Insider Pages Reviews for Jackson's Village Bistro Restaurant

4 Stars: Classy experience in this easy-going beach town (by cpo5815)

cpo5815 — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT

In a town that is very casaul, the local eateries seem to focus on sub sandwhiches and casual food. Jackson Village Bistro serves up gourmet food such as my favorite Filet Medalions with Porcini Mushroom sauce. Yummmmmmm. You can also bring your own wine or experiment with flavors by ordering the wine flight in-house. Great service too!

5 Stars: Best Filet Mignon in Hermosa Beach!!! (by allanr2247)

allanr2247 — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I recommend the Filet Mignon w/ Cabernet-Gorgonzola Sauce, it is the best! You get a big 12oz filet, with an exquisite cabernet-gorgonzola sauce... it is the best 28.95 i've ever spent!!!

5 Stars: Wonderful Food & Atmosphere (by leogal15)

leogal15 — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

What a wonderful find! Cozy and romantic, with real personal attention and homey decor. I had the Risotto with filet and truffle oil, and it was amazing! Please heed my advice: This awesome place only has about 6 tables, so make a reservation!

5 Stars: Enjoyed a great meal (by JDS2F)

JDS2F — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Menu was recently revised. Nice wine pairings, great dessert menu. Food was great and reasonably priced.

3 Stars: Good but not great (by KristenZale)

KristenZale — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My husband and I ate here on a Saturday night for our wedding anniversary as it was local and casual. The food was good but not outstanding as I had expected from the reviews. It overall had a nice ambiance and the wait staff was attentive. We will return and try it again.

4 Stars: So Great! (by ajmattero)

ajmattero — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Food and Service were exceptional and the $5 corkage fee doesn't hurt either! Had a late dinner there last Friday, everything was so wonderful including the chef/owner taking the time to talk to us for at least 10 minutes. I can't reccomend this place enough. The dining area is a little small, but that's definitely part of it's quaint appeal. WORTH A TRY!!!

4 Stars: Very romantic (by agentorange)

agentorange — Fri, 23 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I took my girlfriend there for an anniversary dinner. It was perfect. The food was great. I had a chicken dish served with plantains. It was great, and I'm sure we'll be back. Make sure you make reservations. It's a very small place that books up quick.

4 Stars: Good food, slow but gracious and personal service (by runner0382)

runner0382 — Sun, 04 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT

The thing that stands out most at Jackson's is their service. It's not fast - the restaurant is on the small side and slows service down in addition to just not being able (or willing) to crank out food as quickly as many. But the fact that the owner often serves when he has a spare moment, will always come by to make sure everything is okay (as if to acknowledge that no night is ever 100% perfect from the kitchen AND also just to be genuinely welcoming), and small touches (hummus to start with great, freshly baked bread) far outweigh the few negatives. I had the burger and it was a bit torched - seared too much on the outside, and far less than medium on the inside, but not minding it, I said nothing and enjoyed the balsamic onions, blue cheese, garlic, and hand-cut fries accompanying. My girlfriend's pasta was a surprise - the crab essence was pronounced throughout the dish. Chocolate souffle won't win any awards but is pleasing and had a perfectly-sized vanilla ice cream scoop and chocolate and blackberry reduction on the side. Jackson's would be 5 star if the food were better - it is still very good, and the owner truly cares! And so we return again and again. Haven't touched steaks, meats, or fish on the menu. French onion soup is as good as others describe...

4 Stars: tight seating, good food (by vnbuckmaster)

vnbuckmaster — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I went with a friend to Jacksons in Hermosa beach and found the seats to be uncomfortable, and tables were small and jammed together because the space is limited there. Our table was right at the entrance, and customers were milling about us because they had no where else to wait. The food was great, and wolf blas wine was excellent. I would suggenst going on a week night, and try to miss the crowds, it would probably make for a much more favorable experience. Try the herb chicken, it's fab!

5 Stars: Quaint Italian Bistro--Great place to dine! (by szwczykw)

szwczykw — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Since I am new to the area I often check reviews and wanted to provde you with a honest review of Jackson's. I just dined there for the 3rd time last night with a few friends. Jackson's came highly recommended when I moved to the area and it has held to it's reputation! My first impression when I walked in was a small crowded restaurant (not from the area and have never been to a bistro). We sat outside under the heater and quickly the small restaurant took on a charm of a family place. The service is a little slow because they are very busy so don't go if you're in a big hurry, but for a nice relaxing evening it is perfect! We had a great bowl of homemade soup (they always have a new special in addition to their french onion), homemade bread is brought out piping hot with hummus (great flavors!). We enjoyed some wine and had great coversation while our entrees were prepared. The reason it may take a little while is the food is obviously prepped from scratch with great flavors and attention to detail. I had the penne bolognese and can't seem to drift from this each time I return. The chicken and salmon are my friend's favorites. After a great dinner with generous portions, we shared a dessert---to die for! What impressed me the most is that Scott the owner will usually visit your table at some time in the night. Last night was only my 3rd time back and he asked "haven't you all been here before?". It is above and beyond hte customer service of anywhere else I've been when the owner/chef comes out to greet you. So if you're looking for a fast dinner with a waitor constantly at your side, this may not be for you, but if you'd like a quaint dinner with a nice pace and time to enjoy your food and relax and enjoy great flavors, a touch of traditional Italian atmosphere, you must definitely go to Jackson's--and return again! :)

