Rio Rico Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Gilbert

It was my mom’s birthday, so we decided to check this place out as we noticed they had moved buildings from when we first moved to Arizona a couple of years ago. We arrived a little before 5 on a Saturday afternoon/evening for an early dinner. We were seated immediately as there were only a couple other parties in there.

Right off the bat, our server was phenomenal! He was so outgoing and told us he was also the bartender and would be making our drinks. When he said that, we were worried he’d be overworked since he also had other tables he was managing… as well as making alcoholic drinks… Out worries were confirmed because it did take a while for our drinks to be served. My mom ordered the prickly pear margarita, I ordered the mango margarita, my dad ordered a beer, and my brother ordered a prickly pear mocktail. However, we did get our chips and salsa early on, but it would’ve been nice to be sipping on our margs while chowing down on the chips and salsa (but, alas).

I should’ve ordered the prickly pear margarita. The mango flavor was all right. However, after it sat out for a while, I noticed the entire drink had become super salty. There was salt on the rim but it was almost like there was salt poured into it as it was being made. It felt like I had pockets of salt in my cheeks as I was sipping on it. Safe to say, I did not finish my drink, unfortunately.

The food came out quicker than the drinks, thankfully. They have a good-sized menu with several choices for even the pickiest eater. I ordered a combo plate of a chicken enchilada + guacamole tostada (with a side of rice and beans). Everything was hot and delicious when It arrived at the table! The rice was a little dry for my taste, but the refried beans had a creamy consistency I enjoyed. The enchilada was the best part (not spicy at all, thank god) and the guacamole on my tostada was excellent and mashed to perfection. My mom loved her fajitas - the chicken had a nice sear and great flavor. My dad loved his burrito (which was MASSIVE) - even if the green sauce made him cry lol. My brother ordered grilled chicken nachos and he repeatedly emphasized that this place was different (in the best way) because they actually loaded up his nachos with chicken.

The food was a solid 4.5/5, but the short-staffed aspect of it plus my margarita being too salty for consumption will bring this review down to...

I had dinner here. I witnessed phenomenal customer service while waiting for a table. As one customer left the establishment they bade farewell to the manager directly by name. It was apparent that they had regulars visit often. He was zipping around from table to table asking how things were, bringing plates and drinks to people. At another point during my meal,I overheard another table ask the waiter if he was new because they never saw him there for how long they've been customers. Yet again, more regulars. The staff treated these people with such warmth and friendliness. From what I noticed, the staff was amazing. The waitresses were so friendly with the customers that had children. When I first noticed this, I was eager to experience such great customer service. But that didn't quite happen. I suppose you have to be a regular to be on the receiving end of that hospitality. The staff wasn't as friendly and almost seemed short with us. I am disappointed that they don't treat all their customers the same. They give exceptional customer service to the people that visit often. This was my first and last visit.

Additionally, I ordered a Shirley temple and was given a Sprite with lemonade. For those that don't know, a Shirley Temple is a Sprite with grenadine and garnished with maraschino cherries. I waited for the server to correct his mistake. But nothing happened. So I brought this to the attention of the bar. As I explained the situation, the staff laughed out loud. While I understand it can be funny that the waiter served the wrong drink, I don't think it was appropriate to laugh in front of a customer.

The beans were a little undercooked, the rice was really good, the chicken in my enchilada was dry, and the tamale was not the best. The salsa was tasty. The 4oz of guacamole for $6 was well seasoned and fresh. Overall, this isn't the best Mexican restaurant. The food can be better and the service is great for some and terrible for others. 🤷🏽‍♂️

If you want great food and service, visit Si Senor...

The first time I ate here was right before they moved into the. new location. I was annoyed because the photos I saw had a patio which was the original location. Covid was just dying down so my wife convinced me that it was okay to eat inside. That it was time to support family restaurants that have struggled for the last two years. She also told me that a few people had recommended it.

I ordered my favorite dish. Chili Relleno which I didn't know at the time is what they are known for. It reminded me of my favorite hole in the wall mexican restaurant from Los Angeles only possibly better.

I'll be honest I try to go once a week because this is one of my favorites. I moved to Arizona originally because I love Mexican food and where I grew up I had one option taco bell. Over the years it feels like most of the great Arizona Mexican restaurants are gone or not as good as they used to be.

I will say this about the new location. I find it comfortable with all the booths. There is a nice bar area but everything about the new location is very similar to the old place. The upgraded but didn't raise prices which seems weird being that the world has seen the highest inflation in four decades.

The other thing I will say is that this place gets busy and most everyone working there is part of the family so you need to know going in that you have to be patient if you catch a busy time. They are doing everything they can to keep costs down and serve the public with great authentic food.

Tonight I had #4 which was the Relleno with a flauta. I got a chicken which was incredible. It even comes with Guacamole on top. I have had the guac here before but I don't remember it being this good.

When I think family authentic mexican food this is exactly it. If you like chili relleno you owe yourself to give...