The Buckhorn Exchange: Oldest Restaurant in Denver

The Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant in Denver, Colorado is the oldest in the city. Although some patrons are off put by the exterior – venture in for a delight and literally, a bite of history. The upstairs bar is more than a century old and laden with local history. Visit today at 1000 Osage St in Denver for an experience that you will not soon forget. The interior makes it unforgettable; it’s a cowboy boots and spurs kind of restaurant where the locals go to find that authentic Denver cuisine. Our family has been going there for years – it is a sort of tradition for birthdays to visit the Buckhorn! The stone exterior may look daunting, but I find that it gives it a touch of authenticity.

Try the rattlesnake, or the rocky mountain oysters for a hard to find delight. The rattlesnake is highly priced for an appetizer but it is a delicacy of sorts, and is therefore justified. Try the Buffalo burger and you will never go back to eating cow! The portions are huge, the kids’ meals cannot be finished by your children and the fries will leave you wanting more (they are just that good).

The Buckhorn is not the place to go if you are looking for a healthy meal. It is a stick to your ribs, kind of food where you check your calorie counter at the door. It is the place to go if you want to try something new like Quail, or Yak. These meals may seem unappealing but you must try them – they are cooked to perfection, and seasoned as such.

As for vegetarian dishes – this is not a vegetarian restaurant. This is a restaurant where there are so many different kinds of meat that you could be coming back forever and have not tasted everything. There are run of the mill salads, but locals know that you do not come to the Buckhorn Exchange restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Denver – for the salad!

Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant is a casual atmosphere with low waiting times. Dinner is quickly served and the wait staff is enthusiastic and well informed about the menu. Prices are more than the average joint and range from twenty to forty dollars per person for the meal.

It has gained popularity in the pat by being nominated one of the third best restaurants in the United States – before this; it was more of a local gem. Now, people come from all over to sample the rattlesnake, ostrich or alligator if you are feeling adventurous. I have been going for years, but I can safely say that I have not tried the alligator. Maybe one of these days I will get around to it. Not only do we visit Buckhorn Exchange for the environment, we go there for the great food. One of the best places to grab a burger in the city because it is sure to fill you up!