- Attraction: The Blacksmith Restaurant
- Location: 216 N Shannon St, Jackson, TN 38301
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.theblacksmithrestaurant.com
When an 1840s livery and blacksmith shop transforms into one of downtown Jackson’s most beloved dining destinations, you know there’s something special happening.
The Blacksmith Restaurant opened its doors in 2017, breathing new life into a building that once served travelers and their horses for nine decades before becoming Haynes Fish Market in 1928.
Owner Beth Dunn fell head over heels for the location and saw the perfect opportunity to create a culinary gathering spot that honors Jackson’s past while forging its delicious future.
Step inside and you’ll discover an upscale rustic dining room that pays homage to the building’s blacksmith roots, or venture out to what many consider Jackson’s largest and most impressive outdoor patio.
With fire pits for cooler evenings, both covered and uncovered seating areas, and three 60-inch TVs, this expansive outdoor space has become the heart of downtown Jackson’s social scene.
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Keep Exploring →Whether you’re catching live music on a Friday night or enjoying weekend brunch, The Blacksmith delivers an atmosphere that’s equal parts cozy and lively.
Menu Standouts & Signature Dishes
The Legendary Pretzel: Your meal absolutely must begin with the oversized hanging salted pretzel, served warm with Bavarian beer cheese dipping sauce.
This show-stopping appetizer draws raves from nearly every visitor and arrives at your table as big as a child’s head. The pretzel boasts a perfectly salted exterior with a soft, pillowy interior that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy beer cheese.
Fried Green Tomatoes: You’ll find these Southern staples served with a warm crock of slightly kicked-up pimento cheese dip that transforms this classic appetizer into something extraordinary. The tomatoes arrive battered and fried to golden perfection with just the right amount of crispness.
Pickle Fries: These crisp dill pickle fries come with house-made chipotle ranch and offer a tangy, addictive start to your meal. The house-made ranch appears throughout the menu and consistently impresses with its fresh, zesty flavor.
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Discover MoreThe Charcuterie Board: Featuring prosciutto, genoa salami, capicola, smoked gouda, brie, Wisconsin muenster, kalamata olives, Roma tomatoes, pepperoncinis, and toasted crostini slices served with olive oil and balsamic, this generous spread is perfect for sharing.
Filet Crostini: Crostini topped with sliced USDA Black Angus filet mignon, spring mix, pico de gallo, carrot ribbons, bleu cheese crumbles, and drizzled with balsamic glaze delivers sophisticated flavors in every bite.
Burgers & Steaks
The Forge Burger: The restaurant’s signature burgers feature 8 ounces of USDA Certified Black Angus beef and come with your choice of cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda cheese.
You’ll appreciate the creative burger combinations on the menu, from jalapeño heat to basil pesto variations, with ingredients that go beyond typical burger toppings.
The Jalapeño Forge: This spicy option tops the Black Angus patty with melted cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeños, lettuce, pickle, Roma tomato, and house-made pickled onions on a brioche bun for those who like a kick.
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Keep Exploring →Hand-Cut Steaks: The ribeyes and filets are the restaurant’s best sellers for good reason. You’ll find these USDA Choice Black Angus steaks hand-cut, perfectly seasoned, and grilled to your exact specifications.
The 12-ounce ribeye arrives juicy and flavorful with compound butter melting on top, while the 6-ounce filet mignon offers tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Fresh Seafood & Specialty Sandwiches
Grilled Ahi Tuna: The ahi tuna steak is served on a toasted brioche bun with fresh crisp lettuce, Roma tomatoes, and house-made soy garlic aioli, offering a lighter yet satisfying option.
Shrimp Cocktail: Eight shrimp cooked with fresh-squeezed lemon, crushed red pepper, and Old Bay seasoning arrive chilled with house-made cocktail sauce for a classic starter.
Fresh Atlantic Salmon: The 8-ounce salmon filet is grilled to perfection and can be enjoyed as an entrée or atop fresh salads.
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Discover MoreThe Rock-A-Billy Philly: Grilled chicken breast topped with melted smoked gouda, candied bacon, lettuce, grilled pineapple, and special sauce on a toasted brioche bun creates an unforgettable flavor combination.
Ribeye Sandwich: USDA Choice Black Angus ribeye slices are drizzled with creamy bleu cheese vinaigrette, topped with melted pepper jack cheese, lettuce, pickle, house-made pickled onions, and Roma tomato on toasted ciabatta.
