Cafe Rio Mexican Grill
2710 S Woodland Village Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Flagstaff for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Flagstaff for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Flagstaff for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
2710 S Woodland Village Blvd
Flagstaff, AZ, 86001 - Phone (928) 556-5130
- Website https://www.caferio.com/locations/store/flagstaff
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:30 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Nick K.
I have to admit, I had low expectations to begin with for Cafe Rio. Taco los Altos is one of my favorite places to eat in Flag and figured this place wouldn't come close to Alto's food. After finding a $5 dollar coupon in the Lumberjack, I decided to give it a try anyways. Now I sit here wishing I would have stuck with my favorite Adobada burrito from Altos. To be sure, I didn't have the same bad experiences that other reviewers seemed to have. I found the place clean, service was quick, and they accepted my coupon no questions asked. In fact, I left with my burrito quite pleased. My dissatisfaction came with the first bite. I just got back from a trip to Ireland and Scotland and can say that I had better burritos over there. I couldn't believe how sweet my burrito from Cafe Rio was. I mean, I know it was called "sweet Barbacoa", but it was pretty terrible just how sweet it was. I found myself dumping on the most vinegary hot sauce I could find in my fridge to cut through the blatant sugar taste. And I'm really not exaggerating here. The next most prevalent flavor was salt, which I'm not sure which component was so salty but it was far over salted. None of the other components provided any sort of balance to those two flavors and I could hardly identify any typical southwest flavors that we are so accustomed to enjoying in our Mexican foods. I think the best way to sum it up is this is probably the least authentic Mexican Food I have found in Flagstaff. I think if I had had this food in an area of the country besides the southwest or west, I wouldn't be so disappointed. If I was in, say, Fargo, ND, this would probably be much more delicious. But considering the amount of superb Mexican food we have in this city and state, I was very disappointed with my food and know that I will not be going back for more.
(2)Bryce S.
The chipotle assembly line is awesome, I get it. So, if i wanted that I would go there. Anyway the food was bad, overpriced and the service was chaotic (see descriptions everywhere). Flagstaff, can I please have a good burrito?
(2)Roy S.
SOLID!! That's the word for Cafe Rio in Flagstaff... Cafe Rio is about 1/2 step different from the conventional Fast Food Mexican Restaurants. You'll experience awesomefully fresh tacos, enchiladas or burritos. Taco Tuesday is a must, cause you get two tacos, rice, beans and a drink for around $6... now that's a deal. Don't come here and expect a huge diverse menu, no its pretty limited, but because of that, there is high turnover of the food and it stays fresh and warm. Really, its a solid tasty 3-star experience, with one exception... and that's in a good way: YEP, they have a BIG 5-STAR dessert - The Key Lime Pie is made with fresh limes, and it's as good as I've ever had... Really?? YES REALLY, It equals the TDF (to die for) Key Lime pie I've had at the linen table-cloth places. So go easy on the rice and beans and save room for a key lime pie, and you'll smile for the rest of your day... Let's get to eat'n...
(3)C. N.
Taco Tuesday, man. Awesome. Pork, Beef, or Chicken tacos for 1.95 each. The house made tortillas are awesome awesome. Haven't been here for any other specials but Taco Tuesday is certainly worth it.
(4)Ray D.
The is a tad bit expensive place. 10 bucks for a quesadilla, peco and sour creme? I can't do it on a regular basis just off principle; how can they not offer a meal with a soda for 10.00? The place is pretty busy and they have all things Mexican. If you have kiddos the have colorful seats and other decorations that seem to make the little ones happy. They have decent customer service, and ample park for the place.
(3)Brenden P.
I just ate here today with my wife. We wanted to try a new place in town and a friend of ours had given this place a positive recommendation. We came away unimpressed and will probably never go back. It is obvious that this place, due to its location, is meant for the tourists staying in one of the bargain hotels located across the street or for college students living nearby. It is definitely not a place for locals. About the only thing this place has going for it is the drink bar. I had a burrito with the sweet pork barbacoa meat, mild hot sauce, and enchilada style with green sauce. It was obvious the cheap measures this place uses to conserve its meat and rice. The person who prepared my food put three large scoops of black beans in my burrito with only a pittance of rice and meat. The sweet taste of the pork dominated the other flavors in the burrito and gave me the impression that the meat had been cooked in overly sweet bbq sauce for an excessively long period of time. Overall, I would not recommend this place and I'm sure a lot of other locals wouldn't either.
