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Open List Home >> Boulder, CO >> Restaurants & Food >> Restaurants >> Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

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Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Based on 73 votes
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Local(303) 444-3690

1101 Walnut St
Boulder, CO 80302

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Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Local(303) 444-3690

1101 Walnut St
Boulder, CO 80302

http://www.riograndemexican.com

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Business Summary  what's this?

For two star Mexican, try Rio Grande in Boulder. You'll find this is one of the popular places to eat in the area. When you step inside the restaurant, you'll notice a noisy atmosphere. This place features a full bar. This place is good for groups. People who have eaten here found the food good and poor quality.

Message From Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

We offer custom catering to go

  • Selecton of Margaritas
  • Authentic Tex-Mex
  • Six locations near you

From its bustling downtown location adjacent to Boulder's Pearl Street Mall, the Rio Grande has become an important part of any visit to downtown Boulder. The Rio has an award-winning combination of delicious and healthy TexMex food freshly prepared every day by our hard-working kitchen staff, famous Cuervo Gold Margaritas, and a lively, energetic atmosphere that can be equally enjoyed by patrons from 5 to 95. The store has many unique features: beautifully hand-painted tables, traditional Mexican music, original artwork, and unique garage door style windows which can be opened or closed to enjoy the ever changing Colorado weather. Built on the premise of creating a fiesta for everyone with fresh food and drink, the Rio becomes "family" for both the employee and the customer. We are proud that the spirit of people is our secret ingredient. Now offering Custom Catering To-Go.

User Reviews of Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Yelp.com Review - by Steve O.

3.0 of 5 stars. Not bad. Decent food and good service. I'd go back, for sure.
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by liz t.

2.0 of 5 stars. just ok small burritos, nothing special!
yelp.com - user review - 08/14/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Melissa H.

3.0 of 5 stars. We heard that the Rio had a rooftop patio, so after dinner at the Med, we decided to indulge in the famous Rio margaritas that numerous people had told us about.I'm not sure if the hostesses are...
yelp.com - user review - 07/20/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Tiffany C.

3.0 of 5 stars. They only have happy hour from 3 -5? Is this true of all Rios? If so that's ludicrous. Who can enjoy happy hour at those times? I mean college students in Boulder, sure. But, what about the workingman...
yelp.com - user review - 06/24/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Phil H.

4.0 of 5 stars. My friend will always take me here for margs. It's limit 3 per person, and for a good reason. These babies are strong! I am a bit biased against mexican food in general (just not my thing) and I still...
yelp.com - user review - 04/17/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Lucy J.

5.0 of 5 stars. i. love. the. rio. mmmmmmargaritas! yes, they're great, yes, they're strong, yes, they get you messed up... quickly. i happen to really like the food too... after reading other people's reviews,...
yelp.com - user review - 04/04/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Lynda S.

5.0 of 5 stars. I got hooked on tostados while in nursing school in San Antonio, TX. To this day, I crave "healthy" Mexican fare...a crisp corn tortilla layered with green lettuce (not iceberg), tomatos diced, black...
yelp.com - user review - 03/19/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Melissa H.

4.0 of 5 stars. The Rio is great for their margaritas and for their margaritas that come like a martini --- the name escapes me! Anyway, it comes in a shaker and tastes excellent.The queso atomica is a great way to...
yelp.com - user review - 03/14/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Emily T.

4.0 of 5 stars. I really love the margaritas here. They're effective. Word on the street is that they cut you off after two. I can't remember whether I've ever tested this. I do remember ordering a (very large)...
yelp.com - user review - 03/13/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Alisa G.

4.0 of 5 stars. Oh the Rio. :) I have a special warm spot in my heart for this place so maybe my review will be a little biased. I heard about the Rio long before I ever tried it. My sisters and bros-in-law have...
yelp.com - user review - 02/21/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Andrea L.

