Let's start with the feeling you are walking back into history when you enter Jay's. The atmosphere is remarkable. Take time to notice the stuff around you while here from the old bar to the pictures on the wall. Our server Cori was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. Very pleasant and professional. Now for the food. Everyone really enjoyed their food. Was celebrating my dad's 93rd birthday. Dad and Stepmom said the salmon was one of the best they have ever had. That says a lot considering their age. My wife and I each had a sampler platter. Both were excellent and well prepared. The wife did say if you are not a horseradish fan don't get the mashed potatoes. Such a wonderful meal and great way to celebrate dad's 93rd. read more

Jay's Seafood - Lobster Platter - Seafood Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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The calamari was divine, the halibut was tender, and the service was top notch. Great place to have dad's birthday. Would go there again.

From the mahogany bar to the high ceilings and the history of this place I can't believe this was my first visit. Parking meter inside the front door on those very cold and rainy nights is a plus. We started off with a few drinks and yes they make an old-fashioned but the glass was way too small. So next I went with a Manhattan sans vermouth and it came with a maraschino cherry so I had to 86 that out and ask for Luxardo cherries. Our table ordered a Warped Wing Flyer Red and it came in a can. Nope. Not good. If you're gonna advertise that beer, always make sure it's on draft. The Mozzarella Strips were amazing and it came with honey mustard, but ditch it for other sauces. The Oysters Rockefeller were on point and this party of 6 ordered several. Market Price for Crab Legs is $110/pound. A bit pricey but meaty as all get out. Spiced Bourbon Salmon was flavorful and the Kobe Burger was a hit. We had a party of 6 and although we split it into 3 checks, a 20% gratuity was included on each check with a party of 5 or more which was never discussed until the checks came out. Welp, there goes your tip since it was already included. Very poor management on charging gratuity for 5+ patrons. read more

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They opened at 5pm on a Thursday. Was in parking lot waiting for them to open. I observed one of the employees smoking marijuana right outside the back door. Also observed one of the employees coming out to his car and retrieving a dog, letting him out for a few minutes then putting him back in the car. Goes inside and gets some food and brings it to the dog and feeds him the food. The vehicle was parked in a handicap parking spot with no handicap tag. The service was not as expected. The blond lady that has worked there for many years was delivering our food from over the wall and not walking around to our table. She did this at least three times. The service could have been better. Sad that this place has gone downhill. We won't be returning. Don't recommend at all. read more

Jay's Seafood - This is the guy feeding his dog. - Seafood Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

I can't say enough about this place. The food is always fresh and delicious. The Services spot on and the ambience is perfect for a night out read more

Always amazing food and service at Jay's. We have been going there as a family for decades.

We hadn't been to Jay's for quite some time and decided to go again on a Wed evening, and I was looking forward to a good dining experience. I ordered the appetizer of Crab Rangoon, and it was not good at all. It tasted more like smelly old tuna Rangoon instead of Crab Rangoon. I ate two of the four and that's all I could take. My wife and I both ordered the fried shrimp and it was not much better. The batter was soggy and just fell off the shrimp. The service was excellent, but that doesn't make up for very disappointing food. It seems as if the quality and preparation of food at Jay's have gone downhill from years past. We'll not return. read more

Food was incredible! Loved the calamari strips, they were so tender and crispy. Salmon and pasta were both delicious. First time at Jays, but definitely won't be the last. read more

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We've been back to Jay's twice, service has been great both times. Our waiter on the last visit was Tucker and tonight Bronson. Very knowledgeable regarding the menu and great recommendations. He brought a very positive vibe to the experience. The Artichokes app and both our seafood entrees were excellent. So flavorful. Even the salads were worthy of note. The ingredients are high quality all around and the presentation is mouth-watering! Fresh seafood has to travel far to get here, and price reflects that expense. And it's well worth the cost. Highly recommended. I'm coming back for lobster! read more

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I usually come to Jay's for restaurant week and it is always an amazing meal. The spiced bourbon salmon is probably one of my favorite items on the menu. The sides that come with it are mashed sweet potatoes and the horseradish mashed potatoes. I don't even like horseradish but the mashed potatoes are delicious! All the flavors and the bourbon sauce meld perfectly together. I also had the seafood linguine and it had the perfect amount of sauce and was loaded with seafood. This was a great portion size and I was able to get multiple meals out of this place. The lobster bisque had amazing flavor to it and I would definitely get it again. I didnt have the clam chowder this time but that is also a favorite of mine. The only thing I did not like as much was the chocolate mousse. The presentation caught me off guard because it looked like ice cream. It also was very thick, dense, and starchy (like eating chalk) and Im used to a lighter, smoother consistency. It wasn't bad and I did eat it all but it just wasn't what I was expecting. I have tried their key lime pie and flourless chocolate cake and those were phenomenal. They get 5 stars because of that. Next time I will just stick to what I know. I will definitely be coming back! read more