(1)Rion T.
Hate to say it but here goes . Since the old manager dan left this place has went downhill chicken is dry the queso dip used to be my favorite and it's nothing short of terrible when I spoke to the new Manger he had a attitude and couldn't care less , took forever to get it remade. His people skills are terrible. Who put this guy in management respectfully should reconsider there decision on this one . From 5 stars to two ! Ouch ! Please fix our favorite place to eat .
(2)Cody R.
This is my first time at cafe Rio, I found this place really cool and trendy This super nice, super good looking chick (10 pointer) who made my super awesome burrito spoke simple and receiving unlike the herd handling we experience at shitpotle or most other food joints of this sort (p.s - I'm from LA). Not to mention, their ingredients are FRESH !!! Their staff were clean and simple with a smile on face.... Felt home! If I ever go to AZ, I will be sure to stop by this place with a bouquet full of appreciation!
(5)Justin M.
Great nachos and burritos! I enjoyed our quick dinner here while passing through Flagstaff. It's a little like a Tortilla Ranch, Chipotle, or Freebirds, but not really. The green chili sauce was quite tasty. Kind of interesting to see Vanilla Coke on tap too. (We don't see that often around our hometown). Nice place. I'd eat here again.
(4)A V.
I have previously had great food at cafe Rio in Phoenix. I was disappointed when the obviously inexperienced and college student employee didn't meet my expectation of portion size as well as forgetting an item from our to go order. Having realized the mistake when I got home I contacted the restaurant and was told to contact a supervisor in the morning. The next morning I contacted "Dan", who obviously had plenty of experience in the restaurant business. He offered to replace the missing item free of charge, when I told him I preferred an entree instead, he obliged. The otherwise poor experience with cafe Rio was made much better by "Dan", I will certainly go back again. Try the Pork carnitas salad and the limeade..... Lastly, I hate to say it.....but best tortillas in Flagstaff.
(4)Cody C.
Love this place! I don't go very often so it's more of a treat. There used to be one by my house in CA and used to use them for catering all the time. Order the the sweet pulled pork it's awesome. I either get the tacos or the nachos.
(4)Linda S.
I found everything here annoying. From the rush-rush line (want CHEESE?) to the $2 for a miniscule 2-ounce scoop of guacamole, it was annoying. When I asked if lettuce or pico de gallo came with my burrito, the rude girl said, "it goes through the broiler..." The items were added after the broiler. When I got my $11 chicken burrito home and began to eat it, I noticed a remarkable lack of flavor. Boooring. I'd asked for hot salsa, but what I got tasted more like tomato sauce, with no hint of heat. One visit to this restaurant is more than enough for me. Do yourself a favor and cross the parking lot to eat at Ralberto's instead. You'll get authentic, tasty Mexican food with wonderful salsa. I will do that next time, for sure.
(1)Cheryl B.
I agree, same style as Chipotle, pick and choose what you want helps to make it healthier. I usually go for the salad with chicken. Everything is pretty fresh and quick. Watch for extra charges with additional items, and calories!
(4)Rita D.
It's basically a bigger Chipotle. Not bad, and reasonably cheap for the portion sizes. The inside is colorful and pretty chill and they have an interesting mix of drinks.
(4)Russell M.
The food was exactly what I expected and wanted; sort of a Chipotle style deal but I like my food smothered in sauces and stuff! that what I got. The flavor was good, spiciness toned down to tourist palettes obviously and somewhere I missed the choices for HOT sauce but all in all it was good. The line to order is pretty slow but watching the tortilla griller was interesting for a few minutes. The serving line was messy but I have to take into consideration it was a busy Friday night. The dining room though could have used some serious attention, particularly the wiping of tables. The place looks really well staffed and the servers were cheerful and pleasant. My friend and I got exactly what we came for and are pleased. Three stars is unusual for me, I like to find the best in everything but the messiness of the serving line and dining room are just a bit distracting; makes me wonder what the back kitchen, walk-in, food storage, and sanitation areas out of the public eye look like.
(3)Mark P.
