By Rick Langenberg and Trevor Phipps
Fire off the cannons, as it’s time again to party, celebrate and have fun; and yes, enjoy The Best of What the Teller and Pikes Peak High Country offers
TMJ readers, online viewers, residents, gaming and history enthusiasts, and many visitors came out in force to voice their favorite picks in the last few months. The voting this year (done completely online, and via email submittals), crashed all previous records with close to 15,000 ballots carded. Amazing.
While Hollywood may have recently had their annual Academy Awards competition, Cripple Creek, Woodland Park, Teller County and the entire Pikes Peak region has gained quite a reputation for an equally competitive showdown: the infamous “Best Of Championship,” sponsored by TMJ News (The Mountain Jackpot) newspaper over the last few decades, a showdown featured for more than 35 years. And not to be too bias, our contest is way more objective than that of the egotistical stars from Hollywood, who had their recent night in the spotlight, which this year seemed to put everyone to sleep other than the occasional upsets.
Once again, readers and TMJ Best Of voters declared their favorite places to gamble, play slots, recreate, dine and enjoy family time, grumble at politicians, bureaucrats and journalists (yes, a rare concept in our land of enlightenment.) And with the definite end of COVID and the end of another presidential election, the good or bad times are back.
In addition, voters were not shy about announcing their top picks for public servants, casino employees, local personalities, bartenders, politicians and more. In a heavily contested Best Of 2025 contest, TMJ readers and Best Of participants dealt a few upsets and surprises, as well as making obvious choices for the region’s high and low points. For the eighth year in a row, we continued to add more categories for our Best Of competitions.
We have strived to encompass a much wider area than Cripple Creek, Victor and southern Teller. (Contrary to public opinion, there is a world beyond the CC/V district. But we must give the southern Teller folks credit, as their strong interest and enthusiasm in the Best Of showdown three decades ago really led to this annual edition.)
Best BBQ
Gold: Roy’s Crew BBQ and Breakfast Too
Silver: Peak View BBQ
Bronze: Tipsy Pig BBQ
For the second year in a row one of Teller’s newest eateries, Roy’s Crew BBQ and Breakfast Too swept the Best BBQ category for 2025. The eatery’s large menu of house-smoked meats and fresh baked goods continue to keep the whole town talking.
Peak View BBQ which has been a local staple for the last several years still proved to be viable with their second place finish. The Tipsy Pig in Cripple Creek also remains to be a top spot for barbecued meats.
Last year’s champ: Roy’s Crew BBQ and Breakfast Too
Best Hotel
Gold – Country Lodge/Microtel (Woodland Park)
Silver – Cripple Creek Hospitality House
Bronze – Black Monarch (Victor)
Honorable Mention- Outlook Lodge (Green Mountain Falls)
This year one of the longest running hotels in the area snagged the Gold as area’s top hotel, with the Country Lodge and Microtel in Woodland Park, ending on top of the favorite lodging chart. The Woodland Country Lodge and its neighbor Microtel always seem to fill up during busy events.
The Cripple Creek Hospitality House moved up in the ranks with its historic charm. The Black Monarch with their themed rooms in Victor was also a favorite.
Last year’s champ: Country Lodge
Best Wait Staff
Gold – The Creek
Silver – Russ’ Place
Bronze – Red Diamond Gastro Pub
The Creek has recently become quite the popular spot in Cripple Creek with their good food and their exceptional wait staff. Even when it gets really busy in there, the staff stays attentive and moves through the waiting list quickly.
Russ’ Place took the silver in this category due to the servers working hard to serve all of their patrons even when the place is loaded with demanding customers, like Trevor from TMJ. The Red Diamond Gastro Pub also impressed voters for the second year in a row with their quick service and their ability to handle a packed house quite well.
Last year’s champ: Over Ice
Best Local Hangout
Gold – The Creek
Silver – The District Saloon
Bronze –Jess’ Place (“The Pool Hall”)
Talk about a landslide victory once again. When it comes to kicking back and relaxing, locals enjoy having a cold one at The Creek in Cripple Creek for the third year in a row. John and Miki Freeman have done an amazing job in reviving this historic gem and lately it has been super busy proving its worthiness.
