Jax Grill

Featuring an array of American dishes, this counter-service eatery is known for its burger menu and boisterous patrons.

The restaurant is fairly spacious, with a huge outdoor patio and an expansive indoor section with a dance floor. Aside from serving food and spirits, Jax doubles as one of the city's top zydeco haunts. A rotating lineup of local acts (Wilfred Chevis, Step Rideau) and regional stars (Roy Carrier) provides the tunes. The dance floor is usually energetic, with folks young and old strutting their stuff.

You can't go wrong with catfish, crawfish or shrimp (fried or grilled). Burgers are also a main course, and there's a surprisingly solid choice of salads for healthful types. In the center of the restaurant is a circular bar. Prices are reasonable ($2.25 for bottled beer, which is always ice-cold). Cocktails are fairly potent and inexpensive.

Hours: Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.