Excellent!!! My first time there but I Must say I heard people recommend this restaurant to others while we shopped and walked. The staff was great! Food was amazing! Many gluten free options. I had the lobster enchiladas. They were GF and safe! They chunks of lobster in there were definitely a great amount. My friends surf and turf burrito was massive! She had enough leftovers! It's a lovely restaurant. Nice covered outdoors space but restaurant has nice decor! Prices were worth it . I'm Definitely going back and recommend if in the area. Wish I tried it sooner! read more

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Cinco De Mayo is a busy day and the place was slam full of people! You would think things would be messy and slow. Quite the contrary... The service was great and the drinks were fantastic. The food timely and fresh and delicious! Sat outside and it was warm and sunny. Love this place! They do it right even on the busiest day of the year! read more

Real solid spot for lunch. Everything we had was better than I thought it would be. Service was 5 stars. Pleasant surprise that I would definitely return to if I was near by. read more

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Recently visited for dinner with friends and had a great time. We sat outside which was great, but the inside was a full house with a cool atmosphere. Yes, they charge a small fee for chips and salsa, but it does say bottomless, and the price wasn't unreasonable. Plus they were tasty! The four of us each ordered something different and everyone enjoyed their meals. I had the picanha steak Mexican style and it was delicious. The drinks were creative as were the desserts. We look forward to going back again. read more

I love this restaurant! I've made it a yearly tradition to go there for dinner on Day of the Dead to look at the decorations and customers and staff's costumes- and we participate in dressing up as well! The margaritas are outstanding as is their delicious guacamole. read more

I totally forgot to post this!!!! Last month I came by with a group of friends from NYC. I was taking them around the area and of course I had to bring them here. Our server was Carlos. It was my first time meeting him. He did an amazing job taking care of so many energetic women. I have to also give a big shout out to our bartender Kevin for doing amazing drinks. The food was as usual extremely great. We barely left any food. Everyone was impressed with their options. Quesadillas; my favorite shrimp tacos; enchiladas; table side guacamole real nice and fresh. We had many drinks. And below are some of the pictures I got to take. Did not take pictures of all the amazing food. read more

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I really appreciate that there is a separate vegan menu and that the server and the kitchen were very accommodating to my nephew's dairy & egg allergies. Though I am not vegan, I ordered the vegan nachos and the vegan burrito and both were delicious. Their guacamole was also really fresh and tasty. Thank you to our server Brianna for taking great care of us! read more

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This is perhaps my favorite restaurant in Mystic and I always make a reservation whenever we drive up to the area. Even by California standards (I split my time between CA and CT), this is a great Mexican restaurant with solid flavors and plenty of options and to top it all off they have a huge vegan selection which is hard to come by even in the most refined Mexican restaurants (thinking Casa Playa at the Encore in Vegas). To top it all off they have a gorgeous terrace for the summer months and the interior is warmly decorated. Our server, Jocelyn exceeded our expectations and even on a busy summer evening, she paid extra attention to all of our requests (quite a few :D). read more

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Really enjoyed the food and service at Rio Salado! Elevated Mexican food w fresh flavors and new pairings. It was so delicious! Great atmosphere, too. read more

Let start off by saying almost all of my reviews come from a positive experience I had. Unfortunately this was not one of them. We were in Saturday night and to be fair we had a large party. The restaurant was busy and it was very hot inside. Our server was clearly overwhelmed with the amount of tables he had and our service was poor at best. Many order items from drinks to appetizers and even 2 entrees were never entered, leaving some at our table sitting and waiting. The food that was delivered was luke warm while the plates themselves were extremely hot. The food was average and may have faired better if it had been hot. This place seems extremely unorganized. I hate to leave a bad review but if someone is looking forward to nice night out and a good meal there are many better choices in the area. read more

I had the mushroom fajitas which were excellent. The mushrooms were cooked very well and were very flavorful. I didn't miss not having any meat with how tasty the mushrooms were. The Oaxaca old fashioned was smokey and delicious although it was a little pricey. The atmosphere was very relaxed and enjoyable. I would go back and will recommend it to any of my friends who visit. read more

