Stepping into the Reality: Our Visit to Jax Taylor's Newest Venture, 'Jax's Studio City', Featured on 'The Valley'

Hey there! Welcome aboard. If you've been glued to Vanderpump Rules or The Valley lately, chances are you're familiar with Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright. Formerly of VPR fame and now gracing The Valley, these two have taken a plunge into LA's restaurant scene with their latest venture: "Jax's Studio City". Yep, it's nestled right in Los Angeles, in the heart of the valley, at 12514 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604.

Opening its doors in October 2023, Jax's Studio City quickly became the go-to spot for Vanderpump Rules and The Valley watch parties in 2024. And being two LA locals who binge-watch old VPR episodes like it's an Olympic sport, we knew we had to swing by and give you the lowdown — complete with menu highlights and snapshots of everything.

Now, we've previously dished out our thoughts on Schwartz and Sandy's and SUR, so naturally, we had to complete the trifecta.

So, off we went last Tuesday, primed for a valley adventure at Jax's (Studio City). Why Tuesday? Well, that's when the joint rolls out the red carpet for Vanderpump Rules fans, followed by The Valley screenings. Plus, word on the street (or rather, Jax's Studio City's Instagram) was that Brittany herself might make a cameo. Spoiler alert: she didn't. Despite camping out from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Brittany was a no-show during our stint. Later, we caught wind of her hosting a swanky dinner party at her new digs on Instagram. Our guess? Maybe the recent split threw off her plans, or maybe Jax spun a little white lie (shocker, right?).

Upon arrival, it was abundantly clear that this bar had Bravo written all over it — and not in a subtle way. Like, really, really not subtle.

And there it was, unmistakably Jax's territory, as affirmed by this (perhaps slightly over the top?) plaque: Stepping into the venue, our first sight was an inviting outdoor patio adorned with ample seating, think picnic tables nestled amidst lush greenery. It emitted a certain charm, we must admit, setting a cozy yet trendy vibe.

Moving past the patio, we found ourselves in two distinct indoor seating areas. The first exuded a rustic sports bar aura, akin to a cabin or a pirate ship, with its plethora of hockey jerseys proudly displayed on the walls. Meanwhile, the second room, where we eventually settled, offered a stark contrast. Adorned with palm tree wallpaper, splashes of pink accents, and couches reminiscent of a nightclub VIP section, it featured minuscule tables barely a foot apart, as evident in the visuals.

We'd been forewarned by a friend about the potential busyness of the watch parties, prompting us to swallow our pride and secure a reservation, lest we face the embarrassment of being turned away at the door. However, upon arrival, the scene was eerily deserted. Save for our party and one other, the space was virtually empty, eliciting a chuckle from the staff. Yet, tables surrounding ours bore reserved signs, leaving us to ponder how many attendees would actually materialize.

As for the decor, it left little doubt as to whose domain this was. The walls served as a canvas for an abundance of photographs featuring Jax and his Vanderpump Rules cohorts, notably Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, each frame a testament to the glory days of yore.

It was almost... shrine-like. Jax was clearly intent on ensuring patrons knew this was his turf, intricately intertwined with the fabric of Vanderpump Rules lore. A tactic that had proven successful for SUR, we understood the rationale behind it. Undoubtedly, a pilgrimage site for devout Bravo aficionados.

Once settled in our snug booth, it was time to delve into the offerings of the Jax's Studio City menu. Or should we say menus? To our puzzlement, there were two, and discerning the disparity between them remained a mystery. One ostensibly for libations but also featuring culinary offerings, including some exclusives like Mamaw's (or Meemaw's?) beer cheese — an obligatory nod to Vanderpump lore.

The comprehensive main menu boasted an array of bar classics, from 'Jax's Burger' to 'Jax's Sizzling Shrimp', even boasting a section dubbed 'Jax's Favorite Pasta'. Whatever that entailed, only Jax himself could decipher.

The verdict on prices for grub hovered between $15–$25, a typical range for LA's culinary landscape, though parting with cash for Mr. Jax Taylor still felt like a slight sting.

Now, onto libations. The drink menu flaunted tantalizing concoctions (sans 'The Jax'), with Jax's reputed bartending skills sparking cautious optimism. Yet, we couldn't stifle our chuckles at 'The Jax' cocktail — essentially just Tito's on the rocks. A nod to simplicity, perhaps? Then there was 'The Brittany: Sweet Tea', alongside Lara's spicy margarita and Shelby's espresso martini, a drink exchange ensued for the complete experience.

Opting for classic cocktails in the hopes of foolproof sips, we were in for a rude awakening. Reader, prepare for disappointment. The espresso martini? A letdown. Too much vodka, lacking that creamy espresso kick — a colossal miss. And the spicy margarita? Equally underwhelming. Promised jalapeño zest? Non-existent. Instead, sourness reigned supreme, akin to a store-bought, sugar-laden margarita mix. Fresh jalapeño essence? Nowhere to be found. Hate to admit it, but Schwartz and Sandy's, you've got the upper hand in the drinks department. Sorry, not sorry.

