RIO

Came here on a Friday night bc it was a hookah, alcohol and, rooftop spot. Around 12 the rooftop was pretty empty...very surprising. Music was awesome! The bartenders were very friendly, attentive, and courteous. Hookah seems to be by a third party company but still ok. They didn't come to turn the coals or give you the tongs but did come to ask if you wanted to buy more. Super gross- a huge roach was making its way around the perimeter and around the couches...not a fan. Everyone would scream every time it came around. The second floor seemed to be more happening and much more packed.

Good hors d'oeuvres, great location on 6th, and spacious deck upstairs with great views. Men's room could have been cleaner.

very small club.., bar service not that great… went to a party here and party ended 2 hrs earlier than advertised due to overbooking . Would not visit again

Trying to Figure out when Clubs are Private til 1230am now Private all night. Yes that's what the Guy that Checks your IDs at the door said. I asked him what the dress code was to make sure I could get in . He stated " We go based off how you are acting " then proceeded to say it was a private event til 1230am which didn't make any sense at all. So I stand in line , it was a lot of people and they were not yelling back in forth on the line as if they knew each other for it to be a private event. To sum it up the guy at the door stereotyped me not knowing I'm a business person myself basically he seemed like it didn't want me as a black male in that business.

Honestly the event was a blast but the A/C couldn't keep up. A few other things happened that should have never taken place like for example running out of bottle water and warm drinks being served. Customer service at the door when getting carded could have been made much better by simply saying you can make your way up stairs. I got there at 9 and the stairs were already covered with trash ( clearly left from Friday) the event was Saturday. Also I don't think the manager was prepared at all for the event that was booked or he would have staffed accordingly. I have been here in the past for friends birthdays and it's always fun I just think the manager is to lazafair

Don't waste your money/time. Place is well beyond ran down.

I was a little skeptical at first, but I went here for a friend's birthday party and had an absolutely wonderful time. My girlfriend and I enjoyed the shows and the entertainers were fun. Funny and very good dancers

Total New Year’s Eve scam. Paid $80 entry which was to include free drinks. Waited over an hour in a huge line for a cocktail. Not enough bartenders for the amount of people there. Finally just gave up and left. Never again!

First time here. I will say that the club has some opportunities, but the service and the show made up for the opportunities. Came for the weekly Saturday drag show that they have. I was supposed to go to the afternoon show but it was canceled so we went to the evening show instead. They advised that our tickets were going to be upgraded to the VIP, but when I got inside, my first question was, what is the difference between VIP and regular admissions??? I would have been very upset if I had paid the additional money for the VIP experience. Also, just getting into the door was an experience. Because it looks like it's blocked off, there is a chair out front so you think someone is going to let you in, but what we didn't know is that you had to walk up the flight of stairs to get to the entrance of the club. So we waited outside for about 15 minutes before somebody came downstairs to tell us that the doors were open. When we finally made it in, there was plenty of seating, and you could see the stage from any seat you picked. The show started right on time, and the host warmed up the crowd. Also be prepared to spend some money if you want a drink, each one was $20! The building is older, and the lighting is not great, so it was hard to see those things and think that I paid $30 per ticket. As I continued to watch the show, I learned that there were 3 drag queens. They basically each had 2 sets, where they emulated different artists each set. At the end of the show, they did a combined set. The show lasted the whole hour and if you choose to you could stay for male dancers at no additional cost. The Queen's interacted with everyone in the room. They put on a great show with what they had to work with. They made sure everyone felt special, and they also called out the future brides in the room and gave them secrets to a successful marriage. Overall, it was lots of fun but I don't know if I will go back to this location again just because of the cost and the older building.

Came to Hunk-O-Mania on a bachelorette trip and it was so much fun!! Phil and James were amazing and took great care of us!

Fun night out with a local Austin photography club at Rio. We were on the rooftop with the pool and it had beautiful skyline views of the city. The staff was lovely and inviting. We hung out in the cabanas,: socializing, with great music, and took lots of beautiful photos. The pool was on the small side but overall it was a great atmosphere. I would definitely go back.

