The Rio Grande Shakes Up Mexican Food in Denver

The Rio Grande, a Mexican restaurant in Denver’s historic LoDo district, has been a well-known and much-loved eatery for over two decades. The roots of the operation started to take shape when three, young friends decided to pack up their van and go wandering about and eating their way through the Yucatan in the late 70s. It was on this trip that the ideas began to develop that would eventually evolve into what we now know as the Rio. In 1986, founder and owner Pat McGaughran opened the O.G. (Rio in Fort Collins. The Denver Rio, located at 1525 Blake St. in Lodo, opened in 1999. 

A while after his return from that fortuitous culinary tour de Mexico, McGaughran began developing the dream that sprang from a bean. Not only did he bring his love of black beans (frijoles negros) back with him, but due to black beans not even growing in Colorado at the time, he decided to team up with a local farmer, Lucy Stromquist, and began to grow them. A true “farm-to-table” story before that was a thing. 

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From front to back, this venue exudes a kind of easygoing, swanky, industrial charm. The rustic, brick exterior; vaulted ceilings; and ornate, mixed-medium staircase leading to the upstairs lounge area all play their integral parts. The real eye-catcher in the downstairs dining room is by far the beautifully crafted bar. It is from said bar that an endless array of happy concoctions continually flow. 

The care and attention to detail in Rio’s decor is evident in the entire atmosphere of the place, from the enticing, neon glow of the sign on the exterior to the eye-catching accents in every nook and cranny. The vibrantly colored artwork and mosaics throughout along with a multitude of lush, tropical plants, add an exotic overtone, and the loft-like design provides a wonderfully open feel. This is a place and space that invites you in with an ever-welcoming charm and intoxicates the olfactory before you even step inside the front door. 

Aromatic, black beans are made fresh daily, and the beautifully eclectic menu boasts something for every palate. The Rio chefs craft each bite using the freshest and most flavorful ingredients to ensure a memorable meal every time, and the love of good food shines in every dish that arrives at the table. Creamy guacamole, house-made salsa, crispy chile rellenos, steak fajitas (McGaughran’s favorite), delicious tacos, and burritos with green chile are just a few delectable choices. 

A must-try for those who like spicy are the fried jalapeños. Charred to perfection with a nice, firm texture, these are so good. The menu goes on and even offers options for Keto- and vegan-sensitive diets. 

And then, there are the margaritas. The Rio restaurants, including all locations, make nearly a million margaritas each year, and they even have a full-time, tequila ambassador on staff who is always happy to tell guests about their collection of more than 60 tequilas, including 17 “vault tequilas” (meaning muy especial) that are literally kept under lock and key. The list is something to marvel at and prices range from $10 to $300 a shot. In addition, they also offer a fine selection of wine, beer, and other spirits. 

Now with locations in Denver, Boulder, Park Meadows, Greeley, and, of course Fort Collins, this ever-evolving establishment prides itself on always seeking new and inventive ways to grow and continually strive to be a welcoming and appreciative part of these continually diversifying Colorado communities. 

Another way that these guys are keeping things interesting is with cool, new seating options that are COVID-safe. Depending on the location, diners can sit in igloos, an airstream or a trolley car, and even a cute, little greenhouse. They have also come up with some creative ways to help customers to simplify their meals in style: family-sized meals and even margaritas for take-out or delivery!  

So, whatever you and your crew are up for, be it heading out for drinks and some food with friends or staying in for a nice dinner and margaritas with the family (or that special someone), The Rio Grande has you covered. Salud!