This Florida Steakhouse Serves a 24-Ounce Prime Rib That Barely Fits the Plate

Dinner inside a former church is already unusual. Add stained glass, chandeliers, live music, and a massive prime rib, and the night starts feeling more like a show than a meal.

Jay’s in downtown Fort Lauderdale leans all the way into the drama, pairing its soaring historic setting with steaks, oysters, bone marrow, cocktails, and late-night entertainment. It is polished, moody, and definitely not the kind of place you forget by the next morning.

If you like your steak dinner with a little spectacle, here are eight things to know before you book a table.

1. A Church Turned Steakhouse

Walk through the doors at 441 NE 3rd Ave and your first thought might be, wait, is this a church? It used to be one. The high ceilings and stained glass windows are still there, and the new decor leans into the drama.

Guests mention chandeliers, deep red curtains, and a DJ set up where a pulpit might once have stood. One diner said it felt like an upscale club from New York City. Another said the music, lighting, and decor made them think of a certain Sam Smith song, in the best way.

The room is dim and moody, so it works well for date night, birthdays, and big celebrations. Reviewers love to tell people about the building almost as much as the food.

A few tips help. Book ahead, especially on weekends, when the place stays open until 12:30 AM. Ask for a table with a view of the stage if you care about the show, because not every seat sees the entertainment.

Upstairs tables can be quiet but may miss the action.

Arrive a little early and look up. The architecture is half the fun, and it makes the first photo of the night easy.

2. The Giant Prime Rib

Some plates are too small for the meal sitting on them, and the prime rib is the star of that club. At around 24 ounces, it is the kind of cut that makes the whole table lean in. Prime rib comes up about twenty times in guest reviews, so people clearly talk about it.

Prime rib is a slow-roasted rib cut, known for a rosy center and a rich, juicy bite. Pair it with a creamy side such as pommes puree, which reviewers praised, or choose lobster mashed potatoes if you want to go all in.

Share it if you are not starving. The portion is huge, and the table also has appetizers and dessert to fit in.

Steak experiences at Jay’s vary a bit. Some guests called their cuts tender and perfectly cooked, while others felt the price was high for what arrived. Tell your server exactly how you like it done, and speak up quickly if the plate is not right.

Treat the prime rib as a special occasion order, and plan to take leftovers home. They make a great sandwich the next day.

3. Bone Marrow and Starters

Order starters like you mean it. The bone marrow draws about thirteen mentions in reviews, and one diner said crispy bacon on top made it extra indulgent. Spread it on toast and you get rich, buttery bites that disappear fast.

There is more to try. Guests raved about Wagyu gyoza, steak carpaccio, Bang Bang shrimp, and squash blossoms. The Oyster Rockefeller earned the title of best one a diner had ever eaten.

Then there is the salt and vinegar crusted butter served with sourdough. A birthday group of ten called it a 10 out of 10, and the restaurant says it has quite a following. Yes, a butter has fans.

One heads-up: bone marrow has sold out on busy nights, according to a couple of reviews. If your heart is set on it, ask about availability right when you sit down so you can plan a backup like oysters or meatballs.

Also, one guest said the carpaccio stuck to the plate a bit. Small quibble, but a good reason to use your knife gently.

4. Live Music and Shows

Live music gets about fifty mentions in reviews, more than any dish. Here, dinner comes with a soundtrack and sometimes a full show. Guests have seen jazz bands, pop singers, magicians, dancers, and even a burlesque act called Legs Cabaret.

One singer covered Motown, rock, Latin hits, Michael Jackson, and Prince in a single night. Another guest loved a set of soulful oldies. Performers often mingle with tables, which keeps the room buzzing.

The volume can be a lot. One diner said the music was a tad loud, and another felt the DJ playlist did not always match the mood. The bands take breaks between sets, so those are the best moments for conversation.

If the show matters to you, say so when booking. The layout means some tables have a better view than others, and one party was first seated upstairs with no view before moving. Asking early can save the night.

