This Historic Colorado Restaurant Serves The Southwest’s Best Prime Rib
Tucked inside one of Denver’s most celebrated landmarks sits a dining room where time slows down and prime rib reigns supreme. Ship Tavern at The Brown Palace has been serving guests since 1934, and its reputation for perfectly prepared beef has only grown stronger with each passing decade.
Walking through the nautical-themed entrance feels like stepping aboard a classic vessel, complete with hand-hewn wooden beams and maritime charm that transports diners far beyond the bustling downtown streets outside. If you’re a local looking for a special night out or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of Colorado history, this iconic restaurant delivers an unforgettable combination of atmosphere, craft, and culinary excellence that few establishments can match.
Dinner Inside Denver’s Brown Palace
Entering Ship Tavern feels less like walking into a restaurant and more like discovering a secret chapter of Denver’s storied past. The Brown Palace Hotel has stood at 321 17th Street since 1892, and this nautical hideaway emerged four decades later during the post-Prohibition era when the city was ready to celebrate again.
Wooden beams curve overhead like the hull of a grand ship, and every detail whispers of craftsmanship built to endure generations.
Guests settle into cozy booths surrounded by maritime memorabilia that sparks curiosity and conversation. The lighting remains warm and inviting, never too bright, creating an atmosphere that encourages lingering over every course.
Even on the busiest Friday or Saturday night, the space maintains an intimate quality that larger establishments struggle to replicate.
Dining here isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about experiencing a slice of Colorado heritage that has welcomed everyone from local legends to curious travelers. The sense of history mingles effortlessly with modern hospitality, making each visit feel both familiar and special.
Since 1892, This Landmark Has Been Feeding Denver’s Legends
Few buildings in Colorado carry the weight of history quite like The Brown Palace. Opening its doors in 1892, this architectural marvel quickly became the gathering place for politicians, cattle barons, entertainers, and anyone seeking elegance in the heart of Denver.
Ship Tavern arrived in 1934, bringing with it a fresh energy and a commitment to serving exceptional food in an environment that honored tradition while embracing the future.
Over nearly nine decades, the tavern has witnessed countless celebrations, business deals sealed over steak, and quiet moments shared between friends and family. Regulars return year after year, drawn by the consistency of quality and the knowledge that stepping through those doors means joining a legacy.
The staff takes pride in maintaining standards that honor the restaurant’s past while adapting to contemporary tastes.
Every meal served here connects diners to generations who came before, creating a living timeline of Denver’s evolution from frontier town to thriving metropolis. That continuity matters, especially in a world where restaurants come and go with alarming speed.
Ship Tavern’s Nautical Hideaway Feels Like A Secret Below The City
Descending into Ship Tavern from the Brown Palace lobby creates an immediate shift in atmosphere, as though you’ve left downtown Denver entirely and boarded a vessel bound for adventure. The design leans heavily into maritime themes without tipping into kitsch—hand-carved wood, brass fixtures, and thoughtful details that evoke classic seafaring tradition rather than theme-park excess.
Visitors often pause to admire the craftsmanship visible in every corner, from the ceiling beams to the bar itself.
Despite sitting in the middle of a busy city, the tavern maintains a surprisingly quiet, almost cocooned feeling. Street noise disappears, replaced by the gentle hum of conversation and the occasional clink of glassware.
On nights when live piano fills the room, the music weaves through the space without overwhelming it, enhancing rather than dominating the experience.
Regulars appreciate how the layout encourages both social gatherings and intimate dinners, with seating options that accommodate different moods and party sizes. Whether you claim a spot at the bar or settle into a corner booth, the space invites you to relax and stay awhile.
The “Ship Classic Prime Rib” Is The Star Of The Show
When regulars mention Ship Tavern, prime rib dominates the conversation—and for excellent reason. This isn’t some afterthought protein thrown on a menu to check a box; it’s the centerpiece, the dish that built the restaurant’s reputation and keeps guests returning decade after decade.
Cooked with precision and seasoned thoughtfully, each cut arrives at the table with a perfect crust and tender, rosy interior that requires minimal effort from your knife.
Portion sizes lean generous without crossing into absurd territory, striking that delicate balance between satisfaction and comfort. The meat speaks for itself, showcasing quality beef prepared by a kitchen that understands both tradition and technique.
Guests who order medium-rare receive exactly that—no guessing, no disappointment, just consistent execution that reflects decades of experience.
Many diners claim this prime rib ranks among the Southwest’s finest, a bold statement that holds up under scrutiny. The combination of superior ingredients, skilled preparation, and unwavering standards creates a dish that transcends trends and remains timelessly satisfying, meal after meal, year after year.
Au Jus, Horseradish, And Old-School Sides—No Notes
Great prime rib demands equally thoughtful accompaniments, and Ship Tavern delivers on every front. The au jus arrives rich and savory, enhancing the beef without masking its natural flavor, while the horseradish provides just enough bite to cut through the richness.
Some establishments skimp on these essentials or treat them as afterthoughts; here, they receive the same attention as the main event, ensuring every element contributes to the overall experience.
Side dishes lean classic rather than trendy, offering creamed spinach, baked potatoes, and seasonal vegetables prepared with care. These aren’t revolutionary creations designed to impress food critics—they’re comforting, familiar flavors executed properly, which proves far more difficult than most people realize.
The kitchen understands that sometimes the best approach involves honoring tradition rather than reinventing it.
Guests appreciate this straightforward philosophy, especially those seeking a meal that feels reassuringly familiar in an ever-changing culinary landscape. There’s beauty in simplicity when executed with skill, and Ship Tavern proves that point with every plate that leaves the kitchen.
