The Best Steakhouse in Salt Lake City's South Jordan: Where Toro Transformed a Denny's Into Utah's Most Welcoming Fine Dining Destination

Walk into Toro Steak and Cocktails on a Friday night and you'd never guess this moody, romantic space with its sleek bar and soft amber lighting used to flip pancakes. The transformation from roadside diner to one of the best steakhouses in Salt Lake City is the kind of story that makes Utah's food scene so damn compelling—someone saw potential where others saw a shuttered Denny's, and they built something that's changing how the south valley thinks about upscale dining.

"You would never guess it, but this brand new steakhouse actually used to be a Dennys!" one enthusiastic TikTok reviewer captured perfectly. "They have done a ton of work to elevate the space into a moody, romantic & cozy spot - plus they added a beautiful bar!"

That bar matters. In a state where steakhouses often feel like they're apologizing for serving alcohol, Toro leans into craft cocktails with the confidence of a downtown mixology lounge—then backs it up with ribeyes and filets that rival anything you'll find at Ruth's Chris, but at prices that won't require a second mortgage.

Fire, Flavor, and Finesse: The Toro Philosophy

Where most Utah steakhouses play it safe, Toro built its identity around a specific vision: celebrating the craft of steak while redefining cocktail culture. It's right there in their tagline—fire, flavor, and finesse come together. The kitchen focuses on aged, seasoned beef grilled to perfection, while the bar experiments with innovative flavor pairings and top-shelf spirits that actually complement a well-marbled cut.

This dual commitment sets Toro apart in the competitive Salt Lake City fine dining landscape. You're not choosing between a serious steakhouse OR a craft cocktail bar—you're getting both, in the same South Jordan strip mall location where families once ordered Grand Slams at 2 AM.

The owners understood something crucial: the best steakhouse in Salt Lake City doesn't have to be downtown, doesn't need white tablecloths that cost more than the meal, and definitely shouldn't make you feel like you're intruding on someone else's special occasion. Toro feels welcoming from the moment you step inside. As one customer noted, "We met one of the owners who was very welcoming and friendly."

The Steaks That Started the Conversation

Let's talk about what actually matters—the beef. Toro's bone-in ribeye, which they call the Toro Steak, arrives as a massive 20-ounce cut with two sides for $40. In an era where comparable steakhouses charge $60-80 for similar portions, this pricing strategy is borderline radical. But the value proposition only works if the quality delivers, and according to dozens of customer reviews, it absolutely does.

"The Toro steak (bone in ribeye) was sooooo good i got it medium well but it was sooo juicy and flavorful," one regular raved. Another diner who ordered it medium-rare confirmed: "It was seasoned well, and didnt need any table side seasoning."

The ribeye comes generously topped with sliced garlic and mushrooms—a preparation that some customers praise as perfection ("Steak cooked to perfection with the sliced garlic and mushrooms on top 🤌🏾") while others find the garlic mushroom topping overly salty. This kind of honest feedback actually reinforces Toro's authenticity; they're not playing it safe with bland preparations designed to offend no one.

The filet mignon offers a contrasting experience—8 ounces of butter-tender beef that practically melts on the tongue. "The steak was absolutely top-notch — cooked to perfection, juicy and full of flavor," one reviewer shared after trying the filet. The preparation comes with your choice of two sides: mashed or baked potatoes, stir-fried zucchini, or mini sweet peppers.

That zucchini deserves special mention. Multiple customers single it out as their favorite side, with one declaring it the standout among everything they tried. For a steakhouse side dish to generate that kind of enthusiasm speaks to the kitchen's attention to every element of the plate, not just the protein.

Craft Cocktails That Compete With the Steaks

Here's where Toro really differentiates itself from traditional steakhouses in Salt Lake City and across Utah. The cocktail program isn't an afterthought—it's a co-headliner. The Old Fashioned has developed something of a cult following, with reviews describing it as "out of this world amazing" and noting the smoky complexity that elevates it beyond the standard bourbon-and-bitters routine.

"The 'Old Fashioned' cocktail is expertly crafted; it's a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts," confirms one review. Another customer highlighted how "each cocktail was expertly crafted, showcasing a delightful mix of flavors that complemented the meal perfectly."

