John Elway eponymous steakhouse, Elway’s Cherry Creek, tops the list of most diners in Denver for the place to go for a perfectly cooked steak. This East First Avenue restaurant is known for serving up large cuts of meat in a sophisticated atmosphere. Due to its namesake, the interior is what you would expect: filled with sports memorabilia and various television tuned to whatever sporting event is currently going on. The interior features starch linen covered tablecloths and dim lighting, making it ideal for a romantic evening. The meat lover menu features wet aged, hand cut Prime grade steaks in addition to fresh fish, lamb and chicken. A fan favorite is the bone-in rib eye. Complete your meal with one of the family style side items such as the green chili macaroni and cheese or the Yukon gold buttery mashed potatoes.

A standard in Denver’s steakhouses is Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House on East Orchard Road. This Greenville Village eatery is popular with local celebrities and hipsters alike. Upon entering Del Frisco’s, you will feel as if you’ve stepped into a posh country club with darkly stained wood accents and luxurious green leathers. The menu features your typical steakhouse fare but it is the attention to details that makes Del Frisco’s shine. Diners can choose from various steaks ranging from the 12-ounce filet mignon to the behemoth 24-ounce porterhouse. Side items are served a la carte and the standouts include the potatoes mashed with bacon and the sautéed mushrooms.

Another football related steakhouse is Shanahan’s on South Syracuse Avenue. This high-end eatery simply oozes class with granite fireplace, intricate woodwork and an abundance of leather accents. Despite these touches, Shanahan’s doesn’t have a pretentious feel and it would still be appropriate for an upscale family dinner. Most of the meat at Shanahan’s is wet aged and is USDA prime. All steaks are perfectly cooked to order and are lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, allowing the true flavor of the meat shine through. In addition to the traditional steakhouse cuts, Shanahan’s serves veal chop, lamb chops and a variety of fresh seafood.