Restaurant Redux: New Tastes at Blue Bonnet

Throw a rock in Denver, and you’ll likely hit a Mexican restaurant. One of the old city’s guards is the much-loved, almost 40-year-old Blue Bonnet on South Broadway. I know: You’ve dined, you have your usual standbys, end of story. Not so fast.

For the first time in four decades, the Bonnet recently rolled out a new seasonal menu that offers a modern twist on old favorites. (Traditionalists need not worry: All the staples—tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tamales—are still available.) Start with the homemade chips and a sample of three salsas. My go-to is the mild chipotle-raspberry, but heat seekers should try the habañero or cilantro-poblano varieties. Wash this all down with a strawberry-habañero margarita, a cocktail that juxtaposes icy refreshment with a slow, pleasant burn.

Then, move on to the good stuff: a cup of classic posole (a Mexican stew filled with hominy, onions, and chunks of pork) and an order of stuffed poblanos. The fire-roasted peppers are filled with sweet corn, onions, sour cream, green chiles, and your choice of protein (chorizo, shrimp, ground or shredded beef, or chicken) before being smothered with melted cheese and sour cream. The dish—once a special—is making a second appearance at the eatery. I recommend the chicken version for the simple reason that the meat adds substance without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Tip: Stop by for happy hour (Monday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.) and sip on a $3.75 strawberry-habañero margarita (regularly $5.50), plus a variety of apps for just $1.99.

457 S. Broadway, 303-778-0147