Introduction to Jay’s Steakhouse
It probably isn’t the first place you’d think of opening a steakhouse. But restaurateur Jay Shirodkar has enshrined his latest eats enterprise — Jay’s Steakhouse — in what used to be First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Lauderdale’s busy-buzzy Flagler Village neighborhood. The tagline is: Where Frank Sinatra and Biggie Smalls would break bread.
Concept and Location
“So when we look at this church, I think it’s also a perfect metaphor for what we’re doing at Jay’s, which is honoring tradition while still reifying the experience,” says Shirodkar, president of Shirodkar Industries (formerly Yes Hospitality). “It’s all about that personality that shines through. We selected this location because you’re right there off of Las Olas, [but] you’re not in all the copy-and-paste that exists on that street. We’re right off of it. Flagler Village is a very fast-developing area. And we think we’re set right in the heart of downtown and it’s rapidly evolving.”
Grand Opening
Jay’s Steakhouse had a splashy VIP grand opening party on Friday, May 2, before opening to the public on Thursday, May 8, in the space that once housed Holly Blue and The Angeles, both of which abruptly closed last summer. Shirodkar feels he has the right concept in the right location at the right time. “Fort Lauderdale, first of all, seems like the perfect market, because we have so many chains here,” says the Fort Lauderdale resident.
Menu and Offerings
What Goes Well with Steak?
The menu includes dishes such as Truffle Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Wagyu Steak Tartare, Saffron-Poached Lobster Mac, Robuchon Potatoes (“Pommes Purée”) and Paccheri Pasta, as well as tableside prime rib trolleys, a seafood/raw bar and a Bespoke Tasting Menu for $300 per person. In addition to their “great steak,” he says the restaurant has “a really superb focus on the sides and the salads, some sections that are often really overlooked. I don’t know how to recommend one over the other. So the sides and the salads, most steakhouses treat them like afterthoughts. We treat them like stars.”
The Vibe and Visuals
“A lot of concepts, they want to go 1920s or 1930s. The best time to live is right now,” Shirodkar says. “Let’s be in that moment. We’re not looking to go back in time. So everything in the restaurant — design, food, all of it, it’s modern, it’s timeless.” And yet, time is part of the feel, according to Shirodkar. “We still have a little sense of, I don’t like to use the word ‘clubby,’ because we’re not a nightclub, but kind of modern club ethos, where you come in and you’re still tapping your foot at 8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. You still feel alive, right?
Design and Ambiance
The building’s church exterior received a historic designation from Fort Lauderdale commissioners in 2017, due to its lineage stretching back to the original structure on Las Olas Boulevard in 1922, when it was St. Anthony’s, Broward County’s first Catholic church. Shirodkar says they’re getting a lot of compliments on the stained-glass windows, and “those were a very expensive piece of the building … to renovate and bring back to life.” But at the entrance, “when you first walk in, the space is framed with two beautiful red curtains. The sun could be blaring … and it shuts in front of you, and you don’t know what time it is inside, right? We wanted to capture that sense of coziness,” he says.
Conclusion
Jay’s Steakhouse is a unique dining experience that offers a modern take on the traditional steakhouse. With its extensive menu, curated list of wines and bubbly, and modern club ethos, it is sure to become a popular destination in Fort Lauderdale. The restaurant’s focus on intimacy and individualized service ensures that every guest has a unique experience.
FAQs
- Where is Jay’s Steakhouse located?
Jay’s Steakhouse is located at 441 NE Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale. - What is the menu like at Jay’s Steakhouse?
The menu includes dishes such as Truffle Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Wagyu Steak Tartare, Saffron-Poached Lobster Mac, Robuchon Potatoes (“Pommes Purée”) and Paccheri Pasta, as well as tableside prime rib trolleys, a seafood/raw bar and a Bespoke Tasting Menu for $300 per person. - What is the atmosphere like at Jay’s Steakhouse?
The atmosphere is modern and timeless, with a focus on intimacy and individualized service. The restaurant has a modern club ethos, where guests can enjoy live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