The cocktail menu includes refreshing classics like Moscow Mules and Toro Mojitos, alongside innovative concoctions that demonstrate real mixology ambition. At around $16 per drink, they're priced in line with downtown craft cocktail bars—which makes sense, because the quality matches.

This commitment to cocktail culture attracts a specific clientele. In a state where dining culture sometimes divides along LDS/non-LDS lines, Toro positions itself clearly in the full-bar steakhouse category while maintaining the warm hospitality Utah is known for. It's sophisticated without being stuffy, upscale without being exclusive.

The Sides and Starters That Build the Experience

Toro's baked potato soup has achieved near-legendary status among regulars. Customers describe it as indulgent, flavorful, and one of the signature items worth ordering even if you're not particularly hungry. The creamy, rich preparation provides a perfect comfort-food contrast to the char and smoke of the grilled steaks.

The sweet butter served with bread gets almost as much attention as the main courses. "I also liked the bread and sweet butter. The butter was on the border of two sweet, but thats a preference," one reviewer noted—which is perhaps the most balanced take on Toro's divisive butter. Some customers call it "phenomenal" and "amazing," while others find it a touch too sweet. Either way, people remember it, which is exactly what you want from a signature element.

Appetizers lean into steakhouse classics done well. The fried calamari arrives crispy and well-seasoned, while the Brussels sprouts have developed a following among regulars who order them every visit. "Try the Brussels sprouts. Try..." one enthusiastic reviewer insisted, trailing off into capital letters of excitement.

The tuna tataki demonstrates Toro's range beyond beef—described as "absolutely gorgeous and so light and fresh," it appeals to diners who appreciate Japanese-inspired preparations alongside their American steakhouse favorites.

Seafood Additions That Elevate the Plate

While Toro built its reputation on beef, the seafood add-ons deserve attention. The scallops consistently earn praise as "fantastic" and "succulent," with multiple reviewers specifically recommending them as an upgrade to any steak order. Pan-fried or grilled, they arrive perfectly seared with a sweet, delicate flavor that complements the richness of the beef.

The 8-ounce grilled salmon ($24) offers a lighter alternative to steak, served with your choice of two sides. The lobster tail add-on has become a popular way to transform a good steak dinner into a full surf-and-turf celebration, though expect to pay extra for the upgrade.

"I would definitely consider adding on a lobster tail or scallops to elevate the dish even further," suggested one food blogger who documented the experience. It's sound advice—Toro's pricing on the base steaks is so reasonable that splurging on premium seafood additions still keeps the total bill competitive with traditional fine dining.

The Service Culture That Brings It Together

Strip mall steakhouses can feel transactional—order, eat, leave. Toro actively works against that expectation through service that customers describe as warm, attentive, and genuinely hospitable. Servers like Gen and Puujee earn praise by name in reviews, which speaks to the restaurant's success in building a service culture rather than just hiring order-takers.

"Gen was our server was SO kind to walk us through the menu and recommend her favorites. Glad she did because we loved everything we ordered," one couple shared. Another reviewer highlighted how "Puujee was warm, attentive, and genuinely made us feel welcome from the moment we sat down."

The most memorable service story involves a server named MC who apparently performs magic tricks at the table—a detail that appears in multiple reviews and demonstrates Toro's commitment to creating experiences, not just serving meals. "My waiter MC was fantastic, very personable and a fantastic magician!" one delighted customer wrote.

This level of service matters especially for celebrations. Multiple reviews mention birthday dinners, anniversary celebrations, and special occasions. "We were a party of nine for a birthday, and the food was incredible, as well as the service," one large group confirmed. The staff handles these moments with care, understanding that they're not just serving steaks—they're participating in people's memories.

The Atmosphere: Cozy Elegance in an Unexpected Location

The physical transformation of the space deserves credit. Creating an upscale ambiance in a former Denny's presented real challenges—low booths, limited natural light, the basic architecture of a budget chain restaurant. Toro addressed these constraints with moody lighting, elegant furnishings, and a sophisticated color palette that emphasizes dark woods and ambient glow.

"The atmosphere was relaxed and stylish, a nice change from the typical loud or overly-themed places. It felt like the kind of spot where you could have a good conversation and enjoy your meal," one reviewer observed. That balance—relaxed but refined—defines Toro's approach to fine dining in South Jordan.

