Good food ... excellent service ... best part is there Margaritas best in Fairfield County . Mexico has nothing on them. read more

Dim lights ok but the place was really very dark that you couldn't even read the menu. The place wasn't busy at 6pm but service was slow and staff "hanging out " chatting loudly... After a hard day at work, some of us welcome good food, nice refreshing drinks and friendly warm ambience ; totally opposite experience at Rios today. Been here multiple times. Just couldn't help notice quality of food and customer service deteriorated.... read more

The food was nice. Service was a bit slow but ok. I had a fajita with chicken. Yummy. I will come again. read more

Rio Border Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Norwalk, Connecticut

This is a fun place if you are having a birthday party or a get together. We came here a little bit ago for my boyfriend's, brother's high school graduation. The atmosphere is very upbeat and pleasant. Decor is a little cheesy, but cute! They do have a mariachi band which is pretty awesome! Food is just ok, average stuff like tacos and burritos. They are not the best I have ever had, but they are not bad. Parking here is kind of bad because it is sharing with the nextdoor dollar store and tj maxx which are always packed. One thing they do really well is guac! They also make it right in front of you which is pretty cool! read more

If you like Mexican food you have to try Rio in Norwalk on Connecticut Avenue. The decor is welcoming and friendly and the food is always fresh and delicious. Try the chicken with garlic sauce...it is to die for. The staff is always friendly. Check it out read more

Rio's went downhill since my last visit. Our table was dirty when we sat down. The cheap and cheesy decor honestly is so outdated. We ordered 2 house margaritas and what I remember as being very good last time, just tasted sugary and watered down this visit. Furthermore, we both ordered actual dinners that were literally out of the kitchen and on the table in under five minutes, meaning nothing is prepared fresh, just microwaved. Service was lackluster. I can't justify returning with the other Mexican restaurants in the area. read more

Always a good time and great for families. Remember the menu typo for the $150 combo meal if you're "really hungry"? Most of the reviews have hit the nail on the head: It's kitschy, there's cool 8X10's on the wall, it's in a low-rent strip mall. I get the impression they're just jamming out the food here, assembly line style. But it works and can be a great place to bring the kids because it's really loud and children's screams and whining get drowned out. Careful, the plate is extremely hot. read more

Terrible with a bad attitude to bat. I met a girlfriend here because she didn't want to drive to Stamford to go to Riviera Maya. I was in the mood for fajitas and they have really great fajitas there. She told me that this place had famous fajitas so no-brainer right? Wrong. I don't know if it was the flavorless chips and salsa or the very mushy unseasoned guacamole that turned me off or was it the waitress getting my order wrong twice. I asked for steak and shrimp she brought me chicken and shrimp the first time and I told her no and she really corrected me and said that this is what I had asked for I never ordered chicken when I go out to eat so I couldn't have ordered that . Then she brought me steak and chicken which still isn't the right order because you guys that I don't eat chicken and when I corrected her she proceeded to argue with me and tell me that I did not ask for steak and shrimp even know me and my girlfriend both heard me ask for the same thing twice she got a very bad attitude went to the kitchen and probably had very choice words for us .We had to watch her thank God it was an open kitchen, otherwise I wouldn't have trusted the food going back there with the bad attitude that she took the food away with. She ended up switching servers and did not acknowledge us for the rest of the night I will never set foot into Rio ever again. On the plus side the one-star is for the delicious margarita I think it was the zombie margarita, that I had gotten for free because of this yelp app. read more

Rio Border Cafe - Did you think I wouldn't have pictures of her arguing with me? I told you the Margarita was delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Norwalk, Connecticut

