Welcome to the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

At the Rio, we offer a unique blend of Mexican food and Tex-Mex. All of the dishes served at the Rio are inspired by our owner’s travels through the Yucatan Peninsula and from his experience growing up in the state of Texas. Backed by knowledge of great food, our menu emerged with pieces of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines from an array of different regions. We have outstanding traditional dishes like Enchiladas de Queso and Tacos al Carbon. We also offer non-traditional Tex-Mex if that’s your bag. Mahi Tacos with fresh Mango Salsa will make you feel as if you’ve transported yourself to the beaches of Cabo.

At the Rio we believe in living a healthy, happy life and let’s face it, we all want to be a little healthier these days. Our non-traditional menu offers an array of healthier Tex-Mex and non-traditional Tex-Mex options. Beautiful ripe avos, vine ripe tomatoes, mixed greens, and homemade dressings will rock your healthy world. Our rice and beans, made fresh every day, are free of lard so they are low in fat, even vegetarian.

Of course we have something for the true Texan in all of you too. Our Brisket and Smoked Chicken Tacos combine a mesquite smoked flavor with Mexican chilies that will make your mouth water.

Here’s the most important part about eating at the Rio; we allow you to enjoy the rich flavors of each ingredient in your favorite Rio dish. We won’t mask the flavor with anything else. What you see, is what you taste.

Click Our Menu in green sidebar to view our full menu.

Rio Grande Chicken Fajitas

Rio Grande Fajitas

As long as we’re talkin’ ‘bout Texas traditions, we might as well introduce you to our favorite dish, Rio Grande Fajitas. We pay attention to each detail that goes into making this dish the way our ancestors intended it to be. We only grill on a hot mesquite wood grill. It’s tradition for a reason-- because it tastes great. We know that you have that Texas cowboy at heart, and for that, we work hard to provide you with an excellent meal, with much gratitude, for choosing us.

We love the quality you taste with freshly grilled meat. You won't find any ground beef at the Rio. In-fact, we believe that “No Ground Beef” bumper stickers should be issued!

The Rio Way of Grilling

We only use a wood grill, and only mesquite wood. Nothing beats cooking over an open flame, especially a mesquite wood flame. Once you have experienced the incredible flavor of the wood grill, you’ll understand why we would serve nothing else. Burning mesquite wood (from a mesquite tree-- found in northern Mexico and Texas) adds a very distinct flavor that makes for the perfect tasting steak. The wood transfuses a delicious smoke flavor and gives the steak a rich crust. The wood grill can also reach temperatures a gas grill can’t, which allows for a deliciously crusted steak that’s perfectly tender and juicy on the inside. We hope you enjoy the elite taste of food from our wood grill as much as we do.

El Rey Fajitas

Employee Menu Pick

Every few weeks or so, we ask one of our staff members to pick and comment on their favorite Rio dish. Then, for your enjoyment, we post it here for everyone to see! This week, our Chef Jason Umlas talks about our
El Rey fajitas:
“Our blend of chilies and spices complements the high quality of the meat; it adds depth to the dish without drowning out the natural flavor of the filet.”

El rey Fajitas-- All-natural hormone-free Filet Mignon seasoned with our house blend of chilies and spices and grilled over a mesquite fire. Served whole atop of freshly grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms and accompanied by a tomato 'crown' filled with our fresh poblano corn salsa. Also includes rice, beans, pico, guacamole, sour cream and our homemade flour tortillas.

Happy Hour

Daily Happy Hour at the Rio is from 5-7pm. During this time we serve up hot Mexican Tapas -- $1- $5 tapa style snacks -- and refreshing drinks at great prices. Stop by and relax after a long day at work.

Click on Download PDF to see our full Happy Hour menu

Download New !Tapa Menu

Exciting Happy Hour Additions!

Beginning in July we are expanding our Happy Hour offerings to include some exciting new items. Join us in our bar or patio for our special happy hour menu and try new dishes like our Tenderloin Taco Maki or our Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche. This is one of the best Happy Hours you'll find. We can't wait to see you!

Private Parties at the RIO

Entertain your group in the RIO's welcoming, festive space. We are pleased to customize your banquet to fit any event -- cocktail receptions, birthdays, rehearsal dinners, business meetings, award ceremonies, and more. Choose from a variety of party spaces accommodating groups from 20 to 325 guests.
Our Cedar Room holds up to 45 people. For 20-65 people we offer the our patio, and parties from 50-150 people we offer our fountain room. For an intimate private setting, we offer our NEW Lounge del Rey for 50-100 people. Please contact us for parties exceeding 150 people.

Customize a menu that fits your party too!
Our experienced and friendly staff will ensure you have a great time.

Download Austin Banquet Brochure

Lounge Del Rey, NOW OPEN!!!!!

The Rio's new private party space, Lounge Del Rey, is now open for business! Think of Lounge Del Rey for your next party, event or special gathering. This new banquet space accommodates parties from 50-100 guests in an intimate private setting.
Contact our banquet manager Mark Howard (austinbanquet@riograndemexican.com) for complete details.

Join the Rio family

Sign-up to receive the Rio E-Newsletter. Receive info on community events, specials and special happenings. Just for signing up we'll send you a special treat, and we'll continuously add your name to our monthly drawings. Win a Cruiser Bike, lunch or dinner for you and your friends, gift cards and more.
Click Here to sign-up!
Thanks for being part of the Rio family.