The bar area functions as a destination in itself, sleek and well-designed enough that cocktail enthusiasts visit even without ordering dinner. Soft lighting and careful sound design maintain an intimate atmosphere despite the open layout, making Toro work equally well for romantic date nights and business dinners.

One candid review acknowledged the limitations: "They have not remodeled enough to get past the fact this is a former Denny's. Low booths do not provide any privacy." It's fair criticism, and potential diners should know that Toro isn't hiding its origins—it's transforming them into something new while working within real architectural constraints.

South Jordan's Steakhouse for Special Occasions

Location matters in Utah's sprawling south valley. While downtown Salt Lake City claims most of the state's fine dining attention, residents of South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman, and West Jordan have limited options for upscale celebrations close to home. Toro fills that gap deliberately, positioning itself as the go-to destination for anniversaries, engagements, and milestone dinners south of I-215.

"Perfect spot for all occasions my go to restaurant now," one local declared. Another confirmed the date night appeal: "A great place for a date night or upscale meal!" The combination of sophisticated atmosphere, quality food, and accessible pricing makes Toro work for celebrations that might feel too casual for downtown fine dining but too important for chain restaurants.

The restaurant operates dinner-focused hours: Monday through Thursday 5:00-10:00 PM, Friday 5:00-11:00 PM, Saturday noon-11:00 PM, and Sunday 2:00-9:00 PM. Weekend lunch service provides an option for celebratory meals at slightly lower price points, while the extended Friday and Saturday evening hours accommodate the post-theater and special occasion crowd.

The Value Proposition That Changes Everything

Let's be direct about the economics. A 12-ounce ribeye at Toro costs $28 and includes two sides. Comparable cuts at Ruth's Chris or Fleming's run $50-70 before sides. The filet mignon sits around $30-35 depending on preparation. Add a $16 cocktail and you're looking at a $45-50 per person dinner for a genuinely upscale steakhouse experience.

"This is what I would consider to be a more affordable steakhouse," the food blogger correctly identified. "With a 12 oz ribeye costing $28 (2 sides included) it's definitely one of the more budget friendly fancy dinner options!"

This pricing strategy reflects a conscious decision about who Toro serves. The south valley needs accessible fine dining—celebrations that don't require downtown parking hassles or $200+ checks. Young couples planning engagement dinners, families marking graduations, professionals hosting modest client dinners—these are Toro's people, and the pricing respects their budgets while refusing to compromise on quality.

"Definitely the best steak house on this side of the valley that we've found," one couple concluded. "Would rather come here than Ruth's Chris because of the location, pricing, and quality of food."

Planning Your Visit to Toro Steak and Cocktails

Toro Steak and Cocktails sits at 11511 S 4000 W, Suite 102 in South Jordan—easy access from I-15 and Bangerter Highway makes it convenient for diners throughout the south valley. The strip mall location offers ample free parking, a significant advantage over downtown alternatives where parking can cost as much as an appetizer.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings and any special occasions. Call (801) 834-0225 to book your table. Walk-ins are accepted, but customers report variable wait times depending on the night.

What to order: Start with the baked potato soup or Brussels sprouts. Order the bone-in ribeye if you want the signature Toro experience, the filet if you prefer tender over flavorful. Add scallops or lobster tail if you're celebrating. Don't skip the Old Fashioned if you appreciate well-made cocktails. Save room for the chocolate mousse or cheesecake—both earn consistent praise.

Best times to visit: Saturday and Sunday lunch service offers the same menu with slightly less crowded dining rooms. Thursday evenings tend to be quieter than weekends while still offering the full atmosphere. If you're celebrating an anniversary or special occasion, mention it when you book—the staff will make it memorable.

South Jordan's Answer to Downtown Fine Dining

Toro Steak and Cocktails represents something important in Utah's evolving food landscape: fine dining doesn't require downtown real estate or celebrity chef credentials. It requires commitment to quality, understanding of your community, and the willingness to transform an abandoned Denny's into something that makes people look up from their phones and actually pay attention to what they're eating.

The best steakhouse in Salt Lake City might not be in Salt Lake City at all. It might be in a South Jordan strip mall, serving $28 ribeyes next to $16 Old Fashioneds, proving that accessibility and quality aren't opposites—they're exactly what Utah's south valley needed all along.