When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Guard and Grace
Why Guard and Grace is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Guard and Grace stands out as a premier modern steakhouse with award-winning locations in Denver and Houston. Its spacious 9,000 sq. ft. Denver venue, situated in the heart of Downtown, offers one of the city's largest patios—an inviting setting perfect for lively gatherings. Created by Chef/Owner Troy Guard and named after his daughter, the restaurant redefines the steakhouse experience by balancing culinary craftsmanship with a light, airy, and graceful ambiance. The menu features prime dry-aged and Wagyu beef cuts ranging from 4 to 40 oz., divine wood-fired creations, and a diverse selection of seafood, celebrating the best of regional flavors. Highlights include unique seasonal and holiday menus, omakase-style specials, and a rotation of daily dishes that provide guests a consistently fresh and memorable dining adventure. Beyond food, Guard and Grace elevates gatherings with innovative cocktails, curated wines from across the globe, and special events such as exclusive wine dinners and celebrations, making it a vibrant hub for friends and families to connect. Its warm service philosophy and elegant atmosphere make it an exceptional place for happy hours, couple nights out, or private events, offering sophistication without the typical steakhouses' dark and moody vibe.
Here's what people think of Guard and Grace
As of recent, Guard and Grace holds a 4.7-star rating based on 4043 reviews.
The reviews of Guard and Grace reflect a generally enthusiastic reception, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from over 4,000 customers, highlighting its reputation as a top-tier steakhouse. Positive feedback frequently praises the knowledgeable and accommodating staff, creating a memorable and friendly dining experience. The vibrant and inviting atmosphere, including one of Denver’s largest patios, is often mentioned as a plus for social gatherings. Many delighted patrons rave about standout dishes such as Wagyu beef, gnocchi, and duck fat fries, along with innovative cocktails and a well-curated wine list. Moreover, the Michelin Guide recommendation and accolades like ranking No. 47 in the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants list underscore its culinary prestige. On the downside, some guests note that the steak quality can vary, which impacts the value perception given the restaurant’s premium pricing. Others have expressed minor concerns about difficulty securing reservations and occasionally finding the service intrusive or the music volume loud. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus remains positive, celebrating Guard and Grace as a sophisticated yet welcoming steakhouse where culinary excellence and a lively ambiance combine to deliver an exceptional dining destination.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jazmine W
This restaurant was spectacular….we sat on the patio which was fun and our server was SO friendly. She was awesome. Next the potato rolls were mouthwatering pillows (we ordered another round). Then the steak….OH THE STEAK…it was tender, flavorful, I wanted to eat it again and again! We had the grass fed steak and yes, ORDER IT. We also got the gnocchi (pillows from heaven), the Brussels (crispy goodness), the carrots (so so delicious) and the mushrooms (the tastiest I’ve had). Lastly we ordered the mouthwatering cookies and the sticky toffee cake with coffee….every bite was magical. I will be back again
Kristin Kilmer
This restaurant was absolutely incredible! My husband and I travel all over and consider our ourselves foodies. From the atmosphere to the service and food, all the way down to the details… They nailed it! Special shout out to our amazing server, Josh, and the manager, Joe! They both went above and beyond.
Laurie Tippet
I cannot say enough accolades about Guard and Grace - Tee (manager), Shae (our incredible server) and Jessie (very helpful valet) were ALL so incredibly friendly, professional, down-to-earth, fun, attentive (but not too much) and helpful! They turned what started as a bit of a stressful and chaotic (locked the keys in the car to a notice of our dog barking in the hotel room) and turned it around in what ended up being the most incredible evening! We sat outside (due to our dog) and ended up being for the best as it was a pleasant evening, spacious table for our party of seven, easy to talk to each other due to not being noisy, and beautiful patio with comfortable chairs.. Tee was so helpful in making it work for us - although we were on time for our reservation, needless to say, our situation caused a delay and unsure if could even eat at Guard and Grace. Tee was so helpful and assuring us it'll work out and sitting outside was perfect! Shae was such a cutie - so knowledgeable on the menu and drink options, attentive, fun... Jessie (valet) was very patient, reassuring and helpful All were very generous to us! And the food - was outstanding! From the chef's sample, to fresh light bread, to the appetizers to the sides (brussel sprouts, gnocchi, whipped potato) to the entrees (steaks, fish, pasta) to the wine, cocktails (the Garden Grace was so delicious as the fun Cosmonaut and beautifully served. We were all so full, we had no room for dessert, but as we were celebrating three b-days, Shae got the b-day names and served the most delicious dessert and chocolate chip cookies (crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside). This was such a generous, beautiful and thoughtful (and delicious) offer. The team went above and beyond and will always be fondly remembered to all of us! For any special or just a wonderful evening of delicious food and incredible service, I highly recommend Guard and Grace!