Salads & Pasta
Blackened Spinach & Strawberry Salad: Blackened grilled chicken or shrimp sits atop a bed of spinach with strawberries, feta cheese, candied pecans, and raspberry vinaigrette for a perfectly balanced mix of savory and sweet.
The Blacksmith Salad: Choice of grilled sliced USDA filet mignon or fresh Atlantic salmon crowns a bed of grilled baby romaine with sautéed mushrooms, carrot ribbons, and bleu cheese crumbles, all drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
Grilled Chicken Pasta: Tender, juicy grilled chicken pairs with your choice of angel hair or bowtie pasta, smothered in creamy house-made seasoned Alfredo sauce and topped with fresh-cut strips of Parmesan cheese.
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Keep Exploring →Atmosphere & Setting
Historic Charm: The building’s blacksmith heritage shines through in the rustic décor and upscale-casual ambiance. You’ll dine surrounded by industrial-chic touches that honor the space’s 180-year history while feeling completely modern and welcoming.
Downtown Vibes: Located directly across from the farmers market in the heart of revitalized downtown Jackson, The Blacksmith sits in a walkable district that’s become a hub of activity.
The location makes it perfect for combining dinner with weekend market shopping or a stroll through the historic downtown area.
The Patio Experience: Jackson’s most spacious outdoor dining area features fire pits that create a warm, inviting glow on cooler evenings. Both covered and uncovered sections give you options whether you want protection from the elements or open-air dining under the stars.
Live Entertainment: Weekend nights bring live music to the patio, creating an energetic yet relaxed atmosphere. The combination of great tunes, craft cocktails, and the outdoor setting makes for memorable evenings.
Indoor Comfort: The upscale rustic dining room offers a cozy retreat with comfortable seating and warm lighting that sets the mood for everything from casual lunches to special celebrations.
Drinks & Desserts
Craft Cocktails: The full bar features an impressive lineup with 12 draft beers and over 20 wines. Specialty drinks include the wildly popular Blueberry Lemon Drop martini and the Punch Press, both of which have developed devoted followings.
Signature Mimosas: Made with freshly squeezed orange juice, these brunch favorites elevate the weekend dining experience.
The Black and White Martini: This dessert cocktail arrives decorated with a chocolate heart design and delivers a show-stopping presentation that tastes even better than it looks.
Carrot Cake: Triple layers of moist carrot cake are smeared with cream cheese icing, finished with a caramel drizzle, and garnished with carrot shavings. The cake strikes a perfect balance of sweetness without being overwhelming, allowing you to taste each delicious component.
Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake: Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced, this dessert manages to be indulgent without being overly sweet.
Chocolate Eruption Cake: Rich chocolate cream studded with nuts, chocolate chips, and turtle cheesecake comes garnished with sliced strawberries and chocolate drizzle for serious chocolate lovers.
Practical Details
Pricing: Expect to spend around $30 and under per person, which most find very reasonable given the quality of ingredients, generous portions, and upscale-casual experience. The steaks and specialty items fall on the higher end while burgers and sandwiches offer more budget-friendly options.
Family-Friendly: The restaurant welcomes families with a kids menu featuring junior versions of popular items like the Forged burger, chicken tenders, and cornbread-battered hot dogs. The spacious patio gives children room to move while parents relax.
Pet-Friendly Patio: Your furry friends are welcome to join you at outdoor tables, making this a perfect stop for dog owners exploring downtown Jackson.
Parking: You’ll find parking available in the downtown area, though it can fill up during peak weekend hours and special events. Arriving a bit early or being prepared to walk a short distance ensures a smoother experience.
Reservations: While the restaurant accepts reservations and you can call ahead at (731) 736-3484, walk-ins are also welcome. Reservations are highly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings, Mother’s Day, and other busy periods to avoid wait times.
Weekend Highlights: Friday and Saturday nights feature live music on the patio and extended hours until 11 PM, creating the perfect date night or girls’ night out atmosphere. The farmers market across the street on Saturday mornings makes for an ideal pairing with weekend brunch.
Noise Level: When the patio is packed and live music is playing, expect a lively, energetic atmosphere. The indoor dining room offers a quieter alternative if you prefer easier conversation.
The Blacksmith Restaurant
📍 216 N Shannon St, Jackson, TN 38301
