The Buckhorn Exchange

The rattlesnake comes buried in Chipolte sauce and has no flavor but a vaguely rubbery consistency. The fried alligator is smothered in breading and also cannot be tasted. The dreadfully overcooked buffalo steak may have had flavor, but it wasn't recognizable through the garlic butter sauce. The elk was OK but so small it could have hidden under the flavorless hard Saratoga chips. Overall, a massively over-promoted tourist trap that is badly in need of a cleaning, better wait staff, and a cook with some basic respect for food.

A client and I were on our way into LoDo to enjoy Stolli-Dole' at the Capital Grille when he commented that his wife had attended a corporate dinner at The Buckhorn Exchange. Always on the hunt for something new, I set the GPS and we were on our way.

The Buckhorn Exchange is 'near the tracks' in many ways. It was one of the original 'first stops' when you got off the train in the late 1800's. Over time, the neighborhood has changed...is run-down - but is being reclaimed as urbanization takes over Denver. Parking was not a problem, as we pulled up next to the Exchange.

Entering The Buckhorn is like going back in time. The woodwork is original, and the walls have been a point of collection for animal mounts from the west and elsewhere. One can see elk, deer, buffalo, grouse and other animals on the walls and hanging from the ceiling.

This is a Carnivore's Delight. No Vegan's here. We started with Rattlesnake and Alligator Tail passing on the Rocky Mountain Oysters...as we usually have those at the Boulder Bar near Pinedale, WY. For the main course, one can have Buffalo, Beef, Elk, Lamb, Salmon, Quail or Pork. I selected the special of the night was Yak and Ostrich.

The Yak was juicy and tender...better than elk. The same could be said of the Ostrich...medium rare, tender and juicy.

This is a wonderful place to take out-of-town clients looking for something original. I'll be back.

Cheers!