photo: Vikki Dempsey
Just beyond the A-frame entryway, a spectacular happy hour awaits you at Rio Café. Delicious Latin fusion appetizers/tapas are half-price, drinks are $1 off, and bottles of wines are $4 off Tuesday-Sunday from 4pm-6pm in the bar area.
Artfully presented appetizers have a mellow synergy of sweet and spicy flavors that enliven the palate. Try the Zaragoza Dates ($3), wrapped in bacon and served with an amazing applesauce. Solomillo ($4), skewers of succulent beef with a heavenly blue cheese sauce atop homemade potato chips will make your soul sing. Stuffed Green Chilies ($3.25) are fire-roasted and flavorful, with melted manchego cheese and avocado. Crab Cakes ($5) are astounding, served with mixed greens and mango salsa and surrounded by small dollops of chili-raspberry.
Specialty drinks sparkle with freshness, and are beautiful to behold. Sip a crisp Lemon Drop martini ($7) from a sugar-rimmed glass or savor the sweet magenta Rio Sangria garnished with fresh blueberries and melon ($4). But the piece de’ resistance (YUM!) is undoubtedly the vibrant Rio Mojito ($7) with its sublime minty richness.
Housed in a former Shakey’s Pizza parlor, the building retains a simple décor, unadorned and unadulterated with exposed brick providing color and texture. Banquettes are comfy, upholstered in fabric with vintage western motifs like saguaro, teepees and totem poles. Latin jazz music plays quietly in the background.
Happy patrons smile from the digital photo album adorning the wall above the bar. On our visit, an Albert Maysles documentary was showing on the television.
Go to Rio for food and drink with brio!
Rio Café is located at 2526 E. Grant Rd. Find out more at Rio-Cafe.com, or call 323-5003.
