10 Oldest Restaurants In And Near Denver, Colorado

oldest restaurants in denver
Amber
Amber 
Updated
| 4 min read

Denver is a great city to vacation in if you are looking for a large variety of things to see and do. Just a few of the things you might want to check out while in town include the Denver Botanic Gardens, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver Zoo, and the Denver Art Museum. Perhaps you’ve come to town in the hopes of watching the Denver Broncos win (or lose) or have a grand ski trip planned at one of the ski resorts located just a short drive away. No matter your plans, you’ll have to stop for a bite to eat at some point, so why not eat at a few of these restaurants that are among the oldest in Denver? Read on to find out more about the oldest restaurants in and near Denver, Colorado, USA.

1. Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant

Posted by The Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant on Monday, 4 June 2012

Located in the oldest neighborhood in town, which happens to be only five minutes’ from downtown, Buckhorn Exchange proudly boasts the title of the oldest restaurant in Denver. Buckhorn has been dishing up delicious and exotic grub since 1893, including visitor favorites such as the prime grade beef steak, elk and salmon. To guarantee they have seating for you during your visit, be sure to call and make a reservation.

Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant

Address: 1000 Osage St., Denver, CO 80204

Website: Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant

Opening hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm; Friday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm; Saturday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm; Sunday: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Average price for two: 31-60 USD

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2. Charlie Brown's

Posted by Charlie Brown's Piano Bar on Tuesday, 10 July 2018

Established in 1933, Charlie Brown’s has a long history of keeping Denver fed and happy. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll find something delicious any time of day you stop in here. More than just a restaurant, you can enjoy live music here as well, at the piano bar that features sing-alongs from 6:30 pm to 1:30 am every day.

Charlie Brown's

Address: 980 Grant St., Denver, CO 80203

Website: Charlie Brown’s

Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 10:00 am - 2:00 am; Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 am - 2:00 am

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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3. Sam's No. 3

Enjoy a chilled cocktail or a cold beer on our laid back patio dining area under the shade of an umbrella, soaking up...

Posted by Sam's No. 3 - Aurora on Thursday, 20 September 2018

Sam’s No. 3 has grown to a total of three diner locations since being established back in 1927, so you know you’re in for a delicious meal when you stop in. There are over 100 items on the menu from a large selection of omelets for breakfast goers to any kind of burger you can dream up for lunch and dinner. The kids will be just as excited to dine here, as the kid’s menu is the same size here as the full menu at other places!

Sam's No. 3

Address: 1500 Curtis St., Denver, CO 80202

Website: Sam’s No. 3

Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday: 5:30 am - 10:00 pm; Thursday: 5:30 am - 11:00 pm; Friday 5:30 am - 12:00 am; Saturday 7:00 am - 12:00 am; Sunday 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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4. Front Restaurant

Posted by 740 Front on Thursday, 14 September 2017

With its name reflecting its physical address, 740 Front has been around since 1904 and continues to be one of Denver’s most highly rated restaurants. You’ll find both indoor and outdoor seating here, with a dog-friendly patio area that you’ll love bringing your four-legged friend to. After you’ve tried something from the extensive menu, featuring a variety of steaks, burgers, and seafood, you’ll understand why it is best to make a reservation at this iconic restaurant.

740 Front Restaurant

Address: 740 Front St., Louisville, Colorado

Website: 740 Front Restaurant

Opening hours: Monday: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm; Tuesday - Friday: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm; Saturday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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5. Minturn Saloon

WE'RE BACK! Minturn Saloon reopens for the summer season on Friday 5/18. The deck will be in full swing (well, no...

Posted by Minturn Saloon on Thursday, 17 May 2018

The Minturn Saloon has been known by many different names going back to 1901, with its current moniker being around since 1976. Located just outside Denver, The Minturn is a great dining choice if your Colorado vacation has you hitting up the slopes in Vail. Menu items include Mexican entrees in addition to dinner favorites, from steak to quail and chicken. For the younger diners, there is also a kid’s menu.

