Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

10/18/2026

Today, we raise a Bud for a Rio legend. 🍺

Felipe Mercado was Rio’s very first employee, but to us, he was so much more. Known for his big heart, quick wit and love for a cold Budweiser, Felipe brought so much joy to the Rio family. Though we lost him in 2009, his spirit lives on. 💛

In his honor, we’re serving $1 Budweisers all day today! 🍻

Felipe Day is also Rio Employee Appreciation Day, so if you stop by, show some extra love to the crew who make the Rio what it is.

Cheers to Felipe and our Rio family. 💛

#1 forever in our hearts.

10/15/2026

Founder. Owner. Occasional welder. 🛠️⚡

From the big ideas to the sparks flying, Pat had his hands all over Rio Lone Tree’s new look. And we mean that literally. ✨

Have you checked out the new digs yet?!

10/12/2026

Look what crawled out of the grave… 👻🪦

Our Spooky Margarita 5-Packs are BACK and bringing a little treat this Halloween season! 🍹

Take home five of our legendary Classic Rio Margaritas in their spooky best & score a $10 gift card ON US!

No tricks here, just good spirits and a wicked good deal. 🖤

Available now through October 31!

10/09/2026

👀

Silver Grill Cafe opened in 1933. It's the oldest restaurant in Fort Collins. And the thing it's famous for? A cinnamon roll.

Not just any cinnamon roll. The recipe came out of a 1969 Better Homes & Gardens cookbook. The owner put it on the menu in 1986 and sales jumped 50% the next year. Esquire later put the place on its list of restaurants America couldn't afford to lose.

A cookbook cinnamon roll. That's the legend. That's more or less the whole business model.

I ranked it #1 in Fort Collins, ahead of a serious raw-bar oyster place and the Old Town margarita institution. Because here's what I think: any town can open a good restaurant. Almost nobody can make a single cinnamon roll famous for 40 years.

Jax Fish House people are going to disagree with me. Loudly.

10/01/2026

By popular demand… we’re keeping the Rio Takeout Bonus going a little longer. 🤩

Now through October 11, every $50 spent on qualifying takeout earns you a $15 gift card to use on a future visit.

Dinner now. A little Rio Love for later. Order takeout and keep the bonus going. 💛

09/22/2026

Takeout now. A little Rio Love for later. 💛

All September long, every $50 spent on takeout earns you a $15 gift card to use on a future visit!

Whether you’re feeding the family, the team or the whole crew, Rio’s Party Menu makes dinner easy with Fajita Packs, Burrito Packs, Enchilada Packs and more.

Big portions. Easy pickup. Future you says thanks. 😉

09/18/2026

Lone Tree, meet your new look. 👀

You may have already seen the refresh in person, but now the finished space is getting its special moment! ✨

New flooring & furniture, a refreshed back bar, updated lighting and artwork, plus a few layout changes brought a whole new feel to the space.

And the centerpiece? A brand-new tree, built by founder Pat McGaughran himself! 😎

A lot changed… but good stuff didn’t! Come see it for yourself. 🤍

09/11/2026

We’re not folding up the patio umbrellas just yet. 🍂☀️

Just in time for cooler weather and bigger appetites, our fall menu is here!

The new Big Tex Platter brings dry-rubbed ribs, local hot link sausage and chipotle honey butter chicken together with 5-pepper smashed potatoes, borracho beans and tangy coleslaw. And yes, there’s jalapeño aioli and morita honey mustard for dipping. 🤠🌶️

Also new, Shrimp Nachos loaded with caramelized pineapple pico, guacamole and flash-fried shrimp plus Mexican Chocolate Mousse for something sweet.

And for the birria fans, good news. The Birria Bowl is sticking around for fall. 🙌

Come hungry. Here through October 11.