Casa Bonita Celebrates 50 Years as “Disneyland of Mexican Restaurants”
Written by: Norma Goodman
Casa Bonita, a beloved and iconic destination in Colorado, is celebrating its 50th birthday, marking half a century of unforgettable memories for Denver residents and visitors. This wondrous pink palace has been the backdrop for countless birthday parties and special occasions, where imaginations run wild, and where anything seems possible.
While the exact date of Casa Bonita's 50th anniversary remains somewhat of a mystery, the restaurant's website states that it debuted on March 27, 1974.
While memories maybe a little fuzzy when it comes to the precise day. An article published in The Denver Post on July 2, 1974, cited March 25 as the opening date. The now-defunct Jefferson Sentinel also confirmed this date in an article published on March 28, 1974, mentioning that the restaurant opened three days prior on a Monday, which aligns with March 25.
Courtesy of Casa Bonita
Regardless of the exact date, one thing is certain, getting a table at Casa Bonita is nearly impossible. Since the creators of "South Park" purchased, restored, and reopened the pink palace almost a year ago, the lottery waitlist has grown to an astonishing 400,000 to 600,000 people, as reported by Denver 7. Even after nine months since its reopening, the demand for a table at Casa Bonita shows no signs of slowing down.
Chef Rodriguez, in an interview with Denver 7, revealed that on an average day, the kitchen prepares 200 pounds of dough, which is then fried into approximately 2,500 sopapillas. The culinary team works tirelessly to satisfy the appetites of Casa Bonita's enthusiastic patrons.
The episode was written by series co-creator Trey Parker. The inclusion of Casa Bonita was based on the crew's memories of going there as children; Parker, co-creator Matt Stone, director Eric Stough, and other members of the show's staff had visited the restaurant before. WATCH THE EPISODE
Casa Bonita's fame exploded when it was featured on an episode of "South Park" titled "Casa Bonita," which aired on November 12, 2003.
In the episode, Kyle Broflovski plans to celebrate his birthday at Casa Bonita and can invite three friends. When Eric Cartman is initially left off the guest list, he resorts to locking Butters in an underground bunker to secure his spot. Cartman indulges in all the signature Casa Bonita activities in rapid succession before being escorted out by the police.
This "South Park" episode quickly became a cult classic, further solidifying Casa Bonita's status as a pop culture phenomenon.
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One of the restaurant's standout features is a 30-foot waterfall modeled after the cliffs of Acapulco, Mexico. According to The Denver Post, the waterfall pumps an astonishing 26,427,000 gallons of water per year into a 14-foot-deep pool, where cliff divers and actors perform during the shows, adding to the immersive experience.
As Casa Bonita reaches this significant milestone, Denver residents and visitors reflect on the countless memories created within its vibrant walls. From the enchanting atmosphere to the delectable cuisine, Casa Bonita continues to captivate generations with its unique charm and enduring legacy.
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