Bragging Rights Declared For The Real Stars of the Teller/Ute Pass High Country
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 Ute Pass 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 again completely online, and this year with an easy to use, cell phone-friendly link) crashed all previous records with close to 50,000 ballots carded over a two-and-a-half-month period. Amazing.
While Hollywood recently showcased their annual Academy Awards competition, Cripple Creek, Woodland Park, Teller County and the entire Ute Pass/Pikes Peak region has gained quite a reputation for an equally competitive showdown this time of year: the infamous “Best Of Championship,” sponsored by TMJ News (The Mountain Jackpot) newspaper over the last few decades, a competition featured for more than 35 years. And not to be too boastful, 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 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 2026 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 10th 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.
Don’t ever say people in Cripple Creek and Victor aren’t competitive and don’t have opinions.
Safest/Cleanest Casino
Gold – Triple Crown Casinos
Silver – Johnny Nolon’s
Bronze – Chamonix
Honorable Mention: Century
Last Year’s Champ – Triple Crown Casinos
In a competition originally prompted by the coronavirus epidemic (I know we shouldn’t mention that word), Triple Crown once again gained the top prize, as it has for the last several years in this contest for The Best of the Cleanest. TC has followed detailed procedures first implemented during the ghastly and nasty coronavirus scare, which shut down the industry for three-plus months. Their new safety procedures actually helped the industry avoid another shutdown, which appeared imminent at the time. Johnny Nolon’s, under the reign now of the Rocky Mountain Gaming group, secured the runner-up spot, while the Chamonix resort got the Bronze. Also, Century, a byproduct of old Bob Womack and company, the namesake legendary figure in which the Century property was originally named after, captured many votes.
Best Casino Atmosphere
Gold – Chamonix
Silver – Golden Nugget
Bronze – Johnny Nolon’s
Honorable Mention: Brass Ass
Last Year’s Champ – Chamonix
No big surprises here, as the Chamonix has continued to dazzle gamers and non-gamers and even rock n’ roll music fans with its plethora of amenities, courtesy of a $350 million-plus project, the most elaborate ever attempted in Cripple Creek. Its combination of European elegance, while maintaining a Colorado casual feel, is a tremendous hit. The Golden Nugget, which sports a Las Vegas feel with gaming action on one floor and serving as the only gaming establishment off the main street, snagged the Silver. Many Best Of fans, though, enjoy the locals’ favorite, Johnny Nolon’s, which has featured a much-improved environment under relatively new management. Brass Ass, one of Triple Crown’s prized products, also was heavily rated in the Best Atmosphere showdown.
Most Money Won and Where
Gold – Johnny Nolon’s
Silver – Triple Crown
Bronze – Golden Nugget
Honorable Mention: Double Eagle
Last Year’s Champ: Johnny Nolon’s
In a repeat title, courtesy of a campaign by Rocky Mountain Gaming to usher in more updated and winning-friendly games, Johnny Nolon’s sole the show as a place for some goliath wins. Old Johnny, who enjoyed a big winning hand back in the 1890s, would be proud. Triple Crown fared well too, as did Golden Nugget. But the real winner of this showdown for the quest of gaming riches belongs to the gambling town of Cripple Creek, based on the results of our mighty contest. The myth that Cripple Creek gamblers can’t win big in the old mining camp is just that, an idle myth. Unfortunately, we can’t disclose the specific amounts big winners came away with, or we may face bodily injuries. Let’s just say there are some big jackpots to be had in Cripple Creek.
Loosest Slots in Cripple Creek
Gold – Triple Crown (JP McGills)
Silver – Rock Mountain Gaming (Johnny Nolon’s)
Bronze – Century
Honorable Mention: Double Eagle
Last Year’s Champ – Triple Crown
In a hefty showdown and one that garnered the most overall votes for any category, Triple Crown Casinos gained the illustrious title as King of the Loose in Cripple Creek, for the ninth consecutive year. Talk about a tradition. Only this year, the fight for the loosest proved to be much closer than ever before, with Rocky Mountain Gaming putting up quite a fight. Actually, the top two-rated super loose casinos, according to Best Of voters, were JP McGills and Johnny Nolon’s. Other top contenders in the race for the King Loose title included Century and Double Eagle. Quite frankly, virtually all the casinos in towns received a hefty number of votes.
