Buckhorn Exchange

Buckhorn Exchange

1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204, United States

+1 303-534-9505

Steak house, Bar, Restaurant
(4693)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Denver, Buckhorn Exchange stands as a treasured steakhouse and bar that offers more than just a meal—it delivers a timeless dining journey steeped in history and bold flavors. As one of the city's most iconic eateries, Buckhorn Exchange has mastered the art of pairing legendary Western ambiance with a menu that celebrates the rugged, wild bounty of the Rockies.

The cuisine here is a carnivore's delight, showcasing an adventurous array of game meats alongside classic beef preparations. From the moment you sit down, the aroma of sizzling steaks and smoked sausages sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. Signature dishes like the Rocky Mountain Oysters (aka Buffalo Balls) and the delightfully spicy Rattlesnake Queso immediately captivate your palate with their daring yet refined flavors. The Smoked Buffalo Sausage paired with Red Chile Polenta and Spicy Wild Game Mustard is a harmonious blend of smoky richness and piquant heat, begging to be savored bite after bite.

The steak selection is a testament to Buckhorn’s commitment to quality and tradition: the acclaimed 24oz Porterhouse T-Bone Steak is a showstopper, boasting juicy, tender meat cooked perfectly to your liking, while the Buffalo Tenderloin Steak and High Plains Buffalo Prime Rib offer a lean yet flavorful alternative that honors the spirit of the American West. Combination plates like Elk & Cornish Game Hen or Buffalo Prime Rib & Salmon provide a delightful medley of taste and texture, perfect for those who enjoy variety or are dining in groups.

Impeccable service enhances the experience at Buckhorn Exchange. As one satisfied guest, Joe Marshall, recounts, the knowledgeable stewards like Casey ensure that your meal is tailored precisely to your tastes, offering insightful menu suggestions that enhance the dining adventure. Another diner, Autumn Heydenreich, praised the attentive staff who kept their glasses full and tables clear, allowing guests to focus fully on the exquisite fare and unique setting.

The atmosphere evokes a sense of stepping into a living museum. Rich wood paneling, historical artifacts, and cozy alcoves create an inviting space filled with stories waiting to be uncovered as you enjoy your meal. Glen Maylone perfectly summarizes it by highlighting the restaurant’s blend of exceptional food and captivating ambiance—though he does note that a reservation is wise given its well-earned reputation and popularity. Adding to its convenience, the presence of its own parking lot and proximity to public transit make the Buckhorn easily accessible.

Whether you are a meat enthusiast eager to explore a rare selection of wild game, or simply someone who appreciates a flawlessly cooked steak in a setting rich with character, Buckhorn Exchange stands as an essential Denver destination. Its dedication to preserving history while serving expertly crafted dishes ensures a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Service options
Kerbside pickup On-site services Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great beer selection Great cocktails Great dessert Great wine list Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Spirits Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Tourists Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    Closed
  • Friday
    04:00 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Saturday
    04:00 PM - 09:30 PM
  • Sunday
    04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Joe Marshall
    1 month ago

    Easily one of the best meals I have ever enjoyed. Our waiter, Casey, was well-versed on the menu options, and his preferences and suggestions for preparation were on point. We started with gator bites and buffalo sausage, both were fantastic, and came with great dips. I went with elk and quail, and my lady went with the buffalo prime rib. The meat was 10/10. Juicy, perfectly cooked and seasoned, and it melted in your mouth. The atmosphere was great and there is so much history. Would definitely recommend.

  • Glen Maylone
    2 month ago

    This is both great dining and a great experience. I would say more the experience to be honest. First time here, I would suggest reservations. The place is packed with history and things to see. Many different levels and dining areas, bar areas, and just cool little alcoves. Service was fast and friendly, the food was excellent. It is pretty expensive to dine here. You definitely are paying for the experience. But when in Denver it is one of those "must dine here at least once places" for sure.

  • Born To Be Retired
    2 month ago

    Very unique Denver landmark restaurant with a fascinating history. Love how it’s been preserved. Fun place to try especially if you want to try meats like Yak, elk, bison, etc. they do offer salmon for those who don’t eat meat but this is not a good choice for vegetarians or vegans. They have their own parking lot which is nice. Their is a train stop right across the street which is convenient

  • Andrew Dabydeen
    3 month ago

    I will say right off the bat, this is one of the more unique restaurants that you can visit almost anywhere. There’s a lot of history here and just walking around inside gives you a museum feel. We were a group of about 14 and had a wonderful waitress. We got to try out most of the menu due to the size of our group and what I’d say is try what you think might be good. I enjoyed the bison and quail the most but other people in my group had their favorites. They have quite a bit of unique items if that’s your thing. Loved my time here and I’d recommend this place to anyone coming to Denver. Some items were a bit too fried where you couldn’t taste the underlying meat but everything was still good. There were a lot of highlights which made up for some dishes which were not my thing. Looking forward to my next visit!

  • Autumn Heydenreich
    4 month ago

    Dined here for dinner after receiving a recommendation from a local. It was a fantastic experience and exactly what my boyfriend and I were looking for. The atmosphere was so unique without feeling like it was trying too hard. Staff were all very attentive and ensured we never had an empty glass or dirty table. We received a complimentary bread basket, which was perfect while waiting on our entree. The steak was AMAZING. We split “The Big Steak” for two, which came with two salads and two sides. This was an experience as well, as our server cut the 24 oz steak right at our table! We rounded out the meal with a slice of cheesecake which was served with a raspberry sauce and ever so decadent. The pile highly recommend dining here, especially for a celebratory dinner when looking for something nice.

  • randall zapata
    4 month ago

    Man! First off, I didn't know what to expect when we came here to eat. We got a little scared when the hostess asked if we had reservations, but thankfully we went on a slow night. The manager came by and said "Put them with Gio." The hostess then led us to the back right corner of the first floor of the restaurant, and sat us amidst all the autographed pictures and taxidermied animals. Gio... was quite the character. Very adept at what he does, and knows the menu backward and forward, with expert suggestions on how to most enjoy the food. His suggestion of eating the buffalo and the elk was spot on, and although it wasn't me who ordered that, I wish I would have. Thankfully my wife shared some with me, and I still thoroughly enjoyed my new york strip, and sides. The drinks were expertly made as well, so kudos to nameless bartender that night. Also, we asked about the weapons case that was across from us, and we're treated to a hilarious story of what the owner used to give unruly patrons a whack over the head with, as well as a lesson in what a "hillbilly toothpick" is. 10/10 will definitely be going again next time we make it to Denver.

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.