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Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant

3.4 (171 reviews)
ModerateMexican
Closed • 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant Photos

Business Info

RIO CHICO MEXICAN RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant

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Justin M.

I used to live in Mt Pleasant decades ago so now that I'm back I have no clue where anything is at nor what is available. After searching on Google for terms like "Tex-mex Mt Pleasant" then consulting Yelp (selfless advertising there) I settled on Rio Chico. Located off of Long Point road in a very safe and cozy part of town Rio Chico has plenty of parking in a tucked away little town center area. Outside the facility is a typical run-of-the-mill restaurant façade however once the doors swing open, a bit of "flair and flavor" hits the senses. I lived in Austin TX for 4 years and would frequent San Antonio so I can say Rico Chico nailed the Latino influence on many levels, but not all. The floor and walls have that stuck-O color and feel, rod iron accents and large windows give the impression of the open-air theme with curved brick tiles acting as shingles drives home the point of a south Texas or Mexican experience. To finish up my first impression the dark wooden table and chairs along with booths are new while small accents such as a de la Muerte manakin give a very authentic "lived-in" vibe if you will. The servers are extremely nice and quick to seat the customers in places that have visibility to large TVs. My date was running late, which at a Mexican restaurant is a good thing as it gave me time to devour some chips and salsa. As a side note, I was on time, coming from Summerville while she was late living in Mt Pleasant; women! The chips were slightly burnt to me, a point my date didn't fully agree with but I maintain my opinion. The salsa was spot on - chunky, full of flavor with a slight pinch of heat but not making it impossible to eat. The server had good timing, allowing us to hang out yet making sure our beverages, in this case wine, were optimally filled. As for the beverages I'm not a tequila person, neither was my date, but a bourbon and/or wine person. The choices are sparse for the latter with bottom shelf selections but I realize the offerings are based on the setting so I'm fine with that. As for the menu there are lots of items to choose from and while I debated street tacos (a no win here as I just moved from the capital of tacos) so I went "full on flautas." I loved the shredded lettuce b/c it's what I envision as the perfect style when I eat Tex-mex. Huge dollops of sour cream are piled on with a very tame but lime drowned guac. Now I was supremely disappointed with the flautas. First, they were extremely wide as if their previous life was that of a chimichanga. Every where else I've had them, they're like cigars long, thin and crispy; crumbling to eat bite like a tortilla chip. Next the chicken had exactly zero flavor which is to say, no seasoning at all; no cumin, cilantro, chili pepper, salt, pepper nothing. In essence an almost soggy flavorless shredded chicken abomination; a Franken-flat-lupa if you will. As for my date she ordered the Arroz con Pollo. This dish was a stark contrast to mine and I'll reflect in the opposite of my lunch starting with my only gripe, the rice wasn't cooked in lard. This meant less flavor (in the rice itself) and texture. That said the rice "dish" did have good flavor with nice small veggies in it like tomato and peppers. Besides the once again great accompaniment of perfectly shredded lettuce, lime drowned guac and sour cream; the chicken simply put was outstanding. Long slices of succulent and tender chicken topped the rice. Every bite of juicy chicken burst with authentic Mexican flavor - like a fiesta in my mouth. Whomever cooked this dish - you NAILED it! I don't dig on beans so I can't speak on them but my overzealous female companion enjoyed copious amounts implying my air freshener might have a real job on its hands later, joking aside this was a phenomenal dish. Overall, my experience at Rico Chico, a chain restaurant was enjoyable with some menu items exceeding and others disappointing me. I was there at a slower time of day, that being Saturday 1-6 and never once was rushed, however I left before the night crowd began to file in. The servers are nice and respectful and most of the food is good. While I have heard other opinions of Rico's, I'm not going to comment on their experience, rather just what I can attest to. With that said, it seems like a hit or miss place with being a hit more often. To finish up, if you're close and in the mood, Rico Chico's is the restaurant for you. Stop on by!

Grilled Chicken burrito, filled with rice and beans.
Richard C.

I was in the mood for some good authentic Mexican food. And I think I found a place, place was nice and quiet. Maybe because it was pouring rain yesterday lol. Service was great and fast , place was just comfortable overall. I would definitely go to this place again.

Chips n salsa
Suzanne H.

