Thanks for All the Meals, Margs and Memories, Benny’s

For decades, Benny’s Restaurant was this town’s go-to not just for Mexican food, but hangover breakfasts and simple hangouts with friends. It closed during the pandemic and remained shuttered, while regulars held out hope that it might reopen one day. But last week, the property at 301 East Seventh Avenue was finally listed “for sale or lease.”

Benny Armas had moved his restaurant into that spot thirty years ago. Before that, he’d worked in a variety of kitchens, and gained quite a following when he was cooking at the Oak Alley Inn. After that, he opened his first spot on East Seventh, then moved into the former Chef Henri space that stands empty today.

But the memories live on, as evidenced by the comments posted on the Westword Facebook post of the news that Benny’s is gone for good. Says Brian:

A lot of good times at Benny’s over the years. Started eating there as a kid with family back in the beginning. It was me and my dad’s go-to option for lunch meet-ups as I moved into adulthood and until he passed away in 2016. Lots of memories with friends on that patio right up until they shut down. Benny’s will always have a place in my heart, and so many fond memories.

Adds Jhonette:

Loved going there. One of my first experiences eating in Colorado when I moved here.

Recalls Robert:

My memory of Benny’s goes back probably 25 years. My nieces who lived in Denver had an apartment over on 16th and Sherman; Benny’s was pretty close, so they took me there for my very first time. I was totally blown away. And began to frequent it every time I was in Denver, either by myself or with a friend. And we had to have margaritas! I will miss Benny’s. I was sad to see it go during the pandemic — but as with everything, that damn pandemic destroyed a lot. I’ll always remember Benny’s fondly. Thanks for all the great experiences and, more important, the awesome food and people. Much love and respect!

Says Terri:

We went to Oak Alley Inn back in the 1970s and went to Benny’s until they closed. Both had great food and memories.

Offers Tim:

#12 sirloin burrito, especially when paired with a strawberry margarita on the rocks.

Adds Larry:

I loved their carnitas and eggs breakfast. Tortilla chips became miniature tostadas with a bit of beans and rice topped with the pork….I usually had a bowl of green chile on the side. Often brought home leftovers to enjoy for breakfast the next day.

Recalls Kyle:

Lived across the alley for some years. Loved being able to order takeout and wait at the bar with a marg while it was prepared, and then just walk 200 feet back home. Not “fine” dining by any means, but good old-school Denver greasy-spoon Mexican! Seems a dying genre, sadly.

Responds Roger:

Greasy is right. I loved the original Benny’s when you could eat outside in the summer. Eating outside allowed you to avoid the greasy interior. Never liked the new place.

Says Joni:

Such a bummer! Best Mexican food in town.

Replies Daniel:

While I’m sure people will miss the good times they spent at Benny’s, no one is going to miss the food at Benny’s.

Says Erin:

It was THE place to be back in the day. The best margaritas. I kept hoping they would reopen, but the longer it took, I knew the chances were getting slimmer.

Responds Nina:

There was never a chance they were coming back. They just kept people waiting around hoping forever, even though there was no chance at all. I think it was a crappy thing to do to their loyal customer base. They could have just been honest at that point.

Offers Clark:

I never got all the hype over Benny’s. Very popular, but food was sloppy and nothing to write home about; Pete’s Kitchen has better green chile. Maybe it was the dive bar atmosphere with boozy margs, grungy floors and sticky tabletops and condiments?

Adds Reid:

I thought Benny’s was all right, but it was never my go-to. It is good to see Oak Alley mentioned. That building was just torn down in the last year or so after being Hanson’s for many years. My fave has been and still is the Brewery Bar II, which has been around for thirty-plus years as well.

Suggests Charles:

I always thought Benny’s served the best carnitas plate in town. And the salsa was consistently excellent. Benny’s, you are missed. That corner is prime real estate and, hint to all restaurateurs, would make a great place to open up a neighborhood Mexican joint. Or a resurrection of Racines…

Concludes Jessica:

Lots of good memories with amazing people, and the food was A+++. I’ve missed it, and I am sad to hear it’s never coming back. WE LOVE YOU, BENNY’s.

Did you ever go to Benny’s? What’s your go-to Mexican joint in town? Post a comment or share your thoughts at editorial@westword.com.