FOOD NEWS
Denver's Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant Is Filled With History And Taxidermy
BY MICHELLE WELSCH
Since 1893, the Buckhorn Exchange restaurant in Colorado's Mile High City has served Indian chiefs, Hollywood stars, and even astronauts. Today, it's a National Historic Landmark.
With hundreds of taxidermy pieces, glass displays of guns and rifles, and black-and-white photos of yesteryear, the restaurant straddles the line between museum and saloon.
Founded as Zietz Buckhorn Saloon by Henry H. "Shorty Scout" Zietz, the location was convenient for those traveling or working along the Rio Grande Railroad.
During Prohibition, Zietz turned the saloon into a store for wares. Once Prohibition lifted, it was granted the state's first liquor license — a certificate that's still displayed.
Aside from expanded drinking space and a wooden bar from Germany, very little has changed in the saloon's aesthetics and ambiance. They continue to offer a unique menu.
The menu offers unusual options like alligator, elk, buffalo, venison, and rattlesnake. Desserts include double chocolate rocky road brownies, cheesecake, and apple pie.
Beyond the food, the Buckhorn Exchange has a stuffed two-headed calf, Buffalo Bill look-alike contests, live music, and many more mounted taxidermied animals.