Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

While hanging out in Boulder, we came across this place. It is really huge Mexican restaurant. We ordered variety of salsa, guac, and vegetarian quesadilla. The food was delicious and service was superb. I highly recommend this place. Who is looking for Mexican food with a great ambience.

Friday night dinner at Rio Grande. We had to make a reservation half an hr before. Classic margarita was great! Fish tacos 🌮 were good too. The bibe and atmosphere up on the roof was amazing!

Amazing food, incredibly breathtaking views. Best salsa I ever had! And the tortilla soup, unparalleled!! Highly recommend this restaurant Sophie the manager went above and beyond!! A family owned restaurant in the heart of Boulder. It is a must!! And Tessa was great too.

Lives to it’s reputation, great margaritas? But service could improve in terms of timing for drinks and food

Had an early dinner here on Saturday. Got seated quickly upstairs on the rooftop. It was a nice space. We were in a hurry and our waiter was very accommodating. Got our drink orders and chips and salsa quickly. It was exactly what we needed. My chicken tacos were tasty, as were the chips and salsa. My daughter had a chicken salad and liked it. My jalapeño drink was outstanding. I’ll be back next time in Boulder.

We went in the weekend and it was prom night. It was very busy. Despite the hustle and bustle we were seated right away. Our waiter was a very nice gentleman. He took great care of us. Once our food arrived everything was absolutely delicious and just as described in the menu. We had a great experience.

I went here on a Wednesday afternoon for lunch and was extremely disappointed. Its not the worst restaurant in the world but there are definitely better options in boulder. When i went it was pretty dead but when we walked to the host stand the hosts were talking and seemed visibly annoyed that we were there even though we sat at the rooftop patio, so they didnt even need to seat us. We went upstairs and found a table and the service was pretty slow. In addition to this, the small side of guacamole was literally a dollop. I literally laughed when they put it on the table because it looked like it belonged in a miniature museum. The food was decent, but once again expensive for what you get. The margarita was expensive but strong so at least that was somewhat worth the price. All that to say, I will definitely not be going there again and youre definitely not missing out if you dont.

It seemed like a nice enough atmosphere, but I really didn't like the value for the food I ordered. I got the shrimp taco a la carte, and a strawberry margarita mocktail. The shrimp was really good, and had a good amount of crisp and seasoning, but I was unhappy with every other part of the taco, from the small tortilla to the weird slaw. I also do not appreciate that they upsold me on the guac and sour cream-these items weren't good and didn't improve the flavor of my meal, and I only got them because I thought they were free. It was 1.75 for each of the little dabs you see there. Between that and a mocktail in an old-fashioned glass, I spent about 18 dollars for a single taco, a drink, and the free chips and salsa. Plus tip, of course.

First time at Boulder operation. All went well. Chile Rellenos were good. Nice Margarita. Good service and environment. Parking garage across the street. Prices were decent. Short review with no complaints.

Great ambiance, with roof top and stylish large interior (that's why we continue to go with the family). High prices which is expected of downtown I suppose. The food is always C-/D+. It's in the recipes not the cooks, all recipes are less inspiring.. it's as if the executive chef has no experience cooking Mexican food and doesn't bother tasting it. Chips have always been worst around (think oversized bag from Costco, cheap white corn), enchiladas lack sauce and have no spice to the meat, burrito falling apart dry with shredded lettuce, green chili that is way loaded in flour, etc. Service is always slow every time, it's a mix of a large venue and order ops (kitchen far from seats and oddly organized) . They need better food running, bussing system because you'll have to go to the bar to get more water, refills, drink orders. Sorority party at the hostess stand, needs some instruction, it's always an odd intro.. No eye contact, never"welcome in", always more then one just standing and fumbling on where in this gigantic empty place to seat you.

Returned to Rio Grande a few years later and was disappointed in the quality of the food and slow service. We stopped in on a Saturday early afternoon, service was noticeably slow (I feel bad because they must have been short staffed) but we waited an especially long time to be waited on, checked in on, and served. It took away from our experience overall. The food was also lacking in flavor, it was not how we remember from our last visit. This is a huge restaurant, with a big bar area, two-story dining rooms as well as a rooftop seating area. I imagine it gets very busy during the summer, or for special events. We may have just been dining during a downtime.

