Casa Bonita!

Let me widen your knowledge by exposing you to the gem of my childhood: Casa Bonita. 

This place, this glorious and spectacular diamond in the heart of the ghetto was the place to be in the 1980's. It's in a questionable looking neighborhood, the food blows and I may have it built up in my mind because I still see it the same way I did when I was 5. Regardless, I'm still in love. 

The last time I visited was my 7th birthday, it's been 25 years almost to the day. So when my mom came for a visit this last weekend and asked where I wanted to go for my birthday dinner, the pink palace was of course the best option. 

The place looked identical as the image in my head from all those years before. It was surreal standing in line with my daughter waiting to order food as she played peek-a-boo with my hair.

We ate dinner and watched the shows that took place high above our table; cliff jumpers doing swan dives and flips from the 3 story tall water fall, comedy shows, and a gorilla running through the audience.

When a lady came through with glowing toys to offer, my mom bought the world's most annoying singing butterfly for Kalynn and Kalynn has had it turned on as loud as it goes ever since. Yes, thanks Mom.

Mesmerized.

This 4 story building has 3 arcades, a haunted tunnel,  an old time photo booth, puppet theaters, serenading mariachi bands and also can hold over 1000 people in separate theme related seating areas.

Walking through this eatertainment monstrosity, even if you're not participating in all the excitement, is still pretty cool because it's all decked out like an old Spanish villa.

So if you're in Denver, stop in for cheap crappy food and an evening that will change your kid's life forever. And even though you're in the middle of a run down neighborhood that looks like you may get shot, don't fret. The fried ice cream is totally worth it.