Quick answer
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.
- Best overall
- Guard and Grace
- Top pick
- Guard and Grace
Top verdicts
- Guard and Grace: Special occasions, date nights, and the definitive Denver steakhouse experience
- Buckhorn Exchange: History buffs, first-time Denver visitors, and anyone who wants game meats alongside prime beef
- Urban Farmer: Colorado beef purists, sustainability-conscious diners, and brunch (weekend brunch is excellent)
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.
Area map
All 10 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guard and Grace | Modern | upscale | Downtown |
| 2 | Buckhorn Exchange | Historic | upscale | South Denver |
| 3 | Urban Farmer | Modern | upscale | Union Station |
| 4 | Elway's Downtown | Classic | upscale | Downtown |
| 5 | Shanahan's Steakhouse | Classic | upscale | DTC |
| 6 | Del Frisco's Double Eagle | Classic | upscale | Greenwood Village |
| 7 | A5 Steakhouse | Modern | upscale | Downtown |
| 8 | Bastien's Restaurant | Historic | mid | East Colfax |
| 9 | Cattivella | Fusion | upscale | Central Park |
| 10 | Cholon Modern Asian | Fusion | upscale | LoDo |
1Guard and Grace
Modern SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Special occasions, date nights, and the definitive Denver steakhouse experience
- Strengths
- Known for Modern Steakhouse
- Limitations
- Pricey; reservations often needed 1–2 weeks in advance
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- Guard and Grace is consistently voted Denver's best steakhouse by Westword readers and local food critics. The 9,000 sqft space at 1801 California St houses a full oyster bar, an award-winning cocktail program, and a beef program ranging from dry-aged prime ribeye to Japanese A5 Wagyu. Chef Troy Guard sources premium cuts and executes them with precision. It's the benchmark against which every other Denver steakhouse is measured.
- What to order
- The 40-day dry-aged ribeye is the signature cut. For sharing, start with the oyster platter and the tuna tartare. The bone marrow butter finish on any steak is non-negotiable.
2Buckhorn Exchange
Historic SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- History buffs, first-time Denver visitors, and anyone who wants game meats alongside prime beef
- Strengths
- Known for Historic Steakhouse
- Limitations
- Slightly touristy; reservations recommended on weekends
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- The Buckhorn Exchange at 1000 Osage St is a National Historic Landmark and Denver's oldest continuously operating restaurant. Buffalo Bill Cody, presidents, and Denver legends have dined here. The beef is prime, but the real draw is the combination of history, atmosphere, and a menu that includes elk tenderloin and rattlesnake appetizers alongside classic steaks. There's nowhere else quite like it.
- What to order
- Prime rib for the classic experience, or elk tenderloin if you want something uniquely Colorado. The buffalo short ribs are also excellent. Start with the rattlesnake appetizer for the full Buckhorn experience.
🕐 Opening hours
3Urban Farmer
Farm-to-TableQuick comparison
- Best for
- Colorado beef purists, sustainability-conscious diners, and brunch (weekend brunch is excellent)
- Strengths
- Known for Farm-to-Table
- Limitations
- Smaller menu than some competitors; can get loud during peak hours
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- Urban Farmer at 1659 Wazee St is the benchmark for Colorado farm-to-table steakhouse dining. The in-house butchery program means every cut is handled with care from ranch to plate. They source from named Colorado ranches — you'll often see the producer on the menu. The commitment to the local food system makes this the most authentic Colorado beef experience in Denver.
- What to order
- The Colorado prime ribeye is the signature — ask your server which ranch it's from that week. The bone-in pork chop is also exceptional if you want something off the beef menu. Weekend brunch is a Denver institution.
4Elway's Downtown
Classic SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Business dinners, sports fans, power-dining with excellent cocktails and happy hour
- Strengths
- Known for Classic Steakhouse
- Limitations
- Can be crowded pre-event; parking downtown is expensive
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- Elway's is the most recognizably Denver steakhouse on this list. John Elway's name carries genuine local pride, and the restaurant lives up to it — USDA Prime cuts, attentive service, and a room that feels special. The happy hour from 3–6 PM is one of the best deals in downtown Denver, with half-price appetizers and discounted cocktails. Located steps from the Colorado Convention Center.
- What to order
- The USDA Prime filet mignon is the star. The wedge salad is a classic steakhouse starter done perfectly. For happy hour, the prime beef sliders are exceptional value.
🕐 Opening hours
5Shanahan's Steakhouse
Prime SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- South Denver residents, DTC business dinners, and the best Wagyu ribeye in the metro area
- Strengths
- Known for Prime Steakhouse
- Limitations
- Far from downtown; valet parking only
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- Shanahan's is consistently ranked among the top steakhouses in Colorado by 5280 Magazine and Westword. The elegant dining room, impeccable tableside service, and premium beef program set it apart from competitors in the south Denver market. The Wagyu ribeye is a standout — rich, buttery, and perfectly marbled. A destination restaurant that happens to be in the DTC.
