When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
ELWAY'S Downtown
Why ELWAY'S Downtown is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Elway's Downtown is an upscale restaurant located in the Ritz-Carlton in Denver, Colorado, known for delivering a refined dining experience with the finest and freshest ingredients. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with a vibrant bar and lounge area, Elway's offers a versatile setting perfect for meeting up with friends or enjoying a special occasion. The restaurant combines elegant surroundings with attentive service, creating an inviting atmosphere where guests can savor quality steaks, seafood, and carefully crafted dishes. Highlights include a thoughtfully designed menu, a well-stocked bar open daily until late evening, and the option to host private parties in a sophisticated setting. Located at 1881 Curtis Street, Elway's Downtown also offers a 360° virtual tour for a preview of its comfortable and stylish interior, making it an excellent choice for both casual gatherings and upscale celebrations.
Here's what people think of ELWAY'S Downtown
As of recent, ELWAY'S Downtown holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1326 reviews.
Reviews of Elway's Downtown generally reflect a positive dining experience, emphasizing excellent service and high-quality food. Many reviewers praise the attentive and inspirational staff, the elegant atmosphere, and the satisfaction of visitors who appreciate the overall dining ambiance. The steaks and salmon receive particular mentions, with some noting the salmon as very good quality, while a few guests felt dishes could benefit from some refinement, such as adjusting butter quantities. Positive reviews highlight the friendly and professional service, the pleasant dining environment, and the successful balance between upscale elegance and comfort. Conversely, some criticisms focus on the lack of a fun or casual vibe compared to other Elway's locations, describing the setting as a bit stiff or formal. Some diners also expressed that the restaurant could use an update and that certain menu items did not quite meet expectations. In summary, Elway's Downtown garners solid reviews for its service and food quality, but a few guests feel the atmosphere could be livelier or more relaxed, making it ideal for those seeking a polished yet comfortable dining experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Casey Mozingo
The food was awesome, but Steven proved that the right server can make a meal. Not only did he force me to return my steak after it was overcooked, he explained why most restaurants get the temperature wrong on a bleu steak. Plus suggested a great wine to go with. 🥰 And he was so entertaining to our group. 10/10 will visit and ask for Steven again.
Andrew Land
We had one of the worst meals in recent memory at Elway’s this evening. This was my first time at the Downtown Elways location. I had previously been to the location in Cherry Creek which was very good. We had a reservation for two on a Friday night and the place was empty. We started off at the host station where they told us that they were having a meeting in the dining room and that we could wait it in lounge or bar area. We sat in the bar area, although instead of coming to get us to let us know our table was ready, they sat 3 other tables before they acknowledged us. The server was friendly and came out to greet us quickly. We started with the grill artichoke, which was undercooked and really wasn’t editable, for $20 we did the best we could 2/10. The salads were a nice way to start the meal off. I really liked the house salad, the dressing was great and it was a nice sized portion 6.5/10. The other salad we had was the wedge with the dressing on the side. This salad is fine and straight forward but nothing exciting about it, just less than a quarter head of lettuce for $17, 5/10. For our entrees we ordered what you would expect to order at a steakhouse, steak! What I would expect from a steakhouse who is charging close to $100 for their steaks is that they knew how to cook them, they did not, both were terrible. I had the porter house, mostly raw, order it medium rare, zero seasoning, just tasted like eating cold cow 2/10. My girlfriend had the ribeye on the bone, ordered medium, cooked over well done, just tasted charred like you would not believe, 1/10. The manager did come over and I did let him know that the steaks were not cooked as we ordered. He was very gracious, apologetic and offered us a free dessert, which goes a long way. For sides we had the Thai basil and bacon Brussel sprouts, 7.5/10 and the mash potatoes, which were pretty good 8/10. The dessert course, which the manager offered us was alright, the cheesecake was a real winner, maybe the only thing I would have come back for 9/10. The chocolate chip cookies were not baked all the way, gooey, very sweet and on top of more chocolate which made it worse 3/10. All in all I will say that for $325 with tip, this had to be the the worse meal I have had. I will not be coming back to Elway’s ever again. You go out to a great steakhouse because you want a great steak and Elway’s failed to deliver on that promise. There are plenty of good steakhouses in Downtwon, Elways’s sadly is not one of them. This sport does have a good vibe, but there are plenty of other places to take yourself out to. Let me just say, I go out for a lot of meals every year and enjoy reviewing places. Obviously this is my subjective opinion based on the experience I had, but I expected so much more and feel extremely disappointed. I don’t enjoy writing bad reviews, but want to let Elways know, there is a lot of room for improvements.
