For a legendary taste of Colorado’s past, a trip to this adobe style “castle” is a must. The Fort Restaurant, located just outside of Morrison, is an award-winning dining experience that offers current culinary trends utilizing foods from the 1800’s. This unique eatery is bringing Colorado history to life and offers a beautiful backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Fort was originally commissioned to be built as a family home for Sam'l P. and Elizabeth "Bay" Arnold. This Adobe-style structure is a full-scale replica of Bent's Fort, which was a famous center of trade and culture in Southeastern Colorado beginning in 1833.
Late in the construction process, it was decided to open the lower level of the home as a restaurant that specialized in foods from the Old West. The Fort first opened its doors in February of 1963.
The nationally acclaimed restaurant now serves both locals and travelers from afar who seek the chance to explore western culture and Colorado's culinary past. When Julia Child dined at The Fort, she particularly enjoyed ordering the Roasted Bison Marrow Bones. This delicacy was referred to as "Prairie Butter" by the early pioneers and is served at the restaurant today in bone with crostini.
Nestled in the Red Rocks, The Fort offers two dedicated outdoor dining areas with spectacular Downtown Denver and Front Range foothill views. Inside the restaurant, you will find various sized dining rooms authentically decorated to transport you back in time.
Ingredients of the past create amazing culinary experiences in the 21st century. The menu specializes in regional game including buffalo, quail, and elk as well as seasonal seafood and hearty vegetarian fare. You are sure to find a dish at The Fort that satisfies your hunger and your curiosity for a taste of the past.
Quench your thirst with one of many historic drink offerings. The restaurant's signature drink, the Hailstorm Premiere Julep, was the first Colorado cocktail served in 1833 at Bent's Fort and is made with your choice of bourbon or scotch with sugar, mint, and ice and is served in a mason jar. A massive wine list as well as local brews are also available.
Get off to an adventurous start with appetizers. If you're ready to dive in and get the most of your experience at The Fort, the Historian's Platter is the appetizer for you! Filled with buffalo tongue on crostini, Rocky Mountain Oysters, and peanut butter stuffed jalapenos, it's sure to be an unforgettable and tasty introduction to some foods you may have never experienced before.
Give this tasty trio a try. The Fort's Game Plate is its most popular dish and includes a bone-in Elk chop, buffalo sirloin medallion, and grilled teriyaki quail served on top of wild Montana huckleberry preserves.
The Buffalo Prime Rib is a tasty option for weekend diners. On Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evenings, The Fort offers their Buffalo Prime Rib which is slow cooked to perfection and served with buttery mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. You can rest assured knowing that all the Buffalo (Bison) served at the Fort comes from select Rocky Mountain ranches.
Seafood selections at The Fort do not disappoint. The wild caught Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is also a delicious choice, and comes with a side of veggies and coconut rice quinoa pilaf.
Don't eat meat? There are options for you as well! Those who seek an entree without meat need not worry, the roasted and stuffed bell peppers are sure to satisfy. This delicious pepper is filled with a wild mushroom and heirloom bean risotto and topped with cheese.
Who knew dessert based on ingredients from the 1830s could be so delicious? Holly's Adobe Sundae includes your choice of Mexican chocolate or vanilla bean ice cream with homemade hot fudge sauce and a dusting of chocolate adobe chile powder.
Come breathe in the fresh mountain air or sit by the crackling fire as you step back in time to the 19th century at this unique culinary destination where the chef is always being inspired by historic recipes and creating new delicious delicacies that will provide a meal you won't soon forget.
Maybe you’re a Denverite who has often heard of The Fort, but has never given it a try, or possibly you are traveling to Denver and looking for a true Colorado dining destination. Well, it’s definitely worth a short trip outside of the city to take in the beautiful surroundings and taste the historic food at The Fort – where you’ll find an authentic atmosphere for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
This restaurant is located at 19192 CO-8 in Morrison. For more details or to make a reservation, check out their official website.
Have you had the legendary experience of dining at The Fort?
