Delicious Tex Mex and Margaritas - in our completely renovated restaurant located in the heart of Old Town Fort Collins! Now open for dine-in service as well as food and margs takeout. Whether you're coming in to unwind and dine with us, bringing food home for the family or just grabbing some margs for a fun night at home, the Fort Collins Rio is a delicious escape.
Many customers expressed disappointment with the food quality, describing it as bland, lacking authenticity, and sometimes poorly prepared.
Service Experience
Service quality was inconsistent; while some reviews praised attentive and friendly staff, others reported slow service and unresponsive servers.
Atmosphere
The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, but it can be excessively noisy, making conversation difficult for some guests.
Margaritas
The margaritas received mixed reviews; while some customers enjoyed them, others found them to be disappointing.
Value for Money
Several customers felt that the portion sizes did not justify the prices, leading to dissatisfaction regarding overall value.
KK
KB
1 day ago
5.0
Great Mexican spot! Fresh flavors, fast service, and everything hits the spot.
SS
Sara Schraufnagel
Nov 14, 2025
2.0
I was excited to try this spot. I didn’t have high expectations but I love Mexican food. The margaritas were the worst I have ever tasted. I thought about sending it back but everyone’s tasted that way. I’m all for rail tequila, but this was just… disgusting. We ordered guacamole, it was filled with… lettuce? The tacos were pretty bad, too. Not horrible like the margs and guac, but bland and not fresh.
AL
Angela Lukas
Nov 2, 2025
2.0
This is a “Mexican” restaurant for those who’ve never had Mexican food before. There is something to be said about the appetizer being better than the entrée. We were excited as GA Southerners to be eating at a midwestern Mexican restaurant thinking it would be closer to authentic. Sorely disappointed. The food was white-washed at best. I, unfortunately, didn’t eat half my food. My husband grumbled through his. And the fact that there was no Latin music playing was a red flag right there, although the atmosphere was upbeat and modern. We were told that the margaritas should be why we go, but that was equally disappointing. It wasn’t worth the 35 minute wait.
SG
Sharon Gallagher
Oct 31, 2025
2.0
I grew up in Fort Collins and have been eating at The Rio for decades. It’s nowhere as good as it used to be. The interior has had an upgrade, but the food has gone downhill, in my opinion. It tastes bland and like everything is just things that have come frozen and been reheated. I miss the days when it felt special and different. It no longer stands out.
Our service was great and I don’t have any issues with our overall experience. The food quality is just not worth it anymore.
BJ
Barbara Jacques
Oct 24, 2025
3.0
There was a fly crawling thru our guacamole plate? I told the waitress but she never offered to replace it or anything even after I told her and handed it to her in a napkin and told her what it was!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Do you offer happy hour specials?
Yes, we do! Check out our happy hour menu online which is available Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm!
Can you go to the Rio if you’re doing the keto diet?
The Rio has a variety of keto-friendly options available to our diners! Check out our blog post that outlines some of our favorite dishes that can be modified to be low carb.
Do you have a gluten-free menu?
Of course! Check out our gluten-free website on our website or talk with your server to find a delicious gluten-free TexMex meal!
Do you have a vegan menu?
Yes, of course! We are proud to offer vegan choices. Please know that our kitchen is not a dedicated vegan kitchen. Despite our best efforts, it is possible that cross contamination may occur.
Does Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant accept reservations?
Yes, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant accepts reservations.
What are the brunch hours at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant?
Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The restaurant is closed for brunch Monday through Friday.
Does Rio Grande offer happy hour specials?
Yes, happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
What are the regular dining hours at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant?
Open Monday to Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Thursday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Does Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant offer takeout and pickup options?
Yes, they offer in-store pickup and curbside pickup for takeout orders.
Are there keto, gluten-free, or vegan menu options at Rio Grande?
Yes, there are keto-friendly, gluten-free, and vegan options available. Guests can check the website or speak to their server for details.
What payment methods are accepted at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
Where is Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant located?
It is located at 143 W. Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524, in Old Town Fort Collins.
Can I visit the nearby The Agave Room (The Rio) when I dine at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant?
Yes, The Agave Room (The Rio), located nearby, is an event and concert venue you might enjoy before or after dining at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, enhancing your experience in Old Town Fort Collins.
Are there other dining options close to Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant?
Nearby dining options include Le Creperie, a French restaurant and cafe, and Walrus Ice Cream for desserts, perfect spots to visit after your meal or while exploring Old Town Fort Collins.
Is there a local brewery close to Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant for visitors to explore?
Yes, Gilded Goat Brewing Company, a brewery and bar, is nearby and offers additional beverage options for visitors to enjoy along with their visit to Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant.