The tables are set, the food is fresh, the Doo Wop music is playing and the Zimmermann family; Rob, Patrice, Robbie, Kristin and Holly; are ready to serve you seven days a week at the Jackson Diner. You enter the front door, leave the present behind and walk back into the future of what great dining is all about. This is what you would find at a typical 1950s soda shop. The burgers are huge, the malts are thick and the banana splits are to die for. All waiting for you at The Jackson Diner at Jackson Crossing.
The retro décor brings you back to a time when the future was bright and everybody liked Ike. Black and white checkered tiles grace the floor and gleaming stainless steel, the backsplash behind the fountain prep area. People are sitting on their favorite bar stool at the counter and others in booths and at tables in the dining room. The music of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Dion and the Belmonts, The Platters, Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Paul Anka, The Drifters, The Chantels and so many more rock and roll originals play over the sound system just like the old time juke boxes. The three flat panel TVs give away the fact you are not in the mid century 1900s but the turn of the 21st century.
Many reading this still have fond memories of gathering with friends and family at the local diner where everybody knows your name and your favorite item on the menu. You will receive the same warm greeting at the Jackson Diner. The friendly management staff, led by John, who has been in the diner business over 30 years, will make sure your dining experience is all it should be. Chef Juan prepares daily specials and homemade soups daily with the freshest ingredients. The food is great, the service is quick and friendly and the prices are moderate. You can’t get a better combination than that.
After finding your way to your favorite table or booth, you will enjoy the atmosphere surrounding you. There is a 40 foot mural that takes up the entire back wall. Hand painted by local artists (Jackson Memorial art teacher, Bobby Allaire, her daughter and Jackson Liberty art teacher Jessica Ventrillo), the scenes depicted are of a typical small town in the 1950s. You will remember the time you spent in your car cruising town as you delight in the classic cars depicted in the mural. Remember how much fun you had until daddy took the T-Bird away? Don’t day dream too long. It’s time to order.

Jackson Diner is a full service restaurant with a complete menu with something for everyone. Breakfast is served all day long with generous portions featuring unique specials. The “Lumberjackson” features two buttermilk pancakes with two eggs any style, two strips of bacon, one sausage patty and home fries. The “Jammin’ Jackson” features two thick slices of French toast with two eggs any style, served with two strips of bacon, one sausage patty and home fries. The “J-Town” is a juicy piece of steak served with three eggs any style, home fries and toast. These are just some of the belly busting breakfast specials. The menu is full of others for lunch or dinner.
For lunch, consider Patrice’s favorite homemade soups; wraps made with your choice of spinach, wheat or tomato tortilla; paninis of all types; healthy salad platters; Zimmermann’s famous eight ounce black angus burgers; selections from the “Dog House;” deli favorites; classic triple deckers; and dieter’s delight.
Dinner is always special at the Jackson Diner. The selection of weekday dinner specials are mouthwatering and too numerous to mention. Consider roasted half chicken, fresh broiled haddock, London broil steak platter, linguini in clam sauce, ravioli stuffed with lobster and many more. Or you could try the many seafood platters. Fresh fish is delivered regularly. The “Senior Specials” will delight the many patrons who grew up and remember firsthand the 1950s as if they were yesterday.
Chef Juan goes out of his way to make sure you will enjoy everything you order. From the starting appetizers to the finishing desserts. This is a very family-friendly restaurant where the kids and grandkids are always welcome with menu selections just for them.
Eating out should not be boring or bland. The Jackson Diner is neither. The Zimmerman family is full of charm and down to earth hospitality. They have lived in Jackson since 1984, raising their children here and participating as active members of the community. Opening this diner is the result of a lifelong dream held by Rob. He always wanted to open a small place where he could serve good food to good friends. His wife, Patrice, picked up on this dream and shares it with him. The result is not some small “greasy spoon” but one of the most unique restaurants in town. Rob grew up the youngest of eight children. He remembers with fondness the music his older siblings listened to on the radio and records. He wanted to bring that same theme to his restaurant. The Jackson Diner is the fulfillment of a life’s dream where the Zimmermans can share their joy with friends and neighbors. When you come to the Jackson Diner, you are sure to return. You will become part of the family and who knows, you might even get a menu item named after you.
Customer service is so important. Success has come to the Jackson Diner because they listen to their customers. Those suggestions have served them well. Takeout orders are always available and local delivery can be arranged. Watch for their new catering service coming in the near future. Stop by and celebrate...the whole Zimmerman clan is waiting for you. You will not be disappointed.