Beef Carpaccio is a hit, I looked on yelp and it was absolutely right. Zack is the man! read more

Stellar Jay - Restaurants Near Me - Denver, Colorado

The human body is, in essence, nothing more than a biological furnace that requires regular fueling to keep from shutting down. Most restaurants treat you like a boiler that just needs a shovel full of coal or two. A few rare places, however, persuade you to stay a little longer because returning to the streets seems like a failure of imagination. Stellar Jay is one of those places. There were three of us. We targeted the Populus Hotel downtown, a building designed to mimic the white bark of an Aspen tree, though all of us called it the cheese grater. It is a strangely beautiful building. Finding the restaurant requires a bit of minor navigation. We wandered into the lobby looking like lost sheep until a doorman, who had clearly witnessed our specific brand of confusion a thousand times before, quietly escorted us to the elevator. When the doors opened on the top floor, we didn't see the dining room first. We smelled it. The air carried the distinct, clean scent of burning hardwood. It wasn't smoky; it was just a gentle announcement that the most ancient human technology, a very large fire, was being used correctly. Our server, Emily, was excellent. She explained the kitchen's core rule: just about everything on the menu is kissed by an open flame. We started with drinks. A Rittenhouse Rye for me, and a Crémant d'Alsace Rosé and a Washington Riesling for my companions. Then came the food. We chose to share small plates because ordering individual entrees encourages greediness and isolates you from your friends. First was the sourdough from Rebel Bread Co. It came with a charred onion butter that was a minor miracle. Butter is usually content to be a background character, but this stuff deserved its own union card. Next was a grass-fed beef carpaccio dressed with sunflower emulsion and potato, followed by gnocchi tossed in a bright broccoli pesto with chili and ricotta. Then came the bone marrow, split open and piled with oxtail, shallot, and mustard. It is a primitive business, scraping the fat out of a mammal's leg bone, but it was magnificent. For dessert, we ordered the strawberry rhubarb zeppole and drank Espresso Martinis made with Del Diablo tequila. The martinis were sharp and woke us up just enough to appreciate the view. After paying the bill, we stepped out onto the outdoor terrace. The Denver skyline was blinking away in the dark beneath us. The universe is a chaotic and indifferent place, but standing on a rooftop with good friends, watching a city glow, feels like a very pleasant victory, no matter how fleeting. We went in looking for calories and left feeling like actual human beings. read more

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Management lacks honesty, integrity, and a basic understanding of how to run a business. We had a 5:30 PM reservation and pulled into the parking lot at 5:00 PM, only to have our reservation changed and pushed back without our consent. What made the situation worse was being given multiple different explanations as to why it happened, none of which seemed truthful. Mistakes and scheduling issues happen, but how management handles them says everything about the business. Instead of simply being honest and taking accountability, we were given excuses and conflicting stories. That is unacceptable customer service and completely undermines any trust you have in the establishment. read more

We topped off a lovely museum day with a dinner reservation at this gem, perched comfortably atop the Populous Hotel. Access is a breeze via the elevator, which whisks you up to a genuinely fantastic roof deck. The outdoor space boasts plenty of seating and stunning views, though it is reserved for drinks only. If you want to dive into the dinner menu, you'll be seated inside. We arrived about thirty minutes ahead of schedule and were accommodated remarkably fast. A quick insider tip we discovered: you can actually request specific tables when booking! We unfortunately ended up right in the center of the action, and while the staff couldn't shift us to a cozy wall table due to prior reservations, we will absolutely be utilizing that request feature next time. Our server was an absolute delight, high-energy, incredibly welcoming, and a fantastic guide through the menu. The restaurant operates on a "coarsed-out" style, meaning you place your full order upfront and let the kitchen orchestrate the flow of the meal. We kicked things off with the bread service, featuring locally sourced Rebel Bread paired with a wonderfully savory onion butter. Next came the absolute star of the show: the bone marrow. Crowned with oxtail, shallots, and pickled mustard seeds, it was phenomenal, deeply flavorful, and accompanied by even more delicious bread. For the main event, I opted for the wood-fire grilled, bone-in pork chop. I appreciated that it arrived pre-diced, and while the meat itself was a touch heavy on the salt, the accompanying green papaya and carrot salad was bright, crisp, and did a beautiful job of balancing the flavors. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his steak and potatoes, and we shared a side of grilled carrots. Served over mashed cannellini beans and topped with crunchy nuts, the carrots had a spectacular, smoky grill flavor that we couldn't get enough of. We will absolutely be back, both to sip a cocktail on that lovely roof deck and to explore the rest of the menu! read more