First time here! Went with friends who highly recommend this authentic (California style) Mexican food. Shared the steak, chicken, carnitas, fajitas. They were great but the Carnitas was the best I've had. Tender and tasty. Waitress a little forgetful but the food made it all ok. Parking is open so you needn't worry. Prices are reasonable too!

Rio Chico Enchiladas with rice and refried beans
Amanda M.

I love getting food here for takeout! It's usually 10-15 minutes and everything is ready and consistent! I decided to try eating inside after many to go orders but the service was super slow. The server gave us chips and salsa right away but never any water. We asked two different people for water and finally got some after 10 minutes. They kept apologizing for the wait so maybe something was happening that day? Either way, the food is always delicious here and the price is great, but I may stick to taking it to go!

Arroz con pollo
Rachyl D.

Okay, but nothing special and unfortunately the service seems to be lacking. Mainly our server was either sitting or talking with co workers since the restaurant wasn't busy so we had to actually flag him down to order. I didn't personally like the queso or my chicken but the rice and beans were pretty good!

Combo Grande
Tawanna M.

Met up with a friend for lunch. I ordered a chalupa and a chimichanga and for dessert the sopaipilla. Loved it all. Great portion sizes. Our server was also very attentive and made some good recommendations. Definitely a place I would visit again.

people sitting at tables
Key M.

Wow... this place was interesting. The main issue was our waiter. Our waiter was an absolute douche. Whenever we asked him a question or gave him our order, he didn't acknowledge us. It was probably the most awkward interaction I've ever had at a restaurant. We were left guessing whether what we asked him actually went through. What an a-hole To make matters worse, he didn't actually take our orders. He stood at the computer system in the corner of the restaurant and had us go around the table and yell our orders to him while he typed them in 20 ft away. What a joke. Have never seen that before. I guess he was too lazy to take our orders the way every other waiter/waitress in the world does. Besides the terrible interaction, the food was decent and the other staff members were friendly. Sad that one unhappy employee sort of ruined our birthday dinner Won't be back

Neeve O.

They have good food with generous portions for a great price!!! The service is great, quick and super friendly staff. Thanks you guys for a great dinner.

Sadly, a third of this dish included the beans our family member is allergic to that we requested NOT be included.
Kathryn B.

My son wanted to try this restaurant. We ordered multiple meals to go and added very specific info in the special instructions box regarding an allergy to beans on one meal. Sadly, a third of this dish included the beans our family member is allergic to that we requested NOT be included.

Fajitas for 2
Christine L.

This place was really good! We were looking for a local Mexican restaurant that has your typical Mexican restaurant food. The fajitas (with shrimp, chicken, and steak) was such a deal! It came in a heaping portion with everything doubled since we got the 2 person portion. The food was really good and flavorful and they give a good portion of guacamole on the side which is my fav!

Pollo Asada  Cheese Dip Street Tacos
Teresa F.

Classic strip mall Tex Mex food with some sleepers on menu. My go to is start w queso. Ask for house hot salsa. Split Pollo Asada or Carne Asada w corn tortillas on side. Street and gringo tacos also good. Taquitos are and entree that works well as a group app.

a margarita in a glass
Natalie R.

Mount P's Belle Hall resident and staple Mexican fare hangout spot, ready to nourish our queso dip urge and slightly spicy salsa craving. Food is fresh - avocados in guac salad always being a nice benchmark point- and quickly prepared and served. Families are present but children aren't running the show, thank God. Never seen a drunk but the drinks are aflowin'. My go-to is, of course, their fajitas. Good times, good vibes. Ole!!!

Rio Chico burrito

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1 year ago

Great food and service! Highly recommend! This is my favorite Mexican restaurant and always come here over any other place.

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

Food is good and priced right. Service is fast for take out or dine in restaurant. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

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4 years ago

Always great food and ambient. People are very friendly and welcoming. Good value for the price

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Ask the Community - Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant

Do they serve breakfast burritos?

No, only lunch and dinner

Is there outside seating?

yes that is the BEST part if the restaurant make sure you sit in the back outside called the terrace you will see ducks just hanging out walking around outside GREAT RESTURANT RNJOY

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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Rio Chico Mexican Restaurant - mexican - Updated May 2026

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