Unearth The Voyage
If you have ever wondered which Denver restaurant truly earns the city’s buzz, Guard and Grace is it. Tucked in the heart of downtown, this contemporary steakhouse blends polished service with a kitchen that loves to surprise you.
From pristine steaks to a raw bar that turns heads, every detail feels dialed in. Come hungry, book ahead, and get ready to see why locals and travelers keep talking about this place.
1. The Signature Guard and Grace Experience
Step inside Guard and Grace and you feel that confident Denver energy right away. The room is bright and modern with an open kitchen that hums like a heartbeat.
Staff glide through the space with the kind of timing that keeps your night effortless and fun.
You come for steak, but the menu pushes beyond expected. Flights, sauces, and sides make it easy to explore without second guessing.
Ask questions, share plates, and let your server guide you toward favorites locals whisper about.
Expect precision cooking, polished plating, and pacing that keeps conversation flowing. Yes, it is popular, so reservations help, but the lounge is a great backup plan.
Whether you are celebrating or just treating yourself, this place delivers the full, memorable steakhouse arc.
2. Steak Flight: A Tasting For the Curious
The steak flight is your best move if you want range without committing to a single cut. Three petite filets arrive with distinct finishes that highlight texture, fat, and seasoning.
It is ideal for sharing, comparing notes, and finding your preferred style.
Each bite shows off the kitchen’s control over heat and timing. That rosy center, the satisfying crust, and a thin shimmer of resting juices tell you everything.
Ask for a recommended progression so flavors build rather than blur.
Add a sauce or two, but taste the first pieces unadorned. You will appreciate the clean seasoning and confident restraint.
By the end, you will know exactly which steak to order next time and why it wins for you.
3. Wagyu Highlights Worth the Hype
If you are curious about wagyu, Guard and Grace treats it with respect and restraint. The marbling melts into velvet richness, and the sear brings that delicate crackle.
Portions are thoughtful so the experience stays indulgent without fatigue.
Let the staff guide you on cut and portion. A smaller serving can be perfect alongside a few sides or a shellfish add-on.
The best part is how clean the flavors are, showing beef first and technique second.
Do not drown it in sauce. A light brush of butter or a whisper of finishing salt is enough.
Take your time, sip your wine, and enjoy how the texture seems to soften with every warm bite.
4. Raw Bar and Black Cod Favorites
Beyond steak, the kitchen flexes serious finesse with seafood. The black cod steals the show with silky flakes and a savory sweet glaze.
It pairs beautifully with a bright white wine or a crisp gin cocktail.
If you like to start cold, the raw bar leans fresh and focused. Oysters, crudo, and sushi bites keep the pacing light.
It sets up steak courses without weighing you down.
Consider splitting a half portion of cod with a smaller filet for balance. It is a smart way to experience both strengths in one meal.
You will leave feeling satisfied rather than stuffed, which means dessert still makes sense.
5. Octopus and Gyoza That Keep Trending
There is a reason you hear about the octopus so often. Tender, lightly charred, and paired with bold sauce, it lands that perfect savory snap.
It is one of those dishes that converts skeptics fast.
The gyoza brings a different kind of comfort. Crisp edges, juicy interior, and a dipping sauce you will want to chase.
Order both for the table and watch them disappear in minutes.
These starters showcase the team’s range beyond steakhouse norms. They feel refined but still playful.
If you love to graze and share, this duo is a crowd pleaser you will talk about later.
6. Truffle Mac and Cheese, Brussels, and More Sides
Sides at Guard and Grace have main character energy. The truffle mac and cheese is rich and aromatic without going heavy-handed.
Brussels sprouts arrive charred and slightly sweet, with that addictive crisp bite.
Carrots, mushrooms, and whipped potatoes round out the table. Portions can be large, so consider half orders to sample more.
Family style service makes it easy to pass and compare.
Pair textures wisely with your steak choice. Creamy sides support leaner cuts, while brighter vegetables lift richer steaks.
It is a balance game you will win with a little guidance from your server.
7. French Onion Soup and Caesar, Half Portions Welcome
When soup and salad get this much love, you notice. The French onion arrives deeply caramelized with a blanket of gruyere that stretches on the spoon.
It is comfort without any shortcuts.
The Caesar is crisp, punchy, and perfectly dressed. Ask about half portions so you can save room for steaks and sides.
It is a thoughtful option for date nights or smaller appetites.
Start light, then build your way to indulgent. That pacing keeps the night lively and relaxed.
