Buckhorn Exchange

18 Places in Colorado to Discover Local Culture–From Past to Present

"Founded in 1893, the Buckhorn Exchange displays antique weapons, hundreds of mounted animal heads, and other assorted taxidermy upon its bright red walls. In addition to the old-timey stuffed animal aesthetic, the menu boasts unique meats for the adventurous: rattlesnake, alligator tail, buffalo sausage, elk, quail, game hen, pheasant, venison, and Rocky Mountain Oysters (bull testicles). The restaurant also claims to have been visited by Buffalo Bill himself and to be the oldest in all of Denver and displays its liquor license, labeled as Denver’s first, to prove it.  The Buckhorn hosts an annual “Buffalo Bill Look-alike” contest, with previous winners displayed along the walls of the staircase. Typically on Friday and weekend nights, you can catch two old cowboys in authentic western wear performing traditional prairie songs near the upstairs bar. Many dignitaries, including five United States presidents, have visited the Exchange, including Theodore Roosevelt when he visited as president in 1905. He hunted with the owner, Henry H. “Shorty Scout” Zietz, during his visit. A Cape buffalo head Roosevelt shot hangs in the restaurant, one of 500 stuffed animals within the facility." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

"Buckhorn Exchange, as much a museum as a restaurant, was founded in 1893 by a man who rode with Buffalo Bill. The restaurant's walls are hung with historical photographs and taxidermy animal trophies, among them a two-headed calf. Glass museum cases display western artifacts, including 125 guns. The walls are painted red, the tablecloths are red-checked and diners are seated Perhaps not surprisingly, the steakhouse menu offers a wide range of game dishes, with daily specials that can run to the exotic, like rattlesnake. Make a reservation, and show up early to enjoy the wild west style lounge and bar on the second floor. You’ll really feel like you’ve stepped back in time."

20 Denver Restaurants That Have Stood the Test of Time - Eater Denver

"Because, just once, everybody should visit a landmark established in 1893 to eat elk, bison, and bull testicles while making eye contact with the mounted heads of other elk, bison, and angry-looking bulls." - Ruth Tobias

Where to Find a Great Steak Around Denver - Eater Denver

"For the true Wild West experience, there’s Denver's original steakhouse and Western museum. Since 1893, the Buckhorn has prepared prime-grade beef steaks, buffalo prime rib, elk, quail, game hen, succulent baby back ribs, and, for the bravest of all, Rocky Mountain oysters." - Josie Sexton, Gigi Sukin, Paul Albani-Burgio

Denver’s Best Tourist-Friendly Restaurants - Eater Denver

"Founded in 1893 by a compatriot of “Buffalo Bill” Cody, this storied institution is a living memory of Denver’s early days. The extensive taxidermy and gun collections set the scene, and the food delivers, with numerous game options and traditional cuts of meat." - Eater Staff