By Lisa Marie Mercer
If you spend any time exploring the environs of
Denver, Colorado, you can't help but notice the abundance of cattle fields, buffalo ranches and cow farms. It should thus come as no surprise that the city has an abundance of first-class steak houses. While some are upscale, other are more casual and serve meals that are relatively affordable.
Ted's Montana Grill
This well-known Denver restaurant was founded by media mogul Ted Turner. While people don't often use the words "steak house" and "eco-friendly" in the same sentence, the restaurant prints its menus on recycled paper and has a goal of becoming 99 percent plastic-free. The restaurant offers a variety of made-from-scratch entrees, which include premium beef and National Bison Association-certified bison. It is also famous for its creative burgers, which come in variations such as blue cheese and jalapeno. Prices are moderate.
1401 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80202-1704
(303) 893-0654
http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com
Elway's
Founded by former Bronco's quarterback John Elway, this restaurant is famous for its USDA hand-cut steaks as well as its popular raw food bar. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner. Given its location in the Ritz Carlton Hotel, it is pricey and formal.
1881 Curtis St.
Denver, CO 80202-1902
(303) 312-3107
http://www.elways.com
Capital Grille
This popular dining venue is known for its large, dry-aged steaks, which are paired with an extensive wine list. Some people simply enjoy its unique Art Deco decor. This upscale restaurant is located in Denver's historic Larimer Square.
1450 Larimer St.
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 539-2500
http://www.thecapitalgrille.com
Emil-Lene's Sirloin House
Not all of Denver's steak houses are formal and upscale. This unpretentious local favorite has been open for over 44 years and boasts enormous, juicy burgers, 12-ounce sirloin strips, tasty fillets and 24-ounce T-bone steaks.
16000 E. Smith Rd.
Aurora, CO 80011
(303) 366-6674
http://www.sirloinhouse.com
The Brokers Restaurant
Dry-aged prime cut beef served in Victorian elegance make this a popular restaurant for visitors to Denver. It also features Murder Mystery Nights.
821 17th St.
Denver, CO 80202-3040
(303) 292-5065
The Keg Steak House & Bar
This is another of Denver's more casual and more affordable restaurants. The friendly waitstaff is quite knowledgeable about the food, which adds to its popularity.
1890 Wynkoop St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 296-0023
http://www.kegsteakhouse.com
The Buckhorn Exchange
This is an excellent choice if you are interested in visiting a museum as well as as eating at a steakhouse. Its hunting-lodge decor features artifacts from Denver's cowboy days, and the restaurant specializes in steak, elk, quail and salmon.
100 Osage St.
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 534-9505
Sullivan's Steakhouse
This is another place where a friendly, knowledgeable staff complements a solid menu. The waitstaff will ask you about your taste preferences and make entree suggestions based on your answers. The bone-in Cowboy Ribeye is one popular specialty.
1745 Wazee St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 295-2664
http://www.sullivansteakhouse.com
1515 Market Grill
romantic lighting and enticing pairings of entrees and side dishes make this a favorite for locals and visitors. The restaurant specializes in using locally grown ingredients. The nightly jazz and blues adds to the ambiance.
1515 Market St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 571-0011
http://www.1515restaurant.com
Denver Chophouse and Brewery
This traditional, upscale restaurant is located in the historic Union Pacific Railway building. It's known for porterhouse steaks, extensive wine menu and fine selection of bourbons and single malt scotches.
1735 19th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 296-0800
http://www.chophouse.com
About the Author:
Lisa Marie Mercer is the author of "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness," "101 Fitness Tips for Women," "Breckenridge: A Guide to the Sights and Slopes of Summit County" and a novel, "Reflections in the Snow." She's been a fitness professional since the '70s, and has lived in New York City, Boston and Italy.
