Cafe Rio Mexican Grill
5100 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, MD, 21704
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Frederick for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
5100 Buckeystown Pike
Frederick, MD, 21704 - Phone (240) 415-7240
- Website https://www.caferio.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:30 am - 10
- Mon : 10:30 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Leilani R.
Not bad. It wasn't what I expected as far as the ordering of food. I had the impression it was a sit down and take your order kind of restaurant. It was more like a Chipotle, made to order, kind of place with WAY more of a selection. I tried the sweet pork barbacoa salad per one of their poster adds. It was pretty good. Ate all of it leaving behind most of the tortilla. Didn't need the extra calories as I has already eaten the main part. ;) I can't imagine how it would be on a rush hour kind of day. I went around 2pm so it was a short line. I would definitely come back and try other things. Unlike Chipotle, they make their flour tortillas in front of you (fresh dough is rolled out and then cooked). It's not prepackaged and then warmed up.
(3)Marisa J.
Upon leaving a follow-up review for Cafe Rio, I was contacted by a regional manager who wanted me to give Cafe Rio a 3rd chance -- I relented and gave them a try. And I'd be damned, food AND service were better, and I actually received exactly what I ordered. Although there was an improvement in service and food, I'm giving Cafe Rio a solid 3/5 stars based on the culminative experience I've had with this particular location.
(3)Joyce G.
Gave me a freebie so yeah I'm a fan Got the TOSTADO WEDNESDAY special. Will be back for enchiladas. They charge more for "fire grilled" steak and chicken. They offer shrimp. Wish we has it in La & Wisconsin. Prices are middle to average high. $7.95 for a burrito but $1 more for the grilled meat. I didn't shrimp on the menu board with a price but it is an option. I love the salsa, fresh cilantro, sauce options. They are fabulous. Something was sweet on my pork tostado and I'm thinking it was the meat. The tostado wasn't crunchy (fried nor baked) but a fresh pressed tortilla that was not corn. This is new to me but now I'm learning this place is around the area so others may be familiar. For newbies like me ... I'll try and post more need to know info for your 1st trip. o
(4)See D.
First, let me start by saying your food is delicious! It blows all local competition out of the water. The chili roast beef / tres leches are out of this world. That said, you really, really must do something about training staff. It seems you have been open long enough that all should be running smoothly, but that isn't the case. Every time I'm there, there seems to be much disconnect between the employees and getting orders put together quickly and correctly. I was there last week to find myself standing in a line that didn't move for 15 minutes. I had to l leave as I had other engagements to get to on time. I stopped at Chipotle and was in and out in 5 minutes. Their food assembly line is VERY proficient. I'm not sure why it can't be like that at Café Rio too as it is set up much the same. I'll gladly be back to eat as soon as you can manage to get people their food in a timely fashion. I do hope it gets better because the food is top-notch. I just can't be waiting a half hour for a burrito anymore. I will give it another try sometime in the future and update this review accordingly.
(2)Diemai N.
Came in on a Friday. Very clean & friendly. Food was great. I had a steak burrito .. which was a lot of food ! ( im not complaining .. I promise ) I really enjoyed my first time here.
(5)Deidre C.
Quick, delicious Mexican fare. I think Cafe Rio's food tastes much better than Chipotle's and has a better variety. I really enjoy the burritos enchilada-style. I also like the ice pellets from the soda fountain. I don't feel rushed when I order and the staff is very friendly and cheerful.
(4)Steve D.
Working nearby this place started out as pretty good Mexican food. Over time however, during lunch this place routinely ran out of chicken and steak. You look over at the grill and nothing is on or it was just put on the grill. This became so routine that today is the last time I will visit this establishment. They always have a lunch crowd, but for whatever reason they always seem caught off guard. One star is for the food, which is decent. However I can't wait 20-25 min for lunch.
(1)Terry C.
I went here last friday (2/7/14) and it was a great experience. I was approached by a gentlemen who greeted my gf and I nicely. Friendly staff and their sweet pork tacos was delicious. Towards the end, I asked a employee (asian guy w/ black frame glasses) what that green sauce they had in the line was, and if I can get some on the side. He advised me that for a small cup it'll be .50 and for a big cup it'll be $1. I replied back "nah, nvm then." He told me "don't worry about it, it's on the house." I really appreciated that. Because he didn't have to give me the sauce, but just for me to try it out for the first time...that cool of him. The staff was super friendly and the food was great.
(4)Ledbetter A.
I love Cafe Rio - workplace is near by and it's a favorite lunch place. It's amazingly fresh and affordable and the staff is super generous and super friendly. I take my family there in the evenings and the kids love it. They are served just as courteously and their preferences and opinions are asked and recommendations made. I absolutely recommend the place to any and everyone I meet. After the hype and prices of chipotle - this is a much better alternative.
(5)Sheena R.
Everything was absolutely delicious! I got a grilled chicken and cheese quesadilla which came with sour cream, pico and guacamole. I also ordered a side of tortilla chips. The portion was huge, enough for me and my son to share. I've never seen my 2 year old son eat quicker! It literally sent us into a food coma it was so good, we wanted to eat all of it. I'm sad I'm moving from the area because I'd definitely like to go back. It also has a small outdoor seating area that looks nice and they do 50% off on Monday's for active duty military. I also saw they offer a free cheese quesadilla to kids. I will definitely recommend to my local friends and family.
(5)Brandon S.
3 star. Great food. But the service is horrible and super slow. They always run out of chicken. They don't seem like the prepare for the customers that are coming to their door. Chipolte is better and faster.
(3)Dave W.
I LOVE Cafe Rio. I have been to many locations out west. I was surprised to find one in Frederick, MD. Unfortunately my experience this time was unlike what I have become accustom to. The staff were all having a bad day or something. Things were very slow. There was no greeting when I walked in. The food was just ok but I was really disappointed by the attitude of the staff.
(3)adam b.
Quite possibly among the best food I've ever tasted. I know how ridiculous it sounds to say that about a casual restaurant, but I was seriously transformed when I bit into my Barbacoa Taco. The tortilla was fresh and crisp but soft, the meat was crazy sweet and savory, and the pico was incredibly fresh. I wished I was hungrier so I could have added another taco to my meal. Discovered this place on the last day of a business trip and now I'm hooked. I'll have to try to get back for Taco Tuesdays.
(5)Sondra K.
We got lunch catered from here today. The pulled steak and pork was excellent, salsa was nice and fresh /crunchy, the tortillas were made in house they were very thick and flavorful and they did not fall apart YUM!. The only thing that could have been improved, was the cut of the lettuce... They used romaine which was very classy but the cuts were so long and thick that it was hard to eat. This was my first time trying cafe rio and it was good enough to make me want to go there! Overall very tasty!
(4)Adam C.
Terrible food and even worse service! Stay away. During lunchtime on a Saturday, there were 2 people behind the counter, 10 people in line, & SIX employees eating in the dining area. And after all that wait, the food sucked. Plenty of places to eat nearby....
(1)Victoria Z.
I find it funny how mesmerized I was at how the workers behind the counter kept track of our orders and how they arrange the meals so they know what is what. This place was packed on a Friday for lunch, but everything was served up hot and quick! The food was pretty good, but not the best I've had. I did like the drink selection, though! Decent prices, too.
(3)Matthew D.
I ordered nachos with barbacoa pork. The portion size was generous, and for the price, it is good value, but overall, the food was very average. The chips were good, but the pork tasted more like barbecue pulled pork than anything even remotely tex mex. I would probably skip this place next time, and just head to chipotle, which is right near by.
(3)Mark L.
