Picture yourself transported back to 1893. That’s when the Buckhorn Exchange first opened its doors. This wasn’t just any saloon. It was a place where the Wild West came to life in Denver.
The Buckhorn Exchange is Denver’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Shorty Scout Zietz founded it. He was a friend of Buffalo Bill and Chief Sitting Bull. They even gave him his nickname due to his small size.
Imagine railroaders, cattlemen, miners, and Indian chiefs all gathered here. The Buckhorn Exchange catered to everyone. It was more than just a restaurant. It became a melting pot of cultures and characters.
The building itself has a story. The Neef Brothers Brewing Company constructed it around 1886. Later, it became the perfect spot for Zietz’s saloon. He named it the Rio Grande Exchange initially.
Five U.S. Presidents have dined at the Buckhorn Exchange. Theodore Roosevelt even went big-game hunting with Zietz after eating here in 1905. This place has seen its share of famous faces.
The Buckhorn Exchange received the first liquor license in Colorado. That’s a claim to fame. Even during Prohibition, the Buckhorn Exchange found a way to survive. Zietz turned part of it into a grocery store. Legend says he sold bootleg whiskey hidden in loaves of bread.
Today, the Buckhorn Exchange is a National Historic Landmark. It’s also a Western museum. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of mounted animals. There are over 125 guns on display too.
The walls tell stories of the Old West. The white-oak bar dates back to 1857. You can still enjoy a drink in the Victorian Lounge.
The Buckhorn Exchange menu features steakhouse classics. It is known for its Rocky Mountain oysters. For the adventurous, there’s alligator tail and buffalo sausages.
Consider that in 1938, Chief Red Cloud gave Zietz General Custer’s saber. It was taken at the Battle of Little Big Horn. The sword remains with the Zietz family today.
The Buckhorn Exchange continues to offer a taste of history. It reminds us of Denver’s wild and colorful past. From its food to its artifacts, the Buckhorn Exchange provides a unique experience. It connects us to the spirit of the Old West.