Good food and great margaritas keep this Tex-Mex joint hoppin'.
(303) 731-2847
1101 Walnut St
(11th Street)
Boulder,
CO
80302
40.0167
-105.2809
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Central Boulder
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Last updated 11.20.09
What People Are Saying About Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
The Owner
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Owner
From its bustling downtown location adjacent to Boulder's Pearl Street Mall, the Rio Grande has become an important part of any visit to downtown Boulder. The Rio has an award-winning combination of delicious and healthy TexMex food freshly prepared every day by our hard-working kitchen staff, famous Cuervo Gold Margaritas, and a lively, energetic atmosphere that can be equally enjoyed by patrons from 5 to 95. The store has many unique features: beautifully hand-painted tables, traditional Mexican music, original artwork, and unique garage door style windows which can be opened or closed to…
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – The floors are concrete, but elegant chandeliers hang here and there. Tables--often sticky from the last group's margaritas--are hand-painted with Mexican folk designs. This Tex-Mex place remains popular because of its beloved margaritas. Mini or maxi, frozen or on the rocks. But there's also free chips and salsa and sizzling beef, chicken or vegetarian fajitas with guacamole. It's all tasty, fresh and filling.
02/05/09
Terrible, Bland Food
by misskimberly at Citysearch
TERRIBLE, bland food; I cant even eat it when Im drunk.
The margaritas are good, however...but dont even bother with an appetizer at this joint.
10/21/08
A Boulder Classic
by IanB1413 at Citysearch
OK, so there's alot of differing opinions about the Rio. The truth- it is one of the best places in Boulder. Nowhere else can u go for the atmosphere, overall food quality and delicious margarita. As a long time regular I'm going to lay out a set of rules to keep in mind if u have never been there and respond to the 'naysayers,' which is bound to happen when u serve as many people as the Rio does.
1- the price. u can be in and out with a margarita and entree for under 20$. Try that anywhere else in Boulder that isn't a dive inside like Juanita's. 2- to the one who complained about a chicken bone in her enchilada. This isn't taco bell, they use real chickens, which have bones. Did u know that?
3- The trick to the Rio is keeping things simple. Its high volume and cheap, so u cant expect "Frasca-like" service. Also the waitstaff is mostly college kids looking to pay their bills and have a good time while they work. I have met so many people that come every week, alot of families, because they know the faces and love the prices. Anywhere else in town you will pay 8$ and up for a margarita that has less tequila.
Did you know the Rio's has 3 shots of alcohol? Hence the 3 limit. 4- The rooftop patio is one of the best on earth. Problem is there is no kitchen or bar on the roof so things take longer, plus they have a whole downstairs with hundreds of hungry, thirsty people. How to avoid that? Grab a drink downstairs and carry it up, or order extra when the waiter "finally" arrives. Be patient, u are lucky to be served in such a beautiful place! 5- Cinco de Mayo at the Rio trumps any other Cinco party.
Menu tips- Bobby Flay isn't cooking, got it?
-Guacamole is amazing. Simple, delicious, no unnecessary ingredients.
-Burrito de Carne smothered in Green/spicy or ranchero sauce. So good, especially w/ a margarita!
-Cheese queso appetizer
-Enchiladas,Tostadas,Chicken Salads,Fajitas
-Agave Martini on the rocks= Top shelf margarita for 8-9$!
- Pros: Awesome food, margaritas and service. Rooftop patio, "Garage" seats.
- Cons: Can get a busy on weekends, but worth the wait!
07/19/08
Great Margs and Nachos!
by LizWhite2 at Citysearch
I've been here numerous times and have yet to have a bad experience. There margs are tasty, if you like them strong. Being a vegetarian I love the fajitas and nachos. Granted it's not the best mexican food out there, but it's got average prices and a nice atmosphere. Also seating area outdoors - perfect for the hot summer nights! Another good place is Tahona!
The Details on Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Know Before You Go:
The margaritas are so masterfully mixed that you can sip two before realizing what's happened. No wonder they have a three-margarita limit.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Check, American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Outdoor Dining, Group Dining, Cheap Eats, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
As Seen In…
Message from Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
- Selecton of Margaritas
- Authentic Tex-Mex
- Six locations near you
From its bustling downtown location adjacent to Boulder's Pearl Street Mall, the Rio Grande has become an important part of any visit to downtown Boulder. The Rio has an award-winning combination of delicious and healthy TexMex food freshly prepared every day by our hard-working kitchen staff, famous Cuervo Gold Margaritas, and a lively, energetic atmosphere that can be equally enjoyed by patrons from 5 to 95. The store has many unique features: beautifully hand-painted tables, traditional Mexican music, original artwork, and unique garage door style windows which can be opened or closed to enjoy the ever changing Colorado weather. Built on the premise of creating a fiesta for everyone with fresh food and drink, the Rio becomes "family" for both the employee and the customer. We are proud that the spirit of people is our secret ingredient. Now offering Custom Catering To-Go.
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