Check the website or call 954-329-0971 to see who is playing before you pick a date. A little planning turns a good dinner into a full night out.

5. Cocktails and Espresso Martinis

Raise a glass, because the bar has fans. The espresso martini pops up about fifteen times in reviews, with words like smooth, rich, and unreal. One guest called it beautifully balanced.

The Old Fashioned also scored points. A diner’s son said it was one of the best he had ever had: spirit-forward and not too sweet. Bartenders like Rico, Kevin, and Gosia earned shout-outs for their skill and friendly energy.

Sitting at the bar is a smart move. Two reviewers did it and loved watching the room, with live music nearby and the bartenders chatting. Be aware that one visitor on a slow afternoon felt ignored there, so service can vary.

Not every drink wowed. A guest on a different night called the cocktails just okay. Still, most reviews were glowing, so ordering the espresso martini is a safe bet.

Happy hour comes up around fifty times in reviews too, so it is a popular way to sample the menu for less. Arrive at 4 PM when doors open to grab a seat and ask what specials are running that day.

6. Tomahawk Tuesday and Weekly Specials

Tuesday is the day to bring an appetite. Jay’s runs Tomahawk Tuesday, and one couple said the huge bone-in steak did not disappoint. They also loved the prime beef carpaccio, caesar salad, pureed potatoes, chocolate cake, and creme brulee.

Another diner mentioned Porterhouse Tuesdays and Ladies’ Night, which shows the calendar is full of reasons to return. Specials may change, so call ahead or check the website before you go.

Mind the timing, though. One visitor on a quiet early evening waited nearly two hours for a tomahawk and felt let down by the meat. The owner apologized and promised to work on it.

Big cuts take time to cook, so plan accordingly. Order the steak first, then enjoy starters and a drink while you wait. Arriving at a busy time may mean a longer wait, so build in extra room if you have somewhere to be.

Note that the restaurant is closed Mondays, so Tuesday is the first night of the week. Doors open at 4 PM, and the kitchen will be fresh.

7. Lamb Chops, Lobster, and Sides

Steak is not the only game in town. Lamb chops get about thirteen mentions in reviews, and lobster oreganata and tuna crispy rice also show up. If someone at your table skips beef, the menu still has plenty to offer.

The sides deserve attention. Guests liked the mashed potatoes with lobster, rich and flavorful, plus asparagus, creamed spinach, and truffle fries. Lobster mac and cheese came up too, though one diner did not enjoy it.

Order a mix and share. A table of friends could try lamb chops, a filet, and a New York strip, then pass plates around. That is a fun way to learn what you like.

Know that the kitchen can run out of things on busy nights. Reviewers mentioned dauphinoise potatoes and bone marrow going missing. Have a second choice in mind so a change of plans does not slow you down.

When your steak arrives, check it right away. If it is cold or undercooked, say so fast so the kitchen can fix it while your friends are still eating.

8. Service, Reservations, and Smart Planning

Great nights here often come down to the people. Guests named servers like Tavarius and Ron, bartenders like Rico and Kevin, hostess Dimekia, chef Royce, and managers Tyler and John. Many described attentive, warm service, with drinks topped off and well-timed courses.

Not every night runs smoothly, and honest reviews say so. Some diners waited a long time between courses, ran into sold-out items, or felt staff were stretched thin. The owner responded publicly to complaints and promised to improve.

You can stack the deck in your favor. Reserve ahead, especially for groups, weekends, or a show night. Tell the host if it is a birthday, and ask for a table with a view of the stage.

Pace yourself on a prix fixe night, since one guest said that dinner dragged. If you notice a delay, politely flag a manager early rather than waiting.

The address is 441 NE 3rd Ave, and hours run 4 to 11 PM most nights, until 12:30 AM Friday and Saturday. Hats may not be allowed, as one guest learned. Dress up a little and enjoy the show.