This is difficult to give a fair rating. It is a historical Denver landmark. The recovery of this property makes it all the more remarkable and difficult to rate hard.

It is a tourist destination, even for locals. I have been waiting well over a year to get into the place. My cousin was able to get us tickets.

Start with cost and there are plenty of hidden costs that are not explained well. More up charges than anything. We went on a Saturday night which I believe increases the cost of just the meal itself.

$40/person x 8 = $320 soda included (we prepaid on my cousin’s account so not sure if there is tax) Alcoholic beverages are $13 (listed) x 5 = $65

I was asked to leave a card for the drinks. Which is fine, and not out of the ordinary. This will come into play later.

This is where the hidden up charge comes in as the server asked us if we wanted a “tall” which after we paid come to find out that is code for a double which is an additional $4/drink so another $20

We were asked, “would you like hot fresh corn tortillas?” Which of course who wouldn’t like hot fresh corn tortillas. Never was a charge mentioned. $6 x 3 = $18

Thankfully the extra salsa which we requested early on, but got after we were pretty much finished with our meal was free. Kind of a waste, but glad there was not additional fee.

Sopapilla time which is what this place in known for. The first round of sopapilla are free. You get one per person. They come covered in honey. Which they are amazing that way. Here is where the server was taking orders for the dip for the sopapilla. I finally caught onto the charges at this point and asked, “is this additional cost?” This is after everyone ordered a “dip” at $8/dip. We canceled, but did get one flan which was actually very good and really did enhance the sopapilla. $8 overall. And we ended up getting another basket of 4 for $1 which they actually do tell you there is an additional charge.

I didn’t find out about ALL of the additional charges until I questioned why my card was charged $122.65 - NEVER EVER WAS I TOLD THE TOTAL OF THE BILL. I literally had to question the charges. Not cool at all.

I will say it didn’t sour my experience, and I will go back. Just really want there to be more transparency in the future. It is not necessary to hide all of these up charges. And it will leave some with a bad taste in their mouth so to speak.

The food - it is served cafeteria style. It is on the fresher side. And because they know how many guests to expect, they are able to prepare in advance without letting the food just sit. Very tasty, and way more “upscale” than days of old. You can order more food at the table. I was full off of what we got.

We ate the chicken mole. Chicken was a little bit dry on the bigger chunks, but tasty overall. Also got the enchiladas. Also very good, but cold by the time we ate. I like to consume my drink before I eat. So I waited. Thankfully not very long.

Like I said I will return. This is a treat due to the overall cost. And I for one am ecstatic that we DO NOT have to TIP! It is refreshing knowing every single one of the workers is paid well. So the cost of the meal is actually going to be more than what you are used to for a night out.

What would I change?

1. Allow your guests to sit and then place their order this way we can get comfortable first and enjoy a drink.
2. Be transparent about the additional charges; it isn’t hard to put it on the menu or at the bare minimum place a card on the table that explains this!
3. Before you just charge a card bring the guest a receipt with the final charges. I should not have to get a manager to bring me a receipt. Which in hindsight sounds like this is an issue they are having with customers 🤔 So something needs to change. Like I said I don’t have an issue if you are being transparent

Go have fun at this landmark. Just know it is an experience and it is not going to be cheap night out!

Oh! Arrive early. The parking SUCKS! And you will not be seated without every member of your party present!