Carl Wong
Came here Sep last year. I had previously dined at the DEN airport location which was excellent. This time, the food was rather underwhelming. The steak tasted charred and tough. The brussel sprouts were soggy and greasy. The creamed spinach was too creamy.
Shelbi Svoboda
Elway’s has all of the standard steakhouse comforts with some very exceptional desserts. All steak is roughly $60-80 a cut with a la carte sides. The Brussels sprouts and key lime pie were the winners of the meal. Great for a business meal.
Fanny Ancona
My experience at Elway’s was absolutely amazing! I called to confirm my reservation and Jordan, the manager was extremely pleasant. He even requested the staff to greet us with the most delicious lamb chop fondue. The lamb was cooked perfectly! This kind gesture made us feel so special. Tommy our waiter made us feel so welcomed. We ordered the filet mignon. The fillet was charred to perfection on the outside and the middle was tender and juicy. We went home with Elway‘s seasoning, thanks to Tommy. Next time we’re in town we will definitely be returning for more!
How to reach ELWAY'S Downtown
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Why ELWAY'S Downtown may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at ELWAY'S Downtown with your friends?
Choosing ELWAY'S Downtown in Denver as the venue for a meetup with friends or family combines the allure of a high-end dining experience with a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for social gatherings. This restaurant, situated in the heart of downtown Denver, offers guests more than just a meal—it provides a place where celebrations can feel special and memories can be made. At ELWAY'S Downtown, the combination of expertly prepared dishes, including exceptional steaks and refined sides, makes it a go-to destination for those seeking both quality and comfort in their dining experience. The space itself exudes a sophisticated yet welcoming vibe, which encourages lingering over conversations and enjoying the company of your group. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply catching up, this setting offers a blend of elegance and familiarity that makes every gathering feel significant. Moreover, its central location makes it easily accessible for groups coming from different parts of the city, eliminating logistical hassles. For those who appreciate attention to culinary detail alongside a vibrant social atmosphere, ELWAY'S Downtown offers a compelling reason to rally your friends here.
What activities and features make ELWAY'S Downtown ideal for group meetups?
Hosting a meetup at ELWAY'S Downtown offers a range of activities and experiences tailor-made for groups. First, the menu is designed to cater to diverse tastes, with a focus on high-quality steaks, seafood, and thoughtfully prepared sides that encourage sharing and trying multiple dishes. This means friends and family can enjoy building a culinary journey together throughout the evening. The restaurant's layout is conducive to both intimate and larger gatherings, providing private and semi-private spaces ideal for birthday celebrations, business dinners, or casual meetups. Beyond the dining experience, the bar area offers a stylish venue to kick off the night or wind down after a great meal with expertly crafted cocktails and a fine selection of wines and spirits. For those who appreciate an atmosphere, the elegant yet relaxed ambiance keeps the energy perfect for socializing without overwhelming noise or distractions. Attentive service further complements the group dynamic, allowing guests to focus on their interactions while staff manage the details seamlessly. These elements collectively make ELWAY'S Downtown a versatile and attractive option for those looking to enjoy quality time together in a polished but comfortable environment.
How does the food quality and menu variety support group dining at ELWAY'S Downtown?
