Dining out: Pimento cheese is the showpiece at Jackson’s

By Catherine Muccigrosso - Lake Wylie Pilot

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This column offers a sampling of dining experiences in the area. It is not intended as a review of the restaurant other than to provide the reader with one diner's experience.

Jackson’s Kitchen

Location: 304 N. Main St., Clover

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday

Phone: (803) 222-9441

Web site: jacksonskitchen.com

Ambiance: Family-friendly restaurant and store

There’s a lot of history to bite into at Jackson’s Kitchen in Clover, a family-owned business for more than 50 years. I was told it was the pimento cheese spread that helped the former store and deli, then called Jackson Brothers Grocery, get started. So I ordered the owner’s namesake specialty sandwich, which is covered in their homemade melted pimento cheese and bacon.

Walking in the side door, it’s clear this place exudes that “Mom and Pop” grocery store feel, which is how the business started as a store and deli called Jackson Brothers Grocery. A large refrigerator case is stocked with all the goodness of homemade sandwich spreads and salads, and there’s homemade pies and breads on shelves. They also cater events and serve country cooking daily specials.

While placing our orders at the register counter, we took a look in the busy kitchen to the right. To the left is a spacious, non-smoking dining area (high chairs available) where groups and a large family can gather ’round the table together.

While we waited for our meals, which didn’t take long at all to come out of the kitchen, we checked out all the framed newspaper articles that line the walls and the awards from the local chambers of commerce. There were lots of diners and store patrons coming in and out.

My burger was served between Texas toast and of course, covered (but not too heavily) with the famous house pimento spread that was mild and such a great change from regular cheese. The $3.78 burger was very filling.

My friend enjoyed the chicken salad melt ($3.50) served with tomato and melted provolone cheese on a croissant. The finely chopped chicken was good and “definitely” homemade.

The crispy french fries ($1.50) were “unbelievable,” especially with ranch dressing, my friend said.

There’s every kind of classic sandwich you could hope for on the menu, including a Dagwood, fresh shaved deli ham on Texas toast, and Submarines on the 14-long list. There’s also about 16 favorites, naturally including three sandwiches with pimento cheese and even The 55 (ham with cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce), as well as deep fried bologna, fried livermush and homemade corned beef salad. There’s burgers and hot dogs, eight salad choices and everyday plates like chicken wings and tenders, along with a short children’s menu for kids younger than 5.

For dessert, we wanted to try the homemade pie. We couldn’t buy it by the slice, so we bought a whole chocolate nut pie for $7.62. What a deal! It wasn’t a rich chocolate, but still sweet, and served well with the crunchy walnuts. And, the crust — it reminded my of the texture and sweetness of baklava. Scrumptious! What a gift Jackson’s pies could make!

So after we shared it with our two co-workers at the Lake Wylie Pilot office, I took the remaining half home to share with my neighbors. After all, isn’t that what Jackson’s is about? With their warm hospitality, they welcome you into their kitchen, and then, the Jacksons serve you up a slice of their homemade recipes that continues to be savored by friends and neighbors.