According to Empower Field, Ed Sheeran’s recent Denver performance drew a record breaking single-night audience of 85,233 fans. You might assume he would celebrate by indulging in some of Denver’s high-end dining options. But instead, Sheeran went to Casa Bonita.
In a video posted for his 45.2 million Instagram followers, Sheeran highlighted his night at Casa Bonita, including clips from South Park and the caption, “When in Colorado, Casa Bonita is a must.”
South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone purchased Casa Bonita in 2021. After extensive renovations and improvements, including repainting the exterior of the building with over 300 gallons of custom-blend pink paint and a collaboration with six-time James Beard award nominee Executive Chef Dana Rodriguez to revamp, improve and elevate the restaurant’s menu, a new-but-still-nostaligia-inducing dining and entertainment experience has emerged.
Still on the menu: enchiladas, chips and salsa, tacos and the famous Casa Bonita sopapillas. Still entertaining: cliff divers, Black Bart’s Cave, mariachi bands and a wandering gorilla.
Casa Bonita’s general information fact sheet describes the restaurant as “A cultural institution in the Denver area since its opening in 1974, Casa Bonita, under new ownership, is proud to open with a refreshed look and feel and a brand new culinary team. While maintaining the magical ability to transport guests back in time to 1970s Mexico, Casa Bonita provides an unmatched experience that includes live music, shows, games and memories that will last a lifetime.”
So, whether you’re a Colorado native with vivid pink-tinged memories from the decades before its 2020 closing or a South Park fan that didn’t even realize Casa Bonita exists in reality, Sheeran's caption still rings true, Casa Bonita is a must.
Currently, Casa Bonita is open with limited dining hours. Guest reservations are pulled exclusively from Casa Bonita’s email list. Enter your email for a chance to enjoy the Casa Bonita experience at CasaBonitaDenver.com.
In addition to photography provided by Casa Bonita, images were provided by Mira Brand Photography. Brand is a Castle Pines based wildlife and outdoor photographer. See more of her work @mirabrandphotography.
