The Return Of Casa Bonita

With mere days away from the opening of the most anticipated restaurant in the Denver area, Casa Bonita is putting the finishing touches on what is to become the premiere tourist destination in the Mile High. After extensive renovations owners Trey Parker and Matt Stone are set to unveil what can only be described as “The Disneyland of Mexican Restaurants” the quote made famous by the South Park (S3/E11 2003) episode. We had a chance to take a sneak peak before it opens its doors to the public, and while somethings remain nostalgic improvements have been made to a majority of the restaraurant with a huge emphasis on efficiency, With over 4,000 guests a day expected to come through the doors, everything from a new kitchen built out to line management will make it one of the most seamless entertainment choices in our city. New owners didn’t spare no expense as they wanted to keep as much as the historic element of the venue while improving its outdated amenities.

The Holy Trinity of Matt Stone, Dana Rodriguez, and Trey Parker (Image courtesy of Casa Bonita)

Some things never change, The famous sopaipillas are back. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Known for live cliff divers jumping into a blue lagoon remain the same as do the world famous sopaipillas which are set to return. The biggest change will come in the form of food options as head chef Dana Rodriguez has completely taken over. The three time James Beard award winner (Super Mega Bien, Work &Class) has emphasized the “change nothing, improve everything” approach to the new menu. We got a tour of the newly built kitchen which will be responsible for feeding the masses, a window in which fresh made tortillas will capture the customers attention as they wait in line.

Below are some of the amazing dishes that will be available.

Taco Salad, Old Fashioned, Red Enchiladas, Margarita, I Wish You Mayahuel, Green Enchiladas, Christmas Enchiladas, Chips and Salsas Frescas, Camarones, Bee’s Knees, Paloma, and Mexican Firing Squad. (Images courtesy of Casa Bonita)

Divers launch themselves into the famous blue lagoon. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

A cultural institution in the Denver area since its opening in 1974, Casa Bonita will soon re-open to the public with limited dinner hours and there’s only one way to be among the first inside the newly restored restaurant - sign up at CasaBonitaDenver.com.

General Info courtesy of Casa Bonita

There will be no walk-ins. During this soft open period, guests will be selected exclusively from Casa Bonita’s email list. Full ticketing and pricing information coming soon! Trust us you won’t want to miss an opportunity to check this out.

The famous entry into Casa Bonita (Photo credit: Robert Castro)

About Casa Bonita:

Casa Bonita is located at 6715 West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood, Colorado. The 56,000 sq. ft. Mexican restaurant and immersive entertainment venue was first opened in 1974 by Bill Waugh and has been a popular tourist destination ever since. Casa Bonita was named a historic landmark in 2015 by the Lakewood Historical Society.

Matt Stone and Trey Parker Acquire Casa Bonita and Announce Culinary Partnership with Chef Dana Rodriguez

South Park creators and Colorado natives Matt Stone and Trey Parker have acquired Colorado’s beloved and iconic Casa Bonita restaurant.

The new owners today announced their partnership with award-winning chef and restaurateur, Dana Rodriguez, who will share her culinary talents in her role as Executive Chef of Casa Bonita. Rodriguez, a three-time James Beard award nominee, will oversee the kitchen redesign, new menu development and culinary team, promising a major overhaul of the culinary program that will “improve everything, but change nothing” in the storied restaurant.

Chihuahua, Mexico-born Rodriguez, known by the affectionate nickname “Loca,” is a well-known talent in the Colorado culinary world. Rodriguez started her career as a dishwasher, working her way up through the ranks of Denver’s top restaurants including Rioja and Bistro Vendome, eventually opening two restaurants of her own - Super Mega Bien and Work & Class - with a third concept - Cantina Loca - opening in late 2021. Along the way Rodriguez has garnered numerous local and national awards.

“This is a dream come true,” says Rodriguez. “Casa Bonita means so much to so many people here in Denver. I’m excited to work with Trey and Matt and reimagine the culinary program; I want to make sure this is a place where people will look forward to eating, drinking, spending time and bringing friends, family and visitors.”

For more information about Casa Bonita, please visit CasaBonitaDenver.com.