JAX BAR & GRILL
GLENDALE’S SUPER JAZZ SUPPER CLUB

For over a quarter-century, Glendale’s JAX Bar & Grill has been the go-to destination for hungry jazz lovers. Named L.A.’s “Best Jazz Supper Club” by L.A. Weekly, JAX offers live jazz every night without ever charging a cover or entrance minimum.

Located on the ground floor of a 1920s building in the heart of downtown Glendale, JAX Bar & Grill was opened by restaurateur Jeff Williams in 1984. Inspired by the restaurant's turn-of-the-century ambiance and stamped copper ceiling, JAX was originally conceived as a "Cheers" style pub and sports bar but quickly became Southern California’s premier jazz supper club when live music seven nights a week as added a year after its opening.

Believing in serving large portions at affordable prices, founder Jeff Williams, whose other local restaurants include Clancy's Crab Broiler, The Star Cafe, Black Cow Cafe, and Hamburger Central, has created a variety of menus at JAX with something for every palette.

JAX welcoming bar area possesses that old school haunt charm where a stiff Old Fashioned or Dirty Martini are par for the course, as is a strong Mai Tai or Long Island Ice Tea, which pair perfectly with the live jazz that plays nightly.

Make your way into the elegant dining room, where the live jazz music adds a nice atmosphere to dinner, and prepare for big portions of your favorite comfort food staples. With martinis in hand, we started with a nice, hearty Caesar Salad.

Next, we found the Sautéed Barcelona Style Shrimp topped with Mozzarella cheese and Prosciutto a great starter dish. The creamy sauce is so mouthwatering that you’ll want to scoop every last drop of it with your freshly baked bread.

Every plate is prepared with generous portions so you may want to share dishes and really treat yourself right. The Baby Back Pork Ribs (full slab $23.95; half $15.95) with fries, slaw and beans is another favorite menu item. The meat is extremely tender, practically falling off the bone. Finger-licking good, this is comfort food at its finest.

Looking for a less guilty option, the Horseradish Crusted Salmon rubbed with Creole mustard and fresh horseradish is a fine selection. Grilled on aromatic cedar plank and finished with orange butter, it’s served with mashed potatoes and is a true delight.

Looking for a hearty dish that won’t have your trainer branding you a complete lost cause, go for the Shrimp & Scallop Linguine with garlic, cilantro and creamy pesto. Again, make sure the bread is handy so you can enjoy every last drop of the sauce. You don’t have to confess that part of dinner to your trainer.

Stuffed and satiated, we passed on dessert, even though the Jack Daniel’s Bread Pudding did sound fantastic. Do note that every item on the menu can be served in the bar, including the popular Little Snacks and Small Plates. Also, take advantage of the Early Bird Dinners, which include soup or salad, entrée, and dessert for only $9.95. You may have to fight off a blue hair or retiree for a table to take advantage of this great deal.

JAX Bar & Grill is located at 339 N. Brand Blvd. in Glendale. Restaurant dinner hours: Sunday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Tuesday thru Thursday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Saturday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Lunch M–F 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music nightly. Happy Hour: M–F 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call 818-500-1604.