Casa Bonita Review

Food isn't bad at all, but man, the atmosphere is amazing and makes you feel like a kid again. I want to take everyone there when they come to visit!

The food was terrible, and very expensive. The taco salad had huge chunks of bad lettuce. We had good seats right next to the waterfall with was very cool, but... The shows were bad, you couldn't understand what they were saying, they acted like they were in a hurry to be done. The only thing going for the kids was the arcade, they wanted to go through the cave, but there was a sign on it "closed for cleaning, re open in 10 minutes" so we waited 15, then we went to ask a manager, he informed us that they had painted, and that bit would not re open for an hour... Very disappointing! We won't go there again!

Enjoyed the fun, however the food isn't nearly edible. Soda flat. Lemonade tastes like water. Food for 4 people was $81. The Old Time photos are extremely poor quality for $42. But, the caricature guy...EXCELLENT for $36!

One star was required to post. Do yourself a favor and wreck the car on the way here. Trust me it ll be a much better experience! When my check came I about died. I can not believe I waited in that line for 1.5 hours to get a bill for a college education. If you come anyway don t say I didn t warn you.

It's worth doing once for the novelty factor. Food is horrible, I mean really really horrible, and it is expensive. You can pay a $10 entry fee if you do not want to eat. Anything else you purchase such as drinks or what not are deducted from the $10 entry so just pay the fee, order som soppapillas (because it's hard to screw up fried bread with honey on top) and a drink and then you don't have to choke down a $17 plate of garbage. There is a special Cartman (southpark) table you can reserve. Set your expectations low and enjoy the kitschiness of it. The air-conditioning is pretty bad and often broken so be prepared if it is a hot summer day.

Food was nasty and cold they raised the price yet again so for 3 people it was $85. And after getting the 3rd basket of raw sopapillas (not eaten because raw dough can make you ill and the manager was standing at the bar the entire time we were there, the 2 hours there we saw 1 gun fight dive and this was on a Friday night. I've been going there for over 30 plus years and won't go back the management and owners should be ashamed of themselves for letting it get so bad

You can't hate this! Food is okay, divers and actors are high school swim and drama club, and games sometimes fail in your favor!

This restaurant is family fun as at its finest! I have been coming here for 30 years and I still love it just as much now as I did when I was a kid! The food is not gourmet by any means, and the whole "heat lamp over your food to keep it warm until you get down to that part of the line," is a little gross. but in all honesty, you don't go here for the food. You go here for the experience! From people diving off of waterfalls to caricatures and old timey photos to an arcade and Black Bart's cave. We brought my nine year old neice for the first time that she'll remember it and she had a blast!

The floor was flithy, but we found the food pretty good.

It is an experience but the "entertainment" was very corny bordering on annoying. The game room is 20years old and many of the games were broken. We paid over $50 for 2adults and 1 child to eat and the food was not great. Lacking any flavor at all. We won't be going back or recommending it to anyone.

We are from out of town(NC) and have heard about this being the last restaurant of this chain and it was famous for atmosphere and cliff divers, etc. While the food is just ok, the mariachi band, divers, shows, arcade, jail photo booth, and black Bart's hideout where great, especially for the children in our group. It's a fun place to do at least once.....and if you live in Denver, maybe occasionally. We had a fun evening!

If you have kids this place is a MUST!
I have been visiting this place since i was a kid and now i bring my kids! You don't come for the food (but it isn't bad) you come for the fun and to be transported to another world! Between the cliff diving and caves to explore you have fun shops and games with puppet shows and more! Don't ruin the experience by expecting fine dining and linen table cloths, this place is about having fun and letting the kids (including the one inside) run around!

Loved this place when we were younger. Got to enjoy taking the kids for some cheap decent food, and fun activities. They had fun with all the games, divers, puppet shows, and secret paths through out!

Not. A. Fan. Nope. Have no idea how this place passes their health inspection. It smells like mold and needs a deep cleaning. I'm not a picky person and went in knowing the food was bad. I was excited to take my kids because everyone says its a CO institution.

It has a Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean vibe when you walk in and it just keeps going and going and going. The place is huge! Multi tiers and levels. You will not run out of things to look at but the place is gross. We joked that we could hide a chip in the cliffs by the waterfall and make bets on if it would be there in 5 years. I say yes. Yes it would.

The food is not good. My hubby didn't make it out before a bathroom run. The kids thought it was entertaining but also said the whole place stunk of chlorine and mold. Just what you want to smell while eating An $80 meal for bad Mexican food. We will NEVER go back.

