Buckhorn Exchange
Denver's oldest continuously operating restaurant, established in 1893.
via Wikipedia: Buckhorn Exchange · see source
The Buckhorn Exchange, a historic restaurant and frontier museum in Denver’s Lincoln Park, opened as a saloon called the Rio Grande Exchange on November 17, 1893. Founded by scout Henry H. “Shorty Scout” Zietz, the building was constructed around 1886 by Neef Brothers Brewing Company. It is Denver’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 as the Zeitz Buckhorn Exchange, it has hosted five presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt in 1905. The restaurant holds Colorado’s first liquor license, as noted by The Daily Meal on Fox News. Known for its Rocky Mountain oysters, the steakhouse features over 500 mounted animals, including a Cape Buffalo shot by Roosevelt. Bill Dutton currently owns the establishment.
Quick Facts
- Established
- 17 November 1893
- Current owner
- Buckhorn Associates
- Food type
- Steakhouse
- Street address
- 1000 Osage St.
- County
- City and County of Denver
- City
- Denver
- Country
- United States
Facts from the source article.
Background
Henry H. "Shorty Scout" Zietz opened the Buckhorn Exchange as a saloon called "The Rio Grande Exchange" on November 17, 1893. Zietz was friends with Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull, who called him "Shorty Scout" due to his small physique. He was considered a lifelong friend to the Indians. The saloon catered toward railroaders, cattlemen, miners, gamblers, businessmen, and Indian chiefs. In 1905, Theodore Roosevelt dined at the restaurant after his Presidential Express train arrived at the Rio Grande rail yards. Roosevelt and Zietz went big-game hunting on Colorado's western slope. The restaurant contains over 500 mounted animals and trophy heads, including an African Cape Buffalo shot by President Teddy Roosevelt. As of 2018, five presidents have dined at Buckhorn Exchange. The restaurant is currently owned by Bill Dutton.
More in Restaurants on the National Register of Historic Places
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