Sunday, June 15 is a day to honor the impact that dads, grandpas, and father figures have on our lives. A new necktie may not fully capture how much they mean to you, but time shared over a special meal, well that might just fit the bill.
To help you plan a meaningful outing, we’ve rounded up options for every dad’s unique taste. From classic steakhouses to limited-time specials and exciting food festivals, here’s how to celebrate Father’s Day in Denver and across the state.
Father’s Day Favorites
Guard and Grace Filet Flights
One of the best steakhouses in Denver, Guard and Grace offers a contemporary menu starring marbled prime cuts, grass-fed beef, and flavorful Wagyu. Sample all three oak-fired varieties as a $110 Filet Flight, selecting from enhancements like blue cheese butter and brandy-peppercorn sauce. Sides such as black truffle mac and cheese and raw bar selections including chilled king crab and crispy tuna sushi add to the available offerings. Save room for dessert, as chef Troy Guard’s triple chocolate chip cookies are too good to pass up. 1801 California St., guardandgrace.com
Savor Fresh Seafood at Water Grill
From its refined, rustic ambiance to the robust seafood selection, Water Grill is a winner for special occasions. Slide into a tufted leather booth and toast glasses of wine before tucking into signatures like its classic New England Lobster Roll ($38), Chilean Sea Bass ($55), and buttery Shrimp Scampi ($39). The menu also includes first-catch seasonal selections, such as wild Columbia River king salmon and soft shell blue crab, which are flown in extra fresh from Maryland. See them alive and kicking in the restaurant’s saltwater tanks. 1691 Market St., Denver, watergrill.com
Award-Winning Italian Fare at Tavernetta
Ranked among the city’s top Italian restaurants and a Michelin Bib Gourmand to boot, Tavernetta is an excellent choice for Father’s Day dinner. Come together as a family to celebrate and break bread — specifically, airy and crisp Focaccia ($7) dipped in good olive oil and served with creamy Burrata ($21) on a bed of trapanese pesto. Handmade pastas like its slow-braised lamb ragu with Rigatoni ($34) and flaky, citrusy Branzino ($40) pair deliciously with an all-Italian wine list, which was curated by master sommelier and Frasca Hospitality Group co-founder Bobby Stuckey. 1889 16th St. Mall, Denver, tavernettadenver.com
Laws Whiskey House Distillery Tours
Recognized by the 2024 World Whiskies Awards for producing the “world’s best small-batch bourbon,” Laws Whiskey House is a must for dads who love a good, stiff drink. Sample its spirits made from locally-grown grains at its new Whiskey Sanctuary or better yet, book an in-depth distillery tour. Beyond the hand-built wooden pews and two-story Gothic windows, guests are taken past grain silos and through the production facility, where they learn about the art and science of whiskey-making. The experience concludes with an intimate guided tasting and costs $25 per person, with each ticket including a $10 credit toward any bottle or merch in the tasting room. 80 W. Arkansas Ave., Denver, lawswhiskeyhouse.com
Riot BBQ, New Off South Broadway
With its June 5 debut, Riot BBQ will bring a fresh take on barbecue fare, blending the smoky asado customs of Northern Mexico and classic Texas-style techniques. Co-founded by chef Manny Barella and celebrated pitmaster Patrick Klaiber, the counter-serve concept will offer beef brisket tacos on locally sourced bison tallow tortillas; pulled pork infused with ancho, guajillo, and morita peppers; plus sweet banana pudding for dessert. Draft cocktails, self-serve beer taps, and a backyard cookout vibe add reasons to visit its new indoor-outdoor space. Bonus, Barella is a newly minted dad himself, so this year marks his first Father’s Day. 2180 S. Delaware St., Denver, riotbbqcompany.com
Father’s Day Specials
STK Steakhouse Wagyu Samplers
From Friday, June 13 through Father’s Day, modern chophouse STK will offer several specials including a Dungeness Crab Salad ($43), Sesame-Seared Ahi Tuna ($54), and a Prime Rib Surf and Turf entree ($79) served with charred baby carrots and salsa verde. Additionally, stake your claim on its limited-time Wagyu Sampler ($119) featuring Masami Ranch bone marrow, A5 prime dip, Stone Axe top sirloin, and Margaret River bottom skirt. The swanky eatery’s standard dinner menu and signature cocktails will also be available daily. 1550 Market St., stksteakhouse.com
Grilled Specials at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
