Location! Location! Location! That’s the mantra real estate agents repeat when offering the priority for selecting property. In Alexandria, that mantra has to include a historical location. Jackson 20 fulfills both requirements, as it’s located adjacent to the recently opened Hotel Monaco in the 400 block of King Street and on the site of a former tavern with a notorious background.

Kimpton Hotels purchased the site from the Holiday Inn, which had been built in 1972, and underwent a year-long renovation. The interior has been redesigned and outfitted to a more modern style, but the most noticeable change to passersby is the new entrance door on King Street, with the military-style outfitted bellmen welcoming them. The location is ideal for attracting the thousands of tourists from around the world who have heard of “King Street”, and also locals who visit City Hall, the Courthouse, and work in the heart of Old Town.

Now for the history. Although Jackson 20 claims to pay tribute to President Jackson, it is ironic that a gentleman named James W. Jackson owned a tavern on this site called Marshall House. Prior to the Civil War, Jackson was a fervid secessionist and celebrated Virginia voting to secede from the Union with a raucous party at his tavern and the posting of the Confederate flag from a pole atop the roof.

The next day, Alexandria was invaded by Union troops under the command of Col. Ephraim Ellsworth, who noticed the Confederate flag and personally climbed to the roof and removed it. On his way down the steps, he was met by Jackson who shot and killed him. Ellsworth’s men returned fire and killed Jackson, thus both the north and the south had their first “martyrs” for their causes.

Alexandria remained under Union control for the duration of the war, distinguishing it as the longest occupied territory of the Civil War.

Fortunately, for visitors and residents of Alexandria today, it is a city of peace and prosperity where all enjoy the many offerings found there.

Along with two companions I recently dined at Jackson 20. We picked a Tuesday evening thinking it might not be as busy, but we were wrong as it was bustling.

The layout of the restaurant is an L, with the bar and lounge along one side and the dining room along the other. Interesting is that the kitchen is found in the right angle of the L, behind opaque glass. The end of the dining room opens to the outside courtyard that will probably attract many patrons as the weather gets warmer. Interior features include a flagstone floor, brick walls, a banquette along one wall, warm hues and subtle lighting.

Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by the hostess and seated. Soon after, a basket of warm rolls and cornbread muffins along with maple honey butter were delivered to the table- a nice Southern touch. One of my companions ordered the Diablo, one of the House Cocktails, made with Patron Silver Tequila, Crème de cassis and ginger beer. I noticed the menu featured ten white wines and ten red wines, each for $20 a bottle, and ordered Cline Cellars Viognier, a nice substitute for a cocktail.

For appetizers we ordered shrimp louie, served with frisee and asparagus, steamed clams and fried oysters. The Viognier was a good pairing for these.

The menu is brief but offers a varied selection of entrees. We chose Grilled King Salmon, with creamy polenta, Brussels sprouts and a brown butter and caper vinaigrette, Slow Braised Short Ribs, served with mashed potatoes, sautéed greens and mustard glaze and finally, Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with collard greens, and pearl onion ragout. All nicely presented and generous portions. Along with entrees, we enjoyed a bottle of Steele Pinot Noir.

As usual, I didn’t save room for dessert, but several would tempt me to come back just for dessert and coffee; notably the Sweet Potato Bread Pudding.

If ordering wines by the glass, there are four champagnes, five whites and five reds to choose from. Again, I mention the twenty wines for $20 a bottle which is a very good value. Champagnes range from Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs for $40 to Dom Perignon for $275, whites from Dry Creek Chenin Blanc for $32 to one of my favorites, Cakebread Chardonnay for $90, and reds from Lang and Reed Cabernet Franc for $43 to Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon for $115. Also offered are dessert wines, ports, sherrys and cognac and brandies.

At the bar, draft beers include, Stella Artois, Dogfish IPA, Widmer Hefeweizen, and Anchor Steam. Bottles include Sierra Nevada, Budweiser, Corona, Samuel Adams, Clipper City, Blue Moon Belgian White and Clausthaler.

Our tab for one cocktail, two bottles of wine, three appetizers and three entrees before tip was $215.

Jackson 20 has a great location and will be creating its own history.

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