I had about 1/4 of the deluxe chicken plate before I had it taken away. I couldn't eat any more. It was just bad. Scenery was unique, but didn't make up for the quality of the food. Unlimited sopapillas and honey = everything is sticky. I won't be going back.

Has gone down hill some needs to be updated. Food still sucks

Went on a trip up in November before Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed it, I ate at some of the trendy restaurants but this place was a fun filled tourist attraction. I was a bit cautious on the food but it was well cooked and when in doubt eat more cheese. But I enjoyed the entertainment with the cliff diving. I also enjoyed being able to walk around and see all the areas and the game room was set up for halloween. Please support this Denver landmark. It's great for kids and bringing large families. I wish they use that theatre room to get a band and have singing waitstaff like in Chattanoga before that restaurant closed. I can get trendy anywhere these days but I can't get entertainment quite like Casa Bonita just anywhere.

Mainstay of Denver. Food isn't terrible despite what you've heard. The shows are definitely for the kiddos. The building, however, it's amazing. Just walking around it is neat. Plenty of cool places to explore.

This is the restaurant equivalent of going Disney World.

When you come here come for the entertainment!! Its worth the wait and inside the restaurant is unbelievable! Its like a little Mexican village. You really have to walk around to see everything inside. Its a fun place and I want to go back. The food isn't great but it also isn't horrible. It reminded me of a cheap Mexican meal but with better refried beans. Their refried beans aren't crazy watered down with no flavor like I've had at many other Mexican restaurants. The staff was great and friendly. Honestly, overall, this place was fun and enjoyable. If it wasn't a 20 hour drive from where I live I'd be there again this weekend.

While I'm sure in the past this was a fun place to go, time has not been kind to Casa Bonita. I'm sure south park is what brings the majority of people here and the ambiance is decent but the food is not. The Mexican food offered at best case not even be called mediocre. Got for the show not for the food. Arcade is pretty horrible too, half the games are broken and the other half don't work properly.

This place hasnt changed much since it opened. If you seen the South Park episode on Casa Bonita you know what it is about. You dont go there for the food, even though it has improved quite a bit and they have Margaritas and fried ice cream now. Also more entree choices. They still have ski ball machines(I think that is what they are called) in the arcade. Because is unique, they have amazing cliff divers, cute shows, Black Barts Cave, and someone running around in a gorilla costume this is a must go for everyone at least one time. Also this is one of my favorite personal birthday places to celebrate my birthday! They have tour buses that come here all the time.

I dont think words can describe this place. Absolutely wonderful! You really need to see this to understand. Beatifully decorated, things going on all the time. (Live music, diving from waterfall, "gun shootout" show. So many different "themed" dining areas. And great food!! If i could give 10 stars..i would!! (Sorry..i know my pictures arent the best...)

Fun experience, but food is expensive and the place could handle a deep clean. Sophapias always hit the spot though.

Great food .......long waiting line......get there early or on a week day......food is good....

This iconic restaurant is the perfect place for a fun first date, family outing or to bring out of towners. It's like a modern dinner theater with a twist. Aside from the famous diving show there is so much more to see. From haunted caves to arcades this place has it all. On the luckiest kids get have a birthday party here. The food isn't great but there are safe two options to go with in my book, which are chili reanos or the fajitas. The sopapillas are endless and are served with honey. If you are a South Park fan then be sure to keep an eye out for all your favorite characters. If you are visiting from out of town I would consider this a must go.

Took my daughter here today for her fourth birthday and was amazing! I am a native and for my family it's a tradition and I really appreciate how much they do for this place. Better food than buffets but limited menu yes however u get live entertainment every 15 mins puppet shows hourly an arcade great views! This is truthfully Colorado heritage!!

Very nostalgic, we visit every trip to Denver. Have to go if you have never been. Great for kids

Ugghh, the food. I would gladly pay just to walk through but NOT eat the food!! And btw, on line website states meals are $12.99 but when you get there the menu has stickers over the prices and it's really $15.55.

Took 61 Kindergarteners & their family members. It was slow in initial service, but perfect after we got our food. Great & fun experience. The fun outweighed the wait.

Pretty cool, fun place. Especially for kids but fun for adults too. Entertaining to watch the shows, check out the gift shop, and play games. Would be a great place to open a restaraunt.

