Tucked away at 1000 Osage St in Denver, Colorado, the Buckhorn Exchange has been serving up unforgettable meals since 1893. This legendary steakhouse is Denver’s oldest restaurant, and it carries a rich history that you can feel the moment you walk through the door.
From its famous NY strip steak to wild game dishes you won’t find anywhere else, this place is a true culinary adventure. Whether you’re a Denver local or just passing through, the Buckhorn Exchange belongs at the top of your dining bucket list.
The NY Strip Steak That Started It All
One reviewer put it simply: he thoroughly enjoyed his New York strip, and that kind of quiet satisfaction says everything. The NY strip at Buckhorn Exchange is cooked to your desired temperature and made with Prime grade beef, giving it a rich, beefy flavor that lingers long after the last bite.
What makes this cut special here is the balance of tenderness and chew — it has that satisfying resistance that steak lovers crave. The kitchen takes its craft seriously, aiming to deliver each plate with consistent quality.
Pair it with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, and you’ve got a meal worth remembering. If you’re visiting Denver and want a steak that earns its price tag, this is the one to order.
Make a reservation and come hungry.
Over 130 Years of Denver Dining History
Opened in 1893, the Buckhorn Exchange holds Colorado Liquor License No. 1 — the very first license ever issued in the state. That alone makes it a one-of-a-kind landmark worth visiting.
Walking inside feels less like entering a restaurant and more like stepping into a living museum of the American West.
The walls are covered with over 500 taxidermied animals, antique weapons, and signed photographs from famous guests throughout the decades. Multiple reviewers compared the experience to exploring a museum, and honestly, that description fits perfectly.
The building itself has several dining levels, cozy alcoves, and bar areas that each carry their own character. History seeps through every corner.
Whether you’re a history buff or just love a place with genuine personality, the Buckhorn Exchange delivers an atmosphere that no modern restaurant can replicate.
Wild Game Menu That Goes Way Beyond Beef
Forget your standard chicken-or-steak decision — at Buckhorn Exchange, you might find yourself choosing between elk, yak, ostrich, bison, quail, pheasant, or even crocodile tail. The menu reads like a culinary adventure guide, and that’s exactly the point.
This place was built for curious eaters who want something they can’t get at a chain restaurant.
One guest raved that the elk and quail were cooked literally perfect, calling it the best meal of his life. Another loved the buffalo prime rib so much she’s still talking about it.
The kitchen clearly knows how to handle these proteins with care and respect.
Feeling bold? Rocky Mountain oysters are practically a Buckhorn tradition.
Feeling cautious? Start with the buffalo sausage and game mustard — a crowd-pleaser that eases you into the wild game world without overwhelming your taste buds.
An Atmosphere Unlike Any Other Steakhouse
“Cozy yet lively” is how one happy guest described the vibe inside Buckhorn Exchange, and that phrase nails it exactly. The energy in this place manages to feel festive and intimate at the same time — a rare trick that most restaurants never pull off.
You want to linger, sip your drink slowly, and soak it all in.
The taxidermied animals gazing down from every wall create a visual experience that sparks conversation at every table. Antique memorabilia, autographed pictures, and historical artifacts fill every inch of space.
It’s the kind of place where you look up from your plate and discover something new each time.
Groups of all sizes seem to love it here. Whether it’s a birthday dinner, a date night, or a family celebration, the atmosphere elevates whatever occasion brings you through the door.
Service That Makes Every Guest Feel Like a Regular
Ask any regular at Buckhorn Exchange what keeps them coming back, and the service will almost always come up. Reviewers consistently describe the staff as attentive, warm, and genuinely happy to be there.
One guest praised his server Gio as an expert who knew the menu backward and forward, offering spot-on suggestions that made the whole meal better.
Another guest noted that the staff ensured no glass stayed empty and no table stayed messy — small details that add up to a big difference. The team here seems to understand that hospitality is as important as the food itself.
For first-timers, the servers are especially helpful in guiding you through the extensive menu. With so many unique options, having a knowledgeable guide makes the experience far less overwhelming and a whole lot more fun.
Good service truly transforms a great meal into a great memory.
Rocky Mountain Oysters: A Colorado Rite of Passage
If you’ve never tried Rocky Mountain oysters, the Buckhorn Exchange is the perfect place to take the plunge. These deep-fried bull testicles are a Colorado tradition, and multiple reviewers specifically call them out as a must-try when visiting.
They’re crispy on the outside, tender inside, and come with a dipping sauce that ties the whole thing together.
Yes, the idea might make you hesitate. But here’s the thing — most people who try them are genuinely surprised by how approachable they taste.
They’re more about texture and seasoning than anything else, and the kitchen handles them with skill.
Ordering Rocky Mountain oysters at Buckhorn Exchange is also just a great story to bring home. It’s the kind of food moment that turns a regular dinner into a memorable tale you’ll be telling for years.
Be brave and order them.