I've been before and have to say this was a second chance but I won't be up to giving it a third. First visit, food came out nice and hot, large portions and friendly waitstaff. While eating my rice I bit down and discovered a piece of cardboard that was probably from tearing the box open too close to the kettle. No problem, I only mentioned it and showed the waitress when she kept asking if she could wrap up the leftovers and wouldn't take no for an answer. I was with a friend who loves the place and didn't want to make a scene. Few minutes later the owner/manager came out with the chewed up piece of cardboard (please don't remind me) defending the preparation and said it was spices. I told him it didn't taste a bit like a spice and looked like cardboard but no big deal I didn't want another plate and so on. Second visit met up with friends, we sat down and there was a terrible sour mop smell so strong it make me wonder if I had sat in it. We had to move across the room but could still smell it throughout dinner. Did our best and carried on even though the head of a large food service company was in our party and said odor means bacteria is present. (Freakin yuck) We had mango margaritas then ordered dinner. Once again, food served super hot and nice portions, flavor okay on the cheese and the chicken enchilada but not the ground beef or the beans so, I kept it to myself and when the waitress asked to box it up said no thanks. Wasn't up to another protest from the owner/manager so didn't offer any reason. Next day, the two of us that ate the trio enchilada dish were ill. It passed within the day but that makes me disinclined to return. Bum deal because the mariachi guy is great and everyone is friendly. You decide but I'm just letting you know I tried it out twice before I reviewed. read more

It's strange, and looks like a porno store, but if you can survive in a Strip Mall as long as Rio has you are doing something right. Walking into Rio and sitting down feels like a Quentin Tarrantino movie. The walls have pictures of everything from the Osmonds to half naked Pamela Anderson shots (and I'm talking the good 90s ones not the over plasticized modern version). Three keys here to the food 1) Fresh vegetables (always an issue when dining Mexican) 2) Creative specials 3) Mexican beers and other native beverages. Bring your family for dinner or hit it up for a margarita soaked lunch. read more

My favorite Arroz con Pollo dish ever. The fresh food, and packed flavors are an experience every time. They always start you off with fresh tortillas and red salsa complimentary by sitting down. You can order table-side-made guac and chips for a premium, or pay a tip to the guitarist that is sometimes there to entertain the guests. The food is always excellent, and authentic as far as Mexican is concerned. Staff is friendly. The only negatives for this restaurant is the ambiance. Though they have done their best with the space, they need to rip down all the cheap decorations, put the kitchen to the back instead of the front, and put the bar in the front instead of the back. There also needs to be a better entrance experience, through a host stand that is missing. The food is amazing, the ambiance is dark and cheap. Still worth the visit for their authentic, rich food. And they do take out! read more

This is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, the food is excellent, the Margare keep flowing the atmosphere is a little dark in there but it's always busy read more

The food Is pretty yummy, but there's nothing very edgy or extraordinary on the menu to rave about. The margaritas are all pre-made and they taste fine if you're into that sorta thing, but they taste fake. Definitely relying heavily on sour mix and less on fresh lime juice. The service is what is annoying. It's really hit or miss. Sometimes you are ignored for 10 minutes at the bar (when it's empty) and sometimes they get to you right away. With so few options for reasonably priced Mexican restaurants with bars(that aren't just little bodegas) people just keep going to Rio because it's been here forever. read more

This place is the best. This may be the margaritas talking but honestly you cannot get better Mexican food and service in the area. Plus the decor is hilarious and there's even a mariachi at night on the weekends ! read more

Located in a strip mall and people I have taken look hesitant walking in to this not-so-inviting looking restaurant. Luckily, they have all been pleasantly surprised. However, every time have been, the food has been consistently good. Years ago this was the best Mexican food you could find in the area. An old friend from California (where they have the best Mex food) agreed. Recently, Rio's dishes haven't been as good as they once were. But for the price (and they mail out free coupons all the time), still it is pretty good for the area. read more

I've been getting take out from this place for 10+ years! I've dined in their restaurant a few times but my family mostly just orders take out. We love the enchilada combo. We can choose what kind of meat you want and even mix and match! I love their refried beans and their guacamole. They have a great taco salad as well! Super fresh and yummy. They sometimes have a mariachi band playing in their restaurant. They're great and awesome with the customers! One time I came in picking up a take out order and one of the customers wanted the band to play Selena's "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom." The band completely honored the request and played away! Great service, great food. Truly a gem in Norwalk. read more

Fantastic - a great find in a weird location... Food is great - authentic and tasty. Portions are perfect. My enchilada poblanos ruled! Drinks are strong and "not huge", 2 margarita's do the trick here.. The wait staff is excellent, very attentive and cool under fire on a busy Friday, parking is plentiful. Live music is goofy, but fun I will be back! read more

