Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican — Restaurant in Littleton

If you're introverted or just prefer a calm and quiet dining experience, avoid this Cafe Rio location in Littleton at all costs. My visit turned into a social anxiety-filled nightmare. Upon mentioning that it was my first time there, I was immediately subjected to an over-the-top spectacle. The employees erupted into loud shouts of "FIRST TIMER!" followed by an enthusiastic chant of "CAFE RIO WELCOMES YOU!"—and to my absolute horror, they repeated the chant over and over. This went on for what felt like an eternity, with the entire restaurant turning to stare at me. It was one of the most embarrassing experiences of my life. Unfortunately, the horror didn't end there. I ordered a burrito, and when they asked if I wanted it enchilada-style, I naively said yes. Big mistake. The staff once again shouted—this time, "ENCHILADA STYLE!"—and the chant started again, repeating loudly as if I had ordered something groundbreaking. By this point, I was mortified beyond belief and just wanted to disappear. As for the food? Not worth enduring the torture. The burrito I ordered was underwhelming at best, and the enchilada sauce tasted bland and overly salty. For all the noise and theatrics, I was expecting something special, but the food was mediocre at best. If you're looking for a laid-back, enjoyable dining experience, look elsewhere. Between the shouting, the repeated chanting, and the mediocre food, this place felt more like an awkward performance than a restaurant. It was enough to guarantee I probably...

This was my second visit to this location since its opening. The food is excellent, and the team working the service line—the ones preparing the bowls and handling the food—are wonderful. The atmosphere is also great.

However, the reason for my low rating is entirely due to the behavior of the manager on staff during my visit. While a newer-looking employee was helping to build my bowl, the manager approached her with a piece of paper and began speaking to her in a loud, aggressive, and unnecessarily harsh tone. This interaction happened right in front of customers, and it was extremely uncomfortable to witness. The manager was berating her about something related to her responsibilities, saying it was “part of her job” and “part of her career,” but the way he handled it was completely inappropriate.

You could visibly see the new employee was upset and uncomfortable, yet she did her best to maintain professionalism and continue helping customers. The manager’s behavior made me feel uneasy as a customer and left me feeling sorry for the employee, who appeared to be trying her best.

While the food and service staff are wonderful, the manager’s lack of respect for his team has left me hesitant to return to this location. A workplace should foster respect, and this experience made it clear that the employees aren’t being treated fairly. It’s disappointing because everything else about this visit was great, but the manager’s behavior really left a...

Cafe Rio is the place I have been longing for to replace Chipotle…Cafe Rio blows Chipotle out of the water in every aspect of a casual food restaurant and dining experience…Cafe Rio’s food is 300% better in every way…from food flavor, quality, temperature ( they have home made sauces, drinks like Horchata ) and the service is top notch…instead of being herded like cattle ( like at Chipotle) and food slopped in a tray as if one is in line at the local jail with no eye contact or communication…Cafe Rio actually treats you like a person if not family member and explains their food and flavors, suggests great pairings with their food and delivers a great experience from service to food quality! I have dealt with Enrique often and he is always a joy to see and they even check up on you while your dining, take your trays, offer to get you a refill and offer samples of deserts! It’s a win win win...