One of Cripple Creek’s newest pubs, The District Saloon quickly made its way on the top of the list. Jess’ Place (formerly the Soi 24 Pool Hall next to Sushi Thai in Woodland Park) continues to be well-known as a prime spot for locals to kick back.
Best Woodland Park Bar
Gold –Jess’ Place
Silver – Peak View BBQ
Bronze – Red Diamond Gastro Pub
Honorable Mention: 110 Reserve
After getting new owners “The pool hall in Woodland Park” is now coined Jess’ Place and it seems to be the most popular bar in the “City Above the Clouds.” The addition of free pool tables really helps Jess’ Place stand out from the rest.
Peak View BBQ made it high on the list this year as many like to enjoy a cold brew in their tap room. Red Diamond also seems to be a place where locals and visitors can enjoy a draft beer or hand-made cocktail.
Last year’s champ: Over Ice
Best Area Sports Bar
Gold – McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub
Silver – Jess’ Place
Bronze – The District Saloon
Honorable Mention- Blue Moose Tavern
When it comes to watching a game or athletic contest, the sports bar side at McGinty’s won the hearts of locals yet again. During football season the bar side sports a number of screens, so people can watch the game of their choice; and yes, they can avoid a debacle called The Denver Broncos. In fact, their network of televisions screens and sports options can’t really be rivaled, except by some of the casinos.
With their large amount of big screen TVs, Jess’ Place also snagged several votes for being the best place to watch a game especially for hockey fans. The District Saloon’s unique layout has also pleased those looking to watch a game.
Last Year’s Champ: McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub
Best Area Restaurant
Gold – Boards and Barrels Bistro & Whiskey House
Silver – Wines of Colorado
Bronze- Peak View BBQ
Honorable Mention- Lombard’s (Double Eagle Casino)
This year, another new eatery captured the attention of TMJ readers. Boards and Barrels recently opened with unique flavors and one-of-a-kind cocktails.
Wines of Colorado made the list this year with their delicious selection of seafood and other entrees. Peak View BBQ also scored high on the list this year which could be attributed to the addition of their Asian food items like chicken on a stick and chicken dumplings.
Last Year’s Champ: McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub
Best Fine Dining Restaurant
Gold: 980 Prime Steakhouse (Chamonix Casino)
Silver: Boards and Barrels Bistro & Whiskey House
Bronze: Wines of Colorado
Another one of Teller’s newest eateries at the new Chamonix in Cripple Creek, 980 Prime has instantly become a favorite for those who like fine dining. The scrumptious steaks and flavors from Las Vegas chefs has seemed to make the eatery quite popular.
Boards and Barrels also did very well in the fine dining category in an attempt to continue the legacy of the original Swiss Chalet that was located in that building for decades. Wines of Colorado is also another prime spot to enjoy a glass of wine and a romantic dinner out.
Last Year’s Champ: Wines of Colorado
Best Weekend Eatery
Gold – The Pantry
Silver: McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub
Bronze – Russ’ Place
Last year’s champ: Russ’ Place
This year the Pantry in Green Mountain Falls snagged the top spot for a bite to eat on the weekends. The place is known for their breakfast but they also serve delicious meals during lunch time.
On the weekends people tend to enjoy taking the cruise up to Divide and enjoy Irish Pub-style food at McGinty’s. Visitors also like to stop in Russ’ Place for a delicious hamburger.
Best Steak
Gold – 980 Prime (Chamonix Casino)
Silver – Wines of Colorado
Bronze – The Creek
Along with being the area’s top fine dining spot, 980 Prime also has the best steak, according to voters. Those in the mood for a nice night out on the town or a celebration will enjoy the steak selection offered at one of Cripple Creek’s fanciest steakhouses.
The Wines of Colorado has recently figured out how to shine as among several other categories, they also snagged several votes for best steak. The weekend prime rib and elk medallions most likely helped The Creek Restaurant move up on the list.
