Quick answer
Denver is a serious steak town — Colorado's ranching heritage, high-altitude beef, and a culture that reveres a perfectly cooked cut make it one of the best cities in America for steakhouse dining. From Michelin-recognized newcomers to an 1893 saloon serving elk, this guide covers 10 of the best steakhouses in the Denver metro, with prices ranging from $30 to $150+ per person.
- Best overall
- Guard and Grace — 9,000 sqft downtown flagship with Wagyu and oyster bar
- Price range
- $30 – $150+ per person
- Top pick
- Guard and Grace — $$$ — 4.6★ (3,200 reviews)
- Must-try
- Colorado-raised beef — grass-fed, dry-aged, or Wagyu
Top verdicts
- Guard and Grace: Denver's premier modern steakhouse with Wagyu, an oyster bar, and a stunning 9,000 sqft space. Voted #1 steakhouse by Westword readers and #47 best steak in the world.
- Buckhorn Exchange: Denver's oldest restaurant (1893) — a living museum with game meats and classic steaks.
- Shanahan's Steakhouse: USDA Prime and Wagyu ribeye in an elegant setting — tied for the highest rating on this list.
Denver is a serious steak town. Colorado's ranching heritage runs deep — the state is one of America's top cattle producers, and that legacy shows up on plates across the city. From USDA Prime dry-aged cuts to Japanese A5 Wagyu, Denver's steakhouse scene rivals any in the country.
What makes Denver's steak scene special is its range. You'll find Michelin-recognized steakhouses with in-house seam butchery, a 130-year-old saloon serving elk and buffalo alongside prime beef, farm-to-table concepts sourcing exclusively from Colorado ranches, and even Asian-fusion spots putting creative spins on premium cuts. The city's altitude and dry climate also make it an ideal environment for dry-aging beef.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, fueling up before hitting the slopes, or just craving a perfectly seared steak with a Colorado craft beer, Denver delivers. We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts across r/Denver, r/denverfood, r/steak, and local food forums, cross-referencing with critic rankings from Westword, 5280 Magazine, Eater Denver, and The Denver Post to build this guide.
Steakhouse Map
How we built this list
We analyzed 200+ Reddit posts and 2,000+ comments across r/Denver, r/denverfood, r/steak, and r/Colorado, cross-referencing with rankings from Westword, 5280 Magazine, Eater Denver, The Denver Post, and OpenTable. Each pick was verified for current hours, ratings, and menu accuracy as of April 2026.
All 10 Spots at a Glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Rating | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Guard and Grace | Modern Steakhouse | $$$ | 4.6★ | Downtown |
| #2 | Buckhorn Exchange | Historic Steakhouse | $$$ | 4.4★ | South Denver |
| #3 | Urban Farmer | Farm-to-Table | $$$ | 4.5★ | Union Station |
| #4 | Elway's Downtown | Classic Steakhouse | $$$ | 4.5★ | Downtown (Ritz-Carlton) |
| #5 | Shanahan's Steakhouse | Prime Steakhouse | $$$ | 4.6★ | DTC |
| #6 | Del Frisco's Double Eagle | Classic Steakhouse | $$$ | 4.5★ | Greenwood Village |
| #7 | A5 Steakhouse | Michelin-Recognized | $$$ | 4.5★ | Downtown |
| #8 | Bastien's Restaurant | Retro Steakhouse | $$ | 4.4★ | East Colfax |
| #9 | Cattivella | Italian-Steakhouse | $$$ | 4.5★ | Central Park |
| #10 | Cholon Modern Asian | Asian-Fusion | $$$ | 4.5★ | LoDo |
Quick Picks by Vibe
1Guard and Grace
Modern SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- The ultimate Denver steak experience — Wagyu, oyster bar, and a 9,000 sqft showpiece downtown
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 3,200+ Google reviews · Wagyu program · Raw bar · Craft cocktails · #47 best steak worldwide
- Price / value
- $$$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The Japanese A5 Wagyu or the bone-in ribeye, paired with oysters from the raw bar to start. The truffle mac and cheese is the best steakhouse side in Denver.
- Insider tip
- The bar area is first-come, first-served and great for walk-ins. Book the main dining room 1-2 weeks ahead for Friday/Saturday. Happy hour at the bar (Mon-Fri 3-5pm) is one of Denver's best-kept secrets.
🕐 Hours
2Buckhorn Exchange
Historic SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- A once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in Denver's oldest restaurant (est. 1893)
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 2,800+ Google reviews · Colorado's first liquor license · Game meats · National Historic Landmark
- Price / value
- $$$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The buffalo prime rib or elk steak for the full Western experience. If you prefer classic beef, their USDA Prime steaks are expertly prepared. Start with the rattlesnake sausage appetizer.
- Insider tip
- Ask for a table on the main floor to be surrounded by the historic taxidermy collection. The upstairs rooftop patio has mountain views in summer. Take the light rail to 10th & Osage station for easy access.
