Jackson's Bar & Bistro

Apparently Jackson's has a habit of over charging and double charging people, read review below. Just checked my bank account and 2 glasses of wine cost me $46....? Now they won't answer the phone for me to straighten it out...Only reason I am going back is to get my 30 bucks back...you suk Jackson's!!!!

Cons: charges you more than once and won't answer the phone

Posted 07/15/09

So we went there for my friend's 21st birthday. Everything was good. Server was friendly, drinks were great, and the food was great. All in all not a bad time, even though we got rained on outside and had to be moved indoors, our spirits were still high. However the next day my husband realizes that he has been overcharged for our meal and drinks, and then that over charged amount has been applied twice to our bank account. I talked to my friends and one of them was charged SEVEN times for her good time at Jackson's. We eventually got everything straight but the manager was rude and this was really an unnecessary hassel. We probably will not be going back.

Pros: Good atmosphere

Cons: They charge you multiple times!

Posted 06/17/09

I have been to Jacksons a number of times, and love their lunch and dinner menu. Their drinks are always good, the food is awesome, and the dessert is AMAZING (cookie dough egg rolls).
One time, however, when realizing the line for Pancake Pantry was too long, we decided to go to Jacksons for breakfast because we liked it so much. Bad call. I got the French toast which was awful. I heard the egg dishes weren't bad, but I feel like there is a reason they aren't crowded in the mornings.
Long story short, go after noon and you will enjoy yourself!

Pros: Great drinks and dinner food

Cons: Not good breakfast

Posted 04/25/09

OK, so I'm not going to sit here and tell you that this place is so good that you practically deficate your britches, but I think this is a solid lunch joint. They have decent selections for the price. Sure, the parking situation makes you want curse your brains out, but hey, this is Nashville. Parking is awful everywhere here, and it's nothing a few peach belinis can't take care of. Anyway, there's something latently delightful about the passive-aggressive waitstaff. Clad in black and covered in Wicka tattoos, it's apparent most of them never grew out of the Emo phase. However, waiters are quick both in service and wit. Never a dull conversation.

While I wouldn't recommend the biscuits (those puppies are canned), they have a killer fried-green tomato BLT. The pannini options are kind of predictable, but good. I thought the pannini was dead along with portabello mushrooms, green bell peppers, and salmon cooked on a wood plank. However, the very sandwich that Panera Bread brutally murdered, is delivered in a refreshingly simplistic way at Jackson's. Oh, and they have fried Twinkies. If nothing else, you can drop by for this delicious snack cake, and be back in your trailor before a morally-questionable blonde waves the checkered flag at the Coca-Cola 600.

Pros: Service

Cons: Parking

Posted 04/12/09

Like several others have said, I've gone back to Jackson's multiple times hoping for a better experience. They've got a killer location and tons of potential with all of that outdoor seating. Unless I'm going strictly for drinks or a dessert, I have no reason to return to Jackson's. The food is terribly mediocre. If you're starving, it gets the job done. The service is rather slow too. And one reviewer was correct - they act annoyed when you make a request, small or large. I'm not writing this review to vent and to complain. I genuinely want Jackson's to improve. But beware if you're a foodie like me: the menu looks promising, but it's extraordinarily bland and not at all satisfying. And servers: please put on a smile :) That's part of the dining experience.

Pros: Good drinks, desserts - GREAT location

Cons: lunch/dinner

Posted 04/08/09

As soon as I entered the place, I knew it was going to be a great experience. The place was packed with all sorts of people. Old woman with pups in the glitter bags and half way shaved head girlies with tats up their sleeves to boys and girls sporting those Ugg(?) boots that seem to be hip amongst the prep trend crew. It was all there as far as people gazing and fashion updating. As far as the food is concerned, every menu item made my mouth water. However, I opted for some sort of Fiesta Shrimp Wrap that was grilled, and filled with plump juicy shrimp, light oozing cheeses and perfect amount of spice. There wasn't too much on the menu that made your heart stop due to the fat and cholesterol content (well, except for the fried twinkies). All the girls I was with LOVED their meals ranging from a Turkey Rueben, Warm Chicken Wrap with hot sauce, and a big ol breakfast plate. (I sneaked peaks at the soups being served and have been craving them since) Anyhow, we all left tipsy from the delicious afternoon delight drinks and completely satisfied. The food was not overbearing, meaning, we did not feel like we couldn't continue shopping due to our lunch plump bellies. As for the service, our server gal was a doll and put up with the annoyances of the woman at my table better than I could. Everything came out as ordered for my table of 8 woman (which can be complicated). The owner even stopped through, looking handsome and all, and assured us our dining experience would be memorable and it was indeed.
SO if you like great food that will not weigh you down and is above and beyond freshly delicious, if you like a casual hip place with an eclectic customer base and artsy bar-chitecture, if you love a good hearty drink, EAT AT JACKSONS. YUM!
my only suggestion: find a APA or IPA and tap it up
But really, I had a great experience, feels good!

