Denver Food Review｜Stellar Jay ！！🍽️🦉

The restaurant takes its name from the Steller's Jay, a striking blue bird found in the western United States. 🐦💙 Located on the top floor of the Populus Hotel, I initially visited for the views, but the terrace was closed due to snow… ❄️😢 Still, the interior design and ambiance were impressive! The staff wore rustic yellow lumberjack-style jackets, and the open kitchen showcased wood-fired cooking for meats, creating a wild, primal vibe. 🪵🔥 Starter: Yellowtail Crudo ($23) With blood orange, fennel, leek, and red peppercorns. The fish texture was just okay, but the bold, clashing flavors of the ingredients didn’t harmonize well. Honestly, it was a bit disappointing. 🍋❌ Main: Grilled Quail ($36) Perfectly cooked – crispy wings and tender breast meat! The smoky pepper seasoning paired well with the pickled red peppers, but overall, it lacked uniqueness. 🍗🔥 Main: 20oz Steak ($85) Cooked to perfection with great seasoning and high-quality meat. Definitely the highlight! 🥩👍 The total for three dishes and one drink came to $195 after tax and tip. 💸💔 While the meat dishes were decent, the value felt average due to unremarkable service and lack of standout flavors. In Denver, I’m not sure how this ranks, but in New York, it’d be considered just okay. The ambiance, views, and location are great, but if you’re solely here for the food, manage your expectations. 🏙️👀 #USA #Denver#StellarJay #DenverDining #WoodFireCooking #FoodReview #PopulusHotel #ViewDining