Nightlife: JAX Café

JAX Café reminds me of my father. For him, eating out was the ultimate treat. Whether it was a birthday, an anniversary or just a big game on TV, he’s look for any excuse to enjoy a relaxing, hearty meal.

When my brother and I were growing up, my dad would take us more often to JAX’ less tony cousin, Little JAX, but each of the northeast Minneapolis restraints remains an institution that is familiar and comforting.

Now that it’s the time of year when families gather for feasts, walking into JAX makes me feel as if I’m sharing a meal with my father, laughing at his jokes and watching him needle his friends and family. He’s been gone a long time, but JAX-with its motto, “What dining was meant to be”-remains mainly unchanged.

JAX is still the place to take your sweetheart or family for dinner, while its welcoming bar is a great place to gather, sip a martini and chat with the bartender.