Two Ways To Prime Rib: Classic Cut Or The French Dip Move
While most guests opt for the traditional prime rib presentation, Ship Tavern offers an equally compelling alternative for those seeking something slightly different. The French dip transforms that same exceptional beef into a handheld experience, layering tender slices onto a quality roll and serving it alongside au jus for dipping.
It’s comfort food elevated, maintaining the protein’s integrity while offering a more casual presentation that still honors the ingredient.
Both preparations showcase the kitchen’s versatility and understanding of how different formats can appeal to varied appetites and occasions. Some evenings call for the full prime rib experience with all the trimmings; other times, a perfectly executed French dip hits the spot without feeling any less special.
The choice depends entirely on mood and hunger level, not quality or attention to detail.
Regulars often alternate between the two options, appreciating how the restaurant provides flexibility without compromising standards. Whether you arrive craving a classic steakhouse experience or something slightly more relaxed, Ship Tavern accommodates both preferences with equal skill and care.
Raw Bar Energy: Oysters And Seafood Keep It Feeling Extra
Beyond the famous prime rib, Ship Tavern maintains a raw bar that adds another dimension to the dining experience. Fresh oysters, crab cakes, and clam chowder appear frequently in guest reviews, with many diners praising the quality and preparation of these seafood offerings.
The nautical theme extends naturally to the menu, creating coherence between atmosphere and cuisine that feels intentional rather than forced.
Crab cakes arrive properly seasoned with meat that tastes fresh rather than filler-heavy, while the clam chowder delivers creamy comfort without becoming overly thick or heavy. These dishes provide lighter alternatives for guests not in the mood for beef, or excellent starting points before the main event arrives.
The kitchen treats seafood with the same respect as their signature prime rib, ensuring consistent quality across categories.
This variety matters, especially for groups with different preferences or dietary needs. Knowing you can order oysters or French onion soup alongside that famous prime rib makes Ship Tavern accessible to a broader audience without diluting its core identity or compromising on execution.
Live Piano Nights Turn Dinner Into An Event
Several nights each week, Ship Tavern features live piano music that transforms an already special meal into something truly memorable. The music never overwhelms conversation—instead, it provides a sophisticated backdrop that enhances the atmosphere without demanding attention.
Guests mention jazz bands and piano performances that struck the perfect balance between engaging and unobtrusive, allowing diners to enjoy the artistry while maintaining their own discussions.
The acoustics of the space work beautifully with live performance, the wooden beams and intimate layout creating warm sound that fills the room naturally. On these evenings, the tavern takes on an almost celebratory energy, with guests lingering longer over dessert and drinks, reluctant to leave the experience behind.
It’s the kind of touch that elevates Ship Tavern beyond simple dining into genuine entertainment.
Checking the schedule before your visit allows you to plan around these special nights if live music appeals to you, though the restaurant maintains its charm and quality regardless of whether musicians are performing. Either way, you’re guaranteed an evening that feels thoughtfully curated.
Downtown Denver’s Ultimate “Special Occasion” Shortcut
When locals need a reliable venue for anniversaries, celebrations, or important dinners, Ship Tavern consistently makes the shortlist. The combination of historic setting, exceptional food, and attentive service creates an environment where special moments feel appropriately honored without excessive formality or stuffiness.
You can dress up without feeling overdressed, or arrive in smart casual attire without feeling underprepared—the restaurant welcomes guests warmly regardless of the occasion.
Its location inside The Brown Palace adds an extra layer of convenience for those staying downtown or attending nearby events. Several reviewers mentioned stopping by before concerts or shows, appreciating the proximity and reliability.
The restaurant understands timing, moving meals along efficiently when guests have post-dinner plans while never rushing those who prefer to savor every moment.
This versatility makes Ship Tavern equally appropriate for a quiet Tuesday dinner or a packed Saturday celebration. The quality remains consistent, the atmosphere adapts naturally to different energy levels, and the staff ensures every guest feels valued regardless of party size or purpose.
Book Ahead—This Prime Rib Has A Following
With a 4.2-star rating across more than a thousand reviews and nearly nine decades of reputation, Ship Tavern attracts steady crowds throughout the week. Making reservations becomes especially important for weekend dinners, particularly Friday and Saturday when the restaurant operates until eleven in the evening.
Walk-ins sometimes find space at the bar, but those seeking table seating during peak hours will appreciate the security of calling ahead at 303-312-8943 or booking through the website.
The restaurant operates from eleven in the morning until ten at night Monday through Thursday, extending an hour later on weekends. These hours accommodate both lunch crowds seeking a midday escape and dinner guests planning evening celebrations.
Sunday maintains the same ten o’clock closing time, providing consistent availability throughout the week.
Planning ahead also allows you to request specific seating preferences or coordinate timing with live music performances. The staff appreciates guests who communicate their needs in advance, enabling them to deliver the best possible experience from the moment you arrive through your final sip of coffee.
Leave Room: Dessert Here Is Part Of The Tradition
After working through prime rib and sides, the temptation to skip dessert runs high—but regulars insist that would mean missing an essential component of the Ship Tavern experience. The dessert menu honors the same traditional approach that defines the entire operation, offering classic preparations executed with care rather than trendy creations designed to photograph well.
These are sweets that satisfy without overwhelming, providing a proper conclusion to a substantial meal.
Pastry selections change seasonally while maintaining crowd favorites that guests request year after year. The portions acknowledge that diners have already enjoyed a generous meal, offering satisfaction without excess.
Sharing becomes common, with couples and groups ordering multiple options to sample different flavors and textures.
Pairing dessert with coffee or a digestif extends the evening naturally, allowing time to reflect on the meal and enjoy the atmosphere a bit longer before returning to the bustling city outside. It’s this attention to the complete dining arc—from cocktails through dessert—that separates Ship Tavern from establishments focused solely on the main course.