2.0 of 5 stars. The only good thing about the Rio is their margs and queso atomica. Everything else is average and bland. I have never had an entree there that I really enjoyed or remembered. Come here for happy hour...
yelp.com - user review - 02/21/2009
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Terrible, Bland Food

TERRIBLE, bland food; I cant even eat it when Im drunk.The margaritas are good, however...but dont even bother with an appetizer at this joint.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/05/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Laura C.

3.0 of 5 stars. When my boyrfriend and I moved to Boulder my aunt got us a gift certificate. She boasted the quality of the margaritas and the 3 margarita limit. While i'd have to say the margaritas are great, the...
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2008
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Still the Original by Rajeev M. at InsiderPages

Located right near Pearl Street, the Rio is a favorite among the locals. The margaritas are great and the food is excellent. It can often be packed and have long waiting times, but it is well worth the wait.
citysearch.com - user review - 12/27/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Toni L.

3.0 of 5 stars. The only way you can enjoy the food here is by having one of their Everclear margaritas before you eat. Food: For how much I paid, I expected much better. The flautitas appetizer was way overfried and...
yelp.com - user review - 12/23/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Hans O.

4.0 of 5 stars. Tex Mex - that's the first thing it comes to my head when I think about the Rio Grande. I've been to both locations, Denver is good, second floor gets full of young crowds having more drinks than...
yelp.com - user review - 12/21/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Sarah G.

4.0 of 5 stars. Review for margaritas only. Many many people said this was a must stop on the trip for the margs, and they weren't wrong. Great margaritas, lots of options. I had my usual, frozen mango and it was...
yelp.com - user review - 11/30/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Heather P.

3.0 of 5 stars. If your going for the margaritas you are in for a treat! Order the Strawgo margarita (mango strawberry mixed), it is tasty! good chips and salsa as well. Other than that the food is alright, nothing...
yelp.com - user review - 11/21/2008
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Good Mexican Food.

In terms of food, Rio Grande is one of the two better-than-average Mexican...
urbanspoon.com - user review - 11/09/2008
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A Boulder Classic

OK, so there's alot of differing opinions about the Rio. The truth- it is one of the best places in Boulder. Nowhere else can u go for the atmosphere, overall food quality and delicious margarita. As a long...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/21/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Danny J.

4.0 of 5 stars. Quck review:Hands down the BEST MARGARITAS IN TOWN...as well as best Salsa and Chips. The rest of the food is satisfactory, and tends to start tasting better after you have one of these tastey...
yelp.com - user review - 10/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Nadia H.

3.0 of 5 stars. Rio used to be my all-time favorite Mexican resturant about 10 years ago. The marinated beef was out of this world, the tortillas *excellent,* the beans and rice so super yum, and the margs,...
yelp.com - user review - 08/30/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Aaron H.

2.0 of 5 stars. Not a big fan of the Rio. Yes, the margaritas are strong, but they are not good. The food is not authentic and is unimpressive
yelp.com - user review - 08/20/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Sean J.

4.0 of 5 stars. when we walked by the rio, we went there for one reason - they're chips. obviously not, it's all about the margaritas. i mean don't get me wrong, the food was excellent. whenever i'm back west, i have...
yelp.com - user review - 08/18/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Mr. Fishbits X.

3.0 of 5 stars. 3 stars for the great margs. Nothing else at all for the fact that they are nothing else at all... bad food, and overpriced.Stay Away. Walk a block to Juanita's.
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Maddy M.

4.0 of 5 stars. The Rio is centrally located just off the Pearl Street Mall. They have a delicious menu that will satisfy most dietary needs. They also have infamous "killer" margaritas (three drink limit).The bar...
yelp.com - user review - 08/05/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Dave H.

3.0 of 5 stars. Kick arse margs and better than average food.
yelp.com - user review - 07/31/2008
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Great Margs and Nachos!