Okay I realize that this place has horrible reviews but honestly we had such a blast here I have to give it 5 stars. So we found this place online at hunk-o-mania.com. Yes I know it sounds like a joke but it's not. My friends bachelorette party was in town and we knew we had to book it for her. Our group is definitely not used to this type of event but ended up having so much fun at the show, it was such a blast! We were screaming laughing the whole time!!! And ladies don't worry, they do NOT pull out any genitals. It's mostly just hilarious dancing and gyrating. I am a married woman so I did not get a lap dance, but there were multiple bachelorette parties there and all of the brides were happy. We specifically asked the manger to tone the lap dance down for our bride because she didn't want anything TOO nasty. They were SO respectful. If they came to give you a lap dance and you said no- they would immediately leave you alone. I would definitely recommend this event for a bachelorette party. We all had so much fun, nobody felt violated and it was perfect for a brides last night out with friends! I have tons of video, but it may be too risky for Yelp to post them!

The OWNER is publicly bitter to his customers. He was drunk while we waited in line to go in. I asked "How long is the wait? Are you guys letting anybody in?" He goes "Let people in when we feel like it (while adding another smart remark under his breath)" So to avoid wasting my time, I directed my attention to the other guy to have my questions answered. He says, "Actually, I can let you in now." As I'm walking in the club, the black guy (owner) is still mouthing off at me because I refused to talk to him any further. I repeatedly told them I had to use the restroom and he REFUSED to allow me in because after He disrespected me, I disrespected his ass back and he's not used to that apparently. The other guy at the door was very mannerful and polite. I used to club here before it was called "RIO" but I will never spend my money here in the future. Unprofessionalism at its finest. NOT TO MENTION, after I leave and find a different club, I was talking at the bar about it to the people I came with and Other people were adding how racist he is towards his own people just because he feels superior and that alone justified my emotions because all I did was ask a question. I'm highly disappointed in this black man.

My friends and I came to this night club for my friends birthday and it was HORRIBLE!!! We were told by the bartenders that the owners wife did not like us in the building and said woman started yelling and lunging at us. It was completely empty and very unnecessary. I would describe this place as trashy and not the place you want to be!!!!!!!! The owners are very unclassy and trashy.

If y'all read my reviews you know I don't have any reviews with less than three stars and I might only have one of those. The bartenders and wait staff were amazing. They were on top of everything and with the number of people at our party I still NEVER waited more than a minute or two for a drink. They were friendly and made the party fun. The drinks? I had a couple of margaritas but didn't really "feel" like it so the pours weren't in my favor. Still, they were great. The venue. This is the 2 star part. WOW! We supposed to arrive at 3:00 and that changed to 4:00 so they could "clean up" after a earlier party. While we waited outside the bar at 4:00 in 104° temps the earlier party wasn't even gone. They came filing out "angry" at us for making them leave. We were called names (I can't go into too much detail other than we were all in our Pride gear *wink). Now, the venue isn't responsible for that but they allowed them to continue to stay and slowly leave. When we were finally allowed in the pool was so filthy you couldn't even see the bottom of the pool and it's only 3' deep. I found a hair extension in the pool! They continued to allow very aggressive and angry people into OUR party. They allowed them to take pictures and videos of us while we enjoyed our celebration. The venue is responsible for who they let in and we paid for the venue to be a private party. They allowed these angry people in and that is not okay. Be very careful booking a celebration with them and get very detailed instructions to the staff. Ugh, the pool was horrible and at 104° it would have been nice to cool off. The reason we were at this venue to begin with. Sorry to the bar staff but this venue was bad!

I waited in line for two hours on nye from 9:10 to 11:15. The doors were supposed to open at 9, there was no communication telling us when or if we would ever be let in, so we ended up leaving because we didn't want to spend our new years on the street waiting in some random crowd. I literally spent $100 bc my friends went last year and said it was so fun. We were promised free drinks and food and were on the list for bottle service. Our friends who got in at the very last minute said that there was barely any alcohol in the drinks and they were not serving shots. This was fraudulent and an extreme case of false advertisement. I'm expecting a full refund. UPDATE: the Bounce app has a refund pending

OMG Run Away! Run away FAST! I took some girlfriend here for the "burlesque show" and it was a complete train wreck! I've been to other burlesque shows around the US and they are always an absolute delight, but this was nothing like that to say the least. We reserved a VIP table with champagne service which was laughable. $400 and we sat on a gross vinyl couch, and the champagne never came. Had to go up and talk to three different people to get our bottle, and some plastic cups. The show itself had ZERO showmanship and seemed like it was randomly thrown together. I feel bad for the performers, but seriously felt like I was robbed for what we got. Two large bachelorette parties with 15+ people arrived, and the only "entertainment" was literally watching their faces as they processed what an absolute dumpster fire was on display. Thankfully my group kind of laughed off the whole thing and bounced way early, but I feel so bad for those other groups hoping for a special night. Sticky floor, smelled like poop, just about as in-classy as a place can get. I can't believe this place/show is even in business in this city given the location. DONT COME HERE! TRUST ME!!!

