The Ultimate Guide to Black Hawk Casinos

Where to Play, Dine, and Experience the Best of Colorado Gaming

Just 40 minutes from Denver, Black Hawk, Colorado is a hidden gem tucked in the Rockies and bursting with gaming excitement. Whether you're here for a weekend adventure or a night on the slots, Black Hawk offers a vibrant casino scene with plenty of character, delicious food, and late-night energy.

If you're staying at The Nest at Black Hawk, you're in luck—our complimentary shuttle runs to and from all the top casinos, making your night out as seamless as it is scenic.

Here’s your ultimate, unranked guide to the most popular Black Hawk casinos, including the vibe, the games, and what to eat when the hunger hits.

Monarch Casino Resort

Games: 1,000+ slot machines, a full spread of table games, and a lively poker room

Atmosphere: Monarch delivers a polished, high-energy experience that sets it apart in Black Hawk. With soaring ceilings, modern architecture, and a sleek casino floor, it feels like a luxury Vegas resort dropped into the Colorado mountains. It’s a favorite among both seasoned players and weekend visitors looking for something elevated but approachable.

A standout feature is Monarch’s Sportsbook and Sports Bar floor, where massive HD screens, plush stadium seating, and dynamic energy make it the go-to spot to catch a game. Whether it’s NFL Sunday, March Madness, or a late-night UFC fight, the space is always buzzing with excitement—and betting action.

Dining:

• Monarch Chophouse – A luxurious steakhouse serving signature cuts like the 32oz tomahawk ribeye ($95), alongside sides like lobster mac ($16) and expertly mixed craft cocktails.
• Bistro Mariposa – Upscale Latin fare with highlights like Wagyu carne asada ($38), wild mushroom enchiladas ($24), and scratch-made margaritas.
• The Buffet – At $49.99 per person, enjoy all-you-can-eat seafood, carved prime rib, sushi, stir-fry, and a decadent dessert selection worth saving room for.
• Java Etc. – Monarch’s signature coffee shop featuring Starbucks favorites, fresh pastries, and grab-and-go snacks—perfect for fueling up before or after the gaming floor.

Ameristar Casino Resort

Games: Over 1,250 slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, and a lively poker room

Atmosphere: Ameristar delivers that classic Colorado lodge-meets-casino experience. With its stone fireplaces, wood beams, and warm ambient lighting, the space feels cozy yet grand. It's a go-to for players who love the feel of a mountain retreat without sacrificing the thrill of high-energy gaming. The layout is spacious, and the environment caters to everyone from casual guests to serious players looking for action and ambiance.



Dining:

• Timberline Grill – This fine-dining spot serves up elevated American classics like grilled salmon with lemon beurre blanc ($34), center-cut filet mignon ($52), and an impressive wine list.
• Fireside Kitchen – A more laid-back experience with chicken fried steak ($19), loaded potato soup ($9), and seasonal comfort fare that hits the spot after a few hours on the slots.
• Waypost Deli – Great for quick, affordable bites. Sandwiches, soups, wraps, and snacks all under $10—ideal for a midday recharge or late-night grab.
• Richman Beer Garden – Just steps from the casino floor, this outdoor hangout features house-brewed beers, pretzel boards, and a rotating menu of Colorado-style pub eats. It’s also the host of fun, unexpected events like paint & sip nights, karaoke, and yes—even goat yodeling competitions.
• Starbucks – For your caffeine fix, there's a full-service Starbucks right inside Ameristar to keep you fueled between spins and sips.

Saratoga Casino Black Hawk

Games: 500+ slot machines, video poker, roulette, and blackjack

Atmosphere: Tucked slightly uphill on Main Street, Saratoga Casino offers a friendly, approachable vibe that appeals to both locals and laid-back visitors. It's smaller and more intimate than some of Black Hawk's mega-resorts, but that’s part of the charm—it’s easy to navigate, rarely overcrowded, and staffed by genuinely welcoming dealers and attendants. The environment feels like a local favorite with a dash of vintage Vegas—classic carpet patterns, low ceilings, and just the right amount of buzz on the floor.

Saratoga doesn’t try to be flashy; it leans into reliability, comfort, and solid gameplay. Machines are well-maintained, and you’ll find a great mix of old-school favorites and newer video slots. Table game enthusiasts will appreciate the relaxed pace and lower-pressure environment compared to bigger casinos.

Dining:

• Main Street Café – A Black Hawk staple, this diner-style café is known for its Philly cheesesteak—griddled fresh and packed with melty cheese and tender beef. They also feature rotating monthly specials like fall-off-the-bone ribs, meatloaf, or BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, offering great variety for returning guests. Breakfast is served all day and includes hearty plates like biscuits and gravy, ham and eggs, and pancake stacks—all priced affordably and served fast.

Bally’s Black Hawk

(Formerly Golden Gates, Gulch & Mardi Gras)

Games: One of the most diverse collections of gaming in Black Hawk with 1,000+ slots, blackjack, roulette, and a legendary poker room

Atmosphere: Bally’s Black Hawk is now a three-property experience, connecting what were once the Golden Gates, Golden Gulch, and Mardi Gras casinos into one cohesive, multi-floor playground for gamers of all levels. Whether you're here for penny slots, progressive jackpots, or intense poker tournaments, Bally’s brings variety, energy, and comfort—all under one brand. It still retains the welcoming, local charm of the former Golden properties but now wrapped in updated branding and smoother navigation between the buildings.

The standout remains the poker room, still housed in the former Golden Gates space, where tournament regulars and Texas Hold’em die-hards gather for events like the Colorado Poker Championship. It’s known for its approachable vibe, professional dealers, and well-run games—ideal whether you're looking to get serious or just sharpen your skills.

Dining:

• Pit Stop Snack Bar – Located in the former Golden Gates building, this grab-and-go eatery is a tournament player’s best friend. Expect hot dogs, fresh pizza slices, egg & sausage breakfast burritos, deli sandwiches, and coffee—all under $10. It's quick, tasty, and just what you need during a break in the action.
• Casino Café & Bar – In the main Bally’s building, this full-service café offers hearty meals like meatloaf and mashed potatoes ($16), grilled salmon, and all-day breakfast plates. The bar also features local beer on tap and seasonal drink specials.

Sasquatch Casino

Games: A slot-lover’s dream, packed with classics, new releases, and multigame bar-top consoles

Atmosphere: Small but spirited, with quirky mountain charm and nonstop action. It may be one of the smaller casinos in town, but that just adds to the energy—random giveaways and cash drawings happen throughout the day, and anyone on the floor could win prizes up to $10,000. There’s even a small arcade tucked alongside the slots, perfect for taking a break or entertaining younger guests (if you're swapping off shifts at the machines).

Dining:

• Sasquatch Café – Every single item is $12, including a grilled ribeye steak, crispy fish & chips, and their fan-favorite double burger with fries. Affordable comfort food that hits the spot.

Bonus Perk: Nest Guests Ride Free

As a guest of The Nest at Black Hawk, you'll have complimentary shuttle access to all of these casinos—no parking stress, no Uber needed. Just check the schedule at the front desk and let the mountain nightlife begin.

Final Thoughts

Black Hawk delivers on its promise: thrilling games, eclectic atmospheres, and surprisingly good food all just minutes apart. Whether you're chasing jackpots or just enjoying a plate of Cajun fries and watching the action, this little mountain town has something for every kind of explorer.

Stay in the stars, play in the lights.

Book your luxury glamping escape at The Nest at Black Hawk and let the games (and gourmet bites) begin.