The Travel Channel television host Adam Richman visited the Mile High City in the first season of his show, "Man v. Food." Retrace his gastronomic journey by eating at the three restaurants featured: the Buckhorn Exchange, the Cherry Cricket and Jack-n-Grill. Denver was featured on Season 1: Episode 16 of the reality television show, which followed Richman in his attempt to eat a 7-lb. burrito in one sitting at Jack-n-Grill.
1. Jack-n-Grill
The original Jack-n-Grill opened in 2000 along North Federal Boulevard in Denver, but the restaurant has recently added locations in the suburbs of Westminster and Littleton. The 7-lb. breakfast burrito challenge, which features a dozen eggs as well as five pounds of potatoes, is still on the menu. The massive burrito costs $20 for those who dare to attempt the challenge. If you don't feel like inhaling seven pounds of burrito, Jack-n-Grill also offers generous portions of enchiladas, tacos and stuffed sopapillas. For best results, order menu items smothered in homemade red or green chile. If you can't decide, "Christmas" style offers both kinds of chile mixed together.
Jack-n-Grill
2524 N. Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80211
303-964-9544
2. The Buckhorn Exchange
The Buckhorn Exchange lives up to its name with more than 500 animal heads used as decor in Denver's oldest restaurant. While it can be a bit unnerving to dine on venison under the watchful eye of a stuffed and mounted buck, the restaurant features game of all varieties for the avid gourmand. The Buckhorn Exchange opened its doors in 1893, and proudly displays Colorado's first liquor license. Buffalo, elk, alligator and rattlesnake are on the menu, as well as Rocky Mountain Oysters, an odd but surprisingly delicious Denver delicacy. The restaurant is conveniently located across the street from a light rail stop at 10th and Osage.
The Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage St.
Denver, CO 80204
303-534-9505
3. The Cherry Cricket
While Richman refers to the burger bar as Duffy's Cherry Cricket on "Man v. Food," most locals drop the "Duffy's" and call the restaurant the Cherry Cricket. The Cricket opened in its current location in the 1950s, long before the upscale neighborhood of Cherry Creek North sprang up around it. The Cricket has kept on chirping for decades with its inventive menu of burgers decked out with everything from avocados to peanut butter. In a nod to the health-conscious times of today, turkey burgers are also available.
The Cherry Cricket
2641 East 2nd Ave.
Denver, CO 80206
303-322-7666
Are you a Food Network fan instead? Make sure to check out the Denver Eateries on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."
