We went to Casa Bonita 15 years ago without children and would like to take the kids for the experience on this trip to Denver. I have read that the food is not great, however we would still like to try it. Any tips on lessening the wait? Is it possible to request a specific area? (Last time we were in the splash zone at the bottom of the diving pool.) We are planning on going Sunday morning when they open.

Food is not the reason to go to Casa Bonita!! Request the area you want and they will seat you there if available. My kids liked the area around the pool to watch divers. Go on off-hours and on weekdays if possible--don't think you will have to wait too long. This is the off-season so that will help, too.

I went to Casa Bonita for the first time about 6 months ago and I've lived here since '89. We went with our nephews and it's definitly the only reason to really go. After hearing so much about how horrible the food was, I was surprised that it was better than I expected but definitly not good food. It's cafeteria style all the way, very generic, simplistic food and we went on a Friday night and the line was ridiculous. You may have better luck on a Sunday morning though. It's a landmark and I guess everyone should go once if you have kids to entertain. I think it's probably most appealing to kids under 10.

I agree mostly with the above posters, however I think that the guacamole is really pretty good, and the chile con queso on the big dinner is good too. The sopapilas are very good, fresh and warm. Other than that, the food could be characterized as "Good TV dinner quality." If you ask the greeter after you get your food, they will try to accomodate your seating request. Casa Bonita is a fun place to go with kids. You can eat there one night, and find another of the many especially fine mexican restaurants that are all over Denver for another night. Sunday before the church crowd is good, and between 4:30 and 5:00 good for dinner.

I just had to say that this thread has really brought back memories for me! I grew up in the Denver area and my parents took me to Casa Bonita on one of my birthdays. I loved the diving, but cried all the way through the skull thing at the back. Thanks for the flashback!

Oh, yeah...memory lane! As a kid I thought that this may well be the finest restaurant in the WORLD! It's pink, there's cliff divers, a scary cave, video games...what more could a kid want?

Funny...my husband and I went there for fun a few years back and the place just didn't seem to shine as brightly! I would most definitely bring kids there, though--what a fun experience!

P.S. Did anyone see the episode of South Park where they went to Casa Bonita for a birthday party...hilarious!