Food quality at ELWAY'S Downtown is often highlighted as a major draw, especially when dining with a group expecting top-tier meals. The menu emphasizes premium cuts of steak, expertly seared and cooked to perfection, making it a standout choice for meat lovers within any party. Seafood options and creative appetizers provide alternatives that satisfy varied palates, ensuring everyone at the table finds something appealing. The sides—such as their renowned creamed spinach and Thai Brussels sprouts—offer unique flavors that complement the main courses and can be shared family-style, enhancing the communal dining experience. Seasonal desserts and personalized touches, like complimentary celebratory treats during special occasions, add a thoughtful flair to group visits. Even though some past reviews mention inconsistencies, many patrons praise the kitchen's ability to deliver consistent quality, especially on notable dishes, which is critical for groups seeking reliable dining during special meetups. This range and quality of food make ELWAY'S Downtown not just a place to eat, but a place to savor diverse flavors with your loved ones, strengthening bonds through shared culinary enjoyment.
What makes the ambiance and service at ELWAY'S Downtown suited for social gatherings?
The ambiance at ELWAY'S Downtown balances refinement and comfort, creating a space conducive to conversation and enjoyment, which is essential for any group meetup. Soft lighting, tasteful décor, and a layout designed to accommodate groups help foster a welcoming environment where people feel relaxed yet valued. Although some guests have noted occasional service lapses, many others have experienced attentive and professional staff, which is particularly important in group situations where seamless coordination can enhance the evening's flow. The attentive service ensures that timing between courses, drink refills, and special requests are handled discreetly and efficiently, letting guests focus on interacting with each other rather than on logistics. In addition, the central downtown location often means groups can extend their outing to nearby entertainment or nightlife, making ELWAY'S a practical starting point or anchor for celebrations that could include a full evening of activities. This combination of inviting atmosphere and capable service creates a backdrop that elevates the social experience, making meetups comfortable and memorable.
Why is ELWAY'S Downtown's location an advantage for group meetups?
Located in Denver’s vibrant downtown area, ELWAY'S Downtown benefits from excellent accessibility and proximity to numerous other amenities, which adds to its appeal as a meetup spot. Being situated near major hotels, entertainment venues, and public transportation options simplifies gathering for friends and family coming from different parts of the city or even out of town. This downtown positioning also means guests have the flexibility to combine their meal with other activities, such as attending a concert, visiting a gallery, or experiencing nightlife, all within walking distance. For those coordinating larger groups, the convenience of nearby parking and easy transit routes removes common stressors associated with getting everyone together. The bustling yet controlled downtown energy offers an urban vibrancy that can enhance the overall mood of the gathering, providing a sense of occasion and excitement that complements the upscale dining experience inside ELWAY'S. This convenient and lively location makes ELWAY'S Downtown not just a restaurant but a hub for social connection in the heart of Denver.
What makes ELWAY'S Downtown stand out from other steakhouses as a meetup venue?
ELWAY'S Downtown distinguishes itself through a combination of culinary expertise, thoughtful design, and a name associated with a legacy of excellence. Unlike some steakhouses that focus solely on the meal, ELWAY'S integrates a high-caliber dining experience with a genuine desire to accommodate and enhance group interactions. The restaurant's connection to John Elway, a local sports legend, adds an element of cultural pride and familiarity for residents and visitors alike, creating a unique identity that resonates beyond the plate. While critics vary on certain aspects, many agree that the steak quality and service at ELWAY'S Downtown consistently rank among the best in Denver, offering reliability that groups appreciate when planning significant events. The ability to offer spaces that feel special yet unpretentious encourages guests to relax and enjoy their time together, distinguishing the venue from more rigid or overly formal settings. These factors combine to make ELWAY'S Downtown a recognizable and preferred choice for groups seeking not only great food but also an experience that feels authentically connected to Denver’s dining scene.
How can the menu and dining style at ELWAY'S Downtown enhance your group’s social experience?