Went for the drag show for bachelorette party. Bartender "in charge" was fine until the club became busier. Came to take my order "what can I get you?" And as I opened my mouth to speak, said "these people have been waiting for me" helped another party. The. Proceeded to help several other groups. Not impressed as I know our parties had higher bar tabs since we've been there much longer. Several others from our group were also treated the same. Enjoyed the show, perfumers were worth the cash (and our group tipped well!) Just know you're in for sub par service if you do choose to attend. Note: We did not go to the pool, so cannot attest to the service and staff there. If owners by the same people I'd expect more of the same.

Do not go to this club. The bouncers use their "dress code" to discriminate against queer/Black people. My friend, that happens to be Black, was not allowed to access a certain floor because he had on shorts. We understood that and were okay with it until we see a Caucasian male get in with no limitations. I had on pants, so I'm able to access all floors. I see another Caucasian male with shorts on and there is no problem. We spoke to the bouncers and they told my friend "Well maybe if you didn't have them short ass shorts on, then you would have gotten in". His energy was clearly homophobic. https://twitter.com/itsjayyclay/status/1165133028513001472?s=21

Don't go here literally smells so bad like puke and sewage. Seats are sticky and the ceiling was dripping in multiple places which is definitely a mold problem. Very dirty dingy 18+ club

My friend was approached by the staff and was asked repeatedly if they wanted to hold her purse. she refused multiple times but was pressured enough and under the influence enough to give in. Later in the evening she tracked her wallet with the tile app and found her phone in a pot in the kitchen in a very hidden place. this place is shady as fuck and does not deserve the fucking business they get. the staff is literally trying to rob you and as a person in the service industry i have absolutely no respect for such blatantly disgusting and advantageous behavior.

I will preface this review by stating that I was here for the new years party for 2022 and had a great time. I came back this year for the 2023 party and it was a disaster. The doors were supposed to open at 9:00pm. I had a group of 15 people that all bought tickets and even had some friends in from out of town. We were ready for a great night as I had talked it up from the previous year. This year was terrible. The doors did not open at 9. We got in line at 9:15pm expecting the line to breeze through but there was no lime just a congregation of people annoyed that the doors had not opened yet. We all assumed they may just be running a bit late and the doors would open soon. After an hour of waiting, I texted the event planner and what I assume to be the manager trying to get information and they were both avoiding the question and blaming the "line" outside as the reason the doors were not open. We then proceeded to wait for another hour because all of us had paid $120-$140 per person for our tickets and wanted to get our moneys worth. Finally at 11:15 we decided to walk across the street to another bar. I contacted the planner/manager again and asked for a refund and was given the response "Why the hell would I refund for people causing problems. I Have 5 people at the door. They are on it now and I'm coming now as well" As if we as consumers standing in line are liable for controlling the line to enter the business. This was an absolutely terrible excuse for an event and a scam to all individuals who paid to have a good time. Not to mention there were TONS of underage kids in line trying to get in and only half of the people had tickets. Why would you not have two separate lines for people with tickets and people without?

WORST EXPERIENCE EVER! DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THESE CON ARTIST! I ONLY GAVE 1 STAR BECAUSE ZERO WAS NOT AN OPTION! We were in Austin for my Bach. While walking to a bar we got stopped by a bouncer who informed us if we gave the waitress $40 they would give us a free bottle. What the heck, right? WRONG! We give this place a shot and one of my friends says she'll cover the tab because hey, it's only $40! We drank our shitty vodka (tasted like straight rubbing alcohol), attempted to dance to the dj's "music," and decided to get the hell out of that high on ecstasy establishment. However, when time to leave our designated driver (the one paying the bill) got told she was drunk and must have not heard them say $340 instead of $40! What idiots do you think would pay $340 for ANY vodka-let alone a 750 mL of rubbing alcohol! They refused to give her her id and cc unless she paid! They finally lowered the bill to $140 (how gracious of them)! I am so disgusted with this establishment and cannot wait until I find out they are put out of business!

