Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Cafe Rio – Las Vegas
Cafe Rio - Las Vegas
Photo from Cafe Rio
Cafe Rio at a glance
Las Vegas Kyle Canyon
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#188 out of 192 places to eat in Las Vegas
#20 Mexican Restaurant out of 20 in Las Vegas
Poor
3.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
496
Reviews
24.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Location convenience
- Item quality
- Service speed
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Service inconsistency
- Hygiene issues
The restaurant Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican, a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the Kyle Canyon neighborhood of Las Vegas, invites you to experience its fresh, modern Mexican cuisine. You’ll find a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving healthy options or small plates, this spot offers a delightful culinary journey. It’s a convenient choice for delicious food in the 89166 area.
Overview: Introducting Cafe Rio
Cafe Rio presents a mixed experience, where some find the convenient location and occasional cleanliness appealing. While certain menu items receive positive remarks, the overall impression is often tempered by other factors.
It’s a place where expectations for a smooth visit might need adjustment. However, many patrons encounter challenges, particularly regarding the perceived value for money and the consistency of service.
Issues range from order accuracy to the general attentiveness of staff, suggesting that a visit can be somewhat unpredictable.
Poor
3.5
out of 10
496
Reviews
24.8%
Satisfaction
361
negative
12
neutral
123
positive
Cafe Rio registers an overall Restaurant Score of 3.5, indicating a generally poor experience according to customer feedback. This is further reflected in a low Customer Satisfaction of 24.8%.
These figures, based on 496 customer observations, with 361 negative remarks outweighing 123 positive ones, suggest significant areas needing attention. Delving into specifics, Ambience (4.5) is rated as average, suggesting it’s neither a strong draw nor a major deterrent.
However, Food (3.4) and Service (3.4) both fall into the poor category, with Value (2.6) being particularly low. This indicates that while the setting might be acceptable, the core dining elements often disappoint.
What people like
- Convenient location
- Specific item quality
- Occasional quick service
What people don't like
- Poor overall value
- Inconsistent service
- Unsanitary conditions
With a Recommendation Score of 3.7, Cafe Rio appears to be a place that might disappoint more often than it delights. While some find specific dishes or the location convenient, the recurring issues with service, value, and cleanliness suggest a visit comes with considerable caveats.
If you prioritize convenience and are willing to overlook potential inconsistencies, you might find something to enjoy. However, for a consistently satisfying dining experience where value and reliable service are key, you might consider other options.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cafe Rio
Food (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
Despite an overall low sentiment, some diners found bright spots in the food experience, with 57 positive remarks out of 242 total. They often praised the fresh food, generous portions, and the ability to customize orders, leading to delicious dishes like burritos and quesadillas. However, the food experience generally struggles, reflected in a low score of 3.4 and a customer satisfaction of only 23.6%.
With 175 negative comments, many reported issues like poor food quality, overcooked or dry meat, bland flavors, and cold dishes. Some even encountered shocking dealbreakers like hair or glass in their meals.
Food
242
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
175
negative
10
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh food
- Customize orders
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Poor food quality
- Foreign objects found
- Bland, cold food
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this location was a mixed bag. While Cafe Rio offers solid and fresh food with good portions, and the service was quick, there's a recurring issue with them forgetting items during pickup orders. I'd advise others to double-check their bags.
- burritoMy burrito was they way I ordered it
- BurritoRecommended dishes:Burrito
- Cafe RioI love this Cafe Rio they do a great job
- Cafe Rio saladsI love Cafe Rio salads
- FoodFood:5
- QuesadillaAnd, the Quesadilla was quite good!😋 Real chicken and cheese.
- agua de horchatael agua de horchata deliciosa
- barbicoa nachosThey were yummy.
- casual bitepasses for a casual bite
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was confusing. I arrived at 9: 30 PM, and despite the restaurant closing at 11 PM, the staff informed me they couldn't cook any food for individual customers past 9 PM. This policy made no sense, as a restaurant's purpose is to serve food and make money, yet they were unwilling to cook.
- meatThe burrito was dry and the tortilla was hard. There was hardly any meat inside, with the filling being mostly rice and no sauce. This location has gone downhill, and I will not be returning.
- burritothis 13 dollar burrito I bought and it’s not even half filled
- steakthey didn’t have any steak and if we wanted more, we’d have to wait longer.
- tortillasmy flour tortillas, which were ordered as CORN, lost all molecular cohesion
- chickenless chicken than when I order an original tortilla soup
- grilled chickenBoth my grilled chicken and my wife’s steak were overcooked and dry
- guacamoleGuac and queso was also really dark and you could tell it was old
- lettuceThe staff were rude and unhappy. Upon getting home, I discovered the pico had rotten tomatoes and the lettuce was soggy. I strongly recommend avoiding this location and going elsewhere.
- picoI haven't been here in months and wanted to give them another shot. I asked for extra pico on my salad and I literally received 3 pieces of tomato. Plus, no tortilla strips, hardly any cheese, and no lime.
