There’s a new Mexican restaurant in Cripple Creek. Chamonix Casino Resort has expanded its culinary lineup with the debut of Don Juan’s Cocina. Located inside Bronco Billy’s Casino and connected to Chamonix Casino Resort, Don Juan’s promises bold Mexican flavors and elevated takes on traditional favorites in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Don Juan’s Cocina is led by James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef Johnny Iuzzini, the property’s director of food and beverage and, and Chef Starlene Trujillo.
“Don Juan’s Cocina is rooted in traditional Mexican flavors, but we’ve approached it with a fresh perspective by focusing on quality ingredients, bold combinations and dishes that feel both familiar and elevated,” says Chef Starlene Trujillo. “It’s a menu that invites guests to explore and share.”
“We are always looking for ways to elevate the guest experience at Chamonix Casino Resort, so we’re thrilled to introduce a new dining concept with Don Juan’s Cocina,” said Brandon Lenssen, vice president and general manager of Chamonix Casino Resort. “We wanted to create a space where guests can come together over incredible food and drinks in a lively setting. Whether you’re stopping in for tacos and margaritas or sitting down for a full meal, it adds a new layer to the overall experience at Chamonix.”
Signature menu offerings include the following:
- Chicken Empanadas with chipotle crema
- Traditional pork and hominy Pozole in a rich red chile broth
- Tricolor Enchiladas Bandera featuring braised chicken with verde sauce, carnitas with queso, and birria with red chili sauce wrapped in corn tortillas with melted cheese
- Tampiquena, spicy marinated char-grilled steak and tequila-lime marinated shrimp with avocado, pico de gallo, lime, cheese, fajita vegetables and spicy ranchero sauce.
Guests can also enjoy a wide taco selection, including battered and fried Baja Fish, slow-cooked pork Carnitas, blackened Shrimp, grilled Chicken, spicy marinated Carne Asada, and slow-braised Birria.
Be sure to save room for desserts, such as churros, Mango Tres Leches, Chocoflan and more.
The beverage program was crafted by bartender Julius Murphey to complement the menu with fresh, ingredient-driven cocktails. Juices are pressed daily and paired with housemade garnishes. The menu offers five variations on a margarita, including a Tamarind Margarita and a smoky Mezcalita. Other highlights include the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, made with Reposado Tequila, mezcal, agave and Angostura Bitters and a Hibiscus Cooler, featuring Blanco Tequila or Mezcal, hibiscus, lime, agave and a salt rim.
Guests can also explore curated tequila flights or choose from a selection of nonalcoholic options, such as a Hibiscus-Strawberry Cooler or Cucumber-Mint Lemonade.
Don Juan’s Cocina is open Friday through Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Happy hour is 4-6 p.m. Friday – Monday. On Tuesdays, Don Juan’s celebrates Taco Tuesday with $5 tacos, margaritas and desserts — plus karaoke.
251 E. Bennett Ave.