Hey, it's 2:15am and your screen on the rooftop is still on and flashing. That's against city code. I live close by in a high rise and it is an extreme nuisance. I have video and will report and follow up with the city if it continues past tonight. Please follow city ordinances and turn it off at 2am. This is a Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Their website says they are open and they are not. The phone number doesn't work. They stated they had the whole place rented out for a bday party but there was no sign or anything.

From the jump, there were signs saying don't go. I was told to stand back in line although i was in line for a table. Will take a picture of myself to make sure you know i don't look bad. The table they set is up with was on the empty rooftop. Waitress was kind and sweet dj/bartender guy was rude af. He said we had to move from our seat at the bar even when buyin bottle because it was in "Aisle". Pics soon to come. First visit to austin very turned of. $509 waking thru the door to be treated poorly. Good for 25 and under croud

This fucking place. The bouncer choked me against the wall with excessive force. Under no circumstances should a customer be fucking CHOKED against the wall. Like seriously, wtf?

What kind of bar can't make an Old Fashioned or a Dark and Stormy? A dive bar maybe? Yeah. Rio is a wanna be top shelf bar serving dive bar style drinks at top shelf prices. The douche vibe was set up by their "mural" before we even made it upstairs. It said "If your girl is at Rio it's too late." What does that even mean? I'm not going to discuss here all the inappropriate jokes that were made about this mural but I'm sure you can imagine. This place is not going to last which is sad because a pool bar is pretty cool in theory. Lose the douche vibe, turn it retro 50's pool party themed, bring in some craft cocktails and snacks, hire some real bar tenders and this place would be RAKING in the money. You're welcome.

Over priced. Run down. Rude and clueless staff. Made the most of it but overall not going again.

My first time there 2-29-2020, I got made fun of from the bartender and his friends for asking do they serve wine . I don't appreciate the humiliation and embarrassment I received from the bartender it was a African American dude. He made fun of me for asking for wine and then when my boyfriend came to my defense about him making fun of me he told all his co workers not to serve us anything . Lack of customer service is. Big deal for this place , when I was asking to speak to the owner of the club they kept ignoring me . I would not recommend this club if you are big on customer service or a wine drinker they will embarrass the hell out of you. I will never go there again be aware " wine drinkers " !

If you like buying bottle service, dancing to djs spinning your favorite tunes, and partying like you're in a Vegas night club, then this is the spot for you. Boom.

I had a great time at RIO on a Saturday out in Austin! I'm actually really surprised to see that they have 2/5 stars after I checked in because I didn't have a bad experience. This club is more on the pricey side but the venue was really REALLY nice. They handed out foam glow sticks next to the DJ. Music was good (lots of rave music but it was fun!) I didn't stay long because we went bar hopping on 6th but I wish I would have stayed a little longer. Overall * nice upscale venue with lots of room to dance * $$$ pricey but good drinks + good bartenders * LOVED the drake wall (if you're girl is at rio it's too late)

i've been here a few times and it's never even that fun. i decided to go the other night and the bartender gave me a free shot because he felt bad that i was so cold on the roof. yes it's my fault that i accepted it, but i am 99% sure he roofied me. less than ten minutes after taking the shot, i blacked out and was sick all night and the next morning. i'm disgusted by this behavior DO NOT COME HERE.

I am adding this review to support the other bad reviews. I've never even been, but I have heard the horror stories! So consider this review an attempt to speak for those who didn't take the time. Also I know someone working their who takes pride over bad service will see this and be really annoyed and that warms my heart. Especially learning about their discrimination. Bad businesses will shut down. They will eventually go out of business or be bought out by real business minded people. This place is not a good place and does not have good people! Just read the rest of the reviews and ask around town about them! Terrible! Just go anywhere else you'll be so much happier !

