I had the rack of lamb and it was really good. It had some breading on it, that it really didn't need, but the dish was quite impressive. The potato croquette was cold and not enjoyable. But the lamb portion was huge and memorable.
(4)
SUSAN T.
Jay came to our table and asked, "What can I do for you... how can I make it better?" Instead of saying authoritatively, "I'll comp your soup/meal/drink." He knew they had screwed up... I saw them all talking together...our server, other servers and Jay. What did Jay's Bistro do...well, they served scalding soup. I mean I had blisters on my tongue for three days and it is still sore... weeks later. It was a birthday celebration from hell. A dinner that should have taken one hour, took two. The lamb shank my husband had was a Sysco product, so is the lobster bisque. Actually, the whole menu is premade by Sysco Food Products. You're paying for the ambiance. And, by the way, they didn't comp a thing... not even the ice tea i was drinking to nurse the burn. Jay's Bistro has seen better days. It's a tired concept appealing to those who aspire to think they live in a happening town. Little Jay... give it up. And, be happy, I'm not the litigious type.
(1)
Mark K.
Do you like sauce? if so, then come to Jays. Everything was good, but just lay off the sauce a bit. Its just not necessary. You served me a very honorable medallion of venison. Let the medallion of venison speak for itself - It can speak for itself. Lets face it. the sauce was tasty, but was simply overkill, just like honey mustard dressing. outside of the sauce, the service was perfect. good wine selection too.
(3)
Diana S.
I really like this restaurant. The food and ambiance is amazing. Feels elegant in a relaxed way (not stuffy, uncomfortable elegant), with the restaurant slightly on the dark, intimate side. Would be super for a date or special event. I've been twice, and have good memories. The food seems special - good ingredients, different offerings. The service is good, helpful. I liked the rack of lamb and small cut fries. Great wine. They have some seating that is more private with very tall booths. If you are celebrating an event, you could request that area. Food for kids is fine, but I would not recommend the mac & cheese unless your kid likes white cheddar cheese (It hasn't been a problem at home... but the kid is 4). But the second time we went, my kid ate fine.
(5)
Laura L.
This place is filled with delicious. My personal favorites are the brie (baked in crispy phyllo dough with a port wine raspberry reduction sauce on top) and the lobster bisque (again, bad vegetarian). BUT in my defense, the sources of their meat are quite honorable. All the fish is line caught and the game meat is hunted on this special farm place instead of slaughtered in a factory. I don't eat things with legs, but my friends have told me its delicious. Also, they have live music fri and sat. If you go, get there early as the bar is packed by 7. And also, the waitstaff is hot...
(5)
Rebecca L.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday for the first time and was surprised it wasn't more crowded. We sat on the patio and the jazz band was great! Bloody Mary was okay. Avocado Benedict was good, but the biscuits and lamb bacon my boyfriend got was amazing!!! Definitely will need to try them for dinner as well.
(4)
Jonathan B.
I have seen a lot of negativity on these reviews which deterred me from trying Jay's in the past. I decided to give it a go tonight and had one of if not the greatest meal I've ever had in my lifetime. The entire concept of the Red Deer Loin was perfect. I can't find quite the words to describe it, other than I don't really bother with Yelp but I just felt the need to complement the obvious talent in the Jay's Bistro kitchen. I've eaten all over America and Europe, and Colorado has repeatedly disappointed my inexplicably picky tastes. I wanted to find a flaw in Jay's just for the sport of it. One of the beers my mother ordered wasn't all the way cold...we let the server know and he poured her a fresh one in another glass they had frosted/chilled. That is honestly the only 'hiccup' of the whole meal, if you could even count it. If negative reviews have had you on the fence about Jays, take the leap and discover one of Colorado's finest dining establishments.
(5)
Brendon C.
I've always been a big fan of Jays Bistro. From the jazz piano to the formal bar I always appreciate the classy feeling I get when I walk in here. Most recently I was here for holiday buffet. well nothing struck me is truly spectacular everything was tasty. The bartenders are friendly and talkative. if you're looking for a nice more formal dining experience in downtown Fort Collins definitely check out J's Bistro.
(4)
Matt M.
We picked this for our only meal in Fort Collins based on Yelp reviews and a recommendation from a friend. Everything was great. The place was full but we were offered seats in the lounge area and it worked out great. They had live music that was at the perfect volume level and the service was great. We started with the bison carpaccio and lobster & mushroom gnocchi. Both were delicious. All the entrees were hits too. We ordered the mixed grill, bacon wrapped venison & the filet. It was all fantastic.
(5)
Vedanta B.
Went with a big group of peers to a private dinner, the food tasted okay and the desert was good. Servers are good and responsive.
(3)
Steve C.
I agree with the reviewer who noted that the new ownership has not been good to Jay's. Whereas the menu was full of great options before, now it seems stark, and my girlfriend and I had trouble finding something we wanted to eat (this is admittedly a first-world problem, but at the elevated prices they charge, you'd imagine a restaurant would want to offer something attractive to its diners). I ended up enjoying the venison, but my girlfriend really did not care for the Mahi special. The prices are still among the highest in town, the quality just isn't as good - which is really disappointing since Fort Collins is short on nice date places. Jay's still has some great bartenders and the happy hour specials are worth going, buy we will probably look elsewhere for a nice dinner.
(2)
5200ft U. P.
The place - A tasteful and quiet bistro in Olde Town. Parking can be a challenge, like many places in OT. The staff - Attentive, friendly staff. Well-versed on menu items. The food - We went for lunch and had the French onion burger - absolutely delicious! Perfectly prepared, well dressed, amazing flavor. The kids - I'm thinking I probably wouldn't bring mine. It is a bit pricey and upscale and my kids act like Vikings. (No offense to any real Vikings) Summary - Great lunch stop, especially for a couple. Quiet, delicious food, quality service.
(5)
John K.
Food was excellent. Service also excellent. Prices a bit steep but not excessive. If you go consider a couple of appetizers rather than the entrees- there will be plenty for big eaters. My only objection is that the sound level was so high we couldn't wait to leave. We walked across the street to Fish for dessert and quiet conversation.
(3)
Dallas D.
Scheduled a work meeting for 12. Food, drinks and service was fantastic. The manager bent over backwards to make sure my event well!!!
(5)
Craig L.
Over the top awesome. Great service and everyone was very pleased with their meal. This is very close to a five star review but I am just very stingy with five stars. The appetizers where perfect, duck egg rolls and baked brie with raspberry sauce. The triple duck entree was great. Everyone was happy.
(4)
Hailey Z.
We did a quick drive by of Jay's after a LONG day of hiking. My husband is a huge fan of this place but seemed to forget we were sweaty and wearing dusty outdoor gear. I was reluctant to go in to the nice establishment. Fine dining aside... the staff was so very friendly and unpretentious! (Shame on me for making assumptions.) I appreciate to no end that the hostess, server and staff were very welcoming of our grubby twosome (plus doggy). We sat on the patio with our pup right next to us. Food was spot on! Oysters Rockefeller were done very well (with zero breading!!), filet was perfect, mashed potatoes were fantastic! striped bass was prepared very well, excellent bottle of wine... the best way to end an eight mile hike!
(5)
Na N.
I have to say that Jay's Bistro has been going downhill for a while now. After my awful experience tonight, I have to bid farewell to this restaurant. What was once a favorite of mine for family, friends, and clients has become a sorry excuse for a dining experience. Not worth your hard earned money. Heavy handed kitchen staff with little or no expertise, wait staff who lack any sense of hospitality, and management that seems confused by the basics--it's a shell of its former self. Pass on this restaurant if you can. Some great alternatives include JAX (5/5), Fish (5/5), really any other restaurant within walking distance is better than this place. If you decide to go to this restaurant, keep your expectations low and expect to pay a high price.
(2)
Nalea M.
Bad experience: The woman who waited on us (who apparently has worked there 18 years, which makes it all the worse, and tells a lot about the management of this place) had the attitude of someone working at a rough-and-tumble-bar, not the upscale place that I thought Jay's was (which you'd expect based on their prices). She was gruff and unhelpful. When I asked what gin or bourbons you had, she told me "I have everything" (seemed defensive almost) and listed off a couple (sapphire, tanqueray 10) and didn't know how to direct me to the place in the menu where it lists your alcohols. Her whole demeanor was off-putting and unpleasant. We ordered two tapas. A bit later, someone who actually looked like a waiter was about to put them down on our table, and the older woman who took our order (the unpleasant one) stopped the waiter to have a conversation (pretty much right in front of us), which was uncomfortable both for us and the waiter. She sent the waiter back into the kitchen with the food of ours that she was carrying. Then she told us (gruffly) that the reason she sent the waiter back into the kitchen was because the portions weren't tapas sized (they were too big), because, "you wanted tapas size, right?" (awkward, and I'm not sure we knew we had an option). A few minutes later we were served the skimpiest tapas portions I've ever had at a tapas restaurant, anywhere in my life (and I've been to numerous and also used to work at a (nice) tapas bar): 3 bite-sized dates, served on a very large plate (3 for two people. Classless, they should've given us 4 at least, since there were 2 of us) and a few bites of calamari (seriously, nothing more than 4-5 bites of calamari). Definitely not worth whatever the tapas price on these dishes was. I think our bill was about 30 bucks for 2 simple drinks (a gin tonic and an old fashioned), these two embarrassingly small "tapas" dishes, and service that was so bad I was still thinking about it the next morning. I wrote them an email the next day about this experience. "Norm", not sure if this is just the person who receives their emails or if he is someone higher ranking than the woman who gave us such horrific service (hope not, based on his response)-- wrote me a very brief email back with grammatical and spelling typos that was somewhat defensive and snarky. Norm educated me that the tapas size calamari was a half-order of their normal size. But it wasn't, it was more like a quarter. His response was totally dismissive. I will never go back. This isn't the first bad experience I've had at Jay's. There are better places in town to get tapas or small plates and drinks that are more reasonably priced, and with MUCH better, enjoyable, knowledgeable, friendly service.
(1)
Xinyi Y.
good restaurant! We had brunch at there once and the food is sooooo good. And don't order too much cause their food are in huge pieces
(5)
Chris M.
Great time last night. Food was excellent, love the vibe.... But it was slow. In at 5:30, didn't get out until well after 8pm. Granted, we were a group of 20, but all the more reason to move it along.
(4)
Chris W.