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Would come back for the drinks! Best old fashioned ever! Service was great. Didn't get a chance to sit out on the patio but that's probably the best feature. read more

Stellar Jay - Old fashioned - Restaurants Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Ambiance was incredible. Honestly, that alone would be reason enough to visit. The space is beautiful, relaxing, and just feels like a place you want to stay and enjoy. The food definitely lived up to it too. We got the bread plate, the mussels, and the chicken. The mussels were some of the biggest I've ever seen and came in an amazing tomato-based sauce. We ended up dipping the bread into the sauce, which worked perfectly since the bread comes with a really delicious butter. The chicken was super moist and flavorful. Overall, this is a great restaurant. As a bonus, you can head up to the rooftop and take in some really beautiful views, which makes the whole experience even better. read more

Stellar Jay - Table - Restaurants Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I came to Stellar Jay for a work dinner in the private room in the back. We were able to customize our menu, so when we arrived, they served everything family style. We started with the bread and butter. The butter with garlic, jalapeno, and shallots tastes so complex and deilcious. I could have eaten that bread and butter all night. We also had the beef carpaccio, which was one of the best dishes! The gnocchi was super rich, so a spoonful is all I needed. The Delicata salad was fresh and dynamic with hazelnuts and apple. The beef flatiron and roasted chicken were cooked to perfection. I am dairy-free. They made a few of the dishes dairy-free, and I didn't feel like they were missing anything. I look forward to going back to try a few other dishes. read more

Stellar Jay - Bread service and beef carpaccio - Restaurants Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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We came for NYE and were blown away. The atmosphere is very chic and our server Nick was amazing. It was prix fixe, and while these events are not usually my go tos for a first time at a restaurant, they knocked it out of the park. We also did the wine pairing, which was great as well. Everything was amazing, but the item that sticks out was the lobster tail, which was so succulent. Best lobster I've had in my life. Everything was great. Certainly not a cheap outing, but luscious nonetheless. I couldn't help myself and had to snap ah picture. read more

Stellar Jay - nye delicious - Restaurants Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I was looking for a bar near Civic Center Park to have a happy hour cocktail and I was blown away by this gem that I hope stays hidden and keeps its grown and sexy vibe. I got here on a Friday night around 5 PM and had no issue getting a table on the terrace, which has a stunning view of Capitol Hill. I tried the La Blanca cocktail off the menu and it was so unique with that smoky flavor from the Mezcal and the coconut meshing together so well. We also had the ginger margarita and it was delicious. We decided we wanted some appetizers and they don't serve food on the rooftop so we moved to two indoor bar seats. The staff was so friendly and attentive, we ended up trying the focaccia bread with the charred onion butter and the beef carpaccio. I was truly blown away, the butter was so unique and elevated, I really didn't think a bread dish would wow me this much. The carpaccio was also so fresh and well seasoned with a yummy sauce and greens. We kept the vibe going by ordering my favorite cocktail, a Mezcal sour. Many bars don't have egg whites so it's nice to indulge when I find a nicer bar that does. This totally did not disappoint. Prices are pretty average for the area, but the ambience is completely elevated and much fancier, so it's kind of a steal. Cannot wait to go back. I recommend making a reservation for food if you are a larger party or going at a busier time, the place got really packed around 6:30 read more

