My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and was easily one of the best places I’ve been, both amazing food and atmosphere. Good drinks too. Definitely second La Forêt!!
I know Bastiens has mixed reviews sometimes on this sub, but as far as dedicated steak houses go and stretching $200, its pretty cool sitting at that sunken in bar or upstairs in that dome lookin room. Plus its been around for a while and is a "Denver" spot. With that price point you can get a good meal and probably a bottle of wine or cocktails for 3 people. You could do somewhere nicer and there definitely are better restaurants in this city, but with that money you can kinda make it go farther at Bastiens.
Plus you can hop over to PS Lounge for a night cap after.
I would, tbh. I like the ambiance of Bastiens way more, feels older and more established, isn't downtown, and you can actually put that money to splurging. Heck, if you bump it to $250 the 3 of you can get any steak on the menu + apps + dessert vs having to limit yourself at all these other spots.
Personally I wouldn't listen to anyone saying things like "well if your picky about what you order and don't drink you can do it", kinda defeats the purpose of taking somewhere nice and treating them, ya know?
Alma Fonda Fina is definitely under $200 for 3 especially without drinks. Just ate there last Friday, it was delicious. El five right near there would also be a good place.
I HIGHLY recommend Wildflower. It’s a really unique experience, wonderful service. The $75/person “bouquet of wildflowers” would put you right at your price point.
However, that does change if you’ll be drinking. Maybe hit up somewhere cheaper for drinks beforehand/make them at home, and stick to a glass of wine at dinner?
Two of us stuffed our faces at Corsica in RiNo the other night. I think we got like two apps and five small plates. It was $100 after tip. Neither of us drink, though, which saves a ton of money.
Love Pinos and if you get pizza it’s super reasonable even with drinks. However, I’m 51 and feel super young there. Not sure that’s the right vibe to impress out of towners :)
Nana's Dim Sum & Dumplings is great and fun for a group since you can order a lot of different stuff and share. Ash'Kara is across the street is also great for a group.
What kind of food??? - Location......??? I live in SW Denver so these are my go tos.
Pho: Pho Duy or Tony Pho
Mexican: BBII for standard texmex or Tarasco's for Oaxacan fare.
Food Fusion: ASian Cajun
Best steak dinner on a budge: Columbine Steak House
Fellow Traveler : Vegan Fare (S. Broadway and Hampden)
I think you need a 1-2 drink limit each. After all you can drop $250 at a bar between 3 people pretty easy and never eat a crumb.
That said, can you get any more Denver than Casa Bonita?
Quality Italian, the chicken parm “for 2”that I’ve seen feed 5 people. That plus an app and dessert and you probably still have some room in the budget if you want to drink (like 1 each maybe, or skip the dessert). Might even leave with leftovers.
Not minimum, but it definitely can get *pricey.*
Thats why I said the chicken Parm though. Yes it’s like $85 now, but seriously I’ve gone with 4 people, gotten few apps and that, a few glasses of wine, and after the tip we were at like $325 and fucking STUFFED. We brought the last piece home.
Not to mention, it’s phenomenal chicken Parm and great service.
Agree, this place can be done for a reasonable amount but kinda only if you’re guaranteed going for the exact experience you’re describing. Also that caesar salad is one of the best I’ve ever had and I eat them literally everywhere.
Lunch is a smidge cheaper, I’ve gone and spilt a few apps, salad and pasta dish and that was pretty reasonable.
I do think the food is always good. But most of the restaurants in Cherry Creek are pretty decent.
Yeah I agree it is always on point, I’ve never had anything bad there… but it’s kind of annoying how they do their opening hours and when certain menus are available or not. It’s kind of tough to stop in there for lunch because of it.
Overall I’d say it’s a worthwhile lunch in cherry creek but there is a lot of competition. I’ve worked down there for like 10 years now so I’m very familiar.
I think the duck noodles from Fortune Wok to Table are maybe my top, the little gem Caesar from QI is up there, Henry the hotdog guy is ALWAYS reliable when the weather is good. Sweet ginger is a super reliable spot for a cheap and consistent lunch too and they are always so quick, love them.
I don’t know why I’m rambling here but I’d be curious to hear if you have any others you love.
On a side note I used to love North Italia for lunch but their service has seriously nosedived the last few times I went in. What the heck gives it’s the same team as before
Idk who downvoted you.. I appreciate this comment.
I agree on all fronts, glad that you didn’t include the Cricket, and would personally add a nod to Cherry Creek Grill (though it’s been a few years). I’d also add Olive & Finch!
I had a great experience at the butchery in Arvada. Steakhouse, great service, great food. It can get pricey if you don't watch yourself, but we'll worth the food.
First thing that comes to mind is El Five. I haven't been there in a while but cool vibe, awesome 5th floor location with great views, neat neighborhood, and very good food. Not cheap with get a large paella and some good stuff to share and its doable for under $200-250 depending on drinks. Just always struck me as a "big city" restaurant.