I've enjoyed Café Rio's salads; however I will never eat here again. My wife and I both got salads. I had grilled steak in mine and she had grilled chicken in hers. As she was eating hers, she found a nonfood item mixed in with her salad. It looked like a ground up, dirty sponge. It was completely disgusting and she was horrified. I went back and they refunded my money and gave me some tickets for free meals, but I will not use them. There are too many other restaurants nearby that I will go to before I go here again and worry about what could be in or have come in contact with my food.
(1)Jack L.
I am never going to Chipotle (also a good mexican place) again after eating at Cafe Rio. The food is one ballpark above Chipotle.
(5)Noah K.
I wasn't going to try this place again after the initial experience, but I was in a position where I needed something to eat fast in Hagerstown so I got a salad there and really enjoyed it (staying away from the nasty sweet pork). Now we go to the Frederick location regularly for salads- I'm glad I gave it another chance. Definitely a contender in the fast-Mex category for a quick inexpensive meal.
(3)Greg H.
Overly cheery servers, but the food was very good. Prices are kind of high. But the food made up for it. I had the beef enchiladas with the hot sause. It wasn't spicy enough to be considered hot by me. They put plenty of cheese on it, which I like. Veggies were fresh. I'd go back again.
(4)Niki N.
I wavered between 2 and 3 stars, but I figure I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and do 3. Honestly, this place was SO hyped up before opening that I expected to be blown away. I feel like maybe my rating would have been higher if not for the ridiculous amount of hype and praise insisting Cafe Rio was the second coming in tortilla form. The good stuff? Everything is super fresh. Nothing canned, frozen, or pre-cooked. You can taste the difference. Even the tortillas were freshly made - you can watch the employees mixing and rolling the dough while you wait. Fast service, even with long lines. Lots of options for customizing your food. The bad? Well.. maybe this is weird but I feel downright rushed when I order to the point that ordering my food is anxiety inducing. I went in around 3 pm the other day before the dinner rush and the employee behind the counter seemed like they were on speed or something. I could barely get a word in edgewise before they'd shout WHATELSEDOYAWANTSAUCENOSAUCECHEESEWHATMEATGOGOGOGOÂGO, while frantically slapping beans and sauce into a tin like their life depended on completing the order in 15 seconds. Holy crap buddy. I'm the only one in line, calm down. I can understand the rush when they're busy, but not during slow times. Sheesh. Other gripes..... the tortillas, which are SO good in tacos become a soggy, inedible mess in their quesadillas. Not sure if its the cheese they use, the moisture from various meats, or the cooking method.. but something needs tweaked there. Everything fresh has its downsides, and they frequently run out of stuff like grilled chicken or the daily specials by lunchtime, which is annoying. I've been dying to try their shrimp tacos, but they're always out by 2 or 3 pm on the days they serve it. Also, they're way stingy if you order the chips and guac - almost 5 dollars for a tiny little cup of guac that is probably 2-3 tablespoons at most. Come on. I want to like this place, but they've got some kinks to work out.
(3)Anup D.
Agree with the other reviewers here that although the food is good here and the portion size is a plenty , the service could use some work . Doesn't matter what time of the day you get here the staff although friendly wants to rush through the ordering process. Also, the guacamole could have a larger serving portion considering what they are charging for it. Compared to the other mexican chains like Chipotle, Qdoba, Baja Fresh, the food here is definitely fresher and the portion sizes are decent. I would definitely be back for the food.
(4)Emily B.
Completely hit or miss. We went a couple months ago and swore we would never return. Tonight, we went in on a whim (I believe in second chances... sometimes) and it was pretty good. They do have that super soft pellet ice, which I love. Kids under 6 can get a free quesadilla... or add chips, a side, and a drink for less than $4. They have some pretty sweet deals on their daily specials. Tortillas are handmade, right in the store. Our first visit was a complete bust... poor food, service, staff, etc... but tonight was pretty wonderful!
(3)Pavi S.
The food here is amazing and plenty! You build your own plates, but the best part is the home made tortillas.
(5)Allison D.
I love the food and drinks here. The chicken enchiladas and coconut shrimp tacos that we had yesterday were better quality and way cheaper than most sit-down Mexican restaurants in Frederick. The shredded chicken and cheese were stuffed into corn tortillas, sauce and more cheese were put on top and they were put under the broiler. They were totally sloppy and sooooo good. I picked medium sauce, but I'll try hot next time. They have so many great drinks to choose from including several different iced teas, lemonades, horchata and fountain drinks. They have little tasting cups so you can try them before you commit. Best of all, they use crushed ice which makes a nice, slushy drink out of whatever you pick. Their mint lemonade tastes just like a mojito and I told my boyfriend that I'm going to sneak in a couple of airplane bottles of rum next time we stop in (I think he thought I was kidding). The only thing that I didn't like and it regrettably prevents me from giving five stars because it was enough to sour my experience, was the ordering process. It was a total clusterf***. Everyone was very eager and nice, but they were working like they were in a total panic. I think the layout of the line is the main issue. Some of the fillings are fried, others are put under the broiler, some things are grilled and others are fresh with no additional treatment. Consequently, they were losing track of who ordered what. Of each of the groups in line, everybody had some part of their order completed, but were waiting for other parts, with one panicked girl behind the line asking, "is this your quesadilla?" or "what are you still waiting on?" to every group in line multiple times. The additional toppings that I would have liked (queso blanco and guacamole) were all the way back at the beginning of the line for some reason. I ended up with a big handful of large lettuce leaves and pico on top of my enchiladas that I think was supposed to be back at the beginning of the line as a base for salad or tostadas instead of the more finely shredded lettuce that was way back at the start of the line along with the other toppings. I'm not sure what they can do to fix it. Maybe stop with the bizarre yelling and singing that seems totally unnatural and regimented and concentrating on filling orders would be a start because they certainly don't need any more distractions. We will definitely be back multiple times, but we'll also think twice if there are more than 3-4 groups of people in line.
(4)Gina C.
This place is really good. Try the pork with the spicy red sauce on your burrito - you won't be disappointed! The taco salad is also one of my go-to meals. The cilantro ranch is out of sight!
(5)Dylan K.
I get tacos every single Tuesday and they are perfect and delicious every single time. 2 downfalls. 1 - they are out of at least 1 type of meat about half the time I go. Fortunately, I prefer the pork only slightly more than the shredded beef, so no biggie for me, but still annoying if I'm really feeling 1 over the other. The second is that there's an extra charge for fresca salsa or just to get a little rice in a taco. They try to push rice or beans, but I don't want rice as a side, and I don't like beans. Kinda lame when Chipotle doesn't nickel and dime you like that and they are within walking distance away.. Nonetheless, the food is always great and this one girl who I cant remember her name, is probably the sweetest person I've ever met in my life. Makes any qualms I have with the rice upcharge or their being out of things no biggie.
(3)Doug R.
Excellent food. Fresh ingredients and unique crispy shells and chips. Better tacos and chips than baja fresh or chipotle. I give five stars for the food. While I'm sure this will improve with time (the place just opened two weeks ago) the ordering and paying process was awkward. The myriad of people behind the counter were frantically busy doing something, though we were the only people ordering. They also practice some strange ritual of yelling out "FIRST TIMER" or "NACHOS", repeated enthusiastically by the other busy bees (like the uncomfortable birthday songs at chain restaurants). I guess someone smarter than me figured out that antics sell food? Once you get beyond the counter, the food and drink are worth a regular visit.
(4)Bill M.
I used to have to fly to Utah to go to Cafe Rio. Then they opened in Phoenix (Gilbert, actually) - and I had a business trip there. Then they opened near Las Vegas, and I had a business trip there. Then ... And the first place east of the Mississippi was in Olney - only 30 minutes away from Frederick. Yahoo! But still, that pesky toll on Rte 200. Bleh. And then ... they opened in Frederick. I have long been a fan of the pork burritos, enchilada style. In fact, I've never had anything else that they have cooked. But none of my (many many) friends that I've taken there have ever had any complaints about the food - lunch is usually very quiet, with people chowing down, small grunts of pleasure, followed by contented sighs. I love this place. My favorite place to eat, bar none.