Disappointed at the lines at other breakfast establishments, we remembered that Jay's bistro just started brunch. There was no wait!!! Great bennies and mimosas, was a fantastic start to the day. Highly recommend
(5)
Shannon R.
Outstanding service! Our server was attentive, friendly, honest, engaging and just awesome! Ahi tuna poke and buffalo carpaccio were delicious starters. Highly recommend! I had the sea bass and it was flakey and delicious. Sauce accompaniment was good and not too rich or over powering. My husband had the shrimp and grits and said it was very good. Excellent wine selection too. Great place to check out!
(5)
Bill C.
This place is one of Fort Collins best. If it has the word lobster in the title, please try it. Lobster bisque, lobster mac n cheese, and lobster mashers. The filet is also outstanding. I have always had excellent service and a wonderful experience on each visit. I highly recommend Jays.
(4)
John W.
We usually reserve Jay's for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries). When I asked my kids where to take mom for her birthday, it was no surprise Jay's was their choice. As always the atmosphere was great. We had reservations and were seated immediately. Our drink order was promptly taken and then our food order. Then the service all fell apart. I don't mind spending and hour and forty five minutes over a family dinner, but when I stare at empty place setting for half that time, it's a little ridiculous. We were told that our meal was taking so long because the kitchen was so backed up because of a large group. Huh, their money is better than mine? If you're too busy to see me, let me know when I make my reservation. We were asked after our appetizers if we would like to order another round of drinks. We asked for the drinks to accompany the main course. When our meal arrived, the drinks were no where to be found and neither was our server. We finished our meals, decided to not waste time on dessert and pay our check and leave very disappointed. When you spend $250 on two adults, two children and only two cocktails in Fort Collins, I'd expect a little more attention. Thankfully new restaurants are coming to town and will hopefully have the service I would expect. I will say, that the filet was good. My wife did not care for her pasta. Overall- a slightly above average meal with extremely poor service.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being open on Thanksgiving day! By the looks of it (the restaurant was full) we are not the only ones who were happy for someone else to do the cooking on T'giving day! Jay's is one of our favorite restaurants in FC anyway but it was particularly fun to go there on the holiday AND to have Mark Sloniker and Colleen Crosson and their daughter Emma providing the music! The traditional Thanksgiving dinner was yummy. I was a little surprised to find green bean casserole... I would have preferred fresh green beans myself but overall up to Jay's usual standard. Of course our drinks were perfect as always and our server Alexa (new to us) did a great job. Oh, lest I forget... the pecan pie was absolutely to die for! My only beef was the TV on in the bar. We had recently been assured by one of the bartenders that it was only on for big game days and never on Friday or Saturday nights when there was music. Ok, T'giving is a big game day I guess, but it was very annoying to me and I felt like it was insulting to the musicians to have a TV blaring in their faces. Jay's is not a sports bar and having a TV on in the lounge is not consistent with how I think of Jay's. If it were an option I would give a 4.5 stars rather than 5 just because of the TV.
(5)
Sam H.
All night Happy Hour at Jays on Wednesday is one of the best dining experiences Fort Collins has to offer. Add in a Jazz trio, and you have an unbeatable combination. Excellent grub at reasonable prices -- my GF and I like to mix and match, and haven't had anything we didn't like. Favorites include the Reuben, Peppadews, Duck Quesadilla, Marg Pizza Slider, & Blue Cheese Burger Slider, In terms of the Entrees -- we've also tried the Shrimp & Polenta, as well as the Prime Rib, and both were excellent. Don't miss out!
(5)
Ruben B.
The beginning of the end under new ownership? I live and work three blocks from Jay's so I eat here a lot. Decided to bring my family to Jay's for Christmas Eve dinner. $187.00 for absolutely awful food and awful service. First, we had been sitting at our table for nearly 20 minutes before our first cocktail arrived. We were also seated near the front door and we got blasted with freezing cold air every time someone opened the door. The lobster bisque which is usually fantastic tasted fishy. My wife's first glass of wine had someone else's lipstick on it. The waiter forgot to bring us bread and we had to ask for it...it finally arrived at the same time that our dinner arrived. The beef rib was dry and overcooked. We skipped dessert because we couldn't wait to get out of there. Super bummed that our nice holiday was somewhat spoiled. Worse for Jay's, I won't be doing any more business lunches or dinners there and I'll be telling all of my colleagues to avoid this once great restaurant. Too bad...
(1)
Ron G.
We held a business dinner for 10 last week. They put us in a private room (it was big enough for twice as many people but we had it to ourselves). That worked out well as we could talk pretty freely about work. The waitress was friendly but not very attentive. She'd disappear for long periods of time which was quite awkward at the beginning as we had questions on the wine list and menu. The wine list seemed a bit pricey (but I'm not from Ft Collins) but was extensive. Ignoring price, they had some good wines. We ordered a wide range of food (appetizers and entrees) - all the appetizers were good and everyone seemed pleased with their entrees. Unlike the wines, the food was all reasonably priced for a somewhat nicer restaurant. I would return.
(4)
Mary H.
My husband surprised me for Valentines Day by making reservations at Jay's. What a marvelous experience!!! Chris took extra special care of us from explaining menu items to suggesting wine selection. The food was perfect and the presentation was amazing!! I think Jays will be our new favorite place for special dates and cannot wait to take our kids and their spouses there!!
(5)
Andrew C.
Went there as a couple to celebrate a few things. The service was great: courses were paced well, our server knew the menu, proper wine service, great recommendations. The food was great: we ordered a 3-course meal from the great plates menu, in addition to an appetizer and the mixed-grill entree. We enjoyed every bite of every course. It is a little pricey for Fort Collins, but if you can afford it, or it is a special occasion, make sure to give Jay's a try!
(5)
Janet C.
My husband and I Went to jays to celebrate our first anniversary - we have been there several times and the last few have been a little disappointing. The service was really good, and the sommelier was quite helpful and friendly. However the food was mediocre. The ahi poke app was really not great, and my filet was drenched in sauce, which shouldn't be necessary on a nice cut of meat. My husband got the New York strip and it was also drenched in sauce, but it was too sweet. He had to ask for another plate so he could avoid the sauce! I do like the ambience and Jay's and have had much better meals there in the past. However, if I am going to spend more than $150 on dinner, I will go to one of the other fine restaurants in town.
(2)
Mich V.
Absolutely love Jays Bistro. The salads are fantastic and the shrimp and grits are terrific. The service is always good. Chris is usually tending bar and we always ask for him -super nice! But all the servers we've had have been great. They have a few different local beers in tap and they make a mean Cosmo. We go for lunch because of the wedge Salad or the Seafood Caesar. The mussels are also one of our favorites. They used to have bread pudding everyday which was always stellar and I hope they bring it back but now they have a different cobbler everyday. Love how fresh and original their food is.
(5)
I W.
We had lunch here since mom-in-law said this was one of the better restaurants. We shared the Ahi poke. I had crab and corn chowder with a side of sweet potato fries. Tuna was fresh for the ahi poke. It is a very simple preparation of tuna, onion and avocado. It is more like a tuna tartar on a ring of avocado than a poke. It is also very lightly dressed with soy sauce and sesame oil. Fish was topped with two flavors of tobiko (flying fish roe) -- wasabi for the green and maybe chili for the red. I found the glazed wonton a bit too sweet for the poke and just used the wasabi dab on each cracker for the fish. Corn and crab chowder had a good flavor, but was too thick with a starchy mouth feel for my taste. I prefer my chowder to be more natural without any additions to make it thick. If you like thick chowder, I would prefer pureed white beans or potatoes to make it thick. Sweet potato fries were well cooked and yummy. While well seasoned with sea salt on its own, it also came with three different dipping sauces -- sriracha with mayo, sweet teriyaki and Asian mustard. Sriracha and mayo worked the best for me. Sweet teriyaki was pretty sweet and syrupy in its consistency. Since sweet potato is naturally sweet -- hence the name...duh -- it didn't really need any additional sweetness, but does taste better with some type of sauce. For me, watered down Asian mustard didn't really work with these sweet potatoes, and was my least favorite of the sauce trio.
(3)
Carmen D.
Went there with my best friend for dinner the service was excellent and the food was outstanding. Their dinner salads were the perfect small size and were absolutely delicious. Their bleu cheese dressing is so tasty. I had the Shrimp with Grits and it was awesome - the grits were done to perfection. My friend has the seafood ravioli and it was also superb (I tasted hers!). We also orders a bottle of Monastrel which was the perfect wine to have with both of our dinners.
(4)
Lu T.
I often have lunch at Jay's. They can accommodate larger parties with notice in addition to smaller lunch groups. Their menu is vast and has options for all the common dietary restrictions. The service varies from good to great and the food is good. For lunch, their salad and soup options are fine and their fish tacos are a favorite among my colleagues/friends. Also, the bread that they serve before your meal arrives is tasty - especially if the server brings you the 3 spread options (some servers bring it while others charge for it). I have only ever come for lunch and have had pleasant experiences each time.
(4)
Evan M.
I brought my 12 year-old sister here before taking her to a show at the Lincoln Center. I really wanted to make the evening special for her, and since she wanted to go somewhere fancy, we tried Jay's. We made a reservation through yelp, which worked out perfectly, and were given a cute little two person booth in the back. From the moment we arrived, they made my sister feel special. The host was kind and professional and I feel like all the staff we interacted with really went the extra mile to make her night special. We had a couple appetizers, the meat and cheese board was delightful and my sister tried oysters for the first time. In hindsight, maybe I should have let her try them cooked instead of on the half-shell, but it all worked out in the entrees. She devoured the venison, and I really enjoyed my Colorado Lamb. We had great food, great service, and she's still talking about how special it was weeks later. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Chris T.
Service was excellent as always!!! Had the Ahi Poke which seemed a little uneventful and tasteless. The 12 oz. New York although cooked perfectly was not the best cut I have ever had and beware the sauce!! Admittedly, I didn't read the menu carefully so perhaps it was my fault.... but, the sauce was something more appropriate for waffles or pancakes that a $36 cut of meat. Overall a good experience.... ambiance good although too dark to read the menu... would really be helped by a taller candle or a readjustment of the track lighting. I would like to think that Jay's is not resting on their laurels as the acknowledged nicest restaurant in the choice city....
(3)
Kimberly S.
