Cafe Rio
2188 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD, 21401
Cafe Rio Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Annapolis for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Annapolis for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Annapolis for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
2188 Annapolis Mall Rd
Annapolis, MD, 21401 - Phone (443) 603-1900
- Website https://www.caferio.com/locations/store/annapolis
- 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 : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster, 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.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Chris C.
This place was ok. My cousin persuaded me to come since she described it as "Chipotle on crack" The food was ok. Typical Mexican grill food. I asked for more rice, the lady only put less than a spoonful and looked at me as if I didn't see her. Didn't make a big deal out of it. It was ok, but not better than Chipotle
(3)Natalie P.
I don't know why there are so many unhappy reviews on this place. As someone from the West Coast, I've been seriously missing my Cafe Rio. Based on the reviews, I was a little worried it wouldn't be as good as California and Utah, but it tasted just like home! I wish I'd found out sooner that there was one out here in Maryland. Sweet pork barbacoa is on point as always!
(5)Gregg B.
Had been a long time customer - until today. Went for lunch, ordered Enchilada Style burrito. Went to the cashier and handed her my filled up rewards card (10 previous visits stamped on the card). Gave me a nasty look and said they no longer honor them - didn't matter if it was filled up. She told me I would have to pay for it. Told her to keep the lunch and walked out. Guess business is so good they are willing to alienate customers. Food isn't that good and lots of choices to go for lunch....
(1)My B.
Cafe Rio was awful. It was so greasy! The burrito and quesadilla were smothered in cheese. Cheese everywhere! ! The best part of the meal was the drink bar that offered strawberry lemonade. This was my first time trying Cafe Rio and it will be my last.
(1)Christine C.
I am a BIG fan! Food is fantastic. Monday's are military discount Monday's (50% off!). Plates are large, all the food is very fresh and you can watch them cook everything as the kitchen is open to the restaurant. It's very casual and you can't access the location from inside the mall. It only has an outside the mall entrance.
(4)Alyssa M.
I was excited to try this place, because the decor and environment is really amazing. I was not impressed with the food though. The food is a bit expensive. I got a tostada. Everything seemed to lack flavor or taste off. The mild salsa tasted like chopped tomatoes in sugar and vinegar. The rice reminded my exactly of a box of instant Spanish rice that I purchased once. I liked the crunch added from the tortilla strips, but that was about it. There was an extremely small amount of guacamole in the tostada (I can usually get about 4 times as much at Chipotle). I would not eat here again.
(2)Elliott D.
In town for the holidays--of course we had to stop for dinner at the new Cafe Rio, which, for the uninitiated, is one of the premiere destinations in Utah Valley. Holy crap I get excited just thinking about it. Expectations were high; unfortunately the experience (service & food) just did not deliver. Severs who looked like they were serving prison sentences, brown guacamole, hard beans, uneven burrito fillings, wilted strawberries. It was rather unappetizing, and I was forced to take a detour to the restroom within the hour. Sigh. For the record, these are 'the' things to get at Cafe Rio: ***PORK BURRITO, Enchilada Style, Black Beans, Medium Sauce, a side of guacamole & sour cream, and one large dressing to go with the salad ***TRES LECHES - sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. And this is how it's 'supposed' to taste: yelp.com/biz/cafe-rio-pr… This experience tarnished the good name of Cafe Rio in my mind. Proprietors--clean it up!
(2)Kat H.
I enjoyed Cafe Rio more than Mexican Cafe. Coming from San Diego, California, I have high expectations for my Mexican food. Cafe Rio is similar to Chipotle. You can pick and choose what goes into your burrito and it's made right in front of you. I like that you have to option of having it enchilada style. The tortillas are fresh and delicious. The two ladies that helped me were nice and friendly. Overall, the food was average but I like that they make their own tortillas and the service was great. I would return, especially since they have a pretty nifty app.
(4)Kathalina M.
Went here for the first time yesterday with my friend who claimed this is better than chipotle. I got the fiery chicken burrito enchilada style and chile beef burrito enchilada style to go. The concept of the restaurant is similar to chipotle. They put the lettuce l, pico de gallo and sour cream on the side. Their tortillas are made in house. I felt like they slumped on the rice and gave too much beans. The chicken was dry, salty and bland. My fiancé enjoyed his beef burrito. Portions were huge but not too much flavor, even with all the fixings. Their mint limeade was good though. I won't be craving for it but I might give them another chance.
(3)Brian F.
Overall not bad. Bit slow service, as line was long. Food quality was fine. Nothing great, yet nothing terrible. Should offer more than one salad dressing choice. With a Chipotle in the same mall, I can't see how this place will survive with the poor location (no access from inside the mall) and lack luster service. Staff sleeping in dining room???
(3)Bobby F.