I've been here numerous times and have yet to have a bad experience. There margs are tasty, if you like them strong. Being a vegetarian I love the fajitas and nachos. Granted it's not the best mexican food out...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Lindsay B.

4.0 of 5 stars. You know, I really dig this place. Went for the first time last night with a friend, both seeking to drown a whacky work week in the legendary margaritas. First off, I dunno what goes in those, but I...
yelp.com - user review - 07/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Mike H.

5.0 of 5 stars. THIS IS FOR THE DOWNTOWN DENVER LOCATION!I finally made it back! AMAZING! Veggie quesadilla. Chips and Salsa. Margaritas, which were as good as I remembered them. I had two of my own and had about...
yelp.com - user review - 07/08/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Emily S.

1.0 of 5 stars. Typically, I loooove their veggie fajitas. I have no complaints, except I was up till the sun came up holding my boyfriends hair back last night after dining at the Rio.super great atmosphepre, but...
yelp.com - user review - 06/18/2008
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Great mexican by Sarah P. at InsiderPages

I really enjoy the food here, though I think the margaritas are a bit overrated. They put extra shots in them so it'll put over the top faster than normal.
citysearch.com - user review - 05/16/2008
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Chicken Bone in Enchilada

The margaritas are definitely worth going there, but the food is a different story. I refuse to eat there since I found a 3 in. chicken bone in my enchilada. Go for a margarita and chips and salsa, anything...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/08/2008
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Great Food, Amazine Margs and Cool Staff

This place ROCKS! Literally, the margs are the best and the food is amazing. Their food is fresh and they don't use any lard in any recipe. Their salsa is heavenly and when you sit on the rooftop, sip a marg...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/29/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Susan A.

5.0 of 5 stars. CHIPS AND SALSA! Forget the the margaritas... yeah they are perfect and delish... but i caught myself saying out loud "i could drink this salsa." Those chips are perfect too. Warm, light, salty--i dig...
yelp.com - user review - 04/27/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Mark M.

2.0 of 5 stars. A place that makes it's business on selling margaritas better have good margs. The Rio does not. They are sweet crappy Rose's lime juice junk that has not seen a real lime within miles. The funny...
yelp.com - user review - 04/27/2008
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Centro is the place to go, NOT RIO

If you think that Azteca is actually good Mexican food, than you might like this place. Otherwise, if you own a tongue, please stay way. Cheap margaritas are ok, but if you want real good Latin food, check out...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/13/2008
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Margaritas, of course.

I am not from Boulder and was taken here by my friend and wow. I am now Rio obsessed. Their margaritas really are as amazing as they and everyone else says, and the food was fantastic. It's a really fun place...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/20/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Alex P.

4.0 of 5 stars. The smothered burritoes here are pretty awesome. I haven't really tried anything else, but a lot of people come here for the margaritas, they are massive and will get you a good buzz. It's also good...
yelp.com - user review - 02/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by M C.

1.0 of 5 stars. The Rio has come up with a fantastic marketing ploy with its three's the limit on margaritas. In fact, you'll never hear anyone mention the food, and that's because it's so average. So, the...
yelp.com - user review - 01/23/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Mark G.

5.0 of 5 stars. This is the place to start your drinking night. It does not get any better. The three margaritas limit is there for a reason. You probably don't want to drink any more than that or you will require...
yelp.com - user review - 11/21/2007
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The 'LAST PLACE' in Boulder to eat

Unfortunately, I have eaten at the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant 3 times. Each time was worse than the last. I don't know how it stays in business. On my second and third visits I tried to convince my friends...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/19/2007
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I am so sorry, this review was meant for Centro on Pearl Street.

I don't ever do this and I created an account just to write this review. I would have to say this was the worst meal I have ever had. The service from the waitstaff was good but the manager was far from it. My...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/20/2007
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Poor management and service

Had an awful experience on Sep 15th . We chose rooftop seating as the day was nice but the service was beyond poor. We waited for 20 minutes in the hot sun and finally had to flag a server to get us water. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/15/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Gretchen W.

