Denver has plenty of restaurants chasing “historic” as a marketing angle. The Buckhorn Exchange actually earns it. Opened in November 1893 at 1000 Osage St., it’s the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Colorado, and it holds Colorado Liquor License No. 1 — the actual license, still framed and on display inside. If you’re weighing whether a trip to this Old West steakhouse and museum is worth your evening, here’s what you’re actually walking into.
The History Behind the Hype
The Buckhorn Exchange was founded by Henry H. “Shorty Scout” Zietz, a former scout for Buffalo Bill Cody who was reportedly nicknamed by Sitting Bull himself for his short stature. The restaurant’s name comes from its original neighbors: the Rio Grande Railroad yards sat directly across Osage Street, and railroad workers would come in every Friday to trade their paychecks for gold, walking out with a token good for a free lunch and a beer.
The building has survived Colorado’s Prohibition era (which started in 1916, three years ahead of the rest of the country), a hidden passageway rumored to help patrons dodge police raids, and visits from four U.S. presidents — Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan. Roosevelt reportedly recruited Zietz as a hunting guide after dining here in 1905. Hollywood regulars over the decades have included Bob Hope, Jimmy Cagney, and Charlton Heston.
Today the dining room doubles as a genuine museum, packed with mounted game heads, historic firearms, and memorabilia collected over more than 130 years. It’s not staged decor — it’s the accumulated stuff of a restaurant that’s been open since before Colorado had paved roads.
What’s on the Menu
The Buckhorn Exchange built its reputation on wild game, and that’s still the draw. Expect dishes built around elk, buffalo, quail, and yak alongside traditional steakhouse cuts. Appetizers lean into the theme hard — Rocky Mountain oysters, smoked buffalo sausage with red chile polenta, fried alligator tail, and sirloin game tips sautéed with mushrooms are all regulars on the starter list. A few items are served rare or lightly cooked by design, so ask your server if you want something well done.
This isn’t the place for a quiet, minimalist plate. Portions are generous, sauces are rich, and the whole menu reads like a tour through 19th-century Colorado hunting camps — because that’s more or less what it’s meant to evoke.
Hours, Location, and Reservations
The Buckhorn Exchange is located at 1000 Osage St., Denver, CO 80204, just west of downtown near the Ball Arena area. Dine-in hours run Monday through Thursday from 5–9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4–9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 4–9 p.m. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends — this is a small, historic building, not a sprawling modern dining room, and tables go fast when a Nuggets or Avalanche game lets out nearby.
Dress code is casual to business casual. Nobody’s turning you away for jeans, but this also isn’t a t-shirt-and-flip-flops kind of room given the setting.
Who Should Actually Go
If you want a restaurant that feels like Denver’s frontier past instead of just referencing it, the Buckhorn Exchange delivers in a way most “historic” restaurants only claim to. It’s a great pick for out-of-town guests who want a genuinely Colorado experience, history buffs, and anyone curious about game meats they won’t find on a typical steakhouse menu. It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a quiet date-night spot or a strictly modern culinary experience — the appeal here is heritage and atmosphere as much as the food itself.
For South Denver residents debating the drive downtown, it’s worth it at least once. Few restaurants in the metro area, let alone the neighborhood, can claim liquor license No. 1 and a visit from a sitting president.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Buckhorn Exchange really Denver’s oldest restaurant?
Yes. It opened in November 1893 at 1000 Osage St. and has operated continuously since, making it the oldest restaurant in Denver and in Colorado.
What is Colorado Liquor License No. 1?
It’s the first liquor license issued in the state of Colorado after Prohibition’s repeal, awarded to the Buckhorn Exchange (then Zietz’ Buckhorn Restaurant and Bar). The original license is still displayed inside the restaurant.
What should I order at the Buckhorn Exchange?
First-timers usually start with an appetizer sampler covering Rocky Mountain oysters or fried alligator tail, then move to a game-focused entrée like elk or buffalo. The sirloin game tips appetizer is a popular way to try multiple meats at once.
Do I need a reservation at the Buckhorn Exchange?
Reservations are recommended, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights and before Ball Arena events, since the historic building has limited seating.
What is the dress code at the Buckhorn Exchange?
Casual to business casual attire is appropriate. There’s no strict formal dress code, though the historic setting leans a bit more polished than a typical casual restaurant.
📍 Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 534-9505 | buckhorn.com
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