Cool decor, nice location, friendly staff but that does not make up for the subpar food. A few restaurants have closed in Annapolis Mall in the last few weeks I can't imagine this place surviving with high prices and Taco Bell quality food. The quesadillas I had the blandest tasting steak I have ever eaten. Just totally dried out, no flavor whatsoever. The wife and I had the same reaction, totally not worth the $23.10 we spent. With major competition in the area-California Tortilla, Qdoba Mexican Grill and Chipotle. Cafe Rio should seriously consider working on the food more or they will end up closed at well.
(2)Kal B.
Decor and service was both appealing. NO line and FLAVORFUL! The selection is nice. The guacamole is not simply mashed avocado as another not to be mentioned similar restaurant. We'll be back! We each had a chicken enchilada and both exclaimed that the seasoning was PERFECT! Monday night is 50% for active duty military at this locale. The beverage selection at the drink bar is awesome and varied and make your own combos! Mint limeade? Strawberry lemonade? Thirst quenching on a hot July day. Not sure what the comments about flavorLESS are. In comparison to another big named and similar restaurant, this foodie was pleased!
(4)Ashley S.
Love this place! We go at least once a week. Love their Taco Tuesday deal, and the chicken tacos are absolutely delicious. The portions are generous and the variety of lemonades are tasty. The location is great and the decor is nice. If there is a line, it does seem to move slow.
(5)Kenneth C.
Skip this restaurant the food is terrible the service is terrible. the guy checking me out complained that people were walking in, during dinner. I tried to get a quick burrito to eat while running errand the burrito was soggy and fell apart when I tried to pick it up. Save your money and go to taco bell
(1)Christy F.
After I saw a flyer from this place with some gorgeous looking tacos, I really wanted to try it. But like some of the others, I was really underwhelmed by the taste. The sweet pork barbacoa was really oddly/overly sweet and the tacos were just meh, as were the salsas. The best part of this place definitely was the drink bar. I'd go back for the drinks alone, which included mint limeade, a super delicious horchata, strawberry lemonade. Also, if you order for yourself in the restaurant, be prepared to have portions of your order shared with the whole restaurant - when I wanted extra cheese, it triggered the staff to start shouting "extra cheese" and then sing some song, as did orders of nachos. I didn't enjoy that experience.
(2)Becca B.
For a place that has 6 guests in it, you'd think the tables would at least be cleaned off. And I must have come after their "big rush" because they had no steak or beef available...this place is a disgrace. I wouldn't waste my time coming here again..just go to chipotle
(1)Sabina B.
Love the vast variety of drinks! The sugar free strawberry lemonade is amazing as is the mint limeade! Horchata is great! The decor is delightful and Cafe Rio offers indoor and outdoor seating. The interior is cute, warm, and inviting without the Cracker Barrel feel. The best thing is that mondays are military 50% off. I'd go every Monday if my roommate would join me. Taco Tuesday! You get a taco, rice, beans, and a drink for about $4. An entire meal for $4. The food is good- I didn't care for the $1.50/ steak surcharge or the charge for a small amount of guac but hey if it's 50% off then I'll deal. And just because I'm child free- parents please leave your kids at home if they're at the age where they scream over being in public. JEBUS! I'd only go here on a Monday or Tuesday because the prices are kind of high for fast casual. I enjoy it but I enjoy a discount as well. You must try the key lime pie!
(4)Jason S.
My wife has been a HUGE fan of Cafe Rio since she first had it in Utah a few years back. She was thrilled when we moved to Maryland and they had two of them about 30 minutes from us (one in Annapolis and one in Frederick). We come to Cafe Rio often -- about half the time to Frederick and about half the time to this one in Annapolis. The food is typically great, but we've found that the service at this one just keeps getting worse and worse. We came in today (Sunday) and the staff preparing the food acted as if we were interrupting their day. They were rude, couldn't bother even a half-smile and made us feel like we were just a bother. The worst part is that they forgot the cheese on our tortillas (the best part!) and I avoided saying anything because I didn't feel like dealing with the grumpy workers. So, not only was the service bad, but the meal ended up being bad as well today. We still love Cafe Rio, but we'll be driving the extra distance to go to the one in Frederick instead. The service there is great...
(2)Catherine H.
This place is great - very reasonable, and the food is very fresh and delish. They make everything, including the tortillas, right there.
(5)Adam K.
TACO TUESDAY!! Like $2 tacos or something. I get one of each; beef, pork & chicken. Actually liking it more & more every time I come. My kids love it too. PS: I'm not a big fan of horchata.
(4)Stephanie M.
DELICIOUS! Huge portions and food is always fresh. I almost always get the salad with pulled chicken and I can make 3 meals out of it. Highly recommend the creamy tomatillo dressing. Decor inside is bright and fun too. Only downside is that I personally wish there was an entrance from the mall.
(4)Elaine S.