Yummy!! Second time around I've changed my mind when it comes to authentic Mexican food. Maybe the first time my taste buds were out of wack. This place is good. I had the variety dinner which consisted of a taco, buritto, enchilada and a wrap with a side of rice and beans. When this plate arrived to our table it was fresh from the pan on a very hot plate which keeps the food warm till you finish. Desert was also very good. We ordered the chocolate enchilada which came with 3 scoops of ice cream and about 5 scoops of whipped cream. Very filling and well worth trying. I cant wait to go back here again. read more

I was pleasantly surprised by this place. It doesn't look like much from the outside - I never really gave it a 2nd thought even though I'm in this shopping center all the time for TJ Max. We arrived around 6/6:30 on Sunday, and it was actually pretty crowded. We were seated promptly and looked over the menu. They have a little of everything - nachos, tacos, chimichangas, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, and also some more traditional dishes like arroz con pollo, carne asada, etc... I got chicken quesadillas and a side of rice, both were very good My dining companion got arroz con shrimp (LOL I don't remember the spanish for shrimp!) and he had jalepeno poppers for an appetizer. Everything was hot and fresh; the chips & salsa they give you to start are also good. Service was friendly and prompt, in and out in about 45 mins and spent $42+tip. Not bad! I will be going back again at some point! read more

I picked up some carry out here. The first thing I noticed, was the place was PACKED. That's a good sign. However, the food, was really not that good. I think I got the fajita's, or some meat combo. The meat wasn't that flavorful. The beans were good, but I don't think I hardly touched the rice. Their guac was pretty good, although there was something that made it seem not very real. Anyways, I feel they must be doing something right with all that business, the place is huge too. read more

Yum. Great margaritas, great chips and salsa, tasty cheap food, good for a lunchtime outing from work... if you don't mind heading back to work with tequila on the brain. Decor is reminiscent of Cubbyhole in the West Village... if you've been you know... A constant if you're looking for good enough Mexican! read more

Channels the NYC's West Village Tortilla Flats from a low-rent shopping strip off Norwalk's Post Road. Funky atmosphere and some of the best service I have had in any type of restaurant. They same staff has been there since we started going 6 years ago. Kids will love it - especially on Friday when the mariachi "Cowboy Mario" sings songs dedicated to Dora the Explorer and doles out stickers after he done playing for your table. Our usuals are Enchiladas Mole, Steak & Shrimp Fajitas, or Pollo Con Arroz. Table salsa is fresh and spicy. Margaritas are great but can push the dinner tab into the "pricey" area. If on a budget, stick with the ICE COLD Cerveza Tecate and a lime. read more

Yes, it's in a strip mall...and yes, there are pictures of celebrities from the 70s on the wall...and maybe some pinatas hanging. But it's okay :) The food here has been good every time I've gone...and ask for extra pinto beans because they are great! The vegetables have always been fresh and spicy truly means spicy if you ask for it. We don't consider it a destination spot, but if you need a Mexican fix, it does the job. read more

Service is the worst, the food doesn't taste anything like real Mexican food if you're American you won't spot the difference you have to be Native Mexican to know that this is not real Mexican food it's a replica, plus they CHARGE way to much for the food they have ALL kinds of fees, NOT worth the price!! Overrated!!! read more

I have been coming to this restaurant for years! The food is great. I recommend the steak fajitas, the calamari, and fresh guacamole.

Not the nicest location but the food makes up for that. Authentic fast and delicious. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and they were perfect. i would recommend for hole in the wall mexican food! read more

Very good service, great food and atmosphere. Can be a little cramped at times but I highly recommend this place

So, I had high hopes for this place. It's conveniently located and I had heard such wonderful things. I ordered two things today that a few friends had recommended the sampler appetizer and the flautas. Both were lack luster at best. No flavor was tasted. I don't know how it's possible to prepare any Mexican dish without it having some semblance or flavor but mission accomplished today. Next time I'll go a little out of my way to Bandidos in Sono. read more