Last year’s champ: Saltgrass Steakhouse (Golden Nugget Casino)
Best Seafood
Gold – Wines of Colorado
Silver – Fusion Japan
Bronze – McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub
Even though Colorado is not necessarily known to a top spot for seafood, readers seem to like just about everything Wines of Colorado has to offer. Their wine selection and entrees like steak and seafood have made readers say “yes” and ask for more.
Being the one of the only options for sushi in the area, Fusion Japan received several votes from people saying that fish is best consumed when raw. McGinty’s is locally famous for their fish and chips special on Friday and Saturday nights which earned them the bronze for best food from the sea.
Last Year’s Champ: Thai Good Eats
Best Asian Food
Gold – Fusion Japan
Silver – Mayflower
Bronze – Fortune Dragon
Fusion Japan recently went through a change of ownership, but voters still like their style. Their sushi is always a good choice, but others also like their Japanese and Chines-style entrees.
The Mayflower has also impressed readers once again after new owners took over, proving to be perhaps the best for those looking for traditional Chinese food flavors. The Fortune Dragon has been a staple in Woodland Park for decades and people still love their Chinese food.
Last Year’s Champ: Thai Good Eats
Best Burger
Gold – Russ’ Place
Silver – Judge’s Char Grill
Bronze – McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub
The best burger competition winner yet again came as no surprise to anyone as Russ’ Place has taken the top prize basically since the eatery opened. Their giant burgers loaded with toppings make the mouths water of just about every motorist as they make their way through Divide.
With their rather new location, Judge’s Char Grill has put themselves on the map locally for having one of the best burgers. McGinty’s remained in the top three in this category for 2025 as customers seem to love the fact that the beef is raise locally at a ranch right across the highway from the restaurant.
Last Year’s Champ: Russ’ Place
Best Antique Shop/ Market
Gold – Maude Imperial Emporium
Silver – Victor Trade Company
Bronze – Blue Front Grocery
For those who like finding old treasures, readers prefer the Maude Imperial Emporium in Cripple Creek. The store contains all sorts of historic artifacts and just neat stuff.
The Victor Trade Company has always been a local favorite and visitors can purchase a custom-made broom. The Blue Front Grocer Antique Shop also made the list as it offers various antiques including old records.
Last Year’s Champ: Creation’s Everlasting
Best Clothing Store
Gold – Creations Everlasting
Silver – The Cowhand
Bronze – Miss Priss
Honorable Mention- Colorado Gearlab
Creations Everlasting (perhaps due to their official NFL merchandise) earned the top spot to go clothes shopping. The unique shop has a wide variety of gifts and a nice selection of coffee and teas.
The Cowhand came on top this year due to their giant selection of Western-style wear. Miss Priss was also a favorite for women’s fashion. Many readers also like the mountain clothes options Colorado Gearlab has to offer.
Last Year’s Champ: The Cowhand
Best Bank
Gold – Park State Bank
Silver – ENT
Bronze – Community Banks of Colorado
Honorable Mention: Vectra Bank
Locals enjoy Woodland Park’s popular Park State Bank as the best place to keep their money. The bank is the only one in existence and it is still owned by a local family.
Other locals tend to prefer ENT possibly due to the fact that the credit union is owned by its customers. Community Banks of Colorado wins the convenience award as they are the only bank to have a location in both Cripple Creek and Woodland Park.
Last Year’s Champ: Park State Bank
Best Brewhouse
Gold – Paradox
Silver – Bierworks
Bronze – Bristol Brewing
Through a combination of their relaxing atmosphere and the addition of delicious foods, Paradox remains to be the favorite place for readers to enjoy a cold craft brew. The business draws great crowds in the summer and winter as it sports one of the largest areas for outdoor seating.
Bierworks also received several votes as many like the pub’s new roof top seating option. Bristol Brewing located on Colorado Springs’ south side is another place that pleases beer drinkers.
Last Year’s Champ: Paradox
Best Furniture Store
Gold – Tweeds Fine Furnishings
Silver – Williams Log Cabin Furniture
Bronze – American Furniture Warehouse
Tweeds has taken this top spot for the last several years as locals seem to enjoy the custom mountain-style furnishings and décor offered. The store carries several items that are impossible to find anywhere else.
