Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 12, 2024 3:01 am GMT
Casa Bonita, the beloved Mexican restaurant in Lakewood, Colorado, is officially welcoming back diners with a highly anticipated reopening that begins on October 1, 2023. After a year and a half of soft openings primarily reserved for lottery winners, the iconic eatery, famous for its vibrant environment and eclectic attractions, is ready to open its doors to the general public.
Reservation System Changes
As of September 16, 2023, at 3 PM MT, the restaurant began accepting online reservations at casabonitadenver.com. Customers can now secure a table online, with the first available dining date set for October 1.
- Reservations will be available through the month of October and extend into November.
- The restaurant requires that every party member orders a meal, though the previous prepaid ticket system has been eliminated to allow for a more traditional dining experience.
In addition to opening reservations to the public, Casa Bonita has already engaged a loyal base of diners through its newsletter. Those who registered over the past year have been invited to join a Founders Club that grants them priority reservation access. This select group can begin booking at 9 AM on September 16.
What to Expect at Casa Bonita
Casa Bonita is not just about the food; it features a host of unique attractions that set it apart from typical dining establishments.
- Diverse Menu Offerings:
– Entrees on the menu are uniformly priced, with options at $29.99 for lunch and $39.99 for dinner.
– Kids’ meals are priced at $19.99 during lunch and $24.99 during dinner.
– The meal price includes complimentary chips and salsa, a round of sopapillas, and soft drinks; additional costs apply for desserts and alcoholic beverages.
- Attractions and Activities:
– Diners can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including indoor cliff diving shows, puppet performances, a treasure hunt in Black Bart’s Cave, arcade games, and live mariachi music.
– The restaurant’s environment aims to provide an immersive experience for all ages, recalling the nostalgic fantasy of childhood adventures.
Menu Highlights
For those uncertain about what to order, both Matt Stone and Trey Parker have shared their favorite items:
- Parker’s Choice: Christmas enchiladas
- Stone’s Favorite: Taco salad
- Staff Favorite: Beef suadero, featuring beef brisket topped with green chile
Reservation Tips
Given Casa Bonita’s popularity, securing a spot may be competitive. Here are some tips for prospective diners:
- Book in Small Groups: The restaurant’s layout is primarily designed for smaller tables. Reservations for two to four people will likely have more available slots than larger groups.
- Join the Founders Club: If you signed up for the newsletter in the past year, activate your Founders Club membership for early access to reservations.
- Monitor Regular Openings: While exact dates for new reservations have yet to be announced, expect them to open up regularly to accommodate the steady demand.
Community Response and Anticipation
The reopening of Casa Bonita has generated considerable excitement among local residents and fans from afar. In recent statements, Stone and Parker noted the challenges of managing a venue with such extensive logistics. They shared that Casa Bonita has served over 500,000 diners during its beta-testing phase, receiving about 11,000 to 12,000 guests weekly.
“What began as a childhood dream is now becoming a reality,” Parker said, reflecting on the unique combination of nostalgia and family fun that Casa Bonita encapsulates.
Casa Bonita is back, and both old fans and new visitors are excited to enjoy a special part of Denver’s culture again. Everyone is really looking forward to it, and the team at Casa Bonita is prepared to give you a great time while you eat. Make sure to book your table early so you don’t miss out on this famous place reopening!