Minturn Saloon

Address: 146 N Main St., Minturn, Colorado

Website: Minturn Saloon

Opening hours: Thursday - Monday: 4:00 pm - 12:00 am; Tuesday - Wednesday: Closed

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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6. Imperial Chinese Restaurant

Lunch is ready, and your table awaits! #Denver #Imperial #ChineseFood

Posted by Imperial Chinese Restaurant on Wednesday, 16 May 2018

The folks at Imperial Chinese Restaurant have been preparing gourmet Chinese food since 1985 and maintains a highly rated status among its patrons. While Imperial is best known for its spicy Szechuan dishes, you may also want to try one of their specialty dishes, which include Peking duck, Chilean sea bass and Nanking pork loin. Be sure to browse their wine list for the ultimate dining experience.

Imperial Chinese Restaurant

Address: 431 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209

Website: Imperial Chinese Restaurant

Opening hours: Monday -Thursday 11:00 am - 9:30 pm; Friday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm; Saturday 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm; Sunday 4 pm - 9:30 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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7. Gaetano's

oldest restaurants in denver | gaetano's
Source: instagram

If you’re craving Italian food while traveling through Denver, Gaetano’s is an absolute must stop. The restaurant is small and has been making everything to order since 1947, with delicious entrees that include bolognese, classic spaghetti and meatballs. To ensure seating is available, it is best to plan ahead if possible and make yourself a reservation.

Gaetano's

Address: 3760 Tejon Street., Denver, Co 80211

Website: Gaetano’s

Opening hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm; Friday: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm; Saturday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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8. Cherry Cricket | Ballpark

Posted by Cherry Cricket Ballpark on Thursday, 31 May 2018

Cherry Cricket is best known for their extensive burger and beer offerings, which they’ve been serving up since 1945. Many of their available beers are crafted at local breweries. While the burgers start with the basics they have a world of choice as far as the toppings are concerned; top your burger with bacon, avocado or any style egg, or go crazy and try peanut butter, garlic aioli or corned beef. There are plenty of other sandwiches available, as well as chilis, soups and some Mexican entrees.

Cherry Cricket | Ballpark

Address: 2220 Blake St., Denver, CO 80205

Website: Cherry Cricket | Ballpark

Opening hours: Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 am - 2:30 am; Friday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 3:00 am

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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9. Pete's Kitchen

Posted by Pete's Kitchen (Petie T's) on Thursday, 29 November 2012

When Greek food is on your mind, you’ll find no better place in Denver to grab a bite to eat than at Pete’s Kitchen. The folks here have over 50 years of experience and a total of 6 locations you can visit, all with varying names including Pete’s Greek Town and Pete’s University Cafe. Pete’s Kitchen is open 24 hours a day, allowing you to get your Greek fix any time of day or night.

Pete's Kitchen

Address: 1962 E Colfax Ave, Denver, Colorado

Website: Pete’s Kitchen

Opening hours: Open 24/7

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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10. Columbine Steak House & Lounge


For a totally relaxing atmosphere, be sure to stop by Columbine Steak House & Lounge. You’ll order your food (steak, burgers, shrimp and more) at the counter, cafeteria style. Be sure you have cash on you when stopping by, as they don’t accept credit cards, though there is an ATM in the bar area.

Columbine Steak House & Lounge

Address: 300 Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80219

Website: Columbine Steak House & Lounge

Opening hours: Daily: 10:00 am - 12:00 am

Average price for two: 11-30 USD

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Eat at some of the oldest restaurants in Denver

[alcohol, food and drink] $10 burger and chips deal plus $2 champagne at Mr Scruff's on NYENew Year's Eve 2017
Source: Photo by user David Jackmanson used under CC BY 2.0

If you want to dine somewhere you are sure to love (and who doesn’t want that?), these are some of the best places in Denver you can grab a bite at. As an added bonus, you’ll be able to see a bit of historic Denver first hand, and that always makes for an amiable dinner companion. Be sure to stop in or make reservations to do so today!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Amber has enjoyed being an office manager at a geotechnical engineering firm for seven years and has a Bachelor's degree from Tarleton State University in Marketing. When not working or wrangling...Read more

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