OK, so it’s not Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse [2] nor is it the Capital Grille [3], but the Steak Out Steakhouse [4]in Lakewood still draws a crowd hungry for great cuts of beef. Joe and Bobbi-Jo Lucero, the do-it-yourselfers behind the restaurant, weren’t shooting for opulence. Instead, they wanted to open a no-frills spot, with a cheerful dining room and a value-packed menu.

And the bargains do abound: How about a tender, seasoned 10-ounce rib-eye with an iceberg salad, Texas toast, and loaded baked potato for only $14? Or a 22-ounce porterhouse for only $1.95 more? And while it would be nice to add a glass of wine, (there’s no liquor license yet) this truly affordable gem puts special-occasion eats within reach of almost any budget.

As for sandwiches, skip the Steak Out steak sandwich, which tends to be a bit dry and tough, and opt for the restaurant's rendition of the Philly cheese steak. In-house butcher Frank O’Brien calls it “Denver’s take on a Philly," with a satisfying mix of chopped beef, smoky bacon, onions, cheese, jalapeños, and mushrooms.

1395 S. Sheridan Blvd., Lakewood, 303-936-0120