Last night we celebrated my birthday at Jay's Bistro. It was a pleasure from the moment we walked in. I ordered the Ribeye and it was not only delicious but it was a huge portion as well. The wait staff was attentive and the atmosphere was great. We didn't arrive until around 8:00pm so it was pretty dead, I am not sure what the service would have been like on a busier night, but for our celebration it was perfect. It was one of the better meals I have had in Ft. Collins and rivaled a Denver dining experience. Delicious!
(5)
Michael T.
One of the best fine dinning restaurants in Fort Collins. Excellent food and service highly recommend. Food always top notch!
(5)
Kim M.
We had dinner with a group there and had drink, appetizer, entree's, and desserts. When you try different things, at least one of them is expected to be good. Unfortunately Jay's didn't live up to it's hype and prices. I would not eat their food even if it was free. Don't waste your money at this overpriced and tasteless joint. Even after spending so much money, we came home hungry
(1)
Katina T.
Sleek. Sexy. Calm. Cool. Collected. Everything you would want in a secret agent, but in a classy little bistro hid away in downtown Fort Collins. The Lobster Macaroni (with mascarpone AND Vermont sharp white cheddar AND truffle oil) was absolutely to die for. And to top it off, the place has jazz. I really love jazz.
(5)
Katy S.
Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. Katie is almost always our server and she is very attentive and has a great attitude! I have yet to have a bad meal here!! The jazz that they have on some nights is very pleasant to listen to. It can be loud if you are sitting close, but if that's a problem sit somewhere else!! I highly recommend Jay's, I truly enjoy having a night out there!
(5)
O E.
I just do not get the fondness for Jay's! I live in Fort Collins and have eaten at Jay's on several occasions, and for some reason, each and every time I have high hopes going in, but leave disappointed to the point of being annoyed I paid so much money for such uninspired mediocrity. Almost every course is over-seasoned, over-sauced, and over-thought... that is unless it's completely dull. Unfortunately last night was no exception. I had the arugula salad with beets and chèvre and the duck trio. The salad was boring, and the duck was bad almost to the point of sending it back. First of all, the whole plate was drowning in sauce. I'm a saucy gal and it was too much for me. Second, two of the sauces did not even taste homemade. The egg roll sauce was like the kind you'd get out of a jar, and the orange sauce with the confit tasted and looked like melted orange marmalade. Then there was the issue of the whole duck breast part of the dish. It appeared to be cooked properly but was strangely tough and the fat not rendered properly, not to mention the sauce was far too overpowering and just not tasty. A couple of bites and I avoided that part of my plate. After the duck I was so intent on ending on a good note that we tried the tiramisu. Sadly disappointing! So dry and overly sweet, and it had creme anglaise or something drizzled over the top, which is unnecessary if your tiramisu is good! To be fair, I will note that my husband liked his linguine and clams, and we did enjoy the patio. But I think this time will be the last time I try to like Jay's. So many better places in FoCo!
Love the music here! Always our night on the town!
(5)
Monty S.
The food is great. A bit on the snooty side and certainly so from the hostess stand. Fort Collins has better to offer.
(3)
Brittany D.
WOW, can I just say WOW? Who knew Fort Collins had an upscale place like this? I feel like Im the last to know about this amazing restaurant. Just spent a special night at Jays with my BF. The restaurant it self is so nice and clean, you just know the foods going to be just as good. I ordered a seared tuna salad, which was awesome and fresh but I was blown away by the fresh bread and the little spreads they give you. I couldnt get enough! The drinks are good and they dont skimp on the martinis. I had one and had to go to the bathroom to collect myself :) Great place, we will be back for sure!
(5)
Eric H.
It is the kind of place where you take small bites to make the meal last longer. The atmosphere is relaxing and romantic. I had the mixed grill and my wife the sea bass with creme brulee for dessert and all the dishes were delicious. A bit pricy but who can really put a price on a great glass of wine with great food and great company. Well worth a visit for that special occasion.
(5)
Alicia N.
If I was going to complain about anything, it would be that there are too many delicious choices on the menu. You know its going to be a good night when it starts with hot crusty bread and you get three different condiments to enjoy - butter, tomato jam, and a goat cream cheese. For appetizers - try the Ahi Tuna Poke. I seriously considered a) licking the plate; 2) ordering another. My husband ordered the Duck Trilogy - as good as it sounded, but beware - it's an incredibly rich dish. I had the Tournedos of Beef au Poivre, cooked to perfection. Dessert menu was a little lacking - so we skipped. Would love to take this opportunity to thank our waiter, Kevin. He provided great service and was a fountain of information for two tourists. Thanks for making our Jay's experience that much more memorable! PS - Jazz there was pretty good too.
(5)
Tara C.
Every time I come to Fort Collins, my sister and brother-in-law take me on a round robin of restaurants, we stop at several places throughout the night to drink and nosh. My favorite place in Fort Collins is without a doubt Jay's. Sitting in Jay's bar, listening to some great jazz musicians that don't overpower conversation, with a bottle of wine and some excellent apps is just about Fort Collins heaven to me. Our choices last time were Buffalo Carpaccio, Steamed Mussells and Ahi Poke. In particular, I was wowed by the Ahi Poke, being from Hawaii, I doubted it would impress. Horray for Jay's...I was wrong. The presentation of the Ahi Poke was certainly more dressed up than any of the casual presentations of Hawaii, but the Chef lets the shine Ahi without overly seasoning it. Lovely. Our service there is always great, I never have any complaints. What can I say other than when service is well done, its always appreciated. I think the wine list is nice-it has an decent selection of both well-known and some lesser known hidden secrets. Overall, my favorite restaurant in Fort Collins. See you soon, Jay's.
(4)
Nick C.
We ordered the carpaccio appetizer and I got the chipotle pork tenderloin. The pork was overcooked and the sauce did not really have much flavor to it. I was a little shocked and not very impressed after what I have heard. I don't see myself returning to Jay's after this experience, but we may have just been unlucky this once. The next time I go out in this price range, I would much rather go to someplace like Fish, Canyon Chop House, or Austin's.
(2)
B W.
Jay's Bistro is an excellent fine dinning restaurant and I would recommend it to anyone. I have been here 4 times in the past 8 months and every time it has been amazing. The restaurant decor and atmosphere is upscale and artsy, but you can still dress in jeans and a tshirt if you like. Think date night, birthday dinners, anniversary dinners, parents in town etc. I have always had attentive, friendly service here. They have a fantastic menu with seafood, steak, poultry, pasta, salads etc so there is something for everyone. I can personally recommend the Asian Ahi Tuna, seared scallops with risotto (this was a special), Roasted Chicken Cobb Salad, Lamb Shank, Herbs of Provence Half Roasted Chicken, smoked buffalo carpacio, garden salad and duck egg rolls - all were fantastic. The bread they bring out comes with tomato jam, butter and sundried tomato goat cheese spreads - a delicious way to start the meal. This is a must try place if you are looking for finer dining in Fort Collins.
(5)
Heather N.
Everything was delicious and the waiters were extremely knowledgeable and attentive. My Aunt and Uncle paid (thank goodness) for the delicious meal that I ate here, and we all shared our entrees. I ordered the ahi tuna sashimi appetizer as my entree and it was fantastic! The caviar was delish, and the fish was very fresh. My uncle got lamb shank, which was amazingly moist, juicy, and made me eat more meat than I ever thought I could hold! My aunt got pork chops, which were a little dry, but to be fair, she asked for the BBQ sauce (which was some of the best I've ever tasted) on the side. The wine selection was great, and the mixed drink menu was extensive. Oh, and the shrimp bisque was very tasty!
(5)
Kristin M.
My husband and I have birthdays that are just days apart. We celebrate every year with "Birthday Weekend", which is usually a huge party for the both of us. Some years are out of control, some are more mild, but they are always fun. When I mentioned that I suggested Jay's Bistro for a date night, she and the rest of the group of friends we hang out with promptly bought a gift certificate to Jay's and a hilarious card for my birthday. The perfect place for a celebration. While some dishes at Jay's were not as exciting as others, it's still a fantastic place to celebrate a special occasion, bring out-of-town visitors and one of the best happy hour spots in town. There's a reason people have been coming here for 30 years. I have a feeling we'll have something to celebrate here again.
(4)
Robert E.
Food is pretty good, but I made a reservation for my daughters BDay, a special event, and table provided was very poor and they were not responsive to requests for a better table. Table for five was two tables pushed together.
(3)
Anita Y.
Bunnies can be scary! ... what were they thinking? I haven't seen so much plastic Easter grass and deranged looking white bunny rabbits since my last visit to Big Lots! Here for all night Happy Hour. Got a Blueberry Lemonade to calm my nerves after my "bunnies on crack" encounter. That hit the spot. The best choice of the night had to be a tie between the Baguette w/ bleu, balsamic, and Olive oil, and the Hoisin Ribs. Who doesn't love fresh baked crusty bread? You give the bleu and the vinegar and olive oil a good stir and it becomes the most perfect dipping sauce for that bread. Who thought this one up? I wanna kiss 'em. It was the best $2.75 I spent that day! Our server even brought us some extra bread to sop up the leftover sauce. And the Ribs, I have to admit were perfectly done. The sauce was ....saucy! The meat was tender, and I can't complain about the portion size for $7. We ordered the Red White and Green Flour Tortilla at the last minute. I wish we had run out of time. What a disappointment. The tomatoes were cut too thick, and there was no flavor to speak of. I really am not a fan of "pizza" on a flour tortilla. I need more platform for my pizza. The Calamari does not disappoint. The pleasant music was by a 4 piece jazz ensemble. The piano player was being interviewed by a local cable channel. I laughed as I watched him sittin' all hunched over while the cameras and lights were on him...."sit up straight!" I wanted to yell. "Shoulders back, head high! Who are you hiding from?"........oh, he must be scared of the bunnies too. This place is growing on me, and I'll probably be back, after the bunnies leave.
(3)
Michelle P.
When in Fort Collins - Run... do not walk... RUN to Jay's for dessert. They have this item called "chocolate ravioli". Sounds, strange, but is actually more like ravioli shaped flaky pastries filled with a delicious melt-your-mouth chocolate and served w a raspberry sauce and whip cream. They're perfect for sharing with a friend when you just want a nice bite of something. On my latest trip to FC, I went with friend who took me there. We walked through 28 degree weather with just sweaters on (I know, crazy Californians not planning well for a flash snow storm). This was worth it!!!! Thank you, Jay's!!!
