13 Colorado Steakhouse Chains Locals Can’t Stop Raving About
Okay, real talk-living in Colorado, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been asked, “Where should I go for a great steak?”
Whether it’s a visitor blowing in for the mountains or my cousin from Kansas making his yearly pilgrimage, the question is always the same.
And honestly?
I don’t blame them.
With all the ranching roots and that high-altitude sizzle in the air, Colorado knows its way around a ribeye.
So I did what any obsessed foodie would do: I hit the road (and devoured way too much garlic mashed potatoes) to track down the 13 Colorado steakhouse chains that locals can’t shut up about.
Spoiler: There’s more than just cowboy hats and campfire vibes-though yes, those are included.
1. The Capital Grille
Sophistication meets culinary excellence at this downtown Denver gem located at 1450 Larimer St.
The restaurant sits in the heart of the city, drawing crowds who appreciate dry-aged steaks and impeccable service.
Every cut gets hand-carved by expert butchers, then cooked to absolute perfection over an open flame.
The atmosphere feels refined without being stuffy, making it perfect for business dinners or special celebrations.
Regulars rave about the bone-in sirloin and the lobster mac and cheese that accompanies many entrees.
The staff treats every guest like royalty, remembering preferences and making thoughtful recommendations.
Dark wood accents and soft lighting create an ambiance that makes every meal feel like an important occasion.
Reservations fill up quickly on weekends, so planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out on this downtown treasure.
2. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Located at 191 Inverness Dr W in Englewood, this establishment has perfected the art of combining prime beef with an extensive selection of beverages.
The menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh ingredients complement the consistently excellent steaks.
Diners appreciate the Prime Tomahawk steak, which arrives at the table looking like a work of art.
The modern decor strikes a balance between contemporary chic and classic steakhouse warmth.
Staff members receive intensive training, making them knowledgeable about every cut and preparation method.
Sunday nights feature a special three-course menu that offers tremendous value without compromising quality.
The open kitchen lets guests watch chefs work their magic, adding entertainment to the dining experience.
Regulars often mention the exceptional service that makes them feel welcomed from the moment they walk through the door.
3. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
That unmistakable sizzle announces your steak’s arrival at 707 15th St in downtown Denver.
The signature 500-degree plates keep every bite hot from first to last, a trademark that has made this chain famous nationwide.
USDA Prime beef gets butter-topped and broiled at extremely high temperatures, creating a caramelized crust that locks in juices.
My cousin celebrated her promotion here last spring, and the staff brought out a personalized dessert that made her tear up with joy.
The filet mignon practically melts on your tongue, earning its reputation as the most popular menu item.
Side dishes arrive family-style, perfect for sharing creamed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes around the table.
The lighting creates an intimate atmosphere even in the bustling downtown location.
Locals consider this spot ideal for milestone celebrations and important business meetings alike.
4. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Grandeur defines every aspect of this Greenwood Village destination at 8100 E Orchard Rd.
Two stories of dining space feature soaring ceilings and a dramatic center staircase that makes quite an entrance.
The bone-in ribeye weighs in at a hefty 24 ounces, satisfying even the heartiest appetites.
Live music on weekends adds energy without overwhelming conversation, striking just the right balance.
Each private dining room offers a different ambiance, from intimate to grand, accommodating groups of various sizes.
The kitchen sources beef from the finest ranches, ensuring consistent quality that keeps locals returning monthly.
Servers possess encyclopedic knowledge about aging processes and can explain the difference between wet-aged and dry-aged cuts.
The restaurant feels like a special occasion destination where memories get made over perfectly prepared meat.
5. Fogo De Chão
Experience meat service unlike anywhere else at 1513 Wynkoop St in Denver’s trendy LoDo neighborhood.
Gauchos parade through the dining room with skewers of perfectly seasoned meats, slicing portions directly onto your plate.
The two-sided disc at each table controls the experience: green means bring more meat, red signals a pause.
Picanha, the signature cut, arrives with a garlic-rubbed crust that exemplifies Brazilian steakhouse tradition.
The gourmet salad bar stretches impressively long, featuring everything from fresh hearts of palm to aged cheeses.
Pacing yourself becomes essential because fifteen different cuts rotate continuously throughout your meal.
The lively atmosphere makes this spot perfect for groups celebrating birthdays or just enjoying a fun night out.
Locals joke that you should skip breakfast and lunch before visiting to fully appreciate the endless meat parade.
6. Guard And Grace
Innovation meets tradition at 1801 California St, where this Denver hotspot reimagines the classic steakhouse.
The open kitchen design lets diners watch culinary artists work, creating transparency that builds trust and excitement.
Colorado-sourced ingredients take center stage, celebrating local ranchers and farmers alongside imported premium cuts.
The dry-aging room sits behind glass walls, displaying beef in various stages of the aging process like edible artwork.
Sleek modern decor appeals to younger crowds while maintaining the sophistication that traditional steakhouse fans expect.
The Denver Strip, a proprietary cut, showcases the chef’s commitment to offering unique options you can’t find elsewhere.
Service moves at a perfect pace, attentive without hovering, professional without stuffiness.
Weekend brunch adds a creative twist with steak and eggs preparations that have developed a cult following among locals.
7. STK Steakhouse
Nightclub energy pulses through this steakhouse at 1550 Market St, creating a vibe that separates it from traditional competitors.
A resident DJ spins tracks that transform dinner into an experience, appealing to diners seeking entertainment with their entrees.
