Jumpin’(raw) bar scene downstairs, which is really the heart and soul of this restaurant. Oysters are good, but over-priced at around $ 3-$ 3.50 a swallow if it’s not HH. Servers and bartenders are all really nice and efficient. The food. .. was OK. Hence the 3 stars. Kale salad was good, but seriously over-dressed. Note to self: Self, always ask for the dressing on the side:). Then had the sea bass and the scallops. Both were decent but nothing special. Three medium-sized scallops with some lentils(which were good) and some sauce were not worth $ 32. The heavily seasoned India-Indian spicing of the vegetables accompanying the sea bass overwhelmed the plain-roasted fish. Key-lime pie was good but nothing special. Prolly won’t go back as a regular, but it was a hoppin’ bar scene. .. so maybe I’ll make an exception when I’m in the mood for a party and don’t care about spending a bit too much for some seafood. Sign me, David«The occasional party animal» M
Louisa F.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Littleton, CO
The food was awesome! Our waitress was amazing, attentive and had an awesome knowledge of the menu.
Brian T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Scottsdale, AZ
We visit Colorado several times a year to snowboard and Mtn Bike. We usually make sure we hit Jax before the flight back to AZ. The food and service has always been outstanding. I did notice recently that it seemed the portions were a little smaller. If you are going to order the Oysters, stick with Happy Hour ones. We got a dozen for $ 18 but also wanted to try the WellFleet Oysters, so we order 6. I didn’t realize that they were $ 4 each. They were good, but not that good. I have to say that the Calamari was awesome. I would highly recommend it. Our server was Abby and she was amazing.
Mallory C.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Denver, CO
I heard mixed things about Jax, before making a reservation for happy hour(my Über driver literally said, «That place is super overrated»), but we were having company from another land locked state, that enjoy seafood and it was right near my office, so I took the plunge. Before I even get to the food and drink, as soon as I set foot in the restaurant, I was brushed aside by the hostess which put a sour taste in my mouth. I came in, and was not addressed, but immediately after me, a big crowd of people came in, and the hostess began seating them. I got her attention and said, «Excuse me I have a reservation…» since I had entered a good 2 minutes before them, but she laughed, literally brushed me aside as you would a small child, and said, «Well… let me let these people inside.»(It was also 65 degrees and they were standing in the foyer… not outside in bad weather). I immediately felt like I was bothering her, and since the place was packed, debated going elsewhere. I did get seated however, and the place was hopping, and super loud. It is clearly a very busy place for Happy Hour, but I’m not totally sure why. The food was ok, but overpriced and not super filling. Being from Maine, I didn’t expect to be blown away, but it was meh. The spicy tuna things were good, but super small(and only two for $ 8???) and the mussels were good. The drinks were mediocre, and one of the members of our party almost sent hers back(something spicy with ginger beer) but was too embarrassed to make a big deal. I had the sangria, which was raved about by my co-workers, but I thought tasted like white wine and sprite. An ok drink, but I guess I was expecting more. Honestly, I wasn’t paying, so it was an ok experience, but truthfully we ended up eating again a couple hours later. I might go back to give Jax another chance and maybe try the oysters that they are known for, but frankly, I think there are better places in the area especially if you want more bang for your buck!! I
Randy M.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Casper, WY
On Valentine’s Day, the Pre-Fix meal was @($ 70/Each) — 5 course dinner No options. The portions were ridiculously small. The overall meal value was sub standard when you leave still hungry after 5 course meal and $ 70. Spent, and soup & entry were Luke warm when served? Service was distracted, food was good, but the NY steak was 4 bits/4 oz? WOW I won’t be back, Randy Mauro, box 16494, Golden, Co 80402
Lonnie B.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Denver, CO
It seems as though the difference between a $$ restaurant and a $$$ restaurant is this: the price goes up by 100%, yet the portion is reduced by 50% or more. We came here to celebrate Valentine’s Day a day early and were pretty much disappointed with the experience because we paid more than $ 130 and the portion sizes were so ridiculously small that my fiancé left hungry and subsequently ordered another dinner at a pub(which he actually enjoyed more than the food at Jax). We shared the crabcake as an appetizer. There was only one on the plate, and it wasn’t big, yet it was $ 16. We both paid $ 8 for a small cup of crab bisque. For the main dish, we had the sea bass. They gave us a huge plate, wherein the food was all squashed to one side with a swirl of curry sauce. The fish was at most 4 oz, yet it was $ 28. The potatoes and vegetables were very tasty; they were seasoned with some kind of wonderful curry sauce; however, they gave us at best a handful of potatoes and vegetables; in fact, they fit perfectly underneath the small piece of fish. The fish itself was kind of bland. Bread was very good, but it’s not complimentary as it would be at most restaurants and they are stingy with the butter. I enjoyed my deconstructed s’mores as a dessert, but again, it was quite pricey at $ 9 for two tiny pieces. They also messed up my drink order. I came to the restaurant with low blood sugar, so I ordered the strawberry lemonade to get some sugar into my system quickly. They gave me the alcoholic version, which was not what I asked for. I suddenly felt loopy and at first couldn’t figure out why, then I realized that I had just consumed alcohol on an empty stomach. I think the waitress should have verified whether I wanted the alcoholic or virgin drink. Anyway, I don’t want anyone reading this review to think that I’m just a cheap-o, because I’m not. I knew this was going to be an expensive restaurant and was fine with that; however, if I’m going to pay a premium price, I expect to actually be fed decent sized portions! It’s unacceptable to have to go somewhere else to eat a second dinner later.