(4)
Brett R.
When I think of my all time favorite meals, Jays Bisto is consistently #1 or #2. Chipotle Pork Tenderloin topped with Frizzled Tabasco Onion Rings over Garlic Mashers. That's all I get, and will ever get. I don't even look at the menu. It's tender, juicy and glazed with this beautiful smokey chipotle sauce. I don't really like to talk about it because I live in Denver and rarely have an opportunity to have it. It's quite a bit of food for the price(not a typical portion for a Bistro). Please go there; order this dish and thank the heavens you have taste buds. Not to mention the Bistro features live jazz most days of the week and the service is impeccable.
(5)
Christine L.
I've been to Jay's several times, and have always been disappointed. Most items are either too salty, too saucy (as another reviewer mentions) or too bland. Lobster bisque-- too salty. Buffalo carpaccio-- too saucy. The seafood paella was awful-- too bland. I've had the ostrich and a few other dishes that I can't remember as that's how unremarkable they are. Yet, it's still considered by many to be one of Fort Collin's best restaurants. I won't be coming back again. In addition, despite the place being more than half empty the other night, service was slow and it took 2 hours to complete our dinner.
(2)
Amanda W.
Not so much. While I like the setting and the ambiance, their service and food were both way below average. The food: the menu was common, no flair, nothing new sounding; my meal was heavy with sauces yet somehow managed to be dry. The server was nice, but robotic, nothing special, which is what I expect at those prices. Since many on here say it's their favorite, I'll try it again. Next year :(
(2)
Mark L.
Been to jays quite a few times. I usually eat at the bar because it is more dynamic with the music. All the food is terrific, except for the first time last night I had a cheeseburger from the lunch menu. Granted it was after 5, they accommodated me anyway. I wish they wouldn't have, it was poor at best. My usual chocolate raviolis made up for it.
(5)
Caitlin P.
Had Christmas eve dinner here and it was phenomenal! Everything about this place is 5 stars
Really great happy hour deals in the lounge/bar area. Good food and decent drinks. Enjoyable lounge music. Cool atmosphere.
(4)
Eric S.
Often described as the finest restaurant in Fort Collins, Jay's is right downtown and has quite an array of gourmet options that does not disappoint. The macaroni and cheese appetizer, with very sharp Vermont cheddar, was particularly good, and the pork tenderloin was tender and juicy and delicious. The servers are very attentive and helpful. The food is not all that expensive considering the quality, level of service and what you get, one of the perks of Fort Collins dining. Lovely!
(5)
Ben M.
Good food but a bit overpriced. Austin's is just down the street and had a better meal much cheaper. I will say that the venison here is rather good though.
(3)
Chris R.
Tuna app is great. Good wine list. Fantastic service. My favorite spot in Ft. Collins.
(4)
Christine M.
Omg... Mac & cheese, red wine & chocolate ravioloi's. Service, price & quality of food is awesome. One of my most favorite places to go. The bread with 3 dips that they bring out... Wow, that is the best part.
(5)
Jon T.
Never had bad food or service. Lunch portions are smaller but everything has always been great! Live Jazz music. Order the lobster bisque the "Old Way" to feel like a local.
(5)
Samantha M.
Ever since my parents came here two years ago, I was skeptical, but once I checked out the menu I decided it would be a good place to go. So fortunately they are back out here for vacation to visit me - and we went tonight! Let's start off with the atmosphere - it was a Monday night, there was great lighting inside, not too soft but not too bright. We got seated at an awesome round booth by the bar, and had some nice views. In addition to their regular menu, which is quite extensive with apps, salads, soups, sides, entres, seafood and pasta, they also have a summer menu. For drinks, I got a pomegranate martini which was good but a little tangy, and my mom got a stoli black russian - no complaints there. The wait staff was attentive and there was one person that took our drinks, another that brough out bread, and a thrid that took our main order. The bread was surprisingly good and was served with a trio of butters/jams - a sundried tomato feta cream cheese, a tomoato butter, and whipped butter - great combo was the sundried and tomoato butter. the bread was nice and crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. For an appetizer, my mom and dad shared the carpaccio of smoked buffalo, which they said was good but overpowered by the wasabi sauce on the bottom - it was also topped with an insane amount of bad bread. my mom got oyseters on the half shell, or whatever one comes with spinach served warm. it was good, but a decent amoutn of the shell came off in the oyster - the oysters were quite beefy though. For dinner, my parents split the Mixed Grill, and I heard no complaints. IF you are a meat eater, I think this is a great way to go. I ordered the arugula salad with tempura artichoke hearts - which was a dissappointment because literally i tasted no artichoke. I also asked for a piece of the goat cheese pistachio crusted cruton added on - which was ok, not much pistachio taste. As my entree I got the Bouillabaisse - a soup like concotion filled with seafood - shrimp, scallops, crabmeat, some other fish, cheese and an outstanding broth. Literally one of the best entrees I have ever had and it stayed hot the whole time - one of my petpieves. There was so much I got to take half of it home! Honestly, this is one dish worth going there for. Overall a satisfying meal - too bad we didnt have room for dessert! The service was good and the food came out at a good pace.
We went to Jay's for my wife's birthday and overall it was a very nice evening. The wine list is extensive, the appetizer (buffalo carpaccio) was delicious, dinner (Duck trilogy and New Zealand Red Deer) was fantastic. But the problem came with dessert. I had the cheesecake and she had the chocolate decadence, but they were both rather lacking. Tasted too much "out of a box." Service was great as well, but we would recommend walking to the Chocolate Cafe for dessert after your wonderful dinner at Jay's.
(4)
Kevin M.
"Over the Top" We had our daughters CSU graduation dinner for 22 people. Neema our server was awesome (a 10), very attentive to the details and caring for all our guest. She made us feel like we were right at home. We family styled the appetizers and desserts and ordered from the menu the main coarse, all came out with perfect timing, beautiful platting and delicious. A nice wine list. I would go back in a heartbeat
(5)
Bruce E.
Great and not to expensive. Steak with lobster sauce, get it now.
(4)
Tawny A.
Jay's is fantastic. Yes they are a little more upscale, but who doesn't like to get dolled up for a date night everyonce in awhile? My favorite dish is the Beef Tornodos (not sure of the spelling) Once I was brave and I tried the ostrich, which was surprisingly good. But I'm only brave enough to try new things every 4 years.... My last visit there was for lunch. We showed up about 20 minutes after they opened and were the only people there (which was great bc I had a 10 month old with me) I managed to forget the little guys food and was just going to order him some mashed potatoes and then he'd share with me. Unfortunatly for me, the only serve mashed taters on the dinner menu...bummer. With out even having to ask, our server brought out pureed potatoes, and spinach!! The cook had made us baby food! I was blown away! It felt great that he went out of his way to do that. Most servers roll their eyes and give me bad service when I bring in my little guy. Christine was friendly and fantastic. They even made him mango baby food for dessert. (I'm sure they did this because it was lunch and we were the only ones there, but still...sooo NICE) I love Jay's and will go there again. Even if it is a little pricey, it's totally worth it. Plus live jazz...AWESOME!
(5)
Joel T.
Jay's Bistro is an upscale dining experience in Old Town. The restaurant is cozy, with a romantic atmosphere and has an extensive menu filled with steak, duck, and a plethora of seafood. Jay's is one of the finer dining opportunities in Fort Collins and is very deserving of a special outing. They have an extensive bar and wine menu and dinner can come out to be a bit on the pricey side, but I found the excellent service and food to be worth it. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the fresh bread and multiple dipping sauces to start, and every course was good until dessert. If you are in need of a opulent night on the town, make reservations at Jay's.
(4)
Martha L.
Reputed as one of the better restaurants in Fort Collins, Jay's is definitely below average. It's not really a french restaurant, maybe new American. I guess maybe people go there to eat venison or ostrich. The bouillabaise was decent a couple of years ago when I had it, but it has decreased in quality the last time I went in March 2009, not that it was authentic in the first place. The steak is very soso. There are definitely better steakhouses in town, such as Canyon. I would avoid this restaurant.
(2)
Nick S.
had a filet, i can do better. my wife had a pasta/fish dish... not too bad. overall experience: the price doesnt not equal quality food i would expect. probably would not return to this one.
(3)
J D.
One of the best placed to go in FTC for appetizers and drinks. The bar area is cozy and inviting and the service is good. The Poke' is amazing and so is the lobster Mac. Add a Proseco Smash to drink. The dining room is much more stuffy and the dinner menu is a little too pricy and eclectic.
(4)
Michelle F.
No place like it. Best ambience in Fort Collins. I love the lighting, the cozy private seating, and the live piano music. It's a fun place to be. The food is good as is the presentation.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Sat Coat Check : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dave F.
I had the rack of lamb and it was really good. It had some breading on it, that it really didn't need, but the dish was quite impressive. The potato croquette was cold and not enjoyable. But the lamb portion was huge and memorable.
(4)SUSAN T.
Jay came to our table and asked, "What can I do for you... how can I make it better?" Instead of saying authoritatively, "I'll comp your soup/meal/drink." He knew they had screwed up... I saw them all talking together...our server, other servers and Jay. What did Jay's Bistro do...well, they served scalding soup. I mean I had blisters on my tongue for three days and it is still sore... weeks later. It was a birthday celebration from hell. A dinner that should have taken one hour, took two. The lamb shank my husband had was a Sysco product, so is the lobster bisque. Actually, the whole menu is premade by Sysco Food Products. You're paying for the ambiance. And, by the way, they didn't comp a thing... not even the ice tea i was drinking to nurse the burn. Jay's Bistro has seen better days. It's a tired concept appealing to those who aspire to think they live in a happening town. Little Jay... give it up. And, be happy, I'm not the litigious type.
(1)Mark K.
Do you like sauce? if so, then come to Jays. Everything was good, but just lay off the sauce a bit. Its just not necessary. You served me a very honorable medallion of venison. Let the medallion of venison speak for itself - It can speak for itself. Lets face it. the sauce was tasty, but was simply overkill, just like honey mustard dressing. outside of the sauce, the service was perfect. good wine selection too.
(3)Diana S.
