12 Best Steakhouses In Denver, Colorado
From casual to exclusive, Denver is the perfect example of a city whose food scene has exploded over the last few years and become a foodie haven. While trying to evolve and showcase more types of cuisine there’s no getting away from the history that Denver has with steak and we attempt to pick out 12 of our favorite steakhouses in Denver. Buckle in and enjoy the show!
1. Urban Farmer
1659 Wazee St., Denver, Colorado 80202
Urban Farmer is casual meets steakhouse as they blend traditional steak dinners with a more modern, almost casual flair. But there’s nothing casual about the meals – Urban Farmer prides themself in taking a community approach to dining by sourcing nearly every menu item and ingredient from Colorado. Executive Chef Erick Gamas, and sous chef Ryan Rau knock it out of the park with their sensational steak dishes led by the New York Steak Tasting that comes with up to three 5-ounce steaks. The Cedar River Farms is a 16-ounce bone-in grass-fed ribeye, and when paired with the wagyu butter creates a meal you won’t be forgetting any time soon. If you’re craving Bison – the rock river ranch bison ribeye is dry-aged for 14 days and packs multitudes of flavor in each bite. A firm favorite in our best steakhouses In Denver list!
2. Guard And Grace Steakhouse
1801 California Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
Chef Troy Guard has created an incredible dining experience at Guard And Grace with an absolutely stunningly decorated restaurant. At 9,000 square feet, Guard And Grace may seem intimidating from the outside, but on the inside is captivating decor to marvel at while you eat a stunning meal. The jumbo lump crab cake comes cooked with fennel and a red curry butter and Asian herbs and is mouthwatering good. But that’s not why you are reading this article for the crabcakes – the steaks are decadent, delicious, and melts in your mouth. The gold-grade wagyu comes sourced from Snake River Farms and is a must-have for any steak lover. If you can’t pick just one – the filet mignon flight comes with a 4-ounce prime, 4-ounce wagyu, and 4-ounce grass-fed steak all of which have their own stunning characteristics.
3. Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage Street, Denver, Colorado 80204
For a truly unique steak-eating experience the buck (heh!) stops here. The Denver staple stands out not just for their unique decor, but also for their menu where you can get steak, buffalo, elk, quail, lamb, salmon, ribs, or cornish game hen. Make sure to bring your appetite as the smallest steak on the menu will be an 8-ounce beef tenderloin steak but if you’re hungry – you have to get what Buckhorn is known for – their 24-ounce porterhouse steak. If another meat has caught your eye Buckhorn also has combination plates so you can get yourself a plate of beef tenderloin and quail for an experience all on its own.
4. Quality Italian
241 Columbine Street, Denver, Colorado 80206
Where else are you going to go to dinner where you can indulge yourself with an order of bucatini and clams to go with your dry-aged tomahawk rib steak – both cooked to perfection? Going to Quality Italian gives you the opportunity to enjoy high-quality Italian food, along with the perfectly cooked and seasoned traditional steak. The steak, whichever cut you get, has been dry-aged for 28 days and has been brushed with olive oil and herbs and comes with an optional, but should not be optional, tableside truffle butter service that takes your steak to another level. Get an order of the brussels sprouts calabrese, or corn créme brûlée to really make your steak dinner stand out. Add to that the tiramisu luci and you have yourself a meal to remember.
5. Bastien’s Restaurant
3503 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado 80206
If you’re a true steak enthusiast you have to try Bastien’s Restaurant as they are known to be the home of the sugar steak. A very casual dining atmosphere – Bastien’s stands out on our best Steakhouses In Denver list because of their use of sugar while seasoning steaks to make them more tender. Grab an order of the bearnaise with garlic toast, and bacon-wrapped scallops and you have a fantastic meal in your future. If not everyone in your party is a steak fan the veal marsala, and blackened salmon are also two wonderful options. Bastien’s Restaurant is the perfect blend of comfort dining and comfort food with flavors that stand out.
6. Elway’s
2500 E 1st Ave., Suite 101, Denver, Colorado 80206
There’s nothing more American than steak and football, and there’s nobody more synonymous with Denver Football than Football legend John Elway. Elway’s is the brainchild of John and his good friend Tim Schmidt and the goal was clear an elegant dinner at affordable prices and Elway’s knocks it out of the park. Elway’s classic three-course dinner is always a great option with the grilled artichoke, your favorite cut of steak, and a delicious dessert. Elway’s also gives you the fantastic option of adding a 5-ounce lobster tail to any of their U.S.D.A. prime hand-cut steaks which adds another level of decadence to a fantastic dining experience.
7. Shanahan’s Steakhouse
5085 S Syracuse St., Denver, Colorado 80237
Not to be outdone Shanahan’s, the brainchild of former Bronco’s head coach Mike Shanahan, may seem unassuming from the outside, but inside is a lavish, balanced menu that takes elements of a classic steakhouse while incorporating a litany of delicious seafood options to keep everyone at the table happy. All of Shanahan’s steaks are aged 28 days and then broiled at 1500 degrees so you always get that fantastic sear on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. Shanahan’s also has a lot of bone-in options for those of you bone-in enthusiasts! As for sides – the black truffle mac ‘n cheese, or lobster truffle mac ‘n cheese are two absolutely delicious options that assured Shanahan’s place on our best steakhouses In Denver list. Cap those sides off with one of Shanahan’s mouthwatering desserts.