Pros: fresh food and fun competent service

Cons: no hoppy beers on tap

Posted 02/06/09

Well, the food is usually pretty good, as are the drinks.
However, I've found that the service can be a bit off. I guess the main thing that annoys me is that the last 3 or 4 times I've been in, someone just rushes by us and says : "Oh, you can just sit wherever you like." Ok...great....but once you look around, there usually doesn't seem to be a table currently available. This means you have to wander around sort of aimlessly in search of a table to accomodate you and your party. Something is usually available on the patio, but come on....they could keep track of it and let you know, rather that sprinting by you saying "wherever you want!". It's not the most welcoming way to walk into a place.
Also, I've had to endure a smarta** bartender more than once. Not cool.
Will I go back? I'm sure. Over all, it's a good place. Tasty food & good drinks. Some of the staff just need to overcome "head in a** syndrome" in my opinion.

Pros: good food & drinks, fair price

Cons: booty service, cramped

Posted 01/16/09

Jackson's is incredible. The food, the selection and menu items, the bar and servers, atmosphere, everything. This is our favorite place to go for lunch and dinner and we recently were blown away by the Sunday Brunch. When we lived in the area we were there every week dining and hanging out with friends. Since we have moved pretty far out, we still drive into town just to eat at Jackson's- its worth it. While we don't get to go as often as we used to, we go as often as possible and have never been let down. Its the best place in town to relax, enjoy the fantastic patio and 21st Avenue people watching- or just chill inside at the bar or at a table for a couple of drinks and some great food and indoor scenery like the local art placed on all the walls!

Pros: Location, Service, Menu and Quality of Food, Ambience

Cons: none

Posted 06/03/08

first let me say that the review by "beamonwheels" below is a JOKE. i mean.. and absolute JOKE. It is state law now in TN to card EVERYONE for alcohol. if being carded at a restaurant makes you so upset you leave and write a scathing 1 star review on citysearch, you didn't want to have a good evening anyway. as to the personal reasons for this i can't speculate.

If you're interested in having some cocktails or beers outside with some friends in the summertime, this is a great place to go. It's hard to say whether Jackson's is primarily a bar or restaurant, as it's great for people seeking either one. Unlike most other bars there isn't loud music blaring all night. You can actually talk without yelling, which I must say is rare at a bar in Nashville.

The food is also good if you know what to get. Some of the dishes haven't impressed me, but I always enjoy the pasta alfredeaux and the philly cheesesteak. For dessert the popular cookie dough eggrolls are good, but I actually enjoy the "gooey butter cake" just as much.

If you're looking for a good place to hang out with friends and have a few drinks, or if you want a casual restaurant with some solid dishes, you'd do well to give this place a try.

Pros: good food, really good dessert, yazoo pale ale, outside patio, cocktail menu

Cons: a few of the dishes aren't very good, sometimes people have dogs on the patio (pets + food = health hazard)

Posted 03/28/08

This is one of those places that is contrived to be hip, rather than just being hip. If the wait staff spent as much time taking care of their customers as they did picking out their neato clothes and accoutrements they would be better off. It's sad that there is such a dearth of good outside restaurants in Nashville. I've tried different items on the food menu, but you are better off eating somewhere else and enjoying a libation on the patio afterwards. I'm 36 and while I waited for my date to show (she's 33) I ordered a drink and was carded. No big deal, took it as a compliment. But when my date explained on the phone that she had a rough day and was looking forward to her martini, I thought it would be a smooth move to have it waiting for her at the table. When I tried to order it, the waiter inquired if it was for me or my date. I said it was for my date and he said, "I'm sorry I need to see her ID." First off, you already know I'm 36 and the chances of me being with a 20yr old is pretty slim. I understand that they cater to Vandy kids spending trust funds, and there is probably a higher volume of underage drinking, but the idea is to have it waiting for her. So make the drink and then card her when she gets there. Anyway the guy's attitude made me tab out and meet her somewhere else for dinner.