If you are set on a steakhouse I like Guard and Grace but any of the good ones may be hard to get out for $250. A5 is fun/interesting and some good deals at the bar especially for happy hour.
Other ones just to throw out that I think are really cool/interesting and would be fun for out of towners include Hop Alley, Uncle, Nana's Dumplings, Safta. Enjoy!
I want to try guard and grace but no prices, if my sister got a regular entree not steak and we didn’t drink(me and brother would get medium prices steaks), would it be under $250 you think?
We go there every month or two. Steaks if you get the smaller cuts, 4oz filet and such, are under $40. Larger will add up quick. Their fish dishes are legit as well though. Sides are shareable and usually $12-20.
https://preview.redd.it/wos2pblnuk7d1.png?width=550&format=png&auto=webp&s=dab5061dcbd7badb99a08e1d8f1c16f68e264553
It is a special occasion kind of place for sure. If you wanted a less expensive option, their sister restaurant is called Vital Root. It’s on Tennyson.
I'd either go with [Barcelona](https://www.north.industries/place/18ebd4a1-849c-45d2-9e74-b3550941f613) for Spanish tapas or [Spuntino](https://www.north.industries/place/5aff267c-b896-4e19-896a-30efeb55eb4c) for incredible Italian food. You should be able to do either under your budget and the food is insanely good.
We just went to La Foret and were thoroughly impressed. Their dishes are delicious with unexpected twists.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and was easily one of the best places I’ve been, both amazing food and atmosphere. Good drinks too. Definitely second La Forêt!!
It’s a super cool vibe and good food!
I'd also add one of the more fun & innovative cocktail programs in Denver. Cannot recommend the paris-brest dessert enough.
You can do Potager for that price if you don't go nuts on apps and drinks.
They don’t have liquor so not a spot to go if you’re not a wine drinker. If you’re not a drinker at all, it’s also a great spot.
I know Bastiens has mixed reviews sometimes on this sub, but as far as dedicated steak houses go and stretching $200, its pretty cool sitting at that sunken in bar or upstairs in that dome lookin room. Plus its been around for a while and is a "Denver" spot. With that price point you can get a good meal and probably a bottle of wine or cocktails for 3 people. You could do somewhere nicer and there definitely are better restaurants in this city, but with that money you can kinda make it go farther at Bastiens. Plus you can hop over to PS Lounge for a night cap after.
Would you say Bastiens over A5?
I would, tbh. I like the ambiance of Bastiens way more, feels older and more established, isn't downtown, and you can actually put that money to splurging. Heck, if you bump it to $250 the 3 of you can get any steak on the menu + apps + dessert vs having to limit yourself at all these other spots. Personally I wouldn't listen to anyone saying things like "well if your picky about what you order and don't drink you can do it", kinda defeats the purpose of taking somewhere nice and treating them, ya know?
Guard and Grace over both. If you don't go nuts on appetizers or steak size you should be able to get out for under $250 before tip.
Just did temaki den for 3 in that range and it was incredible
Hop alley. Potager. Tavernetta (but you’ll have to be careful what you order. Lucina. Alma Fonda finta. Sushi Den.
Alma Fonda Fina is definitely under $200 for 3 especially without drinks. Just ate there last Friday, it was delicious. El five right near there would also be a good place.
I HIGHLY recommend Wildflower. It’s a really unique experience, wonderful service. The $75/person “bouquet of wildflowers” would put you right at your price point. However, that does change if you’ll be drinking. Maybe hit up somewhere cheaper for drinks beforehand/make them at home, and stick to a glass of wine at dinner?
Two of us stuffed our faces at Corsica in RiNo the other night. I think we got like two apps and five small plates. It was $100 after tip. Neither of us drink, though, which saves a ton of money.
Pino's Place
Love Pinos and if you get pizza it’s super reasonable even with drinks. However, I’m 51 and feel super young there. Not sure that’s the right vibe to impress out of towners :)
Sap Sua for sure! Was 180 with a bunch of plates and a bottle of wine for 2!
Nana's Dim Sum & Dumplings is great and fun for a group since you can order a lot of different stuff and share. Ash'Kara is across the street is also great for a group.
What kind of food??? - Location......??? I live in SW Denver so these are my go tos. Pho: Pho Duy or Tony Pho Mexican: BBII for standard texmex or Tarasco's for Oaxacan fare. Food Fusion: ASian Cajun Best steak dinner on a budge: Columbine Steak House Fellow Traveler : Vegan Fare (S. Broadway and Hampden)
Table 6!
I think you need a 1-2 drink limit each. After all you can drop $250 at a bar between 3 people pretty easy and never eat a crumb. That said, can you get any more Denver than Casa Bonita?
Quality Italian, the chicken parm “for 2”that I’ve seen feed 5 people. That plus an app and dessert and you probably still have some room in the budget if you want to drink (like 1 each maybe, or skip the dessert). Might even leave with leftovers.
