text: PLUSH DECOR, SOFT SOUNDS -- JACKSON'S A CUT ABOVE - Sun Sentinel
  PLUSH DECOR, SOFT SOUNDS -- JACKSON'S A CUT ABOVE
  Lovers of good food in an elegant setting who mourned the closing of Burt & Jack's at Port Everglades can take some comfort at Jackson's.
  It's a worthy replacement, and although you won't see cruise ships come and go, there's plenty to see on Las Olas through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the lounge.
  The crimson-carpeted room, decorated in dark, burnished wood that extends to the high, beamed ceiling, serves as an anteroom to the expansive dining area.
  With a large bar, topped with granite and varnished cherry wood, it also functions just fine as a lounge. The full menu is available at the bar, which has two TVs.
  There's no dance floor, but live jazz plays in a corner near the bar on Fridays and Saturdays, and the rest of the week, a pianist plays soft background music, from Broadway tunes to Billy Joel.
  The music is inobtrusive to conversation but enhances the background ambience. Service at the bar is good, although the kitchen is slow, taking 25 minutes to deliver an appetizer on a moderately busy evening.
  Martinis, at $8-$9, are a specialty, while a domestic beer is $4. Call cocktails such as single-malt Scotch are typically $10.
  Customers are 30s and up, well-dressed and tend to take advantage of the cigar-friendly room. Indeed, you can buy a selection of smokes at the bar.
  Jackson's may be building a reputation for its steaks, but anyone looking for an elegant lounge with pleasant music will have no beef here.
  Tonight: Check out the Marshall Tucker Band at 8 p.m. at Coral Springs Center, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs (954-344-5990). Proceeds benefit the SOS Children's Village.
  Saturday: Pack up the relatives and head over to the free Family Concert Series featuring the show band the Fabulons, 7-9 p.m. at Stradling Park, 10301 Wiles Road (954- 345-2200). Celebrate your patriotism by attending the Stars and Stripes Celebration, a hand-clapping, flag-waving concert at 8 p.m. at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, 5555 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale (954-491- 1103).
  Sunday: Listen to live music dockside at Caribbean Corner on the Intracoastal, on the southeast side of the Oakland Park Boulevard bridge, Fort Lauderdale (954-566- 2855). Attend jazz night featuring the Billy Shields Quartet from 7-11 p.m. at Cheers, 941 E. Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale (954-771- 6337), and check out the free buffet and drink specials.
  Wednesday: Support our local musicians by attending Original Music Night at Alligator Alley, 1321 E. Commercial Blvd., Oakland Park (954- 771-2220). There is no cover.
  Thursday: Drive east to Fort Lauderdale's beach, stopping at Casablanca Cafe, 3049 Alhambra St., Fort Lauderdale (954-764-3500). Described as "an American piano bar," Casablanca has indoor and outdoor seating, live music and dancing.