With a cattle history dating back to its cowboy roots, Denver boasts an appropriately robust assortment of steak houses featuring savory cuts of beef, bison and other game from Colorado and beyond.
Here are some of Denver’s best stops for steaks and more:
1. Bastien’s Restaurant and Steakhouse
3503 E. Colfax Ave.
A curiously shaped 1950s style building with midcentury decor, booth seating and a sunken bar help make Bastien’s a classic retro Denver experience. House favorites include its famous “sugar steak,” a succulent cut of beef seared on the grill until the sugar caramelizes, and old school standards such as shrimp cocktail, escargot and twice-baked potatoes.
Patrons enjoy listening to the music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, while sipping classic cocktails, such as the Manhattan or the Rusty Nail. Bastien’s also offers a full selection of beer and wine.
2. Ted’s Montana Grill
1401 Larimer, Denver
Founded by media mogul and philanthropist Ted Turner, Ted’s Montana Grill is well known for its use of bison meat (the bison chili is delicious), but the regional chain also offers steaks, including rib eyes and prime rib.
With a central location on Larimer Square in a historic Denver Victorian building, Ted’s offers everything from tasty burgers and fries to grilled chicken sandwiches and complimentary cucumber pickles. It is known for its eco-friendly approach to dining, with its cups, napkins and straws being entirely compostable.
3. Elway’s
2500 E. 1st Ave., Denver
Founded by legendary Bronco’s quarterback turned executive John Elway, Elway’s serves USDA Prime hand-cut steaks, from New York strip, porterhouse and ribeye to other cuts, and aksi offers a popular raw bar. The restaurant (with locations in Cherry Creek, downtown, Vail and now DIA) serves breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner.
4. Capital Grille
1450 Larimer St., Denver
Located in historic Larimer Square, the Capital Grille is known for its excellent dry-aged steaks and its formidable wine list. This upscale eatery, which many consider to be one of Denver’s best steakhouses, boasts a warm art deco decor and offers delicious sides such as lobster mac and cheese and potatoes au gratin.
Hungry diners enjoy the 22 oz. bone-in ribeye Delmonico steak.
5. The Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage St.
The Buckhorn Exchange – Denver’s oldest steakhouse — it holds the the state’s first liquor license—dates back to 1893. The restaurant, also a National Historic Landmark and Western Museum, serves prime grade beef as well as buffalo, elk, quail, ostrich, yak (when available), game hen, pork ribs, alligator tail and Rocky Mountain oysters (bull calf testicles), for those adventurous enough to try the “house specialty.” Delicious desserts and a unique atmosphere make it a destination dining spot.
6. Simms Steakhouse
11911 W 6th Ave., Denver
Perched on a ridge on West 6th Ave., Simms is the Denver steakhouse with the best view of downtown. Comfortable leather chairs command a sweeping view of the metro area while diners enjoy angus beef, seafood, charcuterie plates featuring local cheeses, craft beers, mixed drinks and great company. Happy hour is every day from 4pm to 7pm.
7. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
1745 Wazee St.
A short walk from Coors Field in LoDo (lower downtown), Sullivan’s serves sumptuous steak and seafood in an elegant space at the corner of Wazee and 18th streets.
8. Denver Chophouse and Brewery
1735 19th Street
Ale brewed on site, small batch bourbons and a long wine list pair well with steaks, chops, seafood and a tavern menu (at the bar). Housed in the historic Union Pacific Building downtown, the Chophouse is centrally located, casual and dependable.
