A new Mexican restaurant is delivering bold flavors and elevated twists on traditional favorites in Cripple Creek.

Chamonix Casino Resort and Bronco Billy’s Casino have grown their dining options with the April 17 opening of Don Juan’s Cocina inside Bronco Billy’s, connected to the Chamonix resort on the city’s historic Bennett Avenue.

“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,” Chamonix Vice President and General Manager Brandon Lenssen said in a recent news release. “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.”

The restaurant is led by James Beard Award-winning chef Johnny Iuzzini, the property’s director of food and beverage and executive chef, and chef Starlene Trujillo.

The concept emphasizes flavorful, handcrafted dishes created with high-quality ingredients, officials said in the release.

Don Juan’s signature menu items include chicken empanadas with chipotle crema; traditional pork and hominy pozole in a red chile broth; tri-colored enchiladas banderas; and tampiqueña, spicy marinated char-grilled steak and tequila-lime marinated shrimp with several accompaniments.

Guests can choose from a wide selection of tacos as well as other fare like fajitas, carne asada, burritos, chimichangas and soups and salads, alongside various appetizers, sides and a kid’s menu.

For dessert, choose from selections including churros with dark chocolate and passion fruit sauces, mango tres leches, spiced chocolate ice cream with hints of cinnamon and chile, and chocoflan, a chocolate cake layered with caramel flan, a type of baked custard.

Bartender Julius Murphey has crafted Don Juan’s beverage menu boasting variations on traditional cocktails made with fresh ingredients such as juices pressed daily and house-made garnishes.

Don Juan’s Cocina, 251 E. Bennett Ave. in Cripple Creek, is open Fridays through Tuesdays from 4-9 p.m.

Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts owns, operates and manages the Chamonix and Bronco Billy’s resorts.

Chamonix Casino & Hotel opened in phases between late December 2023 and early November 2024. Its hotel was part of a larger project that nearly doubled Bronco Billy’s gaming floor and added upscale hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, a spa, rooftop pool, convention and meeting space, and a parking garage.