We chose this place while we were in town based off most of the reviews. Unfortunately we did not enjoy it. The atmosphere is too dark (and I like dark). Tables are very close together the decor is a strange mixture of Christmas lights and wall to wall pictures of celebrities. The live guitarist was nice but the loud singing was somewhat annoying. The service was ok. Nobody was overly friendly. The food was bland. Beans were soupy. Salsa was is a very tiny bowl. Difficult to get a chip inside. Prices were higher than expected. Large portions were given of the main entree but that doesn't help when the food is dissatisfying. read more

Placed an order online through DoorDash, went there to pick up the order and was told they no longer do orders from doordash and the rude employee walked away with no apology, no nothing. After realizing my card was charged I went back in and told them my card was charged. The owner or manager proceeded to say " I don't care we don't have doordash" after coming here for many years and taking the long drive with traffic from Stamford it is EXTREMELY disappointing that a small business can operate this way. Even an I'm sorry would've rectified the situation, but being told you don't care about your customers is terrible customer service and business practice. Stay FAR AWAY from this terribly ran business. read more

Rio is a mainstay eatery for us. Good, fast, and reasonably priced. What's not to love? We normally get the beef tacos or enchiladas, carne asada or fish tacos. My daughter is addicted to their ground beef, and I agree that it's very flavorful and not dominated by tomato or cumin. They also have Dos Equis Amber on tap, which is a huge plus. read more

My god the place is good. Good food, great place to have a good time. Ask for Carmelo. He is the manager and he will make sure your visit is as pleasent as possible. Amazing place. read more

We order from this place 2-3 times a week. The last time we ordered fajitas they were delivered without tortillas. When we called the restaurant, the guy who answered was a complete jerk and refused to help us. Needless to say we never got our tortillas and we're never ordering from here again. read more

Go here for Mexican Cuisine and Tequilas. Can keep sipping their Margaritas all day!!

I'm glad I came here and I will come back. It is not the best Mexican I've ever had but it can certainly hold me over until I get back to Texas or the southwest. Good stuff. Better than most in the area. read more

Rio Border Cafe - Mariachi killed it! Awesome! - Mexican Near Me - Norwalk, Connecticut

Literally just left this place. When you and your guest are literally about to turn 24 and 27 in June and have your ID looked at for literally 5-7 minutes before the server comes to you is a joke. Literally that is how long it took because the bartender couldn't figure out how to use a ID scanner in order to scan our ID's as if this corner Mexican restaurant is a night club in manhattan. On top of that one of us had a temporary ct license that was issued yesterday, which had a barcode for it to be scanned, but the guy still asked to see credit cards for a second identification. Smfh. We asked about the happy hour and what their specials were and if they were flavored. Bartender told us 5 dollar margaritas and gave us a menu to see what flavor we could get. We ordered mango and passion fruit. Got the check after 4 margaritas at $9 dollars each. Bartender didn't tell us to add a flavor the margaritas wouldn't be happy hour price of course. Never smiled. Did not say thank you after bringing check. I'll stick to Bandidos in SONO for good honest service. read more

Terrible, worst Mexican food I've had in decades. Cheap ingredients. The salsa tastes like they put catsup in it to stretch it. Expensive! $16.95 for 2 small tostadas,no guacamole on them. Will not go back, rip-off, not authentic, Tex Mex American slop. There are numerous, authentic Mexican restaurants in Norwalk tha t put this mall storefront to shame. More of a dark, dirty bar than Restaurant. I forbid anyone who likes Mexican food to go there. read more

This place is so bad !!!! First of all the service there is lousy "The Waitresses are very disrespectful no knowledge of hospitality or customer service." The place is old and dingy dark and it looks the same for the past 15 years or more. "The food is not authentic Mexican food!!!" most of it is frozen pre-packaged or canned. The owner is self-centered and very unfriendly... awful place visit at your own risk read more

The food is ok, but the service is indifferent and actually borderline rude. They act like they are doing you a big favor by serving you. Not recommended. read more

It's enjoyable if you are having a Mexican craving, but I've had significantly better food. The food is alright, not really the most flavorful. Oh, and the atmosphere is chaotic at best read more