Casa Bonita Restaurant in Denver

Nobody goes to Casa Bonita for the food, which is mediocre at best, but the restaurant's entertainment makes it a favorite for kids. Cliff divers, mariachi players, and spooky caves ensure Casa Bonita gets high marks for family fun. If you're looking for something different to entertain out-of-town visitors, Casa Bonita will certainly make for a memorable evening.

Casa Bonita, which means "Beautiful House" in Spanish, has been a Denver institution since 1974. The pink stucco building at the corner of Colfax and Pierce features more than 52,000 square feet and can seat up to 1,100 guests at one time. The restaurant recreates a Mexican village at night in its spacious interior.

If possible, request a table near the cliff divers for the best view. The cliff divers dive off an artificial cliff into an artificial lagoon for a re-enactment of the Acapulco sport. Other entertainment while you dine is offered by flame jugglers, strolling mariachi players, and Mexican dancers. After dinner, children can scamper through the caverns and caves, while adults can shop at the Gran Vista Casa El Mercado.

The menu is mediocre at best, featuring uninspired Tex-Mex choices such as tacos, enchiladas and refried beans. The one exception is the sopapillas, which come free with any meal, and prove surprisingly edible. Sopapillas are fried dough served with honey as a Mexican dessert.

The menu, however, is the price of admission, so you are forced to order a meal. My honest recommendation would be to eat beforehand, but save room for dessert and fill up on the sopapillas. The house margarita, nicknamed the Casarita, is also passable.

The adult menu starts at $12.99, and the childrens' menu starts at $4.99 in 2013. The popular all-you-can-eat chicken or beef deluxe dinner is $14.49. Chips and salsa are included with each meal as an appetizer.

Service is efficient at Casa Bonita, especially considering the amount of visitors they serve each night. To order refills, simply raise the flag at your table and a waiter will oblige with more food.