Steuben’s is the Capitol Hill brainchild from owners of the saucey Vesta Dipping Grill in LoDo and the Ping-Pong-frenzied Ace Restaurant right next door on 17th Street. Nestled among some of the best chow in Denver, it manages to uniquely serve as a great place to find true comfort food for all hungers. Steuben’s acts as a home away from home no matter where that may be, no matter how much you miss it.
Every item on the lengthy menu is mouthwateringly-tempting and deciding what to order can take hours of deep contemplation. These temptations range from short-rib carbonara decked out with asparagus, peas, tomatoes and pappardelle, all the way to cayenne étoufée, a dish packed full of crawfish, shrimp, andouille and dirty rice.
Nightly specials are equally, if not more so fantastic, seven days a week. You’ve got Wednesday’s fish and chips, Thursday’s paella, Sunday’s chicken and waffles, but above all is Monday’s pork chop. Oh, Monday’s pork chop. Served on a pile of kale with a side of bread pudding, it’s a dish that’ll start the week off right and could very well turn into a Monday ritual.
Steuben’s doesn’t necessarily target vegetarians because vegetables simply aren’t as comforting as meat, but plenty of luscious options are offered nonetheless. Puttanesca, vegetarian chili relleno, veggie burgers, grilled cheeses and various soups and salads keep all customers gratified.
Brunch is also served from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at Steuben’s. Roll out of bed and feast on a classic stack of pancakes or get bold with some shrimp and grits. No matter what you’re having, it’s guaranteed to taste better than another weekend at Jelly, the most over-rated place to eat in Denver.
The drink menu at Steuben’s deserves its own article or maybe its own newspaper, and it’s one of the main drawing points for a lot of customers. To start, there’s an endless list of Denver-famous cocktails, such as the Steuben’s Zombie, explained on the menu as “a potent mix of four rums, house-made falernum and grenadine, orange, pineapple and lime juices. LIMIT TWO PER GUEST!!!” The beer and wine list is equally impressive, and happy hour is stupid cheap, running from 2 – 6 p.m. on weekdays.
The inside of Steuben’s is big, busy and loud, but that only speaks to how fantastic it really is. Taking an urban and hip spin on the run-of-the-mill diner, their intimate interior is impossible to resist for youngin’s like us. Full of energy with a colorful and lively crowd full of booze and food, you’ll find a great mix of mustache-twirling hipsters and 5 o’clock business people, making it an even better place for all walks of life. Here, true Denverites can peacefully discuss poetry, contemporary art, GMO’s, boutiques, eco-consciousness, kickstarters campaigns and whatever else tickles their fancies.
Despite the hectic hipster scene, Steuben’s is one of the neatest and cleanest restaurants in Denver. With a knowledgeable and friendly on the staff floor, the joint certainly knows how to deliver a one heck of a dining experience. Topped of with new and old sounds from artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Bonobo, Steuben’s ambiance is simply unbeatable.
The average cost of an entire meal ends up around $10-$30, and it’s worth every penny. Treat it as a getaway from DU and pick a night to go dish out on an exquisite meal with friends. Don’t expect to get a table unless it’s an unconventional hour, but the wait is well worth it. You’ll undoubtedly be back for more.
Steuben’s is open from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Sundays.