Wow. Rio Salado absolutely blew me away. From the moment we walked in the warm welcome from the host set the tone for an incredible experience. The ambiance? Gorgeous. The food? Even better. Let's talk salsa because I genuinely can't stop thinking about it. Salsa is either a hit or a miss, and there's no middle ground. But this salsa? This was the best salsa I have ever tasted. I'm talking dream worthy. I would literally swim in it if I could. A bathtub full of this stuff wouldn't be enough. It's that good. For my entrée, I had the Pork Cochinita Pibil, and even though I don't usually go for pork at restaurants, I'm so glad I did. Four out of five stars, easily. Tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. I would go back just for that dish alone. My drink of choice was a Modelo Negro, which paired seamlessly with the meal. I didn't try a specialty cocktail, so I cannot comment on the bar, but the beer was cold and rich. We finished off the amazing meal with the churros, and wow (so many wows). Perfectly crisp on the outside, warm and fluffy on the inside, paired with creamy dulce de leche ice cream. I'm still dreaming about it. It is a different dream than the salsa... But the food wasn't the only star, the views are also breathtaking. Perched up on a hill, at Rio Salado you get sweeping forest views of the surrounding area, and I can only imagine how stunning it will be when the leaves start to change. Definitely a spot for all you leaf peepers out there! The service was spot on. Our server was attentive and genuinely friendly. She even understood the importance of that second quesadilla for the little ones questions asked. Our water glasses stayed full, and our refill of chips came out fresh and hot. Final Verdict: If you're in Mystic craving authentic Mexican food, you have to stop by Rio Salado. It's more than just a meal, it's an experience. From the food to the views, everything is a solid 10 out of 10. And that salsa...oh my gosh, that salsa. I'm already planning my next visit. read more

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new place and it was to die for!!! the chips and salsa were so fresh, we almost filled up on those before our food even came. the margaritas were okay, i would try another flavor. i really enjoyed the blackened salmon and the rice and beans side was delicious. our server was awesome as well, super personable. i love the vibe of this place and the design and i can't wait to come back to sit outside in the summer! read more

Rio Salado - blackberry margarita - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

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The food is delicious the steak amazing! The guacamole is amazing so good one of the best I've had! The service is amazing the sever was so kind and patient when we asked for certain things on the side. She was amazing so kind it was great! Now the ambiance... it's so cosy and relaxing! It's such a beautiful place! Everything was good, the seack needed salt but that was it! Love it would definitely come again! read more

So beautiful, so delicious, everything about this restaurant is pleasing. Great service, excellent food and a pleasant atmosphere what more could you want. I encourage everyone in the area to give it a try. read more

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Great family restaurant with excellent service. Not a fan of the food quality or seasoning which is more in line with fast food offerings. High prices as expected in a tourist district. Very convenient off the highway. Of note, they do charge for chips and salsa- 5 bucks, and not homemade! read more

We went to Mystic and decided to try this place. We ordered the nachos with Barbacoa on top. They were really good and a big portion. I had the special lobster and shrimp salad which was very refreshing and lite. The chicken enchiladas were also ordered and again it was a generous portion of four and very flavorful. The waitress we had was very attentive and on top of things. This was a great choice and we will be eating here again definitely in the future. Don't pass Rio Salado by! Stop in you won't regret it!! read more

Excellent Mole sauce. Fresh Chips and salsa, very good. We did not care for their version of rice and beans both bland. Portions on the small side. Dinner ambience very good. We would return. read more

Very busy night! I was told good things about this place by our driver. It has a rustic/modern look, dim with plenty of warm lights. Outside and inside seating. My party of 6 arrived 10minutes early and were asked to wait for our table, which I understand. We did have a reservation. We were offered the bar area to wait and grab a drink, but it was awkward. The bar counter table seats were all taken and as a group of 6, we just stood there, in the middle of server traffic~ to be offered the bar area with no seats and in the way of others was a bit silly. There seems to a seating area to wait, but it only had two lone chairs. The outside entrance area is where most people were waiting at, but it was too chilly to stand there so we had the small space in front of the door. Our waiter was kind, and I completely understood it was very busy so Our food took time to arrive and it felt understaff. I ordered the cast iron chicken tinga ~ it was delicious! Very flavorful and juicy with good flavor. It was a good medium small portion and the corn tortillas do fill you up~ the tortilla was super soft and do break apart with the juicy meat. I tried the fajita steak just for taste. It was missing spices! It was warm but just was missing something. Overall enjoyable, but do prepare for the wait time in sitting and food delivery to your table. Our waiter Luis was very kind and funny! Helped our party vibe~ read more