8. Del Frisco’s Double Edge Steakhouse
8100 E. Orchard Rd., Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Del Frisco’s is the place to go if you’re looking for a traditional steakhouse with mandatory business casual attire but once you enter you see why with beautiful, traditional decor with its lavish leather couches and low lighting that creates the perfect steakhouse ambiance. As for the food – the seafood tower sets the one for an epic meal coming with lobster tails, jumbo shrimp, oysters, king crab legs, bloody mary clam shooters, jumbo lump crabs, and their signature sauces. As for the steak – Del Frisco’s has 12 options including a 45 day dry-aged prime strip. If you’re truly hungry the Double Eagle Tasting comes with New York Strip, filet mignon, jumbo shrimp, petite lobster tail, and salmon.
9. Butcher’s Bistro Steakhouse
2233 Larimer St., Denver, Colorado 80205
With an upscale, yet casual atmosphere Butcher’s Bistro takes pride in their locally sourced meat that they completely prepare in-house from “nose-to-tail.” If you’re truly looking for a new experience you can start your meal off with everything from pig head, beef tongue, and beef heart. The house-cured charcuterie boards are done completely in-house as well and are a great item to share with friends or indulge in yourself. The steak frites is considered the chef’s daily cut and is often Denver, Delmonico, ribeye, or new york strip steak and is absolutely delicious. Order a side of the grilled broccolini to get some green on your plate, or go with the decadent crispy polenta that comes with a shallot puree, pickled shallots, and parsley. Pair your dinner with one of their craft cocktails, and an order of the temper chocolates for a sensational experience, that puts it amongst the very best steakhouses in Denver.
10. LoHi Steakbar
3200 Tejon St, Denver, CO 80211
LoHi Steakbar is the perfect spot to grab a delicious meal and some drinks at a reasonable price. The vibes here are immaculate with a comfortable, casual feel, but you could also get all dolled up for date night and not feel over dressed. They have an awesome happy hour with deals on beer, wine, and cocktails as well as some snacks like the mini steak sandwich, fried oysters, and poutine fries. For your appetizer, you have to try the short rib bolognese or the truffle fries. Heck, maybe even order both for the table to share. However you don’t want to get too full on apps because the best is yet to come. For your entree, there are so many good menu options to choose from like the seared scallops, pork chops, or a burger. But we all know why you really came here, for the steak! Choose between the flatiorn, filet, or NY strip and add some blue cheese butter, garlic herb butter, chimichurri, or the classic LoHi seasoning to cover your steak. If that’s not enough for you, you can always add on a crab cake or some wild mushrooms. You are definitely going to want to come back after eating here.
11. Steakhouse 10
3517 S Elati St. Englewood, CO 80110
This locally-owned family business has been an Englewood staple for over two decades. The food is comforting but often ventures over to the bolder side. Start your meal in salivating style with the Saganaki: Kasseri cheese fried and then flamed with brandy. The Homemade Lobster Bisque is another strong appetizer option, providing the surf before you embark on the turf.
How can you beat a Filet Mignon? This melt-in-your-mouth cut is seasoned and charbroiled to perfection. You can also enjoy the Lamb Chops, marinated in Greek olive oil so they’re tender and packed with flavor. You’d be wise to save room for dessert because the Xango is not something to miss. This signature dish is a traditional cheesecake wrapped in a tortilla, lightly fried, and rolled in cinnamon. Need we say more?
12. Columbine Steak House and Lounge
300 Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219
If the animal heads on the wall didn’t tip you off, this is not your usual steak joint. Columbine Steak House and Lounge is somewhere on the spectrum between dive bar and gourmet steakhouse. Why get a vintage bottle of red when you can get a pitcher of Bud Light for ten bucks?
Any item you want to order will be served as a full dinner, with a dinner salad, a baked potato or fries, and their famous Texas Toast! The porterhouse is a monster (20-22 oz), and the t-bone is a classic. And what better dessert can you imagine for a steak dinner than rice pudding? Make sure you hit Columbine for a phenomenal meal that will come in at a price point that everyone will love. If you’re looking for a more straightforward steakhouse experience, don’t worry…we have plenty of others for you to explore!
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13. The Fort
19192 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465
If the name didn’t tip you off, The Fort is a replica of an actual fur trade fort from the 19th century. Their menu is inspired by the culinary influences of the native Indian tribes and Spanish and Mexican traders who used to inhabit the area, and that unique blend of fares is quite clear as you scan the menu.
You can start your meal off with a Colorado staple: Rocky Mountain Oysters, breaded and fried and served with a sweet chili sauce. Or go the meatier route with the Roasted Bison Marrow Bones, served right in the bone with crostini. When it comes to entrees, each option comes with mashed potatoes and your choice of sauce on top, but let’s talk meats. If you want the best bang for your buck (and the most meat for your plate), look no further than The Fort’s Game Plate, which includes: an elk medallion, buffalo sirloin medallion, and a grilled teriyaki quail, along with seasonal veggies, potatoes, and wild Montana huckleberry preserves. Enjoy this seated at one of their outdoor fire pits and you’ll be transported back to the 1830s Colorado frontier.
14. Matsuhisa
98 Steele St, Denver, CO 80206
Matsuhisa isn’t technically a “steakhouse” by the standard definition, but Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s modern Japanese concept might just have the most exceptional steak you’ll ever eat.
That would be the A5 Japanese Wagyu Beef, a decadent and perfectly-marbled cut of meat that will melt in your mouth and bowl you over with pure flavor. You can get it prepared three different ways: Tataki (quickly seared and cooled), New Style, and Himalayan Salt Rock (infuses the meat with a subtle but robust saltiness). Matsuhisa may not have your favorite steakhouse sides, but you can get sushi, oysters, and so many other Japanese staples to ensure a savory and satisfying dining experience.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on November 15, 2020 and last updated on July 21, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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