In addition to its standard menu starring Steamed PEI Mussels ($25), Chargrilled Oysters ($49 per dozen), and raw bar selections, this homegrown chain will serve several grilled seafood specials for Father’s Day. Savor Mangrove Tiger Shrimp ($13) with yuzu kosho aioli, scallions, and cilantro ($13); Colorado Whole Striped Bass ($47); or a juicy New York Strip (market price). Outposts appear in Denver, Glendale, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs. Multiple locations, jaxfishhouse.com
Elway’s Reserve Dinner with Breckenridge Distillery
On Wednesday, June 11 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., Elway’s at The Ritz-Carlton will host a luxurious Dad’s Reserve Dinner in partnership with Breckenridge Distillery. Begin the evening with a welcome beverage, followed by cocktail-paired courses including A5 steak tartare alongside caramel-rich bourbon, green chili lamb roulade with port cask whiskey, Colorado trout complemented by a rum cask whiskey, and more. The celebratory evening concludes with a cigar session on the restaurant’s terrace and a limited-edition bottle of Denver Broncos Bourbon Blend to take home. Book the experience for $300 per duo, with additional reservations available for $150 per person. 1881 Curtis St., Denver, elways.com
Bottomless Brunch at Latin American Eatery, Toro
Chef Richard Sandoval’s Latin American restaurant will offer bottomless brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Father’s Day. Enjoy unlimited antojitos and postres alongside your choice of one especialidades dish, such as pork belly tacos, huevos rancheros, and Colorado skirt steak with eggs and sweet plantain hash for $85. Free-flowing mimosas, margaritas, or Bloody Marys are available for an extra $25. After your feast, challenge dad to a “closest to the hole” contest on the eatery’s golf simulator and leave with a complimentary bottle of Toro’s signature BBQ rub or chimichurri. 150 Clayton Ln., Denver, torodenver.com
Urban Farmer Grill Kits and Dine-In Steak Specials
Set within the Oxford Hotel, this sustainability-minded steakhouse will offer three dine-in specials on Father’s Day: A 24-ounce Porterhouse ($140), a twenty-ounce T-Bone ($110), and an eighteen-ounce bone-in New York Strip ($98), all sourced from Omaha Prime Ranch. If you’d rather host a cookout at home, opt for Urban Farmer’s Grill Kit featuring three sixteen-ounce ribeyes, smoked and marinated chicken, tiger shrimp, and its signature prime rib rub. Homestyle sides like marbled potato salad, roasted corn, baked mac and cheese, and local greens complete the six-person feast, which is priced at $350. Pre-order by Friday, June 13 at 5 p.m. for pick-up on Father’s Day. 1659 Wazee St., Denver, urbanfarmersteakhouse.com
The Post’s Take-Home Southern Eats
Perfect for dads who love classic Southern fare, The Post is offering a $35 meat-and-three take-home meal featuring your choice of protein including a half roasted or fried chicken, a half rack of ribs, or an eight-ounce smoked pork shoulder. The meal also comes with three selected sides, a cherry hand pie, and two complimentary cans of either its house-brewed Townie IPA or Top Rope Mexican lager. If you’re looking to feed a crowd, pre-order the $110 “Throwdown” to-go kit including sixteen pieces of fried chicken, four large sides, eight rosemary-cheddar biscuits, pickles, and a complimentary four-pack of beer. Multiple locations, thepostcolorado.com
Whiskey and Cigars at Limelight Denver
Limelight Denver and the hotel’s signature eatery, Ajax Downtown, will host a special event in collaboration with Woody Creek Distillers and Palma Cigars. Starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13, “Smoke & Oak” will involve whisky tastings, cigar rolling, and curated bites including dry-aged beef skewers and charcuterie on the Nordic Terrace overlooking Union Station. Tickets range between $75 and $125. Add-ons including a 32-ounce Dry-Aged, Bone-In Ribeye ($115) and Woody Creek whiskey will also be available for additional purchase. 1600 Wewatta St., Denver, limelighthotels.com
Munchies and Free Mini Golf at FlyteCo Tower
Find a range of entertainment at this family-friendly brewpub, from bowling lanes and sport suites to arcade games, axe throwing, and even free access to its eighteen-hole mini golf course on Father’s Day. Formerly part of the Stapleton International Airport, FlyteCo also offers tours of the historic 11-story air traffic control tower on-site. Fuel up for all the fun with an extensive food and drink menu, which will also include a $14 foot-long hotdog special served with a side of fries and your choice of select beer. 3120 Uinta St., Denver, flytecotower.com