I don't usually pre-judge a place based on the low ratings because those are people's opinions & I like to always try the place. I ordered the 3 tacos & my husband ordered the burrito. We wanted to try the sweet pork because of all the good comments. Off the top, he said he liked Cafe Rio better than Chipotle because of the sweet pork, fresh ingredients & handmade/homemade tortillas. My tacos were excellent - i needed lots of napkins because they were juicy, thanks to the salsa! I really liked that the guacamole was fresh & not tainted with lots of onions. A lot of times the onions can overtake the avocado flavor. Onion-loving people can ask for a scoop of onions, if needed. Few places serve guacamole without onions--unless you're at a restaurant that makes guacamole at your table. That in and of itself will have me coming back. Thank you Cafe Rio for the real guacamole. Yes! We also ordered chips & salsa & guacamole -all for me :-) & we loved the drink bar too. Last to mention, we liked the motif of the dining room with music, not blaring. Just right. All the benefits of a quick-service restaurant with top notch, fresh food without relying on a server & tipping. We will definitely be back! Loved it!
(5)Rob B.
Seriously, other than the friendly staff and some interesting drinks, this place has nothing to offer. The quality of the food was as bad as the portion. I had a single enchilada of steak. My guess about 1-2 ounces of dry hard flavorless beef. A tortilla topped with a muddy tasting sauce and some greens served on the side. With a drink it was $10. Honestly from there I had to go to another place to eat lunch.
(1)Mike L.
Cafe Rio makes a pretty big deal out of serving FRESH foods. According to their marketing, they have neither a freezer nor microwave on premises. I have to say that they do a great job of delivering on their fresh food promise. For the uninitiated, it's a little overwhelming trying to tweak your order to your personal taste the first few times though the line. But, after a few orders are under your belt, you'll be fine. The food is very flavorful! The meats are well prepared and moist (it's hard to find places that serve ready to eat beef, chicken and pork that stays moist.) The ONLY drawback to Cafe Rio's food is that it does not reheat well. While they don't have a microwave, you might want to save some and warm it up later on your own. Their food is at its best fresh out of their kitchen. Maybe with some additional personalization when you order you can tweak the dish to get the stuff that heats well inside the tortilla and the fresh stuff that doesn't on the side. Their Tres Leches dessert might not be a "10" in Little Havana in Miami, but it tastes damn good for Annapolis! I really wish they had the corn salsa that is served at Chipotle. If they had that, this would be the ONLY place for Mexican take-out for me!
(4)Regina G.
Delicious! From a Mexican American who lived in California and grew up on mexican food.
(4)Derricka W.
Definitely had a different experience going there last week than I'm seeing from other reviewers. Food was very tasty and flavorful, I had enough meat in every bite. I also really enjoyed their rice and fresh lettuce and pico. The strawberry lemonade they serve is amazing also. I would definitely return.
(4)Dick B.
Note: This is only in regards to the food, NOT the employees. Employees were friendly and nice. When this place was being built there was a sign that said "Voted Best Mexican" per some magazine that I've never heard of. I thought that was a pretty bold claim so that piqued my curiosity. Place is like a Baja Fresh (albeit worse in terms of the food) in that you order at the counter and you bring your tray of food back to the table. I ordered a cheese enchilada plate with rice and beans and an "Horchata" (tap water with powdered Horchata). It all goes downhill from there. The whole black beans were good and the only saving grace in my meal. Enchilada is made with American yellow and white shredded cheese - the type you find in the dairy section at a cheap supermarket. No Mexican flavor but bland, boring, American, Velveeta cheese. I couldn't even finish it. Rice was bland and tasteless. Guacamole tasted like the processed crap that comes in a can from Safeway/Giant. Eating here reminded me of the crap they serve at Poncho & Pepes in Crofton. This is a classic example of yet another gringo chain trying to imitate what they think Mexican food is. Leave authentic Mexican food to the Mexicans.
(1)Jenna S.
My boyfriend and I came in 30 minutes before closing last night looking for a quick to-go order. No one greeted us upon arrival (the place was empty and the employees were busy closing) and we were ignored in line. We discussed what to order amongst ourselves and waited to order. Five minutes later the cashier screamed "CUSTOMERS!" The woman cleaning a machine 8 feet in front of us behind the glass replied "REALLY?" We waved and said "yes" because we couldn't possibly believe she hadn't seen (or heard) us standing there for 5 minutes. We told them sorry to be a bother and that we would leave because of how rude they were and how bad our experience was. We left and went to Chipotle and were greeted by smiling employees at 9:45 that were happy to serve us our to-go order. We don't plan on returning to what used to be one of our favorite places. My advice: go to Chipotle...or anywhere else for that matter.
(1)Rebecca R.
