Jungle Jim's

Is checking out Jungle Jim's in Cinci worth a 2 hour detour? Tell me true Forumites.

I think so.

If you've never been it's certainly worth it! The detour however will be a lot longer than you expect because it takes quite a bit of time to see everything in the store.

I'll say no. It's a cool place, but it can mostly all be found in Louisville. Think of it as a Kroger, Whole Foods, Valu Mart, Lotsa Pasta, and Nuts and Stuff under one roof.

It is without a doubt worth the trip...I guarantee there are things there you will not find locally. Now whether you actually -need- those things (a goats head for example, or several hundred varieties of hot sauces/spice blends/condiments, lots and lots of goofy fruits and veggies and many-many varieties of "craft beer" that are not available south of the river) is entirely up to you...

It is without a doubt worth the trip...I guarantee there are things there you will not find locally. Now whether you actually -need- those things (a goats head for example, or several hundred varieties of hot sauces/spice blends/condiments, lots and lots of goofy fruits and veggies and many-many varieties of "craft beer" that are not available south of the river) is entirely up to you...

Try making the rounds in some of the non-descript Asian and other ethnic stores around the city. I had a Korean friend lead me through a number of them last week. I don't think the average bourgeois suburbanite has any idea of how large and vast many of these stores are becoming. The exotic fruits, veggies, spices, fish, meats, frozen, packaged, etc. foods I'll guess far surpass Jungle Jim's selection. There is truly a parallel market of exotic foods that has become a huge industry in the U.S. of which most of us have no idea. I don't think any foodie who hasn't seriously at some juncture, whether in Louisville, or even better in the larger cities, just spent a day in foreign super/grocery markets has paid him/herself rightful service....You'll have a blast!

Plan on a lot of walking I did not have a clue how big this place was. I know we were there like 3 hours or more and didnt see half. I agree with some other posts you may be able to find most of the stuff locally by going to many different markets but this place has everything in one place. Oh and take a cooler...I didnt so I couldnt get many perishables.

It is without a doubt worth the trip...I guarantee there are things there you will not find locally. Now whether you actually -need- those things (a goats head for example, or several hundred varieties of hot sauces/spice blends/condiments, lots and lots of goofy fruits and veggies and many-many varieties of "craft beer" that are not available south of the river) is entirely up to you...

I agree- it's an experience. You have to do it once- plan to spend several hours just browsing. Like Bev said- make sure to bring a cooler ( or go on a day like today ).

Deb

As far as going two hours out of the way, I agree with James that most people don't realize that we have a wealth of neat things available here at the different ethnic markets. However, they are they are spread out all over the city where nothing compares to J.J.'s because they have EVERYTHING under one roof. I would plan a seperate trip up to really see the place because I usually spend at least two hours there myself. I would also plan on eating at Sabor Peruano right down the street for an excellent and inexpensive meal featuring Peruvian cuisine.

I would also plan on eating at Sabor Peruano right down the street for an excellent and inexpensive meal featuring Peruvian cuisine.

I second Dan's recommendation of Sabor Peruano. Taqueria Mercado is also along the same road and excellent as well. There is a bakery next door that has amazing dulce de leche filled churros for $1.00 each.