Award for patriotism and scholarship that year, one of my proudest possessions, and won the science award. Mrs. Olson recommended me to be in the SP (special progress) program for middle school. I am certain her faith in me helped shape me.

After middle school, I went to Port Richmond HS, where I was a starting catcher for the baseball team for three years and co-captain as a senior. I was also the student body president my senior year.

Phillip Pignatelli, my social studies teacher, was a philosophical thinker and recommended many books. The one that really had an impact on my life was “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl, which described Frankl’s experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The message was that you can choose your response to any set of stimuli. You can respond negatively or positively, and you always have that choice — even in a concentration camp. I just reread it recently.

Frank Ptak, my baseball coach, put me on the varsity team as a sophomore. I was a boy competing against young men. Talk about a confidence booster!

From the time I was 13, I had worked making pizza and then tending bar at Denino’s restaurant, which was owned by Carl Denino, a cousin of my grandfather, John Denino. When I was 27, I decided to open Jimmy Max. I used my life savings and my grandfather took out a $50,000 home equity loan to get me started. I also used all his recipes for our menu.

But two months after we opened in 1989, an 18-month sewer and water-main project stopped traffic on our street. I got the idea to start the Jimmy Max Pizza Seminar and reached out to one of my old middle school teachers, Anthony Minardo, who had become principal at nearby PS 30. He told his staff about it.

I did a lesson on the history of pizza and would demonstrate how to make a pizza to groups of students, and every child would go home with a piece of dough in a small pizza box with the name Jimmy Max and our address and phone number.

Well, the kids invariably told their parents, who then brought the families in. It has led to lifelong customers and friendships, and we still do the seminars. I’ve done 10,000 or more.

I promise you, that’s the reason I’m in business today.

— As told to Joe LoVerde

WEEKLY MENU SPECIALS

Friday September 5^th - Thursday September 11^th            

SALADS:

●       Spinach Salad With hard boiled eggs, bacon and blue cheese crumbles tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette $11.95

●     Nonna’s Salad mixed greens lettuce, raisins, grapes, and mandarin oranges tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

●       Arugula Salad Prosciutto, red onions, tomatoes & shaved pecorino Romano topped with a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

APPETIZERS:                                                      

●       Boom Boom Calamari Fried calamari tossed in a sweet & spicy mayonnaise-based chili sauce $16.95

●       Stuffed Jalapeno Stuffed with bacon, cheddar and cream cheese then breaded, fried & topped with ranch $13.95

●       Zucchini Cakes A mixture of zucchini, mozzarella, pecorino and onions breaded and fried, served with Sriracha mayo $11.95

●       Buffalo Chicken Fries Chicken cutlet and fries tossed in buffalo hot sauce topped with blue cheese $10.95

ENTREES:

●       Salmon Piccata With capers, onions in a white wine, lemon butter sauce $22.95

●       Chicken Artichoke Boneless chicken breast with artichoke hearts, roasted peppers in a lemon butter sauce $22.95

●       Parsonage Penne: Penne pasta with grilled chicken, bacon, onions, and tomatoes in cream sauce $15.95

●       Pork Cutlet Francese Crispy pork cutlets in a lemon white wine sauce over mashed potatoes and vegetables $20.95

●       Grilled Steak Hero Thinly cut and grilled rib steak on garlic bread with provolone, mushrooms& onions and side of fries $18.95 Add cherry peppers +$1

 *Some Items Can Be Made Gluten Free. Ask Your Server.

Jimmy Max Restaurant & Bar

280 Watchogue Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314

Phone: 718-983-6715   Order Online: www.jimmymax.com

*Dinner Menu Specials are not to be combined with other offers.