1.0 of 5 stars. Food: Not awful, but not good either. Merely "enh", which is not quite as good as mediocre. If you want mediocre tex-mex, try anywhere else in Boulder.Salsa: rather decent. Margaritas: Excellent,...
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2007
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Terrible service, good salsa

The Rio has really gone down hill. Today, in for a late lunch, the server, while nice, brought out soup (appetizer) with the actual entrees. The Rio is notorious for bad timing. The green chili (which I...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/24/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Jenn S.

3.0 of 5 stars. i'm not gonna rave all crazy like about the place. it's a nice place to start a evening of bar hopping. for me, their margaritas (the frozen strawberry ones) were always a treat. i didn't have daddy...
yelp.com - user review - 06/07/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Alexandra F.

3.0 of 5 stars. Our male waiter had better eyebrows then anybody in the restaurant hands down. This might have been my distraction to the not-so-good mush Mexican food.The tortilla soup was plane and powerless, yet...
yelp.com - user review - 06/04/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Vince D.

3.0 of 5 stars. My girlfriend will kill me if I don't give this place--her favorite restaurant--at least 4 stars! If you happen to run into her, don't tell her that I only gave it 3.Here's the deal, the food is good...
yelp.com - user review - 06/04/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Amanda W.

1.0 of 5 stars. I'm tired of hearing people rave about the Rio. They do have *potent* margs but there are *tastier* ones around the corner at Juanita's. With all the college kids in town, this is probably why it gets...
yelp.com - user review - 02/23/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Amy F.

4.0 of 5 stars. This used to be my favorite place to go after a hike with friends - we would order some margs, enjoy the chips & salsa and skip the food (food isn't that great). It always seemed like we ran into...
yelp.com - user review - 11/28/2006
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Margaritas

Margaritas, Sangrias, House Margarita, salted, surgar, iced, on the rocks. This place is where to go for margaritas. The food is average, getting better but you go to this place for the Margaritas. They have a...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/13/2006
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Average Mexican - Decent Margs

The Rio is hyped a little more than it is worth, still a good choice for a weekday lunch. Decent happy hour deals, service is inattentive and indifferent. Margaritas are okay, I've had better and worse - but...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/04/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Kevin G.

3.0 of 5 stars. More mexican food from slopped from the steam table. Rio Grande has more windows than Juanita's. Rio's Margaritas are legendary.
yelp.com - user review - 09/29/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Carrie O.

3.0 of 5 stars. My experience with the Rio has been mediocre at best. Yes, they do have great margs, but their food is always greasy and/or not cooked correctly (overcooked or undercooked). However I do like the Mahi...
yelp.com - user review - 08/01/2006
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Great margaritas, OK food, mediocre service

I really enjoyed the margaritas! They aren't syrupy-sweet and they tasted great. I originally tried to order a different mixed drink, but our waiter claimed that they only have beer, wine, and tequila. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/23/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Steve M.

4.0 of 5 stars. The food is average, but I meet friends here frequently because the margs are outstanding, the chips and salsa are pretty good and it's a great location to launch a night at the bars from. Actually,...
yelp.com - user review - 07/12/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by jon b.

2.0 of 5 stars. Margs that'll kick your ass, but that's about all that's good at this place.
yelp.com - user review - 06/04/2006
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The best margaritas ever! And good food too...

All the rave reviews about the margaritas are correct--I have never had better! All of them (house, frozen, frozen strawberry) are excellent. Try a "strawberry light" if you want strawberry flavor without...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/04/2006
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The BEST Margaritas I've ever had!

What can I say, The margaritas at the Rio are sinfully delicious! I have tried to duplicate them at home and must say that mine are darn close! They serve a strawberry marg that is fantastic too, o...
judysbook.com - user review - 02/21/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Chaz T.

