Colorado has never shied away from adventure — and that spirit extends to the culinary scene, too. Rocky Mountain Oysters may make some locals and visitors squirm, but beneath all the snickering is a dish that’s as much a part of our state’s ranching history as cattle drives and green chile.
What Are Rocky Mountain Oysters?
Despite the name, these oysters have never seen the ocean and definitely aren’t served on the half shell. Rocky Mountain Oysters are actually bull testicles, typically peeled, sliced, battered and deep fried until golden. The “oyster” nickname comes from their somewhat oyster-like appearance before cooking, which are round and slimy and — trust us — better left to the imagination than to Google.
In restaurants, they’re usually served as an appetizer with cocktail sauce, horseradish or another dipping sauce. (Though if you’re particularly committed to the experience, there’s nothing stopping you from making them the main event.) They’re also nutritional powerhouses, full of vitamins, minerals and enough protein to make gym bros curious. According to fans — and they do have fans — they’re also pretty tasty, like a beefier calamari, chewy but with a pleasantly crisp crust.
Some people swear by their aphrodisiac properties (at the very least, they’ll give you something to talk about over drinks) and others think of them as a culinary gimmick, a dare or a prank. But as odd as they might seem today, Rocky Mountain Oysters are an important part of Colorado’s Wild West history.
History of Rocky Mountain Oysters
Popular with cowboys and ranchers in the 1800s — the original nose-to-tail eaters — using and eating the whole animal wasn’t just a buzzword, it was a necessity. Castrating young bulls helped manage breeding and temperament while also producing more tender beef, leaving ranchers with an abundance of, well, leftovers. Rather than waste them, they’d gather for “nut fries,” communal feasts where the testicles became the main course.
Over time, Rocky Mountain Oysters waned in popularity, but don’t worry. We still embrace the tradition, and you can find them on menus in several Denver-area restaurants. (Heck, we even created a regional food holiday devoted to them; October 5 is Rocky Mountain Oyster Day.)
Where to Try Rocky Mountain Oysters in Denver
Whether you’re looking to check something off your culinary bucket list, pay tribute to Denver’s cattle ranching roots or just give something new a try, these are the restaurants where you can experience this unique local delicacy.
Buckhorn Exchange
Denver’s original steakhouse is the place to go for the true Rocky Mountain Oyster experience. Since 1893, the Buckhorn Exchange has been cooking up all sorts of meats, from buffalo and elk to rattlesnake and bull testicles. And here your fried oysters don’t just come with a side of horseradish, they come with a side of history. The Buckhorn Exchange doubles as a Western museum and triples as a National Historic Landmark. You’ll even see the state’s first liquor license framed in the bar.
Coors Field
They may not be peanuts or Cracker Jack, but yes, you can get Rocky Mountain Oysters at a baseball game. Catch the Rockies in action while nibbling on Colorado’s version of the Dodger Dog. Head to Section 144 for what could be the most unique eat in all of Major League Baseball.
The Fort (Morrison)
If Rocky Mountain Oysters belong anywhere, it’s at an adobe fort overlooking Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. This replica of the historic Bent’s Old Fort has spent decades preserving the flavors and spirit of the Old West, from bison and game meats to Colorado’s most infamous appetizer. Here, the sliced and fried oysters arrive with sweet caper chile sauce that give the frontier classic a little polish.
West Saloon & Kitchen
Right on 16th Street, West Saloon & Kitchen puts a modern spin on American Western cuisine. Here, the deep fried little guys are served with spicy tomato and creamy horseradish dipping sauces, making them a little more approachable for curious first-timers.
The Rusty Bucket (Lakewood)
At first glance, The Rusty Bucket looks like your classic neighborhood sports bar. Wings? Check. Burgers? Definitely. Giant TVs packed with Steelers fans every fall Sunday? Absolutely. Then, tucked into the menu, almost casually, are Rocky Mountain Oysters served with a zesty cocktail sauce. It’s the kind of place where you come for the game and leave with a story to tell.
Bruce’s Bar (Severance)
If you’re making a Rocky Mountain Oyster pilgrimage, Bruce’s Bar is the destination. The tiny Severance institution has built its reputation around the state’s signature delicacy, dedicating an entire section to them. Choose from beef or buffalo, fresh or frozen (yes, so you can make them at home) or order up the Wings & Nut Combo so you can diversify. They even have all-you-can-eat nights for RMO die-hards.
Golden Flame Hot Wings (Aurora, Parker, Colorado Springs)
Known for chicken wings tossed in more than 20 sauces, Golden Flame sneaks one very Colorado specialty onto its menu. Order a half pound of Rocky Mountain Oysters for yourself, or dare your friends by buying individual pieces at $3.99 a pop. Available at their Aurora, Parker and Colorado Springs locations.
The Arvada Tavern (Arvada)
This acclaimed Arvada cocktail bar specializes in pre-Prohibition style cocktails, so why not serve classic Rocky Mountain Oysters — the fried buffalo variety, with house made pomodoro sauce — alongside their menu of steak frites, grilled pork chops and burgers? Pair them with an Old Fashioned and really lean into the theme.