Have you been here? Do you have childhood memories of how amazing this place it? Do you have no idea what Casa Bonita is? Or, did you watch South Park and think this place was just made up?
Well, it's a real place. It's in Denver (there's on in Tulsa, too, I think). The food is t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e but the atmosphere is fun and it's great when you're a kid. Cliffs and caves, a waterfall with divers, Black Bart the Bandit and the Sherif "duels," Black Bart's cave, puppet shows, mariachi bands, SkiBall, and an unmistakeable aroma of chlorine and sopapillas, Casa Bonita provides entertainment for the whole family. And you signal your waitperson with a raising/lowering flag on your table.
The outside pink stucco sets the stage for the inside décor (vintage Mexico), and as you weave your way through the cafeteria style line, you know it's going to be fun. Not yummy, but fun (you have to order food to enter). Re-visiting Black Bart's cave as an adult, I must admit that I remember it being scarier (duh), but it was still fun to see again. I'm sure the heart used to beat and light up.
If you've never been, I suggest going with kids, or going with someone you want to share part of your childhood with. Just be sure to eat a snack before you go.