4.0 of 5 stars. Julia is correct about the Margaritas. Expect that she left out that they taste absolutely fantastic, as well as packing some serious punch.The food is average Mexican - nothing exciting. Its mostly...
yelp.com - user review - 01/09/2006
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Best Margs in Town!

Hands down the best and most potent margaritas in Boulder! This place is always packed on the weekends and full of energy. Great food and excellent drinks make it a must try.
judysbook.com - user review - 11/07/2005
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Yelp.com Review - by julia r.

5.0 of 5 stars. the rio is not joking around with their margs. on the rocks or frozen, they will knock you on your ass. or walk you right into a glass door. literally. the drinks are so lethal that they had to impose...
yelp.com - user review - 07/28/2005
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Awesome Mexican Food! by Julia P. at InsiderPages

The Rio's margaritas are what draws most people to the restaurant. They are the best margaritas in Boulder and their food is amazing as well. Both can become addicting, so beware! The margaritas are high...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/17/2005
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check it out

what you can expect here are excellent chips and salsa (order the side of queso to go w/ it...it's good) and excellent steak tacos...they are marinated and very good. i order this every time I go there....
citysearch.com - user review - 01/25/2005
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Great Atmosphere average mexican food

This place has great atmosphere and great service. The mexican food is catered to Anglo Saxon taste and is not spicy or authentic. They could have done more by asking whether one wanted real Mexican or...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/25/2004
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DO NOT EAT HERE

Everything about this place besides the Margaritas is place is terrible. The service is rude, slow and inefficient, the food is poor quality and small portions and grossly overpriced.
citysearch.com - user review - 12/02/2004
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Excellent texmex and margs on the Pearl Street Mall

The Rio is a staple of the Boulder Pearl Street Mall scene. The food is A texmex (nothing fancy - just good stuff). The atmosphere is casual - not to party, not to mellow. The service is fast and ...
judysbook.com - user review - 09/11/2004
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This ain't tex-mex

Had this place simply refrained from their claims of TexMex authenticity, I might have forgiven them for serving such insipid fare, but this place is worse than the usual Col-Mex restaurant. If you're a...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/04/2004
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Great food & fun

Great food and a very lively atmosphere. Great for vegetarians, because vegie items are clearly marked on the menu.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/15/2003
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Margherita Madness

I was reluctant to try the Rio b/c I am particular about Mexican, but I loved it. The fajitas are awesome and the queso is to die for!! I would go there just for the queso. The margs are totally delicious, but...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/12/2002
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mediocrity

The menu, the cooking, the presentation, the service are all purely mediocre. Nothing about the price makes up for utter lack of anything else especially appealing or striking about this restaurant.
citysearch.com - user review - 10/25/2002
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Best Mexican Food I've Ever Had!

I love this place! Finally, a restaurant that's not afraid to put a little spice into their food. I truly think this is the best mexican food I've ever had, and the location is right in the heart of Boulder.
citysearch.com - user review - 10/09/2002
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Frommer's

This popular neighborhood restaurant and bar, just south of the Pearl Street Mall, is probably best known for its huge, award-winning margaritas -- so potent that the staff enforces a strict limit of three....
frommers.com - user review
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AOL CityGuide

rio grande now has a closer location for me!!! yeah! there is one downtown denver, so i don't have to go all the way up to boulder for their great margaritas...
cityguide.aol.com - user review
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Wcities

one of the city's most popular restaurants, the rio grande is best known for its tasty and potent margaritas. the feisty drinks pack such a kick that there is a three-margarita drink limit. flavorful food,...
wcities.com - user review
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Yahoo! Travel

Find valuable restaurant information including descriptions, photos, reviews and interactive maps for Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant in Boulder, Colorado. Locate additional information on sights, attractions...
travel.yahoo.com - user review
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TripAdvisor

busy and a little noisy, but the food is good and the margaritas are dangerous...
tripadvisor.com - user review
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