Rio Tacos & Tequila — Restaurant in Baton Rouge

5 stars for the Queso. 4 stars for the fish taco. So, why a 1 star review? See below:

My wife and I have passed this place nearly every Saturday morning since they started the buildout. The colors, patio revamp, hightops with bright stools all screamed "New & Exciting." Everything one could hope for from a new Taco & Tequila spot, right?

Today (07.17.21), we finally stopped by for lunch. We arrived shortly after open (11:17 to be exact).

First Impression - the food and trash on the patio tables and smushed roach on the steps were unexpected, as we appeared to be the first customers of the day. We proceeded anyway, as we had already promised our 4 year old "the new taco place."

Second Impression - Upon entering the restaurant, we saw no one. We stood around for a couple of minutes before a young lady came from the back and asked us, from across the restaurant, if we were dining in. Then, instructed us to pick a table. (We were the first customers of the day.)

Third Impression - the oversized booths and beautiful tabletops were inviting. That is, until we picked a booth that still had food on the table and seats from the night before. We decided to try the next booth - same issue. We ended up choosing a table on the beautifully painted back wall.

Fourth Impression - the waitress approached, asked what we wanted to drink. We asked what their Top Shelf Margarita was made with. "Jose Cuervo." Odd considering I just saw Don Julio on the shelf, but ok. I asked about beer and was told "We have those right there." I ordered a Sol. After quite some time (and 3 different wine keys/bottles openers), the beer was delivered. She soon after returned with the house margarita (we weren't going to pay TS prices for Jose). We mentioned that we were ready to order. Her response was "Do you want me to go get his lemonade and queso?" She returned with the lemonade and queso. The Hatch Chili Queso is REALLY, REALLY good!

Fifth Impression - my wife ordered, my son ordered. I attempted to order a Chimichanga. The waitress informed me that the chimi is only available at lunch during the week. As a former GM of several service industry establishments, I understand seperate menus. However, if the kitchen is currently serving all of the individual ingredients of said dish, to build other dishes, why not oblige the customer? Every dish we ordered had ingredients used to make a Chimichanga. Aside from the Queso and Fish Taco, the food was lackluster. The street tacos weren't bad, but weren't good. The beans were more like southern chili and undercooked. The rice was bland.

Sixth Impression - Restroom. Ok, I know. Restrooms aren't the place you want to hang out. But, especially not this one. The commodes were still "soiled" from previous visits, the urinals appeared to have not been wiped/sprayed/anything in quite some time. The smell was horrendous. There were literally flies swarming around as my son attempted to potty (he ultimately got frustrated and gave up). And, no paper products in the dispenser to dry washed hands (there was a hand dryer, but my son refuses to use them).

Final Impression - The bill. Given the quality of food, service and overall appearance/cleanliness of the restaurant, I was not expecting to spend $75 on lunch. I don't mind spending money on a good dining experience, at all. I rather enjoy it. However, all in all, we left supremely disappointed and will not return.

If you're wondering - we did still tip the waitress 20% (even though the receipt suggested up to 30%). I know Saturday AM shifts can suck in a restaurant. Also, I won't punish a server due to failures beyond...

HORRIBLE!!! HORRIBLE!!! HORRIBLE!!! It took 45 minutes after sitting to get queso (which was very good I might add, along with the chips) and get this, a margarita. When it arrived, it was SOUR as freaking lemons. No one could drink this margarita, trust! I've NEVER had a drink so bad. No way was I able to drink it, nor did I pay for it. They really have the makings with its central location in the downtown area to be great, but it's such a shame the food and service is just not there. I mean its not even close! This has to be the owner's first attempt at getting into the restaurant business, as it lacks so much even on a basic level. They've really got to get their act together and I mean fast or they won't be open long. Here in the south, if your food is good, word travels fast, but on the other hand if it's bad, it travels faster. To be honest, I've been better served at a food truck. I did, however, give my waitress a generous tip as I believe in taking care of...

Celebrated Cinco De Mayo at this establishment. This place used to be a fully operated bar and club. They converted the bottom floor into a Mexican restaurant. Took 20 minutes to get our water and drinks. The food wasn’t good at all. I ordered the street taco meal. My corn tortillas weren’t cooked, my actual tacos where cold. The frozen margaritas were terrible. The grapefruit margaritas was the worst. The regular margarita was better but needs sweetener. If you’re drunk and hungry, I recommend you go. If you actually love Mexican food and a foodie. I don’t recommend you try this place. The prices were pretty good. I had two margaritas and a meal including dessert and it was all under 30.00 The staff is friendly and the crowd was very lively. Overall I’d rate this restaurant a 6 out of 10. I’m sure I won’t go back unless I’m drunk and just need something in my stomach. However this place is downtown and had...