Colorado Steakhouses Serving Juicy Tender Steaks Locals Swear By
Colorado might be famous for its stunning mountains and outdoor adventures, but locals know it’s also home to some incredible steakhouses.
From sizzling ribeyes to perfectly cooked filets, the Centennial State offers meat lovers plenty of reasons to celebrate. I’ve rounded up the steakhouses where Colorado residents actually eat when they’re craving a mouthwatering steak that hits all the right notes.
1. Guard and Grace – Denver’s Modern Meat Palace
Located in downtown Denver, Guard and Grace stands as a sleek, contemporary steakhouse that breaks the traditional mold. Chef Troy Guard created this upscale haven for meat lovers in 2014, and it quickly became a local favorite.
The oak-fired grill gives their prime cuts an irresistible smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with their extensive wine selection. I love their filet flight that lets you sample different grades of beef side by side.
What makes this place special is the attention to detail from house-made steak sauces to seasonal Colorado ingredients that complement each cut. The open, airy space feels welcoming rather than stuffy, making it perfect for special occasions without the pretentiousness.
2. Buckhorn Exchange – Historic Beef in the Old West
Denver’s oldest restaurant (established 1893) holds Colorado’s first liquor license and enough taxidermy to make your head spin. Stepping into Buckhorn Exchange feels like traveling back to the Wild West, with walls adorned with mounted animal heads and vintage photos.
Their signature Buffalo steaks and enormous bone-in ribeyes have satisfied hungry patrons for generations. The meat comes with simple preparations that highlight quality rather than hiding behind fancy sauces.
Famous diners from Buffalo Bill to five U.S. presidents have enjoyed meals here. While tourists certainly find their way to this National Historic Landmark, locals still pack the place for anniversary dinners and special celebrations when only a perfectly cooked, oversized steak will do.
3. Edge Restaurant – Four Seasons Luxury Beef
Nestled inside Denver’s Four Seasons Hotel, Edge Restaurant elevates steak to an art form. The sleek, sophisticated setting matches the precision of their meat preparation, where steaks are cooked to the exact temperature requested.
Their Colorado-raised beef undergoes a 21-day aging process that intensifies flavor and ensures remarkable tenderness. Each cut arrives at your table with a perfect sear that seals in juices.
Though located in a luxury hotel, Edge avoids tourist-trap pricing by offering approachable happy hour deals that locals take advantage of. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through their impressive selection of artisanal salts designed to enhance different cuts of meat. Try the bone-in ribeye with a side of their famous truffle mac and cheese for a truly memorable meal.
4. Elway’s – The NFL Legend’s Meat Temple
Football icon John Elway’s namesake steakhouse delivers championship-worthy steaks across multiple Colorado locations. The Cherry Creek flagship combines upscale dining with a relaxed Colorado vibe that attracts both business diners and casual beef enthusiasts.
Signature hand-cut, aged USDA Prime steaks come with innovative preparations that go beyond standard steakhouse fare. Their lamb chops deserve special mention as a delicious alternative to beef.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try their bone marrow with sweet onion jam a starter that locals rave about. During summer months, the Cherry Creek location’s patio becomes one of Denver’s most coveted outdoor dining spots, where you might spot local celebrities or even Elway himself enjoying the restaurant’s perfectly charred creations.
5. Bastien’s – The Home of the Sugar Steak
Since 1937, this family-owned Denver institution has been serving its famous sugar-rubbed steaks that caramelize to perfection when cooked. Bastien’s retro mid-century vibe hasn’t changed much over the decades, and that’s exactly how locals like it.
Their signature New York strip gets a sweet-savory crust from a secret sugar rub that creates an addictive flavor profile you won’t find elsewhere. The old-school dining room with its circular bar and vintage booths transports you to another era.
While tourists flock to trendier spots downtown, multi-generation Denver families continue celebrating special occasions at this Colfax Avenue landmark. The reasonable prices and generous portions keep regulars coming back. Don’t miss their twice-baked potatoes that provide the perfect complement to their uniquely prepared steaks.
6. Shanahan’s – South Denver’s Sophisticated Steakhouse
Former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan created this upscale Tech Center steakhouse that combines sports pedigree with serious culinary credentials. The elegant dining room features a stunning central fireplace and an impressive wine wall showcasing their award-winning collection.
USDA Prime steaks arrive with a perfect crust from their 1600-degree broiler that seals in juices while creating irresistible texture. The bar area offers a more casual experience where locals gather to enjoy excellent beef without the full dining room commitment.
Though slightly removed from downtown Denver, serious steak lovers make the trip specifically for their perfectly aged bone-in ribeye. Their seafood tower makes an impressive starter for special occasions. The restaurant strikes that perfect balance between special occasion destination and comfortable neighborhood spot for South Denver residents.
7. Urban Farmer – Farm-to-Table Steak Excellence
Housed in Denver’s historic Oxford Hotel, Urban Farmer emphasizes relationships with local ranchers and sustainable practices. Their dedication to sourcing shows in the flavor-packed steaks that arrive at your table.
The steak tasting flight offers three different types of beef side-by-side, allowing you to compare grass-fed, grain-finished, and dry-aged cuts in one meal. This educational approach to dining makes it a favorite among Colorado’s food-conscious carnivores.
Seasonal side dishes showcase Colorado produce that perfectly complements their carefully sourced meats. The bright, modern farmhouse aesthetic creates a welcoming atmosphere that feels distinctly Colorado. Their house-made charcuterie and impressive cheese cart make excellent starters before diving into their exceptional steaks served with locally-foraged mushrooms.