Visited Rio Grande on a quick stop in Boulder to meet friends in town for the game. The rooftop seemed busy and inviting, so we put our name in for a 4 top. We grabbed a seat at the bar to grab a quick drink while we waited and were not even looked at in the few minutes we sat waiting. Luckily enough, our table was ready quickly and we went upstairs to be seated. The service was okay, as expected for a busy restaurant on gameday. The drinks were decent (and had mocktail options that were superb!), ordered a Strawberry Margarita Mocktail, Frozen Mango Margarita, a few different beers, and some High Noons. The mocktail was fantastic, and the mango Margarita was pretty basic. We ordered the Guacamole, Rice and Beans, and a Steak Quesadilla. Guac was pretty basic with no seasoning, but chips and salsa were good (not enough chips to finish the huge plate of guac so it was a waste), Rice and Beans were pretty good, and the Quesadilla was like eating gummy cold cheese with a few pieces of Steak. Mentioned the Quesadilla to the waiter and he said "well that's what a quesadilla is like". Would recommend for drinks and starters, but not for the rest of the menu.

Tonight's dinner was another one for the books! Came to Rio Grande because it was recommended by the locals and it didn't disappoint. Started with a watermelon margarita, which was on their Specials menu. For food, I had the shrimp empanadas and they were soooo good. Our server recommended them. For dinner, I had the crab and shrimp enchiladas and it was a great meal. It was the perfect setting for our group. Can't wait to go back!

Dustin, here is a screenshot of the email I sent you on January 11th. Please refer to my original review. I forwarded you the email in the screenshot today January 26, 2025

Sadly having to update this review - overall the experience wasn't great. The service was subpar, the food was mediocre at best, and I'm not feeling so well post meal. The tacos were awful, the tortillas were wet and soggy? It was very bizarre. The steak was gray, the shrimp were chewy. The rice wasn't flavorful. Majority of my food was left on the plate. I don't see us coming back anytime soon. It was nothing like our first experience here.

Service: sweet and attentive. Accommodating and friendly. (We sat at the bar) Ambiance: excellent bar seating and fantastic bar stools. Music is solid and the patronage is great (lots of locals) Food: my husband and I always split the chicken and veggies fajitas and it doesn't disappoint. I would love to see humanely raised beef/poultry and milk products here (like Snooze)-- so that is why I have only four stars

Service was ok. Food was a 3, margaritas were a 5! Chili rellano was a little too breaded but other wise good. Nachos were ok could use more cheese and the queso was fine. Definitely a good happy hour place.

Putting aside for a moment that everyone knows "The Rio" has the best darn old-school margaritas in Colorado, it seems all my local peeps think the food is a second-class citizen to those yummy margs. I'm here to definitively say the Grilled Steak Fajitas are the absolutely unequivocal best steak fajitas I have ever tasted in my life! Oh yeah, I said it... and it just so happens to be true. First off, there are no gimmicks here. The plate does not come out sizzling to wow guests with its fresh-off-the-grill theatrics, but incredible fajita ingredients you shall certainly have. The marinated skirt steak is always cooked perfectly with a beautiful char on the outside and juicy on the inside. The meat is so delicious all by its lonesome, I generally eat the second half of my steak with none of the fajitas fixings like it's a premium chop at Peter Lugers in NYC. It comes with a vibrant medley of grilled onions, green & red peppers, simple Mexican rice and black beans, plus wonderfully detailed additions like fresh house-made flour tortillas & guacamole make the dish. I also love the perfectly thin chips & house-made salsa. So if you're near one of the various Rio locations in Colorado, come for the margaritas, but stay for the fajitas!

The restaurant is very nice looking on the inside and well thought out. The service is generally good, but that is the only good thing I have to say about this place. The food is alright with nothing worth noting. I've been here multiple times and everything is just meh. The food isn't bad; it just doesn't have bold flavors. I always seem to leave here full but a little lackluster in enthusiasm. if you were going to go here get the fajitas as that is the best thing I found on the menu.

If you need a Margarita and a rooftop view stop by! The CU Aunties can soak up the blue sky and Colorado sunshine before a game and sip on these tasty Margs!

