I’ve been going to Pasta Jay’s for almost 20 years and returning again and again! -- And I’ve been addicted to their tasty baked tortellini marinara since they were a tiny TINY restaurant on Pearl with a crooked floor and a big beautiful tree to sit under and admire as you wait in line for this great food. 2 location changes later -- and one thing is the same: this restaurant still draws a crowd of devotees and the food is exactly the same — still top notch. The famous (and slightly infamous) creator Pasta Jay (Jay Elowsky) studied carefully under the auspices of some serious Italian Foodies in his culinary education and it shows in his menu.

The prices have gone up (darned inflation) by more than two times over the years but this is still a place where most entrees are under 15$. I’m not pleased that the salad is small and is almost 5$ — but it is a TASTY salad. Greens, garbanzos, beets and marinated mushrooms with the house dressing — a creamy and ridiculously thick GARLICKY Italian. Awesome! Add Gorgonzola for an upcharge.

Speaking of GARLICKY — those of you who don’t like the stinking rose — beware of Pasta Jay’s -- their FAMOUSLY unique red sauce and most other dishes are infused by this pungent bulb. My gastrointestinal relationship to garlic has changed over the years and I have to get “easy” on the sauce sometimes. -- Don’t get me wrong.. it’s not overpowering but it is a key component of a truly unique sauce experience. The marinara and the bolognese or meat sauces are a singular taste. Don’t come expecting the same old same old Marinara that you get in almost every other Italian place. Pasta Jay’s has built up locations in Denver and Moab — and a religious following BECAUSE of this sauce! You could put this sauce on a leather shoe and it would be a delicious meal.

Baked pastas, rigatoni, tortellini, ricotta and herb/spinach stuffed shells — this is what pasta aspires to be when it grows up! Try out specials like Red Clam, Lombardi pasta, Lasagna.. desserts, great wine. GREAT intimate atmosphere.. (though a little noisy)

Don’t miss Pasta Jay’s!

Nothing vegetarian! I used to like this place a lot..but even the marinara has fish sauce it in…which they do NOT advertise on their menu. They’re soup is made with chicken, and their salad dressing uses anchovies. Unless you want something alfredo (if you’re vegetarian) I’d go somewhere else.

One of the best locations in Boulder. Open air .. great place to enjoy the evening and watch the traffic on the pearl street mall. Itialian food is great but you must like garlic :-). Excellent food, wine, and service but you really go for the location. Love the way the windows just disappear on a summer night. They aso have an excellent resturant in Moab

I have eaten at Pasta Jay’s many times and every time I am treated like royalty. The service at Pasta Jay’s is impeccable and the food and portions are always more than excepted. Every entree comes with free garlic bread so you are sure to leave full with out breaking the bank! I would recommend Pasta Jay’s restaurant to anyone looking for great atmosphere with fantastic food!

I’ve only been there once. But the food was good. Service is good. It’s a little expensive for me.