Denver's premier steakhouse with prime dry-aged beef, an exceptional wine and cocktail program, and a stunning two-story space. Chef Troy Guard's flagship is consistently ranked among Colorado's best restaurants.
Guard and Grace is Denver's premier steakhouse, opened by chef Troy Guard in the heart of downtown Denver on California Street. Guard, known across Colorado for his accessible restaurant group, built Guard and Grace as his flagship fine dining expression — a two-story space that combines the grandeur of a classic American steakhouse with a modern Denver sensibility rooted in craft cocktails and an exceptional wine program.
The dry-aged prime ribeye (16oz, $68) is the kitchen's defining offering — deep mahogany crust, intensely concentrated flavor from the aging process, and a char achieved in the restaurant's high-heat broilers. Wagyu beef tartare ($24) has become an emblematic starter: raw, precisely seasoned, and finished tableside with accompaniments that balance richness with acidity. The charcuterie and cheese board ($26) reflects the kitchen's broader appetizer program, which draws from local Colorado producers alongside national selections.
The two-story dining room on California Street is among Denver's most dramatic interior spaces, with soaring ceilings, warm wood and metal finishes, and a ground-floor bar that operates as a destination in its own right. The cocktail program is sophisticated and seasonally driven, complementing an extensive wine list that spans old and new world with particular depth in Napa Cabernet and Burgundy — natural complements to the prime beef program.
Lunch service operates weekdays, offering the most affordable entry point to the kitchen; dinner runs nightly. Weekend evenings require advance reservations, though the large-format space gives it more availability than Denver's smaller fine dining restaurants.
Signature dishes
- Dry-aged prime ribeye 16oz — $68
- Charcuterie and cheese board — $26
- Wagyu beef tartare — $24
Good to know
- Known for
- Denver's finest steakhouse with prime dry-aged beef and exceptional cocktail program
- Hours
- 11AM-10PM Mon-Fri, 5PM-10PM Sat-Sun
Location
1801 California St, Denver, CO 80202
39.7466, -104.9957 View on map
Highlights
- Chef Troy Guard's flagship — Denver's most acclaimed modern steakhouse with prime dry-aged beef
- Dry-aged prime ribeye (16oz) with deep broiler char is the signature centerpiece of every meal
- Wagyu beef tartare is one of Denver's most emblematic upscale appetizers
- Dramatic two-story dining room in downtown Denver with one of the city's best cocktail programs
- Weekday lunch offers the most affordable entry to the kitchen's prime beef quality
Tips for visiting
- Weekday lunch is significantly less expensive than dinner and offers much of the same kitchen quality.
- The dry-aged ribeye is best ordered medium-rare to preserve the fat rendering and crust integrity.
- The bar program stands alone — the cocktail list is worth visiting for drinks even without a full meal.
- Request a main-floor table for the best experience of the two-story room's architectural drama.
- The wine list's Napa Cabernet section pairs directly with the prime beef program and is extensive.
Accessibility
Guard and Grace occupies a two-story building at 1801 California Street in downtown Denver. The ground floor dining room and bar are accessible at street level. The second-floor level is reached by stairs; guests requiring single-level seating should mention this when reserving. Accessible parking is available in the surrounding downtown garage structures.
Frequently asked questions
Does Guard and Grace serve lunch?
Yes. Guard and Grace serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11 AM, making it one of Denver's most accessible prime steakhouse experiences at midday. Saturday and Sunday dinner service begins at 5 PM.
What is the specialty of Guard and Grace?
The restaurant's signature is its dry-aged prime beef program. The 16oz dry-aged prime ribeye is the most celebrated dish, complemented by a wagyu tartare starter and an extensive wine and cocktail program.
How difficult is it to get a reservation?
Guard and Grace's large two-story space means reservations are more available than at smaller Denver fine dining venues. Weekend evenings should be booked a week or more in advance; weekday availability is generally better.
Who is chef Troy Guard?
Troy Guard is a Denver-based chef who operates a growing group of Colorado restaurants. Guard and Grace on California Street is his flagship fine dining concept, representing the most refined expression of his culinary approach.