Jackson’s Gastropub Opens in South St. Pete With New Orleans-Inspired Menu

Jackson's Gastropub opened last week at 1700 34th St. S. in South St. Petersburg. The 3,840 square-foot eatery sits just south of Gibbs High School and across from Yo-Mama Fried Chicken.

Dan Soronen owns the new spot. He seats over 100 people and has a full-liquor bar. Soronen has owned and operated eateries in St. Pete since 2005.

"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 said, according to St. Pete Rising. "So we wanted to open a chef-driven sports bar for everyone that lives here."

The venue's name honors his fiance's family. Its menu draws inspiration from her hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Chef Sean Ford runs the kitchen. He worked at Little Philly and Tryst before this. The gastropub serves Creole-inspired flatbreads, sandwiches, shareable starters, and entrees.

Small plates include popcorn crawfish with Creole mustard, boudin sausage, baked oysters, chicken and andouille gumbo, jumbo lump crab cakes, and blackened shrimp po'boys. Larger dishes? Three types of jambalaya, blackened shrimp, scallops or chicken over dirty rice, jalapeno-honey baked salmon, and braised bourbon short ribs. Two pasta options round out what's available: jambalaya-inspired fettuccine and blackened chicken and shrimp alfredo.

The bar serves beer, wine, and craft cocktails like the saffron spritz made with L'Excuse Herbal Liqueur, elderflower, and prosecco. Classic New Orleans drinks like the Vieux Carré and Sazerac appear on the menu too.

Soronen has been tied to several other St. Pete locations through the years. Old Northeast Tavern, Shackleton's Folly, Brewburgers Taphouse, Old Key West Grill, and the Catalyst on the Deuces. The latter closed earlier this year and was replaced by Jay Que's.

Bill Christie and Adam Schwerin are partners in the venture. These restaurateurs operate Grumpy Gringo and Dockside Dave's on Madeira Beach.

The space has soft lighting, wood accents, and 16 televisions that will show sports games year-round. Soronen said he wants the spot to serve people who live in the growing Skyway Marina District.

"Jackson's is your quintessential neighborhood hangout. It's for the foodies and everyone else who likes a quality meal and great drinks," he said. "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."

The gastropub opens from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day during its soft opening period. Brunch service may launch in time for Mother's Day on May 10.