Historic Colorado Restaurant’s Famous Patrons + Signature Dish

Colorado is full of historic landmarks, including homes, ruins, and restaurants. However, one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the state and the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Denver has more history than many others in the same category.

Read More: Dine with Stuffed Animals at One of Colorado’s Oldest Restaurants |

Keep scrolling to learn about the Buckhorn Exchange and the fun facts attached to its legacy.

Colorado's Buckhorn Exchange: Origins

The Buckhorn Exchange first opened its doors at its longstanding location of 1000 Osage Street in Denver on November 17, 1893, by Henry H. Zeitz, affectionately known as Shorty Scout.

Zietz was given the nickname by Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull, a friend of the restaurant's founder and frequent patron. However, Sitting Bull wasn't the only famous guest to dine at the historic steakhouse.

Colorado's Buckhorn Exchange: Famous Patrons

As mentioned above, Sitting Bull was one of the most famous patrons of the Buckhorn Exchange, but far from the only one.

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In fact, right around the same time, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt dined at the Buckhorn Exchange following a hunting excursion with Zietz, and the restaurant is still home to a stuffed buffalo that the president shot.

Following Roosevelt's visit, it was reported in 2018 that an additional four presidents have visited the restaurant over the years.

Colorado's Buckhorn Exchange: Fun Facts

In addition to being the longest continuously operating restaurant in Denver, the Buckhorn Exchange also carries the distinction of being the recipient of the first-ever liquor license issued in the state, and some claim it to be the place in which the term 'Rocky Mountain Oysters' was first used.

Keep scrolling to check out some of the many pieces of taxidermy hanging on the walls of this historic Colorado restaurant: