Rick Langenberg
Those days are gone, with our area now sprouting with a hefty variety of food joints, with no reason to head down the hill for a night out on the culinary front, unless you are embarking on an extended excursion to the Springs or even Denver; and yes, hoping for a sports miracle, like witnessing a Colorado Rockies victory at Coors Field (dream on). Moreover, the choices are endless in our local village, whether you are looking for a simple sandwich or an enticing enchilada, trophy-level steak or chicken parmesan plate that will lure you to Italy. Better yet, the atmosphere is quaint and many of our restaurants/bars now serve as great community gathering spots.
During the next two weeks, TMJ’s annual Best Of awards will highlight the peaks and lows of life in the Teller/Ute Pass highlands.
In the past, and when this contest originated three-plus decades ago, the focus centered around Cripple Creek casinos and the CC/V district.
At the time, we welcomed a new industry into town, and all the quirks and special characters associated with this development, often dubbed as the second gold rush. Rest assured, Teller County still boasts a vibrant array of distinctive personalities and businesses—there’s no shortage of characters in our friendly abode.
Now, our contest has evolved into the Best of the Best in our entire region. Much anticipation has occurred annually over the grueling showdown for Best Burger, Best Steak, Best Restaurant Atmosphere, Best Seafood Spot and Best Bar, and of course, the Best Rumor Monger. Rumors in Teller County?
These answers will be delivered on April 14, and April 21 as we approach the grand conclusion to The Best Of 2026. We want to thank the many people in our community that participated in our Best Of showdown this year.
Please, no fist fights or verbal outbursts, as virtually everyone is a winner in this contest. With all the turmoil around the nation and even locally, it’s time for a little celebrating time in our culinary treasure land.