“The honor of my name is the guarantee behind any action of this business” Jimmy McBratney

WEEKLY MENU SPECIALS

Friday August 29^th - Thursday September 4^th            

SALADS:

●       Shrimp Cocktail 8 Shrimp served with our house made cocktail sauce $10.95

●     Nonna’s Salad mixed greens lettuce, raisins, grapes, and mandarin oranges tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

●       Arugula Salad Prosciutto, red onions, tomatoes & shaved pecorino Romano topped with a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

APPETIZERS:                                                      

●       Buffalo Cauliflower Breaded & fried Cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce $11.95

●       Thai Style Calamari Fried Calamari tossed in a sweet and spicy Thai sauce $16.95

●       Stuffed Peppers: stuffed with sausage, peppers, mozzarella over marinara sauce $12.95

●       Old Bay Fries Served with a garlic aioli $9.95

ENTREES:

●       Flounder Oreganata Pan roasted in white wine, lemon & butter topped with breadcrumbs served with rice and vegetables $20.95

●       Chicken Caribbean Marinated chicken in a mango sauce, fresh peppers, red onions, mushrooms and asparagus served over rice $22.95

●       Rigatoni Puttanesca Rigatoni tossed with tomatoes, black olives, capers and garlic $17.95

●       Pork Cutlet Francese Crispy pork cutlets in a lemon white wine sauce over mashed potatoes and vegetables $20.95

●       Fried Chicken Hot Honey Hero Chicken Cutlet, fresh mozzarella & bacon drizzled with hot honey $14.95

*Some Items Can Be Made Gluten Free. Ask Your Server.

Jimmy Max Restaurant & Bar

280 Watchogue Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314

Phone: 718-983-6715   Order Online: www.jimmymax.com

*Dinner Menu Specials are not to be combined with other offers.

“The honor of my name is the guarantee behind any action of this business” Jimmy McBratney

WEEKLY MENU SPECIALS

Friday August 22^nd - Thursday August 28^th            

SALADS:

●       Mozzarella Caprese Fresh mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, fresh roasted peppers, fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze $13.95

●     Nonna’s Salad mixed greens lettuce, raisins, grapes, and mandarin oranges tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

●       Arugula Salad Prosciutto, red onions, tomatoes & shaved pecorino Romano topped with a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

APPETIZERS:                                                      

●       Artichoke Hearts Oreganata Baked artichoke hearts with breadcrumbs, lemon white wine and butter $11.95

●       Boom Boom Boneless Wings Boneless wings tossed in a boom boom sauce (spicy mayo) $12.50

●       Broccoli and Cheese Patties Broccoli & Cheddar breaded and formed into patties served with ranch $11.95

●       Cream Cheese, Jalapeno, Cheddar and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms $12.95

ENTREES:

●       Blackened Salmon Blackened salmon over a white bean bruschetta with a side of rice and vegetables $18.95

●       Chicken & Sausage Boneless chicken sautéed with, sausage, peppers, onions & potatoes in a marsala sauce over mashed potatoes $22.95

●       Cavatelli With Broccoli Rabe, Sausage, garlic, oil & melted cubed fresh mozzarella $19.95

●       Pork Cutlet Milanese Thin breaded pork cutlet on a bed of mixed greens lettuce topped with fresh mozzarella & tomato bruschetta $20.95

●       Chicken Mary Tomato Hero Grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella and bruschetta on a hero $13.95

*Some Items Can Be Made Gluten Free. Ask Your Server.

Jimmy Max Restaurant & Bar

280 Watchogue Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314

Phone: 718-983-6715   Order Online: www.jimmymax.com

*Dinner Menu Specials are not to be combined with other offers.

“The honor of my name is the guarantee behind any action of this business” Jimmy McBratney

Jimmy Max Italian Restaurant Private Party Room Catering

Book an affair in our newly updated Party Room. Our private party room will accommodate up to 70 guests comfortably. Perfect party place for an Office Party, Reunion, Special Birthday, Anniversary, Graduation, Retirement Dinner, Wedding Shower, Rehearsal Dinner, Small Intimate Weddings, Baby Shower, Baby Reveal, Christening, Communion, Bar Mitzva, Bat Mitzva and other Occasions. Four budget friendly menus to choose from. Gluten Free catering is available. 

