For more than 40 years, Casa Bonita has been serving the Denver Metro area its take on Mexican food. The iconic Lakewood restaurant was made even more famous when it featured in an episode of South Park.
The Spanish translation for casa bonita is “pretty house”. It’s considered an “eatertainment” restaurant because its more about the spectacle than the food for its patrons. The restaurant actually got its start as a chain from Oklahoma City, although this Lakewood location is the last that remains.
The large 52,000 square feet space seats more than 1,000 guests. In 2015 it was declared a historic landmark of the city.
Mexican Restaurant and Stage Show in Lakewood, CO
Interior of Casa Bonita. Photo: xnatedawgx
Opened in 1974, it’s considered one of the country’s top ten roadside attractions, located on the infamous Colfax Avenue. Even the building is magnificent, with its pink tower stretching 85 feet tall. The dome is 22-karat gold leaf and showcases a Quahuatomec statue, Aztec’s last emperor. The exterior fountain was sent in pieces from Mexico.
Inside your attention will be immediately drawn to the waterfall. It imitates the cliffs of Acapulco, 30 feet high and the pool below is 14 feet deep. In total there are over 30 attractions, large banquet areas and private dining spaces.
Highlights include gorillas, pirates and gunfights, as well as:
- 30 Foot High Waterfall
- Daring Cliff Divers
- Exciting Stage Shows and Muscians
- El Mercado Gift Shop
- Amusement Arcade
- Black Bart’s Cave
- Puppet Shows
the GREATEST SHOW in Denver
Dining at Casa Bonita
The real treat food-wise is the “all you can eat” sopapillas, which are fried bread served with honey. Before patrons are even given entry to the establishment’s main entertainment and seating area, they order their food first at a counter. In fact, no one can’t get in without buying a full meal, except those under 3 years of age.
Choices are limited between:
- All-You-Can-Eat Deluxe Dinner – Beef or Chicken
- #1 Casa Chilada Platter
- #2 Green Chile Burrito Platter
- #3 Enchilada and Taco Platter
- #4 Enchilada Platter
- #5 Chile Rellenos Platter
- Taco Salad
- Nacho Salad
- Fajitas! Fajitas! Fajitas!
- Fajitas! Grandes For One
- Country Fried Steak
- Fried Chicken Breast
Little amigos 12 and under can choose from:
- Pinata Plate (cheese enchilada, refried beans and rice)
- Pollo Plate (three fried chicken strips and French fries)
- Amigo Burger (grilled hamburger with cheese and French fries)
Taste the magic of Mexico!
Casa Bonita’s iconic tower. Photo: MisterHand
Details
Address: 6715 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO 80214, USA
Phone: 303-232-5115
Fare: Mexican
Website: casabonitadenver.com
