Jackson’s, a new neighborhood pub, has opened in south st. Pete | Jackson’s

A new sports bar and neighborhood pub quietly opened its doors in south St. Pete last week.

Jackson’s, a new 3,840 square-feet restaurant, recently made its debut at 1700 34th Street South, just south of Gibbs High School and across from the newly opened Yo-Mama Fried Chicken.

It’s the newest eatery from local restaurateur Dan Soronen, who has owned and operated restaurants in St. Pete since 2005.

He says that Jackson’s offers affordable, quality food in a casual environment.

“I live in South St. Petersburg, and there’s always talk about the area being a food desert for shopping centers and grocery stores. But on top of that, we really don't really have a lot of quality restaurants in the area,” Soronen tells St. Pete Rising. “So we wanted to open a chef-driven sports bar for everyone that lives here.”

With a full-liquor bar and a sizable dining room that seats over 100 people, he hopes Jackson’s will fill the need for a locally owned, family-friendly sports bar in the area, noting that new residents in the booming Skyway Marina District need a go-to neighborhood spot.

The restaurant’s name pays homage to his fiance’s family, and its culinary program is inspired by her hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Jackson’s is located at 1700 34th Street South, just south of Gibbs High School and across from the newly opened Yo-Mama Fried Chicken | st pete Rising

With Chef Sean Ford, formerly of Little Philly and Tryst, helming the kitchen, Jackson’s serves a mix of Creole-inspired flatbreads, sandwiches, shareable starters, and entrées.

A few of its dishes include popcorn crawfish served with Creole mustard, boudin sausage, baked oysters, chicken and andouille gumbo, jumbo lump crab cakes, and blackened shrimp po’boys.

For larger-format entrees, Jackson’s offers three types of jambalaya, blackened shrimp, scallops or chicken over dirty rice, jalapeno-honey baked salmon, and braised bourbon short ribs.

Two types of pasta, a jambalaya-inspired fettuccine and blackened chicken and shrimp alfredo, are also on the menu.

Its bar offers an array of beer, wine, and craft cocktails, like the saffron spritz made with L'Excuse Herbal Liqueur, elderflower, and prosecco, in addition to old school New Orleans cocktails like the Vieux Carré and Sazerac.

Soronen describes the restaurant as having soft lighting with warm, wood accents and a comfortable, lounge-like atmosphere. There are 16 televisions throughout the space that will play professional sports games year-round.

Calamari, shrimp and crab cakes from Jackson’s | Jackson’s

“Jackson’s is your quintessential neighborhood hangout. It’s for the foodies and everyone else who likes a quality meal and great drinks,” he says. “We’re also trying to keep it as affordable as possible. I want our customers to be locals; I don't necessarily see it as a tourist destination.”

While Jackson’s is his latest hospitality venture, Soronen has been associated with several other restaurants in St. Pete over the years, including the Old Northeast Tavern, Shackleton’s Folly, Brewburgers Taphouse, Old Key West Grill, and the Catalyst on the Deuces, which closed earlier this year and was replaced by Jay Que’s.

Other partners associated with Jackson’s are local restaurateurs Bill Christie and Adam Schwerin, who operate Grumpy Gringo and Dockside Dave’s on Madeira Beach.

During its soft opening, Jackson’s will open from 4pm to 10pm daily, with hopes to introduce brunch service in time for Mother’s Day on May 10th.

Head to Jackson’s Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest offerings.