Best Table Games
Gold – Triple Crown Casinos (Brass Ass)
Silver – Chamonix
Bronze – Double Eagle
Last Year’s Champ – Triple Crown
When Amendment 50 was implemented about 15 years ago, the stakes definitely changed for Colorado gaming with the arrival of new (more Las Vegas-style games), such as Roulette and Craps, and much bigger limits. Although Cripple Creek hasn’t done as well as Black Hawk with these games, the town definitely abounds with much more excitement with the newer table action. And with the official ending of bet limits in the summer of 2021, the table stakes are now even greater and quite wild. Some have referred to this development (ending betting stakes) as a game-changer for Cripple Creek. This is something the town needed to do years ago. It upped the market for the Teller gaming town and gave local leaders a chance to throw out the term destination area like never before.
Probably no local place characterizes this fun local table action as much as the Brass Ass, one of three distinct properties owned by Triple Crown Casinos. This is what folks imagined with these new added games, without getting too pretentious or Black Hawk-ish. Brass Ass, in fact, has won this title for years. But at the same time, many voters enjoy the table game action at the more upscale, Chamonix, often best depicted in their television commercials. At the same time, many enjoy the more laid-back style of table games at the Double Eagle. The great atmosphere at Cripple Creek table game areas is one of the town’s best kept secrets. But this secret is coming out of the bag with unlimited stakes and a better environment for high rollers. Get ready for more fun.
Best Welcoming Casino
Gold – Chamonix
Silver – Triple Crown
Bronze – Golden Nugget
Honorable Mention: Johnny Nolon’s
Last Year’s Champ – Chamonix
It only makes sense that the gaming property rated at the top for its atmosphere also takes home the bacon as the most welcoming. The Chamonix, dubbed as a place setting a gold standard for Cripple Creek, easily hit the jackpot in this competition for the second year in a row. But many favor the Triple Crown, with its three very distinct properties, and a company that touts its local connections and feel. Many favor the Golden Nugget, which resembles some traits of a Vega casino with its layout.
Best Casino Food Deals
Gold – Century (Mid City Grill)
Silver – Triple Crown Casinos (Miner’s Pick)
Bronze – Bronco Billy’s (Home Café)
Honorable Mention: Colorado Grande
Last Year’s Champ – Miner’s Pick
Like most casino towns, the Creek is bustling with great casinos food deals and options for folks, whether they are on the go, or want a good meal at an affordable price. For this year’s competition, Mid City Grill, located in Century, an old hangout for Bob Womack, snagged the top crown. And both Miner’s Pick and Home Café, fared extremely well, as they have for years.
Best Casino Restaurant
Gold – Chamonix (980 Prime)
Silver – Golden Nugget (Salt Grass Steak)
Bronze – Double Eagle (Lombard’s)
Honorable Mention: Triple Crown (Pint & Platter)
Last Year’s Champ – Pint & Platter
The changes and expansion development action in Cripple Creek in recent years has changed the restaurant scenario quite a bit, with operators now having to up their game in the culinary arena. In the early years of gaming, the town didn’t exactly win any awards for top-quality casino restaurants. In fact, you can almost say the town resembled a culinary desert. That definitely is not the case anymore. And without question, the Chamonix’s 980 Prime, known for its legendary steaks and award-winning chefs, snagged the gold title. But the Golden Nugget’s Salt Grass Steak House is also a big favorite, along with Double Eagle’s Lombard’s. Whatever type of meal you are searching for during your time in Cripple Creek, do not doubt the thriving popularity of casino restaurants.
Best Casino Lodging
Gold – Chamonix
Silver – Century
Bronze – Golden Nugget
Honorable Mention: Double Eagle
Last Year’s Champ – Century
No competition. The Chamonix resort has clearly commanded top billing for the lodging king, with 300-plus rooms, with many featuring some amazing amenities that set a new standard for the gaming town. During its initial year of operations, the Chamonix had to combat a few growing pains due to its massive size. But now the path is clear for a championship-level lodging outlet that many take advantage of, if they are seeing a concert, or even want a several-day mini-getaway. The Chamonix hotel has allowed Cripple Creek to take a major step forward in its pursuit of becoming a tourist/gaming destination hub. But similar to past years, many raved about the luxurious suites and lodging amenities of Century. Many tout Golden Nugget, which actually featured the first new casino hotel developed in town since the mid-1990s as the Wildwood, as their favorite.