🕐 Hours
3Urban Farmer
Farm-to-TableQuick comparison
- Best for
- Sustainable, traceable Colorado beef with in-house butchery at Union Station
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1,800+ Google reviews · In-house butchery · Grass-fed Colorado beef · Union Station location
- Price / value
- $$$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The grass-fed Colorado ribeye or the butcher's cut of the day. Their charcuterie board, made entirely in-house, is the best starter on the menu.
- Insider tip
- Located at 17th and Wazee near Union Station — perfect before or after a train. The bar area offers a more casual experience with the full steak menu. Weekend brunch (Sat-Sun starting 9am) is also excellent.
🕐 Hours
4Elway's Downtown
Classic SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Classic steakhouse excellence from a Denver legend — great for Broncos fans and steak lovers alike
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 2,400+ Google reviews · Celebrity-owned · Ritz-Carlton setting · Lobster tail
- Price / value
- $$$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The bone-in New York strip is the signature cut. Add the lobster tail for a surf-and-turf that rivals any in the city. The creamed corn side is a sleeper hit.
- Insider tip
- Now the flagship location since the Cherry Creek spot closed in 2024. Inside the Ritz-Carlton at 1881 Curtis St — valet parking available. John Elway himself is occasionally spotted dining here. Also open for breakfast and lunch.
🕐 Hours
5Shanahan's Steakhouse
Prime SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- USDA Prime and Wagyu ribeye in Denver's most elegant steakhouse south of downtown
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 1,600+ Google reviews · USDA Prime · Wagyu ribeye · Elegant atmosphere
- Price / value
- $$$ · 4.6★
- What to order
- The Wagyu ribeye is the star — rich, buttery, and perfectly seared. If you want classic, the 20-oz bone-in USDA Prime ribeye is equally impressive. The loaded baked potato is the size of a football.
- Insider tip
- Located in the Denver Tech Center at 5085 S Syracuse — worth the drive. Valet parking is available. The wine list is one of the deepest in the metro — ask the sommelier for a pairing.
🕐 Hours
6Del Frisco's Double Eagle
Classic SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Massive dry-aged cuts — the 32-oz ribeye is legendary for special occasions
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 1,900+ Google reviews · Dry-aged program · 32-oz ribeye · Award-winning wine list
- Price / value
- $$$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The 32-oz bone-in dry-aged ribeye is the signature — meant for sharing (or not, we won't judge). The lemon doberge cake for dessert is a Del Frisco's classic you can't skip.
- Insider tip
- While it's a national chain, the Greenwood Village location at 8100 E Orchard Rd is consistently rated one of the best in the system. The bar scene here is excellent on weeknights — great for a business dinner or cocktails and a steak.
🕐 Hours
7A5 Steakhouse
Michelin-RecognizedQuick comparison
- Best for
- Michelin-recognized steaks with in-house seam butchery and inventive preparations
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 950+ Google reviews · 3x Michelin-recommended · In-house seam butchery · Creative sides
- Price / value
- $$$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The A5 Wagyu selection (the restaurant's namesake) or the butcher's cut of the day. The inventive side dishes are a highlight — expect creative takes that go beyond the standard creamed spinach.
- Insider tip
- Happy hour daily from 3:30-5:30pm is an excellent way to experience the restaurant at a lower price point. Located at 1600 15th St near Union Station. The lively atmosphere is more approachable than you'd expect from a Michelin-recognized spot.
🕐 Hours
8Bastien's Restaurant
Retro SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- The most uniquely Denver steak — Bastien's famous sugar steak since 1937, at half the price of downtown spots
- Strengths
- 4.4★ from 1,200+ Google reviews · Sugar steak (house specialty) · Since 1937 · Retro vibe · Best value
- Price / value
- $$ · 4.4★
- What to order
- The sugar steak — absolutely. It's the house specialty and the reason this place has thrived since 1937. The caramelized sugar-spice crust on the steak is unlike anything else in Denver.
- Insider tip
- The most affordable steakhouse on this list. The retro interior hasn't changed much since the mid-century era — neon signs, vintage booths, and a real old-Denver feel. Closed Mondays. No reservations needed, just walk in.
🕐 Hours
9Cattivella
Italian-SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Wood-fired Italian-steakhouse hybrid — perfect for groups who want steak AND pasta on the same table
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 850+ Google reviews · Chef Elise Wiggins · Wood-fired · Italian-steak fusion
- Price / value
- $$$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The wood-fired ribeye with Italian herbs, plus a house-made pasta to share. The burrata appetizer is one of the best in Denver. Don't skip the wood-fired desserts.
- Insider tip
- Chef Elise Wiggins is one of Denver's most celebrated chefs. Located at 10195 E 29th Dr in the Central Park neighborhood (formerly Stapleton). The wood-fired oven gives steaks a smoky char you won't find elsewhere. Closed Sundays.
🕐 Hours
10Cholon Modern Asian
Asian-FusionQuick comparison
- Best for
- Asian-fusion steak with unique cuts and creative sides — the wildcard pick for adventurous eaters
- Strengths
- 4.5★ from 2,100+ Google reviews · Asian-fusion preparations · Unique cuts · Creative sides · LoDo location
- Price / value
- $$$ · 4.5★
- What to order
- The lemongrass-marinated steak or whatever unique cut is on the special board. The French onion soup dumplings are legendary — order them no matter what. The kaya toast dessert is a must.
