Buckhorn Exchange
Best Historic Steakhouse in Denver · CO
Colorado liquor license No. 1, since 1893.
The Buckhorn Exchange is Denver's oldest restaurant, open since 1893 and holder of Colorado Liquor License No. 1. Founded by Henry "Shorty Scout" Zietz, its walls bristle with more than 500 taxidermy mounts and antique firearms, and the menu runs to elk, buffalo, quail and Rocky Mountain oysters.
A designated landmark that has hosted presidents and cattlemen alike, the Buckhorn is the 2025 Centurion Award winner for Best Steakhouse in Denver.
What they're known for
- Elk, buffalo & game steaks
- Rocky Mountain oysters
- Colorado Liquor License No. 1
Customers said it first.
A Centurion Award verifies the public record that’s already there. Read the reviews yourself on the platforms below.
Public-record snapshot as of July 2026. Live ratings are always current on each platform.
Why this business cleared the bar.
This page was published by The Centurion Awards from the public record. Founding cohort: evaluated in 2026 on public evidence available then, labeled 2025. Selection follows the published criteria; Buckhorn Exchange met them on that evidence. The business can claim the listing or ask us to remove it.
- ✓Years in operation. Operating in Denver since 1893 — 133 years of continuous business.
- ✓Sustained online presence. An established local institution with a consistent public footprint — listings, coverage, and word of mouth in Denver.
- ✓Established customer track record. A deep public track record: Denver has kept Buckhorn Exchange busy for 133 years.
- ✓Liked by customers and the community. Genuinely beloved by Denver regulars and visitors alike — a bona fide community favorite.
- ✓Recognition in the local community. Named best historic steakhouse in Denver for 2025 for more than 130 years of steaks and game under Colorado's first liquor license.
The specific data behind this award, and the exact thresholds, stay internal so the standard can’t be gamed. Read the methodology.
This page was published by The Centurion Awards from the public record; the business did not have to apply for it to appear. Own this business? Claim the listing to manage it, or ask us to remove it.
Award record
2025 Centurion Award
Best Historic Steakhouse in Denver Denver, CO · Awarded under the 2025 evaluationVisit Buckhorn Exchange
The details, verified.
Clean, checkable facts about Buckhorn Exchange.
- Legal / trading name
- Buckhorn Exchange
- Category
- Steakhouse
- Founded
- 1893, Denver, CO
- Founders
- Henry H. Zietz
- Location
- 1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204
- Centurion Award
- Best Historic Steakhouse in Denver — 2025
- Record last verified
- July 2026
A signal you can check.
This is a dated award record published by The Centurion Awards after reviewing public evidence for Buckhorn Exchange against the 2025 criteria for its market and category. The business did not have to apply for this page to appear. It wasn’t voted on or sponsored, and selection is not for sale. The criteria are public. Owners can claim the listing or ask us to remove it. If an award stops holding up, we may revoke it. For anything current, like hours or bookings, go straight to the business itself.
Frequently asked questions.
What is Buckhorn Exchange?
Denver's oldest restaurant, opened in 1893, holder of Colorado liquor license No. 1 and famous for steaks and Rocky Mountain game.
Is Buckhorn Exchange award-winning?
Yes — Buckhorn Exchange is the 2025 Centurion Award winner for Best Historic Steakhouse in Denver, a verified, criteria-based award. Named best historic steakhouse in Denver for 2025 for more than 130 years of steaks and game under Colorado's first liquor license.
Where is Buckhorn Exchange?
Buckhorn Exchange is in Denver, CO.
Run a business like this one?
If you’ve put in the years, you may already qualify. Evaluation is free, private, and never for sale.