For just over two decades, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House has been an important fixture for anyone in the Denver Tech Center in need of a sophisticated meal inside the setting of a quintessential American steakhouse. But after 21 years in business, the 450-seat behemoth has undergone some major renovations. The vibe remains the same, all of the conventional elements are still firmly rooted to the original foundation but the place has shifted towards more comfortable and intimate with the addition of many well-ensconced booths.

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The Del Frisco’s label originated in Dallas, Texas and has always marketed itself as a luxury brand. “You think of Prada, you think of Rolex. We will transcend being just a restaurant,” said general manager and 17-year employee Chris Maness. Wine prices go as high as $800 a glass though, of the 1,300 bottles on the list, there are many that are quite a bit more affordable. There is a cigar room with live entertainment five days a week. The humidor has personal lockers with a 300-person waiting list. “You generally have to wait until someone dies to get one,” said Maness, commenting on the exclusivity of the cherished storage units. They also host a quarterly cigar dinner with one being planned for January.

There are also five large event spaces — one has its own entrance for VIP guests, another has a fireplace for the cozier crowd. Everything about the place appeals to a business-oriented crowd versed in timeless opulence. The place is classy but never quite tips over the edge into stuffiness.

Pamplemousse Spritz

The menu overhaul sees changes to nearly 80 percent of the bar menu and half the restaurant menu. The piece de resistance is the Wagyu tasting ($160) — three ounces of Japanese A5, Australian and Rosewood varieties sliced thin and served with smoked salt. The steak speaks for itself, the limited accouterments allow the buttery cuts to take their rightful position at center-stage. The lobster mac and cheese ($18.50) is a particularly decadent version of the classic. The dish is filled to the brim with juicy bits of lobster — in a world where skimping in that regard is all too commonplace, Del Frisco’s thoroughly combats the upsetting frugality of their peers. “There’s not sea-foam, raspberry puree or mist of yak juice,” joked Maness, regarding the restaurant’s approach to a cuisine favoring classics done right over unnecessarily experimental cooking.

Drink-wise their backbone is still The VIP ($15), a robust combination of Svedka clementine and pineapple served in a chilled martini glass. The drink packs a wallop and surely has been a thorough lubricant for many a negotiation gone right. The pamplemousse spritz ($17.50) is rose, honey syrup and angostura bitters served with a beautifully attached flower that lends a delightful aroma every time you take a sip. The cocktails nicely match the food in their timeless appeal.

While the cosmetic changes are cover a lot of bases, they only amplify the existing atmosphere rather than presuming any major shift. The same goes for the menu — changes were made but no dramatic adjustments. This is a good thing — the restaurant built its reputation on consistency, something that its customers can continue to enjoy going forward.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House is located at 8100 East Orchard Road, Greenwood Village. It is open Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 5 – 11 p.m. and Sunday 5 – 9 p.m.

All photography courtesy of Del Frisco’s