When asking yourself about something to do near me in Boulder with a group of friends or family, consider
Jill's Restaurant & Bistro
Why Jill's Restaurant & Bistro is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Jill's Restaurant & Bistro, located in the heart of Boulder, Colorado, offers a welcoming and contemporary dining atmosphere ideal for meeting up with friends. Situated within the St. Julien Hotel, it boasts a prime location that adds to its appealing ambiance. The venue is known for its inviting bar area with comfortable high-back seating, making it a great place to relax and socialize. Guests can enjoy a diverse menu featuring delicious American and bistro-style dishes, such as their highly praised wagyu burger with perfectly seasoned fries, and unique appetizers like the truffle aioli-topped Bistro Tots. The restaurant also offers an attractive bread basket with a variety of fresh, warm breads accompanied by light, flavorful butter. Jill’s pays attention to the finer details—including a thoughtfully curated drink and wine selection, as well as creative apéritifs featuring combinations like smoked pork with goat cheese and apricot chutney. The atmosphere balances casual comfort and refined style, making it suitable for both casual lunches and more special dinners. Additionally, the restaurant is recognized for providing multiple gluten-free options, accommodating different dietary needs. Overall, Jill's combines quality food, a great location, and a comfortable setting to create an inviting space where friends can comfortably gather and enjoy good conversation and food.
Here's what people think of Jill's Restaurant & Bistro
As of recent, Jill's Restaurant & Bistro holds a 4.4-star rating based on 529 reviews.
Customer reviews for Jill's Restaurant & Bistro reflect a mix of experiences with an overall positive tone, as corroborated by its 4.4-star rating from over 500 reviews. Many patrons appreciate the excellent location and the quality of the food, noting dishes such as the American wagyu burger and the inventive appetizers as highlights. Positive feedback often mentions the cozy and comfortable seating, especially in the bar area, which supports relaxed socializing. The diverse bread selection and complimentary drinks add to a well-rounded dining experience, along with thoughtful touches like gluten-free menu options which broaden its appeal. However, some negative reviews cite that the food can be perceived as overpriced, and service quality has been described as inconsistent—varying from very attentive to lacking warmth or professionalism. Some diners felt that the restaurant did not fully meet expectations set by its higher-end positioning, especially regarding service and pricing. Despite these critiques, the majority of guests recognize Jill's as a pleasant spot for lunch or dinner with friends, appreciating the overall ambience and delicious food offerings. In summary, while service intermittently needs improvement and prices are on the higher side, Jill's Restaurant & Bistro remains a favored venue in Boulder for quality dining and social gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Matt Dudley
Wagyu burger n fries hit the spot. Tasty. The jam stuff spread was bomb! Beef cooked the way I wanted. Fresh and crispy fries. Very friendly staff. Quiet enough inside to complete a bit of work. Inside and outside tables. Decent parking at hotel plus paid and free options a couple blocks away. The hotel is near Pearl St so there are loads of things to do nearby within a hop skip and a jump.
Ohad Kott
I expected more of this restaurant. The best dishes are the appetizers. The tater tots and cinnamon rolls were delicious. Unfortunately, the eggs Benedict were served with hard-boiled eggs instead of runny eggs. The burgers were burned and dry as a bone. Not just one burger but all the burgers in our party (6 burgers) were all burned and unedible. Some us sent the burgers back to the kitchen asking to re-make them medium and not charred. 30 minutes later we got them in the same way. And the waiters did not even bother asking of they got it right this time. Our kids could not eat them and were so hungry (see picture). If the cheff can't cook something as simple as a burger and if they destroy it again after the burgers were sent back to the kitchen, they should not be trusted with anything. I would not go there again.
