RIO Border Cafe Norwalk CT: Authentic Mexican Food, Margaritas, and Live Music

RIO Border Cafe Mexican Restaurant Introduce

For over 27 years, RIO Border Cafe Mexican Restaurant has established itself as a true staple for authentic, high-quality Mexican-American cuisine in the Norwalk and greater Fairfield County area. Identifying as a proud Latino-owned business, RIO is more than just a dining establishment; it’s a long-standing, family-friendly destination celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to using the freshest ingredients. The restaurant has been recognized in publications like AAA Horizons Southern New England Edition for being one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Connecticut, highlighting its warm, casual setting punctuated with colorful Mexican textiles.

At RIO Border Cafe, the emphasis is on flavor and freshness, with a business philosophy centered on preparing everything daily and using only premium ingredients. For example, they are noted for using high-quality cuts like NY Strip Steak Angus and 100% certified black angus beef, and their commitment to quality extends even to their bar, where the house margaritas feature Sauza Gold, a 100% pure blue agave tequila, aiming to deliver a superior cocktail experience. The extensive menu showcases an array of regional Mexican foods, with portions large enough for sharing, making it an ideal spot for groups and families. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or planning a full dinner experience, RIO offers a comfortable and festive environment that truly makes every day feel like a fiesta.

Location and Accessibility

RIO Border Cafe Mexican Restaurant is conveniently located in Norwalk, placing it easily accessible for local Connecticut residents and those traveling in the area.

The exact address is: 330 Connecticut Avenue #1821, Best buy, 330 Connecticut Ave suit 9, Norwalk, CT 06854.

Situated on a major commercial thoroughfare, the restaurant is designed to accommodate all patrons, making accessibility a priority. The parking situation is exceptionally generous, ensuring a stress-free visit:

Parking: Free parking lot, free parking garage, and free street parking are available, providing ample space even during peak dining hours.
Wheelchair Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and dedicated seating, making it comfortable for all guests.

The atmosphere is noted as casual and cozy, welcoming a diverse crowd that includes college students, families, groups, tourists, and is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly.

Services Offered

RIO Border Cafe offers a comprehensive range of dining and beverage services to meet the varied needs of the Norwalk community and beyond:

Dining Options: Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, and flexible seating with table service.
Off-Site Services: Curbside pickup, Delivery, and Takeout, providing convenient options for enjoying RIO's food at home or work.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly useful for planning large group dinners or visiting during busy weekend hours.
Catering: A full range of catering services are available for events, parties, and business meetings, offering a diverse menu from appetizers to full combination platters.
Bar Service: Features a Bar onsite offering a great beer selection, cocktails, hard liquor, and wine.
Family Amenities: Provides high chairs and a dedicated Kids' Menu, making it a truly family-friendly establishment.
Payment Flexibility: Accepts major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for hassle-free transactions.

Features and Highlights

The RIO Border Cafe stands out in the Connecticut dining scene due to a few key features that consistently receive high praise from local customers:

Exceptional Bar Program: Highlighted by customers for having great cocktails and a great beer selection, the bar is a significant draw, especially the famous Margaritas. They offer a wide variety, from their premium Patron and Casamigos Margaritas to large and small takeout pitchers, ensuring a vibrant experience.
Sizzling Fajitas and Signature Dishes: The menu features "Our Famous Sizzling Fajitas," along with other specialty entrees like the CHIMICHANGA DINNER, LA BOMBA BURRITO GRANDE, and authentic options like ENCHILADAS MOLE POBLANO and CHILE RELLENOS.
Lively Entertainment: The restaurant regularly features live music, which contributes to its festive and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a fun night out or a celebratory meal.
Happy Hour and Quick Bites: RIO caters to the after-work crowd and those needing a quick fill with happy hour drinks and food, as well as a variety of comfort food, small plates, and quick bite options throughout the day.
Dietary Accommodations: The menu thoughtfully includes dedicated Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, and Organic dishes, ensuring that guests with various dietary preferences can enjoy a flavorful meal.
Commitment to Quality Meats and Tequila: The business prides itself on using 100% certified black angus beef, NY Strip Steak Angus, and a superior 100% pure blue agave tequila in their house margaritas, underscoring their dedication to quality over cost-cutting.