I really like this restaurant. The food and ambiance is amazing. Feels elegant in a relaxed way (not stuffy, uncomfortable elegant), with the restaurant slightly on the dark, intimate side. Would be super for a date or special event. I've been twice, and have good memories. The food seems special - good ingredients, different offerings. The service is good, helpful. I liked the rack of lamb and small cut fries. Great wine. They have some seating that is more private with very tall booths. If you are celebrating an event, you could request that area. Food for kids is fine, but I would not recommend the mac & cheese unless your kid likes white cheddar cheese (It hasn't been a problem at home... but the kid is 4). But the second time we went, my kid ate fine.
(5)Laura L.
This place is filled with delicious. My personal favorites are the brie (baked in crispy phyllo dough with a port wine raspberry reduction sauce on top) and the lobster bisque (again, bad vegetarian). BUT in my defense, the sources of their meat are quite honorable. All the fish is line caught and the game meat is hunted on this special farm place instead of slaughtered in a factory. I don't eat things with legs, but my friends have told me its delicious. Also, they have live music fri and sat. If you go, get there early as the bar is packed by 7. And also, the waitstaff is hot...
(5)Rebecca L.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday for the first time and was surprised it wasn't more crowded. We sat on the patio and the jazz band was great! Bloody Mary was okay. Avocado Benedict was good, but the biscuits and lamb bacon my boyfriend got was amazing!!! Definitely will need to try them for dinner as well.
(4)Jonathan B.
I have seen a lot of negativity on these reviews which deterred me from trying Jay's in the past. I decided to give it a go tonight and had one of if not the greatest meal I've ever had in my lifetime. The entire concept of the Red Deer Loin was perfect. I can't find quite the words to describe it, other than I don't really bother with Yelp but I just felt the need to complement the obvious talent in the Jay's Bistro kitchen. I've eaten all over America and Europe, and Colorado has repeatedly disappointed my inexplicably picky tastes. I wanted to find a flaw in Jay's just for the sport of it. One of the beers my mother ordered wasn't all the way cold...we let the server know and he poured her a fresh one in another glass they had frosted/chilled. That is honestly the only 'hiccup' of the whole meal, if you could even count it. If negative reviews have had you on the fence about Jays, take the leap and discover one of Colorado's finest dining establishments.
(5)Brendon C.
I've always been a big fan of Jays Bistro. From the jazz piano to the formal bar I always appreciate the classy feeling I get when I walk in here. Most recently I was here for holiday buffet. well nothing struck me is truly spectacular everything was tasty. The bartenders are friendly and talkative. if you're looking for a nice more formal dining experience in downtown Fort Collins definitely check out J's Bistro.
(4)Matt M.
We picked this for our only meal in Fort Collins based on Yelp reviews and a recommendation from a friend. Everything was great. The place was full but we were offered seats in the lounge area and it worked out great. They had live music that was at the perfect volume level and the service was great. We started with the bison carpaccio and lobster & mushroom gnocchi. Both were delicious. All the entrees were hits too. We ordered the mixed grill, bacon wrapped venison & the filet. It was all fantastic.
(5)Vedanta B.
Went with a big group of peers to a private dinner, the food tasted okay and the desert was good. Servers are good and responsive.
(3)Steve C.
I agree with the reviewer who noted that the new ownership has not been good to Jay's. Whereas the menu was full of great options before, now it seems stark, and my girlfriend and I had trouble finding something we wanted to eat (this is admittedly a first-world problem, but at the elevated prices they charge, you'd imagine a restaurant would want to offer something attractive to its diners). I ended up enjoying the venison, but my girlfriend really did not care for the Mahi special. The prices are still among the highest in town, the quality just isn't as good - which is really disappointing since Fort Collins is short on nice date places. Jay's still has some great bartenders and the happy hour specials are worth going, buy we will probably look elsewhere for a nice dinner.
(2)5200ft U. P.
The place - A tasteful and quiet bistro in Olde Town. Parking can be a challenge, like many places in OT. The staff - Attentive, friendly staff. Well-versed on menu items. The food - We went for lunch and had the French onion burger - absolutely delicious! Perfectly prepared, well dressed, amazing flavor. The kids - I'm thinking I probably wouldn't bring mine. It is a bit pricey and upscale and my kids act like Vikings. (No offense to any real Vikings) Summary - Great lunch stop, especially for a couple. Quiet, delicious food, quality service.
(5)John K.
Food was excellent. Service also excellent. Prices a bit steep but not excessive. If you go consider a couple of appetizers rather than the entrees- there will be plenty for big eaters. My only objection is that the sound level was so high we couldn't wait to leave. We walked across the street to Fish for dessert and quiet conversation.
(3)Dallas D.
Scheduled a work meeting for 12. Food, drinks and service was fantastic. The manager bent over backwards to make sure my event well!!!
(5)Craig L.
Over the top awesome. Great service and everyone was very pleased with their meal. This is very close to a five star review but I am just very stingy with five stars. The appetizers where perfect, duck egg rolls and baked brie with raspberry sauce. The triple duck entree was great. Everyone was happy.
(4)Hailey Z.
We did a quick drive by of Jay's after a LONG day of hiking. My husband is a huge fan of this place but seemed to forget we were sweaty and wearing dusty outdoor gear. I was reluctant to go in to the nice establishment. Fine dining aside... the staff was so very friendly and unpretentious! (Shame on me for making assumptions.) I appreciate to no end that the hostess, server and staff were very welcoming of our grubby twosome (plus doggy). We sat on the patio with our pup right next to us. Food was spot on! Oysters Rockefeller were done very well (with zero breading!!), filet was perfect, mashed potatoes were fantastic! striped bass was prepared very well, excellent bottle of wine... the best way to end an eight mile hike!
(5)Na N.
I have to say that Jay's Bistro has been going downhill for a while now. After my awful experience tonight, I have to bid farewell to this restaurant. What was once a favorite of mine for family, friends, and clients has become a sorry excuse for a dining experience. Not worth your hard earned money. Heavy handed kitchen staff with little or no expertise, wait staff who lack any sense of hospitality, and management that seems confused by the basics--it's a shell of its former self. Pass on this restaurant if you can. Some great alternatives include JAX (5/5), Fish (5/5), really any other restaurant within walking distance is better than this place. If you decide to go to this restaurant, keep your expectations low and expect to pay a high price.
(2)Nalea M.
Bad experience: The woman who waited on us (who apparently has worked there 18 years, which makes it all the worse, and tells a lot about the management of this place) had the attitude of someone working at a rough-and-tumble-bar, not the upscale place that I thought Jay's was (which you'd expect based on their prices). She was gruff and unhelpful. When I asked what gin or bourbons you had, she told me "I have everything" (seemed defensive almost) and listed off a couple (sapphire, tanqueray 10) and didn't know how to direct me to the place in the menu where it lists your alcohols. Her whole demeanor was off-putting and unpleasant. We ordered two tapas. A bit later, someone who actually looked like a waiter was about to put them down on our table, and the older woman who took our order (the unpleasant one) stopped the waiter to have a conversation (pretty much right in front of us), which was uncomfortable both for us and the waiter. She sent the waiter back into the kitchen with the food of ours that she was carrying. Then she told us (gruffly) that the reason she sent the waiter back into the kitchen was because the portions weren't tapas sized (they were too big), because, "you wanted tapas size, right?" (awkward, and I'm not sure we knew we had an option). A few minutes later we were served the skimpiest tapas portions I've ever had at a tapas restaurant, anywhere in my life (and I've been to numerous and also used to work at a (nice) tapas bar): 3 bite-sized dates, served on a very large plate (3 for two people. Classless, they should've given us 4 at least, since there were 2 of us) and a few bites of calamari (seriously, nothing more than 4-5 bites of calamari). Definitely not worth whatever the tapas price on these dishes was. I think our bill was about 30 bucks for 2 simple drinks (a gin tonic and an old fashioned), these two embarrassingly small "tapas" dishes, and service that was so bad I was still thinking about it the next morning. I wrote them an email the next day about this experience. "Norm", not sure if this is just the person who receives their emails or if he is someone higher ranking than the woman who gave us such horrific service (hope not, based on his response)-- wrote me a very brief email back with grammatical and spelling typos that was somewhat defensive and snarky. Norm educated me that the tapas size calamari was a half-order of their normal size. But it wasn't, it was more like a quarter. His response was totally dismissive. I will never go back. This isn't the first bad experience I've had at Jay's. There are better places in town to get tapas or small plates and drinks that are more reasonably priced, and with MUCH better, enjoyable, knowledgeable, friendly service.
(1)Xinyi Y.
good restaurant! We had brunch at there once and the food is sooooo good. And don't order too much cause their food are in huge pieces
(5)Chris M.
Great time last night. Food was excellent, love the vibe.... But it was slow. In at 5:30, didn't get out until well after 8pm. Granted, we were a group of 20, but all the more reason to move it along.
(4)Chris W.
Disappointed at the lines at other breakfast establishments, we remembered that Jay's bistro just started brunch. There was no wait!!! Great bennies and mimosas, was a fantastic start to the day. Highly recommend
(5)Shannon R.
Outstanding service! Our server was attentive, friendly, honest, engaging and just awesome! Ahi tuna poke and buffalo carpaccio were delicious starters. Highly recommend! I had the sea bass and it was flakey and delicious. Sauce accompaniment was good and not too rich or over powering. My husband had the shrimp and grits and said it was very good. Excellent wine selection too. Great place to check out!
(5)Bill C.
This place is one of Fort Collins best. If it has the word lobster in the title, please try it. Lobster bisque, lobster mac n cheese, and lobster mashers. The filet is also outstanding. I have always had excellent service and a wonderful experience on each visit. I highly recommend Jays.
(4)John W.
We usually reserve Jay's for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries). When I asked my kids where to take mom for her birthday, it was no surprise Jay's was their choice. As always the atmosphere was great. We had reservations and were seated immediately. Our drink order was promptly taken and then our food order. Then the service all fell apart. I don't mind spending and hour and forty five minutes over a family dinner, but when I stare at empty place setting for half that time, it's a little ridiculous. We were told that our meal was taking so long because the kitchen was so backed up because of a large group. Huh, their money is better than mine? If you're too busy to see me, let me know when I make my reservation. We were asked after our appetizers if we would like to order another round of drinks. We asked for the drinks to accompany the main course. When our meal arrived, the drinks were no where to be found and neither was our server. We finished our meals, decided to not waste time on dessert and pay our check and leave very disappointed. When you spend $250 on two adults, two children and only two cocktails in Fort Collins, I'd expect a little more attention. Thankfully new restaurants are coming to town and will hopefully have the service I would expect. I will say, that the filet was good. My wife did not care for her pasta. Overall- a slightly above average meal with extremely poor service.
