Steuben’s Uptown in Denver, Colorado, is a celebrated restaurant that blends the nostalgic comfort of a classic American diner with an upscale, modern sensibility. It’s a key part of Denver’s dining landscape, known for its regional American classics made from scratch.
Here is a comprehensive overview of Steuben’s Uptown:
What Makes It Unique
Steuben’s sets itself apart by elevating classic, regional American comfort food. It’s a “classic café…a modern diner” atmosphere that welcomes everyone, from families to first-time visitors.
- Elevated Comfort Food: The restaurant focuses on serving high-quality, made-from-scratch American regional favorites, such as a fresh Maine Lobster Roll, hand-cut French fries, and house-churned ice cream.
- The Vibe: It features a lively, retro-style, upscale diner feel with a full bar, inviting guests to be comfortable and relax. The establishment has been described as a place “where Denver’s classic charm meets your favorite comfort food.”
- Commitment to Quality: They are part of the Secret Sauce Food & Beverage group and maintain a strong focus on community, hospitality, and consistency in their food, which has contributed to their staying power since opening.
History
Steuben’s opened in 2006 in the Uptown neighborhood of Denver and has made a significant impact on the Denver food scene ever since.
- The Name: The restaurant is named after a famous Boston restaurant and nightclub that the current owner, Josh Wolkon’s, great-uncles, Max and Joe, opened in 1945. That original Steuben’s was a major hotspot from the 1940s to the 1960s, hosting Big Band, Jazz, and Swing groups. Denver’s Steuben’s pays homage to this history by focusing on classic American comfort food.
- Owner’s Background: Josh Wolkon moved to Colorado in 1995 and previously opened the successful Vesta Dipping Grill (now Vesta) in Lower Downtown in 1997. Steuben’s, along with Ace Eat Serve and the Steuben’s Food Truck, are now overseen by Josh and his wife, Jenn Wolkon, as part of the Secret Sauce Food & Beverage community.
Highlight Menu Items
Steuben’s menu is a tour of American regional classics. The commitment to making everything from scratch extends to their cocktails, pastries, and even some sodas.
| Category | Signature Dishes | Details |
| Entrees & Classics | Fried Chicken | Buttermilk-brined chicken, served with mashed potatoes, scratch biscuit, and chicken gravy. It has been crowned Colorado’s Best Fried Chicken Restaurant by 24/7 Tempo. |
| Nashville Hot Fried Chicken | A spicy option featuring a bacon-brown sugar glaze. | |
| Lobster Roll | A New England specialty featuring fresh Maine lobster (dressed in mayo or butter) on a classic split-top roll. This dish was even featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. | |
| Green Chile Cheeseburger | A menu staple since 2006, inspired by New Mexican roots, with chopped Hatch green chiles and American cheese on a soft brioche bun. | |
| Macaroni & Cheese | Shell noodles with a house-made béchamel and breadcrumbs. | |
| Desserts & Drinks | Pecan-Croissant Bread Pudding | A house-made favorite with cinnamon-pumpkin custard, dark chocolate, toffee sauce, and vanilla bean ice cream. |
| Specialty Shakes | Unique options like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Froot Loops, Orange Dreamsicle, and S’Mores. They also offer Boozy Shakes like the Boozy Piña Colada and Boozy White Russian. | |
| Go-Go Negroni | A spirited, classic-with-a-twist cocktail featuring Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, coffee-infused Campari, Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur, and sweet vermouth. | |
| Green Chile Margarita | A Steuben’s favorite made with green chili infused Lunazul Tequila. | |
| Brunch | Chicken & Waffle | Three-piece bone-in fried chicken and a Belgian waffle with chicken gravy. |
Customer Feedback & Recognition
Steuben’s is consistently well-reviewed for its food quality and atmosphere, maintaining a strong 4.4-star rating on Google Maps.
- Critical Acclaim: The restaurant has won numerous accolades, including awards for Best Mac and Cheese, Best French Fries, and Best Green Chile Cheeseburger from Westword. In 2023, it won the Pie Insurance Sweetest Spot Award.
- Guest Experience: Customers frequently praise the delicious food, good service, and the restaurant’s character and diner decor. One reviewer mentioned, “Despite having to wait about 45 min on a Friday (typical), the dinner was delicious! Service was good and there was a ton of character inside the place.”
Significant Events & Seasonal Highlights
While the restaurant is a staple year-round, it also creates memorable seasonal events.
- “Miracle on 17th Street”: This annual holiday pop-up event transforms the restaurant into a festive, twinkle-light-filled space, offering holiday cocktails and cheer, usually starting in November.
- Thanksgiving Dinner Kits: Steuben’s has been known to offer house-made Thanksgiving Dinner Kits, allowing customers to bring the restaurant’s comfort food to their home holiday table.
Contact Information and Links
- Address: 523 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
- Phone Number: (303) 830-1001
- Website: Steuben’s Uptown
- Menu: Steuben’s Food Menu
- Map Link: Steuben’s Uptown on Google Maps
