Casa Bonita Denver: A Guide to Denver’s Iconic Restaurant

Casa Bonita Denver- Key Highlights

• Casa Bonita, located in Denver, Colorado, is a beloved entertainment restaurant famous for its cliff divers, festive ambiance and unique attractions.
• Founded in 1968 in Oklahoma City, OK, Casa Bonita has a rich history and has become a cultural icon, especially in Denver.
• The restaurant gained national attention after being featured on the animated TV show, South Park.
• After closing during the pandemic, Casa Bonita was purchased by South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
• With a revitalized menu by renowned Denver chef Dana Rodriguez and a commitment to its unique charm, Casa Bonita offers an unforgettable dining experience.

Introduction

Get ready to start an adventure at Denver’s Casa Bonita! This famous restaurant has recently reopened with new ownership. For years, it has been amazing diners with its fun atmosphere and special experiences, much like those highlighted in the Denver Post. You can see exciting cliff divers and enjoy a lively Mexican vibe. Join us as we look into the history, attractions, and tasty food that make Casa Bonita a great place to visit.

The Enchanting History of Casa Bonita

Casa Bonita’s story started in 1968 with Casa Bonita restaurant in Oklahoma City. It was not in the Rocky Mountains, but in Oklahoma City and later expanded to Tulsa. Founder Bill Waugh wanted to create a Mexican restaurant. He wanted a place that had tasty food and fun entertainment.

Casa Bonita grew quickly. It took its special mix of dining and fun to states like Colorado and Texas. Many locations opened across the country. The Lakewood, CO, site turned into a beloved spot. It captured the hearts of many people with its unique charm.

From Humble Beginnings to Denver Staple

The Lakewood location of Casa Bonita in Little Rock, located within the Lamar Station Plaza, opened in March 1974. It was more than just a place to eat; it aimed to take diners to a fun Mexican village. The building used to be a Joslins department store. It changed a lot and showed regional Mexican architectural styles. This was done to create a full experience for visitors.

Over time, Casa Bonita had both good and bad moments. It changed owners a few times, including Summit Family Restaurants, but it always stayed popular. People loved its fun style, which included mariachis performing and a big 30-foot waterfall. It became a favorite for both locals and tourists.

In 2015, the Lakewood Historical Society recognized Casa Bonita as a city landmark. This decision helped make sure it will be remembered for a long time.

The Influence of “South Park” on Its Legacy

Casa Bonita became even more famous after it was featured in a 2003 South Park episode titled “Casa Bonita episode.” The creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, grew up in Colorado and had fond memories of Casa Bonita from when they were kids. In the “Casa Bonita” episode, Cartman works hard to get invited to a birthday party at the restaurant.

The episode showed off the restaurant’s fun atmosphere and quirky charm. This helped introduce Casa Bonita to a wider audience and made it even more legendary. Years later, Parker and Stone decided to save the struggling restaurant because they loved it so much.

In September 2021, it was announced that Parker and Stone were buying Casa Bonita, which made fans very happy. Their true love for the restaurant was clear, and their commitment gave everyone a fresh sense of hope and excitement.

The Dining Experience

Casa Bonita is not just fun; it’s also about enjoying tasty food. The restaurant used to be famous for its “so-bad-it’s-good” meals. Now, the new menu by well-known Denver chef Dana Rodriguez makes dining much better.

Chef Rodriguez has been nominated for the James Beard Award three times. She brings her love for Mexican food flavors to Casa Bonita. Diners can look forward to fresh dishes made from scratch that reflect the restaurant’s Mexican roots.

However, in my opinion, there is still a lot of room for growth in the menu and flavoring.

What to Know Before You Go to Casa Bonita

A trip to Casa Bonita is a special adventure. To enjoy it fully, follow these tips. First, Casa Bonita gets very busy, especially after its recent reopening. So, plan ahead to book your visit.

Also, get ready for a fun experience. Casa Bonita is not just a place to eat; it’s a show filled with cliff divers, musicians, and secret caves. Be open to surprises and get ready for a good time.

Reservations

Since the opening of Casa Bonita under new owners Parker and Stone, getting a reservation has become very popular. The restaurant now uses a ticketing system instead of the old walk-in style and you most likely will not get a reservation unless you reserve a few weeks in advance. Online you can choose between the Standard Dining, which are the tables in the Mines or Rose Garden, or the Premium Dining which is close to the cliffs so you can watch the cliff divers. However, there is no different in the food options, just the price. Visit the official Casa Bonita website for reservation information.

Unique Facts About Casa Bonita

Casa Bonita is a wonderful place, full of quirky details that make it special. It covers 52,000 square feet and is known as the “Disneyland of Mexican Restaurants.” Birthday parties at Casa Bonita are famous, featuring cliff divers and exciting piñata breaks.

Inside, you can see unique features like a gold dome and an 85-foot-tall pink tower, which can be seen from far away. The tower is topped with a statue of Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor, making it a landmark with different facades.

Don’t forget about Casa Bonita’s sopapillas. These fried dough squares are a New Mexican treat. They have become legendary in Colorado because the restaurant has a special recipe designed for the altitude. This makes them light and fluffy.ght away in this quiet party setting.

Unforgettable Attractions Inside Casa Bonita

Get ready to have fun at Casa Bonita! The joyful environment has many exciting things for you to enjoy. As soon as you enter, you will see and hear things that spark your imagination.

The Thrill of Cliff Divers and Waterfall Shows

Get ready to be amazed by the exciting dives at Casa Bonita! Here, skilled cliff divers leap from a high 30-foot waterfall. They bring the exciting spirit of Acapulco’s cliff diving to life. The waterfall shows are a big part of your time at Casa Bonita. They bring gasps and cheers from the crowd below. While you eat, keep an eye on the lagoon. You might see a diver jump in at any moment.

These dives are done by trained experts. They make sure everyone is safe while still putting on a thrilling show. For many guests, this is a perfect example of what makes Casa Bonita a fun and unforgettable dining experience.

Exploring the Mystical Black Bart’s Cave

Explore the intriguing Black Bart’s Cave, a beloved part of your Casa Bonita experience. This dark and winding cave takes you to a world of pirates and hidden treasures. Both kids and adults can have fun discovering all the little spaces in Black Bart’s Cave, with surprises at every turn. This place shows how Casa Bonita goes beyond just being a regular restaurant.

Get a Photo with Cartman

Fans of South Park should not miss their chance to take a picture with the playful fourth-grader, Eric Cartman. After your meal, go to the gift shop to see Cartman in all his fun detail.

Taking a photo with the Cartman statue has become a favorite tradition at Casa Bonita. This has especially grown after the restaurant became popular again due to the documentary “Casa Bonita Mi Amor” about its return. It’s a fun way to remember your trip and enjoy the link between Casa Bonita and South Park.

Remember to check out the rest of the gift shop. It’s full of Casa Bonita souvenirs. You can find everything from t-shirts and keychains to sombreros and maracas. This way, you can take a piece of the magic home with you.

Watch a Magic and Puppet Show

Casa Bonita offers more than just cliff divers. The restaurant provides many live shows that will entertain people of all ages. You can watch a magic show filled with amazing tricks. These illusions will leave you thinking, “How did they do that?”

For younger guests, there is a puppet show that brings joy and laughter. The bright puppets and fun stories will delight both kids and adults who are young at heart.

These live performances at Casa Bonita show the restaurant’s goal to create a fun and memorable dining experience. It proves that dining can be an exciting adventure for everyone.

Visit the Museum

Take a step back in time at the Casa Bonita Museum. This exhibit shows the restaurant’s rich history and how it has changed over the years. You can explore artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of Casa Bonita. This journey goes from its simple beginnings to its well-known status today.

You will learn about the building of the Lakewood location. You can discover the ideas behind the various facades and themed rooms that make Casa Bonita special. For Native Coloradans, this is a walk down memory lane. It reminds them of birthday parties and family outings.

The museum highlights the lasting legacy of Casa Bonita. It is a special place where families have come together for many years. They enjoy good food, fun entertainment, and a touch of kitsch.

Conclusion

Casa Bonita in Denver is more than a restaurant. It offers a fun mix of history, entertainment, and different foods. From its small start to its fame made popular by “South Park,” each visit brings a mix of excitement and joy. You can see the amazing cliff divers, enjoy waterfall shows, visit Black Bart’s Cave, and even have the chance to meet Cartman. It is a must-see destination. To enjoy your visit even more, check out the magic shows, puppetry, and museum displays. Make sure to plan your trip ahead and get reservations. Dive into the exciting world of Casa Bonita for an amazing dining experience in Denver.

Planning a visit to Colorado? Check out my complete travel guide!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Casa Bonita a Must-Visit in Denver?

Casa Bonita is a famous place in Denver, especially since it got mentioned in South Park and the creators took over. It gives people a special experience that makes it a cultural symbol. The cliff divers and fun atmosphere make it a great spot for families. Visitors can enjoy a memorable time here.

How Can Visitors Maximize Their Experience at Casa Bonita?

To have the best time at Casa Bonita, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Make your reservations early. Get a map to help you find your way around. Check the show schedules to know the best times to see the performances. Also, don’t forget to save some space for the yummy sopapillas.

How Much Does it Cost to Go to Casa Bonita, Denver?

As discussed in the reservations section, there is a difference in price for the dining location in the restaurant, but the food options and price are the same regardless of what you order. The majority of the activities are free but a few are not such as the arcade or palm reading. For accurate and up-to-date information on ticket prices, meal prices, and any special packages, check the official Casa Bonita website or call the restaurant directly. Keep in mind that prices may change.