Brie Golden
My bf and I went to Guard and Grace for our 7 year anniversary and the staff was soooo nice! Ryan I believe was our server’s name and he was so attentive, personable, and helpful with recommendations. The food and drinks were incredible, but the service is really what made this place stand out to me. At the end of our meal Ryan brought us a signed card from the staff that had messages about our 7 years together, and he also read to us the info on what your Copper Anniversary represents. We’ve told all of our friends about this experience and will absolutely be back! Thank you, Ryan!
Jared Kent
Love this restaurant! Food was great, service was amazing, but I cannot praise them enough for how kind they were to my daughter. I wish I had names, but A+ staff from management down. Steaks perfectly cooked, delicious Oscar style. Highly recommend their au gratin side. Gnocchi was top notch as well. Save room for dessert and order extra cookies to go. Atmosphere can be loud so it’s not a place for hushed conversation. Any time I’m in Denver this will be a stop.
How to reach Guard and Grace
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Why Guard and Grace may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Guard and Grace with your friends? Guard and Grace offers a compelling blend of atmosphere, cuisine, and service that makes it an exceptional spot for gathering with family and friends. The restaurant balances modern elegance with a lively vibe, creating an inviting environment where guests can comfortably enjoy quality time together. Its spacious layout and contemporary design feature an open kitchen with a roaring oak fire and a floor-to-ceiling wine room, making for a visually striking and warm setting that is perfect for celebrations or casual meetups. The menu, focused primarily on steak but offering a variety of options, caters to diverse tastes with high-quality ingredients and innovative dishes that keep conversations lively and palates intrigued. Coupled with attentive, knowledgeable staff passionate about their offerings, Guard and Grace ensures that your group’s dining experience is smooth, memorable, and personalized. Whether it’s a special occasion, a weekend outing, or a midweek respite, this restaurant creates an atmosphere where friendships can deepen over great food and attentive service.
What activities can groups enjoy at Guard and Grace? Gathering at Guard and Grace means more than just dining; it’s an experience filled with activities and options that enhance group meetups. Guests can indulge in expertly prepared dishes ranging from prime Angus and grass-fed beef steaks to unique small plates featuring bison tartare and decadent side dishes like duck fat fries. For those interested in wine, the establishment’s spectacular floor-to-ceiling wine room opens possibilities for wine tasting or choosing bottles that pair perfectly with your meal, elevating the gathering experience. The open kitchen acts as a live culinary show, providing an engaging focal point for diners interested in observing the chefs in action, making the meal interactive beyond just the palate. Moreover, the staff’s extensive knowledge of the menu enables tailored recommendations, ideal for groups wanting to explore varied flavors and share dishes family-style, promoting conversation and a communal dining feel. Guard and Grace also accommodates special requests seamlessly, from precise cooking preferences to half-pour wine tastings, ensuring that every member of your group feels catered to and involved.
Why is Guard and Grace the perfect place for group meetups? Guard and Grace excels in creating a venue that supports the dynamics of group gatherings, combining sumptuous food, elegant atmosphere, and impeccable service in a way few places can match. Its spacious, well-designed interior can comfortably accommodate various group sizes, allowing for intimate conversations or celebratory toasts alike. The vibrant yet sophisticated ambiance strikes a balance between casual comfort and upscale dining, appealing to diverse groups whether they are celebrating milestones or just catching up. The menu’s emphasis on steak and accompanying dishes offers a centerpiece around which groups can share and discuss, while the availability of smaller plates and innovative sides caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, promoting inclusion and variety. Additionally, the staff at Guard and Grace are renowned for their passion and dedication—many come from prestigious Denver dining establishments—which translates into a guest experience that anticipates and meets the needs of groups, from seating arrangements to menu customizations. Reservations can be challenging during peak times, underscoring its popularity and reputation, but advanced booking ensures your group’s visit will be smooth and highly enjoyable.