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TLDR: VERY expensive, no parking, but attentive service and good vibes. I met some friends for drinks and nibbles at Stellar Jay recently, and I was pleasantly surprised! It is located in a really nice, architecturally cool-looking building and you have to go up the elevator to the 13th floor. There is a hostess waiting just outside the elevators where you can check-in, and if you arrive early, you can go outside to the terrace to wait for your table to be ready. You definitely need a reservation for a table inside, but we were told that parties could be seated out on that terrace without a reservation. The three of us had a reservation, and after waiting outside for a few minutes chatting, we went inside for our table. We each ordered 1 drink and then a few nibbles off the menu, including the bread service (delicious butter), mussels, pickled veggies, and the gnocchi. All plates were small and shareable. It was $150 split between the three of us. There is no parking at the hotel, so we had to find metered street parking ($2 per hour). Luckily, there was plenty, so this wasn't much of an issue. I was reading reviews beforehand and found a few that said valet parking at the hotel in the building was $64...so $4 street parking is definitely the move! I will also say that this place gets LOUD. I resorted to reading lips -- that's how loud it was. I think it would be worth going back for the views and the vibes, but I may opt for sitting outside if the weather is nice. read more

Had an amazing dinner at Stellar Jay!! Such great views and food. We had Bishop as our server, Louis and Ej were amazing and stood out as well. read more

We've been to Pasque, the main restaurant in the Populus Hotel, a number of times, but tonight we wanted to check out the pleasures of the rooftop spot. It was well worth the lengthy elevator ride. The views are great as this is the tallest building in the immediate area. The cupola on the Denver City and County Building was particularly spectacular as it is lighted at night and perfectly framed in one of the restaurant's windows. The space is very pretty. The full menu is available inside. I believe it is just drinks on the outside patio. Service was gracious and efficient. There's a large open kitchen, a large bar, and lots of tables and booths. The music is fairly loud and it is very noisy, so this is not the place for a quiet conversation. We started with the Bread Service, a nice toasted sourdough from Rebel Bread with a delicious charred onion butter. My friends tried the Peach Salad which featured smoked peaches, hazelnuts, and blue cheese. The salads were huge, easily shared by two people. They said they were fresh and delicious with perfect crunchy bits. My entrée was the Swordfish with cherry tomatoes, wax beans (they looked like green beans to me), and pickled peppers. I hesitate to order swordfish because few kitchens can cook the dense flesh properly. This was perfectly cooked and sat in a delicious sauce in addition to the other accompaniments. I enjoyed it. My friend had the Quail. Other reviews have complained about a small portion, but his serving was very generous. This came with wild oregano, plum bagna cauda, and spigarello. I never encountered bagna cauda before. It is an Italian dip or gravy of garlic, anchovies, red wine, and olive oil found in Lower Piedmont and also in Provence. Spigarello is a type of heirloom Italian broccoli. My friend thought this dish was the best version of quail he had ever tasted. His daughter ordered the Pork Chop with cherry, escabeche (a Mediterranean technique of marinating in an acidic sauce with citrus and spices), and star anise. The portion was enormous, presented as beautiful, thick slices floating in a pool of sauce. She loved the dish and took home a nice box for lunch tomorrow. We enjoyed our evening a lot. Note that this restaurant specializes in wood-fired cooking and offers a number of very expensive steaks (although mostly large enough to share), but there are other, less expensive choices. We were very satisfied with our selections. read more

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A beautiful meal! Walking in, the ambience is incredibly well cultivated. Beautiful lighting, gorgeous furnishings, stunning views. The hostess was warm and welcoming. Our server Emily greeted us quickly and set the tone for the meal. She is professional, fun and friendly. She gave us great recommendations for cocktails and starters. It is clear that she loves working at this restaurant and is eager for people to enjoy their experience. The food is the star of the show here. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. The gnocchi, the sweet potatoes, and the short ribs are all standouts. One of the best dining experiences I have ever had! Thank you! read more

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The restaurant is beautiful and the food was delicious. My issue was with our server. He took o twenty minutes to greet our table after we were sat and was dismissive bordering on rude as he took our order. He was also incredibly slow bringing us anything we asked for. He acted like we were an inconvenience as a 9:15 reservation (which is not the latest reservation available by the way). I would suggest not sitting in the dining room if you have to have a later reservation as clearly the staff is looking to wrap service up as quickly as possible. read more

