Meaty Saltgrass Steak House Fires Up its Grill in Downtown Denver

If you thought the strong wave of new-American eateries has extinguished Denver's appetite for chain steakhouses, think again. Three such establishments joined the Downtown dining scene this summer already.

Saltgrass Steak House opened recently at 1585 Lawrence Street. The 6,000 square-foot Texas steakhouse prides itself on its certified Angus beef, chargrilled on an open flame Saltgrass-style.This is the fourth Saltgrass Steak House in the Denver area, with others in Parker, Colorado Springs, and Westminster. The newest location comes in after Willie G's, the all-American surf and turf eatery, closed its doors after more than 30 years.

What was formerly La Fondue and Reunion Gastro Pub + Wine Bar – at 1040 15th St. – recently turned over as III Forks, a Dallas-based chain, serving USDA prime steak, lobster and other seafood. The venue has a lively bar with an array of 1,500 wines to choose from and includes a handful of local menu offerings. Next door, Cool River Cafe moved into its LoDo location earlier this year, featuring 18 draft beers on tap, an indoor-outdoor patio and warm fireplaces. This space – at the corner of 15th and Arapahoe streets – was briefly the home of Viand Modern American.

Back in the 'burbs, Brooks Steakhouse, a south metro landmark announced back in January it would close its doors after 20 years in the Denver Tech Center, citing struggles due to increasingly more steakhouses in the area.