If you are a long time reader of Only in Colorado, you know that I sometimes complain about Casa Bonita… okay, okay, I’ll admit it; I complain A LOT about the mega restaurant and its atrocious food. However, despite its inedible fare and obnoxious line to even receive a tray of said slop, it is still one of the most unique restaurants in America for a number of reasons. Let’s check it out:

Opened in 1974, Casa Bonita is a massive 52,000 square foot Mexican restaurant that seats a whopping 1,100 patrons and showcases a number of unique architectural features such as the recognizable 85-foot-tall pink tower…

Flickr/Ian Collins

…which is complete with a 22-karat gold leaf dome at the top…

Flickr/Alan Brown

..and a gorgeous fountain that was actually shipped in from Mexico!

Yelp/Ben C. Since the food isn’t authentic, at least the exterior decor is… right?

After making it through an infuriating one-hour-long line, you will find yourself inside a surprising wonderland full of fun decoration and memorable attractions.

Casa Bonita Denver Facebook

While the food here may not be gourmet in the least, this restaurant offers more than just a meal! After pretending to eat your entree (and eating your weight the complimentary sopapillas), it is time for your adventure start! But where do you begin?

Yelp/Nicole C.

You start with a bizarre (albeit extremely entertaining) show…

Yelp/Mike B.

…(Psst… the pièce de résistance of said show are the cliff divers!)…

Yelp/Natalie M.

…followed by a haunted tour of Black Bart’s Cave…

Yelp/Elba F.

…and capped off with a romp in the restaurant’s large arcade!

Flickr/Ian Collins

Casa Bonita is located at 6715 W Colfax Ave. in Lakewood and is open Sundays through Thursdays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. For more information, please visit Casa Bonita’s website.

Yelp/Lisa W.

For even more Casa Bonita humor, check out 19 Undeniable Thoughts Every Coloradan Has When Eating At Casa Bonita.

Flickr/Ian Collins

Flickr/Alan Brown

Yelp/Ben C.

Since the food isn’t authentic, at least the exterior decor is… right?

Casa Bonita Denver Facebook

Yelp/Nicole C.

Yelp/Mike B.

Yelp/Natalie M.

Yelp/Elba F.

Yelp/Lisa W.

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