New Generation Steakhouse: Is Guard & Grace Working?

Guard & Grace, chef-restaurateur Troy Guard's modern steakhouse, opened its doors in downtown Denver in March. At this sleek new eatery, Guard, whose restaurant portfolio includes the TAG restaurants, Sugarmill, and Los Chingones, offers a unique take on the age-old steakhouse formula. However, with its arrival in steakhouse-saturated Denver, does this newcomer do enough to set itself apart from the pack? Find out with the early word on Guard & Grace.

The Refreshing Appetizer News: The modern take on the steakhouse genre is a "refreshing addition to the downtown scene," says 5280 Magazine's food editor, Amanda Faison. She praises the oak-grilled carrot appetizer in particular, finding it to be a very "balanced and light" dish that is seldom found in steakhouses. [5820]

The Outside the Box News: Guard's newest and biggest restaurant is yet another departure from the conventional for the restaurateur, both in its menu (with things like Colorado bison tartare and wood-charred octopus) and in its sleek modern interior, according to Westword. "Guard, who's renowned for his playful and uncommon twists, tricks and turns, created what he calls a "progressive-modern steak house," a declaration that manifests itself in the space and on the menu." [Cafe Society]

The Hot Newcomer News: Guard & Grace was recently named to Zagat's list of the 8 hottest restaurants in Denver as one of the most buzzed about new openings this summer. "Troy Guard's splashy Downtown arrival is more like a one-stop shop for the see-and-be-seen, turning out marvelous pastas, sparkling seafood and thoughtful veggie dishes as well as honking cuts of meat. " [Zagat]

The Meat and Potatoes News: While Guard & Grace offers much more than steak and chops with its raw bar, charcuterie, and globally inspired plates, the beef rightfully takes center-stage, writes William Porter of the Denver Post. The critic gave a positive three-star review, making note of the "exceptionally knowledgeable service" and "eye-crossingly good" Kansas City strip steak. [DP]

The Yelp News: Several Yelpers have voiced their satisfaction with the option to choose grass-fed beef. "My favorite part is that they offer 100% grass-fed locally raised beef," writes one reviewer, adding "My inner-hippie has never been so excited." [Yelp]

The Bonus Points News: Yelp users also enjoy Guard & Grace's attention to detail. The restaurant seems to be earning kudos with little things like free valet parking, wine tasting, and complimentary warm cookies following your meal. [Yelp]

The Definitely Worth It News: One reviewer on OpenTable has some concerns with location and price, but admits it's all worth it in the end. "Location is a bit off the beaten path, but worth the extra block of walking. A bit pricey, but definitely worth it." [OpenTable]

— By Robert Stein

· Dating a Vegetarian But You're a Meat Eater? [EDen]
· Interview with Ryan Walker of Guard & Grace [EDen]
· Updating The Eater Heatmap, June 2014 [EDen]
· Denver's 10 Best Oyster Bars [EDen]