Jimmy Max Restaurant & Bar

280 Watchogue Rd

Staten Island, NY 10314

Phone 718-983-6715

Party Menus

Party Request Form

WEEKLY MENU SPECIALS

Friday August 15^th - Thursday August 21^st           

SALADS:

●       Apple Salad Romain with green apples, blue cheese crumbles, red onions and an apple cider vinaigrette $11.95

●     Nonna’s Salad mixed greens lettuce, raisins, grapes, and mandarin oranges tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

●       Arugula Salad Prosciutto, red onions, tomatoes & shaved pecorino Romano topped with a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

APPETIZERS:                                                      

●       Baked Clams Casino Clams stuffed with bacon, peppers, onions & breadcrumbs $13.95

●       Fried Ravioli Cheese ravioli with vodka sauce $12.95

●       Fried Buffalo Chicken Balls $12.95

●       Grilled Portobello and Asparagus with fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, and fresh tomato with balsamic glaze $14.95

ENTREES:

●       Flounder Filet Piccata With capers, onions in a white wine, lemon butter sauce $20.95

●       Chicken Sorrentino Chicken breast topped with eggplant, prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella with a red sauce, mashed potatoes & vegetables $23.95

●       Penne & Shrimp Pesto Penne and sautéed shrimp tossed in a pesto cream sauce $16.95

●       Pork Medallions Pan sautéed with roasted peppers, onions & mushrooms in a brown gravy over mashed potatoes $24.95

●       Philly Cheesesteak Hero Topped with cheddar cheese sauce and onions served with French fries $12.95

*Some Items Can Be Made Gluten Free. Ask Your Server.

Jimmy Max Restaurant & Bar

280 Watchogue Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314

Phone: 718-983-6715   Order Online: www.jimmymax.com

*Dinner Menu Specials are not to be combined with other offers.

“The honor of my name is the guarantee behind any action of this business” Jimmy McBratney

WEEKLY MENU SPECIALS

Friday August 8^th - Thursday August 14^th          

SALADS:

●       Apple Salad Romain with green apples, blue cheese crumbles, red onions and an apple cider vinaigrette $11.95

●     Nonna’s Salad mixed greens lettuce, raisins, grapes, and mandarin oranges tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

●       Arugula Salad Prosciutto, red onions, tomatoes & shaved pecorino Romano topped with a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

APPETIZERS:                                                      

●       Fried Artichoke Hearts over a bed of baby greens with fresh mozzarella and tomato topped with balsamic glaze $13.95

●       Mini Fried Asiago Cheese Balls $8.95

●       Loaded Potato Skins stuffed with bacon and cheddar cheese with a side of sour cream $9.95

●       Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Eggrolls House made breaded and fried pulled pork mac & cheese eggrolls $12.95

ENTREES:

●       Angry Shrimp Scampi Our classic shrimp scampi sauce with cherry peppers served over rice & vegetables $21.95

●       Chicken Milanese Fried cutlet on a bed of mixed greens lettuce topped with fresh mozzarella & tomato bruschetta $20.95

●       Orecchiette Pasta with spicy Italian sausage, spinach, plum tomatoes, garlic and oil $16.95

●       BBQ Pulled Pork Hero served with French fries $13.95

●       BBQ Pulled Pork Platter with mashed potatoes & vegetables $17.95

*Some Items Can Be Made Gluten Free. Ask Your Server.

Jimmy Max Restaurant & Bar

280 Watchogue Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314

Phone: 718-983-6715   Order Online: www.jimmymax.com

*Dinner Menu Specials are not to be combined with other offers.

“The honor of my name is the guarantee behind any action of this business” Jimmy McBratney

Jimmy Max Weekly Menu Specials, Dine in, Pick-up or Delivery by Jimmy Max Drivers.

