Casa Bonita
Rob and Rachel signed up for a reservation for four to Casa Bonita in Denver over a year and a half ago. A few weeks back, they got the email that they could finally fulfill that reservation. Rob had mentioned it to Travis and I after he’d originally submitted their names, and we both said we were committed to joining when he received the green light.
So, that’s what we did. We went to Denver for lunch at a Mexican restaurant that shares its DNA with Disneyland.
Of course I watched the documentary about the place before we went. The history, the renovation, the new lease on life it received as a result of the two creators of South Park, etc. All of it was fascinating, and seeing two rich dudes dump an endless amount of money into a passion project they know will never be profitable was both satisfying and endearing.
One major thing they improved with this new iteration of Casa Bonita was the food. I had the brisket nachos—they were exactly what I’d expect from a place like this. After we fulfilled our hour and fifteen minute dining spot, we wandered around the enormous space taking in all the decor and entertainment. It’s honestly too much to recount here, and I won’t do it justice anyway. It’s just a wild, wonderful place with cliff divers, singing puppets, warm and inviting caves, over-the-top live performances, and false streets that feel real among many other things. All of it stands in stark contrast to reality; leaving the safe, colorful, fantasy world of Casa Bonita and stepping back into an overcast afternoon on Colfax Street in Denver was lightly depressing.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit Casa Bonita, please go. It’s an experience unlike many others.