Voters also like the log cabin style furniture offered at the oldest furniture store in Woodland Park, Williams Log Cabin Furniture. The prices and large selection at American Furniture Warehouse in Colorado Springs also attracted a lot of voters.
Last Year’s Champ: Tweeds Fine Furnishings
Best Marijuana Dispensary
Gold – High Stakes Leafery
Silver – Cannabis Depot
Bronze – Maggie’s Farm
After the new law change, High Stakes Leafery won over voters from being the first entrepreneurs to jump on the cannabis bandwagon. With its knowledgeable staff and competitive prices, the dispensary has become a popular spot in Cripple Creek.
Some though, prefer the trek to Pueblo to check out what Cannabis Depot has to offer. Others head down the pass for their cannabis products at Maggie’s Farm in Manitou Springs.
Last Year’s Champ: High Stakes Leafery
Best Real Estate Agent
Gold – Kellie Case
Silver – Carrie Miller
Bronze – Jessica Schwab
When it comes to buying or selling a home, Kellie Case seems to be the most popular real estate agent, according to readers. She has made a good name for herself through her long stint in local politics and remains a preferred choice when buying or selling a home.
Carrie Miller snagged the silver this year as her name can often be seen on signs all around Cripple Creek. Once a popular local bartender Jessica Schwab has become one of the readers’ most favorite real estate agents.
Last Year’s Champ: James Dean
Best Electrician
Gold – Hardcastle Heating and Home Services
Silver – Ace Electric
Bronze – Woodland Park Electric
When it comes to having repair work done on homes, Hardcastle has been a favorite for HVAC and plumbing work for quite some time. Since Hardcastle has opened its doors, it now offers just about every type of service for a house from plumbing to electric.
Ace Electric is also a go-to company for anything electrical related. Woodland Park Electric is another local options that received votes.
Last Year’s Champ: Hardcastle
Best Plumber:
Gold- Persing Plumbing
Silver- Woodland Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Bronze- Hardcastle Heating and Home Services
To top the list this year, Kevin Persing with Persing Plumbing proved to be a local favorite. His customers say his rates are affordable and he always shows up with a smile on his face.
Caleb Lopez and Mark Keesling with Woodland Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning have also become popular with the classes they teach at the Woodland Park Library, Hardcastle remains a go-to for just about anything that goes wrong in a home.
Best Car Dealer
Gold – Phil Long
Silver – Mike Maroony
Bronze – Spradley
Since Teller County lacks options to purchase a vehicle, most are forced to shop in the Springs at places like Phil Long. Phil Long is one of the oldest car dealers in Southern Colorado and voters still seem to like using them for vehicle purchases.
Mike Marooney is another dealership that offers decent rides for mountain folks. Spradley earned the Bronze as people who live in the high country often use them for new car purchases.
Last Year’s Champ: Phil Long
Best Car Repair Shop
Gold – Home Town Garage
Silver – Vahsholtz Automotive
Bronze – Schumacher’s Alignment & Tire
Hometown Garage this year located in Woodland Park was picked by readers as the number one place to go when having car trouble. The staple has been around for quite some time and the locals say they are fair and honest.
The Vahsholtz family has worked on cars for multiple generations of local families and readers still tend to prefer them over others. Schumacher’s is another shop that has been around for decades pleasing the locals.
Last Year’s Champ: Vahsholtz Automotive
Best Local Entertainment
Gold – Butte Theater
Silver – Gold Hill Theatre
Bronze – Woodland Park City Council/RE-2 School Board Meetings
Year after year, readers seem to love the live melodramas and other performances put on by the Butte Theater. With their new manager Lauren Smith, many like the variety of live shows offered by the Butte throughout the year.
After being closed for a short period, the Gold Hill Theatres have once again emerged as a winner. TMJ readers also seem to actually like the antics of the Woodland Park City Council vs. school board battles.
