Jay's Bistro is a locally owned business started in 1980 by Jay Witlen with his wife and partner, Jacki. From humble beginnings through the evolution of Jay's Bistro and Jazz Lounge, Jay's entrepreneurial spirit combined with Jacki's encouragement have inspired them to achieve and maintain the perfect mix of hospitality, entertainment and cuisine in their bistro for the past 28 years. The combination of personally run business and swanky atmosphere, fine tuned by a professional kitchen and service staff creates their recipe for success. Their mission was and is to do this and have fun along the way doing it! "Life is good when you share bountiful things," says Jay.
"We went for Mother's Day Brunch the food was very good. There wasn't too much in the way of breakfast, just omelettes and yogurt but it was very good. We have not had a chance to go for dinner but now we definitely will."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: romantic, hot spot
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"The tempura tuna roll appetizer set the tone for delicious, delightfully presented entrees accompanied by a superior bottle of wine recommended by the knowledgeable onsite wine afficionado. An excellent, intimate setting for a special occasion. Some of the higher end entrees are $35.00, plus, but there are very tasty entrees for less. A great bar, too! One of the best James Bond Martinis ever! In short, Jay's Bistro is the best upscale eatery in the city of Fort Collins. BTW - Try lunch, too - nice wines by the glass at reasonable prices and a nice array of lunch choices."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
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"Visitors to town for the Colorado Marathon (May 5,2013) and were looking for a place to "celebrate" our finishing, intact. We found it from the nice reviews given on OT of Jay's. We found the reviews to be well deserved, with everything just so, from the greeting by the desk, offering us a nice quiet table (which I had requested when I made the reservation), and attentive but not hovering service. The menu was varied, and we both ordered a wonderfully prepared daily special ( a baked halibut) that we found delightful. We did not order wine, but did notice the many Wine Spectator "diplomas" framed on the wall. I opted for one of the local craft brews, for which Ft. Collins is justifiably famous."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"My first time here, and for a business lunch. The fish tacos were highly recommended so 3 of the 4 of us enjoyed them for lunch (although the special sounded delicious). The 4th in our group (who had recommended the tacos) had a burger, which he praised as well! Would like to try out happy hour and jazz next time."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"First time I've patronized Jay's Bistro and I was pleasantly surprised! (Don't get to Old Town very much). Wonderfully peaceful and great dining experience."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Great place for a special dinner! Located in Old Town Fort Collins with a beautiful renovation on the inside. The waitress was excellent and very knowledgable. We both got the specials, but the other items on the menu look delicious too. Romantic ambiance, and not too loud even after the jazz started. The music just added to the evening. Made my birthday very special."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"My wife and I enjoyed our experience at the Bistro. Our food was very good and service was excellent. A little noisy at times but enjoyable. If you are looking for a vibrant innovative meal this is the place."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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"Wow ... quite an amazing selection of foods included in the Easter Brunch! Something for everyones ...eggs, fishes, meats, friuts, vegetables, salads, and desserts! Everything that I had was delicious!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"As always, this was special. Jay and Jaqui were on vacation but that was no big deal. He needs a break from that fabulous restaurant. It is certainly one of the "pearls" of Ft. Collins and we should be proud of it. When I have classy people here visiting CSU. Jay's is the place I either recommend or go with them."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"First time at Jay's; very pleased with ambiance, live piano/jazz was ideal. Recommended for special occasion or a romantic dinner but pricey. Service was very good but gave it lower rating due to not being offered the special that apparently several restaurants had going during restaurant week. Found out later it was a four course meal for $25 vs. the ala carte menu they feature. Our bill for 6 would have been much less had the special been offered and only 2 desserts were ordered. Will only consider returning if the occasion warrants it and I don't find a suitable alternative."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"We are big fans of Jay's and appreciate having this quality of food, service and surroundings available in out=r little town We visited during the Great Plates weeks ans wished we had chosen from the regular menu. Although we were glad to help out with the local food bank campaign, our entrees were a little disappointing."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Menu is excellent--good choices even for vegetarians. Service was attentive but waitress never asked if we wanted a second glass of wine. It is noisy so not the place for a romantic dinner"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We go to Jay's about 3 times a year and always enjoy it We ordered from the Great Plates menu and they had us in and out in 45 minutes. It was way too rusheof for the normal dining experience we expected.The beef and salad were quite tasty but the dessert was a cold apple cusp we found lacking. I think we learned to stick to the regular menu! Had this been our first time dining there, I don't know if we would return, which certainly isn't the purpose behind Great Plates!