If you're considering dining here, be aware that the food quality is a significant concern for many. While some appreciate the fresh ingredients and customization, the high number of complaints about bland, cold, or poorly prepared dishes suggests a risky culinary experience.
Service (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to service, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 3.4 putting it in the average range, though customer satisfaction lags at a poor 24%. Still, 46 positive remarks highlight moments of great customer service, quick order fulfillment, and pleasant staff interactions, especially in the drive-thru and with specific managers like Moises and Mario. However, the majority of feedback, with 144 negative remarks, points to significant challenges.
Many encountered slow service, rude staff, frequent order mistakes, and long waiting times. Issues with online ordering, management, and a general lack of effort from some employees also contributed to a frustrating experience.
Service
192
Reviews
24%
Satisfaction
144
negative
2
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Helpful managers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Order inaccuracies
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceservice at this location is questionable but tonight the manager Moises was killin it!
- staffThe staff are always so quick to get food served!
- customer serviceThe customer service was amazing
- orderI hadn't visited this location in a while, but decided to give it another try tonight since it's closer to home. The food was decent, and they actually got the order right, which was a pleasant surprise. However, the persistent issue of them not knowing how to process promotional discounts or gift cards remains.
- CJCJ a ent from cashiering to go out of his way to fill it up
- MichelleMichelle at the order counter was excellent.
- attitudeHe had a great attitude
- changecorrect change
- drive thruespecially this location's drive thru
- drive thru food experienceexceeds the basic drive thru food experience
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by extremely slow service. Despite being the only customer, I waited 7-10 minutes for an employee to acknowledge me.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a 30-minute wait for a pickup order. The service was incredibly slow and the staff seemed not caring. Overall, this place sucks.
- customer serviceFor the amount of time this place has been open, you’d think they would have gotten it right by now. The customer service sucks and nobody cares. The food is terrible, with a horrible taste, served cold, and in under portioned servings.
- employees5 employees looking at you. You will wait 7-10 minutes until they wander over
- managerdoesn’t ever seem there’s a manager there overseeing what’s happening
- orderWhile the food itself is decent, the service has been consistently problematic. I have never once had my order done right, and they always forget at least one thing every time I order takeout. This lack of accuracy is a significant dealbreaker.
- attitudeworst attitude I have ever seen
- waiting timesecond time they had me waiting almost 30 minutes
- employeeindividual as you walk in prepping food you order seemed to think it was funny
- greetingInstead of greeting us when we walked in, they looked at us like we interrupted their hang out session.
This restaurants service is a real roll of the dice. While some visits offer quick, friendly interactions, be prepared for potential long waits, order inaccuracies, and less-than-enthusiastic staff. It might be worth a try if youre feeling lucky, but don't go in with high expectations for consistent, top-notch service.
Ambience (4.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
For ambience, there are some definite bright spots! Many guests appreciate the overall atmosphere and interior, often noting the cleanliness and praising the nice location. With 17 positive remarks out of 42 total, its clear some find the vibe quite pleasant, contributing to an average score of 4.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 40.5%.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy. A significant number of the 25 negative comments highlight concerns about dirty conditions, particularly regarding dispensers, counters, and the service line. Issues like unpleasant smell, overflowing trash, and unkempt tables and chairs also frequently pop up, with some even mentioning unsanitary reasons and cross contamination.
Ambience
42
Reviews
40%
Satisfaction
25
negative
0
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Clean interior
- Good location
What people don't like
- Dirty conditions
- Unsanitary practices
- Messy service line
Often praised
- atmosphereThe service and atmosphere were both rated a 5 out of 5
- locationI love this location. It's the best in the state!
- amazing experienceyou will have an amazing experience
- cleanlinesseverything was clean
- convenientWe go there so often, they almost know our names. It's convenient, we love the food and the staff are great.
- conversationsGreat for conversations with a friend
- interiorVery nice and clean interior.
- nice locationit's a nice location
- placeThe place was very clean
- plenty of tablesthere's lots of tables inside
Frequently criticized
- placePlace full of smoke everytime we come here
- cross contaminationviewed some cross contamination behind the line
- locationI love Cafe Rio, but this location needs serious help. I haven't been here in months and wanted to give them another shot.
- TablesTables all dirty
- chairsAll the chairs were still on the table mid day
- counterthe counter behind was a mess
- countersFood sat on the counter for about 15 minutes before anyone even asked about toppings, making it cold. The counters were dirty, and the other five staff members seemed to be either standing around or prioritizing online orders over in-person customers. Food continued to pile up on the counter, just sitting there.
- dispensersnone of the dispensers were running or working
- environmenta happy welcoming environment- this wasn’t it
- establishment is not sanitarythis establishment is not sanitary
If a sparkling clean environment is a must, you might want to proceed with caution. While some find the location pleasant, many report significant cleanliness issues. It's a mixed bag, so be prepared for a potentially disappointing visit regarding upkeep.
Value (2.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
Despite a low value score of 2.6 and customer satisfaction at just 15%, a few bright spots exist among 3 positive comments. Diners occasionally found the Quesadilla Meal surprisingly good for its price, and the Tuesday taco was praised as a definite bargain. It seems some specific items offer decent value.
