The Democratic National Convention is scheduled for August 2008 in Denver. Even if you aren’t planning on attending, you might want to check out the one steakhouse in town that should be popular with both general diners and political types. That restaurant? Del Frisco’s of Denver or, more specifically Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in Greenwood Village. Every time we’ve been in there we’ve seen local or national celebrities, from athletes to Hollywood types (or look-alikes) . In fact, we’ve often been so busy staring at the celebs that we’ve had to remember to keep eating!
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in Denver: what you need to know before you visit, whether during or before the Democratic National Convention
You’ll want to prepare your budget -and your appetite – for a visit to Del Frisco’s steakhouse -and it’ll be worth every dollar you spend. My history with Del Frisco’s steakhouse goes back years and I’ve never been disappointed with a single meal there. Be prepared to dress up as well. The atmosphere is not casual and dressy attire is the norm.
After that, be prepared to have an escape from your normal routine and a truly wonderful dining experience. If you have a friend willing to loan you a Bentley or Mercedes for the evening, you might consider accepting the offer. We’ve never seen so many luxury automobiles in one place before, short of a dealer’s showroom.
Del Frisco’s Denver Steakhouse: Atmosphere
As noted above, even before you set foot in the door, you’ll probably note that this is the place where local and national celebrities, athletes and actors hang out. We counted 8 Bentleys or Mercedes in the parking lot one night. However, there were plenty of lesser priced cars, proving that people are willing to budget for a meal here, admittedly not an inexpensive one…but so delicious! No matter what type of car you drive, you’ll be able to take advantage of the valet parking. The restaurant is also wheelchair accessible, something you might want to keep in mind if you’re bringing along someone who needs that amenity.
After you’ve left the parking lot, simply open the door and feast your eyes on rich, gleaming woods and cozy, warm surroundings. We always feel like we are taking a mini vacation when we are in Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. We make sure to visit the restaurant several times a year and we’ve already allocated a portion of our economic stimulus check for Del Frisco’s steakhouse. Yes, it is worth it!
Del Frisco’s Denver Steakhouse: Menu and prices
Although this is known mostly as a steakhouse (as the restaurant’s name suggests), you’ll find that the steak, veal and even shrimp with angel hair pasta are also delightful. Every item here is made “in house” – which basically means that they prepare your food from scratch after you order it. If you wonder how they can make “homemade” beef, this is as close as it comes – because the meat is cut from the loin as soon as your order hits the kitchen. Pretty impressive…and you’ll notice the superior taste of the beef when it arrives at your table. Tender, barely needing the touch of your knife to cut through it.
The beef served here is never frozen, something our server was proud to note and it is shipped at least twice weekly to the steakhouse. The beef is aged, prime and comes from corn-fed cattle.
We always go for the 16 ounce Prime RIbeye when choosing a beef course but lighter appetites may be satisfied with Del Frisco’s Filet Mignon, weighing in at 1/2 pound. For an impressive presentation, go for the Prime Strip for two, served tableside. You won’t be disappointed if you opt for seafood either, whether you go with the Lobster Tails or Salmon with a special sauce.
Everything is priced a la carte here (except for special events, usually announced ahead of time, and meals in any of the five private dining rooms) so keep that in mind as you choose your salads, soups and side dishes. We like the Onion Rings and Potatoes au Gratin, although the Potatoes and Onions, Spinach Supreme and Sauteed Mushrooms are also delightful.
When it comes to price for the beef and seafood courses at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, you’ll want to call ahead ,as market prices do change. Keep in mind that you can easily pay $48 for a single steak, depending on size (per person) so allocate your funds accordingly. You won’t want to pass up the bread either, homemade and with softened butter, an especially nice touch. Expect to pay about $100 (more if you have wine or other alcohol) for two people. Desserts change regularly so you can either call ahead or take your chances on what is sure to be a grand finale to a superior meal.
Special tip: While you might assume it is more proper to cut your bread in an upscale restaurant, those in the know rip or break their bread at the Del Friscos in Denver. So take heed and do accordingly unless you want to mark yourself as a tourist. Also, don’t be put off by what may seem to be routine salads of lettuce wedges, beefsteak tomatoes and onions. The house dressings (we prefer the Bleu Cheese) set them apart from the crowd. If you don’t like Blue cheese type dressings, opt for Avocado Goddess, Honey Mustard or Vinaigrette instead.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in Greenwood Village: wine list and other drinks Our drink of choice is the pomegranate martini but if you prefer wine or something else, you’ll be amazed at the sheer variety of choices. There are 1,000 wines to select from, including some extremely rare wines. There are over 9,000 bottles usually kept on hand. If you don’t consider yourself a wine expert, then simply ask for the Wine Sommelier, as one is almost always in Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. By the way, you can impress any dinner companions by noting that the Del Frisco’s Wine list has won Best Award of Excellence with Wine Spectator for four years running.
Del Frisco’s Steakhouse in Denver’s Greenwood Village: The Cigar Lounge and private dining rooms
Unique to Del Frisco’s Denver location is the Cigar Lounge, which is a nod to days past. For those who love fine cigars, this lounge will be a true delight, as there is a walk-in humidor and over one hundred varieties of cigars, including hand-rolled and premium kinds. A crackling fire in the fireplace, nightly live entertainment, leather sofas and plush chairs complete the luxury details here. To delight your taste buds, you might indulge in a fine port, cognac or scotch. You’ll find the selection of these superior liquors to be varied.
If you’ll be dining with fifteen people or more, you might consider one of the five private dining rooms at Del Frisco’s in Greenwood Village. You can choose from the Lincoln, Colorado, Dakota, Coulter or Wine rooms. There is no additional charge for these rooms and most have chandeliers and walls covered in plush fabrics. Do note that most of the menus in the private rooms are pre-set, with possibly different choices from the main menu. If you want to give a business presentation, audio-visual arrangements can be made. It is best to call ahead to make sure those will be on hand.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in Denver: Location and Hours
8100 East Orchard Road
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
(303) 796-0100
website: www.delfriscos.com
Reservations and credit cards accepted. Excellent for both intimate (small) or large group events as well as business meetings and presentations. Audio and visual arrangements available for business presentations on request. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and takeout is available. Call ahead for large parties. Valet parking is on site with an excellent parking lot. Gift certificates available.
