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What: Jax Fish House

Where: 650 South Colorado Boulevard, Glendale, Colorado

When: Happy Hour is everyday from 4:00 to 6:00 pm

Don’t Miss: Try the Jax Strawberry Lemonade ($5) or a beer from their great draft list ($1 off all drafts). The Oysters ($1.25 each) and the Peel N’Eat Shrimp ($5) are crowd pleasers.

Let’s face it. I don’t often venture to the suburbs. I live in the Highlands and love that I can walk or bike to some of the best restaurants in the city. I understand, however, that not everyone lives where I do. Even though you might live outside Denver city limits, I know that my suburban readers need happy hour too. And sometimes the thought of braving the I-25 traffic to get downtown is just too much. When you spend the last few minutes of happy hour on the highway instead of sipping a cocktail, that’s a recipe for an Office Space sized meltdown. Luckily, dear reader, every now and then I will highlight a suburban happy hour spot. The first? Jax Fish House in Glendale.

Oysters, All photos by Teresa Taylor

Oysters, All photos by Teresa Taylor

The Glendale location of Jax Fish House opened two months ago in a somewhat hidden location behind the Hilton Garden Inn off Colorado Boulevard. The best part of this restaurant is the building and happy hour is offered throughout. There is a huge downstairs patio and spacious indoor seating. The upstairs bar, named Hi^Jax, really impresses. With seating for over 100 patrons, diners can choose between high top bar seats, a comfy lounge area, and an array of four-top tables. With a view of the mountains and a gigantic fire pit, the Hi^Jax roof top patio is one of the best in the city. I definitely recommend grabbing a seat up here and enjoying the great late summer and early fall weather.

Once you are settled in, I recommend ordering one of the cocktails or a beer on tap. Jax’s cocktails are all vodka centered. The two best are the Jax Strawberry Lemonade ($5) and the Bangkok Fizz ($5). A quick warning, the Bangkok Fizz combines thai chile infused vodka with pineapple syrup, lime, and ginger beer. This drink carries some heat, but it is without a doubt the restaurant’s most complex and flavorful cocktail. I would have loved to see some non-vodka options, but beer drinkers will enjoy $1 off the extensive draft list. Delicious beers like Odell’s Oyster Stout, Avery’s India Pale Ale, and Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pills will satisfy all types. The sangria ($5) was a bit sweet for my taste, but if you enjoy a sweeter drink, this could also be a refreshing option.

Peel N'Eat Shrimp, All photos by Teresa Taylor

Peel N’Eat Shrimp, All photos by Teresa Taylor

The light and refreshing style of Jax’s cocktails works well with their seafood happy hour offerings. The best bets are the Chesapeake Oysters ($1.25 each) and the Peel N’Eat Shrimp ($5). The oysters are meaty and served with a red wine shallot mignonette, cocktail sauce, and a tasty horseradish. The Peel N’Eat Shrimp ($5) packs a lot of flavor and comes with a tasty mustard sauce on the side. The shrimp is a bit of a mess, so make sure to use the warm towels provided to help clean up. Fortunately, the outstanding waitstaff can provide extra if needed.

The food and cocktails at Jax are a solid choice if you don’t feel like making the trek downtown or if you live nearby. But the biggest draw is without a doubt the patio. Whether for happy hour or a great outdoor meal, the Hi^Jax rooftop bar provides a great atmosphere to enjoy our Colorado sunshine.