Colorado is known for its craft breweries, mountain resorts, and trendy restaurants. But some places have been serving locals long before the foodie boom. A few historic restaurants have stood the test of time, welcoming generations of Coloradans and visitors. Here are three that have been open for over a century.
1. Buckhorn Exchange – Denver (Established 1893)
If any restaurant deserves to be called a Colorado legend, it’s Denver’s Buckhorn Exchange. Opened in 1893 by Henry H. “Shorty Scout” Zeitz — a former scout for Buffalo Bill Cody — the Buckhorn is officially recognized as Denver’s oldest restaurant. Inside, it feels like a time capsule from the Old West: walls packed with mounted game, antique firearms, and photographs of everyone from Teddy Roosevelt to Dwight Eisenhower.
Back in the day, the Buckhorn doubled as a saloon for cowboys, railroad workers, and silver miners. Today, it’s a registered National Historic Landmark serving up hearty dishes that pay homage to its frontier roots — think buffalo steaks, elk medallions, and Rocky Mountain oysters. Locals love it for the nostalgia; tourists come for the experience. Either way, walking through the door feels like stepping straight into 1893.
2. The Red Onion – Aspen (Established 1892)
Just one year older than the Buckhorn, Aspen’s Red Onion dates back to 1892 — when the city was a booming silver-mining town. Originally built as a high-end saloon and dance hall, it quickly became the social heart of early Aspen. Over the decades, the Red Onion has worn many hats: a miners’ bar, a jazz club, and a haunt for celebrities during Aspen’s rise as a ski destination.
After several ownership changes and a few temporary closures, the restaurant continues to serve as one of Aspen’s most enduring landmarks. Its restored brick exterior and tin ceilings keep the historic charm alive, while its menu blends modern mountain fare with old-school pub favorites. Locals often joke that if the walls of the Red Onion could talk, they’d have stories that stretch from the silver rush to the ski boom.
3. The Sink – Boulder (Established 1923)
While not quite as old as the first two, Boulder’s The Sink is the granddaddy of the city’s dining scene — and it’s celebrating its 102nd year in 2025. Originally called “Somer’s Sunken Gardens,” the restaurant earned its nickname from the sunken fountain in the middle of the dining room and quickly became a staple for University of Colorado students.
Over the decades, The Sink’s graffiti-covered walls have hosted countless notable guests, from President Barack Obama to Anthony Bourdain and counted Robert Redford as an employee (a janitor while he was in college). Its pizza and burgers are Boulder institutions in their own right, but it’s the quirky, rebellious atmosphere that keeps it timeless.
A Taste of Colorado History
These three restaurants aren’t just places to eat — they’re pieces of Colorado’s living history. Each has weathered booms, busts, wars, and pandemics, yet still welcomes hungry guests every day. In a state that’s constantly reinventing itself, the Buckhorn Exchange, the Red Onion, and The Sink prove that some flavors never go out of style.
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