Chips and salsa was very good. The in-house made chip were a nice change from bulk chips at other Mexican restaurants. Salsa had lots of flavor. Had the tostadas with skirt steak. Steak was tender. Tostada and the beans and greens were fresh and tasted just fine. The other disk was cilantro lime grilled chicken tacos. The chicken was well cooked and the tacos were favorable. The signature margarita was acceptable. The other cocktail was a spicy Bloody Mary. Tasted ok although the vodka was drowned out by the spice ( couldn't taste the alcohol.) Waitress was very attentive and friendly. The restaurant doesn't have the traditional trapping of a Mexican locale but, nonetheless modern and clean.

I've been here twice. It's a convenient meetup spot In Boulder but sad to say I cannot recommend the Rio Grande for either the food or the service. Both are sub-par. Meh. Restaurants have become overly expensive and under deliver on service and flavor. If I'm going to spend $100 on food and drinks for two people - the establishment must deliver on both flavor, atmosphere and service. 2 and out. Won't be eating here again.

Wasn't the best experience. I'll start by saying the vibe was great on the rooftop. A fun place and looks like a good place for a beer. I'd stick with just the beer though if you're reading this. The compliments end there. I ordered the tacos while my wife got the enchilladas. The tacos were actually worse than Del Tacos I had earlier that week. The steak was average, but the mahi mahi was actually fridge cold and I couldn't finish it after a bite. My wife felt the enchilladas were okay. Trying to leave also took about 15 minutes before we could get a check. For a week long Boulder trip, only place that really didn't live up to expectations.

The manberry margs are pretty great, but Rio has definitely fallen in quality over the years. They charged $1.70 for that little scoop of sour cream And Another $1.70 for that little scoop of guacamole

Staff was not engaging. Food was fine. *We didn't enjoy our server who was more interested in flirting with the VERY YOUNG hostesses instead of doing his job.

This has been the best meal we've had on our vacation. The food was phenomenal. Everything was fresh and flavorful. The margaritas and draft beer were refreshing. Brianna was a great server. Hopefully next time it's not raining so we can dine on the roof. A must stop for anyone visiting Boulder.

Strawberry margarita was the worst I've had! The waitress offered to get me another drink but would probably taste the same. They were cool about refilling the chips and everyone got a big container of water.

I wanted to love this place but a few things stood out on a recent lunch to just make me think it was just ok. The restaurant was clearly understaffed. Our server was nice but disappeared for stretches. She even told us four people called out in the am. So while sympathetic to worker shortages it really did impact the experience. The chips and salsa ordinarily would make all things good. But it took a while to get it and then when we did the chips were surprisingly bland. The margarita was not bland was a big hit. A good portion, the frozen drink certainly made the wait a little less painful. The food did come out promptly after we were finally able to order though our server forgot to bring us utensils. The chicken enchiladas were a good dish to get. Full of flavor. Thankfully when we did get the bill, we could pay by cell phone so we didn't have to wait longer.

This place was good. I liked the rooftop seating and the inside is huge. There is almost too much space in this restaurant. It is a bit pricey, but very typical for Boulder it seems. There is a lot of wait staff here but service does not seem super organized. Food comes out very fast once you order tho. My tacos were very good and the other meals look good also. Not the best Mexican food I've ever had but I definitely would come back and get the chicken and sausage taco again because it was so good.

I grew up coming here. Loved it. And idk. Maybe it's been too long since I way this location, or maybe I've just grown up past the appeal, but the last time I was here a month ago it was awful. The bartender was inattentive and rude and the food was not good- cold, tasted old. For what used to be I would say one of boulders must go to restaurants, idk if I'd ever come back. Certainly would not recommend it.

Go to Boulder all the time, but I never realized this was there. I ordered Chile Relleno which happens to be gluten-free. You can order it baked or deep-fried. I got it deep-fried and it was AMAZING . I'm from Southern California and I would say this is the best chili Relleno I've ever had. Ironic that it's in Colorado! Very cheesy. I got the spicy chili sauce on it which is truly spicy in any state lol. Our server was adorable and sweet. Although it was over 90° outside, we sat upstairs in the patio. They have misters that were all we really needed to stay cool in the shade. In addition, it was not expensive as it looks on the outside. I think it's my new favorite restaurant in this area.