Sohrob H
⭐ 4/5 – Great Food, Even Better Happy Hour Jill’s Bistro is a hidden gem when it comes to happy hour—the deals here are some of the best around, and the food is consistently solid. 🍽️ The Food: 4/5 The menu offers well-prepared dishes with great flavor, whether you’re stopping in for a full meal or just a few small plates. Everything tastes fresh and thoughtfully made. 🍸 The Happy Hour: 5/5 This is the real reason to come here—the happy hour menu has amazing deals on drinks and bites, making it one of the best value spots in town. 🛎️ The Service: 4/5 The staff is friendly and efficient, even when the place gets busy. 🏡 The Atmosphere: 3.5/5 Nice and inviting, but the experience depends on the crowd—sometimes it’s relaxed, other times it can get a bit loud. 💰 The Verdict: Great Spot, Especially for Happy Hour ✅ Delicious, well-made food ✅ Fantastic happy hour prices ✅ Friendly and attentive service ❌ Can get busy and noisy at times Would I come back? Absolutely—especially for happy hour!
Downtown Workplace Austin
Jill’s is next level Delish!! Superb flavors, great drinks & gorgeous space. We had the best, friendliest service from adorable Lexi this afternoon. Highest recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jaclyn Palmer
While staying at the St. Julien Hotel in Boulder , CO. My husband and I decided to try the hotel restaurants Jill’s breakfast . The hostess who sat us was not friendly , didn’t greet us. The initial experience didn’t feel good . It took 15 minutes before a waitress came by our table . When the runner delivered our food I was insulted as he commented on how much we ordered . In addition to bringing out the wrong item . Then had an attitude about bringing out the correct item which was waffle . The waffle was awful and tasted like bad bisque , dense and grainy . The eggs in the eggs Benedict were overcooked . The ham was burnt . The staff were not friendly and seemed to have a bad attitude . This is not a restaurant I would recommend .
How to reach Jill's Restaurant & Bistro
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Website: None
Why rally at Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro with your friends? Because it offers a uniquely inviting setting that balances sophistication with a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for your next group meetup. Located inside the prestigious St Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder, Jill’s is known for its elegant ambiance that still embraces intimacy and comfort. Whether reconnecting with old friends or celebrating a special occasion with family, the restaurant’s warm, stylish décor and attentive service create an environment that encourages easy conversation and memorable moments. The menu caters to various tastes with diverse offerings, from a generous lunch buffet to crafted American dishes like their highly praised Wagyu burger. Plus, large windows and thoughtful seating arrangements that include comfortable high-backed chairs provide an ideal backdrop for socializing without distractions. Combined, these qualities foster a sense of occasion without feeling stuffy, making Jill’s a perfect rallying point to catch up, share stories, and enjoy fantastic food together.
What kind of activities can you enjoy at Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro? Primarily, the experience centers around dining, but the restaurant’s versatile environment supports a wide range of group activities that enhance your gathering. For lunch meetups, the buffet option is particularly popular, featuring a wide array of fresh salads, gluten-free pasta options, and enticing desserts—allowing everyone in your group to customize their meal to their liking. This flexibility is excellent for accommodating dietary restrictions or preferences, which is a common concern when dining with diverse groups. For more formal or business-style gatherings, Jill’s offers a refined sitting area perfect for quiet discussions or planning sessions over lunch or dinner. The lively bar area, known for its comfortable seating and well-prepared American classics, adds an informal space to enjoy drinks and light bites, fostering a laid-back hangout vibe. Whether your group prefers a long leisurely meal or a casual drinks session, Jill’s makes sure all these possibilities coexist seamlessly. Moreover, the attentive service ensures that your group feels well-tended throughout, making it easier to relax and focus on your company.