The menu at ELWAY'S Downtown is designed to encourage sharing and interaction, which naturally fosters a social dining environment—ideal for meetups. Starters like lamb fondue and tuna tartare are crafted to be both visually appealing and flavorful conversation starters that invite guests to try a variety of tastes together. The emphasis on shareable sides and customizable steak options allows everyone in the group to savor their own favorites while also sampling others’, turning the meal into a collaborative experience. The restaurant's approach to desserts, including seasonal and elegantly presented options, offers a satisfying conclusion that groups can indulge in together, often sparking lively exchange about flavor and presentation. This culinary interplay compliments the social dynamic, enabling friends and family to bond over shared plates and collective appreciation of the dining craft. By structuring the menu and service to support interaction, ELWAY'S Downtown helps transform a simple meal into a memorable communal event that strengthens relationships.
What additional amenities or features at ELWAY'S Downtown support a smooth group meetup?
Beyond the food and atmosphere, ELWAY'S Downtown provides several amenities that help groups enjoy their time without distractions. The restaurant offers flexible seating arrangements and the capacity to handle various group sizes, including options for private events which can be especially valuable for celebrations or business meetings requiring privacy. Staff members are experienced in managing group dynamics, from coordinating orders to timing service, which minimizes wait times and confusion often experienced in large parties. Attention to detail such as accommodating dietary restrictions and special requests further enhances the inclusivity and comfort of the gathering. Furthermore, the availability of a robust wine list and crafted cocktails rounds out the experience, providing beverage options that complement meals and preferences, which is important when catering to a diverse group palate. These operational strengths ensure that hosting your friends or family at ELWAY'S Downtown is professionally managed, allowing you to focus fully on the company and occasion.
Why do reviewers often recommend ELWAY'S Downtown for special occasions?
Many patrons recommend ELWAY'S Downtown for noteworthy celebrations due to its ability to blend fine dining with a sense of occasion that elevates any event. Special touches like complimentary desserts for birthdays and attentive, personalized service create memorable moments that guests cherish. The quality of the food, particularly the steaks and desserts, often leaves a lasting positive impression, making ELWAY'S a trusted location for anniversaries, birthdays, and other milestones. Guests frequently highlight the restaurant’s ability to provide an experience that feels both luxurious and approachable, which means larger groups can celebrate without feeling out of place or overwhelmed by formality. The thoughtfully curated ambiance and professional staff capable of managing detailed requests further add to the confidence event planners have in ELWAY'S Downtown. These factors paired create a dependable and rewarding environment for marking life’s special moments with friends and family.
How does ELWAY'S Downtown ensure a memorable dining experience amid Denver’s competitive restaurant scene?
ELWAY'S Downtown stands out in Denver's busy and competitive dining scene by focusing on consistency in quality and an elevated dining experience. Amid numerous steakhouse options, ELWAY'S maintains a strong reputation for expertly prepared dishes and an ambiance that balances elegance with approachability. The combination of a menu with premium ingredients, an environment conducive to both intimate and lively gatherings, and a central location ensures it appeals to a wide range of diners. While some reviews point out occasional service inconsistencies, the majority of guests report positive experiences revolving around the quality of food and the atmosphere, which are key to repeat visits and recommendations. ELWAY'S also benefits from its association with a local sports icon, giving it a unique narrative and local pride that enriches the dining experience. By continually aligning its offerings with guest expectations for both food and setting, ELWAY'S Downtown is positioned as a memorable choice for those looking to mix great cuisine with meaningful social interaction.
What practical tips can help groups maximize their experience at ELWAY'S Downtown?
To maximize a meetup at ELWAY'S Downtown, groups should consider making reservations well in advance, especially for special occasions or larger parties, to ensure preferred seating and smooth arrival. Requesting specific seating areas, such as near the waterfall feature or semi-private booths, can enhance the ambiance and provide a comfortable space conducive to conversation. Discussing special dietary needs or celebratory requirements with staff beforehand can allow the team to prepare and personalize the experience further. Taking advantage of sharing plates and starters is a great way to explore the menu collectively and keep the energy lively through taste interaction. Additionally, allowing enough time for a relaxed, unhurried meal will help the group fully enjoy both the food and the social atmosphere. Planning transportation ahead or coordinating rides also eases logistics, especially given the downtown location. These practical steps help ensure the gathering at ELWAY'S Downtown is smooth, memorable, and enjoyable for everyone involved.