8. Steakhouse 10 – Englewood’s Hidden Gem
Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall in Englewood, Steakhouse 10 proves that exceptional beef doesn’t require flashy surroundings. This family-owned establishment has been quietly serving some of Colorado’s best steaks for decades without the downtown prices or pretension.
Their aged beef comes perfectly cooked with minimal fuss just salt, pepper, and expert grilling technique. Locals particularly love the tableside Caesar salad preparation and flaming desserts that add theatrical flair to the dining experience.
The cozy, dimly-lit dining room creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for date nights. Regular customers know to request their favorite servers who remember their usual orders. While tourists rarely discover this neighborhood favorite, Denver residents happily drive across town for their consistently excellent beef and old-school service.
9. The Fort – Mountain Dining with Frontier Flair
Perched in the foothills of Morrison, this adobe castle replica serves up Old West cuisine including game meats and frontier-inspired dishes. The Fort’s striking red building offers spectacular views of Denver and pays homage to Bent’s Old Fort from Colorado’s trading post era.
Their signature buffalo filet mignon draws locals seeking something beyond traditional beef. The historic-inspired menu includes dishes researched from 19th century recipes, creating a uniquely Colorado dining experience.
Former presidents and celebrities have dined here, but it’s the multi-generation Colorado families who keep returning for milestone celebrations. The dramatic sunset views from their patio make early evening reservations particularly coveted. Don’t miss their famous “bowl of the wife of Kit Carson” dessert a sweet finale to a memorable meat-focused meal.
10. Citizen Rail – Union Station’s Wood-Fired Wonder
Located near Denver’s revitalized Union Station, Citizen Rail distinguishes itself through house dry-aging and an open kitchen centered around a wood-fired grill. The restaurant’s glass-enclosed dry aging room displays their impressive meat collection like fine art.
Their 30-day dry-aged tomahawk ribeye develops incredible flavor complexity that keeps Denver foodies coming back. Watching chefs work the massive wood-fired grill adds entertainment value to the exceptional food.
Though relatively new compared to some historic Denver steakhouses, Citizen Rail quickly earned local loyalty through their commitment to whole-animal butchery and creative preparations. Their bar program deserves special mention for craft cocktails that complement the robust flavors of their meats. The restaurant’s industrial-chic design reflects the neighborhood’s railroad history while creating a thoroughly modern dining experience.
11. Corrida – Boulder’s Spanish-Inspired Steakhouse
Perched atop Boulder’s Pearl Street with sweeping Flatiron views, Corrida brings Spanish influence to Colorado beef. This rooftop restaurant combines the precision of American steakhouse tradition with the flair of a Spanish asador.
Their Wagyu beef comes simply prepared with olive oil and sea salt, allowing the exceptional quality to shine through. Small plates of Spanish pintxos and tapas create perfect accompaniments to their expertly prepared steaks.
Boulder locals appreciate the thoughtful wine list featuring Spanish regions that perfectly complement their beef. The outdoor dining area provides some of the best mountain views in the city. Though the Spanish-inspired approach differs from traditional American steakhouses, the focus remains on exceptional meat quality and precise cooking technique that allows natural flavors to take center stage.
12. Pepper Steakhouse – Vail Valley’s Alpine Meat Mecca
Nestled in the Vail Valley, Pepper Steakhouse combines mountain charm with serious beef credentials. The warm, wood-accented dining room provides a cozy retreat after a day on the slopes or hiking trails.
Their Colorado-raised beef undergoes specific aging processes that enhance flavor while maintaining tenderness. Though visitors certainly find their way here, locals know to come during shoulder seasons for the best experience without crowds.
What separates Pepper from other mountain town restaurants is their commitment to aging and cooking technique rather than relying on elaborate toppings or sauces. The knowledgeable staff includes long-time valley residents who can recommend the perfect wine pairing from their carefully curated list. Their bone-in ribeye with roasted garlic and rosemary butter represents Colorado mountain dining at its finest.
13. Briarhurst Manor – Victorian Elegance in Manitou Springs
Set in a historic Victorian mansion at the foot of Pikes Peak, Briarhurst Manor combines architectural splendor with exceptional beef. The pink stone building with its manicured gardens creates a distinctly romantic setting unlike any other Colorado steakhouse.
Their prime rib has achieved legendary status among Colorado Springs residents who save this dining experience for special occasions. Each dining room in the mansion offers a different ambiance, from library-inspired spaces to garden views.
While the elegant setting might suggest stuffiness, the welcoming staff creates a comfortable experience for all guests. The restaurant sources from local ranches whenever possible, supporting Colorado’s agricultural community. Their elk medallions offer a delicious alternative to traditional beef for those seeking a uniquely Colorado protein option.
14. 8th Street Steakhouse – Pueblo’s Cook-Your-Own Institution
This Pueblo favorite offers a unique interactive experience where diners cook their own steaks on massive communal grills. The casual, energetic atmosphere makes 8th Street a beloved local institution rather than a special-occasion-only destination.
Seasoning stations with various spice blends allow you to customize your chosen cut exactly to your preferences. Regulars have perfected their personal grilling techniques over years of visits.
What makes this place special is watching multi-generation families teaching younger members the art of steak grilling. The restaurant provides helpful guidance for first-timers without making them feel awkward. While the concept might sound gimmicky, the quality of their beef keeps serious steak lovers returning. Their house specialty marinated sirloin has converted many skeptics who initially questioned the cook-your-own concept.
