To us LA people, we think we have the best of the best but coming from one snooty LA gal, I have to humble myself to one of the coolest, most artistic Mexican restaurants I've ever encountered. I can go on all day about the creative artwork all over the large restaurant space (which by the way is located on two large properties), but the food is pretty damn good too. It's hard to find unique tastes and flavors when it comes to Mexican food but Tio's has a salsa bar with some of the best red and green salsa I've ever tasted. Plus there are like 20 different agua frescas to choose from! On a beautiful day, you can sit outside in the spacious outdoor area and marvel at the colors around you. Parking is in the back or you can park at the library for like $2. Seriously my new spot for when I'm in the IE! read more

See all

Beautiful ambiance! So fun to just walk around and look at the recycled art! Food was not bad, but not the best I've had. Eat some tacos, look around, then go for a hike at Mt. Rubidoux down the street. read more

Tio's Tacos - Artwork of butterflies at Tios Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

Must try just the fact the place is EXTREMELY unique and different. Food was good but what makes the place is the large outdoor Very aclectic artsy area's. Definitely one of a kind. My taco and mole enchilada was good but it's the environment that makes it a must try. read more

Tio's Tacos - Must try. Good food but very unique place - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

The food and service were absolutely horrific! Can't overstate this. Mole was bland and not fresh. Tortillas were stale. Taco shells overcooked and inedible. Chicken was dry, tough, and unseasoned. I havent sent food back or even complained in a restaurant in maybe 10 years, and did it with multiple dishes here. Worse, neither the manager, owner, nor chef even came out to apologize or ask for feedback. They simply don't didnt seem to care their food sucked or our experience was terrible. Not professionals. To be frank, if Mexicans actually own this place or work in the kitchen they should be ashamed. What a disgrace to what is such a rich and vibrant culinary culture. read more

Was meeting with an out of town friend who was staying at the Mission Inn down the street. She had heard this place was great for authentic Mexican food. We started with chips and guacamole. Very flavorful, seasoned well. We tried the camarones azul, beef taco, and chicken quesadilla. I also ordered an orange agua Fresca. All were plentiful and flavorful. Ended with a flan. The place has a very interesting vibe. All kinds of colorful decor. Wasn't busy this evening, but I imagine it gets very busy here. Will def be back! read more

See all

Ordered Al pastor taco. It was fresh but the flavor wasn't all there. Al pastor is one of those delicacies where it's a hit or miss. I tried my friends carne asada taco and it was delicious. Added an extra star for the little rustic art garden in the back and side of the restaurant. It really makes it unique and eco friendly and a nice sight to see. read more

See all

I was in town for the Festival of Lights. By coincidence, the LA Times just did a piece on places to visit in Riverside and Tio's was mentioned. It's a casual diner with indoor and outdoor seating and an impressive, quite large sculpture garden in front, back and to the side of the place, with most art pieces made from recycled materials. The artwork seems to be ever-changing; new pieces were being created while I was there. You place your order and are given a number; your food is brought to you. I ordered the hard taco combo plate with beef. It was unremarkable but decent. The mixed fruit agua fresca was very delish, filled with chunks of fruit. There are almost 20 flavours of aguas; highly recomended. The best part of the meal was eating while surrounded by unique and plentiful art pieces. read more

See all

I had high hopes for this location and sadly left very dissapointed. Parking is limited. The dining area needs a good deep clean and honestly the salsa bar did not look sanitary. We opted out of the salsa and just ate the bland food by itself. The cashier seemed like she was done for the night and did not want to take our order. I think people come here for the art and they buy food to support. Pro Tip: Eat somewhere else and then walk around looking at the art installations. read more

See all

Where has the quality gone? Hard shell tacos over fried no flavor on the shredded beef. Salsa looks to have gone to canned tomatoes for the recipe. Disappointed when you're trying to enjoy some chips and salsa. The guac has too much lime over taking the taste of avocados as well. The price I paid did not meet the quality given. I'm sorry but I probably will not be coming back, after being a frequent visitor. read more