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Dusty lots of flies - looks a slow burn to end Food was ok but not for $200 Our sever was over extended making us feel uncomfortable read more

What has happened? We come here about every other month. Have ALWAYs had excellent meals. I ordered an entre spinach salad with salmon. It came in a soup bowl with very little spinach and no dressing. Salmon was cooked to perfection but salad equated to a handful of leafs in a soup bowl. Why did the server even think this was okay to bring to the table? We have always had a great cup of coffee with desert here but tonight it tasted like it was run through the same coffee grounds, repeatedly. Jay's - seriously, what is happening? read more

My first time dining here was actually on my birthday. My husband and I decided to celebrate at this location and we had a wonderful time. My very favorite detail about Jay's seafood is how unfussy the vibe is. You get excellent quality food, great service, but nothing feels pretentious. Our waitress chatted with us, and we felt right at home while eating some truly delicious seafood. I am a big raw oyster fan, and their oysters were so fresh and so delicious that I would come back just to have a glass of wine and a dozen oysters. I also enjoyed the muscles as my entree, and they were delicious. This is a great gem in downtown Dayton, and a great spot if you're a big seafood lover like me. read more

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Wen got my wife's birthday with a group. We had an amazing time. The service was great the atmosphere matched. We will be back soon to enjoy another memorable time. read more

Jay's Seafood restaurant is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in Dayton and outlining areas. It is the restaurant where you can always depend upon the freshest and best prepared fish and seafood. A few days ago however, I ordered the Mediterranean Swordfish, and was very disappointed. It was smothered in a heavy bitter cream, and the fish was overcooked. The spinach was mushy and there were no tomatoes or capers in the dish. I will not order it again. I would suggest modifying that dish to resemble a more authentic light dish with wilted spinach, light feta cheese, lemon, etc . Thank you read more

I would encourage to have a reservation. The place was packed on a Friday evening. The service was very good. The best scallops I had in Dayton. The shrimp was also very good, flavorful and soft. I got the gumbo (chefs special - not on the menu). It was good. The sausage had a unique flavor. Wife got the pasta which was decent as well. The place looks a little old. They validate the parking. read more

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Jays is a real gem in The Gem City. The beautiful, historic building. The divine cuisine and the friendly, jovial service make it one of our favorites. We always make sure we get there early to enjoy a well made cocktail at the unique bar. read more

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We did a special wine pared lunch here today. It was nothing short of excellent! We started with escargot in a white sauce. Perfectly cooked, creamy and delicious. Next was scallops, also perfectly cooked and served with garlic noodles. Next came lamb chops served with sliced vegetables, delicious! Finally the tenderloin was served, also cooked perfectly served with mashed potatoes and asparagus. Last was a lemon cheesecake that melted in my mouth. Ooooooo...... I would and will do this again! read more

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Food was great I had Med Steak w/Bone in. Amazing well cooked and seasoned. Bread was awesome

Last night we went to celebrate my birthday. First time going for us. We made reservations since it was prom. We were seated right away but waited for awhile for our waiter to take our drink order. He seemed very flustered the whole time. We ordered appetizers which were delicious. Placed our meal orders and it went down hill from there. It took a long time to get them at one point we were told we were there was one ticket before ours. When they did arrive everything was cold. And not good. Very disappointed Will not return read more

We recall dining at Yankee Tavern in Centerville; Kudos to Amy. We have recommended Jay's Seafood Restaurant since 1976, and in our view and many others Jay's Seafood Restaurant is the best seafood restaurant in Dayton. While Jay's Seafood Restaurant merits five star meals, it is upscale casual; but not too casual. Restaurant is old school architecture, and the bar is a centerpiece. Caveat: Reservations are necessary, and we prefer earlier rather than later. Jay's is in Oregon District and offers a parking lot. Fresh fish is the reason to dine; although there are other food items. Years ago we learned the delights of Jay's Seafood Restaurant, and Jay's Seafood Restaurant does a great business. We nearly always order the menu's fresh fish; my wife is partial to Linguine al Frutti di Mal. Dining Five Star Service Five Star Ambience Five Star The tariff is appropriate for the fare. read more

The food here tastes like old people fck. Do not recommend. This place is over hyped and overpriced. This is where taste buds go to die. RIP. read more

Great service! Thank you Shaun. Worst food ever. Fried oysters ended up as mush. Halibut special was way over done. The clam chowder was good. Never again. read more