On to the main event: the food. As staunch VPR devotees, ordering the beer cheese was non-negotiable (a crime not to, really), a chance to discern if Mamaw's recipe lived up to Brittany's Season 7 storyline. Served with ample pretzels and celery (the latter barely touched), we were pleasantly surprised! Bonus points for the Mamaw-branded serving board, complete with her portrait. A whimsical touch, indeed.

But let's talk about that beer cheese. Oh boy, was it good! Smooth, cheesy, with just the right kick of spice and a subtle beer undertone. We begrudgingly admit, we couldn't get enough. Mamaw, you've earned this victory.

And onto the Margherita pizza flatbread, pleasantly surprising in size and taste. We stan generous portions! While prices mirrored Schwartz and Sandy's or TomTom, the servings here were notably heftier. A silver lining, if you will.

Wrapping up our culinary journey, we opted for a Caesar salad, because, let's face it, how could anyone mess that up? Much to our delight, it was a winner, boasting a flavorful dressing and fluffy croutons! Color us impressed — who would've thought?

Truth be told, we were pleasantly surprised by the overall quality and quantity of food. Considering we shelled out the same amount at Schwartz and Sandy's for a lackluster spread of lukewarm corndogs, peculiar doughnuts, and a side of fries, this was a definite upgrade. However, our epiphany struck when a friend enlightened us with some additional intel: the grub here seems to hail from the joint next door, aka Rocco's Tavern. Shared kitchen vibes, perhaps? Our suspicion grew stronger when our to-go boxes bore the unmistakable Rocco's branding. Could it be that "Jax's Sizzling Shrimp" is merely Rocco's sizzling shrimp in disguise? Regardless, props to Rocco's for keeping our bellies happy!

As for the viewing party, The Valley (and later, VPR) played on every TV in the bar, initially at a reasonable volume. Yet, at precisely 7:28 p.m., a switch was flipped, catapulting the decibel level to ear-splitting heights. Conversation became futile amidst the cacophony of Jax Taylor and Tom Sandoval's vocal acrobatics as they bemoaned their lives on-screen. And as the bar filled up, so did the temperature, leaving us drenched in sweat. One couldn't help but wonder, is Jax skimping on the AC budget?

Oh, and about those commercials? Far from muted, they blared at full volume, a quirky decision that still leaves us chuckling.

Of course, no restaurant excursion is complete without a trip to the loo. Guided by the call of nature (and those disappointing drinks), we ventured to the bathroom, marked by a simple green door adorned with a modest green plaque reading "bathroom". While there may have been another option in the distant Jersey/Sport/Picnic Table room, we weren't about to embark on a pilgrimage. Judging by the burgeoning line, it seemed this may have been the sole restroom in the establishment!

Stepping into the small washing area behind the green door revealed two single stalls — not the most horrendous restaurant restroom we've encountered, but undeniably cramped. Why, oh why, was there only one puny sink mere feet from one of the stalls? Imagining this setup during peak hours sent shivers down our spines. As individuals who prefer a seated approach, we couldn't help but note the uncomfortably close proximity of the door to our knees. But, soldiering on, we persevered.

After indulging a bit more in our beloved beer cheese and futilely awaiting Brittany's grand entrance, we decided to spare our eardrums further trauma and make our exit. Plus, the room had grown uncomfortably congested, and we figured the staff would appreciate an unoccupied table. With our leftovers expertly packed by the lovely Luma (kudos to you, Luma! We hope we got your name right!), we ventured out to the patio, where we observed the jersey room overflowing with Valley and VPR enthusiasts.

In summary, our experience at Jax's (Studio City) garners a solid 5.5/10 — decent grub, generous portions, and a stellar waitress, but the libations left much to be desired. And let's not forget the TV volume capable of inflicting hearing damage on anyone within a mile radius.

That's a wrap for now! Until the next Vanderpump-related establishment beckons (we're looking at you, Something About Her...), you can find Jax's Studio City at 12514 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604. And remember, every episode of The Valley and Vanderpump Rules awaits on Peacock.

In conclusion, our journey through Jax's Studio City was a rollercoaster of experiences, from the kitschy decor to the surprising twists in the food quality. While we were initially taken aback by the overt branding and the questionable drink choices, the savory delights of Mamaw's beer cheese and the unexpectedly spacious portion sizes left a lasting impression. Our waitress, Luma, deserves a standing ovation for her impeccable service, navigating us through the highs and lows of our dining adventure.

Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of Valley and VPR fandom, the deafening volume of the TVs and the cramped confines of the restroom served as stark reminders of the restaurant's imperfections. With a nod to the potential for improvement and a heartfelt shoutout to Rocco's Tavern for their delicious contributions, we bid adieu to Jax's Studio City with a mixed bag of memories and a yearning for the next chapter in the Vanderpump saga. Until then, we'll keep our ears tuned to the latest gossip and our taste buds primed for whatever culinary delights await. Cheers to the journey, and may the spirit of Vanderpump continue to inspire us all.