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"A good wine list. The by the glass red list was a bit short for my taste, but the Decoy Cab filled the bill very well. My lobster bisque was quite spicy hot - not what I expect for lobster bisque; I told the waitress and she replaced it promptly with shrimp bisque which was the creamy smooth bisque I had expected. I had "rack" of lamb, really four large, succulent rib chops and could not have been more pleased. The duck trio is my wife's favorite, but again the duck egg roll (or the hoisin sauce) was extremely peppery hot and detracts from the pleasure of the duck breast and duck leg, which are quite nice. What is the deal that so many good restaurants today make so many dishes so peppery hot?"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Decor: I'm not one to go to expensive dinners often but my girlfriend and I went here last night for our Valentine's Day dinner. I was a bit intimidated when I walked in. It felt so fancy! It wasn't bad, but I felt a bit out of my element. Which I guess is good for a nice dinner. Every thing looked nice from the lighting fixtures to the paintings. Service: If I recall, our server was named Brice. Thank goodness he was too because he was super helpful with answering all my questions and his recommendations were spot on! His service was stellar! I couldn't have asked for more. Food: I had the Duck Trilogy and my girlfriend had the Chilean Sea Bass. Both were prepared to perfection! The bottle of wine our server recommended hit the spot."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Our favorite special occasion restaurant. The ambiance is classy quiet, the drinks generous, the food is memorable delicious from the appetizers to the deserts.
Way to go Jay and Jackie."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"We've always had a good time at Jay's but previously our experience has strictly been at the bar listening to the outstanding jazz musicians who play in the evening. Drinks, service and tapas/dessert menu have always been enjoyable. This was our first time having a complete meal at Jay's and we were not disappointed."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"My boyfriend and I came in to celebrate our four year anniversary together and could not have been happier with our entire experience. The food was absolutely perfect, from the presentation to the taste, and not to mention how promptly we got it. Our server provided the perfect amount of attentiveness, and her help with wine suggestions was on point. To top it all off, the surroundings were well lit and elegant with a great touch of privacy for every table. We appreciate the great food and service and will definitely be back again!"
Dined on 02/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Had an excellent meal. All of our food (Mixed Grell, Duck Trilogy and Greek Chicken) were wonderful and well presented. The only negative, was the person behind us who coughed non stop throughout the night. Definately made us feel uncomfortable!! I feel the person should have been moved to someplace more private, as he took away from our appreciation of otherwise fine food."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I've been a patron of Jay's for 15+ years for both personal and business dining. Quite frankly the quality of the food has declined over the years. I continue to frequent Jay's in the hope that I will have a fantastic meal as I've had in years past. I've visited the restaurant 5-6 times in the past year, most recently with my daughter as it's become a tradition before the Butterfly Kisses dance, and I've been disapointed each time. My Filet Migon was simply average in flavor and well below average in value given the price. I've had similar experiences at Jay's recently with the Ahi Tuna, elk and Tornados au Beef. They have all just been missing something. For now I will be going elsewhere for business and special occassions."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups
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"I was appreciative that they were able to get us in earlier than our reservation. The wait person appeared to be new and a little nervous and unpolished. The food was very good. The portions were good. Not too much. We were glad not to get the big embarrassing happy birthday hoopla. All in all a good experience."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"The food was excellent as always! They sat us (business dinner) at a very small table in the bar for reservations of 5. I should have asked to be moved to a more appropriate table.
The bar was a little loud making it a little difficult to hear and have conversation."
Dined on 01/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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"My boyfriend and I went to Jay's to celebrate my birthday and had a terrific experience! The booth that they reserved for us was quite romantic, the service was excellent and the food was both delicious and reasonably priced. I had the shrimp and grits and he had the Ahi tuna and both were delicious, as were the shrimp cocktail appetizer, the chocolate decadence and the bread pudding. We will have to go back soon! I didn't comment on the wine list because we don't drink and didn't look, but I'm sure that it was excellent."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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