I eat here a lot.. I am a Nacho man! This restaurant started out as one of my favorite places to eat in Flagstaff. I have gone through 3 punch cards giving me three free meals. I have tried everything. I love the grilled chicken nachos, tamales and tres leches dessert. The handmade burritos are awesome! Cafe Rio opened with really fast service, fresh ingredients and a clean serving line.. Over the past month of eating here, things have gone downhill and seems to lack a sense of urgency and cleanliness. The serving line is absolutely filthy and a huge turn off. The servers throw the food into the burrito shell causing the place to look as though there had been a food fight. They consistently run out of ingredients such as the grilled chicken and have a lackadaisical attitude in getting the chicken grilled. This happened four times already. Gave up on the grilled chicken and got a burrito last visit. Consistently run out of tres leches and the whipping cream that goes on top. Nacho nacho man, I wanna be a nacho man.. Nacho man if cleanliness doesn't improve and ingredients continue to run out.
(3)Kassidy L.
I always have to mentally prepare myself to get food here because of the super slow service the whole staff is never sharp on their customer service but I'll go because I love the food
(1)KG O.
Taco Tuesday is the deal! Combo meal 2 freshly made four tortillas filled with slow roasted goodness of your choice of pork, chicken, and/or steak with rice and beans, drink included, $5.90. I loved running for the border, but it cannot compete with the freshness of the ingredients and the attentiveness of the staff. Best quick deal on Tuesdays. Take home a dozen tortillas as well. Scrum-dealeeumptious!
(4)M B.
Just ate here with 2 kids. Got tamale special and it was cold, a la carte taco was cold, my son is 5 and they wouldn't give him a free quesadilla (I wanted to pay for rice and beans but they charged me for entire kids meal), they didn't give us our kids drinks or chips AND they charged us twice for the enchilada meal! Horrible horrible horrible. I will never go to Cafe Rio again
(1)Susan S.
I would give them an EEH not an EEK!
(3)Chelsea J.
This is a chipotle style food place. But the food is nasty. Rice had to much lime. You could taste the salt in every food item. We ordered 2 tacos and got 2 enchiladas I will not be coming back here.
(1)Neightrix S.
Good food, reasonably priced... Clean place, i found it humorous that I repeated my choices of toppings a couple times... Didn't bother me, I'll be back every once in a while :D
(4)Andy D.
WIth the Chipotle like, factory setup, you think they would be able to move the line faster. But both times I have been there have been exceedingly slow. The food is pretty mediocre. I've tried vegetarian burrito with medium/green chili sauce, and on the other occasion, I tried the special fideos pasta. The green chili/medium sauce is oddly sweet, something that seemed to be common among all the options, according to my coworkers. The salsas, rice and toppings were okay, but you could get a better veggie burrito anywhere. The fideos pasta was okay, but again, not great. Soggy pasta in a mexican-like sauce. We also tried the queso, which essentially was velveeta and salsa (at least that's what it tasted like) The best thing about this place were the tortillas, as noted by everyone else. They are made fresh in house and actually really yummy. I also enjoyed the "drink bar" with the mint limeade, though the second time I visited it was not working. In sum: slow service and mediocre food.
(2)Andy S.
It seemed gross. Like sloppy mexican food, but in a Chipotle fashion.
(2)LuAnn T.
I've been here at least a dozen times now and Ive never had a bad experience. The tacos are a nice sized portion. I can never have more than one. I usually get the chicken. It is nice and moist and very tasty. The grlled salmon is soo good especially with the creamy cilantro sauce. The chicken tamale is delicious. However, my most favorite is the tortilla soup. I absolutely LOVE this soup. I love the scoop of guacamole they put in it and the cilantro. i also put the hot fresca in it instead of the Pico. I could have this everydy. they give you a tortilla and its a good thing its only one because i could eat a dozen tortilla in ibe sitting. And to put the cherry on top...you have to have the key lime pie. It is so good and very large you could share it.....I wouldn't tho because I want it all for myself. I do like the fresca hot sauce more that the pico. its got great flavor. As for the service line, they have always been very friendly and professional. And they have aways told me that the guacamole is xtra. Im pretty amazed at some of these negative reviews, because that has never been my experience. it was reading them that spurred me to write this review. I've never written a review before. If I had an issue, management has quickly jumped in to resolve it, In the past few weeks, I've been here at least once a week for lunch. All in all Ive always left feeling full in my tummy with little damage to my wallet. :)
(4)Initial D.
Last night I had their sweet pork taco on one of their freshly made tortillas and it was one of the tastiest bits of Mexican food I have ever had in my entire life. The restaurant was very clean. I would say overall a very nice little Mexican restaurant. One bit of advice: if you order food to go, make sure you check to see they haven't shorted you on your rice and beans.
(4)Lori G.
