Bastien’s Steakhouse: A Denver Icon That Needs Its City Now More Than Ever
For more than eight decades, Bastien’s Steakhouse has been a cornerstone of Denver dining. Known for its mid-century architecture, neon sign glowing over East Colfax, and its legendary “sugar steak,” Bastien’s isn’t just a restaurant — it’s part of the city’s history.
The story began in 1937 when the Bastien family opened the Moon Drive Inn on Colfax, serving burgers and shakes to travelers cruising along America’s “longest street.” In 1958, the family transitioned the business into Bastien’s Steakhouse, complete with its modernist building that still stands today. With its retro charm and menu of classic cuts cooked to perfection, Bastien’s quickly became a Denver institution. Generations of locals have celebrated milestones here, while visitors have sought it out as one of the last true old-school steakhouses in the Mile High City.
But today, Bastien’s faces one of its toughest challenges yet — not from changing tastes, but from construction. The Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project, currently transforming stretches of the iconic avenue, has made it harder for diners to access longtime favorites like Bastien’s. With traffic disruptions, lane closures, and many avoiding Colfax altogether, local businesses are feeling the squeeze.
For Bastien’s, the timing is critical. Independent restaurants across the country are already navigating tighter margins, rising costs, and a more competitive dining scene. Add in major construction, and even a Denver landmark like Bastien’s can struggle.
That’s why now is the time for Denverites to rally. Supporting Bastien’s isn’t just about enjoying a perfectly seared sugar steak — it’s about preserving a piece of the city’s culture and history. When the dust clears and Colfax emerges with new transit and infrastructure, Bastien’s deserves to still be standing tall, its neon sign shining as a reminder of Denver’s resilience and tradition.
So the next time you’re thinking about dinner plans, don’t let the construction scare you away. Make a reservation, bring friends, and show Bastien’s some love. After all, Denver’s identity is built not only on growth and change but also on the places that have carried its story through the decades.
