It feels like everyone who has been on reality TV has decided to splash some cash and open up an eatery or neighborhood bar. Even though Jax Taylor hasn’t been on Vanderpump Rules for years, he didn’t want to be left out of revealing his establishment, Jax’s Studio City, was ready for business. I was surprised Jax thought people would want to invest their time in journeying to the bar spot, but after taking a look around, it felt like it could be someone’s local spot.
I compared it to Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz’s Schwartz & Sandy’s and came up with a few differences that came as a pleasant surprise. Let’s take a look at what Jax and his wife thought would make their bar so special.
The Food
Some of the food items were pretty similar. Like the fires and flatbreads, but at least at Jax’s place, I was given a bun for my mini burgers. Located on Ventura Blvd, the building looks like any other building. It sits on the main drag and in what looks like a classier strip mall than Schwartz & Sandy’s. But not by much. Naturally, Mamaw’s Beer Cheese was on the menu, served with a soft pretzel. Jax’s Studio City is making sure to cash in on the Jax Taylor theme and name, which got a bit annoying. Especially since the sliders were named Jax’s All-American Sliders, and I struggled to think of a time he was all about the burgers.
It’s easy to forget that Jax was a bartender at SUR, but he was usually overshadowed by Sandoval. I never once thought that Jax had a passion for mixology while he was behind the bar. But again, some of the signature cocktails were named after him and his wife, Brittany Cartwright. There was the Brittany Sweet Tea, which was Bulleit Bourbon, triple sec, fresh lime. And The Jax was simple Titos on the rocks. Not very inventive there, but it kinda fits the owner’s personality. Both were tasty but strong, as I got my money’s worth.
The Mood
Just like Schwartz & Sandy’s, there was merchandise everywhere. You could buy shot glasses, hats, sweatshirts, mugs, and shot glasses. The ambiance was also pretty cool in its own way, as it had a tropical loungey feel. Schwartz and Sandy’s had fun lights and eclectic wallpaper. The best part was there was room for dancing and a DJ, which is hard to come by in Studio City.
The Verdict
We all know why we go to establishments like Jax’s Studio City and Schwartz and Sandy’s. It’s to have a good time and hopefully catch a glimpse of a Vanderpump Rules cast member. The time I went to both, I saw no one, but my understanding is that Jax and Brittany quite often meet and greet fans at their bar. I like it. I like the effort because it shows they also understand that most of their customers are fans traveling to Mecca.
Honestly, I liked both bars for different reasons. But I am surprised by how much positive feedback I have seen about Jax’s Studio City since, in my opinion, he had been out of the game for so long! But with his new series, The Valley, it makes sense that we would want to market himself in a way that could earn him a passive profit. I would happily go back to either bar if I was ever in their respective neighborhoods, but I would hope I would have the luck to at least run into one of the famous owners, if only at least for a quick photo. If you guys stop by, let me know your opinions on the place!
TELL US – WOULD YOU GIVE JAX’S STUDIO CITY A TRY?
