Going to the Historic Buckhorn Exchange is certainly unlike any other restaurant experience you will find. The Buckhorn Exchange is located at 1000 Osage Street in Denver just across the street from the railroad tracks and the light rail station. The Buckhorn Exchange has many interesting facts that surround this saloon from the days of the Wild West. First, off, the Buckhorn Exchange has the first liquor license in the state of Colorado. Yup, that's right, Liquor License #1! Surviving Prohibition in 1916, the "saloon" part had to be put aside. However after Prohibition ended, Colorado's Liquor License #1 was issued, and is still valid today.
The Buckhorn Exchange was originally opened in November of 1893. The man that started the Buckhorn Exchange was named Henry H. "Shorty Scout" Zietz. Zietz met Buffalo Bill Cody as a 10 year old boy, and just a couple of years later rode with Buffalo Bills Scouts on the old frontier for the better part of a decade. Chief Sitting Bill gave Zietz the name"Shorty Scout" because of his height.
Back in the 1890's the Buckhorn Exchange catered to a clientele of cowboys, miners, railroad men, gamblers and businessmen. Since that time, the Buckhorn Exchange has welcomed many noteworthy guests. Five US Presidents have dined at the Buckhorn Exchange including Presidents Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Regan. Hollywood wasn't to be forgotten with the likes of Bobe Hope, Charleton Heston, James Cagney, Roy Rogers, Will Rogers and more also visiting.
Walking into the Buckhorn Exchange is somewhat like walking into a museum. Historical artifacts are everywhere you look. A sword that belonged to General George Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn is on display. There are literally hundreds of taxidermy animals. The antique guns were an absolute source of fascination to my uncle when he visited.
After decades in the Zeitz family, the Buckhorn Exchange was sold. But, it still retains it's roots, and the food at the Buckhorn Exchange is always excellent. Whether you order a big fat Bison Steak, Rocky Mountain Oysters, Elk, Quail or Duck, you are in for an experience that you won't soon forget!
I absolutely loved the Big Steak Dinner Specialty myself. But honestly, I don't know if you can have a bad dining experience at the Buckhorn Exchange truly an experience you will remember!
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