Shireen's Favorite Things

An evening at Jack’s Miami in Edgewater eating delicious homemade Italian food.

“Jack’s” is the kind of place where everyone knows your name.

Yep, just like “Cheers” but better — because it’s the real deal. The new eatery gives me all kinds of fuzzy feels: it’s intimate, inviting and despite only being open for a little over a month, the food is ah-MAZE-ing.

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that it’s homemade. Especially the meatballs. Mama Mia! (Said in my best Italian accent.)

If you’re a regular Spotlight reader, you know I lo-o-o-ove me some good Italian food and with “Jack’s,” I’ve definitely struck gravy gold.

One of the restaurants best features? It’s snuggled into a charming old house, which reminds me of the way the world used to be (before high-rises and strip malls.)

And if you like dining outside, you’ll love the quaint patio area. It’s the ideal place to spend a long, leisurely dinner, a first date or a special occasion. I can’t wait to go back just as the sun is setting.

I usually start Spotlight with three signature drinks (for all you lushes out there,) but because Jack’s is so new, they’re still in the process of creating their cocktails. With that being said, their off-the-cuff drinks were dangerously addicting and quite frankly, pretty darn good.

The bartender whipped up a few things from his imagination: “Elder Jam,” “A Day at the Beach” and “The Deco Drive”.

“The Deco Drive” actually didn’t have a name, but after sipping the spicy concoction, I deemed it the spitting image of the show: strong, fiery and occasionally sweet (made with chili flakes, peach tree, tequila and pineapple.) The “Elder Jam” reminded me of a night out in Paris (made with vodka, St. Germaine, Prosecco and topped with a cherry.) Last but not least, “A Day at the Beach”, which totally tasted like a Creamsicle or a frozen Push-Up Popsicle.

I tried three appetizers: “Nonna’s Homemade Meatballs,” “San Gennaro Sausage & Peppers” and “Fire Roasted Red Peppers with Basil.” The meatballs were everything, smothered in Sunday Gravy and served on grilled Tuscan bread.

For my main dish, I devoured the “Braised Short Ribs” (slow-cooked and served over a bed of sautéed veggies with some crazy good mashed potatoes.)

The ribs were so succulent, they practically fell off the bone and melted in my mouth. I don’t know what the secret is to this dish, but if you’re a carnivore, you will NOT be disappointed.

For dessert, I had two of the most decadently creamy homemade Cannolis. Be still my beating heart! It was worth every mouthwatering high-calorie bite.

At “Jack’s” I felt happy and relaxed. It’s unpretentious, but at the same time, it’s classy and cool. And seriously, who doesn’t love homemade meatballs? They’re definitely one of MY favorite things.

Monday-Saturday: 5pm-Midnight
Sunday: 4pm-11pm.
Lunch coming soon
Happy Hour is Monday – Friday 5pm-8pm
Sunday Gravy Happy Hour 4pm-8pm.

Jack’s is located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Edgewater (just south of Midtown). There’s plenty of street parking, just be sure and feed the meter.

Jack’s Home Cooking
2426 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33137

Reservations: 305-640-5507
Special Event? Call 786-703-6180

IG: @jacksmiami
FB: Jack’s Miami
www.jacksmiami.com