For over a year, those who wanted to get a glimpse inside the newly renovated Casa Bonita in Lakewood had to win the lottery. While receiving an exclusive dinner invitation at the iconic Mexican restaurant wasn’t quite as bad as winning the Powerball, the odds of being selected in the Casa Bonita lottery system weren’t exactly in their favor.

Hundreds of thousands of people who signed up in hopes of an invitation are still on the waiting list, making the restaurant one of Denver’s most exclusive dining destinations.

That’s all about to change. After decades of requiring no-reservation dining, the popular eatery nicknamed the “Disneyland of Mexican restaurants” – famous for its cliff divers, immersive theme park atmosphere and, most recently, its new ownership by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone – will now accept reservations for the first time in its history.

Starting September 16 at 3pm, guests will be able to book their visits in advance through the restaurant’s website. These visits are expected to begin on October 1.

According to the website, the restaurant plans to announce further changes based on guest feedback as they are rolled out. Since reopening in June 2023, guests will no longer be required to pay for their food before entering the dining area, but will instead receive table service.

The dining service without prior reservation is still not available.

Parker and Stone officially purchased Casa Bonita in September 2021. The purchase came after the restaurant filed for bankruptcy in 2020 due to financial difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The couple, longtime fans, catapulted Casa Bonita to cult status after the restaurant appeared in a 2003 episode of “South Park.” In a 2023 interview, Parker joked that they went $40 million over budget by updating the kitchen, improving safety features, upgrading lighting and sound systems, and making the restaurant ADA compliant while retaining its nostalgic charm.

Parker and Stone also hired award-winning chef Dana Rodriguez to enhance the menu and provide a better dining experience.

Reviews on Yelp since the restaurant opened in June 2023 have been overwhelmingly positive. More than half of the 456 responses gave the restaurant 4 or more out of 5 stars, while a third gave the experience only one or two stars.

For those who can’t get enough of Casa Bonita, a new documentary film called “¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!” is now playing in select theaters in Denver. The film explores the history and cultural significance of the restaurant, as well as the deep love and affection that fans and employees have for the restaurant.

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