Best Casino Players Club
Gold – Century
Silver – Triple Crown Casinos
Bronze – Chamonix
Honorable Mention: Double Eagle
Last Year’s Champ – Century
No real surprises here. For years in the local gaming community, Century Cripple Creek has gained a niche for its Players Club and the multi-varied benefits provided. These clubs are quite popular and are a heavily favored tool to get patrons to return and enjoy many of the establishment’s unknown perks. Century, courtesy of its former namesake, Womacks, which often played off the legacy of Bob Womack, always paid intricate detail to the needs of their regular assortment of customers. Their Players Club provided a good way to reach this goal. But not surprisingly, Triple Crown Casinos and the Chamonix fared extremely well in the Players’ showdown.
Best Casino Entertainment
Gold – Chamonix
Silver – Cripple Creek Rumors
Bronze – Talk of new Special Events and Home Rule
Last Year’s Champ – The opening of the Chamonix and appearance by Jay Leno
Alright, the quest for entertainment, especially live music, is finally moving forward in a major way with the Chamonix. After repeated pleas for more entertainment by locals, visitors and even gamblers, this request is actually starting to hit pay dirt. Vegas is not exactly being threatened, but the entertainment options, with the help of the newest and biggest casino in town, are vastly improving. The Chamonix has now become one of the top places in the region to frequent for nostalgic classic rock acts, country favorites, original standouts and you name it. Chamonix, in fact, is giving the Phil Long Music Hall and Stargazers in the Springs a run for their money when it comes to live music entertainment. Only, the Chamonix is much more comfortable and classier, and they offer more perks for their guests. And if you like some of the top area tribute bands, based on the legacy of such acts as Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and more, you are in luck. The Chamonix started down the entertainment trek with an appearance of Jay Leno for its grand opening party in the summer of 2024 and has not let up on the entertainment accelerator pedal since.
Many Best Of fans and locals, though, favored the plethora of rumors running rampant. And there is always the talk of new special events, adding to the mix. Plus, Cripple Creek’s movement to become a new home rule city has provided some rather entertaining conversations around town.
Best Casino Improvements
Gold – Rocky Mountain Gaming
Silver – New Enhancements at the Chamonix
Last Year’s Champ: Rocky Mountain Gaming
Best Of responders are still expressing much praise for the interior and image enhancements at Johnny Nolon’s and Colorado Grande, under the ownership of Rocky Mountain Gaming. These historic properties, often regarded as local favorites, encountered a rather stale period for many years. But with Rocky Mountain Gaming in charge, with some owners/operators quite familiar with the Cripple Creek scene, old Johnny and the legendary spirit of Maggie would be pleased. Johnny Nolon, the former saloon owner in the gold rush era, who had to grapple with gunfights, bar brawls and rockin’ good times, would definitely endorse the renovation changes and other improvements transpiring at his house of entertainment. And Maggie, part of the Colorado Grande mystique, would have the same views. Many Best Of voters, though, heavily lauded the many enhancements at the Chamonix, which succeeded in completing and putting the final touches on many amenity-pleasing projects. In the last year, the Chamonix really found its footing, after encountering some growth pains in its initial opening period.
Best Casino Bar
Gold – Johnny Nolon’s
Silver – Pint & Plater
Bronze – Bar 46
Honorable Mention: Maggie’s
The friendly good times, with a link back to the old gold rush scene, is alive and well at the Johnny Nolon’s main entrance bar. This is quite a gem for those wanting to enjoy a cold one, while winning a few bets. Old Johnny was known to handle many of his business dealings right inside his own drinking and gambling hub and often got into a few fights and even shoot-outs. So much for the good old days. These historic touches, with a modern upkeep, are part of the new changes under the leadership of Rocky Mountain Gaming. But it’s hard not to love a classic Irish pub in a gaming town, courtesy of Pint & Platter, located inside McGills. And many enjoy Bar 46 inside the Golden Nugget. Casino bars are one of the closely guarded secrets in Cripple Creek that sometimes get overlooked, following the closure of smaller gaming establishments.
