Cafe Rico — Restaurant in Grass Valley

I’ve passed this place a few times accidentally when I’ve been in town as it sets back and I didn’t see the sign.

Today finally popped in to just grab an iced oat milk mocha but then walked out with fish tacos, beans, rice, a guava cookie, and fresh made almond bark. 😆 (figured I might as well try an assortment and not have to worry about food for the day)

First off let me say the owner is a sweetheart and wants to make sure you are happy. Secondly, the fish tacos are seriously good. No skimping on ingredients, completely fresh salsas and you actually see the fish fillet verses ‘fish pebbles’ as I call them from other places I’ve been to.

The refried pinto beans I could actually taste the pintos and it was NOT salted to death (like other places) which is great because you can add her green or red salsa to it and perfecto!

She’s experimenting with the dark chocolate almond or rice bark and she also hit that spot on 👍🏻👍🏻. Her family friend from Honduras sent her fresh cacao beans of which she roasts and grinds them there to make it. Thankfully she does not like to add a ton of sugar either so it’s the ideal blend of cacao and a hint of sweetness. Personally I love raw cacao so I can handle it straight but I know most people can’t. It’s super creamy and will melt fast in the sun (fyi) so be mindful if you don’t consume it immediately.

I will totally be back to try her other dishes on the menu board.

While you’re waiting in line you can check out her other items for sale, such as local soap, jewelry, handmade earthen ware.

Ps. Skip getting a straw and you may be rewarded like I was today with a wee treat. She wants to keep as much plastic out of the landfills...

I love Mexican food. This isn't quite Mexican - the flavors are a meld of Central American flavors, which, from my experience, tend to be a bit more subtle and not as reliant on cumin. I ordered the fish taco plate which came with rice, black beans and a salad. Every single thing on my table is FRESH FRESH FRESH. I requested the spiciest salsa and it did not disappoint. It's red with habanero peppers. She also brought out a delightful verde salsa which is the prettiest, brightest shade of green. In addition, a verde creme sauce was provided with my plate, which I used on both my salad and fish tacos. The fish tacos are served on corn tortillas with a little shredded cabbage and sliced avocado. The black beans are homemade, and I want to know the chef's secret bcz I've never gotten mine to look or taste like this! The location is a touch odd but likely works well for the hospital staff and other nearby medical offices. Outdoor seating is available with ample parking though there are steps to the cafe and is not fully ADA. The menu includes a full coffee/espresso set up with coconut, oat and almond milk available and, to my delight, lactose free milk! Lots of American style baked goods as well. Menu is simple. It appears as though this café is a one woman show, and she nails it out...

Cafe Rico and Estella are for sure a hidden gem. This place used to be another coffee spot, but they closed a few years ago. I did not even know Cafe Rico had opened up in this location until a friend told me a few months back. They have been consistent and delicious since I started going. I had seen signs for smoothies (which I am not a fan of) so I didn't bother to stop in, Then I heard about the food, breakfast and baked goods! Breakfast is delicious, lunch items are amazing and if you want a delicious taco, here is the spot. The fish tacos are awesome. This time I had the Salvadorian Chicken sandwhich (shown in pictures) and it did not disappoint. YUM!!!! OMG!! 💯 delicious Super fresh! Huge portions! (One sandwhich will easily feed two people) The outside of the building is a little funky, its in one of those old mini miner cottages type buildings along the golf course. But inside is as clean as a whistle. There is WiFi available, lots of small cafe tables inside and outside for eating and coffee with friends. If you can mamage to eat all your lunch, go for any baked goodie or desert, everything I tried is yummy!! Hit up this spot when you are hungry and want a big meal or want to share...