I ordered a taco with steak cheese lettuce, I had gotten a slice of steak and lettuce and cheese on the SIDE.

I have been going to the Rio since it opened. While it has changed over the years, I notice that recently they seem to be less customer friendly. One example is that they now charge $10 for a house margarita, which is not unreasonable. But the last few times I have been there, they put so much ice in the drink that I don't feel like I'm getting a fair value. I have also noticed that the service is sub-par. This is in part, in my opinion, due to understaffing. I always sit at the bar and the bartenders work very, very hard. With respect to the food, I think it is underrated. I have always found the food to be very good.

I've been here several times, always giving them another chance. The last time, our water glasses had old lipstick on them. I've ordered different things each time and it is all bland which really sucks because I love the location.

Came here on a Monday night with some work colleagues, one of whom had remembered this place from when he was here visiting a short bit ago. We were feeling some good Mexican and we certainly picked a great spot. The three of us were seated right away. Ordered up some chips and salsa, including the really hot stuff. Also ordered up the chicken and sausage fajitas. I couldn't believe the size of the fajita plate. I couldn't even make an actual fajita as I didn't want to fill up on the tortilla. The sausage was by far some of the best sausage I've ever had anywhere, hands down! Wow! Chicken had a great flavor to it and was grilled to perfection. Rice and beans were good too along with the vegetables. Atmosphere had a good vibe to it. Service was really good. We had parked across the street in a nearby parking garage and were definitely a bit surprised when we were leaving the restaurant at around 7pm as there was an abundance of homeless population just loitering around in front of the parking garage. That really has nothing to do with the restaurant itself and in no way impacted the score, just something worth noting. I would certainly come back here when visiting this area again.

We've been helped by Daphne before and she was awesome! Unfortunately, this past time we were helped by a different server (i think her name was maya?). She completely forgot about us multiple times, service was slow, and her finger bandage/cast was all over our drink rims and food plates. she had an attitude with us and there was zero customer service (apologies for wait times, checking in, etc). 3 stars because the food and drinks were great and we've always had great experiences in the past.

Great Tex-Mex restaurant with lots of character. Rooftop dining is a must when the weather cooperates! Good food and drinks at a good price.

I enjoy the location in denver but I was underwhelmed by this location. While the rooftop area is nice and service was good, the food was very disappointing. We visited the rooftop around 7pm on a Sunday and ordered the jalapeño margarita, classic marg, and a few tacos. The drinks were ok but the tacos were underwhelming. We ordered the mahi, chicken & sausage, steak, and carnitas taco. The tacos did not taste fresh at all and I felt like they were just sitting under a warmer or reheated. While the tacos were disappointing, the drinks, views, and service were good. I would recommend this place for happy hour and the rooftop views but I would skip for dinner.

Love the rooftop seating. So fun! The food was really good. No complaints. They did forget one of our orders in our party. That's why I couldn't give them 5 stars. However, they did comp my margarita so I didn't mark them down to a three. Fajitas were not brought out sizzling as at most places but they were delicious. I got the steak tostadas and they were really tasty. Lots of lettuce and beans. Tasted very fresh. Overall, I recommend this cool place.

We have been going to the Rio since they opened many, many years ago. It was always our place for food and margs. Naturally, we skipped it during COVID, but went back after COVID subsided. The place was understaffed, so service was slow. Margs were watery, probably because they were sitting around. So we did not go back for a long time. Went back Friday night. Place was jammed, but we got a table. Food was very good, but the margs not so. Normally I would feel a buzz after one, 2 would make me walk around a bit before driving. Alas, after 2, I didn't feel anything. Those who remember pre-COVID Rio margs will be greatly disappointed.

Very upscale and pricy with not many food options. I grabbed 3 tacos for $12 and they were decent but at an authentic Mexican restaurant $14 would get you 3 tacos, rice and beans. The margarita was good. I just am not a fan of the "elevated, pricey and reinvented" restaurants.

