Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican — Restaurant in Las Vegas

I ate at Café Rio many times in Orange County, SoCal and always enjoyed my meals there.

I ate once in the Cafe Rio in Henderson, NV and was not disappointed.

Sadly I visited the Café Rio located at 9002 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV and was disappointed.

I ordered two Sweet Pork Barbacoa tacos a al cart, a Tortilla Soup, and a beverage. The tacos had a rather sparse amount of meat in them (though the barbacoa was flavorful and the tortilla was fresh). The Tortilla Soup had a fair amount of chicken and guacamole, but when they dipped for broth, they didn’t dip to the bottom of the pot it was nearly all broth a very scant amount of veggies. They also had a small rolled tortilla on the plate but no tortilla strips on or with the soup. After asking for the tortilla strips three times, they finally caught on and dropped a small amount onto the plate. (I found that to be like ordering a cheese burger then receiving a burger with a slice of cheese set to the side on the plate.

While paying, I gave a coupon for $5.00 off. The amount showing to be paid was about off by the $5.00. The cashier checked twice and said “No, the amount showing was correct”. Finally, the manager came out and said the machine had been doing that a lot lately, and corrected the charge.

Forks were set in container with tines up, that way all customers trying to retrieve one would be touching the tines that the next customers would be putting in their mouths. Picture included.

The cleanliness of the cooking area was not at all good. I pointed it out to the manager and was told that the machines in question were not to be touched by the employees or it would void the machine warranty. ( Picture included). She had brought it to the attention of the area manager several times but nothing had been done. They also had a constant stream of liquid coming out of one of the fountains, which had also been reported three weeks ago but still no one had come out to fix that machine. I pointed out that the refried beans had dried out on top and I doubted that they were at the required 160 degrees. The resolve to that would be easy …. Stir them periodically.

I will also point out that the restroom smelled badly of sewer gas.

It is my understanding that the owner of this Café Rio owns four others in the area, so I’ll not likely be visiting Café Rio again anytime in the...

I'll start by stating I've visited this location prior and have not had a disappointing experience like this: Alina helped complete salad order - first, I asked her to add habañero salsa and she proceeded to advise that would be an extra charge(we order salads every month and have not been charged prior), next she neglected to add nor ask for guacamole (seemingly because the guacamole tin was empty). I took that as she was too busy and asked the next team member to assist with that request (only Josie/cashier charged as additional side item), once presented with my receipt I noticed the error and asked for it to be corrected. The cashier asked if I "wanted my change back?" I didn't understand, and responded "I wanted a credit back." She went to ask a different manager named Luz (her name was on my receipt, but this was the first interaction with her) to help with processing refund. Luz attempted to minimize the cashier's mistake by offering me another side item, or a drink "it's $3 dollars, so that should be enough." I normally would've taken the drink offer, but I was tired of waiting 28 minutes for 2 salads to be prepared [there were only 3 customers ahead of me] I simply want my order processed/completed properly! Surprisingly, this "manager/lead" Luz didn't know her cashier's name, as she asked her/Josie to provide me her name Lastly, as mentioned prior, I'm a reward s costumer and regularly complete (usually positive) surveys - as a thank you reward receive chips or dessert, only this time Alina advised me (after the cashier once again not being knowledgeable of products/promotions/how to process transactions) that since my survey presented was from a different location, my "complimentary" dessert was declined! overall terrible experience, couldn't even enjoy my salad because this review took so long to complete - very disappointed, I expect better - so should...

Atmosphere: Café Rio offers a vibrant and casual dining atmosphere with a lively, colorful décor that sets a welcoming tone. The interior design, featuring bright colors and rustic elements, creates a relaxed and friendly environment that’s perfect for a casual meal with friends or family.

Service: The service at Café Rio is generally prompt and attentive. The staff is friendly and eager to assist, whether you're a first-timer or a regular. During busy hours, there might be a slight wait, but the team does a good job of managing the flow and keeping things moving smoothly.

Food: The highlight of Café Rio is definitely its food. Known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes, the menu offers a range of options, from hearty burritos to flavorful salads and tacos. The made-from-scratch tortillas and sauces add a special touch to each dish. Popular choices include the Sweet Pork Barbacoa and the Mexi-Cobb Salad, both of which deliver on taste and satisfaction. The portions are generous, making it a great value for the price.

Cleanliness: The restaurant is well-maintained and clean, with regular upkeep ensuring that both the dining area and restrooms are in good condition. The open kitchen concept allows diners to see the food preparation, adding to the overall appeal.

Value: Café Rio offers good value for money with its hearty portions and reasonable prices. It’s a great spot for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Overall: Café Rio is a solid choice for a casual, flavorful meal with a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking for a tasty, quick bite, this place delivers consistently good food and a pleasant...