Denver, Colorado – the mile high city – is within reach of the Rocky Mountains. This city is notorious for its thriving breweries, eclectic dining, and top-notch music scene. It’s not surprising that Denver is littered with an equally diverse range of steakhouses to satisfy every appetite.
The key to any good steakhouse is the top quality USDA prime steak and the aging process. Let’s explore some of the Best Steakhouses in Denver and discover which ones stand out from the pack.
- Buckhorn Exchange
- Guard and Grace
- Shanahan’s Steakhouse
- Quality Italian
- Citizen Rail
- 801 Chophouse – Denver
- The Verdict
Buckhorn Exchange
Established in 1893, Buckhorn Exchange is Denver’s oldest steakhouse that has stood up to the test of time. When dining here, you’ll probably get an eerie feeling that all eyes are on you. That’s because their 575-piece taxidermy collection surrounds you. The Buckhorn Exchange has an endless array of wild game and steak options and is a place for carnivores only.
| The Steak | |
|---|---|
| Ethically Sourced | Not specified. |
| Beef Grades | Featuring USDA Prime steak cuts. |
| Aging Process | Not specified. |
| Butcher | Not specified. |
| The Steakhouse | |
|---|---|
| Menu | This menu is a meat lover paradise with steak, ribs, buffalo, game, and fish to choose. The Big Steak is a signature dish at the Buckhorn Exchange. Patrons can share a steak amongst five guests! |
| Service | A la carte and private events. |
| Beverages | Nothing notable, just the usual beer, wine, and spirits. |
| Price Range | Mid-range ($$$) |
| Atmosphere | The Buckhorn Exchange has a museum/restaurant feel to it with its taxidermy collection, 125-piece gun collection, and American Indian artifacts. It truly is a cabinet of curiosities. I love the old wooden bar. It kind of feels like you are stepping back in time and getting a taste of the Wild West. |
| Online Reputation | After assessing 5340+ online ratings across four platforms, Buckhorn Exchange ranked as A-. |
Buckhorn Exchange website, 1000 Osage Street, Denver, CO 80204, 303-293-8500
Guard and Grace
Guard and Grace, Denver opened in 2014, and just last year, the team opened their second steakhouse in Houston. This fine-dining establishment is located in the hustle and bustle of Downtown Denver’s business district.
| The Steak | |
|---|---|
| Ethically Sourced | All beef is purchased locally, but ranches and farms are not specified. |
| Beef Grades | Featuring USDA Prime steak cuts on the menu. There is also a specific section on the menu for grass-fed steak. |
| Aging Process | Featuring 21-day dry-aged rib-eye steak. This was the only steak on the menu that referenced the aging process. |
| Butcher | Not specified. |
| The Steakhouse | |
|---|---|
| Menu | Guard and Grace have something for everyone with various seafood, charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and vegetarian options on their menu. |
| Service | A la carte and private dining. |
| Beverages | Featuring a walk-in wine cellar with 3,000+ bottles of wine. Handcrafted cocktails. Local and domestic beers. |
| Price Range | Expensive ($$$$) |
| Atmosphere | Contemporary, elegant, and big, this is 9,000 square feet in size. Guard and Grace are business-friendly, featuring floor to ceiling windows overlooking the downtown Denver skyline. |
| Online Reputation | After assessing 6330+ online ratings across four platforms, Guard and Grace ranked as A. |
Guard and Grace website, 1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202, 303-293-8500.
Shanahan’s Steakhouse
Shanahan’s Steakhouse is a modern take on the classic steakhouse. This space features a timeless ambiance and provides comfortable booth banquette seating.
| The Steak | |
|---|---|
| Ethically Sourced | Wagyu filet is sourced from Snake River Farms, Idaho. It is unclear where Shanahan’s source the remaining steak on the menu. |
| Beef Grades | Featuring USDA Prime steak cuts on the menu. |
| Aging Process | Custom aged for 28 days. The aging process is not specified (dry or wet). |
| Butcher | Not specified. |
| The Steakhouse | |
|---|---|
| Menu | Shanahan’s has a raw bar stocked with seafood flown in daily and certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. Food is produced using Colorado-grown, organic produce. Signature plates include: 6 oz. filet with a croquette, blue cheese, and cabernet sauce.Dutch harbor red king crab legs. 36 oz. Wagyu rib eye tomahawk. |
| Service | A la carte and private dining. |
| Beverages | Handcrafted signature cocktails. A wine cellar boasting 5400+ bottles of wine. |
| Price Range | Expensive ($$$$) |
| Atmosphere | A contemporary and casual dining experience with plasma TV screens scattered throughout so diners can catch the score of the game. Enjoy cozy winter evenings near their fireplace. Outdoor dining is also available during warmer months. |
| Online Reputation | After assessing 9350+ online ratings across four platforms, Shanahan’s Steakhouse ranked as A. |
Shanahan’s Steakhouse website, 5085 S Syracuse St, Denver, CO 80237, 303-770-7300
Quality Italian
Based in Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel, this steakhouse offers the best of both worlds. Quality Italian is a classic New York steakhouse infused with old-world Italian flair. Let’s dive in and find out what all the fuss is about.
