The Oldest Restaurant In Colorado Has A Truly Incredible History
Annie
Author
Usually when I hear the words “old” and “food” together in the same sentence, I lose my appetite… however, when it comes to this historic Colorado restaurant, which has served incredible fare to the likes of five different sitting presidents since the late-1800s, my tune quickly changes:
Established in 1893, the Buckhorn Exchange was originally started by Buffalo Bill scout band member Henry H. “Shorty Scout” Zietz as a place for miners, cattle ranchers, gamblers, businessmen, and Indian chiefs alike to enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal. Since the restaurant was at one time located directly across the street from the Rio Grande Railroad yards, it was also a favorite among the hardworking railroad workers, who rushed to the Buckhorn each week to collect their token from Zietz for a free beer and lunch. Even during dry times (AKA Prohibition), the Buckhorn Exchange thrived and bounced back even stronger by obtaining the first liquor licence in the entire state.
Over the years, the iconic establishment has welcomed a number of famous faces including Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and, Ronald Reagan; actors Bob Hope, Roy Rogers, and James Cagney; and a slew of other well-known personalities. See what the fuss is about (and enjoy the impressive collection of stuffed animals, antiques, guns and more) by visiting the Buckhorn Exchange. For information on hours, menu options and even more history, be sure to visit their website.
Uncover even more of Colorado’s oldest restaurants by reading These 11 Old Restaurants In Colorado Have Stood The Test Of Time!
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