Rio: the Restaurant, not the River
One of the biggest food locations in in the southwest is the Mexican-inspire restaurant called Café Rio. Not only does this Mexican café provide a chain of across-the-border delights, it also does so with class and perfect taste. Café Rio is the winner of countless awards, including the Zagat award. So what makes this café of burritos and salsa so special?
The secret is in the sauce and the pork. Café Rio specializes in the perfect sauces for their meats. By far the most popular meat is the sweet pork. This pork has been cooking for hours and falls apart when it is eaten. It is that good, and of course it is sweet. Fire grilled chicken and steak are also available. These meets will blend with black or pinto beans in one of six ways: quesadillas, burritos, tacos, salads, tostadas, or enchiladas. Each combination is different and comes with lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, and smothering options. The sauces come in hot, medium, or mild concoctions.
Appetizers of chips, salsa, and avocado are available, as well as flans and tres leches options. Each day Café Rio offers a different specialty item that is only available that day. Monday is the chile relleno. Tuesday is the coconut shrimp tacos with mango salsa. Wednesday is chicken tostada salad. Thursday is the pork or chicken tamale. Friday is the grilled steak or chicken fideo. And Saturday is the fried shrimp taco. Each week the specials are the same and bring customers specifically on those days for those hot commodities.
The atmosphere of Café Rio is bright and happy, with Spanish words flashing in the air and on the walls. This restaurant originated in St. George, Utah in 1997 and has now expanded to forty locations across California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.