First tip: if you can, go for the tomahawk steak. We shared it among four of us so splitting the cost was very doable given that we all agreed it was the best steak we've ever had! We had Bread Service, Peach Salad, the Tomahawk special, and charred cabbage. We were beyond full! Everything cooked on open flame gave the ambiance a wood cabin coziness meet fine dining. It also gave an amazing amount of flavor to our meal. The smoky char aroma had our moths watering so much that when the food came out, we dove right in, forgot the food pix. The staff were all very friendly. Help made a birthday dinner feel special. read more

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Recommend for at least stopping by and having a quick drink on the little outdoor roof! I haven't eaten inside the restaurant and last visit they told me they don't serve out on the rooftop patio anymore -- boo, they could at least have a special menu for that space only!!?? It's a really nice view of city park and colfax from up there. A great place to take visitors for at least one drink to catch the view. The one small plate I did have in the past was very good! Everything is on the expensive side though. I guess to be expected in a hotel like this. read more

The shareable plates and the views are awesome. I like the Populous building a lot and it's amazing to have this rooftop bar and restaurant there. The drinks were great, we tried a few different old fashioneds, and the open rooftop is a ton of fun. read more

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My party was very excited to checkout this spot and the rooftop as we had made two separate reservations to make sure we could have dinner first and then have a spot for outside since we were under the impression from the reservation site that the rooftop would be open and were hoping to catch a nice sunset. Our uber was running a few minutes late and so we rushed inside as we were a few minutes outside of the grace period but hoped our table was still there and my party could be accommodated. We were greeted by a woman who was very rude and told since we were 30 minutes late which we were not that she gave away our table as she smiled at the same time as if that was funny. She claimed to have tried to contact me 3 times via text which was a lie because I was constantly watching my phone on the way there. Instead of trying to accommodate in any way she just kept repeating back what we said we didn't want when we asked if we could have dinner inside and then go out to the rooftop because we wanted to catch the sunset. There was a lot of miscommunication when we explained we just want to eat dinner and then grab drinks on the rooftop after so that's why we had two staggered reservations and it was very frustrating as it felt like she was not listening and was being non hospitable. Luckily, there was another guys there who understood our needs and found a compromise for us. But it was a very frustrating and not great first impression for Stellar Jay. We ended up sitting at the bar where we received great service from the two bartenders. We both got the margarita that was the perfect refreshing take without being super strong or tart. We ordered the flatiron steak which had so much flavor but be mindful to eat with only a little of the seasoning as it was very salty. The pomme purée was over salted heavily but was beautifully creamy and buttery. We also got the carrots and the beets. The carrots could have used a bit more of the cavatelli puree and after squeezing some of the lemon from the steak on them the harissa was toned down a bit. They definitely pack a bit of heat that could have been refined and finished a bit of acid to balance the flavor profile of the harissa. They were perfectly cooked in terms of texture. The beets were a bit confusing in flavor because they tasted more like pears but had beautiful presentation. If you have to choose between the two, I would definitely get the carrots. The vibes are super cool here. They ended up not having the rooftop open for seating or for bar and it was a overcast night so that was kind of a bust but the aesthetic and service was very good minus our first impression with the hostess who just seemed rude. The bathrooms are also very cool and worth checking out. read more

