Review: Jackson's Offers American Favorites

Jackson's is an American restaurant – right down to the Texaco gas pumps in the lobby. It's vintage feel is further amplified by the clean lines of the wooden dining tables and minimal table decorations. The cuisine mimics the decor, with simple ingredients combined to produce some complex flavors and dishes.

Jackson's offers an extensive menu list that ranges from Asian BBQ short ribs($9.95) to Maryland crab cakes($11.50) with baby spinach and Remoulade.

For lunch, the most popular item is Jackson's Sampler($10.95) which allows you to choose a sandwich, salad and a side.

Poole said their most popular entrees are the marinated skirt steak with caramelized onions($23.95) and the Bourbon Street jambalaya($18.95). The hand-crafted burgers and salads also are popular with families.

All sauces are prepared by boiling the fruit ingredients down until their juices create an Asian-inspired flavor and texture, Bloom said.

The Bourbon Street Jambalaya($11.95 lunch/$18.95 dinner) arrived piping hot with loads of thick pieces of chicken and sausage along with large juicy shrimp. Small pieces of fresh banana were hidden inside the massive dish and added a distinct, Southern flavor to this classic dish. 

Next came the bistro sandwich($10.95), loaded with freshly grilled chicken topped with roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella and hint of balsamic pesto.

Jackson's back section of tables is used for parties and local gatherings – like Mahjong Mondays – and Bloom plans to expand these catering occasions with his Parties By Jackson's addition this fall.

The inspiration for Jackson's began with owner Artie Bloom's Plainview restaurant, Red Fish. Originally slated to be another seafood hotspot, Jackson's was inspired by Bloom's desire to create a family-friendly spot in Commack.
Harry Poole, head chef, said the menu fits into the laid-back theme.   

"Customer recognition is very important here, and most of our clientele know our staff and they enjoy being welcomed by people they know. We even feature regular customers' photos on the wall," Poole said.

Jackson's is currently renovating and expanding. They plan to offer on and off site catering services and party planning.