Pros: Good for having a drink outside with your dog

Cons: Everything else

Posted 03/25/08

Today was my first time at Jacksons, and I have heard lots of good things about it. I was painfully disappointed though, as upon entering (with my guests from out of town) they sat us in a overcrowded patio in the middle of a rain puddle so our pants legs got all wet.
The food was not good! I am sure they have some good stuff there as it is consistently busy, but none of us enjoyed our food. The french toast, my order, came out burned and cold so it was like trying to cut into a rock. I asked the server to stick it in the microwave so that i could at least cut into it and he actually had them make me another one that was much better as it wasnt burned or cold but still not tasty. I think people go here for the atmosphere or location more than anything else. Hope others have a better experience but I dont recommend it and dont plan to go back myself.

Pros: wide variety on menu

Cons: quality of food or service compromised by too many patrons, not enough servers etc

Posted 03/14/08

My husband and I have made Jackson's a Sunday brunch stop on several occasions for several reasons. For one thing, you can sit and enjoy the view of the poor souls standing in line at the Pancake Pantry as you sip on your bl**d orange mimosa (apparently you can't say the "b" word on here, so forgive my asterisks). Their coffee and chai drinks are amazing and I have enjoyed each of the meals I have tried ranging from basic eggs, bacon and toast to a breakfast quesadilla. The servers are a bit on the funky side (and by that I mean it looks like they rolled out of bed and into work after a rough Saturday night) but they get the job done and the atmosphere is great. I always love checking out the latest artwork they are showcasing as well. So, go there if you're looking for a tasty brunch complete with libations and good people watching.

Pros: Ambience, drinks, food

Cons: parking, service

Posted 02/19/08

jacksons is easily my favorite restaurant in nashville! everything i have ever ordered from there has been great. especially the pacific! the servers might be a little slow but the food is good and it isnt over priced. you can leave there for under 10 dollars with more than enough food to eat. the drinks are good too. sundays are 2 for 1 on beers and mixed drinks. plus jacksons is now non smoking so you dont have to worry about the smoking inside anymore and soon the outside should be open with heaters. its a must for the summer.

Pros: good food, good deals on drinks, cool place

Cons: service can be a little slow, the outside isnt open yet

Posted 01/15/08

It must have been an off day, but the service was pitiful. The food was decent when we were finally able to place an order (no, it wasn't a busy time of the day), but it wasn't all that. I have no reason to go back and it's unfortunate because it's rather convenient to work.

Posted 11/03/07

I really want to like Jackson's. I have been several times and I keep hoping the food will get better. The outdoor patio and convenient location make it very appealing. Unfortunately, the food is HORRIBLE and the service leaves a lot to be desired.

I went to Jackson's today because it is an absolutely gorgeous fall day and I wanted to eat outside. I ordered the Croque Monsieur, a prosciutto and brie sandwich. Sounds delicious, right? It was so bad I actually had to send it back and order something else. I have never sent a meal back to the chef before.

What arrived on my plate was basically two pieces of soggy toast with a circle of Canadian bacon and two chunks of brie. The bacon and brie did not even cover half of the bread. So it was pretty much just cold, soggy bread. I don't know if this is supposed to be served cold or if it just sat out too long, but I could not eat it. I politely asked my server if I could get something else instead. He acted annoyed, but he did what I asked.

45 MINUTES LATER after the rest of my table was completely finished with their meals, I got my food. There were no apologies, no offers to comp my meal. Nada. When I got my replacement meal (a chicken wrap) the pieces of chicken inside were cold while the rest of the wrap was warm.

I will say that the drinks are pretty good and the fried twinkie is amazing. But if you are actually hungy, go somewhere else.

Pros: Outdoor patio, drinks, and dessert.

Cons: Everything else.

Posted 10/11/07

Good food, good service and reasonable prices fought with nearly unbearable cigarette smoke. It came out to a draw. Being nearly 100 degrees outside, I chose to brave the indoors. Mistake. If you don't mind smoke or are going at a reasonable temperature and can eat outside, bump this rating up to 4 stars.

