Denver’s restaurant scene was once defined by its steakhouses. Over the past quarter century, however, the city’s culinary ambitions have expanded far beyond steak-and-potatoes, evolving into a destination where you can eat everything from fresh fish flown in from Japan at a Michelin-starred sushi counter to soulful, fine-dining Mexican fare.
Even so, steak remains part of the Mile High City’s DNA. And as Denver’s dining scene has matured, its steakhouses have evolved right alongside it. Today’s new wave blends classic indulgence with some tableside theater: At Carne, chef Dana Rodriguez’s 1970s-inspired steakhouse, a glimmering martini cart roves the dining room, while at Broadway 10 Bar and Chophouse in Cherry Creek, scallops bathed in herbed butter arrive flaming tableside.
From old-school institutions to sleek, date-night destinations, Denver has no shortage of places to order a great cut. Here are five standout spots for a memorable steak dinner in the city.
Cherry Creek Newcomer: Broadway 10 Bar and Chophouse
Broadway 10 Bar and Chophouse originated more than a decade ago in Oklahoma City. It picked Denver for its second location, making its debut in the Cherry Creek neighborhood last fall.
You can choose to have your steak grilled over pecan, hickory or oak or have it seared under a traditional broiler. Decadent add ons include bone marrow, a blue cheese butter, diver scallops and more.
If you’re someone who loves steakhouse sides as much as the steak, you’ll love what B10 has to offer—from bacon mac and cheese to lemon and butter broccoli and smoked gouda mashed potatoes.
And while steak is, of course, the main event, B10 also has an impressive sushi line up and is known for its bacon, which you can get a flight of and sample the varieties — jalapeño, peppered, smoked, candied espresso, bourbon. Plus, any guest who bellies up to the bar gets a gratis serving of bacon to enjoy as they browse the menu. 2345 E 3rd Ave., Suite 100, Denver
A Colorado Classic on Colfax: Bastien’s
If you want to time-travel through Colorado, a dinner at Bastien’s on Colfax is a must.
With its mid-century vibes—complete with Googie-style architecture and a glowing neon sign—Bastien’s is a true classic. The move here is the famous sugar steak, seasoned with a sweet-and-spicy rub the owners have famously kept secret and best ordered on a richly marbled cut of beef. Other options range from a coffee-rubbed steak with avocado chimichurri to the Black and Tan, topped with mushrooms and a gorgonzola reduction, plus variations finished with a horseradish blue cheese crust or sweet-and-savory vodka-infused grilled peaches, caramelized onions, and melted Gruyère.
Every steak comes with soup or salad, sautéed vegetables, and your choice of potato. This is the kind of place where you order the “filthy martini” or another classic cocktail, settle in, and enjoy the throwback feel of the space. 3503 E Colfax Ave., Denver
A Steakhouse with Global Influence: Carne
James Beard nominated chef Dana Rodriguez drew from her travels around the world to build her global steakhouse menu at Carne, a hip steakhouse in RiNo where vinyl sets the soundtrack and diners can call over a cart for tableside martinis with gin or vodka.
The menu ranges from a juicy Argentinian Bife de Chorizo to a Colorado Lamb T-bone marinated in garlic and cumin to an adobo roasted chicken with a brown butter and lemon-sage sauce.
Carne also is a happy hour hot spot (5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; 4 to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday) dishing out deals on oysters, pork wings with a Korean barbecue sauce, a smashburger, mushroom spinach dip and 20% wine, beer and cocktails. 2601 Larimer St., Denver
Creative Spins on Steakhouse Classics: A5 Steakhouse
At A5 Steakhouse, you’ll find all the hallmarks of a classic steakhouse: Steaks grilled to perfection, whipped mashed potatoes, and a nicely balanced, housemade steak sauce built from 18 ingredients. But the team adds thoughtful twists to tradition, most evident in accouterments like the A5 Béarnaise, made with sake and Szechuan, and sides such as fried mac-and-cheese croquettes served with pepper jam.
That creativity caught the attention of Michelin inspectors, who awarded A5 a recommendation and noted its classic steakhouse favorites with subtle variations. Think the mac-and-cheese makeover mentioned above, along with fluffy Japanese milk bread rolls and roasted squash finished with a fish sauce caramel.
Carnivores have their pick of cuts, from tomahawks and T-bones to a sirloin from Australian wagyu. Michelin inspectors also praised the Denver steak, an anterior chuck cut of wagyu. Helmed by chef Max MacKissock, the restaurant lets diners order their steaks “Chef Max Style,” topped with grilled and roasted alliums and roasted bone marrow, or opt for surf-and-turf additions like butter-poached Maine lobster tail, seared scallops, or tiger prawns.
The steakhouse also has a fantastic raw bar with seafood towers and an easier-on-the-wallet happy hour with a $15 wagyu beef hamburger. 1600 15th St., Denver
Best Place for a Special Dinner: Guard and Grace
Chef Troy Guard’s downtown steakhouse Guard and Grace is a Denverite’s go-to for special occasions, whether it’s anniversaries, birthdays, or any other kind of celebration. The sleek modern steakhouse also drew a Michelin recommendation from inspectors who noted: “Steaks are the obvious draw but a full seafood bar is a close second.”
Take that as your cue to order a seafood tower stacked with oysters, lobster and king crab for the table before diving into the main course. Steak lovers, feast your eyes on the “Filet Flight” that provides a sampling of prime, wagyu and grass-fed filets.
The raise the steaks sections includes lots of tasty upgrades, an oak-grilled lobster tail to blue cheese butter or a brandy peppercorn sauce.
This is one spot you’ll definitely want to save room for dessert, too. The restaurant makes its own in-house, seasonal ice creams and sorbets. 1801 California St., Denver
