Rio Rio Cantina

This is a place that is a trap for tourists. We were lourded in by the statement, No waiting. So guliable as we were we entered. We were seated right away but then came the wait. It took 28 minutes to get our drinks and on hour to get our food. When the food finally arrived we were very displeased. The nachos that cost 11.00 were five flat tostadas with a thin layer of what looked like canned beans. A dribble of what looked like cheese was the next layer. The flautas that were served to me came with a string so were weren't sure what we were suppose to tie with it. Tomatoes that were served with another plate looked old and ready for the trash. Our server had the gall to charge us 18% gratuity when the menu states parties of 8 or more will be charged that amount. When asked why she charged us the gratuity. Her answer was parties of 5 or more will be charged. Then to top it off she rang up all the wrong receipts for every one in our party If you actually try to complain to the manager all he will say is sorry and walk away. So if you want bad service, bad food,and being overcharged then this is the place for you. more

Good service, bad food. more

1st off i would like to state that this restaurant is a TEX-MEX restaurant! People, read the sign..it says tex-mex! If you dont believe me, check the website. And to the person complaining about the tortillas... yes they are store bought. Have you ever worked in a big restaurant? They do not make all of their food in the restaurant. Especially tortillas! Be realistic when rating a restaurant. If you?re looking for authentic Mexican food, either go to Mexico or search for a Mexican mom and pop owned restaurant. I've been going to Rio Rio for the past 5 years. I eat there numerous times a year. I have had a few not so good experiences, but for the most part it has been a great restaurant. I would highly recommend the Botana plate. It?s a plate for two but can feed up to four! The shrimp is to die for! And i believe the plate is around $25. Where else on the Riverwalk can you feed that many people with just $25? I devour the cheesecake chimigangas. I hope all the bad reviews do not prevent you from eating at Rio Rio. Mind you, it is more rare for someone with a good experience to rate a restaurant versus a bad one. P.S. Queso is a must have! more

Tortillas bought from HEB, the food ordered was chile relleno, beef enchilladas and beef fajitas. ALL were tasteless! (the enchilladas tasted like Plastic) Pros: 186miles away from my hometown Cons: service, food more

Tried this place out as the wait at Casa Rio was 45 minutes and I really craved Mexican. The food was plain and unexciting and had I not been so hungry, I probably would not have eaten so much of it. Ordered a beef fajita and they didn't provide enough tortillas and the cuts of beef were cheap and dry. The service was also extremely poor. They had no hostess at the river level and kept a group of people standing there lost while waiting to be seated. When they tried to seat people, they were very disorganized trying to seat multiple parties in tables that were being cleared. I also waited over 10 minutes for the check after I requested it. The only positive from the dinner was the mango fruit smoothie. I would never eat here again, nor would I recommend it to anyone else. Pros: fruit smoothies, good pico de gallo Cons: slow service, cheap meat selection more

Was taken there for my bday...what a mistake, we first arrived and was told to go upstairs to be seated, went upstairs and no one was notably around to assist in seating, after tracking someone down and seated, was given menus, no silverware, inside the menu was a greasy onion stuck inside, was given a bowl of broken hard chips, salsa had No taste, when asked for hotter...(spicier) salsa, we were given microwaved salsa...so yea i guess it was hotter, ordered sweet tea that was on the menu, was given unsweet, when I told the waitress i ordered sweet tea, she passed me the sugar tray, and was told that must of just made the tea....what????...the food had NO taste, soggy, we didnt even finish the meal, and refused the box, not even good enough for my dog to snack on!!!! Paid the check...was brought back change, but no coin...was told they do not carry coin because coins weigh down the aprons....wth is that...so we didnt even get all our change back....imagine how much collected over the evening....wonder if that is considered theft???? Stay away at all costs....and to think this is a paesanos food restaurant!!!!!!!! GROSS!!!!! Pros: they close at nite Cons: food, service, attitude more

Chips were OK, salsa had NO taste. I had to add tabasco sauce to get some flavor out of it. I ordered the Enchilada Suizas. Large portion! Plate consisted of refried beans topped with some cheese, two enchiladas covered in sauce and stuffed with TASTELESS chicken, some mexican rice and a few large pieces of large lettuce with some corn scattered in it. Price should be cheaper for the quality of food that you get. If quantity is what you are seeking, then Rio Rio is your destination. DEFINITELY look elsewhere for quality though!! This was my first time to the River Walk and I made a mistake by not researching what restaurants were around that area. Pros: Surrounding atmosphere Cons: Tasteless food, mediocre service, Overpriced more

