When visiting another destination, a big part of the trip is expanding one’s palate and going bold when it comes to mealtime — whether for “The Gram,” for one’s own personal experience, or both! Well, the Centennial State certainly has a dish for travelers and locals to enjoy, and it’s none other than Rocky Mountain oysters. A Colorado delicacy, its name may be misleading at first as it has nothing to do with the usual seafood dish, and everything to do with bull testicles. But, don’t let its source deter you; this western dish is a novelty in the area. Commonly sliced up and deep-fried, Rocky Mountain oysters have a multitude of mixed reviews. Some explain them to have a gamy quality, while others say it’s like calamari. Nevertheless, there’s only one way to find out and these hot spots in the city of Denver would be happy to break you in, or welcome you back.
1. The Fort
19192 CO-8, Morrison
303-697-4771
thefort.com
The Fort is a leader of the Colorado social and foodie scene situated with a castle-like “fort” building. Established in February 1963, The Fort serves more than 70,000 bison entrees a year, which includes its Deep-Fried Rocky Mountain Oysters. These small buffalo popcorn-bites that are tossed in seasoned panko before being dropped in the piping-hot oil, are the perfect appetizer to get the night going. Dip them in the accompanying tangy sweet chili sauce and your experience comes full circle until you’re ready to charge for the next bite. In addition to these delights, The Fort is popular for its Roasted Bison Bone Marrow, Braised Bison Tongue on Crunchy Crostinis, Bison Ribs and tender Buffalo Filet Mignon.
PHOTO COURTESY THE FORT
2. The Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage (10th & Osage), Denver
303-534-9505
buckhorn.com
A trip to Colorado would not be complete
without a visit to one of Denver’s most historic eating and drinking establishments, The Buckhorn Exchange. Boasting a truly western interior complete with trophy animals, historic artifacts and checkered tabletops, guests will enjoy an authentic experience. Buckhorn was founded in 1893 and holds an impressive history having had cattlemen, miners, silver barons, railroad men, Indian chiefs, roustabouts, gamblers and businessmen finding common ground in Buckhorn’s delicious food. Stop in for a bite to eat, or several, and of course don’t forget to order Buckhorn’s house specialty — Rocky Mountain Oysters. The sliced up, deep-fried delights are served with horseradish dipping sauce and come in a fullor half-order.
PHOTO COURTESY THE BUCKHORN EXCHANGE
3. Timberline Steaks & Grille
Denver International Airport
Concourse C
8500 Pena Blvd., Denver
303-342-6670
Can’t wait to get your hands on Colorado’s Rocky Mountain oysters delicacy? Timberline Steaks & Grille can help you with your fix as soon as you land or while you are waiting to go as this restaurant is nestled within the Denver International Airport. Skip the usual fast food you’d usually settle for in an airport and stop in to an American steakhouse for a real meal at Timberline, which is operated by the Denver-based restaurateur Mission Yogurt Inc. Serving Rocky Mountain Oysters as “bull fries” they are partnered with a housemade pub sauce or cocktail sauce. Additionally, enjoy its full service bar or bite into hot-off-the-grill eats such as hamburgers, steaks, sandwiches, salads and more.
PHOTO COURTESY TIMBER-LINE STEAKS & GRILLE
