When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Denver, eat what the Denverites eat: lots of wild game, especially buffalo.
Buffalo is actually one of the healthiest meats, high in protein and low in fat. According to American Gourmet, buffalo, also known as bison, is a healthier alternative to beef, pork, chicken and fish, and "bison are the only mammals not to contract cancer." Roy Houck, founder of the National Buffalo Association, stated, "Now maybe we're learning why the Indians and mountain men of the last century, who lived largely on buffalo meat, were so hardy and long-lived."
In the real west, buffalo meat is the breakfast, lunch and dinner of champions--and there are restaurants that cater to every conceivable craving.
Serving Old West Fare since 1893, the historic landmark Buckhorn is also a western museum and Denver's oldest restaurant. From buffalo burgers to buffalo sausage, buffalo steaks and prime rib, Buffalo reuben sandwiches and even buffalo salad, the Buckhorn's menu is never boring. For the truly daring, the world-famous Rocky Mountain Oysters with horseradish dipping sauce are a much-desired delicacy. Curious kids will want to try the buffalo children's menu. It is open for lunch Monday through Friday, and dinner seven nights a week. Reservations are strongly recommended because the Buckhorn is always packed.
The Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage St.
Denver, CO 80204
303-534-9505
buckhorn.com
Located in the historic mining town of Idaho Springs 30 miles west of Denver, the Buffalo Restaurant and Bar is a destination spot for locals and tourists alike. Part eatery, part watering hole, part museum, the Buffalo is where you'll spend at least an hour or two marveling at the historic memorabilia on display (including an original 1865 New York Herald newspaper announcing President Lincoln's assassination). On the restaurant side, grab a bowl of buffalo black bean chili or buffalo stew, a buffalo burger or even a buffalo pizza. The bar serves an impressive selection of local beers and wines. It is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
The Buffalo Restaurant and Bar
1617 Miner St.
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
303-567-2729
buffalorestaurant.com
This award-winning restaurant is located in Morrison (southwest Denver) and sells more buffalo steaks than any other independently owned eatery in the United States. Not only does The Fort offer beautiful mountain views in the dining room, it also serves some unusual Early West grub. Try the Roast Bison Marrow Bones appetizer, for example. Then there's Buffalo Eggs, Buffalo fillet, Buffalo BBQ ribs and the combo platter of elk, buffalo and quail for hearty appetites. It is open for dinner nightly, and advance reservations are encouraged.
The Fort
19192 Highway 8
Morrison, CO 80465
303-697-4771
thefort.com
Crowned the Best Family Restaurant in Denver year after year in the annual "Best of Denver" awards, Cafe Jordano serves an eclectic kind of "Italian-Wild West Fusion Cuisine." As an example, imagine veal marsala with buffalo scaloppini. Locals love the buffalo parmesan, buffalo royal, and buffalo cacciatore, but it's the house specialty--Buffalo Jordan in a mustard cognac cream sauce--that is considered its most popular dish. Located in the western suburb of Lakewood, Cafe Jordano is easy to find. It is open for lunch and dinner every day except Sunday.
Cafe Jordano
11068 W. Jewell Drive
Lakewood, CO 80227
303-988-6863
cafejordano.com
