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Restaurants in Downtown

Rio on Wazee

4.2
2,774 Google reviews$$ · Moderate

Rates above the average for restaurants near Downtown — one of 6 we've tracked here.

Things to Know

Rio on Wazee is a Mexican restaurant on Wazee Street in Denver known for exceptional margaritas and salsa, with a lively atmosphere popular for groups and parties.

Service and margaritas are consistently excellent when staffed well, but food quality and server attention can be inconsistent, and prices run high for the quality delivered.

  • Reviewers rave about the margaritas (described as 'to die for') and offer mini versions
  • The salsa is frequently called 'the best' and homemade
  • Great for groups and parties with reliable, hot fresh food when service is on point
  • Friendly, attentive servers create memorable experiences when present
  • Server knowledge inconsistent—one didn't know menu ingredients, creating allergy concerns
  • Food quality varies significantly; rice, beans, and queso have been criticized as subpar
  • Service lapses reported even during slow times; long waits between server visits
  • Prices are high relative to quality and portion sizes compared to other Denver Mexican restaurants
  • Quality reportedly declined from the original Boulder location

Based on Google reviews · AI summarized

Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Open now

What Visitors Say

B

Brian Goos

a month ago

Nowhere near as good as the Boulder location. My server didn’t know what was in a relleno. It said on menu cheese, pepper and veggies. I asked what are the “veggies”, onions? No she said, just pepper and cheese. It had mushrooms in it. Good thing I wasn’t allergic. If this is the same owner as Bouler I would try better to make the same quality of food. For the price of this place go to La loma Mexican restaurant it is outstanding.

K

K.B.

10 months ago

Good spot for groups or party's thay are on it! Hot fresh food service in a timely manner. The servers were all very nice and attentive. If you're thinking of having a party here, do it !

L

Laura

2 years ago

This has been one of my go to spots for great margaritas and food for quite sometime now. They have the best salsa hands down! I do miss the old location of this restaurant, however it is less crammed now. The food here has always been consistently good and I can count on it being a great meal. Their margaritas are to die for, and I enjoy the option of getting a mini margarita as well if I’m not feeling too ambitious for a regular one. The ambiance is inviting and the atmosphere is nice. The service has always been great and everyone is pretty friendly and attentive. Food and drinks were both out to our table in a timely manner. I always recommend this place to friends and family, definitely one of my favorites in Denver!

T

Trish Sachs

2 months ago

Katie at the Rio on Wazi was absolutely the best. She was personable, fast, and incredibly attentive without ever feeling rushed. The ambiance was great—lively and welcoming—and the food was outstanding. Honestly, some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. Katie really elevated the whole experience and made my visit memorable. Can’t wait to come back!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rio on Wazee worth it in Downtown?

Service and margaritas are consistently excellent when staffed well, but food quality and server attention can be inconsistent, and prices run high for the quality delivered. Known for: award-worthy margaritas and homemade salsa.

What do visitors love about Rio on Wazee?

Reviewers rave about the margaritas (described as 'to die for') and offer mini versions The salsa is frequently called 'the best' and homemade Great for groups and parties with reliable, hot fresh food when service is on point Friendly, attentive servers create memorable experiences when present

Is there anything to know before visiting Rio on Wazee?

Server knowledge inconsistent—one didn't know menu ingredients, creating allergy concerns Food quality varies significantly; rice, beans, and queso have been criticized as subpar Service lapses reported even during slow times; long waits between server visits Prices are high relative to quality and portion sizes compared to other Denver Mexican restaurants Quality reportedly declined from the original Boulder location

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