Just getting around to reviewing this place. Was there with a large group on opening night, 8 months ago I think, then again a couple weeks ago with a little smaller group of 7. I'm of two minds about this place. On the one hand, the food and portions for price are pretty good, the ambiance is good "looking" so why don't I want to go there? It's very loud and "busy" all around you, the line is long and boring then anxiety-ridden when you are yelling your order over the noise. The chairs are uncomfortable and some tables are unmovable so if you have a little larger group, you have to split up. It feels grungy in the eating area and by the drinks, sticky, like the tables and serving areas were wiped, sort of. There's no attention to detail to make a person's experience a really good, want-to-return, memory.
(2)Brandon N.
Overall the Cafe Rio is similar to Chipotle, but better in so many ways. There are a lot more options and the food tastes way better. We ordered the three tacos and the quesadilla and both were fantastic! The seasoning and marinades were tasty and the meat we had (chicken and barbacoa) were tender and juicy. The best part of the meals was the fresh made tortillas. You could watch them make the tortillas right next to the serving line. The only small drawbacks were that the restaurant was a bit loud even when it wasn't really crowded. As the lunch rush came in it got a lot louder. The line here was long, but it moved quickly and was worth the wait. Overall we are very happy to have a new option for mexican food in Flagstaff. We will be back soon! P.S.- One last thing, try the desert. The Tres Leches and Key Lime were both great!!
(4)Eugene F.
We got a free tortilla while in line! Cause... They make their own tortillas. Plus their salsa shelf was impressive! Sugar free strawberry lemonade?!?! Yes! Vegetarian burrito. Chips, salsa, and guac. Wish they had more of a vegan option... But... What they do have is top notch. Chipotle... Better!?! What?!?! Who said that? Nope!
(4)Jane L.
I had the Barbacoa salad which was delicious. The portions here are very large. The fresh hand made tortillas are warm and melt in your mouth. Excellent Mexican food!
(5)L P.
Was OK but nothing special.... Chipotle-esque. Limited menu. Pick your meat and how you want on the tortilla. I wasn't overly impressed (probably because I don't like Chipotle!) however I will say the sweet pork barbacoa meat was DELICIOUS. I could have done without the beans (black or pinto) and rice pilaf of the combo If I go to a "mexican" restuarant I want refried beans and legit mexican style rice, but that's just me. Dad said his chicken burrito was OK but nothing special. Prices were OK but still $20 for 2 basic lunch items is a bit high for mediocre food. I still say if you want the best most authentic Mexican food in Flagstaff go to Tacos Los Altos on N. 89.
(2)Rachael S.
How many Mexican food restaurants does Flagstaff need? Let alone one more that is walking distance to TWO other ones in town (Rabertos, Tacos Los Altos). There are few restaurants here that I haven't tried due to the fact that I love eating out and seeing what restaurants have to offer. When I saw that a new restaurant was coming to Flagstaff I was excited because not only was it close to my house but I like having more options. When the sign "Cafe Rio" came out in front I was immediately disappointed. I don't judge off of that though, the real disappointment came when I tried the place. I went there on a slower night assuming I would receive the best service. I was wrong. The line moved SO slow and when I got to the first guy in line he was screaming at me as if he was in a concert, and then I had to repeat myself 2 times that I wanted a burrito because for some reason he couldn't hear me. Looking at my options for things to put in my burrito was kinda gross. The workers don't take any pride in keeping their restaurant clean and all the fillings were dropped in all the others and the area around where they were making this burrito I was suppose to eat was crusty sauces and caked on food. Not appetizing. As I move through the line I can hear 2 girls in the back arguing, in front on everyone, about something someone didn't do. It was the most unprofessional thing I have ever witnessed in a restaurant. Next I got to the cash registrar. I had a vegi burrito, which according to their menu came with guacamole. As the girl is ringing me in I ask her for a soda and I see her ring me up for guacamole. Irritated at this point I inform her that I didn't get a side of guacamole I just had the guacamole that CAME with my burrito. She looked at me like I was the idiot. Menu training is one of the most important things in the training process and having someone work the cash registrar who doesn't know what comes with which burritos is embarrassing to them. I took my food and sat down at a table. My burrito was alright but the best part was the tortilla, and a tortilla isn't enough for me to go back for. I would definitely not suggest this place to anyone unless they wanted to see how not knowledgable and unprofessional a service staff could possibly be..
(1)Debbie D.
