15 Best Steakhouses In Colorado You Need To Visit
Colorado knows exactly how to serve up a perfect steak. From historic establishments that have been grilling since the 1800s to sleek, modern culinary hotspots, the Centennial State offers some serious sizzle when it comes to steak.
Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours exploring these meaty havens, indulging in everything from the timeless, juicy ribeyes to more adventurous, exotic game cuts like bison and elk.
Ready to discover where to find your next unforgettable steak dinner in Colorado? Let’s dive into the best spots that promise a mouthwatering experience, and maybe even a few surprises along the way.
1. Guard and Grace – Denver’s Modern Meat Marvel
Walking into Guard and Grace feels like stepping into the future of steakhouses. The soaring ceilings and open kitchen immediately caught my eye during my anniversary dinner last year.
Chef Troy Guard has created something special here, offering prime, certified Angus, and grass-fed options that satisfy every preference. My personal favorite? The oak-fired carrots alongside a perfectly medium-rare Wagyu ribeye.
The sleek, spacious setting provides the perfect backdrop for both business meetings and special celebrations. Their raw bar adds another dimension to the traditional steakhouse experience, making this downtown Denver gem truly stand out.
2. Buckhorn Exchange – A Taste of Wild West History
Stepping through the doors of Buckhorn Exchange is like time-traveling to 1893. The walls, adorned with over 500 taxidermied animals, tell stories of Colorado’s frontier days.
Last summer, my dad and I shared their famous buffalo prime rib, and the experience was unforgettable. As Denver’s oldest restaurant (license #1!), they’ve perfected dishes you won’t find elsewhere – rattlesnake, alligator, and elk tenderloin all make appearances on their historic menu.
The upstairs bar features live music that enhances the Old West atmosphere. For adventurous eaters wanting to sample Colorado’s wild side, Buckhorn Exchange delivers authenticity you can taste.
3. Shanahan’s Steakhouse – Coach-Approved Excellence
Football legend Mike Shanahan tackled the restaurant business with the same precision he coached with, and the results are championship-worthy. I celebrated my promotion here last fall, splurging on their bone-in ribeye that still makes me smile when I think about it.
The elegant atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between upscale and comfortable. Their sommelier guided me to a perfect drinks pairing I wouldn’t have discovered on my own.
What makes Shanahan’s special isn’t just the USDA Prime steaks – it’s the attention to detail in everything from their tableside Caesar salad preparation to the warm chocolate cake that caps off the meal.
4. 801 Chophouse – Cherry Creek’s Culinary Crown Jewel
The moment you sink into one of 801 Chophouse’s plush leather chairs, you know you’re in for something special. Their USDA Prime beef is aged 28 days – a detail my taste buds appreciated when I treated myself after a particularly tough work week.
Located in Denver’s upscale Cherry Creek neighborhood, the restaurant matches its surroundings with old-world charm and impeccable service. Their seafood tower – stacked high with fresh oysters, jumbo shrimp, and Maine lobster – makes for an impressive start.
The cellar houses over 750 selections, ensuring the perfect complement to your meal. Their creamed corn side dish haunts my dreams in the best possible way.
5. Jack’s on Pearl – Southern Comfort Meets Mile High Steaks
Nestled in Denver’s charming Platt Park neighborhood, Jack’s on Pearl brings Southern hospitality to the steakhouse scene. The cozy brick building had me at hello, but the Jack’s Prime Champion Filet sealed our relationship.
Owner Steve Lockton created a place that feels like dining at a friend’s home – if that friend happened to be an incredible chef. The pecan shrimp starter combines unexpected flavors that somehow work perfectly together.
Unlike some stuffier steakhouses, Jack’s welcomes you with genuine warmth rather than pretension. Their house-made ice cream sandwiches prove they take dessert as seriously as their steaks, creating a full experience that keeps locals coming back.
6. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille – Theatrical Dining in Lone Tree
Perry’s famous tableside carving presentation turns dining into theater! My jaw dropped watching the server expertly slice their signature pork chop – a seven-finger tall masterpiece that’s cured, roasted, smoked, and caramelized to perfection.
Located in Lone Tree’s Park Meadows area, Perry’s combines Texas-sized portions with unexpected touches like their symphony of flames dessert. The elegant piano bar creates the perfect atmosphere for pre-dinner drinks.
Their Filet Perry topped with crab meat deserves its own fan club. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows and warm wood tones create an inviting space that works equally well for special occasions or elevating an ordinary Wednesday night.
7. The Famous Steak House – Springs’ Sizzling Standout
Despite its straightforward name, there’s nothing basic about The Famous. My spontaneous weekend trip to Colorado Springs became memorable thanks to their melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon and tableside-prepared Caesar salad.
Live piano music creates a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere that encourages lingering over your meal. Their Oysters Rockefeller starter showcases their expertise beyond beef – though the steaks remain the undeniable stars.
The staff knows their menu inside and out, offering genuine recommendations rather than just pushing the priciest options. Located downtown, The Famous provides the perfect ending to a day exploring Garden of the Gods or the Olympic Training Center.
8. MacKenzie’s Chop House – Historic Elegance Underground
Descending the stairs into MacKenzie’s basement location feels like discovering a delicious secret. Housed in a historic building in downtown Colorado Springs, the brick walls and intimate lighting create an atmosphere that’s both elegant and cozy.
