La Casa Del Rey Closes in Commerce City

Ernie and Nancy Atencio's 33-year-old restaurant has gone dark.

September 23, 2019

Courtesy La Casa Del Rey Facebook

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Residents of Commerce City will have to find a new favorite for green chile and other Southwestern specialties. One of the town's most treasured restaurants, La Casa Del Rey, at 7035 East 72nd Avenue, has closed, a manager at the eatery confirmed.

Ernie and Nancy Atencio opened La Casa Del Rey in 1986, slowly adding on to the business over the years. Regulars enjoyed breakfast burritos, chiles rellenos and the house-special green chile, made from "Momma" Reynalda Atencio's recipe, at the all-day restaurant.

The Atencio family also operated a second restaurant in Salida and a Casa Del Rey Burrito Express in Commerce City, but both are now also closed.

Mark Antonation is the former Westword Food & Drink Editor. In 2018, he was named Outstanding Media Professional by the Colorado Restaurant Association; he's now with the Colorado Restaurant Foundation.

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