Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican — Restaurant in Sandy

Review of Cafe Rio – Quarry Bend Location (1/13/2025)

Today, my friend and I decided to give the Cafe Rio at the Quarry Bend location another chance. It had been about a year since my last visit, and I hoped things might have improved—especially since Cafe Rio had previously responded to my original review, thanking me for my feedback and expressing a desire for another opportunity to serve me better.

Unfortunately, not only did things not improve, but they were significantly worse. The portion sizes were noticeably smaller, and the sauces were disappointingly watered down—for both me and my friend. I ordered the roast beef burrito (medium), while my friend chose the pollo asado burrito (hot). Both dishes suffered from the same issue: the flavors were diluted, and the sauces lacked the rich taste we expected. Even the tomatillo sauce I requested on the side was thin and watery.

As regular patrons of the South Jordan Cafe Rio location, where we’ve been going weekly, we know what the portions and flavors should be like. The South Jordan location consistently delivers the quality and taste we’ve come to expect. The Quarry Bend location, however, seems to be cutting corners—compromising both quality and portion sizes.

For reference, the Quarry Bend location is at 9320 Village Shop Dr, Sandy, UT 84094, while the South Jordan location is at 1664 W Towne Center Dr, South Jordan, UT 84095. It’s clear that this issue is specific to Quarry Bend, as our experiences at South Jordan have always been positive.

I’m deeply disappointed with this visit, and unless substantial improvements are made, I won’t be returning to the Quarry Bend Cafe Rio.

[Quarry Bend, 1 year ago] I have noticed a steady decline in the amount of meat, rice, and beans that they put in the burrito. In the past, when you said, I'm getting a burrito from Cafe Rio, that meant that you were going to get a 'BURRITO!', not 'Is this even a burrito?' I have been going to Cafe Rio for YEARS, and seeing this steady decline is saddening. The burrito that I got today at the Quarry Bend location was so small, that I left hungry. That has never happened before. As I watched them make the burrito, I almost laughed, like I was getting punked or something. They have finally crossed the line where the portion sizes are so small that it doesn't make it worth it for me to go there. If things don't improve soon, then I will have to look for an alternative...

Love the food here! Only disappointment was ordering a side of beans to go with my kids quesadillas and having them be half the size they used to! Beans are cheap! 3/25/22 they've done a touch of remodeling to accommodate pick up orders. Just moved the drinks. Prices have gone up like everything else, portions down. I think the employees are new because they forgot to put everything on the nachos and forgot dressing on the tostada. Still really good food though! 1/31/24 I recommend going in to get your food. It's easier to order the family's preferences online and we were in a hurry tonight, but they didn't get everything right. We were short a niño quesadilla, which cost $1 now and are smaller than they used to be (but they do come with an orange slice which was a nice touch), and we had requested pico de Gallo on the side but realized when we got home there was none so that was sad. We love the pico there. But they did get the vegetarian and beans only (no rice) correct which was more important. It just took time I didn't have to go back in to get the missing quesadilla. Another helpful thing would be if they labeled which dish was which. We all got tostadas, mostly sweet pork, so we had to dig through to see which one had no rice, no meat, extra pico (they were all the same despite some ordering extra), etc. That was a pain in the car with no forks. They don't put them in the bag for you. It was my bad not noticing and grabbing them on the way out but it would be nice if they were put in the bag for me. 10/16/24 I forgot about this review and just read through it... They now have a sticker on each dish with all the details so you can tell which is which!! They also put utensils in the to-go bag as well! Don't forget to take advantage of their daily deals and 2x, 3x, and 4x points to get free food! 10/9/25 still enjoy eating here. Tried the carne asada on a salad and it was delicious! Salad seems smaller than it used to be--more like the tostada (still more meat, beans, and rice than the tostada though, just less lettuce I guess?). If I'd gotten it to go I don't think they'd need the tall kids. Still one of the cheaper places to take the family though and the food is fresh...

EDIT 2: Cafe Rio said they were going to make things right, and then they never followed through. I've emailed them twice asking for an update, and they haven't responded. Pretty disappointing. So I guess disregard the first edit and listen to the original.

EDIT: Cafe Rio reached out to me about the survey I took on the receipt and really went above and beyond. I'm leaving the original review below for transparency, but they go out of their way to make things right. Great company

Original:

Just like the other reviews have said, this location skimps on portions.

Where to begin... first of all, I got there near 9, so everyone was anxious to get home. It was quite apparent. The first employee that took my order made the smallest burrito I've had at Cafe Rio to date. I asked to substitute rice in place of the beans, and she gave me less than even a normal portion of rice. When I asked her if she was going to give me more since I substituted it, she added a tiny half scoop.

Despite having hardly any rice in there, almost all of my burrito was rice because she added an even smaller amount of meat. Then, she topped it with cheddar cheese... since when has Cafe Rio used cheddar? The mozzarella is way better. It was honestly just gross, having this tiny, cheddary "burrito" (pics included)

When I got to checkout and ordered tres leches, it also seemed like a big hassle for the staff. The guy processing payment visibly sighed and looked disappointed when I told him I had an e-gift card. It took forever to input the info, which he probably knew would be the case and hence the exasperation. Honestly, I've never had a bad experience at cafe rio before, but this definitely was one, and I don't plan on...