The quality is inconsistent. Either too dry or too oily for the meat/ tacos. We like the ambiance and the drinks so we keep coming back. It used to be consistently good though. read more

A great place to eat and hang out at. They have a bunch of creative art everywhere, it has an authentic Mexican vibe and flavor. The staff is very friendly, the food does take some time to come out. But that's because they are always super busy. Check out some photos of our last visit. read more

See all

This place is super cool full of art. We went for some dinner with the family and really enjoyed the walk around the place seeing all the creative pieces. It's like being inside of a museum and the best part is that it was done with recycled items! There's some pictures of the artist inside the restaurant as well with some newspaper articles where you can read a bit about his story. Food was good too. I ordered a chile relleno with taco dorado and it was really good. My sister order some sopes which she did find a bit salty and to drink we ordered 2 champurrados but those were pretty bad. They tasted a lot like chlorine and had to trash those completely full. Which sucks cause they were a bit pricey. Despite the drinks we would definitely go back. We really enjoyed the ambiance. It was like being in a Mexican Pueblo Mágico. read more

See all

Mole wet burrito is a must! Paired with a freshly made agua goes together like lamb and tuna fish! That's a movie quote but for real food is delicious big portions and the art is wild and cool definitely lunch or dinner and a show! Service was quick and any where you sit has something cool to look at. read more

Art Overload!!! To say this place has atmosphere would simply be a massive understatement. The place is the most eclectic restaurant space I have ever seen. Plenty of effort went into making this place beautiful. Recycled reused reimagined is just putting it mildly. That word Mildly can also be used to describe my lunch today, although massive and visually stunning it seemed to lack in flavor nothing about my nachos was spicy. I got up to find some hot sauce but what I found was an oddly placed salsa bar with several salsas None were hot, carrots, pickled onions and some other stuff. I didn't linger long at the salsa bar as I had left my table unattended, and my nachos were cooling off. You order as you enter at a counter that looks like it belongs in a taco shop (go figure) the cashier was sweet and after I asked she made several suggestions. Nachos with carne asada and a Modelo it was. "Take this number and sit anywhere you want. Well, this place is huge, so I sat up front on a very cool butterfly patio. They bring your food to you and what I kept seeing at almost every table was a shrimp cocktail. there were so many coming out of the kitchen I was flabbergasted that it wasn't mentioned before I ordered. Did I like my Nacho's? They were ok and for 13 dollars a real deal. I wouldnt order them again but I cant wait to return to this very cool Mexican restaurant. read more

See all

My friends who I was visiting here in Riverside raved about this spot, that everyone raves about this spot. I can see why! Tio's serves up delicious Mexican food in a huge spot with really fun vibes (super cute decor all around, very eclectic) for a great price! I ordered the 2 soft taco platter (carne asada) and shrimp taco for $20 total! The carne asada came in a semi-ground beef like texture over traditional small steak pieces so I didn't love that but it was so tasty I really can't complain too much. I really loved their sauce/topping bar. The pickled habanero onions were delicious and I really liked their green tomatillo sauce. My friend also loves their pickled habanero onions. We came on a Monday night so it was super chill and excellent/quick service. Highly recommend! read more

Tio's Tacos - Carne asada platter - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

Came to see The Used in concert at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium and wanted to grab some food before the show. We were just driving in the area and saw all this amazing art attached to Tio's Taco's. We had to stop and check it out. It was getting close to dark, so we could not spend that much time looking at all the cool stuff, but wil be back for sure in the future to spend more time walking the art installation and enjoying all that it has to offer. The food is authentic Mexican food and it is made to order, so don't be in a rush when you come here, sit and enjoy the sights and then enjoy some good food. We got the 2 taco plate (shredded beef) coke with rice and beans as well as an Asada burrito. The tacos were amazing, the crisp fried shells and the shredded beef had so much flavor, loved them. The rice and beans were OK, not the best I have had, but decent. Also got an Asada Burrito, it was packed with meat, rice and onions. Very good. There is also a self serve salsa bar that has Salsa of course as well as radishes, jalapeño carrots, cucumbers and habanero onions, yum, yum and yum! They have a Agua frescos, like 30 flavors and they will mix them if you ask. Got the straight strawberry one and was so fresh and tasty. Martin Sanchez is the owner of Tio's as well as the creator of all the amazing art. A Mexican immigrant living the American dream and leaving a legacy for generations to enjoy. People come from all around the world to visit and we just happened upon it, not knowing the history. An amazing find and as I said will be back to take it all in. I have so many pictures, can only post 10 here unfortunately. Enjoy! read more

