To get to the Fort, you drive West of Denver into the foothills. Eventually you see the Fort on a grassy hill off the road. Walking through the Adobe walls of the Fort transports you back in time to the Old West. You walk into a courtyard and listen to the relaxing Indian music as you gaze at the TeePee and the campfire. To the right there is an open air dining room decorated in smart Western style. Pause for a moment and enjoy the atmosphere before you enter the restaurant.
The Fort serves a variety of game and specializes in Buffalo. Their famous appetizer is the Rattlesnake cake. It has just enough spice to sting you. It was excellent, although a bit pricey. They have some less exotic items such as Guacamole and chips, which were also excellent and enough for the table. Their specialty main dish is a Buffalo steak. They also serve a variety of other game, steaks, fish and duck. Being in for the full experience, I had the game plate which included buffalo, elk and quail. Of the three my favorite was the elk. They offer many desserts and have a nice selection of aperitifs. I sampled the Fonseca port and their Caramel sundae, both of which perfectly finished the meal.
If you go to the Fort I recommend calling ahead for reservations and to confirm the directions. It takes about 25 minutes from Denver. I sat in the back dining room which overlooked the interior of the Fort. They also have a front dining room which has a spectacular view of the plains and Denver. If you want to sit there, I would suggest asking when you make your reservation. Their website is www.thefort.com.
Finally, if you recite the following from memory when you visit, your first drink will be free (unconfirmed, but stated on their business card):
Mountain Man's Toast
Here's to the childs what's come afore.
'An here's to the pilgrims what comes arter.
May yer trails be free of Grizzlies,
Yer packs filled with plews,
And fat buffler in yer pot!
WAUGH!
I'd be interested to know if it works!