Totally marvel Vegas style hangout. Came here on a saturday night and headed to the top floor. Awesome view as far as Austin goes, lackluster if youre used to a bigger skyline like SF or Dallas. Interesting aspects of the bar include small swimming pool/dance floor. Have heard that pool is open on sundays. I didnt check out the other floors, but top floor has palm trees, strobe lighting and music remixes a plenty. There are also a ton of scantly clad ladies roaming the upstairs if that's what youre into. Seems like a good bachelor party location. Would recommend hitting this place late, around 1230 for the dancing to start.

Place is absolutely horrible and completely crooked. Bouncer maid me pay him extra money on top of paying a cover charge.... my outfit didn't look any different than any of the hundred frat kids they let into this place..... which by the the way half of them looked completely underaged. I would never even consider coming back here. Worst bar on west BY FAR.

We had just gotten to West for a bachelorette party and the bouncer from this place came up to us and told us they would pay for bottle service for us if we just paid the gratuity for the waitress. We went and the place was dead and the waitresses awkwardly brought us over the (cheap) vodka. They just stood there with the bottle, dancing like robots for a few minutes, then left it for us. Since we were bored, we drank it quickly, paid $40 for gratuity and left. Cut to this morning where they charged us $340 for the cheap vodka we were told was free. When we called and complained they said we must've been drunk and misheard them. Screw this place and their creepy owner who lies to girls to get them to come to his bar and has his waitresses dance around like sad, trained monkeys. I can see why no one was there and the reviews of this place are horrible.

Went to Rio on the promise of a "free" bottle service with charge of gratuity. Ended up being a 1/2 size bottle and a $340 charge!! When confronted, the manager told us that we were drunk and didn't hear them correctly. Mind you, the DD for the night was drinking waters all weekend. He was not willing to lower the bill until we persisted numerous times. Finally lowered to $140, which was still a bullshit charge but wouldn't return credit card and ID until charge was taken care of. DO NOT EVER PARTICIPATE IN THIS ESTABLISHMENT. THEY ARE LIARS AND CROOKS AND DESERVE TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS.

RACIST! The security guard was very disrespectful and rude to our friends even though someone at the door had a section for us. He closed the line up and asked us to go to the back and was very rude. He actually closed the line up and pushed my friend, and it was racially based.

Words can't describe what my mind is going through. All I can say is WOW (not in a good way either). How can this establishment still be in business? I have never been bamboozled at a club in my life. I get treated way better in the hood or hole in the wall spots. Bartender claimed to "accidentally double charge my card" and said to make things easier she'll give me a double in my 2nd drink. You call that a deal. Uhhh no thanks, get me the manager and void my transaction ASAP. I went to a different bartender for another drink. This time I paid with cash and this fool took it upon himself to tip himself without my consent. Hell no! Give back my exact change and I decide how much tip I'll leave you. Don't get me started on the music. Let's just say, it was totally wack!

Step 1: wait in line for the door guys to let you in, which they will do subjectively if you look pretty, have several girls in your group or happen to know someone who works there with zero regard to how long anyone else has been waiting. Forget about trying to get in if you are wearing a shirt without a collar or shorts of any kind. Step 2: proceed to the second level where the upper elite of pretentious West 6th douchery has congregated, where you will pay $9 for a vodka soda and are straight up scolded for ordering just a beer. Do not attempt to find seating anywhere as it is all dedicated to bottle service. Step 3: forget about seeing the highly anticipated rooftop pool, the only reason you visited in the first place, because you have to pay your way up there and it is "sold out." Step 4: attempt to figure out where you are supposed to go since you are not "elite" enough for the bottle service, there is no dance floor, and you aren't allowed to go up to the rooftop. Ultimately wind up standing off against a wall watching obviously underage girls hit up much older guys for free drinks. Step 5: finish your $9 shot and head for the exit, where you are promptly turned around and directed out what looks like the fire escape, down the stairs and into an alleyway/construction zone. Step 6: go to Kung Fu Saloon and have a fun time with people who respect you even though you are not wearing stiletto's. This kind of garbage is something I would expect from a pretentious Las Vegas club maybe, but not in Austin. If anything this type of behavior/vibe/attitude is exactly what Austin stands AGAINST. Please go back to Los Angeles where you belong, Rio.

