The Rio Grande

Written on May 25, 2009 by Kristin Mastre in Mexican, The Rio, two stars

Sometimes, you just need a night out.

I don’t know about everyone else, but those days where everything seems to go wrong, those weeks that seem to drag on – they always call for a night out with friends at The Rio. Some of the most fun nights that I’ve had here in Fort Collins have been there, the nights where we’ve laughed so hard we’ve cried. Everyone needs a place to blow off some steam every once and a while.

The Rio, which has been located on Mountain Avenue just West of College for 20 years, is the original restaurant, or “the start of it all” for the small chain. Since it’s establishment in Fort Collins, they have expanded to Boulder, Greeley, Denver, Lone Tree, Steam Boat Springs and then Austin, Texas.

The Rio is legendary for their margaritas and to be honest, this is the number one reason why we go there. Their drinks are amazing and pack quite a punch, so much so that they limit you to three. All three flavors are mouthwatering; strawberry, original lime and mango ($6.50). You can even mix flavors if you want to switch it up. All I know is that I would never go to the Rio without having a drink!

When it comes to the food, it’s mediocre at best. The salsa is good, but not the best in town. I do enjoy the copious amounts of cilantro in it, though. When I go out to eat, I try to order something that I would never make at home, which tends to be seafood since the rest of my family hates it. I generally order the Del Mar enchilada ($12.95), which is always overcooked and incredibly dry despite the sauce. The shrimp ends up rubbery and tasteless. I don’t tend to care too much only because at this point in the night I’m on my second margarita and everything is edible. With the Tex-Mex menu, I think you’d be safe to order a more simple dish, like the nachos ($9.95) or a taco ($8.95-$13.95). The nachos are good because they are easy and completely covered with ingredients. You never get a bite of just chip. That, along with their freshly-made guacamole, is worth it.

The atmosphere is fun and energizing, especially if you’re there to let your hair down. It’s very loud, so no worries if you are laughing so hard you choke on your margarita. They have a beautiful fountain on the patio, which is my favorite place to sit in the summer. There’s also plenty of people watching to do since there is generally a long wait and every table is packed. If you’re up for some dancing, on Tuesday night they have Salsa lessons and dancing in the Agave Room above the restaurant (lessons are from 7:30-8:00, Open dance is from 8:00-10:00). The classe prices are a steal ($3.00 per person) and would make for a great date night. I’ve never been dancing because there’s not enough tequila in the place to give me the liquid courage to do it, but I hear it’s fun!

Because it’s so loud and entertaining in the evening, I wouldn’t really recommend bringing the kids along – even though we have. Although, because it’s a boisterous environment, nobody will be bothered by a tantrum thrown by the best of them. The brunch and lunch times are probably a more appropriate time to bring the whole family. They don’t have a kids’ menu, but it’s not that difficult to find something the little ones will like. They always eat quesadillas anyway, right?

I really enjoy myself at The Rio, but I wouldn’t recommend going just for the food. You’re going for the drinks and the celebratory atmosphere. I will continue to go despite the fact because I always, always, have a fabulous time.

The Rio Grande
143 West Mountain Avenue
970-224-5428
www.riograndemexican.com

Kid-Friendly? Not at dinner, more so at lunch

Parking: Street

Healthy Options? Yes, but not if you drink!

Budget-Friendly? There are many dishes that are less than $10

Recent Health Inspection? Unknown