The Big Steak: A Tableside Experience Worth Every Penny
Ordering “The Big Steak” at Buckhorn Exchange is less of a meal and more of an event. This 24-ounce showstopper comes with two salads and two sides, but the real highlight is when your server carves it right at your table.
That theatrical moment turns dinner into a performance that guests still talk about long after the check is paid.
One reviewer described it as absolutely unbelievable — juicy, cooked to perfection, and packed with flavor from the very first bite to the very last. Going all out with a group and sharing this beast of a cut is a strategy that pays off deliciously.
The price point reflects the premium experience, but most guests feel it’s completely worth it. If you’re celebrating something special or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, The Big Steak delivers on every level.
Appetizers That Set the Tone for an Epic Meal
Starting strong matters at a place like Buckhorn Exchange, and the appetizer lineup makes that easy. The buffalo sausage with game mustard is a fan favorite that blends smoky richness with a tangy kick.
Gator bites have earned rave reviews too — crispy, flavorful, and served with dipping sauces that complement the mild, tender meat perfectly.
One guest called both appetizers fantastic, noting they set a high bar that the entrees matched and surpassed. The sirloin tips are another solid starter worth considering, offering a preview of the kitchen’s skill with beef before the main event arrives.
Sharing a few appetizers at the table is a smart move, especially if your group can’t agree on just one. Each option gives you a taste of the bold, adventurous spirit that defines the entire Buckhorn menu.
Start bold, and the rest of dinner follows suit.
A Destination Restaurant Worthy of a Road Trip
One family drove all the way from Albuquerque just to eat here — and they left saying it was worth every mile. That kind of dedication tells you something powerful about the pull of Buckhorn Exchange.
It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a destination that food lovers put on their bucket lists and cross off with a grin.
Featured on the Food Network and celebrated by culinary travelers across the country, this Denver landmark draws visitors from all over. The combination of historic atmosphere, adventurous menu, and memorable service creates an experience that goes far beyond what a typical steakhouse offers.
Located at 1000 Osage St with its own parking lot and a light rail stop right across the street, getting there is easy. Planning ahead with a reservation is smart, especially on weekends.
Make the trip — you won’t regret it.
Buffalo Prime Rib That Earns Standing Ovations
When guests talk about the buffalo prime rib at Buckhorn Exchange, the word “superior” comes up more than once. This cut delivers a depth of flavor that regular beef prime rib simply can’t match — earthier, slightly leaner, and with a richness that feels both indulgent and clean at the same time.
The charred crust on the outside gives way to a tender, rosy interior that melts with each forkful. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and actually pay attention to what you’re eating.
No rushing this one.
Several reviewers who came in planning to order beef walked out raving about the bison instead. If you’re on the fence between traditional and adventurous, let the buffalo prime rib be your bridge.
It’s familiar enough to feel comforting, yet bold enough to feel like a genuine discovery on your plate.
Desserts Worth Saving Room For
After a meal this impressive, skipping dessert feels like leaving a movie before the final scene. The cheesecake at Buckhorn Exchange is a standout — rich, creamy, and served with a raspberry sauce that adds just the right amount of brightness to balance the decadence.
One guest called it “ever so decadent,” and that description holds up.
The apple pie has its fans too, praised for its warm, homey flavor even if the texture leans rustic. Dessert here isn’t about showmanship — it’s about giving you a satisfying ending to a memorable meal.
If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, the staff makes the occasion feel special without being over the top. A slice of cheesecake arriving at the right moment can turn a great dinner into a perfect evening.
Always, always save room for one last sweet bite at Buckhorn Exchange.
Pricing, Reservations, and Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Buckhorn Exchange falls into the upscale dining category, with prices that reflect the quality of ingredients and the uniqueness of the experience. Expect to spend more than you would at a casual spot, but most guests agree the value is there — especially when you factor in the atmosphere, history, and service you receive alongside your meal.
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings when the restaurant fills up fast. Walk-ins can work on slower nights, but having a reservation guarantees you the full, unhurried experience this place deserves.
Hours run from 5 to 9 PM on weekdays and 4 to 9:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
You can book through their website at buckhornexchange.com or call them directly at +1 303-534-9505. Parking is available in their own lot, making arrival stress-free.
Plan ahead, show up hungry, and enjoy every moment.
Why Buckhorn Exchange Belongs on Every Food Lover’s List
Some restaurants feed you. Others feed you and give you a story worth telling.
Buckhorn Exchange falls firmly into the second category, which is exactly why it keeps drawing guests back year after year. From the mounted animals watching over your table to the elk that melts in your mouth, every detail here is intentional and memorable.
Rated 4.4 stars across nearly 5,000 reviews, this place has earned its legendary status honestly. The high ratings aren’t just about food — they reflect an entire experience that combines history, hospitality, and honest-to-goodness cooking into something truly special.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Buckhorn Exchange always has something new to notice, taste, or discover. It’s one of those rare places that lives up to the hype and then some.
Denver is lucky to have it, and you’d be lucky to visit.