STK Steakhouse — Restaurant in Denver

I’m generally not the one posting a negative review - I usually want to share a great experience in the hopes that those responsible are recognized and maybe others can enjoy a similarly great time. But our experience last night was bad enough on several levels that others might benefit from knowing (both the restaurant and prospective diners). And by the way, everyone has a bad night and early in our experience we attributed the tone of our server to just that. But things didn’t improve as the meal went on.

What went wrong? At a restaurant that charges well over $100 for some entrees you have a certain expectation regarding service and food. Our food was good, but nothing extraordinary. Our server didn’t engage with us beyond repeatedly saying ‘anything else’ as she took our orders. Our dozen oysters came out AFTER our entrees. Interestingly the food runner said, as he dropped our entrees, ‘I’ll be right back with your oysters.’ We didn’t discuss timing on the oysters so who decided they should come out later (more on that later)? Or was it just a BOH management issue?

So far, none of this justifies this review. But next, when one member of our party ordered a second glass of wine (with about 20% of the first glass left), the server appeared with the refill poured in a fresh glass (vs the typical small carafe). Rather than simply leaving the second glass next to the partially filled original glass, she decided to pour the new glass into the first. When we were on the cusp of the end of happy hour, our server was nowhere in sight for several minutes - so we had to go to the bar to order cocktails ourselves.

While finishing our meal, our server was constantly clearing the table. Generally not an issue unless you take the utensils before everyone is finished with everything. We had to ask for another setting to finish and still ate the last of the belated oysters with a spoon - our last remaining utensil.

As a group, we decided we needed to share this experience with the manager. When we asked to see him/her our server asked if there was a problem. We said ‘yes’ and she stopped and asked for feedback so she could improve. Nice call on her part. When the manager appeared with a big smile she acted as if she had no idea why we called her. Later in the conversation she mentioned that our server had filled her in before she came over. When we mentioned the delayed oysters she said ‘well, sometimes customers ask for oysters to come out with the meal.’ Not the case here. When we finished our comments she said she would talk to the server.

At this point we already had our check and had placed the credit card on it. The manager asked if we were ready to check out? She took the card and receipt and left. Our server returned shortly and ran the check for the original total.

Frankly, we were shocked that the manager didn’t offer to comp us dessert (which we wouldn’t have accepted, anyway) or perhaps cover one round of drinks and credit our bill. A move like that makes you feel heard and also leaves the impression that it’s a one-off situation. Had she made either move, I wouldn’t be posting this. But apparently poor service (both BOH and FOH) and average food is the norm at STK Denver, requiring no adjustment from management.

I know restaurants are feeling pressure from every side right now (exacerbated by Denver’s new minimum wage laws), but there are WAY TOO MANY other good steakhouse (or just good restaurant) options in Denver. We won’t be returning here in the future and likely won’t consider any STK location anywhere else in our future travels.

Diner beware…

UPDATE: It’s been a week since we attempted to take GM Shawn up on his/her offer to “make this up to you”. I responded to the email provided and waited for a response. I even sent a friendly follow up note after 4 days. Crickets. It looks great to potential guests when the business responds to a negative review and offers to ‘fix’ the experience. But they need to make good on that offer. I lowered the 1-star Service review to no-stars...

STK Denver knows how to deliver an unforgettable dining experience that goes beyond fabulous food & drinks. The ambiance, service, and attention to detail all create the restaurant's reputation as a sexy and sophisticated hotspot in downtown Denver.

We arrived at STK and were seated in the main dining room. STK’s aesthetic was sleek with a side of scene; sultry blue uplighting, neons, & grand white florals created an alluring atmosphere that set the stage for an exciting evening. A live DJ kept the energy high while we dined.

STK’s staff were professional and chic. Managers, Neil and Michelle actively engaged on the restaurant floor and ensured every customer’s needs were met. Our server Jordan was amazing. His recommendations, professionalism and warm hospitality created a truly memorable dining experience.

For cocktails I had the Cucumber Stiletto made with Grey Goose Le Citron Vodka, St Germain, muddled cucumber & mint. The Cucumber Stiletto was smooth, crisp & served in a martini glass with a floating cucumber garnish. Easy drinking (and I had several).

Jaclyn had the Spiced Watermelon made with Patron Silver Tequila, St Germain, watermelon, fresh lime, and jalapeño. The Spiced Watermelon was juicy with a spicy kick and garnished with a icy-cold slice of watermelon - bold & adventurous.

For starters we had the Lil' BRGS & the Tuna Tartare.

The Lil' BRGS were made with wagyu beef, special sauce, and a sesame seed bun. The Lil' BRGS stole the show; they were drool worthy. The buttery wagyu beef boasted a firm yet juicy texture with serious umami flavor. The special sauce on the burgers gave them a tangy kick that we couldn't get enough of.

The Tuna Tartare was made with hass avocado, taro chips, & soy-honey emulsion. The Tuna Tartare was light & fresh in aroma & color. The large cubed pieces of tuna allowed for a full appreciation of its mild and sweet flavor. The contrasting textures of the smooth tuna, soft avocado, and crunchy taro chips created a delightful mouthfeel.

STK's house sourdough bread was served in a cast iron pot and generously coated in butter with chive oil on the side. The bread was crisp on the outside, hot, soft & fluffy on the inside. The chive dipping sauce was bomb.

Dinner was kicked up a notch with sparklers & shots! It was time to party.

For Entrées we had the 6oz Filet, Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, and the Mushroom & Truffle Tagliatelle

The 6oz Filet was served with STK's signature sauce. The premier filet was topped with butter & torched right at the table. It was a lean and flavorful cut of beef that could impress the most discerning steak lover.

The Miso Glazed Chilean Sea Bass was made with sauteed bok choy, ginger, crispy shallots, & thai basil. A delicate and beautifully balanced dish, the miso glaze infused the sea bass with sweet and savory flavors.

The Mushroom & Truffle Tagliatelle was made with pecorino, braised mushrooms, and baby spinach shaved black truffle. The tagliatelle was indulgent; each bite was creamy with a celebration of earthy black truffle and mushrooms.

For Sides we had the Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and the Mac & Cheese. The Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes were delicious; they had a lovely parmesan crust.

For Dessert we had an Assorted Dessert Board that included the Cookie Skillet, Cheesecake, & Bag O Donuts. Cookie heaven! The gooey, chewy chocolate chip cookie was served warm in a skillet & topped with cold, vanilla bean ice cream. The Cookie Skillet was our favorite from the dessert board! The Cheesecake was served with raspberry coulis and berries. The Bag O' Donuts were coated in cinnamon sugar and served alongside dulce de leche, raspberry, and chocolate sauce.

What a meal! Whether you're seeking a sexy date night or a lively gathering with friends, STK Denver is the perfect...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at STK Steakhouse in Denver to celebrate a very special occasion—our brand, Casa Alta. From the moment we walked in, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The atmosphere at STK strikes a perfect balance between upscale elegance and vibrant energy, making it the ideal venue for both celebrations and memorable dining experiences.

The evening was made truly outstanding by Shawn, the General Manager, and our server, Anthony. Both went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and ensure our celebration was perfect in every detail. Shawn greeted us warmly and took the time to stop by our table multiple times to make sure we had everything we needed and that we were enjoying our time. His attentiveness and professionalism made us feel like VIPs throughout the evening. Anthony, our server, was equally incredible—knowledgeable, personable, and attentive without being intrusive. He guided us effortlessly through the menu, offered excellent recommendations, and made the whole dining experience seamless.

For the celebration, we started with STK’s signature bread served with olive oil. It arrived warm, perfectly fluffy on the inside with a golden crust—simple but absolutely addictive. It was the perfect start to set the tone for what turned into an incredible meal.

We opted for the steak platter as the centerpiece of our meal, and it was a true showstopper. The cuts of steak were cooked to absolute perfection—medium rare, with a sear that was just right and a tenderness that melted in your mouth. Each bite was flavorful, juicy, and highlighted the quality of the meat that STK is so well-known for.

The lobster macaroni and cheese was, quite honestly, one of the best versions we’ve ever had. The combination of tender, buttery lobster and the rich, creamy macaroni and cheese created a perfect indulgence. It was decadent without being overpowering, and the portion was generous enough for sharing.

To close out our celebration, we indulged in the dessert platter, which included a selection of STK’s finest sweets—cheesecakes, cookies with ice cream, and other delightful treats. Each dessert was beautifully presented and tasted as good as it looked. The cheesecakes were smooth and velvety, while the cookies were warm and paired perfectly with the ice cream for a nostalgic yet elevated finish to the meal.

Of course, no celebration would be complete without a fantastic bottle of wine, and we chose the 50th Anniversary bottle of Caymus. It was the perfect pairing for the steak platter—smooth, bold, and full-bodied, enhancing every bite of our meal.

The team at STK made our evening feel extra special, and celebrating our brand Casa Alta in such a memorable way was exactly what we had hoped for. The service, the food, the atmosphere—everything came together perfectly to create an experience that we’ll cherish for years to come.

Whether you’re looking for a spot to celebrate a milestone, enjoy a date night, or simply savor one of the best meals in Denver, STK Steakhouse is the place to go. A huge thank you again to Shawn and Anthony for taking such great care of us and making our celebration truly exceptional.

We can’t wait to come back for another unforgettable meal. STK Steakhouse in Denver is, without question, one of the city’s finest dining establishments, and it’s clear why they’ve earned such a stellar reputation....