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Worst Mexican food ever. No spices, no nothing. Small menu. No free chips and salsa, just a few pieces of sliced cucumbers in a small bowl. Seriously. The meal was even worse than the free cucumbers. Waitress had an attitude, seemed put out she had to wait on anyone and it wasn't busy. Bartender was polite, that was the only positive. Sadly, this place is even worse than a Taco Bell, which doesn't have edible food either. read more

I visited twice during my brief trip to Mystic. The vegetarian nachos were incredible, and the waitress was very kind, accommodating our vegetarian requests with menu modifications. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. Everything--the food, hot sauce, and drinks--was delicious. Very large portion sizes, especially the burrito read more

Rio Salado - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

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A group of colleagues went to this restaurant after a conference. The restaurant was very accommodating as there were over 15 of us. They brought out guacamole, salsa and fresh, warm chips for appetizers. All were delicious. The drink I ordered, a passionfruit margarita, was very strong and tasty. I would have enjoyed more passionfruit flavor. I ordered the bbq chicken quesadilla from the appetizer menu. It was a very nice size and very good. I also ordered the corn. It had a little too much sauce on it for my liking. Everyone at the table seemed to enjoy their meal. read more

Rio Salado - Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

Ample seating. Don't have to be in the bar area to enjoy Happy Hour. Ambiance is warm, relaxed and chic with art deco. read more

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Really enjoyed my two meals at Rio Salado. The salmon tostado as a main course was delicious and well sized. Fish tacos were fried yet light. Butternut squash salad was the only miss -- strangely very spicy. I am interested in the cochinita pibil -- I would like to try it next time. The churros and Ice cream was very generous and easily feeds 2. Margaritas are legit-- real ingredients nothing over the top. Even the plates are very beautiful. Service was friendly and it's a fun place for kids without being too "kiddish". For example, the meal ended with the fun detail of the "worry dolls" with the check. Lovely. read more

Loved the eclectic vibe and cool staff. Taco salad reminded us of our favorite college cantina. El Jefe burrito lived up to the hype. Chicken enchiladas were mild and plates were cleaned. Fish tacos were a hit. Best surprise was the Nicaraguan cigar box of worry dolls . Jayson was great! read more

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Came here for a rehearsal dinner before a wedding and was pleasantly surprised with how good everything was. The food just kept coming and everything was delicious, my favorites being the empanadas, quesadillas, and for dessert the churros. I can't speak to pricing or the normal restaurant but service in the private area we were in was good, although it was a bit cramped for our size of group with limited seating, so some people had to eat their dinners standing at the bar. Would definitely consider coming back for a normal meal! read more

Service was great, and the food came out quick. The margaritas were to die for and the food was so delicious. Such a great place and family friendly as well. 10/10 would recommend read more

Rio Salado - Chicken Fajita & Pomegranate Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

My coworker and I made an impromptu stop into Rio Salada since it was Cinco Demayo. It was crowded and hopping. A 5 minute wait at the door but seated quickly. Great service and tremendous options and food. Homemade everything. Mole Burrito was huge and perfect blend of spice and flavor. Thank you for a great meal. read more

Unique Mexican place. Best tres leches cake I've ever had. Had lobster enchiladas for the first time ever. Check this place out!

We came across this find of the Northeast while staying in Mystic, CT. From the moment you enter, you realize that this is no ordinary Mexican restaurant. The ambiance of establishment was very welcoming along with the staff. Our evening got started with a cucumber salad appetizer followed up with their Holy Mole nachos plater which was exceptional. We both ordered the Baja Style Lobster as our main dish which was to die for, absolutely incredible on many levels. Although we were now on the full side, we tempted ourselves to dessert and were glad we did with their Tres Leches. Absolutely beyond words how good this was. Our waitress was beyond outstanding and we'll definitely be returning again to this outstanding restaurant in Mystic, CT. read more

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This modern Mexican restaurant was next to the hotel I was staying in. 10% off if you show your room key. There is indoor and outdoor seating and it's old Mexico meets new in the spacious indoor seating area. Service was excellent as was the meal, which was also reasonably priced. We were served salty and spicy cucumbers on the house which were tasty. "Bottomless" tortilla chips and salsa are $6 but we passed on those fried, homemade wonders. My spicy margarita was different than any margarita I've ever had and strong (and very good). The rice was perfectly Al dente with a dash of flavor and the black bean mash was salty but otherwise good. My chicken Suiza was excellent and the tres leches was milky, sweet, and delicious. Overall you can tell the chef makes an effort and adds flair (and flavor) to typical Mexican dishes. There is parking available. The place filled up quickly on a Thursday night. Happy Hour is M-Th 3-5 PM and offers drink and bite specials. read more

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This place was incredible! The decor and ambiance were top notch and the food left us scraping our plates.

