Smokin’ Aces opens in historic Black Hawk building

Where can you go in Black Hawk when you want to boogie-oogie-oogie “till you just can’t boogie no more”?

Smokin’ Aces, Black Hawk’s only nightclub, opened Feb. 18 inside the Crook’s Palace Restaurant, the only eatery without gaming. The building at 200 Gregory St. is owned by the city of Black Hawk. Brothers Mike and Matt Casarez adeptly operate the lunch and dinner service in the 1868 building, arguably the site of the oldest saloon in Colorado.

Notorious Western figures Jesse James and Billy the Kid were supposed to have been regulars at the ornate wood-carved bar before it journeyed from St. Louis, to its place in Black Hawk.

The original building at 200 Gregory was torn down and replaced with the current structure in 1900 by politician and entrepreneur Thorwald Crook, who kept the building open during Prohibition by selling cigars and soft drinks.

More contemporary characters have taken over those digs with the nightclub that rocks the historic house from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday Saturday. Nightclub owner Dewayne Lipsey says Smokin’s Aces will add Thursday nights when the weather improves.

When the chips are down, Smokin’ Aces aims to offer a break from slot machines and gaming tables.

The nightclub offers DJs, dancing, smoking hookah pipes, bottle service, $1 well drinks for ladies until 11 p.m., the Casarez brothers’ menu, free parking, a smoking area on the patio and free cover charge.

“It’s a great environment with lots of dance space and incredible food,” said Lipsey who describes himself as a “serious entrepreneur.” “A lot of ladies during the opening weekend had to try the ice cream. We’ve been serving ice cream and alcohol on a regular basis.”

Matt Casarez, who specializes in Crook’s desserts, is obsessed with creating unusual ice cream flavors such as popcorn and chili pepper.

“It’s incredible,” Lipsey said.

Deal sealed. Fortune Valley Hotel & Casino – CC’s largest casino – officially changed ownership in January, according to the Colorado Division of Gaming.

A bankruptcy judge in August approved the sale of Fortune Valley to Luna Gaming Central City, the parent company of the Red Dolly Casino in Black Hawk. Luna, a business unit of Novi, Mich.-based Luna Entertainment, paid $10 million for Fortune Valley.

“We will be launching our new brand on July 4,” said Michelle Hill, Fortune Valley Casino marketing manager. “The new brand will be entertainment based, and its focus will be on guest service. The new ownership wants to create a casino with a fun and comfortable environment that will appeal to a broad demographic.”

In other 2010 casino news, Cripple Creek saw the closure of Imperial in March, and the Gold Rush and Gold Diggers in October. In Black Hawk, the Bullpen closed at the end of November. Central City added a casino with Johnny Z’s, which opened in June.

PR pro promoted. Ameristar Casinos Inc. has promoted Celeste Burks to the position of regional public relations manager.

In her new position, Burks will manage media relations, internal communications and community relations for Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk and Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City.

Burks joined Ameristar in Kansas City last year as public relations manager.

- Penny Parker is a columnist for The Denver Post. She’s always on the prowl for tidbits and tips from Colorado’s gaming communities. Call her at 303-619-5209 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.