Jack's Backyard - CLOSED

With such an informal, inviting name, the interior of this community favorite is modern, sleek and even chic. Amber-light-emitting sconces line the walls of owners Susie Buck, who is also the chef, and Kathy Jack's hangout. However, the backyard is your run-of-the-mill outdoor bar space -- albeit one writ large with telephone wire wooden spools. The menu is heavy on the hand-held bar grub with a short list of entrées that include perennial all stars chicken-fried steak and brisket. Buck's signature dish, Jack's Bites?eight pieces of chicken, water chestnut and pickled jalapeño neatly enveloped in bacon?is a novel twist on a common Texas hors d'ouvre. But what's probably most surprising about Jack's, which opened in October 2008, is that it's hidden in plain sight (across from a trailer park), making it an oasis for those in-the-know.

• Cuisine(s): American

  Hours: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Mon-Sun

  Price: $, $$

  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards

• Attire: Casual

  Features: Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly

  Serving: Brunch, Dinner, Late Night, Lunch

  Alcohol: Full bar

• Reservations: Accepted, Not Necessary

  Parking: Free, Lot Available, Valet