Colorado's Oldest Restaurant Is A Very Unique And Authentic Western Steakhouse In Denver

In the heart of Denver, Colorado, is a juicy slice of history that has been serving locals and visitors for over a century. The Buckhorn Exchange, Colorado's oldest restaurant, is a journey back in time as much as it is a delicious dining destination. Established in 1893, this iconic Western steakhouse is as authentic as it gets, offering a unique experience that's all about the atmosphere, the food, and the drinks. This is an establishment one would proudly proclaim as a Colorado institution.

The Buckhorn Exchange's rich history is evident from the moment you step through its wooden double doors at 1000 Osage Street. The restaurant was founded by Henry H. "Shorty Scout" Zeitz, a close friend of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and a respected figure in the Old West. The establishment quickly became a gathering spot for cowboys, miners, railroad workers, and even notable figures like Theodore Roosevelt, astronaut Scott Carpenter, Hollywood star Charlton Heston, and Great Britain's Princess Anne. From the dry days of Prohibition to 1938, when Sitting Bull's nephew (along with 30 Sioux Blackfeet Indians) showed up to present "Shorty Scout" a military saber, this place has seen it all.

Today, much of the original ambiance from those days of yore remains intact, making the Buckhorn Exchange one of the best free museums of Colorado's Wild West heritage. It is, in fact, a designated historic landmark by the City of Denver. The walls are lined with an extensive taxidermy collection, antique firearms, and historical memorabilia — each piece tells a story. Over 500 mounted animal heads, including buffalo, elk, a two-headed calf, and a jackalope, create an atmosphere unlike any other steakhouse. If you want to fit in with this vibe, make sure to avoid this type of clothing to blend in with the locals. 

The menu at the Buckhorn Exchange offers a true taste of the West. Plus, you get to order from a menu that looks like a newspaper! The restaurant is famous for its steaks, with a variety of cuts, from T-bone to New York strip, all cooked to perfection. But what sets the Buckhorn Exchange apart from all other steakhouses is its selection of game meats in the true rugged frontier spirit of Colorado. Diners can try bison, elk, and even more adventurous offbeat delicacies like fried alligator tail and marinated boneless rattlesnake.

Try the restaurant's specialty big steak dinner, a massive steak intended for two to five guests that includes all the fixings and side dishes (carved tableside, of course), and the Rocky Mountain oysters, the most popular appetizer on the menu. For dessert, don't even second guess it — treat yourself to the hot Dutch apple pie. Of course, no Old West saloon-style meal would be complete without a drink. To honor the past, the restaurant serves Buffalo Bill's favorite eponymous cocktail, half-half apple juice with bourbon on ice. The Buckhorn Exchange actually boasts Denver's first liquor license, which is proudly displayed on the wall: "Colorado Liquor License #1."

Reservations are strongly recommended. There are two floors in the establishment, with the downstairs one being the best decorated. If you're driving, free parking is available across the street from the restaurant. You can also access it by light rail — get off at 10th and Osage station. For anyone visiting Denver — and any history enthusiasts, food lovers, or someone looking for a wild dining experience — the Buckhorn Exchange is a must-see (and must-taste) destination that has stood the test of time for over 130 years.