Kalahn H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Franklin, TN
Great staff and amazing oysters! We were so well taken care of when our flight was canceled and we had to stay another night. We will be back when we come to visit Denver again.
A W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Parker, CO
Service was alright. Food was great this is one of our go to spot. Please can you peel the shrimp???
Anthony C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 San Marcos, CA
First, I should state that I love Jax. I travel to Denver often and Jax, either downtown or the Cherry Creek location, is always one of stops for Happy Hour or dinner. This review is for the Glendale /Cherry Creek location. During my last trip to Denver I stayed near Jax Glendale and went for Happy Hour two nights in a row. Unfortunately, I left disappointed both times. The first night, I had the Happy Hour mussels, like I always do. This time, though, instead of a large bowl heaping with mussels, I was presented with a little cup with a total of 7 mussels in it. 7 mussels for $ 9! The taste was delicious, but the value proposition has taken a turn for the worst. Mussels apparently are now almost the same price as the Happy Hour oysters. The second night, I ordered another one of my favorites, the calamari. Most of the time Jax calamari is the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve had it many times — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and not greasy at all. This time, however, I was presented witha plate of soggy and oily calamari. I thought they changed the recipe or something until I saw diners next to me order the same, but theirs looked normal — dark brown and crispy. This speaks to inconsistently prepared items coming from the kitchen. They were not busy at that time that day — no excuse. So, two things, they are apparently trying to cut corners by serving an extremely small portion of mussels, and the quality standards of the kitchen appear to be compromised. I hope this trend doesn’t continue. I will be back to Jax, but if the quality and value continue to decline, I will have to start looking for amother favorite place to eat when I’m in Denver.
Annie G.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Denver, CO
Come here hungry and you will leave here hangry. The portions are just too small. Three of us came here during happy hour. We ordered two entrees to share, clam pasta($ 20) and lobster roll($ 24). Servings were tiny! We each got two bites of the pasta and it was gone. It was also cold by the time it was served. We also ordered 10HH oysters for $ 1.50 each. After, we were still hungry… if not hungrier than before. We asked for the HH menu again and ordered the calamari, sea dog(crab, adouille roll), and 10 more oysters. At this point, the bill was up to $ 90…(with no drinks). We kept looking at each other like«should we order more? I know we’re all still hungry.» But decided the food was just ok and not worth spending more. It’s sad that we have to be paying this much for ok seafood in Denver.
Katy C.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Irvine, CA
Overpriced even during happy hour. I was not very happy. Their setup is interesting. Each table has the giant food sheets like you would find at any crawfish place but in the center is a tub of crayons. The guys and I drew portraits of each other. The fried calamari was great. They were big pieces, juicy and tender. The oysters were on the average review small size I’ve seen. The spicy tuna sushi was interesting. It was spicy tuna on crispy rice. A bit too oily.
Lynda M.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Denver, CO
I’m giving this Jax two stars because I’ve tried them twice and they really don’t measure up to the Jax downtown. The calamari was great — in regards to quality and thickness — however the breading was super bland and had no flavor. The butter roll — well it was just that. Scallops were great. However, my favorite dish at the Jax downtown — the chowder — hasn’t measured up either time. The first time it was WAY too salty and the second time it had chills in it and I couldn’t even tasted the sherry. It was horrific. I won’t be going back.