Do you ever go somewhere even though you know it's going to be bad but can't stop yourself? Like some other mysterious force just somehow pulls you in? That's what happened to us when we went to Rio. Do you enjoy spending daddy's money? Jager bombs? Heineken? Have you been called a "douche" more than once in your life? Is the most important thing in your life how you look to other people? Rio is the place for you. Unfortunately for Rio, I am a laid back Austinite at heart, I like live music and intelligent conversation. Reasonably priced drinks and a chill crowd. If I wanted to live in LA or Vegas or something, well, I'd move there. If you're smart enough to use Yelp, you're probably smart enough not to enjoy or visit this bar.

Dallas! LA! NYC! All you transplants with your shitty attitudes that ruin our city, you have found YOUR BAR! The Staff is horrible, drinks are expensive, and fist pumping galore. Perfect location on west 6th with all the douchebaggery of phoniness. How I ended up in here, I still dont know. All I know was after 5 minutes I booked it to in a Lyft to the safety of South Lamar. This place should just be wiped off the map. Better Yet, stay open so all the assclowns can call it home.

My boyfriend & I have birthdays about a week apart. We got a big group of friends together, rented a party bus and went around town. By the time we got to Rio, I was excited because it was my first time going. The bouncer was pathetic - immediately denying one of our friends bc he was wearing a tank even though my boyfriend has been there plenty of times with people who have gotten in wearing a tank! My boyfriend was just trying to explain that to the bouncer and since like I said, it was our birthday celebration it was even more a slap in the face. The bouncer started pushing my boyfriend away from the facility saying he wasn't allowed in - Completely uncalled for!!! Physical contact should never be allowed in this type of situation. Of course things escalated, words were exchanged and we left to go to another bar, for a MUCH better time. I just read a review and it stated their friend got denied because they had a neck tattoo...our friend wearing a tank had some tattoos as well. Hello we are in AUSTIN TEXAS. Almost everyone has tattoos here. Rio is unprofessional and not worth it. If I could give this place 0 stars I would.

Upon the anticipated opening of Rio Rooftop Bar/Lounge, I was full of excitement and could not wait to go somewhere different and it sounded very laid back. Boy, I was completely wrong. I try to write reviews that count and not to be judgmental. I have tried the establishment 4 times and I must say, I am done. Every time I have been there, it has gotten worse. The decor is quite nice, including the 2nd floor and the roof top. What they are lacking is the seating. How can you call yourself a lounge, if you can not lounge? Oh wait, there are seats available and couches, but its for purchase only. So, if your willing to spend 300-900 dollars for a bottle service, its great for you. It was quite confusing a few times that I have been there, I felt as if i was in an airport line, waiting for instructions where and when I can go through security. They only allow X amount of people to proceed to the rooftop, probably due to fire codes. It was difficult trying to get in and go to the rooftop, even if you have purchased a table service upstairs or your friends did and you are part of the group. The uneducated door attendants think they are God. So, if you are a "douche bag", please send a resume to RIO, as I am sure they are hiring. After spending sometime there, no place to sit, extremely over crowded bar area, no lounge in the lounge and can not seem to make your way up to the rooftop, all I wanted is to leave. Now, that is another challenging maze that you have to go through, just to find exit. One attendant points to exit towards a direction, which leads to attendant #2 that tells you the opposite. Finally, upon finding the correct path they want you to take, to exit this maze, an extreme joyful moment of being outside. Now i know what hamsters and mice feel like once they reached the end of the maze. Over all, I would not spend the money or the time to go to this establishment. They are trying too hard to be like Las Vegas. I must say, the Las Vegas theme will never work in Austin and I am thankful for that. Yes, I would like a great environment, dance music, etc. But the uptight and cluster maze mess, ruins this place along with the attitude of every worker. As if they are better than everyone. If this business does last in Austin, then I have to say, douche bags are taking over at a faster rate than anticipated, so beware. Upon inquiring, I found out that they are quite sexist how they range the prices of "bottle service". Yes, if you are a group of females VS. males, you pay less for the same service. Can you please tell me how that is not illegal now a days? As if one can pick what sex they are born? Might as well base there prices upon if you are skinny/overweight/white/Asian/African, etc. I am sure if they have done so, they might get in quite a bit of trouble. They should be investigated and fined for that. I hope my review was somewhat helpful. I have tried to describe it to my best ability, upon my 4 visits. My advice, is to lose the attitude, hire more educated and courteous people and reorganize the maze. In addition, have more equal pricing and more "free" lounge seating areas.