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Occupying the rooftop of the Populus Hotel is Stellar Jay, a restaurant and bar with an emphasis on live fire cooking, shared plates, and craft cocktails. Oh, and one of the most unique views in Denver. The experience from start to finish was exceptional. The service was on point, the ambiance moody and cool, with the food and drink taking center stage. For a date night or a fun group outing looking for unparalleled photo opps. When you arrive at the hotel, they set up your elevator ride since it takes you directly to the top floor. The restaurant is stunning and beautifully designed. Open kitchen, beautiful bar, and excellent views make for a total vibe. However, it's not all ambiance here. In my opinion, many Denver restaurants focus TOO MUCH on atmosphere, while letting the f&b program slip. NOT HERE. The menu is thoughtful, sustainable, and concise. We weren't starved since we had some light bites at a previous event. We split a few appetizers and cheers'd with cocktails. I imbibed with two Mohawkan Old Fashioneds, a variation on the Oaxacan Old Fashioned. It was everything I want in a cocktail. A bitter, sweet, boozy sipper. Pricey, but worth it! Let's talk food. +Tempura Mushroom ($18) // maitake mushroom and onion, espelette pepper, squash 'aioli.' This. THIS. This mushroom, ladies and gentleman, is the greatest mushroom dish I've had in recent memory. FTW MIND BLOWN!!! Crispy fried mushroom with a faux aioli???? I don't know who came up with this, but the execution is nothing short of outstanding. Should be illegal. +Hamachi Crudo ($23) // blood orange, pink peppercorns, leek, fennel. I love a crudo, especially hamachi, however I felt like this one lacked a bit of seasoning. It was fresh and vibrant, but didn't have that wow factor element I had hoped for. +Beef Toast ($22) // flying b bar braised beef, sourdough, feta, cipollini onion. Looks like this dish isn't on the menu anymore, though it was delicious! Rich beefy flavors throughout, crisp yet not too crisp bread, nice accoutrements to balance out the dish. I'm already planning my return! read more

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Stellar, indeed! Just like the Populus hotel that this restaurant resides atop of, the interior design and decor are fabulous. It's certainly a moody vibe, with deep green walls, dark wood features, and low lighting. Loved the atmosphere! The views of the city from every direction are wonderful too. We sat directly facing the Denver City Council building which at night was lit in red, white, and blue. Such a cool view! Cocktail list has some great selections. My friend went for the oaxaca old fashioned, and I had a good ol' gin martini. The food menu is broken into sections for small plates, live fire (mains), and vegetables. We weren't starving so we decided to stick to some shareables. The tempura mushroom was so darn good we were still talking about it the next day. Loved the squash aioli for dipping. My personal fave was the beef toast though. The braised beef had so much flavor and was topped with feta and cipollini onion, all atop of a thick slice of soft sourdough. Service was delightful. Food was superb. Atmosphere was unmatched. read more

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The service was exceptional and the manager came out to greet us and make us feel very welcomed. We appreciated our waitress too, she went above and beyond with our cocktails and food. We were staying at Populus Hotel which we highly recommend. Everything was so perfect This hotel was the posh scene with this Restaurant and Bar located on the rooftop with amazing views. read more

The only good thing here is the attentive fast service. Im unsure whether to call this place a small restaurant or a small club. Because the bar lounging tables beside the intimate dinner tables was really awkward. Hard to hear each other and hard to even talk to each other. Why are they playing runway H&M/Zara music in the background for dinner? First time here, the price is out of this world. I totally get the large portions and encourages sharing. But the foods were mid, all of them from the appetizer to entree. At best cheesecake factory level. But way more expensive. Maybe come for a drink and then leave. Definitely disappointing for a meal. read more

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I don't even know where to start because all of it was so delightful. I came with a friend who had heard good things and WOW. From the minute we walked in, the place (and people!) were welcoming. I felt catered to in every way without it feeling false or intrusive. Kudos to Emily who knew the menu and was able to recommend one amazing dish after the other. We had the beef carpaccio and the bread starter with our blood orange margaritas and i knew the meal would be special. Dishes are meant to be shared and we enjoyed the quail, brussel sprouts, and sweet potatoes. All freshly sourced and prepared over an open flame to perfection. Fantastic view of Denver from our table and we were encouraged to go outside for a wonderful view of the city. read more

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Everything was exceptional- except that they ran out of their bread service, haha. But we substituted the bread for the mushroom tempura and woah- the squash aioli more than made up for it. So unique. And the dill sauce with the asparagus? I put it on everything. Server, lovely. Both food and views, Incredible. At least get a cocktail here before they get so busy you can't get in. read more