Love this place! Every time I go I get great food and service. I recommend the chicken burrito, enchilada style of course. I am actually shocked by some of the negative reviews on here as everyone I have gone with loves it as much as I do. If you're in Annapolis and want a quick reasonably priced meal I highly recommend this place.
(5)Courtney B.
This place is awesome if you know what to get. If you've never tried their pork, you really really must. Pork burritos, enchilada style with hot sauce, pork tostadas, and pork nachos (enough food for two) are the absolute best. Seriously, don't judge anything until you've had the pork. The house made tortillas and chips are pretty stellar too.
(4)Darrell B.
I was impressed. Went in not knowing at all what to expect. Didn't check out the reviews on Yelp before going in. After seeing the negative reviews I may not have gone. Ordered the three tacos and the were nothing short o great. I got the grilled chicken, beef and sweet pork. The pork was out of this world tasty. I really like the fact that they had fresh cut limes. I use these all the time when eating tacos and the like at home. It was refreshing to see everything looking as fresh as it did. Will most certainly be returning.
(5)Mike R.
I can say I was amazed at this place. I don't like the wanna-be mexican places and can't stand places such as Qdoba and California Tortilla. I decided to give this place a try and I am glad I did. I got the something roast beef burrito, enchilada style and it was delicious. This in no way is authentic mexican food, but it sure suffices. They also have horchatta, which is pretty neat as well as a bunch of other drink choices. As much as everyone air humps Chipotle, this place has them beat.
(3)Kevin M.
My brother and I went here a couple weeks ago after he claimed it was "better than chipotle." I ordered the chicken burrito "enchilada style" and my first reaction was how big the portion was. Now normally, this is no problem for me. I can usually eat about as much as that Asian guy that won all those hot dog eating contests (not as fast of course). However, not only was my meal delicious but it was also extremely filling. My brother, in a state of shock over the fact that I didn't finish my food, said "I told you." Definitely recommend this restaurant.
(4)R K.
The food is bland and tasteless. We got two tacos with 2 spoonfuls of black beans and rice. Total cost of $13 is quite expensive in my opinion. Each taco had about 1 tablespoon of meat and some filler. Yes, the condiments and add on's do look freshly prepared, but the food has no taste. The tortillas were chewy and not made for Mexican cuisine. More like Roti's served at an Indian restaurant. Rice and beans were lukewarm and nothing special. Pico de gallo is watery and again tasteless like the rest of the options. There are better restaurants in the area where you can get great mexican food.
(1)Mark B.
Look up the definition of disappointment in the dictionary and you might see a picture of this establishment. The cheery looking sign and bright decor are an attempt to hide some really horrible food. It might be fresh, but it's tasteless. Compared to even some of the mediocre Mexican food you can find around Annapolis, this place really stands out as bad. If you want fresh Mexican, go to Chevy's which is consistently good. As I get up from the table where I am writing this review, I am reminded that the space I'm in used to be Punk's, another disastrous establishment. I think this space in the mall must be cursed. I'll never be back.
(1)Last N.
In same category as Chipolte (fast food Mexican), only much much better (especially compared to Chipotle at Annapolis Mall). Ingredients fresher, more selections, servings/portions larger, priced considerably cheaper. Also their Lime-Mint drink is refreshing, reminds me of Calamansi in Singapore.
(3)Julie R.
My whole family loves their food. We are from Texas and Tex Mex is our favorite. Excellent sauces!! Great enchiladas, tacos, nachos and my kids love all the drink choices!! We go once a week and it's 20 minutes away.
(5)Rob A.
Taste was decent. The barbacoa was a bit sweet for my liking but not terrible in regards to flavor and tenderness. The tortillas are fresh, light and fluffy. The "Hot" sauce was not the slightest bit spicy; I needed more heat on my burrito (Thank you, Sriracha.) The beans (I got pinto) and meat are a bit soupy, which definitely makes this a knife and fork burrito. I would eat there again, but I don't know that I would pay full price (I went on $1 burrito day) for a burrito with Chipotle so close in proximity.
(3)LISA H.
New mexican grill in Annapolis, so had to try it. It was great. I am a fan of Chipotle's salads and was hoping for something similar, yet different. I got it. Yummy, flavorful, service was great. Decorations were unique, although I am not a fan of the ugly painted chairs. We shared the Quesadillas with steak and we also got a salad. I love how the salad is inside a tortilla with cheese. Yummy, but the tortilla is loaded with calories, so you may want to go without.
(3)Joanne S.
While I prefer to be served versus standing in line to order, the quesadillas are pretty great here. They are being rolled out and made right on the spot. Nice touch. When you order one, I got the grilled chicken version, it is seriously enough 4 two. You have to catch this place at the right time because the line can be long and can make you feel like you are waiting in line at a theme park. The previous time I went (dinner), it moved like molasses. This time I cruised right thru (lunch). Good guacamole. Inexpensive.
(4)