Pros: "hip", good wine and drink mix, surprisingly tasty food

Cons: smoking inside, crowded, parking tricky

Posted 10/01/07

Decided to stop by Jacksons the other night to get something small to eat had have a drink. Our drinks took WAY to long to get to our table...ok..so they were busy. Once we got our food i guess no one was that busy anymore...anytime ANY server walked passed out table they stopped to ask.."how was everything", "can i get that out of your way?"....i got so sick of that question that i snapped back.."no...you can't" after about the 15th time being asked. I got tired of people reaching for my obviously unfinished meal. I guess that made someone mad because when we were in the middle of our dessert, a guy (who i believe to be the manager) walked by and just grabbed our unfinished food. He was gone before i could protest. I will more then likely never go back there. And honestly i had better food at that location when it was New York Bagel.

Pros: They let me bring my 3lb sleeping dog on the porch

Cons: Everything but that. Poor wine selection

Posted 09/30/07

First visit to Jacksons was a good one. Seated quickly, unique menu with several choices (vegetarian somewhat limited except for salads). Cocktails were great. My only issue was the constant attention of the server. Is everything all right? do you need anything? hows the food? would you like a refill? I know, there are worse things. I prefer the server who automatically refills my glass. We felt like she was constantly interrupting our conversation(s).

Posted 07/29/07

Everything was great, including this cheeseburger omelet French fry thing that my BF got. Waiter was a great help as it was our first time there.

Posted 07/24/07

Jackson's is fantastic in the summer with the windows open and the outdoor seating. In winter it's cozy and the floating fire is roaring. The most addictive bartenders in town that love just about everyone (at least they act like it). And the food is delicious. Try the chicken feathers for an appetizer or a whole meal, they're unique and savory. Sometimes it can be a little slow as they have a special seating system. You seat yourself and the servers rotate who takes the table, but sometimes they don't see you I think. If you take the kids go early before the crowds it can be dark and a bit cramped. Outside is fun for kids and good if you get a big table. The patio can also be romantic or a total party. I have spent many nights here and taken people with all kinds of palates and never heard a complaint from one of them. Cheers to Jackson's!

Pros: friendly staff, cool atmosphere, delicious food

Cons: sometimes slow, high priced alcohol

Posted 04/26/07

So I was giving Jackson's a shot. I'd been there for a quick breakfast liquor drink on the way to work, but this was my first time for a real night of serious drinking after a rough day. It was Sunday night, 2 for 1. What could be better? Well...the list is long, and includes a root canal.

I asked for a double top-shelf bourbon with a lemon wedge. Sadly, the deal is only for their well...early times. That's a breakfast liquor, and it was nearly 10pm, lunch time. I had a gin and tonic instead. Sadly, the thing was watered down, and I think it was Burnett's. No lemon wedge. :( Next up was a double Early Times...blech...again...no lemon wedge...and drink specials ended at 10, and this being 10:05, the special was over with. I had to beg for 2 beers at their 12:30 last call. There were no hot girls there. My very hot waitress went home at around 9:30, and I was stuck with this putz that pours light and doesn't know how to talk to customers. wtf? I can't recommend this place to any serious, professional alcoholic.

Pros: location, free copy machine by bathrooms, lots of breakable items

Cons: everything else

Posted 02/25/07

I don't understand the popularity of this place. My husband and I had lunch here on a Saturday afternoon. His burger was dry and cold. I ordered the fried green tomatoes and some French onion hash browns. The fried green tomatoes were okay -- they were hot and crisp, but the breading was bland. The hash browns were more like home fries, which is fine . . . but they were soggy and barely warm. They were topped with chunks of almost-raw onion and a slice of slightly melted swiss cheese.

Also, for a place with "wine bar" in its full name, they don't have much of a wine selection. I'll leave this place and its barely-mediocre grub to the college kids.

Posted 02/09/07

Service was horrible and when talking to the manager, his ego was so far above and didn't care a bit about my issues. When the steak that I purchase isn't done right (server also agreed), the manager did nothing!

Posted 12/11/06

Even in the chilly months, Jackson's outdoor pad is crowded and heated and just right to cozy up to the someone you just met. Their menu is outstandingly diverse, so anyone can just about find something they like. The view to 21st avenue and over to the Belcourt theatre provides for excellent dinner conversation as you can eat while people watching. Head over to the Belcourt after you are done with dinner or down to Fidos to grab some coffee.

Posted 10/24/06

great location, yucky food. my food tasted like lean cuisine with hot and cold spots thoroughout! It is also a very smoky restaurant! I will not be back.