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Nice place with great city views on the rooftop, I like my grilled peach salad, tater tots were alright and swordfish was alright as well. Service was nice, we were able to get a table without a reservation which surprised us cause it was Sunday evening on a Labor Day weekend. read more

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It has beautiful views and a cool vibe but for the price you are paying the food was ok. I found that two of our dishes were oversalted and kind of underwhelming not to mention that it is very loud. I would go again but probably just for a cocktail and a view. read more

This is such a great spot any time of year. We came in for dinner the other night and even though the small menu is a little scary, you honestly can't make a mistake. Everything was perfect from the banana Mai tai to the lovely trout! If you haven't been here yet, what are you waiting for? read more

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This is a very good place to eat, drink, and be merry. I has the beef skewers and I was pleased, could have been warmer, but the presentation was quite nice, the portion size was good, and the dish was fresh, well prepared, and flavorful. read more

Stellar Jay was great! It's a beautiful restaurant with really good food, great cocktails and the rooftop patio is amazing. Service was attentive and friendly too. read more

I was visiting for the weekend & this place was a MUST for me to try. We made reservations weeks in advance for dinner. Right away I was blown away by the gorgeous architecture even before I stepped inside. Once we arrived we were greeted right away and took the elevator up to the restaurant. I love our seats, right next to a window. The staff was friendly and attentive. I ordered steak and asparagus with a side of tator tots. My description of the food doesn't do it any justice. I'll just say that the steak and asparagus was so perfect, it was the best meal of my visit. Afterwards we enjoyed the beautiful rooftop view just in time for golden hour. If anyone ask me of places to go in Denver, id definitely recommend this place. read more

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We came to celebrate my husband's birthday a little late. I had the chicken which was amazing. Husband went with the steak, and he cleaned his plate. Big thumbs up to presentation. We had the sorbet AND the chocolate chip cookies for dessert. So good! Nick, our waiter, not only had great hair but was a great waiter. We will be back! read more

Atmosphere and view were incredible! The kitchen is open so you can watch them cook over a live flame. The food was to die for- I had the bread service and the steak and every bite was a little luxury. Our server Jaylen was super attentive and even brought out a special birthday treat for our guest of honor! Very fun and fancy experience dining on top of Denver :) read more

Good views, interesting drinks, good wine menu and some tasty food. The appetizers and main dishes were fine, gnocchi was swimming in the sauce, desserts were meh. Service seems overwhelmed or understaffed. Overall a good experience with room to improve. read more

This is a beautiful restaurant with gorgeous views that I would definitely recommend going outside to check out. Our server, Nick, was great, as was all of the food/cocktails. I don't love mushrooms, but ordered the tempura mushroom and I thought it was delish! read more

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What a great addition to the Denver food scene. This place sits on top of the new Populus hotel with stunning views. The vibe is more lounge than restaurant with the low tables, booths and drink tables. The outside patio will be a hot spot in the summer. It's a great place to dress up and come for dinner or drinks, you won't be disappointed. The service was professional and attentive, maybe a bit too fast. As soon as our appetizer was taken away the main arrived. I like a 10-15 minute break between. The food: The crudo was a nice refreshing dish, good for sharing and light. The quail was well prepared, the sauce was delicious. The sweet potato was another hit with smoky flavour. The grilled escarole was well executed and nice pairing for the game dish. The food was more simple, yet when you start with great ingredients, all locally sourced and do a great job on execution, you have foodie approved dishes. The only issue I had was when booking it was hard to tell what area we were booking and since we were coming for dinner the little cocktail tables and other seating looked very uncomfortable so we ended up sitting at the bar. I'm big on sitting comfortably for a meal and this was annoying. read more

Stellar Jay is here for the vibes. The space is super cute, trendy, and aesthetically pleasing. It's the kind of place you'd want to linger with friends over a cocktail or two. Unfortunately, the food didn't quite live up to the setting and what I was hoping for. I tried the tempura mushroom, hamachi crudo, bread and butter service, and the beef carpaccio. The carpaccio was my favorite of the many small plates but still not close to the best I've had. The rest of the dishes felt a bit underwhelming, especially considering the price point. One of the dishes we ordered was never brought out and the staff forgot about it which was disappointing. Overall, Stellar Jay is worth checking out for the drinks and ambiance, but the food and service didn't quite justify the cost for me. read more