See all

First & last time. All plates were NOT hot! Nothing. Not even the rice and beans. Beans were horrible. Rice was mediocre. Tacos were Mediocre. I did like the Agua Fresca but would not go back for it. All was over priced. I see why people want to go (the cool art .. but it's not enough to make me go back) Also, they don't take care of the plants. :/ Go to Taco Station! You won't be disappointed. read more

See all

My wife and I tried this place a a week ago and we were both amazed at all the sculptures and art that surrounded the resturant. It was incredible to see how much time and work went into these designs. As for the food, the food is worth the cost. The plates are large and they are full, customer service was great they have a very friendly, easy to talk to staff. The taste was delicious and overall I recommend this location to everyone and anyone. read more

See all

I have been to tios tacos at least twice a year for the past 7 years. My go to item: CHICKEN FLAUTAS and Aguas Frescas The place speaks for itself, the art is amazing and super photogenic anywhere. Their juices are godly and they will happily mix the flavors for you. I drive 40 mins just for this juice!!! read more

See all

Beautiful day for Friday lunch so the ROMEOs went to visit uncle. The additional decor since my last visit is worth the trip alone. Very small quarters for the counter while ordering, which will create a line out the door, but once you order and find the vastness and creativity of the various patios You almost lose the food in all the sensory overload. I had my mind set on a chile relleno plate or burrito and settled on two rellenos beans rice and flour tortillas. The pepper was cooked tender and the cheese inside was nicely melted, the coating or batter wasn't helpful. I would eat them again. The rest of the table had crispy chicken and shredded beef tacos all got a positive nod, burrito bowls were good and beef fajitas to go. The food was good, delivered mostly correct but the pinto beans were described as a little loose or watery. Over all a good experience and I can't wait to bring my kids back to see all the updates artwork. Food-4 Service-4 Value-5 Retired Old Men Eating Out. read more

See all

Food was ok. First time here. There was a long wait because lots of people. Very artistic vibe. At first almost looks like a junk yard . But pretty cool recycled artwork. read more

See all

Super cute tourist place for pictures, friendly employees food was just ok, wasn't impressed. The aguas frescas however were delicious. We were there before 9am shortly after opening so parking was abundant and there was no wait in ordering but as we were eating more and more people were arriving and by the time we left the parking lot was full. There is some street parking but gave us an idea of how popular it is especially being that it was a Wednesday morning. read more

See all

Overpriced Tourist Trap with Great Decor, Terrible Food Tio's Tacos in Riverside is the definition of style over substance. Yes, the place looks amazing -- a full-on recycled art wonderland that's fun to explore and great for Instagram. The creativity with using trash and recycled materials is genuinely impressive. If this was a review for the art, they'd get 5 stars. But this is a restaurant. And the food was a complete disaster. The salsa "selection" was a sad little lineup -- barely any options, nothing with real heat or flavor, and all of it tasted like it had been sitting out too long. The alcoholic beverage menu was just as uninspired. My husband ordered the wet shrimp burrito (over $20!) expecting something special. What he got was a culinary crime scene. The sauce wasn't the rich, savory red you'd expect -- instead, it was a gritty, watery, creamy, curdled mess that tasted like absolutely nothing. And the "shrimp"? Two. Overcooked. Shrimp. He literally had to go digging to find them, like it was some sad shellfish scavenger hunt. I ordered the chicken taco plate, and I can say with confidence these were the blandest tacos I've ever eaten. Zero seasoning, zero flavor, zero effort. I could only stomach one. The rest sat on the plate like sad, beige little reminders that I had made a mistake. My kids ordered mini burritos and didn't even touch them. And here's the kicker -- the food wasn't even hot. Everything came out lukewarm and stale, like it had been made hours ago and reheated halfway. For what they charge, this is daylight robbery. You're basically paying for the art museum in the back and getting gas station food in return. Riverside has plenty of places with authentic, fresh, flavorful Mexican food -- this isn't one of them. Go take your photos, admire the recycled art, and then go literally anywhere else to eat. - like across the way at The Taco Station, an epic and delicious restaurant. read more

