11 Rocky Mountain Oyster Plates In Colorado That Brave Foodies Love
Picture this: You step into a Denver dive bar, a local slaps a plate of sizzling Rocky Mountain oysters in front of you, and the air smells like garlic and unspoken dares.
Colorado’s love affair with these crispy, deep-fried “oysters” (okay, let’s call ’em bull testicles) is equal parts tradition and tomfoolery.
For the brave, the curious, or those who just need another thrill after hiking 14ers, these 11 plates promise a flavor-packed face-off.
It’s a test of taste, sure-but also a celebration of the Wild West’s wildest eats.
Ready to dig in?
1. Buckhorn Exchange
Stepping into Buckhorn Exchange feels like walking straight into an Old West saloon.
Located at 1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204, this legendary steakhouse has been serving hungry diners since 1893.
Mounted animal heads line the walls, and the menu features wild game alongside the famous fried Rocky Mountain oysters.
Part novelty, part local rite of passage, ordering these crispy morsels has become a tradition for brave guests.
The oysters arrive golden brown and piping hot, often accompanied by tangy sauce. First-timers often hesitate, but regulars swear by the rich, meaty flavor.
Buckhorn’s historic atmosphere adds extra excitement to the experience. You’re not just trying an unusual dish but also dining in a piece of Colorado history.
The staff knows the menu inside out and will happily guide nervous newcomers through the adventure.
2. The Fort
Perched high above Morrison at 19192 CO-8, The Fort transports guests back to frontier days.
This Southwestern landmark replicates an 1830s adobe trading post, complete with thick walls and rustic charm.
The menu celebrates frontier cuisine, and the bison-style Rocky Mountain oysters stand out as a longtime favorite with adventurous diners.
Prepared with care and a nod to history, these oysters come seasoned and cooked to perfection.
The Fort’s version has a tender texture and savory taste that wins over even skeptical eaters.
Pairing them with the restaurant’s Southwestern sides creates a memorable meal.
Guests often arrive for the stunning Red Rocks views and stay for the bold flavors.
The Fort has been featured in countless travel guides and food shows.
Eating Rocky Mountain oysters here feels like participating in a genuine Colorado tradition passed down through generations.
3. Bruce’s Bar
Bruce’s Bar in Severance doesn’t try to be fancy, and that’s exactly why locals love it.
Sitting at 123 1st St, Severance, CO 80550, this no-frills hometown bar has built a reputation around its world famous Rocky Mountain oyster plates.
The atmosphere screams small-town Colorado, with wood paneling, neon signs, and friendly faces at every table.
Every spring, the bar hosts the annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival, drawing thousands of curious foodies.
The oysters here are breaded thick, fried crispy, and served in generous portions. One bite reveals why people drive from across the state just to try them.
Bruce’s keeps things simple and authentic.
There’s no pretense, just good food and honest hospitality.
The old-school vibe makes first-timers feel welcome, even when ordering something as unusual as bull testicles.
It’s a true Colorado experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
4. Wapiti Colorado Pub
After a long day exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, Wapiti Colorado Pub offers the perfect spot to refuel.
Located at 1350 Fall River Rd in Estes Park, this mountain-town pub combines cozy cabin vibes with hearty mountain fare.
Rocky Mountain oysters appear proudly on the menu, drawing curious hikers and adventurous tourists.
The pub’s relaxed atmosphere encourages diners to take risks and try something new.
The oysters come lightly breaded and fried, with a surprisingly mild flavor that surprises first-timers.
Friendly servers often share stories about guests’ reactions, adding to the fun.
Wapiti’s location makes it a natural stopping point for park visitors.
Large windows offer views of the surrounding peaks, and the rustic decor fits the alpine setting perfectly.
Ordering Rocky Mountain oysters here becomes part of the mountain adventure, a story to share around future campfires and dinner tables back home.
5. Sagebrush BBQ & Grill
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill sits near the shores of Grand Lake at 1101 Grand Ave, offering rustic charm and bold flavors.
The restaurant specializes in smoked meats and wild-game items, making Rocky Mountain oysters a natural menu addition.
The casual, laid-back atmosphere invites guests to relax and enjoy Colorado’s culinary traditions.
A friend once dared me to try the oysters here during a summer road trip.
I expected something intimidating, but the crispy coating and tender inside won me over immediately.
The kitchen prepares them fresh, and the seasoning hits just right.
Sagebrush embraces Colorado’s ranching heritage with pride.
The menu features elk, bison, and other regional specialties alongside the oysters.
Dining here feels like joining a local secret, especially when the staff shares cooking tips and stories.
The lakeside location adds scenic beauty to an already unforgettable meal, making every bite taste even better.
6. Dark Horse
Dark Horse brings Boulder’s quirky personality to life at 2922 Baseline Rd.
This local favorite bar serves Rocky Mountain oysters as a novelty appetizer, and the crowd here loves trying unusual foods.
The eclectic decor features mismatched furniture, vintage posters, and a lively energy that keeps guests coming back.