5 Stars: Great Date Place! (by Citysearch User)

Citysearch User — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:00:00 GMT

We sat at a very romantic table on the heated patio. We started with the crab cakes and the special goat cheese salad. The sauce on the crab cakes was very unique with ginger and grilled corn, and the salad had glazed pistachios and dried cranberries which made for a great contrast in tastes. We shared the Ribeye with crispy garlic and parmesan creamed spinach... FANTASTIC! We'll definitely be back.

2 Stars: Not horrible, Not great (by jmtoo)

jmtoo — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:00:00 GMT

Jackson's is okay. Not the place to impress a date, but fine for a night out with friends. People are usually nice, and ambiance is good, food is okay.

5 Stars: Excellent restaurant (by halgo2)

halgo2 — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I just read the review knocking Jackson's - I have been going there for years and love this restaurant . I can't believe those people were really there. Thier review almost sounds like some predatory competitor trying to diss the place.

1 Stars: blah restaurant (by Citysearch User)

Citysearch User — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

This place is very mediocre. Food is okay. Service wants to be good, but could be much better. At first glance ambience is nice, but then you notice the paper on top of the linens? and the flatware is very light.

Overall, I'd say a waste of a good date night. It seems to be trying hard to be something it's not. I'd say, lower the prices, and roll with what you are, Jackson's.

I won't be back.

5 Stars: Amazing dishes (by toessies)

toessies — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I took a chance on this place after reading other reviews. I was meeting a family member who just flown to town. I was a bit taken a back at how small the restaurant, but the hostess and chef were immediately attentive to taking my party to a table of our liking. We started with the mediterranean shrimp on the appetizers and it was AMAZING. the bread and hummus was quite good too.

I ordered the sashimi ahi salad and my brother got the rotisserie chicken with plantains and beans. the both arrived immediately after dressing and out of the oven respectively. the food was fresh, hot, and all around tasty. I live in the valley and would drive back here to eat this cuizine again very soon.

only drawback is the wines by the glass they offer are limited. If you plan to do some wine drinking, bring a wino with you;) ohhh! sooo good!

5 Stars: Great place (by jessmcd)

jessmcd — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We recently enjoyed their prix fixe 3-course special for Valentines. It was outstanding. And as usual, the owner/chef took the time to welcome us and chat briefly about the meal and the show "Top Chef". On this night we had some duck and filet. On previous visits we've enjoyed some really good seafood dishes. They're real cool about the corkage so we brought a couple of the finest bottles and a great time was had.

4 Stars: great (by loridesimone)

loridesimone — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

this place is great . they always madk an effort to grow and make things better. the place is unique. that is the charm of this resturant. I love it, I love the people and off course the food

4 Stars: quiet restaurant (by pinays)

pinays — Wed, 09 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

i recently dined here with a friend and although i was ill (not from the food), i still enjoyed the food. i had the striped sea bass brushed with tapenade with couscous and thought that it was delicious. the bread also happened to be good. my friend had the ribeye and thought that it was juicy. the servers were friendly and not snotty -- they even were kind enoug to give me change for the meters. it was a cozy place, close to the pier but not so close that it was too touristy. i would probably go back.

3 Stars: pretty good (by thelwani)

thelwani — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Wanted to check out why this local spot had such a high rating. Found the food to be pretty good. Restaurant itself is very small. Felt the shrimp starter was good but too small. The bread was really good too although I didn't like the hummus too much. Staff was friendly. Went on a Sunday night so it was pretty empty.

5 Stars: Romantic and Delicious! (by lovethebeach24)

lovethebeach24 — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

The service was very personal at Jacksons; from making the reservation to the "Happy Anniversary" note on our bill. The owner even came over to the table to make sure we were enjoying the dining experience. The food was very well prepared and the service right on point. I had never been to a restaurant where you bring your own wine and Jackson's made it a great first time experience. We will be back again and again. It is one of our new favorite local places!