Pros: location

Cons: food, smoky, parking

Posted 07/14/06

Jackson's has it's upside and it's downside. The menu is quite creative and most of the items are tasty and satisfying. On some items, the portions are a bit skimpy. The drinks are also good and they serve an excellent variety of martinis.

The decor on the inside got all the attention. It's a funky and creative space, though it suffers from a serious bottleneck in a bad place. You litterally have to squeeze yourself past seated patrons to get from the front door, past the bar, and into the dining area. Who designed that?

The outdoor seating area... ugh. You'd think by now they'd invest a bit into something better than Walmart plastic chairs. Anyone from Jackson's reading this? Hint hint.

The waitstaff can too often seem lackadaisical, but they're adequate. Parking can be a real problem on weekend nights.

Pros: creative menu, good bar, atmosphere

Cons: outdoor seating, crowded design, parking

Posted 01/04/06

We tried something different on a whim... and we were pleased. The wasabi dressing packed a punch (which I liked!) and the strips of chicken fried and smothered in green tabasco tickled me happy. While those were spicy, the other fare was lovely prepared. Portions were just right (I was able to leave under my own power), and the price was date-friendly. I can't wait to try it in the Spring sitting outdoors. A perfect place to sip some drinks with some good friends.

Pros: good food, not pricey, ecclectic menu

Cons: close seating

Posted 12/18/05

What can I say? I'm addicted to Jackson's.....and feel like I almost live there. It's the new 00's version of the coffeehouse culture made popular by "Friends".....a GREAT place to hang out, drink, visit with friends, and chill. The patio is a MUST! Great for people-watching, and very nice when the weather's cooperative.

Pros: location, people, booze

Cons: fries?

Posted 09/02/05

I am no longer a Nashville resident, but even displaced in Houston, Jackson's is still my favorite restaurant. The atmosphere and food are the top. If you are not uptight then this restaurant is for you. The wait staff has a more casual vibe, but that is one of the things that makes Jacksons what it is. If they still have it, order the Chicken Salad Torrado with fries. I wish I still lived in Nashville.

Posted 08/16/05

2 Sundays ago 2 of us went for dinner and drinks. After seating ourselves we waited for 10 minutes for someone to acknowledge us and give us a menu and a drink order...no one ever did. Passing through the bar on our way out, three waiters, a bartender and a cook were rolling silver. I commented on the bad service and one waiter said "yeah, it sucks, doesn't it?". I was offended and angry. I could not believe the audacity.After calling managemant about it the next day, they seemed barely appologetic. It is obvious Jackson's staff does not know that they are in the service industry. Good luck.

Posted 08/10/05

There's no better place in Nashville to sit outside with your friends in the summer and have drinks. If you decide to eat, the food (esp. the JAckson's BLT with fried green tomatoes) is delicious. But the best part is the friendly ecclectic wait staff, christmas light-sprinkled patio and the cool vibe of Hillsboro Village humming around you. Top it all off by getting an ice cream cone at the shop next door, go home and watch the lightening bugs and call it a perfect summer night. (Sunday two for one is a steal... throw in the hot bartender factor and you'll be grinning from ear to ear)

Pros: relaxed vibe, fun servers , yummy drinks

Posted 07/13/05

This place is wonderful. It serves great martinis (if you go Sun-Wed they serve it to you in a shaker and you have enough to make 2 martinis for the price of one...) and a delectable dessert - the cookie dough egg rolls. Their general food is so-so, but the drinks are reasonably priced and are always good. And the outdoor patio is always hopping.

Pros: outdoor patio, drinks, atmosphere

Cons: loud, crowded sometimes

Posted 07/03/03

We are Sunday regulars at Jackson's and can't say enough about the waitstaff and food. The cookie-dough eggroll is a devilish delight!

Pros: Friendly Waitstaff, Yummy, Artwork fun

Posted 10/30/02

My friends and I love Jackson's!! The food is always good and the atmosphere is always fun, although it's not a place to go if you're in a hurry!! I love to take friends from out of town here...they love it! And I LOVE the chicken salad!

Pros: location, atmosphere, FOOD

Cons: slow service

Posted 10/24/02

Put needy sorority sisters, endless techno on digital radio, watery drinks, garbage in the well, and a menu that reads fabulous but eats mediocre, in plastic chairs on a parking lot, and you have the astoundingly popular Jackson's.

Pros: Location, Location, Location

Cons: The real "slow bar", asphalt patio, menu is for the eyes

Posted 06/19/02