Definitely a fun place to take the kids. The shows are good the kids enjoyed it my only problem is the food is not good. And it is way overpriced. But great service

The food, is fine. But the entire experience is more than 5 stars! It is as ridiculous as it is fun.

Cheesy fun. Hasn't changed since I went there as a kid. Cliff diving, mariachi, decent food, arcade, gift shop, funny portraits, pirates, treasure chests, pinatas, pistoleres, and sombreros. Stereotypical old school political incorrectness. Ha! It was a hoot!

This place is fun! From walking in the door to trying to find your way out. It is fun. We ordered the all you can eat. I was pretty full after the first plate though. The divers were entertaining for the kids, the arcade was fun, my kids went to the spooky cave again and again. It was a bit loud. I was shocked at how big the place was and how much of a unique atmosphere it has.

Kids had a blast. Generous portions and food was good. The show is a little hokey but again kids enjoyed it. The arcade equipment is dated and well used, could use an update. It was worth the stop.

Food horrible, tables and chairs were gross and sticky.

The food is 3/5 at best. You're paying for the atmosphere and the entertainment. The decoration is nearly the level of a queue line at Disney. As I write this a guy is driving from 30 ft through a waterfall right next to me. On busy nights there is a live mariachi band. But right now there's 80s rock music... And it's insanely aggravating.

I would no stars but it wouldnt let me...if you're after non flavored food and cheese that comes from a can then this is your place!

My friend from Texas is in town so my boyfriend and I took him to Casa Bonita with high expectations. Knowing the food isn't great, we ate before coming. I wasn't aware that you HAVE to buy an entree in order to get in. We were just wanting drinks and sopapillas. Instead, we had to order an entree for EACH person. Cheapest was $14.00+. We weren't carded for our drinks; luckily we are all exactly 21. I wouldn't mind an admission price, but I didn't appreciate paying for three meals that we didn't even want. We figured we could still least save our meals for later or save them for a homeless person. NOPE. When we asked for to-go boxes, we were given three sheets of tinfoil. Didn't even bother attempting to deal with the mess that would have ensured. Still a cool building, but NOT worth the $70+ we ended up spending.

Double check your schedule before considering this place. We spend 45 min in a line to get in on a Sunday - sadly the food didn t make up the time we spend in the line neither.
I add 2 extra stars because of the attractions for the kids and the performers. But my experience was barely 1 star.

I guess good for ppl who haven't came here, but its still the same acts/cliff diving while dining as it was 30 yrs ago. Good for kids. Foods not the best

I'm a Colorado native - I've been to Casa Bonita many times, unfortunately, and honestly I'm still amazed they are still open. Mediocre mexican food that is served cafeteria style. You have to carry your tray to whatever table you are directed to. Mediocre entertainment. Decent sopapillias. But locals like myself feel the need to bring out of state family or friends here for some reason. It's like some sort of strange comfort food/place. And apparently there is enough tourist business, probably from South Park, to keep it going.

By the way, it is literally in a strip mall folks. (if you have seen the South Park episode) That alone should be your first clue.

**NO!** Just No! I'm not prone to exaggeration when it comes to reviews. So when I tell you this was among the worst restaurant experiences of my life, I mean it.

We had high expectations after reading about the attractions of this place, and traveled from Houston with this high on our list of things to do. But from the moment we arrived, we were treated like cattle.

Despite the fact there was no line, when we tried to inquire about the process with the first person we encountered, we were meet with what I can only describe as disdain. We were actually bothering this guy!

We were then herded into a long queue that wound around the building, only to encounter THE SAME GUY! We had to place an order, then go stand in line with a tray to pick up our own food. - Mind you, the prices are NOT self serve prices!

After picking up a huge tray of food, we had to pick up a drink from a lady whose sanitary gloves we're pierced on every finger by her disgusting nails, which she proceeded to dip into the ice with the cup prior to filling.

Next, each guest, including the CHILDREN were required to carry their own trays across the restaurant, to wait in a line to be taken to a table, to be herded across the restaurant again, and even up stairs! The stairs we're even labeled to "Hold the Handrail" despite the fact that's impossible.

Meanwhile, the entire time we were there we didn't encounter A SINGLE friendly employee. No one smiled, cared, or helped in any way.

The food was disgusting. The soft drinks were just off. There was nothing of any socially redeeming value whatsoever.

We even tried to solicit the assistance of a manager, but we're told THERE IS NO MANAGER.