Sara E.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Denver, CO
I had received a $ 20 coupon for brunch, so we thought we would give it a try and were pleasantly surprised. We started with a mimosa and Thai bloody Mary and some oysters. The drinks were only $ 3 each and since it was after 12 the oysters were on happy hour, which made them only $ 1.50 each. My blood mary was great as were the oysters. They came with the standard cocktail sauce, horseradish, lemon as well as 2 different mignonettes, which were both great. The citrus one was my favorite. We were also given saltines to eat with them, which I had never done before, but really enjoyed. The oysters were fresh, ice cold and delicious. I got the hash and my boyfriend got the new Denver omelette. The hash was absolutely amazing. The shrimp was great and the arugula was a nice addition. However, it was the mustard vinaigrette that made the dish. It was a smaller portion than some places give, but not bad for $ 12 considering it had shrimp and chorizo in it and tasted fantastic. The omelette tasted pretty good, but was very flat and looked a bit sad. I can make a better omelette at home. This is the reason Jax isn’t getting 5 stars. The potato casserole it came with was awesome though and I will order that as a side when we go back.
Jamie B.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Denver, CO
Hubby and I stopped in here for a late dinner on a Saturday night about a month ago. Food was pretty good, drinks were on point. I did not particularly enjoy the seabass I ordered– my error in thinking it was a Chilean seabass as opposed to the branzino-ish seabass. The oysters were fresh and pretty tasty, I would definitely order those again. The restaurant was lively albeit a corporate chain feel.
Michael C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Denver, CO
I love this place. The seafood is amazing. It’s fresh and the variety for Denver is great. I love the king crab, also get beignets, and the bread and butter are fantastic.
Evan A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Denver, CO
Jax’s has really solid seafood and this location in Glendale does not disappoint. Came here the weekend before Christmas and it was packed, probably a good sign. My friend and I scored some seats at the bar which was great. We were headed to a parry so we needed just a little bit to eat so we had the crab cakes and the ahi tuna. Solid choices, the tuna was great and had a little kick for me which was awesome. Overall, I’d be excited to come back here when the patio opens during the summer time.
Rachel B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Englewood, CO
I really enjoyed Jax. We ordered the half a pound of crab which I thought might be more but it actually was only one leg. It was delicious though. I also had the lobster roll which I would definitely have again. The presentation was great– I wish I would have remembered to take a picture. The ambiance is great and it’s a perfect spot to catch up with friends or have a date night.
Cass R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Aurora, CO
Our first time here. Beautiful location, easy parking. AMAZING calamari, super tender and great flavor. Best I’ve ever had and I order it everywhere including oceanside towns/cities. We also tried the NOLA grilled oysters, they were so awesome. I had the swordfish it was perfect not fishy like alot of places. Fiancé had the Arctic char and loved it. Both of us cleared our plates! Tried key lime pie for dessert, not my favorite curd(didn’t taste like key limes… more lemony) but still good and the meringue and crust were great. I heart you Jax, and we will be back
Julie H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Denver, CO
I don’t think I can add anything to the other reviews of Jax Its a 15 minute bus ride from Colorado Blvd light rail station. They have some of the best seafood in Denver. We have popped in without reservations several times and were taken care of perfectly. We tend to head in for cocktails/craft beers, oysters and caviar. We take the parents in for a full dinner service when they are visiting. We will be back into Jax soon.
Sam F.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Durango, CO
Wednesday before Thanksgiving? Jax saves the day! We rolled in around 7PM and the place was pretty packed, but we still got a table for three smack dab in the middle of the dining room :) No happy hour, but that didn’t stop us. We started with a round of hard strawberry lemonades and some calamari and oysters on the half shell. I loved the strawberry lemonade because it was sweet with just the right amount of sour; my mom was expecting more strawberry flavor but I thought it was awesome. Calamari was yummy, not a lot of tentacles though which are fun to eat; two sauces were on the plate so don’t miss that if you want to dip! Oysters on the half shell were AWESOME. We ordered six from the West Coast(I’m blanking on the name) and they were delicious with a squeeze of lemon; very fresh, firm, and tasted of the sea. For the main course I ordered the mussels with pasta, mom had the lobster roll, and dad had a bowl of gumbo and the scallops. The mussels were legit because 1. There were a ton of them, and 2. The broth was delicious! The tomato, oniony deliciousness permeated the mussels and pasta so every bite was perfect. I mean you could even drink the broth!(totally did this using my spoon ;D) My mom liked the lobster roll but was a bit sad the lobster was cold. The side of potato chips were excellent and perfectly salted. Dad’s gumbo was great and chock full of andouille sausage, and he enjoyed the scallops which were cooked perfectly. Service was a bit stop and go; we were seated immediately but then couldn’t find our waiter once we had decided what we wanted to eat. He was much more attentive after we put in our order and the food started to come out, but the beginning was a bit rough. P. S. Restrooms are nice; they have cloth towels for drying your hands.