I just love this restaurant. My first visit was maybe 2 years ago... and it's just as good as I remember. There's a relaxed yet classy vibe. The wait staff are attentive, yet not overbearing and everyone was kind. The food is fresh and flavorful. Portions are good and desserts are delish! I've had their nachos, street corn, tuna ceviche, chicken fajitas, and caramel stuffed churros. I would recommend all of them! But maybe not in the same meal. I get the churros every time I stop by and they never disappoint. read more

Rio Salado - Caramel stuffed churros and caramel salted ice cream - Yum! - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

This place is awesome. I have been hearing about Rio Salada (especially about their vegan menu) since quite some time. Sometimes what we hear from other people and what you experience may be poles apart, but not here! This place lives up to the hype. Their location is perfect, a stone throw away from olde mistick village. They have a great menu with options for everyone. We ordered a bunch of different items from the vegan menu and the regular menu. I loved my food, especially the cauliflower enchilada was lip smacking delicious (literally!). The vegan nachos and tacos were great too. My family loved the meat options too. All in all, I highly recommend this restaurant to all! read more

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This place is so frustrating. On several occasions I have made reservations to accommodate handicap patron. I even book earlier so not to conflict with the busy dinner rush, yet every time they insist on seating us in high top tables. What part of 82 year old handicap do you not understand? I like their food but I am tired of fighting. I will not return. read more

The food was amazing! And their gluten free/celiac friendly food options were fabulous!!

Our server Brittany was EXCELLENT and very friendly. She knew the menu well and made our evening very enjoyable. We will definitely ask for her again plus she makes a mean Mezcal margharita. We look forward to having her serve us at your new restaurant, Nathaniels as well. read more

I yelped "Mexican food" for near the hotel I was staying in and this place came up. The reviews sold me. I didn't have reservations and was a party of 4 on a Friday evening and waited about 10 minutes. The place was packed and the decor was very nice . We got seated and ordered the guacamole (so fresh and delicious). I ordered the fish tacos and the sauce on it was fantastic! I would definitely recommend the fish tacos they were so good. My mom had the salmon and said it was delicious . My fiancé had the shrimp and steak burrito and said it was great . Overall 2 thumbs up for this place ! read more

Rio Salado - Mexican Near Me - Mystic, Connecticut

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I was in the area (literally across the street) after visiting Olde Mistick Village and was in need of an early dinner. I knew this restaurant was in the vicinity and it's been on my list of must try's so I decided to check it out. My partner and I arrived around 3pm to what seemed to be a semi busy scene. We were seated right away and shortly after our server made his way over. Both of us being famished quickly perused the menu and decided on what to order. We ordered a mango margarita, glass of sangria and loaded yuca fries to start. I went with the Baja langosta for my main and my partner opted for the El jefe burrito. In no time the yuca fries arrived and they were delicious. Our main dishes arrived soon after and they were equally as delicious. We managed to save room for dessert so we decided to split the churros and nutella flan. The desserts were beyond tasty and a perfect way to end our dining experience. Overall we enjoyed our meals and the atmosphere. I can't wait to return! read more

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I'm not sure why I keep finding good Mexican places in areas where you wouldn't expect it. Rio Salado is located next to the Holiday Inn across from Mistick village. Walking inside, the place is freaking gorgeous. It's part of a mini restaurant group based in Mystic which all have great decor. Service was friendly and very good. They had crayons for kids which is a plus too, although my son was content to dip his new aquarium toys in the water glasses. Got a regular margarita and a strawberry one. The strawberry one was definitely the way to go as the regular was too salty, but they both were good. The obligatory chips and salsa were well done. I got the Baja Langosta which was strange but really good. Best way to describe it is a corn quesadilla with chorizo inside, that is then covered with salsa verde, and topped with lobster. Regardless of what it was, it was really good and had plenty of lobster. I just wish the salsa verde was a bit bolder but I would still get this again in a heartbeat versus a burrito or something. My wife loved her fish tacos. They had a whole vegan menu which was great for my son. Not that he wanted more than chips, but cest la vie. Would definitely recommend this for a change of pace from the stereotypical New England seafood places that are prevalent here. And if you stay at the Holiday Inn (or Hilton), you can roll right over to your room after too many margaritas. read more