Reservations Call 718-983-6715 or Order Online

WEEKLY MENU SPECIALS

Friday August 1^st - Thursday August 7^th          

SALADS:

●       Spinach Salad With hard boiled eggs, bacon and blue cheese crumbles tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette $11.95

●     Nonna’s Salad mixed greens lettuce, raisins, grapes, and mandarin oranges tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

●       Arugula Salad Prosciutto, red onions, tomatoes & shaved pecorino Romano topped with a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

APPETIZERS:                                                      

●       Boom Boom Shrimp Fried shrimp tossed in a sweet & spicy mayonnaise based chili sauce $14.95

●       Buffalo Chicken Taquitos Buffalo chicken rolled in tortillas, fried and topped with bleu cheese $12.95

●       Fried Mac and Cheese Bites $9.95

●       Stuffed Zucchini Boats Stuffed with a southern style rice, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheddar and cilantro $12.95

ENTREES:

●       Fried Flounder Milanese Fried flounder topped with bruschetta served over mashed potatoes $19.95

●       Veal Ravioli Served with a braised short rib ragu $21.95

●       Pork Medallions topped with broccoli rabe & cherry peppers served with mashed potatoes $24.95

●       Chicken Pesto Fried chicken cutlet with fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers and a basil pesto PLATTER $21.95 with mashed potatoes & vegetables HERO $15.95 with fries

*Some Items Can Be Made Gluten Free. Ask Your Server.

Jimmy Max Restaurant & Bar

280 Watchogue Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314

Phone: 718-983-6715   Order Online: www.jimmymax.com

*Dinner Menu Specials are not to be combined with other offers.

“The honor of my name is the guarantee behind any action of this business” Jimmy McBratney

Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap $7.95

Chicken Cutlet with Roasted Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella & Balsamic Glaze in a Wrap $8.95

Buffalo Chicken Wrap with Lettuce & Tomato $7.95

BLT Wrap $7.95

Add a Side of Fries to Any Lunch $2.00

**Dine-In Only – Lunch Specials are not to be combined with other coupons or discount offers

Book your Fantasy Football Draft at Jimmy Max

For Availability Text Erin 718-715-2815

for a Fast Response Fill Out our Party Request Form

NEWLY RENOVATED DINING ROOM & BAR - ICE COLD TAP BEER

 ----------------

FIRST CHOOSE YOUR DRINK PACKAGE

NEXT CHOOSE 5 APPETIZERS LISTED WITH YOUR DRINK PACKAGE

THEN CHOOSE 5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF PIZZAS OFF OUR REGULAR MENU

------------------

DOMESTIC BEER PACKAGE

$45/Person for 4 hours

DOMESTIC DRAFT BEER:                                 

BUD LIGHT, ROLLING ROCK, YUENGLING

MICHELOB ULTRA & MILLER LIGHT                                 

DOMESTIC BOTTLE BEER:                               

BUD, BUD LIGHT, BUD LIGHT SELTZER,                              

MILLER HIGH LIFE, & COORS LIGHT

APPETIZERS

POPS MEATBALLS

BONELESS WINGS (BUFFALO OR BBQ)

GARLIC STICKS

RICEBALLS

EGGPANT ROLLATINI

 ---------------

PREMIUM BEER PACKAGE

*Excludes Surfside & High Noon*

$55/Person for 4 hours

ALL DRAFT BEER & BOTTLED BEER                                      

APPETIZERS

ANYTHING LISTED ABOVE PLUS:

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK EGGROLLS

CHICKEN FINGERS

FRIED CALAMARI

FRIED SHRIMP

 ------------

OPEN BAR PACKAGE

$65/Person for 4 hours

ALL DRAFT BEER, BOTTLED BEER,               

AND MIXED DRINKS.

*Excludes shots & premium liquor*

APPETIZERS

ANYTHING LISTED ABOVE PLUS:      

BUFFALO WINGS

BAKED CLAMS

MUSSELS (RED OR WHITE)

---------------------------------------------------- 

20% GRATUITY WILL BE ADDED. CASH ONLY. $10 PER PERSON FOR AN EXTRA HOUR.  