The menu features playful names like “Lil’ BRGs” for sliders, showing the restaurant doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Despite the party atmosphere, the kitchen delivers serious steaks that rival any classic establishment in town.
The space glows with modern lighting that shifts throughout the evening, creating Instagram-worthy moments at every turn.
Younger professionals flock here for date nights and group celebrations that feel more exciting than your typical steakhouse dinner.
The small plates menu encourages sharing, making it easy to sample multiple flavors throughout the meal.
After dinner, the scene transitions seamlessly into late-night socializing without anyone needing to change venues.
8. Buckhorn Exchange
Step back in time at Denver’s oldest restaurant, established in 1893 at 1000 Osage St.
Hundreds of taxidermy animals watch over diners from every wall and corner, creating an atmosphere that feels like a Wild West museum.
The menu ventures beyond traditional beef, offering elk, buffalo, and rattlesnake for adventurous eaters.
I brought my visiting relatives here last summer, and they couldn’t stop talking about the authentic frontier feel and the tender buffalo prime rib.
Original hardwood floors creak underfoot, adding to the authentic historical ambiance that no modern restaurant can replicate.
The building once served as a trading post, and you can still sense that frontier spirit in every detail.
Locals bring out-of-town guests here to showcase Colorado’s unique culinary heritage and Western history.
Every meal feels like a journey through time while enjoying genuinely delicious Rocky Mountain cuisine.
9. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
The famous pork chop steals the spotlight at 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr in Lone Tree, even in a restaurant dedicated to beef.
Tableside carving of this massive chop has become a signature presentation that draws crowds and camera phones.
The seven-course lunch menu offers incredible value, letting diners sample multiple dishes without breaking the bank.
Generous portions mean most guests leave with leftovers, extending the delicious experience into the next day.
The bar area buzzes with energy during happy hour, when locals gather for discounted appetizers and socializing.
Steaks arrive perfectly seasoned, proving the kitchen knows that quality beef needs little embellishment beyond proper cooking.
The location near Park Meadows mall makes it convenient for shoppers to cap off a retail therapy session with excellent food.
Staff members consistently earn praise for their friendly demeanor and ability to make helpful menu suggestions.
10. Elway’s Downtown
Football legend John Elway brings his championship standards to 1881 Curtis St in downtown Denver.
Memorabilia from his illustrious career decorates the walls, creating a museum-like atmosphere that sports fans absolutely adore.
The restaurant proves that celebrity-owned establishments can deliver substance along with star power through consistently excellent food.
Colorado lamb chops compete with steaks for menu popularity, showcasing the chef’s versatility beyond beef.
Game days transform the restaurant into a spirited gathering place where Broncos fans celebrate victories over perfectly cooked meals.
The downtown location attracts theater-goers and convention attendees alongside local regulars who consider this their go-to spot.
Seasonal specials incorporate Rocky Mountain ingredients, keeping the menu fresh and connected to Colorado’s culinary landscape.
Service maintains professional standards worthy of the Elway name, ensuring every guest receives Hall of Fame treatment.
11. LongHorn Steakhouse
Affordable excellence defines this Centennial location at 9625 E County Line Rd, proving great steaks don’t require fancy prices.
Families appreciate the relaxed atmosphere where kids feel welcome and adults can still enjoy a quality cut of beef.
The Outlaw Ribeye delivers impressive flavor at a fraction of what upscale competitors charge for similar cuts.
Lunch specials make it possible to enjoy steak in the middle of the week without guilt about the expense.
Servers move efficiently through busy dinner rushes, maintaining friendly service even when the restaurant fills completely.
The Western-themed decor creates a casual lodge feeling that puts everyone at ease from the moment they sit down.
Locals know this spot offers the best value in the area, perfect for satisfying steak cravings on a regular basis.
Consistent quality across visits builds trust that your meal will always meet expectations regardless of when you visit.
12. Outback Steakhouse
Australian flair meets American comfort food at 16301 E 40th Ave in Denver.
The legendary Bloomin’ Onion starts countless meals, becoming almost as famous as the steaks themselves.
Reasonable prices make this chain a popular choice for families seeking a nice dinner without spending a fortune.
The Victoria’s Filet remains a customer favorite, offering a smaller portion perfect for lighter appetites.
Friendly servers create a welcoming environment where celebrating a child’s good report card feels just as special as any fancy occasion.
The booths provide comfortable seating that encourages lingering over dessert and conversation after finishing the main course.
Takeout service runs smoothly, making it easy to enjoy steakhouse quality at home when cooking feels like too much effort.
Locals appreciate the consistency that comes with a well-established chain while still receiving personalized service from the neighborhood staff.
13. The Fort
Perched in the foothills at 19192 CO-8 in Morrison, this adobe structure recreates Bent’s Fort from the 1830s fur trading era.
Buffalo, elk, and quail dominate the menu, offering a taste of frontier Colorado that transports diners to another time.
The restaurant sits high enough to provide stunning views of the Denver metro area twinkling below after sunset.
Servers dress in period clothing, fully committing to the historical theme without making it feel gimmicky or forced.
My grandfather brought me here for my sixteenth birthday, starting a tradition I now continue with my own family.
The Fort Bowl, a sampler of various game meats, lets curious diners explore multiple flavors in one adventurous meal.
Sunset dining on the patio creates magical moments as Colorado’s famous alpenglow paints the rocks pink and orange.
This destination restaurant makes the drive from Denver worthwhile for anyone seeking an unforgettable Colorado dining experience.