- What to order
- The Wagyu ribeye is the must-order. For classic prime beef, the dry-aged New York strip is superb. The lobster bisque starter is also exceptional.
🕐 Opening hours
6Del Frisco's Double Eagle
Classic SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Groups, celebrations, and the full classic American steakhouse experience with premium cuts
- Strengths
- Known for Classic Steakhouse
- Limitations
- Chain restaurant; can feel corporate compared to independents
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- Del Frisco's Double Eagle in Greenwood Village is the best execution of the classic American steakhouse format in the Denver metro. The all-USDA Prime beef program, extensive dry-aged selection, and 2,000-label wine list set it apart from competitors. The lively atmosphere — multiple dining rooms, a grand bar, and live music on weekends — makes it ideal for groups and celebrations.
- What to order
- The 32-oz dry-aged rib chop for two is the menu centerpiece. For individual cuts, the 16-oz bone-in New York strip is excellent. The lemon drop martini is a Del Frisco's classic.
🕐 Opening hours
7A5 Steakhouse
Michelin-RecognizedQuick comparison
- Best for
- Wagyu enthusiasts, beef connoisseurs, and anyone seeking Denver's most curated steak experience
- Strengths
- Known for Michelin-Recognized
- Limitations
- Smaller, more intimate room — can feel cramped; premium Wagyu cuts are expensive
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- A5 Steakhouse is the most technically serious beef restaurant in Denver. The Michelin recognition — rare in Denver — reflects the precision of their sourcing and butchery. The seam-cut Japanese A5 Wagyu pieces are handled individually, allowing for cuts most restaurants can't offer. For the beef-obsessed diner, A5 is a pilgrimage spot.
- What to order
- The Japanese A5 Wagyu tasting flight if budget allows — it lets you compare cuts and grades. The domestic Wagyu tomahawk is also excellent at a lower price point. Ask about the daily seam-cut specials.
🕐 Opening hours
8Bastien's Restaurant
Retro SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Budget steakhouse dining, Denver history, and the one-of-a-kind sugar steak experience
- Strengths
- Known for Retro Steakhouse
- Limitations
- Cash-only for some items; retro decor is polarizing; limited wine list
- Price / value
- $$
- Why it made the list
- Bastien's is irreplaceable. The sugar steak — a proprietary rub of sugar and spices broiled to a caramelized crust — was invented here in 1937 and exists nowhere else. The retro Colfax atmosphere, reasonable prices, and walk-in availability make it accessible in a way the other steakhouses on this list aren't. A true Denver original.
- What to order
- The sugar steak. There's no debate. Get it medium-rare for the best caramelization contrast with the juicy interior. The onion rings are also famous — crispy, old-school, and enormous.
🕐 Opening hours
9Cattivella
Italian-SteakhouseQuick comparison
- Best for
- Italian food lovers who also want great steak, creative diners, and east Denver residents
- Strengths
- Known for Italian-Steakhouse
- Limitations
- Further from downtown; smaller beef selection than dedicated steakhouses
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- Cattivella offers something no other Denver steakhouse does: authentic Italian bistecca tradition combined with Colorado beef. The wood-fired oven gives every cut a smoky, charred depth that's different from traditional broiler steakhouses. Chef Elise Wiggins' Italian technique applied to Colorado beef creates a genuinely original dining experience. A neighborhood gem that punches well above its weight.
- What to order
- The bistecca alla fiorentina (wood-fired T-bone for two) is the signature. Start with the housemade tagliatelle. The tiramisu to finish is among Denver's best.
🕐 Opening hours
10Cholon Modern Asian
Asian-FusionQuick comparison
- Best for
- Creative diners, Asian food enthusiasts who want premium beef with bold flavors
- Strengths
- Known for Asian-Fusion
- Limitations
- Not a traditional steakhouse — beef fans seeking classic preparations should look elsewhere
- Price / value
- $$$
- Why it made the list
- Cholon Modern Asian rounds out this list as the creative alternative. Chef Lon Symensma trained at Alain Ducasse's empire before bringing his Asian-inflected cooking to Denver. The beef preparations here — short rib with Vietnamese spices, Wagyu with Korean-inspired accompaniments — are among Denver's most technically accomplished dishes. If you want to see what happens when serious culinary technique meets premium Colorado beef, Cholon is the answer.
- What to order
- The braised short rib is a standout. The soup dumpling is one of Denver's most celebrated dishes. For Wagyu, ask the server about the current preparation — it changes seasonally.
🕐 Opening hours
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.