Jackson's Bistro-Bar-Sushi

Jacksons security staff are steroid infused manias that look for any opportunity to harm its paying customers. I have personally seen them shove women to the ground. Grab them by their hair, broke bones, choking people because they are excited they can get into a physical altercation. If your trying to have a nice celebratory night out with a group go somewhere else, jacksons security is a liability to the customers more

We went here based on the location and one recommendation- never again. Crab stick instead of lobster in ""lobster"" advertised appetizer. Disgusting, mushy, puny, tasteless sushi. I could go on, but I think that's enough. Very sad place food-wise. It has potential to be a knock-out because of it's location, but not at this rate. more

This was our second time visiting Jackson's. The first time we went with friends, had sushi and it had bugs in it when it was served to us. Called the manager, who did replace the food but seemed really not to care. Went back tonight. Service was terrible. They never even came back to fill our water. Food was so so at best. I can promise that I will not go back and I recommend to anyone considering this resturant to consider some place else. Pros: Location Cons: Food Quality, Service more

My party of six visited Jacksons Sunday at 1:30 pm 7/26/09. The first thing we noticed was there was no air conditioning. After being seated, it took about 15 minutes before we had a waiter come to the table. She took our drink orders and sent us to the buffet. The food was nothing special, Denny’s and Village Inn have about the same quality. The drinks were overpriced (one split of champagne cost $16), the food was mediocre and the service was only fair. We will never go back, think twice there are plenty of other restaurants in the downtown, Hyde Park and South Tampa area. Cons: No air conditioning, slow service, blah food more

My husband and I have tried Jackson's 2 times. After our first experience which was mediocre at best, we decided to give it another shot. The first time the food was ok but poor for the price we paid and the service was not great. The second time we went to Jackson's we brought our friends from New York. Our order was wrong, I had to go to the bar to collect my own drink, the service was absolutely HORRENDOUS and the food they brought us, though it was the wrong food, was still nothing special. The manager did not even seem concerned whatsoever that our server was absolutely incompetent and RUDE. From food to management, this place barely deserves 1 star. Cons: bad service, food overpriced for quality, bad management more

I have been a patron of Jackson?s for over two years and have always had excellent service and food. The staff has always been ready to serve my party with the best and most professional service of anywhere in the Tampa area, the food exceptional and reasonably priced. It has been my experience with any food /beverage establishment that there are times you can?t expect the personal service you would typically get. Do not expect your cocktails to be served in Waterford crystal on New Year?s Eve, Gasparilla, and Redbull Flugtag and do not expect your bartender or server to stand by your table waiting for your party to decide whether or not you should order the bean dip because it might give you gas. These are their busiest nights and any bar serving thousands of drinks in one night will serve in plastic?glass has to be washed and sanitized. Jackson?s is known for its nightclub which is busy with the younger generation on Friday and Saturday nights. If a quiet dinner is your game?I suggest you go earlier in the evening or pick a weekday night. There is also a very important rule when going out anywhere ?Reap What You Sow Wherever You Go. I am a firm believer of treating anyone who waits on me in a restaurant/bar the same way I would treat my banker, doctor, dentist, and broker. Servers/bartenders should be treated with respect. They are not my servants. They are professionals trained to provide a service to me. They work mostly for tips and should be given just compensation for the service they provide me?just as a doctor or dentist. I am never treated as a stranger when I go to Jackson?s. I look forward to my next visit where I can count on dependable service with a spectacular view of the bay?and hoping to get a quick look at a celebrity or two that frequent Jackson?s when they?re in town.\r Not to mention some of the best bartenders in town! more

Rather then taking the boat down, docking and spending our new year at Jackson's, we decided to take a cab, enjoy and ring in a new year at a place once called fun, friendly and valued. Calling ahead we were told by a girl who i suppose really had no clue, that Fireworks WOULD be shot off and what better way then to see them form the waterfront? Not warned of a cover charge we were herded into lines with tacky signs above lengthy lines A-D, E-H, VIP and so on. Pointed into the VIP line only because we were spending CASH, we were promptly FLEECED of $120.00 to then be shoved into an area of drunken children, dressed as though we had arrived at a high school prom. Laughing it off we were then issued 2 watered down driunks made from a make-shift bar and an igloo cooler. Still no worries here as they were under $20.00 for the 2 and SERVED IN A CLEAN PLASTIC CUP. The staff having been increasingly rude and less caring over the last 3 times I've taken new people to Jackson's for the first time, this night would be no exception. No one told us that although going through the VIP line, we would have had to pay yet an addional $80.00 to find a spot ON THE WATER to watch the fireworks. My date asked me to get a refund and go somewhere, where we could actually HAVE FUN. You know, some place like the waterfront helipad across the water at TGH . It occurred to me that Jackson's has finally become a place where they needed our money far more then I did. Hailing the first cab pulling in the driveway, we jumped int and said ""ANYWHERE BUT HERE""... 2 hours before the New Year, Jackson's LOST an old and good customer and we scurried to find an alternate ending of the year. We ended up at an awesome little GAY BAR called CITYSIDE on Henderson and Dale Mabry. The staff ROCKED,m the music was GREAT, the drinks HAD LIQUOR IN THEM and we began a New Year as I hope you All did. HAVING FUN ""NOT"" AT JACKSON'S. Pros: ON THE WATER (when you can get to the water) Cons: SHALLOW STAFF (with service better at McDonalds) more

