Casa Rio
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Dinner at a Mexican Restaurant Along the San Antonio River
CathleenCathleen
190
San Antonio Riverwalk Travel Guide: Where to Explore and Dine
DicieDicie
150
We had some out-of-town visitors from Germany who were visiting us in San Antonio, and we wanted them to experience the Riverwalk. Granted, this is a tourist attraction, and prices will be a little bit higher than the norm. Just know that we did the river boat cruise, which is about a 30-minute ride, and then sought to find a place to eat by the river, and landed at Casa Rio because our guests wanted Mexican food. We had eight people in our party and even though two of us were parking there locally, using the valet parking, they would not seat the party at their table - even though there was NO wait - unless the entire party was present. This is even though I advised my wife we were in the valet area and backing into park the car. We were seated at a table by just off the river, but very close in proximity, and we were greeted by our server, Chris. Chris was very knowledgeable of the menu and was attentive and forthcoming with answering our questions about the menu items and sides with honesty (high marks for him). I will say I was surprised to find out that chips and salsa were not complementary and tortillas did not accompany the meal, even though many in our party ordered meals that had rice and beans and/or other items that you normally add onto a tortilla to eat. Again, Chris was an outstanding server, and our food was, I'll say, okay. I wouldn't write home, and I wouldn't rave about it, but to me, it was more touristy, and I've had better Mexican food in the San Antonio area. So, on this particular night and visit, I would say the river was a hit, eating by the river was a hit, and the food was a miss - in my opinion - unfortunately. I hope your experience is better than mine and wish you well when visiting the San Antonio area and its tourist attractions. Note, plates in pictures are: El Chiquito (I'm sure) and Green Chicken Enchiladas (I think)
Geo-T22 PavGeo-T22 Pav
00
Casa Rio's menu boasts a wide selection of Mexican dishes that tantalize the taste buds. The dishes were expertly prepared, showcasing fresh ingredients and the chef's attention to detail. I particularly enjoyed the rich and savory flavors of the enchiladas and soft tacos, complemented by the perfect balance of spices and seasonings. Another aspect that impressed me was the quick and prompt service provided by the restaurant's attentive staff. From the moment our large group stepped through the doors, we were warmly greeted and guided to my table. The staff members were efficient in taking orders, and the food was brought to the table promptly. It was evident that the restaurant prioritized customer satisfaction. The restaurant's location right on the River Walk added an extra charm to the overall ambiance. The picturesque surroundings, combined with the vibrant atmosphere of Casa Rio, created an inviting and enjoyable environment. It was a treat to dine alongside the tranquil waters in the lively spirit of San Antonio. While my experience at Casa Rio was positive, there was one aspect that slightly detracted from the overall enjoyment. There was a gentleman who approached our table, who took our photos and afterward sell them to us. This unexpected encounter created a brief moment of awkwardness and interrupted the flow of our meal. Though understandable from a business perspective, it would have been preferable to enjoy a more uninterrupted and relaxed dining experience without the added pressure of purchasing photos. In conclusion, Casa Rio provides a delectable journey into Mexican cuisine with their tasty dishes, efficient service, and prime location along the River Walk. I wholeheartedly recommend Casa Rio to locals and visitors alike who are looking for a memorable dining experience in San Antonio.
Shea BShea B
30
This is the place you go if you want to have ok Tex Mex on the riverwalk. Guys, that's about it. This place is not what many would consider "authentic" mexican food. Overall, the food is fine. There's nothing wrong with it but I can't help to think the location has much to do with this place's success and staying power. This place has been here for a very long time. They just seem to be resting on their laurels, and just checking the boxes they always have. Again, it's fine. Most will enjoy and walk away fulfilled. There was a wait, we completely understood and it wasn't excessive. In fact, they told us 45 min to an hour. It was less than that. Getting to the table with a wheel chair (from the riverwalk) was like finding the bat cave. We certainly got there but if you are in a manual wheelchair, be prepared to navigate some steep ramps/grades. No real issue for us, but I can see some folks pushing wheelchairs having trouble in that area. Everyone was very helpful in getting my mom through the maze. Maybe there is another way into the place? If you eat on the riverwalk I don't see this being an issue. The menu has all the staples. I had the Taco plate and it was fine. Everyone else seemed ok with what they had. We went to a place in town, not far from Casa Rio the next day and everyone said the food was better at the other place. The Queso had a skin on it by the time it got to the table. Service was adequate. I don't recall us going dry on drinks for long. There were empty tables around us and we were in there late so I'm not sure what the issue was. We sat next to the kitchen door where what I can only assume someone's partner was focused on getting his attention in the kitchen to have an emotional conversation on the dining room floor. Again, It's fine. people have things going on. They weren't loud, it was just odd floor entertainment for me. Bottom line, this place is fine. It's nothing outstanding. The location is great. Enjoy the riverwalk. If you are in the market for some great Tex Mex or Mexican food go elsewhere.
Jerry E.Jerry E.
00
Casa Rio offers a wonderful dining experience with good food at a reasonable price. The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, perfect for a night out or a casual meal by the river. The food itself did not disappoint; classic Mexican dishes were prepared beautifully, full of flavor, and true to tradition. We really enjoyed the enchiladas and tacos—authentic, well-seasoned, and just what we were hoping for. The only minor downside was a small hiccup with the seating process. When we arrived, we were told there would be a 20-30 minute wait for a table, which was fair given how busy the restaurant was. The hostess asked us to wait at the bar and mentioned they’d contact us on our mobile when our table was ready. We grabbed a drink at the bar, kept our phone on the table, and settled in to enjoy the atmosphere while we waited. After about 20 minutes, I checked the phone and saw they’d actually texted us 10 minutes earlier to let us know our table was ready. Since we hadn’t realized it was a text and not a call, we’d missed the notification. When I went to the hostess desk, they mentioned that, because more than five minutes had passed since they’d texted, we’d have to go back on the waitlist. I explained that we were expecting a call as mentioned and hadn’t realized the notification would be via text. The staff were understanding and quickly found us a lovely table right by the river, which made up for the initial confusion. Overall, Casa Rio is a great choice if you’re looking for quality Mexican food in San Antonio. The atmosphere and riverside setting add a lot to the experience, and despite the slight miscommunication, the staff were accommodating and helpful. With a little tweak to the seating communication, it would be perfect!
Kieran McCullaghKieran McCullagh
00
Nearby Attractions Of Casa Rio
The Alamo
San Antonio River Walk
Shops at Rivercenter
Hemisfair
Tower of the Americas
Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
San Fernando Cathedral
Majestic Theatre
Travis Park
Menger Hotel