Last Year’s Champ: Butte Theater
Best Family Entertainment
Gold – Butte Theater
Silver – Cripple Creek District Museum
Bronze – Gold Hill Theatres
For those wanting to take the family out for a night of entertainment, the Butte Theater proves that Cripple Creek isn’t just for those over 21. The large variety of plays and the fact that the audience gets to play a role probably contribute to the Butte’s success.
The Cripple Creek District Museum has been popular lately due to their live music on summer weekends. Readers also seem to enjoy taking their families to a movie at Woodland Park’s Gold Hill Theatres.
Last Year’s Champ: Butte Theater
Best Area Bed and Breakfast
Gold – Cripple Creek Hospitality House
Silver – Edgewood Inn
Bronze – Pikes Peak Paradise
When it comes to a more personal and homely night out, the Cripple Creek Hospitality House once again took the top spot. The hotel situated in one of the city’s former hospitals has historic charm and is filled with stories behind the doors.
The Edgewood Inn nestled just up Rampart Range outside of Woodland Park is also popular due to exquisite views of Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak Paradise is another up and coming bed and breakfast that voters enjoy.
Last Year’s Champ: Cripple Creek Hospitality House
Best Heating and Air Company
Gold – Hardcastle Home Services
Silver – Woodland Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Bronze – Teller Plumbing and Heating
Hardcastle topped the Best Of list once again by providing heating and cooling services which is their mainstay. However, now the new and improved company can do just about anything needed around the house including carpentry.
Although the business is rather new, readers tend to enjoy the professionalism of the crew at Woodland Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. Teller Plumbing and Heating is also another one to call with any issues at home.
Last Year’s Champ: Hardcastle
Best Area To-Go Orders
Gold – The District Saloon
Silver – Mayflower
Bronze – Fat Shack BBQ
The District Saloon not only emerged this year as a top hangout spot, it also won the category as having the best food for on the run. Their large menu has something for everyone with their entrees, smaller dishes and vegetarian items.
The Mayflower Chinese food restaurant in Woodland Park proves to be a top choice went wanting to-go Chinese food. Others prefer stopping in Lake George’s Fat Shack BBQ for a smoky bite while on the road.
Last Year’s Champ: Russ’ Place
Best Woodland Park Retail Store
Gold- Colorado Gearlab
Silver- The Cowhand
Bronze- Zebz Outfooters
Honorable Mention- Miss Priss
Colorado Gearlab has now become a mainstay in downtown Woodland Park. During all seasons when people can be seen walking the downtown strip stopping to see what Colorado Gearlab has is a must.
While visitors are traversing town, The Cowhand is also another place that gets frequented by customers. Zebz Outfooters is another popular store that makes shopping in downtown Woodland Park so much fun.
Best Local Shoe Store
Gold- Zebz Outfooters
Silver- The Cowhand
Bronze- Walmart
When it comes to protecting feet while out exploring in the mountains, readers prefer the selection at Zebz Outfooters. Besides having a good choice of hiking boots, many also like their socks.
The Cowhand is one of the city’s longest running businesses and many prefer their selection of cowboy boots. Walmart also made the list probably for their cheap prices.
Best Liquor Store
Gold- Banana Belt Liquors
Silver- Cripple Creek Liquors
Bronze- Gold Mine Liquors
Many have preferred shopping at Banana Belt for years as they usually win this category. Readers tend to like their good selection and cheap prices.
Cripple Creek Liquors is also a popular choice for those in Southern Teller. Others like what they have to offer at Gold Mine Liquors in Florissant.
Best Area Grocery Store
Gold- City Market
Silver- Safeway
Bronze- Walmart
When it comes to getting groceries locally, many tend to like the smaller store at City Market. Their selection is good and their prices can be pretty cheap especially when catching their special sales.
Safeway is also on the list as they too are known to have amazing deals from time to time. Walmart has quite the grocery selection and on some things it’s hard to beat their prices.
Best Building Supply Store
Gold- Foxworth-Galbraith
Silver- Woodland Hardware
Bronze- Lowe’s
When buying building supplies, locals like the convenience and variety offered at Foxworth-Galbraith. The knowledgeable staff can help customers find exactly what they need for their latest home project.