Eating at Tio's and enjoying the beautiful gardens was a real treat during my visit to Riverside. The various shaded seating areas provided a beautiful, scenic place to eat and chat that's unlike anywhere else I've ever been. Kids and adults alike will love the charm of this place, and can find something yummy to order. Tio's has an expansive menu that includes typical taco shop offerings in addition to various seafood and vegan options. There are many aguas frescas to choose from, and I can personally vouch for the deliciousness of the horchata! Locals and tourists alike are known to enjoy spending time at Tio's - so peak lunchtime and dinnertime may be busy, and you may find a long line snaking out the front door. However, the line moves fairly quickly, and there's plenty of seating across the patios. There is also some indoor seating. Do tour the gardens and patios while you're here - so many great photo opportunities. The owner is the artist of these incredible, eccentric grounds. Every time you turn, you'll discover a new little detail you never noticed before. Tio's is such a fun place to visit while in Riverside! read more

Tio's Tacos - Beans, rice, and cheese burrito. Much bigger than I expected! Includes salsa inside. - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

Order carnitas taco with salsa on the side and they gave me raw corn tortillas and JUST carnitas. No tomatoes No onion No cilantro No avocado No pico Nothing on the side, not even the salsa ‍ Disappointing read more

This place is so fun and is decorated with so much intention I love it, just astonishing. The mole is super good! my crunchy tacos were perfect and the toppings complimented them nicely. We also had a strawberry piña Fresca so good. Strawberries tasted real fresh. Cashier was friendly and chatted with us! the crew entirely were all great encounters thank yall for the experience def will come back (: read more

Tio's Tacos - Chicken Taco Plate - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

Impeccable service and delicious food!! Our party of 8 came in for lunch. We were seated promptly and drinks served. The waiter was knowledge and made recommendations.although we went for lunch something as simple as tacos were the best I have ever had read more

Tio's Tacos - Great place to take photos - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

I've had Tio's in my food road trip list for years, but always hit other spots on my list out that way first. Not sure how I became aware of them, but guessing it was on Foodbeast. I used to drive to Mexico just for tortilla soup, but with gas prices the past few years, it's just not been worth the journey alone. Today, I folded together Tio's, a hike and hit "The Cheech". I was there around lunch and the line was slightly out the door, but didn't seem too busy. You order at the counter and this is where a lot of the delay is, but I ordered my 3 tacos (Hard tacos; 2 beef and 1 chicken) and sodas and chose a seat amongst the art collection. I was by myself and didn't realize that the food would take about :25 minutes before I got to me or I would've gotten up and use the time to check out the art, but I didn't do that too much until after I finished my meal. Tio's was just 'aight on flavor, but the fare is definitely fresh and homemade; If it weren't for the massively eclectic art displayed about, my guess is that most outsiders would've never heard of Tio's. It's kind of weird because it's a mix of a fast food restaurant, mixed with a sit down restaurant, inside of an open air art museum. Don't get me wrong, the food was pretty decent, but I'm not going to tell you to drive 70 miles (I live in Burbank) to go try it! However, If you are out that way, the whole spectacle of a memorable visit to Tio's is worth the experience. read more

See all

Wow!!! You have to come to this little magical museum of art. This place is fun to eat at and explore the pieces of art made with items some might think are trash!!! There is literally no trash here, but pieces of art!!! It's a large property with many photo opportunities! It's quite fun to see and experience! The food is good and the aguas frescas are delicious!!! I was so hungry and forgot to take pictures of my shrimp tacos and rice/bean plate!! Parking is tight, but this place is worth it! If you visit Riverside, you must visit this restaurant! read more

