Steakhouses in Denver have come a long way since the cowtown days, and A5 Steakhouse is leading the charge. Located in the former space of Wazee Supper Club, this funky, modern steakhouse boasts a personality all its own. Chef Max Mackissock is the mastermind behind A5’s menu, which combines traditional steakhouse offerings with unique twists and a focus on sourcing from producers and ranchers who share the restaurant’s values.
The interior decor is a retro and funky, a nostalgic ode to the golden age of fern bars. As you take in the mod-inspired seating and sleek lines, bovine beauties dressed to impress adorn the walls adding a playful touch to the retro ambiance. But let’s not be too distracted by the dapper decor, it’s the food that takes center stage here, elevating A5 to special-occasion status.
Start with the Japanese Hamachi, paired with shiro dashi, watermelon radish, and crispy white kombu, or the decadent Caesar salad, with its spicy anchovy dressing, torn croutons, cured egg yolk, and poached egg. But whatever you do, you’ve gotta try the dish for which the restaurant is named: Japanese A5 Wagyu, an impossibly flavorful and richly marbled cut of meat heralded as the finest in the land that melts in your mouth the moment it touches your tongue.
For entrées, the menu highlights lesser- known cuts of steak, such as the Tajima Black Wagyu Bavette from Strube Ranch in Texas. If red meat isn’t your thing, opt for the grilled prawns or roasted black cod with a peanut-sesame crunch. As for side dishes, get the macaroni and cheese croquettes, bacon and kimchi fried rice, Japanese milk bread rolls, and charred cone cabbage. The croquettes are a must-try, modern take on classic mozzarella sticks. A5’s bar, located in the center of the room like the old Wazee days, offers seasonal drinks and tropical-inspired libations, perfect for sipping during happy hour. And while you’re there, don’t miss the A5 burger—a 6 oz. Wagyu beef patty that’s as good as it sounds.
As a standout gem in Juan Padró’s elite Culinary Creative portfolio (Señor Bear, Bar Dough, Ash’Kara), A5 Steakhouse elevates the dining scene in downtown Denver. Go for the retro-inspired design and stay for the storytelling, transportation, and communion that a great meal can bring.
