Rio on Wazee serves bold Tex-Mex dishes crafted from scratch with fresh ingredients, complemented by their famous margaritas and a lively ambiance. Veteran-owned and celebrating 39 years, this iconic spot is known for its flame-grilled favorites and strong community spirit.
What's Included:
🔥 Authentic Tex-Mex cuisine with fresh, bold flavors
🍹 Legendary margaritas including barrel-aged varieties
🎉 Festive and casual atmosphere with outdoor seating
🍽️ Full bar with great cocktails and beer selection
Important Information:
Dinner reservations recommended and accepted
Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms
Outdoor patio seating available
Happy hour weekdays 3–5 PM
Perfect for lunch, dinner, parties, and solo dining with family-friendly options.
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🍹 Legendary Margaritas: Try the Barrel-Aged Big Tex Margarita for a smooth, complex flavor unique to Rio on Wazee.
🌞 Patio Seating: The outdoor patio offers a vibrant setting, especially enjoyable during Denver’s warmer months.
⏰ Happy Hour Perks: Weekday happy hours from 3–5 PM feature great deals on drinks and appetizers, perfect for after-work gatherings.
🔥 Scratch Kitchen Quality: The fresh ingredients and flame-grilled dishes set Rio apart, providing bold, authentic flavors not often found downtown.
Public Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Rio on Wazee is beloved for its authentic Tex-Mex dishes, standout margaritas, and lively atmosphere. Customers consistently praise the quality of food and attentive service, highlighting fajitas and cocktails as favorites. Some longtime patrons miss the discontinued steak nachos, but new menu items like birria are well received. The restaurant’s veteran ownership and inviting patio add to the appeal.
Last updated on
November 4, 2025
🍽️ Standout Dishes
Margaritas, Fajitas, Steak Nachos (formerly), Carne Asada, Birria, Tacos, Quesadilla, Sopapillas, Orange Chocolate Tres Leches Cake, Chili con Queso, Pickled Onions, Flame-grilled favorites, Small plates, Vegetarian options
