No matter the seasons, weddings happen every time of year. With these celebrations come bachelor parties. So, what better way to kick off the end of single hood than by indulging in great steak and friends. Plus a little entertainment on the side.
Whether you’re a local planning a party or visiting from out of town and looking for a great spot, these three restaurants have what you need, and are paired with things to do nearby. From city hot spots to escapes to pure luxury, find the perfect place for that next bachelor, or bachelorette, party.
From A5 Steakhouse To a Night On the Town
Celebrating in the Mile High City can feel overwhelming with so many options, but if you’re looking for an upscale yet lively atmosphere, A5 Steakhouse in Downtown Denver is the perfect pick. Conveniently located near stadiums, theaters, art galleries, and other popular venues, this isn’t just a night for steak. We’re thinking bigger. If the groom-to-be loves sports, make his bachelor party really score by pairing the meal with a Broncos or Nuggets game. Or, if his or her’s favorite band is in town, head to a concert at Mission Ballroom.
Now back to the steak. At A5 Steakhouse, run by the Culinary Creative Group (Ash’Kara, Bar Dough, Fox and the Hen, Mister Oso, and more), chef Max MacKissock sources top-tier ingredients to the table. Known for a sophisticated and energetic dining experience, A5 earned a place on our list of great steakhouses as well as a mention in the Michelin Guide.
Find out why by start the meal with something off the raw bar or appetizer menu. For example, the Beef Tartare Katsu Sando ($18), which comprises of tenderloin, pickles, and shallot-laden aioli. The meat comes on toasted Japanese milk bread and topped with a quail egg.
Other great options include the Caesar Salad ($19) with a spicy anchovy dressing and poached egg. Or the A5 Hot Chicken ($36) featuring buttermilk brine, house-made hot sauce, and yuzu kosho aioli. We also love the A5 Burger ($22) for any celebration. It’s a glorious six-ounce wagyu patty with beer-braised onions, pickles, butterkäse cheese, and special sauce on a brioche sesame bun.
As for steak, the restaurant serves seven different cuts. For that big night order the restaurant’s namesake, the Japanese A5 Strip Loin ($115). It’s a four-ounce cut with exceptional marbling. The dish comes paired with veal ponzu and onions. Or, upgrade the meal with the surf ‘n’ turf options including butter-poached Maine lobster tail ($42), three black tiger prawns ($27), and Maine scallops ($26). 1600 15th St., Denver a5denver.com
Tee-Off and Vibe-Out at Great Divide Brewery and Roadhouse
Outside of downtown, the Denver Technological Center (DTC) stands as the second place to go for steakhouse choices. Similarly, the surrounding area houses some of Colorado’s top golf courses, including the prestigious The Ridge at Castle Pines North. With sweeping views of Pikes Peak, Devil’s Head, and Mount Blue Sky (formally known as Mount Evans), the course elevates the experience. If the weather turns or if you’d rather practice your swing, Topgolf in nearby Centennial is an excellent alternative.
While the DTC offers plenty of delicious steakhouses, take a page out of the golf playbook and swing away from the traditional. Instead, go for a handicap and try something unexpected, yet perfect for you any bachelor party. Head to the Great Divide Brewery and Roadhouse in Lone Tree.
Run by Vibe Concepts, known for popular local spots like TStreet Roadhouse, Reivers Bar & Grill, and Spanky’s Roadhouse, has been serving up great, meaty menus for over 30 years. This latest collaboration with Great Divide Brewery began in Castle Rock, expanded to Lone Tree earlier this year, and will soon reach Lakewood.
Executive chef James Doxon continues to lead Vibe Concepts restaurants to award-winning success. Recently he helped take home top honors at this year’s RARE Steak Championship, sweeping the Creative Steak category and winning the People’s Choice for Best Cocktail.
Also at Great Divide Brewery and Roadhouse, sample award-winning brews, a large whiskey selection, and elevated American cuisine. All this takes place in a lively, welcoming dining room with a 360-degree bar, and covered patio.
The menu is extensive, so there’s something for everyone. However a few of Chef Doxon’s top-tier selections include the Candied Pork Belly Wedge ($19) with iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, pickled onion, gorgonzola, radish, green onion, and a cabernet buttermilk dressing. For a more indulgent option, select one of three signature burgers, like The Jam ($18), packed with bacon, onion, apple jam, brie, arugula, and more applewood bacon inside a brioche bun.
Chef Doxon also recommends the Pasta Bolognese ($26), made with ground pork sausage, beef, and braised tomato ragu over fettuccine, topped with parmesan and fresh herbs, plus garlic bread to clean the plate. For steak lovers, the NY Steak Frites ($38) offers a hearty 12-ounce strip served over garlic Parmesan fries with chimichurri sauce. Or, get the eight-ounce Filet Mignon ($38), which comes with chorizo butter for an extra kick of flavor. 9978 Sky Ridge Ave., Lone Tree greatdivide.com
Head North for a Rare Historical Experience
For a quick escape from Denver, Fort Collins offers lively nightlife and a historic downtown. Fun fact, said downtown inspired Disneyland’s Main Street. With over 20 breweries producing 70-percent of Colorado’s craft beer, the town is a haven for beer enthusiasts. So if that bachelor party is looking for good beer, a bit of history, and great steaks, head North.
Aside from a walk around town beer hopping, a boat day on Horsetooth Reservoir proves delightful in the warmer weather. For those who need to climb, trek one of the stunning hikes and 285 miles of bike trails just outside of town.
For dinner, take a ride on the restored trolley and head to Rare Italian Steakhouse. This farm-to-table gem brings the flavors of Umbria and Tuscany to life. Take in the open kitchen, which fills the dining room with mouth watering aromas.
Executive chef Nate Booth, a Colorado native, returned in 2021 after two decades leading kitchens in Texas. At Rare Italian Steakhouse the menu showcases house-made pasta, dry-aged steaks done in house for a minimum of 21 days, and an impressive wine list.
Now choose wisely by ordering the 14-ounce Dry-Aged Rib Eye ($48), and add on veal demi glace for an extra $5. It is, after all, your party. Pair the protein with one of the handmade pastas, which can be shared family-style alongside. The Shrimp & Saffron Risotto ($31) offers a rich flavor of Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic, parsley, and micro greens. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly cooked steak or indulgent pasta, Rare delivers on all fronts. 101 S College Ave., Fort Collins, rareitalian.com
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