Best Gaming Town Rumors
Gold – The return of Historic Brothels
Silver – Establishing a ski resort in Cripple Creek and southern Teller
Bronze – Rekindling the old train from Colorado Springs to Cripple Creek
Yes, rumors are alive and well in Cripple Creek. The return of brothels looked like a possibility for a brief period in recent months, until state lawmakers opted to put a legislative proposal on this matter on hold, meaning that the plan is pretty much dead. A ski resort idea has been kicked around too for years, but the lack of snow levels has been the main hurdle here. And rekindling the old train route is a constant dream, which could really solve the transportation obstacle plaguing Cripple Creek gambling. Unfortunately, the folks down in the Springs have fought this idea constantly, despite its historic promise, including major praise from former President Teddy Roosevelt who once rode the infamous Short Line Route between the Springs and Cripple Creek/Victor.
Best Casino Marketing and Facebook Slogans
Gold – Rocky Mountain Gaming
Silver – Triple Crown Casinos
Bronze – Chamonix
Last Year’s Champ – Rocky Mountain Gaming
Johnny Nolon’s and Colorado have crafted the loose slot pursuit in a rather fun fashion capped by outfits that emphasize this message and blend it in with their colorful history, while many enjoy Triple Crown’s loose and local theme; and of course, the Chamonix got much attention with its fancy television ads, featuring the gold standard push.
This one is simply a subjective contest, based on reader responses. Actually, all of the casinos do a pretty good job on the marketing front.
Other Cripple Creek Winners
Best Cripple Creek Bar
Gold – District Kitchen & Saloon
Silver – The Creek
Bronze – Pint & Platter
Last Year’s Champ – District Kitchen & Saloon
Chalk up another return victory for the District. When in Cripple Creek, not everyone wants to spend all of their time gambling inside a casino. And since its opening in 2024, the District Kitchen & Saloon, known by locals as simply the District Saloon, has become a prime hangout. It features more of a big city feel (well by Cripple Creek standards) with its massive spacious bar, scores of big screen televisions for sports buffs, regular weekly festivities, live music and more. And to top it off, the District features a great menu and is open for extended hours. The Creek, though, is still quite popular as a local favorite hangout spot, gaining quite a following since they opened their doors in the summer of 2022. All of these bars are prime areas for post-council meeting gathering spots, where the town’s woes are always solved. Plus, they are known for their friendly and amicable staff. The Pint & Platter is a different type of casino bar that has received stellar reviews in Best of Competitions for last seven years.
Best Cripple Creek Retail Store
Gold – Creations Everlasting
Silver – Colorado Trading and Transfer Store
Bronze – Western Skies Design Company/Maudie’s Incredible Emporium
Last Year’s Champ – Creations Everlasting
Creations Everlasting serves as an absolute gem for tourists, out-of-town visitors, sports buffs and locals, with its wide assortment of NFL merchandise, vintage items, clothing, coffee, boutique specialties, and now its incredible Vietnamese food specials. Creations won this title again by landslide margins. Many voters, though, praised the Colorado Trading and Transfer store, proving that historic relics are still hot items. But Western Skies Design Company and Maudie’s Incredible Emporium are big local favorites.
Best Cripple Creek Specialty Shop
Gold – Creations Everlasting
Silver – Maudie’s Emporium
Bronze – Colorado Trading and Transfer Store
This list speaks for itself, as Creations, run by the ever-personable Edie Smith, is a tough act to follow. But many voters enjoy sampling the art and historic goods at Maudie’s Emporium and the Trading and Transfer Store.
Best Cripple Creek Coffee Shop
Gold – Prospectors Perk
Silver – Creations Everlasting
Gold – Common Grounds
Last Year’s Champ – Creations Everlasting
Great java is a special treat that has taken Teller County by storm in recent years, with the plethora of coffee shops. This same trend abounds in Cripple Creek. Oddly enough, the new player on the block, Prospectors Perk, snagged the gold this year. Located inside the Double Eagle casino, Prospectors appeals to gamblers, locals, tourists and even TMJ staffers. They are renowned for their extensive hours of operation and wide variety of products, not to mention some amazing java and espresso-based beverages and lattes. This is the first time Creations has been unseated in this competition for years. Still, Creations fared quite well, as did Common Grounds, located in the Aspen Mine Center, known for their products from some of the best coffee-producing regions in the world.