Contact Information

To make a reservation, place a takeout order, or inquire about catering services for your next Connecticut event, you can reach RIO Border Cafe using the following information:

Address: 330 Connecticut Avenue #1821, Best buy, 330 Connecticut Ave suit 9, Norwalk, CT 06854
Phone: (203) 855-9577
Mobile Phone: +1 203-855-9577

What is Worth Choosing

RIO Border Cafe Mexican Restaurant is worth choosing for the discerning Connecticut diner who values authenticity, quality ingredients, and a truly fun, welcoming experience. What sets RIO apart is the perfect blend of being a family-run business with a longstanding, positive reputation—over 27 years in the community—and a lively bar & grill environment.

The top reason to visit is undoubtedly the combination of their famous, generously portioned entrées and their superior beverage program. Customer reviews consistently highlight two must-try items: the incredible, flavorful Fajitas, which arrive sizzling at your table, and the legendary Passion Fruit Margarita, often cited as being "on another level." The dedication to using Sauza Gold tequila in their house margaritas signals a commitment to quality that is rare in many chain establishments and is definitely worth the visit for cocktail aficionados.

Beyond the food and drinks, the atmosphere is a significant draw. It's a place where fast service is a highlight, yet you are still greeted warmly at the door and treated to a cozy, inviting environment. The presence of live music adds an extra layer of festivity, making it an excellent location for both quiet solo dining and a boisterous group celebration. For those in Norwalk or traveling through Fairfield County, RIO offers a reliable, high-quality experience that successfully marries the spirit of a true Mexican cantina with the warmth of a local, family-owned Connecticut favorite.

RIO Border Cafe Mexican Restaurant Menu

Dinner Antojitos
Botana $16.99
½ Nachos, ½ Cheese Quesadilla, 1 Flauta chicken, guacamole, jalapenos & sour cream
JALAPENO Poppers $11.99
Stuffed jalapeno peppers
SAMPLER PLATTER $16.99
Nachos, chicken quesadilla, spicy wings, beef enchilada with sour cream & guacamole
CAMALARI $16.99
Homemade calamari & blue cheese or marinated sauce
TACOS (hard or soft) $12.49
two tacos with beef or chicken, lettuce tomato & cheese (with steak, carnitas or chorizo $13.99)
GUACAMOLE (Market Price)
Avocado, onion, tomato, cilantro & chips
Nachos $14.99
Tortillas with beans, cheese, jalapenos, tomatoes, olives & sour cream. (*With beef, chicken, pork, chorizo or steak $15.99)
Super Nachos $16.99
Tortillas with beans, cheese, jalapenos, tomatoes, olives, sour cream & guacamole.(*With beef, chicken, pork, chorizo or steak $18.99
QUESADILLA CON Salsa Verde $12.49
Tortilla with salsa verde, jack & cheddar, sour cream, lettuce and tomato.
MEXICAN Wings $9.99
Spicy chicken & blue cheese
MEXICAN WINGS LARGE $17.99
Spicy chicken & blue cheese
HOMEMADE CHICKEN FINGERS $9.99
Chicken breast strips
HOMEMADE SOUP $8.99
(call restaurant for soup of the day)
Tortilla Soup $8.99
black bean soup $8.99

Dinner Ensaladas
Taco Salad $15.99
Crispy flour tortilla basket filled with mixed greens, jack & cheddar. *with ground beef, shredded chicken, black bean, pinto bean salsa, steak or chicken: $17.99 *with shrimp $20.99
Ensalada De La Casa $15.99
Mixed greens, tomato, red & green bell peppers, avocado, red onion pinto beans & cotija cheese. *with chicken, shredded. chicken grill,srhimp or steak $19.99
Garden Salad $11.99
Mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, peppers, with choice of dressing: ranch, Italian, creamy garlic, bleu cheese, balsamic vinaigrette.

Dinner Fajitas
Our Famous Sizzling Fajitas
All meats Strip Steak. Broiled sizzling fajitas marinated in our own special spices, served with rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo and flour tortillas. Chicken Breast:$25.49 Strip Steak: $26.99 Chicken Breast & Strip Steak: $27.49 Pork Tenderloin: $24.99- Vegetarian: $23.49 Shrimp & Steak: $27.99 Shrimp: $27.99 Supreme: Steak, Chicken, Pork: $29.99 Rio fajitas Strip steak,chicken and srhimp 30.99

