During opera season, Kevin Taylor’s Rouge at the Teller House (140 Eureka St., Central City, 303/582-0600, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., $26–35) is open for lunch and dinner on opera performance days only. Offering fine and casual dining, it’s that rare restaurant in town not affiliated with a casino. Reservations are recommended.

Much more casual is Dostal Alley Casino (1 Dostal Alley, Central City, 303/582-1610, daily 10 a.m.–2 p.m., $10–20), in a simple historic building where they serve pizzas and fresh root beer alongside slot machines. There is free parking available behind the restaurant and casino.

The Cedar Grille (Fortune Valley Casino, 321 Gregory St., Central City, 800/480-0087, Thurs.–Sat. 3:30–11 p.m., Sun. 3:30–10 p.m., $17–29) is a surf-and-turf option that is also very popular; reservations are recommended.

If you don’t have a reservation, you may end up at the Flavours Buffet (Sun.–Thurs. 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m., $16) at the same casino.

Visitors to Blackhawk can try the White Buffalo Grille (240 Main St., Blackhawk, 303/582-6375, www.thelodgecasino.com, Sun.–Thurs. 5–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5–10:30 p.m., $17–34); the restaurant is situated inside a bridge with views of the mountains.