Rio Grande, Boulder’s longtime institution for Mexican food, margaritas, and rooftop views reopened in April after a major remodel. Referred to by most folks as “The Rio,” these updates include open garage door windows and living walls. The patio remains as idyllic as ever: huge, with knockout views of Boulder’s flatirons.
Dining Room with Living Wall
With this renovation, Rio Grande also updated their menu, incorporating their longtime standbys with some more modern choices. Be sure to order the Baja fish tacos. The Rio’s margarita has reached legendary status over the years, along with many urban legends about the famous drink. You can still order this beloved margarita on the rocks or frozen, and now there are 11 different margaritas to choose from . The Big Texas margarita is excellent, a fresh, tart mix of Cuervo Tradicional silver, orange liqueur, and fresh citrus. The Barrel Aged Big Tex, features a rotating barrel-aged tequila.
Big Tex Marg
The updated space is really fresh and inviting, with a mix of antiques and modern décor. The service is warm and informed and will help you with the daunting task of choosing what to drink and eat from their new menus. The Rio somehow makes fried dough taste as light as air. Only good things can happen when you finish a meal with an order of their sopapillas and ice cream.
Photos: Julia Vandenoever
1101 Walnut Street
Boulder, CO 80302