Craving a dinner that feels like a story you get to taste Bite into slow roasted bison at Buckhorn Exchange and you will see why people plan trips around it.
The walls tell Denver history, and the plates back it up with bold flavors and careful preparation. You are not just ordering a meal here you are joining a legend that still earns its line at the door.
Slow Roasted Bison Prime Rib
Thick slices arrive blushing pink and glistening with their own juices, a peppery crust giving way to buttery tenderness. Ask for blackened if you like a little char and spice, then drag each bite through a deep, savory au jus. You will notice it is rich yet clean, the kind of flavor that makes you slow down.
Pair it with a bold red or even a whiskey if you enjoy a fuller sip. The staff happily guides you on temperature and cut size. Come hungry, because leftovers reheat beautifully for tomorrow’s lunch.
Historic Saloon Atmosphere
Step through the door and it feels like a time capsule with a heartbeat. Mounted game, antique firearms, and sepia photos blanket the walls like a living museum. You are here for dinner, but the setting steals its own course.
Grab a stool in the saloon and listen to the stories staff have practically memorized. They share tidbits about presidents, cowboys, and celebrities who ate here. It is part theater, part supper, and it sets the mood for the night.
Game Meats Done Right
Curious about elk or quail but not sure where to start Ask a server to guide you toward a sampler or well balanced pairing. The kitchen seasons carefully, letting the meat speak without heavy sauces drowning it out.
Expect leaner textures and nuanced flavors that feel adventurous but approachable. One example you will love is pepper crusted elk next to buttery quail. Order a shared plate so everyone at the table gets a bite of something new.
Rocky Mountain Oysters Starter
Go ahead and check this off the Colorado bucket list. The kitchen fries them crisp and keeps the inside tender, so texture stays pleasant instead of rubbery. Add a squeeze of lemon and a swipe of tangy sauce to brighten things up.
This is a shareable icebreaker that sparks conversation across the table. Even skeptics usually grab a second piece. Order early so you can linger over drinks before the main event arrives.
Service With Stories
Veteran servers here are part guide, part historian, and fully on your team. They will time salads, sides, and mains so your table never feels rushed. Trust their suggestions on cooking temps and sauces for game meats.
Sometimes you get a quick lesson about the artifacts around you. It feels personal because many have worked here for decades. By dessert, you will know your server’s favorite cut and probably have one too.
Best Seats and Timing
Reservations make life easier, especially on weekends. Aim for a slightly earlier seating if you want a quieter room to soak in the decor. Later slots buzz with energy and feel more like a celebratory crowd.
Ask about upstairs versus downstairs to match your vibe. The saloon area suits a casual night with drinks, while dining rooms feel classic and intimate. If you like to linger, plan for a post meal walk to see the memorabilia.
Smart Pairings and Sides
Strong flavors deserve equally confident sides. A crisp Caesar or blue cheese salad cuts through the richness of bison and elk. On the warm side, go for a baked potato with a restrained dollop of butter and chives.
For drinks, think peppery reds or a high rye whiskey that does not overwhelm. Your server will steer you clear of pairings that clash. Keep it simple and let the meat lead the conversation.
Price, Value, and Portions
Plan for a premium check and count it as dinner plus a show. Portions are generous, and that bison prime rib easily stretches to tomorrow. If you are splitting a large steak, confirm how sides are included to avoid surprise add ons.
Ask for to go containers before dessert so nothing gets left behind. The quality and the setting justify the splurge for special nights. You will leave satisfied rather than stuffed and sorry.
How To Make It Your Night
Celebrations feel right at this address because the room already brings a festive mood. Mention birthdays or anniversaries when you book so timing and seating land just right. Start with a small appetizer, share a main, and save room for cheesecake with raspberry sauce.
Snap a few photos upstairs after paying the bill. You will spot oddities from famous patrons to unexpected artifacts. It is the kind of evening guests talk about long after the plates are cleared.