Dinner Enchiladas
ENCHILADAS SUIZAS $22.99
Two Chicken enchiladas with our special tomatillo sauce, top cheese. served rice and beans sour cream and avocado
ENCHILADAS MOLE POBLANO $22.99
two Soft corn tortillas with grilled chicken, mole poblano sauce, cheese, served with rice and beans
ENCHILADAS COMBO $23.49
Three enchiladas, (cheese, beef, or chicken), spicy red wajillo sauce, served rice and beans
SEAFOOD ENCHILADA $22.99
Two enchiladas Combination of crab, pollock, cod, scrod, whiting, and shrimp with salsa verde, cheese, served rice and beans

Dinner Platos Vegetarianos
RIO EXTRAVAGANZA VEGGIE $22.49
Flour tortilla filled with sautéed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, zucchini, onions, tomatoes & peppers) topped with melted cheese, green tomatillo sauce & sour cream, served with rice and guacamole.
JALISCO $18.49
Cheesse enchilada red sauce,Vegetable burrito and bean chimichanga Served with two -bean salsa.
VEGGIE QUESADILLA GRANDE $22.49
Tortilla with cheese, broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, onion, with rice, two-bean salsa, guacamole, sour cream, salsa fresca & Jalapenos.
PUEBLA $22.99
cheese enchilada red sauce, Chile relleno and vegetable burrito. Served with two-bean salsa. black and pinto

Dinner Platos Grandes
CHIMICHANGA DINNER $22.99
Crispy flour tortilla with choice of BEEF, CHICKEN or PORK TENDERLOIN. Filled with sautéed onions, peppers, cheese and beans. Served with salsa fresca, guacamole, sour cream, rice and beans. *With Shrimp or Steak: $24.49
QUESADILLA GRANDE $22.49
Cheese filled tortilla with choice of CHICKEN, BEEF, PORK TENDERLOIN, or VEGGIES. Served with lettuce, tomato, salsa fresca, jalapenos, guacamole & sour cream. *With Shrimp or Steak: $24.49
LA BOMBA BURRITO GRANDE $22.99
Tomato tortilla with choice of BEEF, CHICKEN, PORK TENDERLOIN or VEGGIES.Carnitas,Beans Filled with cheese, onion, peppers and beans.$22.99 Served with rice and beans, guacamole and sour cream. *With Shrimp or Steak: $24.99
MEXICAN FLAUTAS $22.99
Three Crispy corn tortillas, filled with chicken breast, rice and beans and topped with guacamole and sour cream. *With Steak: $23.99
TACOS PLATTER $22.49
(Hard of Soft) two tacos with beef or chicken, lettuce, tomato and cheese, served with rice and beans. *With steak, carnitas, chorizo: $23.99, *With shrimp: $24.49
MARISCADA
Jumbo shrimp,Norwegian cockles,Long island Mussels,calamari,Nova scallops,and fish of the day. choise of red or gren salsa,served with rice and beans on side. $34.49 (Please allow approximately 20 to 25 minutes for preparation)

Dinner Del Mar (Seafood)
MARISCOS COMBO $24.99
FISH & SHRIMP sautéed in famous salsa (red or green) Served with black beans, rice and salad
CAMARONES CON SALSA VERDE $24.99
Gulf shrimp broiled in tomatillo salsa. Served with rice, fresh vegetables and salad
CAMARONES CON ARROZ $24.49
Grilled gulf shrimp on a bed of Mexican rice; topped with monterey jack & cheddar cheese, onion, peppers, tomato, olives, salsa fresca, avocado, cilantro and salad
PESCADO MEXICANO $24.99
Fresh fish fillets, sautéed in tomatillo sauce, topped with vegetables, rice, avocado, and salad
CAMARONES AL AJILLO $24.49
For “Spicy Garlic Lovers”. Shrimp sautéed with garlic and spices. Served with rice and salad
FISH TACOS $23.49
Three (baked or fried) fresh fish tacos with rice and beans

Dinner Combination Platters
EL GRANDE $23.99
(If you are really hungry) chicken burrito, beef chimichanga and guacamole tostada; rice and beans
DURANGO $22.99
Beef taco and chicken tostada. Served with rice and beans.
ACAPULCO $22.99
Beef taco, chicken chimichanga. Served with rice and beans.
VERACRUZ $22.99
Beef taco and beef burrito. Served with rice and beans.
CHIHUAHUA $23.99
cheesse enchilada Chile cheese relleno and beef burrito. Served with rice and beans.
CANCUN $22.99
Beef chimichanga and chicken soft taco. Served with rice and beans.
RIO COMBINATION PLATE $23.99
Tamale and chile relleno. Served with rice and beans.

Dinner Carne (Meat)
STRIP STEAK CON ARROZ $23.99
Sliced grilled marinated steak, on a bed of Mexican rice; topped with Monterey jack & cheddar cheese, onion, peppers, tomato, olives, salsa fresca, avocado and cilantro and salad
STEAK TEQUILA $24.99
Grilled Strip steak topped with sautéed fresh mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, onion, garlic and delicious Tequila sauce; served with rice and beans.
STEAK RANCHERO $24.99
Mexican steak sautéed in famous ranchero salsa. Served with black beans and rice.
CARNE ASADA $23.49
Charcoal grilled Strip steak NY served with black beans and rice or salad FF

Dinner Pollo (Chicken)
POLLO CON ARROZ $23.49
Boneless slices of charbroiled, marinated chicken breast on a bed of Mexican rice, topped with Monterrey & Cheddar cheese, onion, peppers, tomato, olives, salsa fresca, avocado, cilantro and salad.
CHICKEN TEQUILA $23.99
Charbroiled chicken breast topped with fresh mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, onion, garlic and delicious Tequila sauce. Served with rice and beans.
chicken AL AJILLO $23.49
For “spicy garlic lovers”, Mexican chicken breast sautéed in a blend of fresh garlic and spices. Served with rice and beans.
Chicken ASADO $20.99
Charcoal grilled chicken breast. Served with rice and beans.
POLLO RANCHERO $22.99
Chicken sautéed in ranchero salsa. Served with rice and beans.

Kids Menu
Homemade Chicken Fingers $10.99
Served with French fries
Enchilada $11.99
(cheese) with rice and beans
Nachos $11.99
Crisp tortillas covered with cheese
Taco $11.99
(Hard or Soft) shredded chicken or ground beef with rice
Burrito $11.99
Shredded chicken of ground beef, with rice and beans
Mexican Pizza $12.49
Tostada covered with tomato sauce and cheese
Quesadilla $12.49
Folded flour tortilla with cheese

Sides
LARGE BOWL OF SALSA 8oz $9.99
CHIPS & SALSA $8.99
4oz sauce
BEANS $7.49
RICE $6.99
GUACAMOLE (market price)
FRIES $7.49
SOUR CREAM $3.99
TORTILLAS (3) $4.49
JALAPENOS $4.29
PINTO OR BLACK BEAN SALSA $7.49
CHEESE $4.49
PICO DE GALLO $4.49
Chips (only) $4.29
Salsa (only) $4.29

Dessert Menu
Helado Frito $13.99
Mexican style fried ice cream
Homemade Flan $12.99
Mexican style custard served in its own syrup
Chocolate Chimichanga $11.99
Chocolate Chimichanga with vanilla ice cream
Chocolate Sundae $11.99
Churros $10.99
with scoop of vanilla ice cream & whipped cream

Specials Menu Entrees
SPECIAL BURRITO OR CHIMICHANGA $23.49
Filled with shredded beef and black beans. Burrito is topped with melted cheese, green salsa, and sour cream; served with rice and guacamole. Chimichangas deep fried and covered with guacamole and sour cream; served with rice and beans.
CARNE ESTILO RIO $31.99
New York strip steak charcoal grilled and served with sautéed vegetables or rice and beans.
PAELLA $34.99
Made with Mexican rice, jumbo shrimp, Norwegian cockles, Long Island mussels, calamari, Nova Scotia scallops, chicken and Mexican sausage.(Please allow approximately 25 to 35 minutes for preparation)
MARISCADA $34.49
Jumbo shrimp, Norwegian cockles, Long Island Mussels, calamari, Nova Scotia scallops, and fish of the day. Choice of red or green salsa, served with rice and beans on side.(please allow approximately 25 to 35 minutes for preparation)
CARNITAS $23.49
Homemade marinated pork; served with rice, beans, avocado jalapeno hot sauce (on side) and corn tortillas.
RICE BOWL $22.49
A delicious combination of pork loin, flank steak, chicken breast, black bean, sautéed onions, rice and cheese.
Mex, Tamales $21.99
delicious tamales whit chicken. served with lettuce, tomaote sauce sour cream rice and beans
Chiles Rellenos $22.99
chile poblano peppers/or stuffed peppers' in English are traditional Mexican dish made from roasted poblano peppers. stuffed with oaxaca cheese