How does the food at Guard and Grace support a memorable group experience? The cuisine at Guard and Grace is the cornerstone of its appeal for group meetups, designed to impress and satisfy a range of palates with its quality and creativity. The steaks—available in prime, Angus, and grass-fed options—are dry-aged for 28 days and prepared to highlight their rich flavors, serving as a bold centerpiece for any meal. Accompanying dishes such as a flavorful gnocchi, rich duck fat fries, and inventive small plates allow groups to explore different tastes through shared orders, fostering a communal dining style. Special attention is given to presentation and seasonal ingredients, which adds an element of surprise and delight to the experience. Dessert offerings, like the renowned toffee cake with burnt-sugar ice cream, provide a sweet conclusion that can be enjoyed family-style, rounding out the meal memorably. Though some reviews mention occasional inconsistencies, the overall food quality and innovation consistently contribute to creating an indulgent and enjoyable atmosphere ideal for group celebrations or casual gatherings.
What can you expect from the service at Guard and Grace during your group visit? Service at Guard and Grace is noted for its professionalism, approachability, and deep knowledge, which significantly enhance the group dining experience. The staff are not only well-trained but passionate about the menu, often sharing detailed insights about the sourcing, preparation, and flavors of dishes, which enriches diners’ appreciation and makes ordering an interactive experience. They are known to be accommodating, willing to customize—even halving pour sizes or catering to specific cooking preferences—to fit individual tastes within a group. While some guests have reported that service can occasionally feel intrusive or inconsistent, the majority highlight its attentiveness and eagerness to please, pointing to servers who often go beyond standard expectations. This level of personalized attention helps keep larger groups comfortable and well-informed throughout their meal, allowing the focus to remain on enjoyment and social connection rather than logistics or uncertainties about the menu.
How does the atmosphere at Guard and Grace facilitate great group dynamics? The atmosphere at Guard and Grace skillfully merges sophistication with warmth, creating a setting that naturally encourages conversation and camaraderie. Its modern décor features rustic touches and a bright, open design, including a notable open kitchen where guests can watch culinary artistry live, creating visual interest and a shared experience that sparks interaction. The presence of a roaring oak fire adds a cozy element, contrasting the metropolis-like buzz of the restaurant floor, which for groups can translate into the perfect blend of excitement and intimacy. Though some visitors have noted that music levels can be high at peak times, for many, this contributes to a lively, celebratory environment suitable for gatherings. The spacious seating arrangements and thoughtfully designed layout also ensure that groups can feel private enough for meaningful conversations without feeling isolated, achieving a balance suited for both energetic and relaxed meetups.
What makes Guard and Grace a unique option in Denver’s dining scene for groups? Guard and Grace stands out in Denver’s rich culinary landscape because of its modern take on the classic steakhouse, combined with a commitment to exceptional quality and guest experience. Unlike traditional steakhouses that may feel more formal or rigid, this establishment offers a contemporary, accessible vibe that welcomes groups looking for both elegance and approachability. Its culinary offerings extend beyond standard steakhouse fare, including innovative small plates and side dishes that highlight local ingredients and creative flavor combinations. The restaurant’s emphasis on detail—from its wine room to its open kitchen and knowledgeable servers—underscores a holistic dining experience that is crafted for enjoyment and discovery. Its popularity and high ratings reflect the success of this approach, making it a distinguished choice for groups seeking not just a meal but an event worth remembering in Denver.
In summary, Guard and Grace is an outstanding location to rally with friends or family due to its vibrant yet sophisticated setting, versatile menu designed for sharing and exploration, and a service team committed to elevating every guest’s experience. Its unique blend of modern steakhouse tradition and contemporary innovation creates a memorable backdrop for any group occasion, whether it’s a celebratory dinner or a casual reunion. The dynamic atmosphere, visual elements like the open kitchen and fire, and the attention to detail at every level combine to make Guard and Grace not just a meal but a compelling destination for group dining in Denver.