My overall impression was "go to Chipotle". Food was overly sweet or salty, no real spice. Expensive (lunch for 2 was $18 without drinks - wish I had known beforehand that guac was extra). It was so loud we could not hear anything the staff said while making our burritos, and two would not speak up even after we kept asking them to repeat themselves. There was spilled food all over the prep line. The Southwest limeade tasted like red lime juice, and I poured it out. We have been there twice now and will not be returning.
(2)Joe S.
Generally, this restaurant is trying to capitalize on the assembly line model used by Chipotle and other similar chains. The two star rating is specifically for their "carnitas", which were drenched in a horribly SWEET style barque sauce and in no way resemble anything close to a traditional mexican style roasted pork. I also had a hibiscus flavored drink, which was also way too SWEET. I'm hoping some of their other items have a bit of authentic flavor and less catered to the oversized fast food eating U.S. dinners.
(2)Bryson S.
Food was good but when asked about military discounts, they only give firefighters and police officers discounts.
(1)Dave W.
This was our second time to eat at Café Rio - food was good and we enjoyed it. However - and here comes the "but" - I went in to pick up the daily special, listed at $6.50 for double enchiladas on the sign on the door. I ordered 2 orders (one chicken and one chili beef) and when I got to the cash register my meals which I was planning on costing $6.50 each all of a sudden were rung up at $8.50. When I questioned it, I was told that it was $8.50 because drinks come with the daily special. This was not mentioned in any of the literature nor on the sign on the door. I did not want nor order drinks but had to pay the regular price of $7.60 each rather than the quoted special price of $6.50. Then there was an additional amount tacked on for guacamole. If I had known it would be extra, I would not have let them put it on the plates. So - my $13.50 dinner for 2 ended up being $18.44. The place was very crowded, very noisy, and very hot. Being a bit older than the "average bear", I found it impossible to hear what the people on the serving line were saying. The food was good but I just don't like those sort of "surprises".
(2)John M.
We had our first Cafe Rio experience tonight and were, overall, unimpressed. Even though everything is made fresh and fast in front of you (a la Chipotle-style), the taste was very processed and "Americanized" to us. The amount of salt and sweet in the food overwhelmed anything fresh that was there, unfortunately. Very little tasted "Southwest" about the food. The ambiance was initially good, but quickly declined when you realized the entire service line chants out pre-rehearsed lines "Nacho-Nacho Man" (to the tune of the Village People hit) when someone orders, well, Nachos. Anytime anyone orders anything "extra" (like meat, cheese, etc.), the staff is forced to sing some silly chant about "Extra, extra meat, we like meat..." It goes on waaayyy too long, and you find yourself wanting to choke the guy who ordered the extra barbacoa. I'm sure the franchise thinks this cheesiness makes for a fun atmosphere, but it fell flat when you realize that half of the employees are thinking "if I sing this damn tune one more time..." On the upside, the service was fast and friendly, and the price was right. Just make sure you bring your earplugs and schedule your dialysis visit to clear the sodium after you leave.
(2)Justin S.
It's cafe rio! Great burritos and salads. One of the nicer places is Flagstaff to take a family to eat. The kids under 6 eat free.
(5)M B.
Food is good. Service SUCKS!!!!! Very slow but the guy is in a frantic hurry. Was more focused on getting the food down the line that he couldn't be bothered with questions about the menu. Need some better management, training and more staff
(2)Ben S.
Food was pretty good. The ordering process could use a bit of work (you can't see the menus from the cash register) and it was utter chaos behind the food line. They're working with the same model that Subway or Chipotle do - you walk along a food service line where they build your food right in front of you. The problem at Cafe Rio was they had about 7 people on the food service line and nobody seemed to be communicating. The food was constantly being shuffled forward and back so every single person had to look at the line of people and ask "Who had the cheese enchiladas?!" Heaven forbid two people had cheese enchiladas - then they'd have to sort out which had the mild or mediium sauce, which wanted lettuce, etc. Plus there seemed to be some confusion about who was supposed to be doing what. The girl at the cash register was pleasant enough but it took several tries for her to understand that we had four people, all paying on one check. She tried to give us 5 drinks and she had to repeatedly query the food service people as to which dishes we had...and they didn't really know either which led to the four of us and three employees all trying to explain what our order was. Once we got away from that circus and took our food to the table things were smooth. The enchiladas were tasty, the rice is very good, the beans were good, the chips are a little addictive. Everything seemed fresh and hot. If they can sort out their service issues they'll be in good shape.
(4)