Casa Bonita Documentary to Debut in Denver: The Iconic Restaurant’s Revival Captured on Film
Casa Bonita, the legendary Mexican restaurant known for its indoor waterfall, cliff divers, and haunted caves, has been a beloved destination for both Colorado locals and visitors since it opened in 1974. Often described as the “Disneyland of Mexican restaurants,” Casa Bonita’s story took a dramatic turn when it filed for bankruptcy in 2021.
However, the restaurant’s legacy was saved by two of Colorado’s most famous exports—“South Park” creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker. Longtime fans of the restaurant, the duo couldn’t bear to see Casa Bonita close its doors for good. They took over ownership and embarked on a mission to restore the iconic eatery.
Now, their journey is the subject of a new documentary titled “Casa Bonita Mi Amor!” The first trailer for the film has been released, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of bringing Casa Bonita back to life.
“When you grow up in Colorado, you just remember how awesome it was,” Stone reminisces in the trailer. Parker adds, “When I was a kid, it was a dream that one day I could own Casa Bonita.”
The documentary captures the highs and lows of their journey. The trailer begins with scenes of joy, showing the pair celebrating their acquisition and patrons enjoying the restaurant’s attractions. But the mood shifts as the camera reveals the extensive damage inside the building, including rotten floorboards, broken glass, and pigeons roaming the premises. When asked if there was a chance Casa Bonita might never reopen, Parker somberly admits, “Yeah, there is.”
“Casa Bonita Mi Amor!” will have its theatrical premiere on September 6 in Denver at the Alamo Sloans Lake. The documentary will then be shown nationally on September 13 in select major cities, including New York and Los Angeles. For those unable to catch it in theaters, the film will be available on Paramount+ later this fall.
