Jax Fish House

03/15/2008 Posted by SeafoodConnoisseir

Growing up an hour from San Fran, seafood was part of my life. Not only was it available everywhere, but my mom was a scuba instructor, so we had fresh fish most of my childhood. Many of the best seafood restaurants were on Highway 1 along the coast, and pretty cheap at that, but I've also been to some of the best ones on the West Coast. In Denver, seafood is rare, so you look downtown to the nicer restaurants to find it. Among those at the top the list was Jax. In my twenties, when I needed to be somewhere cool to feel cool, this place would have impressed me, but now, I just want decent service and good food. Jax was loud and overcrowded. My party was sat down so close to two other tables, we actually touched elbows. I wouldn't mind if it was Lazio's in Eureka, or the Sandpiper, where the party sitting next to you was friendly. The food was priced like Kuletto's in SF. The portions were small, but overall pretty good. The atmosphere was somewhat hip, if a little smug, and that doesn't improve the experience. Fifteen minutes after ordering drinks, I finally went up to the bar where they were sitting and retrieved them myself.

Pros: Food was good, if a little skimpy

Cons: Expensive, overcrowded, staff is slow and smug

06/28/2007 Posted by neurogirl

I went to Jax on a Sunday afternoon for happy hour. The hostess told us to sit anywhere in the restaurant, but after a while a waitress rudely told us we were not allowed to sit there and should move to a side of the bar and a cocktail waitress would serve us. Ha! We sat for over ten minute while the bartenders gave us wierd looks, the cocktail waitress chatted with some men on the other side of the room and the waitress who made us move blatently ignored us. We weren't even given menus. It wasn't all that busy and there were plenty of staff members, so I have no idea why we were treated so rudely. When we got up to leave we only received more dirty looks from the staff. I can't comment on the food, but I won't be going back because of the horrible service.

Pros: Good happy hour prices

Cons: Horrible service

08/27/2006 Posted by cooktolose

Went for happy hour, specifically the 75 cent oysters. They were great, along with the coconut shrimp and tuna ceviche, both $3 each. Wonderful happy hour deals, great food and very friendly service.

Pros: happy hour deals, service

11/11/2005 Posted by fleemanc

The crab cakes were some of the best I've had in the country - easily in the top three. The chipotle louie sauce accompanyment was a unique and pleasant plus - not too hot, but just enough to really compliment the crab. The lobster and shrimp chowder was decent, but nothing to write home about. I opted for the moonfish with porcini mushrooms and pomegranate and green curry sauce. Well prepared and flavorful, this dish did not disappoint. Topping off the meal was the well reviewed Key Lime pie. Flavor wise, this was one of the best I've ever tasted. It was a little soft for my taste, but did not detract from the experience. The crust could not have been more perfect, thin and firm. Service was excellent with warm and very friendly staff, though it's noisy and a little difficult to communicate even when right next another person.

Pros: exquisite food, friendly staff

Cons: noisy, a little cramped, a little pricey

04/02/2005 Posted by idlewile

Consistently inspired and unique fish in a fun, energetic atmosphere. The bluenose is my most favorite entree in Boulder. Blissful infused vodka offerings to boot.

Pros: Quality food, Fun

Cons: Crowed, Sometimes loud

02/10/2005 Posted by thekid03

this is far and away my fav seafood restaurant in Denver. what is so interesting about the food are the flavors.....they always have such unique combinations that simply taste amazing. you have to try the crabcakes...they are seriously the best crab cakes i've had anywhere. comes with a slightly spicy cream sauce w/ diced red/yellow/green peppers. agree that it can get a little loud.

07/12/2003 Posted by meyercl

I went to college in Boulder and Jax's was a place we went for special occasions - birthday's, anniversaries, graduation, etc.. The food is great -the best seafood in Colorado - and the atmosphere is fun - loud at times, but that is part of what makes Jax. Now living in Arizona, my college sweetie flew us back to Boulder for my birthday just so we could eat dinner at Jax. Service is ALWAYS top notch - very knowledgeable staff!

Pros: seafood & raw bar, service, atmosphere

Cons: desserts

02/16/2003 Posted by TexZilla

Casual and unpretentious, Jax is a fine stop in Boulder. The infused liquors provide a number of twists on traditional cocktails. The crab cakes are excellent, more crab than cake, and the steamers are one of the best bargains in town at $10.95. The mussels steamed with green curry are especially delectable. The barbecue shrimp, unfortunately, are not the traditional New Orleans preparation, but are nonetheless an excellent dish of grilled jumbos with barbecue sauce. On our favorites that we eat at regularly.

Pros: fresh seafood, excellent value

Cons: tight quarters

12/12/2002 Posted by Katjh80

I love Jax. I went to college in Boulder and now live in New York City and I am hard pressed to find such a great fish house. All of the food I have had at Jax has been amazing esp the specials. The homemeade drinks are wonderful as well. My favorite was the strawberry infused vodka with lemonade. The atmosphere is great and the restaurant is always crowded and noisy so if you don't like a festive atmosphere, stay away from the weekends. Other than that Jax is one of my favorite places to eat great and innovative fish dishes.

Pros: fun, good food

Cons: noisy

11/03/2002 Posted by jgreschler

This place is "solid!" It's a popular place in a small space, so the volume is up. The bar is always moving it seems, but the service from the bartender(s) is very, very good. The best key lime pie in Colorado! A great wait staff and a funky fish-laden decor. Not for those who suffer headaches easily from noise or crowds, but it seems every service industry person in the area eats here regularly. Great date place.

Pros: Hip, Cool crowd, great food

Cons: loud, no parking (Boulder)