Originally served in 17th century Europe, oysters now are considered a delicacy and offer several health benefits due to their rich nutrient profile. Zinc comes to mind first, but they’re also high in protein, iron, and vitamins D and B-12.
Oysters are reputedly good for heart health, low in calories, rich in antioxidants and metabolism-boosting—and there’s are varieties from the Atlantic to the Northern Pacific. They’re often paired with sparkling wine or creative cocktails.
The smallest oyster variety is the Calm Cove, which is found on the west side of Washington’s natural waterway, Hood Canal. The largest and most recognizable oyster is the Blue Point, harvested in the southern New England coastal region—bottom-cultured with a silky texture, crisp oceanic expression and East Coast brininess.
Okay, let’s get to Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar.
Big Red F Restaurant Group
Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar serves oysters and seafood across Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Glendale and downtown Colorado Springs. This is all due to the impressive, creative culinary collective Big Red F Restaurant Group.
Big Red F is responsible not only for Jax Fish House, but also for Mexican Kitchen, West End Tavern and more—all started with just rubbing a couple nickels together 30 years ago.
Founded in ‘94, the original Jax Fish House was established in Boulder and has been a top Colorado destination for the freshest seafood—and the first restaurant in Colorado to be certified by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch for its responsible sourcing.
Jax Fish House flies in fresh seafood daily to stock its renowned raw bar to create chef-driven, seasonal plates with a touch of flair and taste to perfection.
Celebratory Affairs & Seafood in the Springs
“We looked for a location in Colorado Springs beginning in 1998, a few years after we opened in LoDo in Denver,” says Dana Query, co-owner of Big Red F. “It was the natural progression. We could not find a location we liked for over two decades—and opened a few others in Fort Collins, Glendale and Kansas City in the meantime. But in 2019, we found the perfect spot on Tejon Street.”
The Springs is a burgeoning culinary scene and Jax adds to it, providing a new and unique experience to the Pikes Peak Region in its quest to bring the coast to the coastless.
Chef Dave Query—also an owner of Big Red F Restaurant Group—has been thrilled with the Springs’ downtown locale: “We love being downtown. The Colorado Springs community is awesome, smart, fun and always hungry. Our guest responses have been extremely positive.”
Whether guests are visiting for their very popular happy hour or a celebratory dinner, patrons will find exemplary service and a curated cocktail list. Beyond oysters on the menu, there is shrimp cocktail, corn fritters, calamari, crab cakes and more—and they serve it all to applause.
“Springs residents are very excited to have us in town and they’ve voted us Best Seafood in various publications,” Dana Query says.
Website: https://www.jaxfishhouse.com/
Facebook: @JaxFishHouseColoradoSprings
Instagram: @JaxColoradoSprings