3 Stars: Bad food.. good service (by supertdining)

supertdining — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

We went to this restaurant when it first opened and we really enjoyed it. I moved to the Westside for four years and just recently moved back to HB. I am a total foodie and really enjoyed all the choices that the Westside has to offer. I wanted to find a good restaurant that we can put on our rotation since we do go out quite often. Tonight, I suggested to my husband that we should try Jackson's one more time. We read the reviews and looked at the menu and was quite impress. So away we went....

One of the worst meals I've had in a long time. Thank God we brought a great bottle of wine that at least saved the evening. To start, we had the greek salad and crab cakes. We liked them both which made us hopeful. And then our entree came. When the waitress put down my risotto, I cringed. The presentation was so bad I didn't think it could taste good... and I was right. BAD..BAD.. BAD. What truflle oil? I had to sniff it to smell it. I took a few bites and that's all I can take. And now I'm paying for it.I was compelled to write this note because I am now sitting home with a stomach ache. By the way, good presentation on the osso bucco, but the chef seemed to have forgotten that it has to taste good too. Needless to say, we are scratching this restaurant from our list. The only good thing was that we only had to pay $3 for corkage. .

5 Stars: Cute and Romantic!! (by gtomsco)

gtomsco — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I have been wanting to eat at this restaurant for several years and finally had the chance the other week. I fell in love with it!! I am only bummed I didn't go sooner. I had a delicious ravioli dish that was filling and prepared with onion ring type things on top. I know it sounsd very odd to put with the ravioli but it worked perfectly. So yummy!! They have a nice wine selection but next time, I will bring a bottle of my own wine. They have a nominal corking fee that is well worth it. The patio is adorable and intimate. I love this place and can't wait to go back.

5 Stars: Fabulous food - unexpected treat! (by liang32)

liang32 — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

My boyfriend and I were in town for the weekend and picked this place off citysearch. Everything was awesome! The crab cakes were sweet and loaded with crab meat rather than filler. My salmon and his steak were done to perfection. There are about 5 different Filet options for you steak lovers, but they have a good selection of everything. The place is small but offers a good ambience for both group and a romantic evening for two.

5 Stars: Wow! Right Here in Hermosa (by praffel)

praffel — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Jackson's Village Bistro was recommended to us by a friend who is a real "foodie", but we didn't have to be foodies to know that this place was great! We had the Shrimp Crostini's with Mint Pesto to start and then had the Filet Mignon Risotto with White Truffle Oil and the Ribeye with Crispy Garlic on top - All were fantastic! The owners said that they just remodeled; we thought it looked and felt like a NY bistro - beautiful chandelier with clusters of tables. Prices were reasonable and even thought they have a nice wine list, you can bring your own for a $3 corkage fee. Bring your friends and family to this great southbay find!

4 Stars: Great Effort Great Value for the Beach Towns (by ratkinson)

ratkinson — Fri, 05 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Not a snazzy place and the tables are too close together. But the value here is very good food with a few curve balls that make it worth coming back. We have been here 6 times and I like it more each visit. The entrees are interesting (chicken, beef are excellent) and gourmet although the salads are pretty pedestrian and their French Onion soup is sans the crouton. The service is casual but prompt and the corkage fee is minimal. Bring your good bottles and settle in for a meal that you could cook if you really tried and spent all day Saturday scouring for the best ingredients. They try hard at this place and that counts. Also, a great place for kids. And no hard alcohol for you martini folks.

5 Stars: Action Jackson (by eat2drink)

eat2drink — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

This quaint Hermosa Beach bistro has delicious food and great character. All the starter are a must try and the entree's are thoughtfully prepared. Bring a bottle or two because the corkage is almost non-existent ($3). Give it a try and your sure to become a regular!

5 Stars: Jackson's Is a Favorite (by freeryan)

freeryan — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I've been dining at Jackson's since it opened and I love it. The ambience, the food, the staff, the owners and the location are perfect. I've always been welcomed back and the food is always consistent - the filet minon risotto is my favorite. I recommend this restaurant for the whole family and for fri and sat night dates. The service is always great and it's fun to bring your own bottle of wine - and enjoy the great wines offered. I can't wait to go back.

5 Stars: I didn't think the South Bay had food this good (by glau528)

glau528 — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

The sumptuous flair of the ravioli appetizer topped with salsa verde, queso fresco and cilantro was a delightful starter. The BEST crab cakes EVER were served on a bed of shrimp and wine reduction sauce. I also had the special of the day, which was the lamb loin with mint pesto, which I LICKED clean off my plate, but only after finishing my girlfriends crumbled blue cheese filet mignon. Not only was the food fantastic, but also the service was top notch. The chef/owner Scott Cooper made time to answer any recipe questions I had which made the overall experience incredibly warm. Great for a 3rd date...because she better be worth it before you share an experience like this!