(1)Ditto T.
This was my moms favorite place to have dinner so I took her here. I went on Open Table to make reservations and had to go on their website to tell them it was her 80th birthday. I'll start with the good: *Love the interior decor because of the quality and the table was set in festive birthday attire. *Their hot bread and dips were amazing. *Bass fish and moms filet mignon' was served hot and awesome. *The place was hopping with activity. *Seating was comfortable in booths. *Creme brûlée was outstanding. They are CHALLENGED with: *The hostess was not very professional. *the service was slow and they were not very perceptive. For instance, I kindly asked for my water to have no ice and the same lady kept filling it up with ice. We sat for about 10 minutes just waiting for my moms complimentary dessert. *The servers were scurrying around and seemed bothered by us; Perhaps because we were not big spenders. *The food is way over priced! *Their to go boxes are a joke. They are the same boxes used at chain places. The sauces spill all over and leak, even when they are upright. I will never choose to go back. It use to be great and now
(2)Carol R.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being open on Thanksgiving day! By the looks of it (the restaurant was full) we are not the only ones who were happy for someone else to do the cooking on T'giving day! Jay's is one of our favorite restaurants in FC anyway but it was particularly fun to go there on the holiday AND to have Mark Sloniker and Colleen Crosson and their daughter Emma providing the music! The traditional Thanksgiving dinner was yummy. I was a little surprised to find green bean casserole... I would have preferred fresh green beans myself but overall up to Jay's usual standard. Of course our drinks were perfect as always and our server Alexa (new to us) did a great job. Oh, lest I forget... the pecan pie was absolutely to die for! My only beef was the TV on in the bar. We had recently been assured by one of the bartenders that it was only on for big game days and never on Friday or Saturday nights when there was music. Ok, T'giving is a big game day I guess, but it was very annoying to me and I felt like it was insulting to the musicians to have a TV blaring in their faces. Jay's is not a sports bar and having a TV on in the lounge is not consistent with how I think of Jay's. If it were an option I would give a 4.5 stars rather than 5 just because of the TV.
(5)Sam H.
All night Happy Hour at Jays on Wednesday is one of the best dining experiences Fort Collins has to offer. Add in a Jazz trio, and you have an unbeatable combination. Excellent grub at reasonable prices -- my GF and I like to mix and match, and haven't had anything we didn't like. Favorites include the Reuben, Peppadews, Duck Quesadilla, Marg Pizza Slider, & Blue Cheese Burger Slider, In terms of the Entrees -- we've also tried the Shrimp & Polenta, as well as the Prime Rib, and both were excellent. Don't miss out!
(5)Ruben B.
The beginning of the end under new ownership? I live and work three blocks from Jay's so I eat here a lot. Decided to bring my family to Jay's for Christmas Eve dinner. $187.00 for absolutely awful food and awful service. First, we had been sitting at our table for nearly 20 minutes before our first cocktail arrived. We were also seated near the front door and we got blasted with freezing cold air every time someone opened the door. The lobster bisque which is usually fantastic tasted fishy. My wife's first glass of wine had someone else's lipstick on it. The waiter forgot to bring us bread and we had to ask for it...it finally arrived at the same time that our dinner arrived. The beef rib was dry and overcooked. We skipped dessert because we couldn't wait to get out of there. Super bummed that our nice holiday was somewhat spoiled. Worse for Jay's, I won't be doing any more business lunches or dinners there and I'll be telling all of my colleagues to avoid this once great restaurant. Too bad...
(1)Ron G.
We held a business dinner for 10 last week. They put us in a private room (it was big enough for twice as many people but we had it to ourselves). That worked out well as we could talk pretty freely about work. The waitress was friendly but not very attentive. She'd disappear for long periods of time which was quite awkward at the beginning as we had questions on the wine list and menu. The wine list seemed a bit pricey (but I'm not from Ft Collins) but was extensive. Ignoring price, they had some good wines. We ordered a wide range of food (appetizers and entrees) - all the appetizers were good and everyone seemed pleased with their entrees. Unlike the wines, the food was all reasonably priced for a somewhat nicer restaurant. I would return.
(4)Mary H.
My husband surprised me for Valentines Day by making reservations at Jay's. What a marvelous experience!!! Chris took extra special care of us from explaining menu items to suggesting wine selection. The food was perfect and the presentation was amazing!! I think Jays will be our new favorite place for special dates and cannot wait to take our kids and their spouses there!!
(5)Andrew C.
Went there as a couple to celebrate a few things. The service was great: courses were paced well, our server knew the menu, proper wine service, great recommendations. The food was great: we ordered a 3-course meal from the great plates menu, in addition to an appetizer and the mixed-grill entree. We enjoyed every bite of every course. It is a little pricey for Fort Collins, but if you can afford it, or it is a special occasion, make sure to give Jay's a try!
(5)Janet C.
My husband and I Went to jays to celebrate our first anniversary - we have been there several times and the last few have been a little disappointing. The service was really good, and the sommelier was quite helpful and friendly. However the food was mediocre. The ahi poke app was really not great, and my filet was drenched in sauce, which shouldn't be necessary on a nice cut of meat. My husband got the New York strip and it was also drenched in sauce, but it was too sweet. He had to ask for another plate so he could avoid the sauce! I do like the ambience and Jay's and have had much better meals there in the past. However, if I am going to spend more than $150 on dinner, I will go to one of the other fine restaurants in town.
(2)Mich V.
Absolutely love Jays Bistro. The salads are fantastic and the shrimp and grits are terrific. The service is always good. Chris is usually tending bar and we always ask for him -super nice! But all the servers we've had have been great. They have a few different local beers in tap and they make a mean Cosmo. We go for lunch because of the wedge Salad or the Seafood Caesar. The mussels are also one of our favorites. They used to have bread pudding everyday which was always stellar and I hope they bring it back but now they have a different cobbler everyday. Love how fresh and original their food is.
(5)I W.
We had lunch here since mom-in-law said this was one of the better restaurants. We shared the Ahi poke. I had crab and corn chowder with a side of sweet potato fries. Tuna was fresh for the ahi poke. It is a very simple preparation of tuna, onion and avocado. It is more like a tuna tartar on a ring of avocado than a poke. It is also very lightly dressed with soy sauce and sesame oil. Fish was topped with two flavors of tobiko (flying fish roe) -- wasabi for the green and maybe chili for the red. I found the glazed wonton a bit too sweet for the poke and just used the wasabi dab on each cracker for the fish. Corn and crab chowder had a good flavor, but was too thick with a starchy mouth feel for my taste. I prefer my chowder to be more natural without any additions to make it thick. If you like thick chowder, I would prefer pureed white beans or potatoes to make it thick. Sweet potato fries were well cooked and yummy. While well seasoned with sea salt on its own, it also came with three different dipping sauces -- sriracha with mayo, sweet teriyaki and Asian mustard. Sriracha and mayo worked the best for me. Sweet teriyaki was pretty sweet and syrupy in its consistency. Since sweet potato is naturally sweet -- hence the name...duh -- it didn't really need any additional sweetness, but does taste better with some type of sauce. For me, watered down Asian mustard didn't really work with these sweet potatoes, and was my least favorite of the sauce trio.
(3)Carmen D.
Went there with my best friend for dinner the service was excellent and the food was outstanding. Their dinner salads were the perfect small size and were absolutely delicious. Their bleu cheese dressing is so tasty. I had the Shrimp with Grits and it was awesome - the grits were done to perfection. My friend has the seafood ravioli and it was also superb (I tasted hers!). We also orders a bottle of Monastrel which was the perfect wine to have with both of our dinners.
(4)Lu T.
I often have lunch at Jay's. They can accommodate larger parties with notice in addition to smaller lunch groups. Their menu is vast and has options for all the common dietary restrictions. The service varies from good to great and the food is good. For lunch, their salad and soup options are fine and their fish tacos are a favorite among my colleagues/friends. Also, the bread that they serve before your meal arrives is tasty - especially if the server brings you the 3 spread options (some servers bring it while others charge for it). I have only ever come for lunch and have had pleasant experiences each time.
(4)Evan M.
I brought my 12 year-old sister here before taking her to a show at the Lincoln Center. I really wanted to make the evening special for her, and since she wanted to go somewhere fancy, we tried Jay's. We made a reservation through yelp, which worked out perfectly, and were given a cute little two person booth in the back. From the moment we arrived, they made my sister feel special. The host was kind and professional and I feel like all the staff we interacted with really went the extra mile to make her night special. We had a couple appetizers, the meat and cheese board was delightful and my sister tried oysters for the first time. In hindsight, maybe I should have let her try them cooked instead of on the half-shell, but it all worked out in the entrees. She devoured the venison, and I really enjoyed my Colorado Lamb. We had great food, great service, and she's still talking about how special it was weeks later. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Chris T.
Service was excellent as always!!! Had the Ahi Poke which seemed a little uneventful and tasteless. The 12 oz. New York although cooked perfectly was not the best cut I have ever had and beware the sauce!! Admittedly, I didn't read the menu carefully so perhaps it was my fault.... but, the sauce was something more appropriate for waffles or pancakes that a $36 cut of meat. Overall a good experience.... ambiance good although too dark to read the menu... would really be helped by a taller candle or a readjustment of the track lighting. I would like to think that Jay's is not resting on their laurels as the acknowledged nicest restaurant in the choice city....
(3)Kimberly S.
Last night we celebrated my birthday at Jay's Bistro. It was a pleasure from the moment we walked in. I ordered the Ribeye and it was not only delicious but it was a huge portion as well. The wait staff was attentive and the atmosphere was great. We didn't arrive until around 8:00pm so it was pretty dead, I am not sure what the service would have been like on a busier night, but for our celebration it was perfect. It was one of the better meals I have had in Ft. Collins and rivaled a Denver dining experience. Delicious!
(5)Michael T.
One of the best fine dinning restaurants in Fort Collins. Excellent food and service highly recommend. Food always top notch!
(5)Kim M.
We had dinner with a group there and had drink, appetizer, entree's, and desserts. When you try different things, at least one of them is expected to be good. Unfortunately Jay's didn't live up to it's hype and prices. I would not eat their food even if it was free. Don't waste your money at this overpriced and tasteless joint. Even after spending so much money, we came home hungry
(1)Katina T.