Wow... Poor Rio you have a lot of haters out there! I'll say this, RIO is NOT a typical Austin experience, but they're not trying to be either. If you can accept that it's ok for a club or bar to try to be upscale and slightly exclusive then you'll be just fine, if not, then Austin is full of places that let you come as you are and don't care... As many other reviewers have stated much more reminiscent of Miami, Vegas or LA, because it's here in Austin, that feels foreign to many of us. I get that i do, but I also have to say sometimes it's nice to walk into a bar all dressed up and not be surrounded by tank tops, maxis dresses and sandals. I went on a Saturday, the cabana's were full, both upstairs by the pool and inside on the second floor were full, but not packed. After relocating to ATX from SF I often find that I am WAY, WAY overdressed for many of the Austin venues, but I like dressing up when I go out... so I like that Rio is trying to draw in people who are a little dressed up. The staff were friendly, and nice, but yes, the security at every level is a titch obnoxious, and the staircase exit that drops you into a construction so definitely kills your buzz. Overall, I had as a good of time at Rio as I did at any other bar we went to that night, I didn't feel like I stood out as much for being so dressed up, the staff were friendly, and the drinks maybe a little more expensive than a few other places, but still on par with the W. I'd go back, but not if I had to wait in line or pay a cover...

I hope this hell-hole closes. What a nightmare. The bouncers treat everyone like crap, it's too cramped inside, and what is up with the "exit"???? You go down a fire escape out the back into some half finished driveway? I felt like I was actually escaping a fire. I got down the "exit" stairs and hardly knew where I was. Part of me thought I had traveled into another dimension, but was still relieved I had escaped the douchery at Rio. DUMP.

Their web page says they open at 2. Google says 2. Yelp says 2. My friend planned a birthday party there, and on the day of the event they told her they just decided top open at 3. Wow... I can understand the reviews. Shame.

Rio Rooftop Pool, Lounge & Restaurant. More like Rio Rooftop Douche and Cheese Center aka Rio queso for short. I went here on a Sunday Fun-day with about 6 friends. Why?? I'm not sure, but I ask myself that question as I can never get those 15 minutes back. There are so many problems with this place that I cannot list them all but here are just the bigger points. a) This place tries to be like Miami, but we are in Austin. This place would be 'wayyyyy' cooler if you got rid of the formal bouncers with ear pieces and played Chill-Ville Lounge type music. Take a note from the W pool. However you have10 guys in all black in 100 degree heat walking around while there are a total of 10 people there, it feels weird. Also I am way Pro bikini top bartenders, but please have some that a)smile, b) aren't overweight, and c) look decent. b) The quality of people is awful. I went in with 3 girls and then some other girl in the pool "aka employee poser" was begging them to stay, get in the pool and drink from their bottle service. While normally this would be awesome, it was clear they were desperate for some chicks to stay on this Sunday Fun-day. c) If you are Pro-Identity theft, this place is for you. So for opening a tab .... First they keep your Driver's License. A big No No in my book. The mgr told me it was to verify that the Credit Card was mine. So I said by looking at it don't you verify it, why do you need to keep my license? He said it was because the owners are from Chicago and want it that way? Whatever dude, that is an odd policy and Rio subjects itself to massive liability when someone proves an employee used this information to steal money / open credit / etc. d) Their prices will not allow them to survive. When the establishments next door on Sunday offers $1 beer, $1 mimosas, $8 carafes, etc etc, why would anyone go to a place that has a special of $8 wells? Not being cheap, but if no one is there then why would I pay more to hang out with nobody? Rather pay less and hang out in a place loaded with good looking people. Overall, check it out if you must. But for 98% of you, you will never go back. It's kind of like that place by the Monarch that closed. Same type of crowd.