Why is Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro the perfect place for group meetups? One of the standout features is its balance of privacy and open social space, providing flexible seating options that can accommodate groups of all sizes. If your gathering is intimate, cozy tables by the window offer an excellent combination of view and privacy. Larger parties benefit from the restaurant’s ability to adapt its layout, ensuring everyone sits together without feeling cramped. The venue’s consistent commitment to quality translates into real value for group outings — from the well-curated menu that includes gluten-free and specialty options to the elegant desserts like chocolate fondue and assorted cakes that add celebration-worthy touches to your meal. The location inside a high-end hotel also means easy access for guests coming from out of town, with nearby amenities and scenic spots like Settler’s Park and Boulder Creek Path, creating opportunities to extend your meetup beyond the restaurant itself. These surroundings make Jill’s not just a place to eat but a destination where social experiences blossom naturally. The positive 4.4-star rating from over 500 reviews underlines general guest satisfaction and adds reassurances that your group will enjoy their time there.
How does the food at Jill’s enhance group meetups? Jill's Restaurant & Bistro offers a menu that excels in both variety and quality, essential factors when hosting groups with varied tastes. From the savory Wagyu burgers praised for perfectly seasoned fries to fresh and tasty pizza slices, the food choices cater well to casual and refined palates alike. The lunch buffet adds another level of appeal for group diners, with multiple gluten-free options and a salad bar featuring inventive combinations, ensuring everyone finds something to their liking. Desserts are designed to be shared and enjoyed collectively, with selections such as tres leches compote, chocolate cake, and cheesecake that add a delightful finale to your meal. While some guests have noted that portions can be on the smaller side relative to expectations for a high-end restaurant, the quality and taste often more than make up for it, encouraging diners to savor each bite and engage in longer, more meaningful conversations. This attention to culinary detail makes Jill’s an excellent spot to bond over good food without the rush typical of more crowded or casual eateries.
What about the ambiance and service makes Jill’s outstanding for gatherings? The atmosphere at Jill’s is simultaneously sophisticated and welcoming, making every group feel special yet comfortable. High ceilings, elegant lighting, and thoughtfully designed interiors create a refined dining environment that still encourages social interaction rather than formality that stifles conversation. The seating arrangements, such as cozy booths and high-backed chairs in the bar area, provide varying environments suited to different group moods — whether you're catching up over cocktails or enjoying a sit-down dinner. Although service experiences can be mixed with some guests reporting inconsistent attentiveness, many find the staff polite and helpful, ensuring that group needs are met promptly. This balance of attentive service and pleasant atmosphere is crucial for ensuring that your gathering flows smoothly, maintaining the focus on your company instead of distractions. The restaurant’s integration into a luxury hotel also contributes to a calm, upscale vibe that lifts the event out of everyday dining and into something a bit more memorable.
How accessible and convenient is Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro for group outings? Situated in downtown Boulder within the St Julien Hotel, Jill’s enjoys a prime location that is both easy to find and central to other local attractions. This makes it convenient for groups coming from different parts of town or even visitors to the city. The proximity to outdoor spaces like Settler’s Park and the Boulder Creek Path offers great options for pre- or post-meal strolls, enhancing the overall meetup experience. Ample parking options in the hotel and nearby lots further add to convenience, especially important for larger parties. The restaurant’s flexible reservation policy accommodates group bookings and allows you to plan your meetup without worrying about seating availability. Moreover, the nearby galleries and cultural spots invite groups to combine dining with other social activities, making Jill’s a launching point for extended outings that can enrich your gathering’s atmosphere and create lasting memories.
In conclusion, Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro stands out as a superb location for hosting meetups with friends or family because it successfully merges a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere with a versatile menu and accommodating service. Whether you’re seeking a lively lunch buffet with gluten-free options, a relaxed evening over American classics and cocktails, or a refined setting for meaningful conversation, Jill’s adapts easily to your group’s needs. Its central Boulder location, combined with nearby attractions and hotel amenities, further enhances its appeal as a social hub. With over 500 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, many guests attest to its quality and appeal, making it a reliable choice when you want a venue that encourages connection and celebration. Next time you plan a gathering, consider Jill’s Restaurant & Bistro as the place where great food, ambiance, and friendship come seamlessly together.