Had the steak quesadilla and house frozen marg this time and both were wonderful. As always great food and great service at the Rio and it's a place my friends and I meet at frequently. Best frozen margs in Boulder! I'd say my quesadilla was already kind of cold when it came out so the cheese had seized up but other than that everything was great and they were quick to refill our chips and salsa.

I'm so disappointed in the Rio. Seems the pandemic ruined a restaurant I used to love. Visited last night to celebrate a birthday. The chips have changed and are no longer nearly as good. The salsa has way less cilantro and also is not as good but the clincher was how terrible the meat in the steak burrito is now. It was all full of fat and gristle. Really not anywhere near as good as they made it before the pandemic. I'm so sad. I don't think I'll visit again. The last several times have been disappointing but last night was the worst. Very sad

The food took quite a long time to arrive but was worth the wait. Every member of my family raves about their dish-- steak tostada (which looked like the most scrumptious, colorful steak salad), shrimp enchiladas, mahi mahi tacos, and crisp Chile rellenos drenched in a fresh spicy green sauce. Each dish came with soft and fluffy Spanish rice, black beans draped in melted cheese, and tomatoes& lettuce. We asked to be seated in a quiet area but unfortunately were placed right next to the entrance, surrounded by waitstaff running around and hungry loud customers waiting to be seated. Other than that, Rio Grande has been one of my favorite Boulder food experiences!

Our daughter turned 21 while studying abroad and upon her return wanted to eat Mexican food and have a frozen margarita. Of course, we went to the Rio. I ordered the Chile rellano and my daughter and husband got tacos. The steak taco was the favorite! My Chile Rellano was superb. Perfectly breaded, not too heavy and it was crispy with a gooey cheese filling mixed with vegetables which is why I love these. I got mine smothered in green Chile and I enjoyed every stringy bite! The margaritas are divine and I always get the house one with salt. Our daughter got the frozen Manberry and enjoyed every drop. The coconut flan was tasty though not very coconut flavored. Our server, Paul, was the best. Attentive, friendly, and personable! Thank you for a lovely belated birthday celebration!!

Great Margaritas. Had Mezcal and Jalapeño versions. Salsa was very good as well. Chicken, carnitas and mahi mahi tacos were some of the worst I have ever had. Could not compete with a high school cafeteria. Service was overworked but friendly. Rooftop and ambiance were top notch.

Here for the Bolder Boulder. Wanted a table for seven and in order to reserve online we had to reserve a table for 3 and a table for 4. Otherwise, a table for 7 was available too late in the evening. So...we show up and explain the situation and how we made the reservation. Only now we have 8 and would like to sit together if possible. NO PROBLEM! We get seated on the roof top, which was great. It begain to rain and immediately umbrellas were brought out for us. So nice. Oh, did I mention the food was excellent? I got some good local beer and one in our party ordered a margarita. It was really excellent. I'm not a drinker, but that was a good cocktail. Great place, great location, they can handle the crowd.

We were here twice in a week mainly because of convenience and availability. First visit was an early lunch - Chicken Tostada was served cold and flavorless - we asked for the chicken to be heated and it was not heated - people in service just please heat the meat!!!, chili relleno was 'good' not great, chicken fajitas were flavorless, chicken tortilla soup would have been great if have been served hot instead of Luke-warm - chicken burrito was 'ok'. I seriously didn't want to go back but we had a party of 9 and nowhere to go on the weekend and things improved - with some negs and pos - service on the roof for 9 ppl was great for a weekend! Shrimp fajitas were good but i remember when they came out on a sizzling platter-no longer that way and tortillas not really hot, Single tacos were ok, enchiladas ok, the chips used to be homemade ugh they aren't any more, nachos good, guac was nice and chunky, service on the weekend great and we were grateful for that so thank you! If you could serve the proteins and soup hot and spice things up a bit (chicken was really flavorless and seemed like it came off of a refrigerated cutting board) add some better spices...then you're on your way!