Bottom line: Don't go here! You're presence will only annoy the employees. Plus you'll eat food that tastes like it came from the nearby Mexican restaurant's dumpster, and overpay for the privilege of being abused.

More hype than its worth. Stood in line for 1 hr 20.mins for some flavorless Mexican food. $140 for 6 adults and 2 kids. Couldn't sit our party together so we were awkwardly split up. The show was impossible to understand, very poorly done and you cant see the show from all points of the restuarant. Blehhh went for the experience but wont be back. Below is a picture of my bland food and the "view" of the stage. Waiter was good though

Casa Bonita, please I beg you, come back to Tulsa! We love you!!! Lol My boyfriend and I went on my 30th birthday while on vacation and it was everything I could've wish for! It was exciting to see the divers and hear the live band play, I felt like kid again!

Kids loved it and the food still tastes the same since the last time I was there a decade ago

It's been years since I had come here and my husband has never been despite living in Colorado for his whole life. We wanted to get some drinks here so he could experience the ambiance without having to eat the infamously horrible food but found you cannot get in without buying a meal first!!! We had already eaten so that wasn't an option. Super disappointing to drive all the way there to have to go somewhere else.

Such a trap... Smelly and warm due to indoor venting of cooking steam. Seriously terrible food-- people are not joking.

The food is absolutely disgusting, except for the sopapillas. but after you get past that endeavor there's lots of places to discover here and hidden tables. It's a hoot of a time to go with friends and screw around as much as possible.

This has been a favorite place of our family for three generations now! There is so much to see and do here, that you could easily spend hours here and still have more to enjoy on your next visit. Make sure you take time to walk around the entire restaurant, there are beautiful areas to see all around. There are quite a few food choices and you need to ignore the "common" reviews that people say the food is horrible. The food is good and fits the expectation you should have in a restaurant like this.

Awesome, have to go everytime we go to Colorado, love the food and entertainment.

Terrible food and it's very overpriced.. can't even taste alcohol in the margaritas

Experience was awesome. The place is huge!! Different themed dining areas. A must place to go with kids. Food wasn't great though! A diving show and short skits while eating!

Not as good as I remembered. I went here as a kid and decided to take my kids. I don't remember the food being that bad (it was borderline inedible - everything was cold). The atmosphere was cheesy but fun. MESSAGE TO MANAGEMENT: GET BETTER FOOD BEFORE YOU KILL THIS EXPERIENCE. Taco Bell is WAY better dining.

Place brings back so many good memories! When I was a kid my parents took me here when we spent the summer in the Denver area, I have been in love with Colorado since. I work for a major airline so when I saw an opening to make Denver my hub I took the opportunity! Anyway the restaurant, my girlfriend had a few days in the city (flight attendant) I took her here to share some of my childhood and since she says I m still a child at heart haha we had a great time, the waitress was adorable! She bonded with my girlfriend, which makes a good server making a personal connection to your guests. The food was good also of course not the best Mexican food but for a former chain it s great. I think people have this crazy expectation? The show was cute. Brought back great memories! Girlfriend fell in love with the Denver area also and is waiting to transfer here also!

Love love love!!! Every time I m in Denver we go here! The food is good. The entertainment is great! My son and niece love it here!

Food has gotten much better. I love their sopapillas.

If I could give Zero Stars, I would! It tasted like the smell of dog food. That is not food. I Will NEVER GO BACK!!!!

The food wasn't really that great for as much as it cost! And by the time you get to your table you food isn't that hot! And it was really stuffy sitting behind the water fall!

Good experience. Food was not the best. I wouldn't go back again unless I have kids with. Also won't do Mexican. Burger and fingers looked good.

Great place for fun but if you have allergies to cheese, nuts, or really anything else; they are not able to take off or replace anything on the platters. Which is very upsetting.Thankfully, I was conversating with the waiter about it and he was nice enough to double my order with no cheese.

The food is good. It's not expensive. My husband and I had fajitas for two and fried ice cream for a total of $36. We almost skipped this stop because of the reviews which were completely wrong. Go here it's the best!

Givingc3 stars as the food is not nearly as good as it was when I was in high school in the 80s something is different last time I went there one year ago my stomach hurt for 3 days and Thame fast of food was not as I remember there still good just not as good as they used to be Nd the prices are watmy to hivh

Kinda amazing been open so long! The food is not good at all. But the entertainment if the cliff divers is really cool, and a must see for the kids!