| The Steak | |
|---|---|
| Ethically Sourced | Not specified. |
| Beef Grades | Featuring USDA Prime steak cuts on the menu. |
| Aging Process | Featuring dry-age cuts on the menu. |
| Butcher | Not specified. |
| The Steakhouse | |
|---|---|
| Menu | In keeping with the Italian twist, all steaks are prepared with Gorgonzola – horseradish or truffle butter. Some signature dishes on the menu include: Dry-aged porterhouse agnolotti, Filet mignon meatballs, Beefsteak tomato and stracciatella |
| Service | A la carte and private dining. |
| Beverages | Handcrafted cocktails.The wine list features a large Italian presence.Colorado and Italian brews. |
| Price Range | Expensive ($$$$) |
| Atmosphere | This vibrant restaurant is surrounded by modern, industrial décor with warm lighting. |
| Online Reputation | After assessing 2440+ online ratings across four platforms, Quality Italian ranked as A-. |
Quality Italian website, 241 Columbine St, Denver, CO 80206, 303-532-8888
Citizen Rail
Citizen Rail debuted in 207 at the Kimpton Hotel, behind Union Square. This steakhouse indulges in the traditional with soulful, rustic grilling over a wood-fire. Citizen Rail’s butcher cures and smokes meats in-house, so you indulge in the charcuterie board while you are dining.
| The Steak | |
|---|---|
| Ethically Sourced | Beef is raised on spring water and sourced from Wyoming, Colorado, pastures. It is unclear which ranches and farms that Citizen Rail sources their steak. |
| Beef Grades | Featuring USDA Prime steak cuts on the menu. |
| Aging Process | Beef is dry-aged in-house for at least 28 days. The word is that some of their beef is aged for up to a year. |
| Butcher | In-house butcher hand-cuts all beef, duck, and wild venison. Citizen Rail makes sausages, pate, and cures all meats in-house. |
| The Steakhouse | |
|---|---|
| Menu | Citizen Rail has a great mix of contemporary and classic meals on the menu. Signature plates recommended by the team include: Smoked, braised oxtail over rice porridge, Blistered eggplant caviar with roasted garlic, Citizen Rail Burger |
| Service | A la carte and private dining. |
| Beverages | Handcrafted signature cocktails. Craft beers from Colorado. Wine list assembled to complement food menu |
| Price Range | Moderate to Expensive ($$$-$$$$) |
| Atmosphere | Modern, cozy, and lively ambiance surrounded by an art-deco design scheme. |
| Online Reputation | After assessing 1970+ online ratings across four platforms, Citizen Rail ranked as A-. |
Citizen Rail website, 1899 16th St Mall, Denver, CO 80202, 303-323-0017
801 Chophouse – Denver
The 801 Chophouse is a New York-style steakhouse located right in the heart of Cherry Creek. The Chophouse chain model their restaurants on 1920s style New York steakhouses. This group prides itself on stocking USDA Prime steaks only. Let’s explore all the 801 Chophouse has to offer.
| The Steak | |
|---|---|
| Ethically Sourced | Not specified. |
| Beef Grades | Featuring USDA Prime steak cuts only. |
| Aging Process | Not specified. |
| Butcher | Not specified. |
| The Steakhouse | |
|---|---|
| Menu | The menu is complementary to that of a traditional steakhouse with a selection of steak preparations such as fromage (blue cheese), bone marrow butter bat, Tuscan style, and black truffle butter. Sides include scalloped potatoes, grilled asparagus, and mushroom pan roast. |
| Service | A la carte and private dining. Complimentary valet. |
| Beverages | Award winning wine list. Exclusive list of small batch bourbons and single malt scotches. Handcrafted cocktails. |
| Price Range | Expensive ($$$$) |
| Atmosphere | Classic New York steakhouse has a warm ambiance. The 801 Chophouse is surrounded by wood paneling walls, leather booths, and brass fixtures. |
| Online Reputation | After assessing 2000+ online ratings across four platforms, 801 Chophouse ranked as A-. |
801 Chophouse website, 3000 E 1sh Ave Denver, CO 80206-5638, 303-214-6474
The Verdict
Denver has some quality steakhouses, but what lets some of them down is their lack of transparency about where steak is sourced and their aging process. If you are looking for a truly unique historical experience, then the Buckhorn Exchange is your best option.
If you seek a guaranteed, quality steak Citizen Rail, Guard and Grace, and Shanahan’s Steakhouse are the best options for you.
Dallas Steakhouse Scorecard Ranking
| Ranking | Steakhouse | Ethically Sourced | Beef Grades | Aging Process | Butcher | Online Reputation | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citizen Rail | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | A – / 2447 critics | 4.5/5 |
| 2 | Guard and Grace | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | A / 6333 critics | 4.5/5 | |
| 3 | Shanahan’s Steakhouse | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | A / 9384 critics | 4.5/5 | |
| 4 | Quality Italian | ✔ | ✔ | A / 1330 critics | 4/5 | ||
| 5 | Buckhorn Exchange | ✔ | A – / 5343 critics | 3.5/5 | |||
| 6 | 801 Chophouse Denver | ✔ | A – / 2005 critics | 3.5/5 |
Our personal choice was Citizen Rail because the idea of devouring a wood-fired steak was simply irresistible. Plus, since we are a pate fiends, that chicken liver mousse on the charcuterie board has our name written all over it!