I have done bottle service all over the world...internationally and nationally...Las Vegas especially. I have also been to my fair share of clubs. So, it is with that lense that I view this spot. Dropped in the other night and very quickly saw that there was plenty of interest from passers-by in the location. There were three lines setup outside -- one for bottle service, one for general admission, and one for exiting patrons. Interestingly enough, despite the air of exclusivity, it is all contrived, as there was no charge for general admission, merely a queue. You are stood outside and made to wait a bit so that there is always a line and the place looks "packed." Upon arriving at the head of the queue, my ID was checked and I was let into the building promptly. You then walk up a set of stairs into the 2nd floor (which is, I guess, the "first" floor). There is a large bar off to your right and the DJ booth area with tables to your left. I proceeded to the bar and waited for my friends to arrive, while downing a beer. The bartender seemed OK about it, neither nice or not nice, merely quick about getting the job done, which I always appreciate. I do have to say that the sound and lighting in here is very impressive. Definitely up to snuff on a national level. My friends arrive and we chat. I casually fend off an eager inquirer and we circulate. I briefly see a lady that I know who works as a host here demoing two large bottles of Ace of Spades champagne, while some other folks snap pictures with their cell phones. We then make our way out onto the dance floor near the DJ booth and shocking enough - do some dancing. One of my friends obtains a free shot from one of the tables nearby and keeps dancing. And then, suddenly, it was 2AM and time to go. All in all I would say: Production: A Entertainment Value: A Crowd: C - About the same as a low level Vegas club, but then, it is West 6th. To the naysayers - I wouldn't worry too much. Clubs like this have a certain shelf-life, and then they flip to something new. However, in the interim, I encourage you to broaden your minds considerably and make a stroll through the place. You might find yourself entertained as I did.

Im from the NYC area...ive waited in line to get into a 4 story 30,000 sq ft club bc it was packed full. i have no problem waiting in line when a club is at capacity. so when i have to wait only to find out that there are about 20 ppl inside...really? kind of sad guys. just trying too hard. drinks prices are on the high side. bummer bc the rooftop has a great view

So this place currently has 2 stars but honestly I've had a good time every time I've gone and their bathrooms are always stocked with toilet paper which is RARE and honestly I'm really pleased

Before you start reading my review about this place, I believe I need to justify this review by telling about myself. I am an Austinite and I have been living in this city when Frost bank building used to be the tallest skyscraper in the city. I fell in love with this city when I came here as a freshman at UT. I have seen ups and downs of Austin nightlife. I know this lifestyle inside out. I have seen all sorts of bars opening, peaking and closing. Turn over rate of bars in this city is pretty crazy. Ok back to Rio. To the management: What the hell were you guys thinking when you opened this place? You guys are trying to keep it's cool and exclusivity by letting select few people in. I get this. I back this. But then you let all these dudes in. The ratio of this place (like many other places recently) sucks. Everyone wants to go to the rooftop and there is no one hanging out on the second floor. The music is good. The ambiance is very foreign. But you have to maintain the ratio and wipe the douchery off of the faces of your bouncers. This place is a waste of real estate in a prime area.

If you're from NYC, LA/San Fran, or Vegas, and miss buying ridiculously over-priced drinks, this place is perfect for you. I got 6 well drinks and 2 shots there last night and it came out to $76. I was completely shocked. Be aware of this!! However, I liked the music they played, the rooftop was awesome, and the decor/view was amazing.

Well I want to give it a four, but I cant. The rooftop lounge has fun people, and folks looking around, as opposed to the other west sixth closed minded clubs. It has good energy up there. But... They made the rooftop way too dark now, and the music is typical of the rest of west sixth. So much for something new and different. A month ago you could actually see folks, and the music reminded me of the early 90's, upbeat, energetic, celebrate life kind of goodness. Now it's dark, and playing the same old hip hop that Austin moved on from several years ago. Just bring back some more light on the patio, and music that celebrates life, not that celebrates the dissing this and that in the ghetto.

The AC unit on top of your building is making a crazy loud rattling noise 24/7. Please fix!!

I think I am being generous when it comes to two stars. I am one of those people who do bottle service all over thee world. This is not Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or any other hot night club spot. But it tries to be. When I came for a tour of the place on a Saturday night I was give "V.I.P." access. This pricing is more than some of the hottest clubs I have been to in both Vegas, Miami, L.A. and Vancouver. And when I spoke to the bottle service manager he tried to size me up on what I could afford. The killer is no dance floor. That is where the energy of a club comes from in my opinion. If you have a large group you are paying for you might have some fun but it will set you back. It is clean and styled nicely and you do get a sense of being in a place that might warrant the self imposed exclusivity. But be careful upon exit, the stair way is treacherous for anyone heals and any guy with a few too many. There are other options in Austin for a better time. If you really want the Miami, Vegas thing then hop on a flight and make a long weekend out of it.