Kristy K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Los Angeles, CA
Fresh oyters in Denver!!! Love their happy hour 4pm-6pm daily for $ 1.50 fresh oysters.
Reese D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Denver, CO
Whaaaat? I haven’t reviewed Jax?!! This is just the biggest failure on my part ever. I guess I just assumed that I dine here so often my review would write itself! Well, they(I say they because there are a few locations) are hands down THE best seafood restaurant in Colorado. And not just because Landry’s owns all of the others and they are now cheesy chains. I digress. Jax has stunning décor, classy service, and trendy couture seafood that is fresh, fresh, fresh and num, num, num. Jax has made me like and trust raw oysters again and that was no easy task! I have probably dined at Jax a dozen times. I tell everyone to go there. I take my friends and family there. I’ve never been disappointed. I’m so sorry I didn’t review them on here. Or did I? Maybe one of the other locations? Yes! Eureka! Well, now that I’ve written this one. It stays! Be sure to check out their happy hour and brunch!
Sasha F.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Pittsburg, CA
I came here for the happy hour cause I’m a sucker for $ 1.50 oysters. To be honest I don’t know anything about oysters besides I like them. I told the waitress that and she fought me two other types of oysters to try without me asking! She taught me all about west vs east coast, her favorites, etc and I was beyond impressed and grateful for her teaching me FORFREE! I got two happy hour drinks, $ 5 each and amazing — I like the strawberry lemonade vodka drink on the happy hour menu the best, just so you know. I ordered the scallops entrée before I could read the details and see that mushrooms were in the meal — I hate mushrooms. The meal came out so beautiful, I said«let’s try this before I apologize and send it back,» but next thing I knew it was GONE because the meal was so so good! Mushrooms and all! It definitely says something about a chef and restaurant who can make your least liked food taste AMAZING. My server was Ashley and she was phenomenal! She is a true gem in the customer service industry.
Jeff L.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Bozeman, MT
Jax is a decent place to have some seafood. Decent, not great. The happy hour menu has a lot of very interesting options, and I’ll have to try more of them the next time I am in town. I ordered the happy hour sampler, which consisted of oysters, peel & eat shrimp, and snow crab legs. The oyster were delicious, so I ordered half a dozen more. The crab legs were not so great. I’ve definitely had fresher crab legs that I bought at Costco. The shrimp were also underwhelming — hard to peel, a bit tough, with — mealy consistency. Not the fresh, snappy consistency that I look for. I also ordered a wedge salad, which was fairly good. For my main course, I had the lobster roll. This isn’t a New England lobster roll by any means, but it was still pretty good. The lobster pieces were substantial and tasted pretty fresh. The flesh could have been sweeter, but not bad. My main complaint is the roll. It’s fine and all, but it is toasted which makes it a bit too crispy. For dessert, I had the key lime pie. The presentation is very frou frou, but the pie itself wasn’t spectacular. Not bad, but not memorable either. Overall, Jax is a fun place to grab some seafood and drinks. Nice atmosphere and all that. And the oysters are great. Just don’t expect the rest of the food to knock your socks off.
Lily S.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Denver, CO
I feel discouraged to visit the downtown Jax Fish House after having dined at the Glendale location. It’s a brightly lit restaurant not overcrowded by brunchers on a Sunday, so I could not understand why our waitress was surly. Even the bus boy was in a happier mood and was the one who serviced us more. Not a whole lot to choose from the Brunch menu(would be nice if other lunch items were offered), we decided on the lobster roll(overcooked lobster meat and you call yourself a fish house?!?) with fantastic house made chips; the burger(had fried oyster in the patty? but instead of being flavorful, it was a bit bitter…) with mediocre fries; and the crispy brussel sprouts seasoned with fish sauce(good flavor).
Caitlin B.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Denver, CO
It was very busy when we first arrived, but the manager was very hospitable and instead of a 30 minute wait she found two seats at the bar immediately. Much appreciated! We started with the Chesapeake oysters for appetizers and they were delicious, fresh and served with horseradish, tomato sauce, and butter. There are two TVs for enjoying your favorite sports teams, nice décor with ocean/fish themes, and a huge bar that takes up most of the real estate. It looks like the tables are mostly set aside for reservations, which they offer through Open Table. The menu looked a bit limited in terms of fish selection, maybe due to the fact that we are in Colorado? And it was very pricey! $ 25 for a small portion swordfish. I did love that the women and the men servers had the same uniforms, and the women were not forced to wear short skirts and skimpy tops. :) It took about 30 minutes to receive our entrées, but tasted great. Overall a fun experience, but too pricey for what you received. May be back!