GetOut Magazine

Jax's on Mill goes Vegas style
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out
Feb. 13, 2003

A DJ spins a mix of pounding house beats and R&B-flavored tunes from the second story of Jax Fusion. Colorful lights swirl around the club, which used to be known as Jax Thai Bar, as a group of inebriated clubbers flock to the small dance floor to show off their dance moves. Young men linger by the bar and watch while a handful of pretty-boy servers show off their fancy bar tricks that could rival Tom Cruise's fast moves in "Cocktail."

Jax Fusion is nothing like Jax Thai Bar. The laid-back image and Thai food are long gone. They've been replaced with more of a Scottsdale feel. Whereas Jax Thai Bar exuded sophistication, Jax Fusion oozes trendiness. Indoors, you'll find two bars (one upstairs and one downstairs), a good-looking and attentive bar staff and cool visual effects, such as the trippy wall hanging that appears to be cascading water gliding down a wall. There's also a posh lounge area that offers a small escape. Outdoors, you'll find a few patio areas for dining.

Jax Thai Bar had a good run for two to two and a half years, manager Jon Carlson says. It was time for reconcepting.

The reconception is toward Vegas style, where sky dancers perform aerial shows and bartenders breathe fire.

We wanted to get a blend of things that appeal to different people, Carlson says. We have a very European, very New York, Vegas feeling.

Although the bar reopened under its new moniker at the end of last month, it appears as if the change is paying off even on a Tuesday night.

(Jax) has a unique atmosphere, and the music makes you just want to get up and dance, says Kristin Richard, 25, of Tempe.
Eric McNichol, 26, of Phoenix agrees.

I think the atmosphere is very nice, he says. It's a bit trendy, but it has a high-class undertone.

To complement the Vegas setting, the club offers a tasty drink menu ranging from beer to champagne. Specialty drinks, priced at $7 each, include the Jax Cosmo (Ketel One Citroen, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime juice), Flirtini (Ketel One vodka, raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice, champagne), White Elephant (Smirnoff Vanilla Twist Vodka, creme de cacao, Amarula cream liqueur) and the Flying Martini (Smirnoff Orange Twist, peach schnapps, orange juice and 7-Up).

I recommend the Flirtinis, Richard says. They're fun, fruity and sexy.

Whether Jax Fusion which will soon implement a food menu will live long on Mill Avenue remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure the club, which created its own niche, is sure to give the saucy Library Bar & Grill down the street a run for its money.

People work hard every day to make their dollar; they want more than a martini or a beer when they go out, Carlson says. We give them more.

Jax Fusion

Where: 420 S. Mill Ave., Suite 101, Tempe
When: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily
Draft beer: $3-$4
Happy hour: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday with half-price drinks and appetizers
Cover: None
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