(5)Daniel O.
Went with the family tonight for the 1st time. Very friendly staff and everyone loved their food. Prices were comparable to similar types of Restaurants. Over all it was a very nice meal. I would recommend to others.
(4)Michael K.
I've made a couple trips here so I could try most of the menu, I have to say its not bad but it also isn't that imaginative either. The meats are good and the quality is there but overall the flavor is sub-par, I would consider it akin to cafeteria food, it fills you up but it is not memorable. The service is quick and friendly also, they tend to be a little scatter brained and the different orders will get confused but that is tolerable. As a final note their specialty drinks are great I especially love the southwest limeade and horchata.
(3)Greg S.
Finally got a chance to try this place and I'm glad we did. Coconut shrimp tacos were delicious, chips and salsa were very good. My girlfriend got the chicken enchiladas and they were also very good. It is a walk up an order type place like the other Mexican Fast Food places around. There seemed to be some confusion behind the counter maybe too many people working the few stations that are there. But at any rate food was very fresh, decent size portions. Worth a try, we will return!
(4)Lewis C.
This is the new face of fast food, delicious and fresh food that is served with a smile.
(5)Joe J.
Cafe Rio. What can I say. First impression is that they are trying to take on Chipotle and California Tortilla.. interior decor is pretty good and down to earth.. they have the paint splattered chairs there and tin roof over the ordering line so this isn't the ultra modern look of a Chipotle. i've been going there for a while now and help off on this review cuz i wanted to give them a fair chance.. in the beginning they sucked. not the food... the service.. they were focused on everything but listening to the customer. well i'm happy to say that now that they have settled down a bit everything is A-OK. i'm a bit finicky when it comes to my mexican food so i wont tell u what i ordered but it's good and you should go there and give it a shot. the chips and queso are good. the tortillas are made on site there on a rotating grill right in front of you and the staff is pretty friendly.
(3)Wang C.
Mouthgazum! The pork is the best meat they serve. Shells are made fresh and cooked in front of you. The soup is a great alternative. Drinks are good. As all Cafe Rio's are, it is a little loud, but that's because they are always packed. Their management is full of great people, and are willing to check on the customers. The other taco chains taste like dried booty and hennesy compared to them. I eat at other locations around DC all the time. I wish they allowed investors, because this place the bomb. Only complaint is the chants and says they yell when someone orders something.
(5)Peggy R.
I wish I could like this place but I just can't. Everything was just too salty and there didn't appear to be any other seasoning but salt. As others have reported, I too was disappointed that the tacos I got were so soggy by the time I tried to eat them and it was because there was too much liquid left on the chicken. Maybe corn tortillas would have worked better than flour but that's not what I wanted. Even the guac tasted like avocado with salt and little/no other seasoning. Hopefully they will improve with time but it will be a long while before I go back.
(2)Maria G.
We came on a Saturday afternoon and it was not packed but there was a steady line. I don't come here on a regular basis but it seems every time I come the service just keeps on going down hill. No matter how I much I like the food I will always choose to go elsewhere because of the customer service. First frustration of the day , I wanted steak tacos but they did not have steak so I opted for chicken and pork. Then they run out of lettuce so this guy Carlos had to get some in the back. The problem is he had to wait for someone to cut the doggone lettuce. He finally got the lettuce and started to put some in the tacos. I wanted diced tomatoes but there was barely enough for all three tacos. Instead of getting some Carlos just scraped the container. I told him I want more tomatoes and he said there's enough on each tacos. I asked for extra cheese and he said there's already cheese cooked with the meat. He said if I want extra cheese it will be $1. Seriously?! I would rather go to Moe's or chipotle before I come back here.
(1)