- Insider tip
- Located in LoDo at 1555 Blake St near Coors Field — perfect for a pre-game dinner during Rockies season. The menu changes seasonally. Also has locations at Sloan's Lake and DIA. Closed Sundays at the downtown location.
🕐 Hours
Planning Your Denver Steakhouse Experience
Reservations
Reservations are strongly recommended at every restaurant on this list except Bastien's (walk-in friendly). Guard and Grace, Elway's, and Shanahan's can book up 1-2 weeks in advance for Friday/Saturday prime time. Most accept reservations via OpenTable or Resy. For special occasions, book 2-3 weeks ahead.
What to Expect Price-Wise
Most steakhouses on this list are in the $$$ range — expect $60-120 per person for a steak, a side, and a drink. Bastien's is the exception at $$, where you can get their famous sugar steak dinner for $30-40. Factor in another $15-25 for appetizers and dessert at the upscale spots.
Best Areas for Steakhouse Hopping
Downtown/LoDo is the epicenter — Guard and Grace, Elway's Downtown, Urban Farmer, A5 Steakhouse, and Cholon are all within walking or short rideshare distance of each other. The DTC/Greenwood Village corridor has Shanahan's and Del Frisco's. Bastien's on Colfax is its own experience.
Getting Around
Downtown Denver spots (Guard and Grace, Elway's, Urban Farmer, A5, Cholon) are walkable from most downtown hotels and accessible via light rail. DTC/Greenwood Village spots (Shanahan's, Del Frisco's) are best reached by car or rideshare — about 20-25 minutes from downtown. Buckhorn Exchange is accessible via the 10th & Osage light rail station.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Denver cut steak?
The Denver cut (also called Denver steak) comes from the chuck roll, specifically the serratus ventralis muscle under the shoulder blade. It's one of the most tender cuts from the chuck, with rich marbling similar to a ribeye but at a lower price point. Despite its name, the cut was actually developed by meat scientists at the University of Nebraska and named "Denver" for marketing appeal. You'll find it on menus at several Denver steakhouses as a point of local pride.
Which Denver steakhouse is best for a date night?
Guard and Grace downtown is the top date-night pick — its 9,000 sqft space has a sophisticated atmosphere, raw bar for sharing, and excellent cocktail program. A5 Steakhouse near Union Station offers Michelin-recognized steaks in an intimate, lively setting. Shanahan's in the DTC is ideal for a special occasion with its elegant dining room and impeccable service.
What makes Colorado beef special?
Colorado is one of the top cattle-producing states in the US, and the high-altitude ranching environment produces beef with distinct qualities. Grass-fed Colorado beef tends to be leaner with a cleaner, more mineral flavor thanks to the mountain grasses and clean water. Many Denver steakhouses source directly from Colorado ranches — Urban Farmer is particularly notable for its commitment to sustainable, locally sourced Colorado beef with in-house butchery.
What's the dress code at Denver steakhouses?
Denver steakhouses are generally smart-casual to business casual — nicer than jeans and a t-shirt, but you won't need a suit. Guard and Grace, Shanahan's, Del Frisco's, and Elway's lean more upscale (collared shirt recommended). Bastien's is the most casual — its retro diner vibe welcomes anything. Urban Farmer and Cholon fall somewhere in between. When in doubt, a nice pair of jeans with a blazer works everywhere in Denver.
Do I need reservations at Denver steakhouses?
Yes — reservations are strongly recommended for all steakhouses on this list, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Guard and Grace, Elway's, Shanahan's, and Del Frisco's can book up a week or more in advance for prime dinner slots. Bastien's is the exception — it's more of a walk-in spot. Most restaurants accept reservations through OpenTable or Resy. For special occasions, book 2-3 weeks ahead.
How much does a steak dinner cost in Denver?
Most Denver steakhouses on this list are in the $$$ range. Expect to spend $60-120 per person for a steak entree, sides, and a drink at places like Guard and Grace, Shanahan's, or Del Frisco's. Elway's and A5 Steakhouse are similar. Bastien's is the budget-friendly outlier at $$ — you can get their famous sugar steak for around $30-40. Overall, Denver steakhouses offer solid value compared to equivalent restaurants in New York or San Francisco.
What's a sugar steak at Bastien's?
Bastien's sugar steak is the restaurant's legendary house specialty dating back to 1937. The steak is coated in a proprietary sugar-and-spice rub before being broiled at high heat, creating a caramelized, slightly sweet crust that contrasts beautifully with the savory, juicy meat inside. It's a uniquely Denver invention — you won't find anything quite like it anywhere else. Locals consider it a must-try at least once.
Which Denver steakhouse has the best Wagyu?
Guard and Grace offers the widest selection of Wagyu options, including Japanese A5 Wagyu and domestic Wagyu cuts. A5 Steakhouse — named after the highest grade of Japanese beef — is a Michelin-recognized spot that specializes in rare Wagyu cuts with in-house seam butchery. Shanahan's Steakhouse is known for its Wagyu ribeye, which is consistently praised as one of the best in the metro area.
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