Jake Spitzack
Staff Writer
Ahoy! A new Latin Caribbean bistro by the name of Jackey’s Peg Leg is now open in the former Hunan Garden space at 380 Cedar St. It launched this spring and boasts scrumptious dishes, wooden plank decor, and enough event space for a boatload of people. At the helm are the owners of Bullvino’s Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse in downtown St. Paul and Jim Carlson, general manager.
Diners at Jackey’s will find a menu inspired by the Caribbean isles, Mexico and Brazil. Fried polenta and ceviche are among the appetizers, and tacos, sandwiches and a variety of filets make up the bulk of the entrees. Classic burgers are also offered, along with a full bar. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in Brazilian flan, key lime pie, tres leches and other desserts.
Entertainment is featured throughout the week and revolves around specific themes. Wednesdays are blues music, Thursdays karaoke, Fridays Latin music and Saturdays Brazilian night. The bistro is open noon-11 p.m., Monday-Thursday; noon-2 a.m., Fridays; 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturdays; and 5-11 p.m., Sundays. Look for a Mexican theme the weekend of May 5, Cinco de Mayo.
“Cinco falls on a Sunday, but the parade and the West Side fiesta happens on a Saturday so there’s a good chance that instead of doing a Brazilian night we’re probably going to do a Mexican band that day,” said Carlson. “We’ll be an after-party so to speak…. We’ll have music going on and have tacos and other food. On that Sunday, I will probably have another band or at least a DJ.”
The restaurant seats about 150 in the dining area with expanded seating available into the event space, and the bar seats 25. The space has already been reserved for a few corporate events and can be used to host weddings, quinceañeras (a celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday that is common in Mexican and other Latin American cultures) and other events.
Carlson, who is in charge of the entertainment, is originally from Puerto Rico and moved to Minnesota in 1982 to attend Macalester College, where he earned a bachelor’s in economics and business and Latin American studies. He has worked in the event industry for 30 years, 10 of which have been with Premier Latino Event, a company he founded. His company has organized parties at venues throughout the Twin Cities and most recently he’s managed anniversary parties, Cinco de Mayo celebrations and other events at La Doña Cerveceria in Minneapolis.
Substantial work was done to the space prior to opening, including demolishing a large wall so the dining and event areas are one big room. Tables have also been transformed into pirate-ship-themed benches, the bathrooms remodeled, the kitchen revamped, carpet removed and the plumbing brought up to date.
“[Co-owner] Marcio and I are heavy on St. Paul,” said Carlson. “I live on the West Side and I think St. Paul is going to be a good market for us. I think there’s growth in St. Paul. I think a lot of people are coming back to work in downtown…. The event space we have created will allow us to bring music to downtown. There’s not a lot of that going on right now, especially after KJ’s Underground closed. We’re speaking with some of the people who used to play there to see if they want to play our location because I think it’s important that we support local artists.”
For more information, call 651-352-2807 or visit jackeyspegleg.com.
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