I did that so many times when I was just out of High School that the shuttle drivers knew us by name...it was legal to drink at 18 back then.
Printable View
I grew up there and didn't find out about until my roommates from Mines told me about it.
Briarwood, $$$$ and over-rated. Chart House, $$$$ and over-rated. The Fort, $$$$ and decent.
If I had to pick a nice place in Golden, Table Mountain Inn would be my first choice. Good variety, not cheap, but much less than the three above and the food is REALLY good.
If you want to walk around some, you can grab a Bob's Atomic Burger and stroll up a few blocks to Washington and hit the shops (I heard girls like to shop).
If you like hole in the wall, down on Old Golden there is a good family owned mexican food, El Amigo and 2 doors down Mannie and Bo' Pizza. Elote's Cafe is pretty good too. Lots of good places in Golden, just most are not the ones the Denver Tourists go to. :)
I took so many short tours (and Coors gave the Frats free beer) when I went to Mines I'd rather go thirsty than have a Coors light. :)
I like Woody's Woodfire Pizza... Great buffet lineup of pies, plus a fun place to grab a slice and a pint. But not exactly what I would call a "nice sit down" establishment, more of a hang out with the guys/jeans and tee shirt kinda joint.
The only food in Blackhawk is casino food.. I wouldn't classify it as anything special..
I'll add The Bridgewater Grill downtown.. A little bit out of town but the steakhouse on 6 and Simms is good. A few nice places in downtown Morrison as well. If the weather is nice spend a couple hours at The Golden City Brewery.
Sherpa House. Fantastic and different.
Sherpa house? Yeti Burgers...