Jax Fish House has been bringing the flavors of the coasts to Colorado since 1996. Unfortunately, seafood in Denver usually means high prices. However, Jax has a happy hour menu that's not only sea-worthy, it will keep the wallet buoyant too. 

During happy hour, guests can purchase select oysters on the half shell that are flown in daily from the East Coast at the cost of only $1.25 per oyster. Check the chalk board above the kitchen to find out what oysters are available. Oyster shooters with vodka and Bloody Mary mix are only $3. However, if you are looking for some premium oysters, Jax has partnered with Rappahannock River Oysters to create a specially developed oyster just for Jax restaurants. Called the Emersum, these beauties will run $3.50, but are totally worth it. Spice them up with Jax own bottled Cayenne pepper sauce. These oysters are smooth and not too briny. East Coast oysters tend to be more briny in general, but the Emersum oysters have just enough to remind you of where they come from without overwhelming.

The restaurant also has a steam kettle station at the far end of the bar where patrons can order steamed Penn Cove Mussels served in an Avery beer soup. During happy hour, this bowl of creamy goodness is only $6 and you get the ½ pound serving, same size as the dinner menu. New on the happy hour menu are the Sugar Rolled Hush Puppies. They may be sugar-rolled, but these puppies pack a punch with Cajun spicing and a side of pepper jelly for dipping. For something milder, try the Tuna Poke with pickled rhubarb, cashews and sesame oil on top of sweet sticky rice. The crunchy Poke has an earthy, nutty almost coffee-like flavor. Chef Eric Lee and his kitchen keep all these tasty happy hour bites under $10.

So what to drink with all this deliciousness? Bar Manager Heath recommends the incredible house-made ginger beer. Available on tap, the ginger beer is candy sweet, but with a milder taste of ginger than the bite that some ginger beers can have. The bar uses its ginger beer in a variety of cocktails, including the house specialty, the Jax Mule. Made with Russian Standard Vodka and served ice cold in a proper copper mug, this cocktail will definitely take the burn out of the Hush Puppies.

Another chiller cocktail is the Queen of Larimer made with beet-infused vodka, lemon and basil syrup. With its basil-y scent, this taste is also more down to earth with the garden flavors of beets and basil. The cocktail blends summer and fall tastes together.

The Mexican Standoff is an energetic cocktail that bridges the gap between sweet and hot. Made with jalapeno infused Herradura Silver Tequila, Sombra Mezcal, cilantro, lime and agave nectar, the bartenders shake the cocktail to help break up the cilantro. While it has a little heat, the citrus and agave help to temper the hot and bring a nice balance.

Jax LoDo has 12 beers on tap and almost all of them are from Colorado. PBRs, Dixie Lager, Dos Equis and Duvel from Belgium are available in bottles and cans. Some unique beers are featured in 22oz. bombers for $16 to $26 each. Happy Hour at Jax LoDo is from 4 to 6 PM daily and is a great way to sample your way through some delicious seafood on the Coast of Colorado. 

Jax Fish House; 1539 17th St.; 303-292-5767