Woodland Hardware is also a go-to spot when looking for supplies for a remodeling project. If a home repairer can’t find what they need in Woodland Park, many tend to travel down the pass to Lowe’s.
Best Hardware Store
Gold- Woodland Hardware
Silver- Foxworth-Galbraith
Bronze- Ace True Value
Woodland Hardware once again made the top of the list as they usually have just about anything one could need. In the summertime, many frequent the store for things for their garden and their large selection of grass seed.
Foxworth-Galbraith is also known to have just about anything someone needs around the house. Ace True Value is also a frequented store for those in the more rural areas of Teller.
Best Jewelry Store
Gold- Lane Mitchell Jewelers
Silver- Shane Co.
Bronze- The Mercantile
For years, many have enjoyed the selection of jewelry offered at Lane Mitchell Jewelers in Manitou Springs. The “Premier Jeweler of the Pikes Peak Region” makes custom designs perfect for any occasion.
Maybe due to the radio commercials, the Shane Company always seems to score high on the Best Of list. The Mercantile in Florissant also offers jewelry readers tend to like.
Best Area-Wide Event
Gold – Donkey Derby Days
Silver – Victor Celebrates the Arts
Bronze – Salute to American Veterans Rally
Last year’s champ: Salute to American Veterans Rally
Talk about an upset. The Donkey Derby Days festival, sponsored by the Two Mile Club, hit the visitor jackpot and was widely praised as one of the club’s best festivals in years. Locals, gamblers and tourists, and of course families, definitely love tradition when it comes to special events. Whether it was a byproduct of the multi-varied events (with a parade, zany games, donkey races, live music or what) last year’s Derby Days was a special festival. Many voters, though, heavily praised Victor Celebrates the Arts, held around Labor Day weekend. And of course, the Salute to American Veteran Rally, which held its last function in Woodland Park, generated an enthusiastic response. Look for a much better Salute Rally this year, as the event returns to Cripple Creek.
Area Breakfast
Gold – the Pantry
Silver – Hungry Bear
Bronze – Grandmother’s
The Pantry, often regarded as the culinary staple of Green Mountain Falls, has become a breakfast and lunch institution for decades. If fact, you mention the town of Green Mountain Falls to a visitor or out-of-town tourist, the first words that come out are: The Pantry. The Pantry’s breakfast servings are legendary, and often generate big crowds on the weekend, with hearty helpings, and award-winning omelets, not to mention their special, home-made bread. Then, there is the lively conversation at the counter, where the real truth of GMF is unveiled. The Hungry Bear, which snagged the Silver, is another famous breakfast joint, Grandmother’s Kitchen, meanwhile, generated an enthusiastic response, and gained the Bronze
Last year’s champ: The Pantry
Area Lunch
Gold – Joanie’s Deli and Bakery
Silver – Judge’s Char-Grill
Bronze – Peak View
Last year’s champ: Judge’s
In a slight changing of the guard in the ever-popular lunch contest, Joanie’s snagged the gold. This is an eatery that just continues to dazzle visitors and locals with their mammoth and deluxe sandwiches, bakes goods deserts, coupled with a friendly staff and great outdoor and patio seating. This delis is constantly improving. It also is a good place to bring your dog during warm (or even cold days), except, your famed companion, may snag away your lunch. Judge’s is also a big lunch favorite, along with Peak View
Best Area Restaurant Atmosphere
Gold – Wines of Colorado
Silver – McGinty’s
Gold – Peak View
Honorable mention: The Creek/Cantina Verde
In a relatively new competition this year, voters clearly endorsed Wines of Colorado as the eatery with the best atmosphere, a byproduct of their stellar views, historic renovation and even the colorful stores unveiled by owner Arin DeMay. And it is a great place to go, whether you are with friends or family, or by yourself. McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub, a big success story as part of the resurgence of the Center of the Known Universe, snagged the runner-up spot, while many love the comfortable bar and lounge are of Woodland Park’s Peak View. Also, The Creek and Cantina Verde were cited as ideal spots for those seeking a great atmosphere with their nightly meal or drink.