I've been to Rio Grande enough to grant it 4 stars. It's not the best Mexican in town, especially coming from my prior life in Texas. But it does satisfy my cravings better than many alternatives. In this particular visit, I enjoyed Happy Hour at the bar with a friend. The bartender was very friendly, spirited, and made great recommendations. We arrived at 5:30, so about 30 minutes before happy hour ended, and didn't have to wait at all for seating at the bar. For drinks, my friend started with a discounted margarita and I went straight for the IPA. Some things never change. Rio Grande, without a doubt, has the best beer happy hour prices I've found in all my searching of Boulder's HH offerings. For food, we ended up with the BAP Nachos. Big A** Plate. And it was BIG, but not piled high. Which I found convenient. Every chip was well-covered. The carnitas were delicious and all the toppings were nicely adorned. They even left veggies on the side as an optional inclusion, which of course we immediately sprinkled everywhere. A couple notes though... the nachos claim to serve 3-4, and the two of us easily finished them. As purely an app, or partnered with tacos, the original claim may be true. But as a sole indulgence, plan for two. We even had additional (complimentary) chips and salsa to help aid in the over-abundance of nachos toppings. I can't necessarily fault them, as chip ratios in nacho plates are complicated and somewhat up to individual perception. But on that note, the salsa is fantastic and I kept having them refill it. All in, we had a great experience. It persists to be one of the best happy hour options in Boulder, with good hours and good bargains. Food and drink is solid, the vibe is somewhat cookie-cutter but pleasant, and the staff has always been good. It will continue to be a staple for my HH list. Even if I crave nothing but a beer.

Always have a good time at the Rio, I recommend you try the tortillas made in house. The staff is very friendly and the manager Dylan always makes sure we have great service. I'd recommend coming here for drinks with friends.

I have been coming to the Rio since I was in college many many moons ago. I want to love this place and the food the way I did back then. But either my taste has improved or the food is just not what I remember. So the good: the atmosphere here is wonderful, they done some awesome remodeling and there is a ton of space and a great bar. The margs are every bit as tasty as they have always been and the staff are wonderful. The food truth: this is just basic Mexican food, nothing special. On a late night visit, we had a chicken quesadilla and tortilla soup. The server did not say that the soup was 5 alarm spicy, clear out your sinuses spicy, melt you face and never taste again spicy. Eventually he said it was the hottest dish in the house... I wish he had taken it off the bill as I couldn't get more than a few spoonfuls down. All in all, I will keep coming to the rio as I have for the last decade or so but it's not for the food. It's for the good vibes and great drinks!

LOVE this place! Just have a suggestion. Move away from Aloha and use a system with tablets such as toast. With the amount of college student big parties that come in that don't want to pay together, it would save a lot of headache from staff and customers if they were able to split on demand rather than having to run back to a POS system. Just my two cents. Still will come back 24/7. Our waitress was great tonight, just felt bad because we all had different checks and couldnt afford to put it all on one check.

Good food, but more flies than most restaurants. Couldn't enjoy the meal. Recommend quesadillas with salad and black beans.

Like all the other reviews, the drinks are better than their food, and even then the menu looks better than the reality. The ambiance was ok, but overall just an average experience. Staff are responsive and helpful, so five stars for the service.

Sad and shocked to see this restaurant only had 3 stars as it was the best meal we had in Boulder and probably one of the best I've had in the last 5 years, certainly post-COVID. Fresh, delicious food. Fast, friendly service. Clean, fun atmosphere. Made reservations. Were seated right away. What more could you ask for?

I was at the Rio this past January for the second time since visiting Colorado and WOW. Myself and three other friends sat at the bar and had just the upmost pleasure of spending the evening with the amazing service. Our drinks were fantastic and the Bap nachos are a MUST! We even had the pleasure of meeting the manager Lucas. He made sure we were having the true Rio experience and he was amazing! Making sure everything was perfect and let me say it truly was. I will always come back and recommend to anyone in the Boulder area!

Used to go to Rio in Fort Collins back in 2002-2006 as a real treat ' especially the margaritas!! Moved back to Colorado recently and just went to the Boulder Rio. Sad to report that the experience was quite a disappointment...especially the "famous" margaritas! Food was average but the drinks lacked any personality - barely tasted of lime, no sweetness and I really don't think there was any tequila in them. Granted - it was about e pm (not dinner time) but was on a Saturday. Will have to think about whether to give Rio a chance at redemption. At the moment, I'm leaning towards NO....