Originally written under the byline Lisa Magoch-Johnson for Valley Lifestyles Magazine
Located in the heart of Downtown Chandler, Bourbon Jacks opened its doors in Fall of 2012. Owners John Radice and Lon Rutten wanted to create a different kind of restaurant for downtown Chandler. The kind of destination that served both deliciously unique lunch and dinner items, while offering up a fun and memorable time for all ages.
Walking into Bourbon Jacks Bar and Grill is like walking into an old time honky ton The first thing you see ahead of you is the stage in the far corner. The words Bourbon Jacks and a guitar are boldly emblazoned onto a brick wall in front of you. Depending on the time of day, you will see tables and chairs set up in front of the stage for lunch time customers, or the seating will be pushed back to allow for some night time dancing and live bands. On your right, the white words on red: Reliable Hardware, Est. 1918, remind you of the building’s historical past. The country music piping out of the overhead speakers, the mirrored well stocked bar to your left, and the eight television screens around the restaurant make you think this is just like any other country or sports bar. But, take a seat, spend a few minutes, and soon you will see there is a lot more to Bourbon Jacks than you will find at any local watering hole.
The major difference is the food. A new menu item is added daily and specially created and prepared by Chef Jason Williams and Chef Billy Sims. Marketing director, Jeff Fleenor says, “The food is not southern or barbecue. It’s a mix of southern styles from east to west coast.” Each dish has its own unique flavor and the menu specials are never the same old fare.
In the mood for a little soup and salad? The soup of the day is served in a large bowl or cup. The Ahi Tuna Salad is a great hearty meal for a lighter appetite or if you are just in the mood for a cool summer meal. Its blend of cabbage, carrots, cucumber, red peppers, pepitas, seared tune (of course), and ginger lemon sesame vinaigrette is crisp and tasty enough for someone who usually doesn’t get excited about seafood.
Those with a lage man-sized hunger will find the Bacon Bleu Burger is large enough to fill up any appetite. The mouth watering cooked-to-order buger with bacon, bleu cheese, black pepper aioli sauce, and piled with crispy onion straws on soft pretzel breads needs to be cut in half and turned upside down to eat it properly. Even then, it’s still a messy, but delicious burger.
When Fleenor says Bourbon Jacks serves the best Mack and Cheese in the Arizona, he isn’t just boasting. The four cheese blend, sun dried tomatoes, and Parmesan bread crumbs create an especially creamy texture with a slight kick of spice that makes Mack and Cheese stand out on its own. Make it a full meal with Daddy Mack and Cheese and add chicken, bacon, or a little of both.
Their food it its own centerpiece, but they know how to make a fun time. Five nights a week, customers can enjoy live entertainment performed by local bands. Every Tuesday night Bourbon Jacks offers two step and line dancing lessons.
They are constantly listening to their customers, paying attention to the feedback they receive, and coming up with new ideas on a daily basis. Their social media sites are very interactive and keep customers updated on upcoming events, unique holiday menu themes, and the latest specials of the house.
Bourbon Jacks is a flavorful taste of new urban country. It’s a place to take your family when you want to show your out of town relatives a good time, some place to take a break during your work day, or some place to take the kids when you want to get out and it’s just too hot to cook at home. Fleenor says, “It’s a place with a great country vibe. We have a big mix of customers from all generations. It’s a great destination for a good time.”