Takeout Drinks Menu
Corona $5.95
Corona Extra $5.95
Dosxx bottle $5.95
Negra Modelo $5.95
Tecate $5.95
Coronitas $10.00
Modelo Can $5.95
Pacifico $5.95
Victoria $5.95
Carta Blanca $5.95
Coors Lite $5.95
Heineken $5.95

Large Margarita Pitchers For Takeout
Patron $48.50
Don Julio $48.50
1800 $40.50
Hornitos $40.50
Herradura $40.50
3G $40.50
Moon Lite $40.50
Kicker $40.50
House Marg $40.50
Casamigos $48.50
Lg Up House Marg $60.00
Lg Fruit Pitchers $40.50

Small Margarita Pitchers For Takeout
Patron $32.50
Don Julio $32.50
1800 $32.50
Hornitos $28.50
Herradura $28.50
3G $28.50
Moon Lite $28.50
Kicker $28.50
House Marg $25.50
Casamigos $28.50
Sm Up House Marg $40.00
Sm Straw Marg $29.25
Sm Mango Marg $27.50
Sm Maracuya Marg $30.50

Regular Margaritas Takeout Menu
Zombie Rocks $8.49
Patrons Marg $13.50
Don Julio Marg $13.50
Hornitos Marg $10.00
Herradura Marg $10.00
1800 Marg $10.00
Rio Kicker Marg $10.00
Moon Lite Marg $10.00
Casamigos Marg $13.00
Gl Sangria $8.00

Large Wines & Daq Pitchers For Takeout
Rxs Sangria $35.50
Pit Pina Colada $40.50
Pit Daq $40.50
Up Sangria $40.50

Small Wines & Daq Pitchers
Rxs sangria $22.50
Pina Colada $27.50
Daq $27.50
Up Sangria $24.50

RIO Border Cafe Mexican Restaurant Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned

Service options
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Live music
Sports

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking garage
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

RIO Border Cafe Mexican Restaurant Photos

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RIO Border Cafe Mexican Restaurant Location

RIO Border Cafe Mexican Restaurant

Connecticut Western Connecticut Planning Region Norwalk Connecticut Avenue

330 Connecticut Avenue #1821, Best buy, 330 Connecticut Ave suit 9, Norwalk, CT 06854, USA

RIO Border Cafe Mexican Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 820 user reviews.

margaritasenchiladasmusicguitarbirthdaymariobarmariachijasminesteak fajitas

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

From the second we walked into Rio, we felt so welcome. The staff greeted us right at the door, and honestly, everyone we met was super polite and helpful. While we waited, they even gave us something complimentary, which was such a nice surprise.The place itself is, organized, and it just smells amazing inside, you can tell they really take care of everything. The vibe is warm and comfortable, and the prices are very fair for the quality you get.Now, about the drinks… their margaritas are on another level! If you go, you have to try the Passion Fruit Margarita, it was incredible.Overall, Rio really deserves every star it gets. Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere. Definitely a must-go spot for Mexican food.
September 12 · Carla Guimaraes
and yet.... another outstanding restaurant... real authentic Mexican Rio Border Mexican Restaurant. there is not 1 single flaw... from the moment I walked in, greeted, fast service... the Passion Fruit Margarita and Fajitas were just what I wanted and perfection 👌 adding this to one of my favorite places to go... Will be returning soon... REAL SOON 😜 The bartender was super friendly and recommended many drinks and choices
August 22 · L L
“We had a wonderful experience at Rio. Our waitress, Jasmine, was fantastic—attentive, friendly, and made great recommendations. She made sure everything came out quickly and checked in at just the right times. The food was delicious, but Jasmine’s service really made the evening special. We’ll definitely be back!”
September 12 · Mark Watros
A nice atmosphere with friendly staff and the portions are very generous. The nachos are brilliant and I had a great seafood enchillada.
November 11 · Richard E
This was my first time visiting, and I absolutely fell in love with it, not just because of the food, but also the outstanding customer service. Jasmine and Lenny were amazing. They went above and beyond to help with everything we needed and were always ready to assist with a smile. I will definitely be coming back!
June 17 · natali cochancela
The service is great and the food is even better. Good vibes and good food. Can’t beat it!
May 31 · Zac Lambert