Sleek. Sexy. Calm. Cool. Collected. Everything you would want in a secret agent, but in a classy little bistro hid away in downtown Fort Collins. The Lobster Macaroni (with mascarpone AND Vermont sharp white cheddar AND truffle oil) was absolutely to die for. And to top it off, the place has jazz. I really love jazz.
(5)Katy S.
Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. Katie is almost always our server and she is very attentive and has a great attitude! I have yet to have a bad meal here!! The jazz that they have on some nights is very pleasant to listen to. It can be loud if you are sitting close, but if that's a problem sit somewhere else!! I highly recommend Jay's, I truly enjoy having a night out there!
(5)O E.
I just do not get the fondness for Jay's! I live in Fort Collins and have eaten at Jay's on several occasions, and for some reason, each and every time I have high hopes going in, but leave disappointed to the point of being annoyed I paid so much money for such uninspired mediocrity. Almost every course is over-seasoned, over-sauced, and over-thought... that is unless it's completely dull. Unfortunately last night was no exception. I had the arugula salad with beets and chèvre and the duck trio. The salad was boring, and the duck was bad almost to the point of sending it back. First of all, the whole plate was drowning in sauce. I'm a saucy gal and it was too much for me. Second, two of the sauces did not even taste homemade. The egg roll sauce was like the kind you'd get out of a jar, and the orange sauce with the confit tasted and looked like melted orange marmalade. Then there was the issue of the whole duck breast part of the dish. It appeared to be cooked properly but was strangely tough and the fat not rendered properly, not to mention the sauce was far too overpowering and just not tasty. A couple of bites and I avoided that part of my plate. After the duck I was so intent on ending on a good note that we tried the tiramisu. Sadly disappointing! So dry and overly sweet, and it had creme anglaise or something drizzled over the top, which is unnecessary if your tiramisu is good! To be fair, I will note that my husband liked his linguine and clams, and we did enjoy the patio. But I think this time will be the last time I try to like Jay's. So many better places in FoCo!
(2)Dawn D.
My husband and I have been regular customers of Jay's Bistro for many years and it's still a favorite. The owners and staff are fantastic; friendly, invested in what they're doing with each and every guest, and the food is outstanding. I love that they have continued to update the décor and menus of the restaurant regularly and they have added some really incredible new cocktails recently that are specialty drinks with amazing ingredients. We have celebrated Christmas Eve at Jay's for the past several years and have always enjoyed a really wonderful, special night during these visits. Jay's is a must-experience spot in Fort Collins.
(5)Kalli V.
Love the music here! Always our night on the town!
(5)Monty S.
The food is great. A bit on the snooty side and certainly so from the hostess stand. Fort Collins has better to offer.
(3)Brittany D.
WOW, can I just say WOW? Who knew Fort Collins had an upscale place like this? I feel like Im the last to know about this amazing restaurant. Just spent a special night at Jays with my BF. The restaurant it self is so nice and clean, you just know the foods going to be just as good. I ordered a seared tuna salad, which was awesome and fresh but I was blown away by the fresh bread and the little spreads they give you. I couldnt get enough! The drinks are good and they dont skimp on the martinis. I had one and had to go to the bathroom to collect myself :) Great place, we will be back for sure!
(5)Eric H.
It is the kind of place where you take small bites to make the meal last longer. The atmosphere is relaxing and romantic. I had the mixed grill and my wife the sea bass with creme brulee for dessert and all the dishes were delicious. A bit pricy but who can really put a price on a great glass of wine with great food and great company. Well worth a visit for that special occasion.
(5)Alicia N.
If I was going to complain about anything, it would be that there are too many delicious choices on the menu. You know its going to be a good night when it starts with hot crusty bread and you get three different condiments to enjoy - butter, tomato jam, and a goat cream cheese. For appetizers - try the Ahi Tuna Poke. I seriously considered a) licking the plate; 2) ordering another. My husband ordered the Duck Trilogy - as good as it sounded, but beware - it's an incredibly rich dish. I had the Tournedos of Beef au Poivre, cooked to perfection. Dessert menu was a little lacking - so we skipped. Would love to take this opportunity to thank our waiter, Kevin. He provided great service and was a fountain of information for two tourists. Thanks for making our Jay's experience that much more memorable! PS - Jazz there was pretty good too.
(5)Tara C.
Every time I come to Fort Collins, my sister and brother-in-law take me on a round robin of restaurants, we stop at several places throughout the night to drink and nosh. My favorite place in Fort Collins is without a doubt Jay's. Sitting in Jay's bar, listening to some great jazz musicians that don't overpower conversation, with a bottle of wine and some excellent apps is just about Fort Collins heaven to me. Our choices last time were Buffalo Carpaccio, Steamed Mussells and Ahi Poke. In particular, I was wowed by the Ahi Poke, being from Hawaii, I doubted it would impress. Horray for Jay's...I was wrong. The presentation of the Ahi Poke was certainly more dressed up than any of the casual presentations of Hawaii, but the Chef lets the shine Ahi without overly seasoning it. Lovely. Our service there is always great, I never have any complaints. What can I say other than when service is well done, its always appreciated. I think the wine list is nice-it has an decent selection of both well-known and some lesser known hidden secrets. Overall, my favorite restaurant in Fort Collins. See you soon, Jay's.
(4)Nick C.
We ordered the carpaccio appetizer and I got the chipotle pork tenderloin. The pork was overcooked and the sauce did not really have much flavor to it. I was a little shocked and not very impressed after what I have heard. I don't see myself returning to Jay's after this experience, but we may have just been unlucky this once. The next time I go out in this price range, I would much rather go to someplace like Fish, Canyon Chop House, or Austin's.
(2)B W.
Jay's Bistro is an excellent fine dinning restaurant and I would recommend it to anyone. I have been here 4 times in the past 8 months and every time it has been amazing. The restaurant decor and atmosphere is upscale and artsy, but you can still dress in jeans and a tshirt if you like. Think date night, birthday dinners, anniversary dinners, parents in town etc. I have always had attentive, friendly service here. They have a fantastic menu with seafood, steak, poultry, pasta, salads etc so there is something for everyone. I can personally recommend the Asian Ahi Tuna, seared scallops with risotto (this was a special), Roasted Chicken Cobb Salad, Lamb Shank, Herbs of Provence Half Roasted Chicken, smoked buffalo carpacio, garden salad and duck egg rolls - all were fantastic. The bread they bring out comes with tomato jam, butter and sundried tomato goat cheese spreads - a delicious way to start the meal. This is a must try place if you are looking for finer dining in Fort Collins.
(5)Heather N.
Everything was delicious and the waiters were extremely knowledgeable and attentive. My Aunt and Uncle paid (thank goodness) for the delicious meal that I ate here, and we all shared our entrees. I ordered the ahi tuna sashimi appetizer as my entree and it was fantastic! The caviar was delish, and the fish was very fresh. My uncle got lamb shank, which was amazingly moist, juicy, and made me eat more meat than I ever thought I could hold! My aunt got pork chops, which were a little dry, but to be fair, she asked for the BBQ sauce (which was some of the best I've ever tasted) on the side. The wine selection was great, and the mixed drink menu was extensive. Oh, and the shrimp bisque was very tasty!
(5)Kristin M.
My husband and I have birthdays that are just days apart. We celebrate every year with "Birthday Weekend", which is usually a huge party for the both of us. Some years are out of control, some are more mild, but they are always fun. When I mentioned that I suggested Jay's Bistro for a date night, she and the rest of the group of friends we hang out with promptly bought a gift certificate to Jay's and a hilarious card for my birthday. The perfect place for a celebration. While some dishes at Jay's were not as exciting as others, it's still a fantastic place to celebrate a special occasion, bring out-of-town visitors and one of the best happy hour spots in town. There's a reason people have been coming here for 30 years. I have a feeling we'll have something to celebrate here again.
(4)Robert E.
Food is pretty good, but I made a reservation for my daughters BDay, a special event, and table provided was very poor and they were not responsive to requests for a better table. Table for five was two tables pushed together.
(3)Anita Y.
Bunnies can be scary! ... what were they thinking? I haven't seen so much plastic Easter grass and deranged looking white bunny rabbits since my last visit to Big Lots! Here for all night Happy Hour. Got a Blueberry Lemonade to calm my nerves after my "bunnies on crack" encounter. That hit the spot. The best choice of the night had to be a tie between the Baguette w/ bleu, balsamic, and Olive oil, and the Hoisin Ribs. Who doesn't love fresh baked crusty bread? You give the bleu and the vinegar and olive oil a good stir and it becomes the most perfect dipping sauce for that bread. Who thought this one up? I wanna kiss 'em. It was the best $2.75 I spent that day! Our server even brought us some extra bread to sop up the leftover sauce. And the Ribs, I have to admit were perfectly done. The sauce was ....saucy! The meat was tender, and I can't complain about the portion size for $7. We ordered the Red White and Green Flour Tortilla at the last minute. I wish we had run out of time. What a disappointment. The tomatoes were cut too thick, and there was no flavor to speak of. I really am not a fan of "pizza" on a flour tortilla. I need more platform for my pizza. The Calamari does not disappoint. The pleasant music was by a 4 piece jazz ensemble. The piano player was being interviewed by a local cable channel. I laughed as I watched him sittin' all hunched over while the cameras and lights were on him...."sit up straight!" I wanted to yell. "Shoulders back, head high! Who are you hiding from?"........oh, he must be scared of the bunnies too. This place is growing on me, and I'll probably be back, after the bunnies leave.
(3)Michelle P.
When in Fort Collins - Run... do not walk... RUN to Jay's for dessert. They have this item called "chocolate ravioli". Sounds, strange, but is actually more like ravioli shaped flaky pastries filled with a delicious melt-your-mouth chocolate and served w a raspberry sauce and whip cream. They're perfect for sharing with a friend when you just want a nice bite of something. On my latest trip to FC, I went with friend who took me there. We walked through 28 degree weather with just sweaters on (I know, crazy Californians not planning well for a flash snow storm). This was worth it!!!! Thank you, Jay's!!!
(4)Brett R.
