The Buckhorn Exchange
The Buckhorn Exchange is Denver’s oldest restaurant, it’s been serving up Steaks, Buffalo, Elk and the Old West since 1893. This fine eating and drinking establishment was founded by Henry H “Shorty Scout” Zietz, one of the most colorful figures of the OId West. At age 12 he was a member scout of William F.”Buffalo Bill” Cody and the great Indian leader Chief Sitting Bull. He was dubbed “Shorty Scout” in reference to his diminutive stature.
From the day it opened its doors in November 1893 the Buckhorn Exchange has been a part of the robust days of early Colorado. Attracting everyone from Indian chiefs, cattlemen miners, businessmen, silver barons and railroad men to dine and drink at Shorty Scout’s Buckhorn Exchange. Most of the menu items served back then are still on offer up to today although nowadays you pay with cash or card unlike before that you would trade your gold. President Theodore Roosevelt was one of their early visitors in 1905 when his Presidential Express passed through the Rio Grande Express and even went as far as to hunt game with Zietz. The dining room is full of historic memorabilia of the past which somewhat makes this restaurant a museum as well.
I arrived around 8 pm and was blown away immediately at the façade of the building. It really looked like a salon from an old western movie and the inside was quite spectacular. So much game is mounted on the walls of the entire place, one was even hunted by President Theodore Roosevelt himself. Certain memorabilia of Buffalo Bill are to be found as well. After going around to take some photos and a brief tour I was ushered upstairs for my meal.
Rocky Mountain Oysters was the first to be served and for you that do not know what this is, it’s deep-fried bull testicles. Served with creamy peppercorn horseradish and cocktail sauce, it was a very interesting way to start my meal.
Next was steamed rattlesnake marinated in red chili and lime served in a chili cream cheese and corn chips. This dish was unique and the rattlesnake meat to my taste mimicked gator meat that I previously tried in New Orleans before.
For my main course I was served a 4 oz Buffalo with a garlic butter sauce and a 4 oz Elk with a peppercorn crust. Both meats were equally as good and unique in their own way.
To end the evening, they brought out an apple pie with a cinnamon rum sauce which was the best apple pie I’ve ever had.
Dining here was like experiencing American history firsthand and the ambiance was remarkable. Thank you, Buckhorn Exchange, for allowing us to experience this piece of American history through the restaurant.
#KULINARYATRAVELS is off to Mister Oso next…