10 Colorado Steakhouse Chains That Locals Swear Are Worth Every Slice
Colorado might be famous for its mountains and outdoor adventures, but the Centennial State’s steakhouse scene is a hidden treasure that deserves recognition.
As someone who’s spent years exploring Colorado’s culinary landscape, I’ve discovered that nothing beats the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked steak after a day of hiking.
From rustic establishments with century-old traditions to modern eateries pushing culinary boundaries, these steakhouse chains have earned a special place in locals’ hearts and stomachs.
1. Texas Roadhouse
My first Texas Roadhouse experience happened after moving to Denver, when a coworker insisted I try their legendary rolls. Those warm, honey-buttered delights were just the opening act!
The main attraction? Hand-cut steaks prepared exactly to your liking. Their Fort Collins location bustles with energy, line dancing servers and all, while maintaining surprisingly reasonable prices that won’t drain your wallet.
Fun fact: Texas Roadhouse markets that their steaks are hand-cut daily in-house, though practices may vary by location. The casual, lively atmosphere makes it perfect for family dinners, and their cinnamon butter alone justifies the visit.
2. LongHorn Steakhouse
Remember that snowstorm last winter when I desperately needed comfort food? LongHorn Steakhouse rescued me with their Outlaw Ribeye that still haunts my dreams.
Their Colorado locations capture that perfect balance between upscale dining and comfortable atmosphere. The steak selection ranges from classic cuts to unique specialties seasoned with their proprietary blend that somehow tastes distinctly Coloradan.
What sets LongHorn apart is their commitment to quality, though the claim that they “never freeze steaks” is a marketing point rather than a universal guarantee. The servers know their beef, offering genuine recommendations rather than pushing the priciest options.
3. Rodizio Grill
Stepping into Rodizio Grill for my birthday last year completely changed my understanding of steak consumption. Forget choosing one cut, here, gauchos parade around with skewers of every meat imaginable!
Their Colorado locations in Denver and Littleton bring authentic churrasco-style dining with unlimited meat carved tableside. The festive atmosphere transports you straight to Brazil while you flip your card between green (bring more meat!) and red (mercy, please).
Beyond their impressive 12+ meat selections, the gourmet salad bar deserves its own praise. Their signature grilled pineapple with cinnamon makes a surprisingly perfect palate cleanser between rounds of picanha and cordeiro. Come hungry, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
4. STK Steakhouse
Last anniversary, I wanted something beyond the traditional steakhouse experience. STK in Denver delivered with its nightclub-meets-steakhouse vibe that had us lingering hours after our plates were cleared.
Unlike stuffy steakhouses of yesteryear, STK pulses with energy. Their DJ spins tracks while servers deliver some of the most Instagram-worthy presentations I’ve seen. Menu offerings change, but dishes like Wagyu flat iron with truffle butter and cocktails such as the Cucumber Stiletto are among their highlights.
While definitely splurge territory price-wise, STK transforms steak dinner into a full evening’s entertainment. Their downtown Denver location offers spectacular city views from the outdoor patio.
5. Del Frisco’s
“You haven’t had a proper steak experience until you’ve visited Del Frisco’s,” my Denver-native neighbor insisted before dragging me there for my first visit. Boy, was he right!
Note: The former Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in Denver has closed; at its peak, it was known for leather booths and fine service. The bone-in ribeye arrived perfectly charred outside, ruby-red inside, accompanied by their famous chateau potatoes.
What impressed me most was how they’ve maintained traditional steakhouse values while incorporating local Colorado touches. Their seafood tower rivals anything I’ve had on either coast. Yes, you’ll spend more than at chain restaurants, but the memorable experience justifies every penny.
6. Guard & Grace
When my foodie cousin visited from New York, I knew only Guard & Grace would impress her jaded palate. This isn’t your grandfather’s steakhouse, chef Troy Guard has reimagined what steak dining can be in downtown Denver.
The soaring ceilings and open kitchen create theatrical dining where you can watch culinary artists at work. Their oak-fired steaks come in various sizes (even 4oz for lighter appetites!), and the flight of filet mignon lets you compare grass-fed, prime, and Angus preparations side-by-side.
Their raw bar features locally sourced Colorado ingredients alongside exotic seafood. I’m slightly obsessed with their oak-fired carrots, somehow transforming this humble vegetable into something extraordinary. Guard & Grace represents Denver’s evolution into a serious culinary destination.
7. Buckhorn Exchange
Walking into Buckhorn Exchange feels like stepping into a time machine. Established in 1893, this Denver institution holds Colorado’s first liquor license, a fact the bartender proudly shared while mixing my excellent Old Fashioned.
The walls display hundreds of taxidermied animals, vintage photos, and authentic frontier memorabilia. Their specialty? Enormous portions of game meats alongside traditional beef cuts. The elk medallions changed my perspective on non-traditional steaks.
What makes Buckhorn special isn’t just history, it’s how they’ve maintained quality through three centuries. Their signature 24-ounce porterhouse arrives with no frills, just perfectly aged beef cooked exactly as requested. Don’t skip the Rocky Mountain oysters if you’re feeling adventurous!
8. Shanahan’s Steakhouse
Former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan created more than championship teams—his namesake steakhouse in Denver Tech Center has become my go-to for impressing out-of-town clients. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between upscale and comfortable.
Football memorabilia decorates the walls tastefully, while the centerpiece bar creates energetic vibes. Their USDA Prime steaks, aged 40 days minimum, develop flavor profiles that make ordering sauce seem almost sacrilegious (though their bourbon peppercorn is admittedly fantastic).
Beyond beef, don’t overlook their Colorado lamb chops or seafood selections flown in daily. The fire-roasted artichoke appetizer starts meals on a high note. Their sommelier once helped me select a perfect Cabernet for a special celebration without upselling me, a touch of class I’ve never forgotten.
9. A5 Steakhouse
“You might need a second job after dining here,” I joked to my partner before our anniversary splurge at A5. Named for the highest grade of Japanese beef, this Denver hotspot delivers an experience worth every penny.
The intimate space showcases their open kitchen where chefs handle precious Wagyu with reverence. One of their signature experiences is an ishiyaki-style service, where guests cook thin slices of Wagyu on a hot stone, though offerings vary by season.
Beyond Japanese imports, they source exceptional American Wagyu and prime cuts. Their whiskey selection spans continents, with Japanese options complementing the beef perfectly. The umami butter they age in-house transforms ordinary bread service into something transcendent. Reserve well in advance, this small venue fills quickly.
10. Hideaway Steakhouse
Sometimes the best discoveries happen by accident. After getting lost in Westminster suburbs last year, hunger led me to Hideaway Steakhouse, a decision I’ve thanked my poor navigation skills for ever since.
Tucked away from downtown hustle, this unassuming location houses culinary excellence that rivals Denver’s finest establishments. Their farm-to-table philosophy means relationships with local ranchers and seasonal menu adjustments that showcase Colorado’s bounty.
Their menu changes seasonally, but highlights often include a 40-day dry-aged tomahawk ribeye and indulgent appetizers such as bone marrow. Their patio dining offers stunning Front Range views, especially at sunset. Unlike downtown venues, parking is plentiful and free, a small detail that enhances the overall experience.