Boulder’s reputation for adventurous eaters makes Dark Horse the perfect spot for this daring dish.
The oysters arrive crispy and hot, often sparking laughter and challenges among groups of friends.
The kitchen doesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither should you when ordering.
What sets Dark Horse apart is the playful vibe surrounding every order. Servers joke with guests, and the atmosphere encourages experimentation.
Trying Rocky Mountain oysters here feels less like a dare and more like joining a fun community tradition.
The bar’s commitment to local flavor and bold choices makes it a must-visit for brave foodies exploring Boulder.
7. Timberline Steaks & Grille at Denver International Airport
Most travelers expect bland airport food, but Timberline Steaks & Grille surprises everyone.
Located at 8500 Peña Blvd, Denver, CO 80249, inside Denver International Airport, this steakhouse offers Rocky Mountain oysters to curious passengers.
It’s an unexpected way to start or end a Colorado adventure.
The airport location makes this the most convenient spot to try the state’s signature dish.
Businesspeople on layovers and tourists heading home often stop in for one last taste of Colorado.
The oysters come prepared just like in any downtown restaurant, proving airport dining doesn’t have to disappoint.
Timberline takes pride in representing Colorado cuisine to travelers from around the world.
The menu features other local specialties, but the Rocky Mountain oysters steal the show.
Ordering them between flights becomes a memorable travel story, and the quality ensures you’ll want to return next time you pass through Denver.
8. West Saloon & Kitchen
Downtown Denver buzzes with energy at West Saloon & Kitchen, located at 501 16th St Mall.
This modern Western restaurant blends contemporary style with cowboy tradition, and Rocky Mountain oysters appear as an appetizer on the sleek menu.
The space features exposed brick, industrial lighting, and a bustling open kitchen.
West Saloon attracts a younger crowd eager to explore Colorado’s food culture.
The oysters here come presented beautifully, almost too pretty to eat.
But one taste reveals the kitchen’s skill at balancing crispy texture with rich flavor.
The downtown location makes it easy to stop by after shopping or before catching a show.
Groups of friends often order the oysters to share, turning the experience into a fun group challenge.
West Saloon proves that traditional dishes can fit perfectly into modern settings.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation makes trying Rocky Mountain oysters here feel both adventurous and refined.
9. The Hive At Estes Park Brewery
The Hive at Estes Park Brewery combines mountain charm with craft brews at 470 Prospect Village Dr.
This popular brewpub features Rocky Mountain oysters as a steady appetizer option, drawing both locals and tourists.
The casual atmosphere encourages experimentation, and the staff loves introducing newcomers to Colorado’s boldest dish.
The Hive’s location in Estes Park makes it a natural stop for national park visitors. After hiking mountain trails, guests appreciate hearty food and cold drinks.
The oysters come crispy and flavorful, pairing surprisingly well with the house-made brews.
Brewpubs like The Hive celebrate Colorado’s independent spirit and love of adventure.
The menu features other regional favorites, but the Rocky Mountain oysters generate the most conversation.
Ordering them here feels like joining a local tradition, and the friendly crowd ensures you’ll have support through your first brave bite.
10. South 40 Bar & Grill
South 40 Bar & Grill brings small-town hospitality to Elbert at 6735 Garfield Ave.
This spot east of Colorado Springs serves Rocky Mountain oysters alongside other regional game items, celebrating the area’s ranching roots.
The atmosphere feels like stepping into a neighbor’s backyard barbecue, where everyone knows each other.
Small-town restaurants like South 40 often prepare Rocky Mountain oysters the best.
The kitchen uses traditional recipes passed down through generations, and the results speak for themselves. The oysters arrive hot, crispy, and seasoned perfectly.
Elbert’s rural location means the food here stays connected to its agricultural origins. Diners appreciate the authenticity and honest cooking.
South 40 doesn’t try to reinvent the dish but instead honors the tradition behind it.
For foodies seeking genuine Colorado ranch culture, this unassuming grill delivers an experience you can’t find in bigger cities.
11. Denver Stockyard Saloon At The Yard Bar
Denver Stockyard Saloon, also known as The Yard Bar, keeps ranching traditions alive at 11810 W Colfax Ave in Lakewood.
The traditional stockyard-style menu features Rocky Mountain oysters prominently, honoring Colorado’s cattle industry heritage.
Wooden corrals, vintage ranch signs, and Western memorabilia fill the space, creating an authentic cowboy atmosphere.
The Yard Bar attracts locals who appreciate honest, straightforward cooking.
The oysters here come prepared the old-fashioned way, breaded thick and fried until golden.
The portions are generous, and the prices stay reasonable, reflecting the restaurant’s working-class roots.
Eating at a stockyard saloon adds historical context to the Rocky Mountain oyster experience.
These dishes originated in ranching communities where nothing went to waste.
The Yard Bar celebrates that practical, resourceful spirit while serving food that tastes genuinely delicious.
It’s the perfect spot for anyone wanting to understand Colorado’s culinary heritage through bold, traditional flavors.