Once a sleepy mining town, Black Hawk underwent a dramatic transformation when casino gambling was legalized in 1991. Today, it boasts over a dozen casinos and draws visitors from across the region seeking vibrant nightlife, live music, dancing, gaming, and more.
In This Article
Black Hawk offers big-time entertainment and adventure without the lengthy, Vegas-sized commute. This comprehensive guide showcases everything Black Hawk has to offer for an unforgettable night out in one of Colorado’s most vibrant mountain escapes.
TL;DR
- Black Hawk features over a dozen casinos with poker rooms, slot machines, table games, and sports betting.
- Diverse bars and clubs offer live music, dancing, special events like trivia nights, drinks specials, craft cocktails, and late-night vibes.
- Upscale steakhouses, 24-hour diners, casual dining, and quick bites satisfy any craving or budget.
- Luxury resorts, budget hotels, and vacation rentals provide comfortable accommodations.
A Premier Nightlife Destination
Black Hawk provides something for everyone when the sun goes down. Dance the night away at one of several nightclubs boasting DJs and themed events. Catch live bands while playing slots on the casino floor. Bar hop along the main drag for drink specials without worrying about transportation. Laugh the night away at a Black Hawk comedy club. The options seem endless in this adult playground.
With over 10,000 slot machines, hundreds of table games, poker tournaments, and new sportsbooks, Black Hawk’s claim to fame is gaming. Yet between hands of blackjack or spins of a roulette wheel, you can take time to explore local watering holes and entertainment venues that keep energy levels high well into the early morning hours.
Must-Visit Bars and Music Venues
Wild Card Saloon always draws a lively crowd with its DJ dance floor, mechanical bull rides, and Jell-O shot specials. Or sing along to live bands at the Lava Room, which rocks out nightly with everything from country to classic rock. The new Twenty-Four 7 diner at Monarch Casino stays open all night for food, drinks, and entertainment.
For a touch of Vegas glam, the Roxy Restaurant and Bar at Horseshoe Casino features plush leather booths, signature cocktails, and nightly musical acts on their stage. The Bar 8042 at Ameristar Casino offers craft beers, small plates, and views of the Rockies from their outdoor patio.
Diverse Dining Options
Visitors can dine well in Black Hawk, with restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Upscale steakhouses like the Monarch Chophouse serve premium cuts and mountain-inspired cuisine alongside extensive wine lists. Quick-bite spots like Twenty-Four 7 satisfy late-night cravings with burgers, shakes, and breakfast around the clock.
If you’re looking for a top farm-to-table restaurant, dine on the Mid City Grill’s creekside patio at the Isle Casino Hotel. Another hotel restaurant that stands out is the ViewHouse at the Lodge Casino at Black Hawk. This restaurant offers an impressive Sunday brunch buffet.
Lodging from Luxury to Budget
Over a thousand hotel rooms are ready to refresh travelers in Black Hawk. With gorgeous mountain views, top-notch properties like the Monarch Casino Resort Spa tower over the valley. Guests at this AAA Four Diamond hotel enjoy a spa, pool, fitness center, casino shuttle, and more.
Budget-friendly chains like the Isle Casino Hotel provide comfortable rooms starting at under $100/night. Perks include an indoor pool, casino shuttle, fitness room, free parking and WiFi. Vacation rentals like houses and condos also abound on sites like VRBO and Airbnb.
Trip Planning Tips
The peak tourist season runs from May through October. Winter months bring lighter crowds, discounted rooms, and snow-dusted mountain scenery. Visitors must be 21 to enter casinos or gamble.
Dress codes vary by casino, with most requiring neat, casual attire but some allowing jeans and sneakers. Nightclub attire runs more formal, with fashionable styles and shoes required.
Free parking abounds, while valet parking carries a small fee. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide a safe ride to and from the casino district. Several properties offer convenient shuttles between their hotel, casinos, and the Black Hawk transportation center.
Outdoor Adventure and Activities
Beyond the casinos and clubs, visitors can embrace the great outdoors in Black Hawk year-round. Easy local hikes like the Chase Gulch Trail’s 1.4-mile loop provide exercise and mountain views. For water fun, rafting and kayaking outfitters lead trips down Clear Creek through historic mining country.
In winter, ski resorts like Echo Mountain and Loveland Ski Area offer alpine and Nordic skiing options under an hour away. Families also enjoy the Black Hawk’s Ice Castles with its towering, colorfully lit ice towers and tunnels.
FAQ
What is the best casino for poker rooms and slots?
Ameristar Casino is top-rated for its large poker room hosting daily tournaments. Isle Casino boasts some of the newest and most popular slot machines.
Where can I hear live music on weekends?
Wild Card Saloon and Lava Room feature live bands nightly. Horseshoe Casino’s Roxy Bar and Restaurant and Ameristar’s Bar 8042 also host regular acts.
What restaurants are best for fine dining?
The Monarch Chophouse offers an exceptional upscale steakhouse menu and mountain views. Mid City Grill at Isle Casino Hotel serves farm-fresh cuisine creekside.
How much do hotels cost per night typically?
Rates range widely based on demand and amenities. Budget hotels like Isle start around $100/night while luxury resorts like Monarch run over $300.
What is there to do during the day?
Mornings can be spent hiking scenic trails or exploring local mining history. Afternoons offer shopping outlets, so leave room in your suitcase for some swag. Zip lining, ATV tours, hot springs, and mountain biking are other popular daytime activities.