My server’s passion for their dry-aged beef was contagious – he described the process with such detail that I could almost taste the steak before it arrived. When it did, the perfectly charred exterior giving way to a tender, flavorful center lived up to every expectation.
Their drinks selection showcases Colorado distilleries alongside global favorites. For a truly special experience, request one of their private dining alcoves carved into the original stone foundation.
9. Cowboy Star – Western Flair Meets Culinary Finesse
Cowboy Star brilliantly balances western charm with sophisticated dining. The moment I spotted a server in a denim apron carrying a tomahawk ribeye across the dining room, I knew I was in for something special.
Their open butcher shop concept allows you to select your cut before it’s prepared. During my visit last winter, the knowledgeable staff explained the differences between their American Wagyu and prime options with genuine enthusiasm rather than rehearsed sales pitches.
The leather booths and western artwork create an ambiance that’s distinctly Colorado without feeling kitschy. Their house-made steak sauce contains 28 ingredients – a small detail that demonstrates their commitment to elevating every aspect of the steakhouse experience.
10. Pepper Tree Restaurant – Tableside Magic With Mountain Views
Perched on a hillside overlooking Colorado Springs, Pepper Tree pairs spectacular views with theatrical dining. The tableside preparation of their Pepper Steak mesmerized me – flames leaping from the pan as the server expertly created the signature dish just feet from my table.
Beyond the show, the steak itself was tender perfection, with a peppercorn sauce I’m still trying to recreate at home. Their Lobster Bisque, also prepared tableside, achieves the perfect balance of richness and delicate seafood flavor.
The old-school elegance extends to their impeccable service – my water glass never dipped below half-full. For special occasions or when you want to impress visitors, Pepper Tree delivers memorable dining with a side of mountain majesty.
11. La Taverne – Broadmoor’s Timeless Treasure
Dining at La Taverne feels like stepping into a more gracious era. Nestled within the historic Broadmoor resort, the restaurant’s rich wood paneling and plush seating set the stage for a meal that honors tradition while embracing modern culinary excellence.
My parents’ 40th anniversary celebration here became extra special thanks to their 21-day aged prime rib, carved tableside with ceremonial precision. The horseradish cream served alongside provides the perfect peppery counterpoint.
The sommelier suggested a Colorado red that paired beautifully with our steaks. While definitely a splurge, La Taverne offers the rare combination of impeccable food, historic surroundings, and service that anticipates needs before you even realize you have them.
12. Rib & Chop House – Family-Friendly Steak Sanctuary
Sometimes you want great steak without the stuffiness, and Rib & Chop House delivers exactly that. When my nephew visited from out of state, this was the perfect place to introduce him to serious Colorado beef in a setting where his excitement wouldn’t raise eyebrows.
Their Certified Angus Beef is hand-cut daily, resulting in steaks that could compete with much pricier establishments. The Rocky Mountain Ribeye, seasoned with their house rub, delivers big flavor without pretension.
What sets Rib & Chop apart is their ability to welcome both families celebrating Little League victories and couples enjoying date night. Their legendary mud pie dessert – large enough for sharing – provides the perfect sweet ending to a satisfying meal.
13. The Steakhouse at Flying Horse – Tuscan-Inspired Luxury
The drive through the manicured Flying Horse community builds anticipation for what awaits at their stunning Tuscan-inspired clubhouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Pikes Peak, creating a backdrop that almost upstages the exceptional food – almost.
During my sister’s wedding weekend, we splurged on their chef’s special – a coffee-crusted bison tenderloin that combined Colorado ingredients with European techniques. Their award-winning drinks list features boutique vineyards alongside recognizable favorites.
While technically a club restaurant, the public is welcome to dine here. The attentive staff strikes the perfect balance between professional and friendly. Their seasonal vegetable sides, sourced from local farms, prove they put as much thought into accompaniments as they do their excellent steaks.
14. Quality Italian – Where Steakhouse Meets Trattoria
Quality Italian turns steakhouse traditions on their head in the most delicious ways. Their chicken parm for two – prepared like a pizza and presented on a raised stand – had nearby diners pointing and asking what we ordered.
The skirt steak alla griglia with Calabrian chili butter delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness. Located in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood, the restaurant’s modern design features leather booths and vintage photos that create a space both stylish and comfortable.
Their homemade pasta makes for perfect sides – the corn agnolotti with black truffle pairs surprisingly well with beef. For those who find traditional steakhouses too predictable, Quality Italian offers familiar ingredients reimagined through an Italian lens, creating something uniquely craveable.
15. Urban Farmer – Farm-to-Table Meets Prime Beef
Urban Farmer’s commitment to local sourcing isn’t just marketing – it’s their mission. My server proudly pointed out which Colorado ranches provided each cut on their steak tasting flight, allowing me to compare flavors side by side.
Housed in the historic Oxford Hotel, the space balances original architectural details with modern farmhouse touches. Their house-made charcuterie board showcases local artisans and pairs perfectly with Colorado craft brews.
The rooftop garden supplies herbs and vegetables that complement their perfectly aged steaks. For those who care about where their food comes from but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or experience, Urban Farmer proves sustainability and luxury can coexist beautifully on the same plate.