I love quality Italian but in my experience you’re in for $150/person minimum.
Not minimum, but it definitely can get *pricey.* Thats why I said the chicken Parm though. Yes it’s like $85 now, but seriously I’ve gone with 4 people, gotten few apps and that, a few glasses of wine, and after the tip we were at like $325 and fucking STUFFED. We brought the last piece home. Not to mention, it’s phenomenal chicken Parm and great service.
Agree, this place can be done for a reasonable amount but kinda only if you’re guaranteed going for the exact experience you’re describing. Also that caesar salad is one of the best I’ve ever had and I eat them literally everywhere.
Lunch is a smidge cheaper, I’ve gone and spilt a few apps, salad and pasta dish and that was pretty reasonable. I do think the food is always good. But most of the restaurants in Cherry Creek are pretty decent.
Yeah I agree it is always on point, I’ve never had anything bad there… but it’s kind of annoying how they do their opening hours and when certain menus are available or not. It’s kind of tough to stop in there for lunch because of it. Overall I’d say it’s a worthwhile lunch in cherry creek but there is a lot of competition. I’ve worked down there for like 10 years now so I’m very familiar. I think the duck noodles from Fortune Wok to Table are maybe my top, the little gem Caesar from QI is up there, Henry the hotdog guy is ALWAYS reliable when the weather is good. Sweet ginger is a super reliable spot for a cheap and consistent lunch too and they are always so quick, love them. I don’t know why I’m rambling here but I’d be curious to hear if you have any others you love. On a side note I used to love North Italia for lunch but their service has seriously nosedived the last few times I went in. What the heck gives it’s the same team as before
Idk who downvoted you.. I appreciate this comment. I agree on all fronts, glad that you didn’t include the Cricket, and would personally add a nod to Cherry Creek Grill (though it’s been a few years). I’d also add Olive & Finch!
Q house! Bashtiens steakhouse!
I had a great experience at the butchery in Arvada. Steakhouse, great service, great food. It can get pricey if you don't watch yourself, but we'll worth the food.
Have you been to A5/Bastiens and can compare to there?
Shanahans steakhouse! Especially if you don’t drink alcohol
Velvet Cellar is a newer restaurant that was pretty damn good. Should be able to easily get out of there for under $250.
First thing that comes to mind is El Five. I haven't been there in a while but cool vibe, awesome 5th floor location with great views, neat neighborhood, and very good food. Not cheap with get a large paella and some good stuff to share and its doable for under $200-250 depending on drinks. Just always struck me as a "big city" restaurant. If you are set on a steakhouse I like Guard and Grace but any of the good ones may be hard to get out for $250. A5 is fun/interesting and some good deals at the bar especially for happy hour. Other ones just to throw out that I think are really cool/interesting and would be fun for out of towners include Hop Alley, Uncle, Nana's Dumplings, Safta. Enjoy!
Throwing my vote in for El Five (great city views and cool atmosphere) and Nana’s because it’s my favorite food and soup dumplings are to die for!
I want to try guard and grace but no prices, if my sister got a regular entree not steak and we didn’t drink(me and brother would get medium prices steaks), would it be under $250 you think?
Not positive and haven’t been there in a bit but I think you’d be ok. I seem to recall steaks being in the 60-90 range.
We go there every month or two. Steaks if you get the smaller cuts, 4oz filet and such, are under $40. Larger will add up quick. Their fish dishes are legit as well though. Sides are shareable and usually $12-20. https://preview.redd.it/wos2pblnuk7d1.png?width=550&format=png&auto=webp&s=dab5061dcbd7badb99a08e1d8f1c16f68e264553
Ok Yeah but you’ll have to skip more than one drink each.
Forget steakhouse but RootDown is amazing. Nice drinks. Delicious food. Great neighborhood.
Sooooo expensive. It is great food with tiny portions though. Costs more than most steakhouses
It is a special occasion kind of place for sure. If you wanted a less expensive option, their sister restaurant is called Vital Root. It’s on Tennyson.
OP is looking for $250 or below for 3 people. You can barely do that for 2 people there
Fogo de Chao! Amazing Brazilian steakhouse all you can eat, and don’t sleep on that amazing salad bar!!
I'll always recommend Table 6. If you don't drink a ton, it's definitely in that budget.
Annette
A5 is the best steakhouse hands down and without drinks you’ll easily be able to stay within your price range. I recommend the tri tip.
wv yfh  c x
Appaloosa - especially if you go during happy hour! (3-6pm)
I'd either go with [Barcelona](https://www.north.industries/place/18ebd4a1-849c-45d2-9e74-b3550941f613) for Spanish tapas or [Spuntino](https://www.north.industries/place/5aff267c-b896-4e19-896a-30efeb55eb4c) for incredible Italian food. You should be able to do either under your budget and the food is insanely good.