You're not paying for the food, you're paying for the experience. Is it worth it? Definitely.

The line looked long and out the door but we had our food and sat down with a group of 17, on a Friday night in 30 minutes. Not bad at all. The night was fun. The kids and adults all had fun!!! We had a great time.

Great atmosphere. Food was way better than expected.

Ah, Casa Bonita! It takes me back to seven-year-old birthday parties...the food still makes my stomach hurt, and the mariachi band no longer roams. Other than that, the place has not changed a bit over the years and still delights all children and temporarily enchants adults. I have to admit I just love everything about it, especially the fact that it never changes. Tonight I told my daughter the ceiling was painted black to look like the night sky in Mexico and felt like I was sitting on the beach listening to the waves roll in. But that was just the waterfall, and I didn't have a margarita because it was Thursday night. Still, a trip to Casa Bonita is always an experience and not to be missed.

The food wasn't the best but the atmosphere was amazing. I would definitely go back just for that and the arcade!

Casa Bonita isn't somewhere I go for the food, but I've taken the kids in my life and they love it. They're mesmerized by the performers and love the atmosphere and that experience is why I seem to end up there every few years. If your visiting or have kids it's worth taking them to this landmark.

Food was horrible, service was horrible. We had to wait on enchiladas for about 30 minutes. My grandson got a burger and fries so of course he was through eating well before we got our food, but there was only 5 or 6 fries on his plate. Had to ask for chips and salsa twice finally got them after we were through eating and that's after waiting 30 min to get our food. The atmosphere was great. Kids loved the arcade. Price was very unreasonable for the awful tasting food . We were traveling through on vacation don't recommend it at all. And they weren't that busy cause we got there about 430 on a Thursday.

Casa Bonita is one of those places you go for the experience and not for the food. It's a fun little pocket universe hiding inside a strip mall. The food isn't great, but it is unlimited. The sopapillas are a delicious dessert, and they are also unlimited. This is a great place to go with friends and family, it is not the sort of place you go for a business lunch.

Neat place, go for the experience food was not good, tasted like tv dinner

Fun with kids. Tacos are average fare. Stay away from the cheese enchiladas though. Just queso cheese and tortilla.

Don't care what anyone says .love this place and the good has improved over the yesrs

Over priced for quality of food but interesting floor show

I have been going there for as long as they have been in business and still enjoy special occasions with family. Always a treat to bring someone new to the facility.

Entertainment great. The food could use some upgrades!

We've been here a handful of times. The food isn't horrible but isn't anything special either. The games shows and activities for the younger kids is the draw. My 7,6, and 5 year old children have had a blast each time we've visited.

Food still average but the place itself is incredible inside so allow time to enjoy walking around inside and enjoying it... very cool!! Plus the diving is fun!

I hoped after 20 years the food would be better and service would be emaculate. It turned out worse and I am not sure I will be back.

Love the place, always have, but the price has jumped ridiculously

What can you say about case Bonita that has not been said by better or more eloquent than I. It is a mecca to the disneyland-esqe pictures of Mexico and Romancing the Stone. Wonderful for everything except the food. I have always had an adventure with stories to remember from CB, not all good, but all good stories.

The food was so bad I literally thought I had been poisoned. And this is coming from someone who has lived in Colorado since birth. It seems like they find a way to improve upon the crappiness of their food every year. It is gotten to a point where I actually don't understand how they can make Mexican food that bad. It seems like making it good would actually be easier.

The food was trash and I rather eat out of a trash can

Great experience, please improve your food! It s almost ok. 20 years ago it was great.
Thanks

So I read a lot of people on here talking about the food and what not. Casa Bonita is not about luxurious food or the ultimate Mexican experience. But a part of the culture of Colorado. Not only has this restaurant remained open aside for little break but it's an experience that no one will believe. If I told you that Casa Bonita was a restaurant that had a cave, cliff diving, waterfall you would most likely tell me I was a lier. So I give it 5 stars for the atmosphere and experience. Great for kids and anyone in your family who has never been to Colorado.

South Park encouraged me to go while on vacation lol

Great place for family-friendly fun, and good food too!

For a place of business, a place that hosts ederly and children....every thing here is nearly visibly dirty. The food is way over priced for the quality. The place is run down and in major need of an makeover. Broken games that havent been fixed for years, booths being held together by tape....its sad to see a place i loved as a kid turn into a nightmare.

You don't pay for the food when you come here, you pay for the surprisingly great atmosphere and staff