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About

The Rio on Wazee menu blends beloved classics with inspired new dishes rooted in the vibrant culinary traditions of Mexico, Texas, and California! Open for dine-in service as well as food and margs takeout. Whether you're coming in to unwind and dine with us, to have a drink​, do some people-watching on our patio, bringing food home for the family or just grabbing some margs for a fun night at home, the Rio on Wazee is a delicious escape.

Expect the Rio you love, with a few new delicious surprises.

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This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible women of Rio! They bring the energy, passion, and dedication to everything they do. To the cooks, bartenders, servers, hosts, leaders, and every woman who makes Rio what it is, we see you, we appreciate you, and we raise a margarita to you.

Stop by for some happy hour drinks & margs today!

Did you know our frozen margarita machines have a secret past? Back in '86, our owner, Pat McGaughran, got creative with a broken soft-serve ice cream machine, transforming it into Fort Collins' first-ever frozen margarita dispenser, which introduced the notorious Classic Rio Margarita!

Fun Fact: Did you know that Mezcal isn't traditionally served in shot glasses? Enter the Copita—a shallow clay cup that lets you savor every smoky note up close. It's not just a drink; it's an experience.

Rio Grande is celebrating Harvest Fest! From now through September 1, guests can enjoy seasonal delights: · Watermelon Margarita: A bright and refreshing margarita made with locally sourced watermelon 🍉 · Barbacoa Esquite Tacos: Melt-in-the-mouth, slowly braised beef barbacoa with a playful twist 🌮 · Elote: Mexican street corn featuring local Colorado corn · Strawberries and Cream: a spin on the popular Mexican dessert Carlota 🍓

Craving a cool, summer sipper? Meet the Ranch Water – the Texan classic making waves nationwide. Topo Chico mineral water blended with blanco tequila, garnished with a salt rim and lime. Pure refreshment!

At The Rio, our team isn’t just a group of coworkers—we’re a family. Interested in joining the Rio team? We’re always on the hunt for good, smart, dedicated people to join our family. With some of our team members having 30+ years with us, it’s a place where careers grow, and people truly love what they do. 🫶

Our appetizers start your meal off just right! From guacamole to crispy jalapeño caps, there is something for everyone!

That crisp Colorado fall air is finally here, and we’re soaking it up! 🍂 Join us on your favorite Rio patio to enjoy the season, good company, and great vibes. Cheers to fall!

Hit a Home Run with Rio Grande on Colorado Game Days! 🏈 Bring your game day ticket to Denver Rio and score $3 off Classic Margaritas & Quesadillas! Broncos, Avs and Nuggets fans – we’ve got your game day fuel right here. Game days only. Time to celebrate like a champ!

It’s Happy Hour o’clock! Swing by your favorite Rio Monday through Friday from 3 PM – 6 PM for $2 off Rio Classic & Big Tex Margaritas, $3 drafts and cans, $5 wine, and $1 off your favorite tacos. Cheers to the perfect end to your day!

Rio around the world! These incredible regulars have been with us since their first visit to the Fort Collins Rio in ’95. Now loyal Lone Tree patrons, they took the Rio spirit (and some friends!) all the way to Tromsø, Norway, capturing this fantastic shot in their Rio tees. Thanks for sharing the Rio love across the globe! Have a pic of your own Rio adventures? Send it our way!

It’s soup season, amigos! Warm up your day with our famous, house-made Green Chile Soup. Made with fresh green chiles, sautéed chicken, and rich house-made chicken broth. Pair it with warm flour or corn tortillas, and you’ve got the ultimate cold-weather cure.

Shell or bowl? Our tostadas got an upgrade! Stick with the crispy fried tortilla shell or go gluten-free with a rice-based bowl. Either way, you’re in for a treat with black beans, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. Which one’s calling your name?

Dry-ish January? We’ve got you covered! Try our Low Octane Margarita, a lighter twist on a classic, or the No Octane Martini, a tropical & booze-free mocktail. Both are perfect for guilt-free sipping AND available during Happy Hour! Don’t forget our classic mocktails like the Strawberry Margarita N/A or the refreshing Hibiscus Spritz. Here’s to guilt-free sipping. Salud! Available January 6-31, 2025.

Crisp veggies and flavorful beef, kissed by flames—our chargrilled perfection is where bold flavors are made!

Some dishes don’t just happen… they’re crafted with skill, care, and love. From a quick fryer bath to the grill, every chile is peeled, stuffed, and battered by hand. Whether fried to golden perfection or baked just right, our Rellenos are made from scratch, every single step. Craving more? Call ahead for a tray or fried or “take-and-bake” Chile Rellenos!