We've been to Jay's numerous times and have always been satisfied. Today, we finally realized it was Dayton's best restaurant! I had the blackened walleye--delicious! My wife had a rare fillet and it was cooked perfectly. We normally go to the Oakwood Club or the Pine Club for steaks, but this one was even better. We love the atmosphere and Tandra's service was top-notch, not oppressive but we never felt neglected. We'll definitely be going back more often, and now not just for the fish! read more

Jay's Seafood - Seafood Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

My husband & I went here for our anniversary. The service was good, wine was excellent. The Crab Rangoon was good. The issue is I ordered Scallops, and for $50 I expect good scallops. They were not edible, they were supposed to be blackened. I received them sitting in a bowl/ plate of water. They were rubbery and had some weird paste in the water they were sitting in. I couldn't eat them. We didn't say anything, because are waiter was slammed. They were horrible. Also it was our anniversary and didn't want to have an issue. Our bill came to $300 with the tip and three desserts. I asked for flan and it was to go, it was pudding in a plastic cup not even caramelised on the top. Whatever you do, please don't order the scallops, and instead order the key lime dessert. Disappointing anniversary diner. read more

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Food was overpriced and all over cooked ! Overcooked seafood is awful ! The coating on the cod was too salty ! The server acted annoyed at us the entire meal ! It was suppose to be a special occasion and we all agreed we will never go back read more

One of the worst dining experiences I've had in a long time. The wait staff was unfriendly, short, and thoroughly unpleasant. Why would the staff be helpful and friendly when the tip is included? oAn offensive practice. Most importantly, the food was terribly average. The swordfish was dry with poor flavor. The halibut (the special) was uninspired with muddled flavors. Finally, the filet with shrimp had an overwhelming vinegar flavor, practically inedible. The restaurant enjoys popularity, but is clearly resting on its past. Awful experience, bad food and help. Will not return. read more

We went to Jay's to celebrate my son's birthday. Everyone in our party had something different, and every dish was absolutely excellent. Service was attentive and we enjoyed ourselves completely. read more

Food and service were both excellent! I can't wait to return and try other items on the menu. The atmosphere was also very nice and relaxing. read more

This place is fantastic! Ate here this evening. We had Adam as our server. He was great. Very efficient and fast getting our drinks! The seafood is awesome! You will love this place! Pictures below! They have a great bar where you can get all kinds of drinks including daiquiris! read more

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We went for my mom's birthday. The food and service were really good! Great wine list! read more

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Great selection of seafood and catches of the day. Prices were moderate and comparable to market price. Nice wine selection and while it's a bit noisy because of 20 ft ceilings the bar and back bar are magnificent read more

Crab cake had shells in it, salad was gritty, ranch dressing was tasteless. My husband had the spiced bourbon salmon and said he would not order that again. The best part of the meal was the bread and the scallops. Maybe it was a bad night! read more

Service was amazing. Had a very talented host. Got seated right at open 5p. Had the oysters and Rockefeller O's, on par with other oyster bars in Southwest OH or a Ruby's seafood tower. Tried all 3 platters; the fisherman's, crab and lobster. Seafood was solid. Scallops a little dry but they were grill read more

Jay's Seafood - Seafood Near Me - Dayton, Ohio

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I have lived in Dayton my whole life and just now visiting this gem! I loved the food and the atmosphere. For an appetizer we started with the oysters and Tuna Poke, both were really good! I had the grilled rare tuna for dinner and HIGHLY recommend! We ended the night with chocolate mouse which was soooo good. Loved this place! read more

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Jay's has and continues to be one of the best restaurants in town. I hadn't been there in over 20 years, but wasn't disappointed. Everyone in our party ordered different entrees and everyone raved about their food. the service and our waitress were exceptional. read more

Blackened salmon with sweet potato and mashed potato with bourbon sauce may have been too carb heavy, but OMG was it terrific! As always, clam chowder to die for, and their inimitable blue cheese wedge awesome as always. Why four stars? uneven service, things mis ordered, refills forgotten. And sadly, bourbon pecan pie was mostly tasteless crust. It wasn't a packed night, so noise level was fine, it can be high. read more

Had a guest from Philly area join us to Jay's for dinner. As we always are, they were impressed! Our meals were delicious, wait staff very good; and even ran into the owner who was gracious enough to share some restaurant history and take our photo near the awesome bar. Never hesitate to dine at Jay's... the walleye can't be beat! read more

Not sure the low ratings here. The food, service and ambiance are amazing. Old world environment with very fresh seafood. That is amazing when you are a very long ways from the ocean. read more

This place was amazing! On our last trip up to Dayton, The Harrshorn's introduced us to Jays. This place is fantastic, from seafood to steaks & a burger for the young one. Everything was perfect! I promise you, Jays, does not disappoint. read more