See all

The hard shell taco was very good. The employees were fast and friendly. And the decor will keep you busy. Definitely worth the stop and don't forget to have agua Fresca ( you can mix flavors together)I had mango and pineapple . They were busy and lots of pictures being taken read more

Tio's Tacos - Hard shell beef taco - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

Decent tacos. Really good pickled onions. Vibes were fun but I dont know if I would really ever return back unless it was convenient. Service was mediocre. Oh yeah, meats were okay. Not the best or worst. On the midline. read more

Tio's Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

This place is definitely worth to try out when in the area. More than the food, the experience with such great recycled material artwork makes this a worthy visit. I ordered the flautas plate which included rice and beans. Flautas were nice and crunchy and topped with lettuce, tomato, guac, sour cream, and cheese. This was a good choice do recommend. The mole enchiladas were a bit too sweet and overpowering on the overall flavor of the mole. I would skip this dish. Salsas are good in flavor but definitely there is need for a much spicier option for those true spicy eaters. Great concept of ordering upfront and having your food delivered to your table. Unfortunate for those who wish to keep consuming food and drinks after initial order, you would have to make line again to order I suppose? Huge premises with plenty of seating indoors and mainly outdoors around sculptured-recycled art pieces and trees. read more

See all

The decoration of the restaurant is stunning, you don't see too many restaurants with this creativity, but sadly the food which is for me the most important thing when I go out, was very disappointing, the salsa bar was very poor, for me it didn't feel like the authentic Mexican food. In terms of service we went for lunch on a week day so the line was not long, and they brought the food relatively "fast" but one thing we didn't like was they served the food in paper plates. In conclusion I would recommend to go to this restaurant only to see the ambiance because for me the food is not worth it at all. read more

See all

I got a carne asada burrito bowl and it was delicious! They have a salsa bar too, which is always a huge plus. I didn't get a drink this time but they have a ton of homemade agua frescas and they look great too. The art is so cool and everyone I interacted with was really nice. Overall, great place! read more

Food sucks , no flavor and overpriced. Service is rude. Get new employees. The ambiance is chill but looks like a fire hazard in every corner lol read more

It was our first time we parked in the back, was guided to the front. Belen helped us and was very annoyed that we didn't know what we wanted, had no idea that we should have looked ahead. All the ladies behind the counter just did not have that customer service. Food took a little time to get to us, served on paper plates that food looked soggy and just not fresh. The kids that bring out the food we all nice, I also saw their struggle trying to find #'s. They definitely need someone to come in and help them on the customer service part and efficiency! There's so many new restaurants in riverside that are way better. I was bummed cause it's so cool in there. read more

A feast for the eyes as well as the belly @tiostacos ! The owner of this family-owned restaurant lovingly sculpts and constructs the rustic art decorating this taco shop. We have been visiting this spot since our college days, periodically as we found ourselves back in town every few years, with small kids, the teenagers, and now I was able to bring my adult daughters back. It's amazing how much of this decor has changed over the past decades. I remember first seeing just the glass wine bottle church and statue trail built out back and being thoroughly impressed and never forgetting. Flash forward to 2023 with additions throughout the entire patio area. Come with closed-toe shoes and ready to have some fun studying every nook and cranny. Also, we had our lunch here. It was delicious. We ordered: - Supreme Burrito - Supreme Chicken Nachos x2 - Agua de Jamaica and also enjoyed sampling several yummy salsas from the salsa bar. My daughter's quote mid-burrito: "I'm full but I'm at a good part of my burrito." (She ate it all ) read more

Tio's Tacos - Agua de Jamaica - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

See all

A highlight in Riverside and must-see visit. There are many Mexican food restaurants but this is an experience with many sections of funky street art made with recycled and repurposed items. Self order at the main counter then find a seat in one of their many outdoor patios. There is a small indoor section as well. I'm not interested with Mexican food but this restaurant very interesting place. The atmosphere is worth it to go. read more

See all

Service is non existent . Wrong and missing orders after it was paid for. Food is overrated ! Not going back here again! read more

Food was good I enjoyed it ..But fish tacos could've been better. They were missing something.The mojarra was bomb .... read more

See all