Food was average. Pros: Riverwalk Cons: Service, Prices more

I am always amused by anyone who would rate a restaurant after only one visit. You have to try it on different days and try different menus items in order to really know a restaurant. I have done this at Rio Rio, and have probably eaten there more than 30 times over the past 20 years. This is absolutely one of the best on the Riverwalk! The Chiles Rellenos are wonderful and their Margaritas have a real kick to them. I have almost always had excellent service from very friendly people and am always seated where I ask to be seated as long as there are empty tables in that area. I also travel extensively in the interior areas of Mexico and I can tell you that this food at the Rio Rio still rates very good when compared to the food of that venue. People who think that all Mexican food is extremely hot and spicy are really probably only used to Tex-Mex food along the border, not real Mexican food from the most of the country. Usually the Mexican dishes themselves are not that hot and spicy - it is up to the individual diner to add the Serrano and Jalapeno peppers to your own preferred level as you build the meal in the tortilla in your hand. more

My husband and I ate here during the Fiesta as we were hoping to get some great Mexican food. My chimichanga had no flavor what so ever and the rice was equally tasteless. The chips were a little on the hard side and the salsa tasted like it probably came from a jar.... Picante would have even tasted better. I definitely wont be back here. more

My family eats mexican food once a week at the least and this by far was the worst ""mexican"" food we have ever had!!!! My husband got beef fajitas and they undercooked and obviously one of the worst cuts of meat they could find since it was mostly chewy fat. My son got the chicken tenders plate and they do not even offer fries but they do dump a bag of potato chips on the side. I had a combo platter consisting of a tamale, enchilada verdes, and a bean tostada with the standard rice and beans. My beans were okay, the rice was mostly hard and crunchy, and the ""highly recommended"" enchiladas verdes was gross. It had maybe two small chunks of chicken and the rest was tomatoes for the filling. The service was okay until he saw we did not eat and then he quickly got an attitude and took everything off the table including my water which was the only thing good!!! Not to mention our bill was $55.00 for stuff we didn't eat!!! Save your money and go to Taco Cabana or Taco Bell..or go to a real mexican restaurant!!!!! I think they even have higher food standards than this place....Ughh just plain nasty... Pros: On the Riverwalk Cons: Crappy patio seating compared to others, Nasty food, Rude service more

I cannot believe that this place has all these great reviews. I go to San Antonio all the way from Dallas and have the worst Mexican food I have ever had. Here is what they call Enchiladas: Pros: Riverwalk Cons: Food more

I love RIO RIO....the food is great! i live in houston,tx. and at times i find myself driving the 2 hours just to eat there with some friends. my favorite over there is ""the enchiladas de la casa"". it comes with two cheese enchildas, refried beans, salad, and rice. the scenary is beautiful. i mean c'mon, its the riverwalk we are talking about. the only thing i dont quite like is the service at times. the waiters tend to be slow. but the FOOD...is excellent. :) i just went there yesterday!!! Pros: the riverwalk, price, FOOD!! Cons: service more

I live in San Antonio and took my Nephew and his family from out of town, it was the worst and most embarrasing experince I have had. We asked to sit outside they sat us as far in as you can get, by the restrooms, when we told the person seating us we wanted outside they told us, WHATEVER! We waited 20 min no one helped us we were leaving and I wanted a refund for my drink the manager told me he did not have time for me and called the Park Rangers, he would not tell me his name or phone # of the establishment, I will never go back and I will tell everyone about my lousy experince, I was with family and for the $$ we were going to spend, I expect to be treated much better! Pros: On the river Cons: to pricey, rude manager, equals rude employees more

Don't kid yourself, the food only vaguely resembles Mexican cuisine. That doesn't, however, mean that you can't enjoy the varied menu, festive atmosphere, wonderful location, and reasonable prices. Relax and enjoy. Pros: location, portion size, atmosphere Cons: authenticity more

Nearly all of the restaurants along the Riverwalk are above average, or else they would not stay in business very long. Diregard the previous rater who called it ""not real Mexican food."" If you want ""real,"" go to Mexico. If you want food that is safe to eat in a clean environment, eat in the US and accept the fact that restaurants are allowed some variability. Rio Rio is a very good restaurant that serves large portions of well-prepared, imaginative ""Mexican"" food. The prices are very afordable. They also have vegetarian entres. Excellent value for money. more

This popular restaurant that sits off the river downtown San Antonio comes alive on weekends. Its romantic setting includes river boats, tourist, and plenty of mexican culture. The delicious food completes an enjoyable day or night out. Their specialties range from tender chicken/beef fajitas to luscious enchiladas to nachos a la carte. The aroma alone fills the air with what awaits your fill. There may be awhile wait but its well worth it. Parking is just around back for convenience, too. Pros: romantic setting, easy parking, exciting atmosphere Cons: may be a while wait, lots of people around more