Historic Ambiance at The Fort
Inspired by the American Frontier Era and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this adobe-built steakhouse will delight dads with a thing for the past. Those who love wild game will also feel right at home, as the menu features several regional specialties like Elk St. Vrain ($54) and Herb Butter Buffalo Tenderloin Filet Mignon ($75). From June 13 through Father’s Day, The Fort will also serve a $52 special entree including a twelve-ounce New York strip steak; small red potatoes tossed in caramelized onions, corn, and Anasazi beans; seasonal vegetables; plus a complimentary draft beer. 19192 CO-8, Morrison, thefort.com
An Italian-Inspired Brunch Buffet at Gattara
On Father’s Day from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Gattara within the Warwick hotel will host a special brunch buffet featuring classic Italian dishes. Fill your plate with charcuterie and fresh salads; carving station selections including turkey breast, roast beef, and Jack Daniel’s-braised short ribs; risotto with Italian sausage and saffron; and more chef-curated bites. Desserts including lemon tarts, tiramisu, and macaroons will add to the celebratory spread, which is priced at $75 per adult and $25 per child ages eleven and under. 1776 Grant St., Denver, gattararestaurant.com
Eddie Merlot’s Gift Card Deal
From June 12 to 15, purchase a $100 e-gift card from this premium chain and receive $20 off with promo code “Dad20.” The credit can be used on the entire Eddie Merlot’s menu including its Bison Filet ($52), signature Prime Bourbon Ribeye ($72), and limited-time Tomahawk Trio for Two ($199) featuring a tender 32-ounce Australian Wagyu steak, two North Atlantic lobster tails, plus a red blend bottle from Daou Vineyards. If you’d prefer to feast with the family at home, order its Table for Five take-and-heat kit ($210). 10110 E. Dry Creek Rd., Englewood, eddiemerlots.com
Father’s Day Retreats
Sip and Celebrate at the Vail Craft Beer Classic
Toast to dad at the Vail Craft Beer Classic, which will host Grand Tasting sessions on Friday, June 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 14 from 2 to 5 p.m. General admission starts at $59, while $79 VIP tickets provide thirty minutes of early access to samples from more than 35 local breweries. Food trucks, vendors, and live music will add to the excitement. For the ultimate experience, treat dad to the Bavarian Brews and Bites Package ($139) which includes lunch at the charming Swiss Chalet Restaurant, plus entry to Saturday’s grand tasting at 1 p.m. 141 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, vailcraftbeerclassic.com
A Weekend of Tastings at Telluride Food + Vine
This premier culinary event is packed with experiences, which kick-off on Friday, July 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. Attend the evening’s “Butts, Legs, & Sides” feast featuring fried chicken and Southern fixin’s, smoked heritage pork, and free-flowing bottles of champagne. The Grillin’ and Chillin’ event will follow on Saturday, June 14 from 6 to 9 p.m., involving a family-style meal and learning session from Iron Chef Showdown winner and James Beard finalist David Bancroft. Telluride Food + Vine culminates with the $275 Grand Tasting on Father’s Day from 3 to 6 p.m. Expect hundreds of sips from wineries around the globe, along with flavorful bites from the mountain town’s finest. W. San Juan Ave., Telluride, telluridefoodandvine.com
Share a Toast at Snowmass Rendezvous
On Saturday, June 14 from 2 to 6 p.m., Snowmass Rendezvous will entertain attendees with yard games, outdoor gear activations, vendor booths, and unlimited tastings from Colorado breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Priced at $45 per person, tickets provide access to two rendezvous points in beautiful Snowmass Village. Keep the spirits high with a free folk rock concert featuring Heavy Diamond Ring from 6 to 8 p.m. Snowmass Village, snowmassrendezvous.com
Clayton Hotel & Members Club Barbecue
Prefer a staycation? On Friday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the posh Clayton Hotel will host a Father’s Day barbecue exclusively for members and overnight guests. Dads receive a complimentary burger, plus a chance to win a $200 gift card to New West Knife Works, one of many upscale retailers in Cherry Creek. 233 Clayton St., Denver, claytondenver.com