When I think of my all time favorite meals, Jays Bisto is consistently #1 or #2. Chipotle Pork Tenderloin topped with Frizzled Tabasco Onion Rings over Garlic Mashers. That's all I get, and will ever get. I don't even look at the menu. It's tender, juicy and glazed with this beautiful smokey chipotle sauce. I don't really like to talk about it because I live in Denver and rarely have an opportunity to have it. It's quite a bit of food for the price(not a typical portion for a Bistro). Please go there; order this dish and thank the heavens you have taste buds. Not to mention the Bistro features live jazz most days of the week and the service is impeccable.
(5)Christine L.
I've been to Jay's several times, and have always been disappointed. Most items are either too salty, too saucy (as another reviewer mentions) or too bland. Lobster bisque-- too salty. Buffalo carpaccio-- too saucy. The seafood paella was awful-- too bland. I've had the ostrich and a few other dishes that I can't remember as that's how unremarkable they are. Yet, it's still considered by many to be one of Fort Collin's best restaurants. I won't be coming back again. In addition, despite the place being more than half empty the other night, service was slow and it took 2 hours to complete our dinner.
(2)Amanda W.
Not so much. While I like the setting and the ambiance, their service and food were both way below average. The food: the menu was common, no flair, nothing new sounding; my meal was heavy with sauces yet somehow managed to be dry. The server was nice, but robotic, nothing special, which is what I expect at those prices. Since many on here say it's their favorite, I'll try it again. Next year :(
(2)Mark L.
Been to jays quite a few times. I usually eat at the bar because it is more dynamic with the music. All the food is terrific, except for the first time last night I had a cheeseburger from the lunch menu. Granted it was after 5, they accommodated me anyway. I wish they wouldn't have, it was poor at best. My usual chocolate raviolis made up for it.
(5)Caitlin P.
Had Christmas eve dinner here and it was phenomenal! Everything about this place is 5 stars
(5)Amber B.
My husband and I have wanted to try Jay's for awhile and decided to go there during Fort Collins restaurant week (Great Plates) to try it out finally. We use Great Plates to find new restaurants to come back to and this was not one! The reason we gave this 2 stars is because the ambiance was great and the server was nice. We really enjoyed the setting and our own personal booth. The food though was extremely disappointing, you know it's bad when you leave saying at least the salad was good. We both started with a caesar salad and then had two different entrees. My etouffée was just plain bad, I had to pick around to try to fill myself up. My husband had the paella and the only thing with any good spice/flavor was the sausage. The rest of it was so plain and bland. Finally, we had high hopes for the dessert which was an apple crisp but the apples were so sour that we couldn't down it. Thankfully my wine was good and the waitress was nice. Though, she didn't seem to give us much attention and we had to stop her when we needed something. It was quite frustrating. Sadly, Jay's lost our business and we will not be returning unless we have to.
(2)Alexandria T.
Really great happy hour deals in the lounge/bar area. Good food and decent drinks. Enjoyable lounge music. Cool atmosphere.
(4)Eric S.
Often described as the finest restaurant in Fort Collins, Jay's is right downtown and has quite an array of gourmet options that does not disappoint. The macaroni and cheese appetizer, with very sharp Vermont cheddar, was particularly good, and the pork tenderloin was tender and juicy and delicious. The servers are very attentive and helpful. The food is not all that expensive considering the quality, level of service and what you get, one of the perks of Fort Collins dining. Lovely!
(5)Ben M.
Good food but a bit overpriced. Austin's is just down the street and had a better meal much cheaper. I will say that the venison here is rather good though.
(3)Chris R.
Tuna app is great. Good wine list. Fantastic service. My favorite spot in Ft. Collins.
(4)Christine M.
Omg... Mac & cheese, red wine & chocolate ravioloi's. Service, price & quality of food is awesome. One of my most favorite places to go. The bread with 3 dips that they bring out... Wow, that is the best part.
(5)Jon T.
Never had bad food or service. Lunch portions are smaller but everything has always been great! Live Jazz music. Order the lobster bisque the "Old Way" to feel like a local.
(5)Samantha M.
Ever since my parents came here two years ago, I was skeptical, but once I checked out the menu I decided it would be a good place to go. So fortunately they are back out here for vacation to visit me - and we went tonight! Let's start off with the atmosphere - it was a Monday night, there was great lighting inside, not too soft but not too bright. We got seated at an awesome round booth by the bar, and had some nice views. In addition to their regular menu, which is quite extensive with apps, salads, soups, sides, entres, seafood and pasta, they also have a summer menu. For drinks, I got a pomegranate martini which was good but a little tangy, and my mom got a stoli black russian - no complaints there. The wait staff was attentive and there was one person that took our drinks, another that brough out bread, and a thrid that took our main order. The bread was surprisingly good and was served with a trio of butters/jams - a sundried tomato feta cream cheese, a tomoato butter, and whipped butter - great combo was the sundried and tomoato butter. the bread was nice and crisp on the outside, soft on the inside. For an appetizer, my mom and dad shared the carpaccio of smoked buffalo, which they said was good but overpowered by the wasabi sauce on the bottom - it was also topped with an insane amount of bad bread. my mom got oyseters on the half shell, or whatever one comes with spinach served warm. it was good, but a decent amoutn of the shell came off in the oyster - the oysters were quite beefy though. For dinner, my parents split the Mixed Grill, and I heard no complaints. IF you are a meat eater, I think this is a great way to go. I ordered the arugula salad with tempura artichoke hearts - which was a dissappointment because literally i tasted no artichoke. I also asked for a piece of the goat cheese pistachio crusted cruton added on - which was ok, not much pistachio taste. As my entree I got the Bouillabaisse - a soup like concotion filled with seafood - shrimp, scallops, crabmeat, some other fish, cheese and an outstanding broth. Literally one of the best entrees I have ever had and it stayed hot the whole time - one of my petpieves. There was so much I got to take half of it home! Honestly, this is one dish worth going there for. Overall a satisfying meal - too bad we didnt have room for dessert! The service was good and the food came out at a good pace.
(3)Lori J.
They serve bread with three spreads, we thought the sun dried tomato butter was delicious. I had the delux wedge salad, which was topped with hearts of palm, blue cheese crumbles, thick bacon bits, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and tomatoes - it was a very good salad! My husband had the Caesar salad and said it was very good as well. I had the halibut special that came with ginger mashed potatoes, snap peas, and a delicious sauce. The halibut was cooked to perfection, it had a seasoned crust on top, but the inch thick fillet was moist and flaky inside. My husband had the hazel dell mushroom stuffed quails, which he said was very good. My daughter had the filet mignon and said it was the best she has ever had, she wanted to go back and compliment the chef! Since we were celebrating her birthday, they brought her a creme brûlée, which was very good. We also ordered the salted caramel vanilla crunch cake, we all thought it was incredible! The only thing we weren't thrilled about was the cocktails, they definitely don't know how to make a Mai tai and the Long Island iced tea was not quite right, however they had added a little extra alcoholic for the birthday girl so that might have thrown it off. The wine list is great, and we enjoyed some very nice wine.
(4)Justin F.
We went to Jay's for my wife's birthday and overall it was a very nice evening. The wine list is extensive, the appetizer (buffalo carpaccio) was delicious, dinner (Duck trilogy and New Zealand Red Deer) was fantastic. But the problem came with dessert. I had the cheesecake and she had the chocolate decadence, but they were both rather lacking. Tasted too much "out of a box." Service was great as well, but we would recommend walking to the Chocolate Cafe for dessert after your wonderful dinner at Jay's.
(4)Kevin M.
"Over the Top" We had our daughters CSU graduation dinner for 22 people. Neema our server was awesome (a 10), very attentive to the details and caring for all our guest. She made us feel like we were right at home. We family styled the appetizers and desserts and ordered from the menu the main coarse, all came out with perfect timing, beautiful platting and delicious. A nice wine list. I would go back in a heartbeat
(5)Bruce E.
Great and not to expensive. Steak with lobster sauce, get it now.
(4)Tawny A.
Jay's is fantastic. Yes they are a little more upscale, but who doesn't like to get dolled up for a date night everyonce in awhile? My favorite dish is the Beef Tornodos (not sure of the spelling) Once I was brave and I tried the ostrich, which was surprisingly good. But I'm only brave enough to try new things every 4 years.... My last visit there was for lunch. We showed up about 20 minutes after they opened and were the only people there (which was great bc I had a 10 month old with me) I managed to forget the little guys food and was just going to order him some mashed potatoes and then he'd share with me. Unfortunatly for me, the only serve mashed taters on the dinner menu...bummer. With out even having to ask, our server brought out pureed potatoes, and spinach!! The cook had made us baby food! I was blown away! It felt great that he went out of his way to do that. Most servers roll their eyes and give me bad service when I bring in my little guy. Christine was friendly and fantastic. They even made him mango baby food for dessert. (I'm sure they did this because it was lunch and we were the only ones there, but still...sooo NICE) I love Jay's and will go there again. Even if it is a little pricey, it's totally worth it. Plus live jazz...AWESOME!
(5)Joel T.
Jay's Bistro is an upscale dining experience in Old Town. The restaurant is cozy, with a romantic atmosphere and has an extensive menu filled with steak, duck, and a plethora of seafood. Jay's is one of the finer dining opportunities in Fort Collins and is very deserving of a special outing. They have an extensive bar and wine menu and dinner can come out to be a bit on the pricey side, but I found the excellent service and food to be worth it. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the fresh bread and multiple dipping sauces to start, and every course was good until dessert. If you are in need of a opulent night on the town, make reservations at Jay's.
(4)Martha L.
Reputed as one of the better restaurants in Fort Collins, Jay's is definitely below average. It's not really a french restaurant, maybe new American. I guess maybe people go there to eat venison or ostrich. The bouillabaise was decent a couple of years ago when I had it, but it has decreased in quality the last time I went in March 2009, not that it was authentic in the first place. The steak is very soso. There are definitely better steakhouses in town, such as Canyon. I would avoid this restaurant.
(2)Nick S.
had a filet, i can do better. my wife had a pasta/fish dish... not too bad. overall experience: the price doesnt not equal quality food i would expect. probably would not return to this one.
(3)J D.
One of the best placed to go in FTC for appetizers and drinks. The bar area is cozy and inviting and the service is good. The Poke' is amazing and so is the lobster Mac. Add a Proseco Smash to drink. The dining room is much more stuffy and the dinner menu is a little too pricy and eclectic.
(4)Michelle F.
No place like it. Best ambience in Fort Collins. I love the lighting, the cozy private seating, and the live piano music. It's a fun place to be. The food is good as is the presentation.
(5)