However, the overwhelming sentiment from 17 negative remarks points to significant issues. Many customers felt overcharged and described prices as a robbery, especially with frequent upcharges for small additions. The general feeling is that portions don't justify the high price, leading many to advise saving your money.
Value
20
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
17
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quesadilla Meal value
- Tuesday taco bargain
What people don't like
- Frequent overcharging
- High item prices
- Poor portion value
Often praised
- Quesadilla MealWe used the drive-thru, which offered standard service. I decided to try the Kids Grilled Chicken Quesadilla Meal, which included a small quesadilla and fried chips, for less than $6. To my pleasant surprise, the Quesadilla was quite good!
- Tuesday tacoThe Tuesfay taco is a bargain.
- worth itbut worth it
Frequently criticized
- price13 dollar burrito I bought and it’s not even half filled
- moneyNot worth the money at this particular restaurant
- $1.00 chargethen you have to pay and extra $1.00
- $12 hand full of chipsDisappointed on a $12 hand full of chips and a bowl full of cold salsa
- $2paid $2 for a corn tortilla and side of Pico de gallo
- $2.50 upchargethere is a $2.50 up charge
- extra $2Charged an extra $2 for extra shredded chicken
- high priceThis place is NOT worth the high price they charge you.
- item pricesbeware that apps like Grubhub will mark up the item prices like 20%
- money and timeSave your money and time
When it comes to value, this spot leans heavily towards disappointment for most. While a few specific items might be a good deal, be prepared for potentially high prices and feeling overcharged on many other menu items. If consistent bang for your buck is your priority, you might want to explore other options.
How are the prices at Cafe Rio?
You’re looking at roughly $20 per person – reported by 84 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in Las Vegas, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend within this $11–$20 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, though a few diners do opt for higher-priced items.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Las Vegas.
For a Mexican restaurant in Las Vegas, we feel the pricing is quite fair. It hits that sweet spot for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cafe Rio
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Exceptional Service from CJ!
My experience at the restaurant was greatly enhanced by the exceptional service provided by CJ. While others offered the bare minimum, CJ went above and beyond. When I inquired about horchata, another staff member said there was none, but CJ, who was cashiering, took the initiative to go out of his way to fill it up.
Thanks to CJ, our experience was a great one!
- service10
- CJ10
Service Intent
- Delivery
Visit Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Slow Service, Uncaring Staff
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a 30-minute wait for a pickup order. The service was incredibly slow and the staff seemed not caring. Overall, this place sucks.
- pickup order2
- service1
- staff1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
3
Mixed Experience: Service and Food Issues
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The staff could do better, and the inside was not too clean. I was overcharged for my order, but thankfully, customer service corrected the mistake.
The food was not too tasty.
- staff2
- inside2
- overcharged2
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Service, Lost Customers
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly disappointing due to the terrible service. The server displayed the worst attitude I have ever encountered. When I requested two salads, he began preparing the first.
Upon asking for cheese on the tortilla, he reacted as if it were an insurmountable task, showing irritation because he had to scrape the grill. His eye-rolling and negative body language were unprofessional. He failed to listen to our order, leading to mistakes and further irritation when he had to restart due to adding incorrect ingredients.
His aggression when discarding a bowl was evident, clearly indicating he didn't want to be there. This led to me walking out without any food. I was particularly frustrated as I love Cafe Rio and was trying to introduce my cousin to it, hoping she would enjoy it.
This experience not only lost me as a customer at this location but also my cousin and her family. You have lost us as forever customers.
- service1
- attitude1
- body language1
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Bland Food, Avoid This Place
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the food quality. The food was very bland, with absolutely no seasoning on anything. The chicken tasted as if it was boiled and completely flavorless.
Even the salsa tasted like plain tomatoes. I would advise others to save your money and time and avoid this place like the plague.
- food1
- seasoning1
- chicken1
What Cafe Rio offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Cafe Rio accessible for all guests?
Yes, Cafe Rio ensures a comfortable visit for everyone. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, making it a welcoming spot for all patrons in Las Vegas.
What dining and service options are available at Cafe Rio?
Cafe Rio offers a variety of convenient options, including drive-through, takeout, outdoor seating, dine-in, and delivery. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, or dessert, with catering services also available for your events.
What is the overall dining experience like at Cafe Rio?
Cafe Rio generally offers a challenging experience, with an overall score of **3.5** and customer satisfaction at **24.8%**. While the **Ambience** (4.5) is average, both **Food** (3.4), **Service** (3.4), and **Value** (2.6) are rated poorly.
Are there any positive aspects customers mention about Cafe Rio?
Customers occasionally praise the convenience of the location, the quality of specific items like the quesadilla, and some instances of quick staff service.
What are the main concerns customers have about Cafe Rio?
Frequent complaints include poor value for money, inconsistent and slow service, issues with order accuracy, and concerns about cleanliness and sanitary conditions.