Stellar Jay is exactly what the name suggests. Stellar! It's best to come before 5:30 PM. Reservations are best for duos or small groups as seating is limited. But no worries if you're walking in solo dolo, head straight to the bar, where you'll find Austin, your new favorite bartender. Excellent service! There's an awesome view of the Denver skyline and clouds that looks like they're hand-painted above him. There's plenty of non-alcoholic options which appears to be a popular choice. I was seated next to a gentleman who happened to be an aeronautical engineer ( fitting, considering how elevated this place feels). Denver locals are warm and ready to share their favorite spots so don't be afraid to strike up conversation if you're feeling social. Final verdict: Stellar Jay is perfect for grabbing rooftop drinks and feeling like you're on cloud 9. Come for the views, stay for the vibes. read more

We sat at the bar for after dinner drinks, and the views did not disappoint! The service/bartenders were great. Excited to go back for dinner at some point. read more

Stellar Jay - Restaurants Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Went to Stellar Jay for dinner the other night and the views were some of the most incredible views in the city. Service was extremely speedy to get us up the elevator to our table and we ordered drinks and food in no time. The only thing that would knock off a few points for me were some of the mains. The starters were good with a lot of flavor, but, we ordered the Centennial Cut steak and for upwards of $100 I was expecting a nicer cut of meat than a NY strip steak which was extremely fatty. Additionally, the quail was extremely dry. read more

Stellar Jay - Centennial Cut Steak, Quail, roasted carrots, snap peas - Restaurants Near Me - Denver, Colorado

I hope you're not hungry... we ended up at Illegal Pete's for fish tacos after our visit because we had not been served enough food to constitute a meal. Our party of three had been looking forward to trying this relatively new restaurant during Denver's 2025 Restaurant Week. The $55 abbreviated menu offers a couple of choices for the first and second courses and among us we tried all of them. The Hamachi Crudo first course is three bits of sashimi-style fish. Delicious orange flavors. The Tempura Mushroom first course was also tasty with a spicy kick and may have been a typical appetizer size, shareable for two persons. Second course choices are Centennial Cut Steak or Broken Arrow Ranch Quail. I ordered the steak, having asked our waiter to clarify that "Centennial Cut" refers to the distributor of the meat, not a proprietary name of the cut. When it arrived, another server told me it was a "6-7 ounce NY Strip". I'm not sure I believe that! The piece in front of me was nearly the size of a deck of cards, so likely about 3 ounces. Before cooking it can't have been more than 5 ounces. I think it's a suitable size for a steak serving, but let's not go around calling it six to seven ounces! The steak was especially tasty and cooked to perfection as were the accompanying grilled carrots. The quail was a surprise as it was a single bird, looking lonely on a large plate. If you're not familiar with quail, they're much smaller than Cornish hens and yield 2-3 ounces of meat. One is typically considered a suitable hors d'oeuvre. The Restaurant Week menu lists "roasted cauliflower" with this dish, but none was found on our plates. This dish was also delicious, but there was just hardly anything on the plate to eat. Last, a third course of Chocolate Chip Cookies. We were each served two warm cookies. They were really nothing special and I think the restaurant missed an opportunity to end on a high note and showcase something unique. Paying the check is via a handheld device that the server brings to your table. It shows the total and you tap your card then make your tip selection, 22% being the default. What you don't see is the itemization. Be aware that there is a 1% "Zero Foodprint Donation" automatically applied. It's nominal, but I wasn't aware I'd paid it until I looked at the text receipt later that night. I think it should be an opt-in instead of opt-out since it is obscured. There wasn't signage about it at the hostess station and as of today I don't see it disclosed on their website. read more

Stellar Jay - 2025 Denver Restaurant Week menu - Restaurants Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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