10 legendary US restaurants that come with a side of history

2. Buckhorn Exchange – Denver, Colorado

Before Colorado was a destination for its world-class breweries (more than 400 and counting) and whiskey distilleries, and before winemakers grew vineyards on the Rockies’ western slope, there was Buckhorn Exchange. This Denver bar, which became part of the National Historic Register in 1983, acquired the state’s first liquor license in 1893. Since then it has welcomed a steady parade of silver barons, railroad builders, businessmen, miners, cowboys and military generals – with a few American presidents, Native American leaders, and Hollywood legends (we’re looking at you, Bob Hope and Will Rogers) tossed in for good measure.

Adorned with more than 550 taxidermy pieces including rare animals, the vintage space feels like a cross between a family saloon and the Smithsonian, what with its museum-caliber displays of local railroad and political memorabilia and a legendary collection of 125 old guns, from pistols to sporting rifles.  The grub here is just as historic as everything else. It’s said that the menu hasn’t changed since the early days.