Discover fresh salsas, crafted in-house every morning because bold flavors begin with the freshest ingredients. Can't decide? Enjoy all three with our Salsa Sampler: Classic Green, Smoky Morita, and fiery Atómica.

We’ve struck gold… and it tastes like tequila. Happy St. Paddy’s Day! Green Margaritas are still pouring at The Rio, so consider this your lucky charm. Grab a glass and celebrate!

Ready to spice things up? 🔥 Cazadores Reposado, orange liqueur, fresh muddled jalapeño, and lime come together for a Jalapeño Margarita that’ll snap you right out of winter hibernation! Think you can handle the heat? 🌶️

The patio is calling. ☀️🍹 You answering? Spring’s first order of business: Margaritas. Good company. Sunshine. And lucky for you, the Rio’s patio delivers all three. Whether you’re here for snacks sips, or chasing that golden-hour glow.... we’ve got your seat waiting. Happy Spring! 🌵🌺

Spotted: a Rio legend behind the wheel of a Rio legend! 😎 That’s Pat, our founder & owner, taking Petey for a cruise. Petey’s our beloved ’66 Chevy truck, known for his signature neon glow. 🌟 Petey has been part of the Rio family for over 30 years and got a well-deserved makeover last year to keep him shining bright. If you see them out in the wild, wave hello, snap a photo, and maybe follow them to the closest Rio or margarita. 👋 🍹

Tequila tastes better when it’s good for the planet. 🌎💚 Thanks to our partner @josecuervotequila, here’s how tequila production is becoming more sustainable: 🌵Agave byproduct turned into compost, paper, bricks, fabrics, car parts & even surfboards! 🌵Biodegradable agave straws (yes, the ones in your Rio Margaritas!) 🌵Cuervo processes 100% of their wastewater and reuses it to support tequila production. 🌵Renewable energy powers Cuervo distilleries.

This cocktail wasn't made to sit inside. Patio season hits different at the Rio. ☀️ Here’s what’s on deck: ~ Ranch Water — 1800 Blanco, fresh lime, and Topo Chico

This cocktail wasn't made to sit inside. Patio season hits different at the Rio. ☀️ Here’s what’s on deck: ~The Ricky — Frozen Rio Margarita topped with a Coronita

Stop by Rio on Wazee in Denver and the flavors will not disappoint. Bold, fresh, and full of spice- just how we like it.

Craving bold flavors? Rio on Wazee in Downtown Denver serves up one of the best Tex-Mex dishes around—starting with their famous guacamole. A must-try staple of Denver Mexican food, perfect with house-made tortilla chips!

From fajitas to enchiladas, Rio on Wazee is serving up some of the city’s most flavorful Mexican food. Don’t miss this local favorite!

Rio on Wazee delivers a full lineup of bold, crave-worthy Tex-Mex dishes. If you're searching for top-rated Denver Mexican food, this spot hits every flavor note.

Guacamole made fresh, signature margaritas, and saucy enchiladas—Rio on Wazee brings the best Tex-Mex dishes to the table every time.

Rio on Wazee in Denver serves up crisp, flavorful salads that pair perfectly with a house-made margarita. A lighter take on classic Denver Mexican food, without skimping on taste!

Whether you're here for the bold flavors or handcrafted drinks, this Denver Mexican food favorite brings the perfect combo to every table.

This Tex-Mex beef dish from Rio on Wazee is a must-try for Denver Mexican food lovers looking for rich flavors and hearty portions.

Great vibes, great company, and even better Tex-Mex dishes—Rio on Wazee continues to be a top spot for Denver Mexican food lovers.

Rio on Wazee brings the sweet side of Tex-Mex to Denver with decadent favorites like tres leches cake and warm churros. A perfect finish to your Mexican food feast.

Savoring every bite of authentic Tex-Mex at Rio on Wazee — a true Denver Mexican food experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, why not make it special? Unwind with a glass of wine and a delicious meal that brings out the best in both. Our curated wine list features our favorite selections, each chosen to perfectly complement the flavors on your plate. Whether you’re celebrating or just relaxing, the perfect pairing awaits.

Did you know that Rio has a scratch kitchen? Every dish is crafted with care—from sourcing the freshest ingredients to preparing them in-house. ​​​​​​​​​ Take our Chile Rellenos, for example. Prepared with a house-roasted Chile and the perfect blend of skill, pride, and love. No shortcuts, just brilliance in the basics!

Frequently Asked Questions