Jackson's is obviously a popular spot based on its location. One would think the service and quality of the restaurant would be top notch because of this. We waited over 2 hours for our food last night, and eventually just cancelled the order and left. It was the worst restaurant experience I have had in Tampa. The waitors, the manager, and the staff were all part of the problem. It seemed to be everyone's first night. Every couple at the table seemed to have a similar story of a past experience at Jackson's. I guess it is our fault for going back to this sorry excuse for a restaurant. Go get a beer after work, sure, but don't bother to sit down and order. Better off at McDonalds. Pros: Location Cons: Service, Quality, Food more

been to jackson's many times in the past few years. brunch is my favorite time to go, can't beat the spread for under $20. friday night's is a little ridiculous if you try to go for a nice evening; it turns into a club-type scene for those ""north of kennedy"" folk. most other nights are a steady crowd of decent people, minus the losers and cougars... also, for priding themselves on being a high-class restaurant, they need to get a better handle on their hostess/seating situation. Pros: brunch on the water, parking garage Cons: trashy crowd on friday nights, little overpriced but a very beautiful spot to dine. more

The best brunch in Tampa. Sit outside with the beautiful view & enjoy a mimosa while you eat a great selection of food. Our place for all special afternoon occassions. Pros: water view Cons: parking more

not the fancy-pants kind, but tasty sushi at reasonable prices. nice for fun, light meal. romantic with nice views and good service. more

Excellent! My husband and I walk to the restaurant once a week and found the service along with the sushi to be excellent. I travel every week coast to coast and I am always happy to return to this restaurant. The service is always pleasant and we have always been seated immediately with only one exception. The weekends (Fri-Sat) are busy so you should definitely make a reservation. It isn't San Fran sushi but for the Tampa area it's quite tasty. Their newly enclosed tables (with white linen drapes) outside are a nice added touch. I highly recommend this place! Pros: Ambience, food and wine list Cons: crowded on weekends more

There is no doubt that this place is full of fake people and wanna-be millionares. skip this place for sure, door folks and staff are gaulkers and very rude to women. Brunch is not to par and rather expensive, try the vinnoy or the red rose dinning room in plant city for the best brunch. hint to possers: real millionares dont hang out a jacksons, we sit back and laugh at you all !! more

My friend and I went to Jackson's on a Friday night based on the reviews from MSN. It was a horrible experience from the start. My friend was beautifully dressed but was told by the bouncer that next time she had better wear heels. He did this before slapping a tacky, flourescent pink wrist band on her arm. Inside, the bar staff was mostly friendly, however the patrons were far from it. I've never encountered so many fake, superficial, rude people in my life, nor have I ever seen so many plastic body parts. Drinks were good but over priced...the view was lovely but completely ruined by the unwelcoming atmosphere. If you are a real person who enjoys conversation and meeting new and interesting people, do not go to Jackson's. You will find nothing but cold shoulders and superficial ridiculousness. Young movers and shakers? Hardly...just wannabe millionaires with nothing to talk about. Pros: Nice location Cons: Stuck up and superficial more

I enjoyed eating outside but there was not enough light to read the menu. The sushi was good, as was the service. I would go back! Pros: location Cons: price more

WOW had not been here for awhile. Came this weekend. The place was the place to go and be seen. Had dinner which was good. A little of an older crowd then I like. Went to the nightclub and had a great time. All sorts of different things going on. Entertainment, DJ's, loaded with lots of pretty people. We had a great time. Dinner was great. Food and service were excellent. The club was for sure the hottest in town now. Pros: Food , Service, View more

This is your typical next to the hotel bar and reataurant. Good service in general. Very big place. Probably a good place for a wedding.' I'd say the type of place you'd go to in a party or convention. It's got a lotta room!. The food is good but not like going to Las vegas or something. It's Tampa let's get real. It's got a good setting and overall the food is good. They have sushi too which appeases to a lot of people. But I'm sure if you tried harder you could find a smaller place with better food outside downtown. If you are staying at the Wyndham or Hyatt then go there. It is close. It is on the harbor water so the view isn't too bad either; especially if you like looking at condos. more

I went to Jackson's on Friday night and could not have believed how amazing the crowd was. The crowd was large and for sure the place to be in Tampa. The restaurant has always been good but I had never gone to the club. I was in shock. Alot if different entertainment and great music. It is the happening spot for sure in Tampa. The outdoor deck was full and they had private tents for VIP parties. I was surprised as we always have come for dinner during the week and had never known this happened on the weekend. I have always had a great time and never knew it could be even this good. Tampa has always lacked a great nightlife choice now it has found it. more

My first visit was on 03/26/05, and what a find! Great location, inventive food, and a solid wait staff that went above and beyond to insure my party had a great time. Professional, classy and laid back at the same time, and a totally wonderful experience from the time my party walked into the restaurant, to the time we left. A great place, and a hidden gem in the Tampa Bay area. I HIGHLY reccommend that everyone try this exceptional venue. Pros: service, food, atmosphere more

We had a birthday party for my husband at Jacksons a few weeks ago and it was nothing short of perfect and amazing. The food was incredible. The service was fine tuned. The server was very personable and was always a step ahead of everyones needs. He thought of everything. The place is located on the water and although the patio was closed due to the cold we had a great view of the Tampa skyline and water. My husband has still not stopped commenting on how great everything was. It was his best birthday ever. I am glad to have been able to give him this magical evening. I can not say enough great things about the experience. A great luch place too. Go there alot for busniess lunches when we have clients in town. Pros: Great Food, Stellar Service, Great View more