The Alamo
4.6
(21.7K)Click for details

San Antonio River Walk
4.7
(14.8K)Click for details

Shops at Rivercenter
4.5
(7K)Click for details

Hemisfair
4.7
(6.6K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Casa Rio
Rosario's ComidaMex & Bar
Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar
Domingo Restaurant
La Panadería Bakery Café
Boudro's on the Riverwalk
Schilo's
The Esquire Tavern
Margaritaville Restaurant - San Antonio
Stout’s Signature
Mad Dogs British Pub (River Walk)

Rosario's ComidaMex & Bar
4.2
(3.1K)Click for details

Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar
4.1
(3.2K)Click for details

Domingo Restaurant
4.7
(2.6K)$$
Click for details

La Panadería Bakery Café
4.7
(2.4K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
430 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Map
Phone
(210) 225-6718
Call
Website
casario.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4
(4K reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Pioneering River Walk destination with classic Tex-Mex fare, margaritas & outdoor dining since 1946.
attractions: The Alamo, San Antonio River Walk, Shops at Rivercenter, Hemisfair, Tower of the Americas, Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk, San Fernando Cathedral, Majestic Theatre, Travis Park, Menger Hotel, restaurants: Rosario's ComidaMex & Bar, Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant and Margarita Bar, Domingo Restaurant, La Panadería Bakery Café, Boudro's on the Riverwalk, Schilo's, The Esquire Tavern, Margaritaville Restaurant - San Antonio, Stout’s Signature, Mad Dogs British Pub (River Walk)
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