You will leave impressed by how even the classics feel polished and fresh here.
8. Duck Fat Fries and Pave Potatoes
If you want a potato moment, you have two great paths. Duck fat fries are golden, crisp, and lightly herbed, with a whisper of sweetness that keeps you reaching back.
Pave potatoes deliver stacked layers that shatter and melt at once.
Either side plays well with bold steak sauces. They also anchor the table for groups where everyone wants a familiar favorite.
You will probably argue over which is better.
Order one, maybe both, and thank yourself later. They are easy to share and even better alongside a glass of red.
Go slow so you still have room for dessert to close the loop.
9. Sticky Toffee Cake and Famous Cookies
Save room for sweets because dessert here leaves a lasting memory. The sticky toffee cake is warm, plush, and drenched in caramel that stays just shy of too sweet.
A scoop of ice cream ties it all together.
Those triple chocolate chip cookies are tiny and dangerous. Warm, salty sweet, and easy to pop one after another.
People buy extra to take home and rarely make it past the car.
If you are celebrating, ask for a little flourish. The team loves adding thoughtful touches when they can.
It is a sweet way to end a meal that already hit every note.
10. Smart Reservations and Lounge Strategy
Peak times fill fast, so booking ahead is your best bet. If your plans shift, the lounge can save the night with first come seating.
It keeps the energy high and the wait reasonable, especially on busy weekends.
Arrive a touch early for a cocktail and you will glide right into dinner. Staff manage flow with friendly precision that makes you feel taken care of.
It is hospitality you notice without effort.
If you are celebrating, mention it in your reservation notes. The team reads those details and often finds ways to add a personal touch.
Little moments like that are why guests keep returning.
11. Cocktails: Colfax and Holly to Espresso Martinis
The bar builds cocktails with balance and confidence. The Colfax and Holly martini is clean and botanical, a great opener with oysters or salad.
Espresso martinis land creamy and not overly sweet, perfect with dessert or late-night vibes.
Ask your server to steer pairings. Lighter drinks set up seafood and salads, while spirit-forward pours lean into steaks.
The list evolves, but the approach stays focused and precise.
Non-alcoholic options feel crafted rather than afterthoughts. You will find bright, layered flavors that stand on their own.
Whatever you choose, the bar team makes it feel effortless and dialed in.
12. Ambiance: Lively Yet Comfortable
Guard and Grace runs lively without slipping into chaos. The open kitchen glows, the wine cellar anchors the room, and the rhythm feels celebratory.
You can actually hear your table, which matters on busy nights.
Lighting flatters both plates and faces. The design reads modern but warm rather than cold.
It fits celebrations, business dinners, and date nights equally well.
If you prefer a calmer pocket, ask the host for a quieter zone. The team understands pacing and placement.
You will settle in quickly, order with confidence, and forget time for a while.
13. Special Occasions Done Right
Birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, or elopement dinners, this place knows how to make it feel special. Thoughtful touches like cards, toasts, or a sweet flourish add heart without fuss.
Tell them what you are celebrating and let the team run with it.
The pacing supports a long, easy evening. You can add courses or linger over dessert without pressure.
It is the kind of hospitality that turns a good night into a core memory.
Prices reflect the quality, so plan accordingly. Value shows up in precision, warmth, and those little moments.
You will walk out feeling celebrated and satisfied, not just fed.
14. Happy Hour and Lounge Flexibility
If you want the vibe with a lighter tab, happy hour is a smart entry point. Small plates and cocktails showcase the kitchen’s style without the full commitment.
It is perfect for after-work meetups or pre-show bites.
The lounge runs on a first come rhythm. Arrive early and you will find a comfortable perch with quick service.
It is also a great way to sample a few favorites before booking a full dinner later.
Ask staff what shines that day. They will steer you toward the freshest picks.
You will still feel the Guard and Grace magic in a shorter window.
15. Location, Hours, and How to Plan
You will find Guard and Grace at 1801 California St in downtown Denver. Valet makes arrival easy on busy nights, and the vibe starts the moment you step out.
The website keeps hours current so check before you go.
Lunch service on select weekdays opens more reservation options. Evenings fill quickly from Thursday through Saturday.
If you are flexible, early slots and later tables can be easier to snag.
Bring an appetite, map out a few must-try dishes, and trust the team. From first sip to final cookie, the experience feels seamless.
You will understand why it is one of Colorado’s most talked-about dining spots.
