I recently found myself at Cafe Rio for both lunch and dinner, which isn't a surprising given it's open until 11pm on weekdays and Saturdays - a real treat for late-night food lovers like me. To top it all, if you want to bring the experience home or spice up a party, they can cater for your private gatherings. How cool is that?
A little history lesson here - the Cafe Rio journey started way back in 1997 when Steve and Tricia Stanley decided to bring their fantastic idea to life right in the heart of Utah, USA. But what really sets Cafe Rio apart is its signature dish, a sweet pork barbacoa burrito served enchilada-style. I promise you; it’s one of a kind!
Want to learn more about Cafe Rio? Definitely drop by their website - there's a treasure trove of information waiting there for you.
Where are Cafe Rio Locations?
You might think Cafe Rio is just a Utah experience, but boy, you'd be mistaken. Currently, there are 146 Cafe Rio restaurants spread across various states in the United States including:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Maryland
- Montana
- Nevada
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming.
So, What Makes Cafe Rio Stand Out?
Apart from the unique flavors, Cafe Rio is super strict about using only the freshest ingredients. Say goodbye to freezers and microwaves because they don’t have any. I was surprised to learn that they receive fresh fruits and vegetable deliveries straight from the farm every single day – now that’s dedication! They also take care to prepare proteins, sauces, salsas, and desserts on site daily. But enough about that. Let me share one of my favorite anecdotes.
On one of my visits, I watched as they hand-squeezed limes and scooped avocados to prepare my tortillas. The fact that these tortillas are freshly made in-restaurant on hot, spinning comals, a traditional cooking tool in Mexican cuisine, just adds a rich, deep, nutty flavor that keeps me coming back for more.
About Their Spice Levels:
Whether you're a spice enthusiast or prefer to keep things on the mild side, Cafe Rio has got you covered. They offer two hot signature sauces:
- Roasted Red Chile Sauce (Hot)
- Fire Roasted Habanero Sauce (Hotter)
On a typical visit, I'm a daredevil and go for the Fire Roasted Habanero Sauce. But if you prefer something milder, there are options for you too:
- Roasted Tomatillo Sauce (Mild)
- Hatch Green Chili Sauce (Medium)
There is quite the range at Cafe Rio, right from appetizers to dessert. I've snacked on their tortilla chips, which can be served with pretty much anything - salsa, guacamole, you name it. Their tortilla soup with chicken and vegetables is also a winner.
The variety in main courses is immense. You've got burritos, salads, enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, quesadillas, nachos, and more, which come with a wide variety of fillings. Here are a few options:
- Sweet Pork Barbacoa
- Spicy Match Chile Pork
- Shredded Chicken Breast
- Chile Roast Beef
- Fire-Grilled Chicken
- Fire-Grilled Steak
- Fire-Grilled Salmon
- Vegetarian
Now, you didn’t think I’d forget about the sweets, did you? Their dessert menu is pretty compact, with Tres Leches (classic Mexican milk cake) and fresh lime pie ruling the roost. Pair them with specialty juices, teas, bottled water, or soft drinks, and you’ve got a perfect meal.
And the Kiddies Menu?
Yes, there is indeed a special menu for our little food connoisseurs. They can choose from a meat or cheese quesadilla – both of which are a big hit in the kid's corner I must say.
Working Hours?
The Cafe Rio restaurants generally operate between 10:30am and 11pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 9pm on Sundays. But, it can vary across locations, so it’s best to keep an eye on the operating hours of the branch you're planning to visit.
Do They Deliver?
Yes! You can totally have your Cafe Rio food delivered right to your doorstep by placing an order online. Just make sure to verify this service with your local Cafe Rio restaurant and learn about the options available in your area.
How do I Place an Order?
Cafe Rio has embraced the digital age by introducing digital ordering screens. So, you can either place an order at the counter or online. While not all locations have a drive-thru service yet, the company plans to add more in the future.
What's the Deal with Mi Rio Rewards?
Let's talk loyalty now. Essentially, Mi Rio is Cafe Rio’s rewards program. It's really simple: for every dollar you spend on food and beverages, you receive a point. Accumulate 100 points, and you unlock $10 in rewards – what a deal!
To rack up these points, just scan your receipt barcode into the Cafe Rio app (100% free, mind you), and your points will be recorded. They even have promotions like extra points for app downloads and a birthday reward – points for aging gracefully, am I right?
Is There Something for the Vegetarians?
Oh yes, don't you worry! The good news for vegetarians is that a lot of their offerings like tortillas, sauces, dressings, and mains can be served with beans and rice, although they do already have a designated vegetarian option- so fear not, you will not go home hungry!
What About Gluten-Friendly Food?
Cafe Rio does offer some gluten-friendly options like tortilla chips, strips, and tostada shells. But keep in mind that they are not certified gluten-free and some items may be manufactured in a facility that handles gluten ingredients. So, always best to check their nutrition and allergy information on their website or with your local restaurant to stay on the safe side.
Pros and Cons
- Gigantic menu offering a vast choice for everyone.
- Ingredients are fresh and made to order, which ensures consistent good quality.
- Late hours add convenience for those with changing schedules
- Menu might be overwhelming for first-time visitors.
- The absence of a gluten certificate might deter individuals with severe gluten allergies.
- The consistency in taste can sometimes vary with each individual cook.