PLEASE TEXT ERIN AT (718)715-2815 FOR AVAILABILITY

“The honor of my name is the guarantee behind any action of this business” Jimmy McBratney

WEEKLY MENU SPECIALS

Friday July 25^th - Thursday July 31^st         

SALADS:

●       Mozzarella Caprese Fresh mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, fresh roasted peppers, fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze $13.95

●     Nonna’s Salad mixed greens lettuce, raisins, grapes, and mandarin oranges tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

●       Arugula Salad Prosciutto, red onions, tomatoes & shaved pecorino Romano topped with a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

APPETIZERS:                                                      

●       Eggplant Napoleon A tower of fried eggplant, tomato and fresh mozzarella garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze $12.95

●       Broccoli and Cheddar Rice Balls House made rice balls with broccoli and cheddar $10.95

●       Boom Boom Calamari Fried calamari tossed in a sweet & spicy mayonnaise-based chili sauce $16.95

●       Stuffed Peppers: stuffed with sausage, peppers, mozzarella over marinara sauce $12.95

ENTREES:

●       Salmon Teriyaki Served with a teriyaki glaze, julienned vegetables and rice $23.95

●       Seafood Paella: with shrimp, clams, mussels, chicken, chorizo, with peas over rice $26.95

●       Pan Seared Chicken with crumbled sausage, roasted peppers, in a mushroom brown gravy served with mashed potato & vegetables $20.95

●       Pork Cutlets Crispy fried pork cutlets topped with broccoli rabe and fresh mozzarella HERO $16.95/ PLATTER $22.95

*Some Items Can Be Made Gluten Free. Ask Your Server.

Jimmy Max Restaurant & Bar

280 Watchogue Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314

Phone: 718-983-6715   Order Online: www.jimmymax.com

*Dinner Menu Specials are not to be combined with other offers.

“The honor of my name is the guarantee behind any action of this business” Jimmy McBratney

WEEKLY MENU SPECIALS

Friday July 18^th - Thursday July 24^th        

SALADS:

●       String Bean & Potato Salad A cold string bean, potato and tomato salad with a house vinaigrette $9.95

●     Nonna’s Salad mixed greens lettuce, raisins, grapes, and mandarin oranges tossed in a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

●      Arugula Salad Prosciutto, red onions, tomatoes & shaved pecorino Romano topped with a light citrus vinaigrette $11.95

APPETIZERS:                                                      

●       Italian Eggrolls Sausage, broccoli rabe and rice rolled in an eggroll served with marinara $12.95

●       Stuffed Jalapeno Stuffed with bacon, cheddar and cream cheese then breaded, fried & topped with ranch $13.95

●       Zuppa Di Clams In our homemade marinara sauce $13.95

●       Mozzarella en Carozza Pan fried bread stuffed with mozzarella and ricotta $12.95

ENTREES:

●       Salmon Piccata With capers, onions in a white wine, lemon butter sauce $22.95

●       Nonna’s Pasta Penne pasta with zucchini, melted fresh mozzarella and bread crumbs with a light red sauce $16.95

●       Chicken Caribbean Marinated chicken in a mango sauce, fresh peppers, red onions, mushrooms and asparagus served over rice $22.95

●       Pork Medallions Pan sautéed with cherry peppers & onions in a white wine sauce over mashed potatoes $24.95

●       Philly Cheesesteak Hero Topped with cheddar cheese sauce and onions served with French fries $12.95

*Some Items Can Be Made Gluten Free. Ask Your Server.

Jimmy Max Restaurant & Bar

280 Watchogue Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314

Phone: 718-983-6715   Order Online: www.jimmymax.com

*Dinner Menu Specials are not to be combined with other offers.

“The honor of my name is the guarantee behind any action of this business” Jimmy McBratney