Issue date: 9/29/05 Section: editor's picks

Versus Magazine Online [Image based format]

Looking for an affordable dining scene that boasts a hip, contemporary atmosphere and serves classic café favorites? Whether you want to sip on luscious cocktails, dine on delectable sandwiches and salads, or simply enjoy a steaming cup of rich coffee, Jackson's Bistro is the place to be. Conveniently located within walking distance from campus, Jackson's carries the artsy, urban vibe that is characteristic of Hillsboro Village-the surrounding area of shops, restaurants, bars, and art galleries-making it the ideal place for new Vanderbilt freshmen to explore, as well as serving as a familiar, cherished place for upperclassmen and graduate students to retreat. Professors have been seen there as well, relaxing with friends and colleagues.

Sounds like any other café in Nashville, right? Think again. Jackson's is one of the city's most eclectic eateries. Patrons can dine both indoors and out, and the café area inside features a changing art collection. The general theme of the interior is modern in design, as it is mostly black and dark green, with lots of industrial steel and wooden details. Most likely, your server will be dressed in black and will have an array of piercings and tattoos, which adds to the artsy, individualistic attitude that prevails at Jackson's. Though the mood of the café may seem aloof to a first-time patron, the crowd of "regulars" knows that this is not the case at all.

For one thing, the service is impeccable. The wait time to be served is brief-usually about 10 minutes or so. If you choose to dine outside on the patio, the wait time is virtually zero. During the warm summer months, and right up until mid-October, the patio is open, so that the patrons can sit outside and people-watch while enjoying both lazy summer evenings and Jackson's Green Apple Martinis (a personal favorite of mine). As far as cuisine goes, Jackson's offers light café-style fare, such as soups, salads, and spinach wraps, usually served with chicken or fish. Entrees, such as the Bistro Burger and the Poulet Pasta (a chicken dish served with linguine, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil-a Jackson's classic), are available to those with slightly bigger appetites. Jackson's also offers a vast selection of appetizers, panini sandwiches, cocktails, and coffees. Certainly not to be missed are the desserts, with emphasis on one in particular: Jackson's flash-fried Cookie-Dough Egg Rolls-a great way to cap off a delicious meal. Breakfast and brunch menus are offered as well on the weekends.

Jackson's hours: Monday - Thursday, 11am - 2am; Friday, 11am - 3am; Saturday - Sunday, 10am - 3am.

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