5 Stars: Couldn't Be Better (by gnasher)

gnasher — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

This restaurant has become of my very top choices for a night out, despite the fact that I live in West Los Angeles. Great food (the Gorgonzola steak is to die for) and a wonderful intimate size. The chef didn't even complain when I ordered my steak very well done and it was cooked to perfection. The outdoor patio is a nice touch with gas heaters going on a cool night. Perfect for date night.

5 Stars: A Hidden Treasure In Hermosa Beach (by kdincal)

kdincal — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Who knew such a cozy, intimate bistro in Hermosa Beach would have the most exotic menu in the South Bay? I've been to Jackson's quite a few times and each experience is a new taste. Great place to take out-of-towners or folks to impress. Service is top notch and personal, since the restaurant is not huge and noisy like most. This is a great experience for a foodie or anyone who wants to enjoy a great meal in a cozy atmosphere. Jackson's is on my "must go" list!

5 Stars: Great Restaurant/Amazing Food! (by derek164)

derek164 — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I've now been to Jacksons four times and it has now become a regular stop on my list. Every time I've been, the food has gotten better. My girlfriend and I shared the seabass and the osso bucco. They were both outstanding! Don't forget to save room for chocolate souffle dessert. Scott, the chef/owner, and the staff are warm and friendly. You simply cannot find better quality food/value in Hermosa Beach.

5 Stars: best south bay restaurant (by halgo)

halgo — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Jackson's is truly the best there is in the south bay! The food is unique and delicious and is fairly priced. The staff and service is also excellent, probably because it is a family-owned restaurant and the chef-owner is there to make sure everything goes well. The wine list is also very good, or you can bring your own wine. The decor is very nice, laid-back.

1 Stars: HORRIBLE SERVICE! (by peterblaze)

peterblaze — Thu, 02 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

This is by far the worst experience that I have ever had dining out. From the beginning of the night, we were not seated until 45 minutes after our set reservation time. The disaster of a night continued while we waited for our meal. It took 20 minutes to get bread, then 30 minutes for our appetizers and then another 40 for our main courses. One member of our party had their meal 20 minutes before the rest of us. What empty restaurant serves one meal 20 minutes before the other five people? We would have been understanding if anyone seemed to care, but felt very uncomfortable with the distant attitude by the staff. There were only four other patrons in the restaurant. As a former waitress, I have never felt as mistreated as I did here. We would have rather stayed home and ordered pizza.

3 Stars: Maybe an Off Night? (by bakervcarr)

bakervcarr — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I've only heard good things about Jackson's. But, I was greeted at the entrance with "How can I help you?" ... not "Hello and welcome", or even "Do you have reservations?" Maybe they thought I was there to fix a clogged drain or something. On this night, Jackson's was simply another mediocre South Bay restaurant. We arrived at 6:45, We had to ask for water and bread at 7; allowed to order 25 minutes later; simple appetizers from the special limited fixed price menu (Valentine's Day) finally arrived; limited menu entrees came after an hour. Entrees were unimpressive....extremely bland and boring. I was assured that these were taken from the regular menu -- nothing new to the chef. Frankly, I was wishing I stayed home and cooked. We didn't even stay for the pre-paid desserts and coffees. Perhaps this restaurant is better...but not today.

4 Stars: Bring a bottle and enjoy! (by tuffcrackerj)

tuffcrackerj — Thu, 17 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I've dined at Jackson's twice. Both times the food was great and service excellent. Make sure you try the French Onion soup - spectacular! And don't forget to bring a bottle of wine along as well... I recommend making reservations on Friday night since the dining area is small and fills up rather quickly. We didn't have reservations and had to wait almost an hour. Although two tables were open for a length of time, we weren't seated until we inquired a third time with the hostess.

4 Stars: Good! (by julieeee)

julieeee — Wed, 28 Apr 2004 02:00:00 GMT

Good food and a nice atmosphere. There's a low corkage for wine (started out at $2 and was up to $5 the last time we were there).
It's nice to sit outside on their patio (Enclosed so it is not cold).

5 Stars: I Love Jackson's (by kinkywker)

kinkywker — Wed, 04 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

I am a Jackson's Village Bistro Lover. I have only been once, yet I was hooked from the beginning. The food was fab., the servers were attentive and friendly, and the ambience was comfortable. The prices are fair in comparison to the quality of food. Also, Scott, the chef and owner, made me a special dish for my birthday. Thanks for the experience.

5 Stars: Gourmet Dining - OH So Reasonable Prices (by Glamrpuss)

Glamrpuss — Fri, 15 Nov 2002 01:00:00 GMT

Wonderful fine dining experience. The wine special was Chilean and went perfectly with the dinner. Do NOT miss the upside down blackberry cobbler for desert!!